Analytical techniques for reaction monitoring, mechanistic investigations, and metal complex discovery
Date
2021-11-19
Authors
Thomas, Gilian T.
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Abstract
A variety of analytical techniques are showcased for their ability to provide insights into reaction mechanisms as well as active intermediate speciation.
Pressurized Sample Infusion-Mass Spectrometry (PSI-ESI-MS), ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IMS-MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are powerful analytical techniques capable of reaction monitoring. Contamination from vulcanized rubber was an issue with the PSI-ESI-MS technique as ions unrelated to the reaction were convoluting the mass spectrum. This was resolved by re-designing the PSI flask such that the septum was positioned above a condenser, preventing heat degradation of the septum and subsequent leaching of contam- inants into the reaction solution. The technique was then used to analyze the Buchwald-Hartwig amination reaction in real-time. The innovative use of Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) scans facilitated observation of all catalytic intermediates, and elucidation of relative reaction rates for each step of the catalytic cycle.
PSI-ESI-MS and NMR are complementary methods whereby catalytic intermediates are monitored via PSI-ESI-MS, and the rate of product formation is monitored via NMR spectroscopy. This combination of analytical methods was employed in the investigation of the Barluenga cross-coupling reaction between N-tosylhydrazones and aryl halides. A reaction screen revealed optimized homogeneous conditions, and the turnover limiting step was found to be off-cycle.
IMS separates gaseous ions based on their size and shape immediately prior to MS analysis. Upon investigation of [PtCl3(C2H4)], and [PtCl3(CO)], it was found that residual [PtCl3] was forming [PtCl3(N2)] in the source of the instrument. Ion mobility was able to separate these isobaric ions, and DFT calculations and collision-induced dissociation experiments confirmed the existence of the gaseous [PtCl3(N2)] complex.
NMR spectroscopy may also be employed as a strong reaction monitoring technique. The mechanism of C–H silylation by trimethyl(trifluoromethyl)silane and tetrabutylammonium difluorotriphenylsilicate was investigated using 19F-NMR. All intermediates and reaction byproducts were quantitatively observed, and the reaction conditions were optimized. A stopped-flow NMR system was used to gather data points in the first 0.2 seconds of the reaction.
Description
Keywords
Mass Spectrometry, Reaction Monitoring, Catalysis, Pressurized Sample Infusion (PSI), Ion Mobility Spectrometry