A Facile Solid‐Phase Route to Renewable Aromatic Chemicals from Biobased Furanics

Renewable aromatics can be conveniently synthesized from furanics by introducing an intermediate hydrogenation step in the Diels–Alder (DA) aromatization route, to effectively block retro‐DA activity. Aromatization of the hydrogenated DA adducts requires tandem catalysis, using a metal‐based dehydrogenation catalyst and solid acid dehydration catalyst in toluene. Herein it is demonstrated that the hydrogenated DA adducts can instead be conveniently converted into renewable aromatics with up to 80 % selectivity in a solid‐phase reaction with shorter reaction times using only an acidic zeolite, that is, without solvent or dehydrogenation catalyst. Hydrogenated adducts from diene/dienophile combinations of (methylated) furans with maleic anhydride are efficiently converted into renewable aromatics with this new route. The zeolite H‐Y was found to perform the best and can be easily reused after calcination.     

Metalloenzyme‐Like Zeolites as Lewis Acid Catalysts for CC Bond Formation

The use of metalloenzyme‐like zeolites as Lewis acid catalysts for C? C bond formation reactions has received increasing attention over the past few years. In particular, the observation of direct aldol condensation reactions enabled by hydrophobic zeolites with isolated framework metal sites has encouraged the development of catalytic approaches for producing chemicals from biomass‐derived compounds. The discovery of new Diels–Alder cycloaddition/dehydration routes and experimental and computational studies of Lewis acid catalyzed carbonyl–ene reactions have given a further boost to this rapidly evolving field.     

Production of Diethyl Terephthalate from Biomass‐Derived Muconic Acid

We report a cascade synthetic route to directly obtain diethyl terephthalate, a replacement for terephthalic acid, from biomass‐derived muconic acid, ethanol, and ethylene. The process involves two steps: First, a substituted cyclohexene system is built through esterification and Diels–Alder reaction; then, a dehydrogenation reaction provides diethyl terephthalate. The key esterification reaction leads to improved solubility and modulates the electronic properties of muconic acid, thus promoting the Diels–Alder reaction with ethylene. With silicotungstic acid as the catalyst, nearly 100 % conversion of muconic acid was achieved, and the cycloadducts were formed with more than 99.0 % selectivity. The palladium‐catalyzed dehydrogenation reaction preferentially occurs under neutral or mildly basic conditions. The total yield of diethyl terephthalate reached 80.6 % based on the amount of muconic acid used in the two‐step synthetic process.     

Enantioselective Biomimetic Total Syntheses of Kuwanons I and J and Brosimones A and B

The first enantioselective total syntheses of prenylflavonoid Diels–Alder natural products (?)‐kuwanon I, (+)‐kuwanon J, (?)‐brosimone A, and (?)‐brosimone B have been accomplished from a common intermediate based on a concise synthetic strategy. Key elements of the synthesis include a biosynthesis‐inspired asymmetric Diels–Alder cycloaddition mediated by a chiral ligand/boron Lewis acid, as well as a process involving regioselective Schenck ene reaction, reduction, and dehydration to realize a biomimetic dehydrogenation for generation of the required diene precursor. Furthermore, a remarkable tandem inter‐/intramolecular asymmetric Diels–Alder cycloaddition process was applied for the synthesis of (?)‐brosimone A.     

Insight into Three‐Coordinate Aluminum Species on Ethanol‐to‐Olefin Conversion over ZSM‐5 Zeolites

Commercial bioethanol can be readily converted into ethylene by a dehydration process using solid acids, such as Brønsted acidic H‐ZSM‐5 zeolites, and thus, it is an ideal candidate to replace petroleum and coal for the sustainable production of ethylene. Now, strong Lewis acidic extra‐framework three‐coordinate Al³⁺ species were introduced into H‐ZSM‐5 zeolites to improve their catalytic activity. Remarkably, Al³⁺ species working with Brønsted acid sites can accelerate ethanol dehydration at a much lower reaction temperature and shorten the unsteady‐state period within 1–2 h, compared to >9 h for those without Al³⁺ species, which can significantly enhance the ethanol dehydration efficiency and reduce the cost. The reaction mechanism, studied by solid‐state NMR, shows that strong Lewis acidic EFAl‐Al³⁺ species can collaborate with Brønsted acid sites and promote ethanol dehydration either directly or indirectly via an aromatics‐based cycle to produce ethylene.     

Bioinspired Intramolecular Diels–Alder Reaction: A Rapid Access to the Highly‐Strained Cyclopropane‐Fused Polycyclic Skeleton

A bioinsipred gold‐catalyzed tandem Diels–Alder/Diels–Alder reaction of an enynal and a 1,3‐diene, forming the highly‐strained benzotricyclo[3.2.1.0^2,7]octane skeleton, was reported. In contrast, a Diels–Alder/Friedel–Crafts tandem reaction occurred instead when silver salts were used as the catalyst. Although both reactions experienced the similar Diels–Alder reaction of a pyrylium intermediate with a 1,3‐diene, they have different reaction mechanisms. The former proceeded with a stepwise Diels–Alder reaction, while the latter one with a concerted one.     

生物质乙醇在 Fe-HZSM-5分子筛催化剂上脱水制乙烯

乙烯是一种重要的大宗化工原料.目前国内外乙烯的生产方法主要是石脑油裂解法.但是,随着全球性石油资源供求关系日趋紧张,以及该生产过程存在较大环境污染,该工艺面临严峻挑战.生物乙醇是一种可以通过生物质发酵获得的可再生资源.因此,生物质乙醇催化脱水制乙烯工艺受到越来越多研究者关注.该技术的关键在于高性能乙醇脱水制乙烯催化剂的开发.研究发现, Si/Al比大于40的 Fe改性 ZSM-5分子筛在乙醇转换制碳氢化合物的催化反应中具有较高活性,当反应温度大于400oC时,可生成 C1-C9的烷烃、烯烃和芳香烃,其中以 C3产物和芳香烃产物为主.本文研究了 Si/Al比为25-300的 Fe离子交换 ZSM-5分子筛在乙醇脱水制乙烯反应中的催化活性,并利用 XRD, NH3-TPD,吡啶吸附 FT-IR和DRS UV-VIS等表征手段,研究了催化剂的晶相结构、表面组成及酸性位点等,进而探究了该催化反应的反应机理.我们首先考察了 Si/Al比为25-300的 HZSM-5分子筛.随着分子筛 Si/Al比增大,乙醇转化率先增加后降低,在 Si/Al比为100时获得最高值;但是乙烯收率随着 Si/Al比的增加而持续下降, Si/Al比为25时有其最高值47%.经产物分析, HZSM-5(25)和 HZSM-5(300)虽具有相似的乙醇转化率,但前者产生大量 C3+产物,而后者产物只有乙烯和乙醚.据文献报道,乙醚是乙醇脱水制乙烯的中间产物,它的进一步脱水产生乙烯,而乙烯可进一步转化生成 C3+产物.因此,由于 HZSM-5(300)表面酸性较弱,主要生成反应中间体,而 HZSM-5(25)较强的表面酸性又导致乙烯进一步转化,生成 C3+产物.然后我们考察了经过3次离子交换处理的 Fe-ZSM-5催化剂.随着 Si/Al比上升(25-300),乙醇转化率和乙烯收率下降, Si/Al比为25时为其最高值;随着反应温度上升,乙醇转化率在260oC时达到近100%,之后维持不变,乙烯收率也在260 oC时为其峰值,温度继续上升造成乙烯收率再次下降;催化剂空速增大降低乙醇转化率和乙烯收率.经产物分析,温度较低和空速较大时产生大量的反应中间体乙醚,而温度较高时导致乙烯进一步转化生成 C3+产物.在反应温度为260oC、空速为0.81 h-1时, Fe-HZSM-5(25)催化剂上乙醇转化率为98%-99%、乙烯收率为97%-99%,并可实现长达1440 h的单程使用寿命,该值是 HZSM-5(25)催化剂的20余倍,具有很好的工业应用前景.为探究 Fe-ZSM-5(25)催化剂高催化活性和长催化寿命的原因,我们表征了催化剂.从 XRD结果可以看出,离子交换没有损坏 HZSM-5的晶体结构,也没有新的可检测到的物相产生.从 NH3-TPD结果看, HZSM-5(25)的CH/CL(强酸/弱酸)比为0.7, Fe-ZSM-5(25)的CH/CL比为0.29,可知 Fe离子交换降低了分子筛的表面酸性,特别是强酸性位.从吡啶吸附 FT-IR结果看, HZSM-5(25)的 B/L (Br?nsted酸性位/Lewis酸性位)比为1.42, Fe-ZSM-5(25)的 B/L比为0.25,可知 Fe离子交换主要减少的是分子筛表面的 Br?nsted酸性位.文献报道,乙醇脱水制乙烯主要发生在弱酸性位上,而乙烯进一步转化为 C3+产物发生在强酸性位上.所以,催化剂上强酸性位的减少有利于乙烯的生成反应.另据文献报道, Br?nsted酸性位是乙烯聚合、迅速覆盖催化活性位点产生积炭的催化活性中心.因此, Br?nsted酸性的降低可认为是 Fe-HZSM-5(25)催化剂单程使用寿命长较 HZSM-5(25)分子筛显著延长的原因.从 UV-VIS结果得知, Fe-ZSM-5上的 Fe物种主要以骨架内和骨架外 Fe3+为主,此外含有少量低聚合的 FexOy,但几乎没有 Fe2O3颗粒存在.文献记载, Fe3+物种是乙烯形成的活性物种,而 FeOx催化产生乙烯和乙醛.因此,催化剂中大量骨架内和骨架外 Fe3+物种的存在也可认为是该催化剂具有较强乙醇脱水制乙烯催化活性的原因之一.     

Mechanistic Insight into Ethanol Dehydration over SAPO-34 Zeolite by Solid-state NMR Spectroscopy

The reaction mechanism of ethanol dehydration over SAPO-34 zeolite is investigated by using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. SAPO-34 zeolites with different Si contents are prepared and their acidities are characterized by NMR experiments. The higher content of stronger Brønsted acid sites is correlated to the higher Si content. The adsorption of ethanol on the Brønsted acid sites in SAPO-34 leads to the formation of frustrated Lewis pairs(FLPs). Surface ethoxy species is observed by the dehydration of the FLP sites at room temperature, which can be further converted into ethene products. The decomposing of diethyl ether over Brønsted acid sites is responsible for the formation of ethoxy species at higher reaction temperatures. Triethyloxonium ions are formed in the reaction. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed for the dehydration of ethanol over SAPO-34.     

Decomposition and aromatization of ethanol on ZSM-based catalysts

The adsorption, desorption, and reactions of ethanol have been investigated on pure and promoted ZSM-5 catalysts. FTIR spectroscopy indicated the formation of a strongly bonded ethoxy species on ZSM-5(80) at 300 K. TPD experiments following the adsorption of ethanol on both ZSM-5 and Mo2C/ZSM-5 have shown desorption profiles corresponding to unreacted ethanol and decomposition products (H2O, H2, CH3CHO, C4H10O, and C2H4). The main reaction pathway of ethanol on pure ZSM-5 is the dehydration reaction yielding ethylene, small amounts of hydrocarbons, and aromatics. Deposition of different additives, such as Mo2C, ZnO, and Ga2O3 on zeolite, greatly promoted the formation of benzene and toluene at 773-973 K, very likely by catalyzing the aromatization of ethylene formed in the dehydration process of ethanol. Separate studies of the reaction of ethylene revealed that the previous additives markedly enhanced the selectivity and the yield of aromatics on ZSM-5.     

Catalytic Performance and Coking Behavior of a Submicron HZSM‐5 Zeolite in Ethanol Dehydration

The catalytic performance and coking behavior of a submicron ZSM‐5 zeolite in dehydration of ethanol to ethylene were investigated by means of low temperature nitrogen adsorption, thermal gravimetric analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance. The submicron catalyst showed higher activity than the micron one due to more mesopores and more strong acid sites. As the reaction temperature increased, ethanol conversion increased over the submicron catalyst, while ethylene selectivity went through a maximum. The selectivities of propylene and butylene increased with increasing reaction temperature, and they decreased with time on stream at constant temperature. The coke deposits can be divided into coke precursor and hard coke, which were attributed to polyalkylbenzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, respectively; and increasing reaction temperature can accelerate the transformation of coke precursor into hard coke. A precoking pretreatment method was verified very effective for improving the catalyst stability.     

Controlling Covalent Connection and Disconnection with Light

The on‐going need for feature miniaturization and the growing complexity of structures for use in nanotechnology demand the precise and controlled formation of covalent bonds at the molecular level. Such control requires the use of external stimuli that offer outstanding spatial, temporal, as well as energetic resolution. Thus, photoaddressable switches are excellent candidates for creating a system that allows reversible photocontrol over covalent chemical connection and disconnection. Here we show that the formation of covalent bonds between two reagents and their scission in the resulting product can be controlled exclusively by illumination with differently colored light. A furyl‐substituted photoswitchable diarylethene was shown to undergo a reversible Diels–Alder reaction with maleimide to afford the corresponding Diels–Alder adduct. Our system is potentially applicable in any field already relying on the benefits of reversible Diels–Alder reactions.     

Pressure‐Induced Diels–Alder Reactions in C6H6‐C6F6 Cocrystal towards Graphane Structure

Pressure‐induced polymerization (PIP) of aromatics is a novel method for constructing sp³‐carbon frameworks, and nanothreads with diamond‐like structures were synthesized by compressing benzene and its derivatives. Here by compressing a benzene‐hexafluorobenzene cocrystal (CHCF), H‐F‐substituted graphane with a layered structure in the PIP product was identified. Based on the crystal structure determined from the in situ neutron diffraction and the intermediate products identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrum, we found that at 20 GPa CHCF forms tilted columns with benzene and hexafluorobenzene stacked alternatively, and leads to a [4+2] polymer, which then transforms to short‐range ordered H‐F‐substituted graphane. The reaction process involves [4+2] Diels–Alder, retro‐Diels–Alder, and 1‐1′ coupling reactions, and the former is the key reaction in the PIP. These studies confirm the elemental reactions of PIP of CHCF for the first time, and provide insight into the PIP of aromatics.     

Manganese(I)‐Catalyzed C−H Activation/Diels–Alder/retro‐Diels–Alder Domino Alkyne Annulation featuring Transformable Pyridines

Complexity‐increasing Domino reactions comprising C?H allenylation, a Diels–Alder reaction, and a retro‐Diels–Alder reaction were realized by a versatile catalyst derived from earth‐abundant, non‐toxic manganese. The C?H activation/Diels–Alder/retro‐Diels–Alder alkyne annulation sequence provided step‐economical access to valuable indolone alkaloid derivatives through a facile organometallic C?H activation manifold with transformable pyridines.     

Diels–Alder modification of poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐anthracene‐2,6‐carboxylate) with N‐substituted maleimides

Dimethyl 2,6‐anthracene dicarboxylate is used as a comonomer in the synthesis of functional copolymers that are subject to modification with Diels–Alder reactions. The formation of poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐2,6‐anthracenate), containing less than 20 mol % of the anthracene‐2,6‐dicarboxylate structural units, provides materials that are tractable and soluble. The anthracene units of the copolymers undergo Diels–Alder reactions with N‐substituted maleimides. The grafting of N‐alkylmaleimides affords soluble, hydrophobic polymers, whereas grafting with maleimide‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) affords hydrophilic polymers. Because this reaction proceeds below the melting point of the copolymers, the procedure can be applied to thin films, whereby the surface properties are modified. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 3256–3263, 2002     

1,7‐Octadiene‐Assisted Tandem Multicomponent Cross‐Enyne Metathesis (CEYM)‐Diels–Alder Reactions: A Useful Alternative to Mori’s Conditions

The use of 1,7‐octadiene as an in situ source of ethylene led us to develop a novel multicomponent tandem cross‐enyne metathesis (CEYM)‐Diels–Alder reaction. The process can be considered a relay metathesis, in which the ethylene liberated in the ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) of 1,7‐octadiene initiates the tandem sequence. Aliphatic, aromatic, and fluorinated alkynes and several dienophiles are compatible with the process, which is particularly efficient with aromatic alkynes. This methodology constitutes a useful variant of Mori’s conditions in CEYM‐related reactions.     

Solvent Influence on the Diels‐Alder Reaction Rates of 9‐(Hydroxymethyl)anthracene and 9,10‐Bis(hydroxymethyl)anthracene with Two Maleimides

The rates of the Diels–Alder reaction of 9‐(hydroxymethyl)anthracene and 9,10‐bis(hydroxymethyl)anthracene with maleic anhydride and two maleimides, N‐ethyl‐ and N‐phenylmaleimide, have been studied at various temperatures and pressures in different solvent media. A rate acceleration in water in comparison with organic solvents is observed. Thermodynamic functions of activation for the reaction of 9,10‐bis(hydroxymethyl)anthracene with N‐ethylmaleimide in binary 1,4‐dioxane–water mixtures are determined. From the observed tendencies, it can be concluded that acceleration of the Diels–Alder reactions in water is linked with an energetically favorable dehydration of the reaction centers of the reactants on the way to the activated complex. Addition of an organic cosolvent makes the desolvation of these centers less favorable.     

MgBr2‐Mediated Ionic Diels–Alder Reaction of Acetals of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes and Ketones with 1,3‐Dienes

A facile, mild, and efficient methodology for the ionic Diels–Alder reaction of acetals of α,β‐unsaturated ketones and aldehydes as dienophiles with various 1,3‐dienes employing MgBr₂ as the Lewis acid catalyst to furnish corresponding Diels–Alder adducts at ambient temperature is described.     

Diversified Cycloisomerization/Diels–Alder Reactions of 1,6‐Enynes through Bimetallic Relay Asymmetric Catalysis

We report the combination of transition‐metal‐catalyzed diversified cycloisomerization of 1,6‐enynes with chiral Lewis acid promoted asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction to realize asymmetric cycloisomerization/Diels–Alder relay reactions of 1,6‐enynes with electron‐deficient alkenes. A broad spectrum of chiral [5,6]‐bicyclic products could be acquired in high yields (up to 99 %) with excellent diastereoselectivy (>19:1 dr) and enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee).     

Cyclodextrins in Polymer Modification: Diels–Alder Addition of Cyclopentadiene/Methylated‐β‐Cyclodextrin Complex on Unsaturated Polyester and Formation of a New Type of Polypseudorotaxane

Summary: Cyclopentadiene ( 1 ) was incorporated as a guest into the cavity of randomly methylated‐β‐cyclodextrin (me‐β‐CD) as a host, yielding the stable, water compatible cyclopentadiene/me‐β‐CD complex ( 1a ). We successfully attempted to use the synthesised complex in a Diels–Alder addition with a water‐soluble unsaturated polyester ( 2 ) derived from poly(ethylene glycol) and maleic anhydride. The reaction yielded a new type of polypseudorotaxane ( 3 ). Examination of the polypseudorotaxane ( 3 ) and a model inclusion complex of the starting unsaturated polyester with me‐β‐CD ( 2a ) showed that cyclodextrins are threaded onto the main chain in both cases. The cyclohexene moiety formed after the Diels–Alder addition does not act as a stopper, a dethreading process being evidenced and discussed.

The polypseudorotaxane synthesized here.     

The Asymmetric Hetero‐Diels–Alder Reaction in the Syntheses of Biologically Relevant Compounds

The hetero‐Diels–Alder reaction is one of the most powerful transformations in the chemistry toolbox for the synthesis of aza‐ and oxa‐heterocycles embodying multiple stereogenic centers. However, as compared to other cycloadditions, in particular the dipolar cycloadditions and the Diels–Alder reaction, the hetero‐Diels–Alder reaction has been much less explored and exploited in organic synthesis. Nevertheless, this powerful transformation has opened up efficient and creative routes to biologically relevant small molecules and different natural products which contain six‐membered oxygen or nitrogen ring systems. Recent developments in this field, in particular in the establishment of enantioselectively catalyzed hetero‐Diels–Alder cycloadditions steered by a plethora of different catalysts and the application of the resulting small molecules in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry research, are highlighted in this Minireview.