Dynamic Covalent Metathesis in the CC/CN Exchange between Knoevenagel Compounds and Imines

Fast and reversible dynamic covalent CC/CN exchange takes place without catalyst in nonpolar solvents between barbiturate-derived Knoevenagel (Kn) compounds and imines. A detailed study of the reaction indicates that it proceeds by an associative organo-metathesis mechanism involving the formation of a four-membered ring azetidine intermediate by addition of the imine CN group to the CC bond of the Kn compound. This intermediate could be generated cleanly and stabilized at low temperature by condensation of the o,p-dinitrophenyl Kn derivative with the cyclic imine 1-azacyclohexene. It was characterized by extensive NMR and mass spectrometric studies. The process described represents a genuine dynamic covalent organo-metathesis through a four-membered ring adduct as intermediate. It paves the way for the exploration of a wide set of dynamic systems involving (strongly) polarized CC bonds and various imines, extending also into covalent dynamic polymers and polymolecular assemblies.