Enantioselective, Lewis base-catalyzed transformations: I. Polyene sulfenocyclization (preparative and mechanistic aspects) II. Sulfenofunctionalization of alkenyl boronates enabled by 1,2-boronate migration

Robb, Kevin Allen

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Description

Title

Enantioselective, Lewis base-catalyzed transformations: I. Polyene sulfenocyclization (preparative and mechanistic aspects) II. Sulfenofunctionalization of alkenyl boronates enabled by 1,2-boronate migration

Author(s)

Robb, Kevin Allen

Issue Date

2019-06-05

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Smith, Patriann

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Trent, William

Committee Member(s)

• Brown, Ruth N.
• Zimmerman, Steven C.
• Stovall, David

Department of Study

Chemistry

Discipline

Chemistry

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Lewis base catalysis
• polyene cyclization
• alkenylboronates
• enantioselective catalysis
• olefin sulfenofunctionalization

Abstract

This thesis covers two independent projects which are united under the umbrella of Lewis base catalysis. Following an overview of the key principles behind Lewis base catalysis and how it is used to enhance the electrophilicity of Lewis acids (Chapter 1), the bulk of this thesis will focus on the development of a catalytic, enantioselective sulfenocyclization of polyenes (Chapter 2). Sulfenyl group transfer from a highly reactive, cationic, Lewis acid-base adduct to an unactivated alkene generates a cyclic thiiranium ion, which serves as the initiating event for a highly stereoselective polyene cyclization that is terminated by arenes or phenols. This reaction was enabled by the identification of hexafluoroisopropyl alcohol (HFIP) as a superior solvent which dramatically improves site selectivity of thiiranium ion generation. A broad substrate scope is demonstrated, and the tricyclic products are isolated in good yield and enantioselectivity. Furthermore, a number of functional group interconversions (FGIs) of the resulting thioether moiety are demonstrated. This method is employed for the concise, enantioselective syntheses of the natural products (+)-ferruginol and (+)-hinokiol. Additionally, investigations into the sulfenocyclization of trienes to form even more complex products are disclosed. Preliminary mechanistic experiments to elucidate the rate-determining step of the catalytic cycle and the order in each reaction component were also performed. Chapter 3 of this thesis will cover the development of a Lewis base-catalyzed, enantioselective carbosulfenylation of alkenylboronate complexes which is enabled by a 1,2-boronate migration. The generation of “iranium” ions from alkenylboronates triggers a diastereospecific, ring-opening migration of an alkyl or aryl group to form 1,2-difunctionalized organoboron compounds. This strategy was employed together with Lewis base-catalyzed, enantioselective sulfenyl group transfer to ultimately afford chiral, non-racemic alkylboronic esters in generally high yield, high enantioselectivity, and perfect diastereospecificity. The products of the transformation are useful synthetic intermediates, and a number of useful FGIs are demonstrated.

Graduation Semester

2019-08

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/105593

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Copyright 2019 Kevin A. Robb

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