Solvolyses of 2-Deoxy-alpha- and beta-D-Glucopyranosyl 4'-Bromoisoquinolinium Tetrafluoroborates

The solvolyses of 2-deoxy-alpha- and beta-D-glucopyranosyl 4'-bromoisoquinolinium tetrafluoroborates (1 and 2) were monitored in aqueous methanol, ethanol, trifluoroethanol, and binary mixtures of ethanol and trifluoroethanol. The observed rate constants are consistent with the solvolyses of 1 and 2 proceeding via dissociative (D(N) A(N)) transition states. In comparison to the alpha-anomer, solvolysis of the beta-compound gives a greater transition state charge delocalization onto the ring oxygen atom. Analysis of the solvolysis product ratios indicates that the 2-deoxyglucosyl oxacarbenium ion is not solvent-equilibrated in the solvent mixtures studied. In the solvolysis of compound 1, the solvent trifluoroethanol facilitates diffusional separation of the leaving group and, in so doing, promotes the formation of the retained trifluoroethyl glycoside.