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Prospects and challenges for nitrogen-atom transfer catalysis

Journal Article · · Nature Reviews Chemistry
 [1];  [2]
  1. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (United States); Texas A&M University
  2. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (United States)
Incorporation of nitrogen-based functional groups can profoundly impact the chemical and physical properties of organic small molecules. One-step conversion of C–H bonds to C–N bonds via C–H amination promises to streamline the synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds. In pursuit of this promise, nitrogen-group transfer (NGT) from metal nitrenes (i.e., ligand supported M–NR complexes) has been the focus of intense research and development. In contrast, potentially complementary nitrogen-atom transfer (NAT) chemistry, in which a terminal metal nitride (i.e., ligand-supported M–N complex) engages with a C–H bond, is undeveloped. While the earliest examples of stoichiometric NAT chemistry were reported 25 years ago, catalytic protocols are only now beginning to emerge. Furthermore, we summarize the current state-of-the-art in NAT chemistry and discuss opportunities and challenges for the development of NAT catalysis as a platform for incorporation of nitrogen into organic small molecules. Specifically, we 1) highlight the synthetic complementarity of NGT and NAT chemistry, 2) discuss critical aspects of nitride electronic structure that dictate the philicity of supported metal atom, 3) examine the characteristic reactivity of metal nitrides towards substrate functionalization reactions, and 4) present emerging strategies and remaining obstacles to harnessing NAT for selective, catalytic nitrogenation of unfunctionalized organic small molecules.
Research Organization:
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES); Welch Foundation
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0018977
OSTI ID:
2433868
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 2420892
Journal Information:
Nature Reviews Chemistry, Journal Name: Nature Reviews Chemistry Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 7; ISSN 2397-3358
Publisher:
Springer NatureCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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