A molecular electron density theory study on the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide with 2-cyclopentenone

In the present work, the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (Nit-5) and 2-cyclopentenone (CPN-6), experimentally reported by Tamura et al., was theoretically studied using the newly introduced molecular electron density theory (MEDT). Based on the experimental findings, this reaction takes place in an O3-C4 regio- and an exo-stereospecific fashion to give corresponding [3 + 2] exo cycloadduct as the sole product. The results of the potential energy surface analysis indicated that the experimentally reported product is more favorable both thermodynamically and kinetically relative to other possible adducts. In complete agreement with the experimental outcomes, the conceptual density functional theory reactivity indices explained the reactivity and regioselectivity of the reaction. Calculation of global electron density transfer of the energetically most preferred transition state indicated that the electron density fluxes from Nit-5 as a nucleophilic species toward CPN-6 as an electrophilic species. Analysis of the molecular electrostatic potential map of the most favorable transition state showed that approach of Nit-5 and CPN-6 locates the oppositely charged regions over each other leading to attractive forces between two reagents rationalizing the exo stereoselectivity predominance. The molecular mechanism of the reactions was specified using electron localization function analysis over some relevant points along the intrinsic reaction coordinate profile of the most favorable transition state and the results indicated that this zwitterionic-type [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction proceeds through a two-stage one-step mechanism. In fact, while the O3-C4 single bond is initialy formed between two fragments through donation of some electron density from the O3 oxygen lone electron-pairs of Nit-5 toward the C4 carbon atom of CPN-6, the delayed C1-C5 single bond begins to form via C1- to -C5 coupling of pseudodiracal centers created on theses atoms over the course of reaction.

Copper(i)-catalyzed asymmetric aza Diels–Alder reactions of azoalkenes toward fulvenes: a molecular electron density theory study

An ADA reaction between AD-2 and FU-3 was theoretically studied within two uncatalyzed as well as catalyzed pathways.

Application of 1,3-Dipolar Reactions between Azomethine Ylides and Alkenes to the Synthesis of Catalysts and Biologically Active Compounds

The (3+2) cycloaddition between azomethine ylides and alkenes is an efficient, convergent and stereocontrolled method for the synthesis of unnatural pyrrolidine and proline scaffolds. In this review, the application of this reaction to the synthesis of enantiopure organometallic ligands for asymmetric catalysis is presented first. These new EhuPhos ligands can participate in a second generation of 1,3-dipolar reactions that generate an offspring of unnatural proline derivatives that behave as efficient organocatalysts. These densely substituted unnatural l-proline derivatives exhibit distinct features, different to those described for natural l-proline and its derivatives. Finally, several examples of biologically active proline derivatives obtained by means of (3+2) cycloadditions involving azomethine ylides are presented. These applications show the character of privileged structures of these polysubstituted pyrrolidine rings.

A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study of the Role of the Copper Metalation of Azomethine Ylides in [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions

The copper metalation of azomethine ylides (AYs) in [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions with electron-deficient ethylenes has been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d,p) level, in order to shed light on the electronic effect of the metalation in the course of the reaction. Analysis of the Conceptual Density Functional Theory reactivity indices indicates that the metalation of AYs markedly enhances the nucleophilicity of these species given the anionic character of the AY framework. These 32CA reactions take place through stepwise mechanisms characterized by the formation of a molecular complex. Both nonmetalated and metalated 32CA reactions present similar activation energies. While metalated 32CA reactions are completely regioselective, their stereoselectivity depends on the bulk of the ligand as well as the nature of the ethylene derivative. The metalation of the AY slightly increases the asynchronicity of the C-C single bond formation. Electron Localization Function topological analysis of the C-C bond formation processes makes it possible to characterize the mechanism of these 32CA reactions as a two-stage one-step mechanism. The present MEDT study rules out any catalytic role of the Cu(I) cation in the kinetics of the 32CA reactions of metalated AYs.

A molecular electron density theory study on the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of thiocarbonyl ylides with hetaryl thioketones

In situ generated TCY 2 is trapped with THK 3 over the course of a non-polar, entirely C1–C4 regioselective, pdr-type 32CA reaction passing through TS 1 in a non-concerted two-stage one-step molecular mechanism.

Non-pericyclic cycloaddition of gem-difluorosubstituted azomethine ylides to the CO bond: computational study and synthesis of fluorinated oxazole derivatives

The cycloaddition of α,α,α-trifluoroacetophenones with gem-difluoro-substituted azomethine ylides, generated from N-benzhydrylideneamines and difluorocarbenes, occurs regioselectively to give fluorinated oxazolidines.

1,3-Dipolar [3 + 3] cycloaddition of α-halohydroxamate-based azaoxyallyl cations with hydrazonoyl chloride-derived nitrile imines

Promoted by Et₃N, the 1,3-dipolar [3 + 3] cycloaddition of α-halohydroxamate-based azaoxyallylcations with hydrazonoyl chloride-derived nitrile imines occurred efficiently, and furnished desired products in acceptable chemical yields.

A DFT computational study of the molecular mechanism of [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between nitroethene and benzonitrile N-oxides

DFT calculations were performed to shed light on the molecular mechanism of [3 + 2] cycloadditions of simple conjugated nitroalkenes to benzonitrile N-oxides. In particular, it was found that these processes proceed by a one-step mechanism through asynchronous transition states. According to the latest terminology, they should be considered polar but not stepwise processes.