ABSTRACT
In this study, using a computational approach, we are pursuing to find a proper answer about the possible application of fused TIs as superbases through the calculation and discussion of standard thermochemistry parameters, like gas-phase basicity (GB) and proton affinity (PA). In some studied cases, the role of aromaticity/antiaromaticity fluctuations supposed to be more important than mesomeric effects. In this sense, nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) and anisotropy of the induced current density (ACID) were utilized in this study to probe into the aromaticity-related parameters of the proposed molecules. Results revealed the highest GB/PA values for the molecules having cyclobutadiene in between two troponimines. Additional investigation was performed into the other candidates of cyclobutadiene-fused troponimines by substituting several electron donors along with the changing position of donors. Some novel superbases offered record-holding GB/PA values so that PA magnitudes higher than 300 kcal mol-1 are now feasible for nonphosphorous neutral organic superbases (NOS).
ABSTRACT
The paradigmatic electrocyclic ring opening of monosubstituted cyclobutenes has been used to diagnose possible solvation effects tuning the torquoselectivity observed in these reactions. This kind of selectivity in electrocyclic reactions is mostly due to strong orbital interactions, particularly when they involve powerful electron donors and acceptors, which also combine with usually milder steric effects. Orbital interactions are established between the cleaving C-C bond and the HOMO/LUMO of the EDG/EWG substituent. This implies that the larger torquoselectivity-featuring substrates may also suffer stronger solvation effects due to the higher polarity imposed by the substituent. This premise is tested and the source of solvation effects as a consequence of substitution analyzed.
