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Hydroamidation of carbon-carbon double bonds is an attractive strategy for installing nitrogen functionality into molecular scaffolds and, with it, increasing molecular complexity. To date, metal-based approaches have dominated this area of chemical synthesis, despite the drawbacks of air and moisture sensitivity, limited functional group tolerance, toxicity, and/or high cost often associated with using metals. Here, in offering an alternative solution, we disclose an operationally simple, metal-free, one-pot, regioselective, multicomponent synthetic procedure for the hydroamidation of carbon-carbon double bonds. This method features mild reaction conditions and utilizes isocyanides and vinyl ethers for the rapid and modular synthesis of privileged α-oxygenated amide scaffolds. In unraveling the mechanistic underpinning of this non-metal-based reactivity, we present kinetic solvent isotope effect studies, variable time normalization analysis, and density functional theory computations offering insight into the mechanism of this multistep catalytic hydroamidation process.

Herein we report that coordinative hemilability allows the MIDA (N-methyliminodiacetic acid) nitrogen to behave as a nucleophile and intramolecularly intercept palladium π-allyl intermediates. A mechanistic investigation indicates that this rearrangement proceeds through an SN2-like displacement at tetrasubstituted boron to furnish novel DABN boronates. Oxidative addition into the N-C bond of the DABN scaffold furnishes borylated π-allyl intermediates that can then be trapped with a variety of nucleophiles, including in a three-component coupling.

Reduction of phosphorus dichloride 6, supported by the diaryloxyphenyl group (OCO) featuring two bulky phenoxy wingtips, by PMe3, generates a reactive intermediate that behaves as a base-stabilized phosphinidene (OCO)P (5). Warming up a solution of this species in toluene to room temperature results in trimerization to give the isolable cyclic triphosphine [(OCO)P]3, whereas in situ trapping with 2,3-dimethylbutadiene-1,3 afforded a 3,4-dimethylphospholene-3. Investigation of the reduction of 6 by the phosphine PMe3 by NMR led to the observation of a persistent species between -10 °C and 10 °C. DFT study of this process suggest that this compound cannot be the proposed phosphinidene 5, and is more likely the disphosphine (OCO)ClP-PCl(OCO) (12). Attempted reduction of 5 by the bulky carbene IPr resulted in unusual electrophilic substitution in the carbene olefin backbone by the chlorophosphinyl group.

Recently, our group reported that enone and ketone functional groups, upon photoexcitation, can direct site-selective sp3 C-H fluorination in terpenoid derivatives. How this transformation actually occurred remained mysterious, as a significant number of mechanistic possibilities came to mind. Herein, we report a comprehensive study describing the reaction mechanism through kinetic studies, isotope-labeling experiments, 19F NMR, electrochemical studies, synthetic probes, and computational experiments. To our surprise, the mechanism suggests intermolecular hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) chemistry is at play, rather than classical Norrish hydrogen atom abstraction as initially conceived. What is more, we discovered a unique role for photopromoters such as benzil and related compounds that necessitates their chemical transformation through fluorination in order to be effective. Our findings provide documentation of an unusual form of directed HAT and are of crucial importance for defining the necessary parameters for the development of future methods.

An unsymmetrical guanidine-cyclopropenimine proton sponge DAGUN and the related BF2 -chelate DAGBO are reported. Insight into the structural, electronic, bonding and photophysical properties of these two molecules are presented. Joint experimental and theoretical studies reveal the protonated form of DAGUN possesses an intramolecular N⋅⋅⋅H-N hydrogen bond which affords a high experimental pKBH+ of 26.6 (computed=26.3). Photophysical studies show that in solution DAGUN displays a green emission at 534 nm, with a large Stokes shift of 235 nm (14,718 cm-1 ). In contrast, the conjugate acid DAGUN-H+ is only weakly emissive due to attenuated intramolecular charge transfer. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that DAGBO contains a stable tetracoordinate boronium cation, reminiscent of the well-established BODIPY family of dyes. In solution, DAGBO exhibits a strong blue emission at 450 nm coupled with a large Stokes shift (Δλ=158 nm, Δν=11,957 cm-1 ) and quantum yield of 62 %, upon excitation at 293 nm. DAGBO sets the stage as the first entry into a new class of boron-difluoride diaminonaphthalenes (BOFDANs) that represent highly fluorescent and tunable next-generation dyes with future promise for biosensing and bioimaging applications.

Pyranylation and glycosylation are pivotal for accessing a myriad of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and drug candidates. Catalytic approaches for enabling these transformations are of utmost importance and integral to advancing this area of synthesis. In exploring this chemical space, a combined experimental and computational mechanistic study of pyranylation and 2-deoxygalactosylation catalyzed by a cationic thiourea organocatalyst is reported. To this end, a thiourea-cyclopropenium organocatalyst was employed as a model system in combination with an arsenal of mechanistic techniques, including 13C kinetic isotope effect experiments, deuterated labeling studies, variable-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. From these studies, two distinct reaction pathways were identified for this transformation corresponding to either dual hydrogen bond (H-bond) activation or Bronsted acid catalysis. The former involving thiourea orchestrated bifurcated hydrogen bonding proceeded in an asynchronous concerted fashion. In contrast, the latter stepwise mechanism involving Bronsted acid catalysis hinged upon the formation of an oxocarbenium intermediate accompanied by subsequent alcohol addition.

A pair of chiral bis(amidine) [BAM] proton complexes provide reagent (catalyst)-controlled, highly diastereo- and enantioselective direct aza-Henry reactions leading to α-alkyl-substituted α,β-diamino esters. A C(2)-symmetric ligand provides high anti-selectivity, while a non-symmetric congener exhibits syn-selectivity in this example of diastereodivergent, enantioselective catalysis. A detailed computational analysis is reported for the first time, one that supports distinct models for selectivity resulting from the more hindered binding cavity of the C(1)-symmetric ligand. Binding in this congested pocket accommodates four hydrogen bond contacts among ligand and substrates, ultimately favoring a pre-syn arrangement highlighted by pyridinium-azomethine activation, and quinolinium-nitronate activation. The complementary transition states reveal a wide range of alternatives. Comparing the C(1) and C(2)-symmetric catalysts highlights distinct electrophile binding orientations despite their common hydrogen bond donor-acceptor features. Among the factors driving unusual high syn-diastereoselection are favorable dispersion forces that leverage the anthracenyl substituent of the C(1)-symmetric ligand.

Glycomimetics are structural mimics of naturally occurring carbohydrates and represent important therapeutic leads in several disease treatments. However, the structural and stereochemical complexity inherent to glycomimetics often challenges medicinal chemistry efforts and is incompatible with diversity-oriented synthesis approaches. Here, we describe a one-pot proline-catalyzed aldehyde α-functionalization/aldol reaction that produces an array of stereochemically well-defined glycomimetic building blocks containing fluoro, chloro, bromo, trifluoromethylthio and azodicarboxylate functional groups. Using density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate both steric and electrostatic interactions play key diastereodiscriminating roles in the dynamic kinetic resolution. The utility of this simple process for generating large and diverse libraries of glycomimetics is demonstrated in the rapid production of iminosugars, nucleoside analogues, carbasugars and carbohydrates from common intermediates. Glycomimetics are structural mimics of carbohydrates that can replicate their biological activity but have improved drug-like properties. Here, using proline-catalysed α-halogenation/aldol cascades, carbohydrate building blocks are readily assembled and then diversified into glycomimetics including imino- and carbasugars.

We report an unprecedented photochemical oxygen insertion reaction into an aromatic quinone methide. Insertion happens specifically within a C(aryl)–C(alkyl) bond, whereas the quinone methide moiet...

Enolate additions to chiral N-sulfonyloxaziridines providing enantiomerically enriched α-hydroxy carbonyl compounds is a reaction of importance, yet a clear understanding of the factors governing stereoinduction in these transformations remains ambiguous. This is despite, previous computational studies, one by Bach et al. employing truncated model systems exploring oxygen atom transfer to an unsubstituted lithium enolate and another by our own group. In clarifying this reactivity we report here a computational study examining oxygen atom transfer from 1-S-(+)-(10-camphorsulfonyl)oxaziridine, viz., archetypal Davis chiral oxaziridine to substituted Li, Na, K enolates offering improved mechanistic understanding. From this investigation, a revised model is offered revealing the metal cation, chelation effects and sterics as decisive stereocontrolling factors in enolate additions to chiral N-sulfonyloxaziridines affording enantiomerically enriched α-hydroxy carbonyl compounds.

The unprecedented synthesis, single-crystal X-ray structure, and first catalytic application of a dicarbene-Ag(I) complex [Ag(BAC)2][CO2CF3] (BAC = bis(diisopropyl)aminocyclopropenylidene) is reported. This novel complex provides a versatile catalytic platform for selective aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols to aldehyde or ketone products in high yields. Ease of experimental execution coupled with the use of abundant atmospheric molecular oxygen as an oxidant and low catalyst loading are inherit strengths of these oxidations.

A metal-free synthetic protocol for azo compound formation by the direct oxidation of hydrazine HN–NH bonds to azo group functionality catalyzed by molecular iodine is disclosed. The strengths of this reactivity include rapid reaction times, low catalyst loadings, use of ambient dioxygen as a stoichiometric oxidant, and ease of experimental set-up and azo product isolation. Mechanistic studies and density functional theory computations offering insight into this reactivity, as well as the events leading to azo group formation are presented. Collectively, this study expands the potential of main-group element iodine as an inexpensive catalyst, while delivering a useful transformation for forming azo compounds.

Conventional amide synthesis is a mainstay in discipline-spanning applications, and it is a reaction type that historically developed as a singular paradigm when considering the carbon-nitrogen bond-forming step. Umpolung amide synthesis (UmAS) exploits the unique properties of an α-halo nitroalkane in its reaction with an amine to produce an amide. The "umpolung" moniker reflects its paradigm-breaking C-N bond formation on the basis of evidence that the nucleophilic nitronate carbon and electrophilic nitrogen engage to form a tetrahedral intermediate (TI) that is an unprecedented functional group, a 1,1,1-halo-amino-nitro alkane (HANA). Studies probing HANA transience have failed to capture this (presumably) highly reactive intermediate. We report here the direct observation of a HANA, its conversion thermally to an amide functionality, and quantitative analysis of this process using computational techniques. These findings validate the HANA as a functional group common to UmAS and diverted UmAS, opening the door to its targeted use and creative manipulation.

We report a method for the regioselective photochemical sp3 C–H fluorination of acetonide ketals that presents interesting problems in chemical reactivity. The question of why certain products of t...

As part of a program aimed at metal-catalyzed oxidative transformations of molecules with carbon-metalloid bonds, the synthesis of α-borylated ketones is reported via regioselective TBHP-mediated Wacker-type oxidation of N-methyliminodiacetic acid (MIDA)-protected alkenylboronates. The observed regioselectivity correlates with the hemilabile nature of the B-N dative bond in the MIDA boronate functional group, which allows boron to guide selectivity through a neighboring group effect.

Tetracoordinate MIDA (N-methyliminodiacetic acid) boronates have found broad utility in chemical synthesis. Here, we describe mechanistic insights into the migratory aptitude of the MIDA boryl group in boron transfer processes, and show that the hemilability of the nitrogen atom on the MIDA ligand enables boron to mechanistically resemble either a hydride or a proton. The first case involves a 1,2-boryl shift, in which boron migrates as a nucleophile in its tetracoordinate form. The second case involves a neighbouring atom-promoted 1,4-boryl shift, in which boron migrates as an electrophile in its pseudo-tricoordinate form. Density functional theory studies and in situ NMR measurements all suggest that MIDA can act as a dynamic switch. These findings encouraged the development of novel migration processes involving boron that exploit the chameleonic behaviour of boron by acting as both a nucleophile and an electrophile, including the first report of a compound with a boronate functionality bound to carbon in the carboxylic acid oxidation state.

The application of cyclopropenium ion as a phase transfer catalyst for benzylic fluorination in high yields is reported. Integral to the mechanisms of these fluorination reactions was the role of in situ derived cyclopropenium fluoride complexes, the existence of which was supported by 1H, 19F NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculations were applied to gain insight into the mechanism of these reactions.

A simple and direct two-step synthesis of bis(amino)cyclopropenium trifluoroborate (BAC–BF3) derivatives from readily available reagents is reported. Hydrolysis studies revealed these BAC–BF3 derivatives were remarkably stable toward defluorination. Notably, this first study of BAC–BF3 adduct hydrolytic stability establishes the compounds reported herein possess half-lives (t1/2) exceeding 0.23 × 106 min (∼160 days). Density functional theory (DFT) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) calculations exploring the basis of this high stability are described.

The zinc hydride NacNacZnH (2) (NacNac = [Ar′NC(Me)CHC(Me)NAr′]−, Ar′ = 2,6-Me2C6H3) catalyzes regioselective hydrosilylation and hydroboration of pyridines, including the hydroboration of phenanthroline. Mechanistic studies of hydrosilylation, including labeling, kinetic analysis, and density functional theory calculations, suggest the possibility of a reaction pathway based on hydride transfer from an out-of-sphere activated silane.

The use of a cyclopropenium cation as a phase-transfer catalyst for O-silyl ether deprotection is reported. Mechanistic insight into this deprotection methodology derived by linear free-energy relationships (LFER), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are also provided.

This work unveils the reactivity patterns, as well as ligand and additive effect on alkali-metal-base-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of ketones. Crucially to this reactivity is the presence of a Lewis acid (alkali cation), as opposed to a simple base effect. With aryl ketones, the observed reactivity order is Na+ >Li+ >K+ , whereas for aliphatic substrates it follows the expected Lewis acidity, Li+ >Na+ >K+ . Importantly, the reactivity pattern can be drastically changed by adding ligands and additives. Kinetic, labelling, and competition experiments as well as DFT calculations suggested that the reaction proceeds through a concerted direct hydride-transfer mechanism, originally suggested by Woodward. The lithium cation was found to be intrinsically more active than heavier congeners, but in the case of aryl ketones a decrease in reaction rate was observed at ≈40 % conversion with lithium cations. Noncovalent-interaction analysis revealed that this deceleration effect originated from specific noncovalent interactions between the aryl moiety of 1-phenylethanol and the carbonyl group of acetophenone, which stabilize the product in the coordination sphere of lithium and thus poison the catalyst. The ligand/additive effect is a complicated phenomenon that includes a combination of several factors, such as the decrease of activation energy by ligation (confirmed by distortion/interaction calculations of N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, TMEDA) and the change in relative stabilization of reagents and substrates in the solution and the coordination sphere of the metal. Finally, we observed that lithium-base-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation can be further facilitated by the addition of an inexpensive and benign reagent, LiCl, which likely operates by re-initiating the reaction on a new lithium center.

A tricyclic chiral auxiliary, prepared from the enzymatically derived cis-arene dihydrodiol metabolite of toluene, was investigated as a means of asymmetric induction in several different reactions. The auxiliary was converted to an oxaziridine, and its utility in hydroxylation, providing low levels of enantiomeric excess, was compared with that of Davis’s oxaziridine. Insight into the origin of stereoinduction in this reaction is provided and is based on computational Monte Carlo Multiple Minimum (MCMM) searches using the OPLS3 force field. The use of the auxiliary group in the alkylation of appended esters proved disappointing. Diels-Alder cycloaddition of an acrylate, derived from the auxiliary group, with cyclohexadiene furnished a mixture of diastereomeric adducts in essentially equal amounts. The adducts were separated and the corresponding enantiomeric residues were isolated with good enantiomeric excess. Evidence of reasonable levels of asymmetric induction in the above processes was lacking. Experimental and spectral data are provided for all key compounds.

The role of cooperative effects arising from noncovalent attractive interactions as a vital factor governing stereoinduction in chiral H-bond catalyzed aza-Henry reactions is reported. Supporting this finding were density functional theory (DFT) calculations which revealed a shape and size dependency existed between the catalyst and substrates that when matched lead to high enantioselectivity, as reflected by favorable activation parameters. Associated with optimal catalyst and substrate pairing were a closed catalytic binding pocket and a synclinal orientation of the substrates that reinforced favorable stereoelectronic effects and dispersive type forces. Meanwhile, unfavorable steric interactions were found to be a dominant effect controlling diastereoselection.

The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of a novel Au(I)-precatalyst applied to intermolecular alkyne hydroamination is reported. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed the cyclopropenium counterion of this Au(I)-precatalyst imparts stability through H-bonding and other noncovalent interactions.

Stepwise reduction of the diiminopyridine (dimpyr) complex, dimpyrZnCl2, by KC8 leads to molecular zinc compounds dimpyrZnCl (2) and dimpyrZnCl(DMAP) (3, DMAP = 4-dimethylaminopyridine), which were characterized by X-ray diffraction and EPR spectroscopy. Compound 2 shows an unusual nearly square planar geometry of the zinc atom equally ligated by two imine groups. X-ray crystallographic and EPR data suggest significant delocalization of the zinc 4p electron onto the non-innocent dimpyr ligand. The chloride in 2 can also be substituted by a methyl group upon addition of methyl lithium to generate compound 4, dimpyrZnMe. The novel alkylzinc compound displayed approximate square planar geometry around the zinc centre and significant delocalization of electron density onto the dimpyr ligand, as revealed by X-ray crystallographic studies and EPR spectroscopy, akin to 2. Further reduction of 3 leads to compound 5, dimpyrZn(DMAP)2. X-ray diffraction study of 5 revealed an unprecedented see-saw geometry around the four-coordinate zinc center with significant electron density transfer to the dimpyr ligand, supported by DFT calculations.

An integral part of modern organocatalysis is the development and application of thiourea catalysts. Here, as part of our program aimed at developing cyclopropenium catalysts, the synthesis of a thiourea-cyclopropenium organocatalyst with both cationic hydrogen-bond donor and electrostatic character is reported. The utility of the this thiourea organocatalyst is showcased in pyranylation reactions employing phenols, primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols under operationally simple and mild reaction conditions for a broad substrate scope. The addition of benzoic acid as a co-catalyst facilitating cooperative Bronsted acid catalysis was found to be valuable for reactions involving phenols and higher substituted alcohols. Mechanistic investigations, including kinetic and 1H NMR binding studies in conjunction with density function theory calculations, are described that collectively support a Bronsted acid mode of catalysis.

Charge-enhanced catalysis has emerged as a powerful alternative to the mainstream use of neutral catalysis. With this in mind, we report a catalytic Friedel‒Crafts alkylation method catalyzed by a charged thiourea incorporating a cationic cyclopropenium moiety. Mechanistic studies, including density functional theory computational calculations, variable time normalization analysis, and 1H NMR binding studies, collectively reveal this charge-enhanced reactivity proceeds by a dual hydrogen bond-mediated LUMO-lowering mode of substrate activation. Key to these findings is the observed steady-state concentration of the catalyst with in situ derived monomeric catalytic species predominating under the reaction conditions.

The synthesis of cyclopropenium-substituted amino compounds and analysis of their photophysical properties is described. Systematic structural modifications of these derivatives lead to measurable and predictable changes in molar extinction coefficients, quantum yields, and Stokes shifts. Using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations, the origin of these trends was traced to internal charge transfer (ICT) coupled with ensuing structural reorganization for select naphthalene functionalized derivatives. Associated with this structural reorganization was an inward gearing of the cyclopropenium ring and twisting of the peri-NMe2 group into coplanarity with the naphthalene ring system. Further, reinforcement of an intramolecular H-bond (IMHB) in the excited state of these derivatives alludes to the importance of photoinduced H-bonding in this new class of cyclopropenium based fluorophores.

The synthesis of a solid, bench-stable, strong organic Brønsted acid with a computed pKa of 0.9 is reported. An X-ray crystal structure and DFT calculations are provided which offer insight into the bonding of this acid. The application of this strong organic Brønsted acid as a catalyst for the intermolecular hydroamination of unactivated alkenes and as an activator for Au(I)-catalyzed alkyne hydroamination with anilines is described.

This work demonstrates how modulating hydrogen bonding between intermolecular, bifurcated, and intramolecular interactions can be used to tune the structural, electronic, and photophysical properties of cyclopropenium ions and their respective fluorophores. The basis of this switchability was examined using X-ray diffraction analysis, 1 H NMR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

We have evaluated a range of functionalized isocyanides in the aziridine aldehyde-driven multicomponent synthesis of piperazinones. High diasteroselectivity for each isocyanide was observed. A theoretical evaluation of the reaction course corroborates the experimental data. Moreover, the reactivity of cis- and trans-configured aziridine aldehyde dimers has been compared. This study further probes the dimer-driven mechanism of cyclization and enables an efficient access to a wide range of chiral piperazinones bearing functionalized side chains.

The use of a bis(diisopropylamino)cyclopropenimine-substituted bis-protonated proton sponge as a bifunctional phase-transfer catalyst is reported. Experimental studies and DFT calculations suggest it operates simultaneously as a hydrogen bond donor and a phase-transfer catalyst, facilitating the movement of charged intermediates from the interface to the organic phase via favorable partitioning of hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface areas, resulting in high catalytic activity.

A variety of ortho,ortho'-disubstituted hydrobenzoin derivatives are readily accessible through a directed ortho,ortho'-dimetalation strategy in which the alcohol functions in hydrobenzoin are deprotonated by n-BuLi and the resulting lithium benzyl alkoxides serve as directed metalation groups. The optimization and scope of this reaction are discussed, and the utility of this process is demonstrated in the one-pot preparation of a number of chiral diols as well as a short synthesis of the chiral ligand Vivol.

The phosphine-catalyzed addition of 2,3-butadienoates to aldehydes has been extended to the formation of disubstituted dihydro-2-pyrones. The requisite shift in equilibrium of the intermediate zwitterionic beta-phosphonium dienolates toward the s-cis intermediate was accomplished through the use of a Brønsted acid additive, which disrupts the favorable Coulombic interaction present in the s-trans intermediate. The detailed nature of the synergistic interactions involving the Brønsted acid additives and phosphine involved in the formation of s-cis beta-phosphonium dienolates was analyzed through a series of DFT calculations. Unlike previously reported annulations of aldehydes with allenoates, where trialkylphosphines are optimal catalysts, in this study triphenylphosphine was also found for the first time to be a suitable catalyst for the synthesis of dihydropyrones. This method provides a one-step route toward functionalized dihydropyrones from simple, stable starting materials. In addition, new reaction pathways of phosphine-catalyzed allene annulations are unveiled, with the formation of dihydropyrones being the first example of dual activation in this sphere.

Herein, we report the synthesis and theoretical investigation of a nonsymmetric bis(diisopropylamino)cyclopropenimine (DAC)-functionalized proton sponge derivative, coined the "Janus" sponge. The reported sponge was isolated as a monoprotonated salt, though no intramolecular hydrogen bond was observed. Homodesmotic equations supported the absence of a N-HN intramolecular hydrogen bond and a relatively low freebase strain, while DFT calculations and X-ray crystallography revealed the presence of a hydrogen bond to the Cl(-) counterion. Associated with this fact was the rare in-out geometry of the basic nitrogens, which represents the first such instance in a proton sponge not having an ortho-substituent and/or being in a protonated state. Furthermore, NLP donation into the cyclopropenium cation was found to stabilize this unprecedented in-out geometry. The measured pKa was determined to be 23.8, in good agreement with the computed value of 23.9. Lastly, the Janus sponge was found to have fluorescent properties both in the solid state and in solution, which notably represents the first example of a cyclopropenimine-based fluorescent organic compound.

Aziridine aldehyde-driven macrocyclization of peptides is a powerful tool for the construction of biologically active macrocycles. While this process has been used to generate diverse collections of cyclic molecules, its mechanistic underpinnings have remained unclear. To enable progress in this area we have carried out a mechanistic study, which suggests that the cyclization owes its efficiency to a combination of electrostatic attraction between the termini of a nitrilium ion intermediate and intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Our model adequately explains the experimentally observed trends, including diastereoselectivity, and should facilitate the development of other macrocyclization reactions.