Unveiling the Synthesis of Spirocyclic, Tricyclic and Bicyclic Triazolooxazines From Intramolecular [3+2] Azide-alkyne Cycloadditions With a Molecular Electron Density Theory Perspective
Abstract The intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of azido alkynes leading to spirocyclic, tricyclic and bicyclic triazolooxazines has been studied within the molecular electron density theory (MEDT) at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d,p) level. The Electron localization function (ELF) characterizes the azido alkynes as zwitterionic species. Analysis of the Conceptual DFT indices allows classifying the azide moiety as the electrophilic counterpart and the alkyne as the nucleophilic one. These 32CA reactions are under kinetic control with the activation free energies of 23.4 - 26.7 kcal mol-1. Along the reaction path, the pseudoradical center is created initially at C4, consistent with the Parr function analysis, however the sequence of bond formation is controlled by the energetically feasible formation of the six membered oxazine ring. The intermolecular interactions at the TSs were characterized from the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) study and the Non covalent interaction (NCI) gradient isosurfaces.