Controlling cis/trans-selectivity in intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions of benzo-tethered, ester linked 1,3,9-decatrienes

Emma L. Pearson, Anthony C. Willis*, Michael S. Sherburn, Michael N. Paddon-Row

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    12 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Predictions from DFT (B3LYP/6-31 G(d))-computed stereoisomer product distributions for intramolecular Diels-Alder (IMDA) reactions have been successfully replicated in the laboratory. Benzo-tethered hexadienyl acrylates generally undergo moderately trans-selective IMDA reactions which, as suggested by DFT calculation, arise from two opposing transition structure (TS) features: stabilising secondary orbital interactions, which are stronger in the cis-TSs, and stabilising π-conjugative interactions between the benzo moiety and the 1,3-diene component - which are stronger in trans-TSs. Substrates carrying a removable substituent (i.e. Br or TMS) at C3 of the diene or C12 of the aromatic ring are predicted to undergo highly cis-selective thermal IMDA reactions by steric destabilisation of the trans-TS. A substrate carrying a two atom tether between C3 and C12 is predicted to undergo a highly trans-selective intramolecular cycloaddition by destabilisation of the cis-TS. These calculations are borne out experimentally.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)513-522
    Number of pages10
    JournalOrganic and Biomolecular Chemistry
    Volume6
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Controlling cis/trans-selectivity in intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions of benzo-tethered, ester linked 1,3,9-decatrienes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this