Bis(diisopropylamino)phosphanyldiazomethane: A building block for the synthesis of stable carbene and nitrilimines

Thermolysis of [bis(diisopropylamino)phosphanyl](trimethylsilyl)diazomethane 1 affords the corresponding carbene 2 , which is stable enough to be spectroscopically characterized. This species possesses a phosphorus–carbon multiple-bond character as shown by the 2 + 3 and 2 + 2 cycloaddition reactions observed with trimethylsilyl azide or N₂O and ethyl cyanoformate, respectively. On the other hand, 2 undergoes all the classical reactions of a carbene: cyclopropanation reaction with electron-poor alkenes, carbon–hydrogen bond insertion, and carbene–carbene coupling with isonitriles. Compound 2 reacts with trimethylsilyl triflate affording a stable methylenephosphonium salt 15 . Treatment of the lithium salt of the [bis(diisopropylamino)thiophosphoranyl]diazomethane 18 with the bis(diisopropylamino)phosphanyl chloride leads to a stable nitrilimine 3 . Thermolysis of 3 affords the isomeric diazo derivative 20 , while photolysis gives rise to thiophophoranylnitrile 21 and cyclodiphosphazene 23 . Regioselective 2 + 3 cycloadditions are observed with electron-poor dipolarophiles. Addition of trimethylsilyl triflate to 3 leads to a stable electrophilic nitrilimine 29 .     

Chloration et S-oxydation du benzo[b]thiophène par l'hypochlorite de tertiobutyle. Mécanisme de la réaction

In the reaction with benzothiophene, t-butyl hypochlorite acts simultaneously as a smooth oxidizing agent and as a chlorinating agent since it is a source of both hypochlorous acid and chlorine. The mixture of all the products obtained imply that the reaction intermediate is the unstable benzothiophene I-oxide which was shown to be present by the stop flow technique. The chlorine formed traps the highly reactive benzothiophene 1-oxide in situ to give the observed products.     

Metal-Free Arylation of Benzothiophenes at C4 by Activation as their Benzothiophene S-Oxides

Benzothiophenes, activated by oxidation to the corresponding S-oxides, undergo C−H/C−H-type coupling with phenols to give C4 arylation products. While an electron-withdrawing group at C3 of the benzothiophene is important, the process operates without a directing group and a metal catalyst, thus rendering it compatible with sensitive functionalities—e.g. halides and formyl groups. Quantum chemical calculations suggest a formal stepwise mechanism involving heterolytic cleavage of an aryloxysulfur species to give a π-complex of the corresponding benzothiophene and a phenoxonium cation. Subsequent addition of the phenoxonium cation to the C4 position of the benzothiophene is favored over the addition to C3; Fukui functions predict that the major regioisomer is formed at the more electron-rich position between C3 and C4. Varied selective manipulation of the benzothiophene products showcase the synthetic utility of the metal-free arylation process.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of 2,7‐Di(trimethylsilyl)thieno[3,2‐e]benzothiophene, 1,2,5,6(5)‐Tetra(trimethylsilyl)‐1,2,5,6(2,3)‐tetrathiophenacyclooctaphan‐3(z),7(z)‐diene,and 2,7‐Di(trimethylsilyl)thieno[3,2‐e]benzothiophene‐4‐ol

With 5,5′‐di(trimethylsilanyl)‐3,3′‐bithiophenyl‐2,2′‐dicarbaldehyde as precusor, 2,7‐di(trimethylsilyl)‐thieno[3,2‐e]benzothiophene was obtained effiently via intramolecular McMurry reaction. At the same time, another two unexpected compounds, 1,2,5,6(5)‐tetra‐(trimethylsilyl)‐1,2,5,6(2,3)‐tetrathiophena‐cyclooctaphan‐3(Z),7(Z)‐diene and 2,7‐di(trimethylsilyl)thieno[3,2‐e]‐benzothiophene‐4‐ol were generated as side products. The crystal structures of all three title compounds are described.     

Electrochemical C−H Amidation of Heteroarenes with N-Alkyl Sulfonamides in Aqueous Medium

The construction of C−N bonds by free radical reactions represents a powerful synthetic approach for direct C−H amidations of arenes or heteroarenes. Developing efficient and more environmentally friendly synthetic methods for C−H amidation reactions remains highly desirable. Herein, metal-free electrochemical oxidative dehydrogenative C−H amidations of heteroarenes with N-alkylsulfonamides have been accomplished. The catalyst- and chemical-oxidant-free C−H amidation features an ample scope and employs electricity as the green and sole oxidant. A variety of heteroarenes, including indoles, pyrroles, benzofuran and benzothiophene, thereby underwent this C(sp²)−H nitrogenation. Cyclic voltammetry studies and control experiments provided evidence for nitrogen-centered radicals being directly generated under metal-free electrocatalysis.     

A new approach to desketoraloxifene analogs from oxygen-bearing 3-iodobenzo[b]thiophenes prepared via iodocyclization

A formal total synthesis of the benzothiophene selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) desketoraloxifene and analogs has been accomplished from alkynes bearing electron-rich aromatic rings by electrophilic cyclization using I₂. This approach affords oxygen-bearing 3-iodobenzo[b]thiophenes in excellent yields, which are easily further elaborated using a two-step approach involving Suzuki-Miyaura and Mitsunobu coupling reactions.     

Synthesis of benzothiophene analogues of ketoconazole and itraconazole

The synthesis of the benzothiophene analogues of the orally active antifungal agents ketoconazole and itraconazole 3a and 3b is reported. The key heterocyclic system 3-(1-piperazinyl)benzo[b]thiophene is prepared by formation of the enamine between a benzothienone and ethyl 1-piperazinecarboxylate. After elaboration of the respective N-substituents, the methoxy group is cleaved with boron tribromide, and O-alky-1ated with the corresponding mesylates.     

Isolation and characterization of thermophilic benzothiophene-degrading Mycobacterium sp.

A bacterial strain, SWU-4, capable of using benzothiophene (BT) as a sole carbon and energy source was isolated from a petroleum-contaminated site in Thailand and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis to be in the genus of Mycobacterium. The strain was Gram-positive, nonspore former, and grew at 50° C. Colonies of the strain on nutrient agar were rod-shaped, smooth with a convex surface, slightly mucoid, and yellow pigmented. The thermophilic Mycobacterium sp. strain SWU-4 rapidly degraded 2% (w/v) BT at 50°C. Interestingly, this strain was able to degrade a wide variety of organosulfur compounds including thiophene, bromo(α)thiophene, and 3-methylthiophene in liquid minimum medium at 50°C, which will be beneficial for industrial applications.     

Transition‐Metal‐Free Cross‐Coupling of Benzothiophenes and Styrenes in a Stereoselective Synthesis of Substituted (E,Z)‐1,3‐Dienes

A transition metal‐free one‐pot stereoselective approach to substituted (E,Z)‐1,3‐dienes was developed by using an interrupted Pummerer reaction/ligand‐coupling strategy. Readily available benzothiophene S‐oxides, which can be conveniently prepared by oxidation of the parent benzothiophenes, undergo Pummerer coupling with styrenes. Reaction of the resultant sulfonium salts with alkyllithium/magnesium reagents generates underexploited hypervalent sulfurane intermediates that undergo selective ligand coupling, resulting in dismantling of the benzothiophene motif and the formation of decorated (E,Z)‐1,3‐dienes.     

Understanding the reactivity and regioselectivity of [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between substituted nitrile oxides and methyl acrylate. A molecular electron density theory study

The [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of three nitrile oxides (NOs) (R‐CNO; R = Ph, CO₂Me, and Br) with methyl acrylate (MA) have been theoretically studied within the molecular electron density theory. Topological analysis of the electron localization function of these NOs permits to establish that they will participate in zw‐type 32CA reactions. Analysis of the conceptual DFT indices indicates that these zw‐type 32CA reactions will have a low polar character as a consequence of the relatively low electrophilic character of MA and the low nucleophilic character of NOs, in agreement with the global electron density transfer computed at the corresponding TSs. The activation enthalpies associated with these 32CA reactions range from 8.2 to 12.7 kcal·mol^?1. The presence of the bromide atom provokes the larger acceleration. While the 32CA reaction involving the CO₂Me substituted NO is highly ortho regioselective, the other two reactions are poorly ortho regioselective. A bonding evolution theory study of the more favorable ortho regiosiomeric channel associated with the 32CA reaction involving the Br substituted NO indicates that this reaction is associated to a nonconcerted two‐stage one‐step mechanism, in which the activation energy is mainly related to the initial rupture of the C? N triple bond of the NO.     

Comparative Computational Studies of Gaseous Alkali Metal Amidoboranes MNH2BH3 and their Carbon Analogs MC2H5 (M = Li – Cs): Formation and Unimolecular Hydrogen Evolution

Comparative computational studies of reaction mechanisms of formation and unimolecular hydrogen evolution from alkali metal amidoboranes MNH₂BH₃ and their carbon analogs MC₂H₅ (M = Li – Cs) were performed at the B3LYP/def2‐TZVPPD level of theory. Transition states (TS) for the consecutive dehydrogenation reactions were optimized. In contrast to endergonic dehydrogenation of carbon analogs, dehydrogenation reactions of alkali metal amidoboranes are exergonic at room temperature. The nature of the alkali metal does not significantly affect the thermodynamic characteristics and activation energies of unimolecular gas phase dehydrogenation reactions. The influence of the alkali metal is qualitatively similar for amidoboranes and their carbon analogs.     

Effect of benzothiophene on tetralin hydrogenation over supported rhodium catalyst in supercritical carbon dioxide solvent

The hydrogenation behavior of tetralin in the presence and absence of benzothiophene was studied over a charcoal-supported rhodium catalyst in supercritical carbon dioxide solvent. The catalyst activity, as well ascis-decalin selectivity, decreased in the presence of benzothiophene.     

Réactivité de l'hypochlorite de tertiobutyle dans l'oxydation du benzothiophene

In reaction with benzothiophene, t-butyl hypochlorite acts as an oxidizing reagent and a chlorination reagent. A mixture of 3-ehlorobenzothiophene, three 2,3-dichloro-2,3-dihydrobenzothio-phene 1-oxide isomers (trans-anti: trans-syn; cis-anti) and 2-chlorobenzothiophene 1-oxide was obtained. With a large exces of t-butyl hypochlorite, the reaction leads to 2,3-dichlorobenzothio-phene, 2,3-dichlorobenzothiophene 1-oxide. 2,2,3-trichloro-2,3-(lihydrobenzothiophene 1-oxide and 2,3-dichloro-3-oxobenzothio-phene 1-oxide. In any case, oxidation stops at the level of the sulfoxide.     

Reaction of nitriles under acidic conditions. Part I. A general method of synthesis of condensed pyrimidines

Nitriles are known to give rise to salts of different compositions with halogen acids. Many of the reactions undergone by nitriles under the influence of halogen acids are, in many cases, assumed to proceed via the intermediate formation of highly reactive imidoyl derivatives. The intermediates produced, in situ, by the reaction of nitriles with hydrogen chloride should, in principle, be capable of reacting with compounds containing appropriately placed nucleophilic and electrophilic centers leading to the formation of a heterocycle incorporating the C=N of the nitrile. Thus, the reaction of aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic nitriles with a variety of ortho aminocarbonyl derivatives such as nitriles, amides, esters and ketones of benzene, thiophen, furan, pyrrole, benzothiophene and pyridothiophene have been found to yield the corresponding condensed pyrimidines in fair to good yields. This constitutes a facile and versatile one-pot synthesis of condensed pyrimidines.     

Excited State Mixed-Valence Complexes: From the Special Pair to the Creutz–Taube Ion and Beyond

Compounds and complexes with mixed-valence electronic ground states, such as the Creutz–Taube ion, have proven to be excellent vehicles through which to study intramolecular electron-transfer processes. In a recent contribution by Cadranel and co-workers, time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy reveals photo-induced metal-to-bridge charge transfer within the homovalent analogue of the Creutz–Taube ion, [{(NH₃)₅Ru}(μ-pz){Ru(NH₃)₅}]⁴⁺, giving rise to two closely lying excited states with mixed-valence character, one with a shorter lifetime (τ=136 ps) and weakly-coupled (Robin-Day Class II) character, the other a longer-lived (τ=2.8 ns) configurational isomer with more delocalized electronic structure. Electron transfer reactions from the longer-lived species demonstrate analogies with the photo-induced reactions of the photosynthetic special pair, suggesting this state as a reference system for excited state mixed-valency, and a framework from which to explore photocatalytic reactions.     

Desulphurization of kerosene: Pervaporation of benzothiophene/n-dodecane mixtures

Different fluorinated copolyimides have been synthesized using 6FDA (4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride), DABA (3,5-diaminobenzoic acid), 4MPD (2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine) and 3MPD (2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3-phenylenediamine). The copolyimides with different compositions of monomers were used as membrane materials in order to remove benzothiophene from benzothiophene/n-dodecane mixtures by pervaporation. This is especially of interest in fuel cell applications where sulphur components are poisoning the catalyst and therefore reducing the life time of the system. In order to figure out which operation parameters, e.g. temperature, pressure and membrane material are necessary for the enrichment of the sulphur-aromatic component and sufficient transmembrane fluxes, different pervaporation experiments have been performed. Feed temperatures have been varied between 353 and 413 K and permeate pressures between 19 and 45 mbar, average fluxes and enrichment factors β were determined. Activation energies for permeation were calculated for benzothiophene and n-dodecane in order to understand the temperature-dependent separation characteristics. The influence of the different diamine structures on the separation characteristics was investigated. It was found out that slight differences in structure, e.g. an additional methyl group on the polymer backbone does not have a significant effect on the pervaporation properties. Total fluxes for 6FDA–4MPD/DABA 9:1 and 6FDA–3MPD/DABA 9:1 membranes were 15.2 and 10.3 kg μm/(m² h) at 393 K, with the corresponding enrichment factor of benzothiophene of 3.6 and 3.3, respectively. With increasing temperature, enhanced fluxes as well as enhanced enrichment factors were observed. Furthermore it was found that higher permeate pressures led to a decrease of the enrichment factor with no significant change in flux.     

Polychronous kinetics with nonstationary rate constants. Effect of a medium

Characteristic features of the kinetics of solid-state cage reactions with distributed parameters of the relaxing matrix were considered. Depending on the ratio of the constants of the reaction rate and relaxation of environment, the kinetics of chemical conversions can be either exponential or nonexponential. Plausible reasons for the unsteady-state character of the kinetics of the processes of two types,viz., the reactions of alkyl radicals in amorphous alcohol matrices and conversions in biological systems, were discussed. The main reason for the unsteady-state character of the reactions of the first type is a dispersion of the equilibrium distances between the reagents. Kinetics of the reactions of the second type, such as rebinding of the ligands in the heme-containing proteins (e.g., in myoglobin), is determined by the distances in the pairs of reagents and the relaxation transitions. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 3, pp. 469–476, March, 1997.     

LiBC — ein vollständig interkalierter Heterographit

LiBC — A Completely Intercalated Heterographite LiBC is a new compound composed only from light main group elements. LiBC is synthesized from the elements in sealed niobium ampoules at 770 K, and short annealing at 1 770 K, forming hexagonal platelets with golden lustre. According to Li⁺(BC)^?, boron and carbon form planar hetero graphite layers of the isoelectronic hexagonal boron nitride type. The inter-layer regions are completely filled by lithium (P6₃/mmc; a = 275.2 pm; c = 705.8 pm; hP6; ZrBeSi type). The deformation density of the valence electrons prove the π character of the B? C bonds, as well as a polarization according to (BC^?). Chemical and physical properties indicate a certain range of homogeneity x(Li) ≤ 1. The thermal decomposition and chemical reactions lead to BC products not yet characterized. The oxidation of LiBC obviously runs by a mechanism similar to that of graphite.     

An electron localization function and catastrophe theory analysis on the molecular mechanism of gas-phase identity SN2 reactions

A set of four reactions, XCH₃+X^? (X=F, Cl, Br) and ClSiH₃+Cl^?, is investigated by means of the joint use of the electron localization function (ELF) and catastrophe theory (CT) analysis in order to obtain new insights into the bond breaking/forming processes for identity S_N2 gas-phase reactions. Using DFT calculations at the OLYP/6-311++G(d,p) level, the effect of nucleophile (F, Cl, and Br anions) and the role of reacting centers (C or Si) on the reaction mechanisms are investigated. The charge-shift character of carbon–halogen bonds is studied by determination of the weights of the Lewis resonance structures. In all S_N2 reactions at the carbon atom, there is a progressive reduction on the covalent character of the C–X bond from the reactant complex (0.41, 0.57, 0.58 for F, Cl, and Br, respectively) until the bond-breaking process, occurring before the transition structure is reached. On the other hand, the Si–Cl bond maintains its degree of covalent character (0.51) from the isolated fragments to the formation of a stable transition complex, presenting two silicon–chlorine charge-shifted bonds. The analysis of the ELF topology along the reaction path reveals that all reactions proceed via the same turning points of fold-type but the order is inverted for reactions taking place at C or Si atoms.     

The synthesis of novel polycyclic heterocyclic ring systems. 2. Naphmo[2,1-b:4,3-g]bisbenzo[b]thiophene

The novel polycyclic heterocyclic ring system, naphtho[2,1-b:4,3-g]bisbenzo[b]thiophene was synthesized from 5-[2-(2-bromo-3-thienyl)ethenyl]naphtho[2,1-b][1]benzothiophene. The assignment of its ¹H and ¹³C nmr spectra was also accomplished by utilizing two-dimensional nmr methods.