Unravelling the configuration of transient ortho-quinone methides by combining microfluidics with gas phase vibrational spectroscopy.

The alkylidene double bond configuration of transient ortho-quinone methides (o-QMs) is studied by cryogenic ion trap vibrational spectroscopy. To this end, o-QMs are formed from ortho-hydroxy benzhydryl alcohols in a Brønsted acid mediated dehydration reaction on a microfluidic chip reactor and the E/Z isomer ratio is determined by comparing the measured gas phase mid-infrared fingerprints with the predicted harmonic spectra from density functional theory calculations. Control over the stereochemistry is achieved by exploiting steric repulsion interactions between the substituents adjacent to the formal double bond of the o-QMs. Attempts to manipulate the ratio of the E- and Z-isomers by varying the reaction conditions were unsuccessful. This observation suggests a low isomerization barrier and hence shorter equilibration times with respect to the on-chip residence time. The fluxional character of the formal double bond is confirmed in 13C-labelling experiments, which reveal a substantially red-shifted CC stretching frequency characteristic for extended, conjugated π-systems.

Joining Microfluidics with Infrared Photodissociation: Online Monitoring of Isomeric Flow-Reaction Intermediates.

A cryogenic ion trap vibrational spectrometer is combined with a microfluidic chip reactor in a proof-of-principle experiment on the Hantzsch cyclization reaction forming 2-amino-4-phenyl thiazole from phenacyl bromide and thiourea. First, the composition of the reaction solution is characterized using electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry combined with two-color infrared photodissociation (IRPD) spectroscopy. The latter yields isomer-specific vibrational spectra of the reaction intermediates and products. A comparison to results from electronic structure calculations then allows for an unambiguous structural assignment and molecular-level insights into the reaction mechanism. Subsequently, we demonstrate that isomeric and isobaric ions can be selectively monitored online with low process time, i.e., using a single IRPD wavelength per isomer, as the chip reaction parameters are varied.

Liquid Beam Desorption Mass Spectrometry for the Investigation of Continuous Flow Reactions in Microfluidic Chips.

In this work, we present the combination of microfluidic chips and mass spectrometry employing laser-induced liquid beam ionization/desorption. The developed system was evaluated with respect to stable beam generation and laser parameters as well as solvent compatibility. The device was exemplarily applied to study a vinylogous Mannich reaction performed in continuous flow on chip. Fast processes can be observed with this technique which in the future could be beneficial for studying intermediates or contribute to the elucidation of reaction mechanisms.

A Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Tetrahydrofurans.

The development of a direct and highly stereoselective synthesis of 2,3,5-substituted tetrahydrofurans has been accomplished through a combination of batch- and microchip-MS-experiments. This sequential transformation comprises a Lewis acid-mediated reaction of bis(silyl) dienediolate 1 and a broad range of aldehydes, furnishing products with three new σ-bonds and three stereogenic centers in a one-pot process with typically good yields and excellent stereoselectivity. Key steps which have been elucidated primarily with microchip-MS-experiments include a vinylogous aldol reaction and a Prins-type cyclization. Furthermore, a titanium BINOL complex is a powerful chiral catalyst for this process. The products were further converted into bi- and tricylic products by carbonyl-ene reactions, proceeding with excellent yields and diastereoselectivity.