Sep 12, 2023
Synthetic Procedure of Dimethyl 2-methoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate
- Lisa.Stanley1,
- Caroline Hoyt1,
- Gregg T. Beckham1
- 1National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Renewable Resources and Enabling Sciences Center
Protocol Citation: Lisa.Stanley, Caroline Hoyt, Gregg T. Beckham 2023. Synthetic Procedure of Dimethyl 2-methoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.j8nlko9o5v5r/v1
Manuscript citation:
Zhi-Ming Su, Jack Twilton, Caroline B. Hoyt, Fei Wang, Lisa Stanley, Heather B. Mayes, Kai Kang, Daniel J. Weix, Gregg T. Beckham, and Shannon S. Stahl. (2023). Ni- and Ni/Pd-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Lignin-Derived Aromatics to Access Biobased Plasticizers. ACS Cent. Sci. DOI https://doi.org/10.1021/acscentsci.2c01324
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: September 12, 2023
Last Modified: September 12, 2023
Protocol Integer ID: 87697
Keywords: biaryl dicarboxylates, Ni catalyst, NMR spectroscopy, dimers, plasticizer, biobased
Funders Acknowledgement:
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office
Grant ID: DE-AC36-08GO28308
Disclaimer
This work was authored by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, operated by Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308. Funding provided by U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Bioenergy Technologies Office. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the DOE or the U.S. Government.
Abstract
Lignin represents the largest source of biomass-derived aromatic chemicals and is an ideal supplement or alternative to petroleum-based feedstocks. In connection with efforts focused on oxidative lignin depolymerization, it is recognized that some of the most common products, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (H), vanillic acid (G), and syringic acid (S), could serve as precursors to biaryl dicarboxylates. The parent analogue, biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid (BPDA), has been the focus of commercial interest as a monomer for polyesters and as the core structure for nonphthalate plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Reductive coupling of phenol derivatives represents a different route to BPDA derivatives that accesses a single product regioisomer. The biomass-derived H compound provides a means to access the same BPDA analogue currently sourced from petroleum, while the G and S compounds that have methoxy substituents will afford BPDA derivatives that could have favorable properties (e.g., as a PVC plasticizer). The following protocol describes the synthetic procedure of three biaryl dicarobxylates: dimethyl 2-methoxy-4,4' biphenyldicarboxylate (H-G), dimethyl 2,2'-dimethoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicaroxylate (G-G), and biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate (H-H).
Materials
Methyl parabenMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #H5501 Step 1.1
Methyl vanillateMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #138126 Step 1.1
DimethylaminopyridineMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #107700 Step 1.1
TriethylamineMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #471283 Step 1.1
Dichloromethane anhydrousMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #270997 Step 1.1
p-Toluenesulfonyl chlorideTCI ChemicalsCatalog #T0272 Step 1.1
Sodium SulfateMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #238597 Steps 1.1 and 1.3
Nickel (II) bromide trihydrateMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #72243 Step 1.2
Ethanol 200 proofFisher ScientificCatalog # BP28184 Step 1.2
22-bipyridineMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #D216305 Step 1.2
Dimethylformamide anhydrousMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #227056 Step 1.3
Manganese powderMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #463728 Step 1.3
Trifluoroacetic acidMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #T6508 Step 1.3
Hydrochloric acidMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #258148 Step 1.3
Diethyl etherMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #676845 Step 1.3
Silica gelSupelcoCatalog #60737 Steps 2.1 and 2.2
Hexane mixture of isomersMerck MilliporeSigma (Sigma-Aldrich)Catalog #178918 Steps 2.1 and 2.2
Ethyl acetateFisher ScientificCatalog #E145 Steps 2.1 and 2.2
Chloroform-DCambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc.Catalog #DLM-7-100 Steps 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4
Safety warnings
Almost all chemicals used for this procedure are hazardous. Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for all chemicals and follow all applicable chemical handling and waste disposal procedures.
Before start
All glassware is dried in an oven set to 105ºC then cooled in a desiccator prior to use.
Synthetic Procedure
Synthetic Procedure
Figure 1. Two-step reaction scheme for the synthesis of dimethyl 2-methoxy-4,4' biphenyldicarboxylate, dimethyl 2,2'-dimethoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicaroxylate, and biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate.
Synthesis of Methyl 4-(tosyloxy)benzoate and Methyl 3-methoxy-4-(tosyloxy)benzoate. Methyl paraben (6.6194 g , 0.0435 mol), dimethylaminopyridine (0.5315 g , 0.00435 mol), and triethylamine (8.805 g , 0.0870 mol) were charged into a round-bottom flask. 60 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane (DCM) was added to the reaction which was allowed to stir until all material dissolved. p-Toluenesuflonyl chloride (9.9531 g , 0.0522 mol) was added in three parts to the mixture over two minutes. The reaction was allowed to proceed under a protective atmosphere of inert gas at room temperature for 4-5 hours.1,2 After which, the reaction was added to a separatory funnel filled with deionized (D.I.) water (80 mL ) and DCM (80 mL ). The reaction was extracted three times with DCM (60 mL x3). The organic layers were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, and filtered. Solvent was removed by rotary evaporation in vacuo. The crude product was purified via flash chromatography to get methyl 4-(tosyloxy)benzoate (5.6911, 83.5%).
Methyl vanillate (8.000 g , 0.439 mol), dimethylaminopyridine (0.5365 g , 0.00439 mol), and triethylamine (8.8875 g , 0.0878 mol) were charged into a round-bottom flask. 65 mL of anhydrous DCM was added to the reaction which was allowed to stir until all material dissolved. p-Toluenesulfonyl chloride (10.0464 g , 0.0527 mol) was added in three parts to the mixture over two minutes.1,2 The reaction was allowed to proceed under a protective atmosphere of inert gas at room temperature for 4-5 hours. After which, the reaction was added to a separatory funnel filled with D.I. water (80 mL ) and DCM (80 mL ). The reaction was extracted three times with DMC (60 mL x3). The organic layers were combined, dried over sodium sulfate, and filtered. Solvent was removed by rotary evaporation in vacuo. The crude product was purified via flash chromatography to yield methyl 3-methoxy-4-(tosyloxy)benzoate (13.9814g, 93.6%).
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Synthesis of Nickel Bromide Bipyridine (NiBr2bipy) catalysis. Nickel (II) bromide trihydrate (10.902 g , 40 mmol) was added to a round-bottom flask and dissolved in absolute ethanol (150 mL ). 2,2'-bipyridine (6.2476 g , 40 mmol) was added to the reaction once all of the nickel (II) bromide trihydrate had dissolved. The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature for 24 hours during which the desired product precipitates from solution [See Note 1].3 The solution was filtered to collect the product which was then dried in a vacuum dessicator to yield a light green nickel bromide bipyridine solid (10.311g, 68.8%).
Note
Note 1. During the 24 hours, the solution should go from a purple-brown to a dark green before eventually lightening to a yellow-green with a light green precipitate.
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Synthesis of biaryl dimer(s). Methyl 3-methoxy-4-(tosyloxy)benzoate (2.4156 g , 0.00718 mol) was charged into a round-bottom flask and dissolved in 17 mL anhydrous dimethylformamide (DMF). A protective atmosphere was provided and the reaction was heated to 60°C. Manganese (Mn) powder (1.1471 g , 0.209 mol) was added to the reaction, then the NiBr2bipy catalyst (0.3912 g , 0.001 mol), followed quickly by trifluoroacetic acid (40 µL ). Methyl 4-(tosyloxy)benzoate (1.000 g , 0.00326 mol) in 3 mL anhydrous DMF was added slowly to the reaction mixture.4 The reaction proceeded at 60ºC for 1 hour before it was acidified with 1M hydrochloric acid (20 mL ). Diethyl ether (50 mL ) was added slowly to the reaction mixture which was then extracted three times with diethyl ether (50 mL x3). The organic layers were washed twice with D.I. water (50 mL ) and once with brine (50 mL ) [See Note 2]. It was then dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified via flash chromatography to yield dimethyl 2-methoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate (H-G dimer, 0.5506g, 58.5%), dimethyl-2,2'-dimethoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate (G-G dimer, 0.2586g, 21.8%), and biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate (H-H dimer, 0.0462g, 9.4%).
Note
Note 2. Preparation of saturated brine solution: Fill a container partially with D.I. water. Add a spatula full of sodium chloride (NaCl) and stir until dissolved. Repeat until excess NaCl begins to settle onto the bottom of the container.
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Purification
Purification
Flash chromatography was performed using a Teledyne Isco Combiflash® NextGen 300+. Collected fractions were determined using a UV detector with wavelengths set at 254 and 280 nm. Samples were prepared by dissolving the crude material in the smallest amount of compatible solvent. Silica gel (mesh size 70-230) was then added to adsorb the material. Excess solvent was vacuum evaporated and the sample was loaded into a RediSep® Rf 25 g sample cartridge (catalog # 69-3873-240).
Methyl 4-(tosyloxy)benzoate was purified via flash chromatography. Column used was a RediSep® Silver 80 g silica gel flash column (catalog # 69-2203-380). Solvent system was hexane (Solvent A) and ethyl acetate (Solvent B). Methyl 4-(tosyloxy)benzoate was purified from impurities using a ratio of 45% ethyl acetate:55% hexane.
Figure 2. Run program from Combiflash® NextGen 300+ of methyl 4-(tosyloxy)benzoate separation.
Methyl 4-(tosyloxy)benzoate was purified via flash chromatography. Column used was a RediSep® Silver 80 g silica gel flash column (catalog # 69-2203-380). Solvent system was hexane (Solvent A) and ethyl acetate (Solvent B). Methyl 4-(tosyloxy)benzoate was purified from impurities using a ratio of 45% ethyl acetate:55% hexane.
Figure 3. Run program from Combiflash® NextGen 300+ of methyl 3-methoxy-4-(tosyloxy)benzoate separation.
Biaryl dimers (H-G, G-G, and H-H) were purified via flash chromatography. Column used was a RediSep® Silver 40 g silica gel flash column (catalog # 69-2203-340). Solvent system was hexane (Solvent A) and ethyl acetate (Solvent B). The three dimers were purified using a ratio of 10% ethyl acetate to 90% hexane.
Figure 4. Run program from Combiflash® NextGen 300+ of biaryl dimer separation.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra are acquired in a suitable deuterated NMR solvent at 25°C on a Bruker AVANCE 400 MHz spectrometer equipped with a 5 mm BBO probe. Chemical shifts (δ) are reported in ppm. 1H-NMR spectra are recorded with a relaxation delay of 1.0 s and an acquisition time of 4.09 s. The acquisition parameters for 13C-NMR include a 90˚ pulse width, a relaxation delay of 1.0 s, and an acquisition time of 1.36 s. Tetramethylsilane is used as a reference.
Methyl 4-(tosyloxy)benzoate (H-OTs)
Figure 5. 1H NMR spectrum of methyl 4-(tosyloxy)benzoate.
1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.98 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.71 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.32 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 2.44 (s, 3H).
Figure 6. 13C NMR spectrum of methyl 4-(tosyloxy)benzoate.
13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 165.9, 152.9, 145.8, 132.0, 131.3, 129.9, 128.9, 128.4, 122.3, 52.3, 21.7.
Methyl 3-methoxy-4-(tosyloxy)benzoate (G-OTs)
Figure 7. 1H NMR spectrum of methyl 3-methoxy-4-(tosyloxy)benzoate.
1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.75 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.61 (dd, J=6.4, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.61 (s, 3H), 2.44 (s, 3H).
Figure 8. 13C NMR spectrum of methyl 3-methoxy-4-(tosyloxy)benzoate.
13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 166.1, 151.7, 145.4, 141.8, 132.9, 129.7, 129.5, 128.6, 123.9, 122.3, 113.6, 55.8, 52.4, 21.7.
Dimethyl 2-methoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate (H-G dimer)
Figure 9. 1H NMR spectrum of dimethyl 2-methoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate.
1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.11-8.09 (m, 2H), 7.74 (dd, J= 6.3, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (d, J= 1.4 Hz, 1H),
7.63–7.61 (m, 2H), 7.40 (d, J= 7.9 Hz, 1H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.88 (s, 3H).
Figure 10. 13C NMR spectrum of dimethyl 2-methoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate.
13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 166.9, 166.7, 156.4, 142.2, 134.1, 131.0, 130.6, 129.5, 129.3, 129.1, 122.3,
112.1, 55.8, 52.3, 52.1.
Dimethyl 2,2'-dimethoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate (G-G dimer)
Figure 11. 1H NMR spectrum of dimethyl 2,2'-dimethoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate.
1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.74 (dd, J= 6.3, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.67 (d, J= 1.4 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (d, J= 7.8 Hz,
2H), 3.87 (s, 6H), 3.85 (s, 6H).
Figure 12. 13C NMR spectrum of dimethyl 2,2'-dimethoxy-4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate.
13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 166.9, 156.9, 131.8, 131.1, 130.9, 121.8, 111.9, 55.4, 52.2.
Biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate (H-H dimer)
Figure 13. 1H NMR spectrum of biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate.
1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.16 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 4H), 7.72 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 4H), 3.97 (s, 6H).
Figure 14. 13C NMR spectrum of biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate.
13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 166.8, 144.3, 130.2, 129.7, 127.2, 55.2.
Protocol references
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Citations
Jacques Maddaluno, Muriel Durandetti. Dimerization of Aryl Sulfonates by in situ Generated Nickel(0)
10.1055/s-0035-1560712George W. Kabalka, Manju Varma, Rajender S. Varma, Prem C. Srivastava and Furn F. Knapp. Tosylation of Alcohols
https://doi.org/10.1021/jo00362a044Hongli Jia, Qi Li, Aruuhan Bayaguud, Shan She, Yichao Huang, Kun Chen & Yongge Wei. Tosylation of alcohols: an effective strategy for the functional group transformation of organic derivatives of polyoxometalates
10.1038/s41598-017-12633-8Muriel Durandetti, Jacques Maddaluno. Nickel Bromide Bipyridine
10.1002/047084289X.rn01736Step 1.1
George W. Kabalka, Manju Varma, Rajender S. Varma, Prem C. Srivastava and Furn F. Knapp. Tosylation of Alcohols
https://doi.org/10.1021/jo00362a044Step 1.1
Hongli Jia, Qi Li, Aruuhan Bayaguud, Shan She, Yichao Huang, Kun Chen & Yongge Wei. Tosylation of alcohols: an effective strategy for the functional group transformation of organic derivatives of polyoxometalates
10.1038/s41598-017-12633-8Step 1.3
Jacques Maddaluno, Muriel Durandetti. Dimerization of Aryl Sulfonates by in situ Generated Nickel(0)
10.1055/s-0035-1560712