Intramolecular electrophilic rearrangements in saturated acyclic systems. Reactivity of the zwitterion derived from triisopropylphosphine and ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate with respect to different types of electrophiles

The reactions of the zwitterion derived from triisopropylphosphine and ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate with mercuric chloride and aryl isothiocyanates containing Cl atoms in the ortho positions of the benzene ring follow an unusual pathway because this zwitterion represents latent triisopropylphosphine due to the reversibility of the reaction of triisopropylphosphine with ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate. The molecular structures of the adducts of triisopropylphosphine with 2,6-dichloro- and 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl isothiocyanates were confirmed by X-ray diffraction study. Protonation of the adduct of triisopropylphosphine with 2,6-dichlorophenyl isothiocyanate occurred at the nitrogen atom, whereas methylation with methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate afforded an S-methylation product. The results of X-ray diffraction study of the resulting compounds are presented.