Synthesis 2021; 53(20): 3639-3652
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1720451
review

Melding of Experiment and Theory Illuminates Mechanisms of Metal-Catalyzed Rearrangements: Computational Approaches and Caveats

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Work in the Tantillo group in this area has been supported over the years by the US National Science Foundation and the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund.


Dedicated to the memory of Prof. Marilyn Olmstead, a world-class leader in crystallography and extraordinary teacher and mentor

Abstract

This review summarizes approaches and caveats in computational modeling of transition-metal-catalyzed sigmatropic rearrangements involving carbene transfer. We highlight contemporary examples of combined synthetic and theoretical investigations that showcase the synergy achievable by integrating experiment and theory.

1 Introduction

2 Mechanistic Models

3 Theoretical Approaches and Caveats

3.1 Recommended Computational Tools

3.2 Choice of Functional and Basis Set

3.3 Conformations and Ligand-Binding Modes

3.4 Solvation

4 Synergy of Experiment and Theory – Case Studies

4.1 Metal-Bound or Free Ylides?

4.2 Conformations and Ligand-Binding Modes of Paddlewheel Complexes

4.3 No Metal, Just Light

4.4 How To ‘Cope’ with Nonstatistical Dynamic Effects

5 Outlook



Publication History

Received: 28 April 2021

Accepted after revision: 26 May 2021

Article published online:
14 July 2021

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