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Published on: August 1, 2018
Neighboring π-Amide Participation in Thioether Oxidation: Conformational Control
Takuhei Yamamoto1, Jixun Dai1, Neil E Jacobsen1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States.
Neighboring amide groups enhance thioether electrochemical oxidation. This study reveals amide π orbitals stabilize the resulting sulfur radical cation through two-electron participation, confirmed by NMR spectroscopy.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Thioethers are important organic compounds.
- Electrochemical oxidation is a key transformation in organic synthesis.
- Neighboring group participation can influence reaction mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of neighboring amide groups in the electrochemical oxidation of thioethers.
- To elucidate the mechanism of facilitation by amide participation.
- To characterize the intermediate species formed during the reaction.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical oxidation of thioethers.
- (1)H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in acetonitrile solution.
- Analysis of conformationally constrained thioether-amide compounds.
Main Results:
- Electrochemical oxidation of thioethers is significantly facilitated by neighboring amide groups.
- Spectroscopic analysis confirmed two-electron participation from the amide π2 orbital.
- This participation stabilizes the intermediate sulfur radical cation.
Conclusions:
- Neighboring amide participation is a key factor in enhancing thioether electrochemical oxidation.
- The amide π orbital plays a crucial role in stabilizing the sulfur radical cation intermediate.
- This finding provides insights into the mechanism of electrochemical oxidation reactions involving thioethers.
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