Are antiaromatic rings stacked face-to-face aromatic?

The stacking of 4n pi electron hydrocarbon rings into superphane structures can eliminate their antiaromaticity and result in through-space three-dimensional aromatic character. This is demonstrated by the bond length equalized geometries and diatropic NICS values of the methano-bridged superphane series with interacting three- to nine-membered 4n pi electron rings. Along with triplet and M?bius strategies, stacking is the third way to achieve aromatic ring systems with 4n pi electrons.     

Butalene and related compounds: aromatic or antiaromatic?

Density functional theory (DFT) has been used to study the first three members of the condensed cyclobutadienoid series, butalene (3), bicyclobutadienylene (12), and dicyclobutenobutalene (20). The first is planar and is judged "aromatic" by comparisons with suitable models using both energetic and magnetic criteria. The second is nonplanar, and not aromatic, but not so antiaromatic as cyclobutadiene (11). The third is slightly more antiaromatic and best viewed as a butalene fused to two cyclobutadiene rings; its properties are the sum of aromatic and antiaromatic components, like benzocyclobutadiene. Ring-opening transition states for both 3 and 12 have been located, and these are conrotatorily twisted. The ring-opening barrier for 12 is more than twice that for 3. Ring-opening of 20 involves ring inversion as the only barrier.     

Lemniscular hexaphyrins as examples of aromatic and antiaromatic double-twist Möbius molecules

Two reported [26] and [28]hexaphyrins are analyzed via measured and computed geometries and NMR-shieldings as examples of respectively 4n + 2 pi-electron aromatic and 4n pi-electron antiaromatic double-twist M?bius ring systems, adopting a lemniscular/figure-eight topology with linking number LK = 2pi. Values of local twist (TW) and nonlocal writhe (WR) derived from the relation Lk = Tw + WR appear relatively insensitive to the aromatic/antiaromatic character. The [26]hexaphyrin may adopt differing solution and solid-state conformations.     

Effect on ring current of the Kekulé vibration in aromatic and antiaromatic rings

Derivative current-density maps are used to follow the changes in ring-current (and hence, on the magnetic criterion, the changes in aromaticity) with the Kekulé vibrations of the prototypical aromatic, antiaromatic, and nonaromatic systems of benzene, cyclooctatetraene (COT), and borazine. Maps are computed at the ipsocentric CHF/6-31G**//RHF/6-31G** level. The first-derivative map for benzene shows a growing-in of localized bond currents, and the second-derivative map shows a pure, paratropic "antiring-current", leading to the conclusion that vibrational motion along the Kekulé mode will reduce the net aromaticity of benzene, on average. For planar-constrained D(4h) COT, the Kekulé mode (positive for reduction of bond-length alternation) increases paratropicity at both first and second order, indicating an average increase in antiaromaticity with zero-point motion along this mode. On the ring-current criterion, breathing expansions of benzene and D(4h) COT reduce aromaticity and increase antiaromaticity, respectively.     

Silicon-containing formal 4π-electron four-membered ring systems: antiaromatic, aromatic, or nonaromatic?

Density functional theory calculations (B3LYP) have been carried out to investigate the 4π-electron systems of 2,4-disila-1,3-diphosphacyclobutadiene (compound 1) and the tetrasilacyclobutadiene dication (compound 2). The calculated nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) values for these two compounds are negative, which indicates that the core rings of compounds 1 and 2 have a certain amount of aromaticity. However, deep electronic analysis reveals that neither of these two formal 4π-electron four-membered ring systems is aromatic. Compound 1 has very weak, almost negligible antiaromaticity, and the amidinate ligands attached to the Si atoms play an important role in stabilizing this conjugated 4π-electron system. The monoanionic bidentate ligand interacts with the conjugated π?system to cause π-orbital splitting. This ligand-induced π-orbital splitting effect provides an opportunity to manipulate the gap between occupied and unoccupied π?orbitals in conjugated systems. Conversely, compound 2 is nonaromatic because its core ring does not have a conjugated π?ring system and does not fulfill the requirements of a Hückel system.     

Are isatin and isatoic anhydride antiaromatic and aromatic respectively? A combined experimental and theoretical investigation

This paper reports the results of our thermochemical/calorimetric determination of the enthalpies of combustion, phase change, and formation of isatin, isatoic anhydride, and N-methylisatin. The density functional calculations accompanied by vibrational and thermal corrections were also performed for these compounds and N-methylisatoic anhydride. Through a combination of theoretical calculations and associated isodesmic reactions, we have deduced that isatin has some antiaromatic character and isatoic anhydride enjoys some aromatic stabilization.     

The critical re-evaluation of the aromatic/antiaromatic nature of Ti3(CO)3: a missed opportunity?

The nature of bonding and aromaticity of Ti(3)(CO)(3), a mill-shaped metal-carbonyl complex, is studied carefully. A unique bonding mechanism between metal and carbonyl groups is found in this species. Ti(3)(CO)(3) is an example of a metal-carbonyl complex with prominent metal to carbonyl donation. Moreover, it is proven that not only is Ti(3)(CO)(3) not an antiaromatic complex but also it is the first synthesized example of d-block, σ+π aromatic species. A quick survey among the first row of transition metals in the periodic table shows that other local minima with similar structures and aromaticity are present and Ti(3)(CO)(3) is the first synthesized species of an unknown family.     

Do all-metal antiaromatic clusters exist?

As shown by detailed nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) analyses of the contributions of each molecular orbital, the very recently reported gas-phase all-metal Al4Li3- anion and its relatives (Kuznetsov, A.E.; Birch, K.A.; Boldyrev, A.I.; Li, X.; Zhai, A.I.; Wang, L.S. Science 2003, 300, 622) are aromatic rather than antiaromatic. The paratropic (antiaromatic) four-pi-electron contribution is overcome by the predominating diatropic effects of sigma aromaticity. However, true antiaromatic all-metal clusters, such as Sn62- (Schiemenz, B.; Huttner, G. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1993, 32, 297), do exist.     

Are N,N-dihydrodiazatetracene derivatives antiaromatic?

The synthesis and X-ray characterization of two new dialkynylated diazatetracenes and the corresponding N, N-dihydrodiazatetracenes are reported. The dialkynylated heteroacenes are packed in a brick-wall motif that enforces significant overlap of their pi-faces. Cyclic voltammetry indicates that the dehydrogenated forms are easily reduced to their radical anions in solution. The planarity of these species validates the discussion of their aromaticity. Nucleus Independent Chemical Shift (NICS) computations demonstrate that both of these 20 pi and 24 pi electron systems are aromatic. Both experimental and computational results suggest that the aromaticity of the dihydroheteroacenes is reduced.     

Direct synthesis of α-thio aromatic acids from aromatic amino acids

Modified amino acids are useful synthetic components in both chemistry and biology. Here we describe a simple, scalable two-step procedure to generate α-thio aromatic acids from aromatic amino acids with yields of up to 96%. Diazotization and α-lactone mediated bromination efficiently form the α-bromo acid with retention of configuration. Thiol substitution with mild reagents such as sodium hydrosulfide or sodium trithiocarbonate provides the inverted, free α-thio acid. The mildly acidic soft nucleophile can then be utilized in many synthetic applications.     

Are oxocarbon dianions aromatic?

Assessment of the cyclic electron delocalization of the oxocarbon dianions, C(n)()O(n)()(2)(-) and their neutral counterparts C(n)()O(n)() (n = 3-6), by means of structural, energetic, and magnetic criteria, shows that C(3)O(3)(2)(-) is doubly aromatic (both sigma and pi cyclic electron delocalization), C(4)O(4)(2)(-) is moderately aromatic, but C(5)O(5)(2)(-), as well as C(6)O(6)(2)(-), are less so. Localized orbital contributions, computed by the individual gauge for localized orbitals method (IGLO), to the nucleus-independent chemical shifts (NICS) allow pi effects to be disected from the sigma single bonds and other influences. The C-C(pi) contribution to (NICS(0,pi) (i.e., at the center of the ring) in oxocarbon dianions decreases with ring size but shows little ring size effect at points 1.0 A above the ring. On the basis of the same criteria, C(4)O(4) exhibits cyclic electron delocalization due to partial occupancy of the sigma CC bonds. However, the dissociation energies of all the neutral oxocarbons, C(n)()O(n)(), are highly exothermic.     

Parsing of the free energy of aromatic–aromatic stacking interactions in solution

We report an analysis of the energetics of aromatic–aromatic stacking interactions for 39 non-covalent reactions of self- and hetero-association of 12 aromatic molecules with different structures and charge states. A protocol for computation of the contributions to the total energy from various energetic terms has been developed and the results are consistent with experiment in 92% of all the systems studied. It is found that the contributions from hydrogen bonds and entropic factors are always unfavorable, whereas contributions from van-der-Waals, electrostatic and/or hydrophobic effects may lead to stabilizing or destabilizing factors depending on the system studied. The analysis carried out in this work provides an answer to the questions “What forces stabilize/destabilize the stacking of aromatic molecules in aqueous-salt solution and what are their relative importance?”     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of α-hydroxy aromatic ketones from α-bromo aromatic ketones in water

A reaction ofα-bromo aromatic ketones in water with microwave irradiation gave the correspondingα-hydroxy aromatic ketones in good yields.The use of microwaves was found to significantly improve yields and shorten the reaction time.This reaction afforded a very clean,convenient method for the synthesis ofα-hydroxy aromatic ketones.     

The oxidation of aromatic amines in the presence of “electron-rich” aromatic systems

The oxidation of aromatic amines to the corresponding nitro substituents is performed under mild, nonacidic conditions in the presence of highly nucleophilic aromatic systems such as indoles and furans.     

Double stranded polymeric ladderphanes with 16-π-electron antiaromatic metallocycle linkers

Three double stranded polymeric ladderphanes with 16-π-electron antiaromatic metallocycle linkers are synthesised by ring opening metathesis polymerisation of the corresponding bisnorbornene monomers. Scanning tunnelling microscopic (STM) images indicate that these polymers can assemble nicely on a graphite surface to form a highly ordered pattern which has been observed in other ladderphanes with different kinds of aromatic linkers. Little change in (1)H NMR, absorption spectra and electrochemical oxidation potential between these polymers and the corresponding monomers suggest that there would be no interactions between adjacent antiaromatic linkers in these polymeric ladderphanes. Presumably, the distance between two antiaromatic rings in these ladderphanes (5-6 ?) is far too long in comparison with that between two rings in methylene-bridged antiaromatic superphanes (2.5 ?<), where stabilisation is predicted by theoretical calculations.     

Stable but chimeric antiaromatic 1H-azirines? A threefold reinvestigation

Three different reports on the syntheses of isolable 1H-azirines 6, 15, and 21 were reinvestigated. Instead of the claimed heterocyclic product 6, the isomeric thiazole derivative 7 has been isolated now with nearly identical yield. In the case of the asserted bicyclic 1H-azirine 15, the corrected structure includes the isomeric 3-aminomaleimide moiety of 18. A mechanism to explain the formation of this substance is suggested. The isolation of the antiaromatic compound 21 has also to be rejected. Thus, 1H-azirines keep their classification as very elusive high-energy intermediates.     

Synthesis of α-monoglycerides of aromatic acids

The synthesis of -monoglycerides of aromatic acids has been performed by the transesterification of the methyl esters of the corresponding acids with glycerol. The structures of the compounds obtained have been confirmed by their IR, UV, and¹H and¹³C NMR spectra.A. B. Bekturov Institute of Chemical Sciences, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty, fax (3272) 61 57 65. Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedineii, No. 4, pp. 452–457, July–August, 1999.     

Pd-catalyzed modifiable silanol-directed aromatic ch oxygenation

Directing group: A Pd-catalyzed aromatic C?H oxygenation has been developed, featuring a modifiable silanol-directing group. The resulting oxasilacycles can be efficiently modified into a variety of valuable building blocks.