On the π‐Electron Distribution in Biphenylene Analogues

The bonding situation in a series of biphenylene analogues – benzo[b]biphenylene and its dication, 4,10‐dibromobenzo[b]biphenylene, naphtho[2,3‐b]biphenylene and its dianion, benzo[a]biphenylene, (biphenylene)tricarbonylchromium, benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2‐c]thiophene, benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2‐c]thiophene 2‐oxide, benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2‐c]thiophene 2,2‐dioxide, 4,10‐diazabenzo[b]biphenylene, biphenylene‐2,3‐dione, benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2‐b]anthracene‐6,11‐dione, and 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2]cycloheptene – where one of the two benzo rings of biphenylene is replaced by a different π‐system (B) was investigated on the basis of the NMR parameters of these systems. From the vicinal ¹H,¹H spin‐spin coupling constants, the electronic structure of the remaining benzo ring (A) is derived via the Q‐value method. It is found that increasing tendency of B to tolerate exocyclic double bonds at the central four‐membered ring of these systems favors increased π‐electron delocalization in the A ring. The analysis of the chemical shifts supports this conclusion. NICS (nucleus‐independent chemical shift) values as well as C,C bond lengths derived from ab initio calculations are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. The charged systems benzo[b]biphenylene dication and naphtho[2,3‐b]biphenylene dianion ( 7 ²⁻) are also studied by ¹³C NMR measurements. The charge distribution found closely resembles the predictions of the simple HMO model and reveals that 7 ²⁻ can be regarded as a benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2‐b]‐substituted anthracene dianion. It is shown that the orientation of the tricarbonylchromium group in complexes of benzenoid aromatics can be derived from the vicinal ¹H,¹H coupling constants.     

Benzonorcorrole NiII Complexes: Enhancement of Paratropic Ring Current and Singlet Diradical Character by Benzo‐Fusion

Fused benzene rings to antiaromatic compounds generally improve their stability but attenuate their antiaromaticity. The opposite case is now reported. Ni^II benzonorcorroles were synthesized and the effect of benzo‐fusion on the antiaromaticity was elucidated. The benzo‐fusion resulted in significant decrease of the HOMO–LUMO gaps and enhancement of the paratropic ring current effect. Furthermore, the introduction of the benzo groups induced singlet diradical character in the antiaromatic porphyrinoid.     

RhI‐Catalyzed Benzo/[7+1] Cycloaddition of Cyclopropyl‐Benzocyclobutenes and CO by Merging Thermal and Metal‐Catalyzed CC Bond Cleavages

A Rh‐catalyzed benzo/[7+1] cycloaddition of cyclopropyl‐benzocyclobutenes (CP‐BCBs) and CO to benzocyclooctenones has been developed. In this reaction, CP‐BCB acts as a benzo/7‐C synthon and the reaction involves two C?C bond cleavages: a thermal electrocyclic ring‐opening of the four‐membered ring in CP‐BCB and a Rh‐catalyzed C?C cleavage of the cyclopropane ring.     

Anti‐Aromatic versus Induced Paratropicity: Synthesis and Interrogation of a Dihydro‐diazatrioxa[9]circulene with a Proton Placed Directly above the Central Ring

We present a high‐yielding intramolecular oxidative coupling within a diazadioxa[10]helicene to give a dihydro‐diazatrioxa[9]circulene. This is the first [n]circulene containing more than eight ortho‐annulated rings (n>8). The single‐crystal X‐ray structure reveals a tight columnar packing, with a proton from a pendant naphthalene moiety centred directly above the central nine‐membered ring. This distinct environment induces a significant magnetic deshielding effect on that particular proton as determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The origin of the deshielding effect was investigated computationally in terms of the NICS values. It is established that the deshielding effect originates from an induced paratropic ring current from the seven aromatic rings of the [9]circulene structure, and is not due to the nine‐membered ring being antiaromatic. UV/Vis spectroscopy reveals more efficient conjugation in the prepared diazatrioxa[9]circulene compared to the parent helical azaoxa[10]helicenes, and DFT calculations, including energy levels, confirm the experimental observations.     

Quantum chemical study on enantioselective reduction of keto oxime ether with borane catalyzed by oxazaborolidine. Part 2. Structures of catalyst‐alkoxyborane adduct with a four‐membered ring and succeeding reaction intermediates

Quantum chemical ab initio computations of the structures and properties of oxazaborolidine‐alkoxyborane adduct with a B? N? B? O four‐membered ring and succeeding reaction intermediates are carried out in the current work by means of the Hartree–Fock (HF) and the density functional methods. All the structures are optimized completely at the HF/6‐31G(d) and Becke's three‐parameter exchange functional and the gradient‐corrected functional of Lee, Yang, and Paar (B3LYP)/6‐31G(d) levels. As shown in the obtained results, the oxazaborolidine‐alkoxyborane adduct with a B? N? B? O four‐membered ring may be formed during the reduction of the carbonyl bond of the catalyst‐borane‐keto oxime ether adduct. The breakdown of the B? N? B? O four‐membered ring results in the formation of the adduct with a B? N? B? O? C? C? N seven‐membered ring and an oxime bond. The reduction of the oxime bond leads to the adduct with a chiral oxime carbon. The B(2)? N_{C? N} bond in the B? N? B? O? C? C? N seven‐membered ring of the adduct with a reduced oxime bond is weaker comparatively and thus may be more easily broken down. All the adducts have four stable structures. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 93: 294–306, 2003     

Assembly of a Benzo‐Fused Bridged Ketone Scaffold from 1,5,10‐Enediynes through One‐Pot Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Cyclization/Iodine‐Mediated Oxidative Ring Expansion

In the presence of a cationic Ru catalyst, 1,6‐diynes bearing a terminal styryl moiety underwent [2+2+2] cyclization to produce dehydrobiphenylenes fused with a five‐membered ring. Although the cycloadducts were unstable toward purification, their one‐pot iodine‐mediated ring expansion successfully afforded unprecedented bridged ketone products containing a benzo‐fused bicyclo[3.2.1] framework.     

Extension of N‐Heteroacenes through a Four‐Membered Ring

The synthesis of novel π‐extended N‐heteroacenes, which have a large tetraazaacene subunit and a quinoxaline subunit connected through a four‐membered ring, is reported. They were studied with experimental and computational methods in comparison to the corresponding tetraazaacenes. As found from the DFT calculation, the four‐membered ring is a better linker than a five‐membered ring or a C?C single bond to extend N‐heteroacenes for a new design of n‐type semiconductors in terms of the spatial delocalization and energy level of LUMO as well as the reorganization energy. In solution‐processed thin film transistors, the π‐extended N‐heteroacenes are found to function as n‐type semiconductors with field effect mobility of up to 0.02 cm² V^?1 s^?1 under ambient conditions.     

2,2′‐Spiro­bi(1,3‐benzodi­thiole)

The X‐ray structure analysis of 2,2′‐spiro­bi(1,3‐benzodi­thiole), C₁₃H₈S₄, has been performed. The mol­ecule has crystallographic twofold rotation symmetry, the axis passing through the spiro‐C atom. The four S atoms are arranged around the spiro‐C atom in two almost orthogonal CS₂ planes. However, because of large bending of the two five‐membered rings, close contact is present between two connected C atoms on the benzo group of each 1,3‐benzodi­thiole ring and one S atom on the other 1,3‐benzodi­thiole ring.     

An Amidinate‐Stabilized Germatrisilacyclobutadiene Ylide

The synthesis and characterization of new amidinate‐stabilized germatrisilacyclobutadiene ylides [L₃Si₃GeL′] (L=PhC(NtBu)₂; L′=ËL; Ë=Ge ( 3 ), Si ( 7 )) are described. Compound 3 was prepared by the reaction of [LSi? SiL] ( 1 ) with one equivalent of [LGe? GeL] ( 2 ) in THF. Compound 7 was synthesized by the reaction of 2 with excess 1 in THF. The bisamidinate germylene [L₂Ge:] ( 4 ) is a by‐product in both reactions. Moreover, compound 7 was prepared by the reaction of 3 with one equivalent of 1 in THF. Compounds 3 and 7 have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and theoretical studies. The results show that compounds 3 and 7 are not antiaromatic. The puckered Si₃Ge four‐membered rings in 3 and 7 have a ylide structure, which is stabilized by amidinate ligands and the electron delocalization within the Si₃Ge four‐membered ring.     

由邻苯二胺合成苯并咪唑、喹喔啉以及1-H-2,3－二氢1,5-苯并氮杂卓

A series of benzo-fused heteroaromatic compounds with 5-, 6- and 7-membered tings, such as benzimidazole,quinoxaline and 1H-1,5-benzodiazepine derivatives, were synthesized through condensation reaction of o-pheny1-enediamine with ary1 aldehydes or ketones. The experimental conditions were carefully examined, and the products were characterized by ^1H NMR, ^13C NMR, MS, IR and elemental analyses. In addition, the structure of a benzodiazaepine derivative with 7-membered ring was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Novel five‐membered ring formation by oxidative photocyclization of 4‐(2‐arylvinyl)benzo[a]quinolizinium salts

Oxidative photocyclization of 4‐(2‐arylvinyl)benzo[a]quinolizinium salts ( 6 ) gave five‐ or six‐mem‐bered rings depending on the aryl substituent. The olefins 6a and 6b with a phenyl or naphthyl substituent resulted in a normal six‐membered ring formation to afford 6a‐azoniapicene and 6a‐azoniabenzo[b]picene salts ( 7 and 8 ), respectively. In contrast, the photo‐reaction of pyridyl substituted derivative 6c resulted in novel five‐membered ring formation to yield 3b‐azonia‐5‐(2‐pyridyl)acephenanthrylene salt ( 10 ).     

Synthesis of pyrimidinones by action of benzamidine on a benzocycloheptenic β‐keto ester

The synthesis of a polycyclic heterocyclic ring system compound, ethyl 7‐hydroxy‐4‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3H‐benzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2‐d]pyrimidine‐6‐carboxylate was carried out by condensation of benzamidine on diethyl 5,9‐dihydroxy‐7H‐benzo[a]cycloheptene‐6,8‐dicarboxylate, after opening and then closure of the seven membered ring.     

Ir‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of α‐Alkylidene β‐Lactams and Cyclobutanones

Chiral β‐lactams and cyclobutanones are present in numerous natural and pharmaceutical products. The stereoselective construction of chiral four‐membered cyclic compounds is an ongoing challenge for the chemical community. Herein, we report a highly stereocontrolled construction of four‐membered ring (mini‐sized) β‐lactams and cyclobutanones via an Ir/ In‐BiphPHOX ‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation, providing the corresponding optically active four‐membered ring carbonyl products bearing an α‐chiral carbon center with excellent yields (up to 99%) and enantioselectivities (up to 98%) under mild reaction conditions (1.0—2.5 bar H₂ for 1.0—10 h). The reaction presents wide substrate scope. Diverse transformations of the catalyzed products were also conducted to show the potential utility of this protocol.     

Theoretical Study on the Relationship between Diradical Character and Second Hyperpolarizabilities of Four‐Membered‐Ring Diradicals Involving Heavy Main‐Group Elements

By using spin‐unrestricted density functional theory methods, the relationship between the diradical character y and the second hyperpolarizability γ (the third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties at the molecular scale) for four‐membered‐ring diradical compounds, that is, cyclobutane‐1,3‐diyl, Niecke‐type diradicals, and Bertrand‐type diradicals, were investigated by focusing on the substitution effects of heavy main‐group elements as well as of donor/acceptor groups on the y and γ values. It has been found that i) γ is enhanced in the intermediate y region for these four‐membered‐ring diradicals, ii) Niecke‐type diradicals with intermediate y values, which are realized by tuning the combination of the main‐group elements involved, exhibit larger γ values than Bertrand‐type diradicals, and iii) the y value and thus γ value can be controlled by modifying the both‐end donor/acceptor substituents attached to carbon atoms in Nicke‐type C₂P₂ diradicals. These results demonstrate that four‐membered‐ring diradicals involving heavy main‐group elements exhibit high controllability of the y and γ, which indicates the potential applications of four‐membered‐ring diradicals as a building block of highly efficient open‐shell NLO materials.     

Visible‐Light‐Driven Strain‐Increase Ring Contraction Allows the Synthesis of Cyclobutyl Boronic Esters

There are a limited number of ring‐contraction methodologies which convert readily available five‐membered rings into strained four‐membered rings. Here we report a photo‐induced radical‐mediated ring contraction of five‐membered‐ring alkenyl boronate complexes into cyclobutanes. The process involves the addition of an electrophilic radical to the electron‐rich alkenyl boronate complex, leading to an α‐boryl radical. Upon one‐electron oxidation, ring‐contractive 1,2‐metalate rearrangement occurs to give a cyclobutyl boronic ester. A range of radical precursors and vinyl boronates can be employed, and chiral cyclobutanes can be accessed with high levels of stereocontrol. The process was extended to the preparation of benzofused cyclobutenes and the versatility of the boronic ester was demonstrated by conversion to other functional groups.     

NO migration from N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosobenzene‐sulfonamide to 3,6‐dibromocarbazole: Concerted or stepwise reaction path?

The NO migration from N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosobenzene‐sulfonamide to 3,6‐dibromocarbazole was proposed in a recent literature to follow a stepwise reaction path. However, the present density functional theory calculations at the MP2/6–31G(d,p)//B3LYP/6–31G(d,p) level show that this reaction exclusively proceeds via a concerted mechanism involving a four‐membered ring transition state. The calculated barrier is in good agreement with the experimental finding. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007     

Synthesis of a Six‐Membered‐Ring (2R)‐10a‐Homobornane‐10a,2‐sultam and Structural Comparison with Oppolzer's,Lang's,and King's Sultams

The new six‐membered‐ring (2R)‐10a‐homobornane‐10a,2‐sultam (−)‐ 3a was synthesized and its X‐ray structural analysis was compared with that of the novel structure of the five‐membered‐ring (2R)‐bornane‐10,2‐sultam analogues (−)‐ 1a , b as well as with that already published for the six‐membered‐ring trans‐decalin‐like sultam 4a . Based on DN** density‐function calculations and X‐ray crystallographic studies of the N‐methylated analogues (−)‐ 1e and 4b and by comparing with the conformation of the N‐fluoro derivatives (−)‐ 1c and (+)‐ 1d , the anomeric stabilization was estimated to be smaller than the 2.0–2.5 kcal/mol earlier suggested. The direction of pyramidalization is rationalized in terms of H‐bond and steric and electronic interactions and extended to the known toluenesultam derivatives 10a – c .     

Iridium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyrrole‐Annulated Medium‐Sized‐Ring Compounds

Enantioselective synthesis of pyrrole‐annulated medium‐sized‐ring compounds by an iridium‐catalyzed allylic dearomatization/retro‐Mannich/hydrolysis sequence is presented. Various substituted pyrrole‐annulated seven‐ and eight‐membered‐ring products were obtained under mild reaction conditions with moderate to good yields and excellent enantioselectivity. Additionally, these products contain a scaffold widely distributed in natural products and biologically active compounds. The current method provides a convenient way for accessing such pyrrole‐anuulated medium‐sized‐ring compounds.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Biphenylene‐Containing Diazaacenes

We describe the efficient synthesis of substituted benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2‐b]phenazine, benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2]benzo[1,2‐i]phenazine, and benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2‐b]naphtho[2,3‐i]phenazine by a condensation reaction of aromatic diamines with the stable biphenylene‐2,3‐dione.     

2,2′‐Anhydro‐1‐(3′,5′‐di‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)uracil,a cyclouridine nucleoside with a C4′‐endo furanosyl conformation

2,2′‐Anhydro‐1‐(3′,5′‐di‐O‐acetyl‐β‐D‐arabinofuranosyl)uracil, C₁₃H₁₄N₂O₇, was obtained by refluxing 2′,3′‐O‐(methoxymethylene)uridine in acetic anhydride. The structure exhibits a nearly perfect C4′‐endo (⁴E) conformation. The best four‐atom plane of the five‐membered furanose ring is O—C—C—C, involving the C atoms of the fused five‐membered oxazolidine ring, and the torsion angle is only −0.4 (2)°. The oxazolidine ring is essentially coplanar with the six‐membered uracil ring [r.m.s. deviation = 0.012 (5) Å and dihedral angle = −3.2 (3)°]. The conformation at the exocyclic C—C bond is gauche–trans which is stabilized by various C—H...π and C—O...π interactions.