A theoretical study of steric and electronic effects in the rhodium-catalyzed carbonylation reactions

We present a QM and QM/MM study of steric and electronic effects in the main steps of Rh-catalyzed carbonylation reactions. All the considered systems adopt a square-planar geometry prior to CH3I oxidative addition. As regards the octahedral complexes after CH3I oxidative addition, a comparison between the various models indicates that the energy gain due to the CH3I oxidative addition is reduced by the steric pressure of the substituents on the ligand. The substantially similar results obtained with the QM/MM and QM models indicate that electronic effects are not particularly relevant in determining the energetic of oxidative addition. As regards the P,P-Ph octahedral complex. the geometries in which the CO group is trans to the added CH3 group, or trans to one of the P atoms, are of similar energy. A comparison between the various models indicates that the energy barrier of the CO insertion reaction is lowered by the presence of substituents on the chelating ligands. This effect is related to a relief of the steric pressure on the complex as the systems move from a six-coordinated octahedral geometry toward a five-coordinated square-pyramidal geometry. The energy barrier calculated for the P,S-Ph system is in rather good agreement with the experimental value, whereas that of the P,P-Ph system is somewhat underestimated. Inclusion of solvent effects with a continuum model leads to a slightly better agreement. The thermodynamic products adopt a square-pyramidal geometry with the COCH3 group in the apical position.