Mono-N-methylation of primary amines with alkyl methyl carbonates over Y faujasites. 2. Kinetics and selectivity

In the presence of a Na-exchanged Y faujasite, the reaction of primary aromatic amines 1 with 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)methylethyl carbonate [MeO(CH(2))(2)O(CH(2))(2)OCO(2)Me, 2a] yields the corresponding mono-N-methyl derivatives ArNHMe with selectivity up to 95%, at substantially quantitative conversions. At 130 degrees C, the reaction can be run under diffusion-free conditions and is strongly affected by the solvent polarity: for instance, in going from xylene (epsilon(r) = 2.40) to triglyme (epsilon(r) = 7.62) as the solvent, the pseudo-first-order rate constant for the aniline (1a) disappearance shows a 5-fold decrease. In DMF (epsilon(r) = 38.25), the same reaction does not occur at all. Competitive adsorption of the solvent and the substrate onto the catalytic sites accounts for this result. The behavior of alkyl-substituted anilines ZC(6)H(4)NH(2) [Z = p-Me, p-Et, p-Pr, p-(n-Bu) (1b-e); Z = 3,5-di-tert-butyl- and 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylanilines (1f,g)] and p-alkoxyanilines p-ZC(6)H(4)NH(2) [Z = OMe, OEt, OPr, O-n-Bu (1b'-e')] clearly indicates a steric effect of ring substituents: as diffusion of the amine into the catalytic pores is hindered, the reaction hardly proceeds and the mono-N-methyl selectivity (S(M/D)) drops as well. Moreover, the strength of adsorption of the amine onto the catalyst influences the rate and the selectivity as well: the reaction of p-anisidine and p-toluidine-despite the higher nucleophilicity of these compounds-is slower and even less selective with respect to aniline. From a mechanistic viewpoint, the intermediacy of carbamates ArN(Me)CO(2)R [R = MeO(CH(2))(2)O(CH(2))(2)] is suggested. At 90 degrees C, the reaction of benzylamine (7)-a model for aliphatic amines-with dimethyl carbonate shows that the reaction outcome can be improved by tuning the amphoteric properties of the catalyst: in going from CsY to the more acidic LiY zeolite, methylation is not only more selective (S(M/D) ratio increases from 77% to 84%) but even much faster (CsY, conversion of 36% after 22 h; LiY, conversion of 43% after 7 h).     

Reaction of primary aromatic amines with alkyl carbonates over NaY faujasite: a convenient and selective access to mono-N-alkyl anilines.

At atmospheric pressure and at 130-160 degrees C, primary aromatic amines (p-XC6H4NH2, X = H, Cl, NO2) are mono-N-alkylated in a single step, with symmetrical and asymmetrical dialkyl carbonates [ROCOOR', R = Me, R' = MeO(CH2)2O(CH2)2; R = R' = Et; R = R' = benzyl; R = R' = allyl; R = Et, R' = MeO(CH2)2O(CH2)2], in the presence of a commercially available NaY faujasite. No solvents are required. Mono-N-alkyl anilines are obtained with a very high selectivity (90-97%), in good to excellent yields (68-94%), on a preparative scale. In the presence of triglyme as a solvent, the mono-N-alkyl selectivity is independent of concentration and polarity factors. The reaction probably takes place within the polar zeolite cavities, and through the combined effect of the dual acid-base properties of the catalyst.     

Reaction of functionalized anilines with dimethyl carbonate over NaY faujasite. 3. chemoselectivity toward mono-N-methylation

In the presence of NaY faujasite, dimethyl carbonate (MeOCO(2)Me, DMC) is a highly chemoselective methylating agent of functionalized anilines such as aminophenols (1), aminobenzyl alcohols (2), aminobenzoic acids (3), and aminobenzamides (4). The reaction proceeds with the exclusive formation of N-methylanilines without any concurrent O-methylation or N-/O-methoxy carbonylation side processes. Particularly, only mono-N-methyl derivatives [XC(6)H(4)NHMe, X = o-, m-, and p-OH; o- and p-CH(2)OH; o- and p-CO(2)H; o- and p-CONH(2)] are obtained with selectivity up to 99% and isolated yields of 74-99%. DMC, which usually promotes methylations only at T > 120 degrees C, is activated by the zeolite catalyst and it reacts with compounds 1, 2, and 4, at 90 degrees C. Aminobenzoic acids (3) require a higher reaction temperature (> or =130 degrees C).     

Synthesis of alkyl methyl ethers and alkyl methyl carbonates by reaction of alcohols with dimethyl carbonate in the presence of tungsten and cobalt complexes

Alkyl methyl ethers and alkyl methyl carbonates were synthesized by reaction of alcohols with dimethyl carbonate in the presence of tungsten and cobalt carbonyls. Optimal reactant and catalyst ratios, as well as reaction conditions, were found for selective formation of alkyl methyl ethers or alkyl methyl carbonates.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the aminolysis of methyl 4-nitrophenyl,methyl 2,4-dinitrophenyl,and phenyl 2,4-dinitrophenyl carbonates

The reactions of methyl 4-nitrophenyl carbonate (MNPC) with a series of secondary alicyclic amines (SAA) and quinuclidines (QUIN), methyl 2,4-dinitrophenyl carbonate (MDNPC) with QUIN and 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazinium ion (HPA), and phenyl 2,4-dinitrophenyl carbonate (PDNPC) with SAA are subjected to a kinetic investigation in aqueous solution, at 25.0 degrees C and an ionic strength of 0.2 M. By following spectrophotometrically the nucleofuge release (330-400 nm) under amine excess, pseudo-first-order rate coefficients (k(obsd)) are obtained. Plots of k(obsd) vs [amine] at constant pH are linear, with the slope (k(N)) being pH independent. The Br?nsted-type plot (log k(N) vs amine pK(a)) for the reactions of SAA with MNPC is biphasic with slopes beta(1) = 0.3 (high pK(a) region) and beta(2) = 1.0 (low pK(a) region) and a curvature center at pK(a)(0) = 9.3. This plot is consistent with a stepwise mechanism through a zwitterionic tetrahedral intermediate (T(+/-)) and a change in the rate-determining step with SAA basicity. The Br?nsted plot for the quinuclidinolysis of MNPC is linear with slope beta(N) = 0.86, in line with a stepwise process where breakdown of T(+/-) to products is rate limiting. A previous work on the reactions of SAA with MDNPC was revised by including the reaction of HPA. The Br?nsted plots for the reactions of QUIN and SAA with MDNPC and SAA with PDNPC are linear with slopes beta = 0.51, 0.48, and 0.39, respectively, consistent with concerted mechanisms. Since quinuclidines are better leaving groups from T(+/-) than isobasic SAA, yielding a less stable T(+/-), it seems doubtful that the quinuclidinolysis of PDNPC is stepwise, as reported.     

A safe and mild synthesis of organic carbonates from alkyl halides and tetrabutylammonium alkyl carbonates

A safe and mild procedure for the synthesis of mixed organic carbonates is described. Reaction of commercially available tetrabutylammonium methoxide and ethoxide with carbon dioxide yields the corresponding methyl and ethyl tetrabutylammonium carbonates (TBAMC and TBAEC). The reactions of these new compounds with several different alkyl halides give methyl and ethyl carbonates in high yields. The use of classic toxic and harmful chemicals such as phosgene and carbon monoxide is avoided.     

Selective n,n-dimethylation of primary aromatic amines with methyl alkyl carbonates in the presence of phosphonium salts

In the presence of onium salts, at 140-170 degrees C, methyl alkyl carbonates [1a-c, ROCO2Me, R = MeO(CH2)2[O(CH2)2]n; n = 2-0, respectively] react with primary aromatic amines (XC6H4NH2, X= p-OMe, p-Me, H, p-Cl, p-CO2Me, o-Et, and 2,3-Me2C6H3NH2) to yield the corresponding N,N-dimethyl derivatives (ArNMe2) with high selectivity (up to 96%) and good isolated yields (78-95%). Phosphonium salts (e.g., Ph3PEtI and n-Bu4PBr) are particularly efficient catalysts. Overall, a solvent-free reaction is coupled with safe methylating agents (1a-c) made from nontoxic dimethyl carbonate.     

Copper-mediated cross-coupling of functionalized arylmagnesium reagents with functionalized alkyl and benzylic halides

[reaction: see text]. Functionalized arylmagnesium halides, prepared via an iodine-magnesium exchange, undergo a smooth cross-coupling reaction with functionalized primary alkyl iodides and benzylic bromides in the presence of CuCN.2LiCl, either in stoichiometric (with trimethyl phosphite as an additive) or catalytic quantities.     

Nucleofugality of phenyl and methyl carbonates

A series of X,Y-substituted benzhydryl phenyl carbonates 1 and X,Y-substituted benzhydryl methyl carbonates 2 were subjected to solvolysis in different methanol/water, ethanol/water, and acetone/water mixtures at 25 degrees C. The LFER equation, log k = sf(Ef + Nf), was used to derive the nucleofuge-specific parameters (Nf and sf) for phenyl carbonate (1LG) and methyl carbonate (2LG) leaving groups in a given solvent in SN1 type reaction. Kinetic measurements showed that phenyl carbonates solvolyze one order of magnitude faster than methyl carbonates. Optimized geometries of 1LG and 2LG at B3LYP/6-311G(d,p), B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p), and MP2(full)/6-311++G(d,p) levels revealed that negative charge delocalization in carbonate anions to all three oxygen atoms occurs due to negative hyperconjugation. Phenyl carbonate (1LG) is a better leaving group (Nf = -0.84 +/- 0.07 in 80% v/v aq EtOH) than methyl carbonate 2LG (Nf = -1.84 +/- 0.07 in 80% v/v aq EtOH) because of more pronounced negative hyperconjugation, which is characterized with a more elongated RO-C bond and more increased RO-C-CO angle in 1LG than in 2LG. Calculated affinities of benzhydryl cation toward methyl and phenyl carbonate anions (DeltaDeltaEaff = 11.7 kcal/mol at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level and DeltaDeltaEaff = 2.7 kcal/mol at the PCM-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level in methanol, respectively) showed that 1LG is more stabilized than 2LG, which is in accordance with greater solvolytic reactivity of 1 than 2.     

Smectic behaviour of methyl 4-alkoxybenzoates with a partially fluorinated alkyl chain

A series of 4-alkoxybenzoic acids 1[m,n] and their methyl esters 2[m,n] containing a partially fluorinated alkyl chain was prepared and their physical properties were investigated by optical, thermal and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The former exhibits an SmC phase, while the latter form an SmA phase. XRD analysis indicated liquid-like character of the linking alkyl chains, and showed a decreasing layer thermal expansion coefficient from positive to negative upon increasing the degree of fluorination. The new esters 2[m,n] expanded the series and permitted analysis of trends in thermal stability of the SmA phase. The results demonstrate that the SmA–I transition temperature increases by about +20 K per CF₂CF₂ unit, and is destabilised by –5.6 K upon extending the hydrocarbon part by each CH₂CH₂ group. Data for the expanded series 2[m,n] were used for comparative analysis of mesogenic behaviour in two other series of derivatives of 1[m,n]. Synthetic methods for 1[m,n] and 2[m,n] are reviewed.     

Ni-catalyzed reductive allylation of unactivated alkyl halides with allylic carbonates

Game of two electrophiles: Two partially positively charged sp(3) carbon atoms can be connected by using a catalytic Ni species in the presence of an environmentally benign Zn reductant, delivering allylated alkanes. This unprecedented approach allowed a variety of unactivated alkyl halides and substituted allylic carbonates to regioselectively afford E-alkenes in good to excellent yields.     

Enamine formation from anilines and methyl propiolate. The synthesis of 4(1h)-quinolones

The addition of substituted anilines to methyl propiolate produces labile cis-trans mixtures of enamines which can be isomerized by acid, solvent variation, and thermal techniques. Thermal cyclization of these enamines provides a synthesis of 4( lH)-quinolones.     

Copper-catalyzed cross-coupling of functionalized alkyl halides and tosylates with secondary and tertiary alkyl grignard reagents

Added value: A copper-based method is highly efficient for the cross-coupling of alkyl electrophiles with secondary and tertiary alkyl Grignard reagents. The method is distinguished by its broad substrate scope and high functional group tolerance.     

Recognition and resolution of isomeric alkyl anilines by mass spectrometry

Two MS techniques have been used to recognize and resolve a representative isomeric pair of N-alkyl and ring-alkyl substituted anilines. The first technique (1) uses MS/MS to perform ion/molecule reactions of structurally-diagnostic fragment ions (SDFI) whereas the second (2) uses traveling wave ion mobility spectrometry (TWIMS) of the pair of protonated molecules followed by on-line collision-induced dissociation (CID), that is, MS/TWIMS-CID/MS. Isomeric C₇H₇N⁺ ions of m/z 106 (1′ from 4-butylaniline and 2 from N-butylaniline) are formed as abundant fragments by 70 eV EI of the anilines, and found to function as suitable SDFI. Ions 1′ and 2 display nearly identical unimolecular dissociation chemistry, but contrasting bimolecular reactivity with ethyl vinyl ether, isoprene, acrolein, and 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane. Ion 2 forms adducts to a large extent whereas 1′ is nearly inert towards all reactants tested. The intact protonated anilines are readily resolved and recognized by MS/TWIMS-CID/MS in a SYNAPT mass spectrometer (Waters Corporation, Manchester, UK). The protonated N-butyl aniline (the more compact isomer) displays shorter drift time and higher lability towards CID than its 4-butyl isomer. The general application of SDFI 1′ and 2 and other homologous and analogous ions and MS/TWIMS-CID/MS for absolute recognition and resolution of isomeric families of N-alkyl and ring-alkyl mono-substituted anilines and analogues is discussed.     

2-Carbethoxymethyl-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one. 4. Reaction with anilines

In a solution of DMF, 2-carbethoxymethyl-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one reacts with primarily aromatic amines basically with the formation of the corresponding 2-carbethoxymetlzyl-3-arylquinazolin-4(3H)-ones. Possible mechanisms of these chemical transformations are reported and discussed.Translated from Khimiya Geterotsiklicheskikh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 225–228, February, 1994. Original article submitted June 28, 1993.     

NiCl2-catalyzed cascade reaction of isocyanides with functionalized anilines

A NiCl₂-catalyzed isocyanide insertion reaction of anilines bearing another nucleophile functional group utilizing TEMPO as oxidant in isopropyl ethanoate (IPA) or THF has been reported. This simple and general method could afford 2-aminobenzimidazole, 2-aminobenzothiazole, 2-aminobenzoxazole, as well as 2-aminobenzo[d][1,3]oxazine in moderate to excellent yields (up to 95% yield).     

Copper-catalyzed regioselective alkylation of heteroarenes with functionalized alkyl halides

The Cu-catalyzed regioselective alkylation of heteroarenes with functionalized primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl halides is reported. The reaction proceeds via the copper-catalyzed addition of alkyl radicals to a wide range of heteroarenes, including coumarin, quinolinone, naphthoquinone, and benzofuran derivatives, with a broad substrate scope and wide functional group tolerance.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the aminolysis of 4-methylphenyl and 4-chlorophenyl 4-nitrophenyl carbonates in aqueous ethanol

Reactions of 4-methylphenyl 4-nitrophenyl carbonate (MPNPC) and 4-chlorophenyl 4-nitrophenyl carbonate (ClPNPC) with a series of quinuclidines (QUIN) and the latter carbonate with a series of secondary alicyclic amines (SAA) are subjected to a kinetic investigation in 44 wt % ethanol-water, at 25.0 degrees C and an ionic strength of 0.2 M. The reactions were followed spectrophotometrically at 330 or 400 nm (4-nitrophenol or 4-nitrophenoxide anion appearance, respectively). Under excess amine, pseudo-first-order rate coefficients (k(obsd)) are found. For all these reactions, plots of k(obsd) vs free amine concentration at constant pH are linear, the slope (k(N)) being independent of pH. The Br?nsted-type plots (log k(N) vs pK(a) of the conjugate acids of the amines) for the reactions of the series of QUIN with MPNPC and ClPNPC are linear with slopes (beta(N)) 0.88 and 0.87, respectively, which are explained by a stepwise process where breakdown of a zwitterionic tetrahedral intermediate (T(+/-)) to products is rate limiting. The Br?nsted-type plot for the reactions of the series of SAA with ClPNPC is biphasic with slopes beta(1) = 0.2 (high pK(a) region) and beta(2) = 0.9 (low pK(a) region) and a curvature center at pK(a)(0) = 10.6. This plot is in accordance with a stepwise mechanism through T(+/-) and a change in the rate-determining step, from T(+/-) breakdown to T(+/-) formation as the basicity of the SAA increases. Two conclusions arise from these results: (i) QUIN are better leaving groups from T(+/-) than isobasic SAA, and (ii) the non-leaving group effect on k(N) for these reactions is small, since beta(nlg) ranges from -0.2 to - 0.3. From these values, it is deduced that ClPNPC is ca. 70% more reactive than MPNPC toward SAA and QUIN, when expulsion of the leaving group from T(+/-) is the rate determining step.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the aminolysis of aryl phenyl chlorothiophosphates with anilines

Kinetic studies of the reactions of aryl phenyl chlorothiophosphates (1) and aryl 4-chlorophenyl chlorothiophosphates (2) with substituted anilines in acetonitrile at 55.0 degrees C are reported. The negative values of the cross-interaction constant rhoXY (rhoXY = -0.22 and -0.50 for 1 and 2, respectively) between substituents in the nucleophile (X) and substrate (Y) indicate that the reactions proceed by concerted SN2 mechanism. The primary kinetic isotope effects (kH/kD = 1.11-1.13 and 1.10-1.46 for 1 and 2, respectively) involving deuterated aniline nucleophiles are obtained. Front- and back-side nucleophilic attack on the substrates is proposed mainly on the basis of the primary kinetic isotope effects. A hydrogen-bonded, four-center-type transition state is suggested for a front-side attack, while the trigonal bipyramidal pentacoordinate transition state is suggested for a back-side attack. The MO theoretical calculations of the model reactions of dimethyl chlorothiophosphate (1') and dimethyl chlorophosphate (3') with ammonia are carried out. Considering the specific solvation effect, the front-side nucleophilic attack can occur competitively with the back-side attack in the reaction of 1'.