(NHC)M Cores as Catalysts for the Olefin Aziridination Reaction (M= Cu, Ag, Au): Evidencing a Concerted Mechanism for the Nitrene Transfer Process

Abstract

Complexes [(NHC)MCl] (M = coinage metal) have been evaluated as catalyst for the olefin aziridination reaction using PhI=NTs as nitrene source, with moderate to high activity being found depending of the metal and the olefin. At variance with frequently employed copper catalysts with bi-, tri- or tetradentate, N-donor ligands, these monodentante, C-donor ligand infer a remarkable effect in the reaction mechanism. Experimental evidences support the proposal of a concerted mechanism and the absence of radical intermediates, which are the commonly proposed species involved in these nitrene transfer reactions.