Boat-like Transition State Research Articles

Conformations and Rearrangements of Collinolactone - Experiments and Theory on a Dynamic Cyclodecatriene.

Collinolactone A is a microbial specialized metabolite with a unique 6-10-7 tricyclic bislactone skeleton which was isolated from Streptomyces bacteria. The unusual cyclodecatriene motif features dynamic interconversions of two rotamers. Given the biological profiling of collinolactone A as neuroprotective agent, semisynthetic modifications represent an invaluable strategy to enhance its efficacy. Since understanding conformations and reactions of bioactive substances is crucial for rational structure-based design and synthesis of derivatives, we conducted computational studies on conformational behavior as well as experiments on thermal and acid induced rearrangements of the cyclodecatriene. Experimental conformer ratios of collinolactone A and its biosynthetic ketolactone precursor are well reproduced by computations at the PW6B95-D3/def2-QZVPP//r2 SCAN-3c level. Upon heating collinolactone A in anhydrous dioxane at 100 °C, three collinolactone B stereoisomers exhibiting enollactone structures form via Cope rearrangements. Our computations predict the energetic preference for a boat-like transition state in agreement with the stereochemical outcome of the main reaction pathway. Constriction of the ten-membered ring forms collinolactone C with four annulated rings and an exocyclic double bond. Computations and semisynthetic experiments demonstrate strong preference for an acid-catalyzed reaction pathway over an alternative Alder-ene route to collinolactone C with a prohibitive reaction barrier, again in line with stereochemical observations.

Studies toward norzoanthamine: Ireland–Claisen rearrangements of α,β-unsaturated esters in a stereocontrolled synthesis of trans-fused 2-cyclohexen-1-ones

The enantiocontrolled preparation of the trans-fused ABC ring system of norzoanthamine is described. The synthesis strategy has incorporated studies of Ireland–Claisen rearrangements of esters derived from 3,3-dimethylacrylic acid. Stereocontrol results from competing chair- and boat-like transition states. Introduction of a nitroalkene by application of a modified Henry reaction facilitates an intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition for an effective and simple transformation to the desired conjugated decalone. A fully functionalized AB ring system leads to the cyclization of the trans-fused cyclohexenone to complete the ABC system via ring-closing metathesis.

Dehydrative Re2O7-Catalyzed Approach to Dihydropyran Synthesis.

Monoallylic 1,3- and 1,5-diols undergo Re2O7-mediated ionization to form allylic cations that engage in cyclization reactions to form dihydropyran products. The reactions give the 2,6-trans-stereoisomer as the major products as a result of minimizing steric interactions in a boat-like transition state. The results of these studies are consistent with cationic intermediates, with an intriguing observation of stereochemical retention in one example.

Asymmetric Synthesis of 1,2-Dihydronaphthalene-1-ols via Copper-Catalyzed Intramolecular Reductive Cyclization.

We describe a copper-catalyzed intramolecular reductive cyclization of easily accessible benz-tethered 1,3-dienes containing a ketone moiety. This process provided biologically active 1,2-dihydronaphthalene-1-ol derivatives in good yields with excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivity. Mechanistic investigations using density functional theory revealed that (Z)- and (E)-allylcopper intermediates formed in situ from the diene and copper catalyst undergo isomerization and selective intramolecular allylation of the (E)-allylcopper form of the major product through a six-membered boatlike transition state. The resulting products were further transformed to fully saturated naphthalene-1-ols by reactions of the olefin moiety.

The stereodivergent formation of 2,6-cis and 2,6-trans-tetrahydropyrans: experimental and computational investigation of the mechanism of a thioester oxy-Michael cyclization.

The origins of the stereodivergence in the thioester oxy-Michael cyclization for the formation of 4-hydroxy-2,6-cis- or 2,6-trans-substituted tetrahydropyran rings under different conditions was investigated both computationally and experimentally. Synthetic studies showed that the 4-hydroxyl group was essential for stereodivergence. When the 4-hydroxyl group was present, TBAF-mediated conditions gave the 2,6-trans-tetrahydropyran and trifluoroacetic acid-mediated conditions gave the 2,6-cis-tetrahydropyran. This stereodivergence vanished when the hydroxyl group was removed or protected. Computational studies revealed that: (i) the trifluoroacetic acid catalysed formation of 2,6-cis-tetrahydropyrans was mediated by a trifluoroacetate-hydroxonium bridge and proceeded via a chair-like transition state; (ii) the TBAF-mediated formation of 2,6-trans-tetrahydropyrans proceeded via a boat-like transition state, where the 4-hydroxyl group formed a crucial hydrogen bond to the cyclizing alkoxide; (iii) both reactions are under kinetic control. The utility of this stereodivergent approach for the formation of 4-hydroxy-2,6-substituted tetrahydropyran rings has been demonstrated by the total syntheses of the anti-osteoporotic natural products diospongin A and B.

Assessment in the competition between steric and electronic effects in the elimination kinetic of hydrogen in 1,4-cyclohexadienes in the gas phase. Quantum chemical theory calculations

The mechanisms of gas-phase thermal decomposition of alkyl-substituted cyclohexadienes were studied by the means of quantum chemical calculations with theory levels Møller-Plesset pertubation theory (MP2) and density functional theory (DFT) (B3LYP, MPW1PW91, PBEPBE, ωB97XD, CAM-B3LYP, M06, and M062X) with 6-31G(d,p), 6-31++G(d,p) basis sets. The examination of the reaction pathways of each substrate demonstrated a molecular mechanism through six-membered cyclic boat-like transition state (TS) structure. An alkyl group substituent causes a detrimental effect on the reaction rate, compared to the parent compound 1,4-cyclohexadiene; however, the reaction was favoured in the case of 3,6-dimethyl substitution. The 3,6-dimethyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene compound has activation energy 11.2 kJ/mol lower than the reference compound, which overcomes the effect of the most negative entropy of activation in the series. The effects of alkyl substituents in these reactions suggest a complex combination of electronic and steric influence. These reactions are characterised as highly synchronous concerted, with small predominance of C–H bond breaking in the TS.

ChemInform Abstract: Applications of 5‐exo‐trig Thiyl Radical Cyclizations for the Synthesis of Thiosugars.

The application of thiyl-radical-mediated 5-exo-trig cyclization reactions for the preparation of a series of C-linked 4-thiofuranoside sugars has been investigated. The cyclization reactions were found to proceed in high yield with complete regioselectivity and moderate to excellent diastereoselectivity for a number of benzyl-protected precursors. The diastereoselectivity of the radical cyclization was determined by a number of factors, primarily the stereochemistry at the C-2 position and the nature of the substituents attached to the olefin. The cyclization reactions proceed via transition-state intermediates that favor formation of the 1,2-trans products. For d-sugars, a chairlike transition state is proposed. For l-sugars, both chair- and boatlike transition states could be considered. Inversion of the stereochemistry at C-4 also induced a significant effect on the diastereoselectivity of the radical process. The synthetic route is general for both d- and l-sugars and offers a highly novel and effici...

Applications of 5-exo-trig Thiyl Radical Cyclizations for the Synthesis of Thiosugars

The application of thiyl-radical-mediated 5-exo-trig cyclization reactions for the preparation of a series of C-linked 4-thiofuranoside sugars has been investigated. The cyclization reactions were found to proceed in high yield with complete regioselectivity and moderate to excellent diastereoselectivity for a number of benzyl-protected precursors. The diastereoselectivity of the radical cyclization was determined by a number of factors, primarily the stereochemistry at the C-2 position and the nature of the substituents attached to the olefin. The cyclization reactions proceed via transition-state intermediates that favor formation of the 1,2-trans products. For D-sugars, a chairlike transition state is proposed. For L-sugars, both chair- and boatlike transition states could be considered. Inversion of the stereochemistry at C-4 also induced a significant effect on the diastereoselectivity of the radical process. The synthetic route is general for both D- and L-sugars and offers a highly novel and efficient strategy for accessing C-linked 4-thiofuranosides. A fluorescently labeled thiosugar was prepared as a putative glycosidase inhibitor.

Intramolecular cyclization reaction mechanism and regioselectivities of unsubstituted and benzene-substituted 4-penteniminyl radicals: A DFT investigation

The cyclization mechanisms and regioselectivities of 4-penteniminyl and benzene-substituted 4-penteniminyl radicals were investigated systematically by density functional theory method and Marcus theory. For the 4-penteniminyl radical, the 5-exo-trig cyclization via a boat-like transition state was found to be the dominant pathway, whereas for the benzene-substituted 4-penteniminyl ring closure processes the 6-endo-trig is the favorable reaction mode. The preferred 5-exo-trig over 6-endo-trig in 4-penteniminyl radical cyclization is believed to come from a stereoelectronic effect and can be elucidated by orbital interactions between HOMO of iminyl radical and FMO of unsaturated CC double bond in the transition state models. The Marcus theory analysis demonstrated that the surprising regiochemistry of benzene-substituted 4-penteniminyl radical cyclization can be attributed to a thermodynamic effect. The extremely high thermodynamic stability of 6-endo-trig product radical resulting from strong p–π delocalization of unpaired electron in benzene ring leads to a significant decrease in reaction activation energy, and further makes the reaction regioselectivity reverse dramatically relative to the unsubstituted system. Therefore, the kinetic and thermodynamic effects dominate the regioselectivities of 4-penteniminyl and benzene-substituted 4-penteniminyl radical cyclization reactions, respectively.

Steric Effects in the Tuning of the Diastereoselectivity of the Intramolecular Free-Radical Cyclization to an Olefin As Exemplified through the Synthesis of a Carba-Pentofuranose Scaffold

Two free-radical cyclization reactions with the radical at the chiral C4 of the pentose sugar and the intramolecularly C1-tethered olefin (on radical precursors 8 and 17) gave a new diastereospecific C4-C8 bond in dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane 9, whereas the new C4-C7 bond in 7-methyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes 18a/18b gave trans and cis diastereomers, in which the chirality of the C4 center is fully retained as that of the starting material. It has been shown how the chemical nature of the fused carba-pentofuranose scaffolds, dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane 9 vis-a-vis 7-methyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes 18a/18b (C7-Me in the former versus 2-O- in the latter), dictates the stereochemical outcome both at the Grignard reaction step as well as in the free-radical ring-closure reaction. The formation of pure 1,8-trans-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane 9 from 8 suggests that the boat-like transition state is favored due to the absence of steric clash of the bulky 1(S)-O-p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) and 7(R)-Me substituents (both in the α-face) with that of the 8(R)-CH(2)(•) radical in the β-face. The conversion of 17 → 18a-7(S) and 18b-7(R) in 6:4 ratio shows that the participation of both the chair- and the boat-like transition states is likely.

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (+)‐Merobatzelladine B

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (+)‐Merobatzelladine B

Mechanistic Investigations of the ZnCl2-Mediated Tandem Mukaiyama Aldol Lactonization: Evidence for Asynchronous, Concerted Transition States and Discovery of 2-Oxopyridyl Ketene Acetal Variants

The ZnCl(2)-mediated tandem Mukaiyama aldol lactonization (TMAL) reaction of aldehydes and thiopyridyl ketene acetals provides a versatile, highly diastereoselective approach to trans-1,2-disubstituted β-lactones. Mechanistic and theoretical studies described herein demonstrate that both the efficiency of this process and the high diastereoselectivity are highly dependent upon the type of ketene acetal employed but independent of ketene acetal geometry. Significantly, we propose a novel and distinct mechanistic pathway for the ZnCl(2)-mediated TMAL process versus other Mukaiyama aldol reactions based on our experimental evidence to date and further supported by calculations (B3LYP/BSI). Contrary to the commonly invoked mechanistic extremes of [2+2] cycloaddition and aldol lactonization mechanisms, investigations of the TMAL process suggest a concerted but asynchronous transition state between aldehydes and thiopyridyl ketene acetals. These calculations support a boat-like transition state that differs from commonly invoked Mukaiyama "open" or Zimmerman-Traxler "chair-like" transition-state models. Furthermore, experimental studies support the beneficial effect of pre-coordination between ZnCl(2) and thiopyridyl ketene acetals prior to aldehyde addition for optimal reaction rates. Our previously proposed, silylated β-lactone intermediate that led to successful TMAL-based cascade sequences is also supported by the described calculations and ancillary experiments. These findings suggested that a similar TMAL process leading to β-lactones would be possible with an oxopyridyl ketene acetal, and this was confirmed experimentally, leading to a novel TMAL process that proceeds with efficiency comparable to that of the thiopyridyl system.

Double diastereoselection in anti aldol reactions mediated by dicyclohexylchloroborane between an l-erythrulose derivative and chiral aldehydes

Anti aldol reactions of an l-erythrulose derivative with several α-chiral aldehydes mediated by dicyclohexylboron chloride are examined. Good yields and stereoselectivities are observed. The results are best explained when the reactions are assumed to occur via boat-like transition states with minimization of 1,3-allylic strain and avoidance of syn pentane interactions.

Resolving the mechanistic origins of E/ Z-selectivity differences for the ortho-aryl-Claisen [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement through DFT calculations

The mechanistic origins of E/ Z-product selectivity differences for the synthetically important thermal ortho-aryl-Claisen [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement is resolved through a computational study. The formation of E- and Z-products has previously been proposed to occur as a result of reaction via different chair-like transition states or through chair- and boat-like transition states. Using DFT B3LYP/6-31G * calculations on a previously reported experimental system, it has been determined that differences in E/ Z-product selectivities primarily arise by progression through different chair-like transition states.

Gold Catalyzed Carbocyclization of Dienyl Acetates to Construct Mutifunctionalized 3-Vinyl Cyclohexanol Derivatives

A convenient new method was developed to construct six-membered 3-vinylcyclohexanols (and piperidine products) and 6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-7-one derivatives with high diastereoselectivities from 1,6-dienyl acetates via gold catalysis. The reaction proceeded through the nucleophilic addition of the alkenes onto the allylic cation group via a 6-endo-trig process. The substrate's structure affected the configuration orientation of the allylic cation group in a boatlike transition state, which afforded either the trans-cyclohexanols or cis-piperidine derivatives.

Preparation of stereodefined homoallylic amines from the reductive cross-coupling of allylic alcohols with imines.

Regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective coupling reactions between imines and allylic alcohols have been developed. These coupling reactions deliver complex homoallylic amine products through a convergent C-C bond forming process that does not proceed through intermediate allylic organometallic reagents. In general, convergent coupling, by exposure of an allylic alkoxide to a preformed Ti-imine complex, occurs with allylic transposition in a predictable and stereocontrolled manner. While simple diastereoselection in these reactions is high, delivering anti-products with ≥20:1 selectivity, the organometallic transformation described is compatible with a diverse range of functionality and substrates (including aliphatic and aromatic imines, allylic silanes, trisubstituted alkenes, vinyl- and aryl halides, trifluoromethyl groups, thioethers, and aromatic heterocycles). Alkene geometry of the products is a complex function of the allylic alcohol structure and is consistent with a mechanistic proposal based on syn-carbometalation followed by syn-elimination by way of a boat-like transition state geometry. Single asymmetric coupling reactions provide a means to translate the stereochemical information of the allylic alcohol to the homoallylic amine or to control diastereoselection in the coupling reactions of achiral allylic alcohols with chiral imines. Double asymmetric coupling reactions are also described that afford a unique means to control stereoselection in these complex convergent coupling processes. Finally, empirical models are proposed that are consistent with the observed stereochemical course of these coupling reactions en route to chiral homoallylic amines possessing di- or trisubstituted alkenes and anti- or syn- relative stereochemistry at the allylic and homoallylic positions.

Copper-promoted and copper-catalyzed intermolecular alkene diamination.

Copper-promoted and copper-catalyzed intermolecular alkene diamination.

ChemInform Abstract: Unsaturated Oxo-Nitriles: Stereoselective, Chelation-Controlled Conjugate Additions.

Addition of Grignard reagents to the unsaturated oxo−nitrile 10 (4-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-oxocyclohex-1-enecarbonitrile) provides conjugate addition products with virtually complete stereocontrol. Mechanistic evidence supports a chelation-controlled conjugate addition via alkylmagnesium alkoxide intermediates. Diverse Grignard reagents having sp3-, sp2-, and sp-hybridized carbons react with comparable efficiency, with even sterically demanding nucleophiles adding with complete stereocontrol. Unsaturated oxo−nitriles that are incapable of chelation afford diastereomeric conjugate addition products through an unusual boatlike transition state. Collectively, these reactions illustrate the complementary stereoselectivity of chelation-controlled conjugate additions to hydroxylated, unsaturated oxo−nitriles and stereoelectronically controlled conjugate additions to enones.

Unravelling the stereoselectivity in 6-exo-trig radical cyclization of α,β-unsaturated ester-tethered sugars. A tale of two stereocenters

A computational investigation on the origin of the stereoselectivity of 6-exo-trig radical cyclization of alpha,beta-unsaturated ester-tethered sugars has revealed that a boat-like transition state, which keeps the ester in a planar conformation, holds the chiral information. Following this model, the stereocenter to which the ester functionality is connected reports the chirality to the newly formed stereocenter via a 1,4-transfer mechanism.

Copper-Promoted Intramolecular Aminooxygenation of Alkenes

The authors report an efficient ­intramolecular aminooxygenation of protected ­primary amines bearing a terminal olefin. The ­suggested mechanism involves the selective syn-aminocupration of the double bond via a chair- or boat-like transition state. The following radical elimination of Cu(I) and recombination of the resulting 2,5-syn-configured pyrrolidinyl radicals with TEMPO affords the corresponding alkoxyl-amines in high diastereoselectivity and excellent yields.