Control of Chemical Reactions by Using Molecules that Buffer Non-aqueous Solutions

Control of chemical reactions is necessary to obtain designer chemical transformation products and for preventing decomposition and isomerization reactions of compounds of interest. For the control of chemical events in aqueous solutions, the use of aqueous buffers is a common practice. However, no molecules that buffer non-aqueous solutions were commonly used. Herein, we demonstrate that 1,3-cyclohexanedione derivatives have buffering functions in non-aqueous solutions. It was also shown that these molecules can be utilized to alter and control chemical reactions. 1,3-Cyclohexanedione derivatives inhibited both acid- and base-catalyzed isomerizations and decompositions in organic solvents. The reaction products obtained in the presence of the buffering molecule 2-methyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione differed from those obtained in the absence of the buffering molecule. The use of buffering molecules that work in organic solvents provides a strategy to control chemical reactions and expands the range of compounds that can be synthesized.