Configurational and Constitutional Dynamics in Enamine Molecular Switches

Dual configurational and constitutional dynamics in systems based on enamine molecularswitches has been systematically studied. pH-responsive moieties, such as 2-pyridyl and 2-quinolinyl units, were required on the “stator” part, also providing enamine stability throughintramolecular hydrogen-bonding (IMHB) effects. Upon protonation or deprotonation, forward andbackward switching could be rapidly achieved. Extension of the stator π-system in the 2-quinolinylderivative provided a higher E-isomeric equilibrium ratio under neutral conditions, pointing to ameans to achieve quantitative forward/backward isomerization processes. The ‘rotor’ part of theenamine switches exhibited constitutional exchange ability with primary amines. Interestingly,considerably higher exchange rates were observed with amines containing ester groups, indicatingpotential stabilization of the transition state trough IMHB. Acids, particularly BiIII, were found toefficiently catalyze the constitutional dynamic processes. In contrast, the enamine and the formeddynamic enamine system showed excellent stability under basic conditions. This coupledconfigurational and constitutional dynamics expand the scope of dynamic C-C and C-N bonds, andpotentiates further studies and applications in the fields of molecular machinery and systemschemistry.
QC 20181030