Brian Gold

Bio: Brian Gold is an academic researcher from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Alkyne & Cycloaddition. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 26 publications receiving 768 citations. Previous affiliations of Brian Gold include University of Wisconsin-Madison & Florida State University.

Moderating Strain without Sacrificing Reactivity: Design of Fast and Tunable Noncatalyzed Alkyne–Azide Cycloadditions via Stereoelectronically Controlled Transition State Stabilization

Abstract: Recently, we have identified two strategies for selective transition state (TS) stabilization in catalyst-free azide/alkyne cycloadditions. In particular, the transition states for the formation of both 1,4- and 1,5-isomers can be stabilized via hyperconjugative assistance for the C···N bond formation, whereas the 1,5-TS can be stabilized via C–H···X H-bonding interactions. When the hyperconjugative assistance is maximized by the antiperiplanar arrangement of propargylic σ-acceptors relative to the forming bonds, the combination of these TS-stabilizing effects was predicted to lead to ∼1 million fold acceleration of the cycloaddition with methyl azide. The present work investigated whether hyperconjugative assistance and H-bonding can be combined with strain activation for the design of even more reactive alkynes and whether reactivity can be turned “on demand.” When stereoelectronic amplification is achieved by optimal positioning of σ-acceptors at the endocyclic bonds antiperiplanar to the breaking alky...

Selective Transition State Stabilization via Hyperconjugative and Conjugative Assistance: Stereoelectronic Concept for Copper-Free Click Chemistry

Abstract: Dissection of stereoelectronic effects in the transition states (TSs) for noncatalyzed azide–alkyne cycloadditions suggests two approaches to selective transition state stabilization in this reaction. First, the formation of both 1,4- and 1,5-isomers is facilitated via hyperconjugative assistance to alkyne bending and C···N bond formation provided by antiperiplanar σ-acceptors at the propargylic carbons. In addition, the 1,5-TS can be stabilized via attractive C–H···F interactions. Although the two effects cannot stabilize the same transition state for the cycloaddition to α,α-difluorocyclooctyne (DIFO), they can act in a complementary, rather than competing, fashion in acyclic alkynes where B3LYP calculations predict up to ∼1 million-fold rate increase relative to 2-butyne. This analysis of stereoelectronic effects is complemented by the distortion analysis, which provides another clear evidence of selective TS stabilization. Changes in electrostatic potential along the reaction path revealed that azide ...

“Two Functional Groups in One Package”: Using Both Alkyne π-Bonds in Cascade Transformations

Abstract: Spatial orthogonality of the two independently addressable π-systems in alkynes can be used for the design and control of metal-free cascade transformations. Examples include ionic chemistry of neutral hydrocarbons, preparation of radicals without radical initiators, generation of excited states without light, “1,2-dicarbene reactivity” of alkynes in “boomerang” radical processes, selective conversion of alkynes into carbonyl compounds, and full disassembly of the alkyne moiety.

Alkenes as Alkyne Equivalents in Radical Cascades Terminated by Fragmentations: Overcoming Stereoelectronic Restrictions on Ring Expansions for the Preparation of Expanded Polyaromatics

Abstract: Chemoselective interaction of aromatic enynes with Bu3Sn radicals can be harnessed for selective cascade transformations, yielding either Sn-substituted naphthalenes or Sn-indenes. Depending on the substitution at the alkene terminus, the initial regioselective 5-exo-trig cyclizations can be intercepted at the 5-exo stage via either hydrogen atom abstraction or C–S bond scission or allowed to proceed further to the formal 6-endo products via homoallylic ring expansion. Aromatization of the latter occurs via β-C–C bond scission, which is facilitated by 2c,3e through-bond interactions, a new stereoelectronic effect in radical chemistry. The combination of formal 6-endo-trig cyclization with stereoelectronically optimized fragmentation allows the use of alkenes as synthetic equivalents of alkynes and opens a convenient route to α-Sn-substituted naphthalenes, a unique launching platform for the preparation of extended polyaromatics.

Design of Leaving Groups in Radical CC Fragmentations: Through‐Bond 2c–3e Interactions in Self‐Terminating Radical Cascades

Abstract: Radical cascades terminated by β-scission of exocyclic CC bonds allow for the formation of aromatic products. Whereas β-scission is common for weaker bonds, achieving this reactivity for carbon–carbon bonds requires careful design of radical leaving groups. It has now been found that the energetic penalty for breaking a strong σ-bond can be compensated by the gain of aromaticity in the product and by the stabilizing two-center, three-electron “half-bond” present in the radical fragment. Furthermore, through-bond communication of a radical and a lone pair accelerates the fragmentation by selectively stabilizing the transition state. The stereoelectronic design of radical leaving groups leads to a new, convenient route to Sn-functionalized aromatics.

Ab initio calculation of vibrational absorption and circular dichroism spectra using density functional force fields

Abstract: : The unpolarized absorption and circular dichroism spectra of the fundamental vibrational transitions of the chiral molecule, 4-methyl-2-oxetanone, are calculated ab initio. Harmonic force fields are obtained using Density Functional Theory (DFT), MP2, and SCF methodologies and a 5S4P2D/3S2P (TZ2P) basis set. DFT calculations use the Local Spin Density Approximation (LSDA), BLYP, and Becke3LYP (B3LYP) density functionals. Mid-IR spectra predicted using LSDA, BLYP, and B3LYP force fields are of significantly different quality, the B3LYP force field yielding spectra in clearly superior, and overall excellent, agreement with experiment. The MP2 force field yields spectra in slightly worse agreement with experiment than the B3LYP force field. The SCF force field yields spectra in poor agreement with experiment.The basis set dependence of B3LYP force fields is also explored: the 6-31G* and TZ2P basis sets give very similar results while the 3-21G basis set yields spectra in substantially worse agreements with experiment. jg

Finding the Right (Bioorthogonal) Chemistry

Abstract: Bioorthogonal chemistries can be used to tag diverse classes of biomolecules in cells and other complex environments. With over 20 unique transformations now available, though, selecting an appropriate reaction for a given experiment is challenging. In this article, we compare and contrast the most common classes of bioorthogonal chemistries and provide a framework for matching the reactions with downstream applications. We also discuss ongoing efforts to identify novel biocompatible reactions and methods to control their reactivity. The continued expansion of the bioorthogonal toolkit will provide new insights into biomolecule networks and functions and thus refine our understanding of living systems.

Transfer of sulfur: from simple to diverse.

Abstract: The introduction of sulfur atoms onto target molecules is an important area in organic synthesis, in particular in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, and a wide variety of sulfuration agents have been developed for thionation reactions over the past few decades. In this Focus Review, we collect and summarize the C-S bond-formation reactions that have been used to construct C-S bonds in natural products and pharmaceutical compounds.

Crystalline molecular flasks

Abstract: Crystalline networks containing empty cavities can host a variety of molecules but also promote reactions between guests. Through robust crystallinity and a pseudo-solution state (dynamic movements) within their pores, these crystalline molecular flasks enable the direct observation of species — including unstable intermediates — during a reaction by in situ X-ray diffraction.

Rh(III)- and Ir(III)-Catalyzed C-H Alkynylation of Arenes under Chelation Assistance

Abstract: An efficient Rh(III)- and Ir(III)-catalyzed, chelation-assisted C–H alkynylation of a broad scope of (hetero)arenes has been developed using hypervalent iodine-alkyne reagents. Heterocycles, N-methoxy imines, azomethine imines, secondary carboxamides, azo compounds, N-nitrosoamines, and nitrones are viable directing groups to entail ortho C–H alkynylation. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions and with controllable mono- and dialkynylation selectivity when both mono- and dialkynylation was observed. Rh(III) and Ir(III) catalysts exhibited complementary substrate scope in this reaction. The synthetic applications of the coupled products have been demonstrated in subsequent derivatization reactions. Some mechanistic studies have been conducted, and two Rh(III) complexes have been established as key reaction intermediates. The current C–H alkynylation system complements those previously reported under gold or palladium catalysis using hypervalent iodine reagents.