Mechanistic Understanding of a Robust and Scalable Synthesis of Per(6-deoxy-6-halo)cyclodextrins, Versatile Intermediates for Cyclodextrin Modification

Cyclodextrin (CD) perfunctionalization reactions are challenging to study because they proceed through a number of regioisomeric intermediates, thus warranting creative approaches to understanding the reaction mechanism. Particularly useful perfunctionalization targets are per(6-deoxy-6-halo)cyclodextrins. Their standard synthesis entails selective S(N)2 halogenation at their primary alcohols using a Vilsmeier reagent, but this requires a strongly basic quench to unmask the Vilsmeier-capped secondary alcohols. Herein we present an alternative and simple acidic hydrolytic quench that utilizes existing HX in the end-of-reaction solution and requires only the addition of water. We performed a detailed mechanistic investigation of the new quench, and a central feature was the use of proton sponge to develop an 'H NMR titration method for HX in organic solvent. This method was used to both quantify and remove HX in the prequenched reaction solution. The HX-free prequenched solution enabled us to (1) identify sensitive intermediates during the quench, (2) quantify all of the reaction byproducts, and (3) determine that HX is critical for hydrolysis. We then studied the halogenation reaction, wherein the new acidic quench facilitated high-throughput experimentation, using mass spectrometry as well as Design of Experiments with automated reaction profiling. Through this, we were able to establish robustness and understand the complex effects of Vilsmeier equivalents and temperature on the reaction outcome.

Automated summary

The study investigated the mechanism of perfunctionalization reactions of cyclodextrin, introducing a simple acidic hydrolytic quench method to replace the traditional strongly basic quenching step. This method not only allows quantification and removal of HX in the reaction solution but also facilitates the identification of sensitive intermediates and byproducts during the reaction process and optimization of reaction conditions. Through high-throughput experimentation, the new acidic quench method proved to be effective in understanding the complex effects of Vilsmeier equivalents and temperature on the reaction outcome.