Relationship between the configurations of 2-phenyltetrahydrothiophenium 1-methylides and their rearrangement products

trans-2-Phenyltetrahydrothiophenium 1-methylide (trans-3), which is generated by fluoride ion-induced desilylation of trans-2-phenyl-1-[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]tetrahydrothiophenium salt (trans-2), gave a mixture of 1,4,5,10a-tetrahydro-3H-2-benzothiocine (4) ([2,3]sigmatropic rearrangement product) and 4-methylsulfanyl-1-phenyl-1-butene (5) (Hofmann elimination product). Ylide trans-3 cannot undergo [2,3]sigmatropic rearrangement because the ylide-carbon is too far from the phenyl group, and trans-3 would instead isomerize to cis-3. In this paper, we discuss the mechanism of the isomerization of trans-3 to cis-3.     

Regio- and stereocontrolled synthesis of novel 3-sulfonamido-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepines from 2-(bromomethyl)- or 2-(sulfonyloxymethyl)aziridines

2-(Bromomethyl)-1-sulfonylaziridines were converted into novel 3-sulfonamido-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepines upon treatment with 2-aminothiophenol in THF in the presence of K2CO3. Starting from 3-substituted 2-(sulfonyloxymethyl)aziridines, a regio- and stereocontrolled synthesis of trans-2-phenyl- and trans-4-(phenyl or propyl)-3-sulfonamido-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-benzothiazepines was developed in good yields via two different reaction pathways, depending on the nature of the sulfonyloxy group.     

Molecular basis for enantioselectivity of lipase from Chromobacterium viscosum toward the diesters of 2,3-dihydro-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,3-trimethyl-1H-inden-5-ol

2,3-Dihydro-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,3-trimethyl-1H-inden-5-ol, 1, is a chiral bisphenol useful for preparation of polymers. Previous screening of commercial hydrolases identified lipase from Chromobacterium viscosum (CVL) as a highly regio- and enantioselective catalyst for hydrolysis of diesters of 1. The regioselectivity was > or =30:1 favoring the ester at the 5-position, while the enantioselectivity varied with acyl chain length, showing the highest enantioselectivity (E = 48 +/- 20 S) for the dibutanoate ester. In this paper, we use a combination of nonsymmetrical diesters and computer modeling to identify that the remote ester group controls the enantioselectivity. First, we prepared nonsymmetrical diesters of (+/-)-1 using another regioselective, but nonenantioselective, reaction. Lipase from Candida rugosa (CRL) showed the opposite regioselectivity (>30:1), allowing removal of the ester at the 4'-position (the remote ester in the CVL-catalyzed reaction). Regioselective hydrolysis of (+/-)-1-dibutanoate (150 g) gave (+/-)-1-5-dibutanoate (89 g, 71% yield). Acylation gave nonsymmetrical diesters that varied at the 4'-position. With no ester at the 4'-position, CVL showed no enantioselectivity, while hindered esters (3,3-dimethylbutanoate) reacted 20 times more slowly, but retained enantioselectivity (E = 22). These results indicate that the remote ester group can control the enantioselectivity. Computer modeling confirmed these results and provided molecular details. A model of a phosphonate transition state analogue fit easily in the active site of the open conformation of CVL. A large hydrophobic pocket tilts to one side above the catalytic machinery. The tilt permits the remote ester at the 4'-position of only the (S)-enantiomer to bind in this pocket. The butanoate ester fits and fills this pocket and shows high enantioselectivity. Both smaller and larger ester groups show low enantioselectivity because small ester groups cannot fill this pocket, while longer ester groups extend beyond the pocket. An improved large-scale resolution of 1-dibutanoate with CVL gave (R)-(+)-1-dibutanoate (269 g, 47% yield, 92% ee) and (S)-(-)-1-4'-monobutanoate (245 g, 52% yield, 89% ee). Methanolysis yielded (R)-(+)-1 (169 g, 40% overall yield, >97% ee) and (S)-(-)-1 (122 g, 36% overall yield, >96% ee).     

New concepts for regio- and stereoselective bis- and triscyclopropanations of C60

The synthesis of isomerically multiple adducts of C(60) with a defined three-dimensional structure is still one of the most challenging tasks of exohedral fullerene chemistry. The inherent regioselectivity of successive additions of addends such as malonates to the fullerene's [6,6]-double bonds is only moderate. In most cases difficult-to-isolate mixtures of regioisomers are obtained. The regioselectivity can be significantly improved if multifunctional addends able to undergo two or more additions are allowed to react with C(60). Preorganization and minimization of strain energy within the addend skeleton reduce the number of sterically allowed addition patterns. Improved concepts for highly regio- and stereoselective bis- and triscyclopropanations of C(60) are described. Two examples of the bisadditions with complete regioselectivity leading to trans-2- and cis-2 are presented. Here, the two malonate binding sites are linked by rigid tetraphenylporphyrin and calix-[4]-arene spacers. Selective trisadditions were achieved with the easy-to-synthesize and easy-to-modify tripodal addends 5-7, where the malonates are held together by a focal aryl moiety. Another very elegant approach for bis- and trisadditions involves cyclo-[n]-alkylmalonates. Selection between addition patterns with and without rotational axes is possible by choosing the right combinations of the flexible alkyl chains connecting the malonates. If alkyl chains of identical lengths are used bis- and trisadducts such as 19-21 and 25 with rotational symmetry are formed with high regioselectivity. These addition patterns are avoided if cyclo-[n]-malonates containing alkyl chains of different lengths are employed. In this case adducts such as 26 and 27 with C(s)-symmetry are formed. The use of the chiral cyclo-[3]-malonate 28 allows for the regio- and stereoselective synthesis of the enantiomerically pure e,e,e-trisadducts 29 and 30 containing an inherently chiral addition pattern with C(3)-symmetry.     

Glycosylidene Carbenes. Part 14. Glycosidation of partially protected galactopyranose-, glucopyranose-, and mannopyranose-derived vicinal diols

The relation between H-bonding in diequatorial trans-1,2 and axial, equatorial cis-1,2-diols and the regioselectivity of glycosidation by the diazirine 1 was examined. H-Bonds were assigned on the basis of FT-IR and ¹H-NMR spectra (Fig. 1). Glycosidation by 1 of the gluco-configurated diequatorial trans-2,3-diols 4–7 yielded the mono-glucosylated products 16/17/20/21 (69–89%); 1,2-/1,3-linked products (37–46:63–54), 24/25/28/29 (60–63%; 1,2-/1,3-linked products 46–51:54–49), 32–35 (69–94%; 1,2-/1,3-linked products 45–52:55–48), and 36/37/40/41 (59–63%; 1,2-/1,3-linked products 52–59:48–41), respectively (Scheme 1, Table 3). The disaccharides derived from 4, 5 , and 7 were characterized as their acetates 18/19/22/23, 26/27/30/31 , and 38/39/42/43 , respectively. Glycosidation of the galacto-configurated diequatorial 2,3-diols 8 and 9 and the manno-configurated diequatorial 3,4-diol 10 by 1 (Scheme 2, Table 3) also proceeded in fair yields to give the disaccharides 44–47 (69–80%;1,2-/1,3-linked products ca. 1:1), 48–51 (51–61%;1,2/-1,3-linked products 54–56:56–54), and 56/57/60/61 (71–80%; 1,3-/1,4-linked products 49–54:51–46), respectively. The 1,3-linked disaccharides 56/57 derived from the diol 10 were characterized as the acetates 58/59 . The regio- and stereoselectivities of the glycosidation by 1 were much better for the α-D -manno-configurated axial, equatorial cis-2,3-diol 11 and the galacto-configurated axial, equatorial cis-3,4-diol 13 (1,2-/1,3-linked disaccharides ca. 3:7 for 11 and 1,3-/1,4-linked disaccharides ca. 4:1 for 13 ; Scheme 3, Table 4). The regio- and stereoselectivity for the β-D -manno-configurated cis-2,3-diol 12 were, however, rather poor (1,2-/1,3-linked products 48:52). The 1,2-linked disaccharides 66/67 derived from 12 were characterized as the acetates 70/71 . Koenigs-Knorr-type glycosidation of the cis-diols 11–13 by 2 or 3 proceeded with a similar regio- and a higher stereoselectivity (α-D > β-D with the donor 2 and α-D < β-D with the donor 3 ) than with 1 , with the exception of 12 which did not react with 2 . The regioselectivity of the glycosidations by 1 agrees fully with the H-bonding scheme of the diols and with the hypothesis that the intermediate carbene is preferentially protonated by the most weakly H-bonded OH group. The regioselectivity of the glycosidation by 2 and by 3 is determined by a higher reactivity of the equatorial OH groups and by H-bonding. Several H-bonded and equilibrating isomers of a given diol may intervene in the glycosidation by 1 , or by 2 and 3 , resulting in the same regioselectivity. The low nucleophilicity of 12 and the low degree of regioselectivity in its reaction with 3 show that stereoelectronic effects may also profoundly influence the nucleophilicity of OH groups.     

Highly diastereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of trans-2-methylene-1,3-dithiolane 1,3-dioxide with 3-oxidopyridinium and 3-oxidopyrylium betaines: a route to the tropane skeleton

The C2-symmetric vinyl sulfoxide, trans-2-methylene-1,3-dithiolane 1,3-dioxide, was found to react with a range of 3-oxidopyridinium betaines (bearing different substituents on nitrogen) in high yield and with total diastereoselectivity. A 2.3:1 mixture of regioisomers was formed with all of the 3-oxidopyridinium betaines but the ratio was found to change over prolonged periods of time due to reversibility of the minor regioisomer. 3-Oxidopyridinium betaines bearing methyl substituents at either the 2- or 6-position were also tested in the cycloaddition process. Improved regioselectivity (8:1) and again high diastereoselectivity were observed with the betaine having an additional substituent at the 2-position, but with betaines having a substituent in the 6-position although high regioselectivity was observed (9.9:1), the major isomer was formed with low diastereoselectivity (5.5:4.4). The origin of the regio- and diastereo-selectivity with all the betaines is discussed. Finally, the C2-symmetric vinyl sulfoxide, trans-2-methylene-1,3-dithiolane 1,3-dioxide was reacted with an oxidopyrylium betaine in moderate yield. Good regioselectivity and moderate diastereoselectivity were observed.     

Noncentrosymmetric organic solids with very strong harmonic generation response

The molten reaction of 2-naphthol, 4-(aminomethyl)pyridine, and 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde at about 180 degrees C yields trans-2,3-dihydro-2,3-di(4'-pyridyl)benzo[e]indole (1) which possesses two chiral centers, rather than an expected Betti-type reaction product with only one chiral carbon center. The same reactions, using 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, 4-cyanobenzaldehyde, or 3- cyanobenzaldehyde instead of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde produce the related compounds trans-2,3-dihydro-2-(4'-pyridyl)-3-(3"-pyridyl)benzo[e]indole (2), trans-2,3-dihydro-2-(4'-pyridyl)-3-(4"-cyanophenyl)benzo[e]indole (3), and trans-2,3-dihydro-2-(4'-pyridyl)-3-(3"-cyanophenyl)benzo[e]indole (4), respectively. This reaction proceeds with a high degree of stereoselectivity with a trans/cis ratio of about 98:2 at elevated temperature. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 crystallize in a noncentrosymmetric space group (Pca2(1), Pca2(1), and Cc), while compound 3 has a chiral space group (P2(1)). These successfully acentric packing arrangements are probably due to the molecule bearing both two chiral centers and potential hydrogen-bonding groups. Furthermore, the reaction of racemic 6-hydroxy-2'-methyl-2-naphthaleneacetic acid with ethyl-2-cyano-1-(4'-pyridyl)acrylic acetate in the presence of piperidine gives 1-pyridyl-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-amino-1H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran-2'-methylacetic acid (5), which likewise crystallizes in a chiral space group. All of compounds are second harmonic generation (SHG) active, and have a very strong SHG response approximately about 8.0, 5.0, 12.0, 6.0, and 1.4 (for 1-5 compounds) times that of urea. Ferroelectric property measurements indicate that compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 may display ferroelectric behavior.     

Novel Radical Cation Reactions of Bichromophoric Systems. Transannular Aryl Migrations; Mechanistic and Exploratory Organic Photochemistry(,)(1)(,)(2)

Eight aryl-substituted 1,4-pentadienes were subjected to photochemically induced electron transfer using dicyanonaphthalene and dicyanoanthracene. The radical-cations produced underwent a regioselective cyclization, wherein one electron-deficient aryl group of one diarylvinyl moiety bonds to the beta-carbon of the second diarylvinyl group. A pattern of regioselectivity and reactivity was encountered. As cyclization proceeds, the odd-electron density becomes localized in the benzhydryl side chain while the positive charge becomes localized in the second portion of the molecule. Substitution in one diarylvinyl branch designed to delocalize odd-electron density but destabilize electron deficiency led to higher reactivity than the unsubstituted parent 1,1,5,5-tetraphenyl-3,3-dimethyl-1,4-pentadiene. The benzhydryldihydronaphthalene photoproducts themselves proved photochemically reactive. On sensitization, the benzhydryldihydronaphthalene reacted with a transannular 1,5-migration of one aryl group of the benzhydryl moiety. Where the two benzhydryl aryl groups were different, the cyanophenyl group migrated in preference to phenyl, and both diastereomers led to the same product stereoisomer. Ab initio and semiempirical computations were in accord with the radical cation and triplet regioselectivity.     

Origin of the regio- and stereoselectivity in palladium-catalyzed electrophilic substitution via bis(allyl)palladium complexes

Palladium-catalyzed allylic substitution of aryl allyl chlorides with aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes was performed in the presence of hexamethylditin. This procedure involves palladium-catalyzed formation of transient allylstannanes followed by generation of a bis(allyl)palladium intermediate, which subsequently reacts with the aldehyde electrophile. The catalytic substitution reaction proceeds with high regio- and stereoselectivity. The stereoselectivity is affected by the steric and electronic properties of the allylic substituents. Various functionalities including NO(2), COCH(3), Br, and F groups are tolerated under the applied catalytic conditions. Density functional calculations at the B3PW91/DZ+P level of theory were applied to study the steric and electronic effects controlling the regio- and stereoselectivity of the electrophilic addition. The development of the selectivity was studied by modeling the various bis(allyl)palladium species occurring in the palladium-catalyzed substitution of cinnamyl chloride with benzaldehyde. It was found that the electrophilic attack proceeds via a six-membered cyclic transition state, which has a pronounced chair conformation. The regioselectivity of the reaction is controlled by the location of the phenyl group on the eta(1)-allyl moiety of the complex. The stereoselectivity of the addition process is determined by the relative configuration of the phenyl substituents across the developing carbon-carbon bond. The lowest energy path corresponds to the formation of the branched allylic isomer with the phenyl groups in anti configuration, which is in excellent agreement with the experimental findings.     

Organocatalyzed highly enantioselective direct aldol reactions of aldehydes with hydroxyacetone and fluoroacetone in aqueous media: the use of water to control regioselectivity

An organocatalyst prepared from (2R,3R)-diethyl 2-amino-3-hydroxysuccinate and L-proline exhibited high regio- and enantioselectivities for the direct aldol reactions of hydroxyacetone and fluoroacetone with aldehydes in aqueous media. It was found that water could be used to control the regioselectivity. The presence of 20-30 mol% of the catalyst afforded the direct aldol reactions of a wide range of aldehydes with hydroxyacetone to give the otherwise disfavored products with excellent enantioselectivities, ranging from 91 to 99% ee, and high regioselectivities. Aldolizations of fluoroacetone with aldehydes mediated by 30 mol% of the organocatalyst in aqueous media preferentially occurred at the methyl group, yielding products with high enantioselectivities (up to 91% ee); however, these additions took place dominantly at the fluoromethyl group in THF. Optically active 3,5-disubstituted tetrahydrofurans and (2S,4R)-dihydroxy-4-biphenylbutyric acid were prepared by starting from the aldol reaction of hydroxyacetone. Theoretical studies on the role of water in controlling the regioselectivity revealed that the hydrogen bonds formed between the amide oxygen of proline amide, the hydroxy of hydroxyacetone, and water are responsible for the regioselectivity by microsolvation with explicit one water molecule as a hydrogen-bond donor and/or an acceptor.     

Regio- and stereoselectivity in the reactions of organometallic reagents with an electron-deficient and an electron-rich vinyloxirane: applications for sequential bis-allylic substitution reactions in the generation of vicinal stereogenic centers

Vinyloxiranes provide opportunities for bis-allylic substitution reactions and the generation of new vicinal stereogenic centers if regio- and stereocontrol can be achieved. Ethyl (E)-4,5-epoxy-2-hexenoate affords excellent S(N)2':S(N)2 regioselectivity and anti:syn product diastereoselectivity with dialkyzinc reagents in the presence of CuCN, and conversion of the resultant allylic alcohol to the acetate affords good syn:anti product diastereoselectivity in S(N)2'-selective allylic substitutions with alkylcyanocuprates in THF. (E)-1-(tert-Butyldimethylsilyloxy)-2,3-epoxy-4-hexenonate gives excellent S(N)2':S(N)2 regioselectivity and anti:syn product diastereoselectivity with dialkyzinc reagents in THF or DMF or Grignard reagents in Et(2)O/THF (10/1) in the presence of CuCN. Conversion of the product allylic alcohol into the allylic phosphate affords excellent S(N)2' regioselectivity and syn:anti product diastereoselectivity with lithium alkylcyanocuprates for primary and secondary alkyl transferable ligands, while S(N)2 regioselectivity is observed for the tert-butyl ligand. Reaction conditions have been developed for regio- and stereocontrolled bis-allylic substitution reactions on both electron-rich and electron-deficient alkenyloxiranes, providing a methodology for the generation of vicinal alkane stereogenic centers.     

Metal-catalyzed cycloetherification reactions of β,γ- and γ,δ-allendiols: chemo-, regio-, and stereocontrol in the synthesis of oxacycles

Versatile routes that lead to a variety of functionalized enantiopure tetrahydrofurans, dihydropyrans, and tetrahydrooxepines are based on chemo-, regio-, and stereocontrolled metal-catalyzed oxycyclization reactions of β,γ- and γ,δ-allendiols, which were readily prepared from (R)-2,3-O-isopropylideneglyceraldehyde. The application of Pd(II), Pt(II), Au(III), or La(III) salts as the catalysts gives controlled access to differently sized oxacycles in enantiopure form. Usually, chemoselective cyclization reactions occurred exclusively by attack of the secondary hydroxy group (except for the oxybromination of phenyl β,γ-allenic diols 3b and 3d) to an allenic carbon atom. Regio- and stereocontrol issues are mainly influenced by the nature of the metal catalysts and substituents.     

Mechanism of the

Stereochemical studies on [2 + 2] photoaddition of cis-/trans-4-propenylanisole (cis-1 and trans-1) and cis-1-(p-methoxyphenyl)ethylene-2-d(1) (cis-3-d(1)) to C(60) exhibit stereospecificity in favor of the trans-2 cycloadduct in the former case and nonstereoselectivity in the latter. The observed stereoselectivity in favor of the cis-6-d(3) [2 + 2] diastereomer by 12% in the case of the photochemical addition of (E)-1-(p-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-prop-1-ene-3,3,3-d(3) (trans-5-d(3)) to C(60) is attributed to a steric kinetic isotope effect (k(H)/k(D) = 0.78). The loss of stereochemistry in the cyclobutane ring excludes a concerted addition and is consistent with a stepwise mechanism. Intermolecular secondary kinetic isotope effects of the [2 + 2] photocycloaddition of 3-d(0) vs 3-d(1), and 3-d(6) as well as 5-d(0) vs 5-d(1), and 5-d(6) to C(60) were also measured. The intermolecular competition due to deuterium substitution of both vinylic hydrogens at the beta-carbon of 3 exhibits a substantial inverse alpha-secondary isotope effect k(H)/k(D) = 0.83 (per deuterium). Substitution with deuterium at both vinylic methyl groups of 5 yields a small inverse k(H)/k(D) = 0. 94. These results are consistent with the formation of an open intermediate in the rate-determining step.     

Reduction of cyclic group 6 Fischer carbene complexes: a case of exquisite regioselectivity

The reduction of alpha,beta-unsaturated cyclic group 6 metal-carbene complexes strongly depends on the electronic profile of the groups attached both to the carbene and the beta-carbon and occurs with exquisite regioselectivity. Thus, for complexes 8 the reduction does not take place at the carbene carbon but exclusively at the gamma-carbonyl group. The resulting alkoxide 20 evolves to a tricyclic epoxide structure 21, which precludes additional hydride transfers. Complex 9 experiences the exclusive 1,4-reduction because of the imino character of the beta-carbon (due to the participation of the aromatic resonance form 22). In contrast, monocyclic carbene complexes 10 behave as their acyclic congeners and experience 1,2-hydride addition followed by the 1,3-migration of the metal center. In this case, the participation of eta(3)-Cr(CO)(5) species 31 allows us to understand the labeling pattern found in the final products.     

Complete reversal in regioselectivity in the Baeyer-Villiger reaction of an alpha-CF(3)-ketone and theoretical rationale for axial orientation of sterically demanding CF(3) group at the transition state

The regioselectivity of the Baeyer-Villiger reaction of alpha-CF(3)-ketone is completely reversed from that in alpha-F(eq)-ketone. Theoretical study rationalized that the reaction proceeds with the sterically demanding CF(3) group in an axial orientation by strong dipole interaction. The guiding principle that strong dipole interaction can overcome steric repulsion as a determining factor not only in regio- but also in stereocontrol is proposed. [reaction: see text]     

Desymmetrization of 3,3′‐Bis(acylamino)‐2,2′‐bipyridine‐Based Discotics: The High Fidelity of Their Self‐Assembly Behavior in the Liquid‐Crystalline State and in Solution

Two novel nonsymmetrical disc‐shaped molecules 1 and 2 based on 3,3′‐bis(acylamino)‐2,2′‐bipyridine units were synthesized by means of a statistical approach. Discotic 1 possesses six chiral dihydrocitronellyl tails and one peripheral phenyl group, whereas discotic 2 possesses six linear dodecyloxy tails and one peripheral pyridyl group. Preorganization by strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding and subsequent aromatic interactions induce self‐assembly of the discotics. Liquid crystallinity of 1 and 2 was determined with the aid of polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction. Two columnar rectangular mesophases (Col_r) have been identified, whereas for C₃‐symmetrical derivatives only one Col_r mesophase has been found. 1 In solution, the molecularly dissolved state in chloroform was studied with ¹H NMR spectroscopy, whereas the self‐assembled state in apolar solution was examined with optical spectroscopy. Remarkably, these desymmetrized discotics, which lack one aliphatic wedge, behave similar to the symmetric parent compound. To prove that the stacking behavior of discotics 1 and 2 is similar to that of reported C₃‐symmetrical derivatives, a mixing experiment of chiral 1 with C₃‐symmetrical 13 has been undertaken; it has shown that they indeed belong to one type of self‐assembly. This helical J‐type self‐assembly was further confirmed with UV/Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Eventually, disc 2 , functionalized with a hydrogen‐bonding acceptor moiety, might perform secondary interactions with molecules such as acids.     

Regio- and stereoselective C-2 and C-3 cleavage of 2-(1-aminoalkyl)aziridines with alcohols, carboxylic acids, and sodium iodide

Ring opening of nonactivated aziridines 1 using several nucleophiles, such as alcohols, carboxylic acids, and sodium iodide, is described. Depending on the nucleophile used, aziridines 1 are cleaved at C-3 or C-2 with total regio- and stereoselectivity, affording chiral 2-alkoxy-1,3-diamines 2 with alcohols, or O-acylated-1-hydroxy-2,3-diamines 6 with carboxylic acids in moderate or high yield. In the case of the aziridines derived from phenylalanine, treatment with NaI afford trans-4-phenylbut-3-en-1,2-diamines 9, generating the alkene with total diastereoselectivity. Mechanisms have been proposed to explain these reactions.     

Water-soluble calix[4]resorcinarenes with hydroxyproline groups as chiral NMR solvating agents

Water-soluble calix[4]resorcinarenes containing 3- and 4-hydroxyproline, d-nipecotic acid, (S)-2-(methoxymethyl)pyrrolidine, (S)-2-pyrrolidine methanol, and (S,S)-(+)-2,4-bis(methoxymethyl)pyrrolidine substituents are synthesized and evaluated as chiral NMR solvating agents. The derivatives with the hydroxyproline groups are especially effective at causing enantiomeric discrimination in the spectra of water-soluble cationic and anionic compounds with pyridyl, phenyl, and bicyclic aromatic rings. Binding studies show that mono- and ortho-substituted phenyl rings associate within the cavity of the calix[4]resorcinarenes, as do naphthyl rings with mono-, 2,3-, and 1,8-substitution patterns. Anthracene derivatives with an amino or sulfonyl group at the 1-position bind within the cavity, as well. Aromatic resonances of the substrates exhibit substantial upfield shifts because of shielding from the aromatic rings of the calix[4]resorcinarene. The effectiveness of the reagents at producing chiral recognition in 1H NMR spectra is demonstrated with sodium mandelate, the sodium salt of tryptophan, and doxylamine succinate. While no one reagent is consistently the most effective, the calix[4]resorcinarenes with trans-4-hydroxyproline and trans-3-hydroxyproline moieties generally produce the largest nonequivalence in the 1H NMR spectra of the substrates.     

Thermal reaction of [3,4]-benzo-8-substituted-3Z,5Z,7E-octatetraenes and quantum-chemical study of the (8π,6π)-electrocyclisation

The first example of thermal (8π,6π)-electrocyclisation of 1,3,5,7-octatetraene with one double bond embedded in an aromatic moiety is described. By this process, [3,4]-benzo-8-substituted octatetraene derivatives, the cis,trans-1-(o-vinylphenyl)-4-(R = Me, Ph, 2-furyl)buta-1,3-dienes were transformed to a new endo-7-(R = Me, Ph, 2-furyl) and exo-7-(R = Me)-2,3-benzobicyclo[4.2.0]octa-2,4-dienes. Mechanism of reaction was also studied by DFT quantum-chemical calculations. The M06/6-311+G(d,p)//M06/6-31+G(d,p) calculations indicate that formation of the single endo-isomer in the case of phenyl and 2-furyl substituents is determined by higher activation barriers for exo-6π-electrocyclisation than for 8π-cycloreversion.     

The Diels-Alder Reaction of 2,3-Disulfur-Substituted 1,3-Butadienes

The 2,3-disulfur-substituted 1,3-dienes (1) can be readily prepared from their stable 3-sulfolene precursors (2) by thermal extrusion of SO₂. The Diels-Alder reaction of diene (1) with several dienophiles has been studied. The substituent effect on the reactivity and regioselectivity follows the order of PhS >PhSO >PhSO₂. Lewis acid can greatly increase the regioselectivity of this reaction. The diene (1c), bearing a strong electron-withdrawing sulfonyl group, also reacted as a dienophile.