Conformational study of 1,2-cycloundecadiene by dynamic NMR spectroscopy and computational methods

Solutions of 1,2-cycloundecadiene in propane were studied by low-temperature (13)C NMR spectroscopy. A total of 17 peaks were observed at -166.7 degrees C, corresponding to two conformations of similar populations, one of C(1) symmetry (11 peaks) and the other of C(2) symmetry. The line shapes show that the predominant pathway for exchange of the topomers (C(1) and C(1)') of the C(1) conformation does not include the C(2) conformation. From the (13)C spectra, free-energy barriers of 8.38 +/- 0.15, 9.45 +/- 0.15, and 9.35 +/- 0.15 kcal/mol were determined for the C(1) to C(1)', (C(1) + C(1)') to C(2), and C(2) to (C(1) + C(1)') conversions, respectively, at -72.2 degrees C. The NMR results for this compound are discussed in terms of the conformations predicted by molecular mechanics calculations obtained with Allinger's MM3 program. Ab initio calculations of free energies are also reported at the HF/ 6-311G level for 25 conformations.     

Scope and limitations of the base-catalyzed phospha-peterson P=C bond-forming reaction

Phosphaalkenes (MesP=CRR': R = R' = Ph (1a); R = R' = 4-FC6H4 (1b); R = Ph, R' = 4-FC6H4 (1c); R = R' = 4-OMeC6H4 (1d); R = Ph, R' = 4-OMeC6H4 (1e); R = Ph, R' = 2-pyridyl (1f)) are prepared from the reaction of MesP(SiMe3)2 and O=CRR' in the presence of a trace of KOH or NaOH. The base-catalyzed phospha-Peterson reaction is quantitated by NMR spectroscopy, and isolated yields of phosphaalkene between 40 and 70% are obtained after vacuum distillation and/or recrystallization. The asymmetrically substituted phosphaalkenes (1c, 1e, 1f) form as 1:1 mixtures of E and Z isomers; however, X-ray crystallography reveals that the E isomers crystallize preferentially. Interestingly, E-1e and E-1f readily isomerize in solution in the dark, although the rate of isomerization is much faster when samples are exposed to light. X-ray crystal structures of 1b, E-1e, and E-1f reveal that the P=C bond lengths (average of 1.70 A) are in the long end of the range typically found in phosphaalkenes (1.61-1.71 A). Attempts to prepare isolable P-adamantyl phosphaalkenes following this route were unsuccessful. Although AdP=CPh2 (2a) is detected by 31P NMR spectroscopy, attempts to isolate this species afforded the 1,2-diphosphetane (AdPCPh2)2 (3a), which was characterized by X-ray crystallography.     

Molecular and electronic structures of one-electron oxidized Ni(II)-(dithiosalicylidenediamine) complexes: Ni(III)-thiolate versus Ni(II)-thiyl radical states

The dithiosalicylidenediamine Ni II complexes [Ni(L)] (R=tBu, R'=CH2C(CH3)2CH2 1, R'=C6H4 2; R=H, R'=CH2C(CH3)2CH2 3, R'=C6H4 4) have been prepared by transmetallation of the tetrahedral complexes [Zn(L)] (R=tBu, R'=CH2C(CH3)2CH2 7, R'=C6H4 8; R=H, R'=CH2C(CH3)2CH2 9, R'=C6H4 10) formed by condensation of 2,4-di-R-thiosalicylaldehyde with diamines H2N-R'-NH2 in the presence of Zn II salts. The diamagnetic mononuclear complexes [Ni(L)] show a distorted square-planar N2S2 coordination environment and have been characterized by 1H- and 13C NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopies and by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Cyclic voltammetry and coulombic measurements have established that complexes 1 and 2, incorporating tBu functionalities on the thiophenolate ligands, undergo reversible one-electron oxidation processes, whereas the analogous redox processes for complexes 3 and 4 are not reversible. The one-electron oxidized species, 1+ and 2+, can be generated quantitatively either electrochemically or chemically with 70 % HClO4. EPR and UV/Vis spectroscopic studies and supporting DFT calculations suggest that the SOMOs of 1+ and 2+ possess thiyl radical character, whereas those of 1(py)2 + and 2(py)2 + possess formal Ni III centers. Species 2+ dimerizes at low temperature, and an X-ray crystallographic determination of the dimer [(2)2](ClO4)2.2 CH2Cl2 confirms that this dimerization involves the formation of a S-S bond (S...S=2.202(5) A).     

Enols of amides. The effect of fluorine substituents in the ester groups of dicarboalkoxyanilidomethanes on the enol/amide and E-enol/Z-enol ratios. A multinuclei NMR study.

Condensation of phenyl isocyanate substituted by 4-MeO, 4-Me, 4-H, 4-Br, and 2,4-(MeO)(2) with esters CH(2)(CO(2)R)CO(2)R', R = CH(2)CF(3), R' = CH(3), CH(2)CF(3), CH(CF(3))(2), or R = CH(3), R' = CH(CF(3))(2) gave 17 "amides" ArNHCOCH(CO(2)R)CO(2)R' containing three, six, or nine fluorines in the ester groups. X-ray crystallography of six of them revealed that compounds with > or =6 fluorine atoms exist in the solid state as the enols of amides ArNHC(OH)=C(CO(2)R)CO(2)R' whereas the ester with R = R' = CH(3) was shown previously to have the amide structure. In the solid enols, the OH is cis and hydrogen bonded to the better electron-donating (i.e., with fewer fluorine atoms) ester group. X-ray diffraction could not be obtained for compounds with only three fluorine atoms, i.e., R = CH(2)CF(3), R' = CH(3) but the (13)C CP-MAS spectra indicate that they have the amide structure in the solid state, whereas esters with six and nine fluorine atoms display spectra assigned to the enols. The solid enols show unsymmetrical hydrogen bonds and the expected features of push-pull alkenes, e.g., long C(alpha)=C(beta) bonds. The structure in solution depends on the number of fluorine atoms and the solvent, but only slightly on the substituents. The symmetrical systems (R = R' = CH(2)CF(3)) show signals for the amide and the enol, but all systems with R not equal R' displayed signals for the amide and for two enols, presumably the E- and Z-isomers. The [Enol I]/[Enol II] ratio is 1.6-2.9 when R = CH(2)CF(3), R' = CH(3), CH(CF(3))(2) and 4.5-5.3 when R = CH(3), R' = CH(CF(3))(2). The most abundant enol display a lower field delta(OH) and a higher field delta(NH) and assigned the E-structure with a stronger O-H.O=C(OR) hydrogen bond than in the Z-isomer. delta(OH) and delta(NH) values are nearly the same for all systems with the same cis CO(2)R group. The [Enols]/[Amide] ratio in various solvents follows the order CCl(4) > CDCl(3) > CD(3)CN > DMSO-d(6). The enols always predominate in CCl(4) and the amide is the exclusive isomer in DMSO-d(6) and the major one in CD(3)CN. In CDCl(3) the major tautomer depends on the number of fluorines. For example, in CDCl(3,) for Ar = Ph, the % enol (K(Enol)) is 35% (0.54) for R = CH(2)CF(3,) R' = CH(3), 87% (6.7) for R = R' = CH(2)CF(3), 79% (3.8) for R = CH(3), R' = CH(CF(3))(2) and 100% (> or =50) for R = CH(2)CF(3), R' = CH(CF(3))(2). (17)O and (15)N NMR spectra measured for nine of the enols are consistent with the suggested assignments. The data indicate the importance of electron withdrawal at C(beta), of intramolecular hydrogen bonding, and of low polarity solvents in stabilizing the enols. The enols of amides should no longer be regarded as esoteric species.     

Synthesis, helicity, and chromism of optically active poly(phenylacetylene)s carrying different amino acid moieties and pendant terminal groups

Functional phenylacetylene derivatives containing l-alanine and l-leucine moieties with chiral menthyl and achiral n-octyl terminal groups {HC[triple bond]C-C6H4-p-CONHCH(R)CO2R': R = CH3, R'= (-)-(1R,2S,5R)-menthyl [1(-)]; R = CH2CH(CH2)3, R' = (-)-(1R,2S,5R)-menthyl [2(-)]; R'= CH2CH(CH2)3, R' = (+)-(1S,2R,5S)-menthyl [2(+)]; R'= CH2CH(CH2)3, R' = (CH2)7CH3 (2o)} are synthesized. Polymerizations of the acetylene monomers are effected by organorhodium catalysts, giving corresponding polymers P1(-), P2(-), P2(+), and P2o of high molecular weights (Mw up to 1.2 x 10(6)) in high yields (up to 89%). The polymers are thermally stable (Td >or= 300 degrees C) and soluble in common organic solvents. The polymer structures are characterized by IR, NMR, UV, and CD spectroscopies. Intense CD signals are observed in the visible spectral region, indicating that the polymer chains are taking a helical conformation with an excess of preferred handedness. The backbone conjugation and chain helicity of the polymers can be tuned by changing their molecular structures [(a)chiral pendant groups] and by applying external stimuli (solvent and pH). Addition of trifluoroacetic acid to the polymer solutions decreases their molar ellipticities and enhances their backbone conjugations, inducing a halochromism with a continuous and reversible color change (yellow <==> red).     

Competing isomerizations: a combined experimental/theoretical study of phenylpentenone isomerism

The possible competition of Z/E versus hydrogen-shift isomerization in (E)-5-phenyl-3-penten-2-one (E-1) and (E)-5-phenyl-4-penten-2-one (E-2) was studied, both experimentally and theoretically. Iodine-catalyzed isomerization experiments and computational modeling studies show that the equilibrated system consists predominantly of E-1 and E-2, with E-2 in moderate excess, and with no detectable amounts of the Z (cis) diastereoisomers. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations corroborated the free energy difference (Delta(r) and Delta(r) were -0.7 and -1.1 kcal mol(-1), respectively), and computations of Boltzmann-weighted (1)H NMR spectra were found to be useful in confirming the assignment of the isomers. The relevance of this equilibrium to earlier work on double-bond stabilization is discussed.     

Barriers to rotation in methyl formate by dynamic NMR spectroscopy and barriers to 1,3 oxygen-to-oxygen migration in methyl formate and trifluoromethyl formate by ab initio calculations

Free-energy barriers of 9.85 and 11.91 +/- 0.15 kcal/mol at -70.8 degrees C were found by dynamic NMR spectroscopy for the E-to-Z and Z-to-E conversions, respectively, of methyl formate (1) enriched in 13C to 99% for the carbonyl carbon [methyl formate 13C (2)]. These barriers are higher than the literature values reported for -53 degrees C. The free-energy barrier to 1,3 oxygen-to-oxygen migration of the methyl group in methyl formate was determined by ab initio calculations at several levels. The value of 58.7 kcal/mol obtained at the MP2/6-311+G (df,pd) level was compared to a literature barrier for this process (MINDO/3) and to barriers for related compounds. A free-energy barrier of 63.0 kcal/mol for the oxygen - to - oxygen migration of the CF3 group in trifluoromethyl formate (3) was calculated at the MP2/6-31+G level.     

Hydrothermal C-C bond formation and disproportionation of acetaldehyde with formic acid

Reaction pathways and kinetics of C2 (carbon-two) aldehyde, acetaldehyde (CH3CHO), and formic acid HCOOH or HOCHO, are studied in neutral and acidic subcritical water at 200-250 degrees C. Acetaldehyde is found to exhibit (i) the acid-catalyzed C-C bond formation between acetaldehyde and formic acid, which generates lactic acid (CH3CH(OH)COOH), (ii) the cross-disproportionation, where formic acid reduces acetaldehyde into ethanol, and (iii) the aldol condensation. The lactic acid formation is a green C-C bond formation, proceeding without any organic solvents or metal catalysts. The new C-C bond formation takes place between formic acid and aldehydes irrespective of the presence of alpha-hydrogens. The hydrothermal cross-disproportionation produces ethanol without base catalysts and proceeds even in acidic condition, in sharp contrast to the classical base-catalyzed Cannizzaro reaction. The rate constants of the reactions (i)-(iii) and the equilibrium constant of the lactic acid formation are determined in the temperature range of 200-250 degrees C and at HCl concentrations of 0.2-0.6 M (mol/dm(3)). The reaction pathways are controlled so that the lactic acid or ethanol yield may be maximized by tuning the reactant concentrations and the temperature. A high lactic acid yield of 68% is achieved when acetaldehyde and formic acid are mixed in hot water, respectively, at 0.01 and 2.0 M in the presence of 0.6 M HCl at 225 degrees C. The ethanol yield attained 75% by the disproportionation of acetaldehyde (0.3 M) and formic acid (2.0 M) at 225 degrees C in the absence of added HCl.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of tricarbonyl rhenacarboranes: steric and electronic effects on the 1,2 --> 1,7 carborane cage isomerization

A series of tricarbonyl rhenacarboranes {[M][Re(CO)3(RR'C2B9H9)]} (M = Na, K) were synthesized in water using microwave radiation with reaction times of less than 15 min. The novel complexes were isolated in good yields (57-94%) as either 3,1,2-(R = H: R' = CH2Pyr 6; R' = CH2Cy, 20) or 2,1,8-(R = H: R' = H, 4; R' = CH2PyrMe 12; R' = CH2PyrH, 13; R' = Pyr, 15; R' = Ph, 17; R = R' = Bn, 19) metallacarboranes and characterized by multinuclear (1H, 11B, 13C) and NOE NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography in the case of compounds 12 and 13. Carborane cage isomerization from the original 1,2 configuration to the 1,7 orientation occurred in cases where significant steric crowding was present at the metal center. Incorporation of a methylene spacer between the carborane cage and the six-membered ring as in 7 and 20 decreased steric strain such that the 3,1,2 configuration was maintained. Conversion of the 3,1,2 complex 6 to the 2,1,8 isomers 12 and 13 takes place at room temperature upon methylation or protonation of the pyridyl ring, indicating that electronic effects also play a significant role in the isomerization process.     

Stereospecific synthesis of polysubstituted E-olefins by reaction of acyclic nitrones with free and platinum(II) coordinated organonitriles

Free nitriles NCCH2R (1a R = CO2Me, 1b R = SO2Ph, and 1c R = COPh) with an acidic alpha-methylene react with acyclic nitrones -O+N(Me)=C(H)R' (2a R' = 4-MeC6H4 and 2b R' = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2), in refluxing CH2Cl2, to afford stereoselectively the E-olefins (NC)(R)C=C(H)R' (3a-3c and 3a'-3c'), whereas, when coordinated at the platinum(II) trans-[PtCl2(NCCH2R)2] complexes (4a R = CO2Me and 4b R = Cl), they undergo cycloaddition to give the (oxadiazoline)-PtII complexes trans-[PtCl2{N=C(CH2R)ON(Me)C(H)R'}2] (R = CO2Me, Cl and R' = 4-MeC6H4, 2,4,6-Me3C6H2) (5a-5d). Upon heating in CH2Cl2, 5a affords the corresponding alkene 3a. The reactions are greatly accelerated when carried out under focused microwave irradiation, particularly in the solid phase (SiO2), without solvent, a substantial increase of the yields being also observed. The compounds were characterized by IR and 1H, 13C, and 195Pt NMR spectroscopies, FAB+-MS, elemental analyses and, in the cases of the alkene (NC)(CO2Me)C=C(H)(4-MeC6H4) 3a and of the oxadiazoline complex trans-[PtCl2{N=C(CH2Cl)ON(Me)C(H)(4-C6H4Me)}2] 5c, also by X-ray diffraction analyses.     

PtII-mediated 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of oxazoline N-oxides to nitriles as a key step to dihydrooxazolo-1,2,4-oxadiazoles

A novel type of heterocycle, viz., 2,3a-disubstituted 5,6-dihydro-3aH-[1,3]oxazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]oxadiazoles, was generated by an intermolecular PtII-mediated 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (1,3-DCA) between the oxazoline N-oxide C(Me)2CH2OC(R)=N+(O-) (R = Me, Et) and coordinated nitriles in the complexes trans/cis-[PtCl2(R'CN)2] [R' = Me, Et, CH2Ph, Ph, N(C5H10)]. The reaction is unknown for free RCN and oxazoline N-oxides, but under PtII-mediated conditions, it proceeds smoothly (CH2Cl2, 20-25 degrees C, 18-20 h) and gives pure complexes [PtCl2{N=C(R')ONC(R)OCH2CMe2}2] [R/R' = Me/Me, 1; Me/Et, 2; Me/CH2Ph, 3; Me/Ph, 4; Me/N(C5H10), 5; Et/Me, 6; Et/Et, 7; Et/CH2Ph, 8; Et/Ph, 9; Et/N(C5H10), 10] in 42-84% yields after column chromatography. Compounds 1-10 were characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, N), FAB+-MS, IR, and 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies, and X-ray diffraction (for 1, 2, 5, and 9). With the exception of benzonitrile complexes, 1,3-DCA of oxazoline N-oxides to the PtII-ligated nitriles occurred diastereoselectively and afforded mixtures of enantiomers. Depending on the substituents on nitriles, asymmetric atoms in both of the formed heterocyclic ligands have the same (SS/RR) or different (SR/RS) configurations. The heterocyclic ligands were liberated from 1-4 and 6-9 by treatment with excess ethane-1,2-diamine (en) in CH2Cl2 for 1 day at 20-25 degrees C (for R' = Me, Et, CH2Ph) and at 50 degrees C (for R' = Ph) to achieve the free organic species and the well-known [Pt(en)2](Cl)2; the products were separated, and 2,3a-disubstituted 5,6-dihydro-3aH-[1,3]oxazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]oxadiazoles (11-18) were characterized by ESI+-MS and 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies.     

Solution structures and dynamic properties of chelated d(0) metal olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) (R = H, Me): Models for the [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" catalysts.

To model the Ti-olefin interaction in the putative [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(R')(olefin)(+) intermediates in "constrained geometry" Ti-catalyzed olefin polymerization, chelated alkoxide olefin complexes [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))(+) have been investigated. The reaction of [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(2) (1a,b; R = H, Me) with HOCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2) yields mixtures of [eta(5)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)NH(t)Bu]TiMe(2)(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (2a,b) and [eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]TiMe(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2)) (3a,b). The reaction of 2a/3a and 2b/3b mixtures with B(C(6)F(5))(3) yields the chelated olefin complexes [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)R(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][MeB(C(6)F(5))(3)] (4a,b; 71 and 89% NMR yield). The reaction of 2b/3b with [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] yields [[eta(5): eta(1)-C(5)Me(4)SiMe(2)N(t)Bu]Ti(OCMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)CH=CH(2))][B(C(6)F(5))(4)] (5b, 88% NMR yield). NMR studies establish that 4a,b and 5b exist as mixtures of diastereomers (isomer ratios: 4a/4a', 62/38; 4b/4b', 75/25; 5b/5b', 75/25), which differ in the enantioface of the olefin that is coordinated. NMR data for these d(0) metal olefin complexes show that the olefin coordinates to Ti in an unsymmetrical fashion primarily through C(term) such that the C=C pi bond is polarized with positive charge buildup on C(int). Dynamic NMR studies show that 4b/4b' undergoes olefin face exchange by a dissociative mechanism which is accompanied by fast inversion of configuration at Ti ("O-shift") in the olefin-dissociated intermediate. The activation parameters for the conversion of 4b to 4b' (i.e., 4b/4b' face exchange) are: DeltaH = 17.2(8) kcal/mol; DeltaS = 8(1) eu. 4a/4a' also undergoes olefin face exchange but with a lower barrier (DeltaH = 12.2(9) kcal/mol; DeltaS = -2(3) eu), for the conversion of 4a to 4a'.     

C-C coupling reactions in the coordination sphere of rhodium(I) and rhodium(III): New routes for the di- and trimerization of terminal alkynes

The alkynyl(vinylidene)rhodium(I) complexes trans-[Rh(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)(=C=CHR)(PiPr3)2] 2, 5, 6 react with CO by migratory insertion to give stereoselectively the butenynyl compounds trans-[Rh{eta1-(Z)-C(=CHR)C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR}(CO)(PiPr3)2](Z)-7-9, of which (Z)-7 (R=Ph) and (Z)-8 (R=tBu) rearrange upon heating or UV irradiation to the (E) isomers. Similarly, trans-[Rh{eta1-C(=CH2)C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CPh}(CO)(PiPr3)2] 12 and trans-[Rh{eta1-(Z)-C(=CHCO2Me)C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR}(CO)(PiPr3)2](Z)-15, (Z)-16 have been prepared. At room temperature, the corresponding "non-substituted" derivative trans-[Rh{eta1-C(=CH2)C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CH}(CO)(PiPr3)2] 18 is in equilibrium with the butatrienyl isomer trans-[Rh(eta1-CH=]C=C=CH2)(CO)(PiPr3)2] 19 that rearranges photochemically to the alkynyl complex trans-[Rh(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CCH=CH2)(CO)(PiPr3)2] 20. Reactions of (Z)-7, (E)-7, (Z)-8 and (E)-8 with carboxylic acids R'CO2H (R'=CH3, CF3) yield either the butenyne (Z)- and/or (E)-RC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CCH=CHR or a mixture of the butenyne and the isomeric butatriene, the ratio of which depends on both R and R'. Treatment of 2 (R=Ph) with HCl at -40 degrees C affords five-coordinate [RhCl(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CPh){(Z)-CH=CHPh}(PiPr3)2] 23, which at room temperature reacts by C-C coupling to give trans-[RhCl{eta2-(Z)-PhC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CCH=CHPh}(PiPr3)2](Z)-21. The related compound trans-[RhCl(eta2-HC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CCH=CH2)(PiPr3)2] 27, prepared from trans-[Rh(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CH)(=C=CH2)(PiPr3)2] 17 and HCl, rearranges to the vinylvinylidene isomer trans-[RhCl(=C=CHCH=CH2)(PiPr3)2] 28. While stepwise reaction of 2with CF3CO2H yields, via alkynyl(vinyl)rhodium(III) intermediates (Z)-29 and (E)-29, the alkyne complexes trans-[Rh(kappa1-O2CCF3)(eta2-PhC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CCH=CHPh)(PiPr3)2](Z)-30 and (E)-30, from 2 and CH3CO2H the acetato derivative [Rh(kappa2-O2CCH3)(PiPr3)2] 33 and (Z)-PhC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CCH=]CHPh are obtained. From 6 (R=CO2Me) and HCl or HC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CCO2Me the chelate complexes [RhX(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CCO2Me){kappa2(C,O)-CH=CHC(OMe)=O}(PiPr3)2] 34 (X=Cl) and 35 (X=C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CCO2Me) have been prepared. In contrast to the reactions of [Rh(kappa2-O2CCH3)(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CE)(CH=CHE)(PiPr3)2] 37(E=CO2Me) with chloride sources which give, via intramolecular C-C coupling, four-coordinate trans-[RhCl{eta2-(E)-EC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CCH=CHE}(PiPr3)2](E)-36, treatment of 37with HC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CE affords, via insertion of the alkyne into the rhodium-vinyl bond, six-coordinate [Rh(kappa2-O2CCH3)(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CE){eta1-(E,E)-C(=CHE)CH=CHE}(PiPr3)2] 38. The latter reacts with MgCl2 to yield trans-[RhCl{eta2-(E,E)-EC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CC(=CHE)CH=CHE}(PiPr3)2] 39, which, in the presence of CO, generates the substituted hexadienyne (E,E)-EC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CC(=CHE)CH=CHE 40.     

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.     

Distinguishing rate-limiting electron versus H-atom transfers in Cu2O2-mediated oxidative N-dealkylations: application of inter- versus intramolecular kinetic isotope effects

Copper-dioxygen adducts are important biological oxidants. To gain a better understanding of the underlying chemistries of such species, we report on a series of Cu2II-O2 complexes, [{CuII(MePY2)R'}2(O2)](B(C6F5)4)2 (1R') (where (MePY2)R' is a 4-pyridyl substituted bis[2-(2-(4-R'-pyridyl)ethyl]methylamine; R' = H, MeO, Me2N; Zhang, C. X.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2003, 125, 634-635), which readily oxidize exogenous substrates. In this study, we explore the mechanism by which 1R' facilitates the oxidative N-dealkylation of para-substituted N,N-dimethylanilines (R-DMA; R = MeO, Me, H, CN). In the case of 1H, the linear free-energy correlation plot (rho = -2.1) and intramolecular deuterium kinetic isotope effect (KIEintra, using p-R-(C6H4)-N(CH3)(CD3)) profile suggest that R-DMA oxidation occurs through rate-limiting electron transfer (ET). This mechanism was further enforced by comparison of KIEintra versus the intermolecular KIE (KIEinter, using p-R-(C6H4)-N(CH3)2 versus p-R-(C6H4)-N(CD3)2). It was found that KIEinter < KIEintra, suggesting an ET process. In the case of both 1MeO and 1Me2N, the KIEintra profile and linear free-energy correlation plots (rho = -0.49 and -0.99 for 1Me2N and 1MeO with especially poor fitting for the latter) are inconclusive in distinguishing between a rate-limiting ET or hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) pathway. Comparisons of KIEinter versus KIEintra demonstrate a switch in mechanism from ET to HAT for 1Me2N and 1MeO oxidation of R-DMA as R-DMA is made less reducing. In the case of 1Me2N, MeO-DMA and Me-DMA are oxidized via a rate-limiting ET (KIEinter < KIEintra), while H-DMA and CN-DMA are oxidized through a HAT pathway (KIEinter approximately KIEintra). For 1MeO, oxidation occurs through an ET pathway for MeO-, Me-, and H-DMA (KIEinter < KIEintra), while CN-DMA is oxidized though a HAT process (KIEinter approximately KIEintra). Copper complex attributes, which may contribute to the mechanistic observations, are suggested.     

Weak intramolecular proton-hydride and proton-fluoride interactions: experimental (NMR, X-ray) and DFT studies of the bis(NBH(3)) and bis(NBF(3)) adducts of 1,3-dimethyl-1,3-diazolidine

Bis(NBH(3)), bis(NBF(3)), and NBF(3)/NBH(3) adducts 1-3 were prepared from 1,3-dimethyl-1,3-diazolidine and characterized by the (1)H, (13)C, (11)B, (19)F, 2D (1)H(-13)C HETCOR and NOESY NMR spectra. The structures and conformations of the adducts were established by the variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectra, the X-ray diffraction method (adduct 2A), and density functional calculations at different theoretical levels. The experimental and theoretical data have revealed that bis adducts 1-3 prefer trans orientations of the borane groups (1A, 2A, 3A) in solution, the solid state, and the gas phase. The studies have shown that the energetic preference of trans adducts with respect to cis compounds, decreasing as 2A (2.9 kcal/mol) > 3A (2.7 kcal/mol) > 1A (1.4 kcal/mol), is dictated by spatially repulsive interactions between the CH(3), BH(3), and BF(3) groups. The results of DFT calculations agree well with an experimental trans/cis isomeric ratio of 9:1 determined in solutions of adduct 1. The calculated geometry and energy, as well as the topological analysis of electronic densities, show that trans adducts 1-3 should exist in gas phase as twist conformations T-2 stabilized by the intramolecular C-H(delta+)...(-delta)H-B or C-H(delta+)...(-delta)F-B interactions. These interactions are characterized as closed-shell. The energy of one proton-hydride and proton-fluoride intramolecular contact, estimated as 1.9 (1A-T-2) and 0.7 (2A-T-2) kcal/mol, respectively, classifies the "elongated" intramolecular interactions CH(delta+)...(-delta)HB and CH(delta+)...(-delta)FB as weak ones. It has been established that, on going from gas phase to a condensed phase (solution and solid), the twist-conformations T-2 transform to conformations T-1, probably by intermolecular dipole-dipole interactions. The data presented in this work show that despite a weakness of the "elongated" proton-hydride and proton-fluoride interactions, they can play a significant role in the stabilization of conformational molecular states, especially when cooperativity is in action.     

Dihydrogen and methane elimination from adducts formed by the interaction of carbenium and silylium cations with nucleophiles

Stationary points for reactions R'R' 'HX(+) + YH --> [R'R' 'X-Y](+) + H(2) (I) and R'(CH(3))HX(+) + YH -->[R'HX-Y](+) + CH(4) (II) (R', R' ' = CH(3), H; X = C, Si; Y = CH(3)O, (CH(3))(2)N, and C(6)H(5)) are located and optimized by the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ method. A similar mechanism was found to be operative for both types of reactions with X = C and X = Si. Formation of the intermediate (adduct) results in the transfer of electron density from the electron-rich bases to the X atoms and in the growth of a positive charge on a hydrogen atom attached to Y. This mobile proton may shift from Y to X, and the relative energies of transition states for elimination reactions (Delta) depend on the ability of the X atom to retain this proton. Therefore, Deltagrows on going from Si to C and with increasing numbers of methyl substituents. For X = C, the Deltavalue for both reactions correlates well with the population of the valence orbitals of X in a wide range from -44 kcal/mol (methyl cation/benzene) to 31 kcal/mol (isopropyl cation/methanol). For X = Si this range is more narrow (from -19 to -5.0 kcal/mol), but all Delta values are negative with the exclusion of silylium ion/benzene systems, adducts of which are pi- rather than sigma-complexes. The energy minima for product complexes for H(2) elimination are very shallow, and several are dissociative. However, complexes with methane which exhibit bonding between X and the methane hydrogen are substantially stronger, especially for systems with X = Si. The latter association energy may reach 8 kcal/mol (Si...H distance is 2 A).     

Two New Sesquiterpenes from Eupatorium lindleyanum

Various germacrane sesquiterpenes have been isolated from many species of the Eupatorium.In recent years these compounds have been increasing interest due to their insecticidal,cytotoxic,antitumor-promoting and insect-antifeedant activities1.In our present study,we have investigated the chemical constituents of Eupatorium lindleyanum DC.,which is a geo-authentic medicine of Jiangsu province.It is used as a antipyretic drug.Two novel germacrane sesquiterpenes(Figure1)were found by us from th…     

Syntheses of highly unsaturated isocyanides via organometallic pathways

The carbon carbon coupling reaction by nucleophilic attack of (CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF(2)) 1 by lithium or Grignard compounds 2a-i yields the isocyanide complexes (CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-R) 3a-i (a R = CH=CH(2), b R = CH=CF(2), c R = C≡CH, d R = C≡C-SiMe(3), e R = C≡C-Ph, f R = C≡C-C(6)F(4)OMe, g R = C≡C-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2), h R = C(6)F(5), i R = C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)) as mixtures of E and Z isomers. The dinuclear complexes 5a-c are obtained from the reaction of 1 with the dilithio or dimagnesium compound 4a-c as the Z,Z-, E,Z- and E,E-isomers, respectively. (CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C≡C-C≡C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)7 is obtained as a mixture of Z,Z-, Z,E- and E,E-isomers from (CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C≡C-H 3d by Eglington-Glaser coupling. (CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C≡C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)6 and (CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C=C-C≡C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)7 react with octacarbonyldicobalt forming the cluster compounds Z,Z-[{η(2)-μ(2)-(CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C≡C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)}Co(2)(CO)(6)] Z,Z-8, E,Z-[{η(2)-μ(2)-(CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C≡C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)}Co(2)(CO)(6)] E,Z-8 and E,E-[{η(2)-μ(2)-(CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C≡C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)}Co(2)(CO)(6)] E,E-8 and Z,Z-[{η(2)-μ(2)-(CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C≡C-C≡C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)}{Co(2)(CO)(6)}(2)] Z,Z-9, E,Z-[{η(2)-μ(2)-(CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C≡C-C≡C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)}{Co(2)(CO)(6)}(2)] E,Z-9 and E,E-[{η(2)-μ(2)-(CO)(5)Cr(CN-CF=CF-C≡C-C≡C-CF=CF-NC)Cr(CO)(5)}{Co(2)(CO)(6)}(2)] Z,Z-9, respectively. The crystal and molecular structures of E-3d, Z-3h, Z,Z-8, E,Z-8 and Z,Z-9 were elucidated by single-crystal X-ray crystallography.     

Unexpectedly efficient activation of push-pull nitriles by a Pt(II) center toward dipolar cycloaddition of Z-nitrones

Pt(II)-coordinated NCNR'(2) species are so highly activated towards 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (DCA) that they react smoothly with the acyclic nitrones ArCH=N(+)(O(-))R' (Ar/R' = C(6)H(4)Me-p/Me; C(6)H(4)OMe-p/CH(2)Ph) in the Z-form. Competitive reactivity study of DCA between trans-[PtCl(2)(NCR)(2)] (R = Ph and NR'(2)) species and the acyclic nitrone 4-MeC(6)H(4)CH=N(+)(O(-))Me demonstrates comparable reactivity of the coordinated NCPh and NCNR'(2), while alkylnitrile ligands do not react with the dipole. The reaction between trans-[PtCl(2)(NCNR'(2))(2)] (R'(2) = Me(2), Et(2), C(5)H(10)) and the nitrones proceed as consecutive two-step intermolecular cycloaddition to give mono-(1a-d) and bis-2,3-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole (2a-d) complexes (Ar/R' = p-tol/Me: R'(2) = Me(2)a, R'(2) = Et(2)b, R'(2) = C(5)H(10)c; Ar/R' = p-MeOC(6)H(4)/CH(2)Ph: R'(2) = Me(2)d). All complexes were characterized by elemental analyses (C, H, N), high resolution ESI-MS, IR, (1)H and (13)C{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy. The structures of trans-1b, trans-2a, trans-2c, and trans-2d were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Metal-free 5-NR'(2)-2,3-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazoles 3a-3d were liberated from the corresponding (dihydrooxadiazole)(2)Pt(II) complexes by treatment with excess NaCN and the heterocycles were characterized by high resolution ESI(+)-MS, (1)H and (13)C{(1)H} spectroscopy.