Radical Cascade Cyclization Research Articles

Recent applications of radical cascade reaction in the synthesis of functionalized 1-indenones

1-Indenones are important scaffolds in natural products, biologically active molecules as well as functional materials. Recently, radical cascade cyclization has emerged as an efficient and powerful strategy for the construction of valuable and versatile functionalized 1-indenones. In this review, the recent advances of this rapidly growing area were summarized. The selected examples have been classified according to the type of reaction substrates such as 1,3-diarylpropynones, 2-alkynylbenzonitriles, arylpropynols, 1,5-enynes and 2-alkynylated bromocinnamates.

A Novel and Facile Synthesis of Chroman‐4‐one Derivatives via Cascade Radical Cyclization Under Metal‐free Condition

AbstractA novel and facile method for the synthesis of 3‐(2‐oxo‐2‐arylethyl)chroman‐4‐ones under metal‐free conditions is described. In the presence of nBu4NBr and K2S2O8, arylaldehydes or aliphatic aldehydes with various functional groups could react with different 2‐(allyloxy)arylaldehydes via radical process to produce chroman‐4‐one derivatives in moderate to good yields. The method features metal‐free, step‐economical manner and easily available starting materials, exhibiting its practical synthetic value in some biologically active compounds.

Synthesis of Benzofuran Derivatives through Cascade Radical Cyclization/Intermolecular Coupling of 2‐Azaallyls

AbstractBenzofurans are among the most popular structural units in bioactive natural products, however, the synthesis of such structures by radical cyclization cascade reactions is rare. Herein, we report a mild and broadly applicable method for the construction of complex benzofurylethylamine derivatives through a unique radical cyclization cascade mechanism. Single‐electron transfer (SET) from 2‐azaallyl anions to 2‐iodo aryl allenyl ethers initiates a radical cyclization that is followed by intermolecular radical–radical coupling. This expedient approach enables the synthesis of a range of polycyclic benzofurans that would otherwise be difficult to prepare.

Synthesis of Benzofuran Derivatives through Cascade Radical Cyclization/Intermolecular Coupling of 2-Azaallyls.

Benzofurans are among the most popular structural units in bioactive natural products, however, the synthesis of such structures by radical cyclization cascade reactions is rare. Herein, we report a mild and broadly applicable method for the construction of complex benzofurylethylamine derivatives through a unique radical cyclization cascade mechanism. Single-electron transfer (SET) from 2-azaallyl anions to 2-iodo aryl allenyl ethers initiates a radical cyclization that is followed by intermolecular radical-radical coupling. This expedient approach enables the synthesis of a range of polycyclic benzofurans that would otherwise be difficult to prepare.

SmI2-catalysed cyclization cascades by radical relay

Radical cyclization cascades are powerful tools used to construct the complex three-dimensional structures of some of society’s most prized molecules. Since its first use 40 years ago, SmI2 has been used extensively for reductive radical cyclizations. Unfortunately, SmI2 must almost always be used in significant excess, thus raising issues of cost and waste. Here, we have developed radical cyclization cascades that are catalysed by SmI2 and exploit a radical relay/electron-catalysis strategy. The approach negates the need for a super-stoichiometric co-reductant and requires no additives. Complex cyclic products, including products of dearomatization, containing up to four contiguous stereocentres are obtained in excellent yield. Mechanistic studies support a single-electron-transfer radical mechanism. Our strategy provides a long-awaited solution to the problem of how to avoid the need for stoichiometric amounts of SmI2 and establishes a conceptual platform on which other catalytic radical processes using the ubiquitous reducing agent can be built. Samarium iodide is a remarkably useful and mild reductant in organic synthesis, but its use can be problematic due to the need for (super)stoichiometric loadings. Now a method that employs samarium iodide as a catalyst—without the need for a stoichiometric co-reductant—is reported. Loadings as low as 5% are shown to catalyse radical cyclization cascades.

Visible-light-induced radical cascade cyclization of oxime esters and aryl isonitriles: synthesis of cyclopenta[b]quinoxalines.

A visible-light-induced radical cascade cyclization of aryl isonitriles and cyclobutanone oxime esters for the synthesis of cyclopenta[b]quinoxalines has been accomplished for the first time. The key to the success of this process was the integration of the in situ-formed nitrile radical followed by the cascade radical isonitrile/nitrile insertion-cyclization. The easy introduction of substituents for both substrates and the high functional group tolerance of the reaction make it an efficient strategy to give various quinoxaline derivatives in moderate to good yields.

Synthesis of indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives via visible-light-induced radical cascade cyclization reactions.

We describe a photocatalyzed transformation for the synthesis of the indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline core structure. This redox neutral reaction features mild reaction conditions and exceptional functional group tolerance. A series of valuable indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives bearing various functional groups were synthesized using this method in good to excellent yields.

Silver-promoted cascade radical cyclization of γ,δ-unsaturated oxime esters with P(O)H compounds: synthesis of phosphorylated pyrrolines.

A cascade radical cyclization was realized for the first silver-promoted imino-phosphorylation of γ,δ-unsaturated oxime esters, which provided a step-economical and redox-neutral route to access a variety of phosphorylated pyrrolines in good to excellent yields. Moreover, a new bulky trivalent phosphine ligand with a pyrroline motif was obtained through a deoxidation process.

Silver-catalyzed cascade radical cyclization of 2-(allyloxy)arylaldehydes with cyclopropanols: access to chroman-4-one derivatives

A convenient silver-catalyzed cascade radical cyclization of 2-(allyloxy)arylaldehydes with cyclopropanols was developed to synthesize carbonyl-containing alkyl-substituted chroman-4-one derivatives.

Copper-mediated cascade radical cyclization of olefins with naphthalenyl iododifluoromethyl ketones.

Copper-mediated radical cyclization of naphthalenyl iododifluoromethyl ketones with olefins was successfully developed to generate a series of unprecedented gem-difluorodihydrophenanthrenones, especially 2,2-difluoro-3,4-dihydrophenanthren-1(2H)-one derivatives. This strategy features the use of cheap copper powder and excellent regioselectivity and diastereoselectivity, thus providing a facile approach for application in drug discovery and development. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate the involvement of difluorinated radical intermediates. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation was performed to provide further evidence for regioselectivity.

Modular Synthesis of Functionalized 4-Quinolones via a Radical Cyclization Cascade Reaction

Modular Synthesis of Functionalized 4-Quinolones via a Radical Cyclization Cascade Reaction

Natural source, bioactivity and synthesis of benzofuran derivatives.

Benzofuran compounds are a class of compounds that are ubiquitous in nature. Numerous studies have shown that most benzofuran compounds have strong biological activities such as anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-oxidative, and anti-viral activities. Owing to these biological activities and potential applications in many aspects, benzofuran compounds have attracted more and more attention of chemical and pharmaceutical researchers worldwide, making these substances potential natural drug lead compounds. For example, the recently discovered novel macrocyclic benzofuran compound has anti-hepatitis C virus activity and is expected to be an effective therapeutic drug for hepatitis C disease; novel scaffold compounds of benzothiophene and benzofuran have been developed and utilized as anticancer agents. Novel methods for constructing benzofuran rings have been discovered in recent years. A complex benzofuran derivative is constructed by a unique free radical cyclization cascade, which is an excellent method for the synthesis of a series of difficult-to-prepare polycyclic benzofuran compounds. Another benzofuran ring constructed by proton quantum tunneling has not only fewer side reactions, but also high yield, which is conducive to the construction of complex benzofuran ring systems. This review summarizes the recent studies on the various aspects of benzofuran derivatives including their important natural product sources, biological activities and drug prospects, and chemical synthesis, as well as the relationship between the bioactivities and structures.

Sodium Sulfite-Involved Photocatalytic Radical Cascade Cyclization of 2-Isocyanoaryl Thioethers: Access to 2-CF2/CF3-Containing Benzothiazoles.

A visible-light-induced radical cascade cyclization of 2-isocyanoaryl thioethers for the synthesis of 2-CF2/CF3-containing benzothiazoles has been developed. Sodium sulfite can participate in the photocatalytic cycle as a reductant that efficiently transforms Ir4+ into Ir3+ to promote the fluoroalkylation under mild reaction conditions.

Cascade Radical Cyclization on Alkynyl Vinylogous Carbonates for the Divergent Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Furans and Dihydrofurans.

A single alkynyl vinylogous carbonate was elaborated to tetrasubstituted furan or dihydrofuran via a cascade inter-intramolecular radical reaction by changing the radical being added. The strategy could be used in the synthesis of polycyclic heterocycles as well as bis-furan exhibiting atropisomerism. Installation of a new furan motif on the existing one was feasible by iteration. Stannyl dihydrofuran derivative was used in Stille coupling, whereas intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation on the furan gave furanonaphthol.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Radical Cyclization Cascade

Photoredox-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Radical Cyclization Cascade

Recent Developments in Polyene Cyclizations and Their Applications in Natural Product Synthesis

Cascade polyene cyclization reactions are highly efficient and elegant bioinspired transformations that involve simultaneous multiple bond constructions to rapidly generate complex polycyclic molecules. This review summarizes the most prominent work on a variety of cationic and radical cascade cyclizations and their applications in natural product synthesis published between 2014 and 2018.1 Introduction2 Cationic Polyene Cyclizations2.1 Lewis Acid Mediated Polyene Cyclizations2.2 Brønsted Acid Mediated Polyene Cyclizations2.3 Halogen Electrophile Initiated Polyene Cyclizations2.4 Sulfur Electrophile Initiated Polyene Cyclizations2.5 Transition-Metal-Mediated Cationic Polyene Cyclizations3 Radical Polyene Cyclizations3.1 Transition-Metal-Mediated Radical Polyene Cyclizations3.2 Photocatalyst-Mediated Polyene Cyclizations4 Origin of Stereocontrol in Polyene Cyclizations5 Conclusion

Copper-Catalyzed Radical Cascade Cyclization To Access 3-Sulfonated Indenones with the AIE Phenomenon.

An efficient copper-catalyzed radical cascade cyclization strategy was developed, by which a wide variety of 3-sulfonyl substituted indenones were prepared in one pot via reaction of 2-alkynylbenzonitriles with sulfonyl hydrazides in the presence of TBHP and CuI under mild reaction conditions. Much more importantly, the 3-sulfonyl indenones, synthesized through our newly developed copper-catalyzed radical cascade cyclization strategy, were found to own typical aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties, showing orange to red emission with large Stokes shift (more than 135 nm). In addition, such newly found AIEgens could be successfully used in live cell imaging, exhibiting excellent biocompatibility and application potential.

Silver-Catalyzed Radical Cascade Cyclization toward 1,5-/1,3-Dicarbonyl Heterocycles: An Atom-/Step-Economical Strategy Leading to Chromenopyridines and Isoxazole-/Pyrazole-Containing Chroman-4-Ones.

A novel and convenient silver-catalyzed radical cascade cyclization toward a large variety of 1,5-/1,3-dicarbonyl heterocycles containing a chroman-4-one, indanone, or 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1 H)-one moiety was developed, by reacting various 2-functionalized benzaldehydes, including 2-allyloxy benzaldehydes, 2-allyl benzaldehyde, and 2-N(Ts)CH2-CH═CH2 substituted benzaldehyde, with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in the presence of AgNO3/K2S2O8 in one pot under mild reaction conditions. The newly obtained 1,5-/1,3-dicarbonyl-containing heterocycles were further used directly to synthesize more structurally diverse polyheterocycles, mainly including chromenopyridines as well as isoxazole- or pyrazole-containing chroman-4-ones.

Visible‐Light‐Induced Radical Cascade Cyclization: Synthesis of (20S)‐Camptothecin, SN‐38 and Irinotecan

Abstract(20S)‐Camptothecin, irinotecan and SN‐38 were successfully synthesized by a photocatalyzed radical cascade cyclization from an N‐propargyl iodopyridinone and an arylisonitrile under visible light with a ruthenium catalyst. This synthetic method provided a useful entry into composing camptothecin family of antitumor agents in good yields under mild reaction conditions without the use of heavy metal reagents.

Design, Synthesis, and Application of Highly Reducing Organic Visible-Light Photocatalysts.

A series of inexpensive, easily tunable, and highly reducing organic photocatalysts (PCs) that exhibit strong absorption in the visible region are described. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations were applied to corroborate the experimental observations and explain the relationship between the structure and property. The photocatalytic efficiency of these PCs was demonstrated by catalyzing several challenging reactions and the radical cascade cyclization of 1,6-diyne with superior photocatalytic efficiency to other organic photocatalysts.