Designing multistep transformations using the Hammett equation: imine exchange on a copper(I) template.

Herein, we quantify how imine exchange may be used to selectively transform one metallo-organic structure into another. A series of imine exchange reactions were studied, involving a set of 4-substituted anilines, their 2-pyridylimines and 1,10-phenanthrolyl-2,9-diimines, as well as the copper complexes of these imine ligands. Electron-rich anilines were found to displace electron-poor anilines in all cases. Linear free energy relationships (LFERs) were discovered connecting the electron-donating or -withdrawing character of the 4-substituent of an aniline, as measured by the Hammett sigma(para) parameter, to that aniline's ability to compete with unsubstituted aniline to form imines. The quality of these LFERs allowed for quantitative predictions: to obtain the desired degree of selectivity in an imine exchange between anilines A and B, the required sigma(para) differential could be predicted using a variant of the Hammett equation, log(K(AB)) = rho(sigma(A) - sigma(B)). We validated this methodology by designing and executing a three-step transformation of a series of copper(I)-containing structures. Each step proceeded in predictably high yield, as calculated from sigma differentials. At each step in the series of transformations, macrocyclic structures could be created or destroyed through the selection of mono- or di-amines as subcomponents. The same methodology could be used to predict the formation of a diverse dynamic library of helicates from a set of four aniline precursors, as well as the collapse of this library into one helicate upon the addition of a fifth aniline.