Synthesis and C-N bond formation reactivity of zinc amide complexes

CHED 276

Andrew W. Holland, hollandr@isu.edu, Erik S. Malm, Jonathan H. Kelley, Timothy J. Ulrich, and Denise M. Morgan. Department of Chemistry, Idaho State University, 921 S. 8th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83209
Primary amines remain surprisingly difficult to prepare efficiently due to the frequent production of di- and tri-substituted amines in substitution reactions. Our research proposes a synthetic route for the selective formation of primary amines mediated by a zinc amide complex. Zinc hydroxides have been observed in numerous enzymes, in which the hydroxide group's reactivity allows for the formation of new C-O bonds by nucleophilic mechanisms. Following this blueprint, we aim to attach an -NH2 group to a zinc atom, and use the resulting activated nitrogen center to prepare C-N bonds. This work represents a first step toward future catalytic applications of such a reaction. The targeted amide complex features a substituted trispyrazolyl borate ligand previously reported to stabilize a monomeric zinc hydroxide. Progress along several avenues toward the synthesis of the desired amide will be presented, as will related zinc amide chemistry.