One- and Two-Electron Redox Catalysis with Lutetium Enabled by a Tris(Amido) Redox-Active Ligand
Roman G. Belli, Victoria C. Tafuri, Nicholas A. Garcia, Courtney C. Roberts
Abstract
Recently rare earth elements have been used to catalyze alkyl–alkyl cross coupling and other organic transformations. Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of a tris(amido) Lu complex, 1-Lu, analogous to the Sc and Y rare earth complexes known to participate in these transformations. Complex 1-Lu displays similar solid state structural properties as its Group 3 congeners, but EPR spectroscopy reveals differing behavior. 1-Lu also was found to break the trends of reaction rates related to oxidation potential and is able to catalyze an alkyl–alkyl cross-coupling reaction faster than the Sc and Y analogs. The complex 1-Lu was also demonstrated to participate in two-electron redox catalysis.