Unraveling the Bürgi-Dunitz Angle with Precision: The Power of a Two-Dimensional Energy Decomposition Analysis

Understanding the geometrical preferences in chemical reactions is crucial for advancing the field of organic chemistry and improving synthetic strategies. One such preference, the Bürgi-Dunitz angle, is central to nucleophilic addition reactions involving carbonyl groups. This study successfully employs a novel two-dimensional Distortion-Interaction/Activation-Strain Model in combination with a two-dimensional Energy Decomposition Analysis to investigate the origins of the Bürgi-Dunitz angle in the addition reaction of CN– to (CH3)2C=O. We constructed a 2D potential energy surface defined by the distance between the nucleophile and carbonylic carbon atom and by the attack angle, followed by an in-depth exploration of energy components including strain and interaction energy. Our analysis reveals that the Bürgi-Dunitz angle emerges from a delicate balance between two key factors: strain energy and interaction energy. High strain energy, as a result of the carbonyl compound distorting to avoid Pauli repulsion, is encountered at high angles, thus setting the upper bound. On the other hand, interaction energy is shaped by a dominant Pauli repulsion when the angles are lower. This work emphasizes the value of the 2D Energy Decomposition Analysis as a refined tool, offering both quantitative and qualitative insights into chemical reactivity and selectivity.