Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Fine Tuning Rhii Complexes With Tethered, Axial Coordination: Structural Studies And Application To Diazo-Mediated Cyclopropanation Reactions, Derek Cressy

Doctoral Dissertations

The cyclopropane moiety is an attractive synthetic target due to its application in pharmaceuticals and medicinal research. One effective strategy involves the formation of metal carbenoid species from diazo reagents. The carbenoid then reacts with an olefin substrate to generate the cyclopropane ring. Of the metal complexes that can facilitate this reaction, dirhodium(II) paddlewheel complexes are arguably the most prevalent catalysts. This is because modification of the bridging ligands enables control to be exerted over the catalyst’s chemoselectivity and enantioselectivity. Exploiting the axial site as a control element is often overlooked as strongly coordinated Lewis bases inhibit catalysis. Despite this, …