Projects per year
Abstract
Ab initio calculations are reported for the reaction of methyl boronic ester with organolithium reagents with α-leaving groups. The best calculations rely on density functional theory prediction of structures and coupled-cluster theory calculation of accurate potential energies. The results provide strong confirmation of the feasibility of a two-step mechanism with rapid initial formation of a boron-ate complex followed by slower migration of methyl from boron to carbon with loss of the leaving group. The calculated free energy of activation is consistent with observed kinetic behavior, and the calculations provide a framework for exploring substituent and other effects on reactivity. Obtaining reasonable agreement with experiment in this way is not trivial and requires careful treatment of level of theory (density functional theory calculations tend to yield inaccurate results), of conformational complexity, especially for the ate complexes, and of the nature of the microscopic model of reactants and solvent. The methodological challenges and possible pitfalls, many of which are relevant more broadly to computational modeling of organic reaction mechanisms, are discussed in detail.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 12148-12158 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Journal of Organic Chemistry |
Volume | 79 |
Issue number | 24 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 19 Dec 2014 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Homologation of boronic esters with organolithium compounds: A computational assessment of mechanism'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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3-month Core Capability for Chemistry Research
Crosby, J. (Principal Investigator)
1/01/13 → 1/04/13
Project: Research
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Changing the Synthesis Landscape with Boron at the Helm: from Chiral Organometallics to Assembly Line Synthesis
Aggarwal, V. K. (Principal Investigator)
14/05/12 → 13/01/18
Project: Research