Showing papers in "Journal of Organic Chemistry in 2005"

Extension of the self-consistent spectrophotometric basicity scale in acetonitrile to a full span of 28 pKa units: unification of different basicity scales.

Abstract: The earlier compiled self-consistent spectrophotometric basicity scale in acetonitrile (AN) was expanded to range from 3.8 to 32.0 pKa units, that is 28 orders of magnitude. Altogether 54 new relative basicity measurements (ΔpKa measurements) were carried out and 37 new compounds were introduced to the scale (it now includes altogether 89 bases). The relative basicity of any two bases in the scale can be obtained by combining at least two independent sets of measurements. Multiple overlapping measurements make the results more reliable. The overall consistency (as defined earlier) of the measurements is s = 0.03 pKa units. Thorough analysis of all of our experimental data (ΔpKa values of this and earlier works) and experimental pKa data in AN available in the literature (works from the groups of Coetzee and Padmanabhan, Kolthoff and Chantooni, Jr., the Schwesinger group, Bren' et al. and some others, altogether 19 papers) was carried out. On the basis of this analysis the anchor point of the scalepyridine...

Amino acid promoted CuI-catalyzed C-N bond formation between aryl halides and amines or N-containing heterocycles.

Abstract: CuI-catalyzed coupling reaction of electron-deficient aryl iodides with aliphatic primary amines occurs at 40 degrees C under the promotion of N-methylglycine. Using L-proline as the promoter, coupling reaction of aryl iodides or aryl bromides with aliphatic primary amines, aliphatic cyclic secondary amines, or electron-rich primary arylamines proceeds at 60-90 degrees C; an intramolecular coupling reaction between aryl chloride and primary amine moieties gives indoline at 70 degrees C; coupling reaction of aryl iodides with indole, pyrrole, carbazole, imidazole, or pyrazole can be carried out at 75-90 degrees C; and coupling reaction of electron-deficient aryl bromides with imidazole or pyrazole occurs at 60-90 degrees C to provide the corresponding N-aryl products in good to excellent yields. In addition, N,N-dimethylglycine promotes the coupling reaction of electron-rich aryl bromides with imidazole or pyrazole to afford the corresponding N-aryl imidazoles or pyrazoles at 110 degrees C. The possible action of amino acids in these coupling reactions is discussed.

Why, on interaction of urea-based receptors with fluoride, beautiful colors develop.

Abstract: Urea-based receptors, containing electron-withdrawing chromogenic substituents, in a DMSO solution, in the presence of varying excess of fluoride, do not form H-bond complexes, but undergo stepwise deprotonation of the two N−H fragments, an event which is signaled by the development of vivid colors Double deprotonation is also observed in the presence of hydroxide Less basic anions (CH3COO-, H2PO4-) induce deprotonation of only one N−H

Colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence sensing of fluoride: tuning selectivity in proton transfer.

Abstract: Phenyl-1H-anthra[1,2-d]imidazole-6,11-dione (1) and its derivatives (2 and 3) have been investigated as new colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent chemosensors for fluoride. Acute spectral responses of 1 and 3 to fluoride in acetonitrile have been observed: an approximately 100 nm red shift in absorption and fluorescence emission and a very large ratiometric fluorescent response (Rmax/Rmin is 88 for sensor 1 and 548 for sensor 3). From the changes in the absorption, fluorescence, and 1H NMR titration spectra, proton-transfer mechanisms have been deduced. In ground states, a two-step process has been observed: first, the formation of the sensor-fluoride hydrogen-bond complex [LH···F]- and then the fluoride-induced deprotonation of the complex to form L- and FHF-. In excited states, the excited-state intermolecular proton-transfer made a contribution to the deprotonation. The selectivity for F- can be tuned by electron push−pull properties of the substituents on the phenyl para position of the sensors. ...

Colorimetric “Naked Eye” Sensing of Anions in Aqueous Solution

Abstract: The synthesis and UV−vis and NMR spectroscopic studies of thiourea-based colorimetric sensors for anions are presented. These sensors can recognize anions through hydrogen binding even in competitive pH-buffered aqueous solutions, giving rise to large color changes that are clearly visible to the naked eye.

Organohypervalent iodine: development, applications, and future directions.

Abstract: The synthetic utility of organohypervalent iodine reagents will be illustrated by their use in the α-hydroxydimethylacetal formation reaction from enolizable ketones, α-hydroxylation, α-tosyloxylation, α-alkoxylation and arylation of ketones, carbon−carbon bond formation, and intramolecular cyclopropanation using iodonium ylides. The uses of these reagents in the Hunsdiecker reaction of carboxylic acids and Hofmann rearrangement of carboxamides is presented. Specific transformation in the cubane series are discussed. The syntheses of a wide range of heterocycle structures are also presented. A unifying pathway for virtually all these diverse reactions is offered; the central features being initial attack at the iodonium center, ligand coupling, with reductive elimination of iodobenzene to yield the product.

A reassessment of the transition-metal free suzuki-type coupling methodology.

Abstract: We present here a reassessment of our transition-metal free Suzuki-type coupling protocol. We believe that, although the reaction can be run without the need for addition of a metal catalyst, palladium contaminants down to a level of 50 ppb found in commercially available sodium carbonate are responsible for the generation of the biaryl rather than, as previously suggested, an alternative non-palladium-mediated pathway. We present a revised methodology for Suzuki couplings using ultralow palladium concentrations for use with aryl and vinyl boronic acids and discuss the effects of the purity of the boronic acid on the reaction.

A practical flow reactor for continuous organic photochemistry.

Abstract: Compact flow reactors have been constructed and optimized to perform continuous organic photochemistry on a large scale. The reactors were constructed from commercially available or customized imme...

BODIPY-Based Hydroxyaryl Derivatives as Fluorescent pH Probes

Abstract: [structures: see text] Seven new 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) dyes with phenolic or naphtholic subunits on position 8 and with substituents having different electron driving forces on positions 3 and 5 were synthesized. Their absorption and steady-state fluorescence properties were investigated as a function of solvent. The novel compounds, with the exception of 4,4-difluoro-8-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,5-bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene, are characterized by absorption maxima in the range 493-515 nm and small (400-600 cm(-1)) Stokes shifts. The exceptional dye has absorption maxima in the 570-580 nm region and fluorescence emission maxima around 610-620 nm, depending on the solvent. In aqueous solution, the dyes show a large fluorescent enhancement upon increasing the acidity of the solution. They can be used in aqueous solution as fluorescent pH probes excitable with visible light, with pKa values ranging from 7.5 to 9.3, depending on the substitution pattern on positions 3, 5, and 8.

The Reaction of 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) with Carbon Dioxide

Abstract: Amidines have been reported to react with CO2 to form a stable and isolable zwitterionic adduct but previous studies were performed in the presence of at least some water. However, spectroscopy of the reaction between DBU and CO2 detects the rapid formation of the bicarbonate salt of DBU when wet DBU is exposed to CO2 and does not indicate that an isolable zwitterionic adduct between DBU and CO2 forms either in the presence or the absence of water.

Synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted benzo[b]furans by the palladium-catalyzed coupling of o-iodoanisoles and terminal alkynes, followed by electrophilic cyclization

Abstract: [reaction: see text] 2,3-Disubstituted benzo[b]furans are readily prepared under very mild reaction conditions by the palladium/copper-catalyzed cross-coupling of various o-iodoanisoles and terminal alkynes, followed by electrophilic cyclization with I2, PhSeCl, or p-O2NC6H4SCl. Aryl- and vinylic-substituted alkynes undergo electrophilic cyclization in excellent yields. Biologically important furopyridines can be prepared by this approach in high yields.

Copper-free sonogashira coupling reaction with PdCl2 in water under aerobic conditions.

Abstract: A mild protocol for the copper-free Sonogashira coupling of aryl iodides with terminal acetylenes in water under aerobic conditions has been developed. The use of 1 mol % PdCl2 in the presence of pyrrolidine allows the coupling reaction to proceed at room temperature or 50 °C with good to excellent yields.

Direct arylation reactions catalyzed by Pd(OH)2/C: evidence for a soluble palladium catalyst.

Abstract: [reactions: see text] Palladium hydroxide on carbon (Pearlman's catalyst) effectively catalyzes direct arylation reactions of aryl iodides and bromides, providing excellent arylation-to-hydrodehalogenation ratios (>30:1) with broad scope for both intra- and intermolecular arylation processes. Studies aimed at determining the nature of the active catalyst indicate that an active homogeneous palladium species is produced under the reaction conditions.

Synthesis of Highly Substituted Furans by the Electrophile-Induced Coupling of 2-(1-Alkynyl)-2-alken-1-ones and Nucleophiles

Abstract: [reaction: see text] The coupling of 2-(1-alkynyl)-2-alken-1-ones with nucleophiles, either catalyzed by AuCl3 or induced by an electrophile, provides highly substituted furans in good to excellent yields under very mild reaction conditions Various nucleophiles, including functionally substituted alcohols, H2O, carboxylic acids, 1,3-diketones, and electron-rich arenes, and a range of cyclic and acyclic 2-(1-alkynyl)-2-alken-1-ones readily participate in these cyclizations Iodine, NIS, and PhSeCl have proven successful as electrophiles in this process The resulting iodine-containing furans can be readily elaborated to more complex products using known organopalladium chemistry

Synthesis of Aryl Sulfones via l-Proline-Promoted CuI-Catalyzed Coupling Reaction of Aryl Halides with Sulfinic Acid Salts

Abstract: The CuI/l-proline sodium salt catalyzed coupling reaction of aryl halides with sulfinic acid salts readily occurs at 80−95 °C in DMSO to give the corresponding aryl sulfones in good to excellent yields. This process is well-tolerated by a wide range of functional groups including hydroxyl, amino, acetanilide, ketone, ester, and nitrile. Using this method, 4-phenylsulfonyl- and 4-methanesulfonyl-substituted l-phenylalanine derivatives are prepared.

An efficient synthesis of achiral and chiral 1,2,4-triazolium salts: bench stable precursors for N-heterocyclic carbenes.

Abstract: [reaction: see text] The promising utility of triazolyl N-heterocyclic carbene catalysts in umpolung aldehyde chemistry requires a straightforward reliable synthesis from readily available materials. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a variety of triazolyl N-heterocyclic carbene precursors. The reactions commence from commercially available amino acids and proceed in 44-68% overall yields. The N-heterocyclic salts are air-stable crystalline solids that can be stored with no special precaution and can generate the active catalyst when treated with an appropriate base.

Triphenylphosphine-Mediated Reductive Cyclization of 2-Nitrobiphenyls: A Practical and Convenient Synthesis of Carbazoles

Abstract: The synthesis of a series of substituted carbazoles from the corresponding 2-nitrobiphenyl derivatives using a novel modification of the Cadogan reaction is described. Cyclization of the 2-nitrobiphenyls was achieved via reductive deoxygenation of the nitro groups using a slight excess of triphenylphosphine in a suitable solvent. We have observed a temperature dependence on the extent of conversion under these conditions, with higher boiling solvents affording higher yields across a range of substrates. The new reaction conditions are very straightforward and convenient to execute, tolerate a broad range of functional groups, and yield carbazole products in the absence of unwanted side products.

Efficient Palladium-Catalyzed Homocoupling Reaction and Sonogashira Cross-Coupling Reaction of Terminal Alkynes under Aerobic Conditions

Abstract: An efficient method for palladium-catalyzed homocoupling reaction of terminal alkynes in the synthesis of symmetric diynes is presented. The results showed that both Pd(OAc)(2) and CuI played crucial roles in the reaction. In the presence of 2 mol % Pd(OAc)(2), 2 mol % CuI, 3 equiv of Dabco, and air, homocoupling of various terminal alkynes afforded the corresponding symmetrical diynes in moderate to excellent yields, whereas low yields were obtained without either Pd(OAc)(2) or CuI. Moreover, high TONs (turnover numbers; up to 940 000 for the reaction of phenylacetylene) for the homocoupling reaction were observed. Under similar reaction conditions, cross-coupling of 1-iodo-4-nitrobenzene with phenylacetylene was also carried out smoothly in quantitative yield. However, the presence of CuI disfavored the palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions of the less active aryl iodides and bromides. In the presence of 0.01-2 mol % Pd(OAc)(2), a number of aryl iodides and bromides were coupled with terminal alkynes in good to excellent yields. It is noteworthy that this protocol employs mild, efficient, aerobic, copper-free, and ligand-free conditions.

Ruthenium(III) chloride catalyzed oxidation of pyrene and 2,7-disubstitued pyrenes: an efficient, one-step synthesis of pyrene-4,5-diones and pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraones.

Abstract: Pyrene and 2,7-disubstituted pyrenes have been oxidized with ruthenium(III) chloride (RuCl3) and sodium periodate (NaIO4) under very mild conditions to 4,5-diones or 4,5,9,10-tetraones. Thus, the oxidation has been controlled by varying the amount of oxidant and reaction temperature to proceed exclusively at the pyrene 4- and 5-positions or at the 4-, 5-, 9-, and 10-positions.

Polymer-Supported N-Heterocyclic Carbene−Palladium Complex for Heterogeneous Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reaction

Abstract: Poly(1-methylimidazoliummethyl styrene)-surface grafted-poly(styrene) resin was prepared for the first time as a polymer-supported N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursor for palladium complex by suspension polymerization. To prepare this polymer-supported NHC precursor, 1-methyl-3-(4-vinylbenzyl)imidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [MVBIM][PF6-], was synthesized as a monomer and copolymerized with styrene and DVB in water. This polymer-supported NHC precursor with imidazolium as a ligand, which exists solely on the surface of the resin, was well characterized by FE-SEM, CLSM, and IR spectroscopy. The precursor containing imidazolium readily formed a stable complex with Pd(OAc)2, and this polymer-supported N-heterocyclic carbene-palladium complex exhibited excellent catalytic activity for Suzuki cross-coupling reaction in an aqueous medium. The catalyst was recovered quantitatively from the reaction mixture by simple filtration and was able to be reused for a number of recycles with consistent activity in all of the coupling reactions.

One-pot copper(I)-catalyzed synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles.

Abstract: [reaction: see text] 3,5-Disubstituted isoxazoles are obtained in good yields by a convenient one-pot, three-step procedure utilizing a regioselective copper(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition reaction between in situ generated nitrile oxides and terminal acetylenes. Most functional groups do not interfere with the reaction, which can be performed in aqueous solvents without protection from oxygen. Since all reagents are used in stoichiometric amounts, formation of byproducts is minimized.

Synthesis and properties of novel fluorescent switches.

Abstract: Photochromic dithienylethene moieties were covalently attached to fluorescent 4,4-difluoro-8-(4‘-iodophenyl)-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (iodo-BODIPY) via a phenylacetylene linker. UV light induced isomerization of the photochrome results in significant decrease in fluorescence intensity. This fluorescence can be recovered with visible light. Steady-state fluorescence measurements demonstrate that the emission of the dye can be modulated by external light. An intramolecular energy transfer mechanism accounts for the fluorescence quenching in the UV light produced isomers.

Ligand-Free Palladium-Catalyzed Cyanation of Aryl Halides

Abstract: A practical, ligand-free cyanation of aryl bromides that utilizes as little as 0.1 mol % Pd(OAc)2 in combination with a nontoxic cyanide source, M4[Fe(CN)6] (M = K, Na), is described. The reactions are performed in DMAC at 120 °C and provide the corresponding aryl nitrile in 83−96% yield, typically in less than 5 h. TON values of up to 7100 were attained.

Progressive systematic underestimation of reaction energies by the B3LYP model as the number of C-C bonds increases: why organic chemists should use multiple DFT models for calculations involving polycarbon hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Computational studies of three different reaction types involving hydrocarbons (homolytic C−C bond breaking of alkanes, progressive insertions of triplet methylene into C−H bonds of ethane, and [2+2] cyclizations of methyl-substituted alkenes to form polymethylcyclobutanes) show that the B3LYP model consistently underestimates the reaction energy, even when extremely large basis sets are employed. The error is systematic and cumulative, such that the reaction energies of reactions involving hydrocarbons with more than 4−6 C−C bonds are predicted quite poorly. Energies are underestimated for slightly and highly methyl-substituted cyclic and acyclic hydrocarbons, so the errors do not arise from structural issues such as steric repulsion or ring strain energy. We trace the error associated with the B3LYP approach to its consistent underestimation of the C−C bond energy. Other DFT models show this problem to lesser extents, while the MP2 method avoids it. As a consequence, we discourage the use of the B3LYP m...

Dipeptide-Catalyzed Asymmetric Aldol Condensation of Acetone with (N-Alkylated) Isatins

Abstract: [reaction: see text] The aldol condensation of acetone with several isatins is described. The desired compound was obtained in quantitative yield and with good enantioselectivities up to 77%. The best results were obtained with 10 mol % H-D-Pro-L-beta3-hPhg-OBn as a catalyst, resulting in the preferential formation of the (R)-enantiomer. The absolute configuration of the newly formed chiral center has been assigned by an X-ray diffraction study and CD spectra analysis of the molecules.

Preparation of C2-symmetric bicyclo[2.2.2]octa-2,5-diene ligands and their use for rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of arylboronic acids.

Abstract: C2-Symmetric bicyclo[2.2.2]octa-2,5-dienes containing benzyl, phenyl, and substituted phenyl groups at 2 and 5 positions were prepared enantiomerically pure by way of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2,5-dione as a key intermediate. These chiral diene ligands were successfully applied to rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of arylboronic acids to α,β-unsaturated ketones. High enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee) as well as high catalytic activity was observed in the addition to both cyclic and linear substrates.

Asymmetric Henry reaction catalyzed by C2-symmetric tridentate bis(oxazoline) and bis(thiazoline) complexes: metal-controlled reversal of enantioselectivity.

Abstract: [reaction: see text] C(2)-symmetric tridentate bis(oxazoline) and bis(thiazoline) ligands with a diphenylamine backbone have been investigated in the catalytic asymmetric Henry reaction of alpha-keto esters with different Lewis acids. Their Cu(OTf)(2) complexes furnished S enantiomers, while Et(2)Zn complexes afforded R enantiomers, both of them with higher enantioselectivities (up to 85% ee). Reversal of enantioselectivity in asymmetric Henry reactions was achieved with the same chiral ligand by changing the Lewis acid center from Cu(II) to Zn(II). The results show that the NH group in C(2)-symmetric tridentate chiral ligands plays a very important role in controlling both the yields and enantiofacial selectivity of the Henry products.

Pd nanoparticles as efficient catalysts for Suzuki and Stille coupling reactions of aryl halides in ionic liquids.

Abstract: Pd-catalyzed Suzuki and Stille cross-couplings of aryl bromides and chlorides were carried out in quaternary ammonium salts as solvents under mild conditions and with the recycling of the catalyst.

A new interpretation of the Baylis-Hillman mechanism.

Abstract: [reaction: see text] On the basis of reaction rate data, we have proposed a new mechanism for the Baylis-Hillman reaction involving the formation of a hemiacetal intermediate. We have determined that the rate-determining step is second order in aldehyde and first order in DABCO and acrylate. We have shown that this mechanism is general to aryl aldehydes under polar, nonpolar, and protic conditions using both rate data and two isotope effect experiments.

Phosphine-Free Palladium Acetate-Catalyzed Suzuki Reaction in Water.

Abstract: Pd(OAc)2 in a mixture of water and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is shown to be an extremely active catalyst for the Suzuki reaction of aryl iodides and bromides. The reaction can be conducted under mild conditions (50 °C) without the use of a microwave or phosphine ligand in high yields. The isolation of the products is readily performed by the extraction of diethyl ether, and the Pd(OAc)2−PEG can be reused without significant loss in activity.