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Coordination Chemistry and Organometallics
Research Guide
What is Coordination Chemistry and Organometallics?
Coordination chemistry and organometallics is the study of compounds containing bonds between metal atoms and organic ligands, encompassing metalation reactions, functionalized reagents, deprotonation reactions, alkali-metal-mediated chemistry, ate compounds, regioselective generation of functionalized compounds, directed metallation, mixed aggregates, and stereoselective synthesis.
This field includes 46,728 works with a focus on advances in organometallic chemistry. Key areas cover stereospecific olefin polymerization using chiral metallocene catalysts as shown by Brintzinger et al. (1995) with 2689 citations. Directed ortho metalation using tertiary amide and O-carbamate directors enables synthetic strategies for polysubstituted aromatics, per Snieckus (1990) with 2120 citations.
Topic Hierarchy
Research Sub-Topics
Directed Ortho Metalation
Directed ortho metalation employs coordinating directors to selectively lithiate aromatic ortho positions. Researchers optimize directing groups, solvent effects, and applications in natural product synthesis.
Alkali-Metal-Mediated Deprotonation
Alkali-metal-mediated deprotonation uses mixed-metal bases for chemoselective C-H activation. Researchers investigate synergistic effects in turbo-Hauser bases and mixed aggregates.
Organometallic Ate Complexes
Organometallic ate complexes feature hypervalent anionic species stabilizing reactive organometallics. Researchers study structures via X-ray, solution dynamics, and synthetic utility.
N-Heterocyclic Carbene Metal Complexes
N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) metal complexes serve as stable ligands in catalysis. Researchers design sterically tuned NHCs for olefin metathesis, C-H activation, and cross-couplings.
Frustrated Lewis Pair Chemistry
Frustrated Lewis pair chemistry activates small molecules without classical metal centers. Researchers develop boron-phosphorus pairs for hydrogenation and CO2 reduction.
Why It Matters
Coordination chemistry and organometallics enable the production of polymers through stereospecific olefin polymerization with chiral metallocene catalysts, impacting materials development as detailed in 'Stereospecific Olefin Polymerization with Chiral Metallocene Catalysts' by Brintzinger et al. (1995, 2689 citations). Directed ortho metalation provides strategies for synthesizing polysubstituted aromatics using tertiary amide and O-carbamate directors, facilitating complex organic molecule construction as reviewed by Snieckus (1990, 2120 citations). Frustrated Lewis pairs activate small molecules for cooperative reactions, broadening substrate scope in synthesis according to Stephan and Erker (2015, 1706 citations). Selection of boron reagents optimizes Suzuki-Miyaura coupling for carbon-carbon bond formation under mild conditions, as analyzed by Lennox and Lloyd-Jones (2013, 1455 citations). These methods support applications in polymer materials, pharmaceutical intermediates, and cross-coupling reactions in organic synthesis.
Reading Guide
Where to Start
'Directed ortho metalation. Tertiary amide and O-carbamate directors in synthetic strategies for polysubstituted aromatics' by Snieckus (1990) provides a foundational review of regioselective metalation techniques central to building functionalized aromatics.
Key Papers Explained
Brintzinger et al. (1995) in 'Stereospecific Olefin Polymerization with Chiral Metallocene Catalysts' establishes coordination control in polymerization, building on earlier metallocene work. Snieckus (1990) in 'Directed ortho metalation. Tertiary amide and O-carbamate directors in synthetic strategies for polysubstituted aromatics' details directed deprotonation strategies that complement polymerization ligands. Herrmann and Köcher (1997) in 'N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes' extends ligand design principles from metallocenes to stable carbenes, while Stephan and Erker (2015) in 'Frustrated Lewis Pair Chemistry: Development and Perspectives' incorporates metal-free alternatives to traditional organometallics. Lennox and Lloyd-Jones (2013) in 'Selection of boron reagents for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling' applies these concepts to cross-coupling.
Paper Timeline
Most-cited paper highlighted in red. Papers ordered chronologically.
Advanced Directions
Current work emphasizes alkali-metal-mediated chemistry, ate compounds, and mixed aggregates for regioselective generation of functionalized compounds, as indicated by field keywords. No recent preprints or news available, so frontiers remain in stereoselective synthesis and deprotonation reactions from established papers.
Papers at a Glance
| # | Paper | Year | Venue | Citations | Open Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stereospecific Olefin Polymerization with Chiral Metallocene C... | 1995 | Angewandte Chemie Inte... | 2.7K | ✕ |
| 2 | Directed ortho metalation. Tertiary amide and O-carbamate dire... | 1990 | Chemical Reviews | 2.1K | ✕ |
| 3 | How to Read and Interpret FTIR Spectroscope of Organic Material | 2019 | Indonesian Journal of ... | 2.1K | ✓ |
| 4 | N-methoxy-n-methylamides as effective acylating agents | 1981 | Tetrahedron Letters | 1.8K | ✕ |
| 5 | Frustrated Lewis Pair Chemistry: Development and Perspectives | 2015 | Angewandte Chemie Inte... | 1.7K | ✕ |
| 6 | N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes | 1997 | Angewandte Chemie Inte... | 1.7K | ✕ |
| 7 | Selection of boron reagents for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling | 2013 | Chemical Society Reviews | 1.5K | ✓ |
| 8 | Organocatalytic Ring-Opening Polymerization | 2007 | Chemical Reviews | 1.4K | ✕ |
| 9 | Dose-ranging study of riluzole in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis | 1996 | The Lancet | 1.3K | ✕ |
| 10 | Divalent lanthanide derivatives in organic synthesis. 1. Mild ... | 1980 | Journal of the America... | 1.3K | ✕ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is directed ortho metalation?
Directed ortho metalation uses tertiary amide and O-carbamate directors to achieve regioselective deprotonation of aromatic compounds. Snieckus (1990) details its application in synthetic strategies for polysubstituted aromatics. This method enables precise functionalization at the ortho position relative to the directing group.
How do chiral metallocene catalysts work in olefin polymerization?
Chiral metallocene catalysts enable stereospecific polymerization of α-olefins by controlling polymer chain growth at the catalyst center. Brintzinger et al. (1995) describe their implications for new materials and reaction mechanisms. These catalysts produce polymers with defined tacticity.
What are frustrated Lewis pairs?
Frustrated Lewis pairs consist of Lewis acids and bases prevented from adduct formation by steric or electronic factors, allowing cooperative substrate activation. Stephan and Erker (2015) outline their development and perspectives in small-molecule binding. This chemistry expands reaction pathways beyond traditional Lewis acid-base interactions.
What role do N-heterocyclic carbenes play in organometallics?
N-heterocyclic carbenes serve as ligands in metal coordination compounds derived from azolium precursors. Herrmann and Köcher (1997) cover their chemistry since free carbenes became available in 1991. They support catalysis and organometallic transformations.
How are boron reagents selected for Suzuki-Miyaura coupling?
Boron reagents are chosen based on stability, functional group tolerance, and reaction conditions for carbon-carbon bond formation. Lennox and Lloyd-Jones (2013) review optimal selections for this widely used cross-coupling. Mild conditions make it applicable to diverse substrates.
What is the significance of samarium iodide in organic synthesis?
Samarium iodide acts as a reducing or coupling agent prepared mildly from divalent lanthanide derivatives. Girard et al. (1980) demonstrate its use in organic synthesis with 1260 citations. It facilitates reactions requiring low-valent metal mediation.
Open Research Questions
- ? How can steric and electronic factors in frustrated Lewis pairs be tuned for selective small-molecule activation?
- ? What mechanisms control tacticity in metallocene-catalyzed olefin polymerization?
- ? How do directing groups influence regioselectivity in ortho metalation beyond tertiary amides and carbamates?
- ? Which boron reagent properties best predict performance in functionalized Suzuki-Miyaura couplings?
- ? What mixed aggregate structures emerge in alkali-metal-mediated deprotonation reactions?
Recent Trends
The field encompasses 46,728 works focused on metalation, functionalized reagents, and stereoselective synthesis per provided data.
High-citation papers like Brintzinger et al. (1995, 2689 citations) and Snieckus (1990, 2120 citations) anchor ongoing research in polymerization and directed metalation.
No recent preprints or news reported in the last 6-12 months.
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