Unexpected structural diversity in alkali metal azide-crown ether complexes: syntheses, X-ray structures, and quantum-chemical calculations

A series of alkali metal azide-crown ether complexes, [Li([12]crown-4)(N3)], [Na([15]crown-5)(N3)], [Na([15]crown-5)(H2O)2]N3, [K([18]crown-6)(N3)(H2O)], [Rb([18]crown-6)(N3)(H2O)], [Cs([18]crown-6)(N3)]2, and [Cs([18]crown-6)(N3)(H2O)(MeOH)], has been synthesised. In most cases, single crystals were obtained, which allowed X-ray crystal structures to be derived. The structures obtained have been compared with molecular structures computed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This has allowed the effects of the crystal lattice on the structures to be investigated. Also, a study of the M-N(terminal) metal-azide bond length and charge densities on the metal (M) and terminal nitrogen centre (N(terminal)) in these complexes has allowed the nature of the metal-azide bond to be probed in each case. The bonding in these complexes is believed to be predominantly ionic or ion-dipole in character, with the differences in geometries reflecting the balance between maximising the coordination number of the metal centre and minimising ligand-ligand repulsions. The structures of the crown ether complexes determined in this work show the subtle interplay of such factors. The significant role of hydrogen bonding is also demonstrated, most clearly in the structures of the K and Rb dimers, but also in the chain structure of the hydrated Cs complex.     

Synthesis of aryl azides: a probe reaction to study the synergetic action of ultrasounds and ionic liquids

The combined effect of ultrasounds and ionic liquids was used to perform the synthesis of aryl azides by nucleophilic aromatic substitution in ionic liquid/[1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium][N₃] binary mixtures. The ultrasounds efficiency was analyzed as a function of the substrate and of the ionic liquid structure. In the first case, both 6π and 10π electrons aryl halides were considered. As far as the ionic liquid structure is concerned, both aromatic and aliphatic ionic liquids were taken into account. Among aromatic cations, the effects due to different ability in giving hydrogen bond or π-π interactions were considered. The use of a geminal ionic liquid having an aromatic spacer was examined too.On the whole, collected data evidence an activating effect on the target reaction by the combined use of ultrasounds and ionic liquids. The structural order degree of the ionic liquid seems to be the main factor affecting the ultrasounds efficiency. Furthermore, the effects due to changes in the anion structure seem to be more significant than those due to changes in the cation structure.     

Ring Transformation of α-Amino-β-oxoesters to δ-Butyrolactams

δ-Butyrolactams with an exocyclic ester moiety in the δ-position were accessed by reduction of 1-azido-2-cyclopentanone carboxylates with PBu₃ or Zn−AcOH. The ring transformation proceeded readily under the conditions of this reduction which is an unprecedented process. Primary amines formed by catalytic hydrogenation of α-azido-β-oxoesters with larger ring sizes or with benzannulation do not show this rearrangement under the conditions of the azide reduction. In these cases, the ring transformation to respective lactams was achieved by treatment of the α-amino-β-oxoesters with a stoichiometric amount of lithium diisopropylamide.     

Thermolysis of Geminal Diazido Malonamides: Simple Access to Tetrazoles and Functionalization of In Situ Formed Isocyanates

In recent years, the development of synthetic methods to afford nitrogen-containing heterocycles has become increasingly popular. Among these, tetrazoles – an important class of aromatic heterocycles – are of significant interest for example, in medicinal chemistry serving as important bioisosteres. Herein, we present a method to easily access C-substituted tetrazoles via thermolysis of geminal diazido malonamides. Formation and functionalization of in situ formed isocyanates and corresponding reactions were also studied.