2,2,6,6-Tetramethyloxane as an Alternative Hindered Ether Solvent for Organic Synthesis

Abstract

A new hindered ether solvent, namely, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyloxane, has been successfully synthesized in excellent yields (90% from 2,6-dimethyl-2,6-heptanediol and 80% from 2,6-dimethyl-5-hepten-2-ol). The physical and solvation properties of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyloxane were evaluated, which indicated its potential to replace hydrocarbon solvents and also that it imparts strong hydrogen-bond-accepting ability. VEGA models (SARpy, KNN, ISS, and CAESAR), the lazy structure–activity relationship model (Salmonella typhimurium), and the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool indicated this solvent to be nonmutagenic. The application of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyloxane in model organic reactions including the Biginelli reaction, glucose conversion to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and the Sonogashira reaction, importantly, validates the nonpolar nature of this solvent and exhibits its potential as an alternative solvent to hazardous hydrocarbon solvents (including toluene).