Elucidation of a Sequential Iminium Ion Cascade Reaction Triggered by a Silica Gel-Promoted Aza-Peterson Reaction

J Org Chem. 2020 Dec 4;85(23):15660-15666. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.0c02102. Epub 2020 Nov 23.

Abstract

In a recent methodological study investigating the synthesis of N-alkoxyazomethine ylides, an unexpected aminal byproduct was generated during our attempt to isolate O-benzyl-N-((trimethylsilyl)methyl)hydroxylamine. After a strategic investigation, silica gel was discovered to be the cause of the byproduct formation. Through the mechanistic insight from control and trapping experiments, we propose the formation of a methaniminium ion via a novel aza-Peterson reaction, which ultimately triggers a sequential iminium ion cascade sequence. Herein, we discuss the elucidation of this cascade reaction mechanism and the constraints for the byproduct formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't