Showing papers on "Steric effects published in 2019"

Pocketlike Active Site of Rh1/MoS2 Single-Atom Catalyst for Selective Crotonaldehyde Hydrogenation.

Abstract: Selective hydrogenation of unsaturated aldehydes to unsaturated alcohols is a valuable but challenging task for synthesizing fine chemicals. We report that single Rh atoms anchored to the edges of 2D MoS2 sheets can efficiently convert crotonaldehyde to crotyl alcohol with 100% selectivity via a steric confinement effect of pocketlike active sites. Characterization results suggest that the synthesized Rh1/MoS2 single-atom catalysts (SACs) possess a unique geometric and electronic configuration, which confines the adsorption mode of the reactant molecule by a steric effect. The DFT calculations suggest that the MoS2 sheets terminate with oxidized Mo edges and the Rh1 stably anchors at the Mo cation vacancy site, which can facilely dissociate H2 to H atoms. The dissociated H atoms spill over to react with the edge O atoms to form OH species and create an HO-Mo-Rh1-Mo-OH configuration, resembling a pocketlike active site, which confines the adsorption mode of the crotonaldehyde due to steric effects. Such specific adsorption configuration yields 100% selectivity. The strategy of constructing pocketlike active centers with single metal atoms and 2D nanosheets opens new approaches to designing highly selective SACs for specific classes of catalytic transformations.

Mechanistic Characterization of (Xantphos)Ni(I)-Mediated Alkyl Bromide Activation: Oxidative Addition, Electron Transfer, or Halogen-Atom Abstraction.

Abstract: Ni(I)-mediated single-electron oxidative activation of alkyl halides has been extensively proposed as a key step in Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions to generate radical intermediates. There are four mechanisms through which this step could take place: oxidative addition, outer-sphere electron transfer, inner-sphere electron transfer, and concerted halogen-atom abstraction. Despite considerable computational studies, there is no experimental study to evaluate all four pathways for Ni(I)-mediated alkyl radical formation. Herein, we report the isolation of a series of (Xantphos)Ni(I)–Ar complexes that selectively activate alkyl halides over aryl halides to eject radicals and form Ni(II) complexes. This observation allows the application of kinetic studies on the steric, electronic, and solvent effects, in combination with DFT calculations, to systematically assess the four possible pathways. Our data reveal that (Xantphos)Ni(I)-mediated alkyl halide activation proceeds via a concerted halogen-atom abstr...

In Situ Formation of Frustrated Lewis Pairs in a Water‐Tolerant Metal‐Organic Framework for the Transformation of CO2

Abstract: Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) consist of sterically hindered Lewis acids and Lewis bases, which provide high catalytic activity towards non-metal-mediated activation of "inert" small molecules, including CO2 among others. One critical issue of homogeneous FLPs, however, is their instability upon recycling, leading to catalytic deactivation. Herein, we provide a solution to this issue by incorporating a bulky Lewis acid-functionalized ligand into a water-tolerant metal-organic framework (MOF), named SION-105, and employing Lewis basic diamine substrates for the in situ formation of FLPs within the MOF. Using CO2 as a C1-feedstock, this combination allows for the efficient transformation of a variety of diamine substrates into benzimidazoles. SION-105 can be easily recycled by washing with MeOH and reused multiple times without losing its identity and catalytic activity, highlighting the advantage of the MOF approach in FLP chemistry.

Mechanistically Guided Predictive Models for Ligand and Initiator Effects in Copper-Catalyzed Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (Cu-ATRP)

Abstract: Copper-catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (Cu-ATRP) is one of the most widely used controlled radical polymerization techniques. Notwithstanding the extensive mechanistic studies in the literature, the transition states of the activation/deactivation of the growing polymer chain, a key equilibrium in Cu-ATRP, have not been investigated computationally. Therefore, the understanding of the origin of ligand and initiator effects on the rates of activation/deactivation is still limited. Here, we present the first computational analysis of Cu-ATRP activation transition states to reveal factors that affect the rates of activation and deactivation. The Br atom transfer between the polymer chain and the Cu catalyst occurs through an unusual bent geometry that involves pronounced interactions between the polymer chain end and the ancillary ligand on the Cu catalyst. Therefore, the rates of activation/deactivation are determined by both the electronic properties of the Cu catalyst and the ligand-initiator steric repulsions. In addition, our calculations revealed the important role of ligand backbone flexibility on the activation. These theoretical analyses led to the identification of three chemically meaningful descriptors, namely HOMO energy of the catalyst ( EHOMO), percent buried volume ( Vbur%), and distortion energy of the catalyst (Δ Edist), to describe the electronic, steric, and flexibility effects on reactivity, respectively. A robust and simple predictive model for ligand effect on reactivity is thereby established by correlating these three descriptors with experimental activation rate constants using multivariate linear regression. Validation using a structurally diverse set of ligands revealed the average error is less than ±2 kcal/mol compared to the experimentally derived activation energies. The same approach was also applied to develop a predictive model for reactivity of different alkyl halide initiators using R-X bond dissociation energy (BDE) and Cu-X halogenophilicity as descriptors.

Tuning the Structure and Electronic Properties of B-N Fused Dipyridylanthracene and Implications on the Self-Sensitized Reactivity with Singlet Oxygen

Abstract: We demonstrate that the modification of anthracene with B ← N Lewis pairs at their periphery serves as a highly effective tool to modify the electronic structure with important ramifications on the generation and reactivity toward singlet oxygen. A series of BN-fused dipyridylanthracenes with Me groups in different positions of the pyridyl ring have been prepared via directed electrophilic borylation. The steric and electronic effects of the substituents on the structural features and electronic properties of the isomeric borane-functionalized products have been investigated in detail, aided by experimental tools and computational studies. We find that BDPA-2Me, with Me groups adjacent to the pyridyl N, has the longest B–N distance and shows overall less structural distortions, whereas BDPA-5Me with the Me group close to the anthracene backbone experiences severe distortions that are reflected in the buckling of the anthracene framework and dislocation of the boron atoms from the planes of the phenyl ring...

Catalytic Cross-Coupling of Secondary Alcohols

Abstract: Herein, an unprecedented ruthenium(II) catalyzed direct cross-coupling of two different secondary alcohols to β-disubstituted ketones is reported. Cyclic, acylic, symmetrical, and unsymmetrical secondary alcohols are selectively coupled with aromatic benzylic secondary alcohols to provide ketone products. A single catalyst oxidizes both secondary alcohols to provide selectively β-disubstituted ketones to broaden the scope of this catalytic protocol. Number of bond activation and bond formation reactions occur in selective sequence via amine-amide metal-ligand cooperation operative in Ru-MACHO catalyst. The product-induced diastereoselectivity was also observed. Kinetic and deuterium labeling experiments suggested that the aliphatic secondary alcohols undergo oxidation reaction faster than benzylic secondary alcohols, selectively assimilating to provide the cross-coupled products. Reactions are sensitive to steric hindrance. This new C-C bond forming methodology requires low catalyst load and catalytic amount of base. Notably, the reaction produces H2 and H2O as the only byproducts making the protocol greener, atom economical and environmentally benign.

Control of Molecular Orientation in Organic Semiconductor Films using Weak Hydrogen Bonds.

Abstract: Use of the intrinsic optoelectronic functions of organic semiconductor films has not yet reached its full potential, mainly because of the primitive methodology used to control the molecular aggregation state in amorphous films during vapor deposition. Here, a universal molecular engineering methodology is presented to control molecular orientation; this methodology strategically uses noncovalent, intermolecular weak hydrogen bonds in a series of oligopyridine derivatives. A key is to use two bipyridin-3-ylphenyl moieties, which form self-complementary intermolecular weak hydrogen bonds, and which do not induce unfavorable crystallization. Another key is to incorporate a planar anisotropic molecular shape by reducing the steric hindrance of the core structure for inducing π-π interactions. These synergetic effects enhance horizontal orientation in amorphous organic semiconductor films and significantly increasing electron mobility. Through this evaluation process, an oligopyridine derivative is selected as an electron-transporter, and successfully develops highly efficient and stable deep-red organic light-emitting devices as a proof-of-concept.

Spiro-Functionalized Diphenylethenes: Suppression of a Reversible Photocyclization Contributes to the Aggregation-Induced Emission Effect.

Abstract: Many aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials are featured by the diphenylethene (DPE) moiety which exhibits rich photophysical and photochemical activities. The understanding of these activities behind AIE is essential to guide the design of fluorescent materials with improved performance. Herein by fusing a flexible DPE with a rigid spiro scaffold, we report a class of novel deep-blue material with solid-state fluorescent quantum yield (ΦF) up to 99.8%. Along with the AIE phenomenon, we identified a reversible photocyclization (PC) on DPE with visible chromism, which is, on the contrary, popularized in solutions but blocked by aggregation. We studied the steric and electronic effects of structural perturbation and concluded that the PC is a key process behind the RIMs (restriction of intramolecular motions) mechanism for these materials. Mitigation of the PC leads to enhanced fluorescence in solutions and loss of the AIE characteristics.

Copper-Catalyzed C(sp 3 )-H Amidation: Sterically Driven Primary and Secondary C-H Site-Selectivity.

Abstract: Undirected C(sp3 )-H functionalization reactions often follow site-selectivity patterns that mirror the corresponding C-H bond dissociation energies (BDEs). This often results in the functionalization of weaker tertiary C-H bonds in the presence of stronger secondary and primary bonds. An important, contemporary challenge is the development of catalyst systems capable of selectively functionalizing stronger primary and secondary C-H bonds over tertiary and benzylic C-H sites. Herein, we report a Cu catalyst that exhibits a high degree of primary and secondary over tertiary C-H bond selectivity in the amidation of linear and cyclic hydrocarbons with aroyl azides ArC(O)N3 . Mechanistic and DFT studies indicate that C-H amidation involves H-atom abstraction from R-H substrates by nitrene intermediates [Cu](κ2 -N,O-NC(O)Ar) to provide carbon-based radicals R. and copper(II)amide intermediates [CuII ]-NHC(O)Ar that subsequently capture radicals R. to form products R-NHC(O)Ar. These studies reveal important catalyst features required to achieve primary and secondary C-H amidation selectivity in the absence of directing groups.

Site-Selective Functionalization of (sp 3 )C-H Bonds Catalyzed by Artificial Metalloenzymes Containing an Iridium-Porphyrin Cofactor

Abstract: The selective functionalization of one C-H bond over others in nearly identical steric and electronic environments can facilitate the construction of complex molecules. We report site-selective functionalizations of C-H bonds, differentiated solely by remote substituents, catalyzed by artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) that are generated from the combination of an evolvable P450 scaffold and an iridium-porphyrin cofactor. The generated systems catalyze the insertion of carbenes into the C-H bonds of a range of phthalan derivatives containing substituents that render the two methylene positions in each phthalan inequivalent. These reactions occur with site-selectivity ratios of up to 17.8:1 and, in most cases, with pairs of enzyme mutants that preferentially form each of the two constitutional isomers. This study demonstrates the potential of abiotic reactions catalyzed by metalloenzymes to functionalize C-H bonds with site selectivity that is difficult to achieve with small-molecule catalysts.

Hydrogen Bond Directed ortho-Selective C−H Borylation of Secondary Aromatic Amides

Abstract: Reported is an iridium catalyst for ortho-selective C-H borylation of challenging secondary aromatic amide substrates, and the regioselectivity is controlled by hydrogen-bond interactions. The BAIPy -Ir catalyst forms three hydrogen bonds with the substrate during the crucial activation step, and allows ortho-C-H borylation with high selectivity. The catalyst displays unprecedented ortho selectivities for a wide variety of substrates that differ in electronic and steric properties, and the catalyst tolerates various functional groups. The regioselective C-H borylation catalyst is readily accessible and converts substrates on gram scale with high selectivity and conversion.

Computational assessment on the Tolman cone angles for P-ligands

Abstract: The Tolman cone angle (θ), the par excellence descriptor of the steric measure of a phosphine, has been recomputed for a set of 119 P-ligands, including simple phosphines and phosphites, as well as bulky biaryl species often employed in catalytic processes. The computed cone angles have been obtained from three different transition metal coordination environments: linear [AuCl(P)] (θL), tetrahedral [Ni(CO)3(P)] (θT) and octahedral [IrCl3(CO)2(P)] (θO), allowing us to observe the steric behavior of the ligand when increasing the steric hindrance around the metal center. The computed cone angles have been extracted from the lowest-energy conformer geometry obtained with a combined MM/DFT methodology. A conformational screening has been done using MM, which allows us to identify the lowest energy structure of each ligand in each coordination environment. These low energy conformers have been subsequently reoptimized at the DFT theory level, from which the cone angle value can be extracted. The computed cone angles have been compared with the original Tolman cone angles, and with other steric parameters such as solid angles (Θ), percent buried volumes (%Vbur), and angular symmetric deformation coordinate (S′4). This new set of values correlates with phosphine ligand dissociation enthalpies in titanocene complexes of the general formula [Ti(2,4-C7H11)2(PR3)], and with reaction barriers in the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction between [Pd-PR3] and bromobenzene, proving that this newly proposed set of cone angles can be employed to establish linear correlations between different experimental and calculated properties for systems in which phosphine ligands play a significant role.

Nitrogen Dioxide Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Cleavage of C(OH)-C Bonds of Secondary Alcohols to Produce Acids.

Abstract: Stable organic nitroxyl radicals are an important class of catalysts for oxidation reactions, but their wide applications are hindered by their steric hinderance, high cost, complex operation, and separation procedures. Herein, NO2 in DMSO is shown to effectively catalyze the aerobic oxidative cleavage of C(OH)-C bonds to form a carboxylic group, and NO2 was generated in situ by decomposition of nitrates. A diverse range of secondary alcohols were selectively converted into acids in excellent yields in this transition-metal-free system without any additives. Preliminary results also indicate its applicability to depolymerize recalcitrant macromolecular lignin. Detail studies revealed that NO2 from nitrates promoted the reaction, and NO2 served as hydrogen acceptor and radical initiator for the tandem oxidative reaction.

Iridium-Catalyzed Silylation of C-H Bonds in Unactivated Arenes: A Sterically Encumbered Phenanthroline Ligand Accelerates Catalysis.

Abstract: We report a new system for the silylation of aryl C-H bonds. The combination of [Ir(cod)(OMe)]2 and 2,9-Me2-phenanthroline (2,9-Me2-phen) catalyzes the silylation of arenes at lower temperatures and with faster rates than those reported previously, when the hydrogen byproduct is removed, and with high functional group tolerance and regioselectivity. Inhibition of reactions by the H2 byproduct is shown to limit the silylation of aryl C-H bonds in the presence of the most active catalysts, thereby masking their high activity. Analysis of initial rates uncovered the high reactivity of the catalyst containing the sterically hindered 2,9-Me2-phen ligand but accompanying rapid inhibition by hydrogen. With this catalyst, under a flow of nitrogen to remove hydrogen, electron-rich arenes, including those containing sensitive functional groups, undergo silylation in high yield for the first time, and arenes that underwent silylation with prior catalysts react over much shorter times with lower catalyst loadings. The synthetic value of this methodology is demonstrated by the preparation of key intermediates in the synthesis of medicinally important compounds in concise sequences comprising silylation and functionalization. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the cleavage of the aryl C-H bond is reversible and that the higher rates observed with the 2,9-Me2-phen ligand are due to a more thermodynamically favorable oxidative addition of aryl C-H bonds.

Steric Switching for Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence by Controlling the Dihedral Angles between Donor and Acceptor in Organoboron Emitters

Abstract: Five emitters CzAZB, tBuCzAZB, tmCzAZB, dmAcAZB, and PxzAZB based on dibenzo-1,4-azaborine as the electron acceptors and two identical amine groups as the donors were designed and synthesized. The dihedral angles between the planes of dibenzo-1,4-azaborine acceptors and amine-based donors greatly affect the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) property of these materials. A simple concept “steric switching” is introduced to predict whether the emitter possesses TADF property. CzAZB and tBuCzAZB, with very high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) but small dihedral angles, do not show TADF. In contrast, tmCzAZB reveals a PLQY of only 56% but with a large dihedral angle due to the presence of two methyl groups at C1 and C8 of the carbazole groups, the steric switching operates, and the compound shows TADF property with a deep-blue color having CIE coordinates of (0.14, 0.15). In a similar manner, in dmAcAZB and PxzAZB with high PLQYs and large dihedral angles between the donor and acceptor p...

NMR Quantification of Hydrogen-Bond-Activating Effects for Organocatalysts including Boronic Acids

Abstract: The hydrogen-bonding activation for 66 organocatalysts has been quantified using a 31P NMR binding experiment with triethylphosphine oxide (TEPO). Diverse structural classes, including phenols, diols, silanols, carboxylic acids, boronic acids, and phosphoric acids, were examined with a variety of steric and electronic modifications to understand how the structure and secondary effects contribute to hydrogen-bonding ability and catalysis. Hammett plots demonstrate high correlation for the Δδ 31P NMR shift to Hammett parameters, establishing the ability of TEPO binding to predict electronic trends. Upon correlation to catalytic activity in a Friedel–Crafts addition reaction, data demonstrate that 31P NMR shifts correlate to catalytic activity better than pKa values. Boronic acids were investigated, and 31P NMR binding experiments predicted strong hydrogen-bonding ability, for which catalytic activity was confirmed, resulting in the greatest rate enhancement observed in the Friedel–Crafts addition of all org...

Bulky Calixarene Ligands Stabilize Supported Iridium Pair-Site Catalysts

Abstract: Although essentially molecular noble metal species provide active sites and highly tunable platforms for the design of supported catalysts, the susceptibility of the metals to reduction and aggregation and the consequent loss of catalytic activity and selectivity limit opportunities for their application. Here, we demonstrate a new construct to stabilize supported molecular noble-metal catalysts, taking advantage of sterically bulky ligands on the metal that serve as surrogate supports and isolate the active sites under conditions involving steady-state catalytic turnover in a reducing environment. The result is demonstrated with an iridium pair-site catalyst incorporating P-bridging calix[4]arene ligands dispersed on siliceous supports, chosen as prototypes because they offer weakly interacting surfaces on which metal aggregation is prone to occur. This catalyst was used for the hydrogenation of ethylene in a flow reactor. Atomic-resolution imaging of the Ir centers and spectra of the catalyst before and...

Tunable catalyst-controlled syntheses of β- and γ-amino alcohols enabled by silver-catalysed nitrene transfer

Abstract: Carbon–hydrogen bond functionalization methods are important tools for efficiently upgrading simple precursors to more valuable compounds. The ubiquity of amines in pharmaceuticals and natural products has led to considerable interest in strategies for the selective amidation of C–H bonds in a tunable manner. An ongoing challenge involves achieving control in situations where targeted bonds have varying bond strengths or similar steric/electronic environments. Herein, we report two complementary silver catalysts that are capable of selecting between β- or γ-C–H bonds that reside in similar steric/electronic environments, overriding a reaction at a weaker C–H bond in favour of a stronger one and activating primary C–H bonds. The mild conditions, low cost of silver, good yields and easy purification make this approach ideal for late-stage functionalizations to furnish valuable 1,2- and 1,3-aminoalcohols from easily prepared carbamate esters. One of the major challenges in C–H functionalization is to achieve selectivity when multiple bonds of similar reactivity are present. Now, a method to selectively amidate sterically and electronically similar β- or γ-C–H bonds that utilize different silver catalysts is reported, giving access to valuable 1,2- and 1,3-aminoalcohols.

Reductive Elimination at Carbon under Steric Control.

Abstract: It has been previously demonstrated that stable singlet electrophilic carbenes can behave as metal surrogates in the activation of strong E-H bonds (E = H, B, N, Si, P), but it was believed that these activations only proceed through an irreversible activation barrier. Herein we show that, as is the case with transition metals, the steric environment can be used to promote reductive elimination at carbon centers.

Interplay Between Steric and Electronic Effects: A Joint Spectroscopy and Computational Study of Nonheme Iron(IV)-Oxo Complexes

Abstract: Iron is an essential element in nonheme enzymes that plays a crucial role in many vital oxidative transformations and metabolic reactions in the human body. Many of those reactions are regio- and stereospecific and it is believed that the selectivity is guided by second-coordination sphere effects in the protein. Here, results are shown of a few engineered biomimetic ligand frameworks based on the N4Py (N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N-bis(2-pyridyl)methylamine) scaffold and the second-coordination sphere effects are studied. For the first time, selective substitutions in the ligand framework have been shown to tune the catalytic properties of the iron(IV)-oxo complexes by regulating the steric and electronic factors. In particular, a better positioning of the oxidant and substrate in the rate-determining transition state lowers the reaction barriers. Therefore, an optimum balance between steric and electronic factors mediates the ideal positioning of oxidant and substrate in the rate-determining transition state that affects the reactivity of high-valent reaction intermediates.

Reversible Photoisomerization from Borepin to Boratanorcaradiene and Double Aryl Migration from Boron to Carbon.

Abstract: B(npy)Ar2 (npy=2-(naphthalen-1-yl)pyridine) compounds bearing various nonbulky aryl groups undergo a clean and sequential two-step photoisomerization in which two aryl substituents on boron migrate to a carbon atom of the naphthyl moiety. The second isomerization step is the first example of a reversible photoisoermization between a borepin and a borirane. Both steric and electronic factors have been found to have a great impact on this photoreactivity. Furthermore, the borirane isomer reacts with oxygen, forming a rare oxaborepin dimer.

Living and Chemoselective (Co)polymerization of Polar Divinyl Monomers Mediated by Bulky Lewis Pairs

Abstract: A near 100% initiation efficiency and 100% regioselectivity at the methylacrylic C═C bond was realized by bulky Lewis pairs-mediated polymerization of polar divinyl monomers such as 4-vinylbenzyl methacrylate at mild conditions, affording soluble polymers bearing pendant active vinyl groups with narrow dispersities. A delicate combination of Lewis acid and base with suitable steric hindrance is necessary for achieving high initiation efficiency and activity. The livingness and robustness of the bulky Lewis pair polymerization systems provide a simple and convenient route to produce various di- or tri-block copolymers by the stepwise addition of the different monomers, as well as the copolymer in random distribution by the use of the mixed monomers.

Does the Intra-Atomic Deformation Energy of Interacting Quantum Atoms Represent Steric Energy?

Abstract: We show that the mutual, through-space compression of atomic volume experienced by approaching topological atoms causes an exponential increase in the intra-atomic energy of those atoms, regardless of approach orientation. This insight was obtained using the modern energy partitioning method called interacting quantum atoms (IQA). This behaviour is consistent for all atoms except hydrogen, which can behave differently depending on its environment. Whilst all atoms experience charge transfer when they interact, the intra-atomic energy of the hydrogen atom is more vulnerable to these changes than larger atoms. The difference in behaviour is found to be due to hydrogen's lack of a core of electrons, which, in heavier atoms, consistently provide repulsion when compressed. As such, hydrogen atoms do not always provide steric hindrance. In accounting for hydrogen's unusual behaviour and demonstrating the exponential character of the intra-atomic energy in all other atoms, we provide evidence for IQA's intra-atomic energy as a quantitative description of steric energy.

Sterically Constrained Bicyclic Phosphines: A Class of Fascinating Compounds Suitable for Application in Small Molecule Activation and Coordination Chemistry.

Abstract: Bicyclic phosphines with two annulated, electronically unsaturated five-membered heterocycles are available through facile routes. In most cases, their phosphorus atoms are bound to heteroatoms such as oxygen or nitrogen (PN3 or PN2 O), whereas homoleptic coordination by three sp2 -hybridized carbon atoms has been reported only recently. Steric strain causes unique reactivity. Oxidative addition of halogens, N-H or O-H bonds have afforded phosphoranes as valuable materials for secondary processes. Ring opening was identified as an important step for the understanding of these reactions and has been observed experimentally with a diphosphorus-based ring system. A PH2 derivative has been considered as a model system for small molecule activation, and hydrogen transfer to a diazo compound was observed experimentally. Several of these phosphines are excellent ligands for the coordination of transition-metal atoms. The very bulky PC3 compound has a basicity similar to that of PPh3 and may allow the synthesis of complexes with unusually low coordination numbers at the metal atoms. These phosphines found recently renewed interest as promising reagents in various secondary transformations such as the activation of σ-bonds or in coordination chemistry.

Salen supported Al–O–CP and Ga–PCO complexes

Abstract: The first OCP adducts of aluminium and gallium are reported. The complexes are supported by sterically encumbered salen ligands and reveal a selective binding to O and P, respectively. Their reactivity with diazaphosphenium Lewis acids and N-heterocyclic carbene Lewis bases is described, in addition to cycloaddition reactions with s-tetrazines.