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Selective C−H Functionalization of Methane and Ethane by a Molecular Sb V Complex
Author(s) -
Koppaka Anjaneyulu,
Park Sae Hume,
Hashiguchi Brian G.,
Gunsalus Niles J.,
King Clinton R.,
Konnick Michael M.,
Ess Daniel H.,
Periana Roy A.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201809159
Subject(s) - surface modification , chemistry , methane , alkyl , selectivity , diol , homogeneous , medicinal chemistry , organic chemistry , catalysis , physics , thermodynamics
Owing to the strong nonpolar bonds involved, selective C−H functionalization of methane and ethane to esters remains a challenge for molecular homogeneous chemistry. We report that the computationally predicted main‐group p ‐block Sb V (TFA) 5 complex selectively functionalizes the C−H bonds of methane and ethane to the corresponding mono and/or diol trifluoroacetate esters at 110–180 °C with yields for ethane of up to 60 % with over 90 % selectivity. Experimental and computational studies support a unique mechanism that involves Sb V ‐mediated C−H activation followed by functionalization of a Sb V ‐alkyl intermediate.