skip to main content


Title: Parameterization of Arynophiles: Experimental Investigations towards a Quantitative Understanding of Aryne Trapping Reactions
Abstract Arynes are highly reactive intermediates that may be used strategically in synthesis by trapping with arynophilic reagents. However, ‘arynophilicity’ of such reagents is almost completely anecdotal and predicting which ones will be efficient traps is often challenging. Here, we describe a systematic study to parameterize the arynophilicity of a wide range of reagents known to trap arynes. A relative reactivity scale, based on one-pot competition experiments, is presented by using furan as a reference arynophile and 3-chlorobenzyne as a the aryne. More than 15 arynophiles that react in pericyclic reactions, nucleophilic addition, and σ-bond insertion reactions are parameterized with arynophilicity (A) values, and multiple aryne precursors are applicable.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1856705 1828573
NSF-PAR ID:
10343351
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Synthesis
ISSN:
0039-7881
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
More Like this
  1. Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) constitute a powerful synthetic tool to generate a large number of small molecules with high atom economy, which thus can efficiently expand the chemical space with molecular diversity and complexity. Aryne-based MCRs offer versatile possibilities to construct functionalized arenes and benzo-fused heterocycles. Because of their electrophilic nature, arynes couple with a broad range of nucleophiles. Thus, a variety of aryne-based MCRs have been developed, the representative of which are summarized in this account. 1 Introduction 2 Aryne-Based Multicomponent Reactions 2.1 Trapping with Isocyanides 2.2 Trapping with Imines 2.3 Trapping with Amines 2.4 Insertion into π-Bonds 2.5 Trapping with Ethers and Thioethers 2.6 Trapping with Carbanions 2.7 Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Approaches 3 Strategies Based on Hexadehydro Diels–Alder Reaction 3.1 Dihalogenation 3.2 Halohydroxylation and Haloacylation 3.3 Amides and Imides 3.4 Quinazolines 3.5 Benzocyclobutene-1,2-diimines and 3H-Indole-3-imines 3.6 Other MCRs of Arynes and Isocyanides 4 Conclusion 
    more » « less
  2. Substituent-dependent reactivity and selectivity in the intramolecular reactions of arynes tethered with an allene are described. With a 1,3-disubstituted allene moiety, an Alder–ene reaction of an allenic C–H bond is preferred over a [2 + 2] cycloaddition, whereas a [2 + 2] cycloaddition of the terminal π-bond of the allene is preferred with a 1,1-disubstituted allene. With a 1,1,3-trisubstituted allene-tethered aryne, an Alder–ene reaction with an allylic C–H bond is preferred over a [2 + 2] cycloaddition. 
    more » « less
  3. Abstract

    Herein, the synthesis of 1,2,3,4‐tetrasubstituted benzenoid rings, motifs found in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and natural products, is described.[1]In the past, the regioselective syntheses of such compounds have been a significant challenge. This work reports a method using substituted arynes derived from aryl(Mes)iodonium salts to access a range of densely functionalized 1,2,3,4‐tetrasubstituted benzenoid rings. Significantly, it was found that halide substituents are compatible under these conditions, enabling post‐synthetic elaboration via palladium‐catalyzed coupling. This concise strategy is predicated on two regioselective events: 1) ortho‐ deprotonation of aryl(Mes)iodonium salts to generate a substituted aryne intermediate, and 2) regioselective trapping of said arynes, thereby improving previously reported reaction conditions to generate arynes at room temperature and in shorter reaction times. Density functional theory (DFT) computations and linear free energy relationship (LFER) analysis suggest the regioselectivity of deprotonation is influenced by both proximal and distal ring substituents on the aryne precursor. A competition experiment further reveals the role of arene substituents on relative reactivity of aryl(Mes)iodoniums as aryne precursors.

     
    more » « less
  4. Abstract

    Arynes are fleeting, high‐energy intermediates that undergo myriad trapping reactions by nucleophiles. Their unusual reactivity compared to other electrophiles can spur unexpected mechanistic pathways enroute to the formation of benzenoid products. Herein we explore a particularly unique case of thermally generated arynes reacting with phosphoranes to form helical dibenzothiophenes and ‐selenophenes. Multiple new helical polycyclic aromatic products are reported. DP4+ and X‐ray crystallographic analysis were used in tandem to confirm the structural topologies of selected products and to demonstrate the utility of DP4+ for distinguishing between isomeric polycyclic aromatic compounds. Lastly, we discuss a plausible mechanism consistent with DFT computations that accounts for the product formation; namely, ligand coupling (i.e., reductive elimination) within a hypervalent, pentacarbon‐ligated σ‐phosphorane furnishes the dibenzothio‐ or dibenzoselenophene.

     
    more » « less
  5. Abstract

    Arynes are fleeting, high‐energy intermediates that undergo myriad trapping reactions by nucleophiles. Their unusual reactivity compared to other electrophiles can spur unexpected mechanistic pathways enroute to the formation of benzenoid products. Herein we explore a particularly unique case of thermally generated arynes reacting with phosphoranes to form helical dibenzothiophenes and ‐selenophenes. Multiple new helical polycyclic aromatic products are reported. DP4+ and X‐ray crystallographic analysis were used in tandem to confirm the structural topologies of selected products and to demonstrate the utility of DP4+ for distinguishing between isomeric polycyclic aromatic compounds. Lastly, we discuss a plausible mechanism consistent with DFT computations that accounts for the product formation; namely, ligand coupling (i.e., reductive elimination) within a hypervalent, pentacarbon‐ligated σ‐phosphorane furnishes the dibenzothio‐ or dibenzoselenophene.

     
    more » « less