The Synthesis and STM/AFM Imaging of ‘Olympicene’ Benzo[cd]pyrenes

H‐Benzo[cd]pyrene (‘Olympicene′) is a polyaromatic hydrocarbon and non‐Kekulé fragment of graphene. A new synthetic method has been developed for the formation of 6H‐benzo[cd]pyrene and related ketones including the first time isolation of the unstable alcohol 6H‐benzo[cd]pyren‐6‐ol. Molecular imaging of the reaction products with scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and non‐contact atomic force microscopy (NC‐AFM) characterised the 6H‐benzo[cd]pyrene as well as the previously intangible and significantly less stable 5H‐benzo[cd]pyrene, the fully conjugated benzo[cd]pyrenyl radical and the ketones as oxidation products.     

Synthesis and properties of cyclohepta[cd]benzothiophenes

Cyclohepta[cd]benzothiophene 3 , a new heterocyle, was synthesized starting from benzothiophene via eight steps in 14% total yield. Chemical reactions of 3 were examined on formylation, acetylation, bromination, catalytic hydrogenation and Diels-Alder reactions. The results show that the benzothiophene moiety of 3 has aromatic character and the carbon?carbon double bonds in a seven-membered ring posseses alkene-1ike character.     

Isokinetic correlation analysis of the series of electrophilic substitution reactions of o -substituted phenylmercurials

Isokinetic relationships of the series of electrophilic substitution reactions ofo-substituted phenylmercurials are studied, and the results show, for the first time, that isokinetic correlation analysis can reveal the dominant factor in the system of the reactions. The analysis of S_E2 ofo-substituted phenylmercuric chlorides indicates that the steric effect ofo-substituents is the predominant factor when I₂ is used as electrophilic agent, however, the electronic effect ofo-substituents would become the predominant factor when HCl is used as the electrophilic agent. In S_E1 ofo-substituted phenylmercuric chlorides, the results of the analysis display that the predominant factor is the field effects ofo-substituents. The determination of predominant factors in those reactions would provide further scientific basis for those reaction mechanisms.     

Furan derivatives. Part 10. Synthesis of cyclohepta[cd]benzofuran

Cyclohepta[cd]benzofuran 2 was synthesized by heating (5-oxo-5H-benzocyclohepten-4-yloxy)acetic acid 16 with sodium acetate in acetic anhydride or by photocyclization of 16 in acetonitrile. Several reactions of cyclohepta[cd]benzofuran 2 were examined. Protonation of 2 with trifluoroacetic acid occurred at the 2-position to give a tropylium ion 17 . Catalytic hydrogenation of 2 with palladium on charcoal proceeded smoothly to give tetrahydrocyclohepta[cd]benzofuran 18 . The Diels-Alder reaction of 2 with tetracyano-ethylene produced an adduct 19 . Formylation of 2 with phosphorus oxychloride and dimethylformamide occurred easily at the 2-position to afford compound 20 . Cyclohepta[cd]benzofuran 2 has both properties of heptafulvene and benzofuran.     

Radical Alliances: Solutions and Opportunities for Organic Synthesis

The present account discusses in detail various mechanistic features of the degenerative radical addition‐transfer of xanthates and related thiocarbonylthio congeners and makes a comparison with the more classical Kharasch reactions to which it is similar in certain aspects. The xanthate group reacts reversibly with the ‘active’ radicals in the medium and is able to store them in a somewhat inactive form. This increases their effective lifetime in the medium and, at the same time, lowers their absolute concentration while regulating their relative concentration. These properties translate into a powerful carbon–carbon bond forming process, especially as regards intermolecular additions to electronically unbiased (‘unactivated’) alkenes. Most functional groups are tolerated, in particular polar functions that often require protection with other chemistries. This broad versatility is illustrated by examples where the xanthate addition to the alkene is combined with other, more classical reactions to provide a convergent, rapid access to a wide range of useful structures. Emphasis has been placed on the synthesis of open chain and more complex carbocycles, as well as on the transfer of chirality. These ‘radical alliances’ include organosilicon chemistry, the Diels–Alder cycloaddition and cheletropic extrusion of sulfur dioxide, the Claisen sigmatropic rearrangement, and the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) condensation.     

Cation,solvent, and substituent effects on the decay kinetics of alkali metal salts of diaryl disulfide radical anions in nonaqueous solutions

The transient diaryl disulfide radical anions (RSSR^?) were produced in nonaqueous solutions at room temperature by the flash photolysis of a solution of arylthiolate ion pair in the presence of the excess corresponding disulfide. The transient spectra were almost identical with those obtained from γ-radiolysis of the disulfides in 77 K 2-methyl-tetrahydrofuran (MTHF) glassy matrix. The spectra of disulfide radical anions in nonaqueous solutions were changed by cations, solvents, and para-substituents depending on the ion pair properties. The tighter ion pairs showed a shift of absorption band to the shorter wavelength. The disulfide radical anions decay by a unimolecular dissociation reaction to yield thiolate anion and thiyl radical. The decay kinetics were first-order in the initial time region. The rate constants obtained were changed by the counter cations in the order Na⁺ > K⁺ > Cs⁺ > Li⁺, and by solvents. The tighter ion pairs of the disulfide radical anions showed faster dissociation reaction. This is due to stabilization of a transition state with the counter cation.     

ESR study of free radicals produced from the reaction of o-substituted phenyl methacrylates with tert-butoxy radical

ESR spectra of radicals produced from the reactions of phenyl methacrylate (PMA) and four o-substituted PMAs, 2,4,6-trimethyl-, 2,6-diisopropyl-, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-, and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methyl-PMAs, with tert-butyoxy radical were measured in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran over the temperature range of ?53 to ?15°C. The coupling constants of the β-methylene protons observed varied with the bulkiness of the o-substituents, whereas the p-substitution did not affect the pattern of the spectra. 2,6-Diisopropyl- and 2,4,6-timethyl-PMAs, which can form homopolymers, gave 5- and 13-line spectra, respectively. For the radicals from 2,6-di-tert-butyl- and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methyl-PMAs, the same 8-line spectrum was observed, indicating that the coupling constant of one of the β-methylene protons was too small to detect. Conformations of the radicals were deduced from the coupling constants of the β-methylene protons. Variation of the ESR spectrum according to the bulkiness of the o-substituent was interpreted as a consequence of steric interactions between the polymer chain bound to the β carbon and the substituents, and the α-methyl group.     

Furan derivatives. Part 9. Synthesis and properties of cyclohepta[cd]benzofurans

Cyclohepta[cd]benzofurans 1a-c were synthesized by heating (5-oxo-5H-benzocyclohepten-4-yloxy)acetic acids 7a-c with sodium acetate in acetic anhydride or by irradiation of 7a-c in acetonitrile. Several reactions such as protonation, catalytic hydrogenation, Diels-Alder reaction, acylation, and photoreaction were examined for 1a-b . The results show that cyclohepta[cd]benzofurans have both properties of heptafulvene and benzofuran. The carbon-carbon double bond in the furan ring of 1a has aromatic character, however, the carbon-carbon double bonds in the seven-membered ring have olefinic character.     

Strategic use of amino acid N-substituents to limit α-carbon-centered radical formation and consequent loss of stereochemical integrity

Ab initio calculations have been used to investigate the effect of N-substituents on the stability of α-carbon-centered amino acid radicals. Optimized structures of glycine derivatives and related substituted methanes, and the corresponding radicals, were determined with B3-LYP/6-31G(d). Single-point RMP2/6-31G(d) calculations on these structures were then used to obtain radical stabilization energies, which were compared with the relative rates of formation of the same or closely similar radicals in reactions with N-bromosuccinimde. These studies show that N-acylation and sulfonation decrease both the stability and the ease of formation of the α-carbon-centered radicals. Greater effects are seen with fluoroacyl, fluoroalkylsulfonyl and imido groups. The extent of the effect of the imido and fluoroalkylsulfonyl groups is such that N-phthaloyl- and trifluoromethanesulfonyl-protected amino acids react by hydrogen-atom abstraction from the side chain, thereby avoiding reaction at the chiral α-center and preserving its stereochemical integrity. The origins of these substituent effects are examined.     

Tandem Anionic oxy‐Cope Rearrangement/Oxygenation Reactions as a Versatile Method for Approaching Diverse Scaffolds

Tandem anionic oxy‐Cope rearrangement/radical oxygenation reactions provide δ,?‐unsaturated α‐(aminoxy) carbonyl compounds, which serve as convenient precursors to diverse compound classes. Functionalized carbocycles are accessible by very rare all‐carbon 5‐endo‐trig cyclizations, but also common 5‐exo‐trig radical cyclizations, based on the persistent radical effect. The tandem reactions can be further extended by highly diastereoselective allylation or reduction steps to give complex scaffolds.     

Aktivierte Chinone: Substitution von Azulenen,Benzofuran und Indolen durch 2-Methoxycarbonyl-1,4-benzochinon. Regiospezifische Synthesen von Polymethoxy-fluorenonen und eine neue Synthese des 2,6-Dihydro-naphtho[1,2,3-cd]indol-6-on-Systems

Activated quinones: substitution reactions by methoxy-carbonyl-1,4-benzoquinone of azulenes, benzofuran and indoles; regiospecific syntheses of polymethoxy-fluorenones; a new synthesis of the 2,6-dihydro-naphtho[1,2,3-cd]indol-6-one system. We present new electrophilic substitution reactions of azulenes and 5-membered heterocyclics by methoxy-carbonyl-1,4-benzoquinone. Hydroquinones 3a and 5 are prepared from azulene, and 3b from guaiazulene (see Scheme 1). Benzofuran undergoes α- and β-substitution (hydroquinones 9 10 ) (see Scheme 2). Only β-substitution is observed with indole (hydroquinone 20 ) (see Scheme 4). After methylation, saponification and intramolecular acylation of the substituted indoles 22c, 22d , derivatives of 2,6-dihydro-naphtho[1,2,3-cd]indol-6-one have been obtained. Spectral data prove the presence of the methylidenequinone tautomer. By protonation or alkylation at the carbonyl group of 23 , the violet, highly delocalized 16π-electron systems 25 are generated. Analogously, polymethoxy-fluorenones have been prepared from methoxylated diphenylquinones 15 (see Scheme 3). They also are transformed by protonation and alkylation to the highly coloured and delocalized 12 π-electron systems 18 . By contrast, anthracene is not substituted by methoxycarbonyl-1,4-benzoquinone, but undergoes cycloaddition to the triptycene derivative 1 (see Scheme 1). A summary is presented of previously described reactions of activated quinones.     

Synergistic Effects of Lewis Bases and Substituents on the Electronic Structure and Reactivity of Boryl Radicals

Boryl radicals have the potential for the development of new molecular entities and for application in new radical reactions. However, the effects of the substituents and coordinating Lewis bases on the reactivity of boryl radicals are not fully understood. By using first‐principles methods, we investigated the spin‐density distribution and reactivity of a series of boryl radicals with various substituents and Lewis bases. The substituents, along with the Lewis bases, only affect the radical reactivity when an unpaired electron is in the boron p_z orbital, that is, for three‐coordinate radicals. We found evidence of synergistic effects between the substituents and the Lewis bases that can substantially broaden the tunability of the reactivity of the boryl radicals. Among Lewis bases, pyridine and imidazol‐2‐ylidene show a similar capacity for stabilization by delocalizing the spin density. Electron‐donating substituents, such as nitrogen, more efficiently stabilize boryl radicals than oxygen and carbon atoms. The reactivity of a boryl radical is always boron based, irrespective of the spin density on boron.     

Radiochemical studies of free-radical vinyl polymerizations. VI. Polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of organotin PVC stabilizers

¹⁴C-Azoisobutyronitrile was used to initiate polymerizations of methyl methacrylate in the presence of the organotin compounds: tetrabutyltin, dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltin dilaurate, dibutyltin di(ethyl mercaptide), dibutyltin di(dodecyl mercaptide), and dibutyltin dichloride. Only dibutyltin dichloride affected rates of polymerization significantly, and this was ascribed to an increase in the velocity constant k_p for the propogation reaction. No evidence was obtained for radical displacement reactions of the polymer radicals with bonds between tin and carbon, oxygen, sulfur, or chlorine. Transfer activity exhibited by the mercaptides was ascribed to traces of thiol impurity, possibly formed during storage. The relevance of these results to the mechanism of stabilization of poly(vinyl chloride) is briefly discussed.     

Studies on the Stabilization of Modified Lyocell Solutions

Additives with functional properties makes the Lyocell process a versatile tool for the creation of new innovative materials beyond the textile sector. Occupying functional groups or active surfaces the additives emphasize the suitability of Lyocell fibers, but simultaneously enhance the complexity of chemical reactions in cellulose/N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) solutions, respectively. Concerning to the concentration acidic ion exchange resins, activated charcoals, carbon black etc. shift the start of decomposition to lower temperatures, decrease the viscosity, enhance the formation of amines as the main degradation products or cause autocatalytic reactions. New routes in stabilization of modified Lyocell solutions applying a polymeric stabilizer system are described. Using calorimetric, UV/VIS, ESR and HPLC analysis the degradation processes and thermal stability of modified Lyocell solutions compared to the unstabilized were studied. Moreover, as kinetic investigations show a distinguished behavior for modified solutions autocatalytic reactions can be suppressed by the stabilizing system. ESR kinetic study of radicals reveals that formation and recombination rates of radical reactions depend on cellulose concentration in Lyocell solutions and additional ingredients.     

Excursion to the World of Heptacyclic Compounds Made of Azulenes and Acetylenedicarboxylates

Azulenes and acetylenedicarboxylates react under acid catalysis (Brønsted or Lewis) and form (2aRS,8aSR)‐2a,8a‐dihydrocyclopenta[cd]azulene‐1,2‐dicarboxylates as intermediate products, which then dimerize by central bond‐formation between C(2a¹) and C(2′a¹) and various peripheral C,C′‐atoms of the dihydroazulene fragments, depending on the substituents present. The reactions are often accompanied by the formation of side‐products, such as 2‐(azulen‐1‐yl)fumarates and ‐maleates and others caused by H‐shifts of the primary intermediates. H‐Shifts between the two tetrahydrocyclopenta[cd]azulene parts of the heptacyclic structures were also found.     

Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Tandem [2+2+2] Annulation–Lactamization of Anilides with Two Alkynoates via Cleavage of Two Adjacent C−H or C−H/C−O bonds

An electron‐deficient Cp^E rhodium(III) complex bearing a cyclopentadienyl ligand with two ethyl ester substituents catalyzes the tandem [2+2+2] annulation–lactamization of acetanilides with two alkynoates via cleavage of adjacent two C?H bonds to give densely substituted benzo[cd]indolones. The reactions of meta‐methoxy‐substituted acetanilides with two alkynoates also provided benzo[cd]indolones via cleavage of adjacent C?H/C?O bonds. Furthermore, 3,5‐dimethoxyacetanilides reacted with two alkynoates to give dearomatized spiro compounds.     

Furan derivatives. part 11 [1]. on substituent effects in the synthesis of 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrocyclohepta[cd]benzofurans

Tetrahydrocyclohepta[cd]benzofurans 7a-e were synthesized by the treatment of ( 5 -oxo-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-4-yloxy)acetic acids 5a-e with sodium acetate in acetic anhydride or by heating of their esters 6a-e with sodium hydroxide or sodium hydride in dioxane. The yield of furans 7 decreased as a substituent R of acids 5 or esters 6 was changed from hydrogen to a methyl, ethyl, or isopropyl group. When R was a phenyl group furan 7e was always prepared in good yield. Sodium hydride was a useful base for synthesis of tetrahydrocyclohepta[cd]benzofurans.     

ESR. Spectra of the Radical Ions of Indeno[1, 2, 3-cd]fluoranthene

The ESR. spectra of the radical anion and the radical cation of indeno [1, 2, 3-cd]-fluoranthene have been recorded. Their hyperfine structures are consistent with those expected on the basis of simple MO models.     

Exploring the Biosynthetic Potential of TsrM,a B12-dependent Radical SAM Methyltransferase Catalyzing Non-radical Reactions

B₁₂-dependent radical SAM enzymes are an emerging enzyme family with approximately 200,000 proteins. These enzymes have been shown to catalyze chemically challenging reactions such as methyl transfer to sp2- and sp3-hybridized carbon atoms. However, to date we have little information regarding their complex mechanisms and their biosynthetic potential. Here we show, using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, mutagenesis and synthetic probes that the vitamin B₁₂-dependent radical SAM enzyme TsrM catalyzes not only C- but also N-methyl transfer reactions further expanding its synthetic versatility. We also demonstrate that TsrM has the unique ability to directly transfer a methyl group to the benzyl core of tryptophan, including the least reactive position C4. Collectively, our study supports that TsrM catalyzes non-radical reactions and establishes the usefulness of radical SAM enzymes for novel biosynthetic schemes including serial alkylation reactions at particularly inert C−H bonds.     

Cumulene Rotaxanes: Stabilization and Study of [9]Cumulenes

The stabilization of long [n]cumulenes has traditionally been achieved by placing sterically bulky “protecting groups” at the termini, which shield the reactive carbon chain from unwanted reactions. Herein, we present an alternative strategy: stabilization through threading the sp‐hybridized carbon chain through a phenanthroline‐based macrocycle. The result is stable [9]cumulene rotaxanes that enable the study of properties as a function of length for [n]cumulenes in unprecedented detail, including by quantitative UV/Vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The experimental results are supported by DFT calculations.