The research focuses on the use of copper(I) triflate (CuOTf) as a more cost effective alternative to current methods of catalysis for enaminone synthesis. Thioamide and a-diazocarbonyl starting compounds catalyzed by copper(I) triflate with varying solvents (toluene, benzene, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, and 1,2-dichloroethane) are used to synthesize a known chiral enaminone. Reaction time, temperature, and percent conversion of reactants to products are monitored for each solvent to determine optimum conditions for enaminone synthesis.  Using toluene, the reaction lasts 21 hours at 90�C to produce 100% conversion while using 1,2-dichlorobenzene, the reaction lasts 26 hours at 90�C to produce 91% conversion. The other three solvents tested produce less that 15% conversion of reactants to enaminone product.  Further research is being conducted to determine the effectiveness of other copper catalysts compared to copper(I) triflate. The most effective copper catalyst will then be used to produce enaminones of varying structure.

Investigation of the use of copper(I) triflate catalyzing optimum enaminone synthesis

247th National Meeting (2014)

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