Solvent and stereoelectronic effects on the solvolysis rates of oxaspirocyclopropanated 1-norbornyl triflates and related bridgehead derivatives

The study of the stereochemical outcome of the solvolysis of oxaspirocyclopropanated 1-norbornyl triflates is highly interesting since these reactions do not lead to the usual retention or fragmentation products but only synthetically interesting rearranged products are enantiospecifically formed. There is no correlation between the experimental solvolysis rates (ln k) and the B3LYP/6-31G(d)-computed ionization energies (Delta E) of the corresponding bridgehead hydrocarbons in gas phase. However, this work demonstrates the existence of a fair linear correlation between the experimental reaction rates and the PCM//B3LYP/6-31G(d)-computed free ionization energies in solution (Delta G). This theoretically relevant result reveals that the reason for the lack of linearity in gas phase is not the rearrangement of the intermediate carbocations but unspecific solvent effects on the solvolysis rates, accounted for by the PCM model.     

Comprehensive study of the methyl effect on the solvolysis rates of bridgehead derivatives

The effect of a bridgehead methyl group on the hydride ion affinity in the gas phase of bicyclo[1.1.1]pent-1-yl (1+), 1-norbornyl (3+), cubyl (5+), 1-adamantyl (7+), bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-1-yl (9+),and bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-1-yl (11+) cations has been studied using density functional theory and ab initio methods. It is concluded that the methyl group always increases the stability of the substituted cations. The effect of the solvent on the stability of methyl-substituted cations in relation to the unsubstituted cations has been studied using the polarizable continuum model of the self-consistent reaction field theory. In the case of rearranging cations, the nucleophilic assistance of the solvent is determined by means of the interaction energy of the corresponding water complexes. It is concluded that the solvent causes the relative stabilization of the parent cations. As a consequence, most of the methyl-substituted bridgehead derivatives show a lower solvolysis rate than the corresponding unsubstituted compounds. A nonqualitative explanation of the methyl effect on the relative stability of bridgehead cations in both gas phase and solution is given for the first time. The ratios of solvolysis products in the case of rearranging bridgehead cations have also been computed from the relative stability of the intermediate water complexes.     

The Curtius rearrangement of cyclopropyl and cyclopropenoyl azides. A combined theoretical and experimental mechanistic study

A combined experimental and theoretical study addresses the concertedness of the thermal Curtius rearrangement. The kinetics of the Curtius rearrangements of methyl 1-azidocarbonyl cycloprop-2-ene-1-carboxylate and methyl 1-azidocarbonyl cyclopropane-1-carboxylate were studied by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and there is close agreement between calculated and experimental enthalpies and entropies of activation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations (B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p)) on these same acyl azides suggest gas phase barriers of 27.8 and 25.1 kcal/mol. By comparison, gas phase activation barriers for the rearrangement of acetyl, pivaloyl, and phenyl azides are 27.6, 27.4, and 30.0 kcal/mol, respectively. The barrier for the concerted Curtius reaction of acetyl azide at the CCSD(T)/6-311+G(d,p) level exhibited a comparable activation energy of 26.3 kcal/mol. Intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) analyses suggest that all of the rearrangements occur by a concerted pathway with the concomitant loss of N2. The lower activation energy for the rearrangement of methyl 1-azidocarbonyl cycloprop-2-ene-1-carboxylate relative to methyl 1-azidocarbonyl cyclopropane-1-carboxylate was attributed to a weaker bond between the carbonyl carbon and the three-membered ring in the former compound. Calculations on the rearrangement of cycloprop-2-ene-1-oyl azides do not support pi-stabilization of the transition state by the cyclopropene double bond. A comparison of reaction pathways at the CBS-QB3 level for the Curtius rearrangement versus the loss of N2 to form a nitrene intermediate provides strong evidence that the concerted Curtius rearrangement is the dominant process.     

Control of kinetics and thermodynamics of [1,5]-shifts by aromaticity: a view through the prism of Marcus theory

The effects of aromatic stabilization on the rates of [1,5]-hydrogen shifts in a series of carbo- and heterocyclic dihydroaromatic compounds were estimated by B3LYP/6-31G computations. The aromatic stabilization energy of the product is directly translated into increased exothermicity of these reactions. Relative trends for a significant range of endothermic and exothermic [1,5]-shifts with different intrinsic activation energies are reliably described by Marcus theory. The effects of aromaticity or antiaromaticity are very large and can lead to dramatic acceleration or deceleration of [1,5]-hydrogen shifts and even to complete disappearance of the reaction barrier. Not only the activation energy but the shape and position of the reaction barrier can be efficiently controlled by changes in the aromaticity of the products, making these systems interesting models for studying hydrogen tunneling. Marcus theory can also be applied successfully to other pericyclic shifts such as [1,5]-shifts which involve chlorine and methyl transfer.     

Roles of diffusion and activation barrier on the appearance of Marcus inversion behavior: a study of a photoinduced electron-transfer reaction in aqueous triblock copolymer (p123) micellar solutions

Photoinduced electron transfer (ET) reactions between amines and a series of coumarins have been investigated using fluorescence-quenching measurements in aqueous P123 triblock copolymer micellar solutions. Fluorescence spectral characteristics and fluorescence anisotropy measurements indicated a nearly similar microenvironment for all of the coumarins used in P123 micelles. Substantial quenching of coumarin fluorescence in the presence of amines has been observed. The quenching rates (k(q)(TR)) are largely reduced in the P123 micelle as compared to those in other micelles (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton-X 100 (TX-100), cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB)), which is probably due to larger coumarin-amine separations in the micellar phase. The k(q)(TR) values, when plotted against free energy changes (DeltaG degrees), follow a Marcus predicted bell-shaped correlation. The estimated activation energy for the ET reactions follow an inverse bell-shaped correlation with DeltaG degrees. Present results indicate that the appearance of Marcus inversion is primarily related to the changes in the activation barrier, as predicted from the Marcus ET theory. As the k(q)(TR) values are higher than the estimated bimolecular diffusional rate constant, the role of reactant diffusion on the quenching kinetics in the P123 micelle is negligible. The appearance of Marcus inversion at unexpectedly lower exergonicity has been rationalized on the basis of slow solvent relaxation and by the application of the two-dimensional ET (2DET) theory. Critical analysis of the present results establishes that the inversion in the ET rates at high exergonicity is not due to the alteration in the diffusion parameters of the reactants, as has been suggested in some recent reports. Instead, it is evident that the inversion in quenching rates at high exergonicity is due to the alteration in the activation barrier for the ET reactions.     

2+3] Cycloaddition of ethylene to transition metal oxo compounds. analysis of density functional results by marcus theory.

Density functional results on the [2+3] cycloaddition of ethylene to various transition metal complexes MO(3)(q) and LMO(3)(q) (q = -1, 0, 1) with M = Mo, W, Mn, Tc, Re, and Os and various ligands L = Cp, CH(3), Cl, and O show that the corresponding activation barriers DeltaE(double dagger) depend in quadratic fashion on the reaction energies DeltaE(0) as predicted by Marcus theory. A thermoneutral reaction is characterized by the intrinsic reaction barrier DeltaE(0) of 25.1 kcal/mol. Both ethylene [2+3] cycloaddition to an oxo complex and the corresponding homolytic M-O bond dissociation are controlled by the reducibility of the transition metal center. Indeed, from the easily calculated M-O bond dissociation energy of the oxo complex one can predict the reaction energy DeltaE(0) and hence, by Marcus theory, the corresponding activation barrier DeltaE. This allows a systematic representation of more than 25 barriers of [2+3] cycloaddition reactions that range from 5 to 70 kcal/mol.     

A theoretical study of hydrogen—atom abstraction by methyl radical

The activation energies for the abstraction of a hydrogen atom from each of several hydrocarbons has been calculated using the AM1 molecular orbital method. The calculated barrier for the abstraction from methane is 15.5 kcal/mole, in good agreement with experiment. Calculated barriers for other abstractions are reasonably good. They are much improved when the calculated intrinsic barrier is used together with the experimental heats of reaction in a modified formulation of Marcus theory.     

The role of cesium fluoride in aryl propargyl ether Claisen rearrangement and its mechanistic elucidation: a theoretical study

The role of cesium fluoride (CsF) in aryl propargyl ether Claisen rearrangement and its mechanistic pathway have been investigated in gas and solvent phase using the density functional theory implemented in Gaussian 09. Our results indicate that the [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement is the rate-limiting step with ΔG ^? value of 37.1 kcal/mol in solvent phase. Furthermore, the results show that the enolization of α-allenylketone intermediate (Int1-CsF) has a higher free energy barrier, which implies that the formation of benzopyran is not favored in the presence of CsF. However, the abstraction of the α-hydrogen atom in Int1-CsF with CsF shows a very low free energy barrier and is the most favored pathway for aryl propargyl ether Claisen rearrangement in the presence of CsF to form benzofuran. In the case of substituted aryl propargyl ethers, a methoxy group on the benzene ring lowers the activation barrier. The HOMO–LUMO, conformational and NBO analysis indicate that increasing methyl substitution on the propargyl residue enhances the rearrangement reaction.     

Theoretical Study of the Mechanism of the Nitro-Nitrite Rearrangement and Its Role in Gas-Phase Monomolecular Decomposition of C-Nitro Compounds

Semiempirical, ab initio, and density functional theory calculations were used to study the primary act of gas-phase monomolecular decomposition of certain C-nitro compounds and their radical cations, associated with the nitro-nitrile rearrangement. It was shown that the reaction fails to occur with all neutral molecules of aliphatic nitro compounds (except for fluoronitromethane and fluoronitroethene) and has a much lower barrier with the corresponding radical cations. An important role of the nitro-nitrile rearrangement in gas-phase decomposition of aromatic nitro compounds was demonstrated.     

Steric Effects on Reaction Rates. Part XII. Force-Field Calculations for the Solvolysis of Cyclobutyl and Tricyclyl Derivatives

Force-field parameters have been developed for the molecular-mechanics calculation of tertiary carbenium ions with tricyclane structure, for tertiary cyclobutyl and cubyl cations. The cyclobutyl parameters are also applicable to tertiary 7-norbornyl cations. Satisfactory plots are obtained for correlation of the rates of solvolysis with the differences in steric energies between carbenium ions and the corresponding bromides.     

Gas phase reaction of nucleogenic dimethylgermylium cations with benzene

Reaction of nucleogenic dimethylgermylium cations with benzene in the gas phase was studied by the radiochemical method. The formation of the products of germylation of benzene, dimethylphenylgermane, and phenylgermane is indicative of the formation of dimethylgermylium cations by the β-decay of tritium in the molecule of dimethylditritium germane. Dimethylgermylium cations are shown to undergo a rearrangement in the course of the reaction with benzene, which is consistent with the earlier results of quantum-chemical calculations.     

Hydroboration; An ab initio study of the reaction of BH3 with ethylene

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations indicate the reaction of BH₃ with ethylene to proceed exothermically via an intermediate π-complex, but without an overall activation barrier. The mechanism of the reaction in the gas phase is indicated to proceed in two facile stages: the formation of the π-complex and its rearrangement to ethyl borane product. The progress of the reaction is shown pictorially by drawings of the interacting orbitals at various stages.     

Lewis acid-catalyzed rearrangement of 2,2-dichloronorbornane to 1-chloronorbornane

The mechanism for the unusual AlCl(3)-catalyzed rearrangement of 2,2-dichloronorbornane to 1-chloronorbornane in pentane has been elucidated; the reaction, which also yields four isomeric dichloronorbornanes, occurs in three steps: (1). ionization to form the 2-chloro-2-norbornyl cation, which was fully characterized by two-dimensional (1)H and (13)C NMR in SbF(5)/SO(2)ClF; (2). Wagner-Meerwein shift to yield the 1-chloro-2-norbornyl cation, which was partially characterized by (1)H NMR; and (3). hydride abstraction.     

Dimerization of formic acid--an example of a "noncovalent" reaction mechanism

The pulse deposition technique allows selectively the isolation of monomeric or dimeric formic acid in argon matrices at 7 K. Warming of matrices containing the monomer M from 7 K to 40 K results in the decrease of M and formation of a dimer B. This dimer is also labile, and further warming finally produces a second dimer A. By comparison with density functional theory (DFT) calculations and gas phase IR spectra taken from the literature, the latter dimer A was identified as the C2h-symmetrical cyclic dimer. The unstable dimer B was identified as the acyclic Cs-symmetrical dimer. An activation energy of 2.3 kcal mol(-1) was calculated for the B --> A rearrangement at the B3LYP/ 6-311 ++ G(d,p) level of theory, which is in qualitative agreement with the experimental finding of a slow thermal reaction under the conditions of matrix isolation.     

Chemo- and periselectivity in the addition of [OsO2(CH2)2] to ethylene: a theoretical study

Quantum chemical calculations by using density functional theory at the B3LYP level have been carried out to elucidate the reaction course for the addition of ethylene to [OsO2(CH2)2] (1). The calculations predict that the kinetically most favorable reaction proceeds with an activation barrier of 8.1 kcal mol(-1) via [3+2] addition across the O=Os=CH2 moiety. This reaction is -42.4 kcal mol(-1) exothermic. Alternatively, the [3+2] addition to the H2C=Os=CH2 fragment of 1 leads to the most stable addition product 4 (-72.7 kcal mol(-1)), yet this process has a higher activation barrier (13.0 kcal mol(-1)). The [3+2] addition to the O=Os=O fragment yielding 2 is kinetically (27.5 kcal mol(-1)) and thermodynamically (-7.0 kcal mol(-1)) the least favorable [3+2] reaction. The formal [2+2] addition to the Os=O and Os=CH2 double bonds proceeds by initial rearrangement of 1 to the metallaoxirane 1 a. The rearrangement 1-->1 a and the following [2+2] additions have significantly higher activation barriers (>30 kcal mol(-1)) than the [3+2] reactions. Another isomer of 1 is the dioxoosmacyclopropane 1 b, which is 56.2 kcal mol(-1) lower in energy than 1. The activation barrier for the 1-->1 b isomerization is 15.7 kcal mol(-1). The calculations predict that there are no energetically favorable addition reactions of ethylene with 1 b. The isomeric form 1 c containing a peroxo group is too high in energy to be relevant for the reaction course. The accuracy of the B3LYP results is corroborated by high level post-HF CCSD(T) calculations for a subset of species.     

Substituent effect on the efficiency of desulfurizative rearrangement of allylic disulfides

Crich ligation is a new method for the functionalization of peptides and proteins under mild conditions. To more fully understand the mechanism of the ligation and to explore the effect of substitution on its efficiency, a systematic theoretical study is carried out for the first time. It is found that the MP2 method wrongly predicts the substituent effect whereas the ONIOM(CCSD(T):B3LYP) method overestimates the free energy barriers by ca. 4 kcal/mol. Only the ONIOM(G3B3:B3LYP) method is found to be reliable as well as feasible for studying the ligation. The rate-limiting step of the ligation is found to be the [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of the alkyl allyl disulfide, followed by an S N2 phosphine-mediated desulfurization. The S-S bond is significantly polarized during the rearrangement and, therefore, the reaction proceeds more rapidly in polar solvents. R S and R 3 substitutions elevate the free energy barrier of the ligation, whereas the R 2 substitution does not exert a useful effect. Only the substitution at R 1 can effectively reduce the free energy barrier of the reaction to less than 20 kcal/mol (a value required to allow the reaction to complete in minutes at 25 degrees C). Therefore, secondary and tertiary allyl alkyl disulfides can undergo the ligation at the room temperature. Marcus theory analysis indicates that the major factor for the retardation of the reaction by substituents at R S and R 3 and for the acceleration by substituents at R 1 is the thermodynamic equilibrium between the disulfide and thiosulfoxide. To shift the equilibrium to favor the ligation, placement of substituents at R 1 is obligatory for alkyl allyl disulfides. Nonetheless, alkyl buta-2,3-dienyl disulfides may also undergo the ligation at room temperature without the help of the R 1 substituent.     

取代基对α-氨基乙腈热解反应影响的研究

用MINDO/3方法洋细研究了取代基对α-氨基乙腈热消除反应的影响. 研究表明, 对于孤立分子的气相反应, 给电子基使活化势垒降低, 吸电子基使活化势垒上升; 而对OH~-催化下的反应, 给电子基和吸电子基均使活化势垒上升.     

Marcus电子转移理论的科学性探讨

利用科学原理对Marcus电子转移理论的科学性进行了考察, 结果表明Marcus电子转移理论违背了能量守恒定律.     

A Monte Carlo simulation of free energy relationships for the electron transfer reaction between Fe+ and Fe2+ in water

A free energy barrier ΔF^≠ = 174.2 kJ/mol for the self-exchange electron transfer reaction model Fe⁺/Fe²⁺ in water has been calculated by combining Monte Carlo simulations and the statistical perturbation theory. We have shown that, even for those electron transfer reactions that present a very high free energy barrier of activation, the free energy curve behaves parabolically versus the reaction coordinate, which justifies the quadratic expression for the activation free energy done by Marcus.