Dithiophosphoric Acids for Polymer Functionalization.

Dithiophosphoric acids (DTPAs) are an intriguing class of compounds that are sourced from elemental sulfur and white phosphorus and are prepared from the reaction of phosphorus pentasulfide with alcohols. The electrophilic addition of DTPAs to alkenes and unsaturated olefinic substrates is a known reaction, but has not been applied to polymer synthesis and polymer functionalization. We report on the synthesis and application of DTPAs for the functionalization of challenging poly-enes, namely polyisoprene (PI) and polynorbornene (pNB) prepared by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The high heteroatom content within DTPA moieties impart intriguing bulk properties to poly-ene materials after direct electrophilic addition reactions to the polymer backbone introducing DTPAs as side chain groups. The resulting materials possess both enhanced optical and flame retardant properties vs the poly-ene starting materials. Finally, we demonstrate the ability to prepare crosslinked polydiene films with di-functional DTPAs, where the crosslinking density and thermomechanical properties can be directly tuned by DTPA feed ratios.

On the Mechanism of the Inverse Vulcanization of Elemental Sulfur: Structural Characterization of Poly(sulfur-random-(1,3-diisopropenylbenzene)).

Organosulfur polymers, such as those derived from elemental sulfur, are an important new class of macromolecules that have recently emerged via the inverse vulcanization process. Since the launching of this new field in 2013, the development of new monomers and organopolysulfide materials based on the inverse vulcanization process is now an active area in polymer chemistry. While numerous advances have been made over the last decade concerning this polymerization process, insights into the mechanism of inverse vulcanization and structural characterization of the high-sulfur-content copolymers that are produced remain challenging due to the increasing insolubility of the materials with a higher sulfur content. Furthermore, the high temperatures used in this process can result in side reactions and complex microstructures of the copolymer backbone, complicating detailed characterization. The most widely studied case of inverse vulcanization to date remains the reaction between S8 and 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene (DIB) to form poly(sulfur-random-1,3-diisopropenylbenzene)(poly(S-r-DIB)). Here, to determine the correct microstructure of poly(S-r-DIB), we performed comprehensive structural characterizations of poly(S-r-DIB) using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (solid state and solution) and analysis of sulfurated DIB units using designer S-S cleavage polymer degradation approaches, along with complementary de novo synthesis of the sulfurated DIB fragments. These studies reveal that the previously proposed repeating units for poly(S-r-DIB) were incorrect and that the polymerization mechanism of this process is significantly more complex than initially proposed. Density functional theory calculations were also conducted to provide mechanistic insights into the formation of the derived nonintuitive microstructure of poly(S-r-DIB).

Synthesis of Deuterated and Sulfurated Polymers by Inverse Vulcanization: Engineering Infrared Transparency via Deuteration.

The synthesis of deuterated, sulfurated, proton-free, glassy polymers offers a route to optical polymers for infrared (IR) optics, specifically for midwave IR (MWIR) photonic devices. Deuterated polymers have been utilized to enhance neutron cross-sectional contrast with proteo polymers for morphological neutron scattering measurements but have found limited utility for other applications. We report the synthesis of perdeuterated d14-(1,3-diisopropenylbenzene) with over 99% levels of deuteration and the preparation of proton-free, perdeuterated poly(sulfur-random-d14-(1,3-diisopropenylbenzene)) (poly(S-r-d14-DIB)) via inverse vulcanization with elemental sulfur. Detailed structural analysis and quantum computational calculations of these reactions demonstrate significant kinetic isotope effects, which alter mechanistic pathways to form different copolymer microstructures for deutero vs proteo poly(S-r-DIB). This design also allows for molecular engineering of MWIR transparency by shifting C-H bond vibrations around 3.3 µm/3000 cm-1 observed in proteo poly(S-r-DIB) to 4.2 µm/2200 cm-1. Furthermore, the fabrication of thin-film MWIR optical gratings made from molding of deuterated-sulfurated, proton-free poly(S-r-d14-DIB) is demonstrated; operation of these gratings at 3.39 µm is achieved successfully, while the proteo poly(S-r-DIB) gratings are opaque at these wavelengths, highlighting the promise of MWIR sensors and compact spectrometers from these materials.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Conjugated Di- and Trienamides via a Dienolate Enabled Anionic Cascade.

We report a stereoselective synthesis of conjugated di- and trienamides from the direct one pot γ-selective union of a dienolate and chiral nonconjugated and conjugated sulfinyl imines, respectively. This class of anionic cascades was uncovered as part of efforts to challenge the steric limitations of an anionic asymmetric amino-Cope rearrangement platform. Reaction scope studies have uncovered the substitution patterns essential for starting chiral tri- and Z-disubstituted conjugated and nonconjugated sulfinyl imines to be matched for the anionic cascade. Mechanistic studies indicate that, following an initial γ-dienolate Mannich attack, an intermediate 5,6-dihydropyridin-2(1H)-one is formed and then ring-opened.

Polymerizations with Elemental Sulfur: From Petroleum Refining to Polymeric Materials.

The production of elemental sulfur from petroleum refining has created a technological opportunity to increase the valorization of elemental sulfur by the synthesis of high-performance sulfur-based plastics with improved optical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties aimed at applications in thermal imaging, energy storage, self-healable materials, and separation science. In this Perspective, we discuss efforts in the past decade that have revived this area of organosulfur and polymer chemistry to afford a new class of high-sulfur-content polymers prepared from the polymerization of liquid sulfur with unsaturated monomers, termed inverse vulcanization.

Sulfenyl Chlorides: An Alternative Monomer Feedstock from Elemental Sulfur for Polymer Synthesis.

A polymerization methodology is reported using sulfur monochloride (S2Cl2) as an alternative feedstock for polymeric materials. S2Cl2 is an inexpensive petrochemical derived from elemental sulfur (S8) but has numerous advantages as a reactive monomer for polymerization vs S8. This new process, termed sulfenyl chloride inverse vulcanization, exploits the high reactivity and miscibility of S2Cl2 with a broad range of allylic monomers to prepare soluble, high molar-mass linear polymers, segmented block copolymers, and crosslinked thermosets with greater synthetic precision than achieved using classical inverse vulcanization. This step-growth addition polymerization also allows for preparation of a new class of thiol-free, inexpensive, highly optically transparent thermosets (α = 0.045 cm-1 at 1310 nm), which exhibit among the best optical transparency and low birefringence relative to commodity optical polymers, while possessing a higher refractive index (n > 1.6) in the visible and near-infrared spectra. The fabrication of large-sized optical components is also demonstrated.

Dramatic Effect of γ-Heteroatom Dienolate Substituents on Counterion Assisted Asymmetric Anionic Amino-Cope Reaction Cascades.

We report a dramatic effect on product outcomes of the lithium ion enabled amino-Cope-like anionic asymmetric cascade when different γ-dienolate heteroatom substituents are employed. For dienolates with azide, thiomethyl, and trifluoromethylthiol substituents, a Mannich/amino-Cope/cyclization cascade ensues to form chiral cyclohexenone products with two new stereocenters in an anti-relationship. For fluoride-substituted nucleophiles, a Mannich/amino-Cope cascade proceeds to afford chiral acyclic products with two new stereocenters in a syn-relationship. Bromide- and chloride-substituted nucleophiles appear to proceed via the same pathway as the fluoride albeit with the added twist of a 3-exo-trig cyclization to yield chiral cyclopropane products with three stereocenters. When this same class of nucleophiles is substituted with a γ-nitro group, the Mannich-initiated cascade is now diverted to a ß-lactam product instead of the amino-Cope pathway. These anionic asymmetric cascades are solvent- and counterion-dependent, with a lithium counterion being essential in combination with etheral solvents such as MTBE and CPME. By altering the geometry of the imine double bond from E to Z, the configurations at the R1 and X stereocenters are flipped. Mechanistic, computational, substituent, and counterion studies suggest that these cascades proceed via a common Mannich-product intermediate, which then proceeds via either a chair (X = N3, SMe, or SCF3) or boat-like (X = F, Cl, or Br) transition state to afford amino-Cope-like products or ß-lactam in the case of X = NO2.

Oxidative Route to Indoles via Intramolecular Amino-Hydroxylation of o-Allenyl Anilines.

A new intramolecular oxidative amino-hydroxylation of o-allenyl anilines is reported. Treatment of carbamate-protected anilines with lead(IV) carboxylates in dichloromethane at room temperature results in facile tandem C-N (allene cyclization) and C-O bond formation (carboxylate trapping) to form indole products. Detailed reaction scope, mechanistic and kinetic studies suggest a reaction pathway involving an initial Wessely dearomatization step followed by cyclization and rearomatization.

Dienolate Annulation Approach for Assembly of Densely Substituted Aromatic Architectures.

The efficient assembly of complex aromatic structures from simple acyclic building blocks is reported. An anion-cascade union of an enoate and a conjugated imine affords cyclohexenone products, which are readily aromatized to phenols. By engaging the intermediate cyclohexenones with Grignard reagents, a facile addition/elimination proceeds yielding chiral cyclohexadienes, which are then aromatized. In a complementary approach, the cyclohexenone products are converted into enol triflates, which provides a gateway to diverse aromatic architectures following cross-couplings and aromatization steps.

Review of synthetic approaches toward maoecrystal V.

Synthetic approaches toward the complex natural product diterpenoid maoecrystal V are reviewed, including successful total syntheses, published synthetic efforts, and efforts compiled from dissertations. The review focuses on general synthetic strategies and chronicles efforts toward the molecule since its isolation in 2004, summarizing key contributions of these efforts to the broader synthetic community.

Total Synthesis of (±)-Phomoidride†D.

Described herein is a synthetic strategy for the total synthesis of (±)-phomoidride D. This highly efficient and stereoselective approach provides rapid assembly of the carbocyclic core by way of a tandem phenolic oxidation/intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition. A subsequent SmI2 -mediated cyclization cascade delivers an isotwistane intermediate poised for a Wharton fragmentation that unveils the requisite bicyclo[4.3.1]decene skeleton and sets the stage for synthesis completion.

New Class of Anion-Accelerated Amino-Cope Rearrangements as Gateway to Diverse Chiral Structures.

We report useful new lithium-assisted asymmetric anion-accelerated amino-Cope rearrangement cascades. A strategic nitrogen atom chiral auxiliary serves three critical roles, by (1) enabling in situ assembly of the chiral 3-amino-1,5-diene precursor, (2) facilitating the rearrangement via a lithium enolate chelate, and (3) imparting its influence on consecutive inter- or intramolecular C-C or C-X bond-forming events via resulting chiral enamide intermediates or imine products. The mechanism of the amino-Cope rearrangement was explored with density functional theory. A stepwise dissociation-recombination mechanism was found to be favored. The stereochemistry of the chiral auxiliary determines the stereochemistry of the Cope product by influencing the orientation of the lithium dienolate and sulfinylimine fragments in the recombination step. These robust asymmetric anion-accelerated amino-Cope enabled cascades open the door for rapid and predictable assembly of complex chiral acyclic and cyclic nitrogen-containing motifs in one pot.

Metal-Free Synthesis of Fluorinated Indoles Enabled by Oxidative Dearomatization.

Nitrogen heterocycles are found in a majority of approved small-molecule pharmaceuticals, and the number of approved fluorinated drugs is increasing each decade. Therefore, new approaches for accessing fluorinated nitrogen heterocycles are of great significance. A novel, scalable, and metal-free method for accessing a wide range of fluorinated indoles is described. This oxidative-dearomatization-enabled approach assembles 2-trifluoromethyl NH-indole products from simple commercially available anilines with hexafluoroacetylacetone in the presence of an organic oxidant. The nature of the aniline N-capping group is critical for the success of this new reaction. Furthermore, the indole products contain a 3-trifluoroacetyl group, which can be exploited to access a plethora of useful functional groups.

Synthetic Approaches and Total Syntheses of Vinigrol, a Unique Diterpenoid.

This review summarizes all published total and formal syntheses as well as synthetic approaches towards vinigrol. The content is divided into sections, which are focused on each research groups contributions and how far each approach was advanced towards vinigrol. Graphical summaries of all the published vinigrol structural perspectives, starting materials used for each routes and a discussion of preferred or privileged reactions employed is also presented.

Formation of Fused Aromatic Architectures via an Oxidative Dearomatization - Radical Cyclization Rearomatization Approach.

A new mild C-C bond forming cyclization approach of catechol derivatives is reported. This approach relies on an initial dearomatization step using lead (IV) acetate followed by a carefully controlled radical cyclization step, which under the reaction conditions also facilitates rearomatization. Triethylborane is the key to the success of this reaction as it enables the reaction to proceed at low temperatures and is also believed to aid rearomatization. The amount and ratio of triethylborane and reducing agent (tributyltinhydride) that is employed as well as the concentration the reaction is run at are all essential to the success of this new approach.

Asymmetric [3+2] Annulation Approach to 3-Pyrrolines: Concise Total Syntheses of (-)-Supinidine, (-)-Isoretronecanol, and (+)-Elacomine.

An asymmetric [3+2] annulation reaction to form 3-pyrroline products is reported. Upon treatment with lithium diisopropylamide, readily available ethyl 4-bromocrotonate is deprotonated and trapped with Ellman imines selectively at the α-position to yield enantiopure 3-pyrroline products. This new method is compatible with aryl, alkyl, and vinyl imines. The efficacy of the method is showcased by short asymmetric total syntheses of (-)-supinidine, (-)-isoretronecanol, and (+)-elacomine. This novel annulation approach also works for an aldehyde, thus providing access to a 2,5-dihydrofuran product in a single step from simple precursors. By modifying the structure of the carbanion nucleophile, an asymmetric vinylogous aza-Darzens reaction can be realized.

Evolution of an oxidative dearomatization enabled total synthesis of vinigrol.

The evolution of the synthetic strategy resulting in a total synthesis of vinigrol is presented. Oxidative dearomatization/intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition has served as the successful cornerstone for all of the approaches. Extensive radical cyclization efforts to form the tetracyclic core resulted in interesting and surprising reaction outcomes, none of which could be advanced to vinigrol. These cyclization obstacles were successfully overcome by using Heck instead of radical cyclizations. The total synthesis features a trifluoroethyl ether protecting group being used for the first time in organic synthesis. The logic of its selection and the group's importance beyond protecting the C8a hydroxyl group is presented along with a discussion of strategies for its removal. Because of the compact tetracyclic cage the route is built around many unusual reaction observations and solutions have emerged. For example, a first of its kind Grob fragmentation reaction featuring a trifluoroethyl leaving group has been uncovered, interesting interrupted selenium dioxide allylic oxidations have been observed as well as intriguing catalyst and counterion dependent directed hydrogenations.

Emergence of potent inhibitors of metastasis in lung cancer via syntheses based on migrastatin.

Migrastatin is a biologically active natural product isolated from Streptomyces that has been shown to inhibit tumor cell migration. Upon completion of the first total synthesis of migrastatin, a number of structurally simplified analogs were prepared. Following extensive in vitro screening, a new generation of analogs was identified that demonstrates substantially higher levels of in vitro inhibitory activity, stability and synthetic accessibility when compared to the parent natural product. Herein, we describe two promising ether-derivative analogs, the migrastatin core ether (ME) and the carboxymethyl-ME (CME), which exhibit high efficacy in blocking tumor cell migration and metastasis in lung cancer. These compounds show an in vitro migration inhibition in the micromolar range (IC(50): ME 1.5 to 8.2 µM, CME 0.5 to 5 µM). In a human small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) primary xenograft model, ME and CME compounds were found to be highly potent in inhibiting overall metastasis even at the lowest dosage used (degree of inhibition: 96.2% and 99.3%, respectively). Together these very encouraging findings suggest that these analogs have promise as potent antimetastatic agents in lung cancer.

A scalable rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular aziridination reaction.

The amine has landed! By employing the rhodium catalyst [Rh2 (esp)2 ] in the presence of a readily available amine source (DPH), unactivated and styrene-type olefins can now be stereospecifally transformed, in high yields at room temperature, into valuable NH aziridine products. esp=α,α,α',α'-tetramethyl-1,3-benzenedipropionic acid.

Mechanism and the origins of stereospecificity in copper-catalyzed ring expansion of vinyl oxiranes: a traceless dual transition-metal-mediated process.

Density functional theory computations of the Cu-catalyzed ring expansion of vinyloxiranes is mediated by a traceless dual Cu(I)-catalyst mechanism. Overall, the reaction involves a monomeric Cu(I)-catalyst, but a single key step, the Cu migration, requires two Cu(I)-catalysts for the transformation. This dual-Cu step is found to be a true double Cu(I) transition state rather than a single Cu(I) transition state in the presence of an adventitious, spectator Cu(I). Both Cu(I) catalysts are involved in the bond forming and breaking process. The single Cu(I) transition state is not a stationary point on the potential energy surface. Interestingly, the reductive elimination is rate-determining for the major diastereomeric product, while the Cu(I) migration step is rate-determining for the minor. Thus, while the reaction requires dual Cu(I) activation to proceed, kinetically, the presence of the dual-Cu(I) step is untraceable. The diastereospecificity of this reaction is controlled by the Cu migration step. Suprafacial migration is favored over antarafacial migration due to the distorted Cu π-allyl in the latter.