2-Bromo-4-nitroaniline

The study of interactions with a halogen atom: influence of NH2 group insertion on the crystal structures of meta-bromonitrobenzene derivatives

Halogen atoms in molecular crystals may be involved in various interactions, often playing a very important role in structure stabilization. By introducing electron-donating groups, such as NH₂, the electron density of the molecule is changed and thus interactions with the bromine substituent may alter. Herein, the crystal structures of meta-bromonitrobenzene and its NH₂-substituted derivatives are analyzed. In all four described structures, namely m-bromonitrobenzene [Charlton & Trotter (1963). Acta Cryst. 16, 313], 4-bromo-2-nitroaniline (C₆H₅BrN₂O₂, 1), 2-bromo-6-nitroaniline (2) and 2-bromo-4-nitroaniline [Arshad et al. (2009). Acta Cryst. E65, o480], the Br atom is engaged in different interactions (Br...π, Br...O, Br...Br and C-H...Br, respectively). The Hirshfeld surface analysis (HS) and Reduced Density Gradient NonCovalent Interaction (RDG NCI) plots are used to prove the relevance, directionality and stabilizing nature of these interactions. Their modifications have been associated with the position of the amino group in the molecular structure and its influence on charge distribution analyzed with electrostatic potential surfaces (EPS). The diversification of the interactions has been correlated with a σ-hole potential value that enables a switching of the Br-atom character from electrophilic to nucleophilic.

Green halogenation of aromatic heterocycles using ammonium halide and hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid solvent

The green generation of X+ (X = Br, I) using hydrogen peroxide in aqueous acetic acid allows access to aromatic heterocyclic halides in yields and purities comparable to syntheses employing N-bromosuccinimide. In activated and unsubstituted thiophene rings, regioselectivity is quantitative for positions α to the sulfur; pyrroles also give quantitative reactions, at least initially. Deactivated rings, including furans and thiazoles, as well as thiophenes with strongly electron-withdrawing groups showed little to no reactivity under the conditions investigated. The reaction shows remarkable functional group tolerance (to alcohol, nitro, alkyl, halo, and carbonyl groups), as shown through reaction with substituted phenols. In all bromination reactions, reaction yields and regiochemistry were very similar to reactions involving N-bromosuccinimide in tetrahydrofuran solvent.