Ammonium Enolate Research Articles

Mechanistic studies on an isothiourea-catalyzed reaction of an aromatic ester with an imine

Increasing attention is being paid to divergent chemical reactions as a strategy for synthesizing complex organic molecules simply by regulating and adjusting reaction conditions. However, the factors controlling this switchable transformation remain unclear. A systematic study was conducted using density functional theory (DFT) at the M06–2X level to determine the mechanism of an isothiourea-catalyzed divergent chemical reaction of an aryl acetic acid ester with an imine in different solvents (acetonitrile and ethanol). The origins of the stereoselectivity and chemoselectivity of the reaction were determined using noncovalent interaction (NCI) and electrostatic potential surface (EPS) analyses. Lactamization reaction occurs preferentially in acetonitrile, and esterification proceeds preferentially in ethanol. The reaction of an ammonium enolate intermediate with an alkynyl imine preferentially generates the SS-configured isomer. The results of this theoretical study provide insight into the general mechanism of isothiourea-catalyzed reactions in which the key intermediate is ammonium enolate.

De-epimerizing DyKAT of β-lactones generated by isothiourea-catalysed enantioselective [2 + 2] cycloaddition.

An enantioselective isothiourea-catalysed [2 + 2] cycloaddition of C(1)-ammonium enolates with pyrazol-4,5-diones is used to construct spirocyclic β-lactones in good yields, excellent enantioselectivity (99 : 1 er) but with modest diastereocontrol (typically 70 : 30 dr). Upon ring-opening with morpholine or alternative nucleophilic amines and alcohols β-hydroxyamide and β-hydroxyester products are generated with enhanced diastereocontrol (up to >95 : 5 dr). Control experiments show that stereoconvergence is observed in the ring-opening of diastereoisomeric β-lactones, leading to a single product (>95 : 5 dr, >99 : 1 er). Mechanistic studies and DFT analysis indicate a substrate controlled Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Transformation (DyKAT) involving epimerisation at C(3) of the β-lactone under the reaction conditions, coupled with a hydrogen bond-assisted nucleophilic addition to the Si-face of the β-lactone and stereodetermining ring-opening. The scope and limitations of a one-pot protocol consisting of isothiourea-catalysed enantio-determining [2 + 2] cycloaddition followed by diastereo-determining ring-opening are subsequently developed. Variation within the anhydride ammonium enolate precursor, as well as N(1) and C(3) within the pyrazol-4,5-dione scaffold is demonstrated, giving a range of functionalised β-hydroxyamides with high diastereo- and enantiocontrol (>20 examples, up to >95 : 5 dr and >99 : 1 er) via this DyKAT.

Probing Regio- and Enantioselectivity in the Formal [2 + 2] Cycloaddition of C(1)-Alkyl Ammonium Enolates with β- and α,β-Substituted Trifluoromethylenones.

The isothiourea-catalyzed regio- and enantioselective formal [2 + 2] cycloaddition of C(1)-alkyl and C(1)-unsubstituted ammonium enolates with β- and α,β-substituted trifluoromethylenones has been developed. In all cases, preferential [2 + 2]-cycloaddition over the alternative [4 + 2]-cycloaddition is observed, giving β-lactones with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity (34 examples, up to >95:5 dr, >99:1 er). The regioselectivity of the process was dictated by the nature of the substituents on both reaction components. Solely [2 + 2] cycloaddition products are observed when using α,β-substituted trifluoromethylenones or α-trialkylsilyl acetic acid derivatives; both [2 + 2] and [4 + 2] cycloaddition products are observed when using β-substituted trifluoromethylenones and α-alkyl-α-trialkylsilyl acetic acids as reactants, with the [2 + 2] cycloaddition as the major reaction product. The beneficial role of the α-silyl substituent within the acid component in this protocol has been demonstrated by control experiments.

Photochemical Wolff Rearrangement Initiated Generation and Subsequent α-Chlorination of C1 Ammonium Enolates.

The enantioselective synthesis of α-chlorinated carboxylic acid esters with er up to 99:1 and yields up to 82% was achieved via a one-pot multistep protocol starting from α-diazoketones. This process proceeds via a photochemical Wolff rearrangement, trapping of the generated ketene with a chiral Lewis base catalyst, subsequent enantioselective α-chlorination, and a final nucleophilic displacement of the bound catalyst. The obtained products were successfully utilized for stereospecific nucleophilic displacement reactions with N- and S-nucleophiles.

A Desilylative Approach to Alkyl Substituted C(1)‐Ammonium Enolates: Application in Enantioselective [2+2] Cycloadditions

AbstractThe catalytic generation of C(1)‐ammonium enolates from the corresponding α‐silyl‐α‐alkyl substituted carboxylic acids using the isothiourea HyperBTM is reported. This desilylative approach grants access to α‐unsubstituted and α‐alkyl substituted C(1)‐ammonium enolates, which are typically difficult to access through traditional methods reliant upon deprotonation. The scope and limitations of this process is established in enantioselective [2+2]‐cycloaddition processes with perfluoroalkylketones (31 examples, up to 96 % yield and >99 : 1 er), as well as selective [2+2]‐cycloaddition with trifluoromethyl enones (4 examples, up to 75 % yield and >99 : 1 er). Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate this process proceeds through an initial kinetic resolution of an in situ prepared (±)‐α‐silyl‐α‐alkyl substituted anhydride, while the reaction process exhibits overall pseudo zero‐order kinetics.

A Desilylative Approach to Alkyl Substituted C(1)-Ammonium Enolates: Application in Enantioselective [2+2] Cycloadditions.

The catalytic generation of C(1)‐ammonium enolates from the corresponding α‐silyl‐α‐alkyl substituted carboxylic acids using the isothiourea HyperBTM is reported. This desilylative approach grants access to α‐unsubstituted and α‐alkyl substituted C(1)‐ammonium enolates, which are typically difficult to access through traditional methods reliant upon deprotonation. The scope and limitations of this process is established in enantioselective [2+2]‐cycloaddition processes with perfluoroalkylketones (31 examples, up to 96 % yield and >99 : 1 er), as well as selective [2+2]‐cycloaddition with trifluoromethyl enones (4 examples, up to 75 % yield and >99 : 1 er). Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate this process proceeds through an initial kinetic resolution of an in situ prepared (±)‐α‐silyl‐α‐alkyl substituted anhydride, while the reaction process exhibits overall pseudo zero‐order kinetics.

Titelbild: Sigmatrope [1,5]‐Kohlenstoffverschiebung transienter C3‐Ammoniumenolate (Angew. Chem. 31/2022)

Der Reaktionsweg der Lewis-Säure-katalysierten intramolekularen Aza-Michael-Addition zur Bildung eines C3-Ammoniumenolats wird von Jan Paradies et al. in ihrer Zuschrift (e202204378) beschrieben. Dieses flüchtige Zwischenprodukt lagert sich diastereospezifisch zum Tetrahydrochinolin-4-on-Gerüst um. Die zentrale Struktur im Bild stellt den Übergangszustand der diastereospezifischen sigmatropen [1,5]-Kohlenstoffverschiebung dar, die unter Beibehaltung der Konfiguration des migratorischen Kohlenstoffzentrums abläuft.

Cover Picture: Sigmatropic [1,5] Carbon Shift of Transient C3 Ammonium Enolates (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 31/2022)

The reaction path of the Lewis acid catalyzed intramolecular aza-Michael addition to form a C3 ammonium enolate is reported by Jan Paradies et al. in their Communication (e202204378). This transient intermediate rearranges diastereospecifically to the tetrahydroquinoline-4-one scaffold. The central structure in the picture represents the transition state of the diastereospecific sigmatropic [1,5] carbon shift which proceeds with retention of configuration on the migrating carbon center.

Sigmatropic [1,5] Carbon Shift of Transient C3 Ammonium Enolates.

The stereospecific sigmatropic [1,5] carbon shift of C3 ammonium enolates is discovered. According to mechanistic, kinetic and computational experiments, this new rearrangement proceeds via the catalytic generation of a transient C3 ammonium enolate by intramolecular aza‐Michael addition. This intermediate rapidly undergoes [1,5] sigmatropic carbon migration to furnish the respective tetrahydroquinoline‐4‐ones with excellent diastereoselectivities of d.r. >99 : 1 and in 61–98 % yield.

Enantioselective α-Chlorination Reactions of in Situ Generated C1 Ammonium Enolates under Base-Free Conditions.

The asymmetric α-chlorination of activated aryl acetic acid esters can be carried out with high levels of enantioselectivities utilizing commercially available isothiourea catalysts under base-free conditions. The reaction, which proceeds via the in situ formation of chiral C1 ammonium enolates, is best carried out under cryogenic conditions combined with a direct trapping of the activated α-chlorinated ester derivative to prevent epimerization, thus allowing for enantioselectivities of up to e.r. 99:1.

Enantioselective Synthesis of α-Aryl-β2 -Amino-Esters by Cooperative Isothiourea and Brønsted Acid Catalysis.

The synthesis of α‐aryl‐β2‐amino esters through enantioselective aminomethylation of an arylacetic acid ester in high yields and enantioselectivity via cooperative isothiourea and Brønsted acid catalysis is demonstrated. The scope and limitations of this process are explored (25 examples, up to 94 % yield and 96:4 er), with applications to the synthesis of (S)‐Venlafaxine⋅HCl and (S)‐Nakinadine B. Mechanistic studies are consistent with a C(1)‐ammonium enolate pathway being followed rather than an alternative dynamic kinetic resolution process. Control studies indicate that (i) a linear effect between catalyst and product er is observed; (ii) an acyl ammonium ion can be used as a precatalyst; (iii) reversible isothiourea addition to an in situ generated iminium ion leads to an off‐cycle intermediate that can be used as a productive precatalyst.

Enantioselective Synthesis of α‐Aryl‐β2‐Amino‐Esters by Cooperative Isothiourea and Brønsted Acid Catalysis

AbstractThe synthesis of α‐aryl‐β2‐amino esters through enantioselective aminomethylation of an arylacetic acid ester in high yields and enantioselectivity via cooperative isothiourea and Brønsted acid catalysis is demonstrated. The scope and limitations of this process are explored (25 examples, up to 94 % yield and 96:4 er), with applications to the synthesis of (S)‐Venlafaxine⋅HCl and (S)‐Nakinadine B. Mechanistic studies are consistent with a C(1)‐ammonium enolate pathway being followed rather than an alternative dynamic kinetic resolution process. Control studies indicate that (i) a linear effect between catalyst and product er is observed; (ii) an acyl ammonium ion can be used as a precatalyst; (iii) reversible isothiourea addition to an in situ generated iminium ion leads to an off‐cycle intermediate that can be used as a productive precatalyst.

Frontispiece: Generation and Reactivity of C(1)‐Ammonium Enolates by Using Isothiourea Catalysis

Frontispiece: Generation and Reactivity of C(1)‐Ammonium Enolates by Using Isothiourea Catalysis

Generation and Reactivity of C(1)-Ammonium Enolates by Using Isothiourea Catalysis.

C(1)‐Ammonium enolates are powerful, catalytically generated synthetic intermediates applied in the enantioselective α‐functionalisation of carboxylic acid derivatives. This minireview describes the recent developments in the generation and application of C(1)‐ammonium enolates from various precursors (carboxylic acids, anhydrides, acyl imidazoles, aryl esters, α‐diazoketones, alkyl halides) using isothiourea Lewis base organocatalysts. Their synthetic utility in intra‐ and intermolecular enantioselective C−C and C−X bond forming processes on reaction with various electrophiles will be showcased utilising two distinct catalyst turnover approaches.

Catalytic asymmetric dipolar cycloadditions of indolyl delocalized metal-allyl species for the enantioselective synthesis of cyclopenta [b]indoles and pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles

The development of novel synthons and efficient methods to synthesize chiral polycyclic indoles has been a hot topic in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry owing to their broad applications in medicines, pesticides, and other functional molecules. Here, we disclosed novel indolyl substituted metal-allyl zwitterionic intermediates through the decarboxylation of conveniently available vinyl indoloxazolidones, which could be regarded as two types of dipolar species through the anionic delocalization. The palladium-π-allyl species tended to serve as an all-carbon 1,3-dipole in the asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition with electron-deficient alkenes, which furnished polysubstituted cyclopenta[ b ]indoles with high regio- and stereoselectivities. Meanwhile, the iridium-π-allyl species was recognized as an aza-1,3-dipole in asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition with in situ generated C1 ammonium enolates, affording pyrrolo[1,2- a ]indoles with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities. In addition, the dipolar cycloadditions could be easily scaled-up and several synthetic transformations of the cycloadducts were demonstrated for the rapid synthesis of diverse chiral polycyclic indoles.

Base‐free Enantioselective C(1)‐Ammonium Enolate Catalysis Exploiting Aryloxides: A Synthetic and Mechanistic Study

AbstractAn isothiourea‐catalyzed enantioselective Michael addition of aryl ester pronucleophiles to vinyl bis‐sulfones via C(1)‐ammonium enolate intermediates has been developed. This operationally simple method allows the base‐free functionalization of aryl esters to form α‐functionalized products containing two contiguous tertiary stereogenic centres in excellent yield and stereoselectivity (all ≥99:1 er). Key to the success of this methodology is the multifunctional role of the aryloxide, which operates as a leaving group, Brønsted base, Brønsted acid and Lewis base within the catalytic cycle. Comprehensive mechanistic studies, including variable time normalization analysis (VTNA) and isotopologue competition experiments, have been carried out. These studies have identified (i) orders of all reactants; (ii) a turnover‐limiting Michael addition step, (iii) product inhibition, (iv) the catalyst resting state and (v) catalyst deactivation through protonation.

Base-free Enantioselective C(1)-Ammonium Enolate Catalysis Exploiting Aryloxides: A Synthetic and Mechanistic Study.

An isothiourea-catalyzed enantioselective Michael addition of aryl ester pronucleophiles to vinyl bis-sulfones via C(1)-ammonium enolate intermediates has been developed. This operationally simple method allows the base-free functionalization of aryl esters to form α-functionalized products containing two contiguous tertiary stereogenic centres in excellent yield and stereoselectivity (all ≥99:1 er). Key to the success of this methodology is the multifunctional role of the aryloxide, which operates as a leaving group, Brønsted base, Brønsted acid and Lewis base within the catalytic cycle. Comprehensive mechanistic studies, including variable time normalization analysis (VTNA) and isotopologue competition experiments, have been carried out. These studies have identified (i) orders of all reactants; (ii) a turnover-limiting Michael addition step, (iii) product inhibition, (iv) the catalyst resting state and (v) catalyst deactivation through protonation.

Palladium-Catalyzed Generation of C1 Ammonium Enolates

Key words palladium catalysis - ammonium enolates - dihydropyridones - β-lactams

Evaluating aryl esters as bench-stable C(1)-ammonium enolate precursors in catalytic, enantioselective Michael addition-lactonisations.

An evaluation of a range of aryl, alkyl and vinyl esters as prospective C(1)-ammonium enolate precursors in enantioselective Michael addition-lactonisation processes with (E)-trifluoromethylenones using isothiourea catalysis is reported. Electron deficient aryl esters are required for reactivity, with 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl esters providing optimal product yields. Catalyst screening showed that tetramisole was the most effective isothiourea catalyst, giving the desired dihydropyranone product in excellent yield and stereoselectivity (up to 90 : 10 dr and 98 : 2 er). The scope and limitations of this process have been evaluated, with a range of diester products being generated after ring-opening with MeOH to give stereodefined dihydropyranones with excellent stereocontrol (10 examples, typically ∼90 : 10 dr and >95 : 5 er).

Organocatalytic Enantioselective Decarboxylative Protonation Reaction of Meldrum's Acid Derivatives under PTC Conditions

An original organocatalyzed enantioselective protonation sequence of a transient quaternary ammonium enolate species has been developed by starting from readily available disubstituted Meldrum's acid derivatives and phenols. Under phase‐transfer‐catalytic (PTC) conditions, chiral nonracemic 2‐aryl propionic ester derivatives were obtained in good isolated yields with enantioselectivities up to 70 % ee. The usefulness of the approach was demonstrated by the synthesis of enantioenriched (S)‐ibuprofen.