Understanding the different reactivity of (Z)- and (E)-β-nitrostyrenes in [3+2] cycloaddition reactions. An MEDT study

The experimental reactivity of isomeric (Z)- and (E)-beta-nitrostyrenes participating in [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions has been analysed on the basis of molecular electron density theory (MEDT) at the HF/6-311G(d,p), B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) and omega B97X-D/6-311G(d,p) computational levels. It was found that the polar zw-type 32CA reactions with 5,5-dimethylpyrroline-N-oxide proceed via a one-step mechanism, characterised by the attack of the nucleophilic oxygen centre of the nitrone on the electrophilically activated beta-position of these nitrostyrenes. This behaviour is completely understood by means of the analysis of the conceptual DFT reactivity indices. These 32CA reactions present low activation enthalpies of 4.4 (Z) and 5.0 (E) kcal mol(-1), and are exo (Z) and endo (E) stereoselective (B3LYP), as well as completely meta regioselective (omega B97X-D, B3LYP). The less stable (Z)-beta-nitrostyrene is more reactive than the (E)-one (HF). ELF and AIM topological analyses of the reagents and TSs show the great similitude between their electronic structures. Finally, NCI allows explaining the exo stereoselectivity found in the reaction of (Z)-beta-nitrostyrene. The present MEDT study explains the different reactivity, selectivity and competitiveness in the title reactions.

Automated summary

The experimental reactivity of isomeric (Z)- and (E)-beta-nitrostyrenes in [3+2] cycloaddition reactions was analyzed using molecular electron density theory (MEDT) at different computational levels. The study found differences in reaction mechanisms, stereoselectivity and reactivity between the two isomers, with (Z)-beta-nitrostyrene showing higher reactivity and selectivity in the reactions.