Marcus theory aldol reactions

Rate and equilibrium constants have been measured for representative intramolecular aldol condensations of dicarbonyls.60a For the four substrates studied (32 n = 2, R = Me n = 3, R = H/Me/Ph), results have been obtained for both the aldol addition to give ketol (33), and the elimination to the enone (34). A rate-equilibrium mismatch for the overall process is examined in the context of Baldwin s rales. The data are also compared with Richard and co-workers study of 2-(2-oxopropyl)benzaldehyde (35), for which the enone condensation product tautomerizes to the dienol60b (i.e. /(-naphthol). In all cases, Marcus theory can be applied to these intramolecular aldol reactions, and it predicts essentially the same intrinsic barrier as for their intermolecular counterparts. 

Detailed analysis of the rate and equilibrium constants determined for both phases of intramolecular aldol condensation reactions (13 —>15, 16—>18, and 19—>21) in terns of Marcus theory, has established that the intrinsic barriers for die intramolecular reactions are the same as those determined previously for the intermolecular counterparts.31 Consequently, rate constants for intramolecular aldol reactions are predictable from the energetics of the reactions and the effective molarity can be calculated. An associated discussion of Baldwin s rales suggests that they are a consequence of the need to achieve a conformation from which reaction can take place... 

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