Gauche Interactions Research Articles

Complete set of homodesmotic reactions for the analysis of non-valence effects in the three-to-six-membered cyclic organic compounds

Graph theory based method is proposed for constructing a complete set of homodesmotic reactions (HDR) for studying the molecular energy of organic compounds. The efficiency of the method is shown by the example of ring strain energy Es calculation for a test set of 65 cyclic compounds. The absolute enthalpies of the cycles as well as of reference compounds used in HDRs were calculated using the composite methods G3 and G4. Depending on the structure of the studied cyclic compound, the thermal effect of HDR was shown to be a combination of uncompensated non-valence effects: ring strain, gauche interaction, hydrogen bonding, as well as difference in far environment of atoms, which is observed as the effect of small molecules. Within the framework of a complete set of HDRs, it is possible to separate all of these effects and determine Es free from secondary interactions. The obtained Es set allows tracing its relation with different structural factors such as cycle size, presence of hetero- or sp2-hybridized atoms in the cycle, effect of the substituent etc.

Maltol- and Allomaltol-Derived Oxidopyrylium Ylides: Methyl Substitution Pattern Kinetically Influences [5 + 3] Dimerization versus [5 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions.

Oxidopyrylium ylides are useful intermediates in synthetic organic chemistry because of their capability of forming structurally complex cycloadducts. They can also self-dimerize via [5 + 3] cycloaddition, which is an oft-reported side reaction that can negatively impact [5 + 2] cycloadduct yields and efficiency. In select instances, these dimers can be synthesized and used as the source of oxidopyrylium ylide, although the generality of this process remains unclear. Thus, how the substitution pattern governs both dimerization and cycloaddition reactions is of fundamental interest to probe factors to regulate them. The following manuscript details our findings that maltol-derived oxidopyrylium ylides (i.e., with ortho methyl substitution relative to oxide) can be trapped prior to dimerization more efficiently than the regioisomeric allomaltol-derived ylide (i.e., with a para methyl substitution relative to oxide). Density functional theory studies provide evidence in support of a sterically (kinetically) controlled mechanism, whereby gauche interactions between appendages of the approaching maltol-derived ylides are privileged by higher barriers for dimerization and thus are readily intercepted by dipolarophiles via [5 + 2] cycloadditions.

Chemical kinetic study of triptane (2,2,3-trimethylbutane) as an anti-knock additive

2,2,3-Trimethylbutane (i.e., triptane) is a potential gasoline octane booster with a research octane number (RON) of 112. Recent studies showed that it can be catalytically produced with high selectivity from methanol (CH3OH) and dimethyl ether (DME), which presents a promising route for utilizing biomass derivatives as transportation fuels. Understanding the ignition properties of triptane at engine relevant conditions is crucial for its further evaluation.In this work, a detailed kinetic model for triptane combustion is developed and validated. The rate rules for the low-temperature oxidation reactions are evaluated based on quantum chemistry calculations from literature, and thermochemical properties of all the species are assessed based on new thermodynamic group values with careful treatment of gauche interactions. In addition, alternative isomerization pathways for peroxy-alkylhydroperoxide species (ȮOQOOH) are incorporated in the model.The model is validated against new ignition delay data from facilities at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST): rapid compression machine (RCM) experiments at pressures of 20 and 40 bar, equivalence ratios of 0.5 and 1 and across a temperature range of 620 to 1015 K, and shock tube experiments at 2 and 5 bar, 0.5 and 1 equivalence ratio and over 1000–1400 K. Moreover, the model prediction of various species is compared against species profiles from jet stirred reactor experiments at three equivalence ratios (0.5, 1 and 2) at atmospheric pressure. Finally, triptane is compared with its less branched isomers, n-heptane and 2-methylhexane, to evaluate the effect of branching on fuel reactivity and importance of alternative isomerization pathway.

Anomer Preferences for Glucuronic and Galacturonic Acid and Derivatives and Influence of Electron-Withdrawing Substituents.

Equilibrium anomeric ratios are reported for pyranoses (hemiacetals) of glucuronic and galacturonic acid and their derivatives. These are compared to related gluco- and galactopyranoses and to deoxyfluorogluco- and deoxyfluorogalactopyranoses. An association between axial anomer stability and the sum of 1H NMR downfield chemical shifts for protons H-3 and H-5 was observed in D2O with gluco- and galactopyranoses as reference compounds. When compared to 2-hydroxytetrahydropyran in water, introduction of three OAc substituents and one carboxylic acid substituent leads to an increase in stability of the axial anomer by 0.89-1.05 kcal/mol. This is interpreted as the electron-withdrawing substituents causing a reduction in the steric (gauche) interaction and an increase in favourable Coulombic interaction between CH groups of the pyranose and the anomericgroup through substituentdeshielding effects. Anomer preferences for galacturonic acid and its derivatives were more sensitive to solvent polarity compared to other pyranoses, and this may be linked to the electrostatic potential and reduced stabilization of the equatorial anomeric OH group due to reduced hydrogen bonding. The latter is more notable in nonpolar chloroform. Analysis of crystal structures combined with molecular dynamics indicated there are conformational distinctions between galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid that could influence properties.

Forming Stereogenic Centers in Acyclic Systems from Alkynes

The combined carbometalation/zinc homologation followed by reactions with α-heterosubstituted aldehydes and imines proceed through a chair-like transition structure with the substituent of the incoming aldehyde residue preferentially occupying a pseudo-axial position to avoid the two gauche interactions. The heteroatom in the axial position produces a chelated intermediate (and not a Cornforth-Evans transition structure for α-chloro aldehydes and imines) leading to a face differentiation in the allylation reaction. This method provides access to functionalized products in which three new carbon-carbon bonds and two to three stereogenic centers, including a quaternary one, were created in acyclic systems in a single-pot operation from simple alkynes.

Forming Stereogenic Centers in Acyclic Systems from Alkynes

AbstractThe combined carbometalation/zinc homologation followed by reactions with α‐heterosubstituted aldehydes and imines proceed through a chair‐like transition structure with the substituent of the incoming aldehyde residue preferentially occupying a pseudo‐axial position to avoid the two gauche interactions. The heteroatom in the axial position produces a chelated intermediate (and not a Cornforth–Evans transition structure for α‐chloro aldehydes and imines) leading to a face differentiation in the allylation reaction. This method provides access to functionalized products in which three new carbon–carbon bonds and two to three stereogenic centers, including a quaternary one, were created in acyclic systems in a single‐pot operation from simple alkynes.

Protein–Ligand Interactions: Thermodynamic Effects Associated with Increasing the Length of an Alkyl Chain

Thermodynamic parameters were determined for complex formation between the Grb2 SH2 domain and tripeptides of the general form Ac-pTyr-Xaa-Asn in which the Xaa residue bears a linear alkyl chain varying in length from 1-5 carbon atoms. Binding affinity increases upon adding a methylene group to the Ala derivative, but further chain extension gives no extra enhancement in potency. The thermodynamic signatures of the ethyl and n-propyl derivatives are virtually identical as are those for the n-butyl and n-pentyl analogs. Crystallographic analysis of the complexes reveals a high degree of similarity in the structure of the domain and the bound ligands with the notable exception that there is a gauche interaction in the side chains in the bound conformations of ligands having n-propyl, n-butyl, and n-pentyl groups. However, eliminating this unfavorable interaction by introducing a Z-double bond into the side chain of the n-propyl analog does not result in an increase in affinity. Increases in the amount of nonpolar surface that is buried upon ligand binding correlate with favorable changes in ΔH°, but these are usually offset by corresponding unfavorable changes in -TΔS°; there is little correlation of ΔCp with changes in the amount of buried nonpolar surface.

Axial Preferences in Allylation Reactions via the Zimmerman–Traxler Transition State

The reaction of a substituted allylmetal with a prostereogenic carbonyl compound can give rise to up to two racemic diastereomers (syn and anti). Classically, in such reactions, when pure E-isomers have afforded anti-selectivity and the Z-isomers exhibit syn-selectivity, researchers have used the empirical Zimmerman-Traxler model. In this model, chair-like transition states dominate over boat-like arrangements. The incoming aldehyde alkyl (aryl) residue occupies a pseudoequatorial rather than a pseudoaxial position to avoid potential 1,3-diaxial steric interactions. However, the reaction of γ,γ-disubstituted allylzinc species with carbonyl compounds generates two gauche interactions, which may result in a completely different stereochemical outcome. With these two gauche interactions, would a transition state in which the aldehyde substituent occupies a pseudoequatorial position or a pseudoaxial position be preferred? In this Account, we show that reaction of γ,γ-disubstituted allylzinc species with carbonyl compounds proceeds through a chair-like transition state and the substituent of the incoming aldehyde residue prefers to occupy a pseudoaxial position to avoid these two gauche interactions. Theoretical calculations on model systems support our experimental results. We have extended this new stereochemical outcome to describe the formation of α-alkoxyallylation of aldehydes through the formation of the rather uncommon (E)-γ,γ-disubstituted alkoxyallylzinc species. We also used this method to transform aromatic ketones and α-alkoxyaldehydes and ketones into functionalized adducts. In a one-pot reaction and using simple alkynes, three new carbon-carbon bonds and two to three stereogenic centers, including an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter could be created in acyclic systems. Because 1,3-diaxial interactions are now produced with the axial substituent, an increase in the substituent size on the zinc atom decreases the diastereoselectivity.

Alkylammonium Cation Complexation into the Narrow Cavity of Dihomooxacalix[4]arene Macrocycle

How big should a calixarene macrocycle be for endo-cavity complexation to occur or to allow through-the-annulus threading? To answer these questions, a complete study on the complexation of primary and secondary (di)alkylammonium cations by 18-membered p-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene macroring has been performed in the presence of the "superweak" TFPB counterion. Thus, it was found that this macrocycle is currently the smallest calixarene able to host linear and branched alkylammonium guests inside its aromatic cavity. Molecular mechanics calculations revealed that this recognition event is mainly driven by a H-bonding interaction between the guest ammonium group and the host CH(2)OCH(2) bridge. The endo-cavity complexation of chiral s-BuNH(3)(+) guest results in an asymmetric complex in the NMR time scale. The chirality transfer from guest to host is likely due to a restricted guest motion inside the tight cavity. The complexation study with secondary di-n-alkylammonium·TFPB salts revealed that the 18-membered dihomooxacalix[4]arene macroring cannot give the through-the-annulus threading with them because of its small dimension. However, the macrocycle is able to complex such ions, which can only be accommodated in an hook-like conformation characterized by two unfavorable gauche interactions around the CH(2)-NH(2)(+) bonds. The strain generated by this unfavorable folding is very likely compensated by stronger H-bonds and more favorable CH/π interactions between guest and host.

Stereoselectivities of Histidine-Catalyzed Asymmetric Aldol Additions and Contrasts with Proline Catalysis: A Quantum Mechanical Analysis

Quantum mechanical calculations reveal the origin of diastereo- and enantioselectivities of aldol reactions between aldehydes catalyzed by histidine, and differences between related reactions catalyzed by proline. A stereochemical model that explains both the sense and the high levels of the experimentally observed stereoselectivity is proposed. The computations suggest that both the imidazolium and the carboxylic acid functionalities of histidine are viable hydrogen-bond donors that can stabilize the cyclic aldolization transition state. The stereoselectivity is proposed to arise from minimization of gauche interactions around the forming C-C bond.

The Oxy‐Cope Rearrangement of Aldol Products. A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

AbstractThe oxy‐Cope rearrangement of aldol products has been studied both experimentally and theoretically to gain insight into the aspects that are responsible for the exceptional rate and diastereoselectivity of this process. Kinetic studies as well as DFT calculations convincingly show that the activation barrier of this process is mainly dependent on the electronic nature of the oxy‐substituent, with electron‐withdrawing O‐substituents raising this barrier. The diastereoselectivity, however, remains uniformly high for all derivatives investigated and steric factors are proposed to account for the selectivity to a large extent. The poor diastereoselectivity in the case of the anti‐aldols was also found in our calculations and it appears to result from unfavorable gauche interactions between the oxy and carboximide groups in the transition state.

ChemInform Abstract: Axial Preferences in Allylations via the Zimmerman—Traxler Transition State.

AbstractThe stereochemical outcome of the allylation reaction of 3,3‐disubstituted allylzinc species with aldehydes shows that the aryl or alkyl group on the aldehyde occupies a pseudoaxial position in the Zimmerman—Traxler transition state to avoid gauche interactions.

Group Additivity Values for Estimating the Enthalpy of Formation of Organic Compounds: An Update and Reappraisal. 1. C, H, and O

This study examines critically the present state and utility of the Benson additivity schemes for estimating the enthalpy of formation of organic compounds. Old and new group additivity values (GAV) for a wide variety of compounds containing C, H and O are described and are revised where appropriate. When new terms are proposed, or old ones significantly altered, the rationale for so doing is provided. Corrections for such items as cis-isomer effects, gauche interactions, ring strain energies, double-bond position, conjugation effects, steric hindrance in aromatic molecules, etc. are included and discussed. Also provided are the thermochemical consequences of functional group replacements, in which one group in a molecule is substituted by another, thus providing quick short cuts to estimating new Δ(f)H(0) values. Results derived from the new additivity terms are consistent with those produced by computational chemistry methods in general use.

Accurate Determination of the Structure of Cyclohexane by Femtosecond Rotational Coherence Spectroscopy and Ab Initio Calculations

We combine femtosecond time-resolved rotational coherence spectroscopy with high-level ab initio theory to obtain accurate structural information for the nonpolar molecules cyclohexane (C(6)H(12)) and cyclohexane-d(12) (C(6)D(12)). We measured the rotational B(0) and centrifugal distortion constants D(J), D(JK) of the v = 0 states of C(6)H(12) and C(6)D(12) to high accuracy, for example, B(0)(C(6)H(12)) = 4306.08(5) MHz, as well as B(v) for the vibrationally excited states ν(32), ν(6), ν(16) and ν(24) of C(6)H(12) and additionally ν(15) for C(6)D(12). To successfully reproduce the experimental RCS transient, the overtone and combination levels 2ν(32), 3ν(32), ν(32) + ν(6), and ν(32) + ν(16) had to be included in the RCS model calculations. The experimental rotational constants are compared to those obtained at the second-order Møller-Plesset (MP2) level. Combining the experimental and calculated rotational constants with the calculated equilibrium bond lengths and angles allows determination of accurate semiexperimental equilibrium structure parameters, for example, r(e)(C-C) = 1.526 ± 0.001 Å, r(e)(C-H(axial)) = 1.098 ± 0.001 Å, and r(e)(C-H(equatorial)) = 1.093 ± 0.001 Å. The equilibrium C-C bond length of C(6)H(12) is only 0.004 Å longer than that of ethane. The effect of ring strain due to the unfavorable gauche interactions is mainly manifested as small deviations from the C-C-C, C-C-H(axial), and C-C-H(equatorial) angles from the tetrahedral value.

Enantioselective iridium-catalyzed vinylogous Reformatsky-aldol reaction from the alcohol oxidation level: linear regioselectivity by way of carbon-bound enolates.

Enantioselective iridium-catalyzed vinylogous Reformatsky-aldol reaction from the alcohol oxidation level: linear regioselectivity by way of carbon-bound enolates.

1H NMR study of the hetero‐association of non‐symmetrical diols with pyridine; GIAO/DFT calculations on diols

The 1H NMR titration method is used to investigate the association of non‐symmetrical 1,2‐ and 1,3‐diols with pyridine in benzene. These diols give well‐defined titration curves for the two non‐equivalent OH protons, but it is not possible to determine individual association constants. Only the sum of the first association constants for the two protons and the product of the first and second association constants are accessible. The sum is significantly higher than that of the association constants of the corresponding primary and secondary alcohols, but close to an estimate based on symmetrical diols. The product leads to second association constants similar to those found for symmetrical diols. The sum of the chemical shifts of the associated and non‐associated OH protons in either 1:1 pyridine complex is higher than that of the shifts in the free diol and the 2:1 complex. These features are consistent with small cooperative effects, amounting to an average increase in the reaction free energy of 1.3 kJ mol−1 compared to monohydric alcohols. Infrared (IR) spectra of non‐symmetrical diols and quantum mechanical (QM) calculation of the energies and 1H NMR shifts of the OH protons in several conformers of propan‐1,2‐ and butan‐1,3‐diols indicate that both the primary and the secondary OH groups act as “donor” or “acceptor” in the free molecule. Gauche interactions in propan‐1,2‐diol enhance chemical shifts considerably less than does the intramolecular hydrogen bond in butan‐1,3‐diol. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Revisited conformational analysis of perhydro-3a,6a,9a-triazaphenalene based on Raman analysis

We have demonstrated experimentally by Raman analysis that 1a exists as a mixture of ttt/cct conformers at 22°C in liquid or CCl4 solution, thus contrasting with the initial IR, NMR and X-ray analyses, which were strongly in favour of (ttt)-1a. The global stereoelectronic stabilization is ca. 4.0-4.2 kcal/mol for both parallel N lone pairs (lp) in (cct)-1a, based on a ΔH of 0.75 kcal/mol (±10%), as measured by Raman spectroscopy from 22 to 90°C, as well as the roughly estimated MM2 MeNHEt and MeNHCH2NH2 gauche interactions. DFT calculations using B3LYP/6-31G* yield a standard ΔH value of 1.04 kcal/mol, in good agreement with the experiment, and predict a ttt/cct ratio of ca. 77:23 at 25°C. Broadening of the 13C-NMR signals was observed in either CCl4 or CS2 or even CDCl3 solutions between -20 and -40°C.

Accurate Measurement of Vicinal Carbon–Hydrogen Coupling Constants via Ammonium Nitrogen Based on HMBC Experiments

Abstract Vicinal spin–spin coupling constants frequently used for conformation analysis were determined for ammonium-containing 13C–N–C–1H systems by using HMBC. 1-Deoxynojirimycin hydrochloride provided an appropriate system for measuring the antiperiplanar and gauche interactions, which were determined to be 7.3 and 1.6 Hz, respectively.

Structural Chemistry of Aldols

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.

Synthesis of, and Structural Assignments to the Stereoisomers of Bis (2,2‘)- and Tris (2,2‘,2‘ ‘)-Tetrahydrofurans: Conformational Features and Ionic Binding Capacities of These Gateway Polycyclic Networks

Construction of the polytetrahydrofuranyl building blocks 6-10 from the common bissiloxyacetone precursor 11 is detailed. The approach is concise and, for the bis-(THF) pair, capitalizes on the full retention of configuration observed during the rhodium-promoted decarbonylation of aldehydes 18 and 19. The capability of the title compounds to associate with alkali metal ions in solution and the gas phase has demonstrated a preference for Li+ over Na+ and K+ in all cases, with 6 and 7 exhibiting somewhat higher binding selectivities than 8-10. The relative energy orderings of attainable conformations with the bis-THF and tris-THF series were explored computationally. The various envelope arrangements present in the individual THF units are shown to play a significant role alongside prevailing gauche interactions. The "gauche effect" is shown computationally not to be an accurate predictor of the lowest energy conformer.