High Regioselectivity Research Articles

Enamine Synthesis via Regiocontrolled 6‐endo‐dig and 5‐exo‐dig Tethered Carboamination of Propargylic Alcohols

AbstractEnamines are versatile building blocks for the synthesis of biologically active compounds. Nevertheless, only a limited number of strategies have been reported for preparing trisubstituted enamines in a regio‐ and stereoselective manner. Herein, we report a regiocontrolled 6‐endo and 5‐exo tethered carboamination of propargylic alcohols for the synthesis of trisubstituted enamines. High regioselectivity was achieved through fine‐tuning of the amine protecting group during the Pd‐catalyzed carboamination. The introduced trifluoromethylated tether enables further stereoselective functionalizations, such as hydrogenation and fluorination.

Cu-Promoted ipso-Hydroxylation of sp2 Bonds with Concomitant Aromatic 1,2-Rearrangement Involving a Cu-oxyl-hydroxo Species.

Herein, we report the first example of Cu-promoted β ipso-hydroxylation of substituted benzophenones using a bidentate directing group (DG) and H2O2 as an oxidant. In addition to the new C-O bond formed, the ipso-oxidation induces a very unusual 1,2-rearrangement of the iminyl group to the vicinal γ position. This transformation is highly dependent on the substrate utilized (favored for 4-methoxy-substituted benzophenones) and on the DG used (2-picolylamine leads to selective γ-C-H functionalization, while β ipso-oxidation requires 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine). An analysis of the oxidation of substrate-ligands derived from 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine and unsymmetrical 4-MeO-substituted benzophenones indicates high regioselectivity (up to 89:11 for the MeO-substituted arene ring and up to 92:8 for β ipso- vs γ-C-H hydroxylation). Mechanistic studies (which include spectroscopic characterization of reaction intermediates, kinetics, and calculations) suggest the formation of a mononuclear CuIIOOH species before the rate-determining step (rds) of the reaction. DFT calculations suggest that the γ-C-H hydroxylation pathway involves a one-step concerted O-O cleavage and electrophilic aromatic attack. Conversely, β ipso-hydroxylation occurs in a stepwise fashion, in which O-O bond cleavage produces a CuIII(O·)(OH) before electrophilic aromatic attack. Calculations also shed light on the mechanism of the 1,2-rearrangement step, which involves strain release from a spiro 5-membered to a 6-membered Cu chelate.

Engineering the Substrate Specificity of UDP-Glycosyltransferases for Synthesizing Triterpenoid Glycosides with a Linear Trisaccharide as Aided by Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction.

Triterpenoids have wide applications in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. The glycosylation of triterpenoids catalyzed by UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) is a crucial method for producing valuable derivatives with enhanced functions. However, only a few UDP-glucosyltransferases have been reported to synthesize the rare triterpenoids with linear-chain trisaccharide at C3-OH. This study revealed that the UGT91H subfamily primarily contributed to the 2"-O-glycosylation of triterpenoids with high regioselectivity, then the substrate scope was further expanded by ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR). With ancestral enzyme UGT91H_A1 as a model, the sequence-structure-function relationship was explored. A RTAS loop (R212/T213/A214/S215) was identified to affect the substrate specificity of UGT91H_A1. Transferring this RTAS loop to the corresponding position of UGT91H enzymes successfully expanded their substrate spectra. The functional role of RTAS loop was further elucidated by molecular dynamics simulation and quantum mechanical computation. UGT91H_A1 was applied to the low-cost synthesis of terpenoid rhamnosides with a linear trisaccharide in combining with a self-sufficient UDP-rhamnose regeneration system. Finally, we developed a phylogeny-based platform to efficiently mining new UGT91Hs from plant genomic data. This study provided robust biocatalysts for synthesizing various triterpenoid glycosides with a linear trisaccharide and demonstrated ASR as an efficient tool in engineering the function of UDP-glycosyltransferases.

Cu/N-doped carbon spheres derived from soybean flour as an active green nanocomposite for the synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1H-1,2,3-triazole derivatives

Cu immobilized onto N-doped carbon spheres (Cu/N-doped CS) derived from soybean flour was synthesized via the hydrothermal method and certified as a green high-efficiency catalyst for the regioselective synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1H-1,2,3-triazoles. The obtained N-doped carbon spheres from a combination of glucose and soy flour have a larger size and suitable affinity for load copper species. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared catalyst have been confirmed based on FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, BET, and ICP-OES characterizations. The catalytic performance of the Cu/N-doped carbon spheroids was investigated experimentally. It was found that the Cu/N-doped CS nanocomposite has a high efficiency and recyclability for 5 cycles without any appreciable loss in its catalytic activity in the synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1H-1,2,3-triazoles via the three-component condensation reaction of various epoxide/alkyl or aryl halides, sodium azide, and phenylacetylene in a water medium. Furthermore, significant advantages such as stability, ease of preparation, low cost of the carbon resource, high regioselectivity, and good product yield have been achieved in the heterogeneous catalyst system attractive for large-scale in many industrial products.

Stereospecific 3-Aza-Cope Rearrangement Interrupted Asymmetric Allylic Substitution-Isomerization.

Transition-metal catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution with alkyl and heteroaryl carbon nucleophiles has been well-established. However, the asymmetric allylic arylation of acyclic internal alkenes with aryl nucleophiles remains challenging and underdeveloped. Herein we report a stereospecific 3-aza-Cope rearrangement interrupted asymmetric allylic substitution-isomerization (Int-AASI) that enables asymmetric allylic arylation. By means of this stepwise strategy, both enantioenriched allylic arylation products and axially chiral alkenes could be readily obtained in high enantioselectivities. Experimental studies support a mechanism involving a cascade of asymmetric allylic amination, stereospecific aryl 3-aza-Cope rearrangement and alkene isomerization. Density functional theory studies detailed the reasons of achieving the high chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, stereoselectivity and stereospecificity, respectively.

Palladium‐Catalyzed Directing‐Group‐Mediated γ‐C(sp3)−H Glycosylation for Synthesis of C‐Alkyl Glycosides

AbstractC‐alkyl glycosides play a crucial role in various bioactive compounds. However, the synthesis of C‐alkyl glycosides poses significant challenges, particularly through C(sp3)−H glycosylation. Here, we report a set of reactions for constructing C‐alkyl glycosides through directing‐group‐mediated functionalization of unactivated γ‐C(sp3)−H bonds under mild conditions. These reactions not only achieve high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity in glycosylation, but also exhibit a wide substrate scope. They are compatible with both arene and alkane substrates, as well as natural and unnatural amino acid substrates. Mechanistic studies have shown that the directing‐group 8‐aminoquinoline (AQ) and picolinamide (PA) may affect the chirality of the β‐carbon of L‐valine through a sterically favorable trans‐palladacycle intermediate, resulting in (R) or (S) configuration of glycosylated amino acid, respectively. These reactions are promising to provide a convenient and powerful tool for constructing C‐alkyl glycosides and carbohydrate‐based drugs in the future.

Photoinduced Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective Allylic C(sp3)-H Oxidation of Acyclic 1-Aryl-2-alkyl Alkenes as Limiting Substrates.

Herein, we disclose a simple copper-catalyzed method for enantioselective allylic C(sp3)-H oxidation of unsymmetrical acyclic alkenes, specifically 1-aryl-2-alkyl alkenes. The C-H substrates are used in limiting amounts, and the products are obtained with high enantioselectivity, E/Z-selectivity, and regioselectivity. The method exhibits broad functional group tolerance, and E/Z-alkene mixtures are suitable C-H substrates. The transformation is enabled by light irradiation, which sustains the enantioselective copper catalysis by photoinduced oxidant homolysis.

Hydrofluoroether Synthesis through One‐Pot Anodic Iodoalkoxylation of Alkenes

The incorporation of carbon‐fluorine bonds can profoundly influence the chemical and physical properties of drugs, agrochemicals, and materials. Different methods allow the installation of CF<sub>3</sub>, CF<sub>2</sub>H units and C–F bonds including trifluoro‐ and difluoromethoxylations, reflecting the limited diversity of reactions available to synthetic chemists. We introduce the trifluoroethoxy group through an electro‐oxidative iodination of alkenes as a versatile substituent for fluorine chemists. An iodoarene serves as an unusual iodine source facilitating the 1,2‐iodoalkoxylation of a broad range of industrially relevant aliphatic alkenes in high yields (31–98%) showing high Markovnikov regioselectivity.

Versatile synthesis of 2-functionalized dihydrothiazolo[2,3-b]quinazolines through regioselective electrophilic intramolecular heterocyclization of 3-alkenyl-2-thioxoquinazolin-4-ones

Electrophilic intramolecular heterocyclizations of 3-alkenyl-2-thioxoquinazolin-4-ones, induced by halogens, NBS, sulfuryl chloride, protic acids, selenium, or tellurium halides, proceed with high regioselectivity. This process leads to the formation of 2-functionalized dihydrothiazolo[2,3-b]quinazolines, showcasing the versatility and reliability of this synthetic route across various electrophilic reagents.

Yamaguchi esterification: a key step toward the synthesis of natural products and their analogs-a review.

The Yamaguchi reagent, based on 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl chloride (TCBC) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), is an efficient tool for conducting the intermolecular (esterification) reaction between an acid and an alcohol in the presence of a suitable base (Et3N or i Pr2NEt) and solvent (THF, DCM, or toluene). The Yamaguchi protocol is renowned for its ability to efficiently produce a diverse array of functionalized esters, promoting high yields, regioselectivity, and easy handling under mild conditions with short reaction times. Here, the recent utilization of the Yamaguchi reagent was reviewed in the synthesis of various natural products such as macrolides, terpenoids, polyketides, peptides, and metabolites.

Organophotocatalytic Selective Deuteration of Metabolically Labile Heteroatom Adjacent C-H Bonds via H/D Exchange with D2O.

We report a general approach for efficient deuteration of the metabolically labile α-C-H bonds of widespread amides and amines. Temporarily masking the secondary amine group as a carbamate allows an unprecedented photoredox hydrogen atom transfer-promoted α-carbamyl radical formation for efficient H/D exchange with D2O. The mild protocol delivers structurally diverse α-deuterated secondary amines including "privileged" piperidine and piperazine structures highly regioselectively with excellent levels of deuterium incorporation (≤100%). Furthermore, we successfully implemented the strategy for α-deuteration of amides, lactams, and ureas with high regioselectivity and high levels of D incorporation. Finally, the observed efficient deuteration of secondary alcohol moieties in late-stage modification of complex amine-containing pharmaceuticals allows for the development of a viable method for efficient α-deuteration of the important functionality.

Pd/IHept-Catalyzed Regioselective Annulation of 2-Fluoroallyl Carbonates with Enaminones: Synthesis of Fully Substituted Pyrroles

The Pd/IHept-catalyzed regioselective annulation of 2-fluoroallyl carbonates with enaminones has been developed. This method allows the efficient synthesis of a variety of fully substituted pyrroles with high regioselectivity. Experimental data demonstrate that the fluorinated alkene intermediate is initially formed, which then undergoes C–F cleavage/annulation to give the pyrrole products. Furthermore, it is evident that both the substitution and annulation steps necessitate the participation of the Pd/IHept catalyst.

C–H Activation: A Versatile Tool for the Synthesis of Niclosamide and Its Derivatives

AbstractA novel strategy has been developed for the direct and regioselective ortho-acetoxylation of N-(2-benzoylphenyl)benzamides through C–H activation using a catalytic amount of Pd(OAc)2 (5 mol%) and a stoichiometric amount of PhI(OAc)2 in a mixture of acetic anhydride and acetic acid. By using this protocol, a new series of niclosamide derivatives was produced in good yields. This is the first report on the synthesis of niclosamide and its derivatives by means of C–H functionalization. This newly developed method offers several advantages such as high regioselectivity, operational simplicity, and good to excellent yields. It provides a short three-step process for the synthesis of niclosamide involving acid–amine coupling, ortho-acetoxylation through C–H activation, and deacylation.

Triple Catalysis for the Tandem Transformation of Cyclopropyl Ketones to SCF3-Substituted Dihydrofurans.

In this study, we have developed an effective and general strategy for synthesizing various 4-[(trifluoromethyl)thio]-2,3-dihydrofuran derivatives with high regioselectivity from easily prepared cyclopropyl ketone under mild reaction conditions. By the combination of photoredox, copper, and Lewis acid catalysis into a triple catalytic system, this methodology facilitates the selective cleavage of the carbon-carbon bonds and the formation of new carbon-oxygen and carbon-sulfur bonds. In addition, to enhance the synthetic feasibility of this protocol, we demonstrate its broad applicability across a wide range of substrates and its scalability for large-scale synthesis.

Photoredox/HAT-Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydrocyclization of Alkenes toward 2,3-Fused Quinazolinones and Dihydroquinazolinones.

New photochemical approaches to 2,3-fused quinazolinones and dihydroquinazolinones are disclosed. The intramolecular hydrocyclization proceeds in moderate to excellent yields across diverse alkenes with high regioselectivity and diastereocontrol. Mechanistic studies indicated that the radical cascade processes involve thiophenol acting as single-electron transfer and hydrogen atom transfer reagents. The success of the gram-scale synthesis proves the strategy can be used for practical applications.

Biocatalytic Ether Lipid Synthesis by an Archaeal Glycerolprenylase

AbstractAlthough ethers are common in secondary natural products, they are an underrepresented functional group in primary metabolism. As such, there are comparably few enzymes capable of constructing ether bonds in a general fashion. However, such enzymes are highly sought after for synthetic applications as they typically operate with higher regioselectivity and under milder conditions than traditional organochemical approaches. To expand the repertoire of well characterized ether synthases, we herein report on a promiscuous archaeal prenyltransferase from the scarcely researched family of geranylgeranylglyceryl phosphate synthases (GGGPSs or G3PSs). We show that the ultrastable Archaeoglobus fulgidus G3PS makes various (E)‐ and (Z)‐configured prenyl glycerol ethers from the corresponding pyrophosphates while exerting perfect control over the configuration at the glycerol unit. Based on experimental and computational data, we propose a mechanism for this enzyme which involves an intermediary prenyl carbocation equivalent. As such, this study provides the fundamental understanding and methods to introduce G3PSs into the biocatalytic alkylation toolbox.

Biocatalytic Ether Lipid Synthesis by an Archaeal Glycerolprenylase.

Although ethers are common in secondary natural products, they are an underrepresented functional group in primary metabolism. As such, there are comparably few enzymes capable of constructing ether bonds in a general fashion. However, such enzymes are highly sought after for synthetic applications as they typically operate with higher regioselectivity and under milder conditions than traditional organochemical approaches. To expand the repertoire of well characterized ether synthases, we herein report on a promiscuous archaeal prenyltransferase from the scarcely researched family of geranylgeranylglyceryl phosphate synthases (GGGPSs or G3PSs). We show that the ultrastable Archaeoglobus fulgidus G3PS makes various (E)- and (Z)-configured prenyl glycerol ethers from the corresponding pyrophosphates while exerting perfect control over the configuration at the glycerol unit. Based on experimental and computational data, we propose a mechanism for this enzyme which involves an intermediary prenyl carbocation equivalent. As such, this study provides the fundamental understanding and methods to introduce G3PSs into the biocatalytic alkylation toolbox.

Enhancing rhamnolipid production via immobilized Pseudomonas stutzeri lipase: A comparative study

Rhamnolipids (RLs) are widely studied biosurfactants with significant industrial potential in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and bioremediation due to their excellent surface activity, emulsifying properties and bioactive characteristics. However, high production costs impede their mass production. This study investigates the immobilization of Pseudomonas stutzeri lipase (PSL) on various supports to enhance RL synthesis efficiency, focusing on yield and regioselectivity in the enzymatic synthesis of 4-O-lauroylrhamnose by the transesterification of rhamnose with vinyl laurate. Three immobilization methods were compared: covalent binding, adsorption on Celite, and adsorption on hydrophobic supports. The immobilization efficiency varied depending on the method used, with the lowest observed for adsorption on Celite (56 %), followed by covalent immobilization on Sepabeads (EC-EP/S 78 % and EC-EP/L 70 %), and the highest for adsorption on hydrophobic supports (83–97 %, with EC-OD being the best at 97 %). For the enzymatic synthesis of 4-O-lauroylrhamnose, covalent immobilization on Sepabeads™ EC-EP yielded low conversions due to restricted conformational freedom of the enzyme. Celite® 545 adsorption resulted in moderate conversion rates, limited by the electrostatic interactions restricting enzyme activity. The most promising results were obtained with hydrophobic supports, particularly Purolite® ECR8806F, achieving nearly complete conversion and maintaining high regioselectivity at the 4-position of rhamnose in both THF and the green solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF). The study highlights the critical role of support hydrophobicity and active surface area in the immobilized enzyme performance. PSL immobilized on Purolite® ECR8806F demonstrated significant potential for sustainable RLs production, showing excellent reusability, stability and productivity across multiple reaction cycles. This study presents a significant advancement in RLs production by optimizing PSL immobilization and reaction conditions, facilitating the way for more cost-effective and sustainable industrial applications.

Visible Light/Copper Catalysis-Enabled Arylation and Alkenylation of Phosphorothioates via Site-Selective C-H Thianthrenation.

An efficient visible light/copper-enabled arylation and alkenylation of phosphorothioates with thianthrenium salts via a C(sp2)-S cross-coupling reaction have been demonstrated. This strategy uses aryl/alkenyl thianthrenium salts as new electrophilic reagents, which can be easily prepared by the site-selective C-H thianthrenation of arenes/alkenes with high regioselectivity. Mechanistic studies revealed a crucial role of the in situ formed copper-sulfur complex, which undergoes a facile SET process with the thianthrenium salts under visible light conditions, thereby successfully achieving the desired cross-coupling reactivity.

A novel propiolate-enabled deaminative hiyama coupling of aryl silanes and propargylamines

The development of general approaches for the regioselective construction of propargylic derivatives from propargylic electrophiles remains a formidable challenge in synthetic chemistry. Enabled by the newly developed propiolate-enabled C−N activation, we disclosed an efficient palladium-catalyzed deaminative Hiyama coupling of propargylamines with aryl silanes under microwave irradiation. Various structurally diverse propargyl derivatives are produced in good to excellent yields, utilizing propargylamines as propargylic electrophiles in which C−N bond was activated by in situ formed propargylic ammonium salts. The salient features of this protocol include readily or easily available feedstock, broad substrate scope, single-step preparation, and high regioselectivity.