Origin of Chemoselectivity of TMP Zincate Bases and Differences between TMP Zincate and Alkyl Lithium Reagents: A DFT Study on Model Systems

Amination of Phosphorodiamidate-Substituted Pyridines and Related N-Heterocycles with Magnesium Amides

The amination of various phosphorodiamidate-substituted pyridines, quinolines, and quinoxaline with magnesium amides R₂NMgCl·LiCl proceeds at room temperature within 8 h. Several pharmaceutically active amines were suitable substrates for this amination procedure, and also the antihistaminic tripelennamine was prepared. Additionally, several heterocyclic phosphorodiamidates underwent directed ortho-metalation (D oM) using TMPMgCl·LiCl (TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) or TMP₂Mg·2LiCl, followed by electrophilic functionalization prior to the amination step, which led to ortho-functionalized aminated N-heterocycles.

Regioselective Metalation and Functionalization of the Pyrazolo[1,5- a]pyridine Scaffold Using Mg- and Zn-TMP Bases

A regioselective functionalization of the pyrazolo[1,5- a]pyridine scaffold using Mg- and Zn-TMP bases (TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) in the presence or absence of BF₃·OEt₂ is described. Also, various functionalized pyrazolo[1,5- a]pyridines bearing an ester function (and an NHBoc or ethyl group) are magnesiated and functionalized, leading to polysubstituted heterocycles. Additionally, a sulfoxide directed ortho-metalation, followed by the transition-metal-free amination of a pyrazolo[1,5- a]pyridine sulfoxide, using a magnesium amide, is reported.

Synthesis of a Sterically Demanding Dispiropiperidine and Its Application in Monoamidodialkyl Zincate Complexes

The new sterically hindered piperidine analog, dispiro[cyclohexane-2,2'-piperidine-6',2″-cyclohexane] (CPC(H), 2), and its N-methylated derivative CPC(Me) (3) were synthesized from commercially available starting materials in short steps. The N-lithiated amide LiCPC (4) was also isolated from 2 as a cyclictrimer in single crystals and showed slightly larger steric hindrance than that of lithium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide (LiTMP) in the competitive methylation reaction with methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate. In addition, the heterobimetallic heteroleptic zincate complexes [Li(μ-NR₂)(μ-Et)Zn(Et)] (NR₂ = CPC, 5, and NR₂ = TMP, 6) were obtained as THF- and TMEDA-coordinated monomer 5·(THF)₂, 6·(THF)₂, 5·TMEDA, and 6·TMEDA (THF = tetrahydrofuran, TMEDA = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine). These molecular structures bearing different amido ligands in single crystals showed little structural differences from crystallographic studies. Diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) revealed that the solution structures of the zincate complexes 5·(THF)₂ and 6·(THF)₂ only differ in the number of coordination THF molecules. In the deprotonation reactions with tert-butyl 3-bromobenzoate, the zincate complexes containing the CPC ligand [Li(μ-CPC)(μ-R)Zn(R)] (R = Et (5), tBu) showed moderately improved regioselectivity for the 6 position in comparison to those containing the TMP ligand [Li(μ-TMP)(μ-R)Zn(R)] (R = Et (6), tBu).

Heterobimetallic metallation studies of N,N-dimethylphenylethylamine (DMPEA): benzylic C–H bond cleavage/dimethylamino capture or intact DMPEA complex

The cleave and capture capacity of various bimetallic amido–alkyl mixtures is illustrated through reaction with the deprotonation sensitiveN,N-dimethylphenylethylamine.

Combined directed ortho-zincation and palladium-catalyzed strategies: Synthesis of 4,n-dimethoxy-substituted benzo[b]furans

A new route to regioselectively dialkoxy-functionalized benzo[b]furan derivatives has been developed from 3-halo-2-iodoanisoles bearing an additional methoxy group, which have been accessed through an ortho-zincation/iodination reaction. Two palladium-catalyzed processes, namely a Sonogashira coupling followed by a tandem hydroxylation/cyclization sequence, give rise to new and interesting dimethoxy-substituted benzo[b]furans.

Main group multiple C-H/N-H bond activation of a diamine and isolation of a molecular dilithium zincate hydride: experimental and DFT evidence for alkali metal-zinc synergistic effects

The surprising transformation of the saturated diamine (iPr)NHCH(2)CH(2)NH(iPr) to the unsaturated diazaethene [(iPr)NCH═CHN(iPr)](2-) via the synergic mixture nBuM, (tBu)(2)Zn and TMEDA (where M = Li, Na; TMEDA = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) has been investigated by multinuclear NMR spectroscopic studies and DFT calculations. Several pertinent intermediary and related compounds (TMEDA)Li[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)NH(iPr)]Zn(tBu)(2) (3), (TMEDA)Li[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)CH(2)N(iPr)]Zn(tBu) (5), {(THF)Li[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)N(iPr)]Zn(tBu)}(2) (6), and {(TMEDA)Na[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)N(iPr)]Zn(tBu)}(2) (11), characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, are discussed in relation to their role in the formation of (TMEDA)M[(iPr)NCH═CHN(iPr)]Zn(tBu) (M = Li, 1; Na, 10). In addition, the dilithio zincate molecular hydride [(TMEDA)Li](2)[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)N(iPr)]Zn(tBu)H 7 has been synthesized from the reaction of (TMEDA)Li[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)NH(iPr)]Zn(tBu)(2)3 with nBuLi(TMEDA) and also characterized by both X-ray crystallographic and NMR spectroscopic studies. The retention of the Li-H bond of 7 in solution was confirmed by (7)Li-(1)H HSQC experiments. Also, the (7)Li NMR spectrum of 7 in C(6)D(6) solution allowed for the rare observation of a scalar (1)J(Li-H) coupling constant of 13.3 Hz. Possible mechanisms for the transformation from diamine to diazaethene, a process involving the formal breakage of four bonds, have been determined computationally using density functional theory. The dominant mechanism, starting from (TMEDA)Li[(iPr)NCH(2)CH(2)N(iPr)]Zn(tBu) (4), involves the formation of a hydride intermediate and leads directly to the observed diazaethene product. In addition the existence of 7 in equilibrium with 4 through the dynamic association and dissociation of a (TMEDA)LiH ligand, also provides a secondary mechanism for the formation of the diazaethene. The two reaction pathways (i.e., starting from 4 or 7) are quite distinct and provide excellent examples in which the two distinct metals in the system are able to interact synergically to catalyze this otherwise challenging transformation.

Structural basis for regioisomerization in the alkali-metal-mediated zincation (AMMZn) of trifluoromethyl benzene by isolation of kinetic and thermodynamic intermediates

Performed with a desire to advance knowledge of the structures and mechanisms governing alkali-metal-mediated zincation, this study monitors the reaction between the TMP-dialkylzincate reagent [(TMEDA)Na(TMP)((t)Bu)Zn((t)Bu)] 1 and trifluoromethyl benzene C(6)H(5)CF(3) 2. A complicated mixture of products is observed at room temperature. X-ray crystallography has identified two of these products as ortho- and meta-regioisomers of heterotrianionic [(TMEDA)Na(TMP)(C(6)H(4)-CF(3))Zn((t)Bu)], 3-ortho and 3-meta, respectively. Multinuclear NMR data of the bulk crystalline product confirm the presence of these two regioisomers as well as a third isomer, 3-para, in a respective ratio of 20:11:1, and an additional product 4, which also exhibits ortho-zincation of the aryl substrate. Repeating the reaction at 0 degrees C gave exclusively 4, which was crystallographically characterized as [{(TMEDA)(2)Na}(+){Zn(C(6)H(4)-CF(3))((t)Bu)(2)}(-)]. Mimicking the original room-temperature reaction, this kinetic product was subsequently reacted with TMP(H) to afford a complicated mixture of products, including significantly the three regioisomers of 3. Surprisingly, 4 adopts a solvent-separated ion pair arrangement in contrast to the contacted ion variants of 3-ortho and 3-meta. Aided by DFT calculations on model systems, discussion focuses on the different basicities, amido or alkyl, and steps, exhibited in these reactions, and how the structures and bonding within these isolated key metallic intermediates (prior to any electrophilic interception step), specifically the interactions involving the alkali metal, influence the regioselectivity of the Zn-H exchange process.

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.

Structurally defined potassium-mediated zincation of pyridine and 4-R-substituted pyridines (R = Et, iPr, tBu, Ph, and Me2N) by using dialkyl-TMP-zincate bases

Two potassium-dialkyl-TMP-zincate bases [(pmdeta)K(mu-Et)(mu-tmp)Zn(Et)] (1) (PMDETA = N,N,N',N'',N''-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide), and [(pmdeta)K(mu-nBu)(mu-tmp)Zn(nBu)] (2), have been synthesized by a simple co-complexation procedure. Treatment of 1 with a series of substituted 4-R-pyridines (R = Me(2)N, H, Et, iPr, tBu, and Ph) gave 2-zincated products of the general formula [{2-Zn(Et)(2)-mu-4-R-C(5)H(3)N}(2)2{K(pmdeta)}] (3-8, respectively) in isolated crystalline yields of 53, 16, 7, 23, 67, and 51%, respectively; the treatment of 2 with 4-tBu-pyridine gave [{2-Zn(nBu)(2)-mu-4-tBu-C(5)H(3)N}(2)2{K(pmdeta)}] (9) in an isolated crystalline yield of 58%. Single-crystal X-ray crystallographic and NMR spectroscopic characterization of 3-9 revealed a novel structural motif consisting of a dianionic dihydroanthracene-like tricyclic ring system with a central diazadicarbadizinca (ZnCN)(2) ring, face-capped on either side by PMDETA-wrapped K(+) cations. All the new metalated pyridine complexes share this dimeric arrangement. As determined by NMR spectroscopic investigations of the reaction filtrates, those solutions producing 3, 7, 8, and 9 appear to be essentially clean reactions, in contrast to those producing 4, 5, and 6, which also contain laterally zincated coproducts. In all of these metalation reactions, the potassium-zincate base acts as an amido transfer agent with a subsequent ligand-exchange mechanism (amido replacing alkyl) inhibited by the coordinative saturation, and thus, low Lewis acidity of the 4-coordinate Zn centers in these dimeric molecules. Studies on analogous trialkyl-zincate reagents in the absence and presence of stoichiometric or substoichiometric amounts of TMP(H) established the importance of Zn-N bonds for efficient zincation.

Closer insight into the reactivity of TMP-dialkyl zincates in directed ortho-zincation of anisole: experimental evidence of amido basicity and structural elucidation of key reaction intermediates

The new dialkyl(aryl) lithium zincates [(THF)(2)Li(C(6)H(4)-OMe)MeZnMe] (4), [(TMEDA)Li(C(6)H(4)-OMe)MeZnMe] (6), [(THF)(3)Li(C(6)H(4)-OMe)(t)BuZn(t)Bu] (7), and [(PMDETA)Li(C(6)H(4)-OMe)(t)BuZn(t)Bu] (8) have been prepared by co-complexation reactions of lithiated anisole with the relevant dialkylzinc compound and the relevant Lewis base. These new heterobimetallic compounds have been characterized in solution using (1)H, (13)C{H}, and (7)Li NMR spectroscopy, and the molecular structures of 6 and 8 have been elucidated by X-ray crystallography. In 6 the distinct metals are connected through the anisole ligand which binds in an ambidentate fashion (through carbon-zinc and oxygen-lithium contacts) and also through one of the methyl groups, to close a [LiOCCZnC] six-membered ring; whereas 8 displays an open structure where anisole connects the two metals (in the same mode as in 6) but with the tert-butyl groups exclusively bonded terminally to zinc. Reactivity studies of zincates 4 and 7 with the amine TMP(H) supply experimental evidence that these heterobimetallic compounds are intermediates in the two-step deprotonation reaction of anisole by TMP-dialkyl zincates and show the relevance of the alkyl groups in the efficiency of TMP-dialkyl zincate bases. In addition, important solvent effects have also been evaluated. When hexane is added to THF solutions of compounds 4 or 7, the homoleptic tetraorganozincate [(THF)(2)Li(2)Zn(C(6)H(4)-OMe)(4)] (5) is obtained as the result of a disproportionation process. This lithium-rich zincate has also been spectroscopically and crystallographically characterized.

On the kinetic and thermodynamic reactivity of lithium di(alkyl)amidozincate bases in directed ortho metalation

Sequential reaction of HTMP (= 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine) with nBuLi and Et2Zn affords unsolvated polymer chains of EtZn(micro-Et)(micro-TMP)Li 6. The scope of this reagent in directed ortho metalation (DoM) chemistry has been tested by its reaction with N,N-diisopropylnaphthamide in THF to give EtZn(micro-C10H6C(O)NiPr2-2)2Li.2THF 7. Data reveal that 6 has undergone reaction with 2 equiv of aromatic tertiary amide and imply that it exhibits dual alkyl/amido basicity. DFT calculations reveal that direct alkyl basicity is kinetically disfavored and instead point to a stepwise mechanism whereby 6 acts as an amido base, liberating HTMP during the first DoM event. Re-coordination of the amine at lithium then incurs the elimination of EtH. Reaction of the resulting alkyl(amido)(arylamido)zincate with a second equivalent of N,N-diisopropylnaphthamide eliminates HTMP and affords 7. Both DoM steps involve the exhibition of amido basicity and each reveals a low kinetic barrier to reaction. Understanding of this reaction sequence is tested by treating 6 with N,N-diisopropylbenzamide in THF. On the basis of theory and experiment, the presence of THF solvent (in place of stronger Lewis bases) combined with the use of a sterically less congested aromatic amide is expected to encourage threefold, stepwise reaction. Isolation and characterization of the resulting tripodal zincate Zn(micro-C6H4C(O)NiPr2-2)3Li.THF 8 bears this out and suggests a significant new level of control in zincate-induced DoM chemistry through the combination of experiment and DFT studies.

Lithium-Mediated Zincation of Pyrazine, Pyridazine, Pyrimidine, and Quinoxaline

Deprotonation of pyrazine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, and quinoxaline using an in situ mixture of ZnCl2.TMEDA (0.5 equiv) and LiTMP (1.5 equiv) was studied. Pyrazine and pyrimidine were deprotonated in THF at room temperature, a result evidenced by trapping with I2. The competitive formation of dimer observed in net hexane was reduced by using cosolvents (TMEDA or THF). Starting from quinoxaline, the dimer formation took place in THF also, and mixtures of mono- and diiodides were obtained whatever the solvent and conditions used. A similar competitive formation of a diiodide was noted with pyridazine; the use of THF at reflux temperature nevertheless afforded the 3-iodo derivative in good yield.

An Aluminum Ate Base: Its Design, Structure, Function, and Reaction Mechanism

An aluminum ate base, i-Bu(3)Al(TMP)Li, has been designed and developed for regio- and chemoselective direct generation of functionalized aromatic aluminum compounds. Direct alumination followed by electrophilic trapping with I(2), Cu/Pd-catalyzed C-C bond formation, or direct oxidation with molecular O(2) proved to be a powerful tool for the preparation of 1,2- or 1,2,3-multisubstituted aromatic compounds. This deprotonative alumination using i-Bu3Al(TMP)Li was found to be effective in aliphatic chemistry as well, enabling regio- and chemoselective addition of functionalized allylic ethers and carbamates to aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes. A combined multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and theoretical study showed that the aluminum ate base is a Li/Al bimetallic complex bridged by the nitrogen atom of TMP and the alpha-carbon of an i-Bu ligand and that the Li exclusively serves as a recognition point for electronegative functional groups or coordinative solvents. The mechanism of directed ortho alumination reaction of functionalized aromatic compounds has been studied by NMR and in situ FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray analysis, and DFT calculation. It has been found that the reaction proceeds with facile formation of an initial adduct of the base and aromatic, followed by deprotonative formation of the functionalized aromatic aluminum compound. Deprotonation by the TMP ligand rather than the isobutyl ligand was suggested and reasoned by means of spectroscopic and theoretical study. The remarkable regioselectivity of the ortho alumination reaction was explained by a coordinative approximation effect between the functional groups and the counter Li(+) ion, enabling stable initial complex formation and creation of a less strained transition state structure.