Reaction of lithium diethylamide with an alkyl bromide and alkyl benzenesulfonate: origins of alkylation, elimination, and sulfonation

A combination of NMR, kinetic, and computational methods are used to examine reactions of lithium diethylamide in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with n-dodecyl bromide and n-octyl benzenesulfonate. The alkyl bromide undergoes competitive S(N)2 substitution and E2 elimination in proportions independent of all concentrations except for a minor medium effect. Rate studies show that both reactions occur via trisolvated-monomer-based transition structures. The alkyl benzenesulfonate undergoes competitive S(N)2 substitution (minor) and N-sulfonation (major) with N-sulfonation promoted at low THF concentrations. The S(N)2 substitution is shown to proceed via a disolvated monomer suggested computationally to involve a cyclic transition structure. The dominant N-sulfonation follows a disolvated-dimer-based transition structure suggested computationally to be a bicyclo[3.1.1] form. The differing THF and lithium diethylamide orders for the two reactions explain the observed concentration-dependent chemoselectivities.

1,4-addition of lithium diisopropylamide to unsaturated esters: role of rate-limiting deaggregation, autocatalysis, lithium chloride catalysis, and other mixed aggregation effects

Lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) in tetrahydrofuran at -78 °C undergoes 1,4-addition to an unsaturated ester via a rate-limiting deaggregation of LDA dimer followed by a post-rate-limiting reaction with the substrate. Muted autocatalysis is traced to a lithium enolate-mediated deaggregation of the LDA dimer and the intervention of LDA-lithium enolate mixed aggregates displaying higher reactivities than LDA. Striking accelerations are elicited by <1.0 mol % LiCl. Rate and mechanistic studies have revealed that the uncatalyzed and catalyzed pathways funnel through a common monosolvated-monomer-based intermediate. Four distinct classes of mixed aggregation effects are discussed.

Lithium diisopropylamide-mediated ortholithiations: lithium chloride catalysis

Ortholithiations of a range of arenes mediated by lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) in THF at -78 degrees C reveal substantial accelerations by as little as 0.5 mol % of LiCl (relative to LDA). Substrate dependencies suggest a specific range of reactivity within which the LiCl catalysis is optimal. Standard protocols with unpurified commercial samples of n-butyllithium to prepare LDA or commercially available LDA show marked batch-dependent rates--up to 100-fold--that could prove significant to the unwary practitioner. Other lithium salts elicit more modest accelerations. The mechanism is not discussed.

Mechanism of lithium diisopropylamide-mediated substitution of 2,6-difluoropyridine

Treatment of 2,6-difluoropyridine with lithium diisopropylamide in THF solution at -78 degrees C effects ortholithiation quantitatively. Warming the solution to 0 degrees C converts the aryllithium to 2-fluoro-6-(diisopropylamino)pyridine. Rate studies reveal evidence of a reversal of the ortholithiation and a subsequent 1,2-addition via two monomer-based pathways of stoichiometries [ArH*i-Pr(2)NLi(THF)](double dagger) and [ArH*i-Pr(2)NLi(THF)(3)](double dagger). Computational studies fill in the structural details and provide evidence of a direct substitution without the intermediacy of a Meisenheimer complex.

Synthesis of a 7-azaindole by chichibabin cyclization: reversible base-mediated dimerization of 3-picolines

The lithium diisopropylamide (LDA)-mediated condensation of 2-fluoro-3-picoline and benzonitrile to form 2-phenyl-7-azaindole via a Chichibabin cyclization is described. Facile dimerization of the picoline via a 1,4-addition of the incipient benzyllithium to the picoline starting material and fast 1,2-addition of LDA to benzonitrile cause the reaction to be complex. Both adducts are shown to reenter the reaction coordinate to produce the desired 7-azaindole. The solution structures of the key intermediates and the underlying reaction mechanisms are studied by a combination of IR and NMR spectroscopies.

Lithium phenolates solvated by tetrahydrofuran and 1,2-dimethoxyethane: structure determination using the method of continuous variation

The method of continuous variation in conjunction with (6)Li NMR spectroscopy was used to characterize lithium phenolates solvated by tetrahydrofuran and 1,2-dimethoxyethane. The strategy relies on the formation of ensembles of homo- and heteroaggregated phenolates. The symmetries and concentration dependencies of the heteroaggregates attest to the aggregation numbers of the homoaggregates. The structurally diverse phenols afford substrate- and solvent-dependent combinations of lithium phenolate monomers, dimers, trimers, tetramers, and pentamers. We discuss the refinement of protocols for characterizing O-lithiated species. Computational studies examine further the substituent and solvent dependencies of aggregation.

Autocatalysis in lithium diisopropylamide-mediated ortholithiations

Ortholithiation of 3-fluorophenyl-N,N-diisopropyl carbamate by lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) in THF at -78 degrees C affords unusual rate behavior including linear decays of the carbamate, delayed formation of LDA-aryllithium mixed dimers, and evidence of autocatalysis. A mechanistic model in conjunction with numeric integration methods accounts for the time-dependent changes in concentration. The two critical rate-limiting steps in the model entail (1) an LDA dimer-based metalation of arylcarbamate, and (2) a rate-limiting condensation of the resulting aryllithium with the LDA dimer to form two isomeric LDA-ArLi mixed dimers. One isomer elicits a highly efficient (post-rate-limiting) metalation of aryl carbamate, in turn, regenerating aryllithium. The prevalence and implications of such autocatalysis are discussed.

Structures of beta-amino ester enolates: new strategies using the method of continuous variation

The solution structures of four enolates derived from beta-amino esters are investigated using (6)Li NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with the method of continuous variation (method of Job). Ensembles of homo- and heteroaggregated enolates are generated by mixing enantiomers of a single enolate (R/S mixtures), opposite antipodes of two different enolates (R/S' mixtures), and the same antipodes of two different enolates (R/R' mixtures). The numbers of observable aggregates and their dependence on the mole fraction of the two enolates confirm the hexamer assignments. Inherent symmetries observable in the (6)Li NMR spectra show the stereochemistry of chelation about the hexagonal drum.

Anionic Snieckus-Fries rearrangement: solvent effects and role of mixed aggregates

Lithiated aryl carbamates (ArLi) bearing methoxy or fluoro substituents in the meta position are generated from lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) in THF, n-BuOMe, Me2NEt, dimethoxyethane (DME), N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), N,N,N',N'-tetramethylcyclohexanediamine (TMCDA), and hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA). The aryllithiums are shown with (6)Li, (13)C, and (15)N NMR spectroscopies to be monomers, ArLi-LDA mixed dimers, and ArLi-LDA mixed trimers, depending on the choice of solvent. Subsequent Snieckus-Fries rearrangements afford ArOLi-LDA mixed dimers and trimers of the resulting phenolates. Rate studies of the rearrangement implicate mechanisms based on monomers, mixed dimers, and mixed trimers.

Solution structures of lithium enolates, phenolates, carboxylates, and alkoxides in the presence of N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine: a prevalence of cyclic dimers

The method of continuous variation was used to characterize lithium enolates, phenolates, carboxylates, and alkoxides solvated by N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA). The method relies on characterizing an ensemble of homo- and heteroaggregates using (6)Li NMR spectroscopy. A combination of aggregate counts and symmetries, nearly statistical distributions, and quantitative parametric fits revealed that cyclic dimers are the dominant forms. Nonstatistical distributions favoring heteroaggregated dimers were observed when hindered enolates and carboxylates were mixed with unhindered enolates. Hindered (tertiary) alkoxides form higher aggregates (possibly hexamers), whereas hindered lithium phenolates appear to form TMEDA-solvated monomers.

Lithium hexamethyldisilazide-mediated enolizations: influence of triethylamine on E/Z selectivities and enolate reactivities

Lithium hexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS) in triethylamine (Et 3N)/toluene is shown to enolize acyclic ketones and esters rapidly and with high E/ Z selectivity. Mechanistic studies reveal a dimer-based mechanism consistent with previous studies of LiHMDS/Et 3N. E/ Z equilibration occurs when <2.0 equiv of LiHMDS are used. Studies of the aldol condensation and Ireland-Claisen rearrangement of the resulting Et 3N-solvated enolates show higher and often complementary diastereoselectivities when compared with analogous reactions in THF. The Et 3N-solvated enolates also display a marked (20-fold) acceleration of the Ireland-Claisen rearrangement with evidence of autocatalysis. A possible importance of amine-solvated enolates is discussed.

Lithium enolates of simple ketones: structure determination using the method of continuous variation

The method of continuous variation in conjunction with 6Li NMR spectroscopy was used to characterize lithium enolates derived from 1-indanone, cyclohexanone, and cyclopentanone in solution. The strategy relies on forming ensembles of homo- and heteroaggregated enolates. The enolates form exclusively chelated dimers in N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine and cubic tetramers in tetrahydrofuran and 1,2-dimethoxyethane.

Lithium diisopropylamide-mediated reactions of imines, unsaturated esters, epoxides, and aryl carbamates: influence of hexamethylphosphoramide and ethereal cosolvents on reaction mechanisms

Several reactions mediated by lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) with added hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) are described. The N-isopropylimine of cyclohexanone lithiates via an ensemble of monomer-based pathways. Conjugate addition of LDA/HMPA to an unsaturated ester proceeds via di- and tetra-HMPA-solvated dimers. Deprotonation of norbornene epoxide by LDA/HMPA proceeds via an intermediate metalated epoxide as a mixed dimer with LDA. Ortholithiation of an aryl carbamate proceeds via a mono-HMPA-solvated monomer-based pathway. Dependencies on THF and other ethereal cosolvents suggest that secondary-shell solvation effects are important in some instances. The origins of the inordinate mechanistic complexity are discussed.

Lithium Hexamethyldisilazide-Mediated Enolizations: Influence of Chelating Ligands and Hydrocarbon Cosolvents on the Rates and Mechanisms

Enolizations of 2-methylcyclohexanone by lithium hexamethyldisilazide (LiHMDS) in the presence of three chelating ligands--trans-N,N,N',N'-tetramethylcyclohexanediamine, N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, and dimethoxyethane--reveal an approximate 40-fold range of rates. NMR spectroscopic analyses and rate studies reveal isostructural transition structures based on monomeric LiHMDS for the diamines. Rate studies of LiHMDS/dimethoxyethane-mediated enolizations implicate a substantial number of monomer- and dimer-based mechanisms. The rate laws vary for the three ligands because of ligand-dependent structural differences in both the reactants and the transition structures. The importance of LiHMDS-ketone complexes and the role of hydrocarbon cosolvents are discussed.

Lithium diisopropylamide: solution kinetics and implications for organic synthesis

Lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) is a prominent reagent used in organic synthesis. In this Review, rate studies of LDA-mediated reactions are placed in the broader context of organic synthesis in three distinct segments. The first section provides a tutorial on solution kinetics, emphasizing the characteristic rate behavior caused by dominant solvation and aggregation effects. The second section summarizes substrate- and solvent-dependent mechanisms that reveal basic principles of solvation and aggregation. The final section suggests how an understanding of mechanism might be combined with empirical methods to optimize yields, rates, and selectivities of organolithium reactions and applied to organic synthesis.

n-Butyllithium/N,N,N‘,N‘-Tetramethylethylenediamine-Mediated Ortholithiations of Aryl Oxazolines: Substrate-Dependent Mechanisms

n-Butyllithium/N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine-mediated ortholithiations of aryloxazolines are described. Methyl substituents on the aryloxazoline and substituents at the meta position of the arenes (methoxy, oxazolinyl, and fluoro) influence the rates and the mechanisms. Monomer- and dimer-based reactions are implicated. Density functional calculations probe details of the mechanism and suggest the origins of cooperative effects in meta-substituted aryl oxazolines.

Lithium Diisopropylamide Solvated by Hexamethylphosphoramide: Substrate-Dependent Mechanisms for Dehydrobrominations

Lithium diisopropylamide-mediated dehydrobrominations of exo-2-bromonorbornane, 1-bromocyclooctene, and cis-4-bromo-tert-butylcyclohexane were studied in THF solutions and THF solutions with added hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA). Rate studies reveal a diverse array of mechanisms based on mono-, di-, and trisolvated monomers as well as triple ions. The results are contrasted with analogous eliminations in THF in the absence of HMPA.

Lithium Diisopropylamide-Mediated Ortholithiation and Anionic Fries Rearrangement of Aryl Carbamates: Role of Aggregates and Mixed Aggregates

Structural and mechanistic studies of the lithium diisopropylamide (LDA)-mediated anionic Fries rearrangements of aryl carbamates are described. Substituents at the meta position of the arene (H, OMe, F) and the dialkylamino moiety of the carbamate (Me(2)N, Et(2)N, and i-Pr(2)N) markedly influence the relative rates of ortholithiation and subsequent Fries rearrangement. Structural studies using (6)Li and (15)N NMR spectroscopies on samples derived from [(6)Li,(15)N]LDA reveal an LDA dimer, LDA dimer-arene complexes, an aryllithium monomer, LDA-aryllithium mixed dimers, an LDA-lithium phenolate mixed dimer, and homoaggregated lithium phenolates. The highly insoluble phenolate was characterized as a dimer by X-ray crystallography. Rate studies show monomer- and dimer-based ortholithiations as well as monomer- and mixed dimer-based Fries rearrangements. Density functional theory computational studies probe experimentally elusive structural and mechanistic details.

Mechanism of Acylation of Lithium Phenylacetylide with a Weinreb Amide

Additions of lithium phenylacetylide to a Weinreb amide are described. Dimeric lithium acetylide reacts via a monosolvated monomer-based transition structure. The robust tetrahedral intermediate forms sequentially a C(1) 2:2 mixed tetramer with the excess lithium acetylide and a 1:3 (alkoxide-rich) mixed tetramer. The stabilities of the mixed tetramers are consistent with a pronounced autoinhibition.

Lithium Diisopropylamide-Mediated Enolization: Catalysis by Hemilabile Ligands

Structural, kinetic, and computational studies reveal the mechanistic complexities of a lithium diisopropylamide (LDA)-mediated ester enolization. Hemilabile amino ether MeOCH2CH2NMe2, binding as an eta1 (ether-bound) ligand in the reactant and as an eta2 (chelating) ligand in the transition structure, accelerates the enolization 10,000-fold compared with n-BuOMe. At the onset of the reaction, a dimer-based enolization prevails. As the reaction proceeds, significantly less reactive LDA-enolate mixed dimers appear and divert the reaction through monomer- and mixed dimer-based pathways. The mechanistic and computational investigations lead to a proof-of-principle ligand-catalyzed enolization in which an ancillary ligand allows the catalytic ligand to re-enter the catalytic cycle.

Structure of n-Butyllithium in Mixtures of Ethers and Diamines: Influence of Mixed Solvation on 1,2-Additions to Imines

n-BuLi in diamine/dialkyl ether mixtures forms ensembles of hetero- and homosolvated dimers. Solutions in TMEDA/THF (TMEDA = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) are not amenable to detailed investigation because of rapid ligand exchange. TMCDA/THF mixtures (TMCDA = trans-N,N,N',N'-tetramethylcyclohexanediamine) afford clean assignments for a mixture of homo- and heterosolvated dimers but demonstrate poor control over structure. TMCDA/tetrahydropyran (THP) mixtures and TMEDA/Et2O mixtures afford clean structural assignments as well as excellent structural control. Rate studies of the 1,2-addition of n-BuLi using TMCDA/THP mixtures reveal cooperative solvation in which both THP and TMCDA coordinate to lithium at the monomer- and dimer-based transition structures. The two mechanisms are affiliated with markedly different stereochemistries of the 1,2-addition to imines. The results show strong parallels with previous investigations of 1,2-additions in TMEDA/Et2O mixtures.

Lithiated Imines: Solvent-Dependent Aggregate Structures and Mechanisms of Alkylation

We describe efforts to understand the structure and reactivity of lithiated cyclohexanone N-cyclohexylimine. The lithioimine affords complex solvent-dependent distributions of monomers, dimers, and trimers in a number of ethereal solvents. Careful selection of solvent provides exclusively monosolvated dimers. Rate studies on the C-alkylations reveal chronic mixtures of monomer- and dimer-based pathways. We explore the factors influencing reactants and alkylation transition structures and the marked differences between lithioimines and isostructural lithium dialkylamides with the aid of density functional theory calculations.

Addition of n-Butyllithium to an Aldimine: Role of Chelation, Aggregation, and Cooperative Solvation

Rate studies of the addition of n-BuLi in the presence of TMEDA to potentially chelating aldimines are consistent with a combination of monomer- and dimer-based mechanisms. Using mixtures of TMEDA and Et2O reveals cooperative solvation in which both Et2O and TMEDA coordinate to lithium at the monomer- and dimer-based transition structures. The four discrete mechanisms are affiliated with markedly different stereochemistries of the 1,2-addition.

BF3-mediated additions of organolithiums to ketimines: X-ray crystal structures of BF3-ketimine complexes

[reaction: see text] Additions of lithium acetylides and n-BuLi to N-alkyl ketimines mediated by BF(3)-Et(2)O in THF afford hindered tert-alkylamines in moderate to good yields. Stereochemical results and crystal structures of three BF(3)-imine complexes suggest that allylic strain strongly influences conformation and may be an important determinant of reactivity and selectivity.