Mechanistic insights into N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed N‐acylation of N‐sulfonylcarboxamides with aldehydes

In the current work, density functional theory calculations were performed to elucidate the detailed reaction mechanism for N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed oxidative N‐acylation reaction of amides with aldehydes affording imide products. According to the calculated results, the reaction is initiated by the nucleophilic attack of NHC to aldehydes forming zwitterionic intermediate, which can then form Breslow intermediate via proton transfer. The Breslow intermediate can then be oxidized affording the oxidative intermediate, which can then go through 1,2‐addition with the deprotonated N‐sulfonylcarboxamides. Subsequently, elimination of NHC catalyst produces the final imide product. Our results reveal that the proton in N‐sulfonylcarboxamides is probably abstracted by base t‐BuOK or DPQH, and the deprotonation process is barrier‐less. Moreover, for the second step, ie, the formation of Breslow intermediate, direct proton transfer is impossible to occur. On the contrary, the results reveal that t‐BuOH can mediate the proton transfer in this step and significantly lower the energy barrier to 24.1 kcal/mol, which is also the highest energy barrier for the whole reaction. The work provides not only valuable clues for elucidating the detailed reaction mechanism for the invaluable NHC‐catalyzed oxidative reactions but also mechanistic insights for the rational design of novel NHC‐catalyzed oxidative reactions in the future.     

Chemistry of aryl N‐(2‐pyridyl) thionocarbamates in basic media

Three aryl N‐pyridylthionocarbamates were synthesized by thioacylation of 2‐aminopyridine and 2‐methylaminopyridine with the respective chlorothionoformates. Their hydrolysis mechanism was studied in aqueous basic media. The aryl N‐(2‐pyridyl)thionocarbamates are considerably less reactive than their oxo analogues, the aryl N‐(2‐pyridyl) carbamates, especially the N‐monosubstituted ones ( 1a ‐ b ). Absence of significant buffer catalysis, isolation of the product resulting from trapping of the unsaturated intermediate with piperidine and the entropy of activation observed for the hydrolysis of compound 1b clearly indicate an E1cB mechanism for the N‐monosubstituted aryl N‐(2‐pyridyl)thionocarbamates. The experimental data suggest that the N,N‐disubstituted substrate ( 2 ) undergoes basic hydrolysis by a general base catalysed B_AC2 mechanism. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Basic hydrolysis of quinolinyl N,N‐dimethylcarbamates: a two‐step mechanism

The reactivity of 6‐quinolinyl and 8‐quinolinyl N,N‐dimethylcarbamates was examined in several aqueous basic media. A quadratic dependence was observed for the constant rates upon hydroxide concentration for both compounds, which is a typical behaviour of a mechanism involving a base‐catalysed deprotonation of the tetrahedral intermediate with the formation of a dianion at high concentrations of hydroxide ion, while at lower concentrations a specific‐base catalysed addition–elimination mechanism seems to be predominant. The reactivity of 8‐quinolinyl N,N‐dimethylcarbamate was also studied in several amine buffers, showing specific base catalysis. The reactivity of 6‐quinolinyl N,N‐dimethylcarbamate was studied in H₂O and in D₂O and the solvent isotope effect supports the proposal of a mechanism involving a specific‐base hydrolysis. All results confirm the existence of a mechanism with a rate determining step involving the substrate anion and a second mole of hydroxide ion. This mechanism was so far unknown for carbamate reactivity, being only known to occur with amides. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electrochemical reduction of 3‐phenyl‐1,2‐benzisoxazole 2‐oxide on boron‐doped diamond

The bioreduction of N‐oxide compounds is the basis for the mode of action of a number of biologically active molecules. These compounds are thought to act by forming a reactive oxygen species through an intracellular reduction and subsequent redox cycling process within the organism. With these results in mind, the preliminary investigation into the electrochemical reduction of the benzisoxazole 2‐oxide ring system was undertaken, with the thought that this class of compounds would reduce in a similar fashion to other N‐oxide heterocycles. The electrochemical reduction of 3‐phenyl‐1,2‐benzisoxazole 2‐oxide on boron‐doped diamond was studied using cyclic and square wave voltammetry as well as controlled potential electrolysis and HPLC for qualitative identification of the reaction products. It was found that the reduction proceeded with an initial quasi‐reversible one‐electron reduction followed by the very fast cleavage of either the endocyclic or exocyclic N–O bond. Subsequent electron transfer and protonation resulted in an overall two‐electron reduction and formation of the 2‐hydroxyaryl oxime and benzisoxazole. These results are analogous to those observed in the electrochemical reduction of other heterocyclic N‐oxides albeit the reduction of the benzisoxazole N‐oxides takes place at a more negative potential. However, these encouraging results warrant further investigation into the reduction potential of substituted benzisoxazole N‐oxides as well as to elucidate and characterize the nature of the intermediate species involved. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Higher reactivity of 3‐pyridinium boronic acid compared with 3‐pyridinium boronate ion toward 4‐isopropyltropolone in acidic aqueous solution: fundamental reaction analyses for an effective organoboron‐based chemosensor

The pK_as of 3‐pyridylboronic acid and its derivatives were determined spectrophotometrically. Most of them had two pK_as assignable to the boron center and pyridine moiety. The pK_a assignment performed by ¹¹B nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that both boron centers in 3‐pyridylboronic acid [3‐PyB(OH)₂] and the N‐methylated derivative [3‐(N‐Me)Py⁺B(OH)₂] have strong acidities (pK_a = 4.4 for both). It was found that introduction of a substituent to pyridine‐C atom in 3‐pyridylboronic acid drastically increased the acidity of the pyridinium moiety, but decreased the acidity of the boron center, whereas the introduction to pyridine‐N atom had no influence on the acidity of the boron center. Kinetic studies on the complexation reactions of 3‐pyridinium boronic acid [3‐HPy⁺B(OH)₂] with 4‐isopropyltropolone (Hipt) carried out in strongly acidic aqueous solution indicated that the positive charge on the boronic acid influenced little on its reactivity; 3‐HPy⁺B(OH)₂ reacts with Hipt and protonated H₂ipt⁺, and its reactivity was in line with those of a series of boronic acids. Kinetics in weakly acidic aqueous solution revealed that 3‐HPy⁺B(OH)₂ reacts with Hipt faster than its conjugate boronate [3‐HPy⁺B(OH)₃^–], which is consistent with our recent results. The reactivity of 3‐(N‐Me)Py⁺B(OH)₂ towards Hipt was also examined kinetically; the reactivities of 3‐(N‐Me)Py⁺B(OH)₂ and 3‐(N‐Me)Py⁺B(OH)₃^– are almost the same as those of their original 3‐HPy⁺B(OH)₂ and 3‐HPy⁺B(OH)₃^–, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation of the acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis and reaction mechanisms of N,N′‐diarylsulfamides using various criteria

The mechanism of acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis of a series of p‐substituted N,N′‐diarylsulfamides was investigated in aqueous mineral acid solutions. Rate profiles, reaction activation parameters, catalytic order of strong acids, solvent isotope effects, and analysis of the kinetic data by the excess acidity method suggest a change in the mechanism from A2 to A1. While the hydrolysis proceeds with an A2 mechanism in low acidity regions, an A1 mechanism takes place in high acid concentrations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the anilinolysis of aryl 4‐nitrophenyl thionocarbonates in aqueous ethanol

The reactions of bis(4‐nitrophenyl), 3‐chlorophenyl 4‐nitrophenyl, and 3‐methoxyphenyl 4‐nitrophenyl thionocarbonates ( 1 , 2 , and 3 , respectively) with a series of anilines are subjected to a kinetic investigation in 44 wt.% ethanol–water, at 25.0 °C and an ionic strength of 0.2 M. Under aniline excess, pseudo‐first‐order rate coefficients (k_obs) are found. Plots of k_obs versus aniline concentration are linear, with the slopes (k_N) pH independent, k_N being the rate coefficient for the anilinolysis of the thionocarbonates. The Brønsted plot (log k_N vs. pK_a of anilinium ions) for thionocarbonate 1 is linear, with slope (β) 0.62, which is consistent with a concerted mechanism. The Brønsted plots for thionocarbonates 2 and 3 are curved, with slopes 0.1 at high pK_a for both reaction series and slopes 0.84 and 0.79 at low pK_a for the reactions of 2 and 3 , respectively. The latter plots are in accordance to stepwise mechanisms, through a zwitterionic tetrahedral intermediate (T^±) and its anionic analogue (T^?), the latter being formed by deprotonation of T^± by the basic form of the buffer (HPO). The Brønsted curves are explained by a change in the rate‐limiting step, from deprotonation of T^± at low pK_a, to its formation at high pK_a. The influence of the amine nature and the non‐leaving and electrophilic groups of the substrate on the kinetics and mechanism is also discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A combined experimental and density functional study of 1‐(arylsulfonyl)‐2‐R‐4‐chloro‐2‐butenes reactivity towards the allylic chlorine

Nucleophilic substitution and dehydrochlorination reactions of a number of the ring‐substituted 1‐(arylsulfonyl)‐2‐R‐4‐chloro‐2‐butenes are studied both experimentally and theoretically. The developed synthetic procedures are characterized by a general rapidity, cheapness, and simplicity providing moderate to high yields of 1‐arylsulfonyl 1,3‐butadienes (48–95%), 1‐(arylsulfonyl)‐2‐R‐4‐(N,N‐dialkylamino)‐2‐butenes (31–53%), 1‐(arylsulfonyl)‐2‐R‐2‐buten‐4‐ols (37–61%), and bis[4‐(arylsulfonyl)‐3‐R‐but‐2‐enyl]sulfides (40–70%). The density functional theory B3LYP/6‐311++G(2d,2p) calculations of the intermediate allylic cations in acetone revealed their high stability occurring from a resonance stabilization and hyperconjugation by the SO₂Ar group. The reactivity parameters estimated at the bond critical points of the diene/allylic moiety display a high correlation (R² > 0.97) with the Hammett (σ_p) constants. 1‐Arylsulfonyl 1,3‐butadienes are characterized by a partly broken π conjugated system, which follows from analysis of the two‐centered delocalization (δ) and localization (λ) index values. The highest occupied molecular orbital energies of 1‐arylsulfonyl 1,3‐butadienes are lower than those of 1,3‐butadiene explaining their low reactivity towards the Diels–Alder condensation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Carbanion reactivity; studies of σ‐adduct formation from benzyltriflone anions and 4‐nitrobenzofurazan derivatives

¹H NMR studies in DMSO‐d₆ of the reaction of benzyltriflones, 2 , with 4,6‐dinitrobenzofuroxan, 4 , indicate the formation, with or without the presence of added base, of anionic σ‐adducts. Spectra obtained from solutions of 2 and 4‐nitrobenzofurazan, 6a , in the presence of triethylamine are consistent with products formed by the elimination of trifluoromethylsulfinic acid from σ‐adducts initially formed by carbanion attack at the 5‐position of 6a . Kinetic studies of the latter reaction in methanol allow the determination of rate constants for nucleophilic attack by the carbanions at the 5‐position. The low value of β for these reactions together with the failure to observe reaction with 1,3,5‐trinitrobenzene suggest that the benzyltriflone anions have unusually large steric requirements. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

NMR and DFT studies on persistent carbocations derived from benzo[kl]xanthene,dibenzo[d,d′]benzo[1,2‐b:4,3‐b′]difuran,and dibenzo[d,d′]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]difuran in superacidic media

Persistent carbocations generated by the protonation of hetero‐polycyclic aromatic compounds with oxygen atom(s) were studied by experimental NMR and density function theory calculations. Benzo[kl]xanthene ( 1 ), dibenzo[d,d′]benzo[1,2‐b:4,3‐b′]difuran ( 2 ), and dibenzo[d,d′]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]difuran ( 3 ) were synthesized by the annulation of arenediazonium salts. Compound 1 in FSO₃H‐SbF₅ (4:1)/SO₂ClF and 3 in FSO₃H‐SbF₅ (1:1)/SO₂ClF ionized to 1aH⁺ with protonation at C(4) and to 3aH⁺ with protonation at C(6), and these cations were successfully observed by NMR at low temperatures. The density function theory calculations indicated that 1aH⁺ and 3aH⁺ were the most stable protonated carbocations and that 2 should ionize to 2aH⁺ with protonation at C(6). According to the changes in ¹³C chemical shifts (Δδ¹³C), the positive charge was delocalized into the naphthalene unit for 1aH⁺ , into one benzo[b,d]furan unit for 2aH⁺ , and into one benzo[b,d]furan unit for 3aH⁺ . Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new method for functionalizing α,γ‐dinitro compounds at the β‐position: application to the cyclization of β‐alkoxy‐α,γ‐dinitro compounds

Treatment of 2,4‐dinitropentane with bromine and sodium methoxide in methanol, affords formation of an ether product, 2,4‐dibromo‐3‐methoxy‐2,4‐dinitropentane, in 59% yield as a mixture of three diastereomers. This observation has led to a general synthesis of 3‐alkoxy‐2,4‐dibromo‐2,4‐dinitropentanes, obtained in 75‐86% yield from 2,4‐dibromo‐2,4‐dinitropentane as the preferred reactant. 4‐Bromo‐2,4‐dinitro‐2‐pentene has been identified as an intermediate in these reactions. The nitroalkene has been isolated and undergoes conjugate addition with alkoxides to afford the same ether products after brominative work‐up. The nitroalkene undergoes conjugate addition with sodium azide to give 3‐azido‐2,4‐dibromo‐2,4‐dinitropentane in 38% yield as a mixture of two isomers in which the (R*,R*) isomer predominates. Sequential treatment of 2,4‐dibromo‐2,4‐dinitropentane with sodium methoxide followed by sodium iodide and acetic acid gives 3‐methoxy‐2,4‐dinitropentane in 63% yield, the overall product of simple methoxylation of 2,4‐dinitropentane. However, attempted complete debromination of 2,4‐dibromo‐3‐methoxy‐2,4‐dinitropentane with excess sodium iodide and acetic acid results only in monodebromination to give 2‐bromo‐3‐methoxy‐2,4‐dinitropentane in 86% yield. Likewise, 2‐bromo‐3‐ethoxy‐2,4‐dinitropentane is formed in 93% yield from the ethoxy analog. A mechanistic rationale is offered for condition‐specific removal of the second Br atom in these reactions. Treatment of 3‐methoxy‐2,4‐dinitropentane with potassium acetate/iodine in dimethyl sulfoxide affords formation of 4,5‐dihydro‐3,4‐dimethyl‐3‐methoxy‐4‐nitroisoxazole 2‐oxide in 30% yield as a single diastereomer. Conversion of 2‐bromo‐3‐methoxy‐2,4‐dinitropentane in 15% yield to 4,5‐dihydro‐3,4‐dimethyl‐3‐methoxy‐4‐nitroisoxazole 2‐oxide is also possible by using potassium acetate in dimethyl sulfoxide. The mechanistic pathways for formation of 4,5‐dihydro‐3,4‐dimethyl‐3‐methoxy‐4‐nitroisoxazole 2‐oxide apparently involve unstable 3‐methoxy‐1,2‐dimethyl‐1,2‐dinitrocyclopropane as the common intermediate. Similarly, 2‐bromo‐3‐ethoxy‐2,4‐dinitropentane affords 4,5‐dihydro‐3‐ethoxy‐3,4‐dimethyl‐4‐nitroisoxazole 2‐oxide in 13% yield. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photoinduced decarboxylation of 9‐oxo‐6,9‐dihydro[1,2,5]selenadiazolo[3,4‐f]quinoline‐8‐carboxylic acid

Photoinduced reactions of 9‐oxo‐6,9‐dihydro[1,2,5]selenadiazolo[3,4‐f]quinoline‐8‐carboxylic acid (SeQCA) were investigated in alkaline media (aqueous NaOH solutions) by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, following the in situ formation of paramagnetic species. According to UV–Vis and nuclear magnetic resonance investigations, protonation (pH ≈ 11) and deprotonation (pH ≈ 13) of the imino hydrogen of the 4‐pyridone moiety has to be considered, reflected also in the different EPR spectra observed upon irradiation. Photoinduced generation of radicals was found only for carboxylate substituted SeQCA; other studied selenadiazoloquinolone derivatives, together with those substituted at the C(8) position (R = H, COOCH₂CH₃, COOCH₃, COCH₃ or CN), did not generate paramagnetic species during exposure. Consequently, photodecarboxylation was suggested as the decisive step, accompanied by the decomposition of the selenadiazole ring, resulting in the formation of ortho‐hydroxylate anions. EPR parameters elucidated from experimental EPR spectra obtained at pH ≈ 11 and pH ≈ 13 indicate the formation of oxygen‐centered radicals at the decarboxylated 4‐pyridone ring. EPR spin trapping experiments with nitromethane confirmed a very effective photoinduced electron transfer from all the selenadiazoloquinolones investigated. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Palladium‐catalyzed cyclization of 2‐alkynyl‐N‐ethanoyl anilines to indoles: synthesis,structural, spectroscopic,and mechanistic study

This study reports a facial regio‐selective synthesis of 2‐alkyl‐N‐ethanoyl indoles from substituted‐N‐ethanoyl anilines employing palladium (II) chloride, which acts as a cyclization catalyst. The mechanistic trait of palladium‐based cyclization is also explored by employing density functional theory. In a two‐step mechanism, the palladium, which attaches to the ethylene carbons, promotes the proton transfer and cyclization. The gas‐phase barrier height of the first transition state is 37 kcal/mol, indicating the rate‐determining step of this reaction. Incorporating acetonitrile through the solvation model on density solvation model reduces the barrier height to 31 kcal/mol. In the presence of solvent, the electron‐releasing (–CH₃) group has a greater influence on the reduction of the barrier height compared with the electron‐withdrawing group (–Cl). These results further confirm that solvent plays an important role on palladium‐catalyzed proton transfer and cyclization. For unveiling structural, spectroscopic, and photophysical properties, experimental and computational studies are also performed. Thermodynamic analysis discloses that these reactions are exothermic. The highest occupied molecular orbital?lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gap (4.9–5.0 eV) confirms that these compounds are more chemically reactive than indole. The calculated UV–Vis spectra by time‐dependent density functional theory exhibit strong peaks at 290, 246, and 232 nm, in good agreement with the experimental results. Moreover, experimental and computed ¹H and ¹³C NMR chemical shifts of the indole derivatives are well correlated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Unsymmetrical dyes derived from 7,8‐dihydrobenzo[c,d]furo[2,3‐f]indole

On the basis of the 7,8‐dihydrobenzo[c,d]furo[2,3‐f]indole nucleus, a number of unsymmetrical carbocyanines as well as styryl dyes have been synthesized and their absorption spectra have been measured. Starting from the deviations of long‐wavelength maxima, the value of electron‐donor ability D has been estimated for the heterocycle under study and a number of dye end groups have been ranked by their electron‐donor properties. Experimental inferences are supported by the quantum chemically calculated bond length alternations and energy levels for the dyes concerned. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solvatochromism as an efficient tool to study N,N‐dimethylamino‐ and cyano‐substituted π‐conjugated molecules with an intramolecular charge‐transfer absorption

A representative data set has been gained by the measurement of the electronic absorption spectra of 12 systematically selected push–pull systems with an intramolecular charge‐transfer (CT) absorption and the general structure D–π–A (D = donor, A = acceptor) featuring electron‐withdrawing CN groups, electron‐donating N(CH₃)₂ groups, and various π‐conjugated backbones in 32 solvents with different polarities. The longest‐wavelength absorption maxima λ_max and the corresponding wavenumbers $\tilde {v}_{{\rm max}} $ were evaluated from the UV/Vis spectra measured in 32 well‐selected solvents. The D–π–A push–pull systems were further characterized by quantum‐chemical quantities and simple structural parameters. Structure–solvatochromism relationships were evaluated by multidimensional statistic methods. Whereas solvent polarizability and solvent cavity size proved to be the most important factors affecting the position of λ_max, the solvent polarity was less important. The most important characteristics of organic CT compounds are the energy of the LUMO, the permanent dipole moment, the COSMO (COnductor‐like Screening MOdel) area, the COSMO volume, the number, and ratio of N,N‐dimethylamino and cyano groups, and eventually the number of triple bonds (π‐linkers). A relation between the first‐order polarizability α, the longest‐wavelength absorption maxima λ_max, and the structural features has also been found. The higher‐order polarizabilities β and γ are not related to the observed solvatochromism. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Catalysis by hydrogen chloride in the gas‐phase elimination kinetics of 2‐phenyl‐2‐propanol and 3‐methyl‐1‐buten‐3‐ol

A homogeneous, molecular, gas‐phase elimination kinetics of 2‐phenyl‐2‐propanol and 3‐methyl‐1‐ buten‐3‐ol catalyzed by hydrogen chloride in the temperature range 325–386 °C and pressure range 34–149 torr are described. The rate coefficients are given by the following Arrhenius equations: for 2‐phenyl‐2‐propanol log k₁ (s^?1) = (11.01 ± 0.31) ? (109.5 ± 2.8) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1 and for 3‐methyl‐1‐buten‐3‐ol log k₁ (s^?1) = (11.50 ± 0.18) ? (116.5 ± 1.4) kJ mol^?1 (2.303 RT)^?1. Electron delocalization of the CH₂?CH and C₆H₅ appears to be an important effect in the rate enhancement of acid catalyzed tertiary alcohols in the gas phase. A concerted six‐member cyclic transition state type of mechanism appears to be, as described before, a rational interpretation for the dehydration process of these substrates. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

4‐Alkyl‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1,4,2,6‐oxaazadisilinanes: synthesis,structure, and conformational analysis

4‐Alkyl‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1,4,2,6‐oxaazadisilinanes RN[CH₂Si(Me)₂]₂O [R = Me ( 1 ), i‐Pr ( 2 )] were synthesized by two methods which provided good yields up to 84%. Low temperature NMR study of compounds ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) revealed a frozen ring inversion with the energy barriers of 8.5 and 7.7 kcal/mol at 163 and 143 K, respectively, which is substantially lower than that for their carbon analog, N‐methylmorpholine. DFT calculations performed on the example of molecule ( 1 ) showed that N? Me_ax conformer to exist in the sofa conformation with the coplanar fragment C? Si? O? Si? C, and its N? Me_eq conformer in a flattened chair conformation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Intra‐ versus intermolecular hydrogen bonding equilibrium in 2‐hydroxy‐N,N‐diethylbenzamide

Complex studies of the intramolecular versus intermolecular hydrogen bond equilibrium and internal rotation of the N,N‐diethylamine group in 2‐hydroxy‐N,N‐diethylbenzamide were conducted. The intramolecular versus intermolecular process in 2‐hydroxy‐N,N‐diethylbenzamide was studied by UV–Vis, NMR, IR and Vapour Pressure Osmometric (VPO) methods as a function of temperature and concentration in non‐polar, basic and protic solvents. The unequal positions of the ethyl groups were analysed and the energy barrier to the re‐orientation was defined by the NMR method. This paper presents a study into a complicated nature of competitive interaction 2‐hydroxy‐N,N‐diethylbenzamide with the environment by means of the aforesaid methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vibrational spectroscopy and DFT calculations of di‐amino acid peptides: α‐ and β‐N‐acetyl‐L‐Asp‐L‐Glu in the solid state

Experimental vibrational spectroscopic studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the di‐amino acid peptide derivatives α‐ and β‐N‐acetyl‐L‐Asp‐L‐Glu have been undertaken. Raman and infrared spectra have been recorded for samples in the solid state. DFT simulations were conducted using the B3‐LYP correlation functional and the cc‐pVDZ basis set to determine energy minimized/geometry optimized structures (based on a single isolated molecule in the gaseous state). Normal coordinate calculations have provided vibrational assignments for fundamental modes, including their potential energy distributions. Significant differences are observed between α‐ and β‐N‐acetyl‐L‐Asp‐L‐Glu both in the computed structures and in the vibrational spectra. The combination of experimental and calculated spectra provide an insight into the structural and vibrational spectroscopic properties of di‐amino acid peptide derivatives. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enols of 2‐nitro‐ and related 2‐substituted malonamides

The structures of 2‐substituted malonamides, YCH(CONR¹R²)CONR³R⁴ (Y = Br, SO₂Me, CONH₂, COMe, and NO₂) were investigated. When Y = Br, R¹R² = R³R⁴ = HEt; Y = SO₂Me, R¹–R⁴ = H and for Y = CONH₂ or CONHPh, R¹–R⁴ = Me, the structure in solution is that of the amide tautomer. X‐ray crystallography shows solid‐state amide structures for Y = SO₂Me or CONH₂, R¹–R⁴ = H. Nitromalonamide displays an enol structure in the solid state with a strong hydrogen bond (O^…O distance = 2.3730 Å at 100 K) and d(OH) ≠ d(O^…H). An apparently symmetric enol was observed in solution, even in appreciable percentages in highly polar solvents such as DMSO‐d₆, but K_enol values decrease on increasing the solvent polarity. The N,N′‐dimethyl derivative is less enolic. Acetylmalonamides display a mixture of enol on the acetyl group and amide in non‐polar solvents, and only the amide in DMSO‐d₆. DFT calculations gave the following order of pK_enol values for Y: H > CONH₂ > COMe ≥ COMe (on acetyl) ≥ MeSO₂ > CN > NO₂ in the gas phase, CHCl₃, and DMSO. The enol on the C?O group is preferred to the aci‐nitro compound, and the N? O? H^…O?C is less favored than the C?O? H^…O?C hydrogen bond. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.