Regioselective Isomerization Research Articles

Visible Light-Induced Regioselective E to Z Isomerization of Polarized 1,3-Dienes: Experimental and Theoretical Insights.

The stereocontrol of E → Z isomerization on a (1E,3E)-diene, instead of a simple alkene, can be more challenging due to the increased number of isomerization possibilities. Herein, we report visible light-mediated regioselective (1E,3E → 1E,3Z) isomerization of (1E,3E)-diene. The reaction conditions are mild and easy to apply and can be applied to a wide range of substances, with an excellent yield and selectivity (90:10). It is evident from the crystal structures that the cause of regioselectivity for the isomerization of 1,3-diene may not be limited to 1,3-allylic strains; CH-π interaction may also play a vital role. Computational studies suggest that this regioselective photoisomerization is a thermodynamically feasible process and requires the accumulation of spin density on the modified double bond for the transformation to occur.

Regioselective Ring‐Opening of Oxetanes Catalyzed by Lewis Superacid Al(C6F5)3

AbstractThis study details an aluminum‐catalyzed regioselective isomerization of 2,2‐disubstituted oxetanes to yield homoallylic alcohols. The reaction takes place in toluene at 40 °C, employing 1 mol % of Al(C6F5)3 as catalyst. This catalytic system shows a wide substrate scope (12 examples). The optimized conditions are especially useful for electron‐rich aryl oxetanes, completely suppressing the formation of allyl isomers and reducing the amount of the dimer by‐product. The synthetic applicability of the reported methodology is demonstrated by the enantioselective formal synthesis of curcuquinone and the σ1 receptor agonist RC‐33.

Thermally Activated Geometrical Regioselective E→Z Isomerization-Enabled Cascade Sequences of Conjugated Dienals: Experimental and DFT Studies.

The geometrical regioselective E→Z isomerization of a conjugated alkene under thermal activation pose a challenge due to microscopic reversibility. Herein we report that such reversibility issues can be circumvented by integrating E→Z isomerization with subsequent cyclization cascade, particularly in the absence of commonly employed light, acids, or metal-catalysts. Thus, linearly conjugated dienals in a mixture of toluene-alcohol (2 : 1) solvents or only with alcohol at 60-70 °C can be converted to γ-alkoxybutenolides in moderate to good yields. The intermediary 2Z,4E-isomer can be isolated, which includes the first example of isolating the regioselective isomerization product under thermal conditions. Density functional theory (DFT) studies have been employed to shed light on the feasibility of geometrical alkene isomerization and ensuing cascade sequences. It has been observed that the regioselective 2E,4E→2Z,4E isomerization of dienal is a thermodynamically facile (ΔG <0) process. Structural elucidation further reveals that the presence of a certain charge transfer and a non-covalent interaction may be the primary reasons for the enhanced stability of the 2Z,4E-isomer. The thermodynamic plausibility of the subsequent cascade reaction from the Z-isomer to the anticipated product in the presence of a polar protic solvent (here MeOH) is also explicated. Out of the two probable pathways, the "hemiacetal pathway" involving a relay proton transfer is kinetically more feasible due to the diminished activation barrier than the "conjugate addition pathway".

Integrating Regioselective E→Z Isomerization of Trienones with Cascade Sequences under Photosensitizer-Free Direct Irradiation at 390 nm.

The regioselective E→Z isomerization of a target olefin unit embedded in a conjugated polyene is challenging. Examples are limited to retinal and its derivatives only. The problem is further amplified when such an isomerization is integrated into cascade sequences, among which the regioselectivity and subsequent directionality are the major bottlenecks. Indeed, there are no reports till date for such a transformation. Herein, it is reported that such a controlled isomerization and subsequent cyclization cascade can be enabled by photosensitizer-free direct irradiation of linearly conjugated acyclic polyenes in dichloromethane solvent using a 390 nm LED. The directionality results from deconjugation of the extended π-system in the transient Z-isomer due to stabilizing n→π* interactions between 1,4-dicarbonyls (C=O→C=O) or 1,4-carbonyl/-aryl (C=O→aryl) groups. The involvement of such noncovalent interactions has been supported by X-ray crystallography and control experiments. Thus, conjugated trienones can be stereoselectively converted into oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octadienes in an atom- and step-economic manner, including the first example by regioselective isomerization of a tetrasubstituted alkene. The reaction conditions are very general (>46 examples). The reaction can be conducted under open air atmosphere at ambient temperature. Such a cascade cyclization can also be realized in solid state.

Highly regioselective ferrocenyl cyclohexene/cyclopentene isomerization through benzyne transfer coupling

A highly regioselective isomerization coupling reaction of HDDA-derived benzynes and ferrocenyl cyclohexene/cyclopentene is reported for the direct synthesis of highly substituted functionalized aromatic ferrocene derivatives in good yields.

The conformation and reactivity of butadiene and the bent bond/antiperiplanar hypothesis orbital model

The bent bond/antiperiplanar hypothesis (BBAH) is a useful orbital model explaining the conformational analysis and chemical reactivity of butadiene, the regioselective isomerization of α,β-unsaturated esters to their β,γ-deconjugated isomer, and the stereocontrolled nucleophilic addition of amines to ethyl 2,4-pentadienolate and 1,3-butadienyl sulfone. • Butadiene. • Conformation. • Reactivity. • Thermal isomerization. • Bent bond/antiperiplanar hypothesis.

Proton-accelerated Lewis acid catalysis for stereo- and regioselective isomerization of epoxides to allylic alcohols.

The isomerization of epoxides to allylic alcohols was developed via proton-accelerated Lewis acid catalysis. The addition of tBuOH as a proton source is the key to the efficient catalytic cycle. Trisubstituted epoxides, including enantioenriched derivatives, were selectively converted to secondary-allylic alcohols without loss of enantiopurity.

Erbium-Catalyzed Regioselective Isomerization–Cobalt-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation Sequence for the Synthesis of Anti-Markovnikov Alcohols from Epoxides under Mild Conditions

Herein, we report an efficient isomerization–transfer hydrogenation reaction sequence based on a cobalt pincer catalyst (1 mol %), which allows the synthesis of a series of anti-Markovnikov alcohol...

Regioselective Isomerization of Terminal Alkenes Catalyzed by a PC(sp3)Pincer Complex with a Hemilabile Pendant Arm

AbstractWe describe an efficient protocol for the regioselective isomerization of terminal alkenes employing a previously described bifunctional Ir‐based PC(sp3)complex (4) possessing a hemilabile sidearm. The isomerization, catalyzed by 4, results in a one‐step shift of the double bond in good to excellent selectivity, and good yield. Our mechanistic studies revealed that the reaction is driven by the stepwise migratory insertion of Ir−H species into the terminal double bond/β‐H elimination events. However, the selectivity of the reaction is controlled by dissociation of the hemilabile sidearm, which acts as a selector, favoring less sterically hindered substrates such as terminal alkenes; importantly, it prevents recombination and further isomerization of the internal ones.

Catalytic Regioselective Isomerization of 2,2-Disubstituted Oxetanes to Homoallylic Alcohols.

The selective isomerization of strained heterocyclic compounds is an important tool in organic synthesis. An unprecedented regioselective isomerization of 2,2-disubstituted oxetanes into homoallylic alcohols is described. The use of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (B(C6 F5 )3 ), a commercially available Lewis acid was key to obtaining good yields and selectivities since other Lewis acids afforded mixtures of isomers and substantial polymerization. The reaction took place under exceptionally mild reaction conditions and very low catalyst loading (0.5 mol %). DFT calculations disclose the mechanistic features of the isomerization and account for the high selectivity displayed by the B(C6 F5 )3 catalyst. The synthetic applicability of the new reaction is demonstrated by the preparation of γ-chiral alcohols using iridium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation.

Catalytic Regioselective Isomerization of 2,2‐Disubstituted Oxetanes to Homoallylic Alcohols

AbstractThe selective isomerization of strained heterocyclic compounds is an important tool in organic synthesis. An unprecedented regioselective isomerization of 2,2‐disubstituted oxetanes into homoallylic alcohols is described. The use of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (B(C6F5)3), a commercially available Lewis acid was key to obtaining good yields and selectivities since other Lewis acids afforded mixtures of isomers and substantial polymerization. The reaction took place under exceptionally mild reaction conditions and very low catalyst loading (0.5 mol %). DFT calculations disclose the mechanistic features of the isomerization and account for the high selectivity displayed by the B(C6F5)3 catalyst. The synthetic applicability of the new reaction is demonstrated by the preparation of γ‐chiral alcohols using iridium‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation.

Photocatalytic E → Z Isomerization of β-Ionyl Derivatives.

An operationally simple E → Z isomerization of activated dienes, based on the β-ionyl motif intrinsic to retinal, is reported using inexpensive (-)-riboflavin (vitamin B2) under irradiation at 402 nm. Selective energy transfer from photoexcited (-)-riboflavin to the starting E-isomer enables geometrical isomerization. Since the analogous process with the Z-isomer is inefficient, microscopic reversibility is circumvented, thereby enabling a directional isomerization to generate the contra-thermodynamic product (up to 99% yield, up to 99:1 Z/E). Prudent choice of photocatalyst enables chemoselective isomerization to be achieved in both inter- and intramolecular systems. The principles established from this study, together with a molecular editing approach, have facilitated the development of a regioselective isomerization of a truncated triene based on the retinal scaffold.

Controlling Isomerization Selectivity in Chiral, Photochromic N,C-Chelate Organoboron Systems with Extended π-Conjugation.

Alkyne-functionalized chelate boron compounds with extended π-conjugation on one of the aryl groups attached to boron display thermally reversible and regioselective isomerization on the more delocalized substituent, forming base-stabilized boriranes with an intense color. Linking two of such boron chromophores through a 1,4-phenylene spacer via ethynyl moieties leads to photochemically inert molecules, while connecting them by a nonconjugated silicon bridge yields photochromic systems capable of switching at a single boron center.

Total Synthesis of Rishirilide B by Organocatalytic Oxidative Kinetic Resolution: Revision of Absolute Configuration of (+)‐Rishirilide B

Described herein is the enantioselective syntheses of (+)- and (-)-rishirilide B from the corresponding optically active β-substituted tetralones, which were obtained by oxidative kinetic resolution based on α-hydroxylation in the presence of a chiral guanidine-bisurea bifunctional organocatalyst. Benzylic oxidation of the tetralones at C1 followed by regioselective isomerization of the oxabenzonorbornadiene structure led to rishirilide B. Our findings lead to the revision of the previously proposed (2R,3R,4R) absolute configuration of (+)-rishirilide B to (2S,3S,4S).

ChemInform Abstract: Regioselective Isomerization of 2,3‐Disubstituted Epoxides to Ketones: An Alternative to the Wacker Oxidation of Internal Alkenes.

We report an alternative pathway to the Wacker oxidation of internal olefins involving epoxidation of trans-alkenes followed by a mild and highly regioselective isomerization to give the major ketone isomers in 66–98% yield. Preliminary kinetics and isotope labeling studies suggest epoxide ring opening as the turnover limiting step in our proposed mechanism. A similar catalytic system was applied to the kinetic resolution of select trans-epoxides to give synthetically useful selectivity factors of 17–23 for benzyl-substituted substrates.

Regioselective Isomerization of 2,3-Disubstituted Epoxides to Ketones: An Alternative to the Wacker Oxidation of Internal Alkenes

We report an alternative pathway to the Wacker oxidation of internal olefins involving epoxidation of trans-alkenes followed by a mild and highly regioselective isomerization to give the major ketone isomers in 66-98% yield. Preliminary kinetics and isotope labeling studies suggest epoxide ring opening as the turnover limiting step in our proposed mechanism. A similar catalytic system was applied to the kinetic resolution of select trans-epoxides to give synthetically useful selectivity factors of 17-23 for benzyl-substituted substrates.

Photoisomerization of Trans Ortho-, Meta-, Para-Nitro Diarylbutadienes: A Case of Regioselectivity.

A series of ortho-, meta- and para-substituted trans-nitro aryl (phenyl and pyridyl) butadienes have been synthesized and characterized. The effect of substitution and positional selectivity on their fluorescence and photoisomerization were systematically investigated. Among all dienes, meta- and para-nitro phenyl-substituted derivatives exhibit remarkable solvatochromic emission shifts due to intramolecular charge transfer. On the other hand, ortho derivatives undergo regioselective isomerization upon photoexcitation in contrast to inefficient isomerization of para and meta nitro-substituted dienes. Single crystal X-ray analysis revealed existence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the nitro group and the hydrogen of the proximal double bond. This restricts the rotation of the proximal double bond thereby allowing regioselective isomerization. The observations were also supported by NMR spectroscopic studies.

ChemInform Abstract: General Catalyst Control of the Monoisomerization of 1‐Alkenes to trans‐2‐Alkenes.

AbstractA general method for the highly regioselective isomerization of the title compounds by an in‐situ formed Ru‐catalyst is described.

Selective photoisomerization of methyl substituted nitro diphenylbutadienes

Abstract A series of p -nitro substituted trans -diphenylbutadienes is synthesized and their photophysical and photochemical properties are investigated. All the dienes have a very low quantum yield of fluorescence but exhibit remarkable solvatochromic emission shifts attributed to twisted intramolecular charge transfer. Photochemical irradiation of simple p -nitro substituted diphenylbutadienes reveals inefficient or no detectable photoisomerization. However, substituting a methyl group on the butadiene chain of p -nitro substituted diphenylbutadiene or replacing the nitro group with cyano group yields the corresponding trans – cis isomers. In the case of simple nitrodienes, strong intramolecular charge transfer character in the excited state aids dissipation of absorbed energy through non-photochemical and non-radiative channels. The steric effect caused by the presence of methyl group lowers the isomerization barrier in methyl substituted dienes leading to a regioselective isomerization.

ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Dihydrobenzofurans with Quaternary Carbon Center under Mild and Neutral Conditions.

AbstractA new method is developed for the construction of dihydrobenzofurans from O‐aryloxime ethers bearing an α‐cyano group via a sequential regioselective isomerization/[3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement/cyclization reaction without any catalysts.