2,1-Migrations, ester groups, mechanism

The mechanism of the Fries reaction is not known with certainty. One mechanism regards it as a true intramolecular rearrangement in which the acyl group migrates directly from the oxygen atom to the carbon atoms of the ring. Another scheme postulates that the ester is cleaved by the reagent... 

Mechanism of Radical-Induced 2,1-Migrations of Ester Groups. 138... 

When treated with acid chlorides and acid anhydrides, phenols form esters. Under Friedel-Crafts conditions, phenolic esters undergo a Fries rearrangement in which the acyl group migrates to the 2- and 4-positions. Thus, treatment of the ester 11 with aluminium chloride in an inert solvent gives a mixture of 2- and 4-hydroxyacetophenones [(hydroxy-phenyl)ethanones] C-acylation has occurred (Scheme 4.7). The two isomers are separable and this is a useful method for the production of phenolic ketones. The mechanism remains uncertain, but it would appear that the acylium ion (RCO" ) is generated and that a Friedel-Crafts mechanism operates. 

The mechanism of these alkylations involves a tetracoordinate boron intermediate formed by addition of the enolate of the a-bromo ester to the organoborane. The migration then occurs with displacement of bromide ion. In agreement with this mechanism, retention of configuration of the migrating group is observed.23... 

Carboxylic acids and esters can also be converted to amines with loss of the carbonyl group by reaction with hydrazoic acid, HN3, which is known as the Schmidt reaction,278 The mechanism is related to that of the Curtius reaction. An azido intermediate is generated by addition of hydrazoic acid to the carbonyl group. The migrating group retains its stereochemical configuration. 

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