A density functional study of the relative stability of intermediates in a McMurry coupling reaction
Date Approved
2009
Degree Type
Open Access Senior Honors Thesis
Department or School
Chemistry
Abstract
Reductive cyclization via McMurry coupling is a common way to form pyrrolizidine rings. In this work we investigate the titanium-catalyzed McMurry coupling reaction leading to a pyrrolizidine alkaloid using density functional methods. Specifically, we compare the relative energies of all possible pinacolate intermediates at the UB3LYP/6-31G level of theory. The most stable intermediate is found to be the one resulting from C-O bond insertion in the ester group. The McMurry product is not predicted to form.
Recommended Citation
Livingston, Andrew Jozef, "A density functional study of the relative stability of intermediates in a McMurry coupling reaction" (2009). Senior Honors Theses and Projects. 226.
https://commons.emich.edu/honors/226