Alasdair P. M. Robertson

Catalytic Dehydrocoupling/Dehydrogenation of N-Methylamine-Borane and Ammonia-Borane: Synthesis and Characterization of High Molecular Weight Polyaminoboranes

The catalytic dehydrocoupling/dehydrogenation of N-methylamine-borane, MeNH(2)·BH(3) (7), to yield the soluble, high molecular weight poly(N-methylaminoborane) (8a), [MeNH-BH(2)](n) (M(W) > 20 000), has been achieved at 20 °C using Brookharts Ir(III) pincer complex IrH(2)POCOP (5) (POCOP = [μ(3)-1,3-(OPtBu(2))(2)C(6)H(3)]) as a catalyst. The analogous reaction with ammonia-borane, NH(3)·BH(3) (4), gave an insoluble product, [NH(2)-BH(2)](n) (8d), but copolymerization with MeNH(2)·BH(3) gave soluble random copolymers, [MeNH-BH(2)](n)-r-[NH(2)-BH(2)](m) (8b and 8c). The structures of polyaminoborane 8a and copolymers 8b and 8c were further analyzed by ultrahigh resolution electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and 8a, together with insoluble homopolymer 8d, was also characterized by (11)B and (1)H solid-state NMR, IR, and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The data indicate that 8a-8c are essentially linear, high molecular weight materials and that the insoluble polyaminoborane 8d possesses a similar structure but is of lower molecular weight (ca. 20 repeat units), presumably due to premature precipitation during its formation. The yield and molecular weight of polymer 8a was found to be relatively robust toward the influence of different temperatures, solvents, and adduct concentrations, while higher catalyst loadings led to higher molecular weight materials. It was therefore unexpected that the polymerization of 7 using 5 was found to be a chain-growth rather than a step-growth process, where high molecular weights were already attained at about 40% conversion of 7. The results obtained are consistent with a two stage polymerization mechanism where, first, the Ir catalyst 5 dehydrogenates 7 to afford the monomer MeNH═BH(2) and, second, the same catalyst effects the subsequent polymerization of this species. A wide range of other catalysts based on Ru, Rh, and Pd were also found to be effective for the transformation of 7 to polyaminoborane 8a. For example, polyaminoborane 8a was even isolated from the initial stage of the dehydrocoupling/dehydrogenation of 7 with [Rh(μ-Cl)(1,5-cod)](2) (2) as the catalyst at 20 °C, a reaction reported to give the N,N,N-trimethyl borazine, [MeN-BH](3), under different conditions (dimethoxyethane, 45 °C). The ability to use a variety of catalysts to prepare polyaminoboranes suggests that the synthetic strategy should be applicable to a broad range of amine-borane precursors and is a promising development for this new class of inorganic polymers.

Catching the First Oligomerization Event in the Catalytic Formation of Polyaminoboranes: H3B·NMeHBH2·NMeH2 Bound to Iridium

We report the first insertion step at a metal center for the catalytic dehydropolymerization of H(3)B·NMeH(2) to form the simplest oligomeric species, H(3)B·NMeHBH(2)·NMeH(2), by the addition of 1 equiv of H(3)B·NMeH(2) to [Ir(PCy(3))(2)(H)(2)(η(2)-H(3)B·NMeH(2))][BAr(F)(4)] to give [Ir(PCy(3))(2)(H)(2)(η(2)-H(3)B·NMeHBH(2)·NMeH(2))][BAr(F)(4)]. This reaction is also catalytic for the formation of the free linear diborazane, but this is best obtained by an alternative stoichiometric synthesis.

Tuning the [L2Rh⋯H3B·NR3]+ interaction using phosphine bite angle. Demonstration by the catalytic formation of polyaminoboranes

Efficient catalysts for the dehydrocoupling or dehydropolymerisation of H(3)B·NMe(x)H((3-x)) (x = 1, 2) have been developed by variation of the P-Rh-P angle in {Rh(Ph(2)P(CH(2))(n)PPh(2))}(+) fragments (n = 2-5).

Mechanism of Metal-Free Hydrogen Transfer between Amine–Boranes and Aminoboranes

The kinetics of the metal-free hydrogen transfer from amine-borane Me(2)NH·BH(3) to aminoborane iPr(2)N═BH(2), yielding iPr(2)NH·BH(3) and cyclodiborazane [Me(2)N-BH(2)](2) via transient Me(2)N═BH(2), have been investigated in detail, with further information derived from isotopic labeling and DFT computations. The approach of the system toward equilibrium was monitored in both directions by (11)B{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy in a range of solvents and at variable temperatures in THF. Simulation of the resulting temporal-concentration data according to a simple two-stage hydrogen transfer/dimerization process yielded the rate constants and thermodynamic parameters attending both equilibria. At ambient temperature, the bimolecular hydrogen transfer is slightly endergonic in the forward direction (ΔG(1)°((295)) = 10 ± 7 kJ·mol(-1); ΔG(1)(‡)((295)) = 91 ± 5 kJ·mol(-1)), with the overall equilibrium being driven forward by the subsequent exergonic dimerization of the aminoborane Me(2)N═BH(2) (ΔG(2)°((295)) = -28 ± 14 kJ·mol(-1)). Systematic deuterium labeling of the NH and BH moieties in Me(2)NH·BH(3) and iPr(2)N═BH(2) allowed the kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) attending the hydrogen transfer to be determined. A small inverse KIE at boron (k(H)/k(D) = 0.9 ± 0.2) and a large normal KIE at nitrogen (k(H)/k(D) = 6.7 ± 0.9) are consistent with either a pre-equilibrium involving a B-to-B hydrogen transfer or a concerted but asynchronous hydrogen transfer via a cyclic six-membered transition state in which the B-to-B hydrogen transfer is highly advanced. DFT calculations are fully consistent with a concerted but asynchronous process.

Iron-Catalyzed Dehydrocoupling/Dehydrogenation of Amine–Boranes

The readily available iron carbonyl complexes, [CpFe(CO)2]2 (1) and CpFe(CO)2I (2) (Cp = η-C5H5), were found to be efficient precatalysts for the dehydrocoupling/dehydrogenation of the amine-borane Me2NH·BH3 (3) to afford the cyclodiborazane [Me2N-BH2]2 (4), upon UV photoirradiation at ambient temperature. In situ analysis of the reaction mixtures by (11)B NMR spectroscopy indicated that different two-step mechanisms operate in each case. Thus, precatalyst 1 dehydrocoupled 3 via the aminoborane Me2N═BH2 (5) which then cyclodimerized to give 4 via an off-metal process. In contrast, the reaction with precatalyst 2 proceeded via Me2NH-BH2-NMe2-BH3 (6) as the key intermediate, affording 4 as the final product after a second metal-mediated step. The related complex Cp2Fe2(CO)3(MeCN) (7), formed by photoirradiation of 1 in MeCN, was found to be a substantially more active dehydrocoupling catalyst and not to require photoactivation, but otherwise operated via a two-step mechanism analogous to that for 1. Significantly, detailed mechanistic studies indicated that the active catalyst generated from precatalyst 7 was heterogeneous in nature and consisted of small iron nanoparticles (≤10 nm). Although more difficult to study, a similar process is highly likely to operate for precatalyst 1 under photoirradiation conditions. In contrast to the cases of 7 and 1, analogous experimental studies for the case of photoactivated Fe precatalyst 2 suggested that the active catalyst formed in this case was homogeneous. Experimental and computational DFT studies were used to explore the catalytic cycle which appears to involve amine-borane ligated [CpFe(CO)](+) as a key intermediate.

Heterogeneous Dehydrocoupling of Amine–Borane Adducts by Skeletal Nickel Catalysts

Skeletal Ni, produced by the selective leaching of Al from a Ni/Al alloy, has been successfully employed in the catalytic dehydrogenation of various amine-borane adducts. The combination of low cost and facile single-step synthesis make this system a potentially attractive alternative to the previously described precious metal and other first-row metal catalysts. The heterogeneous nature of the catalyst facilitates convenient product purification, and this is the first such system to be based on a first-row transition metal. Catalytic dehydrocoupling of Me(2)NH·BH(3) (1) and Et(2)NH·BH(3) (5) was demonstrated using 5 mol % skeletal Ni catalyst at 20 °C and produced [Me(2)N-BH(2)](2) (2) and [Et(2)N-BH(2)](2)/Et(2)N═BH(2) (6), respectively. The related adduct iPr(2)NH·BH(3) (7) was also dehydrogenated to afford iPr(2)N═BH(2) (8) but with significant catalyst deactivation. Catalytic dehydrocoupling of MeNH(2)·BH(3) (9) was found to yield the cyclic triborazane [MeNH-BH(2)](3) (10) as the major product, whereas high molecular weight poly(methylaminoborane) [MeNH-BH(2)](n) (11) (M(w) = 78 000 Da, PDI = 1.52) was formed when stoichiometric quantities of Ni were used. Similar reactivity was also observed with NH(3)·BH(3) (12), which produced cyclic oligomers and insoluble polymers, [NH(2)-BH(2)](x) (14), under catalytic and stoichiometric Ni loadings, respectively. Catalyst recycling was hindered by gradual poisoning. A study of possible catalyst poisons suggested that BH(3) was the most likely surface poison, in line with previous work on colloidal Rh catalysts. Catalytic dehydrogenation of amine-borane adducts using skeletal Cu and Fe was also explored. Skeletal Cu was found to be a less active dehydrogenation catalyst for amine-borane adducts but also yielded poly(methylaminoborane) under stoichiometric conditions on reaction with MeNH(2)·BH(3) (9). Skeletal Fe was found to be completely inactive toward amine-borane dehydrogenation.

“Spontaneous” Ambient Temperature Dehydrocoupling of Aromatic Amine–Boranes

The dehydrocoupling/dehydrogenation behavior of primary arylamine-borane adducts ArNH(2)⋅BH(3) (3 a-c; Ar = a: Ph, b: p-MeOC(6)H(4), c: p-CF(3)C(6)H(4)) has been studied in detail both in solution at ambient temperature as well as in the solid state at ambient or elevated temperatures. The presence of a metal catalyst was found to be unnecessary for the release of H(2). From reactions of 3 a,b in concentrated solutions in THF at 22 °C over 24 h cyclotriborazanes (ArNH-BH(2))(3) (7 a,b) were isolated as THF adducts, 7 a,b⋅THF, or solvent-free 7 a, which could not be obtained via heating of 3 a-c in the melt. The μ-(anilino)diborane [H(2)B(μ-PhNH)(μ-H)BH(2)] (4 a) was observed in the reaction of 3 a with BH(3)⋅THF and was characterized in situ. The reaction of 3 a with PhNH(2) (2 a) was found to provide a new, convenient method for the preparation of dianilinoborane (PhNH)(2)BH (5 a), which has potential generality. This observation, together with further studies of reactions of 4 a, 5 a, and 7 a,b, provided insight into the mechanism of the catalyst-free ambient temperature dehydrocoupling of 3 a-c in solution. For example, the reaction of 4 a with 5 a yields 6 a and 7 a. It was found that borazines (ArN-BH)(3) (6 a-c) are not simply formed via dehydrogenation of cyclotriborazanes 7 a-c in solution. The transformation of 7 a to 6 a is slowly induced by 5 a and proceeds via regeneration of 3 a. The adducts 3 a-c also underwent rapid dehydrocoupling in the solid state at elevated temperatures and even very slowly at ambient temperature. From aniline-borane derivative 3 c, the linear iminoborane oligomer (p-CF(3)C(6)H(4))N[BH-NH(p-CF(3)C(6)H(4))](2) (11) was obtained. The single-crystal X-ray structures of 3 a-c, 5 a, 7 a, 7 b⋅THF, and 11 are discussed.

Mechanisms of the Thermal and Catalytic Redistributions, Oligomerizations, and Polymerizations of Linear Diborazanes

Linear diborazanes R3N-BH2-NR2-BH3 (R = alkyl or H) are often implicated as key intermediates in the dehydrocoupling/dehydrogenation of amine-boranes to form oligo- and polyaminoboranes. Here we report detailed studies of the reactivity of three related examples: Me3N-BH2-NMe2-BH3 (1), Me3N-BH2-NHMe-BH3 (2), and MeNH2-BH2-NHMe-BH3 (3). The mechanisms of the thermal and catalytic redistributions of 1 were investigated in depth using temporal-concentration studies, deuterium labeling, and DFT calculations. The results indicated that, although the products formed under both thermal and catalytic regimes are identical (Me3N·BH3 (8) and [Me2N-BH2]2 (9a)), the mechanisms of their formation differ significantly. The thermal pathway was found to involve the dissociation of the terminal amine to form [H2B(μ-H)(μ-NMe2)BH2] (5) and NMe3 as intermediates, with the former operating as a catalyst and accelerating the redistribution of 1. Intermediate 5 was then transformed to amine-borane 8 and the cyclic diborazane 9a by two different mechanisms. In contrast, under catalytic conditions (0.3-2 mol % IrH2POCOP (POCOP = κ(3)-1,3-(OPtBu2)2C6H3)), 8 was found to inhibit the redistribution of 1 by coordination to the Ir-center. Furthermore, the catalytic pathway involved direct formation of 8 and Me2N═BH2 (9b), which spontaneously dimerizes to give 9a, with the absence of 5 and BH3 as intermediates. The mechanisms elucidated for 1 are also likely to be applicable to other diborazanes, for example, 2 and 3, for which detailed mechanistic studies are impaired by complex post-redistribution chemistry. This includes both metal-free and metal-mediated oligomerization of MeNH═BH2 (10) to form oligoaminoborane [MeNH-BH2]x (11) or polyaminoborane [MeNH-BH2]n (16) following the initial redistribution reaction.

CCDC 977500: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Alasdair P. M. Robertson, Jordan N. Friedmann, Hilary A. Jenkins, Neil Burford|2014|Chem.Commun.|50|7979|doi:10.1039/C4CC01109K

Generation of aminoborane monomers RR ' N=BH2 from amine-boronium cations [RR ' NH-BH2L](+)

Protonation of MeRNH·BH3 (R = Me or H) with HX (X = B(C6F5)4, OTf, or Cl), followed by immediate, spontaneous H2 elimination, yielded the amine-boronium cation salt [MeRNH·BH2(OEt2)][B(C6F5)4] and related polar covalent analogs, MeRNH·BH2X (X = OTf or Cl). These species can be deprotonated to conveniently generate reactive aminoborane monomers MeRN=BH2 which oligomerize or polymerize; in the case of MeNH2·BH3, the two step process gave poly(N-methylaminoborane), [MeNH-BH2]n.