摘要:
The complex Ag-3(mu(2)-3,5-(CF3)(2)PyrPy)(3) (3,5-(CF3)(2)PyrPy = 2,2'-pyridylpyrrolide(1-) ligand) catalytically promotes the insertion of the carbene of ethyl diazoacetate (EDA), at room temperature, into the C=C bond of a series of arenes to ultimately ring-open them and form the corresponding cycloheptatrienes. In one case, the norcaradiene intermediate can be isolated, while regioselective C=C insertion can be promoted with certain arene substrates. The mechanism of C=C insertion, preference over C-H insertion, and origin of C=C regioselectivity has been probed by a combination of experimental and theoretical studies.