Formation of Bifunctional Octasilsesquioxanes via Silylative Coupling and Cross-Metathesis Reaction

What do we know about bifunctional cage-like T8 silsesquioxanes? Theory versus lab routine

In this article, we explore theoretical validations of experimental findings pertaining to the classical corner-capping reactions of a commercially available heptaisobutyltrisilanol cage to mono-substituted phenylhepta(isobutyl)-POSS cages. Additionally, the process of opening a fully condensed cage is tracked to assess the possibility of isolating and separating the resulting isomers. The corner-capping reactions of potential silanotriols, both as monomers and dimers, and the impact of these structural motifs on their closing to bifunctional POSS cages are also investigated. Our studies highlight that analyzing experimental results alone, without incorporating complex theoretical investigations, does not offer a clear understanding of the reactions involving multiple simultaneously reacting substrates, which may also undergo further transformations, potentially complicating the conventional pathways of classic corner-opening/capping reactions.

Metal-free synthesis of unsymmetric bis(thioesters)

The first metal-free protocol for efficient synthesis of unsymmetric bis(thioesters) via functionalization of dithiols with two different α,β-unsaturated aldehydes is presented. The methodology described leads to a novel class of dithiol-based building blocks.

A library of new bifunctional alkenes obtained by a highly regiodivergent silylation of 1,5-hexadiene

An efficient methodology for the synthesis of two groups of silicon-containing alkenes is reported. It includes a highly regioselective functionalization of 1,5-hexadiene through hydrosilylation and dehydrogenative silylation with organofunctional silanes and siloxanes. The established conditions enable selective monofunctionalization of 1,5-hexadiene regardless of the organosilicon modifier used as well as the type of functional group bonded to the silicon-based compound. All products were isolated and fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and MS techniques.