Essential Rule Derived from Thermodynamics and Kinetics Studies of Benzopyran Compounds

Compounds with benzopyran as the core structure play an important role in the total synthesis of antioxidants, drugs, and natural products. Herein, the thermodynamic data of benzopyran compounds and their intermediates were measured and calculated by combining thermodynamics with kinetics. The mechanism of reactions between four benzopyran compounds and organic hydride acceptors was proven to be a one-step hydride transfer. The thermodynamic properties of these compounds and their corresponding intermediates were elucidated. The rationality and accuracy of the electrochemical measurement method were proved. Furthermore, the essential rule of unique structures being present between the C-H bond and para-substituent constants on the benzene ring, as shown in previous studies, was investigated. A simultaneous correlation between thermodynamics and kinetics was found for the hydride transfer reaction, in which the reaction site is connected with the substituent through the benzene ring, a double bond, or a N atom. The likely reason for the correlation between thermodynamic and kinetic is that the benzene ring, double bond, or N atom have the role of transferring the electronic effect. This finding can be applied to the calculation of the activation energy of hydride self-exchange reactions, the prediction of kinetic isotope effects, and explorations of selective reduction processes of hydride transfer in such organic hydride compounds.