The effect of strain on the RhI-catalyzed rearrangement of allylamines
Abstract
A multitude of challenges facing modern synthesis have an enamine component as part of a solution. Transition-metal-catalyzed rearrangement of allylamines to enamines has occupied a prominent place among catalytic transformations. Similar to more conventional synthetic approaches to enamine intermediates, this chemistry typically leads to the formation of (E) isomers. Recently, a Rh I-catalyzed rearrangement of N-allylaziridines to (Z)-N-alkenylaziridines was reported with kinetic stereoselectivities between 75:25 and 95:5 (Z/E). This exciting result warranted a mechanistic explanation. Herein we describe the results of quantum chemical calculations [B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)-LANL2DZ] aimed at evaluating competing mechanisms for this isomerization. We have compared and contrasted two mechanisms for the rearrangement: one that proceeds through an azametallocyclopentene intermediate and another through a hydrometalation/β-hydride elimination. We find that the latter mechanism corresponds to the lower energy pathway, which, counterintuitively, exhibits a kinetic preference for the formation of products with (Z) C=C double bonds. A close correspondence between product ratios determined by simple Boltzmann distribution calculations based on these theoretical results and the previously reported ratios is observed. Lastly, we have examined whether the observed stereocontrol is exclusive to strained amines, and we find that the unique characteristics of the aziridine ring, compared to other amines, prove to be essential. Given the privileged status of the enamine functional group in synthesis, application of the "strain effect" in a range of metal-catalyzed processes is expected to have broad consequences. RhI-catalyzed rearrangement of N-allylaziridines to (Z)-N-alkenylaziridines responsible for stereoselectivities between 75:25 and 95:5 (Z/E) are studied herein with B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p)-LANL2DZ. A hydrometalation/β-hydride elimination mechanism counterintuitively exhibits a kinetic preference for the formation of products with (Z) C=C double bonds.
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ejoc.201001132
Keywords
Amines, Density functional calculations, Homogeneous catalysis, Rearrangement, Rhodium
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Recommended Citation
Siebert, Matthew R., Andrei K. Yudin, and Dean J. Tantillo. "The Effect of Strain on the RhI‐Catalyzed Rearrangement of Allylamines." (2011): 553-561.
Journal Title
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
