Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2017

Track

Chemistry

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Chemical Sciences (MSCB)

Department

Chemistry

Committee Chair/First Advisor

Christopher W. Alexander

Committee Member

Daniela Tapu

Committee Member

Michael Van Dyke

Abstract

Alkenylphosphonates (vinylphosphonates) are important targets for R & D because they have interesting chemical, biological and pharmacological properties. Vinylphosphonates are used in synthesis, polymer applications, and have demonstrated potential as anticancer and antimicrobial agents.

Vinyl triflates are useful in organic synthesis and are referred to as pseudo-halides because they react in a manner similar to halides. Vinyl triflates have a broad range of synthetic utility because they undergo nucleophilic substitutions and transition metal-mediated reactions. There is a growing interest in using α-phosphonovinyl pseudo-halides in transition metal-mediated cross-coupling reactions as a means to synthesize α, β-substituted alkenylphosphonates. Over the past three years, our group has developed a reliable synthesis of novel α-phosphonovinyl triflates from α-ketophosphonates and has been exploring the reactivity of these vinyl triflates.

Part I of this thesis describes the synthesis of 1-aryl-1-alkenyl phosphonates through an environmentally friendly Pd-mediated Suzuki reaction of α-phosphonovinyl triflates and aryl boronic acids. The cross-coupling reactions were completed using simple reaction conditions, green solvents (isopropyl alcohol/H2O), a heterogeneous catalyst with a very low mole loading (0.007%), and a benign base. The 1-aryl-1-alkenyl phosphonates were prepared in 72-98% yield after purification. Part II of this thesis describes the Pd-mediated reduction of α-phosphonovinyl triflates in the presence of formic acid as a new method to prepare β-substituted alkenylphosphonates in 64-90% yield.

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