Trading N and O. Part 3: Synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines from α-hydroxy-β-amino esters

Crystal structure of (1S,2R)-2-[(3R,4S)-3-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-isoquinolin-2-yl]-1,2-di-phenyl-ethanol

The title chiral β-amino alcohol was isolated as one of two diastereomeric β-amino alcohols, the title mol­ecule being found to be the (S,R) diastereoisomer. In the crystal, mol­ecules are packed in a herringbone manner parallel to (103) and (10) via weak C—H⋯O and C—H⋯π(ring) inter­actions.

The synthesis and crystal structure of the title compound, C₃₀H₂₉NO, are described. This compound is a member of the chiral di­hydro­iso­quinoline-derived family, used as building blocks for functional materials and as source of chirality in asymmetric synthesis, and was isolated as one of two diastereomeric β-amino alcohols, the title mol­ecule being found to be the (S,R) diastereoisomer. In the crystal, mol­ecules are packed in a herringbone manner parallel to (103) and (10) via weak C—H⋯O and C—H⋯π(ring) inter­actions. Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the surface contacts are predominantly H⋯H inter­actions (ca 75%). The crystal studied was refined as a two-component inversion twin.

Conformational-dependent reaction mechanism: case of acid hydrolysis ofN-benzoyl-9-azabicyclo[6.1.0]non-4-ene

Quantum chemical studies of the acid hydrolysis of cis-cis-N-benzoyl-9-azabicyclo[6.1.0]non-4-ene in gas phase and sulfuric acid solution have been carried out. Conformational analysis of reactant and intermediates were done at DFT level of calculations, using different basis sets. Transition states were identified and IRC calculations were done at the same level. In the first step of the reaction, the protonation occurs preferentially on the nitrogen atom. Three products are obtained. The type of mechanism, stepwise or concerted, depends on the stable conformers and the cleaved N–C bond. The main conclusion is that the products of the reaction depend on the nature of the stable conformer of the reactant.