High performance of N-alkoxycarbonyl-imines in triethylborane-mediated tin-free radical addition

J Org Chem. 2012 Feb 3;77(3):1547-53. doi: 10.1021/jo2025042. Epub 2012 Jan 20.

Abstract

Triethylborane-mediated tin-free radical alkylation of N-alkoxycarbonyl-imines, such as N-Boc-, N-Cbz-, and N-Teoc-imines, proceeded smoothly at a low temperature (-78 to -20 °C) to give the corresponding adducts in high yield. Although the formation of isocyanate was the major unfavorable reaction at room temperature, a one-pot conversion of N-Boc-imine to N-ethoxycarbonyl-adduct was possible through the corresponding isocyanate generated in situ. The higher performance of N-alkoxycarbonyl-imine than those of N-Ts- and N-PMP-imines is rationalized by a moderate electron-withdrawing character of an alkoxycarbonyl group that makes both addition of alkyl radical and trapping of the resulting aminyl radical by triethylborane efficiently fast.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation
  • Boranes / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Free Radicals / chemistry
  • Imines / chemistry*
  • Isocyanates / chemistry
  • Methylation
  • Tin / chemistry

Substances

  • Boranes
  • Free Radicals
  • Imines
  • Isocyanates
  • Tin
  • triethylborane