The role of aromatic groups in the Tobey-Simon additivity rule for vinylic protons.

The Tobey-Simon (additivity) rule for aromatic groups which was devised about 40 years ago has been found to need revision. The rule shows an aromatic group attached to a C==C double bond as causing a downfield chemical shift of a cis-related vinylic proton and a small upfield shift of a trans-related proton. A search of data in the recent literature has shown that this rule should apply mainly to monosubstituted phenyl groups and some polynuclear aromatics. In contrast with them, 2,6-disubstituted phenyl, 2,4,6-trisubstituted phenyl and 9-anthracenyl groups cause cis-related vinylic protons to resonate upfield of comparable trans-related protons. Further, the current rule for o-substituted phenyl groups has been found to be inaccurate. In writing a rule for aromatic groups, therefore, greater attention needs to be given to the diversity of effects that these groups have on chemical shifts of vinylic protons.

Addition of the phenoxathiin cation radical to alkenes and nonconjugated dienes. Formation of (E)- and (Z)-(10-phenoxathiiniumyl)alkenes and (E)- and (Z)-(10-phenoxathiiniumyl)dienes on basic alumina.

Addition of phenoxathiin cation radical (PO*+) to acyclic alkenes in acetonitrile (MeCN) solution occurred stereospecifically to form bis(10-phenoxathiiniumyl)alkane adducts. Stereospecific trans addition is ascribed to the intermediacy of an episulfonium cation radical. The alkenes used were cis- and trans-2-butene, cis- and trans-2-pentene, cis- and trans-4-methyl-2-pentene, cis- and trans-4-octene, trans-3-hexene, trans-3-octene, trans-5-decene, cis-2-hexene, and cis-2-heptene. The erythro bisadducts (compounds 6) were obtained with trans-alkenes, while threo bisadducts (compounds 7) were obtained with cis-alkenes. The assigned structures of 6 and 7 were consistent with their NMR spectra and, in one case, 6c (the adduct of trans-4-methyl-2-pentene) was confirmed with X-ray crystallography. Additions of PO*+ to 1,4-hexa-, 1,5-hexa-, 1,6-hepta-, and 1,7-octadiene gave bis(10-phenoxathiiniumyl)alkenes (compounds 8), the assigned structures of which were consistent with their NMR spectra. Each of these adducts lost a proton and phenoxathiin (PO) when treated with basic alumina in MeCN solution. Compounds 6 (from trans-alkenes) gave mixtures of (Z)- (9) and (E)-(10-phenoxathiiniumyl)alkenes (10) in which the (Z)-isomers (9) were dominant. On the other hand, compounds 7 (from cis-alkenes) gave mixtures of 9 and 10 in which, with one exception (the adduct 7c of cis-4-methyl-2-pentene), compounds 10 were dominant. The path to elimination is discussed. The alkenes 9 and 10 were characterized with NMR spectroscopy and, in one case (9a), with X-ray crystallography. Reactions of 8b-d with basic alumina gave mixtures of (E)- (13) and (Z)-(10-phenoxathiiniumyl)dienes (14), in which compounds 13 were dominant. The configuration of the product from 8a (the adduct of 1,4-hexadiene) could not be settled. Noteworthy features in the coupling patterns and chemical shifts in the NMR spectra of some of the adducts and their products are discussed and related to adduct conformations.

Reaction of thianthrene and phenoxathiin cation radicals with 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene. Chemical and electrochemical studies.

Thianthrene cation radical tetrafluoroborate (Th*+ BF4-) has been found to add to 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene (DMB) at 0 degrees C and -15 degrees C. The adduct, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-(5,10-thianthreniumdiyl)butane ditetrafluoroborate (12), was isolated at -15 degrees C, and its 1H NMR spectrum was recorded at that temperature. The adduct was stable in CD3CN solution at -15 degrees C but decomposed slowly at 0 degrees C and quickly at 23 degrees C, forming the salt of 2,4,4,5,5-pentamethyl-2-oxazoline (8) with loss of thianthrene (Th). These results explain why earlier attempts to prepare 12 and detect its formation at room temperature with NMR spectroscopy were not successful. Reaction of Th*+ with DMB was followed with cyclic voltammetry and was found to exhibit redox catalysis in which Th was regenerated. With the faster scanning techniques of cyclic voltammetry, the formation of 12 was detectable, with a reduction potential of about -1.0 V at 25 degrees C and 3 degrees C. The observed reduction potential was in harmony with reduction potentials of a number of other, stable monoadducts. Thus, the redox catalysis involved the rapid formation of 12 and its rapid decomposition into 8 and Th, the newly formed Th being responsible for the observed enhanced oxidation currents. In contrast, 8 appears to be formed directly by oxidation of DMB by PO*+PF6-.

Adducts of thianthrene- and phenoxathiin cation radical tetrafluoroborates to 1-alkynes. Structures and formation of 1-(5-thianthreniumyl)- and 1-(10-phenoxathiiniumyl)alkynes on alumina leading to alpha-ketoylides and alpha-ketols.

[structure: see text] Thianthrene cation radical tetrafluoroborate (Th*+ BF4(-)) added to the terminal alkynes 1-pentyne, 1-hexyne, 1-heptyne, 1-octyne, 1-nonyne, and 1-decyne to form trans-1,2-bis(5-thianthreniumyl)alkene tetrafluoroborates (1-6). Similarly, addition of phenoxathiin cation radical tetrafluoroborate (PO*+ BF4(-)) to the same alkynes gave 1,2-bis(10-phenoxathiiniumyl)alkene tetrafluoroborates (7-12). The trans configuration of two of the adducts (1 and 4) was shown with X-ray crystallography. When solutions of 1-6 in chloroform were stirred with activated alumina, cis elimination of a proton and thianthrene (Th) occurred with the formation of 1-(5-thianthreniumyl)alkyne tetrafluoroborates (1a-6a). Similar treatment of 8-12 caused elimination of a proton and phenoxathiin (PO) with formation of 1-(10-phenoxathiiniumyl)alkene tetrafluoroborates (8a-12a). Stirring of 1a-6a with alumina for short periods of time caused their conversion into 5-[(alpha-keto)alkyl]thianthrenium ylides (1b-6b) and alpha-ketols, RC(O)CH2OH (1c-6c).

Adducts of thianthrene- and phenoxathiin cation radical salts with symmetrical alkynes. Structure and formation of cumulenes on alumina leading to alpha-diketones, alpha-hydroxyalkynes, and alpha-acetamidoalkynes.

[reaction: see text] Thianthrene cation radical tetrafluoroborate (Th*+ BF4-) added to 2-butyne, 3-hexyne, 4-octyne, and 5-decyne in MeCN to form trans bisadducts R(Th+)C=C(Th+)R, where R = Me, Et, Pr, Bu (7a-d). Phenoxathiin cation radical tetrafluoroborate (PO*+ BF4-) added similarly to the last three alkynes to form adducts R(PO+)C=C(PO+)R, 8b-d. Cyclic monoadducts were not found. The trans structures of 7 and 8 were deduced with X-ray crystallography (7c) and NMR spectroscopy. When solutions of adducts in CHCl3 and MeCN were deposited on activated alumina, elimination of thianthrene (Th) and phenoxathiin (PO) occurred almost quantitatively. Detailed studies with (7b-d) indicated that a cumulene (15) was formed by the elimination of Th and that 15 was subsequently converted into small amounts of other products. In CHCl3, these products were the respective alkyne, thianthrene 5-oxide, an alpha-diketone (11), an alpha-hydroxyalkyne (12), and hydrogen. The same products were formed in MeCN along with an alpha-acetamidoalkyne (13). The formation of 15 and products derived from it is explained and was confirmed by preparation and reactions of 2,3,4-hexatriene.

Decomposition of alkene adducts of thianthrene cation radical in nitrile solvents. Formation of alkyl-2-oxazolines and a new class of four-component products: 5-[(1-alkoxyalkylidene)ammonio]alkylthianthrenium diperchlorates.

The monoadducts (4a-d) of thianthrene cation radical perchlorate (1a) and isobutene, 2-methylbutene, 2-methyl-2-butene, and 2-methylpentene decompose spontaneously in acetonitrile (MeCN) solution, with the formation of thianthrene (Th). Decomposition of 4a (1,2-(5,10-thianthreniumdiyl)-2-methylpropane diperchlorate) and 4a', the corresponding dihexafluorophosphate, was studied in depth and extensively with (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. Decomposition of 4a was found to involve the solvent itself as well as water in the solvent, remaining from incomplete drying, and gave, apart from Th, successively, the perchlorate salts of 2,4,4-trimethyl-2-oxazoline (6) and 2-amino-2-methylpropyl acetate (7). These salts, 6-HClO(4) and 7-HClO(4), respectively, were prepared and used in understanding the reactions of 4a as well as the relationships among 6, 7, and 2-(acetylamino)-2-methyl propanol (8) in acidified MeCN solution. Decompositions of 4a-d in MeCN and other nitriles (RCN) containing an added alcohol (R'OH) led to new products, 5-[(1-alkoxyalkylidene)ammonio]alkylthianthrenium diperchlorates (5a-u). These compounds were identified with (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and, in part, with X-ray crystallography and elemental analysis. The mechanisms of formation of 5-7 are discussed.

Adducts of phenoxathiin and thianthrene cation radicals with alkenes and cycloalkenes.

Phenoxathiin cation radical perchlorate (PO.+ClO4(-)) added stereospecifically to cyclopentene, cyclohexene, cycloheptene, and 1,5-cyclooctadiene to give 1,2-bis(5-phenoxathiiniumyl)cycloalkane diperchlorates (4-7) in good yield. The diaxial configuration of the PO+ groups was confirmed with X-ray crystallography. Unlike additions of thianthrene cation radical perchlorate (Th.+ClO4(-)) to these cycloalkenes, no evidence for formation of monoadducts was found in the reactions of PO.+ClO4(-). This difference is discussed. Addition of Th.+ClO4(-) to five trans alkenes (2-butene, 2-pentene, 4-methyl-2-pentene, 3-octene, 5-decene) and four cis alkenes (2-pentene, 2-hexene, 2-heptene, 5-decene) gave in each case a mixture of mono- and bisadducts in which the configuration of the alkene was retained. Thus, cis alkenes gave erythro monoadducts and threo bisadducts, whereas trans alkenes gave threo monoadducts and erythro bisadducts. In these additions to alkenes, cis alkenes gave predominantly bisadducts, while trans alkenes (except for trans-2-butene) gave predominantly monoadducts. This difference is explained. 1,2-Bis(5-phenoxathiiniumyl)cycloalkanes (4-7) and 1,2-bis(5-thianthreniumyl)cycloalkanes underwent fast elimination reactions on activated alumina forming, respectively, 1-(5-phenoxathiiniumyl)cycloalkenes (8-11) and 1-(5-thianthreniumyl)cycloalkenes (12-16). Among adducts of Th.+ClO4(-) and alkenes, monoadducts underwent fast ring opening on alumina to give (5-thianthreniumyl)alkenes, while bisadducts underwent fast eliminations of H+ and thianthrene (Th) to give (5-thianthreniumyl)alkenes also. Ring opening of monoadducts was a stereospecific reaction in which the configuration of the original alkene was retained. Thus, erythro monoadducts (from cis alkenes) gave (E)-(5-thianthreniumyl)alkenes and threo monoadducts (from trans alkenes) gave (Z)-(5-thianthreniumyl)alkenes. Among bisadducts, elimination of a proton and Th occurred and was more complex, giving both (E)- and (Z)-(5-thianthreniumyl)alkenes. These results are explained. Configurations of adducts and (5-thianthreniumyl)alkenes were deduced with the aid of X-ray crystallography and (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. In the NMR spectra of (E)- and (Z)-(5-thianthreniumyl)alkenes, the alkenyl proton of Z isomers always appeared at a lower field (0.8-1.0 ppm) than that of E isomers.

Mono- and bisadducts from the addition of thianthrene cation radical salts to cycloalkenes and alkenes.

Thianthrene cation radical salts, Th(*)(+) X(-)(X(-) = a, ClO(4)(-); b, PF(6)(-); c, SbF(6)(-)), add to cycloalkenes (C(5)-C(8)) in acetonitrile (MeCN) to form 1,2-bis(5-thianthreniumyl)cycloalkane salts and 1,2-(5,10-thianthreniumdiyl)cycloalkane salts, most of which have now been isolated and characterized. These are called bis- (3, 6, 9, 12) and monoadducts (4, 7, 10, 13). The proportional amount of the monoadduct obtained in the initial stage of the reaction varied with the cycloalkene in the order C(6) << C(5) < C(7) << C(8). Thus, the ratio bis:mono for C(5) and C(7) was, respectively, about 80/20 and 50/50. In contrast, only about 5% of the C(6) monoadduct (7a) and none of 7b,c was obtained, while for C(8) none of the bisadducts 12a-c was found. Bisadducts 3 and 9 lost thianthrene (Th) slowly in MeCN solution and changed into monoadducts 4 and 10. A comparable change from 6a into 7a was not observed. The monoadducts, themselves, lost a proton slowly in dry MeCN and opened into 1-(5-thianthreniumyl)cycloalkenes (5, 8, 11, 14). With 3 and 9, particularly, it was possible to follow with NMR spectroscopy the succession of changes, for example, 3 to 4 to 5. The opening of a monoadduct was made faster by adding a small amount of water to the solution. The bisadducts of 4-methylcyclohexene (15a) and 1,5-cyclooctadiene (17a) were isolated and characterized. Although a small amount of monodduct (16a) of 4-methylcyclohexene was found with NMR spectroscopy, it could not be isolated. Bis- and monoadducts were obtained also in additions of Th(*)(+) ClO(4)(-) to acyclic alkenes, in relative amounts that, again, varied with the alkene. From cis-2-butene the dominant product was the bisadduct (18), while the monoaduct (19) was characterized with NMR spectroscopy but could not be isolated. In contrast, trans-3-hexene gave mainly the monoadduct (21), while the bis adduct (20) could not be isolated. With 4-methyl-cis-2-pentene, both bis- (22) and monoadduct (23) were isolated, the former being dominant. The conversion of 18 into 19 was characterized with NMR spectroscopy. In all cycloalkene bisadducts, the configurational relationship of the two thianthrenium groups was trans, while in the monoadducts, the bonds to the single thianthrene dication were (necessarily) cis. In both bis- and monoadducts of acyclic alkenes, the configuration of the alkene was retained. The mechanisms of addition with retention of configuration, of conversion of a bis- into a monoadduct, and of opening of a monoadduct are discussed. Products were identified with a combination of NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, elemental analysis, and (for cycloalkene adducts) reaction with thiophenoxide ion.

Radical Formation in the Oxidation of 2,2'-Azo-2-methyl-6-heptene by Thianthrene Cation Radical.

Reaction of 2,2'-azo-2-methyl-6-heptene (1) with thianthrene cation radical perchlorate (Th(*)(+)ClO(4)(-)) in CH(2)Cl(2) solution containing 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylpyridine (DTBMP) gave a mixture of nine C(8) hydrocarbons, namely, 1,1,2-trimethylcyclopentane (4, 2.2%), 6-methyl-1-heptene (5, 2.2%), 2-methyl-1,6-heptadiene (6, 9.8%), 2,2-dimethyl-1-methylenecyclopentane (7, 2.9%), 6-methyl-1,5-heptadiene (8, 39%), 3,3-dimethyl- (9, 7.6%), 4,4-dimethyl- (10, 11%), 1,2-dimethyl- (11, 5.4%), and 1,6-dimethylcyclohexene (12, 1.5%). The amounts of acyclic dienes (6, 8) fell and of cyclohexenes (9, 10) rose when DTBMP was omitted from or diminished in the solution. The results provide firm evidence (products 4, 5, and 7) for the formation of the 2-methyl-6-hepten-2-yl radical (2), although the major fate of 2 is its oxidation to the corresponding cation 13, the origin of the bulk of the other products.

Reactions of Pinacols with One-Electron Oxidants.

Oxidation of the tetraarylpinacols (Ar(2)COH)(2), 1a-e, in which Ar = C(6)H(5) (1a), 4-ClC(6)H(4) (1b), 4-MeC(6)H(4) (1c), 4-MeOC(6)H(4) (1d) and 4-Me(2)NC(6)H(4) (1e), by thianthrene cation radical (Th(*+)) in CH(3)CN and in CH(2)Cl(2) led quantitatively to the corresponding diaryl ketones Ar(2)C=O (2a-e), provided a sufficient amount of base, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylpyridine (DTBMP), was present to prevent presumed acid-catalyzed rearrangement. In the case of 1e, continued oxidation of 2e was also observed. Oxidation of 1a by (4-BrC(6)H(4))(3)N(*+)SbCl(6)(-) and (4-BrC(6)H(4))(3)N(*+)SbF(6)(-) (Ar(3)N(*+)) occurred analogously. Evidence for the catalytic, cation-radical rearrangement of 1a by Ar(3)N(*+) (reported in earlier literature) and by Th(*+) could not be found. Quantitative oxidation of 1a to 2a and of 1d to 2d was obtained also with NOBF(4), again provided that sufficient DTBMP was present to prevent acid-catalyzed rearrangement. Catalytic, oxidative rearrangement of 1d at room temperature and (as reported in earlier literature) at -5 degrees C was not observed. Oxidation was also observed of 2,3-diphenyl-2,3-butanediol (3) to acetophenone (9) and of 1,1-dimethyl-2,2-diphenylethanediol (4) to 2a and acetone by Th(*+). Oxidation of 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol (5) by Th(*+) was not observed. Instead, even in the presence of DTBMP, pinacolone (10) and tetramethyloxirane (11) were formed, through, it is proposed, a mechanism involving complexation with Th(*+).