Effect of Ring Substitution on the S−H Bond Dissociation Enthalpies of Thiophenols. An Experimental and Computational Study

Bond analysis in meta- and para-substituted thiophenols: overlap descriptors, local mode analysis, and QTAIM

CONTEXT

This study delves into the chemical nuances of thiophenols and their derivatives through a comprehensive computational analysis, moving beyond traditional energetic perspectives such as bond dissociation enthalpy and S-H dissociation dynamics. By employing the overlap model along with its topological descriptors (OP/TOP), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), and local vibrational mode (LVM) theories, the research provides a deeper understanding of the S-H and C-S bonding scenarios in substituted thiophenols. The investigation follows the electron-donating capacity of S-H substituent variation with the nature and positioning of other ring substituents. Energy profile analyses indicate distinct stability differences in the cis and trans conformations of meta- and para-PhSH systems, influenced by the electron-donating strength of these substituents. The study also uncovers significant variations in S-H bond distances and descriptor values, particularly in para-substituted PhSH, reflecting the influence of electron-donating or withdrawing substituents. In contrast, alterations at the meta-position show minimal effects on C-S bond descriptors, while para-substitutions markedly influence C-S bond characteristics, demonstrating a clear correlation with the electron-donating or withdrawing capabilities of the substituents. This research sheds light on the intricate bond dynamics in aromatic systems with diverse substituents, highlighting the complex interaction between electronic effects and molecular conformation.

METHODS

The study employs the ω B97X-D/Def2TZVP level of theory for molecular geometries, ensuring accurate characterization of structures as true minima via analytical harmonic frequency determination. The electronic properties of S-H and C-S bonds in variously substituted thiophenols were analyzed using OP/TOP, QTAIM, and LVM methodologies. Computational processes, including conformational scans, geometry optimizations, and vibrational frequency calculations, were conducted using Gaussian 09, with ultra-fine integration grids and tight convergence criteria for the SCF procedure. Bond descriptors were computed utilizing ChemBOS, Multiwfn, and LModeA software, providing a robust and detailed examination of bond properties.

A stress tensor and QTAIM perspective on the substituent effects of biphenyl subjected to torsion

The Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) defines quantities in 3D space that can be easily obtained from routine quantum chemical calculations. The present investigation shows that local properties can be related quantitatively to measures traditionally connected to experimental data, such as Hammett constants. We consider the specific case of substituted biphenyl to quantify the effects of a torsion φ, 0.0° ≤ φ ≤ 180.0°, of the C-C bond linking the two phenyl rings for C12 H9 -x, where x = N(CH3 )2 , NH2 , CH3 , CHO, CN, NO2, on the entire molecule. QTAIM interpreted Hammett constants, aΔH(rb ) are introduced and constructed using the difference between the H(rb ) value of C12 H9 -x and the C12 H9 -H, biphenyl which is the reference molecule, with a constant of proportionality a. This investigation unexpectedly yields very good or good agreement for the x groups with the Hammett para-, meta-, and ortho-substituent constants and is checked against para-substituted benzene. We then proceed to present the interpreted substituent constants of seven new biphenyl substituent groups, where tabulated Hammett substituent constant values are not available; y = SiH3 , ZnCl, COOCH3 , SO2 NH2 , SO2 OH, COCl, CB3 . Consistency is found for the QTAIM interpreted biphenyl substituent constants of the seven new groups y independently using the stress tensor polarizability Pσ . In addition, a selection of future applications is discussed that highlight the usefulness of this approach. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Generation and characterization of the phenylthiyl radical and its oxidation to the phenylthiylperoxy and phenylsulfonyl radicals

The matrix-isolated phenylthiyl radical generated from diphenylsulfide reacts with O₂to give the phenylthiylperoxy radical, which photoisomerizes to the more stable phenylsulfonyl radical.

Remote substituent effects on allylic and benzylic bond dissociation energies. Effects on stabilization of parent molecules and radicals

The effect of remote substituents on bond dissociation energies (BDE) is examined by investigating allylic C-F and C-H BDE, as influenced by Y substituents in trans-YCH=CHCH2-F and trans-YCH=CHCH2-H. Theoretical calculations at the full G3 level model chemistry are reported. The interplay of stabilization energies of the parent molecules (MSE) and of the radicals formed by homolytic bond cleavage (RSE) and their effect on BDE are established. MSE values of allyl fluorides yield an excellent linear free energy relationship with the electron-donating or -withdrawing ability of Y and decrease by 4.2 kcal mol-1 from Y = (CH3)2N to O2N. RSE values do not follow a consistent pattern and are of the order of 1-2 kcal mol-1. A decrease of 4.1 kcal mol-1 is found in BDE[C-F] from Y = CH3O to NC. BDE[YCH=CHCH2-H] generally increases with decreasing electron-donating ability of Y for electron-donating groups and does not follow a consistent pattern with electron-withdrawing groups, the largest change being an increase of 3.6 kcal mol-1 from Y = (CH3)2N to CF3. The G3 results are an indicator of benzylic BDE in p-YC6H4CH2-F and p-YC6H4CH2-H, via the principle of vinylogy, demonstrated by correlating MSE of the allylic compounds with physical properties of their benzylic analogues.

The unexpected desulfurization of 4-aminothiophenols

Thermolysis of 4-aminophenyl benzyl sulfide at 523 K in the hydrogen donor solvent (HDS), 9,10-dihydroanthracene (AnH2), gave 4-aminothiophenol and toluene as the predominant products of the homolytic S-C bond cleavage. Under these conditions, a portion of the 4-aminothiophenol was desulfurized to aniline with first-order kinetics and with a rate constant estimated by kinetic modeling to be 7.0x10(-6) s-1. Starting with 4-NH2C6H4SH at 523 K, it was found that sulfur loss was more efficient in the non-HDSs, anthracene and hexadecane, than in AnH2. Under similar (competitive) reaction conditions, YC6H4SHs with Y=H, 4-CN, and 3-CF3 were completely inert; with Y=4-CH3O, there was some very minor desulfurization, whereas with Y=4-N(CH3)2 and 4-N(CH3)(H), the sulfur extrusions were as fast as that for Y=4-NH2. We tentatively suggest that this apparently novel reaction is a chain process initiated by the bimolecular formation of diatomic sulfur, S2, followed by a reversible addition of ground state, triplet 3S2 to the thiol sulfur atom, 4-NH2C6H4S upward arrow(SS upward arrow)H, and insertion into the S-H bond, 4-NH2C6H4SSSH. In a cascade of reactions, aniline and S8 are formed with the chains being terminated by reaction of 4-NH2C6H4S upward arrow(SS upward arrow)H with 4-NH2C6H4SH. Such a reaction mechanism is consistent with the first-order kinetics. That this reaction is primarily observed with 4-YC6H4SH having Y=N(CH3)2, N(CH3)(H), and NH2 is attributed to the fact that these compounds can exist as zwitterions.