Dimerisierung von benzocyclobuten zu 1-ethyl-9,10-dihydrophenanthren unter dem einfluss von natrium-kalium-legierung in tetrahydrofuran

Benzocyclobutene is cleaved by sodium-potassium alloy in THF at a C_aryl-CH₂ bond whereby in contrast to the corresponding reaction with lithium a dimeric product, 1-ethyl-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene, is formed.     

Visible-Light-Induced N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Single Electron Reduction of Mono-Fluoroarenes

Fluoroarenes are abundant and readily available feedstocks. However, due to the high reduction potentials of mono-fluoroarenes, their photoreduction remains a continuing challenge, motivating the development of efficient activation modes to address this issue. This report presents the blue light-induced N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed single electron reduction of mono-fluoroarenes for biaryl cross-couplings. We discovered that under blue light irradiation, NHC/tBuOK combination could construct powerful photoactive architectures to promote single electron transfer for C_aryl−F bond reduction via forming highly reducing NHC radical anion. Notably, the strategy was also successful to reduce C_aryl−O, C_aryl−N, and C_aryl−S bonds for biaryl cross-couplings.     

Divergent synthesis of isoindolo[2,1-a]indole and indolo[1,2-a]indole through copper-catalysed C- and N-arylations

A simple and efficient synthetic route to both isoindolo[2,1-a]indole and its structural isomer indolo[1,2-a]indole skeletons is presented. The key steps of the strategy are based on copper-catalysed C_aryl-C and C_aryl-N bond formation reactions, respectively. Moreover, we report the first copper-mediated intramolecular C-H functionalisation of an indole.     

Single crystal X-ray structural features of aromatic compounds having a pentafluorosulfuranyl (SF<Subscript>5</Subscript>) functional group

Nine pentafluorosulfuranyl (SF₅)-containing aromatic compounds have been characterized crystallographically. The SF₅ group has an umbrella geometry, and the sulfur atom in the SF₅ group is in an approximately octahedral coordination environment. All S–F bond lengths [1.572(3)–1.618(3) Å] are very similar, and the C–S–F_ax bond angles [178.94(14)–180°] are very close to each other. The angle of two adjacent F_eq is approximately 90°. The intramolecular and intermolecular interactions such as C_aryl–H···F_eq, C_aryl–H···O/N/F/Cl interactions, and π-stacking interactions play a very important role in their three-dimensional packing frameworks.     

On-surface cyclodehydrogenation reaction pathway determined by selective molecular deuterations

Understanding the reaction mechanisms of dehydrogenative C_aryl–C_aryl coupling is the key to directed formation of π-extended polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Here we utilize isotopic labeling to identify the exact pathway of cyclodehydrogenation reaction in the on-surface synthesis of model atomically precise graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). Using selectively deuterated molecular precursors, we grow seven-atom-wide armchair GNRs on a Au(111) surface that display a specific hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) pattern with characteristic Raman modes. A distinct hydrogen shift across the fjord of C_aryl–C_aryl coupling is revealed by monitoring the ratios of gas-phase by-products of H₂, HD, and D₂ with in situ mass spectrometry. The identified reaction pathway consists of a conrotatory electrocyclization and a distinct [1,9]-sigmatropic D shift followed by H/D eliminations, which is further substantiated by nudged elastic band simulations. Our results not only clarify the cyclodehydrogenation process in GNR synthesis but also present a rational strategy for designing on-surface reactions towards nanographene structures with precise hydrogen/deuterium isotope labeling patterns.

Selective deuterations were exploited to synthesize graphene nanoribbons on Au(111) surface with a specific H/D pattern on edges, allowing the determination of cyclodehydrogenation reaction pathway within the framework of pericyclic reactions.     

Exploring Regioselective Bond Cleavage and Cross‐Coupling Reactions using a Low‐Valent Nickel Complex

Recently, esters have received much attention as transmetalation partners for cross‐coupling reactions. Herein, we report a systematic study of the reactivity of a series of esters and thioesters with [{(dtbpe)Ni}₂(μ‐η²:η²‐C₆H₆)] (dtbpe=1,2‐bis(di‐tert‐butyl)phosphinoethane), which is a source of (dtbpe)nickel(0). Trifluoromethylthioesters were found to form η²‐carbonyl complexes. In contrast, acetylthioesters underwent rapid C_acyl?S bond cleavage followed by decarbonylation to generate methylnickel complexes. This decarbonylation could be pushed backwards by the addition of CO, allowing for regeneration of the thioester. Most of the thioester complexes were found to undergo stoichiometric cross‐coupling with phenylboronic acid to yield sulfides. While ethyl trifluoroacetate was also found to form an η²‐carbonyl complex, phenyl esters were found to predominantly undergo C_aryl?O bond cleavage to yield arylnickel complexes. These could also undergo transmetalation to yield biaryls. Attempts to render the reactions catalytic were hindered by ligand scrambling to yield nickel bis(acetate) complexes, the formation of which was supported by independent syntheses. Finally, 2‐naphthyl acetate was also found to undergo clean C_aryl?O bond cleavage, and although stoichiometric cross‐coupling with phenylboronic acid proceeded with good yield, catalytic turnover has so far proven elusive.     

Molecular Structure of 1,3,5-Tris (Trimethylstannyl) Benzene: An Electron Diffraction Study

The molecular structure of 1,3,5-tris (trimethylstannyl) benzene has been determined by gas-phase electron diffraction. The C — C bond length is in good agreement with that in benzene. In agreement with the somewhat electron-releasing character of the substituents, the endocyclic bond angles at the substituents are somewhat smaller than 120°. The mean value of Sn — C bond lengths is greater than that in tetraphenyltin and tetramethyltin. The SnMe₃ groups appear freely rotating around the C_aryl — Sn bonds. The following bond lengths (r _g) and bond angles were determined: (Sn — C)_mean 2.150 ± 0.007 Å, C — C 1.399 ± 0.005 Å, (C — H)_mean 1.105 ± 0.006 Å, < C — C(Sn) — C 117.7 ± 1.7º, < C_aryl — Sn — C_methyl 106.7 ± 0.7º < Sn — C — H 111.5 ± 0.9º.     

Crystallographic report: tert‐Butyldifluoro(2,4,6‐tris‐iso‐propylphenyl)silane,t‐Bu(2,4,6‐i‐PrC6H2)SiF2

Owing to steric congestion within the title compound, the geometry at the silicon atom deviates slightly from ideal tetrahedral geometry with an increased C? Si? C angle of 115.97(12)° and an elongated Si? C_aryl bond distance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reactions of triethylgermylpentafluorobenzene with some electrophilic agents

Triethylgermylpentafluorobenzene C₆F₅GeEt₃ reacts with CF₃SO₃H, HSO₃Cl, Me₃SiOSO₂Cl, chlorine, bromine, Cl₂/AlCl₃, or Br₂/AlBr₃ with cleavage of the C_aryl Ge bond. Cesium fluoride promotes electrophilic degermylation of C₆F₅GeEt₃, possibly via the intermediate formation of a tetraorganylfluorogermanate.     

Carbon–Phosphorus Coupling from C^N Cyclometalated AuIII Complexes

With the aim of exploiting new organometallic species for cross-coupling reactions, we report here on the Au^III-mediated C_aryl−P bond formation occurring upon reaction of C^N cyclometalated Au^III complexes with phosphines. The [Au(C^N)Cl₂] complex 1 featuring the bidentate 2-benzoylpyridine (C^CON) scaffold was found to react with PTA (1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) under mild conditions, including in water, to afford the corresponding phosphonium 5 through C−P reductive elimination. A mechanism is proposed for the title reaction based on in situ ³¹P{¹H} NMR and HR-ESI-MS analyses combined with DFT calculations. The C−P coupling has been generalized to other C^N cyclometalated Au^III complexes and other tertiary phosphines. Overall, this work provides new insights into the reactivity of cyclometalated Au^III compounds and establishes initial structure–activity relationships to develop Au^III-mediated C−P cross-coupling reactions.     

2‐Bromo‐5‐hydroxy­benz­aldehyde

The mol­ecules of the title compound, C₇H₅BrO₂, form zigzag chains running along the b axis and are stacked in layers perpendicular to the a axis. Intermolecular bonding occurs through hydrogen bonds linking the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, with an O?O distance of 2.804 (4) Å. The Br atom deviates significantly from the plane of the ring and the aldehyde group is twisted by 7.1 (5)° around the Csp²—C_aryl bond. The geometry of the mol­ecule in the crystal is compared to that given by ab initio quantum mechanical calculations for the isolated mol­ecule, using a molecular orbital Hartree–Fock method and density functional theory.     

2-(2-Hydroxyaryl)cinnamic amides: a new class of axially chiral molecules

The syntheses of several differently substituted amides formally derived from a chiral amine, either E-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)cinnamic acid or both E- and Z-2-(2-hydroxynaphthyl)cinnamic acid, are reported. These molecules display a restricted rotation about the C₂-C_aryl bond. The barriers to rotation about the C₂-C_aryl bond were measured by the dynamic ¹H NMR and were found to vary between 11.8 and 24.5 kcal mol⁻¹, depending on the substitution. In particular, E-2-(2-hydroxynapthyl)cinnamic amides, displayed a high barrier to rotation (ΔG_c^‡=24.4 kcal mol⁻¹) and could be isolated in both diastereomerically pure forms at room temperature. The X-ray structure of one E-2-(2-hydroxynapthyl)cinnamic amide, was resolved, enabling for the determination of the absolute configuration of the chiral axis (aR).     

Group IV Organometallic Compounds Based on Dianionic “Pincer” Ligands: Synthesis,Characterization, and Catalytic Activity in Intramolecular Hydroamination Reactions

Neutral Zr^IV and Hf^IV diamido complexes stabilized by unsymmetrical dianionic N,C,N′ pincer ligands have been prepared through the simplest and convenient direct metal‐induced C_aryl? H bond activation. Simple ligand modification has contributed to highlight the non‐innocent role played by the donor atom set in the control of the cyclometallation kinetics. The as‐prepared bis‐amido catalysts were found to be good candidates for the intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization of primary aminoalkenes. The ability of these compounds to promote such a catalytic transformation efficiently (by providing, in some cases, fast and complete substrate conversion at room temperature) constitutes a remarkable step forward toward catalytic systems that can operate at relatively low catalyst loading and under milder reaction conditions. Kinetic studies and substrate‐scope investigations, in conjunction with preliminary DFT calculations on the real systems, were used to elucidate the effects of the substrate substitution on the catalyst performance and to support the most reliable mechanistic path operative in the hydroamination reaction.     

Two trans‐4‐aminoazoxybenzenes

Two isomeric trans‐4‐amino­azoxy­benzenes, trans‐1‐(4‐amino­phenyl)‐2‐phenyl­diazene 2‐oxide (α, C₁₂H₁₁N₃O) and trans‐2‐(4‐amino­phenyl)‐1‐phenyl­diazene 2‐oxide (β, C₁₂H₁₁N₃O), have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction. The α isomer is almost planar, having torsion angles along the C_aryl—N bonds of only 4.9 (2) and 8.0 (2)°. The relatively short C_aryl—N bond to the non‐oxidized site of the azoxy group [1.401 (2) Å], together with the significant quinoid deformation of the respective phenyl ring, is evidence of conjugation between the aromatic sextet and the π‐electron system of the azoxy group. The geometry of the β isomer is different. The non‐substituted phenyl ring is twisted with respect to the NNO plane by ca 50°, whereas the substituted ring is almost coplanar with the NNO plane. The non‐oxidized N atom in the β isomer has increased sp³ character, which leads to a decrease in the N—N—C bond angle to 116.8 (2)°, in contrast with 120.9 (1)° for the α isomer. The deformation of the C—C—C angles (1–2°) in the phenyl rings at the substitution positions is evidence of the different character of the oxidized and non‐oxidized N atoms of the azoxy group. In the crystal structures, mol­ecules of both isomers are arranged in chains connected by weak N—H?O (α and β) and N—H?N (β) hydrogen bonds.     

Gas‐Phase Synthesis of the Benzyl Radical (C6H5CH2)

Dicarbon (C₂), the simplest bare carbon molecule, is ubiquitous in the interstellar medium and in combustion flames. A gas‐phase synthesis is presented of the benzyl radical (C₆H₅CH₂) by the crossed molecular beam reaction of dicarbon, C₂(X¹Σ_g⁺, a³Π_u), with 2‐methyl‐1,3‐butadiene (isoprene; C₅H₈; X¹A′) accessing the triplet and singlet C₇H₈ potential energy surfaces (PESs) under single collision conditions. The experimental data combined with ab initio and statistical calculations reveal the underlying reaction mechanism and chemical dynamics. On the singlet and triplet surfaces, the reactions involve indirect scattering dynamics and are initiated by the barrierless addition of dicarbon to the carbon–carbon double bond of the 2‐methyl‐1,3‐butadiene molecule. These initial addition complexes rearrange via multiple isomerization steps, leading eventually to the formation of C₇H₇ radical species through atomic hydrogen elimination. The benzyl radical (C₆H₅CH₂), the thermodynamically most stable C₇H₇ isomer, is determined as the major product.     

Theoretical studies of C60/C70 fullerene derivatives: C60O and C70O

A semiempirical (AM1) calculation on the structures and stabilities of isomers of the fullerene derivatives C₆₀O and C₇₀O is carried out. The ozonolysis reaction mechanism and the thermodynamics of the compounds are studied. The two isomers of C₆₀O (56 bond and 66 bond) formed by an oxygen atom bridging across a C-C bond have an epoxide-like or an annulene-like structure. According to the ozonolysis reaction mechanism and kinetic factor analysis, the possible products of this ozonolysis reaction are C₆₀O with oxygen bridging over the 66 bond (C_2v) as an epoxide-like isomer and that with oxygen bridging over the 56 bond (C_s) as an annulene-like isomer. Further, the sixteen isomers of C₇₀O (both epoxide-like and annulene-like structures) have been studied with respect to the same reaction mechanism. The most possible product in this ozonolysis reaction contains oxygen bridging across in the upper part (66 bond in C₇₀O-2 or C₇₀O-4) as an epoxide-like structure. The other possible product is C₇₀O-8 (annulene-like structure), in which oxygen bridges across an broken equatorial CC bond in C₇₀ (D_5h). The vibrational frequency analysis and the electronic structure of the selected C₆₀O and C₇₀O isomers are generated for experimental characterisation. The experimental results indicate that C₆₀O and C₇₀O may decompose into the odd number fullerenes C₅₉ and C₆₉. We therefore studied the structures of C₅₉ and C₆₉ also.     

Reaction Mechanism of the Symmetry‐Forbidden [2+2] Addition of Ethylene and Acetylene to Amido‐Substituted Digermynes and Distannynes Ph2NEENPh2, (E=Ge,Sn): A Theoretical Study

Quantum chemical calculations of reaction mechanisms for the formal [2+2] addition of ethylene and acetylene to the amido‐substituted digermyne and distannyne Ph₂N?EE?NPh₂ (E=Ge, Sn) have been carried out by using density functional theory at the BP86/def2‐TZVPP level. The nature and bonding situations were studied with the NBO method and with the charge and energy decomposition analysis EDA‐NOCV. The addition of ethylene to Ph₂N?EE?NPh₂ takes place through an initial [2+1] addition to one metal atom and consecutive rearrangement to four‐membered cyclic species, which feature a weak E?E bond. Rotation about the C?C bond with concomitant rupture of the E?E bond leads to the 1,2‐disubstituted ethanes, which have terminal E(NPh₂) groups. The overall reaction Ph₂N?EE?NPh₂+C₂H₄→(Ph₂N)E?C₂H₄?E(NPh₂) has very low activation barriers and is slightly exergonic for E=Ge but slightly endergonic for E=Sn. The analysis of the electronic structure shows that there is charge donation of nearly one electron to the ethylene moiety already in the first part of the reaction. The energy partitioning analysis suggests that the HOMO(Ph₂N?EE?NPh₂)→LUMO(C₂H₄) interaction has a similar strength as the HOMO(C₂H₄)→LUMO(Ph₂N?EE?NPh₂) interaction. The [2+2] addition of acetylene to Ph₂N?EE?NPh₂ also takes place through an initial [2+1] approach, which eventually leads to 1,2‐disubstituted olefins (Ph₂N)E?C₂H₂?E(NPh₂). The formation of the energetically lowest lying conformations of cis‐(Ph₂N)E?C₂H₂?E(NPh₂), which occurs with very low activation barriers, is clearly exergonic for the germanium and the tin compound. The trans‐coordinated isomers of (Ph₂N)E?C₂H₂?E(NPh₂) are slightly lower in energy than the cis form but they are separated by a substantial energy barrier for the rotation about the C?C bond. The energy decomposition analysis indicates that the initial reaction takes place under formation of electron‐sharing bonds between triplet fragments rather than HOMO–LUMO interactions.     

Catalytic Dibenzocyclooctene Synthesis via Cobalt(III)–Carbene Radical and ortho‐Quinodimethane Intermediates

The metalloradical activation of ortho‐benzallylaryl N‐tosyl hydrazones with [Co(TPP)] (TPP=tetraphenylporphyrin) as the catalyst enabled the controlled exploitation of the single‐electron reactivity of the redox non‐innocent carbene intermediate. This method offers a novel route to prepare eight‐membered rings, using base metal catalysis to construct a series of unique dibenzocyclooctenes through selective C_carbene?C_aryl cyclization. The desired eight‐membered‐ring products were obtained in good to excellent yields. A large variety of aromatic substituents are tolerated. The proposed reaction mechanism involves intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) to Co^III–carbene radical intermediates followed by dissociation of an ortho‐quinodimethane that undergoes 8π cyclization. The mechanism is supported by DFT calculations, and the presence of radical‐type intermediates was confirmed by trapping experiments.     

Synthesis of i-Corona[6]arenes for Selective Anion Binding: Interdependent and Synergistic Anion–π and Hydrogen-Bond Interactions

i-Corona[3]arene[3]tetrazines were synthesized from the nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction of resorcinol and its derivatives with 3,6-dichlorotetrazine in a one-pot fashion under mild conditions. All of the resulting macrocycles adopted 1,3,5-alternate conformation irrespective of the nature of the substituents on both upper- and lower-rims. i-Corona[3]arene[3]tetrazine was found to self-regulate its macrocyclic conformation and cavity to recognize anions with binding constants spanning from 26 M⁻¹ to 2.2×10³ M⁻¹ depending on the structure of the anions. The selective binding resulted from a significant interdependent and synergistic effect between multiple tetrazine π/anion and C_aryl–H/anion hydrogen bond interactions. Taking advantage of synergistic effect revealed, a cyanobenzene-embedded i-corona[3]arene[3]tetrazine was designedly synthesized and highly selective and very strong affinity toward nitrate with a binding constant of 2.2×10⁵ M⁻¹ was achieved.     

A Germylene/Borane Lewis Pair and the Remarkable C=O Bond Cleavage Reaction toward Isocyanate and Ketone Molecules

A germylene/borane Lewis pair ( 2 ) was prepared from a 1,1‐carboboration of amidinato phenylethynylgermylene ( 1 ) by B(C₆F₅)₃. Compound 2 reacted with iPrNCO and (4‐MeOC₆H₄)C(O)Me, respectively, with cleavage of the C=O double bond. In the first instance, O and iPrNC insert separately into the Ge?B bond to yield a GeBC₂O‐heterocycle ( 3 ) and a GeBC₃‐heterocycle ( 4 ). In the second case (4‐MeOC₆H₄)(Me)C inserts into the Ge?N bond of 2 while O is incorporated in the Ge?B bond to form a Ge‐centered spiroheterocycle ( 5 ). The reaction of 2 with tBuNC to give 6 , which has almost the same structure as 4 , proved the formation of the isonitrile during transformation from 2 and iPrNCO to 3 and 4 . The kinetic study of the reaction of 2 and iPrNCO gave evidence of proceeding through a GeBC₃O‐heterocycle intermediate. In addition, a DFT study was performed to elucidate the reaction mechanism.