Newtonian kinetic isotope effects. Observation, prediction, and origin of heavy-atom dynamic isotope effects

Predicting Selectivity with a Bifurcating Surface: Inaccurate Model or Inaccurate Statistics of Dynamics?

Reactions on post-transition-state bifurcation (PTSB) energy surfaces are an important class of reaction in which classical rate theories, such as the transition state theory, fail to account for the selectivity. Quasiclassical trajectory molecular dynamic (QCT-MD) simulation is an important computational approach to understanding reactions mechanisms, especially for reactions that cannot be predicted from conventional rate theories. However, the applicability of direct dynamic simulations is hampered by huge computational costs for collecting a statistically meaningful set of trajectories, making it difficult to compare simulation results with theoretical or physical insights-based predictions (non-MD predictions). In this work, we examine the PTSB of Schmidt-Aubé reactions studied by Tantillo and co-workers. With machine-learning using kernel-ridge regression (KRR) to predict atomic forces, statistical reliability was enhanced by significantly increasing the number of trajectories. With KRR, the bottleneck of simulating dynamics (atomic forces in QCT-MD with density functional theory) was accelerated more than 100-fold. We found that this KRR-aided QCT-MD approach is successful in predicting branching ratios with a much larger number of trajectories. With our approach, statistical errors are greatly reduced, and hypothetical non-MD models for predicting selectivity are tested with much higher confidence. By comparison with non-MD models, dynamical properties that affect branching ratios become more clearly described.

Bispericyclic Ambimodal Dimerization of Pentafulvene: The Origin of Asynchronicity and Kinetic Selectivity of the Endo Transition State

The propensity of fulvenes to undergo dimerization has long been known, although the in-depth mechanism and electronic behavior during dimerization are still elusive. Herein, we made an attempt to gain insights into the reactivity of pentafulvene for Diels-Alder (DA) and [6 + 4]-cycloadditions via conventional and ambimodal routes. The result emphasizes that pentafulvene dimerization preferentially proceeds through a unique bifurcation mechanism where two DA pathways merge together to produce two degenerate [4 + 2]-cycloadducts from a single TS. Despite the [6 + 4]-cycloadduct being thermodynamically preferred, [4 + 2]-cycloaddition reactions are kinetically driven. Singlet biradicaloid is involved in through-space 6e- delocalization as a secondary orbital interaction that originates asynchronicity and stabilizes the bispericyclic transition state (TS). The transformation of various actively participating intrinsic bonding orbitals (IBOs) unambiguously forecasts the formation of multiple products from a single TS and rationalizes the mechanism of ambimodal reactions that are rather difficult to probe with other analyses. The changes in active IBOs clearly distinguish the conventional reactions from bifurcation reactions and can be employed to characterize and confirm the ambimodal mechanism. This report gains a crucial theoretical insight into the mechanism of bifurcation, the origin of asynchronicity, and electronic behavior in ambimodal TS, which will certainly be of enormous value for future studies.

Accelerated Entropic Path Sampling with a Bidirectional Generative Adversarial Network

The role of entropy in mediating the dynamic outcomes of chemical reactions remains largely unknown. To evaluate the change of entropy along post-transition state paths, we have previously developed entropic path sampling that computes configurational entropy from an ensemble of reaction trajectories. However, one major caveat of this approach lies in its high computational demand: about 2000 trajectories are needed to converge the computation of an entropic profile. Here, by leveraging a deep generative model, we developed an accelerated entropic path sampling approach that evaluates entropic profiles using merely a few hundred reaction dynamic trajectories. The new method, called bidirectional generative adversarial network-entropic path sampling, can enhance the estimation of probability density functions of molecular configurations by generating pseudo-molecular configurations that are statistically indistinguishable from the true data. The method was established using cyclopentadiene dimerization, in which we reproduced the reference entropic profiles (derived from 2480 trajectories) using merely 124 trajectories. The method was further benchmarked using three reactions with symmetric post-transition-state bifurcation, including endo-butadiene dimerization, 5-fluoro-1,3-cyclopentadiene dimerization, and 5-methyl-1,3-cyclopentadiene dimerization. The results indicate the existence of a "hidden entropic intermediate", which is a dynamic species that binds to a local entropic maximum where no free energy minimum is formed.

Efficient and Accurate Description of Diels-Alder Reactions Using Density Functional Theory

Modeling chemical reactions using Quantum Chemistry is a widely used predictive strategy capable to complement experiments in order to understand the intrinsic mechanisms guiding the chemicals towards the most favorable reaction products. However, at this purpose, it is mandatory to use reliable and computationally tractable theoretical methods. In this work, we focus on six Diels-Alder reactions of increasing complexity and perform an extensive benchmark of middle- to low-cost computational approaches to predict the characteristic reactions energy barriers. We found that Density Functional Theory, using the ωB97XD, LC-ωPBE, CAM-B3LYP, M11 and MN12SX functionals, with empirical dispersion corrections coupled to an affordable 6-31G basis set, provides quality results for this class of reactions, at a small computational effort. Such efficient and reliable simulation protocol opens perspectives for hybrid QM/MM molecular dynamics simulations of Diels-Alder reactions including explicit solvation.

Kinetic Analysis of a Reaction Path Network Including Ambimodal Transition States: A Case Study of an Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reaction

This study proposes a methodology for the kinetic analysis of a reaction path network including ambimodal transition states (TSs), through which an ensemble of trajectories bifurcates to multiple minima in a phenomenon called dynamical bifurcation. The proposed methodology consists of three techniques: an automated reaction path search to construct a reaction path network including ambimodal TSs, an ab initio molecular dynamics simulation to evaluate the branching ratio, and the definition of rate constants incorporating this ratio. Applying the procedure to a Diels-Alder reaction, it was found that the inclusion of dynamical bifurcations is necessary to explain the experimental reaction yield of a byproduct. In addition, it was verified that the products take 10¹³ s to reach thermal equilibrium and that the experimental selectivity is determined by the dynamical bifurcations.

Heavy-Atom Kinetic Isotope Effects: Primary Interest or Zero Point?

Chemists have many options for elucidating reaction mechanisms. Global kinetic analysis and classic transition-state probes (e.g., LFERs, Eyring) inevitably form the cornerstone of any strategy, yet their application to increasingly sophisticated synthetic methodologies often leads to a wide range of indistinguishable mechanistic proposals. Computational chemistry provides powerful tools for narrowing the field in such cases, yet wholly simulated mechanisms must be interpreted with great caution. Heavy-atom kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) offer an exquisite but underutilized method for reconciling the two approaches, anchoring the theoretician in the world of calculable observables and providing the experimentalist with atomistic insights. This Perspective provides a personal outlook on this synergy. It surveys the computation of heavy-atom KIEs and their measurement by NMR spectroscopy, discusses recent case studies, highlights the intellectual reward that lies in alignment of experiment and theory, and reflects on the changes required in chemical education in the area.

Entropic Path Sampling: Computational Protocol to Evaluate Entropic Profile along a Reaction Path

Fleeting intermediates constitute dynamically stepwise mechanisms. They have been characterized in molecular dynamics trajectories, but whether these intermediates form a free energy minimum to become entropic intermediates remains elusively defined. We developed a computational protocol known as entropic path sampling to evaluate the entropic variation of reacting species along a reaction path based on an ensemble of trajectories. Using cyclopentadiene dimerization as a model reaction, we observed an entropy maximum along the reaction path which originates from an enhanced conformational flexibility as the reacting species enter into a flat energy region. As the reacting species further approach product formation, unfavorable entropic restriction fails to offset the potential energy drop, resulting in no free energy minimum along the post-TS pathway. Our results show that cyclopentadiene dimerization involves an entropy maximum that leads to dynamic intermediates with elongated lifetimes, but the reaction does not involve entropic intermediates.

Flyby reaction trajectories: Chemical dynamics under extrinsic force

Dynamic effects are an important determinant of chemical reactivity and selectivity, but the deliberate manipulation of atomic motions during a chemical transformation is not straightforward. Here, we demonstrate that extrinsic force exerted upon cyclobutanes by stretching pendant polymer chains influences product selectivity through force-imparted nonstatistical dynamic effects on the stepwise ring-opening reaction. The high product stereoselectivity is quantified by carbon-13 labeling and shown to depend on external force, reactant stereochemistry, and intermediate stability. Computational modeling and simulations show that, besides altering energy barriers, the mechanical force activates reactive intramolecular motions nonstatistically, setting up "flyby trajectories" that advance directly to product without isomerization excursions. A mechanistic model incorporating nonstatistical dynamic effects accounts for isomer-dependent mechanochemical stereoselectivity.

Small Nuclear Quantum Effects in Scattering of H and D from Graphene

We study nuclear quantum effects in H/D sticking to graphene, comparing scattering experiments at near-zero coverage with classical, quantized, and transition-state calculations. The experiment shows H/D sticking probabilities that are indistinguishable from one another and markedly smaller than those expected from a consideration of zero-point energy shifts of the chemisorption transition state. Inclusion of dynamical effects and vibrational anharmonicity via ring-polymer molecular dynamics (RPMD) yields results that are in good agreement with the experimental results. RPMD also reveals that nuclear quantum effects, while modest, arise primarily from carbon and not from H/D motion, confirming the importance of a C atom rehybridization mechanism associated with H/D sticking on graphene.

Unusual KIE and dynamics effects in the Fe-catalyzed hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of unactivated aldehydes and dienes

Hetero-Diels-Alder (HDA) reaction is an important synthetic method for many natural products. An iron(III) catalyst was developed to catalyze the challenging HDA reaction of unactivated aldehydes and dienes with high selectivity. Here we report extensive density-functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular dynamics simulations that show effects of iron (including its coordinate mode and/or spin state) on the dynamics of this reaction: considerably enhancing dynamically stepwise process, broadening entrance channel and narrowing exit channel from concerted asynchronous transition states. Also, our combined computational and experimental secondary KIE studies reveal unexpectedly large KIE values for the five-coordinate pathway even with considerable C-C bond forming, due to equilibrium isotope effect from the change in the metal coordination. Moreover, steric and electronic effects are computationally shown to dictate the C=O chemoselectivity for an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde, which is verified experimentally. Our mechanistic study may help design homogeneous, heterogeneous and biological catalysts for this challenging reaction.

AFIR explorations of transition states of extended unsaturated systems: automatic location of ambimodal transition states

Based on the artificial force induced reaction (AFIR) method, we proposed a procedure to systematically explore ambimodal transition states (TSs) that cause the dynamical bifurcation.

Bond Memory in Dynamically Determined Stereoselectivity

The carboborative ring contraction of cyclohexenes exhibits an abnormal selectivity pattern in which a formally concerted double migration gives rise to predominant but not exclusive inversion products. In dynamic trajectories, the inversion and retention products are formed from the same transition state, and the trajectories accurately account for the experimental product ratios. The unusual origin of the selectivity is the dynamically retained non-equivalence of newly formed versus pre-existing bonds after the first bond migration.

Isolation and Synthesis of Novel Meroterpenoids from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa: Investigation of a Reactive Enetrione Intermediate

Rhodomyrtusials A-C, the first examples of triketone-sesquiterpene meroterpenoids featuring a unique 6/5/5/9/4 fused pentacyclic ring system were isolated from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, along with several biogenetically-related dihydropyran isomers. Two bis-furans and one dihydropyran isomer showed acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity. Structures of the isolates were unambiguously established by a combination of spectroscopic data, ECD analysis, and total synthesis. Bioinspired total syntheses of six isolates were achieved in six steps utilizing a reactive enetrione intermediate generated in situ from a readily available hydroxy-endoperoxide precursor.

Dynamical Effects along the Bifurcation Pathway Control Semibullvalene Formation in Deazetization Reactions

Post-transition-state dynamics during the deazetization of 3 resulting in two degenerate semibullvalenes (4 and 5) have been investigated with density functional theory (DFT) and quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) calculations. Removal of N₂ from 3 occurs through a synchronous and concerted pathway through an ambimodal transition-state (TS1). In addition to TS2, the exclusively anticipated product from minimum energy pathway (MEP) calculations, trajectories initiated from TS1 produce 4, TS2, and 5 in 1:1:1 ratio. Isotopic substitutions (¹²C(¹³C/¹⁴C)-H(D) at 1-2 positions) result in purely Newtonian kinetic isotope effects (4:5 ≈ 1.4 for ¹³C₁-¹³C₂), an unequivocal evidence for dynamics controlled product formation.

Computational evidence for a reaction pathway bifurcation in Sasaki-type (4 + 3)-cycloadditions

Evidence for a post-transition state bifurcation in a (4 + 3)-cycloaddition is presented.

Computational Prediction of Excited-State Carbon Tunneling in the Two Steps of Triplet Zimmerman Di-π-Methane Rearrangement

The photoinduced Zimmerman di-π-methane (DPM) rearrangement of polycyclic molecules to form synthetically useful cyclopropane derivatives was found experimentally to proceed in a triplet excited state. We have applied state-of-the-art quantum mechanical methods, including M06-2X, DLPNO-CCSD(T) and variational transition-state theory with multidimensional tunneling corrections, to an investigation of the reaction rates of the two steps in the triplet DPM rearrangement of dibenzobarrelene, benzobarrelene and barrelene. This study predicts a high probability of carbon tunneling in regions around the two consecutive transition states at 200-300 K, and an enhancement in the rates by 104-276/35-67% with carbon tunneling at 200/300 K. The Arrhenius plots of the rate constants were found to be curved at low temperatures. Moreover, the computed ¹²C/¹³C kinetic isotope effects were affected significantly by carbon tunneling and temperature. Our predictions of electronically excited-state carbon tunneling and two consecutive carbon tunneling are unprecedented. Heavy-atom tunneling in some photoinduced reactions with reactive intermediates and narrow barriers can be potentially observed at relatively low temperature in experiments.

Post-transition state bifurcations gain momentum – current state of the field

The existence of post-transition state bifurcations on potential energy surfaces for organic and biological reaction mechanisms has been known for decades, but recently, new reports of bifurcations have been occurring at a much higher rate. Beyond simply discovering bifurcations, computational chemists are developing techniques to understand what aspects of molecular structure and vibrations control the product selectivity in systems containing bifurcations. For example, the distribution of products seen in simulations has been found to be extremely sensitive to the local environment of the reacting system (i.e. the presence of a catalyst, enzyme, or explicit solvent molecules). The outlook for the future of this field is discussed, with an eye towards the application of the principles discussed here by experimental chemists to design a reaction setup to efficiently generate desired products.

Dynamics and the Regiochemistry of Nitration of Toluene

The regiochemistry of the nitration of toluene by NO₂⁺BF₄^- in dichloromethane is accurately predicted from trajectories in explicit solvent. Simpler models and approaches based on transition state theory fail to account for the selectivity. Potential of mean force calculations find no free-energy barrier for reaction of the toluene/NO₂⁺BF₄^- encounter complex, yet the trajectories require an extraordinary 3 ps to descend an exergonic slope. The selectivity is decided late in long trajectories because their completion requires solvent and counterion reorganization. The normal descriptive understanding of the regiochemistry based on transition-state energies is unsupported.

Trajectory Calculations for Bergman Cyclization Predict H/D Kinetic Isotope Effects Due to Nonstatistical Dynamics in the Product

An unusual H/D kinetic isotope effect (KIE) is described, in which isotopic selectivity arises primarily from nonstatistical dynamics in the product. In DFT-based quasiclassical trajectories of Bergman cyclization of (Z)-3-hexen-1,5-diyne (1) at 470 K, the new CC bond retains its energy, and 28% of nascent p-benzyne recrosses back to the enediyne on a vibrational time scale. The competing process of intramolecular vibrational redistribution (IVR) in p-benzyne is too slow to prevent this. Deuteration increases the rate of IVR, which decreases the fraction of recrossing and increases the yield of statistical (trapable) p-benzyne, 2. Trapable yields for three isotopomers of 2 range from 72% to 86%. The resulting KIEs for Bergman cyclization differ substantially from KIEs predicted by transition state theory, which suggests that IVR in this reaction can be studied by conventional KIEs. Leakage of vibrational zero point energy (ZPE) into the reaction coordinate was probed by trajectories in which initial ZPE in the CH/CD stretching modes was reduced by 25%. This did not change the predicted KIEs.

Controlling Selectivity by Controlling the Path of Trajectories

Consideration of the role of dynamic trajectories in [1,2]- and [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements suggests a counterintuitive approach to controlling the selectivity. In our hypothesis, [2,3] selectivity can be promoted by reaction conditions that thermodynamically disfavor the [2,3] rearrangement step and thereby make the transition state later. The application of this idea has led to a successful prescription for dictating the selectivity in Stevens/Sommelet-Hauser rearrangements of ammonium ylides. A combination of kinetic isotope effects, crossover experiments, and computational dynamic trajectories support the idea that the selectivity is controlled through control of the path of trajectories.

Prediction of enhanced solvent-induced enantioselectivity for a ring opening with a bifurcating reaction path

A fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulation predicts enhance induction of enantiomeric excess in the products of a reaction with a bifurcating reaction coordinate, when run in a chiral solvent.

Hybridization trends for main group elements and expanding the Bent's rule beyond carbon: more than electronegativity

Trends in hybridization were systematically analyzed through the combination of DFT calculations with NBO analysis for the five elements X (X = B, C, N, O, and F) in 75 HnX-YHm compounds, where Y spans the groups 13-17 of the periods 2-4. This set of substrates probes the flexibility of the hybridization at five atoms X through variations in electronegativity, polarizability, and orbital size of Y. The results illustrate the scope and limitations of the Bent's rule, the classic correlation between electronegativity and hybridization, commonly used in analyzing structural effects in carbon compounds. The rehybridization effects are larger for fluorine- and oxygen-bonds than they are in the similar bonds to carbon. For bonds with the larger elements Y of the lower periods, trends in orbital hybridization depend strongly on both electronegativity and orbital size. For charged species, the effects of substituent orbital size in the more polarizable bonds to heavier elements show a particularly strong response to the charge introduction at the central atom. In the final section, we provide an example of the interplay between hybridization effects with molecular structure and reactivity. In particular, the ability to change hybridization without changes in polarization provides an alternative way to control structure and reactivity, as illustrated by the strong correlation of strain in monosubstituted cyclopropanes with hybridization in the bond to the substituent.

Biosynthetic consequences of multiple sequential post-transition-state bifurcations

Selectivity in chemical reactions that form complex molecular architectures from simpler precursors is usually rationalized by comparing competing transition-state structures that lead to different possible products. Herein we describe a system for which a single transition-state structure leads to the formation of many isomeric products via pathways that feature multiple sequential bifurcations. The reaction network described connects the pimar-15-en-8-yl cation to miltiradiene, a tricyclic diterpene natural product, and isomers via cyclizations and/or rearrangements. The results suggest that the selectivity of the reaction is controlled by (post-transition-state) dynamic effects, that is, how the carbocation structure changes in response to the distribution of energy in its vibrational modes. The inherent dynamical effects revealed herein (characterized through quasiclassical direct dynamics calculations using density functional theory) have implications not only for the general principles of selectivity prediction in systems with complex potential energy surfaces, but also for the mechanisms of terpene synthase enzymes and their evolution. These findings redefine the challenges faced by nature in controlling the biosynthesis of complex natural products.

Isotope effects as probes for enzyme catalyzed hydrogen-transfer reactions

Kinetic Isotope effects (KIEs) have long served as a probe for the mechanisms of both enzymatic and solution reactions. Here, we discuss various models for the physical sources of KIEs, how experimentalists can use those models to interpret their data, and how the focus of traditional models has grown to a model that includes motion of the enzyme and quantum mechanical nuclear tunneling. We then present two case studies of enzymes, thymidylate synthase and alcohol dehydrogenase, and discuss how KIEs have shed light on the C-H bond cleavages those enzymes catalyze. We will show how the combination of both experimental and computational studies has changed our notion of how these enzymes exert their catalytic powers.

Highly precise measurement of kinetic isotope effects using 1H-detected 2D [13C,1H]-HSQC NMR spectroscopy

A new method is presented for measuring kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) by (1)H-detected 2D [(13)C,(1)H]-heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR spectroscopy. The high accuracy of this approach was exemplified for the reaction catalyzed by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase by comparing the 1-(13)C KIE with the published value obtained using isotope ratio mass spectrometry. High precision was demonstrated for the reaction catalyzed by 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 2-, 3-, and 4-(13)C KIEs were found to be 1.0031(4), 1.0303(12), and 1.0148(2), respectively. These KIEs provide evidence for a cleanly rate-limiting retroaldol step during isomerization. The high intrinsic sensitivity and signal dispersion of 2D [(13)C,(1)H]-HSQC offer new avenues to study challenging systems where low substrate concentration and/or signal overlap impedes 1D (13)C NMR data acquisition. Moreover, this approach can take advantage of highest-field spectrometers, which are commonly equipped for (1)H detection with cryogenic probes.

Ion desolvation as a mechanism for kinetic isotope fractionation in aqueous systems

Molecular dynamics simulations show that the desolvation rates of isotopes of Li(+), K(+), Rb(+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), and Ba(2+) may have a relatively strong dependence on the metal cation mass. This inference is based on the observation that the exchange rate constant, k(wex), for water molecules in the first hydration shell follows an inverse power-law mass dependence (k(wex) ∝ m(-γ)), where the coefficient γ is 0.05 ± 0.01 on average for all cations studied. Simulated water-exchange rates increase with temperature and decrease with increasing isotopic mass for each element. The magnitude of the water-exchange rate is different for simulations run using different water models [i.e., extended simple point charge (SPC/E) vs. four-site transferrable intermolecular potential (TIP4P)]; however, the value of the mass exponent γ is the same. Reaction rate theory calculations predict mass exponents consistent with those determined via molecular dynamics simulations. The simulation-derived mass dependences imply that solids precipitating from aqueous solution under kinetically controlled conditions should be enriched in the light isotopes of the metal cations relative to the solutions, consistent with measured isotopic signatures in natural materials and laboratory experiments. Desolvation effects are large enough that they may be a primary determinant of the observed isotopic fractionation during precipitation.

Racing carbon atoms. Atomic motion reaction coordinates and structural effects on Newtonian kinetic isotope effects

Intramolecular (13)C kinetic isotope effects were determined for the dimerization of methacrolein. Trajectory studies accurately predict the isotope effects and support an origin in Newton's second law of motion, with no involvement of zero-point energy or transition state recrossing. Atomic motion reaction coordinate diagrams are introduced as a way to qualitatively understand the selectivity.

Dynamic origin of the stereoselectivity of a nucleophilic substitution reaction

A nucleophilic substitution on a dichlorovinyl ketone was studied experimentally and computationally. A mixture of products is observed experimentally, but a conventional computational analysis does not account for the formation of the minor stereoisomer. Instead, the product mixture is predicted accurately from a dynamic trajectory study on a bifurcating energy surface. The dynamic origin of the stereoselectivity of the reaction is discussed.

Entropic intermediates and hidden rate-limiting steps in seemingly concerted cycloadditions. Observation, prediction, and origin of an isotope effect on recrossing

An unusual intramolecular kinetic isotope effect (KIE) in the reaction of dichloroketene with cis-2-butene does not fit with a simple asynchronous cycloaddition transition state, but it can be predicted from trajectory studies on a bifurcating energy surface. The origin of the KIE is related to a high propensity for transition state recrossing in this system, with heavier masses recrossing less. The KIE can also be predicted by a statistical model that treats the cycloaddition as a stepwise mechanism, the rate-limiting second step being associated with an entropic barrier for formation of the second carbon-carbon bond. The relevance of this stepwise mechanism to other asynchronous but seemingly concerted cycloadditions is suggested by examination of organocatalytic Diels-Alder reactions.

Experimental evidence for heavy-atom tunneling in the ring-opening of cyclopropylcarbinyl radical from intramolecular 12C/13C kinetic isotope effects

The intramolecular (13)C kinetic isotope effects for the ring-opening of cyclopropylcarbinyl radical were determined over a broad temperature range. The observed isotope effects are unprecedentedly large, ranging from 1.062 at 80 degrees C to 1.163 at -100 degrees C. Semiclassical calculations employing canonical variational transition-state theory drastically underpredict the observed isotope effects, but the predicted isotope effects including tunneling by a small-curvature tunneling model match well with experiment. These results and a curvature in the Arrhenius plot of the isotope effects support the recently predicted importance of heavy-atom tunneling in cyclopropylcarbinyl ring-opening.

Kinetic isotope effects in asymmetric reactions

Kinetic isotope effects are exquisitely sensitive probes of transition structure. As such, kinetic isotope effects offer a uniquely useful probe for the symmetry-breaking process that is inherent to stereoselective reactions. In this Concept article, we explore the role of steric and electronic effects in stereocontrol, and we relate these concepts to recent studies carried out in our laboratory. We also explore the way in which kinetic isotope effects serve as useful points of contact with computational models of transition structures. Finally, we discuss future opportunities for kinetic isotope effects to play a role in asymmetric catalyst development.