Synthesis of hydrazones containing sterically hindered phenol groups and tetrathiacalix[4]arene fragment

1,3-Alternate and cone stereoisomers of tetrathiacalix[4]arene and 4-tert-butyltetrathiacalix[4]arene functionalized by carbohydrazide groups reacted with 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde to give the corresponding hydrazones having sterically hindered phenol fragments.     

The synthesis and electronic absorption spectra of 3-phenyl-3(4-pyrrolidino-2-substituted phenyl)-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans: further exploration of the ortho substituent effect

Introduction of a substituent into a sterically demanding 2-position of a 3-(4-pyrrolidinophenyl) ring of a 3,3-diaryl-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran results in the generation of an additional short wavelength absorption band leading to organic photochromes that appear as dull shades of orange and red.     

Aminolysis of 6-[1-(2,6-difluorophenyl)cyclopropyl]-5-methyl-2-(nitroamino)pyrimidin-4(3<Emphasis Type="Italic">H</Emphasis>)-one

The aminolysis of 6-[1-(2,6-difluorophenyl)cyclopropyl]-5-methyl-2-(nitroamino)pyrimidin-4(3H)-one with various amines in butan-1-ol and under solvent-free conditions is successful when the amino group in the reagent is sterically unshielded and the reaction medium is characterized by a high dielectric permittivity. Reactions of the title compound with sterically shielded amines are accompanied by alcoholysis where the amine acts as a base catalyst.     

Synthesis of a distanna [2]ferrocenophane and reactivity of [2]ferrocenophanes towards elemental sulfur and selenium

Here we report the synthesis and crystal structure of a new [2]ferrocenophane [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)₂(SntBu₂)₂] with a sterically demanding distannanediyl bridge. The reactivity of the title compound towards selected main group elements was examined and in addition, this reactivity pattern was established for the related diboranediyl bridged [2]ferrocenophane [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄)₂(BNMe₂)₂].     

A ring-closing metathesis approach to the bicyclo[4.3.1]decane core of caryolanes

A synthesis of highly substituted and sterically congested bicyclo[4.3.1]decenes, a structure embedded in the core 4,7,6-tricyclic system of natural caryolanes, was successfully achieved via a ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction of syn-1,3-diene substituted cyclohexanols. The construction of the diene substrates, starting from 4-acetoxy-3-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, employed diastereoselective copper-mediated conjugate addition and Grignard reactions. An X-ray crystal structure determination of a key synthetic intermediate confirmed the relative stereochemistry of the RCM bicyclic product.     

Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine-3-ylidenes—pyridine derived N-heterocyclic carbene ligands

The ready synthesis of differently substituted 2H-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-4-ium bromides is reported. These salts are precursors for a new class of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands. As a consequence of their bicyclic geometry, these ligands are capable of influencing the coordination sphere of a carbene bound metal. The usefulness of these ligands was demonstrated in the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of sterically hindered aryl chlorides.     

Simple and efficient preparation of sterically protected 1,4-diphosphafulvenes

A new synthetic method for sterically protected 1,4-diphosphafulvenes (2-methylene-2,3-dihydro-1H-[1,3]diphospholes) has been developed starting from (arylethynyl)phosphines and ca. 0.25 molar amount of butyllithium. The catalytic mechanism of the reaction is discussed based on the results of deuterium-labelling experiments.     

Addition of phthalimide and acetone to phosphorylated methylene quinones

New method for synthesis of phosphorylated methylene quinones via bromination of the sterically hindered phenol [prepared via benzylation of secondary chlorophosphines with 4-(methoxymethyl)-2,6-di-tert-butylphenol] with N-bromosuccinimide followed by dehydrobromination with trimethyl orthoformate has been developed. Tertiary phosphine oxides containing the fragment of sterically hindered phenol and amine or acetonyl group have been synthesized for the first time in the reaction of phosphorylated methylene quinones with N- and C-nucleophiles.     

A Nature-Inspired Diels-Alder Reaction Facilitates Construction of the Bicyclo[2.2.2]octane Core of Andibenin B

A rapid synthesis of the bicyclo[2.2.2]octane core of andibenin B via a nature-inspired intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition is described. This cycloaddition permits the construction of a sterically congested bicycle and simultaneously establishes three new all-carbon quaternary stereogenic centers in a highly efficient fashion.     

A DFT exploration of the enantioselective rearrangement of cyclohexene oxide to cyclohexenol

In this paper, we present computational results for the (1S,3R,4R)-3-(pyrrolidinyl)-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane mediated rearrangement of cyclohexene oxide. The results nicely explain the differences in enantioselectivities between catalytic and stoichiometric mode between different ligands, and provides a rational for the identification of non-stereospecific background reactions as the major cause of decreased enantioselectivity in catalytic reactions for sterically hindered diamines.     

Novel fluorene/carbazole hybrids with steric bulk as host materials for blue organic electrophosphorescent devices

The problem of self-quenching in organic electrophosphorescence devices has been extensively studied and partially solved by using sterically hindered spacers in phosphorescent dopants. This paper attempts to address this problem by using sterically hindered host materials. Novel fluorene/carbazole hybrids with tert-butyl substitutions, namely 9,9-bis[4-(3,6-di-tert-butylcarbazol-9-yl)phenyl]fluorene (TBCPF) and 9,9-bis[4-(carbazol-9-yl)phenyl]-2,7-di-tert-butylfluorene (CPTBF), have been synthesized and characterized. The compounds exhibit not only high triplet energy (>2.8 eV), but also high glass transition temperature (>160 °C) and thermal stability. The substitution of inert tert-butyl groups to the carbazole/fluorene rings of these host molecules has a remarkable effect on the corresponding properties of the host materials, i.e. enhancing the thermal and electrochemical stability, weakening the intermolecular packing, and tuning the solid-state emission. Blue electrophosphorescent devices with enhanced performance were prepared by utilizing the sterically hindered host materials. The devices based on the four tert-butyl substituted material TBCPF exhibit unusual tolerance of high dopant concentration up to 20% and marked reduction of efficiency roll-off at higher current, indicating significant suppression of self-quenching effect in organic electrophosphorescent devices by the substitution of steric bulks.     

Functional mimics of copper enzymes. Synthesis and stereochemical properties of the copper(II) complexes of a trinucleating ligand derived from l-histidine

The ligand piperazine-1,4-bis[4-(N-(1-acetoxy-3-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl))-2-propyl)-N-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl)aminobutyl] (PHI) was synthesized by a multistep procedure starting from N^τ-methyl-l-histidine, piperazine-1,4-bis[4-(4-oxo-4-butanoic) acid] and 1-methyl-1H-imidazole-2-carbaldehyde. This ligand has two potential tridentate, aminobis(imidazole) (A sites), and one bidentate, piperazine (B site), binding sites for metal ions and was employed for the synthesis of the binuclear [Cu₂PHI]⁴⁺ and the trinuclear [Cu₃PHI]⁶⁺ complexes, the latter of which features a coordination environment mimicking that present in the trinuclear clusters of the blue copper oxidases. For comparison purposes, the mononucleating ligand l-N^α-(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl)-N^τ-methylhistidine methyl ester (IH) and its complex [CuIH]²⁺ have been also prepared. These copper(II) model complexes are the first reported which are directly derived from chiral l-histidine residues. A detailed analysis of the UV–vis, CD and EPR spectra of the complexes has established that the Cu(II) centers bound to PHI A sites are square-pyramidal in solution, with the amino and one imidazole donor in the equatorial plane and the additional imidazole group bound axially. This arrangement implies the adoption of an unusual conformation of λ chirality by the l-histidine residue and is determined by the attempts to minimize steric interference between the substituents at the tertiary amine donor group and the histidine residue bearing the C-α substituent acetoxymethylene group of the bound PHI ligand. For the less sterically crowded secondary amine group of the bound IH ligand, the histidine C-α substituent can occupy a pseudoaxial position, so that in the complex [CuIH]²⁺ the `normal' arrangement with three equatorial nitrogen donors and δ chirality in the l-histidine chelate ring occurs.     

Theoretical studies on selectivities in the Staudinger reaction of vicinal diimines and ketenes

The selectivities,including peri-,regio-,and diastereoselectivities,in the Staudinger reaction involving vicinal diimines and ketenes were investigated theoretically via the density functional theory(DFT) calculation.The results indicate that vicinal diimines prefer stepwise [2+2] cycloaddition rather than [2+4] cycloaddition to generate cis-4-imino-β-lactams.The diimines attack the less sterically hindered exo-side of ketenes to generate zwitterionic intermediates,which directly undergo a conrotatory ring closure to produce cis-4-imino-β-lactams whatever diimines with less or more bulky N-substituents.For unsymmetric vicinal ketoaldehyde-derived diimines,their ketimines attack the exo-side of ketenes and undergo a conrotatory ring closure to produce cis-4-aldimino-β-lactams due to less steric effect.The current theoretical studies provide very important information for in-depth understanding of the selective formation of mono-cis-β-lactams from vicinal diimines and ketenes.     

Cyclometalated complexes derived from calix[4]arene bisphosphites and their catalytic applications in cross-coupling reactions

Palladium and platinum dichloride complexes of a series of symmetrically and unsymmetrically substituted 25,26;27,28-dibridged p-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene bisphosphites in which two proximal phenolic oxygen atoms of p-tert-butyl- or p-H-calix[4]arene are connected to a P(OR) (R = substituted phenyl) moiety have been synthesized. The palladium dichloride complexes of calix[4]arene bisphosphites bearing sterically bulky aryl substituents undergo cyclometalation by C-C or C-H bond scission. An example of cycloplatinated complex is also reported. The complexes have been characterized by NMR spectroscopic and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. During crystallization of the palladium dichloride complex of a symmetrically substituted calix[4]arene bisphosphite in dichloromethane, insertion of oxygen occurs into the Pd-P bond to give a P,O-coordinated palladium dichloride complex. The calix[4]arene framework in these bisphosphites and their metal complexes adopt distorted cone conformation; the cone conformation is more flattened in the metal complexes than in the free calix[4]arene bisphosphites. Some of these cyclometalated complexes proved to be active catalysts for Heck and Suzuki C-C cross-coupling reactions but, on an average, the yields are only modest.     

Iterative and regioselective cross-couplings of 2-chloro-3,4-diiodopyridine leading to 2,3,4-triheteroarylpyridines

A one-pot synthesis of 2-chloro-3,4-diiodopyridine from 2-chloropyridine is described via a Directed ortho Metallation (DoM)/Halogen Dance (HD) mechanism in 26-28% yields. By performing sequential, iterative Suzuki-Miyaura cross-couplings using a variety of functionalised heteroaryl and arylboronic acids, a series of novel 2,3,4-triheteroarylpyridine scaffolds have been accessed in synthetically viable yields, including sterically hindered derivatives. 2-Chloro-4-heteroaryl-3-iodopyridines and 2-chloro-3,4-diheteroarylpyridines are also reported. The synthesis of 5-[3,4-bis(2-phenylethynyl)pyridin-2-yl]-2-fluoropyridine via a two-step Sonogashira/Suzuki-Miyaura reaction sequence from 2-chloro-3,4-diiodopyridine, phenylacetylene and 6-fluoropyridin-3-yl-3-boronic acid has been achieved in 48% overall yield.     

Supramolecular helical architecture assembled by double-helical [Ag2L2] units

A series of new sterically hindered bridged ligand 4,4^′-methylene-N,N^′-bis(phenyl-2-pyridylmethylene)-bis(2,6-dialkylanil)s was efficiently synthesized by the condensation reaction of 4,4^′-methylene-bis(2,6-disubstituted aniline) and benzoyl pyridine. They easily coordinated with Ag(I) to form Ag(I) complexes. The structure of complex [Ag₂L⁴₂][ClO₄]₂ was determined by the single X-ray crystallographic analysis, and the double-helical asymmetric unit containing two [Ag₂L⁴₂] moieties was interconnected with the adjacent unit through hydrogen bonds to form a helical supramolecular architecture.     

Stable Bicyclic Functionalized Nitroxides: The Synthesis of Derivatives of Aza-nortropinone–5-Methyl-3-oxo-6,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]-6-octene 8-oxyls

In recent decades, bicyclic nitroxyl radicals have caught chemists’ attention as selective catalysts for the oxidation of alcohols and amines and as additives and mediators in directed C-H oxidative transformations. In this regard, the design and development of synthetic approaches to new functional bicyclic nitroxides is a relevant and important issue. It has been reported that imidazo[1,2-b]isoxazoles formed during the condensation of acetylacetone with 2-hydroxyaminooximes having a secondary hydroxyamino group are recyclized under mild basic catalyzed conditions to 8-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-oxo-6,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]-6-octenes. The latter, containing a sterically hindered cyclic N-hydroxy group, upon oxidation with lead dioxide in acetone, virtually quantitatively form stable nitroxyl bicyclic radicals of a new class, which are derivatives of both 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxopiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPON) and 3-imidazolines.     

Metalated nitriles: stereodivergent cation-controlled cyclizations

Stereodivergent cyclizations of γ-hydroxy cyclohexanecarbonitriles are controlled simply through judicious choice of cation in the alkylmetal base. Deprotonating a series of cyclic γ-hydroxy nitriles with i-PrMgBr generates C-magnesiated nitriles that cyclize under stereoelectronic control to cis-fused hydrindanes, decalins, and bicyclo[5.4.0]undecanes. An analogous deprotonation with BuLi triggers cyclization to trans-fused hydrindanes, decalins, and bicyclo[5.4.0]undecanes consistent with a sterically controlled electrophilic attack on an equatorial nitrile anion. Using cations to control the geometry of metalated nitriles provides a versatile, stereodivergent cyclization to cis- and trans-hydrindanes, decalins, and [5.4.0]undecanes, and reveals the key geometric requirements for intramolecular S_N2 and S_N2′ displacements.     

Dihydrogen and Ethylene Activation by a Sterically Distorted Distibene

Herein, we report the synthesis of a sterically distorted distibene ( [4]₂ ) and its transition-metal-like reactivity towards two fundamental feedstock chemicals: H₂ and ethylene. Although [4]₂ exhibits an unusually long Sb=Sb distance and noticeable backbone distortion in the solid state, NMR data suggest that [4]₂ remains predominantly as a dimer in solution, even at high temperatures. However, it was proposed that the elusive reactivity of [4]₂ toward H₂ and ethylene results from reversible dissociation of [4]₂ into the transient stibinidene ( [4] ), which could be observed by NMR spectroscopic techniques.     

The mechanism of the photochemical transformations of 2,5-di-tert-butyl-6-hydroxy-6-methylcyclohexa-2,4-dienone

When exposed to visible light, 2,5-di-tert-butyl-6-hydroxy-6-methylcyclohexa-2,4-dienone undergoes rearrangements in several steps. The first, photochemical step involves contraction of the six-membered ring to a five-membered cyclic ketol. Its subsequent rearrangements follow a number of parallel pathways. The main pathway involves the formation of an unstable intermediate bicyclo[3.1.0]hexenone derivative, whose further transformation leads to 4-acetylcyclopentenone via opening of the three-membered ring in a deaerated solution or to a bicyclic peroxide in the presence of air. In addition, a parallel bimolecular reaction of the five-membered ketol yields sterically hindered 2-acetylcyclopentenone.