Distal Two-Bond versus Three-Bond Electronegative Oxo-Substituent Effect Controls the Kinetics and Thermodynamics of the Conversion of a C-Nitroso Function to the Corresponding Oxime in the Conformationally Locked Pentofuranose (Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane) System

Abstract

We report the high-yielding and scalable diastereospecific synthesis of isomeric bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-7- and -8-oximes and their corresponding C-nitroso derivatives, which are the key intermediates for the synthesis of carbanucleosides. Neither the (C7-R)-nitroso- nor (C8-S)-nitrosobicycloheptane system requires any external base in DMSO-d6 to afford the corresponding oxime, and no reverse isomerization from the oxime to the C-nitroso compound was observed. The conversion of the (C8-S)-nitroso compound to the E/Z-oximes was ∼8 times faster (at 40 °C) than that of the (C7-R)-nitroso derivative. The mechanism involves first-order reaction kinetics for the conversion of either the (C7-R)- or (C8-S)-nitroso derivative to the corresponding E/Z-oximes. The lower rate of conversion of the (C7-R)-nitroso compound to the corresponding oximes compared with that of the (C8-S)-nitroso derivative is attributed to the fact that the acidic H8 ionizing center is two bonds away from the OPMB group on C1 in the latter whereas H7 is three bonds away from the C1 OMe group in the former, making the effect of the electron-withdrawing group on C1 stronger in the latter.

C–H Functionalization on Carbohydrates

“…Functionalization of glycals at the 2‐position is well known in carbohydrate chemistry, but those reactions do not normally involve C–H activation, but rather addition/elimination reactions including the ring oxygen atom. Reactions of this type are seen when, for example, glycals react with electrophiles (e.g., in the synthesis of nitroglycals and 2‐haloglycals and in C–C bond‐forming reactions).…”