Transition-state complexation in palladium-promoted [3,3] sigmatropic shifts

Abstract

Herein we use quantum chemical methods (B3LYP/LANL2DZ) to chronicle the path of the Pd(II)-promoted Cope rearrangement. It was discovered that although the mechanism can proceed through a stepwise associative pathway (forming a cyclohexyl cation-like intermediate-if appropriately substituted with an electron-donating group), a simple change in substituent position or nature (e.g., an aptly placed electron-withdrawing group) makes the concerted pathway energetically favorable. The origins of rate acceleration in these systems upon complexation are discussed in terms of "transition-state complexation". Since the Pd(II)-promoted Cope rearrangement, much like its metal-free counterpart, changes mechanism on the basis of the nature and position of appended substituents, both should share the distinctive classification "chameleonic."

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1021/ja072159i

Publication Date

7-18-2007

Journal Title

Journal of the American Chemical Society

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