Photochemical nucleophile–olefin combination, aromatic substitution (photo-NOCAS) reaction. Part 6: methanol, nonconjugated dienes, and 1,4-dicyanobenzene

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 415-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Kimberly A. McManus ◽  
Xinyao Du

Irradiation, through Pyrex, of an acetonitrile–methanol (3:1) solution of 1,4-dicyanobenzene (1) and 1,5-hexadiene (9) leads to formation of ortho and meta cyclic adducts (13–16) arising from the intermediate exciplex. There was no evidence for interaction between the two double bonds of this nonconjugated diene. The oxidation potential of 9 is high enough (> 3 V vs. sce) to preclude single electron transfer (SET); no photo-NOCAS products are formed. Similar irradiation of acetonitrile–methanol solutions of 1 and 2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene (10) does yield a photo-NOCAS product (17); reaction occurs only on the more heavily substituted double bond. The additional substitution on the double bond lowers the oxidation potential (2.70 V vs. sce) of this diene to the point where SET from 10 to the excited singlet state of 1 can occur. In this case, no cycloaddition products are formed; the exciplex is quenched by electron transfer. There was no evidence for interaction between the two double bonds of the initially formed radical cation 10+•, or between the terminal double bond and the β-alkoxyalkyl radical of the intermediate leading to the photo-NOCAS product. The photo-NOCAS product (19) was also formed when 2,5-dimethyl-1,5-hexadiene (11) was subjected to these reaction conditions. In this case, when biphenyl (4) was added as a codonor, in addition to the photo-NOCAS product, products (21cis and trans) resulting from cyclization of the initially formed acyclic radical cation 11+• to give the 1,4-dimethylcyclohexane-1,4-diyl radical cation were also observed. This 1,6-endo, endo cyclization of 11+• must be rapid enough to compete with reaction with methanol. There was no evidence for cyclization (neither 1,4-exo nor 1,5-endo) of the intermediate β-alkoxyalkyl radical. When the radical cation of 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-hexadiene (12+•) is generated under these reaction conditions, photo-NOCAS products 22 and 23 are formed at the more heavily substituted double bond, along with the conjugated tautomer 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene (24). The mechanisms for these transformations are discussed.

1993 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 450-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin McMahon ◽  
Donald R. Arnold

Dicyanobenzene-1,4 (1) and -1,2 are known to undergo substitution upon irradiation, in the presence of an olefin, in acetonitrile–methanol (3:1) solution. The products are 1:1:1 (methanol:olefin:aromatic) adducts, substituted on the aromatic ring with loss of a cyano group. This reaction, referred to as the photo-NOCAS (nucleophile–olefin combination, aromatic substitution) reaction, has been shown to be fairly general with regard to the olefin and the nucleophile that can be incorporated. Less is known about the scope of the reaction incorporating other electron-withdrawing substituted aromatic molecules. The purpose of this study was to determine if methyl 4-cyanobenzoate (10) would also take part in this reaction, to form 4-substituted aromatic esters. Irradiation of acetonitrile–methanol solutions of 10 and olefins 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene (2) and 1-methylcyclohexene (5) gave cyclic imine esters, 11 and 13, respectively, instead of photo-NOCAS products. The photo-NOCAS products were obtained when the codonor biphenyl (4) was added to the irradiation mixture. Formation of the cyclic imine ester is attributed to excitation of the charge-transfer complex formed between 10 and the olefin. The addition of biphenyl (4) serves to generate the contact radical ion pair (CRIP) upon irradiation of the charge-transfer complex between 10 and 4. This CRIP can dissociate to the solvent-separated radical ions, the radical cation of 4 can accept an electron from the olefin, and the olefin radical cation can go on to give the photo-NOCAS products. Irradiation of a solution of 10 and 2 in nonpolar solvent (benzene) gave the oxetane, believed to arise from the exciplex. In addition to photo-NOCAS products from 10, 4-cyanophenylketones 17 and 23 are also formed by attack of the β-alkoxyalkyl radical at the carboxyl carbonyl. The differences in behaviour between 1,4-dicyanobenzene (1) and methyl 4-cyanobenzoate (10) under these reaction conditions are described and explained.


1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 1238-1248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R Arnold ◽  
Kimberly A McManus

The photochemical nucleophile-olefin combination, aromatic substitution (photo-NOCAS) reaction of methanol, 7-methyl-3-methylene-1,6-octadiene ( β-myrcene, 1), and 1,4-dicyanobenzene yields five 1:1:1 adducts:cis-2-(4-cyanophenyl)-4-(1-methoxy-1-methylethyl)-1-methylenecyclohexane (15), trans-2-(4-cyanophenyl)-4-(1-methoxy-1-methylethyl)-1-methylenecyclohexane (16), 1-(4-cyanophenylmethyl)-4-(1-methoxy-1-methylethyl)cyclohexene (17), 4-[4-methoxy-3,3-dimethylcyclohex-(E)-1-ylidenyl]methylbenzonitrile (18), and 4-(1-vinyl-4-trans-methoxy-3,3-dimethylcyclohexyl)benzonitrile (19). All of these adducts are cyclic; variation in the product ratio as a function of methanol concentration indicates cyclization is occurring, 1,6-endo, with both the initially formed radical cation and with the intermediate β-alkoxyalkyl radicals. Evidence based upon comparison of the ionization and oxidation potential of β-myrcene with model alkenes and with conjugated dienes indicates the initial electron transfer involves the trisubstituted mono alkene moiety; the diene moiety, mono-substituted at a nodal position, has a higher oxidation potential. High-level ab initio molecular orbital calculations (MP2/6-31G*//HF/6-31G*) provide useful information regarding the nature (relative energies and charge and spin distribution) of the intermediate radical cations, which supports the proposed reaction mechanism. Key words: photoinduced electron transfer, radicals, radical cations, β-myrcene, cyclization.


1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (6) ◽  
pp. 762-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis A. Connor ◽  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Pradip K. Bakshi ◽  
T. Stanley Cameron

The photochemical nucleophile–olefin combination, aromatic substitution (photo-NOCAS) reaction of methanol, 2,6-dimethyl-1,6-heptadiene, and 1,4-dicyanobenzene yields three distinct types of 1:1:1 adducts: an acyclic product, 4-(1-methoxymethyl-1,5-dimethyl-5-hexenyl)benzonitrile (8, 5%); a cis–trans pair of cyclohexanes, 4-(3-methoxymethyl-1,3-dimethylcyclohexyl)benzonitrile (9cis (12%) and 9trans (11%)); and a cis–trans pair of cycloheptanes, 4-(4-methoxy-1,4-dimethylcycloheptyl)benzonitrile (10cis (12%) and 10trans (10%)). Variation in the concentration of the nucleophile, methanol, and codonor, biphenyl, affects the product ratio and it has been possible to establish the mechanisms for the formation of these products. The acyclic product is formed by a typical photo-NOCAS reaction, that is, addition (anti-Markovnikov) across one of the heptadiene double bonds. The cyclohexane products are formed following 1,6-endo cyclization of the intermediate β-alkoxy radical. And the cycloheptane products result from 1,7-endo,endo cyclization of the initially formed 2,6-dimethyl-1,6-heptadiene radical cation. Comparison of the relative rates of these cyclization processes can be made with those of the next smaller homolog, 2,5-dimethyl-1,5-hexadiene. Keywords: photochemistry, photoinduced electron transfer, radical ions, radicals, cyclization.


1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 689-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Shelley A. Mines

Alkenes, conjugated with a phenyl group, can be converted to nonconjugated tautomers by sensitized (electron transfer) irradiation. For example, irradiation of an acetonitrile solution of the conjugated alkene 1-phenylpropene, the electron accepting photosensitizer 1,4-dicyanobenzene, the cosensitizer biphenyl, and the base 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine gave the nonconjugated tautomer 3-phenylpropene in good yield. Similarly, 2-methyl-1-phenylpropene gave 2-methyl-3-phenylpropene, and 1-phenyl-1-butene gaveE- and Z-1-phenyl-2-butene. The reaction also works well with cyclic alkenes. For example, 1-phenylcyclohexene gave 3-phenylcyclohexene, and 1-(phenylmethylene)cyclohexane gave 1-(phenylmethyl)cyclohexene. The proposed mechanism involves the initial formation of the alkene radical cation and the sensitizer radical anion, induced by irradiation of the sensitizer and mediated by the cosensitizer. Deprotonation of the radical cation assisted by the base gives the ambident radical, which is then reduced to the anion by the sensitizer radical anion. Protonation of the ambident anion at the benzylic position completes the sequence. Reprotonation at the original position is an energy wasting step. Tautomerization is driven toward the isomer with the higher oxidation potential, which is, in the cases studied, the less thermodynamically stable isomer. The regioselectivity of the deprotonation step is dependent upon the conformation of the allylic carbon–hydrogen bond. The tautomerization of 2-methyl- 1-phenylbutene gave both 2-phenylmethyl-1-butène and 2-methyl-1-phenyl-2-butene (E and Z isomers), while 2,3-dimethyl- 1-phenylbutene gave only 3-methyl-2-phenylmethyl-1 -butene. In the latter case, steric interaction of the methyls on the isopropyl group prevents effective overlap of the tertiary carbon–hydrogen bond with the singly occupied molecular orbital, thus inhibiting deprotonation from this site. Keywords: photosensitized, electron transfer, alkene, tautomerization, radical cation.


1997 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1055-1075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Kimberly A. McManus ◽  
Mary S.W. Chan

The scope of the photochemical nucleophile–olefin combination, aromatic substitution (photo-NOCAS) reaction has been extended to include cyanide anion as the nucleophile. Highest yields of adducts were obtained when the alkene or diene has an oxidation potential less than ca. 1.5 V (SCE). No adducts were obtained from 2-methylpropene (9), oxidation potential 2.6 V. Oxidation of cyanide anion, by the radical cation of the alkene or diene, can compete with the combination. With the alkenes, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene (2) and 2-methyl-2-butene (10), both nitriles and isonitriles were obtained; isonitriles were not detected from the reactions involving the dienes, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (11), 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene (12), 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene (13), 2,4-dimethyl-1,3-pentadiene (14), and 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene (6). The specificity, nitrile versus isonitrile, is explained in terms of the Hard-Soft-Acid-Base (HSAB) principle. The photo-NOCAS reaction also occurs with the allene, 2,4-dimethyl-2,3-pentadiene (15), cyanide combining at the central carbon. Factors influencing the regiochemistry of the combination step, Markovnikov versus anti-Markovnikov, have been defined. Cyanide anion adds preferentially to the less alkyl-substituted, less sterically hindered, end of an unsymmetric alkene or conjugated diene radical cation, forming the more heavily alkyl-substituted radical intermediate. High-level abinitio molecular orbital calculations (MP2/6-31G*//HF/6-31G*) have been used to determine the effect of alkyl substitution on the stability of the intermediates, β-cyano and β-isocyano alkyl radicals, and products, alkyl cyanides and isocyanides. The more heavily alkyl-substituted radical is not necessarily the more stable. The product ratio (Markovnikov versus anti-Markovnikov) must be kinetically controlled. Keywords: photochemistry, radical ions, electron transfer, nitriles, isonitriles.


1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 522-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Xinyao Du ◽  
Huub J.P. de Lijser

The structure and reactivity of the radical cation of (+)-2-carene ((1S,6R)-3,7,7-trimethyl-cis-bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-2-ene (3)) have been studied. The radical cation was generated by photoinduced single electron transfer to the first electronically excited singlet state of 1,4-dicyanobenzene in acetonitrile–methanol (3:1). The 1:1:1 (methanol:2-carene:1,4-dicyanobenzene) adducts were formed: trans-3-(4-cyanophenyl)-4-(1-methoxy-1-methylethyl)-1-methylcyclohexene(14), and cis- (15) and trans-3-(4-cyanophenyl)-6-(1-methoxy-1-methylethyl)-3-methylcyclohexene (16) in a combined yield of 80%. The efficiency of the reaction and the yield of products were increased by the addition of biphenyl, serving as a codonor. These photo-NOCAS adducts formally result from cleavage of the three-membered ring of the 2-carene radical cation, at the C1—C7 bond, forming the tertiary carbocation and allylic radical. Reaction of the cation with methanol and coupling of the allylic radical with the 1,4-dicyanobenzene radical anion at the ipso position, followed by loss of cyanide ion, completes the sequence. There was no evidence for cleavage of the C1—C6 bond under these conditions; however, when the irradiation was carried out in acetonitrile (no methanol) the (+)-2-carene was partially racemized. Racemization is indicative of C1—C6 bond cleavage. The results of abinitio molecular orbital calculations (STO-3G) provide insight into the extent of C1—C7 bond cleavage in the radical cation. The calculated spin and charge distribution, on the 2-carene radical cation global minimum (3a+•), is consistent with the observed regiospecificity of adduct formation. Keywords: photoinduced electron transfer, radical ions, molecular orbital calculations, bond cleavage, 2-carene.


1997 ◽  
Vol 75 (12) ◽  
pp. 1795-1809 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.J.P. de Lijser ◽  
T. Stanley Cameron ◽  
Donald R. Arnold

The reactivity of methylenecyclopropane (MCP, 1) and its radical cation (1+•) have been studied in the presence and absence of a nucleophile (methanol). Photochemical reactions of 1 in the presence of an electron-acceptor (1,4-dicyanobenzene, 6) and a codonor (biphenyl, 7) in acetonitrile (with and without methanol present) or chloroform lead to cycloadditions (ortho, meta, and para; products 12–17) rather than products from photoinduced electron transfer (PET). Based on the measured (cyclic voltammetry, CV) oxidation potential, using the Weller equation, electron transfer (ET) was predicted to occur. It was shown that the measured oxidation potential of 1 represents the adiabatic ionization potential. For PET processes the value for the vertical ionization potential must be used. Electrochemical (EC) generation of 1+• without a nucleophile present results in the formation of one major product: tert-butyl acetamide (25). A series of rearrangements leading to the tert-butyl cation is proposed. Addition of a nucleophile (methanol) to the mixture leads to the formation of 3-methoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)-1-propene (26). This product may arise from trapping of the initially formed ring-opened (trimethylenemethane) radical cation (1a+•), which undergoes a second oxidation and nucleophilic addition (ECE). Keywords: methylenecyclopropane, radical cation, photochemistry, electrochemistry, photocycloaddition.


1977 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franz P. Schmidtchen ◽  
Peter Rauschenbach ◽  
Helmut Simon

A method for optical resolution of chiral acids is described. It consists of the conversion of racemic acids to diastereomeric amides, their chromatographic separation and subsequent deamidation via the nitrosamide route. Reaction conditions for cleavage of amide derivatives of phenylalanine and methylbenzylamine are given. No or only negligible racemization of carboxylic acids, chiral in α-position takes place under those conditions. The extent of Ε,Ζ-isomerization of double bonds is very small, as is the extent of double bond migration from the Δ3-position into conjugation with the carboxyl function. Enantiomerically pure R- or S[2-3H]2-methylbutanoic acid and (-)methyl-3(p-chlorophenyl)-2-chloropropionate (Bidisin®) were prepared by this procedure.


1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (12) ◽  
pp. 2119-2127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Laurie J. Lamont

The scope of the photosensitized (electron transfer) carbon–carbon bond cleavage involving radical cations has been defined for 2-phenylethyl ethers and acetals. The thresholds for reactivity of the monophenylethyl and gem-diphenylethyl derivatives are compared. While the radical cation of methyl 2,2-diphenylethyl ether (7) cleaves to give ultimately diphenylmethane (2) and dimethoxymethane (8), the radical cation of methyl 2-phenylethyl ether (9) was stable under these conditions. In contrast to the lack of reactivity of the radical cation of 9, the radical cations of methyl 2-phenyl-2-propyl ether (11), methyl 2-phenylcyclopentyl ether (13), and 2-phenylmethyl-1,3-dioxolane (16) cleave. Cleavage in the monophenylethyl series is limited to formation of a carbocation at least as stable as the secondary α-oxyalkyl or di-α-oxyalkyl. The basis for predicting this type of reactivity of radical cations is defined. The rate of carbon–carbon bond cleavage is increased by increasing the oxidation potential of the molecule, by decreasing the carbon–carbon bond strength, and (or) by decreasing the oxidation potential of that fragment that will become the carbocation. The results obtained from the reactions of 2-diphenylmethyl-1,3-dioxolane (14) and 2-phenylmethyl-1,3-dioxolane (16) cast doubt on the published oxidation potential for the 1,3-dioxolan-2-yl radical. Keywords: photochemistry, radical cation, electron transfer, bond cleavage, radical.


The relative fluorescence yield, the lifetime and the triplet yield have been investigated, for solutions in lecithin, of chlorophyll α in the presence of a series of quinones. The singlet and triplet yields show the same dependence on quinone concentration; the lifetimes show a slightly weaker dependence. I t is proposed that the quenching proceeds via electron transfer from the excited singlet state of the chlorophyll α molecule to its nearest neighbour quinone. A model, based upon a random distribution of molecules, is used to derive quenching parameters. The model gives a good account of the experimental data and it is found that the quenching ability is directly related to the oxidation potential of the quinone.


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