Why Are Vinyl Cations Sluggish Electrophiles?

trans-Ge/B 1,1-Hydroboration of Alkynylgermanes with 9-BBN

A 1,1-hydroboration of alkynylgermanes with unique trans-Ge/B stereochemistry under transition-metal-free conditions is reported. Mechanistic studies suggest that a pathway involving α-boration followed by a stepwise 1,2-Ge/H shift on the intermediate structurally lies between an alkyne-Ge+ π complex and a typical vinyl cation. The resulting Ge/B bimetallic modules, along with a Ge*/Ge/B trimetallic variant, can be conveniently transformed into trisubstituted olefins through iterative divergent cross-coupling. This work demonstrates that incorporating metalloids into classical organic reactions may offer unconventional chemical selectivity and efficient synthetic applications.

Reactions of Tertiary Aliphatic Cations with Silylated Alkynes: Substitution, Cyclization and Unexpected C-H Activation Products

Capozzi's groundbreaking work in 1982 introduced a fascinating reaction involving highly reactive tertiary aliphatic cations and silylated alkynes. This reaction provided an innovative solution to the challenge of coupling a fully substituted tertiary aliphatic fragment with an alkyne moiety. Building upon Capozzi's pioneering efforts, we started an extensive exploration of reaction conditions to expand the initial scope of this reaction. Through meticulous control of the reaction parameters, we uncovered conditions capable of accommodating various functional groups, thereby enhancing the reaction's applicability. Intriguingly, our study revealed remarkably high diastereoselectivities for substrates with substitution in the α-position. Additionally, we made an unexpected discovery: an intriguing C-H activation of a cyclooctane ring furnishing a cyclooctane-fused cyclobutene. These findings not only extend the utility of Capozzi's original concept but also underscore the potential of highly reactive cations in modern organic C-H activation reactions.

Al(III)-Promoted Formation of All-Carbon Quaternary Centers from Aliphatic Tertiary Chlorides and Alkynyl Silanes

Despite the accessibility of numerous alkynes through coupling or substitution reactions, the synthesis of trialkyl-substituted alkynes is still a major challenge. Within this context, we reexplored the electrophilic alkynyl substitution between tertiary aliphatic chlorides and silylated alkynes. We were able to demonstrate that this approach is significantly more general than originally demonstrated by Capozzi and even tolerates several functional groups. Furthermore, we report diastereoselective reactions which in some instances gave excellent diastereoselectivity (dr >95:5).

Aluminum-Catalyzed Intramolecular Vinylation of Arenes by Vinyl Cations

This study addresses the challenges associated with vinyl cation generation, a process that traditionally requires quite specific counterions. Described herein is a novel intramolecular vinylation of arenes catalyzed by aluminum(III) chloride, utilizing practical conditions and readily available vinyl triflates derived from 2-aceto-3-arylpropionates. Comprehensive experimental data support diverse carbocycle synthesis, exemplified by indenes and higher analogues. Control experiments verify the applicability of the vinylation protocol, and synthetic applications showcase a potent tubulin polymerization inhibitor with anticancer properties. Density functional theory computations reveal a Lewis-acid-driven mechanism involving triflate moiety abstraction to generate a reactive vinyl cation.

A new type of C+⋯Hδ-(C=) bond in adducts of vinyl carbocations with alkenes

By X-ray diffraction analysis and IR spectroscopy, it was established here that vinyl carbocations C3H5+/C4H7+ with carborane counterion CHB11Cl11- form stable monosolvates C3H5+⋅C3H6/C4H7+⋅C4H8 with molecules of alkenes C3H6/C4H8. They contain molecular group =C+⋯Hδ--Cδ+= with a new type of bond formed by the H atom of the H-C= group of the alkene with the C atom of the C+=C group of the carbocation. The short C+----Cδ+ distance, equal to 2.44 Å, is typical of that of X----X in proton disolvates (L2H+) with an quasi-symmetrical X-H+⋯X moiety (where X = O or N) of basic molecule L. The nature of the discovered bond differs from that of the classic H-bond by an distribution of electron density: the electron-excessive Hδ- atom from the (=)C-H group of the alkene is attached to the C+ atom of the carbocation, on which the positive charge is predominantly concentrated. Therefore, it can be called an inverse hydrogen bond.

Enantioselective functionalization of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds through copper-catalyzed diyne cyclization by kinetic resolution

Site- and stereoselective C-H functionalization is highly challenging in the synthetic chemistry community. Although the chemistry of vinyl cations has been vigorously studied in C(sp3)-H functionalization reactions, the catalytic enantioselective C(sp3)-H functionalization based on vinyl cations, especially for an unactivated C(sp3)-H bond, has scarcely explored. Here, we report an asymmetric copper-catalyzed tandem diyne cyclization/unactivated C(sp3)-H insertion reaction via a kinetic resolution, affording both chiral polycyclic pyrroles and diynes with generally excellent enantioselectivities and excellent selectivity factors (up to 750). Importantly, this reaction demonstrates a metal-catalyzed enantioselective unactivated C(sp3)-H functionalization via vinyl cation and constitutes a kinetic resolution reaction based on diyne cyclization. Theoretical calculations further support the mechanism of vinyl cation-involved C(sp3)-H insertion reaction and elucidate the origin of enantioselectivity.

The Intrinsic Barrier Width and Its Role in Chemical Reactivity

Chemical reactions are in virtually all cases understood and explained on the basis of depicting the molecular potential energy landscape, i.e., the change in atomic positions vs the free-energy change. With such landscapes, the features of the reaction barriers solely determine chemical reactivities. The Marcus dissection of the barrier height (activation energy) on such a potential into the thermodynamically independent (intrinsic) and the thermodynamically dependent (Bell-Evans-Polanyi) contributions successfully models the interplay of reaction rate and driving force. This has led to the well-known and ubiquitously used reactivity paradigm of "kinetic versus thermodynamic control". However, an analogous dissection concept regarding the barrier width is absent. Here we define and outline the concept of intrinsic barrier width and the driving force effect on the barrier width and report experimental as well as theoretical studies to demonstrate their distinct roles. We present the idea of changing the barrier widths of conformational isomerizations of some simple aromatic carboxylic acids as models and use quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT) half-lives as a read-out for these changes because QMT is particularly sensitive to barrier widths. We demonstrate the distinct roles of the intrinsic and the thermodynamic contributions of the barrier width on QMT half-lives. This sheds light on resolving conflicting trends in chemical reactivities where barrier widths are relevant and allows us to draw some important conclusions about the general relevance of barrier widths, their qualitative definition, and the consequences for more complete descriptions of chemical reactions.

Synthesis of metalla-dual-azulenes with fluoride ion recognition properties

Azulene-based conjugated systems are of great interests due to their unusual structures and photophysical properties. Incorporation of a transition metal into azulene skeleton presents an intriguing opportunity to combine the dπ-pπ and pπ-pπ conjugated properties. No such metallaazulene skeleton however has been reported to date. Here, we describe our development of an efficient [5 + 2] annulation reaction to rapid construction of a unique metal-containing [5-5-7] scaffold, termed metalla-dual-azulene (MDA), which includes a metallaazulene and a metal-free organic azulene intertwined by sharing the tropylium motif. The two azulene motifs in MDA exhibit distinct reactivities. The azulene motif readily undergoes nucleophilic addition, leading to N-, O- and S-substituted cycloheptanetrienyl species. Demetalation of the metallaazulene moiety occurs when it reacts with nBu4NF, which enables highly selective recognition of fluoride anion and a noticeable color change. The practical [5 + 2] annulation methodology, facile functional-group modification, high and selective fluoride detection make this new π-conjugated polycyclic system very suitable for potential applications in photoelectric and sensing materials.

Substitution of H Atoms in Unsaturated (Vinyl-Type) Carbocations by Cl or O Atoms

Introduction of Cl and O atoms into C₄-vinyl carbocations was studied by X-ray diffraction analysis and IR spectroscopy. Chlorine atoms are weak electron acceptors in ordinary molecules but, within vinyl carbocations, manifest themselves as strong electron donors that accept a positive charge. The attachment of a Cl atom directly to a C=C bond leads to an increase in the e-density on it, exceeding that of the common double bond. The positive charge should be concentrated on the Cl atom, and weak δ^- may appear on the C=C bond. More distant attachment of the Cl atom, e.g., to a C atom adjacent to the C=C bond, has a weaker effect on it. If two Cl atoms are attached to the C_γ atom of the vinyl cation, as in Cl₂C_γC_δHC_αHCH₃, then the cation switches to the allyl type with two practically equivalent and almost uncharged C_γC_δC_α bonds. When such a strong nucleophile as the O atom is introduced into the carbocation, a protonated ester molecule with a C-O(H⁺)-C group and a C=C bond forms. Nonetheless, in the future, there is still a possibility of obtaining carbocations with a non-protonated C-O-C group.

α-Vinylation of Ester Equivalents via Main Group Catalysis for the Construction of Quaternary Centers

A methodology for the construction of sterically congested quaternary centers via the trapping of vinyl carbocations with silyl ketene acetals is disclosed. This main group-catalyzed α-vinylation reaction is advantageous as methods to access these congested motifs are limited. Moreover, β,γ-unsaturated carbonyl moieties and tetrasubstituted alkenes are present in various bioactive natural products and pharmaceuticals, and this catalytic platform offers a means of accessing them using simple and inexpensive materials.

Interaction of Vinyl-Type Carbocations, C3H5+ and C4H7+ with Molecules of Water, Alcohols, and Acetone

X-ray diffraction analysis and IR spectroscopy were used to study the products of the interaction of vinyl cations C₃H₅⁺ and C₄H₇⁺ (Cat⁺) (as salts of carborane anion CHB₁₁Cl₁₁^-) with basic molecules of water, alcohols, and acetone that can crystallize from solutions in dichloromethane and C₆HF₅. Interaction with water, as content increased, proceeded via three-stages. (1) adduct Cat⁺·OH₂ forms in which H₂O binds (through the O atom) to the C=C⁺ bond of the cation with the same strength as seen in the binding to Na in Na(H₂O)₆⁺. (2) H⁺ is transferred from cation Cat⁺·OH₂ to a water molecule forming H₃O⁺ and alcohol molecules (L) having the CH=CHOH entity. The O- atom of alcohols is attached to the H atom of the C=C⁺-H moiety of Cat⁺ thereby forming a very strong asymmetric H-bond, (C=)C⁺-H⋅⋅⋅O. (3) Finally all vinyl cations are converted into alcohol molecule L and H₃O⁺ cations, yielding proton disolvates L-H⁺-L with a symmetric very strong H-bond. When an acetone molecule (Ac) interacts with Cat⁺, H⁺ is transferred to Ac giving rise to a reactive carbene and proton disolvate Ac-H⁺-Ac. Thus, the alleged high reactivity of vinyl cations seems to be an exaggeration.

Spontaneous Transition of Alkyl Carbocations to Unsaturated Vinyl-Type Carbocations in Organic Solutions

It was found that alkyl carbocations, when their salts are dissolved in common organochlorine solvents, decompose to unsaturated vinyl-type carbocations that are stabler in solutions. This is a convenient method for obtaining salts of vinyl cations and their solutions for further research.

Vinyl cation-mediated intramolecular hydroarylation of alkynes using pyridinium reagents

Once considered to be exotic species of limited synthetic utility, vinyl cations have recently been shown to be highly versatile intermediates in a variety of processes. Here, we report a method for the synthesis of aryl-substituted benzocycloheptenes and -hexenes using the hydrotriflate salt of an electron-poor pyridine as a uniquely efficient proton source for a vinyl cation mediated Friedel-Crafts cyclization. The mild conditions made possible by this reagent allowed a range of simple and functionalized alkynes bearing pendant aryl groups to serve as suitable substrates for this scalable and convenient protocol.

Squaramide/Li+-Catalyzed Direct SN1-Type Reaction of Vinyl Triflates with Difluoroenoxysilanes through Vinyl Cations

Difluoromethylene-skipped enones have been readily obtained from arylvinyltriflates and aryldifluoroenoxysilanes. While these useful compounds are difficult to synthesize by the classical aldol/dehydration approach, the use of a squaramide/Li⁺ catalyst allows their direct formation via a vinyl carbocation paired with a weakly coordinating perfluorinated alkoxyaluminate. This strategy makes possible a reaction between a typically weak electrophile and a weak nucleophile. Control experiments and DFT computations shed light on the mechanism of this transformation.

IR-Spectroscopic and X-ray-Structural Study of Vinyl-Type Carbocations in Their Carborane Salts

The butylene carbocation in its salts with anions CHB₁₁F₁₁ ^- and CHB₁₁Cl₁₁ ^- forms isomers CH₂=C⁺-CH₂-CH₃ (I) and CH₃-C⁺=CH-CH₃ (II), which were characterized here by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The strongest influence on the structure of the cations is exerted by geometric ordering of their anionic environment. In the crystalline phase, the cations uniformly interact with neighboring anions, and the C=C bond is located in the middle part of the cations forming a -CH=C⁺- moiety with the highest positive charge on it and the lowest νC=C frequency, at 1490 cm^-1. In the amorphous phase with a disordered anionic environment of the cations, contact ion pairs Anion^-···CH₂=C⁺-CH₂-CH₃ form predominantly, with terminal localization of the C=C bond through which the contact occurs. The positive charge is slightly extinguished by the anion, and the C=C stretch frequency is higher by ∼100 cm^-1. The replacement of the hydrogen atom in cations I/II by a Cl atom giving rise to cations CH₂=C⁺-CHCl-CH₃ and CH₃-C⁺=CCl-CH₃ means that the donation of electron density from the Cl atom quenches the positive charge on the C⁺=C bond more strongly, and the C=C stretch frequency increases so much that it even exceeds that of neutral alkene analogues by 35-65 cm^-1. An explanation is given for the finding that upon stabilization of the vinyl cations by polyatomic substituents such as silylium (SiMe₃) and t-Bu groups, the stretching C=C frequency approaches the triple-bond frequency. Namely, the scattering of a positive charge on these substituents enhances their donor properties so much that the electron density on the C=C bond with a weakened charge becomes much higher than that of neutral alkenes.

Source of Rate Acceleration for Carbocation Cyclization in Biomimetic Supramolecular Cages

The results of quantum chemical and molecular dynamics calculations reveal that polyanionic gallium-based cages accelerate cyclization reactions of pentadienyl alcohols as a result of substrate cage interactions, preferential binding of reactive conformations of substrate/H₃O⁺ pairs, and increased substrate basicity. However, the increase in basicity dominates. Experimental structure-activity relationship studies in which the metal vertices and overall charge of the cage are varied confirm the model derived via calculations.

Electrochemical Fluorination of Vinyl Boronates through Donor-Stabilized Vinyl Carbocation Intermediates

The electrochemical generation of vinyl carbocations from alkenyl boronic esters and boronates is reported. Using easy-to-handle nucleophilic fluoride reagents, these intermediates are trapped to form fully substituted vinyl fluorides. Mechanistic studies support the formation of dicoordinated carbocations through sequential single-electron oxidation events. Notably, this electrochemical fluorination features fast reaction times and Lewis acid-free conditions. This transformation provides a complementary method to access vinyl fluorides with simple fluoride salts such as TBAF.

Reactivities of allenic and olefinic Michael acceptors towards phosphines

The kinetics of the reactions of tributylphosphine with allenic and olefinic Michael acceptors in dichloromethane at 20 °C was followed by photometric and NMR spectroscopic methods. Combination with DFT-calculated methyl anion affinities revealed the relevance of retroaddition barriers in phosphine-catalysed reactions when mixtures of allenic and olefinic substrates are used.

Copper-Catalyzed Cyclization of N-Propargyl Ynamides with Borane Adducts through B-H Bond Insertion

An efficient copper-catalyzed cyclization of N-propargyl ynamides with borane adducts through B-H bond insertion has been developed. A series of valuable organoboron compounds are constructed in generally good yields with a wide substrate scope and good functional group tolerance under mild reaction conditions. Importantly, this protocol via vinyl cation intermediates constitutes a novel way of B-H bond insertion.

Binary-Acid Catalysis with Sc(OTf)3/TfOH in the Alkenylation of Arenes with Alkynes

Herein we report binary acid Sc(OTf)₃/TfOH-catalyzed alkenylation of arenes with alkynes. In this system, the high-energy vinyl carbocations with activated and weakly coordinating trifluoromethanesulfonate anions by Lewis acid Sc(III) can undergo facile Friedel-Crafts reactions with arenes to give the desired adducts in up to 90% yield and with high Z-selectivity.

Modular Synthesis of 9,10-Dihydroacridines through an ortho-C Alkenylation/Hydroarylation Sequence between Anilines and Aryl Alkynes in Hexafluoroisopropanol

9,10-Dihydroacridines are frequently encountered as key scaffolds in OLEDs. However, accessing those compounds from feedstock precursors typically requires multiple steps. Herein, a modular one-pot synthesis of 9,10-dihydroacridine frameworks is achieved through a reaction sequence featuring a selective ortho-C alkenylation of diarylamines with aryl alkynes followed by an intramolecular hydroarylation of the olefin formed as an intermediate. This transformation was accomplished by virtue of the combination of hexafluoroisopropanol and triflimide as a catalyst that triggers the whole process.

Vinyl and Alkynyl Triazenes: Synthesis, Reactivity, and Applications

Aromatic compounds containing triazenyl groups (N₃ RR') have a profound impact on synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry. In contrast, the chemistry of vinyl and alkynyl triazenes was a largely uncharted territory until recently. The situation has changed over the last five years, and it has become apparent that vinyl and alkynyl triazenes are highly interesting compounds with a unique reactivity. The electron-donating properties of the triazenyl group provide alkynyl triazenes with an ynamide-like reactivity, which can be exploited in reactions of the triple bond. Vinyl triazenes, on the other hand, can be used for electrophilic vinylation reactions. The foundation for this new triazene chemistry are synthetic pathways which allow preparing vinyl and alkynyl triazenes in few steps from readily available starting materials. In this Minireview, we summarize recent developments in this area.

Competition between N and O: use of diazine N-oxides as a test case for the Marcus theory rationale for ambident reactivity

The preferred site of alkylation of diazine N-oxides by representative hard and soft alkylating agents was established conclusively using the 1H-15N HMBC NMR technique in combination with other NMR spectroscopic methods. Alkylation of pyrazine N-oxides (1 and 2) occurs preferentially on nitrogen regardless of the alkylating agent employed, while O-methylation of pyrimidine N-oxide (3) is favoured in its reaction with MeOTf. As these outcomes cannot be explained in the context of the hard/soft acid/base (HSAB) principle, we have instead turned to Marcus theory to rationalise these results. Marcus intrinsic barriers (ΔG ‡ 0) and Δr G° values were calculated at the DLPNO-CCSD(T)/def2-TZVPPD/SMD//M06-2X-D3/6-311+G(d,p)/SMD level of theory for methylation reactions of 1 and 3 by MeI and MeOTf, and used to derive Gibbs energies of activation (ΔG ‡) for the processes of N- and O-methylation, respectively. These values, as well as those derived directly from the DFT calculations, closely reproduce the observed experimental N- vs. O-alkylation selectivities for methylation reactions of 1 and 3, indicating that Marcus theory can be used in a semi-quantitative manner to understand how the activation barriers for these reactions are constructed. It was found that N-alkylation of 1 is favoured due to the dominant contribution of Δr G° to the activation barrier in this case, while O-alkylation of 3 is favoured due to the dominant contribution of the intrinsic barrier (ΔG ‡ 0) for this process. These results are of profound significance in understanding the outcomes of reactions of ambident reactants in general.

Characterization of the Zwitterionic Intermediate in 1,1-Carboboration of Alkynes

The reaction of a Lewis acidic borane with an alkyne is a key step in a diverse range of main group transformations. Alkyne 1,1-carboboration, the Wrackmeyer reaction, is an archetypal transformation of this kind. 1,1-Carboboration has been proposed to proceed through a zwitterionic intermediate. We report the isolation and spectroscopic, structural and computational characterization of the zwitterionic intermediates generated by reaction of B(C₆ F₅ )₃ with alkynes. The stepwise reactivity of the zwitterion provides new mechanistic insight for 1,1-carboboration and wider B(C₆ F₅ )₃ catalysis. Making use of intramolecular stabilization by a ferrocene substituent, we have characterized the zwitterionic intermediate in the solid state and diverted reactivity towards alkyne cyclotrimerization.

Bimolecular vinylation of arenes by vinyl cations

Styrene derivatives can be easily synthesized from vinyl triflates and arenes under mild reaction conditions, using [Li][Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄] as a catalyst and LiHMDS as a base.

Access to Electron-Deficient 2,2-Disubstituted Chromanes: A Highly Regioselective One-Pot Synthesis via an Inverse-Electron-Demand [4 + 2] Cycloaddition of ortho-Quinone Methides

We report the one-pot synthesis of 2,2-disubstituted chromanes with electron-withdrawing substituents. This reaction provides a simple yet efficient route to a wide range of electron-deficient chromanes in high yield and excellent regioselectivity. The reaction of salicylaldehyde with 1,1-disubstituted ethylenes smoothly furnishes these electron-deficient chromanes, which can be further transformed into functionalized chromanes or chromene. For example, BW683C was effectively synthesized from 5-chlorosalicylaldehyde with 4-chlorostyrene in two steps in excellent yield. The present reaction thus provides versatile access to functionalized electron-deficient chromanes and chromenes and therefore constitutes a promising tool for the synthesis of biologically and photochemically active molecules.

Competing Protonation and Halide Elimination as a Probe of the Character of Thiamin-Derived Reactive Intermediates

Decarboxylation reactions from comparable thiamin diphosphate- and thiamin-derived adducts of p-(halomethyl)benzoylformic acids in enzymic and non-enzymic reactions, respectively, reveal critical distinctions in otherwise similar Breslow intermediates. The ratio of protonation to chloride elimination from the Breslow intermediate is 10²-fold greater in the enzymic process. This is consistent with a lower intrinsic barrier to proton transfer on the enzyme, implicating formation of a localized tetrahedral (sp³) carbanion that is formed as CO₂ is produced. In contrast, slower protonation in solution of the decarboxylated intermediate is consistent with formation of a delocalized planar carbanionic enol/enamine. The proposed structural and reactive character of the enzymic Breslow intermediate is consistent with Warshel's general theory of enzymic catalysis, structural characterization of related intermediates, and the lower kinetic barrier in reactions that occur without changes in hybridization.

Vinyl Triflimides-A Case of Assisted Vinyl Cation Formation

A new concept for selectivity control in carbocation-driven reactions has been identified which allows for the chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective addition of nucleophiles to alkynes-assisted vinyl cation formation-enabled by a Li⁺ -based supramolecular framework. Mechanistic analysis of a model complex (Li₂ NTf₂ ⁺ ⋅3 H₂ O) confirms that solely the formation of a complex between the incoming nucleophile and the transition state of the alkyne protonation is responsible for the resulting selective N addition to the vinyl cation. Into the bargain, a general, operationally simple synthetic procedure to previously inaccessible vinyl triflimides is provided.

Are Vinyl Cations Finally Coming of Age?

Ready for the open waters? Recent developments have fundamentally changed our knowledge of vinyl cation reactivity. The myth that they are too reactive for a predictable reaction design has been debunked, and the applicability of their most distinguished feature, namely their carbene-like reactivity, has taken a major leap forwards. Vinyl cations have thus matured into distinct reactive intermediates with a bright future ahead.

The Experimental Evidence in Support of Glycosylation Mechanisms at the SN1-SN2 Interface

A critical review of the state-of-the-art evidence in support of the mechanisms of glycosylation reactions is provided. Factors affecting the stability of putative oxocarbenium ions as intermediates at the SN1 end of the mechanistic continuum are first surveyed before the evidence, spectroscopic and indirect, for the existence of such species on the time scale of glycosylation reactions is presented. Current models for diastereoselectivity in nucleophilic attack on oxocarbenium ions are then described. Evidence in support of the intermediacy of activated covalent glycosyl donors is reviewed, before the influences of the structure of the nucleophile, of the solvent, of temperature, and of donor-acceptor hydrogen bonding on the mechanism of glycosylation reactions are surveyed. Studies on the kinetics of glycosylation reactions and the use of kinetic isotope effects for the determination of transition-state structure are presented, before computational models are finally surveyed. The review concludes with a critical appraisal of the state of the art.

Teaching an old carbocation new tricks: Intermolecular C-H insertion reactions of vinyl cations

Vinyl carbocations have been the subject of extensive experimental and theoretical studies over the past five decades. Despite this long history in chemistry, the utility of vinyl cations in chemical synthesis has been limited, with most reactivity studies focusing on solvolysis reactions or intramolecular processes. Here we report synthetic and mechanistic studies of vinyl cations generated through silylium-weakly coordinating anion catalysis. We find that these reactive intermediates undergo mild intermolecular carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions, including carbon-hydrogen (C-H) insertion into unactivated sp3 C-H bonds and reductive Friedel-Crafts reactions with arenes. Moreover, we conducted computational studies of these alkane C-H functionalization reactions and discovered that they proceed through nonclassical, ambimodal transition structures. This reaction manifold provides a framework for the catalytic functionalization of hydrocarbons using simple ketone derivatives.

Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxirane Formation by Darzens Condensation of Ketones: Quantification of the Electrophilicities of Ketones

The kinetics of epoxide formation by Darzens condensation of aliphatic ketones 1 with arylsulfonyl-substituted chloromethyl anions 2 (ArSO₂CHCl^-) have been determined photometrically in DMSO solution at 20 °C. The reactions proceed via nucleophilic attack of the carbanions at the carbonyl group to give intermediate halohydrin anions 4, which subsequently cyclize with formation of the oxiranes 3. Protonation of the reaction mixture obtained in THF solution at low temperature allowed the intermediates to be trapped and the corresponding halohydrins 4-H to be isolated. Crossover experiments, i.e., deprotonation of the halohydrins 4-H in the presence of a trapping reagent for the regenerated arylsulfonyl-substituted chloromethyl anions 2, provided the relative rates of backward ( k_-CC) and ring closure ( k_rc) reactions of the intermediates. Combination of the kinetic data ( k₂^exptl) with the splitting ratio ( k_-CC/ k_rc) gave the second-order rate constants k_CC for the attack of the carbanions 2 at the ketones 1. These k_CC values and the previously reported reactivity parameters N and s_N for the arylsulfonyl-substituted chloromethyl anions 2 allowed us to use the linear free energy relationship log k₂(20 °C) = s_N( N + E) for deriving the electrophilicity parameters E of the ketones 1 and thus predict potential nucleophilic reaction partners. Density functional theory calculations of the intrinsic reaction pathways showed that the reactions of the ketones 1 with the chloromethyl anions 2 yield two rotational isomers of the intermediate halohydrin anions 4, only one of which can cyclize while the other undergoes retroaddition because the barrier for rotation is higher than that for reversal to the reactants 1 and 2. The electrophilicity parameters E correlate moderately with the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energies of the carbonyl groups, very poorly with Parr's electrophilicity indices, and best with the methyl anion affinities calculated for DMSO solution.

Contrasting C- and O-Atom Reactivities of Neutral Ketone and Enolate Forms of 3-Sulfonyloxyimino-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-butanones

The mechanisms of intramolecular cyclization of 3-sulfonyloxyimino-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-butanones (1) under basic (DABCO and t-BuOK) and acidic (AcOH and TFA) conditions were investigated by means of experimental and computational methods. The ketone, enol, and enolate forms of 1 can afford different intramolecular cyclization products (2, 3, 4), depending on the conditions. The results of the reaction of 1 under basic conditions suggest intermediacy of neutral enol (DABCO) and anionic enolate (t-BuOK), while the results under acidic conditions (AcOH and TFA) indicate involvement of neutral ketones, which exhibit reactivities arising from both the oxygen lone-pair electrons (O atom reactivity) and carbon σ-electrons (C atom reactivity). The neutral enol in DABCO afforded 2H-azirine 4. On the other hand, the products (isoxazole 2 and oxazole 3) generated from the ketone form and from the enolate form are the same, but the reaction mechanisms are apparently different. The results demonstrate ambident-like reactivity of neutral ketone in the 3-sulfonyloxyimino-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-butanone system.

Quantification and Theoretical Analysis of the Electrophilicities of Michael Acceptors

In order to quantify the electrophilic reactivities of common Michael acceptors, we measured the kinetics of the reactions of monoacceptor-substituted ethylenes (H₂C═CH-Acc, 1) and styrenes (PhCH═CH-Acc, 2) with pyridinium ylides 3, sulfonium ylide 4, and sulfonyl-substituted chloromethyl anion 5. Substitution of the 57 measured second-order rate constants (log k) and the previously reported nucleophile-specific parameters N and s_N for 3-5 into the correlation log k = s_N(E + N) allowed us to calculate 15 new empirical electrophilicity parameters E for Michael acceptors 1 and 2. The use of the same parameters s_N, N, and E for these different types of reactions shows that all reactions proceed via a common rate-determining step, the nucleophilic attack of 3-5 at the Michael acceptors with formation of acyclic intermediates, which subsequently cyclize to give tetrahydroindolizines (stepwise 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with 3) and cyclopropanes (with 4 and 5), respectively. The electrophilicity parameters E thus determined can be used to calculate the rates of the reactions of Michael acceptors 1 and 2 with any nucleophile of known N and s_N. DFT calculations were performed to confirm the suggested reaction mechanisms and to elucidate the origin of the electrophilic reactivities. While electrophilicities E correlate poorly with the LUMO energies and with Parr's electrophilicity index ω, good correlations were found between the experimentally observed electrophilic reactivities of 44 Michael acceptors and their calculated methyl anion affinities, particularly when solvation by dimethyl sulfoxide was taken into account by applying the SMD continuum solvation model. Because of the large structural variety of Michael acceptors considered for these correlations, which cover a reactivity range of 17 orders of magnitude, we consider the calculation of methyl anion affinities to be the method of choice for a rapid estimate of electrophilic reactivities.

HBr-DMPU: The First Aprotic Organic Solution of Hydrogen Bromide

HBr and DMPU (1,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-pyrimidinone) form a room-temperature-stable complex that provides a mild, effective, and selective hydrobrominating reagent toward alkynes, alkenes, and allenes. HBr-DMPU could also replace other halogenating reagents in the halo-Prins reaction, ether cleavage, and deoxy-bromination reactions.