Atom-economic Reaction Research Articles

Base-Promoted One-Pot Strategy for Expeditious Assembly of Highly Functionalized Benzocoumarin Derivatives.

A versatile and atom-economic three-component reaction between 3-cyano-4-styrylcoumarins, 1,3-indandione, and aliphatic alcohols is described for synthesizing diversely multifunctionalized benzocoumarins. This strategy allows facile access to various benzocoumarins bearing an amine and a substituted benzoyl scaffold under simple heating conditions. Readily available precursors, operational simplicity, acceptable functional group tolerance, and excellent yields are some highlighted advantages of this transformation.

Asymmetric α-Allylation of Amino Acid Esters with Alkynes Enabled by Chiral Aldehyde/Palladium Combined Catalysis.

A highly efficient, atom-economical α-allylation reaction of NH2-unprotected amino acid esters and alkynes is achieved by chiral aldehyde/palladium combined catalysis. A diverse range of α,α-disubstituted nonproteinogenic α-amino acid esters are produced in 31-92% yields and 84-97% ee values. The allylation products are utilized for the synthesis of drug molecule BMS561392 and other chiral molecules possessing complex structures. Mechanistic investigations reveal that this reaction proceeds via a chiral aldehyde-/palladium-mediated triple cascade catalytic cycle.

Cu(II)-Organic Framework for Carboxylative Cyclization of Propargylic Amines with CO2.

Effective CO2 transformations hold essential significance for carbon neutrality and sustainable energy development. Carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amines with CO2 serves as an atom-economic reaction to afford oxazolidinones, showing broad applications in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical fields. However, most catalysts involved noble metals, exhibited low efficiency, or required large amounts of base. Hence, it is imperative to explore alternative noble-metal-free catalysts in order to achieve efficient conversion while minimizing the use of additives. Herein, a novel nanopore-based Cu(II)-organic framework (1) based on a new imidazole carboxylic ligand was successfully constructed and exhibited excellent stability. Catalytic investigations revealed that the combination of 1 with 1,4-diaza[2.2.2]bicyclooctane (DABCO) efficiently catalyzed the carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amines with CO2, achieving turnover numbers of 142 based on the catalyst and 7.1 based on DABCO. 1 as a heterogeneous catalyst maintained high catalytic performance even after being reused at least 5 cycles, with its structure remaining stable. The strong activation of Cu(II) cluster nodes of catalyst 1 toward -NH- groups within organic substrates, as demonstrated by mechanism experiments, along with excellent CO2 adsorption performance and the presence of regular 1D channels, synergistically facilitates the reaction rate. This research presents the first instance of a Cu(II)-organic framework achieving this cyclization reaction, offering wide prospects for novel catalyst design and CO2 utilization.

Palladium supported on alumina as a highly active heterogeneous catalyst for direct arylation of 6-substituted imidazo[2,1-b]thiadiazole via C[sbnd]H bond activation reaction

Fast, atom-economical, phosphine-free, and eco-friendly microwave-irradiated reactions permitting the “green synthesis” of 5,6-disubstituted imidazo[2,1-b]thiadiazole derivatives using heterogeneous palladium catalyst in triethylammonium 2-(1,1-dioxido-3-oxobenzo[d]isothiazol-2(3H)-yl)acetate ([Et3NH][Sac-CH3CO2]) ionic liquid via CH bond activation reaction of 6-substituted imidazo[2,1-b]thiadiazole derivatives, are reported. This method provides a straightforward route to a wide variety of substituted imidazo[2,1-b]thiadiazoles and has the advantages of reusability of the heterogeneous catalyst, simple methodology, high yields, and easy work-up.

Application of Mesoporous Carbon-Based Highly Dispersed K-O2 Strong Lewis Base in the Efficient Catalysis of Methanol and Ethylene Carbonate.

As an atom-economical reaction, the direct generation of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethylene glycol (EG) via the transesterification of CH3OH and ethylene carbonate (EC) has several promising applications, but the exploration of carriers with high specific surface areas and novel heterogeneous catalysts with more basic sites remains a long-standing research challenge. For this purpose, herein, a nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon (NMC, 439 m2/g) based K-O2 Lewis base catalyst (K-O2/NMC) with well-dispersed strongly basic sites (2.23 mmol/g, 84.5%) was designed and synthesized. The compositions and structures of NMC and K-O2/NMC were comprehensively investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption, CO2 temperature-programmed desorption, and contact angle measurements. The optimal structural configuration and electron cloud distribution of the K-O2/NMC catalyst were simulated using first-principles calculations. The electron transfer predominantly manifested as a flow from K-O to C-O/C-N, and the interatomic interactions between each atom were enhanced and exhibited a tendency for a more stable state after redistribution. Furthermore, the adsorption energies (Eads) of CH3OH at K-O-O and K-O-N sites were -1.4185 eV and -1.3377 eV, respectively, and the O atom in CH3OH exhibited a stronger adsorption tendency for the K atom at the K-O-O site. Under the optimal conditions, the EC conversion, DMC/EG selectivity, and turnover number/frequency were 80.9%, 98.6%/99.4%, and 40.5/60.8 h-1, respectively, with a reaction rate constant (k) of 0.1005 mol/(L·min). Results showed that the heterogeneous K-O2/NMC catalyst prepared herein greatly reduced the reaction cost while guaranteeing the catalytic effect, and the whole system required a lower reaction temperature (65 °C), a shorter reaction time (40 min), and a lower catalyst amount (2.0 wt % of EC). Therefore, K-O2/NMC can be used as a catalyst in different transesterification reactions.

Visible-Light-Promoted Radical gem-Selenosulfonylation or -Iodosulfonylation of 2,2,2-Trifluorodiazoethane under Photosensitizer-Free Conditions.

A visible-light-promoted radical gem-difunctionalization of trifluorodiazoethane with RSO2X (X = SeR', I) for the synthesis of α-seleno or α-iodo trifluoroethyl sulfones is described. This atom-economical reaction is external-photocatalyst- and additive-free and uses nontoxic ethyl acetate as the solvent. The resultant products, which incorporate sulfonyl, trifluoromethyl, and iodo or selenyl functional groups onto one carbon atom, can serve as versatile building blocks. A major synthetic application was demonstrated by ATRA reactions with various terminal alkynes.

Transformation of ambient CO2 in air into cyclic carbonates mediated by a phosphorus-nitrogen PN3-pincer iron complex

The atom-economical reaction of carbon dioxide (CO2) with epoxides possesses the potential to utilize captured CO₂ for synthesizing useful chemicals. Among a wide range of metal complexes employed for this transformation, iron (Fe) stands out because of its low cost, ready availability, and stability. In this work, a pyridine-based pincer PN³-Fe(II) complex was synthesized and used as an efficient catalyst for the CO₂ epoxide cycloaddition. More importantly, this complex enabled the direct capture of CO₂ in the atmosphere and conversion into cyclic carbonates in excellent yields.

C(sp2)‐H Imination of Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines: A Catalyst‐Free, Multicomponent Approach

AbstractWe report here a catalyst‐free, (sp2)C−H imination reaction of in‐situ formed imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines and α‐iminoketones. This one‐pot, multicomponent, and atom economic reaction is performed at moderate to room temperature without the need for any catalyst and inert conditions. The reaction showed good substrate tolerance with appreciable yields. Gram‐scale synthesis and post‐synthetic modifications to obtain 1,2‐diketones are also described.

Hydrated [3+2] Cyclotelomerization of Butafulvenes to Create Multiple Contiguous Fully Substituted Carbon Centers.

The construction of multiple continuous fully substituted carbon centers, which serve as unique structural motif in natural products, is a challenging topic in organic synthesis. Herein, we report a hydrated [3+2] cyclotelomerization of butafulvenes to create contiguous fully substituted carbon backbone. In the presence of scandium triflate, all-carbon skeleton with spiro fused tricyclic ring can be constructed in high diastereoselectivity by utilizing butafulvene as the synthon. Mechanistic studies suggest that this atom-economic reaction probably proceeds through a synergistic process containing butafulvenes dimerization and nucleophilic attack by water. In addition, the tricyclic product can undergo a series of synthetic derivatizations, which highlights the potential applications of this strategy. The recyclability of Sc(OTf)3 has also been demonstrated to show its robust performance in this hydrated cyclotelomerization.

B(C6F5)3-catalysed isomerization of terminal olefins

This work presents a B(C6F5)3-catalysed isomerization of terminal olefins. The more challenging linear α-olefins could be isomerized to linear 2-olefins in good yield with relatively lower E/Z selectivity, compared with allylbenzene substrates.

Electrochemical oxidative dehydrogenative annulation of 1-(2-aminophenyl)pyrroles with cleavage of ethers to synthesize pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives.

An array of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives were achieved with moderate to good yields via the electrochemical redox reaction, which includes the functionalization of C(sp3)-H bonds and the construction of C-C and C-N bonds. In this atom economic reaction, THF was used as both a reactant and a solvent, and H2 was the sole by-product.

Design and synthesis of 1,2-dihydroquinoline/chromene fused sugar triazole frameworks by copper-catalyzed one-pot click and intramolecular arylation reactions.

Expedient copper-catalyzed one-pot click and intramolecular arylation reactions have been developed for the synthesis of 1,2-dihydroquinoline/chromene-fused triazoles with varying sugar functionalities. It has been observed that the additive TMEDA greatly facilitates this copper-catalyzed cyclization. This reaction involves two mechanistically distinct reactions i.e. an atom-economical click reaction and a direct arylation of a sugar triazole. This method provides rapid and simple access to fused sugar triazoles in moderate to good yields. All the key products were characterized using 1H and 13C NMR and HRMS data.

Sustainable tandem acylation/Diels-Alder reaction toward versatile tricyclic epoxyisoindole-7-carboxylic acids in renewable green solvents.

Tandem Diels-Alder reactions are often used for the straightforward formation of complex natural compounds and the fused polycyclic systems contained in their precursors. In the second step of this reaction, regio- and stereochemically controlled intramolecular cyclization leads to the formation of versatile nitrogen-containing tricyclic systems. However, these useful organic transformations are usually carried out in highly toxic organic solvents such as benzene, toluene, chloroform, etc. Despite recent efforts by 'green chemists', synthetic chemists still use these traditional toxic organic solvents in many of their reactions, even though safer alternatives are available. However, in addition to the harmful effects of these petrochemical solvents on the environment, the prediction that their resources will run out in the near future has led 'green chemists' to explore solvents that can be derived from renewable resources and used effectively in various organic transformations. In this context, we have shown for the first time that the 100% atom-economical tandem Diels-Alder reaction between aminofuranes and maleic anhydride can be carried out successfully in vegetable oils and waxes. The reaction was successfully carried out in sunflower seed oil, olive oil, oleic acid and lauryl myristate under mild reaction conditions. A series of epoxyisoindole-7-carboxylic acid and bisepoxyisoindole-7-carboxylic acids were obtained in good yields after a practical isolation procedure. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the potential of vegetable oils and their renewable materials to provide a reaction medium that is more sustainable than conventional organic solvents in cascade Diels-Alder reactions and can be used repeatedly without significant degradation. These materials also allow the reaction to be completed in less time, with less energy consumption and higher yields.

Synthesis of benzimidazole-fused 1,4-benzoxazepines and benzosultams spiro-connected to a 2-oxindole core via a tandem epoxide-opening/SNAr approach.

While hundreds of literature reports describe the preparation of spirooxindole-based five- and six-membered heterocycles, the construction of seven-membered heterocyclic rings spiro-connected to a 2-oxindole core has so far been less developed. Herein, we disclose a base-mediated (4 + 3) annulation of spiro-epoxyoxindoles and 2-(2-fluoroaryl)-1H-benzoimidazoles or 2-fluoro-N-arylbenzenesulfonamides toward the synthesis of two new classes of spirooxindole-based polycyclic systems. Mechanistically, this conceptually simple and high atom-economical reaction proceeds via an SN2-like intermolecular epoxide ring-opening, accompanied by a concomitant intramolecular SNAr reaction. From a synthetic aspect, the notable features of the process are its full regioselectivity, operational simplicity using readily available substrates under transition-metal-free conditions, high yields, and broad substrate scope.

Development and Applications of Water-Compatible Reactions: A Journey to Be Continued.

ConspectusThe pursuit of novel and eco-friendly methods in organic synthesis is gaining prominence, with a strong emphasis on green transformations using renewable and sustainable resources. Among these environmentally conscious approaches, water-compatible reactions stand out for their many advantages. Water, as a solvent, offers unmatched abundance, cost-efficiency, and environmental compatibility compared to organic solvents. Its use eliminates the need for complex protection and deprotection steps for reactive functional groups in multistep synthesis and enables the use of water-soluble substrates like proteins and carbohydrates. Water-compatible reactions also provide opportunities to combine with enzymes, resulting in chemoenzymatic transformations that can increase efficiency. Additionally, these reactions facilitate site-specific modification and the bioconjugation of biomolecules, leading to bioconjugate therapeutics.Over nearly three decades, our research group has been dedicated to developing innovative water-compatible methodologies and concepts. This Account provides a comprehensive overview of our contributions since 1994. Our central strategy revolves around integrating green chemistry principles into our methods, focusing on (i) developing reactions that can operate under mild conditions, including room temperature, atmospheric pressure, and physiological pH; (ii) designing atom-economical reactions that minimize waste production; (iii) replacing toxic and flammable organic solvents with eco-friendly alternatives like water and ethanol; and (iv) reducing reliance on metals or halogenated compounds in specific reactions.In this Account, we detail our achievements in developing efficient methodologies in aqueous media, highlighting their scope, limitations, asymmetric control, and applications for synthesizing complex molecules and functionalizing peptides and proteins. Mechanistic investigations underlying these developments are also discussed when applicable. Furthermore, we offer insights into the reasoning behind our work and address future opportunities and challenges in this area of research. We hope that this Account will inspire continued interest and foster new breakthroughs. By exploring innovative and broadly applicable strategies that expand the water-compatible synthetic toolbox, we aim to pave the way for the truly green and sustainable synthesis of complex molecules and pharmaceuticals.

Selective hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds and olefins using an efficient combination of homogeneous RuCl3/1,10-Phenanthroline

Hydrogenation of organic compounds with molecular hydrogen is an atom economic reaction and plays a key role in chemical synthesis. Here, we report the hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds to alcohols as well as alkenes to alkanes with easy-to-handle reagents under 10 bar hydrogen pressure. The hydrogenation reactions are executed with readily available RuCl3·xH2O/1,10-phenanthroline and show high catalytic efficiency in the presence of other reactive functional groups (e.g., halogens and hydroxyl) under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the chemoselectivity and robustness of the Ru catalytic system found their merit in the hydrogenation of lignocellulosic biomass-derived substrates (e.g., vanillin, 5-HMF, and eugenol) including linoleic acid methyl ester, affording the corresponding products in good to high yields. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out in conjunction with the Laplacian of electron density and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis to unravel the mechanistic insights into the hydrogenation of the carbonyl compounds.

"Click Chemistry": An Emerging Tool for Developing a New Class of Structural Motifs against Various Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Click chemistry is a set of easy, atom-economical reactions that are often utilized to combine two desired chemical entities. Click chemistry accelerates lead identification and optimization, reduces the complexity of chemical synthesis, and delivers extremely high yields without undesirable byproducts. The most well-known click chemistry reaction is the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azides and alkynes to form 1,2,3-triazoles. The resulting 1,2,3-triazoles can serve as both bioisosteres and linkers, leading to an increase in their use in the field of drug discovery. The current Review focuses on the use of click chemistry to identify new molecules for treating neurodegenerative diseases and in other areas such as peptide targeting and the quantification of biomolecules.

Three-component domino reaction in Triton B: A facile synthesis of 4H-chromene derivatives

Herein, we report an unprecedented one-pot domino synthesis of indole- or naphthol-tethered biologically relevant 4H-chromene derivatives from readily accessible salicylaldehydes, malononitrile, and indoles/β-naphthols employing efficient, inexpensive, non-metallic Benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide (Triton B) as a base promoter. This protocol is an atom-economic three-component one-pot reaction that delivers various 4H-chromenes with good substrate scope and excellent yields. Moreover, this protocol compares the synthesis of 4H- chromene derivatives with the earlier reported 2H-chromenes avoiding the time and solvent-consuming tedious column chromatography.

Boosting CO2 Hydrogenation to Formate over Edge-Sulfur Vacancies of Molybdenum Disulfide.

Synthesis of formate from hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) is an atom-economic reaction but is confronted with challenges in developing high-performance non-precious metal catalysts for application of the process. Herein, we report a highly durable edge-rich molybdenum disulfide (MoS2 ) catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation to formate at 200 °C, which delivers a high selectivity of over 99 % with a superior turnover frequency of 780.7 h-1 surpassing those of previously reported non-precious metal catalysts. Multiple experimental characterization techniques combined with theoretical calculations reveal that sulfur vacancies at MoS2 edges are the active sites and the selective production of formate is enabled via a completely new water-mediated hydrogenation mechanism, in which surface OH* and H* species in dynamic equilibrium with water serve as moderate hydrogenating agents for CO2 with residual O* reduced by hydrogen. This study provides a new route for developing low-cost high-performance catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to formate.

Proline-Catalyzed Diastereoselective Synthesis of Dihydroquinolinyl-Spirooxindole via Aza-Michael/Aldol Reaction

AbstractAn efficient diastereoselective synthesis of 1′,4′-dihydro-2′H-spiro[indoline-3,3′-quinolin]-2-one derivatives was achieved using catalytic amount of l-proline. The key reactions involved in the present tandem reaction are aza-Michael addition and aldol reaction. This atom economic reaction proceeded under mild conditions with a broad substrate scope and excellent diastereoselectivity in good to excellent yields.