Recent studies at Durham on direct fluorination

Developments in direct fluorination are described, which changed our perception of the viability of this methodology for selective introduction of carbon–fluorine bonds. Use of acids as solvent media is a valuable technique for electrophilic fluorination, especially with aromatic systems. Fluorinations of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds proceed well and techniques for promoting reactivity in other carbonyl derivatives are described. ‘In-situ’ formation of other reagents, e.g. by reaction of fluorine with other halogens and with water, provides convenient methodology for halogenation and oxidation.     

Syntheses of mixed ligands complexes of Ru(II) with 4,4′-dicarboxy-2,2′-bipyridine and substituted pteridinedione and the use of these complexes in electrochemical photovoltaic cells

The synthesis, spectral and photoelectrochemical studies of mixed ligand complexes of [Ru(dcbpy)₂(LL)]Cl₂, where LL=2,4-(1,3-N,N′-dimethyl)pteridinedione (DMP), 6,7-dimethyl-2,4-(1,3-N,N′-dimethyl)pteridinedione (MDMP), 6,7-diphenyl-2,4-(1,3-N,N′-dimethyl)pteridinedione (PhDMP), dibenzo[h,j]-(1,3-N,N′-dimethyl)isoalloxazine (BIAlo), 6,7-bis(pyrid-2-yl)-2,4-(1,3-N,N′-dimethyl) pteridinedione (PyDMP) were carried out. These complexes were attached to sol–gel processed TiO₂ electrodes and the photocells fabricated were illuminated with polychromatic radiation in the presence of I₂/I₃⁻ as redox electrolyte. The incident photon to current conversion efficiency determined was found to be 20–48%.     

A practical and convenient fluorination of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds using aqueous HF in the presence of iodosylbenzene

A simple, practical, and convenient fluorination of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds was achieved by direct use of aqueous hydrofluoric acid and iodosylbenzene (PhIO). The reaction of ethyl benzoylacetate with the reagent system of aqueous HF and PhIO in CH(2)Cl(2) gave ethyl 2-fluoro-2-benzolyacetate in 98% yield. Other 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds including β-keto esters and 1,3-diketones underwent the fluorination reaction to give the corresponding fluorinated products in good yields.     

Efficient Synthesis of Complex Bridged 1,3-Oxazabicycles via Reactions of N-Alkyl-1,10-phenanthrolinium Halides with Cyclic 1,3-Diketones

Complex bridged 1,3-oxazabicycles and 1,4-disubstituted 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives were efficiently prepared by the reactions of N-methyl or N-benzylphenanthrolinium halides with cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in a K₂CO₃/CH₃CN system.     

Infrared study of νOD modes in isotopically dilute (HDO) kieserite-type compounds MXO4·H2O (M=Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, and X=S, Se) with matrix-isolated M′ and X′O4 guest ions

The hydrogen bond strength in kieserite-type sulfate and selenate monohydrates has been studied by the method of double-matrix spectroscopy. The infrared spectra of isotopically dilute (matrix-isolated HDO molecules) kieserite-type compounds MXO₄·H₂O (M=Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, and X=S, Se) with matrix-isolated X′O₄²⁻ and M′²⁺ guest ions are presented and discussed in the region of the OD stretching modes. The OD frequencies indicate that the compounds under investigation form comparatively strong hydrogen bonds. The frequency shifts of the uncoupled OD stretching modes of the HDO molecules within the isostructural series and those influenced by the guest ions, and the strength of the hydrogen bonds formed, are discussed in terms of the respective O_wO distances, which hint at stronger hydrogen bonds for the sulfate series than for the selenate one by mistake, the larger hydrogen bond acceptor capability of SeO₄²⁻ ions compared to SO₄²⁻ ones, the different metal–water interactions and repulsion potentials of the lattice, and the reorientation of the water molecules caused by the guest ions. The shifts of the OD stretches of the ODOSe′O₃ bonds (Se′O₄²⁻ matrix isolated) to the lower wavenumbers as compared to the parent selenates are caused by the reorientation of the hydrate water molecules and strengthening the hydrogen bond to the stronger acceptor and vice versa. When smaller metal ions having smaller M–OH₂ bond lengths and, hence, stronger synergetic effect replace larger ones, the OD stretches are shifted to lower wavenumbers as compared to those due to the host M–O_wO bonds and vice versa.     

Structures of 3,3′-dicarbometoxy-2,2′-bipyridine complexes with silver(I) and copper(II) cations

The structures of 3,3′-dicarbometoxy-2,2′-bipyridine (dcmbpy) complexes with copper(II) and silver(I) cations have been determined using single crystal X-ray-diffraction. The crystals of Cu(dcmbpy)Cl₂ are monoclinic, C2/c, a = 16.966(3), b = 18.373(3), c = 13.154(2) Å, β = 126.543(3)°. The crystals of Ag(dcmbpy)NO₃ · H₂O are also monoclinic, C2/c, a = 16.7547(13), b = 11.0922(9), c = 18.7789(18) Å, β = 100.228(7)°. The results have been compared with the literature data on the complexes of dcmbpy and its precursors: 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) and 3,3′-dicarboxy-2,2′-bipyridine (dcbpy). Two types of complexes of 3,3′-carboxy derivatives of bpy are distinguished: (1) with metal atom bonded to two N atoms of the same molecule and (2) with metal atom bonded to two N atoms of two different molecules. The Cu(dcmbpy)Cl₂ complex belongs to the first type, whereas Ag(dcmbpy)NO₃ · H₂O belongs to the second type.     

Catalytic fluorination of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds using iodoarene catalysts

Catalytic fluorination of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with aqueous hydrofluoric acid proceeded efficiently with the aid of iodoarene catalysts in the presence of m-CPBA as a terminal oxidant. o-Iodotoluene, o-iodoanisole, and o-ethyliodobenzene showed a high catalytic efficiency to give 2-fluoro-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in good yields.     

Investigation on lanthanide binuclear complexes of 1,5-bis-(1′-phenyl-3′-methyl-5′-pyrazolone-4′)-1,5-pentanedione and 2,2′-bipyridine

The coordination of 1,5-bis-(1′-phenyl-3′-methyl-5′-pyrazolone-4′)-1,5-pentanedione (BPMPPD) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) with lanthanide ions in water-alcohol solution has been studied. Binuclear complexes of the types : Ln₂(BPMPPD)₃(bipy)₂·nH₂O (n = 2 for Y, n = 4 for Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Yb); Ln₂(BPMPPD)₃bipy·nH₂O (n = 10 for La, n = 3 for Pr, Nd, Sm and Tb) were formed. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, IR, UV, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and fluorescence spectra.     

Synthesis and low temperature fluorination of the alkaline-earth palladates Ba2−xSrxPdO3 (x = 0–2)

Since the discovery of superconductivity in Sr₂CuO₂F_2+δ there has been an increased interest in ternary oxide-fluorides. Sr₂CuO₂F_2+δ is prepared via low temperature (T = 220 °C) reaction routes. Low temperature fluorination induces an interesting structural rearrangement in the parent compound Sr₂CuO₃, which is a one-dimensional material containing linear chains of vertex sharing CuO₄ squares along the crystallographic b axis. Upon fluorination, one oxide is substituted by two fluorides and Cu²⁺ becomes octahedrally coordinated by four oxides and two fluorides. The fluorinated compound Sr₂CuO₂F_2+δ displays the T-type structure (La₂CuO₄). Insertion of excess fluorine, δ, also takes place and this fluorine occupies interstitial sites in the T structure. Although the starting material Ca₂CuO₃ is isostructural to Sr₂CuO₃, Ca₂CuO₂F_2+δ displays the T′ (Nd₂CuO₄) structure due to the smaller radius of Ca²⁺ compared to that of Sr²⁺.

The alkaline-earth palladates with the general formula A₂PdO₃ (A = Ba, Sr) are isostructural with the A₂CuO₃(A = Ca, Sr) materials. We prepared the Ba_2−xSr_xPdO₃ (x = 0–2) series and performed low temperature fluorination, which led to the synthesis of the series Ba_2−xSr_xPdO₂F_2+δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.5). All the compounds in the Ba_2−xSr_xPdO₂F_2+δ series show T′ structure (Ca₂CuO₂F_2+δ). Similarities and differences with Sr₂CuO₂F_2+δ and Ca₂CuO₂F_2+δ will be discussed.     

Resistance properties of a macroporous silica-based N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamide-impregnated polymeric adsorption material against nitric acid, temperature and γ-irradiation

The resistance of a novel silica-based N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl-3-oxapentane-1,5-diamide (TODGA) polymeric adsorption material (TODGA/SiO₂-P) against nitric acid, temperature and γ-irradiation had been investigated. The adsorption property of the treated TODGA/SiO₂-P was evaluated by a 3 M HNO₃ solution containing 0.01 M Nd(III). It was found that both 3 and 0.01 M HNO₃ concentrations did not decrease the stability of TODGA/SiO₂-P at 25°C. The quantity of TODGA leaked from TODGA/SiO₂-P was equivalent to its solubility in the corresponding HNO₃ aqueous solution. The effect of 3 M HNO₃ on the leakage of TODGA at 80°C was significantly higher than that in 0.01 M HNO₃ as well as in all cases at 25°C. The amount of Nd(III) adsorbed towards the treated TODGA/SiO₂-P was determined in the range of 0.143–0.148 mmol/g for the HNO₃ concentration effect and 0.142–0.0506 mmol/g for the temperature effect. γ-Irradiation showed a more noticeable destruction effect on TODGA/SiO₂-P. The content of TODGA leaked increased with an increase in the γ-irradiation dose (ID) from 1.06 to 3.72 MGy in terms of the linear equation [TODGA]=794.5ID+84.0. The amount of Nd(III) adsorbed onto the irradiated TODGA/SiO₂-P decreased rapidly from 0.134 to 0.0438 mmol/g, which was lower than 0.153 mmol/g, the adsorption of fresh TODGA/SiO₂-P for Nd(III), according to the equation Q_Nd(III)=−0.0301ID+0.160, showing that a large quantity of TODGA leaked from TODGA/SiO₂-P. The adsorbed amount of Nd(III) decreased obviously in this order: the HNO₃ concentration effect, temperature effect and γ-irradiation.     

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure determination of zinc (II) and mercury (II) complexes with 2,2′-dimethyl-4,4′-bithiazole

The 2,2′-dimethyl-4,4′-bithiazole ligand (1), (dm4bt), and its Zn and Hg complexes have been prepared. A conformational property calculation at the DFT level for the ligand shows the anti conformation is energetically more stable by about 22.83 kJ/mol and the rotational barrier is about 32.01 kJ/mol for the anti → syn conversion, a phenomena happening during complex formation. The complexes [Zn(dm4bt)Cl₂] (2) and [Hg(dm4bt)Cl₂] (3) have spectral properties typical for d¹⁰ metal diimine systems. The structures of the ligand and the two complexes have been determined by the single crystal diffraction method. The X-ray structure determinations show that both complexes are four coordinated by two chloride atoms and one bidentate dm4bt. In the Hg complex one of the two chlorides is set at a semi-bridging position.     

Elemental fluorine. Part 18. Selective direct fluorination of 1,3-ketoesters and 1,3-diketones using gas/liquid microreactor technology

1,3-Ketoesters and 1,3-diketones react with fluorine gas, using Durham multichannel modular microreactor technology, on a preparatively useful scale. High conversions and yields of monofluorinated products were obtained. A consideration of the mechanism of fluorination of dicarbonyl systems provides a rationale of the scope and limitations of the use of microreactor technology for such direct fluorination processes. We conclude that it is especially appropriate for the fluorination of diketones and ketoesters that exist mainly in the enol form at equilibrium and/or undergo rapid keto-enol interconversion. A one-stage route to fluoroketones from ketoesters was achieved by allowing the crude product mixture obtained from the fluorination of the ketoesters to stand for a period of time before reaction work-up.     

Synthesis, structure and nuclease activity of copper complexes of disubstituted 2,2′-bipyridine ligands bearing ammonium groups

A series of Cu(II) complexes of disubstituted 2,2′-bipyridine bearing ammonium groups [Cu(L¹⁻⁴)₂Br]⁵⁺ (1–4, L¹ = [5,5′-(Me₂NHCH₂)₂-bpy]²⁺, L² = [5,5′-(Me₃NCH₂)₂-bpy]²⁺, L³ = [4,4′-(Me₂NHCH₂)₂-bpy]²⁺, L⁴ = [4,4′-(Me₃NCH₂)₂-bpy]²⁺ and bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl) were synthesized, of which complexes 1 and 4 were structurally characterized. Both coordination configurations of Cu(II) ions can be described as distorted trigonal bipyramid. The interaction between all complexes and CT-DNA was evaluated by thermal-denaturation experiments and CD spectroscopy. Results show that the complexes interact with CT-DNA via outside electrostatic interactions and their binding ability follows the order: 1 > 2 > 3 > 4. In the absence of any reducing agents, the cleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA by these complexes was investigated and the hydrolysis kinetics of DNA was studied in Tris buffer (pH 7.5) at 37 °C. Obtained pseudo-Michaelis–Menten kinetic parameters: 15.0, 13.6, 2.01 and 1.69 h⁻¹ for 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, indicate that complexes 1 and 2 exhibit very high DNA cleavage activities. According to their crystal data, the high nuclease activity may be attributed to the strong interaction of the metal moiety and two ammonium groups with phosphate groups of DNA.     

5-nitro-5-(1′-cyclohexenyl)- and 5-nitro-5-(1′-cycloheptenyl)-3-benzyl- and 3-cyclohexyl tetrahydro-1,3-oxazines

1-(Cyclohexenyl- and 1-cycloheptenylnitromethane have been used as starting substances to yield 2-nitro-2-(1′-cyclohexenyl)- and 2-nitro-2-(1′-cycloheptenyl)-propanediol-1,3 (B) respectively. By reacting them with formaldehyde and benzylamine or formaldehydes and cyclohexylamine, derivatives of tetrahydro-1,3-oxazine (B) have been prepared. Acid hydrolysis of tetrahydro-1,3-oxazine derivatives results in the formation of 3-hydroxy-2-nitro-2-(1′-cyclohexenyl)- and 3-hydroxy-2-nitro-2-(1′-cycloheptenyl)-propylamine derivatives (E). Both aminoalcohols (E) react with formaldehyde to again yield tetrahydro-1,3-oxazine derivatives (C).

Infra-red spectra of C and E and their hydrochlorides D and F were examined and structure assignments made of the principal bands.     

The unprecedented C-alkylation and tandem C-/O-alkylation of phenanthrolinium salts with cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds

N-p-Nitrobenzyl- or N-phenacylphenanthrolinium bromides reacted with a series of cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in acetonitrile in the presence of triethylamine as base catalyst to give the unprecedented C-alkylated products and tandem alkylated/intramolecular O-alkylated oxazabicyclic compounds according to the structure of cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds.     

Microwave-assisted rapid electrophilic fluorination of 1,3-dicarbonyl derivatives with Selectfluor

A microwave-assisted fluorination method for 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds using Selectfluor^® has been developed. 2-Monofluorinated products can be obtained in high yield in neutral reaction conditions with addition of 1 eq. of Selectfluor^®. Treatment of 1,3-dicarbonyls with 3 eq. of Selectfluor^® in the presence of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH) as the base results in the formation of 2,2-difluorinated derivatives only.     

A re-investigation of the reactions of pyromellitic acid and its dianhydride with sulphur tetrafluoride

The fluorination of pyromellitic acid (1) with sulphur tetrafluoride or pyromelliticdianhydride (2) by means of an SF₄---HF mixture gave, besides the expected 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)benzene (3), considerable amounts of 5,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,1,3,3-tetrafluoro-1,3-dihydroisobenzofuran (4) and detectable quantities of1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octafluoro-1,3,5, 7-tetrahydrobenzo[1,2-c:4,5-c′]difuran (5). Acidic hydrolysisof 4 gave 4,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phthalic acid (6) which on treatment with SF₄ andHF yielded compounds 3 and 4.     

Liquid-phase fluorination of aromatic compounds by elemental fluorine

The fluorination of aromatic compounds (benzene, toluene, phenol and benzoic acid) by elemental fluorine diluted with nitrogen has been investigated in various solvents (Freon 11, chloroform, methanol, trifluoroacetic acid, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, water) in order to define the influence of the experimental conditions on the reaction. Experiments have been carried out by varying the temperature, the substrate concentration in solution, the molar ratio of fluorine to substrate, and the concentration of fluorine in the fluorine/nitrogen mixture. In all cases, the effects on the yield of fluorinated products were studied. Monofluorinated compounds were mainly found in the reaction mixture, the isomers formed being in accord with the mechanism for electrophilic substitution. The highest yield of monofluorinated products was obtained with polar solvents and the following order was found: CFCl₃ < CHCl₃ < CH₃OH < CF₃CH₂OH < CF₃COOH. Interesting results were also found using particular additives (for instance, KOH or C₄F₉SO₃Na in methanol) or water as the solvent. A direct relationship was observed between the yield of monofluorinated compounds and the molar ratio of fluorine to substrate, which has to be less than one in order to obtain high yields. In contrast, low selectivity, expressed as the yield ratio of ortho to para (or meta) isomers, was found.     

甲基磺酰氟Simons电化学氟化过程特性和机理研究

选择CH₃SO₂F电化氟化制备CF₃SO₂F过程为研究系统,研究了电化氟化过程操作电压和反应时间的关系、操作条件对氟化产物组成的影响规律以及Ni电极在电化氟化过程的变化情况. 实验结果表明,Simons电化学氟化过程主要由三个步骤组成：F-在阳极发生电化学氧化反应生成F,该步骤是Simons电化学氟化过程的控制步骤;在Ni电极上生成的F与Ni或NiF₂反应生成高价NiF_n (n≥3),NiFn为Simons电化学氟化过程的氟化剂;NiF_n可以在电极/电解液界面与有机物发生氟化反应生成氟化产物,也可以发生分解反应生成游离F²,NiF_n与有机物发生氟化反应的机理与用CoF₃等为氟化剂氟化有机物的机理相同. 但NiF_n的反应活性比CoF₃高,且在实验条件下极不稳定.     

Solid-state static Cu and P CP/MAS NMR, and liquid-state EXAFS studies on copper(I) O,O′-dialkyldithiophosphate cluster compounds: Formation of the copper(I) O,O′-di-iso-amyldithiophosphate cluster compound on the surface of synthetic chalcocite

Polycrystalline octa-nuclear copper(I) O,O′-di-i-propyl- and O,O′-di-i-amyldithiophosphate cluster compounds, {Cu₈[S₂P(OR)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} where R = ⁱPr and ⁱAm, were synthesized and characterized by ³¹P CP/MAS NMR at 8.46 T and static ⁶⁵Cu NMR at multiple magnetic field strengths (7.05, 9.4 and 14.1 T). The symmetries of the electronic environments around the P sites were estimated from the ³¹P chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) parameters, δ_aniso and η. Analyses of the ⁶⁵Cu chemical shift and quadrupolar splitting parameters for these compounds are presented with the data being compared to those for the analogous octa-nuclear cluster compounds with R = ⁿBu and ⁱBu. The ⁶⁵Cu transverse relaxation for the copper sites in {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱPr)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} and {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱAm)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} was found to be very different, with a relaxation time, T₂, of 590 μs (Gaussian) and 90 μs (exponential), respectively. The structures of {Cu₄[S₂P(OⁱPr)₂]₄} and {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱPr)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} cluster compounds in the liquid- and the solid-state were studied by Cu K-edge EXAFS. The disulfide, [S₂P(OⁱAm)₂]₂, was obtained and characterized by ³¹P{¹H} NMR. The interactions of the disulfide and of the potassium O,O′-di-i-amyldithiophosphate salt with the surfaces of synthetic chalcocite (Cu₂S) were probed using solid-state ³¹P NMR spectroscopy and only the presence of copper(I) dithiophosphate species with the {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱAm)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} structure was observed.