Synlett 2005(5): 0713-0731  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-864793
ACCOUNT
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Mechanistic Studies in Triazolinedione Ene Reactions

Georgios C. Vougioukalakis, Michael Orfanopoulos*
Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, 71409, Iraklion, Crete, Greece
Fax: +30(2810)393601; e-Mail: orfanop@chemistry.uoc.gr;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 11 August 2004
Publication Date:
09 March 2005 (online)

Abstract

Triazolinediones react with olefins bearing allylic hydrogens in an ene fashion to afford N-allylurazoles. This reaction, apart from considerable mechanistic attention, shows also substantial synthetic utility. Extensive experimental data, such as deuterium kinetic isotope effects, trapping of intermediates, and stereochemical studies, and to a lesser extent computational work, support a two-step mechanism with irreversible formation of a three-membered ring intermediate (aziridinium imide). On the basis of recent experimental and theoretical work, an open biradical has been proposed as the key intermediate.

1 Introduction and Background

2 Isotope Effects

3 Regioselectivity and Diastereoselectivity Studies

3.1 Regioselectivity

3.1.1 Regioselectivity with Simple Alkenes

3.1.2 Regioselectivity with Substituted Alkenes, Styrenes, α,β-Unsaturated Esters, Carbonyl Compounds and Sulfoxides

3.2 Diastereoselectivity

4 Solvent Trapping Studies

5 Stereochemistry: Simple Alkenes, Non-Polar Solvents

6 Theoretical Calculations

7 Concluding Remarks