Site-selective radical reactions of kinetically stable open-shell singlet diradicaloid difluorenoheteroles with tributyltin hydride and azo-based radical initiators

We have demonstrated site-selective radical reactions of the kinetically stable open-shell singlet diradicaloids difluoreno[3,4-b:4',3'-d]thiophene (DFTh) and difluoreno[3,4-b:4',3'-d]furan (DFFu) with tributyltin hydride (HSn(n-Bu)(3)) and azo-based radical initiators. Treatment of these diradicaloids with HSn(n-Bu)(3) induces hydrogenation at the ipso-carbon in the five-membered rings, while treatment with 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) induces substitution at the carbon atoms in the peripheral six-membered rings. We have also developed one-pot substitution/hydrogenation reactions of DFTh/DFFu with various azo-based radical initiators and HSn(n-Bu)(3). The resulting products can be converted into substituted DFTh/DFFu derivatives via dehydrogenation. Theoretical calculations unveiled a detailed mechanism of the radical reactions of DFTh/DFFu with HSn(n-Bu)(3) and with AIBN, and that the site-selectivity of these radical reactions is controlled by the balance of the spin density and the steric hindrance in DFTh/DFFu.

Automated summary

We have demonstrated site-selective radical reactions of the stable open-shell singlet diradicaloids DFTh and DFFu with HSn(n-Bu)(3) and azo-based radical initiators. Treatment with HSn(n-Bu)(3) induces hydrogenation at the five-membered ring, while treatment with AIBN induces substitution at the peripheral six-membered rings. One-pot substitution/hydrogenation reactions of DFTh/DFFu with various azo-based radical initiators and HSn(n-Bu)(3) have also been developed. Theoretical calculations reveal the mechanism of these radical reactions and the site-selectivity, which are controlled by the balance of spin density and steric hindrance.