Search for: All records

We report here a study that has revealed two distinct modes of reactivity of azobenzene derivatives (ArNNAr) with benzynes, depending on whether the aryne reacts with a trans - or a cis -azobenzene geometric isomer. Under thermal conditions, trans -azobenzenes engage benzyne via an initial [2 + 2] trapping event, a process analogous to known reactions of benzynes with diarylimines (ArCNAr). This is followed by an electrocyclic ring opening/closing sequence to furnish dihydrophenazine derivatives, subjects of contemporary interest in other fields ( e.g. , electronic and photonic materials). In contrast, when the benzyne is attacked by a cis -azobenzene, formation of aminocarbazole derivatives occurs via an alternative, net (3 + 2) pathway. We have explored these complementary orthogonal processes both experimentally and computationally. 

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.

 

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.