Click Mechanochemistry: Quantitative Synthesis of “Ready to Use” Chiral Organocatalysts by Efficient Two‐Fold Thiourea Coupling to Vicinal Diamines

Mechanochemical methods of neat grinding and liquid‐assisted grinding have been applied to the synthesis of mono‐ and bis(thiourea)s by using the click coupling of aromatic and aliphatic diamines with aromatic isothiocyanates. The ability to modify the reaction conditions allowed the optimization of each reaction, leading to the quantitative formation of chiral bis(thiourea)s with known uses as organocatalysts or anion sensors. Quantitative reaction yields, combined with the fact that mechanochemical reaction conditions avoid the use of bulk solvents, enabled solution‐based purification methods (such as chromatography or recrystallization) to be completely avoided. Importantly, by using selected model reactions, we also show that the described mechanochemical reaction procedures can be readily scaled up to at least the one‐gram scale. In that way, mechanochemical synthesis provides a facile method to fully transform valuable enantiomerically pure reagents into useful products that can immediately be applied in their designed purpose. This was demonstrated by using some of the mechanochemically prepared reagents as organocatalysts in a model Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction and as cyanide ion sensors in organic solvents. The use of electronically and sterically hindered ortho‐phenylenediamine revealed that mechanochemical reaction conditions can be readily optimized to form either the 1:1 or the 1:2 click‐coupling product, demonstrating that reaction stoichiometry can be more efficiently controlled under these conditions than in solution‐based syntheses. In this way, it was shown that excellent stoichiometric control by mechanochemistry, previously established for mechanochemical syntheses of cocrystals and coordination polymers, can also be achieved in the context of covalent‐bond formation.     

Recent applications of mechanochemistry in enantioselective synthesis

In recent years, sustainable organocatalysis has become a relevant target in asymmetric organic synthesis. Among the most successful strategies to achieve “greener” organocatalyzed processes are (1) the elimination of solvent from reaction media, and (2) the use of alternative activation energies such as solvent-free mechanochemistry in high speed ball mills. In recent years we have stepped up efforts in the pursuit of organocatalysts and biocatalysts that allow reactions to take place in the absence of solvent and under mechanochemical activation. In this article we present the application of small dipeptides as chiral organocatalysts under solvent-free and high-speed ball milling conditions, with focus on the asymmetric aldol addition reaction. Finally, we report on recent results using supported enzymes for the resolution of racemic β-amino acids and amines, under mechanochemical conditions.     

Click mechanochemistry: quantitative synthesis of "ready to use" chiral organocatalysts by efficient two-fold thiourea coupling to vicinal diamines

Mechanochemical methods of neat grinding and liquid-assisted grinding have been applied to the synthesis of mono- and bis(thiourea)s by using the click coupling of aromatic and aliphatic diamines with aromatic isothiocyanates. The ability to modify the reaction conditions allowed the optimization of each reaction, leading to the quantitative formation of chiral bis(thiourea)s with known uses as organocatalysts or anion sensors. Quantitative reaction yields, combined with the fact that mechanochemical reaction conditions avoid the use of bulk solvents, enabled solution-based purification methods (such as chromatography or recrystallization) to be completely avoided. Importantly, by using selected model reactions, we also show that the described mechanochemical reaction procedures can be readily scaled up to at least the one-gram scale. In that way, mechanochemical synthesis provides a facile method to fully transform valuable enantiomerically pure reagents into useful products that can immediately be applied in their designed purpose. This was demonstrated by using some of the mechanochemically prepared reagents as organocatalysts in a model Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction and as cyanide ion sensors in organic solvents. The use of electronically and sterically hindered ortho-phenylenediamine revealed that mechanochemical reaction conditions can be readily optimized to form either the 1:1 or the 1:2 click-coupling product, demonstrating that reaction stoichiometry can be more efficiently controlled under these conditions than in solution-based syntheses. In this way, it was shown that excellent stoichiometric control by mechanochemistry, previously established for mechanochemical syntheses of cocrystals and coordination polymers, can also be achieved in the context of covalent-bond formation.     

Manipulating Reaction Energy Coordinate Landscape of Mechanochemical Diaza-Cope Rearrangement

Chiral vicinal diamines, a unique class of optically-active building blocks, play a crucial role in material design, pharmaceutical, and catalysis. Traditionally, their syntheses are all solvent-based approaches, which make organic solvent an indispensable part of their production. As part of our program aiming to develop chemical processes with reduced carbon footprints, we recently reported a highly practical and environmentally-friendly synthetic route to chiral vicinal diamines by solvent-free mechanochemical diaza-Cope rearrangement. We herein showed that a new protocol by co-milling with common laboratory solid additives, such as silica gel, can significantly enhance the efficiency of the reaction, compared to reactions in the absence of additives. One possible explanation is the Lewis acidic nature of additives that accelerates a key Schiff base formation step. Reaction monitoring experiments tracing all the reaction species, including reactants, intermediates, and product, suggested that the reaction profile is distinctly different from ball-milling reactions without additives. Collectively, this work demonstrated that additive effect is a powerful tool to manipulate a reaction pathway in mechanochemical diazo-Cope rearrangement pathway, and this is expected to find broad interest in organic synthesis using mechanical force as an energy input.     

Systematic mechanochemical preparation of a series of coordination pillared layer frameworks

A detailed investigation into the mechanochemical synthesis of coordination pillared-layer frameworks (CPLs), particularly CPL-1, was carried out. In the case of CPL-1, a two-step reaction was observed (from the starting reactants to the final product). In the conventional solution process, no intermediate state was detected. We found that moisture is essential in both the reaction steps. After the final product was washed, it showed the same sorption ability as the product prepared from a solution process. We further demonstrated the systematic preparation of other CPLs (CPL-2, 3, 4, 5, and 15) by the mechanochemical method under humid conditions, even though some of the ligands are almost insoluble in water. Our findings indicate that mechanochemical synthesis is a promising alternative method for the systematic and large-scale production of PCPs. Its advantages include the following: reduced pollution, low cost, simplicity of the process, ease of handling, efficient reaction rate, selectivity, and the issue of low solubility of reactants is overcome.     

Greener approach toward synthesis of biologically active s-Triazine (TCT) derivatives: A recent update

The greener methodology to synthesize s-triazine derivatives (also known as TCT) is described, including synthesis through microwave, ultrasound, and solvent-free conditions. This review mainly focuses on reactions of TCT (2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine) with various substituents having amine and hydroxy functionalities to give corresponding triazine derivatives under a greener approach. The results of reactions indicate that, unlike classical methods, green methods result in better yields of the product, through a rapid reaction, under mild reaction conditions, and by easy workup procedures.     

Greener solid state synthesis of a ternary lanthanum complex at room temperature

Wet chemical synthesis of rare-earth complexes often requires large amounts of solvents to dissolve reactants, and the use of base to neutralize acidic solution. We have explored a green alternative route that involves solid-state synthesis of ternary lanthanum complex at room temperature by using lanthanum chloride hydrate (LaCl_3?·?6H₂O), sodium p-hydroxybenzoate (PBA), and 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-hq). The structure and composition of the ternary lanthanum complex were confirmed by microanalysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-Vis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. UV-Vis and FT-IR spectra confirms coordination of lanthanum ion with two ligands and XRD results show that signals of the product are not from the three reactants, and are believed to originate from the ternary lanthanum complex prepared by solid-state reaction. Effects of reaction conditions such as molar ratios and synthetic method on the formation of ternary lanthanum complex were also investigated. The structure and composition of the ternary lanthanum complex are independent of molar ratios of reactants. Compared to the ternary lanthanum complex prepared via solution-phase synthesis, although the ternary lanthanum complex prepared by solid-state reactions has the same composition and structure, the synthesis is scalable and greener.     

“Greener” chemical syntheses using mechanochemical mixing or microwave and ultrasound irradiation

Abstract

Various emerging “greener” strategic pathways, researched primarily in the author's own laboratory, are summarized. They include solvent-free mechanochemical methods that involve the use of hypervalent iodine reagents at room temperature for the synthesis of heterocyclic entities, and useful conversion of ketones into β-keto sulfones and their α-tosyloxy derivatives in high yields. A solvent-free approach that involves microwave (MW) exposure of neat reactants (undiluted) catalyzed by the surfaces of less-expensive and recyclable mineral supports, such as alumina, silica, clay, or “doped” surfaces, is described; it is applicable to a wide range of cleavage, condensation, cyclization, rearrangement, oxidation, and reduction reactions, including rapid one-pot assembly of heterocyclic compounds from in situ generated reactive intermediates. The strategy is adaptable to multi-component reactions, e.g. Ugi and Biginelli reactions, for rapid assembly of a library of compounds. Synthesis of a wide variety of significant precursors and intermediates, namely enones, imines, enamines, nitroalkenes, and oxidized sulfur species, is possible and their value in concise MW synthesis of 2-aroylbenzofurans and thiazole derivatives is illustrated. Ultrasound- and MW-assisted solventless preparation of ionic liquids and their application in alkylation and metal-catalyzed multi-component reactions are described. With a view to consume greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO₂), efficient reaction of epoxides with CO₂ provides ready access to cyclic carbonates using only a catalytic amount of recyclable indium-based ionic liquid. MW heating in aqueous reaction media enables expeditious N-alkylation reactions of amines and hydrazines to afford a series of heterocyclic ring systems, such as N-azacycloalkanes, 4,5-dihydropyrazoles, and pyrazolidines. A general and expeditious MW-enhanced nucleophilic substitution approach uses easily accessible starting materials such as halides or tosylates in reaction with alkali azides, thiocyanates, or sulfinates in the absence of any phase transfer catalyst to produce azides, thiocyanates, and sulfones, respectively, wherein a variety of reactive functional groups are tolerated. A three-component condensation (MCC) approach for the synthesis of useful 2-amino-2-chromenes is described using a recyclable nanosized magnesium oxide catalyst in aqueous poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) medium at room temperature. A general greener approach to shape-selective generation of nanomaterials is summarized including their potential application as nanocomposites.     

First mechanosynthesis of piperlotines A,C, and derivatives through solvent-free Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction

Piperlotines are natural products characterized by an α,β-unsaturated amide moiety. These compounds found wide applications in Medicinal Chemistry like antibacterials, cytotoxic agents, anticoagulants, among others. To date, diverse methods of synthesis have been reported for piperlotines, but involving the use of catalysts, hazard reagents, anhydrous media or coupling reagents. Thus, in this work, we developed a greener method of synthesis of piperlotines A, C, and derivatives, through mechanochemical activation under solvent-free conditions. The reaction of a β-amidophosphonate, K₂CO₃, and an aromatic aldehyde afforded target compounds in moderate to good yields (46–77%), in an open atmosphere by grinding. It is worth to mention that this mechanochemical process was under thermodynamic control because just E isomer was isolated for every reaction. Moreover, synthesized piperlotines have been predicted by means of chemoinformatic analysis as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of arthritis or cancer.     

Solvent-free synthesis of metal complexes

Avoiding the use of solvents in synthesis can reduce environmental contamination and even be more convenient than using solvent-based synthesis. In this tutorial review we focus on recent research into the use of mechanochemistry (grinding) to synthesise metal complexes in the absence of solvent. We include synthesis of mononuclear complexes, coordination clusters, spacious coordination cages, and 1-, 2- and 3-dimensional coordination polymers (metal organic frameworks) which can even exhibit microporosity. Remarkably, in many cases, mechanochemical synthesis is actually faster and more convenient than the original solvent-based methods. Examples of solvent-free methods other than grinding are also briefly discussed, and the positive outlook for this growing topic is emphasised.     

The metathetic degradation of polyisoprene and polybutadiene in block copolymers using Grubbs second generation catalyst

A degradation study of polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene and polyisoprene-polystyrene-polyisoprene in both dichloromethane and hexane solvents is presented. Alternative solvents for metathetic degradation provide the potential for greener chemistry, better selectivity, and control over the products. The catalyst concentration and solvent selection both determine the products formed. The degradation of polyisoprene and polybutadiene in a particular solvent was controlled by the solubility of polyisoprene/polybutadiene, and by its solubility relative to polystyrene. A large difference in solubility between the polymers in the selected solvent provides an additional driving force for block separation, encouraging reaction close to the interface between different blocks. Furthermore, solubility of the block copolymer speeds the degradation reaction. This tailoring of the reaction mechanism yields a new control over the products of polymer degradation.     

Overcoming the insolubility of carbon nanotubes through high degrees of sidewall functionalization

The use of carbon nanotubes in materials applications has been slowed due to nanotube insolubility and their incompatibility with polymers. We recently developed two protocols to overcome the insoluble nature of carbon nanotubes by affixing large amounts of addends to the nanotube sidewalls. Both processes involve reactions with aryl diazonium species. First, solvent-free functionalization techniques remove the need for any solvent during the functionalization step. This delivers functionalized carbon nanotubes with increased solubility in organic solvents and processibility in polymeric blends. Additionally, the solvent-free functionalization process can be done on large scales, thereby paving the way for use in bulk applications such as in structural materials development. The second methodology involves the functionalization of carbon nanotubes that are first dispersed as individual tubes in surfactants within aqueous media. The functionalization then ensues to afford heavily functionalized nanotubes that do not re-rope. They remain as individuals in organic solvents giving enormous increases in solubility. This protocol yields the highest degree of functionalization we have obtained thus far-up to one in nine carbon atoms on the nanotube has an organic addend. The proper characterization and solubility determinations on nanotubes are critical; therefore, this topic is discussed in detail.     

两亲分子组装介导的化学反应及相关生命起源化学

化学反应会受其所处微环境影响,因此不同分子间相互作用对反应进程的调控不容忽视.水溶液作为优良的反应介质,其应用常受到反应物溶解性差的限制.在水溶液中引入胶束或囊泡等两亲分子组装,可在一定程度上克服这种不足.这些均匀分散的动态组装,提供了有别于本体水溶液的微环境,以非共价的方式,将单体结合到其极性表面或疏水内核.通过加速...     

The Utilization of Solid State Chemistry Reaction Routes as New Syntheses Strategies for the Coordination Chemistry of Rare Earth Amides

Solvent free high‐temperature reactions in melts are well known procedures in Solid‐State Chemistry. Although the reaction conditions are extreme considering the properties of organic ligands they can also be utilized for Coordination Chemistry and offer a fruitful alternative to usual solvent treatments. This includes the chemistry of organic amides of the rare earth elements. The avoidance of any solvent renders novel homoleptic complexes accessible but also implies difficulties bound to the solid state of the reaction mixtures. The high chemical affinity of the rare earth elements towards halides and especially oxygen limits known homoleptic amides obtained via solvent treatments mostly to multi‐chelating ligands like porphyrines, calix‐pyrroles etc. With no special conditions met like a high steric demand, solvent molecules as co‐coordinating partners enforce the formation of heteroleptic species. This influence can be avoided by the use of completely solvent free reactions, such as melt reactions in which a solid is reacted directly with a melt or with a substance under solvothermal conditions. The high reactivity of the rare earth metals allows the direct oxidation with amines and thus to use high‐temperature reactions for the formation of rare earth amides. This includes homoleptic compounds from simple ligands. Crystallization under reaction conditions is possible; no re‐crystallization step is necessary preventing the risk of a change of the chemical character of the products. Additionally, the solubility of rare earth elements in liquid ammonia under formation of an electride solution enlarges the temperature range of these oxidation reactions down to the melting point of ammonia. It further enhances the reactivity of the metals and less N‐H acidic and thermally less stable amines can be introduced into these syntheses enabling the formation of meta stable products. The crystal structures and hence the properties of the products of both high‐ and low‐temperature oxidation of rare earth metals with amines strongly differ from reactions carried out in classic solvents. Thus reaction routes frequently used in Solid State Chemistry can well be utilized for Coordination Chemistry and offer alternatives to classic solvent based synthesis, particularly if certain properties like homoleptic character or the coordination of elements with a low chemical affinity are aimed for.     

Synthesis of Biscoumarins from 4-Hydroxycoumarin and Aromatic Aldehydes—A Comparative Assessment of Percentage Yield Under Thermal and Microwave-Assisted Conditions

A convenient synthesis of various biscoumarins by condensing a series of aldehydes with 4-hydroxycoumarin under microwave irradiation is reported for the first time along with a comparative account of the syntheses under conventional conditions. The reaction times have been reduced considerably with improvement in yields in comparison to thermal conditions. The reactions have been carried out in solvent as well as under solvent-free conditions, and the adopted procedure provides an energy-and time-saving protocol.     

Catalytic reactions in ionic liquids

The chemical industry is under considerable pressure to replace many of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are currently used as solvents in organic synthesis. The toxic and/or hazardous properties of many solvents, notably chlorinated hydrocarbons, combined with serious environmental issues, such as atmospheric emissions and contamination of aqueous effluents is making their use prohibitive. This is an important driving force in the quest for novel reaction media. Curzons and coworkers, for example, recently noted that rigorous management of solvent use is likely to result in the greatest improvement towards greener processes for the manufacture of pharmaceutical intermediates. The current emphasis on novel reaction media is also motivated by the need for efficient methods for recycling homogeneous catalysts. The key to waste minimisation in chemicals manufacture is the widespread substitution of classical 'stoichiometric' syntheses by atom efficient, catalytic alternatives. In the context of homogeneous catalysis, efficient recycling of the catalyst is a conditio sine qua non for economically and environmentally attractive processes. Motivated by one or both of the above issues much attention has been devoted to homogeneous catalysis in aqueous biphasic and fluorous biphasic systems as well as in supercritical carbon dioxide. Similarly, the use of ionic liquids as novel reaction media may offer a convenient solution to both the solvent emission and the catalyst recycling problem.     

Highly efficient and green synthesis of diacylphloroglucinol over treated natural zeolite mordenite and the optimization using response surface method (RSM)

Herein, we report a greener and highly efficient route for the Friedel-Craft acylation of phloroglucinol over Indonesian treated natural zeolite mordenite (nHZMOR) catalyst to provide value-added diacylphloroglucinol derivatives under solvent-free conditions. The nHZMOR showed a high catalytic performance in Friedel-Craft acylation of a phloroglucinol reaction, and diacylphloroglucinol derivatives were obtained in excellent yields. The advantages of the use of this catalyst are solvent-free, shorter reaction time, high yields, and its recyclable ability. Easy catalyst separation was demonstrated through filtration and reused several times without noticeably decreasing its catalytic activity; however, with regeneration treatment, its catalytic performance can be improved. The effect of catalyst loading, reaction temperature, solvent effect and reaction time has been extensively studied. In addition, the chemical process was enhanced by the use of coupling automated synthesis equipment with the Response Surface Method (RSM) to optimize the Friedel-Craft acylation reaction. Also, a reasonable reaction mechanism had presented.     

Solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis of two Pt complexes: cis-(Ph3P)2PtCl2 and cis-(Ph3P)2PtCO3

Cis-(Ph3P)2PtCl2 and cis-(Ph3P)2PtCO3 were prepared mechanochemically from solid reactants in the absence of a solvent; cis-(Ph3P)2PtCl2 was obtained in 98% yield after ball-milling of polycrystalline PtCl2 and Ph3P; the mechanically induced solid-state reaction of cis-(Ph3P)2PtCl2 with an excess of anhydrous K2CO3 produced cis-(Ph3P)2PtCO3 in 70% yield; the formation of transition metal complexes as a result of mechanochemical solvent-free reactions has been confirmed by means of solid-state 31P MAS NMR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and differential thermal analysis.     

Preparation of new microgel polymers and their application as supports in organic synthesis

A series of soluble microgel polymers have been synthesized using solution-phase polymerization reactions. In a systematic manner, several variables such as monomer concentration, cross-linker content, reaction solvent and reaction time were examined, and this provided an optimal polymer with both solubility and precipitation characteristics suitable for synthetic applications. Thus, a chemically functionalized microgel polymer was synthesized, and the utility of this polymer in the synthesis of a small array of oxazole compounds has been demonstrated. The advantage of the microgel polymers produced was that they exhibited solution viscosities lower than those of conventional linear polymers even at higher concentrations, and this was found to be beneficial for their precipitation properties. Compounds prepared using the described microgel polymer supports were obtained in similar yields and purity when compared with insoluble resins, and more importantly, the soluble polymer bound intermediates could be analyzed at each step using standard NMR techniques.     

An easy access to diversely fused dioxa-2-aza-tricyclo[n.3.1.0]tetra/pentadecanes under solvent-free condition

Efficient syntheses of phenyl/N-heterocycle fused 6,13-dioxa-2-aza-tricyclo[8.3.1.0^2,8]tetradecanes have been accomplished from 8-hydroxy quinoline derivatives under solvent-free condition, using basic alumina as the solid support. The methodology was successfully extended for the synthesis of corresponding pentadecane derivatives under similar reaction conditions. In terms of its general applicability, product yield, reaction time and effortless separation techniques, the methodology is more valuable compared to the solution phase protocols.