The differences in catalytic activity
between two catalyst ligands
of Buchwald–Hartwig amination reaction, BrettPhos versus RuPhos,
were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
The reaction process consists of three consecutive steps: (1) oxidative
addition, (2) deprotonation, and (3) reductive elimination. Among
them, the rate-limiting step of Pd-BrettPhos catalytic system is oxidative
addition but that of Pd-RuPhos catalytic system is reductive elimination
due to their differences in steric hindrance and electronic structure.
It was also revealed that amines with large-size substituents or halides
with electron-withdrawing groups would reduce the activation energy
barriers of the reactions. The insights gained from the calculations
of the Buchwald–Hartwig amination reaction would be helpful
for the rational designing of new catalysts and reactions.