Intramolecular rearrangement isomerism mechanisms

Isomerizations are important unimolecular reactions that result in the intramolecular rearrangement of atoms, and their rate parameters are of the same order of magnitude as other unimolecular reactions. Consequently, they can have significant impact on product distributions in high-temperature processes. A large number of different types of isomerization reactions seem to be possible, in which stable as well as radical species serve as reactants (Benson, 1976). Unfortunately, with the exception of cis-trans isomerizations, accurate kinetic information is scarce for many of these reactions. This is, in part, caused by experimental difficulties associated with the detection of isomers and with the presence of parallel reactions. However, with computational quantum mechanics theoretical estimations of barrier heights in isomerizations are now possible. 

ATP to yield the d isomer of methylmalonyl CoA (Figure 22.11). This carboxylation reaction is catalyzed by propionyl CoA carboxylase, a biotin enzyme that is homologous to and has a catalytic mechanism like that of pyruvate carboxylase (Section 16.3.2). The d isomer of methylmalonyl CoA is racemized to the 1 isomer, the substrate for a mutase that converts it into succinyl CoA by an intramolecular rearrangement. The -CO-S-CoA group migrates from C-2 to C-3 in exchange for a hydrogen atom. This very unusual isomerization is catalyzed by methylmalonyl CoA mutase, which contains a derivative of vitamin Bj2, cobalamin, as its coenzyme. 

Controversy over the interpretation of the kinetics for cis-trans isomerizations of square-planar complexes continues. The topic is important for the understanding of substitution mechanisms in general. Associative and dissociative mechanisms have been proposed, as well as intramolecular rearrangements via tetrahedral intermediates. ... 

An efficient synthesis of trisubstituted oxazoles via chemoselective D-acylations and intramolecular Wittig reactions has been also reported. A plausible reaction mechanism was based on the existence of expected and rearranged isomeric oxazoles. 

Certain cis-trans isomerizations of square planar [notably Pd(II) or Pt(II)] complexes occur spontaneously but most are catalyzed by donor molecules, which may be free ligands added or generated in solution or coordinating solvents. Two of the mechanisms that have been considered for the catalyzed reaction are consecutive displacements with four-coordinate intermediates or intramolecular rearrangements of five-coordinate transient species. The exchange of methyl groups in 1 is strongly catalyzed... 

General.—Possible routes for intramolecular rearrangements of four-, five-, and six-co-ordinated structures have been reviewed. The isomerization pathways are represented by Schlegel diagrams these representations are correlated, where relevant, with specific mechanisms such as those discussed by Muetterties, and the Berry pseudorotation process for five-co-ordinate species. 

Electrophilic attack on the sulfur atom of thiiranes by alkyl halides does not give thiiranium salts but rather products derived from attack of the halide ion on the intermediate cyclic salt (B-81MI50602). Treatment of a s-2,3-dimethylthiirane with methyl iodide yields cis-2-butene by two possible mechanisms (Scheme 31). A stereoselective isomerization of alkenes is accomplished by conversion to a thiirane of opposite stereochemistry followed by desulfurization by methyl iodide (75TL2709). Treatment of thiiranes with alkyl chlorides and bromides gives 2-chloro- or 2-bromo-ethyl sulfides (Scheme 32). Intramolecular alkylation of the sulfur atom of a thiirane may occur if the geometry is favorable the intermediate sulfonium ions are unstable to nucleophilic attack and rearrangement may occur (Scheme 33). 

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