A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study of the Reactivity of Azomethine Imine in [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions

The electronic structure and the participation of the simplest azomethine imine (AI) in [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions have been analysed within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) using DFT calculations at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d) level. Electron localisation function (ELF) topological analysis reveals that AI has a pseudoradical structure, while the conceptual DFT reactivity indices characterise this TAC as a moderate electrophile and a good nucleophile. The non-polar 32CA reaction of AI with ethylene takes place through a one-step mechanism with low activation energy, 5.3 kcal/mol-1. A bonding evolution theory (BET) study indicates that this reaction takes place through a non-…

A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study of the [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction of Pseudo(mono)radical Azomethine Ylides with Phenyl Vinyl Sulphone

The [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of an azomethine ylide (AY), derived from isatin and L-proline, with phenyl vinyl sulphone has been studied within Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the ωB97X-D/6-311G(d,p) level. ELF topological analysis of AY classifies it as a pseudo(mono)radical species with two monosynaptic basins at the C1 carbon, integrating a total of 0.76 e. While vinyl sulphone has a strong electrophilic character, AY is a supernucleophile, suggesting a high polar character and low activation energy for the reaction. The nucleophilic Parr functions indicate that the pseudoradical C1 carbon is the most nucleophilic center. The 32CA reaction presents an activat…

Unveiling the Reactivity of Cyclic Azomethine Ylides in [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions within the Molecular Electron Density Theory

An MEDT study of the mechanism and selectivities of the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of tomentosin with benzonitrile oxide

Unveiling the regioselectivity in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions of deactivated benzenes through molecular electron density theory

The origin of the meta regioselectivity in electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) reactions of deactivated benzene derivatives is herein analysed through Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT). To this end, the EAS reaction of benzenesulfonic acid with the nitronium NO2+ ion in H2SO4 solution has been studied at the ωB97X-D/6-311G(d,p) level. This reaction takes place through a two-step polar mechanism involving the formation of an unstable cation intermediate. The activation Gibbs free energies associated with the three competitive regioisomeric reaction paths are found in the narrow range of 15.5–18.3 kcal mol−1. By using the Eyring–Polanyi equation a relationship of 18.7 (ortho) : 8…

The Participation of 3,3,3-Trichloro-1-nitroprop-1-ene in the [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction with Selected Nitrile N-Oxides in the Light of the Experimental and MEDT Quantum Chemical Study

The regioselective zw-type [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of a series of aryl-substituted nitrile N-oxides (NOs) with trichloronitropropene (TNP) have been both experimentally and theoretically studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT). Zwitterionic NOs behave as moderate nucleophiles while TNP acts as a very strong electrophile in these polar 32CA reactions of forward electron density flux, which present moderate activation Gibbs free energies of 22.8–25.6 kcal·mol−1 and an exergonic character of 28.4 kcal·mol−1 that makes them irreversible and kinetically controlled. The most favorable reaction is that involving the most nucleophilic MeO-substituted NO. Despite P…

Applications of the Conceptual Density Functional Theory Indices to Organic Chemistry Reactivity.

Indexación: Web of Science Theoretical reactivity indices based on the conceptual Density Functional Theory (DFT) have become a powerful tool for the semiquantitative study of organic reactivity. A large number of reactivity indices have been proposed in the literature. Herein, global quantities like the electronic chemical potential μ, the electrophilicity ω and the nucleophilicity N indices, and local condensed indices like the electrophilic and nucleophilic Parr functions, as the most relevant indices for the study of organic reactivity, are discussed. http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/21/6/748

A molecular electron density theory study of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between an azomethine imine and electron deficient ethylenes

[3+2] Cycloaddition reaction of 1H-phosphorinium-3-olate and 1-methylphosphorinium-3-olate with methyl acrylate: A DFT study

Abstract A density functional theory study was performed on the [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of 1H-phosphorinium-3-olate and 1-methylphosphorinium-3-olate with methyl acrylate. The thermodynamic and kinetic parameters were analysed by considering the regio- and stereoisomeric pathways in gas phase and solvents. The geometries indicate that the transition states are slightly more advanced and asynchronous in ethanol. Electron localisation function topological analysis of the bonding changes along the most favourable reaction pathway associated with the 32CA reaction of 1H-phosphorinium-3-olate with methyl acrylate indicates that the reaction takes place through a two-stage one-step me…

Synthesis, molecular structure and stability of fused bicyclic Δ4-1,2,4-oxadiazoline Pt(II) complexes

Abstract The reaction of trans -[PtCl 2 (NCR) 2 ] (R 1  = CH 2 CO 2 Me ( 1a ), R 2  = CH 2 Cl ( 1b )) with pyrroline N -oxide − O + N CHCH 2 CH 2 C Me 2 ( 4 ), at room temperature for 15 min, furnishes via [3+2] cycloaddition the fused bicyclic Δ 4 -1,2,4-oxadiazoline Pt(II) complexes trans- [PtCl 2 { N C(R)O N C(H)CH 2 CH 2 C Me 2 } 2 ] (R 1  = CH 2 CO 2 Me ( 5a ), R 2  = CH 2 Cl ( 5b )). Compounds 5a and 5b were refluxed in CH 2 Cl 2 for 1 week to afford the derived ketoimine Pt(II) complexes trans- [PtCl 2 {N(C( O)(R)) C CH 2 CH 2 C(Me 2 ) N H} 2 ] (R 1  = CH 2 CO 2 Me ( 6a ), R 2  = CH 2 Cl ( 6b )), respectively, as a result of the N–O bond cleavage of the oxadiazoline ring in 5 . The c…

A DFT study of the mechanism and selectivities of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between 3-(benzylideneamino)oxindole and trans -β-nitrostyrene

The mechanism and regioselectivities and stereoselectivities of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of 3-(benzylideneamino) oxindole (AY) and trans-β-nitrostyrene have been studied using both B3LYP and ωB97XD density functional theory methods together with the standard 6-31G(d) basis set. Four reactive pathways associated with the ortho and meta regioselective channels and endo and exo stereoselective approaches modes have been explored and characterized. While the B3LYP functional fails to predict the experimental regioselectivity, the ωB97XD one succeeds to predict the experimentally observed meta regioselectivity favoring the formation of meta/endo cycloadduct as the major isomer. …

Understanding the Influence of the Trifluoromethyl Group on the Selectivities of the [3+2] Cycloadditions of Thiocarbonyl S ‐methanides with α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones. A MEDT study

Understanding the Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reactions of N-Substituted N-Allyl-Furfurylamines: An MEDT Study

A molecular electron density theory study of the enhanced reactivity of aza aromatic compounds participating in Diels–Alder reactions

The enhanced reactivity of a series of four aza aromatic compounds (AACs) participating in the Diels–Alder (DA) reactions with ethylene has been studied using Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT). The analysis of the electronic structure of these AACs allows establishing that the substitution of the C–H unity by the isoelectronic N: unity linearly decreases the ring electron density (RED) of these compounds and concomitantly decreases their aromatic character and increases their electrophilic character. These behaviours not only decrease drastically the activation energies of these DA reactions, but also increase the reaction energies when they are compared with the very unfavourable DA…

Understanding the high reactivity of carbonyl compounds towards nucleophilic carbenoid intermediates generated from carbene isocyanides

The high reactivity of carbonyl compounds towards the carbenoid intermediate cis-IN, generated in situ by the addition of methyl isocyanide to dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD), has been investigated at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d,p) computational level by using Molecular Electron-Density Theory (MEDT). This multicomponent (MC) reaction is a domino process that comprises two sequential reactions: (i) the formation of a nucleophilic carbenoid intermediate trans-IN; and (ii) the nucleophilic attack of cis-IN on the carbonyl compound, resulting in the formation of the final 2-iminofuran derivative. The present MEDT study establishes that the high nucleophilic character and the electronic structur…

A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study of the Chemoselectivity, Regioselectivity, and Diastereofacial Selectivity in the Synthesis of an Anticancer Spiroisoxazoline derived from α-Santonin

The [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of an &alpha

A DFT study of [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of an azomethine imine with N-vinyl pyrrole and N-vinyl tetrahydroindole

The mechanism and selectivities of the [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of azomethine imine (AI) 8 with two N-vinyl five-membered heterocycles (NVFH), 9a and 9b, have been theoretically studied using DFT methods at the MPWB1K/6-31G(d) computational level. The possible ortho/meta regio- and endo/exo stereoselective channels were explored and characterised. The low polar character of these 32CA reactions, which is the consequence of the high nucleophilic character of both reagents, as well as the non-effective reactivity of these NVFH as nucleophiles, accounts for the high calculated activation energies, 16.1 (9a) and 16.8 (9b) kcalmol-1 in chlorobenzene. Analysis of the relative electron…

A new model for C–C bond formation processes derived from the Molecular Electron Density Theory in the study of the mechanism of [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of carbenoid nitrile ylides with electron-deficient ethylenes

Abstract The [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of the nitrile ylide (NY) with ethylene and with dicyanoethylene (DCE) have been studied using the Molecular Electron Density Theory through DFT calculations at the MPWB1K/6-31G(d) level. The analysis of the electronic structure of NY indicates that it presents a carbenoid structure with an sp 2 lone pair at the carbon atom. While the 32CA reaction with ethylene presents a low activation energy, 6.1 kcal mol −1 , the transition state structure associated with the 32CA reaction of NY with DCE is located 7.5 kcal mol −1 below the reagents, the reaction being completely regioselective. The topological analysis of the Electron Localisation Funct…

A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study of the Role of the Copper Metalation of Azomethine Ylides in [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions.

The copper metalation of azomethine ylides (AYs) in [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions with electron-deficient ethylenes has been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d,p) level, in order to shed light on the electronic effect of the metalation in the course of the reaction. Analysis of the Conceptual Density Functional Theory reactivity indices indicates that the metalation of AYs markedly enhances the nucleophilicity of these species given the anionic character of the AY framework. These 32CA reactions take place through stepwise mechanisms characterized by the formation of a molecular complex. Both nonmetalated and metalated 32CA reactions …

A molecular electron density theory study of the chemo- and regioselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between trifluoroacetonitrile N-oxide and thioketones

Abstract The [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction between trifluoroacetonitrile N-oxide (NO 7) and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3-thioxocyclobutan-1-one (THK 12) as well as the self-dimerization of NO 7 as a competitive pathway were studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) using several DFT functionals together with def2-TZVP basis set. Taking CCSD(T)/TZVP activation energies as reference, among the employed functionals, just the B2PLYP-D3(BJ) one is able to portray complete predominance of 32CA reaction over self-dimerization process in excellent agreement with the experimental outcomes. Analysis of the global reactivity indices permits to characterize NO 7 and THK 12 as a stron…

Unveiling the Chemistry of Higher-Order Cycloaddition Reactions within the Molecular Electron Density Theory

The higher-order cycloaddition (HOCA) reaction of tropone with cyclopentadiene (Cp) has been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory. The Electron Localization Function (ELF) analysis of the electronic structure of tropone and Cp characterizes the structural behaviors of the two conjugated unsaturated systems, while the conceptual DFT reactivity indices classify tropone as a strong electrophile and Cp as a strong nucleophile participating in polar cycloaddition reactions of reverse electron density flux. Eight competitive reaction paths have been characterized for this cycloaddition reaction. The most favorable one allowing the formation of the formal out [6 + 4] cycloadduct ha…

Divulging the various chemical reactivity of trifluoromethyl-4-vinyl-benzene as well as methyl-4-vinyl-benzene in [3+2] cycloaddition reactions.

Abstract In the present paper, an investigation about the [3 + 2]cycloaddition (32 C A) reactions of benzonitrile oxide with 1-trifluoromethyl-4-vinyl-benzene, and with 1-methyl-4-vinyl-benzene, using the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) through DFT/B3LYP/6–311++G (d,p), is performed. A deep mechanistic study beside an accurate electronic description of different stationary points along the IRC paths of the two 32 C A reactions have performed by examining the two competitive regioisomericortho/metareaction pathways, and providing the mechanism associated with them. The presence of the CF3 group reduces the activation energy, which makes it possible to increase the experimental yield…

Unveiling the Different Reactivity of Bent and Linear Three-Atom-Components Participating in [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions

The reactivity of a series of pairs of bent and linear three-atom-component (B-TACs and L-TACs) participating in [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions towards ethylene and electrophilic dicyanoethylene (DCE) have been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory. While the pseudodiradical structure of B-TACs changes to that of pseudoradical or carbenoid L-TACs upon dehydrogenation, zwitterionic B-TACs remain unchanged. Conceptual Density Functional Theory (CDFT) indices characterize five of the nine TACs as strong nucleophiles participating in polar reactions towards electrophilic ethylenes. The activation energies of the 32CA reactions with electrophilic DCE range from 0.5 to 22.0…

Experimental and Theoretical MEDT Study of the Thermal [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions of Aryl Azides with Alkyne Derivatives

Unveiling the high reactivity of cyclohexynes in [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions through the molecular electron density theory

[3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of cyclohexyne, a cyclic strained acetylene, with methyl azide and methoxycarbonyl diazomethane have been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d) computational level. These 32CA reactions, which take place through a one-step mechanism involving highly asynchronous transition state structures, proceed with relatively low activation enthalpies of 6.0 and 4.3 kcal mol-1, respectively, both reactions being strongly exothermic. The reactions are initiated by the creation of a pseudoradical center at one of the two acetylenic carbons of cyclohexyne with a very low energy cost, 1.0 kcal mol-1, which promotes the eas…

Unveiling the Ionic Diels-Alder Reactions within the Molecular Electron Density Theory

The ionic Diels–Alder (I-DA) reactions of a series of six iminium cations with cyclopentadiene have been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT). The superelectrophilic character of iminium cations, ω &gt

A bonding evolution theory study of the mechanism of [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of nitrones with electron-deficient ethylenes

The mechanism of zw-type [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of nitrones with electron-deficient (ED) ethylenes has been studied using density functional theory (DFT) methods at the MPWB1K/6-31G(d) level of theory. An exploration of the potential energy surfaces associated with the four competitive reactive channels of the 32CA reaction between C-phenyl-N-methyl nitrone and acrolein indicates that the cycloaddition reaction takes place through a one-step mechanism. This cycloaddition reaction presents a moderate meta regioselectivity and a complete endo stereoselectivity, which is diminished in dichloromethane. Analysis of the DFT reactivity indices of the reagents allows an explanation of…

Understanding the domino reaction between 1-diazopropan-2-one and 1,1-dinitroethylene. A molecular electron density theory study of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of diazoalkanes with electron-deficient ethylenes

The reaction between 1-diazopropan-2-one and 1,1-dinitroethylene has been studied using the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) computational level. This reaction comprises two domino processes initialised by a common [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction yielding a 1-pyrazoline, which participates in two competitive reaction channels. Along channel I, 1-pyrazoline firstly tautomerises to a 2-pyrazoline, which by a proton abstraction and spontaneous loss of nitrite anion yields the final pyrazole, while along channel II, the thermal extrusion of the nitrogen molecule in 1-pyrazoline gives a very reactive diradical intermediate which quickly yields the final gem-…

Unveiling the Intramolecular Ionic Diels–Alder Reactions within Molecular Electron Density Theory

The intramolecular ionic Diels–Alder (IIDA) reactions of two dieniminiums were studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the ωB97XD/6-311G(d,p) computational level. Topological analysis of the electron localization function (ELF) of dieniminiums showed that their electronic structures can been seen as the sum of those of butadiene and ethaniminium. The superelectrophilic character of dieniminiums accounts for the high intramolecular global electron density transfer taking place from the diene framework to the iminium one at the transition state structures (TSs) of these IIDA reactions, which are classified as the forward electro density flux. The activation enthalpy ass…

A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study of the Competitiveness of Polar Diels–Alder and Polar Alder-ene Reactions

Indexación: Scopus. Funding: Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) of the Spanish Government, project CTQ2016-78669-P (AEI/FEDER, UE) and Fondecyt (Chile) grant 1180348. Acknowledgments: This research was supported by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) of the Spanish Government, project CTQ2016-78669-P (AEI/FEDER, UE) and Fondecyt (Chile) grant 1180348. L.R.D. thanks Fondecyt for continuous support through Cooperación Internacional. M.R.-G. also thanks MINECO for a post-doctoral contract cofinanced by the European Social Fund (BES-2014-068258). The competitiveness of the BF3 Lewis acid (LA) catalyzed polar Diels–Alder (P-DA) and polar Alder-ene (P-AE) reactions …

Understanding the Mechanism of Nitrobenzene Nitration with Nitronium Ion: A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study

A DFT study of the mechanism of Brønsted acid catalysed Povarov reactions

Abstract The molecular mechanism of the Bronsted acid (BA) catalysed Povarov reaction of N -phenyl- C -methoxycarbonyl imine with a methylenecyclopropane (MCP) has been investigated using DFT methods at the MPWB1K/6-31G(d) level. This BA catalysed Povarov reaction is a domino process initialised by the formation of a cationic intermediate which experiences a quick intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction yielding the final tetrahydroquinoline. Protonation of the imine nitrogen atom notably increases the electrophilicity of the corresponding species, accelerating the reaction through ionic processes. Analysis of the Parr functions in the initial nucleophilic attack of MCP to the protonated imi…

A molecular electron density theory study of the insertion of CO into frustrated Lewis pair boron-amidines: a [4 + 1] cycloaddition reaction

The insertion of CO into hydrogenated boron-amidine 1 yielding five-membered diazaborolone (5DAB) 3 has been studied within the molecular electron density theory (MEDT) at the DFT ωB97X-D/6-311G(d,p) level. This is a domino process comprised of two consecutive reactions: (i) the dehydrogenation of 1 yielding the frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) boron-amidine 4, which quickly equilibrates with four-membered diazaborolone (4DAB) 2; and (ii) the addition of CO into FLP 4, yielding the final 5DAB 3. Analysis of the Gibbs free energies indicates that the extrusion of H2 demands a high ΔG≠ of 28.6 kcal·mol-1, being endergonic by 6.7 kcal·mol-1. The subsequent addition of CO into FLP 4 presents a low Δ…

A combined experimental and theoretical study of the thermal [3+2] cycloaddition of carbonyl ylides with activated alkenes

International audience; 4-Benzoyl-3,5-diaryltetrahydrofuran-2,2-dicarbonitriles were first synthesized from 2,2-dicyano-3-aryloxiranes and chalcones at toluene reflux; the 4,5-cis products proved to be predominantly formed and were isolated. Whereas shortened reaction times were observed by using microwave irradiation or catalytic cuprous chloride, no significant stereoselectivity change was in general noticed. Reacting 2,2-dicyano-3-aryloxiranes with 2-cyclopentenone next afforded 3-aryl-4-oxohexahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]furan-1,1-dicarbonitriles, and the endo stereoisomers were isolated. That no stereoselectivity change was noticed in the presence of cuprous chloride rather suggests an impac…

Understanding the [2n+2n] reaction mechanism between a carbenoid intermediate and CO2

ABSTRACTThe mechanism of the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with a nucleophilic carbenoid intermediate has been theoretically studied by using the bonding evolution theory (BET) at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory. BET combines topological analysis of the electron localisation function and catastrophe theory along a reaction path. This cycloaddition reaction is characterised by 16 structural stability domains, associated to the following sequence of catastrophes: C8H9NO4 + CO2: 16-CF†CF†F†CFF†C†C†[FF†]F†FCC†-0: C9H9NO6. Formation of the two new C-C and C-O single bonds evolves after the transition state structure is reached. The high nucleophilic character and the electronic structure of c…

A DFT Study of the Conversion of Ptaquiloside, a Bracken Fern Carcinogen, to Pterosin B in Neutral and Acidic Aqueous Medium

The conversion of ptaquiloside (PtQ), a bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) carcinogen, to pterosin B (PtB), which is involved in the underlying mechanisms of PtQ genotoxicity and carcinogenicity, has been theoretically studied in aqueous neutral (AN) and acid (AA) media, using DFT methods at the PCM(water)-B3LYP/6-31G(d)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) computational level. The β-elimination of glucose in AN and four reactive channels (A-D) defined by as many protonation sites in PtQ were calculated. Activation enthalpy decreases (from 42.0 to 12.6 kcal mol−1) in AA relative to AN suggesting protic catalysis. The most favoured channel A started with protonation of the tertiary O15 hydroxyl of PtQ and SN1 wa…

A molecular electron density theory study of the Lewis acid–catalyzed decomposition reaction of nitroethyl benzoate using aluminum derivatives

The carbenoid-type reactivity of simplest nitrile imine from a molecular electron density theory perspective

Abstract The [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of the simplest nitrile imine with ethylene and electrophilic dicyanoethylene have been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) with the aim of characterising its reactivity. Topological analysis of the electron localisation function of NI shows that it has a carbenoid structure. The activation energy of the 32CA reaction of the simplest nitrile imine with dicyanoethylene is 5.6 kcal mol−1 lower than that involving ethylene, in agreement with the high polar character of the former reaction. Bonding Evolution Theory accounts for the cb-type reactivity of nitrile imine. Along the more favourable ortho regioisomeric path a…

A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study of the Synthesis of Spirobipyrazolines through the Domino Reaction of Nitrilimines with Allenoates

The reaction of diphenyl nitrilimine (NI) with methyl 1-methyl-allenoate yielding a spirobipyrazoline has been studied within molecular electron density theory (MEDT) at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d) computational level in dichloromethane. This reaction is a domino process that comprises two consecutive 32CA reactions with the formation of a pyrazoline intermediate. Analysis of the relative Gibbs free energies indicates that both 32CA reactions are highly regioselective, the first one being also completely chemoselective, in agreement with the experimental outcomes. The geometries of the TSs indicate that they are associated to asynchronous bond formation processes in which the shorter distance invo…

Aziridination of Aromatic Aldimines Through Stabilized Ammonium Ylides: A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study

Unveiling the Different Chemical Reactivity of Diphenyl Nitrilimine and Phenyl Nitrile Oxide in [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions with (R)-Carvone through the Molecular Electron Density Theory

The [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of diphenyl nitrilimine and phenyl nitrile oxide with (R)-carvone have been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT). Electron localisation function (ELF) analysis of these three-atom-components (TACs) permits its characterisation as carbenoid and zwitterionic TACs, thus having a different reactivity. The analysis of the conceptual Density Functional Theory (DFT) indices accounts for the very low polar character of these 32CA reactions, while analysis of the DFT energies accounts for the opposite chemoselectivity experimentally observed. Topological analysis of the ELF along the single bond formation makes it possible to characteri…

A molecular electron density theory study of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of nitrones with strained allenes

Indexación: Scopus. The [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of C-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone with 1,2-cyclohexadiene (CHDE), a strained allene, has been studied within Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the DFT B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) computational level. This non-polar 32CA reaction, which takes place through a non-concerted two-stage one-step mechanism, proceeds with a moderate Gibbs free activation energy of 22.7 kcal mol-1, and presents low stereo- and regioselectivities. The reaction begins by the creation of a pseudoradical center at the central carbon of the strained allene with a relatively low energy cost, which immediately promotes the formation the first C-C single bond. This…

Aromaticity in Pericyclic Transition State Structures? A Critical Rationalisation Based on the Topological Analysis of Electron Density

The nature of the electron delocalisation pattern within a cyclic structure, i. e. the aromatic character, is examined for six-membered pseudocyclic transition state structures (TSs) involved in five representative examples of so-called pericyclic reactions. Results of the electron localisation function (ELF) and the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analyses of the electron density evidence that in four of the cases, at least one pair of atoms are not bound at the TS configuration, thus precluding a possible cyclic conjugation. These findings make it possible to rule out the aromatic character of these TSs. High values of the synchronicity Sy index at the TSs contrast with the b…

A molecular electron density theory study of the participation of tetrazines in aza-Diels–Alder reactions

The reactions of eight tetrazines of increased electrophilic character with nucleophilic tetramethyl ethylene (TME) and with electrophilic tetracyanoethylene (TCE) have been studied using Molecular Electron Density Theory. These reactions are domino processes comprising an aza-Diels–Alder (ADA) reaction followed by an extrusion of molecular nitrogen, yielding a dihydropyridazine. Analysis of the conceptual DFT (CDFT) indices showed an increase of the electrophilicity and a decrease of the nucleophilicity of tetrazines with an increase of the electron-withdrawing character of the substituent. A very good correlation between the global electron density transfer at the transition structu…

Unravelling the mechanism of the ketene-imine Staudinger reaction. An ELF quantum topological analysis

The mechanism of the ketene-imine Staudinger (KI-S) reaction between t-butyl-cyano ketene and N-phenyl phenylimine has been studied using DFT methods at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d) computational level. The reaction takes place through a two-step mechanism: (i) the first step is the nucleophilic attack of the imine nitrogen lone pair on the central carbon of the ketene yielding a zwitterionic (ZW) intermediate; (ii) the second step, which is the rate- and stereoselectivity-determining step, is a ring-closure process achieved by a nucleophilic attack of the terminal carbon atom of the ketene on the imine carbon atom. Due to the unfeasibility of a cis/trans and an E/Z stereoisomerisation at the ZW in…

Understanding the domino reactions of alkyne-tethered N-tosylhydrazones yielding fused polycyclic pyrazoles. An MEDT study

Abstract The domino reactions of alkyne-tethered N-mesylhydrazones yielding fused polycyclic pyrazoles have been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT). Analysis of the Gibbs free energies indicates that the more favourable reactive path is the one in which the elimination of mesylate anion takes place before the intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition (IM32CA) reaction, which corresponds with the rate-determining step of these domino processes. ELF topological analysis of the bond formation along the IM32CA reaction indicates that in spite of the high activation energy associated to this intramolecular reaction, it shows a pmr-type mechanism characterised by the presence …

Molecular Electron Density Theory Study of Fused Regioselectivity in the Intramolecular [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction of Cyclic Nitrones

DFT exploration of [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 1H-phosphorinium-3-olate and 1-methylphosphorinium-3-olate with methyl methacrylate

A Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) study of the regio- and stereoselectivity of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of 1H-phosphorinium-3-olate and 1-methylphosphorinium-3-olate with methyl methacrylate was carried out using the B3LYP/6-31G(d) method. In order to test the method dependence for the most favorable reaction path leading to the 1H-substituted 6-exo cycloadduct (CA) various functionals using higher basis sets were taken into consideration in the gas phase. An analysis of the energetic parameters indicates that the reaction path leading to 6-exo CA are kinetically as well as thermodynamically favored in the gas phase, THF and ethanol. The calculated energetic parame…

Unveiling the Lewis Acid Catalyzed Diels–Alder Reactions Through the Molecular Electron Density Theory

The effects of metal-based Lewis acid (LA) catalysts on the reaction rate and regioselectivity in polar Diels&ndash

ChemInform Abstract: Applications of the Conceptual Density Functional Theory Indices to Organic Chemistry Reactivity

Theoretical reactivity indices based on the conceptual Density Functional Theory (DFT) have become a powerful tool for the semiquantitative study of organic reactivity. A large number of reactivity indices have been proposed in the literature. Herein, global quantities like the electronic chemical potential μ, the electrophilicity ω and the nucleophilicity N indices, and local condensed indices like the electrophilic P k + and nucleophilic P k − Parr functions, as the most relevant indices for the study of organic reactivity, are discussed.

Copper(I)-catalysed regioselective synthesis of pyrazolo[5,1-c]-1,2,4-triazoles: A DFT mechanistic study

Abstract Formation of pyrazolo[5,1-c]-1,2,4-triazoles by means of Cu(I)-catalysed [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with phenylacetylene, experimentally reported by Katritzky et al. (JOC 2012, 77, 5813), was studied using the density functional theory (DFT) method. Comparison with the uncatalysed 32CA reaction indicates that the Cu(I) catalyst provides new reaction pathways with lower electronic energy barriers in dichloromethane as solvent. The mechanism proposed by Katritzky for the Cu(I) catalysed reaction is compared with that proposed by Sharpless et al. (JACS 127, 2005, 210). The major difference between these two mechanisms lies in the coordination …

Understanding the molecular mechanism of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of benzonitrile oxide toward electron-richN-vinylpyrrole: a DFT study

The [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of benzonitrile oxide, BNO 2, with an electron-rich N-vinylpyrrole derivative, NVP 3a, in the presence of dichloromethane, has been theoretically studied using density functional theory (DFT) methods at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. This 32CA reaction presents a relatively high activation Gibbs free energy as a result of the low polar character of this zwitterionic-type (zw-type) reaction. Analyses of the calculated relative Gibbs free energies and transition state geometries indicate that the studied 32CA reaction, in excellent agreement with experimental outcomes, takes place in a complete regioselective manner as a consequence of the steric repulsion…

Understanding the different reactivity of (Z)- and (E)-β-nitrostyrenes in [3+2] cycloaddition reactions. An MEDT study

The experimental reactivity of isomeric (Z)- and (E)-b-nitrostyrenes participating in [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions has been analysed on the basis of molecular electron density theory (MEDT) at the HF/6-311G(d,p), B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) and uB97X-D/6-311G(d,p) computational levels. It was found that the polar zw-type 32CA reactions with 5,5-dimethylpyrroline-N-oxide proceed via a one-step mechanism, characterised by the attack of the nucleophilic oxygen centre of the nitrone on the electrophilically activated b-position of these nitrostyrenes. This behaviour is completely understood by means of the analysis of the conceptual DFT reactivity indices. These 32CA reactions present low activat…

A combined BET and IQA–REG study of the activation energy of non-polar zw-type [3+2] cycloaddition reactions

A combined Bonding Evolution Theory (BET) and Interacting Quantum Atoms-Relative Energy Gradient (IQA-REG) study is carried out on a non-polar zw-type [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction. BET is the joint use of Catastrophe Theory and the topology of the Electron Localization Function (ELF) to characterise molecular mechanisms, while IQA is a quantum topological energy partitioning method and REG is a method to compute chemical insight at atomistic level, usually in connection with energy. This 32CA reaction involves the simplest nitrone with ethylene and has been studied here at B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level within the context of Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT), which is based on the id…

An MEDT study of the carbenoid-type [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of nitrile ylides with electron-deficient chiral oxazolidinones.

The molecular mechanism of the carbenoid-type [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of a nitrile ylide (NY) with a non-chiral and a chiral oxazolidinone has been studied within Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the MPWB1K/6-31G(d) computational level. Topological analysis of the Electron Localisation Function (ELF) of the NY shows that it presents a carbenoid structure. The high nucleophilic character of the NY together with the electrophilic character of the non-chiral oxazolidinone favour a polar 32CA reaction with a very low activation energy, the reaction being completely meta/endo selective. A Bonding Evolution Theory (BET) study of the molecular mechanism makes it possible …

Are one-step aromatic nucleophilic substitutions of non-activated benzenes concerted processes?

Aromatic nucleophilic substitution (SNAr) reactions of non-electrophilically activated benzenes have been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d) computational level. These reactions, taking place through a one-step mechanism, present a high activation Gibbs free energy, ΔG≠ = 31.0 kcal mol-1, which decreases to 22.1 kcal mol-1 in the intramolecular process. A topological analysis of the electron localisation function along the reaction paths permits establishing the non-concerted nature of these SNAr reactions. A series of unstable structures, with similar electronic structures to those of Meisenheimer intermediates, are characterised. The presen…

How does the global electron density transfer diminish activation energies in polar cycloaddition reactions? A Molecular Electron Density Theory study

Abstract The key role of the Global Electron Density Transfer (GEDT) in polar cycloaddition reactions is analysed within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d) computational level. A comparative MEDT study of the non-polar Diels-Alder reaction between cyclopentadiene (Cp) and ethylene and the polar Diels-Alder reaction between Cp and tetracyanoethylene makes it possible to establish that the GEDT taking place in the direction of the transition state structures favours the bonding changes required for the formation of the new C C single bonds along polar cycloaddition reactions. Analysis of the reactivity indice…

Steric interactions controlling the syn diastereofacial selectivity in the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between acetonitrile oxide and 7-oxanorborn-5-en-2-ones: A molecular electron density theory study

A Molecular Electron Density Theory study of the zw-type 32CA reactions of acetonitrile oxide (NO) with two 7-oxanorborn-5-en-2-ones (ONBs) has been performed at the DFT B3LYP/6-31G(d) computational level. These cycloadditions proceed through one-step mechanisms with high activation energies and present low para regio and complete syn diastereofacial selectivities. While the non-polar character of these zw-type 32CA reactions, which is the consequence of the insufficient electrophilic activation of ONBs, according to the analysis of the conceptual DFT reactivity indices, accounts for the high activation energies, and low para regioselectivity, NCI topological analyses at the anti/syn pairs …

A molecular electron density theory study of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of nitrones with ketenes.

The [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction between nitrones and ketenes has been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the Density Functional Theory (DFT) MPWB1K/6-311G(d,p) computational level. Analysis of the conceptual DFT reactivity indices allows the explanation of the reactivity, and the chemo- and regioselectivity experimentally observed. The particular mechanism of this 32CA reaction involving low electrophilic ketenes has been elucidated by using a bonding evolution theory (BET) study. It is determined that this reaction takes place in one kinetic step only but in a non-concerted manner since two stages are clearly identified. Indeed, the formation of the se…

Unveiling the high reactivity of benzyne in the formal [3+2] cycloaddition reactions towards thioamides through the Molecular Electron Density Theory

Abstract The domino reaction of benzyne with thioamide has been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d) level. This domino reaction takes place through i) a formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction affording an ammonium ylide, and ii) an extrusion of ethylene from this species yielding a dihydrothiazole. Topological analysis of the electron density of benzyne shows its pseudodiradical structure, that is, without any energy cost, changes to a carbenoid one, allowing its participation as electrophile in polar reactions. As a consequence, the formal 32CA reaction does not have an activation enthalpy. Analysis of the changes of electron density al…

A Comprehensive Experimental and Theoretical Study on the [{(η5-C5H5)2Zr[P(µ-PNEt2)2P(NEt2)2P]}]2O Crystalline System

The structure of tetraphosphetane zirconium complex C52H100N8OP10Zr21 was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal belongs to the monoclinic system, space group P21/c, with a = 19.6452(14), b = 17.8701(12), c = 20.7963(14)Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 112.953(7)°, V = 6722.7(8)Å3, Z = 4. The electronic structure of the organometallic complex has been characterized within the framework of Quantum Chemical Topology. The topology of the Electron Localization Function (ELF) and the electron density according to the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) show no covalent bonds involving the Zr atom, but rather dative, coordinate interactions between the metal and the liga…

Understanding the Origin of the Regioselectivity in Non-polar [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions through the Molecular Electron Density Theory

The regioselectivity in non-polar [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions has been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level. To this end, the 32CA reactions of nine simplest three-atom-components (TACs) with 2-methylpropene were selected. The electronic structure of the reagents has been characterized through the Electron Localisation Function (ELF) and the Conceptual DFT. The energy profiles of the two regioisomeric reaction paths and ELF topology of the transition state structures are studied to understand the origin of the regioselectivity in these 32CA reactions. This MEDT study permits to conclude that the least electronegative X1 end atom…

Unveiling the Unexpected Reactivity of Electrophilic Diazoalkanes in [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions within Molecular Electron Density Theory

The [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of strongly nucleophilic norbornadiene (NBD), with simplest diazoalkane (DAA) and three DAAs of increased electrophilicity, have been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the MPWB1K/6-311G (d,p) computational level. These pmr-type 32CA reactions follow an asynchronous one-step mechanism with activation enthalpies ranging from 17.7 to 27.9 kcal&middot

Non-classical CH⋯O hydrogen-bond determining the regio- and stereoselectivity in the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of (Z)-C-phenyl-N-methylnitrone with dimethyl 2-benzylidenecyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylate. A topological electron-density study

The role of the ester groups in the regio- and stereoselectivities of the zw-type [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of C-phenyl-N-methylnitrone with dimethyl 2-benzylidenecyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylate (BCPC) has been studied using DFT methods at the MPWB1K/6-31G(d) level. The possible ortho/meta regioisomeric channels and the endo/exo stereoselective approach modes were explored and characterized. Analysis of the relative energies associated with the different reaction pathways indicates that the presence of the two CO2Me groups in the cyclopropane ring has a remarkable effect on selectivities favouring the ortho/endo path, in good agreement with the experimental data. Inclusion of sol…

A molecular electron density theory study of the mechanism, chemo- and stereoselectivity of the epoxidation reaction of R -carvone with peracetic acid

The epoxidation reaction of R-carvone 8 with peracetic acid 9 has been studied within the molecular electron density theory at the B3LYP/6-311(d,p) computational level. The chemo- and stereoisomeric reaction paths involving the two C–C double bonds of R-carvone 8 have been studied. DFT calculations account for the high chemoselectivity involving the C–C double bond of the isopropenyl group and the low diastereoselectivity, in complete agreement with the experimental outcomes. The Baeyer–Villiger reaction involving the carbonyl group of R-carvone 8 has also been analysed. A bonding evolution theory analysis of the epoxidation reaction shows the complexity of the bonding cha…

Mpro-SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitors and Various Chemical Reactivity of 1-Bromo- and 1-Chloro-4-vinylbenzene in [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions

The regioselectvity and the mechanism of the (32CA) cycloadditions reactions of 1-bromo-4-vinylbenzene 1 and 1-chloro-4-vinylbenzene 2 with benzonitrile oxide 3 were investigated under the molecular electron density theory (MEDT) at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) computational level. Evaluation of the ELF reveals that these zwitterionic type (zw-type) 32CA reactions take place in a two-stage one-step mechanism. This MEDT study shows that the meta isoxazolines are kinetically and thermodynamically favored over the ortho ones, these 32CA reactions being completely regioselective, in agreement with experimental outcomes. In addition, the efficiency of isoxazolines against SARS-CoV-2 have been also in…

A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study of the Reactivity and Selectivities in [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions of C,N-Dialkyl Nitrones with Ethylene Derivatives

The zw-type [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of C,N-dialkyl nitrones with a series of ethylenes of increased electrophilic character have been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d,p) computational level. Both, reactivity and selectivities are rationalized depending on the polar character of the reaction. Due to the strong nucleophilic character of C,N-dialkyl nitrones, the corresponding zw-type 32CA reactions are accelerated with the increased electrophilic character of the ethylene, which also plays a crucial role in the reaction mechanism, thus determining the regio- and stereoselectivities experimentally observed. While, in the 32CA rea…

The Mysticism of Pericyclic Reactions: A Contemporary Rationalisation of Organic Reactivity Based on Electron Density Analysis

A DFT study of the ionic [2+2] cycloaddition reactions of keteniminium cations with terminal acetylenes

Abstract The molecular mechanism of the ionic [2+2] cycloaddition (I-22CA) reactions of a keteniminium cation (KC) with acetylene and propyne has been investigated using DFT methods at the MPWB1K/6-311G(d,p) level. These I-22CA reactions take place via a two-step mechanism. The first step is the nucleophilic attack of these alkynes on the central carbon of KC, yielding cyclopropene intermediates, while the second step corresponds to the conversion of these intermediates into more stable cyclobuteniminium cations (CCs). The first step is the rate-determining step, while the second step is responsible for the formation of the two regioisomeric CCs experimentally observed in the reaction with …

Understanding the Participation of Fluorinated Azomethine Ylides in Carbenoid-Type [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions with Ynal Systems: A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study

The carbenoid-type (cb-type) 32CA reaction of 1,1-difluoroated azomethine ylide (DFAY) with phenylpropynal has been studied using the molecular electron density theory (MEDT). Electron localization function (ELF) characterizes DFAY as a carbenoid species participating in cb-type 32CA reactions. The supernucleophilic character of DFAY and the strong electrophilic character of the ynal cause this polar 32CA reaction to have an unappreciable barrier; the reaction, which is highly exothermic, presents total chemo- and regioselectivity. ELF topological analysis of the bonding changes along the reaction establishes its non-concerted two-stage one-step mechanism, in which the nucleophilic attack o…

On the nature of organic electron density transfer complexes within molecular electron density theory.

The structural features of a series of organic molecular complexes formed between the strong electrophilic tetracyanoethylene and twelve benzene derivatives with increased nucleophilic character, herein called Electron Density Transfer Complexes (EDTCs), have been studied using Molecular Electron Density Theory. The favourable nucleophilic/electrophilic interactions, which favour the global electron density transfer (GEDT) towards the electrophile, are responsible for the formation of these species. Molecular complexes presenting a GEDT above 0.05e are classified as EDTCs. Analysis of the Parr functions of the separated reagents and the topological analysis of the electron density of the ED…

Unravelling the Mysteries of the [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions

The catalytic effects of a thiazolium salt in the oxa-Diels–Alder reaction between benzaldehyde and Danishefsky's diene: a molecular electron density theory study

The oxa-Diels–Alder (ODA) reaction of benzaldehyde with Danishefsky's diene in the presence of a [thiazolium][Cl] salt, as a model of an ionic liquid, has been studied within Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the M06-2X/6-311G(d,p) computational level. The formation of two hydrogen bonds (HBs) between the thiazolium cation and the carbonyl oxygen of benzaldehyde modifies neither the electrophilic character of benzaldehyde nor its electronic structure substantially but accelerates the reaction considerably. This ODA reaction presents an activation energy of 4.5 kcal mol−1; the formation of the only observed dihydropyranone is strongly exothermic by −28.8 kcal mol−1. The presence of…

Understanding the stereoselectivity in Brønsted acid catalysed Povarov reactions generating cis/trans CF3-substituted tetrahydroquinolines: a DFT study

The Bronsted acid (BA) catalysed Povarov reactions of (E)-1-phenyl-N-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) methanimine with 1-vinylpyrrolidin-2-one (VPO) and with allyltrimethylsilane (ATMS), affording CF3-substituted cis/trans tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) derivatives, have theoretically been studied using the M06-2X functional together with the standard 6-31G(d) basis set. These BA catalysed Povarov reactions are multistep processes initialised by the nucleophilic attack of the non-substituted carbon atom of the nucleophilic ethylene on the imine carbon atom of the super-electrophilic protonated imine, yielding the corresponding cationic intermediate along the endo/exo stereoisomeric approach mode. Upo…

CCDC 688220: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

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Understanding the [2n+2n] reaction mechanism between a carbenoid intermediate and CO2

The mechanism of the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with a nucleophilic carbenoid intermediate has been theoretically studied by using the bonding evolution theory (BET) at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory. BET combines topological analysis of the electron localisation function and catastrophe theory along a reaction path. This cycloaddition reaction is characterised by 16 structural stability domains, associated to the following sequence of catastrophes: C8H9NO4 + CO2: 16-CF†CF†F†CFF†C†C†[FF†]F†FCC†-0: C9H9NO6. Formation of the two new C-C and C-O single bonds evolves after the transition state structure is reached. The high nucleophilic character and the electronic structure of carbenoid…

CCDC 2115222: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

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CCDC 688217: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

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