Divergent synthesis of spirocyclopentene-pyrazolones and pyrano[2,3-c]-pyrazoles via Lewis base controlled annulation reactions

Abstract

An effective Lewis base catalyst-controlled α-regioselective annulation reaction of γ-substituted allenoates with unsaturated pyrazolones has been developed, affording various spirocyclopentene-pyrazolones and pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles. The combination of PPh3 and K2CO3 promoted the [3+2] annulation to access the spirocyclopentene-pyrazolones in moderate to good yields (up to 90%) with excellent diastereoselectivities (dr >19:1), while [4+2] annulations to generate pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles were successfully achieved by employing DBU as catalyst (in up to 92% yield). Of importance, the asymmetric synthesis of spirocyclopentene-pyrazolone was realized by using our previously reported chiral ferrocenylphosphine catalyst.