The preorganization step in organic reaction mechanisms. Charge-transfer complexes as precursors to electrophilic aromatic substitutions

Characterization of a Lewis adduct in its inner and outer forms

The entrance channel of bimolecular reactions sometimes involves the formation of outer complexes as weakly bound, fleeting intermediates. Here, we characterize such an outer complex in a system that models the bimolecular, C-O bond-forming reaction of a phosphine oxide Lewis base with a carbenium Lewis acid. Crystallographic studies show that the C-O distance in the outer form exceeds that of the final or inner adduct by 1.1 angstroms. As the system samples the two forms of the complex, which correspond to minima on the corresponding potential energy surface, the C-O linkage switches from a secondary interaction in the outer complex to a dative bond in the inner complex. This phenomenon is harnessed as a functional feature to stabilize xanthylium-based photoredox catalysts.

Is a thin mechanism appropriate for aromatic nitration?

The mechanism of toluene nitration by NO₂BF₄ in dichloromethane solution is investigated by performing advanced ab initio MD simulations of the reaction trajectories, including at full quantum mechanical level the effects of both the solvent and of the counterion. The time evolution of the encounter complex, as well as that of the associated electronic structure, for different trajectories reveals that a single electron transfer step fastly occurs after reactants are accommodated in a common solvation shell, always preceding the formation of the σ-complex. The present results strongly suggest that the regioselectivity of the reaction is spin-density driven and that a thin mechanism, one based on reaction intermediates and transition states, can be appropriate to describe aromatic nitration.

Spectrophotometric studies of charge-transfer complexes formed with ions N,N'-alkyldiyl-bis(pyridinium) derivatives and iodide

The charge-transfer complexes (CTC) between electron donor iodide and pyridinium dimers and monomers as acceptors have been studied spectrophotometrically in acetonitrile, DMSO and water. The dimers were: N,N'-alkyldiyl-bis(4-cyanopyridinium) and N,N'-alkyldiyl-bis(2-bromopyridinium), and the monomers were: N-alkyl-4-cyanopyridinium and N-alkyl-2-bromopyridinium, bridged by n methylene spacers. The formation constant (K_CTC), molar absorptivity (ε_CTC), fluorescence-quenching constant (K_SV) were determined. The results indicate that the stoichiometry of the CTC for dimers and monomers is 1:1 (equimolar ratio), and its formation is favored for dimers more than for monomers, especially dimers with short methylene spacers forming a "sandwiched type-complex" in which the iodide is close to the two pyridinium rings. Solvents with low polarity favored the complex, which was destroyed by the presence of water. The experimental studies were complemented with theoretical studies with quantum mechanics (QM) calculations using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular mechanics (MM) simulations with Molecular Dynamics for identify the most stable conformers in acetonitrile solution. The electronic excitations were calculated with sequential QM/MM hybrid method, showing a charge-transfer wavelength in agreement with the UV-Vis absorption spectra obtained experimentally. It confirms the "sandwiched type-complex" conformers favoring the interaction of the iodide with one pyridinium rings and simultaneously forming one, or two, hydrogen bonds with the alkyl chain and additionally, for the case of dimers, with the other pyridinium ring.

Rate-Limiting Step of Epoxidation Reaction of the Oxoiron(IV) Porphyrin π-Cation Radical Complex: Electron Transfer Coupled Bond Formation Mechanism

Epoxidation reactions catalyzed by high-valent metal-oxo species are key reactions in various biological and chemical processes. Because the redox potentials of alkenes are higher than those of most high-valent metal-oxo species, the electron transfer (ET) from the alkene to the high-valent metal-oxo species in the epoxidation reaction is endergonic and must be coupled with another exergonic process. To reveal the mechanism of the ET, we performed a Marcus plot analysis for the epoxidation reaction of the oxoiron(IV) porphyrin π-cation radical complex (compound I) with alkene. The Marcus plots can be simulated with a linear line with the gradient of 0.50 when the redox potential of compound I varies and 0.07 when the redox potential of alkene varies. These results indicate that the ET process is involved in the rate-limiting step and coupled with the following O-C bond formation process: ET coupled bond formation mechanism. The DFT calculations support this conclusion and disclose the details of the mechanism. As the alkene comes close to the oxo ligand, the energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the alkene increases and the energy for the ET becomes small enough to allow the ET. Finally, the ET occurs from the HOMO of the alkene to the porphyrin π-radical orbital. The shift of one electron from the HOMO of the alkene by the ET simultaneously results in the O-C half bond formation between the oxo ligand and the alkene. The ET process itself is still endergonic and reversible, but the bond formation coupled with the ET changes the overall process to exergonic and irreversible. We also discuss the similarity with the aromatic hydroxylation reaction and the relevance to the epoxidation reactions of other metal-oxo complexes and peracid.

Is Aromatic Nitration Spin Density Driven?

The mechanism of aromatic nitration is critically reviewed with particular emphasis on the paradox of the high positional selectivity of substitution in spite of low substrate selectivity. Early quantum chemical computations in the gas phase have suggested that the retention of positional selectivity at encounter-limited rates could be ascribed to the formation of a radical pair via an electron transfer step occurring before the formation of the Wheland intermediate, but calculations which account for the effects of solvent polarization and the presence of counterion do not support that point of view. Here we report a brief survey of the available experimental and theoretical data, adding a few more computations for better clarifying the role of electron transfer for regioselectivity.

Acid-catalyzed rearrangements in arenes: interconversions in the quaterphenyl series

Arenes undergo rearrangement of phenyl, alkyl, halogen and other groups through the intermediacy of ipso arenium ions in which a proton is attached at the same carbon as the migrating substituent. Interconversions among the six quaterphenyl isomers have been studied here as a model for rearrangements of linear polyphenyls. All reactions were carried out in 1 M CF₃SO₃H (TfOH) in dichloroethane at 150 °C in a microwave reactor for 30-60 min, with product formation assessed by high field NMR analysis. Under these reaction conditions, m,p'-quaterphenyl is the equilibrium product. This isomer is unchanged by the reaction conditions and all other quaterphenyl isomers rearrange to m,p' as the dominant or sole product. DFT computations with inclusion of implicit solvation support a complex network of phenyl and biphenyl shifts, with barriers to rearrangement in the range of 10-21 kcal/mol. Consistent with experiments, the lowest energy arenium ion located on this surface is due to protonation of m,p'-quaterphenyl. This supports thermodynamic control based on carbocation energies.

[15]Paracyclophane and [16]paracyclophane: facile syntheses, crystal structures and selective complexation with cesium cations in the gas phase

The facile syntheses of [1₅]paracyclophane and [1₆]paracyclophane, their crystal structures and their selective complexation with cesium cations in the gas phase.

Electron-transfer reactions of halogenated electrophiles: a different look into the nature of halogen bonding

The rates of oxidation of ferrocene derivatives by brominated molecules R-Br (CBr₃CN, CBr₄, CBr₃NO₂, CBr₃COCBr₃, CBr₃CONH₂, CBr₃F, and CBr₃H) were consistent with the predictions of the outer-sphere dissociative electron-transfer theory. The similar redox-reactions of the R-Br electrophiles with the typical halogen-bond acceptors tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) or iodide were much faster than calculated using the same model. The fast redox-processes in these systems were related to the involvement of the transient halogen-bonded [R-Br, TMPD] or [R-Br, I⁻] complexes in which barriers for electron transfer were lowered by the strong electronic coupling of reactants. The Mulliken–Hush treatment of the spectral and structural characteristics of the [R-Br, TMPD] or [R-Br, I⁻] complexes corroborated the values of coupling elements, H_ab, of 0.2–0.5 eV implied by the kinetic data. The Natural Bond Orbital analysis of these complexes indicated a noticeable donor/acceptor charge transfer, Δq, of 0.03–0.09 ē. The H_ab and Δq values in the [R-Br, TMPD] and [R-Br, I⁻] complexes (which are similar to those in the traditional charge-transfer associates) indicate significant contribution of charge-transfer (weakly-covalent) interaction to halogen bonding. The decrease of the barrier for electron transfer between the halogen-bonded reactants demonstrated in the current work points out that halogen bonding should be taken into account in the mechanistic analysis of the reactions of halogenated species.

Kinetic evidence for the formation of diazo ethers in the course of reactions between arenediazonium ions and antioxidants

Non-zero, pH-dependent, saturation kinetics are observed in the course of the reaction between 3-methylbenzenediazonium ions and hydroxytyrosol.

Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: New Insights into an Old Class of Reactions

The classic SEAr mechanism of electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) reactions described in textbooks, monographs, and reviews comprises the obligatory formation of arenium ion intermediates (σ complexes) in a two-stage process. Our findings from several studies of EAS reactions challenge the generality of this mechanistic paradigm. This Account focuses on recent computational and experimental results for three types of EAS reactions: halogenation with molecular chlorine and bromine, nitration by mixed acid (mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids), and sulfonation with SO3. Our combined computational and experimental investigation of the chlorination of anisole with molecular chlorine in CCl4 found that addition-elimination pathways compete with the direct substitution processes. Detailed NMR investigation of the course of experimental anisole chlorination at varying temperatures revealed the formation of addition byproducts. Moreover, in the absence of Lewis acid catalysis, the direct halogenation processes do not involve arenium ion intermediates but instead proceed via concerted single transition states. We also obtained analogous results for the chlorination and bromination of several arenes in nonpolar solvents. We explored by theoretical computations and experimental spectroscopic studies the classic reaction of benzene nitration by mixed acid. The structure of the first intermediate in this process has been a subject of contradicting views. We have reported clear experimental UV/vis spectroscopic evidence for the formation of the first intermediate in this reaction. Our broader theoretical modeling of the process considers the effects of the medium as a bulk solvent but also the specific interactions of a H2SO4 solvent molecule with intermediates and transition states along the reaction path. In harmony with the obtained spectroscopic data, our computational results reveal that the structure of the initial π complex precludes the possibility of electronic charge transfer from the benzene π system to the nitronium unit. In contrast to usual interpretations, our computational results provide compelling evidence that in nonpolar, noncomplexing media and in the absence of catalysts, the mechanism of aromatic sulfonation with sulfur trioxide is concerted and does not involve the conventional σ-complex (Wheland) intermediates. Stable under such conditions, (SO3)2 dimers react with benzene much more readily than monomeric sulfur trioxide. In polar (complexing) media, the reaction follows the classic two-stage SEAr mechanism. Still, the rate-controlling transition state involves two SO3 molecules. The reactivity and regioselectivity in EAS reactions that follow the classic mechanistic scheme are quantified using a theoretically evaluated quantity, the electrophile affinity (Eα), which measures the stabilization energy associated with the formation of arenium ions. Examples of applications are provided.

An Experimentally Established Key Intermediate in Benzene Nitration with Mixed Acid

Experimental evidence is reported for the first intermediate in the classic SEAr reaction of benzene nitration with mixed acid. The UV/Vis spectroscopic investigation of the reaction showed an intense absorption at 320 nm (appearing as a band shoulder) arising from a reaction intermediate. Our theoretical modeling shows that the interaction between the two principal reactants with solvent (H2SO4) molecules significantly affects the structure of the initial complex. In this complex, a larger distance between the aromatic ring and nitronium ion precludes the possibility for electronic charge transfer from the benzene π-system to the electrophile. The computational modeling of the potential energy surface reveals that the reaction favors a stepwise mechanism with intermediate formation of π- and σ-(arenium ion) complexes.

From charge transfer to electron transfer in halogen-bonded complexes of electrophilic bromocarbons with halide anions

Experimental and computational studies of the halogen-bonded complexes, [R-Br, X(-)], of bromosubstituted electrophiles, R-Br, and halide anions, X(-), revealed that decrease of a gap between the frontier orbitals of interacting species led to reduction of the energy of the optical charge-transfer transition and to increase in the ground-state charge transfer (X(-) → R-Br) in their associates. These variations were accompanied by weakening of the intramolecular, C-Br, and strengthening of the intermolecular, BrX(-), bonds. In the limit of the strongest electron donor-acceptor pairs, formation of the halogen-bonded complexes was followed by the oxidation of iodide to triiodide, which took place despite the fact that the I(-) → R-Br electron-transfer step was highly endergonic and the calculated outer-sphere rate constant was negligibly small. However, the calculated barrier for the inner-sphere electron transfer accompanied by the halogen transfer, R-BrI(-) → R˙Br-I(-)˙, was nearly 24 kcal mol(-1) lower as compared to that calculated for the outer-sphere process and the rate constant of such reaction was consistent with the experimental kinetics. A dramatic decrease of the electron-transfer barriers (leading to 18-orders of magnitude increase of the rate constant) was related to the strong electronic coupling of the donor and acceptor within the halogen-bonded precursor complex, as well as to the lower solvent reorganization energy and the successor-complex stabilization.

Effects of triphenyl phosphate as an inexpensive additive on the photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized nanocrystalline TiO2 solar cells

In this study, triphenyl phosphate (TPP) is applied as an effective and inexpensive additive in the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and an increase in the photoelectric conversion efficiency is obtained of almost 24%.

Arenium ions are not obligatory intermediates in electrophilic aromatic substitution

Our computational and experimental investigation of the reaction of anisole with Cl2 in nonpolar CCl4 solution challenges two fundamental tenets of the traditional SEAr (arenium ion) mechanism of aromatic electrophilic substitution. Instead of this direct substitution process, the alternative addition-elimination (AE) pathway is favored energetically. This AE mechanism rationalizes the preferred ortho and para substitution orientation of anisole easily. Moreover, neither the SEAr nor the AE mechanisms involve the formation of a σ-complex (Wheland-type) intermediate in the rate-controlling stage. Contrary to the conventional interpretations, the substitution (SEAr) mechanism proceeds concertedly via a single transition state. Experimental NMR investigations of the anisole chlorination reaction course at various temperatures reveal the formation of tetrachloro addition by-products and thus support the computed addition-elimination mechanism of anisole chlorination in nonpolar media. The important autocatalytic effect of the HCl reaction product was confirmed by spectroscopic (UV-visible) investigations and by HCl-augmented computational modeling.

On the ionizing properties of supercritical carbon dioxide: uncatalyzed electrophilic bromination of aromatics

scCO₂, a non-polar solvent with a dielectric constant lower than n-pentane, promotes the electrophilic bromination of aromatics as efficiently as strongly ionizing solvents such as aqueous acetic and trifluoroacetic acids.

Function-Oriented Synthesis of a Didesmethyl Triazacryptand Analogue for Fluorescent Potassium Ion Sensing

Triazacryptand (TAC)-based fluorescent K+ sensors have broad biomedical utility, yet their advancement has been hindered because of their challenging synthesis. Herein, an efficient synthesis is reported that delivers a didesmethyl tri-azacryptand (ddTAC) K+ sensor in twofold fewer steps and ninefold higher overall yield than the original TAC synthesis. Our synthesis utilizes a C-O dianionic oxidative macrocyclization and reports new examples of aminoarylations and a microwave route to xanthythilium chromophores. The K+ sensitivity and selectivity of the ddTAC-based sensor are comparable to the TAC-based sensor.

Evidence of reversibility in azo-coupling reactions between 1,3,5-tris(N,N-dialkylamino)benzenes and arenediazonium salts

The reactions between strongly electron-rich aromatic substrates (1,3,5-tris(N,N-dialkylamino)benzenes, neutral carbon super nucleophiles) and diazonium salts produce moderately stable sigma complexes (Wheland complexes). The reactivity of Wheland complexes with electrophiles (other diazonium salts, or 4,7-dinitrobenzofuroxan) produces exchange reactions in the electrophilic part: the better electrophile replaces the less powerful electrophile. In the same way, in Wheland complexes with the 1,3,5-tris(morpholinyl)benzene, the 1,3,5-tris(piperidinyl)benzene replaces the less powerful nucleophile 1,3,5-tris(morpholinyl)benzene. Evidence is reported here indicating that for the title system the reaction of the attack of the electrophilic reagent producing Wheland complexes is a reversible process. The final products of the diazo-coupling reactions undergo a further attack of some diazonium salts. From the final products of the double diazo-coupling reactions (diazo compounds), we collected evidence that is a clear instance of complete reversibility of the diazo-coupling reaction.

Remarkable effect of water on functionalization of the phenyl ring in methyl-substituted benzene derivatives with F-TEDA-BF4

Various N-F reagents reacted with hexamethylbenzene (1) forming side chain substituted alkoxides or esters in protic solvents, Ritter type side chain functionalization was observed in acetonitrile in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid, while in aqueous acetonitrile solution phenyl ring transformation took place, starting with ipso attack of water and further rearrangement of the methyl group as the main process. Rearranged 2,3,4,5,6,6-hexamethylcyclohexa-2,4-dienone (7) was transformed to 5-fluoro-2,3,5,6,6-pentamethyl-4-methylenecyclohex-2-en-1-one (8) or 5-hydroxy-2,3,5,6,6-pentamethyl-4-methylenecyclohex-2-en-1-one (9). 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexamethyl-bicyclo[2.2.0]hexa-2,5-diene reacted with F-TEDA-BF4 in the presence of water and 7 was formed in high yield. Durene (12) followed similar ipso attack of water as 1, but on the other hand 1,2,3,4-tetramethylbenzene displayed different regioselectivity and 2,3,4,5-tetramethylphenol was formed, further transforming to 4-fluoro-2,3,4,5-tetramethylcyclohexa-2,5-dienone. The functionalizations of methylbenzenes obeyed a second-order rate equation v = d[N-F]/dt = k2[N-F][substrate], and DeltaG# values between 77 and 94 kJ/mol were determined. The presence of water did not significantly influence DeltaG# but considerably affected DeltaS# and positive values were found where methyl group migration was the dominant process (9.1 J/(mol K) for 1 and 0.5 J/(mol K) for 12). A higher reactivity of durene than mesitylene (k2(MES)/k2(DUR) = 0.23) was found, supporting the assumption that single electron transfer (SET) is the dominant process in the functionalizations of methyl-substituted benzene derivatives with F-TEDA-BF4.