Showing papers in "Angewandte Chemie in 1983"

Formation of CC Bonds by Addition of Free Radicals to Alkenes

Abstract: There are many reactions in which CC bonds are formed by addition of free radicals to alkenes. Information about the mechanism is important for the synthesis of specific target molecules. The rate of addition of alkyl radicals to alkenes is controlled by steric and polar effects. The stabilities of the educts and products are of only limited importance, since the transition states for these exothermic reactions occur very early on the reaction coordinate. Variations in reactivity and selectivity can be described using frontier orbital theory: for nucleophilic radicals the dominant interactions are those between SOMO's and LUMO's, and for electrophilic radicals those between SOMO's and HOMO's. The large differences in the steric effects of α - and β- substituents of alkenes can be explained by postulating an unsymmetrical transition state— the radical approaches one of the C atoms preferentially. Regioand stereoselectivities can be predicted and are determined, in general, by steric effects.

Modern Pulse Methods in High‐Resolution NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract: The introduction of Fourier transform methods has not only remarkably enhanced the sensitivity of high-resolution NMR spectroscopy, thus allowing measurements to be made on less sensitive nuclei of the Periodic Table, but also has paved the way for the development of a large number of new experimental techniques. On the one hand, procedures already known have been improved and can now be performed more rapidly, and, on the other, completely new experimental approaches have become available. This situation resulted mainly from the introduction of programmable pulse transmitters and the separation of the experiment into preparation, evolution, and detection. In particular, the concept of two-dimensional spectroscopy has opened up new possibilities important for the analysis of complicated spectra and is able to provide information previously not accessible. As elsewhere, optimum application of the techniques and correct interpretation of the results require sound understanding of the underlying physical principles. Since a rigorous mathematical treatment is complicated and does not necessarily improve the comprehensibility, this article attempts to give an illustrative presentation of the new pulse techniques within the framework of the Bloch vector model. After a short introduction covering the basic principles, one-dimensional pulse techniques that can be applied using standard experimental equipment are dealt with. The main areas of application are signal assignment, sensitivity enhancement for measurements on less abundant nuclei, and selective excitation of individual resonances. Subsequently, the various techniques of two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy are treated: these enable shift correlations for different types of nuclei to be made, the presentation of spin multiplets without overlap, and the analysis of geometrical relations as well as of chemical exchange phenomena.

New Naturally Occurring Amino Acids

Abstract: The majority of the 500 or so naturally occurring amino acids known today were discovered during the last 30 years, for example during the search for new antibiotics in the culture media of microorganisms, or as components of the antibiotics in fungi, seeds, in numerous plants and fruits, and in the body fluids of animals. Some 240 of these amino acids occur free in nature, some only as intermediates in metabolism. This article provides an overview of the developments that have taken place in this area since 1956 when the last review appeared. Summary accounts are presented, dealing with new unsaturated amino acids, cyclopropane- and cyclobutane-amino acids, heterocyclic amino acids, halogen-containing amino acids sulfur-, selenium- and phosphorus-containing amino acids as well as aliphatic amino acids. In a few cases, e. g. betalamic acid and muscaflavin, the biosynthesis is described in detail.

Homolytic Cyclizations of N‐Chloroalkenylamines

Abstract: Many N-chloroalkylamines with double bond(s) dissociate homolytically to give chlorine atoms and aminyl radicals which undergo intramolecular cyclization reactions. Here, the nature of the aminyl radicals (neutral, protonated, or complexed to metal salts) appears to be important. The reactivity varies strongly from one species to another, and their selectivities can be different towards addition, substitution, abstraction, or dimerization reactions. A good synthetic tool appears to be the “complexed radical”, which is generated under mild conditions. A variety of β-functionalized, substituted, fused, or bridged azaheterocycles with alkaloid part structures thus become easily accessible in high yields, in a regio- and, possibly, stereoselective manner. Many examples are discussed illustrating the synthetic possibilities, limitations, and mechanistic features of this cyclization process.

Phosphorus Ylides in the Coordination Sphere of Transition Metals: An Inventory

Abstract: Phosphorus ylides are not only classical reagents in organic chemistry, but also play an increasingly important role as novel components in organometallic compounds. These metallic “ylide complexes” are either synthesized from “preformed ylides” and coordination compounds by addition or substitution, on the building block principle, or they are formed, in sometimes complicated reactions, from phosphanes, metal complexes, and C1 substrates in the coordination sphere of the metals. The resulting metal-carbon bonds are greatly modified in their properties by the immediate presence of the phosphonium center and often belong to the most stable of M-C structural units. The metal can come from any group of the periodic table, including the lanthanoids and actinoids. Numerous preparative and structural studies are gradually enabling us to gain an overall picture of the scope of this area of research.

Magic‐Angle‐Spinning NMR (MAS‐NMR) Spectroscopy and the Structure of Zeolites

Abstract: After outlining the chemical features and properties which make zeolites such an important group of catalysts and sorbents, the article explains how high-resolution solid-state NMR with magic-angle spinning reveals numerous new insights into their structure. 29Si-MAS-NMR readily and quantitatively identifies five distinct Si(OAl)n(OSi)4-n structural groups in zeolitic frameworks (n = 0, 1,….4), corresponding to the first tetrahedral coordination shell of a silicon atom. Many catalytic and other chemical properties of zeolites are governed by the short-range Si, Al order, the nature of which is greatly clarified by 29Si-MAS-NMR. It is shown that, as expected from Pauling's electroneutrality principle and Loewenstein's rule, both in zeolite X and in zeolite A (with Si/Al = 1.00) there are no AlOAl linkages. In zeolite A and zeolite X with Si/Al = 1.00 there is strict alternation of Si and Al on the tetrahedral sites. Ordering models for Si/Al ratios up to 5.00 (in zeolite Y) may also be evaluated by a combination of MAS-NMR experiments and computational procedures. 29Si-MAS-NMR spectra reveal the presence of numerous crystallographically distinct Si(OSi)4 sites in silicalite/ZSM-5, suggesting that the correct space group for these related porosilicates is not Pnma. 27Al-MAS-NMR clearly distinguishes tetrahedrally and octahedrally coordinated aluminum, proving that, contrary to earlier claims, Al in silicalite is tetrahedrally substituted within the framework. In combination, 29Si- and 27Al-MAS-NMR is a powerful tool for monitoring the course of solid-state processes (such as ultrastabilization of synthetic faujasites) and of gas-solid reactions (dealumination of zeolites with silicon tetrachloride vapor at elevated temperatures). They also permit the quantitative determination of framework Si/Al ratios in the region 1.00 < Si/Al < 10 000. Since most elements in the periodic table may be accommodated within zeolite structures, either as part of the exchangeable cations or as building units of the anionic framework, there is immense scope for investigation by MAS-NMR and its variants (cross-polarization, multiple pulse and variable-angle spinning) of bulk, surface and chemical properties. Some of the directions in which future research in zeolite science may proceed are adumbrated.

Phosphorothioate Analogues of Nucleotides—Tools for the Investigation of Biochemical Processes

Abstract: Nucleoside phosphorothioates are analogues of nucleotides with a wide range of applications. Thus, on the one hand, in many but not all cases they are more stable against hydrolysis than the unmodified nucleotides—a property which they share with other nucleotide analogues. On the other hand, however, they are good substrates for many, but not all reactions where the nucleotide or the phosphorothioate group is transferred to an acceptor other than H2O. As a consequence, once incorporated into a system such as DNA, phosphorothioates cannot be easily removed. What makes these compounds unique to a certain extent is the chirality at the phosphorus center if two nonequivalent residues are linked to the phosphorothioate group. This opens the way for the use of these compounds to investigate stereochemical aspects of enzymatic reactions. In addition to these properties, there are those expected from exchange of an oxygen for a sulfur atom in a phosphate group, e.g. the increased affinity towards mercury derivatives and the large chemical shift of the 31P-NMR sinals. If one considers how many biologically interesting compounds contain phosphate groups, the considerable interest in these nucleotide analogues is not surprising.

Electron‐Rich Half‐Sandwich Complexes—Metal Bases par excellence

Abstract: Electron-rich, half-sandwich complexes of the type CnRnML2 or CnRnMLL′ are built up of an aromatic five- or six-membered ring, a d8-metal, and either a pair of two-electron donors or an equivalent chelating ligand. Such complexes behave like Lewis bases and react with a wide variety of electrophiles, El or ElX, to form products with a new metal-element bond. According to their reactivity they are comparable to the Vaska-type compounds. Certain of the products obtained after addition of the electrophile undergo interesting subsequent reactions in which, for example, metal complexes containing molecules that are unstable in the free state, such as CS, CSe, CH2S, CH2Se, CH2Te, CH3CHS, CH3CHSe, CH2CS, CH2CSe, and CH2CTe are formed. Moreover, cycloadditions as well as reactions with coordinatively unsaturated transition-metal compounds which result in formation of heterometal binuclear complexes demonstrate that the metal bases CnRnML2 and CnRnMLL′ are valuable synthetic building blocks. Furthermore, very recent investigations have indicated links between metal basicity and the problem of CH activation.

Organometallverbindungen von Titan und Zirconium als selektive nucleophile Reagentien für die Organische Synthese

Abstract: Bei der Addition von carbanionoiden Organometallverbindungen (meist RLi oder RMgX) an Carbonylgruppen – einem Schlusselschritt unzahliger Synthesen – konnen Komplikationen und Probleme auftreten. Abhilfe in vielen Fallen schafft die Zugabe von (RO)3TiCl, (RO)3ZrCl oder (R2N)3TiX zu den klassischen Li-und Grignard-Reagentien. Dabei entstehen meist stabile Organotitan- und Organozirconiumreagentien, die sich fur hochselektive Carbonyladditionen eignen. Zum Beispiel unterscheiden sich die Geschwindigkeiten der Reaktionen von CH3Ti(OiPr)3 mit Benzaldehyd und mit Acetophenon bei Raumtemperatur um mehr als funf Zehnerpotenzen; Reagentien RTi(OiPr)3 addieren sich glatt an Cyan-, Nitro- oder Iod-substituierte Benzaldehyde, und sie konnen in chlorierten Losungsmitteln oder in Acetonitril umgesetzt werden; die Zirconiumanaloga haben eine besonders geringe Basizitat und addieren sich mit hohen Ausbeuten an α- und β-Tetralone oder an Substrate, die eine Nitroaldolgruppe enthalten; Einbau chiraler OR*-Gruppen ergibt enantioselektive Reagentien (bis 90% e. e.); allylische (RO)3Ti-Derivate reagieren vollig regioselektiv am hoher substituierten C-Atom und diastereoselektiv (bis 98% ds) auch mit Ketonen des Typs R1COR2. Neuartig sind Reaktionen wie die direkte geminale Dialkylierung (COCMe2) und alkylierende Aminierung [COCR(NR′2)] mit Ti-Reagentien. _ Die Modifizierung und Feineinstellung (“Zahmung”) der carbonylophilen Reaktivitat mus nicht teuer erkauft werden: Ausgangsmaterialien sind die wohlfeilen und harmlosen “Zahmung”, Zirconate und zugehorigen Tetrachloride.

Proximity Effects in Organic Chemistry—The Photoelectron Spectroscopic Investigation of Non‐Bonding and Transannular Interactions

Abstract: Classical structural formulas often convey the impression only those relationships between the atoms are of importance which hold a molecule together as symbolized by the chemical bonds. However, many interactions between atoms or groups of atoms are not adequately denoted in this manner. Nevertheless, their existence can have important consequences for ground state energies (cis-difluoroethylene is more stable than trans-difluoroethylene), conformations (the syn form of methyl vinyl ether is more stable than the anti form), reactivities (an endo cyclopropane ring in 7-anti-norbornyl derivatives accelerates solvolysis by a factor of 1014), UV spectra (“superposition” of the π-systems of acridine and purine-bonded through a four-membered chain-results in hypochromism), CD spectra (the inherently symmetrical but dissymmetrically perturbed chromophore of 2-deuterionorbornadiene allows the observation of three transitions in the near UV), and ESR spectra (the long-range coupling with H-4 in the bridgehead bicyclo[2.1.1]hex-1-yl radical equals 22.5 G). Since orbital interactions are involved in most intramolecular effects of this kind, photoelectron spectroscopy has proven an informative and valuable extension to other methods.

Catalysis by Molecular Metal Clusters

Abstract: Molecular metal clusters form a very large and diverse family. They present the opportunity of modeling the intermediates involved in surface mediated catalytic reactions, of providing a source of very reactive mononuclear metal fragments, and of effecting catalytic cycles in which the cluster remains intact. The last mentioned aspect is the subject of this review article. The state-of-the-art of cluster catalysis is critically analyzed. The possibilities offered by molecular metal catalysts of performing catalytic reactions at multimetal atom sites are also discussed.

Synthesis and Reactions of η5‐Cyclopentadienylbis(ethene)cobalt

Abstract: The complete manuscript of this communication appears in: Angew. Chem. Suppl. 1983, 1005. DOI:10.1002/anie.198310050

Secologanin, a Biogenetic Key Compound—Synthesis and Biogenesis of the Iridoid and Secoiridoid Glycosides

Abstract: The monoterpene glycoside secologanin is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of most indole, cinchona, ipecacuanha, and pyrroloquinoline alkaloids, as well as of simple monoterpene alkaloids. More than a thousand alkaloids are formed from secologanin in vivo; this represents almost a quarter of this large group of natural products. It is also the parent compound of the secoiridoids. Many of the compounds derived from secologanin display a high degree of biological activity and are employed as pharmaceuticals, e.g., the dimeric indole alkaloid leurocristine (vincristine) which is used very successfully in the treatment of acute leukemia. A knowledge of the biosynthesis and biological reactions of secologanin provides a sound basis for the biosynthesis-orientated classification of numerous natural products and the taxonomy of many plants. Secologanin and structurally related substances can be synthesized in a few steps by stereocontrolled photochemical and thermal cycloadditions. Its biomimetic reaction with amines and amino acids yields other natural products and compounds of pharmacological interest.

Novel Nickel‐Oligomerization Catalysts with Arsenic‐Oxygen Chelate Ligands

Abstract: The complete manuscript of this communication appears in: Angew. Chem. Suppl. 1983, 655. DOI:10.1002/anie.198306550

Solution Conformations, Photophysics, and Photochemistry of Bile Pigments; Bilirubin and Biliverdin, Dimethyl Esters and Related Linear Tetrapyrroles

Abstract: Bilirubin and biliverdin dimethyl esters (BRE and BVE, respectively) and related linear tetrapyrroles have been studied using a combination of photochemical and spectroscopic techniques, the latter including absorption, fluorescence fluorescence excitation, medium-induced circular dichroism, and proton magnetic resonance. Both types of tetrapyrroles form mixtures of different topological isomers in very dilute solutions. In the case of the bilirubins the heterogeneity of the solutions is caused by two coexisting conformers with different orientations of the A/B and C/D pyrromethenone moieties with repect to each other. The spectral properties of one conformer resemble the isolated parent pyrromethenone, whereas those of the other result from electronic coupling of the two subchromophores presumably held in a “ridge tile” -like orientation. CC rotations at the C-5 and C-15 bridges substantially compete in both components with the photochemical channels (EZ isomerization and lumirubin formation) for the radiationless deactivation of the excited singlet state. The more rigid “ridge tile” component additionally undergoes hydrogen bond-mediated deactivation, and it photoisomerizes more efficiently. The situation is markedly more complex with the biliverdins. In order to obtain a more detailed insight into the mechanisms of the radiationless excited-state processes, time-resolved optoacoustic spectroscopy and ultrafast absorption (pump-probe) and fluorescence detection (single-photon-timing) techniques were used to supplement the stationary methods. The solution mixtures are composed of a (family of) helically coiled all-Z, all-syn species, and of species differing from the former by stretched arrangements of the rings B and C around the central C-10 bridge (E-anti, E-syn, and Z-anti). Two excited singlet states with picosecond lifetimes are attributed to either one or two coiled ground-state forms, and two remarkably long-lived nanosecond excited states arise each from a stretched ground state. The radiationless deactivation of the shorter-lived of the picosecond states is brought about by ultrafast intramolecular proton transfer between the B/C nitrogen atoms, in addition to the CC rotational modes operative in both. ZE photoisomerization is also an appreciable deactivation channel of excited biliverdin dimethyl ester. It is confined to the central C-10 double bond and selectively affords a stretched isomer (10E-anti), which thermally reforms the coiled starting meterial at room temperature via a sequence of tautomerization and CC rotation. Heating or ultrasonic treatment can reverse this sequence and drive it farther to populate another stretched isomer (10E-syn) which is thermally stable at room temperature. This stretched form aggregates (presumably to dimers) already at concentrations at which the coiled species still appears to be fully monomeric.

Bond‐Forming Initiation in Spontaneous Addition and Polymerization Reactions of Alkenes

Abstract: Spontaneous addition and polymerization reactions of alkenes of different electron-densities result in a wide variety of small organic molecules and high polymers. Tetramethylenes are proposed as key intermediates, i.e. resonance hybrids of 1,4-diradical and zwitterionic limiting structures. Their character is determined by the substituents at the terminals: Zwitterionic character is favored by strong donors, such as alkoxy and dialkylamino groups, at the carbenium center and strong acceptor group such as diesters and cyano-esters, at the acceptor end, and aryl and vinyl groups as donors. Zwitterionic tetramethylenes initiate ionic homopolymerization, while diradical tetramethylenes initiate alternating copolymerization, thus providing an extremely sensitive technique for the detection and characterization of these intermediates. The effects of the donor and acceptor substituents can be arranged as an “Organic Chemist's Periodic Table”, wherein the areas of mechanistic change clearly emerge and which provides predictive capability.—This unifying concept of bondforming initiation is extended to spontaneous addition and polymerization reactions of heteroatom acceptor molecules and 7,7,8,8-tetrasubstituted quinodimethanes and of compounds possessing labile σ-bonds, such as halogens and peroxides. Radical-ion pairs, charge-transfer complexes and adventitious impurities are excluded as significant initiators.

The Versatile Chemistry of 1,4‐Diazines: Organic, Inorganic and Biochemical Aspects

Abstract: In chemical research attention is increasingly being focussed on composite “complex” systems with special properties and functions. As components of such systems 1,4-diazines are steadily gaining in popularity. Here, 1,4-diazines means pyrazine and its derivatives as well as compounds with partial pyrazine structure; examples are quinoxaline, phenazine, pteridine, flavin and their derivatives. All these compounds are characterized by a low lying unoccupied π-molecular orbital and by the ability to act as bridging ligand. Due to these two properties 1,4-diazines, and especially their parent compound pyrazine, possess a characteristic reactivity. 1,4-Diazines may be employed to study inter- and intramolecular electron transfer in organic, inorganic and biochemical reactions. In the redox system of 1,4-diazines the paramagnetic 7π-electron intermediate exhibits exceptional stability, whereas the 1,4-dihydro-1,4-diazines with 8π-electrons in a six-membered ring are not generally accessible due to their potential antiaromaticity and their large excess of π electrons. Its inherent bifunctionality and the low lying unoccupied molecular orbital permit pyrazine to form coordination polymers having unusual electrical and magnetic properties. Finally, the phenomena observed for pyrazines may be used in the interpretation of the reactivity of naturally occurring 1,4-diazines, such as flavins and bioluminescent natural products.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure Natural Products—Estrone as Example†‡

Abstract: Natural products have been synthesized for billions of years in animals, plants, and microorganisms. As a rule they occur enantiomerically pure. Their chiral character corroborates their use in metabolism or as biologically active agents. Natural products may be insufficient in quality or quantity. They have recently begun to become accessible, either unchanged or modified, by biological synthesis; here, too, they are obtained enantiomerically pure. In the last twenty years chemical synthesis has become a major concern of organic chemists. Their target compounds are primarily enantiomerically pure natural products or biologically active variants thereof.

Rhodium Catalysts for Enantioselective Hydrosilylation—A New Concept in the Development of Asymmetric Catalysts

Abstract: Following a survey of the asymmetric hydrogenation of prochiral olefins with transition metal/phosphane catalysts, the problem of chirality transfer from the optically active ligands of the catalyst to the substrate is discussed. A new concept for this chirality transfer is introduced; the conformational analysis of model compounds as well as the development of catalysts for enantioselective hydrosilylation demonstrate the usefulness of this concept.