Scholl Cyclizations of Aryl Naphthalenes: Rearrangement Precedes Cyclization.

In 1910, Scholl, Seer, and Weitzenbock reported the AlCl3-catalyzed cyclization of 1,1'-binaphthyl to perylene. We provide evidence that this classic organic name reaction proceeds through sequential and reversible formation of 1,2'- and 2,2'-binaphthyl isomers. Acid-catalyzed isomerization of 1,1'-binaphthyl to 2,2'-binaphthyl has been noted previously. The superacid trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH), 1 M in dichloroethane, catalyzes these rearrangements, with slower cyclization to perylene. Minor cyclization products are benzo[k]fluoranthene and benzo[j]fluoranthene. At ambient temperature, the observed equilibrium ratio of 1,1'-binaphthyl, 1,2'-binaphthyl, and 2,2'-binaphthyl is <1:3:97. DFT calculations with the inclusion of solvation support a mechanistic scheme in which ipso-arenium ions are responsible for rearrangements; however, we cannot distinguish between arenium ion and radical cation mechanisms for the cyclization steps. Under similar reaction conditions, 1-phenylnaphthalene interconverts with 2-phenylnaphthalene, with the latter favored at equilibrium (5:95 ratio), and also converts slowly to fluoranthene. Computations again support an arenium ion mechanism for rearrangements.

Phenyl shifts in substituted arenes via ipso arenium ions.

The isomerization of substituted arenes through ipso arenium ions is an important and general molecular rearrangement that leads to interconversions of constitutional isomers. We show here that the superacid trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH), ca. 1 M in dichloroethane (DCE), provides reliable catalytic reaction conditions for these rearrangements, easily applied at ambient temperature, reflux (84 °C), or in a microwave reactor for higher temperatures. Interconversion of terphenyl isomers in TfOH/DCE at 84 °C gives an ortho/meta/para equilibrium ratio of 0:65:35, nearly identical to values reported earlier by Olah with catalysis by AlCl(3). For the three triphenylbenzenes, TfOH-catalyzed equilibration strongly (>95%) favors the 1,3,5-triphenyl isomer. Equilibration of the three possible tetraphenylbenzenes gives a 61:39 mixture of the 1,2,3,5- and 1,2,4,5-substituted isomers. Under the reaction conditions explored, none of these structures undergoes significant Scholl cyclization. DFT calculations with inclusion of solvation support a mechanistic scheme in which all of the phenyl migrations occur among a series of ipso arenium ions. In every case studied, the preferred isomers at equilibrium are those that yield highly stable cations by the most exothermic, hence least reversible 1,2-H shift.

Concerted vs stepwise mechanisms in dehydro-Diels-Alder reactions.

The Diels-Alder reaction is not limited to 1,3-dienes. Many cycloadditions of enynes and a smaller number of examples with 1,3-diynes have been reported. These "dehydro"-Diels-Alder cycloadditions are one class of dehydropericyclic reactions which have long been used to generate strained cyclic allenes and other novel structures. CCSD(T)//M05-2X computational results are reported for the cycloadditions of vinylacetylene and butadiyne with ethylene and acetylene. Both concerted and stepwise diradical routes have been explored for each reaction, with location of relevant stationary points. Relative to 1,3-dienes, replacement of one double bond by a triple bond adds 6-6.5 kcal/mol to the activation barrier; a second triple bond adds 4.3-4.5 kcal/mol to the barrier. Product strain decreases the predicted exothermicity. In every case, a concerted reaction is favored energetically. The difference between concerted and stepwise reactions is 5.2-6.6 kcal/mol for enynes but diminishes to 0.5-2 kcal/mol for diynes. Experimental studies on intramolecular diyne + ene cycloadditions show two distinct reaction pathways, providing evidence for competing concerted and stepwise mechanisms. Diyne + yne cycloadditions connect with arynes and ethynyl-1,3-cyclobutadiene. This potential energy surface appears to be flat, with only a minute advantage for a concerted process; many diyne cycloadditions or aryne cycloreversions will proceed by a stepwise mechanism.

Microwave flash pyrolysis.

In a microwave reactor, graphite heats rapidly to high surface temperatures; applications of graphite thermal "sensitization" have been described previously. We report here that microwave thermal sensitization with graphite, carbon nanotubes, or silicon carbide can be used to carry out reactions more typically accomplished by flash vacuum pyrolysis (FVP) and which usually require temperatures much higher than the nominal limit of a microwave reactor. The graphite-sensitized microwave reaction of azulene in the solid phase at temperatures of 100 to 300 degrees C affords rapid rearrangement to naphthalene, a reaction typically observed by FVP at 700-900 degrees C. Multiwall carbon nanotubes give similar results when used as a thermal sensitizer. Other graphite-sensitized reactions that we have observed include the following: conversion of 2-ethynylbiphenyl to phenanthrene, fragmentation of phthalic anhydride to benzyne, cleavage of iodobenzene to phenyl radical, aryl-aryl bond cleavage, and a variety of cycloaromatizations. An advantage is seen for less volatile substrates. Rearrangement of azulene and generation of benzyne from phthalic anhydride have also been observed on powdered silicon carbide. Because of the high temperature, rapid heating, and frequent ejection of material from the irradiation zone, we refer to this general method as microwave flash pyrolysis (MFP).