The interaction between a Lewis acid and a Lewis base generally results in the formation of a Lewis acid-base adduct via dative bonding. Frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLPs) arise when steric bulk prevents the formation of a dative bond between Lewis centers.  FLPs showcase unprecendented reactivity such as activation of neutral small molecules. We have synthesized bifunctional ambiphilic molecules with heavy Lewis acid centers via transmetalation. From 8-(quinolyl)trimethylstannane, transmetallation with GaCl3 or HgCl2 leads to exchange of the Me3Sn- group to yield dichloro-8-quinolylgallium(III) (1 ) or chloro-8-quinolylmercury(II) (2 ).  Molecule (2 ) was converted into bis(8-quinolyl)mercury(II) (3 ) that was found either in bent or linear geometry in the solid state. All compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. Ultimately, we plan to study the utility of FLPs with heavy Lewis acids in the heterolytic cleavage of H-H bonds or C-E bonds in which E is a relatively 'soft' polarizable atom such as sulfur or phosphorus.

Synthesis and characterization of heavy metal frustrated Lewis pairs

247th National Meeting (2014)

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