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as “indanocyclon”, is a widely used heterocyclic compound for
many organic transformations [8]. Our synthetic strategy was to
use this skeleton and combine its properties with common motif in
many biologically active compounds, maleimide, in order to receive
a series of new complex butylarylpiperazin-1-yl derivatives [6]. The
synthesis started from obtaining “indanocyclon” with the applica-
tion of widely used procedure [9], where the starting material is
ninhydrin (Scheme 1). The reaction was conducted in suitable
medium, which in this case was absolute ethanol.
Received dien is characterized by quite complex structure in
case of cycloaddition reactions. However, there are no literature
reports of any limitations from the regard on possible steric hin-
drance, because the reactivity of unsaturated fragment and its
relation to dienophile is decisive. Both conditions were theoreti-
cally met. Dien-dienophile pair (“indanocyclon”- maleimide) was
subjected to standard conditions of the Diels-Alder reaction for the
purpose of obtaining desirable product (Scheme 2). Synthesized
with good yield 4,10-diphenylindeno[1,2-f]isoindole-1,3,9(2H)-tri-
one (2) reveals characteristic arrangement of coupled benzene
rings, what was documented by X-ray structural analysis. The
product is described by recognized mechanism, typical for the
majority of pericyclic reactions, so it will not be the object for
further deliberation.
(Scheme 5) is completely different from already recognized Diels-
Alder reactions, however we can draw out several presumptions.
Firstly, at least two transition states arise, so we are able to receive
two different products. Favored transition state in which 10 and 12
carbon atoms of “indanocyclon” are engaged will lead to the
product of [4 þ 2] cycloaddition. The alternative mechanism would
probably lead to the transition state in which 8 and 9 carbon atoms
will be engaged. Regrouping of electrons shall occur in the next
stage. The structure of the product shows that it is more favorable
to form the bond with 8 carbon atom of dien. We assumed that this
is linked with the smaller steric hindrance of the product and the
presence of the carbonyl group in the closest area. The carbonyl
group can additionally have the influence on creation of the
product, because of the possible hydrogen bond formation with
maleimide. It is hard to explain why the bond between maleimide
and 9 carbon atom of “indanocyclon” is not formed. We presume
that it is related to the tension generated by bond between 8 carbon
atom of “indanocyclon” and maleimide. Probably this strain is the
main reason why double bond between 9 and 12 carbon atoms is
reproduced. We suggest more privileged position of bond forma-
tion near carbonyl group because of maleimide and carbonyl group
interactions. Furthermore, two hydrogen ions are generated in re-
action environment due to formation of the favored product, which
eliminates two ions during the aromatization of the newly formed
six-membered ring. This explains why unfavored product has two
more H atoms compared with the starting materials “indanocy-
clon” and maleimide.
However, under the same reaction conditions an unusual
additional product was formed (Scheme 3). That proves the pres-
ence of competitive mechanism, different from well-known [4 þ 2]
addition reactions.
At that point we decided to study the influence of reaction
solvent, since this was the only factor that could be responsible for
the formation of alternative product (Table 1).
To understand the reasons of 3-(2,8-dioxo-1,3-diphenyl-2,8-
dihydrocyclopenta[a]inden-8a(1H)-yl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione for-
mation we have isolated single crystals of both reaction products
and transfer them to intensive structural studies.
Changing the solvent gives poorer yields of 3-(2,8-dioxo-1,3-
diphenyl-2,8-dihydrocyclopenta[a]inden-8a(1H)-yl)pyrrolidine-
2,5-dione (3). Reaction was conducted in boiling temperatures of
chosen solvents and in the same time period. It was found that
benzene and chlorobenzene provides the largest amount of side
product. At this stage no further tests were conducted, since the
reaction was performed using only solvent and reactants.
It is supposed that in the same reaction conditions alternative
reaction is achievable. Less possible, although commonly seen
mechanism comes into mind at first glance. The [2 þ 2] cycload-
dition, but this one is reserved for photochemical reactions. There
are some exceptions from this rule, for example some cycloaddi-
tions of ethylene derivatives. It should be mentioned that the
transition state of [2 þ 2] addition products depend on radical
mechanism. However, this one has not been recognized in this case.
Product that should be isolated (Scheme 4) according to that
mechanism doesn't agree with the one we have obtain.
2.1. Crystal structures of 4,10-diphenylindeno[1,2-f]isoindole-
1,3,9(2H)-trione and 3-(2,8-dioxo-1,3-diphenyl-2,8-
dihydrocyclopenta[a]inden-8a(1H)-yl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione
4,10-diphenylindeno[1,2-f]isoindole-1,3,9(2H)-trione (2) crys-
tallizes in the P21/c space group (Fig. 1, Table 3), the asymmetric
unit contains one molecule of (2) and acetonitrile, which was used
as a solvent. The main part of the molecule (4 rings) is almost planar
with deviation of 5.5ꢀ. Two substituted phenyl rings are tilted with
respect to benzene ring by 48.5ꢀ and 70.8ꢀ, respectively. The
structure is governed by strong NeH/O hydrogen bonding be-
tween adjacent molecules forming dimers (NeH/O distance
2.877 Å, see Table 2). Consequently, the layers built of dimeric
chains are formed (Fig. 2). Additionally, there are CeH/O in-
teractions of 3.328 Å stabilizing the structure. The crystal is
somehow “bound” together by two acetonitrile molecules lying in
We take into consideration that the mechanism of this reaction
Scheme 1. Synthesis of 1,3-phenylcyclopenta[a]indene-2,8-dione (1) from ninhydrin as a starting material.