Conformational Studies by Dynamic NMR. 57.(1) Stereodynamics of Syn-Anti Interconversion of Disubstituted Acyl Durenes

The orthogonal syn and anti isomers, originated by the restricted rotation about the Ar-C(O)Bu(t) single bonds in 1,4-bis(2,2-dimethylpropanoyl)durene (2e), have been separated by preparative thin layer chromatography. In solution they reach an equilibrium where the syn-anti ratio depends upon the polarity of the solvent. This allowed us to assign the anti structure, which has a null dipole moment, to the least retained isomer. The free energy of activation (DeltaG) for the interconversion was found to be 22.5 kcal mol(-)(1), a value high enough for identifying these species as configurational isomers. When less hindered derivatives, also having two RCO (R = Pr(i), Et, Me) substituents in the positions 1,4 of the durene moiety, were examined, the syn and anti forms could be detected only at low temperature by means of NMR spectroscopy. The corresponding interconversion barriers (DeltaG = 13.4, 11.7, 10.9 kcal mol(-)(1), respectively) are, in fact, much lower than for R = Bu(t), indicating that in these cases we are dealing with conformational rather than with configurational isomers.     

Static and dynamic stereochemistry of the conformational atropisomers of tetra(o-tolyl)benzene

[graph: see text] Whereas only one atropisomer of 1,2,4,5-tetra(o-tolyl)benzene was observed by X-ray diffraction in the solid, five conformational atropisomers were detected by low-temperature NMR in solution. Their structures were assigned by a combination of NOE experiments, solvent effect, and ab initio calculations. Variable temperature dynamic NMR and bidimensional EXSY experiments allowed the barrier for the interconversion of these atropisomers to be determined (deltaG(double dagger) = 15.3 kcal mol(-1)).     

Conformational studies by dynamic NMR. 90. Structure and stereodynamics of the rotamers of di- and tri-alpha-naphthylphenyl derivatives

The crystal structure of 1,3,5-tris(4-methylnaphth-1-yl)benzene, 1, shows one naphthyl substituent in an anti relationship to the other two. On the other hand, low temperature (-70 degrees C) (1)H NMR spectra in solution show the presence of a second rotational conformer (rotamer) having all the three naphthyl substituents in a syn relationship. The interconversion barrier between the anti (77%) and syn (23%) rotamers of 1 was determined by line shape simulation of the temperature-dependent NMR spectra (Delta G(++) = 12.1 kcal mol(-1)). In the analogous disubstituted meta and paraderivatives, that is, 1,3- and 1,4-bis(4-methylnaphth-1-yl)benzene (2 and 3, respectively), the presence of both the anti and syn rotamers was also detected by low-temperature NMR spectroscopy. In the latter compounds, the proportions of the anti and syn forms are nearly equal, and the corresponding anti to syn interconversion barriers were found to be lower (11.4 and 11.1(5) kcal mol(-1), respectively) than those of the trisubstituted derivative 1.     

Conformational studies by dynamic NMR. 94.1 cogwheel pathway for the stereomutations of durene derivatives containing the mesityl ring

The low-temperature NMR spectra of 1,4-bis(mesitoyl)durene, 1, and of 1,4-bis(mesitylethenyl)durene, 2, reveal the presence of syn and anti rotamers at the equilibrium, their relative proportions depending on the dielectric constant of the solvent. In solution the more stable rotamer of 1 is the anti whereas, in the case of 2, the more stable is the syn. Depending on the crystallization solvent employed the more (anti) and the less stable (syn) rotamers were both observed (X-ray diffraction) in the solid state of 1. On the other hand, only the less stable rotamer (anti) was found to be present in the solid state of 2. As shown by MM calculations, the syn-to-anti interconversion occurs via a correlated process (cogwheel pathway) involving the mesityl-C and durene-C bond rotations: the dynamic NMR technique yields an experimental barrier of 8.2 kcal mol(-)(1) for 1 and 13.1 kcal mol(-)(1) for 2. In the case of derivative 2 a second barrier, due to a second type of correlated rotation process (torsion), was also determined (8.6 kcal mol(-)(1)). As a consequence of the restriction of this second torsional motion the anti rotamer of 2 displays two distinguishable NMR spectra at -133 degrees C, corresponding to a pair of conformers with different symmetry (anti C(i)() and anti C(2)).     

Conformational study of cis-1,4-di-tert-butylcyclohexane by dynamic NMR spectroscopy and computational methods. Observation of chair and twist-boat conformations

[reaction: see text] Low-temperature 13C NMR spectra of cis-1,4-di-tert-butylcyclohexane (1) showed signals for the twist-boat (1a) and chair (1b) conformations. 13C NMR signals were assigned to specific carbons based on the different populations, different symmetries (time-averaged C(2v) for 1a and time-averaged C(s) for 1b), and calculated chemical shifts (GIAO, HF/6-311+G*). In addition to slow ring inversion and interconversion of the chair and twist-boat conformations, slow rotation of the tert-butyl groups was found. Most of the expected 13C peaks were observed. Free-energy barriers of 6.83 and 6.35 kcal/mol were found for interconversion of 1a (major) and 1b (minor) at -148.1 degrees C. Conformational space was searched with Allinger's MM3 and MM4 programs, and free energies were obtained for several low-energy conformations 1a-c. Calculations were repeated with ab initio methods up to the HF/6-311+G* level. Molecular symmetries, relative free energies, relative enthalpies and entropies, frequencies, and NMR chemical shifts were obtained. A boat conformation (1d; C(2v) symmetry) was generated and optimized as a transition state by ab initio, MM3, and MM4 calculations.     

Conformational studies by dynamic NMR. 80.(1) cog-wheel effect in the stereolabile helical enantiomers of dimesityl sulfoxide and sulfone

The (1)H NMR solution spectra of the title compounds display anisochronous lines for the o-methyl substituents below -170 degrees C, due to the existence of two propeller-like M and P conformational enantiomers. The free energies of activation for the interconversion were determined to be 4.5 and 5.0 kcal mol(-)(1), respectively, for dimesityl sulfoxide and dimesityl sulfone. Molecular mechanics calculations indicate that the enantiomerization process occurs via a correlated rotation (cog-wheel effect) entailing a one-ring flip (gear-meshing) pathway. (13)C NMR (CP-MAS) spectra and X-ray diffraction show that these helical enantiomers are stable in the crystalline state.     

Dynamic helical chirality of an intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded bisoxazoline

The synthesis and conformational properties of 2,6-bis-[2-((4S)-4-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-yl)phenyl]carbam oylpyridines, 2, have been described. Bisoxazoline 2a was prepared in five steps from 2-nitrobenzoyl chloride in an overall yield of 71%. In contrast to related structures such as 1, bisoxazoline 2a exhibits a highly biased P-type helical conformation in solution and in the solid state. In the crystal lattice, 2a further assembles into a left-handed helical superstructure aligned along the crystallographic c axis. The barrier to helical interconversion, as measured by line-shape analysis of the temperature-dependent (1)H NMR spectra of thiobenzyl derivative 2b, was determined to be quite low ((Delta)G(++) = 12.3 kcal/mol), indicating the presence of a highly dynamic helical chirality.     

Dehydro[12]annulenes: structures, energetics, and dynamic processes

Density functional and coupled cluster calculations on neutral monodehydro[12]annulenes (C(12)H(10)) reveal a global minimum that should be kinetically stable. At the CCSD(T)/cc-pVDZ//BHLYP/6-31G* level, the unsymmetrical CTCTC conformer 1a lies at least 3 kcal/mol below all other isomers studied. The two isomers closest in energy to 1a are Mo?bius structure 5a (CCTCC) and all-cis 6a. Isomer 1a can undergo conformational automerization with E(a) = 3.9 kcal/mol, implying that this process would be rapid on the NMR time scale, and computed (1)H NMR parameters (GIAO-B3LYP/6-311+G**//RHF/6-31G*) are presented. Cumulenic dehydro[12]annulene isomers, with 1,2,3-butatriene subunits, were found to be reactive intermediates in the interconversion of different configurations of the alkyne forms. Pathways for configuration change of 1a, and for subsequent rearrangement to biphenyl, were investigated. The 28 kcal/mol overall barrier for the lowest energy pathway connecting 1a to biphenyl suggests that 1a is kinetically stable with respect to valence isomerization.     

A 3-fold "butterfly valve" in command of the encapsulation's kinetic stability. Molecular baskets at work

Molecular basket 1, composed of a semirigid tris-norbornadiene framework and three revolving pyridine-based gates at the rim, has been built to "dynamically" enclose space and as such regulate molecular encapsulation. The gates were shown to fold via intramolecular hydrogen bonding and thereby form a C3nu symmetrical receptor: the 1H NMR resonance for the amide N-H protons of the pyridine gates appeared downfield (delta= 10.98 ppm), and the N-H vibrational stretch (IR) was observed at 3176 cm(-1). Accordingly, density functional theory (DFT, B3LYP) investigations revealed for the closed conformers of 1 to be energetically the most stable and dominant. The gearing of the pyridine "gates", about their axis, led to the interconversion of two dynamic enantiomers 1A and 1B comprising the clockwise and counterclockwise seam of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Dynamic 1H NMR spectroscopic measurements and line-shape simulations suggested that the energy barrier of 10.0 kcal/mol (DeltaG++(A/B), 298 K) is required for the 1A/B interconversion, when CCl4 occupies the cavity of 1. Likewise, the activation free energy for CCl4 departing the basket was found to be 13.1 kcal/mol (DeltaG++, 298 K), whereas the thermodynamic stability of 1:CCl4 complex was -2.7 kcal/mol (DeltaGdegrees, 298 K). In view of that, CCl4 (but also (CH3)3CBr) was proposed to escape from, and a molecule of solvent to enter, the basket when the gates rotate about their axis: the exit of CCl4 requires the activation energy of 12.7 kcal/mol (DeltaG++(A/B) + DeltaGdegrees), similar to the experimentally found 13.1 kcal/mol (DeltaG++).     

Conjugative Stabilization in an “Antiaromatic” System: The Conformational Mobility of 1,5-Bisdehydro[12]annulene

The isodynamical interconversion between the quasiplanar equilibrium conformers 1b and 1c of 1,5-bisdehydro[12]annulene requires a free energy of activation ΔG^# = 4.5 ± 0.2 kcal/mol (120 K) which was determined by line shape analysis of its temperature-dependent NMR. spectrum. Force field calculations indicate that this barrier reflects the energy needed to disrupt the cyclic π-conjugation in going to the nonplanar transition state 1a .     

Mapping the potential energy surface of the tolylcarbene rearrangement in the inner phase of a hemicarcerand

Photolysis of p-tolyldiazirine (6) in the inner phase of a hemicarcerand with four butane-1,4-dioxy linker groups (5) in C(6)D(5)CD(3) at 77 K yields the 5-methylcycloheptatetraene hemicarceplex 5 circle 3b in 41% together with innermolecular reaction products resulting from an insertion of transient p-tolylcarbene (1b) into an acetal C-H or linker C-O bond of 5 and from the addition of 1b to an aryl unit of 5. The yield of incarcerated 3b increased up to 67% if 6 is photolyzed inside a hemicarcerand with deuterated spanners and butane-1,4-dioxy linker groups (d(48)-5). Hemicarceplex 5 circle 3b is not formed if the photolysis is carried out in CDCl(3). Incarcerated 3b is stable at room temperature in the absence of oxygen and is characterized by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. In the presence of oxygen, 3b reacts quantitatively to yield toluene and CO(2). Upon heating solutions of d(48)-5 circle 3b in C(6)D(5)CD(3), 3b rearranges to 1b and m-tolylcarbene (18). Both tolylcarbenes immediately react with the surrounding host. From a product analysis and the measured rate constants for the thermal decomposition of d(48)-5 circle 3b in the temperature range 70-102 degrees C, the activation parameters for the 3b to 1b and 3b to 18 rearrangements are calculated (3b to 1b: DeltaG(373)++ = 27.3 +/- 1.4 kcal/mol, DeltaH(373)++ = 26.4 +/- 1.0 kcal/mol, TDeltaS(373)++ = -0.9 +/- 1.0 kcal/mol; 3b to 18: DeltaG(373)++ = 27.8 +/- 1.4 kcal/mol, DeltaH(373)++ = 19.7 +/- 1.0 kcal/mol, TDeltaS(373)++ = 8.1 +/- 1.0 kcal/mol). These values are compared with those calculated by Geise and Hadad at the B3LYP/6-311+G** level of theory (Geise, C. M.; Hadad, C. M. J. Org. Chem. 2002, 67, 2532-2540). The slightly higher inner phase activation free energy of the 3b to 18 rearrangement is explained through steric constraints imposed by the surrounding hemicarcerand on the transition state. The enthalpy-entropy compensation observed for the 3b to 18 rearrangement is discussed and interpreted as a result of a hemicarcerand and solvent reorganization along the reaction coordinate. It is taken as indirect evidence for the intermediacy of 2-methylbicyclo[4.1.0]hepta-2,4,6-triene in the 3b to 18 rearrangement.     

Conformational mobility of thianthrene-5-oxide

[reaction: see text] Data on the apparent dipole moment of thianthrene-5-oxide (1) and (1)H NMR spectra in different solvents support the conformational mobility of 1, which flaps between two limit boat conformations with the sulfinyl group in pseudoequatorial and pseudoaxial positions, respectively. The conformational equilibrium of 1 occurs too fast for the (1)H NMR (500 MHz) time-scale even at -130 degrees C, and the equilibrium constant has not been determined. The apparent dipole moments of 1 in n-hexane and 1,4-dioxane and the (1)H NMR spectra of 1 and the model compounds cis- and trans-thianthrene-5,10-dioxides (2) and thianthrene (5) in different solvents and at various temperatures confirm that the relative position of the conformational equilibrium of 1 is solvent-dependent, and more polar solvents favor the conformation with the sulfoxide group in the pseudoaxial position (1(')(ax)). Variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectra have established the interconversion barrier of trans-2 and confirmed that the conformational equilibrium of cis-2 is strongly displaced toward the conformation with both sulfinyl groups in the pseudoequatorial position. The (1)H NMR data support the transannular interaction of the functional groups in 1 and trans-2.     

Computational evaluation of the evidence for tri-trans-[12]annulene

[reaction: see text] Automerization in tri-trans-[12]annulene (1) was investigated by DFT, MP2, and coupled-cluster methods. Using the highest level of theory employed here, CCSD(T)/cc-pVDZ//BHandHLYP/6-311+G(d,p), we located two low-energy pathways for degenerate conformational change from the lowest-energy conformer of 1 (1a): one with E(a) = 4.5 kcal/mol that interconverts the three inner trans hydrogens with the three outer trans hydrogens and one with E(a) = 2.7 kcal/mol that interconverts the three inner hydrogens with each other. These results are consistent with the experimental results of Oth and co-workers on [12]annulene 1a (Oth, J. F. M.; R?ttele, H.; Schr?der, G. Tetrahedron Lett. 1970, 61). The conformational exchange of the inner trans hydrogens with the outer ones is predicted to occur via a one-step process involving a C(2)-symmetric transition state and not via the D(3)-symmetric transition state (1b) that was postulated earlier. Conformer 1b was found to be a shallow minimum 6.7 kcal/mol above 1a with a barrier of 0.4 kcal/mol for conversion to 1a. Finally, GIAO-B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) and BHandHLYP/6-311+G(d,p) computed (1)H NMR chemical shifts of 1a and three other low-lying isomers support Oth's original assignment of observed (1)H NMR peaks to 1a at both low and high temperature.     

Structure, conformation, and stereodynamics of the atropisomers of highly hindered benzyl ethers

Low-temperature and NOE NMR spectra of four of the title compounds indicate that they adopt a synclinal (sc) conformation, in agreement with the prediction of ab initio computations. In the case of the most-hindered derivative (compound 4), the conformation is syn-periplanar (sp), as is also shown by X-ray diffraction. Such stereolabile sp- or sc-atropisomers exist as two conformational enantiomers: the corresponding enantiomerization barriers, covering the range 6.6 to 9.7 kcal mol(-1), could be measured for all the examined compounds. In two cases (compounds 3 and 5), the minor antiperiplanar (ap) atropisomer has been also observed, and the sc to ap interconversion barrier measured (11.7 and 11.9 kcal mol(-1), respectively). In addition, restricted rotation of the isopropyl and tert-butyl substituents has been detected, and the corresponding barriers have been determined.     

Synthesis, molecular structure, conformational analysis, and chemical properties of silicon-containing derivatives of quinolizidine

A silicon analog of quinolizidine 3,3,7,7-tetramethylhexahydro-1H-[1,4,2]oxazasilino[4,5-d][1,4,2]oxazasilin-9a-yl)methanol 3 was synthesized. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the trans configuration and low temperature NMR spectroscopy both the flexibility (barrier of interconversion 5.8 kcal mol(-1)) and the conformational equilibrium (chair-chair and chair-twist conformers) of the compound. The relative stability of the different isomers/conformers of 3 was calculated also at the MP2/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. Intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding in 3 and the appropriate equilibrium between free and self-associated molecules was studied in solvents of different polarity. Both the N-methyl quaternary ammonium salt and the O-trimethylsilyl derivative of 3 could be obtained and their structure determined.     

Rotational energy barrier of 2-(2',6'-dihydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole: a case study by NMR

2-(2'-Hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HBO) derivatives represent an important class of luminescent materials, as they can undergo excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The material's ESIPT properties are dependent on the ratio of two different rotamers, whose interconversion is poorly understood. By using HBO derivative 4, the rotational energy barrier of 2- (2',6'-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole is determined to be 10.5 kcal/mol by variable-temperature NMR. Although a HBO derivative typically exhibits two rotamers with O···H-O (e.g., 1a) and N···H-O bonding (e.g., 1b), correlation of NMR with fluorescence data reveals that the rotamer with N···H-O bonding is predominant in the solution.     

Stereomutation of conformational enantiomers of 9-isopropyl-9-formylfluorene and related acyl derivatives

Low-temperature NMR spectra show that the title compound exists as a pair of conformational enantiomers, generated by the restricted rotation about the C9-Pr (i) bond, the corresponding interconversion barrier being 6.9 kcal mol (-1). This interpretation is supported by theoretical (MM and DFT) calculations and by the experimental determination of the analogous barriers occurring in the related MeC=O and Bu(t)C=O derivatives.     

Two Highly Populated Conformations at Room Temperature of Monterine and Granjine, Antitumor Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloids: Origin and Tridimensional Structures

Monterine 1 as well as granjine 3, 1R,1'S configured biphenylic bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, generate two highly populated conformers. The interconversion of two forms was detected by saturation tranfer in (1)H NMR NOEs experiments. Tridimensional structure of the conformers was determined on the basis of (1)H NMR analysis of anisotropic shielding protons, by NOEs measurements and vicinal proton coupling constants of CH1-CH(2)alpha and CH1'-CH(2)alpha'. The structures established from NMR data were further refined to observe the mobility of 3D conformations by molecular dynamics simulation in vacuo. The highly populated conformers, monterine 1a and 1b, as well as granjine 3a and 3b, are interconvertible by rotation about the C1'-Calpha', Calpha'-C9', and C11'-C11 bonds and inversion of the benzyl D ring by reference to CH(2)alpha'. The slow exchange system was investigated by dynamic NMR spectroscopy: DeltaG()(c) 77.9 KJ/mol and k(c) 200 s(-)(1) for monterine 1; DeltaG()(c) 77.7 KJ/mol and k(c) 211 s(-)(1) for granjine 3. Natural and synthetic biphenylic bisbenzylisoquinolines displayed, in vitro, cytotoxic activities against human prostate and breast cancer cell lines.     

Improved physical properties and rotational dynamics in a molecular gyroscope with an asymmetric stator structure

[structure: see text] A molecular gyroscope consisting of a 1,4-diethynylphenylene rotator linked to trityl and triptycyl groups (3) showed significantly improved physical properties and faster rotational dynamics than analogous symmetric bis(trityl) (1) or bis(triptycyl) (2) structures. An activation energy of 7.9 kcal/mol for 3 was determined by 2H NMR. This is ca. 4-6 kcal/mol lower than that of compound 1. The different dynamics of the three compounds can be qualitatively understood in terms of their different packing coefficients.     

Conformational przferknce of the S→O bond. 1H and 13C NMR studies of the mono-S-oxides of 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-dithianes

The ¹H and ¹³C NMR behavior of the monosulfoxides of 1,2-, 1,3-and 1,4-dithianes (1–3) were studied in order to determine the conformational preference of the S→O bond in these heterocycles. From the results of variable temperature, double irradiation, solvent effects and shift reagent experiments, It is concluded that the axial conformers dominate the conformational equilibria of 1 and 3. On the other hand, 2-equatorial is more stable than 2-axial by 0.64 kcal/mol (ΔG°) at -80°, in CD₃OD. This value is essentially identical with the one determined in CHClF₂, and the lack of a solvent effect appears to indicate that dipole/dipole interactions do not control this equilibrium. AΔG_c³ = 11.0 kcal/mol was determined for the inversion process of 2. Complete ¹H and ¹³C NMR assignments for 1–3 are presented.