Halogen-Containing Metathesis Catalysts for Z-Selective Olefin Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of reliable and efficient protocols for the regioselective and stereoselective incorporation of a CF3 group into olefins, particularly for the synthesis of Z-halo-substituted olefins like Z-trifluoromethyl-substituted olefins, which are valuable in medicinal chemistry and materials science but are hindered by the limitations of existing catalysts.

Innovation Solution

The use of molybdenum-based and tungsten-based oxygen-containing monohalide complexes, known as MAX complexes, for catalytic olefin cross-metathesis reactions with halogen-containing olefins, such as trifluoromethyl-substituted alkenyl reagents, to achieve high yields and stereoselectivity in producing Z-trifluoromethyl-substituted alkenes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If MAP catalysts are used for cross-metathesis with halogen-containing olefins, then catalytic activity is achieved, but Z-selectivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveZ-selectivityVSAvoidcatalyst performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the ligand parameter from pyrrolide (MAP) to halide (MAX), fundamentally altering the catalyst's electronic and steric properties. This parameter change in the ligand type directly improves Z-selectivity while maintaining catalytic activity in cross-metathesis reactions with halogen-containing olefins

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a specific halide ligand environment around the molybdenum or tungsten center, creating a localized chemical environment that favors Z-selectivity. The halide ligand's specific properties (electronegativity, size, bonding characteristics) create a unique local quality at the metal center that enhances stereoselectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If existing catalysts are used for CF3 group incorporation, then reaction proceeds, but regioselectivity and stereoselectivity are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregioselectivity and stereoselectivityVSAvoidreaction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes multiple catalyst parameters simultaneously: metal center (Mo or W), ligand type (halide instead of pyrrolide), and oxidation state. These coordinated parameter changes achieve both high regioselectivity/stereoselectivity and maintained productivity in CF3 group incorporation reactions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The MAX catalyst represents a composite structure combining the metal center (Mo/W) with oxygen-containing ligands and halide ligands in a specific coordination geometry. This composite arrangement of different components creates synergistic effects that simultaneously improve selectivity and maintain reaction efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If cross-metathesis is performed with halogen-containing olefins, then CF3 units are incorporated, but existing protocols lack reliability and efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol reliabilityVSAvoidsynthesis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The MAX catalyst enables the reaction to proceed under milder conditions with higher selectivity, reducing the need for additional purification steps and optimization. The catalyst essentially performs multiple functions (activation, stereoselection, regioselection) in one system, making the protocol more reliable and time-efficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Changing to MAX catalysts allows reactions to proceed under optimized parameters (temperature, solvent, stoichiometry) that simultaneously improve reliability and reduce synthesis time. The catalyst's enhanced selectivity reduces side reactions and simplifies workup procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

These MAX complexes enable highly stereoselective synthesis of halogen- or haloalkyl-substituted olefins, specifically fluorine- or fluoroalkyl-substituted olefins, with superior performance compared to MAP catalysts, providing a unique approach for site- and stereoselective incorporation of CF3 units into biologically active entities.

Implementation Method 1

molybdenum-based and tungsten-based oxygen-containing monohalide complexes or tungsten oxo-based monohalide complexes such as molybdenum monoaryloxide monohalide, tungsten monoaryloxide monohalide or tungsten oxo monoaryloxide monohalide complexes afford e.g. Z-trifluoromethyl-substituted alkenes efficiently under mild conditions and with exceptional stereoselectivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3484842B1Halogen-containing metathesis catalysts and methods thereof
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 MASSACHUSETTS INST OF TECH
  • EP3484842B1 patent drawing
  • EP3484842B1 patent drawing
  • EP3484842B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides compounds, compositions, and methods for preparing alkenyl halides and/or haloalkyl-substituted olefins with Z-selectivity. The methods are particularly useful for preparing alkenyl fluorides such as CF3-substituted olefins by means of cross-metathesis reactions using halogen-containing molybdenum and tungsten complexes.