Synthesis Of Allenes Research Articles

Asymmetric Construction of Chiral 2-Azetines and Axially Chiral Tetrasubstituted Allenes via Phosphine Catalysis.

Chiral 2-azetines and allenes are highly valuable structural units in natural products and useful chemicals. However, enantioselective synthesis of both 2-azetines and allenes has been extremely challenging. Herein, we present asymmetric construction of chiral 2-azetines (70-98% yields and up to 96% ee) through chiral phosphine-catalyzed [2+2] annulation of yne-enones with sulfamate-derived cyclic imines. These 2-azetines were easily transformed into chiral allenes upon treatment with Et3SiH, BF3•Et2O and water at rt for 2 minutes. Based on the above transformations, a concise one-pot synthetic procedure combining [2+2] annulation of yne-enones and sulfamate-derived cyclic imines under phosphine catalysis and sequential reduction/isomerization/ring-opening reaction through Et3SiH, BF3•Et2O and water was thus set up, providing axially chiral tetrasubstituted allenes in satisfactory yields and enantioselectivities (56-90% yields and up to 91% ee).

Highly efficient synthesis of di-substituted allenes via copper-catalyzed SN2′- substitution reaction of organotitanium reagents with propargyl bromides

A simple and mild catalytic SN2′-type displacement of propargyl halides with organotitanium reagents is reported. The SN2′-type displacement of propargyl bromides with organotitanium reagents mediated by CuI (2 mol%)/MePPh2(4 mol%) in dichloro methane afforded multi-substituted allenes in good yields (up to 95 %) at 40 °C for 5 h. The aryls bearing electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups in aryltitanium reagents gave multi-substituted allenes in good yields. In addition, the di-substituted allenes bearing a naphthyl group was obtained in 54–99 % selectivities with isolated yields of 43–83 %. The process was simple and easily performed, and it provides an efficient method for the synthesis of di-substituted allene derivatives. On the basis of the experimental results, a possible catalytic cycle has been proposed.

Site-Selective Direct γ-Difunctionalization of Diazoenals: Application to the Synthesis of Enal-Functionalized Allenes and Furans.

A new approach for the synthetically important γ-functionalized enals has been developed. The strategy involves rhodium-catalyzed direct C-C & C-S bond forming site-selective γ-difunctionalization of diazoenals with aryl propargyl sulfides via sulfur ylide [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement, resulting in the highly functionalized γ-allenyl(sulfanyl)enals in excellent yield at ambient temperature. This highly versatile approach constitutes a viable alternative to the remote carbonyl-directed γ-functionalization of unmodified enals which suffer from competitive side reactions. The synthetic utility of the γ-allenyl(sulfanyl)enals was demonstrated by the InCl3-catalyzed cycloisomerization to the trisubstituted furanyl-enals via an unusual 1,4-sulfanyl migration. In addition, an operationally simple and efficient one-pot [3+2] annulation of diazoenals and propargyl sulfides, involving combined γ-difunctionalization and cycloisomerization was successfully developed for the diverse enal-functionalized furans.

Photoexcited Palladium-Catalyzed Synthesis of Chiral Allenes from Alkynes via Isomerization and Deracemization Sequence

Photoexcited Palladium-Catalyzed Synthesis of Chiral Allenes from Alkynes via Isomerization and Deracemization Sequence

Synthesis of Chiral Endocyclic Allenes and Alkynes via Pd-Catalyzed Asymmetric Higher-Order Dipolar Cycloaddition.

A Pd-catalyzed asymmetric higher-order dipolar cycloaddition between allenyl carbonates and azadienes is achieved by exploiting novel alkylidene-π-allyl-Pd dipoles. This research provides a modular platform for the synthesis of challenging chiral endocyclic allenes bearing a medium-sized heterocyclic motif and a centrally chiral stereocenter in good yields with high enantio- and diastereoselectivities (29 examples, up to 97% yield, 97:3 er and >19:1 dr). Experimental and computational studies elucidate the possible reaction mechanism and the observed stereochemical results. Based on the mechanistic understanding, a new π-propargyl-Pd dipole was designed to further extend the success of the higher order dipolar cycloaddition strategy to the synthesis of 10-membered endocyclic alkynes from propargyl carbonates and azadienes (13 examples, up to 98% yield and 94.5:5.5 er).

Understanding non-covalent interactions in Ni-catalyzed reactions: Mechanistic insights into stereoselective tetrasubstituted allene synthesis

Understanding non-covalent interactions in Ni-catalyzed reactions: Mechanistic insights into stereoselective tetrasubstituted allene synthesis

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Chiral Allenes via Asymmetric 1,4‐Difunctionalization of 1,3‐Enynes

AbstractAllenes represent a distinctive class of organic molecules characterized by their unique physical and chemical properties. Among them, chiral allenes play a significant role in modern chemistry. They not only serve as pivotal frameworks for natural products and drug molecules but also are essential building blocks in organic synthesis. Over the years, numerous remarkable and efficient methods have been developed for the synthesis of chiral allenes. Notably, the catalytic synthesis of chiral allenes using transition metals in conjunction with chiral ligands has garnered considerable attention. This review paper aims to provide an overview of recent advancements in the synthesis of chiral allenes through asymmetric 1,4‐difunctionalization of 1,3‐enynes, in which two distinct strategies including non‐radical and radical processes are highlighted.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Axially Chiral Allenes and Styrenes via Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalysis: An Overview.

Chiral allenes and styrenes are essential components in fields like medicinal chemistry, materials science, and organic synthesis. They serve a crucial role as chiral ligands and catalysts in asymmetric synthesis. Over the past decade, there has been a significant advancement in the development of practical methods utilizing organocatalytic strategies for the synthesis of chiral allenes and styrenes. It is noteworthy that despite extensive studies on the formation of allenes and styrenes, existing reviews on their construction confined to a specific organocatalysis, called chiral phosphoric acid catalysis, are less documented. This review aims to explore different conceptual approaches based on the electrophilic species involved in the reaction to produce stereoselective chiral allenes and styrenes, providing insights into recent advancements in the field. Emphasis is placed on works published since 2017, with detailed discussions on reaction mechanisms and examples from recent literature.

Leveraging Propargyl Sulfides as Radical Trappers for the Synthesis of Sulfonyl Allenes

AbstractThis work showcases a novel visible‐light mediated allenylation protocol employing propargyl sulfides as a pioneering radical trapping methodology. A diverse array of substituted sulfonyl allenes were successfully synthesized under mild conditions with commendable levels of chemo‐ and regio‐selectivity. Mechanistically, this process entails the formation of sulfonyl radicals, their subsequent addition to alkynes, the subsequent elimination of S‐centered radicals, and Cl‐atom abstraction, thereby facilitating the propagation of this radical chain reaction.

Visible-Light-Induced Regioselective Radical-Polar Crossover 1,4-Hydrophosphinylation of 1,3-Enynes: Access to Trisubstituted Allenes Bearing a Phosphine Oxide Group.

The radical 1,4-functionalizations of 1,3-enynes have emerged as a powerful strategy for the synthesis of multisubstituted allenes. However, the phosphorus-centered radical-initiated transformations remain largely elusive. Herein, visible-light photoredox catalytic regioselective radical hydrophosphinylation of 1,3-enynes with diaryl phosphine oxides as phosphinoyl radical precursors has been realized. This protocol features mild conditions, a wide substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance, producing a diverse range of phosphinoyl-substituted allenes in moderate to good yields with high atom economy. Detailed mechanistic experiments revealed a radical-polar crossover process in the reaction.

Synthesis of Functionalized Tetrasubstituted Allenes by the Addition of Bis(trimethylsilyl)ketene Acetals to Ynones Catalyzed by Gold(I).

We have developed a straightforward and rapid methodology for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted allenes bearing carboxylic acids in the 1,3-position through the gold(I)-catalyzed nucleophilic addition of bis(trimethylsilyl)ketene acetals to ynones. The reaction was evaluated with several substrates, and 21 allenes were obtained in moderate to good yields. Using DFT calculations, we studied the mechanism of the reaction, which suggested a nucleophilic 1,4-addition pathway. The potential of allenes to act as a source of highly functionalized lactones was also explored.

Visible light promoted synthesis of allenes

This review article summarizes the visible light mediated synthesis of allenes from substrates like 1,3-enynes, propargylic carbonates, homopropargylic alcohols, propargylic oxalates, alkynyl diazo compounds, and terminal alkynyl aziridines.

Hydride-free reduction of propargyl electrophiles: a nickel-catalyzed photoredox strategy for allene synthesis

Herein we report a photocatalytic reduction of propargyl carbonates to allenes mediated by a nickel molecular catalyst without any hydride source. The reduction process is enabled by the amine that plays a dual role as a reductant and a proton source.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of Allenes through Phosphine-Catalyzed Cascade Isomerization/Annulation.

Phosphine-catalyzed cascade isomerization/annulation has been developed to realize a diastereoselective synthesis of allenes installed on the hexahydropentalene skeleton, which contains five chiral centers (and one axial chirality). This reaction tolerated a broad range of allenoates and enynes. The allene products were transformed to various halogen-substituted fused-ring compounds.

Heterogeneous Copper-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling for Sustainable Synthesis of Chiral Allenes: Application to the Synthesis of Allenic Natural Products.

Classical Crabbé type SN 2' substitutions of propargylic substrates has served as one of the standard methods for the synthesis of allenes. However, the stereospecific version of this transformation often requires either stoichiometric amounts of organocopper reagents or special functional groups on the substrates, and the chirality transfer efficiency is also capricious. Herein, we report a sustainable methodology for the synthesis of diverse 1,3-di and tri-substituted allenes by using a simple and cheap cellulose supported heterogeneous nanocopper catalyst (MCC-Amp-Cu(I/II)). This approach represents the first example of heterogeneous catalysis for the synthesis of chiral allenes. High yields and excellent enantiospecificity (up to 97 % yield, 99 % ee) were achieved for a wide range of di- and tri-substituted allenes bearing various functional groups. It is worth noting that the applied heterogeneous catalyst could be recycled at least 5 times without any reduced reactivity. To demonstrate the synthetic utility of the developed protocol, we have applied it to the total synthesis of several chiral allenic natural products.

Heterogeneous Copper‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling for Sustainable Synthesis of Chiral Allenes: Application to the Synthesis of Allenic Natural Products

AbstractClassical Crabbé type SN2' substitutions of propargylic substrates has served as one of the standard methods for the synthesis of allenes. However, the stereospecific version of this transformation often requires either stoichiometric amounts of organocopper reagents or special functional groups on the substrates, and the chirality transfer efficiency is also capricious. Herein, we report a sustainable methodology for the synthesis of diverse 1,3‐di and tri‐substituted allenes by using a simple and cheap cellulose supported heterogeneous nanocopper catalyst (MCC‐Amp‐Cu(I/II)). This approach represents the first example of heterogeneous catalysis for the synthesis of chiral allenes. High yields and excellent enantiospecificity (up to 97 % yield, 99 % ee) were achieved for a wide range of di‐ and tri‐substituted allenes bearing various functional groups. It is worth noting that the applied heterogeneous catalyst could be recycled at least 5 times without any reduced reactivity. To demonstrate the synthetic utility of the developed protocol, we have applied it to the total synthesis of several chiral allenic natural products.

Synthesis of Allenes by Hydroalkylation of 1,3-Enynes with Ketones Enabled by Cooperative Catalysis.

A method for the synthesis of allenes by the addition of ketones to 1,3-enynes by cooperative Pd(0)Senphos/B(C6F5)3/NR3 catalysis is described. A wide range of aryl- and aliphatic ketones undergo addition to various 1,3-enynes in high yields at room temperature. Mechanistic investigations revealed a rate-determining outer-sphere proton transfer mechanism, which was corroborated by DFT calculations.

Selected Examples of the Metal-Free Synthesis of Allenes (2017 – 2023)

Although metal catalysts are widely used in chemical reactions, there are certain limitations and concerns associated with their use in medicinal chemistry. Many of the metal catalysts used in pharmaceutical production can remain in the final product and be toxic to human health. These impurities might not be easily removed and could negatively impact the quality of the final product. Metal catalysis can also require harsh conditions, such as high temperature and pressure, which can lead to the degradation of sensitive compounds. Furthermore, metal catalysts are from finite resources and their use can have significant environmental impacts. While metal catalysts have their place in organic synthesis, especially in industries outside of pharmaceuticals, the stringent requirements for safety and purity make them less than ideal. This minireview explores some of the latest metal-free methods for the preparation of the highly versatile fictional group, allenes. The methods described within are suitable metal free methods to prepare cumulated dienes which could be used in the production of complex therapeutics.

Recent Advances in Nickel‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Allenes: New Insights and Perspectives

AbstractAllenes are one of the most important functional groups in organic chemistry, featuring unique physical and chemical properties. They are not only the key scaffolds present in natural products, pharmaceutical molecules, and advanced functional materials, but also the valuable and versatile building blocks for the construction of various complex and bioactive molecules in organic synthesis. Accordingly, benefiting from the rapid development of transition metal catalysis, numerous remarkable and efficient approaches for the synthesis of allenes from readily available chemicals have been established in the past decades. In this brief review, we focus on the recent advancements in nickel‐catalyzed synthesis of allenes. These transformations are divided into two categories according to the types of reactions and sorted further by starting materials. Moreover, a concise discussion of the limitations and potential areas of improvement in this field is also provided, which would give an inspiration for future study on allene synthesis.

Regio- and Chemoselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Allenes via a Pd-Catalyzed Three-Component Reaction

Regio- and Chemoselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Allenes via a Pd-Catalyzed Three-Component Reaction