Bradley A. McKeown

Catalytic Synthesis of “Super” Linear Alkenyl Arenes Using an Easily Prepared Rh(I) Catalyst

Linear alkyl benzenes (LAB) are global chemicals that are produced by acid-catalyzed reactions that involve the formation of carbocationic intermediates. One outcome of the acid-based catalysis is that 1-phenylalkanes cannot be produced. Herein, it is reported that [Rh(μ-OAc)(η2-C2H4)2]2 catalyzes production of 1-phenyl substituted alkene products via oxidative arene vinylation. Since C═C bonds can be used for many chemical transformations, the formation of unsaturated products provides a potential advantage over current processes that produce saturated alkyl arenes. Conditions that provide up to a 10:1 linear:branched ratio have been achieved, and catalytic turnovers >1470 have been demonstrated. In addition, electron-deficient and electron-rich substituted benzenes are successfully alkylated. The Rh catalysis provides ortho:meta:para selectivity that is opposite to traditional acid-based catalysis.

Zirconocene-promoted synthesis of substituted tetrahydropyrans

Zirconocene reagents derived from zirconocene dichloride and two equivalents of butyllithium react with allylic, homoallylic diene ethers. Hydrolysis of the reaction products yields substituted tetrahydropyrans. The reaction is postulated to occur via cyclization of the diene to form a zirconacyclopentane. This cyclization occurs without allylic rearrangement.