Enabling New Modes of Reactivity via Constrictive Binding in a Supramolecular-Assembly-Catalyzed Aza-Prins Cyclization

J Am Chem Soc. 2015 Jul 29;137(29):9202-5. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5b01261. Epub 2015 Jul 15.

Abstract

Supramolecular assembly 1 catalyzes a bimolecular aza-Prins cyclization featuring an unexpected transannular 1,5-hydride transfer. This reaction pathway, which is promoted by constrictive binding within the supramolecular cavity of 1, is kinetically disfavored in the absence of 1, as evidenced by the orthogonal reactivity observed in bulk solution. Mechanistic investigation through kinetic analysis and isotopic labeling studies indicates that the rate-limiting step of the transformation is the encapsulation of a transient iminium ion and supports the proposed 1,5-hydride transfer mechanism. This represents a rare example of such an extreme divergence of product selectivity observed within a catalytic metal-ligand supramolecular enzyme mimic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acyclic Monoterpenes
  • Aldehydes / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Cyclization
  • Hydrogen / chemistry*
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Monoterpenes / chemistry

Substances

  • Acyclic Monoterpenes
  • Aldehydes
  • Monoterpenes
  • Hydrogen
  • citronellal