Topomerization of 2-Halo-[9] Annulen Anion at the DFT Level

Topomerization of [9] annulen anion(1)and its 2-fluoro-,2-chloro-and 2-bromo-derivatives(2,3 and 4,respectively)are studied at the HF/6-31G* and B3LYP/6-311++G** levels of theory.The relative ease of topomerization is dependent on the charge distribution and planarity of the ground state and the transition state of 9-membered rings as well as the size and electronegativity of halogen substituent.Consequently,the endo-2-halo-[9] annulen anion topomers become unstable and easily convert to related exo-topomers.Hence,according to the DFT calcu-lations,the order of topomerization energy barrier for endo exo topomerization is 1endo > 2 endo > 3endo.     

[18]Annulene

The geometry of [18]annulene has been fully optimized within the D_6h point group (la) utilizing ab initio MO theory at the STO-3G level to give carbon-carbon bond lengths of 1.391 and 1.400 Å. This structure is found to be 35.7 kcal/mol less stable than a D_3h structure (1b) with alternating bond lengths of 1.330 and 1.479 Å. The ionization potentials are calculated to be in the ranges. 6.2–7.1 (1a) and 7.4–8.1 eV (1b)     

Concerning the Structure of [18]Annulene

A recent computational study of Schleyer and co‐workers [1] is reviewed, which led these authors to the firm conclusion that [18]annulene has a localized structure with alternating single and double C,C bonds, contrary to earlier crystallographic analyses of X‐ray‐diffraction data favoring a delocalized non‐alternating form. It is pointed out i) that deceptive orientational disorder phenomena in the crystal might be subject to experimental resolution in this case, and ii) that, in contrast to gas and solution phases, [18]annulene might possibly assume the non‐alternating structure in the crystalline solid state.     

Benzoannelated cis,cis,cis,trans-[5.5.5.6]fenestranes: syntheses, base lability, and flattened molecular structure of strained epimers of the all-cis series

Tribenzofenestranes possessing the strained cis,cis,cis,trans-[5.5.5.6]-fenestrane skeleton have been synthesized from cis-2,6-diphenylspiro[cyclohexane-1,2'-indane]-1',3'-diols by two-fold cyclodehydration, in striking analogy to the strategy used previously to construct the stereoisomeric all-cis-tribenzo[5.5.5.6]fenestranes from the corresponding trans-diphenylspirodiols. In this manner, both of the parent hydrocarbons, all-cis-tribenzo[5.5.5.6]fenestrane 3 and cis,cis,cis,trans-tribenzo[5.5.5.6]fenestrane 4, have been made accessible from the spirodiketones 5 and 6, respectively. The C6-functionalized derivatives of 4-cis,cis,cis,trans-fenestranol 9 and cis,cis,cis,trans-fenestranone 12-were prepared through cis-diphenylspirotriol 8 and cis-diphenyldispiroacetaldiol 11, by using the same strategy. The cis,cis,cis,trans-[5.5.5.6]fenestrane framework readily epimerizes to the more stable all-cis isomers under basic conditions, but is stable under neutral or acidic conditions. For example, cis,cis,cis,trans-fenestranone 12 yielded all-cis fenestrane 3 under Wolff-Kishner conditions, but cis,cis,cis,trans-isomer 4 under Clemmensen conditions. Epimerization was also circumvented by radical-induced desulfurization of fenestrane dithiolane 15 with nBu3SnH/AIBN, producing 4 in excellent yields. A single-crystal X-ray structure analysis of 4 revealed that, in accordance with force field and semi-empirical MO calculations, the extra strain of the benzoannelated cis,cis,cis,trans-[5.5.5.6]fenestratriene framework [Estrain(4)-Estrain(3)=46 kJmol(-1)] is due both to the almost perfect boat conformation of the six-membered ring and to considerable bond angle widening at the central, non-bridged C4b-C15d-C11b unit (121 degrees). H/D exchange experiments with the cis,cis,cis,trans hydrocarbon 4 under basic conditions demonstrated that the strain-induced epimerization to 3 occurs through direct deprotonation of the "epimeric" benzylic bridgehead C7a-H bond, which was found to be more acidic than the two C-H bonds at the benzhydrylic bridgeheads.     

Stereochemistry of the [4 + 2] cycloadditions of trans,trans- and cis,trans-2,4-hexadiene to C(60)

The [4 + 2] cycloaddition of trans,trans-2,4-hexadiene with C(60) proceeds via a concerted mechanism with retention of stereochemistry in the cycloadduct 1a. However, when cis,trans-2,4-hexadiene reacts with C(60), isomerization of the cis,trans to the thermodynamically more stable trans,trans isomer occurs. Subsequently, the cis,trans diene isomerized to the trans,trans isomer and cycloadds to C(60), to form adduct 1a. When the reaction is carried out at higher temperatures, the formation of cycloadduct 1b is also obtained. This result is consistent with a concerted cycloaddition of cis,trans-2,4-hexadiene with C(60), which is more reactive at elevated temperatures and leads to the formation of the Diels-Alder adduct 1b.     

Computation of the ESR. Coupling Constants of the [16]Annulene Radical Anion; Theoretical and Experimental Reinvestigation of the Excited States of [16]Annulene and its Mono- and Dinegative Ions

The problem of assigning the two small ESR. coupling constants of the [16]annulene radical anion to the two sets of four equivalent outer and inner ring protons is treated by three different semiempirical MO methods. All three methods indicate that the smaller coupling constant (0.743 Gauss) should be assigned to the inner protons, and the larger one (0.963 Gauss) to the outer ones. The electronic spectra of [16]annulene, its radical anion, and its dianion have been remeasured. Especially interesting was the detection of a symmetry-forbidden band of the radical anion at 1473 nm (6789 cm^?1, logε 2.57). The spectra are discussed in terms of different MO models.     

The Photoelectron Spectrum of [18]Annulene

The PE. spectrum of [18]annulene has been measured and correlated with MO-calculations. The experimental ionization energies can only be explained by computing the electronic states of the cation, that is by taking into account the electron correlation and reorganization in the ionic states. The results allow a discussion of the structure of the neutral molecule; they are consistent with a D_6hpoint group of symmetry.     

Synthesis of a Porous [14]Annulene Graphene Nanoribbon and a Porous [30]Annulene Graphene Nanosheet on Metal Surfaces

The electrical and mechanical properties of graphene-based materials can be tuned by the introduction of nanopores, which are sensitively related to the size, morphology, density, and location of nanopores. The synthesis of low-dimensional graphene nanostructures containing well-defined nonplanar nanopores has been challenging due to the intrinsic steric hindrance. Herein, we report the selective synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) containing periodic nonplanar [14]annulene pores on Ag(111) and two-dimensional (2D) porous graphene nanosheet containing periodic nonplanar [30]annulene pores on Au(111), starting from a same precursor. The formation of distinct products on the two substrates originates from the different thermodynamics and kinetics of coupling reactions. The reaction mechanisms were confirmed by a series of control experiments, and the appropriate thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for optimizing the reaction pathways were proposed. In addition, the combined scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed the electronic structures of porous graphene structures, demonstrating the impact of nonplanar pores on the π-conjugation of molecules.     

The vibrational spectra of cis,cis-,trans,trans- and cis,trans-1,4-dichloro-1,3-butadiene

The i.r. spectra of cis,cis,trans,_trans and cis,trans-1,4-dichloro-1,3-butadiene were recorded in cyclohexane solution in the region 600-40 cm⁻¹. Raman spectra, including polarization measurements of the neat liquids were obtained. Some previously unobserved fundamentals, particularly in the low frequency region, were assigned, and a few revisions in the earlier interpretations were made.Force fields containing 21 parameters for the cis,cis and the trans,trans compounds were constructed by transferring force constants from cis- and trans-1-chloro-1,3-butadiene. By mixing the force constants from these monochlorobutadienes a 29 parameter force field was derived for the cis,trans compound. The calculated r.m.s. amplitudes of vibration and perpendicular amplitude correction coefficients are presented.