Studies on the mechanism for stereoisomerization of 1-zirconacyclopent-3-yne compounds

The stereoisomerization of 2,5-disubstituted 1-zirconacyclopent-3-yne compounds, stable five-membered cycloalkynes, has been studied with regard to the mechanism. The bimetallic complex of 1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)butatriene was synthesized and structurally characterized, although it seems unimportant for the stereoisomerization reactions. The isomerization of trans-1,1-bis(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)-2,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1-zirconacyclopent-3-yne 2a into the cis-form in benzene-d₆ solution were observed using ¹H NMR spectroscopy at 50 °C in various concentrations. The reaction was first order with respect to trans-2a. This ruled out the possibility that a bimetallic complex was responsible for the isomerization. A kinetic isotope effect was observed (k_H/k_D = 1.8), suggesting that C–H activation is involved in the rate-determining step. A mechanism via hydrogen elimination from the complex of η⁴-π,π-coordination mode is proposed.     

Studies on the mechanism for stereoisomerization of 1-zirconacyclopent-3-yne compounds

The stereoisomerization of 2,5-disubstituted 1-zirconacyclopent-3-yne compounds, stable five-membered cycloalkynes, has been studied with regard to the mechanism. The bimetallic complex of 1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)butatriene was synthesized and structurally characterized, although it seems unimportant for the stereoisomerization reactions. The isomerization of trans-1,1-bis(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)-2,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1-zirconacyclopent-3-yne 2a into the cis-form in benzene-d₆ solution were observed using ¹H NMR spectroscopy at 50 °C in various concentrations. The reaction was first order with respect to trans-2a. This ruled out the possibility that a bimetallic complex was responsible for the isomerization. A kinetic isotope effect was observed (k_H/k_D = 1.8), suggesting that C–H activation is involved in the rate-determining step. A mechanism via hydrogen elimination from the complex of η⁴-π,π-coordination mode is proposed.     

Synthesis and structure of 1-metallacyclopent-3-yne complexes of group 4 metals

Five-membered metallacyclic alkyne complexes of titanium and hafnium, 1,1-bis(cyclopentadienyl)-1-titanacyclopent-3-yne (2) and trans-1,1-bis(cyclopentadienyl)-2,5-trimethylsilyl-1-hafnacyclopent-3-yne (6), were synthesized and structurally characterized. The structural analysis of titanium complex 2 implied a larger contribution of an η⁴-π,π-coordinated structure. The hafnium compound 6 has a similar structure to the corresponding zirconium analogue (1a), although slight differences in the bond lengths and angles were observed. A novel 1-zirconacyclopent-3-yne complex, 1,1-bis(methylcyclopentadienyl)-2,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1-zirconacyclopent-3-yne (5), was also prepared and the structure of the trans-isomer was determined.     

Preparation of chiral trans-5-substituted-acenaphthene-1,2-diols by baker’s yeast-mediated reduction of 5-substituted-acenaphthylene-1,2-diones

A series of trans-5-substituted-acenaphthene-1,2-diols were obtained in 21–72% yield with 97–100% ee by baker’s yeast-mediated reduction of the corresponding acenaphthylene-1,2-diones, in the presence of DMSO as a co-solvent and under vigorous agitation. The absolute configuration of (?)-trans-5-methoxy-acenaphthene-1,2-diol trans-3b and (?)-trans-5-bromo-acenaphthene-1,2-diol trans-3c was assigned as (S,S) and (?)-trans-5-thiomorpholin-acenaphthene-1,2-diol trans-3d was established as (R,R) by exciton-coupled circular dichroism.     

Electrocyclic reactions of tetraenes: Influence of terminal substituents

Conjugated tetraenes with both central double bonds of cis configuration undergo a series of thermal reactions, the observable products being markedly dependent on the nature of the terminal substituents. Dimethyl 2E,4Z,6Z,8E-decatetraene-1,10-dioate (16) was prepared and found to cyclize readily at 50° to trans dimethyl 2,4-bicyclo[4.2.0)octadiene-6,7-dicarboxylate (18). This reaction proceeds to equilibrium, and the rates and equilibrium constants at the indicated temperatures are: 3.0 × 10^-5 sec^-1 ?40°; 8.2 × 10^-5 sec^-1, 16.0,50°; ?10.0,75°; ?7.47,100° with the equilibrium favoring (18). A sample of 1,8-diphenyl-1E,3Z,5Z;7E-octatetraene (1) showed no reaction below 120°, and at 175° all trans 1,8-diphenyl-octatetraene, cis and trans stilbenes, trans-5-phenyl-6(cis-styryl)-1,3-cyclohexadiene cis-5-phenyl-6-(trans-styryl)-1,3-cyclohexadiene, and cis and trans 6,8-diphenyl-tricyclo[3.2.1.0^2.7]oct-3-enes were formed. At 100° in the presence of excess dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate 1 gave dimethyl trans-3,4-diphenyltricyclo[4.2.2.0^2.5]deca-6,9-dien-6,7-dicarboxylate. Finally 1,4-di(1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1,3-batadiyne, hydrogenated over a Lindlar catalyst, gave only tricyclo[10.4.0.0^6,11]hexadeca-1,3,5-triene.     

Synthesis of enantiomerically pure (E)-1,1,3,3,6,6-hexamethyl-1-sila-4-cycloheptene and its absolute configuration

The title compound 1, a highly strained (E)-cycloalkene, was prepared in enantiomerically pure form from the corresponding trans-1,2-diol 4 via the thionocarbonate 5. The racemic 4 was separated by enantioselective HPLC on an amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) column. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy in connection with theoretical calculations; the (+)-enantiomer has the (S)- and the (−)-enantiomer the (R)-configuration.     

One step synthesis of aziridines by the Michael type addition of free sulfimides: Preparation and absolute configuration of optically active acylaziridines

The Michael type additions of diphenyl N-unsubstituted sulfimide (free sulfimide) to various electrophilic olefins were carried out. The reaction with cis- and trans-dibenzoylethylene, dimethyl-fumarate, dimethylmaleate, benzalacetophenone and benzalacetone gave mainly the corresponding trans-2-acylaziridines and trans-enaminoketones. However, phenyl vinyl sulfone or acrylonitrile afforded not the corresponding aziridine but diphenyl-N-2-cyano or N-2-phenylsulfonylethylsulfimide, a simple Michael adduct When optically active (+)-(R)-o-methoxyphenyiphenyl free sulfimide was treated with such an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound as benzalacetopbenone, an optically active 2-acylazindine, i.e., (-)-trans-2-benzoyl-3-phenylaziridine was obtained in ca 30% optical purity and its absolute configuration was assigned as (2R,3S) upon chemical transformation to the configuration-ally known 2-phenyl-2-benzoylamino-1-ethanol or by comparing its CD spectrum with that of (1R,2R)-1-phenyl-2-benzoyl-cyclopropane. Meanwhile, (-)-(S)-o-methoxyphenylphenyl free sulfimide was found to react with benzalacetophenone to afford (+)-trans-2-benzoyl-3-phenylaziridine of 25% optical purity. Effects of solvent and temperature on both die distribution of the products ratio and the optical yield were examined.     

Highly diastereoselective alkylation,acylation and aldol condensation of cis- and trans-(N-acyloyl)hexahydrobenzoxazolidin-2-ones

The potential of hexahydrobenzoxazolidinones 1a–d as chiral auxiliaries was explored. N-Acylation of 1a–d, 2a–d and 3a–d was followed by methylation and benzylation via the corresponding sodium enolates generated by treatment with NaHMDS. Diastereoselectivities of 98% or higher were observed. The absolute configuration of the newly created stereogenic center was established by chemical correlation with 2-benzyl-1-propanol. The stereochemical results are congruent with addition to the electrophile from the less hindered face of a (Z)-configured enolate, the sodium cation being coordinated by both carbonyl oxygens of the substrate. cis- and trans-N-Propionyl derivatives 2a–d were treated with Bu₂BOTf/Et₃N to give dialkylboron enolates 6a–d, which were then reacted with acetaldehyde and benzaldehyde. ¹H and ¹³C NMR analyses showed the formation of a single diastereomeric aldol addition product, whose relative configuration was ascertained as syn from the measurement of the ³J_{H(2′)/H(3′)} coupling constants, and whose absolute configuration was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The results are rationalized in terms of a Zimmerman–Traxler transition state, with a (Z)-configured enolate where boron is coordinated to the aldehyde carbonyl rather than the oxazolidinone carbonyl. Substrate 2a was also reacted with acyl chlorides via the sodium enolate (NaHMDS). The effect of reaction conditions on O- versus C-acylation, as well as the influence of solvent and additives on diastereoselectivity, are discussed.     

Design,synthesis, resolution,and stereochemical assignment of a conformationally rigid chiral ligand derived from anthracene and a dienophile containing a pyridine moiety

The conformationally rigid chiral ligand, trans-12-(pyridin-2-yl)-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-11-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, 1, was designed and synthesized in racemic form. Both isomers were successfully obtained in enantiomerically pure form through classical resolution using l-(+)-tartaric acid in acetonitrile. The nature of the diastereomeric complex formed in this resolution was elucidated using single crystal X-ray crystallographic studies. The absolute configuration of (+)-1 was unambiguously assigned as (11S,12S) by single crystal structural analysis of salt 5 formed from (+)-1 and l-(+)-tartaric acid.     

Stereoselective synthesis of uncommon α,α′-dialkyl-α-aminoacids. Part 1

The alkylation of the diastereomeric mixture of chiral morpholinone derivatives 4 and 5 occurs with good yield and trans induction. Cleavage of the alkylated products 6a,b,c,e gives enantiomerically pure uncommon (and sterically constrained) α,α′-dialkyl-α-aminoacids. The absolute configuration of the new stereocentres of 4, 5, 6 and 7 has been assigned on the basis of the ¹H-NMR spectra and NOE measurements.     

Synthesis and properties of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of a di-N-acetamide tetraaza macrocycle

The syntheses of the hexadentate ligand 2,13-bis(acetamido)-5,16-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[14,4,0^1.18,0^7.12]docosane (L²) and its complexes with Ni(II) and Cu(II) are described. Crystal structures of H₂L²·2HClO₄ (1), [Ni(L²)](ClO₄)₂ (2) and [Cu(L²)](ClO₄)₂ (3) are reported. The two pendant acetamide groups of the macrocyclic ligand 1 are trans to each other and the absolute configuration is a trans-IV in the solid state. The crystal structures of 2 and 3 revealed an axially elongated octahedral geometry with four nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle and two oxygen atoms of the pendant acetamide groups at the axial positions. The nickel(II) and copper(II) ions are located at an inversion center. The electronic spectra and electrochemical behaviors of the complexes are significantly affected by the presence of the pendant arms.     

Synthesis and characterization of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of a di-N-carboxymethylated tetraaza macrocycle

The reaction of 3,14-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[14,4,0^1.18,0^7.12]docosane (L¹) with bromoacetic acid produced the macrocycle (L²=2,13-bis(2-carboxymethyl)-3,14-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[14,4,0^1.18,0^7.12]docosane) in which two carboxymethyl groups are appended. The complexes [NiL²]·4H₂O (2) and [CuL²]·4H₂O (3) have been prepared and characterized. The two pendant carboxymethyl groups of the macrocyclic ligand are trans to each other, and the absolute configuration is a trans-III in the solid state. The crystal structures of 2 and 3 revealed an axially elongated octahedral geometry with four nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle and two oxygen atoms of the pendant arms at the axial positions. The nickel(II) and copper(II) ions are located at an inversion center. Macrocycle L² reacts more rapidly with metal (II) ions than does L¹. Spectra and electrochemical behaviors of the complexes are also discussed.     

Chiroptical properties of 4-substituted flavans

The negative n→π*-band CD of (+)-flavanone (1) proves its absolute configuration to be (2R). The CD of 4-substituted flavans (cis- and trans-) is best explained by assuming a sofa conformation for the dihydropyran ring (C-2 out of plane). For these compounds second-sphere contributions are smaller than third-sphere contributions of the 4-substituent.     

Stereoselectivity in the construction of rigidified homoserine analogues

Methyl substituted cyclohexyl-1-amino-3-hydroxy-1-carboxylic acid derivatives have been prepared from 5,5-tethered dienes of (2R)-2,5-dihydro-2-isopropyl-3,6-dimethoxypyrazine in stereoselective syntheses. Ring closing metathesis reaction of the diene 2 afforded a heterospirenone which was the substrate for conjugate addition with an alkyl cuprate. Reduction of the adduct followed by hydrolytic cleavage of the heterocyclic ring provided a cyclic α-amino acid derivative. The absolute configuration at the new stereocenters in the products were established by X-ray crystallography analyses.     

Easy and efficient deracemization of all trans-1,3-diphenyl-2,4-bis-[α-hydroxybenzyl]-cyclobutane and its bisphenylsulfanyl derivative and the assignment of the absolute configuration

An effective deracemization of all trans-1,3-diphenyl-2,4-bis-[α-hydroxybenzyl]-cyclobutane 1 was achieved by the application of the (R)-(?)-O-acylmandelic acid as a resolving agent, followed by the crystallization of the diastereomeric esters. The kinetic resolution was also observed in the esterification. Racemic 1 was transformed into bisphenylsulfanyl derivative 3. Enantioselective oxidation of 3 with a VO(acac)₂-chiral Schiff Base catalytic system led to a kinetic resolution, and highly enantiomerically enriched bissulfides/bissulfoxides were isolated. Assignment of the absolute configuration was made by spectroscopic methods and chemical correlation. Due to the rigid C₂-symmetric framework, chiral compounds 1 and 3 have strong steric requirements and may be useful in chiral recognition.     

The absolute configuration of simple aliphatic alcohols through a chemical/computational approach: triarylether derivatives of (+)-endo-2-norborneol as a case study

The reliable determination of the absolute configuration of (+)-endo-2-norborneol 1, chosen as a representative case of simple aliphatic UV–vis transparent alcohols, was obtained by transforming this compound in its 1-naphthyl-diphenylmethyl ether 5 whose ECD spectrum displays several, low-lying, intense Cotton effects, which can be satisfactorily simulated in position, sign, and intensity by TDDFT/B3LYP/6-31G¹ calculations. This result represents a possible, general, new approach to the absolute configuration of aliphatic alcohols.     

Synthesis of derivatives of cyclobuteno[c]thiophen and attempts to synthesise thiophen analogues of biphenylene

Starting from 2,5-dichlorothiophen many new 3,4-disubstituted thiophens have been made including the dialdehyde. Treatment of this with phosphorus pentabromide could be made to give 2,5-dichloro-3- dibromomethylthiophen-4-aldehyde, 2,5-dichloro- or 2-bromo-5-chloro-3,4-bisdibromomethylthiophen. the latter two compounds reacted with sodium iodide to give the corresponding cis- and trans-3,4-dibromo cyclobuteno[c]thiophen derivatives (18–21). Reaction of trans-3,4-dibromo-2,5-dichlorocyclobuteno[c]thiophen with N-bromosuccinimide resulted in fission of the 4-membered ring regenerating 2,5-dichloro-3,4-bisdibromomethylthiophen.When 2,5-dichloro-3,4-di-iodothiophen was treated with butyl-lithium followed by dimethylsulphate it gave 2,5- dichloro-3,4-dimethylthiophen together with a low yield of a red compound which is considered to be a dichloro dimethyl derivative (11) of bisthiophenindigo.Several unsuccessful approaches to the synthesis of dithiophen analogues of biphenylene are outlined. These included heating various 3,4-di-iodothiophens and 4,4′-di-iodo-3,3′-bithienyls with copper as well as the flash vacuum pyrolysis of the latter compounds, of thiophen-3,4-dicar?ylic anhydrides and of 2,5-dichloro-3-iodothiophen-4-car?ylic acid.     

Absolute configuration of 2-hydroxy-2-(1-naphthyl)propionic acid as determined by the 1H NMR anisotropy method

Enantiopure 2-hydroxy-2-(1-naphthyl)propionic acid (+)-2 was prepared by the stereoselective Grignard reaction of 1-naphthylmagnesium bromide with (1R,3R,4S)-menthyl pyruvate 3 or (1R,3R,4S)-8-phenylmenthyl pyruvate 4, and the absolute configuration of acid (+)-2 was unambiguously determined to be S by the ¹H NMR anisotropy method.     

Synthesis,structure and reactions of seco-steroids containing a medium-sized ring—IX : Reactions of Δ1(10)-unsaturated 5-oxo-5,10-seco-steroids with hydroxylamine and n-methylhydroxylamine

When treated with hydroxylamine or N-methylhydroxylamine, in the presence of proton donor catalysts, trans-Δ¹⁽¹⁰⁾-unsaturated 5-oxo-5,10-seco-steroids, such as 3 (but not the corresponding diastereomeric cis-compounds), are converted stereospecifically and in good yield to isoxazolidine derivatives (e.g. 4 and 13), resulting from transannular 1,3-dipolar addition of the intermediately formed oximes and nitrones to the trans-double bond in the cyclodecene ring moiety of the seco-steroid system. Reactions are described and physical evidence is presented which establish the constitution and configuration of the isoxazolidine-containing cycloaddition products, and the mechanistic and steric course of this transannular ring closure process is discussed.     

Synthesis and absolute configuration of two diastereoisomeric (1R,2S,3R)-and (1S,2S,3R)-2-amino-1-(2-furyl)-1,3-butandiols

The synthesis of (1R, 2S, 3R) and (1S, 2S, 3R)-2-(N-benzoylamino)-1-(2-furyl)-1, 3-butandiols (15) and (16) from D-threonine is described. The assignment of absolute configuration of the newly formed asymmetric center at C-1 was based on the ¹H-NMR spectra of O-isopropylidene derivatives 17 and 18.