Publication Date

8-2008

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Dr. Chad A. Snyder, Dr. Cathleen J. Webb, Dr. Rui Zhang

Degree Program

Department of Chemistry

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

The synthesis of cyclopenta[c]thiophenes has been sparsely reported in the literature owing to several difficulties involved in their synthesis. The present work involves the proposed synthesis of cyclopenta[c]thiophenes and their precursors using activated methylene. Cyclopenta[c]thiophene compounds show promise in the field of polymer and catalysis chemistry. These substituted polythiophenes are potential organic semiconductors and anti-tumor agents. The research presented shows the successful and novel conversion of 3,4-bis(chloromethyl)-2,5-dimethylthiophene and 3,4-bis(bromomethyl)-2,5-dimethylthiophene to a fused 5,5'-fused membered ring which is the precursor to cyclopenta[c]thiophene the sulfone ester, 5-carbomethoxy-5- phenylsulfonyl-1,3-dimethyl-5,6-dihydro-4H-cyclopenta[c]thiophene, in just two steps as compared to four steps previously reported in the literature. This valuable precursor intermediate currently made and proven by characterization is one synthetic step away from a substituted cyclopenta[c]thiophene. A paper has been submitted to Letters in Organic Chemistry to report our work.

Disciplines

Chemistry | Organic Chemistry | Polymer Chemistry

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