N,N-dimethylformamide: a multipurpose building block

Often used as a common solvent for chemical reations and utilized widely in industry as a reagent, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) has played an important role in organic synthesis for a long time. Numerous highly useful articles and reviews discussing its utilizations have been published. With a focus on the performance of DMF as a multipurpose precursor for various units in numerous reactions, this Minireview summarizes recent developments in the employment of DMF in the fields of formylation, aminocarbonylation, amination, amidation, and cyanation, as well as its reaction with arynes.     

A Simple and Efficient Procedure for the Preparation of Benzal Chlorides and Benzal Bromides

Benzal chlorides and benzal bromides were conveniently synthesized by reaction of aryl aldehydes with a Vilsmeier type reagent formed in situ by reduction of CC1₄ or CBr₄ in dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent.     

Vibrational spectroscopic studies on ion solvation of lithium perchlorate in propylene carbonate + N,N-dimethylformamide mixtures

The infrared (IR) and Raman spectra are reported for solutions of lithium perchlorate in propylene carbonate (PC), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and PC + DMF mixtures. The band splittings of symmetric ring deformation for PC and O=CN deformation for DMF suggest that there is a strong interaction between lithium cations and solvent molecules. The solvent molecules have been assigned to two types, the free and complexed molecules. By a comparison of the intensity for the corresponding bands, it has been concluded that Li+ cations are preferentially solvated by DMF molecules in the LiClO4/PC-DMF solutions. This has been explained by the difference in values of donor number.     

Kinetic studies on the stability and reactivity of beta-amino alkylzinc iodides derived from amino acids

Beta-amino alkylzinc iodides are intrinsically unstable toward beta-elimination and protonation. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of these processes and also to understand how the reactivity of a range of beta-amino alkylzinc iodides in Negishi cross-coupling reactions is influenced by the presence of functional groups within the zinc reagent. Decomposition of beta-benzamido alkylzinc iodides occurs by protonation, and the first-order rate constant for the self-protonation of the carbon-zinc bond in reagent 4b was determined to be 5.2 x 10(-6) s(-1) (at 291 K). In contrast, the carbamate derivative 2 decomposes by a first-order elimination process. The homologous reagent 3, derived from glutamic acid, decomposes more quickly by beta-elimination, with a first-order rate constant of 24 x 10(-6) s(-1) (at 291 K). Reagents 23 and 25, in which the Boc group has been replaced with a trifluoroacetyl group, are more stable toward beta-elimination than the corresponding reagents 2 and 3, a striking outcome given that the trifluoroacetamido group is a better leaving group. Moreover, this replacement also changes the mechanism of the elimination to a second order process. Pseudo-second-order rate constants for the Negishi cross-coupling of reagents 2, 3, 23, and 25 with iodobenzene have been determined, revealing the higher reactivity of the glutamic acid-derived reagents 3 and 25. The main factor influencing reactivity, therefore, is determined to be the proximity of the ester group, rather than the nature of the nitrogen protecting group. Finally, beta-amino alkylzinc iodides 46-48 containing Weinreb amides have been prepared, rate constants for their decomposition through elimination determined, and their synthetic potential for the preparation of beta-amino ketones established.     

Reactions of triflate esters and triflamides with an organic neutral super-electron-donor

The bis-pyridinylidene 13 converts aliphatic and aryl triflate esters to the corresponding alcohols and phenols respectively, using DMF as solvent, generally in excellent yields. While the deprotection of aryl triflates has been seen with other reagents and by more than one mechanism, the deprotection of alkyl triflates is a new reaction. Studies with (18)O labelled DMF indicate that the C-O bond stays intact and hence it is the S-O bond that cleaves, underlining that the cleavage results from the extraordinary electron donor capability of 13. Trifluoromethanesulfonamides are converted to the parent amines in like manner, representing the first cleavage of such substrates by a ground-state organic reducing reagent.     

Li＋在PC＋DMF混合溶剂中优先溶剂化的13C NMR研究

利用¹³C NMR光谱技术研究了Li^＋在碳酸丙烯酯(PC)＋N,N-二甲基甲酰胺(DMF)混合溶剂中的优先溶剂化现象. 根据溶剂分子中碳原子的化学位移随锂盐浓度的变化关系, 确定了与Li^＋发生配位的原子. 碳原子的配位位移值随混合溶剂组成的变化关系表明, 在LiClO₄＋PC＋DMF混合物中, DMF分子对Li^＋的溶剂化作用较PC分子强. 定量计算得到, 在n(PC)∶n(DMF)＝1∶1(摩尔比)的混合溶剂中, PC与DMF分子数在Li^＋第一溶剂化层中的比率为0.12, 说明Li^＋优先被DMF分子溶剂化.     

A highly cis-selective synthesis of 2-ethynylaziridines by intramolecular amination of chiral bromoallenes: improvement of stereoselectivity based on the computational investigation

The base-mediated intramolecular amination of bromoallenes having an axial chirality is described. The treatment of (4S,aR)-4-alkyl-4-[N-(arylsulfonyl)amino]-1-bromobuta-1,2-dienes with NaH in DMF affords 2,3-cis-2-ethynylaziridines in good to excellent selectivity (2,3-cis:trans = 92:8-99:1). The reaction of (4S,aS)-bromoallenes with NaH/DMF also gives 2,3-cis-2-ethynylaziridines selectively (79:21-91:9). These experimental results have been rationalized by B3LYP density functional calculations together with the 6-31+G(d) basis set and the Onsager solvation model. The transition structures for cis-aziridine formation of both (4S,aR)- and (4S,aS)-bromoallenes in DMF are favored over the corresponding trans transition structures by 4.35 and 1.41 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, the calculations predicted that a less polar solvent gives higher cis selectivity for (4S,aS)-bromoallenes. In fact, improvement of the cis selectivity to 99:1 has been realized by using a less polar solvent such as THF. The cyclization of bromoallenes bearing a beta- or gamma-amino group also affords four- and five-membered azacycles in a highly cis-selective manner.     

4f-4f absorption spectra and hypersensitivity in nine-coordinate Ho(III) and Er(III) complexes in different environments

The effect of change in the environment upon 4f-4f absorption spectra of nine-coordinate Ho(III) and Er(III) complexes with thiocyanate and 2,2'-bipyridyl in methanol, DMSO, DMF and pyridine have been investigated. The oscillator strength for hypersensitive and non-hypersensitive transitions have been calculated and variation in the intensity and band shape with respect to solvent type is rationalized in terms of solvent structure and coordinating properties. A comparison with 1,10-phenanthroline complexes is investigated and has been found that phen has a larger impact on the transition intensities for these ions. Pyridine has been found most effective in promoting 4f-4f intensity. The results indicate that it is important to consider both the static and dynamic coupling mechanism while analysing the oscillator strength of hypersensitive transition.     

Ion mobilities in DMF-water mixtures at 25°C

Densities and viscosities of mixtures of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) with water at 25°C have been determined. Limiting equivalent conductances of cesium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium bromide and potassium thiocyanate in these solvent mixtures at 25°C are presented together with corresponding values of ion association constants and distance of closest approach parameters. The transference number of the potassium ion has been determined in solvent mixtures ranging from 0 to 0.75 mol fraction in DMF in water at 25°C. The conductimetric Hittorf method has been used for both potassium bromide and potassium chloride in solutions of up to 0.496 mole fraction of DMF. For solutions of potassium thiocyanate in 0.5 and 0.75 mole fraction in DMF the cationic transference number has been determined using the moving boundary method. Stokes radii have been evaluated. Transport properties are examined in relation to-solvent properties such as composition, dielectric constant, excess volume of mixing and free volume.To whom correspondence should be addressed.     

Solvation of cobalt(II) and trifluoromethanesulfonate ions in N,N-dimethylformamide-methanol mixed solvent studied by means of FT-IR spectroscopy

FT-IR spectra of Co(CF(3)SO(3))(2)-N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)-methanol (MeOH) solutions have been measured over the whole range of solvent composition. The data together with the obtained previously spectra of DMF-MeOH mixtures have been analyzed using the difference spectra method in the region of CO and OH stretching bands. The number of DMF and MeOH molecules in the first solvation sphere of Co(II) ion versus solvent composition has been determined. The second solvation sphere has been revealed and characterized quantitatively. Solvation of trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate) ion as well as ion association in DMF solution have been also studied.     

Pd-catalyzed selective hydrosilylation of aryl ketones and aldehydes

Pd salts in combination with triethylsilane as hydride source and DMF as solvent has been found to be excellent catalytic combination that selectively reduces aryl ketones and aldehydes under mild conditions to afford triethylsilyloxy compounds in excellent yields. Product selectivity to the respective benzyl alcohols can however be achieved when the reaction was performed in DMF/H₂O (4:1) as solvent system.     

Design and synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted boron-containing 1,2,4-oxadiazoles as potential combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) analogs

We have designed and synthesized a small library of 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazole containing combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) analogs. Our objective is to increase the efficacy of the CA-4 as an anti-tubulin and antimitotic agent by substituting the cis-alkene bond with one of its bioisosteres, the 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring. We also modified the substituents attached to both of the phenyl rings (ring A and B in Fig. 1) of CA-4 for the purpose of diversifying our analogs based on SAR. These compounds were synthesized via a coupling reaction between an amidoxime and a carboxylic acid in DMF solvent, with HOBt as a base, and utilizing EDCI as a coupling reagent. Using this protocol, we synthesized a small library of 10 compounds with moderate to good yields. A detailed biological study is currently undergoing in our laboratory to evaluate the activity of these compounds.     

Elucidation of the Electrochemical Oxidation Pathway of Ammonia in Dimethylformamide and the Room Temperature Ionic Liquid, 1‐Ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide

The direct electrochemical oxidation of ammonia has been examined in both the organic solvent dimethylformamide (DMF) and the room temperature ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [EMIM][N(Tf)₂]. The corresponding voltammetric responses have been shown to be similar in each solvent with a broad oxidative wave occurring upon the introduction of ammonia to the solution and the appearance of a new reductive wave following the oxidation. The oxidative reaction process has been examined and a suitable reaction pathway has been deduced, corresponding to the formation of ammonium cations after oxidation of the ammonia. A linear response of limiting current against vol% ammonia was observed in both DMF and [EMIM][N(Tf)₂], suggesting potential application for analytical methods.     

自组装多功能反应器固相合成依非巴特

采用集反应、搅拌、鼓泡、N2气保护和过滤五重功能的自组装反应器,研究了树脂种类、溶剂、缩合试剂和反应时间对环肽依非巴特产率的影响。结果表明,以Rink Amide AM树脂为固相载体,HBTU/HOBt/DIEA为肽键缩合剂,DMF为溶剂,反应2 h,粗肽得率高达86.6%,经液相色谱纯化后纯度达98%以上。     

Conjugate additions of a simple monosilylcopper reagent with use of the CuI.DMS complex: stereoselectivities and a dramatic impact by DMS

Conjugate additions utilizing the simple monosilylcuprate reagent Li[PhMe2SiCuI] to alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds are described. The presence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), either as a component originating from the (CuI)4(DMS)3 complex or as a solvent added, has an amazing influence on both chemical yield and the level of diastereomeric ratio (dr) of the products. Gilman-type silylcyanocuprates {Li(Ph2MeSi)2Cu/LiCN} have previously been used to guarantee good results in conjugate addition reactions. External additives such as HMPA, tributylphosphine, or dialkylzinc are not necessary in conjunction with the simple Li[PhMe2SiCuI] reagent. It is demonstrated that the monosilylcuprate reagent with DMS as the solvent is very useful with sterically hindered (beta,beta-disubstituted) enones, and provides very high yields of the beta-silylated 1,4-addition products. Since there is no oligomerization problem associated with the simple monosilylcuprate reagent, this reagent should be considered as a very useful 1,4-silyl donor to enals, enones, and enoates in conjugate addition reactions.     

Rapid Chemical Reaction Monitoring by Digital Microfluidics‐NMR: Proof of Principle Towards an Automated Synthetic Discovery Platform

Microcoil nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been interfaced with digital microfluidics (DMF) and is applied to monitor organic reactions in organic solvents as a proof of concept. DMF permits droplets to be moved and mixed inside the NMR spectrometer to initiate reactions while using sub‐microliter volumes of reagent, opening up the potential to follow the reactions of scarce or expensive reagents. By setting up the spectrometer shims on a reagent droplet, data acquisition can be started immediately upon droplet mixing and is only limited by the rate at which NMR data can be collected, allowing the monitoring of fast reactions. Here we report a cyclohexene carbonate hydrolysis in dimethylformamide and a Knoevenagel condensation in methanol/water. This is to our knowledge the first time rapid organic reactions in organic solvents have been monitored by high field DMF‐NMR. The study represents a key first step towards larger DMF‐NMR arrays that could in future serve as discovery platforms, where computer controlled DMF automates mixing/titration of chemical libraries and NMR is used to study the structures formed and kinetics in real time.     

4f-4f absorption spectra of nine-coordinate Pr (III) and Nd (III) complexes in different environments

Absorption spectroscopic studies on the mixed-ligand complexes of Pr (III) and Nd (III) with 2,2'-bipyridyl and thiocyanate in pyridine, DMSO, DMF and methanol are presented. The oscillator strengths for the hypersensitive and non-hypersensitive transitions have been calculated and variation in the oscillator strength and band shapes with respect to solvent type is rationalized in terms of solvent structures and coordinating properties. A comparison is made with 1,10-phenanthroline complexes and has been shown that bpy is a weaker ligand than phen for these ions. Pyridine has been found most effective in promoting 4f-4f intensity and the increase in the oscillator strength in this solvent is due to dynamic ligand polarization mechanism.     

Thermal Cyclodimerization of Aliphatic Secondary C,N-Dilithioallylamine Derivatives

beta-Nitrogen-functionalized vinylic organolithium compounds derived from secondary aliphatic allylamines have been found to undergo upon heating (reflux of THF) either a dimerization or a regio- and stereoselective cyclodimerization reaction affording diamino 1,4-dienes or cis-2,3-disubstituted 4-methylenepyrrolidines, respectively, according to reaction time. In contrast, the corresponding dianions derived from aromatic allylamines underwent protonation by the solvent under analogous thermal treatment. A mechanism accounting for all these results has been proposed, which involves a spontaneous beta-elimination of lithium hydride and an intramolecular nucleophilic cyclization by addition of a lithium amide to an alkene group as critical steps. In addition, experimental evidence is provided about the formation of 3-lithio-1-aza 1,3-dienes as intermediates in these unusual thermal transformations.     

Structural and solvent effects on the mechanism of base-induced rearrangement of epoxides to allylic alcohols

A combined experimental and computational study is presented which explores the influence of structure and solvent on the base-catalyzed isomerization of cyclopentene- and cyclohexene oxides. Cyclohexene oxide is known to rearrange via a syn beta-elimination in nonpolar solvents. Cyclopentene oxide instead undergoes alpha-elimination to a carbenoid intermediate in nonpolar solvents due to the unusual acidity of the alpha-proton, not because of an unfavorable conformation. In HMPA, cyclopentene oxide undergoes beta-elimination. To explore the origins of this mechanistic change, deuterium-labeled cis-4-tert-butylcyclohexene oxide was rearranged in HMPA and was found to react via anti beta-elimination, as presumably do cyclopentene oxide and other epoxides.     

Thionations using a P4S10-pyridine complex in solvents such as acetonitrile and dimethyl sulfone

Tetraphosphorus decasulfide (P(4)S(10)) in pyridine has been used as a thionating agent for a long period of time. The moisture-sensitive reagent has now been isolated in crystalline form, and the detailed structure has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The thionating power of this storable reagent has been studied and transferred to solvents such as acetonitrile in which it has proven to be synthetically useful and exceptionally selective. Its properties have been compared with the so-called Lawesson reagent (LR). Particularly interesting are the results from thionations at relatively high temperatures (～165 °C) in dimethyl sulfone as solvent. Under these conditions, for instance, acridone and 3-acetylindole could quickly be transformed to the corresponding thionated derivatives. Glycylglycine similarly gave piperazinedithione. At these temperatures, LR is inefficient due to rapid decomposition. The thionated products are generally cleaner and more easy to obtain because in the crystalline reagent, impurities which invariably are present in the conventional reagents, P(4)S(10) in pyridine or LR, have been removed.