An investigation of the abnormal products from the reaction of 2-thenyl and benzyl grignard reagents by gas chromatography.

The products of the reaction of 2-thenylmagnesium chloride (I) with a variety of reagents has been studied by gas chromatography. Carbon dioxide and ethylene oxide produced significant amounts of 5-substituted (“para”) products as well as 3-substituted (“ortho”) and normal addition products. Several other reagents, including acetyl chloride and formaldehyde, produced mainly “ortho” products along with small amounts of normal products. The dependence of product distribution on temperature, added salts and solvent character was found to correlate with the reported rates of inversion about the carbon-magnesium bond in primary Grignard reagents. Blocking the “ortho” position, in 3-methyl-2-thenylmagnesium chloride, increased the proportion of “para” product from 3 to 33%. In addition, the reactions of benzylmagnesium chloride with certain reagents were re-examined.     

Synthesis of N‐Benzylated Anilines from the Reaction of Anilines and Benzyl Chloroformate

Abstract

Reactions of benzyl chloroformate with a series of substituted anilines produced N‐carbobenzyloxy “CBZ” products along with the unexpected N‐benzylated “Bn” compounds. Reaction of aniline, 1a, gave the CBZ, or 2a, and Bn, or 3a, products in 29% and 14% yield, respectively. For 2‐nitro‐, 2‐bromo‐, and 2‐bromo‐5‐nitroanilines, the N‐benzylated compounds were produced exclusively. However, 2‐methoxy‐, 4‐bromo, 4‐iodo, and 4‐ethylanilines gave mainly CBZ products. Other compounds reported in this study gave mixtures of the two products. For 4‐chloro‐3‐nitroaniline, in addition to the Bn and CBZ products (53% and 14% yield, respectively), a N,N‐dibenzylated product was isolated in 27% yield. Collectively, the results indicated that electron‐withdrawing groups, particularly at the ortho position, directed the formation of Bn compounds, whilst electron‐donating groups, especially at the ortho and para positions, favored the synthesis of CBZ products.     

Influence of phenylenediamine additions on the morphology and on the catalytic effect of polyaniline

The influence of para‐, ortho‐, and meta‐phenylenediamine (p‐, o‐, and m‐PDA) additions on the electrochemical synthesis of polyaniline has been investigated by the use of cyclic voltametry. It has been found that small additions (1 and 5 mmol L^?1) of PDA monomers influence significantly the polymerization rate. Whereas p‐PDA increases the polymerization rate, the addition of o‐ or m‐PDA slows it down. Therefore, a different number of potential cycling is necessary to obtain similar thickness of layers. The layers exhibit very different morphology, which changes from “spaghetti‐like” for polyaniline to “sponge‐like” for p‐PDA, to “pebble‐like” for o‐PDA and to “cauliflower‐like” for m‐PDA additions, respectively. The catalytic effect of the synthesized polymer layers has been tested. It has been found that all the layers exhibit catalytic effect in lowering the redox potential of hydroquinone/quinone tested reaction, but the rate of the electrocatalytic reaction varies depending on the PDA monomer added. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 1599–1608, 2004     

An “Ortho Effect” in Electrophilic Aromatic Nitrations: Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Validation

Usually, a π‐donor substituent acts as an ortho/para directing group in an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction, and a π‐acceptor substituent acts as a meta directing group. Interestingly, when a π‐acceptor substituent is meta to a π‐donor substituent, certain electrophilic aromatic nitration occurs ortho to the acceptor substituent rather than para. The “ortho effect”, highlighted in various text books, has been tentatively analyzed here based on ab initio calculations. The reliability of the calculations was verified by the corresponding experimental data, including a new‐designed electrophilic aromatic nitration that also gave reasonable product distributions.     

Stepwise Encapsulation of Sulfate Ions by Ferrocenyl‐Functionalized Tripodal Hexaurea Receptors

Three ferrocenyl‐functionalized tripodal hexaurea anion receptors with ortho‐ ( L² ), meta‐ ( L³ ), and para‐phenylene ( L⁴ ) bridges, which showed strong binding affinities toward sulfate ions, have been designed and synthesized. In particular, meta‐phenylene‐bridged ligand L³ , owing to its trigonal bipyramidal structure, can encapsulate two SO₄^2? ions in its “inner” and “outer” tripodal clefts, respectively, as supported by their clearly distinct NMR resonances and by molecular modeling. The sulfate complex of ortho‐ligand L² , (TBA)₂[SO₄? L² ] ? 2 H₂O ( 1 ), displays a caged tetrahedral structure with an encapsulated sulfate ion that is hydrogen bonded by the six urea groups of ligand L² . CV studies showed two types of electrochemical response of the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple upon anion binding, that is, a shift of the wave and the appearance of a new peak. Quantitative binding data were obtained from the NMR and CV titrations.     

Chloride‐Selective Electrodes Based on “Two‐Wall” Aryl‐Extended Calix[4]Pyrroles: Combining Hydrogen Bonds and Anion–π Interactions to Achieve Optimum Performance

The performance of chloride‐selective electrodes based on “two‐wall” aryl‐extended calix[4]pyrroles and multiwall carbon nanotubes is presented. The calix[4]pyrrole receptors bear two phenyl groups at opposite meso‐positions. When the meso‐phenyl groups are decorated with strong electron‐withdrawing substituents, attractive anion–π interactions may exist between the receptor’s aromatic walls and the sandwiched anion. These anion–π interactions are shown to significantly affect the selectivity of the electrodes. Calix[4]pyrrole, bearing a p‐nitro withdrawing group on each of the meso‐phenyl rings, afforded sensors that display anti‐Hofmeister behavior against the lipophilic salicylate and nitrate anions. Based on the experimental data, a series of principles that help in predicting the suitability of synthetic receptors for use as anion‐specific ionophores is discussed. Finally, the sensors deliver excellent results in the direct detection of chloride in bodily fluids.     

Modulating Guest Uptake in Core–Shell MOFs with Visible Light

A two‐component core–shell UiO‐68 type metal–organic framework (MOF) with a nonfunctionalized interior for efficient guest uptake and storage and a thin light‐responsive outer shell was prepared by initial solvothermal MOF synthesis followed by solvent‐assisted linker exchange. The bulky shell linker features two tetra‐ortho‐fluorinated azobenzene moieties to exploit their advantageous photoisomerization properties. The obtained perfect octahedral MOF single crystals can be switched repeatedly and with an unprecedented efficiency between E‐ and Z‐rich states using visible light only. Due to the high photoswitch density per pore of the shell layer, its steric demand and thus molecular uptake (and release) can be conveniently modulated upon green and blue light irradiation. Therefore, the “smart” shell acts as a light‐controlled kinetic barrier or “gate” for the diffusion of cargo molecules in and out of the MOF crystals.     

The mass spectra of some bis[5-(2-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazolyl)]methyl and aryl derivatives

The general fragmentation patterns of five selected title compounds are described. The most significant mass spectral features arise from the interaction of aryl substituents with the adjacent heterocyclic ring. The decomposition of the compounds bearing an ortho nitro group in the S-aryl moieties is strongly affected by a prominent “ortho effect”.     

Non‐linear,cata‐Condensed,Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Materials: A Generic Approach and Physical Properties

A generic approach to the regiospecific synthesis of halogenated polycyclic aromatics is made possible by the one‐ or two‐directional benzannulation reactions of readily available (ortho‐allylaryl)trichloroacetates (the “BHQ” reaction). Palladium‐catalysed cross‐coupling reactions of the so‐formed haloaromatics enable the synthesis of functionalised polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with surgical precision. Overall, this new methodology enables the facile mining of chemical space in search of new electronic functional materials.     

One‐pot Annulation for Biaryl‐fused Monocarba‐closo‐dodecaborate through Aromatic B−H Bond Disconnection

We have developed a one‐pot annulation reaction of monocarba‐closo‐dodecaborate with cyclic diaryliodonium salts to afford biaryl‐fused derivatives. Aryl functionalities are introduced at both the 1‐carbon and unreactive ortho‐boron vertices of the “σ‐aromatic” carborane cage without the need for pre‐functionalization. DFT calculations revealed that the palladium‐catalyzed C?B bond‐formation step in this process proceeds through a concerted metalation–deprotonation (CMD)‐type pathway for the B?H bond disconnection on the aromatic cage, though such bonds are generally regarded as hydridic.     

Modular In Situ Functionalization Strategy: Multicomponent Polymerization by Palladium/Norbornene Cooperative Catalysis

Herein, we report a cooperatively palladium/norbornene‐catalyzed polymerization, which simplifies the synthesis of functional aromatic polymers, including conjugated polymers. Specifically, an A₂B₂C‐type multicomponent polymerization that is based on an ortho amination/ipso alkynylation reaction was developed for the preparation of various amine‐functionalized arylacetylene‐containing polymers. Within a single catalytic cycle, the amine side chains are site‐selectively installed in situ by C?H activation during the polymerization process, which represents a major difference from conventional cross‐coupling polymerizations. This “in situ functionalization” strategy enables the modular incorporation of functional side chains starting from simple monomers, thereby conveniently affording a diverse range of functional polymers.     

New Insights into the Hexaphenylethane Riddle: Formation of an α,o‐Dimer

Upon reduction of a 1H‐cyclobuta[de]naphthalene‐4,5‐diylbis(diarylmethylium) species, a new C? C bond is formed between the C_α and C_ortho atoms of the two chromophores, which presents an unprecedented coupling pattern for the dimerization of two trityl units. By attaching an annulated cyclobutane ring at the opposite peri position of the naphthalene core, the distance between the C_α carbon atoms was elongated beyond the limit of σ‐bond formation through “scissor effects”. The suppression of C_α? C_α bond formation, which would lead to hexaphenylethane‐type compounds, is key to the first successful isolation of the α,o‐adducts. The 5‐diarylmethylene‐6‐triarylmethyl‐1,3‐cyclohexadiene unit in the α,o‐adducts is stable, and isomerization of the cyclohexadiene unit into an aromatic system was not observed. The newly formed C_α? C_ortho bond was cleaved upon two‐electron oxidation to regenerate the dicationic dye.     

Synthesis of π‐Conjugated Polymer Consisting of Pyrrole and Fluorene Units by Ru‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective Direct Arylation Polycondensation

Polycondensation of 1‐(2‐pyrimidinyl)pyrrole with 2,7‐dibromo‐9,9‐dioctylfluorene via Ru‐catalyzed direct arylation gives the corresponding conjugated polymer with a molecular weight of 19 800 in 86% yield. The introduction of directing group, 2‐pyrimidinyl substituent, into the pyrrole monomer induces ortho‐metalation and provides the site‐selective direct arylation polycondensation at the α‐position of pyrrole unit without the protection of β‐position. The removal of 2‐pyrimidinyl substituent on the pyrrole unit proceeds efficiently and results in the enhancement of coplanarity along the main chain of the polymer.

     

N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Photoenolization/Diels–Alder Reaction of Acid Fluorides

The combination of light activation and N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis has enabled the use of acid fluorides as substrates in a UVA‐light‐mediated photochemical transformation previously observed only with aromatic aldehydes and ketones. Stoichiometric studies and TD‐DFT calculations support a mechanism involving the photoactivation of an ortho‐toluoyl azolium intermediate, which exhibits “ketone‐like” photochemical reactivity under UVA irradiation. Using this photo‐NHC catalysis approach, a novel photoenolization/Diels–Alder (PEDA) process was developed that leads to diverse isochroman‐1‐one derivatives.     

A LFER Kinetic Study of The Reaction of 5‐Substituted Orotic Acids with Diazodiphenylmethane

Linear free energy relationships (LFER) were applied to the kinetic data for the reaction of 5‐substituted orotic acids, series 1 , with diazodiphenylmethane (DDM) in N,N–dimethylformamide and compared with results obtained for 2‐substituted benzoic acids, series 2 . The correlation analysis of the kinetic data with σ substituent parameters was carried out using SSP (single substituent parameter) methods. From the sign and value of proportinality constant ρ, lower sensitivity to the substituent effect was obtained in series 1 , 0.876, than in the series 2 , 1.877. Evaluation of substituent “ortho‐effect” was performed using the Charton model, which includes the steric substituent parameter, and Fujita and Nishioka's model, which describes the total ortho‐effect as contribution of ordinary polar effect, the ortho‐steric and ortho‐polar effects. Results of correlations, obtained by using the Charton model, showed highest contribution of the polar effect, 0.861 vs. 2.101, whereas the steric effect is of lowest significance, 0.117 vs. 0.055, for series 1 and 2 , respectively. Also, a low negative value of coefficient with the steric effect, –0.08, obtained from the Fujita–Nishioka model indicated low steric effect, influencing a decrease of the reaction rate in series 1 . The structural and substituent effects were also studied by using the density functional theory method, and together with kinetic data, it gave a better insight into the influence of the effect of both geometry and substituent on the π?electron density shift induced reactivity of investigated acids.     

Arylation with Unsymmetrical Diaryliodonium Salts: A Chemoselectivity Study

Phenols, anilines, and malonates have been arylated under metal‐free conditions with twelve aryl(phenyl)iodonium salts in a systematic chemoselectivity study. A new “anti‐ortho effect” has been identified in the arylation of malonates. Several “dummy groups” have been found that give complete chemoselectivity in the transfer of the phenyl moiety, irrespective of the nucleophile. An aryl exchange in the diaryliodonium salts has been observed under certain arylation conditions. DFT calculations have been performed to investigate the reaction mechanism and to elucidate the origins of the observed selectivities. These results are expected to facilitate the design of chiral diaryliodonium salts and the development of catalytic arylation reactions that are based on these sustainable and metal‐free reagents.     

Weak Attractive Ligand–Polymer and Related Interactions in Catalysis and Reactivity: Impact,Applications, and Modeling

The notion of weak attractive ligand–polymer interactions is introduced, and its potential application, importance, and conceptual links with “cooperative” ligand–substrate interactions are discussed. Synthetic models of weak attractive ligand–polymer interactions are described, in which intramolecular weak C? H???F? C interactions (the existence of which remains contentious) have been detected by NMR spectroscopy and neutron and X‐ray diffraction experiments. These C? H???F? C interactions carry important implications for the design of catalysts for olefin polymerization, because they provide support for the practical feasibility of ortho‐F???H_β ligand–polymer contacts proposed for living Group 4 fluorinated phenoxyimine catalysts. The notion of weak attractive noncovalent interactions between an “active” ligand and the growing polymer chain is a novel concept in polyolefin catalysis.     

The unusual formation of methyl α-(5,6-dimethoxycarbonyl-2,3-dimethoxyazepin-7-ylidene)-α-[5-methoxycarbonyl-2,3-dimethoxypyrid-6-yl)acetate during the pyrolysis of “Azido-meta-hemipinate”: First example of a reaction involving a concomitant ring expansion and ring extrusion

The ortho methoxycarbonyl substituent constitutes a sole exception in the ring closure reactions of ortho substituted aryl azides, as it provides no rate acceleration to this reaction. Pyrolysis of “azido-meta-hemipinate”, an aryl azide containing such a substituent, led us to the title compound, a new azepinylidene-pyridylacetic ester, whose structure has been established unambiguously by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. This is the first report of a reaction involving both a ring expansion to an azaheptafulvalene and a ring extrusion to a pyridyl ring residue.     

A High‐Throughput Assay for Arylamine Halogenation Based on a Peroxidase‐Mediated Quinone–Amine Coupling with Applications in the Screening of Enzymatic Halogenations

Arylhalides are important building blocks in many fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, and there has been increasing interest in the development of more “green” halogenation methods based on enzyme catalysis. However, the screening and development of new enzymes for biohalogenation has been hampered by a lack of high‐throughput screening methods. Described herein is the development of a colorimetric assay for detecting both chemical and enzymatic arylamine halogenation reactions in an aqueous environment. The assay is based on the unique UV/Vis spectrum created by the formation of an ortho‐benzoquinone‐amine adduct, which is produced by the peroxidase‐catalysed benzoquinone generation, followed by Michael addition of either a halogenated or non‐halogenated arylamine. This assay is sensitive, rapid and amenable to high‐throughput screening platforms. We have also shown this assay to be easily coupled to a flavin‐dependent halogenase, which currently lacks any convenient colorimetric assay, in a “one‐pot” workflow.     

Chiroptical analysis of marine sponge alkaloids sharing the pyrrolopyrazinone core

A systematic experimental study has been conducted on the chiroptical properties of bi‐ and tricyclic pyrrolopyrazinones, which occur as the core in a variety of marine pyrrole–imidazole alkaloids, such as the immunosuppressive palau'amine. On the basis of the chiral‐pool synthesis of conformationally fixed dipyrrolopyrazinones, it was possible to predict the CD spectrum of (?)‐dibromophakellin above 240 nm. 2,2,2‐Trifluoroethanol was identified as a superior solvent for this analysis. Positive Cotton effects at 250 nm can be used to determine the helicity of dibrominated pyrrolopyrazinones, while the intensity of the Cotton effect at 285 nm is governed by the relative stereochemistry. The influence of bromination of the pyrrole ring also becomes predictable. One of the tricycles can be considered as “conformationally frozen longamide A”. Our study also gives the first comparative Röntgen analyses of diastereomeric Mosher esters of N,O‐hemiacetals, with the results underlining the fact that caution is advised in the application of the advanced Mosher method.