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Published on: May 26, 2019
Structures in solid state and solution of dimethoxy curcuminoids: regioselective bromination and chlorination
Petra Galer1, Amalija Golobič, Jože Koller
1Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 5, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. boris.sket@fkkt.uni-lj.si.
The position of methoxy groups influences dimethoxy curcuminoid structures in solids, while solution states show fast tautomeric equilibrium. Halogenation at the alpha-position maintains the cis keto-enol form.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Solid-State Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry
Background:
- Curcumin and its derivatives exhibit diverse structures in solid and solution states.
- Solid-state curcumin structures feature symmetrical hydrogen bonds in the enolone fragment.
- Solution structures are influenced by solvent interactions, stabilizing specific tautomers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how methoxy group positions affect dimethoxy curcuminoid molecular conformation.
- To determine the impact of alpha-position halogenation on molecular structure.
- To explore the solid-state and solution behaviors of these compounds.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of six dimethoxy curcuminoid isomers.
- X-ray single crystallography and solid-state NMR (1H MAS, 13C CPMAS) for structural analysis.
- Theoretical calculations (HOMO/LUMO energies) and regioselective halogenation (bromination/chlorination).
Main Results:
- Solid-state conformations of dimethoxy curcuminoids are dependent on methoxy group placement.
- Polymorphism observed in crystalline 3,4-diOCH3 and 3,5-diOCH3 derivatives.
- Halogenated compounds predominantly exist in the cis keto-enol form in solution.
Conclusions:
- Methoxy group position significantly dictates solid-state structures and influences polymorphism.
- Dimethoxy curcuminoids exist as rapidly equilibrating tautomers in solution.
- Alpha-halogenation does not alter the preferred cis keto-enol conformation observed in parent compounds.
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Halogenation of Alkenes
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Hydroboration proceeds in a concerted fashion with the attack of borane on the π bond, giving a cyclic four-centered transition state. The –BH2 group is bonded to the less substituted carbon and –H to the more substituted carbon. The concerted nature requires the simultaneous addition of –H and –BH2 across the same face of the alkene giving syn stereochemistry.
Formation of Halohydrin from Alkenes
Radical Substitution: Allylic Bromination
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Regioselectivity of Electrophilic Additions-Peroxide Effect

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