Isocyanide Insertion Research Articles

DFT Study on Dinuclear Palladium Complex Catalyzed Pyrrole Formation From tert‐Butyl Isocyanide and Alkynes

AbstractDensity functional theory calculations were carried out to study the mechanisms of Pd‐catalyzed reactions of alkynes with tert‐butyl isocyanide forming pyrroles. In the case of di‐palladium catalysis, the calculations indicated that alkyne insertion, isocyanide insertion, intramolecular cyclization, isocyanide insertion, isomerization and ligand substitution were involved in the mechanism. The intramolecular cyclization process was calculated to be the rate‐determining step in the catalytic cycle. The substituent effects on the regioselectivity of reaction were also analyzed. In addition, detailed calculations on mono‐palladium catalysis showed that the activity of mononuclear catalysis was not as high as that of di‐palladium catalysis. These calculation results were in good agreement with the experimental results.

A case study of Pd⋯Pd intramolecular interaction in a benzothiazole based palladacycle; catalytic activity toward amide synthesisviaan isocyanide insertion pathway

An acetate bridged benzothiazole palladacycle containing a metallophilic intramolecular Pd⋯Pd interaction was anchored on SBA-15 to form a catalyst for amide synthesis.

C(sp3)–H functionalization with isocyanides

This review highlights the state-of-the-art advances in C(sp3)–H functionalization involving isocyanides through the synergistic combination of isocyanide insertion and C(sp3)–H bond activation.

Nickel-promoted oxidative domino Csp3-H/N-H bond double-isocyanide insertion reaction to construct pyrrolin-2-ones.

The first nickel-catalyzed oxidative domino Csp3-H/N-H double isocyanide insertion reaction of acetamides with isocyanides has been developed for the synthesis of pyrrolin-2-one derivatives. A wide range of acetamides bearing various functional groups are compatible with this reaction system by utilizing Ni(acac)2 as a catalyst. In this transformation, isocyanide could serve as a C1 connector and insert into the inactive Csp3-H bond, representing an effective way to construct heterocycles.

Advances in palladium-catalysed imidoylative cyclization of functionalized isocyanides for the construction of N-heterocycles.

Palladium-catalysed isocyanide insertion reactions have witnessed great progress in recent years. In particular, imidoylative cyclization of functionalized isocyanides was successfully developed by taking advantage of the adjustable substituents on the isocyano group, opening a new avenue to access a variety of nitrogen-containing heterocycles. In this review article, we summarize the advances of functionalized isocyanide insertion reactions and highlight the breakthroughs of enantioselective palladium catalysed imidoylation reactions by using this strategy. Additionally, copper-catalysed cyclization reactions of functionalized isocyanides are briefly discussed.

Transition-Metal-free Double-Insertive Coupling of Isocyanides with Arylboronic Acids Enabled Diarylmethanamines

Diarylmethanamines as a structural motif are frequently encountered in bioactive molecules, drugs, pharmaceutical candidates, and ligands. However, the existing synthetic methods cannot meet the demand for diarylmethanamines. Here, we report a double-insertive coupling reaction of isocyanides with arylboronic acids under transition-metal-free conditions to deliver valuable diarylmethylamines. This coupling reaction features a broad range of substrate scope with good functional group compatibility, and it can also be employed in late-stage modification of bioactive compounds and drug molecules, as well as in ligand synthesis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the reaction is through the formation of boronic anhydride followed by two insertion reactions with isocyanide to access the diarylmethanamine derivatives, instead of direct insertion of isocyanide into arylboronic acid.

Recent Advances in Palladium-Catalyzed Isocyanide Insertions.

Isocyanides have long been known as versatile chemical reagents in organic synthesis. Their ambivalent nature also allows them to function as a CO-substitute in palladium-catalyzed cross couplings. Over the past decades, isocyanides have emerged as practical and versatile C1 building blocks, whose inherent N-substitution allows for the rapid incorporation of nitrogeneous fragments in a wide variety of products. Recent developments in palladium catalyzed isocyanide insertion reactions have significantly expanded the scope and applicability of these imidoylative cross-couplings. This review highlights the advances made in this field over the past eight years.

Pd-Catalyzed Domino Imidoylation/Heck/C(sp2)-H Cyclization: Isocyanide Relay Strategy toward Tricyclic-Fused Heterocycles Containing an All-Carbon Quaternary Center.

A palladium-catalyzed domino process for the quick assembly of tricyclic-fused heterocycles starting from aryl iodides and functionalized isocyanides containing a disubstituted terminal alkene has been developed. The process is triggered by intermolecular isocyanide insertion, followed by Heck-type carbopalladation of the intramolecular alkene moiety and subsequent C(sp2)-H activation. Moreover, an asymmetric version of this reaction could also be realized in good yield with moderate enantioselectivity after preliminary exploration of chiral ligands.

C(sp2)-H Functionalization of Imidazole at the C2- and C4-Position via Palladium-Catalyzed Isocyanide Insertion Leading to Indeno[1,2-d]imidazole and Imidazo[1,2-a]indole Derivatives.

An efficient strategy for the construction of fused imidazole derivatives through a palladium-catalyzed isocyanide insertion reaction has been accomplished. The methodology provides an operationally simple and versatile route for the synthesis of indeno[1,2-d]imidazole and imidazo[1,2-a]indole skeletons which are rarely reported. The key features of the protocol are construction of sequential C-C/C-C/C-N bonds via C(sp2)-H functionalization of imidazole at the C2- and C4-position, respectively. The compounds can be synthesized with diverse scaffolds, easily accessible starting materials, and moderate to good yields.

Palladium-Catalyzed Imidoylation-Triggered [2 + 2 + 1] Cyclization of Internal Alkyne with Isocyanides.

In this work, a palladium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] cyclization of internal alkynes with double isocyanides is described. This facile procedure is efficient for synthesizing various pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinolin-2-amines. The reaction worked well with a broad reaction scope. In the process, it is believed that sequential double isocyanide insertion, 6-exo-dig cyclization of alkyne, and addition of an imino group are involved.

Synthesis of Quinazolin-4-ones by Copper-Catalyzed Isocyanide Insertion.

Herein, we report a novel copper-catalyzed imidoylative cross-coupling/cyclocondensation reaction between 2-isocyanobenzoates and amines efficiently producing quinazolin-4-ones. The reaction utilizes Cu(II) acetate as an environmentally benign catalyst in combination with a mild base and proceeds well in anisole, a recommended, sustainable solvent. Additionally, the reaction does not require dry conditions or inert atmospheres for optimal performance. The scope of this isocyanide insertion reaction is rather broad, tolerating various functionalized isocyanobenzoates and a range of substituted amines, although the use of aromatic amines as nucleophiles requires microwave heating.

Ce(OTf)3-Catalyzed Multicomponent Reaction of Alkynyl Carboxylic Acids, tert-Butyl Isocyanide, and Azides for the Assembly of Triazole-Oxazole Derivatives.

Cerium(III) triflate-catalyzed multicomponent reactions between alkynyl carboxylic acids, tert-butyl isocyanide, and organic azides have been developed. In the presence of Ce(OTf)3 (10 mol %), the cascade reaction of one molecule of alkynyl carboxylic acid with three molecules of tert-butyl isocyanides proceeds chemoselectively and regioselectively via a triple and ordered isocyanide insertion process at room temperature, and then the cesium-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddtion reaction between the resulted alkynyl oxazole and organic azides was further initiated by the temperature elevation (100 °C), thereby leading to multisubstituted triazole-oxazole derivatives in practical, time-saving, one-pot operations. Furthermore, some of the synthesized target compounds showed potential anticancer activities against MGC803 (human gastric cancer cell) with IC50 values below 20 μmol L-1.

Nickel-Catalyzed Formal Aminocarbonylation of Unactivated Alkyl Iodides with Isocyanides.

Herein, we disclose a Ni-catalyzed formal aminocarbonylation of primary and secondary unactivated aliphatic iodides with isocyanides to afford alkyl amide, which proceeds via the selective monomigratory insertion of isocyanides with alkyl iodides, subsequent β-hydride elimination, and hydrolysis process. The reaction features wide functional group tolerance under mild conditions. Additionally, the selective, one-pot hydrolysis of reaction mixture under acid conditions allows for expedient synthesis of the corresponding alkyl carboxylic acid.

Selenium‐Mediated Cyclization Reaction of 2‐Vinylanilines with/without Isonitriles: Efficient Synthesis of 2‐Aminoquinoline/ 3‐Aryl‐1H‐indole Derivatives

AbstractHerein, we report a non‐metal strategy for cyclization reactions of 2‐vinylanilines with/without isonitriles to synthesize 2‐aminoquinoline and 3‐aryl‐1H‐indole derivatives. A series of 2‐aminoquinolines were afforded in good to excellent yields in a direct, facile, and efficient approach by Se‐catalyzed isocyanide insertion with 2‐vinylanilines under an air atmosphere. This reaction not only used low toxicity Se as the catalyst, isocyanobenzene substrates were compatible too compared to previous report. Meanwhile, an intramolecular cyclization of 2‐vinylanilines was developed to give 3‐aryl‐1H‐indoles in moderate to good yields by using SeO2 as oxidant.

Synthesis of Densely Functionalized Pyrimidouracils by Nickel(II)-Catalyzed Isocyanide Insertion.

A robust nickel-catalyzed oxidative isocyanide insertion/C–H amination by reaction of readily available N-uracil-amidines with isocyanides affording polysubstituted pyrimidouracils has been reported. The reaction proceeds in moderate to quantitative yield, under mild conditions (i.e., green solvent, air atmosphere, moderate temperature). The broad range of structurally diverse isocyanides and N-uracil-amidines that are tolerated make this method an interesting alternative to the currently available procedures toward pyrimidouracils.

Visible-light-induced radical isocyanide insertion protocol for the synthesis of difluoromethylated spiro[indole-3,3'-quinoline] derivatives.

Herein, we report the first protocol for visible-light-induced radical isocyanide insertion reactions between 3-(2-isocyanobenzyl)-indoles and bromodifluoroacetates or bromodifluoroacetamides. The protocol, which has good functional group tolerance and a broad substrate scope, constitutes an efficient and general route to difluoromethylated spiro[indole-3,3'-quinoline] derivatives.

Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of 5-amino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles via isocyanide insertion.

A convenient and efficient palladium-catalyzed approach has been developed for the synthesis of 5-amino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles from amidoximes and isocyanides. Various 5-amino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles were obtained in moderate to high yields under mild conditions. The key to the success of this strategy involves new C-N bond and C-O bond formation via palladium-catalyzed isocyanide insertion.

Synthesis and Reactivity of Re(III) and Re(V) Fischer Carbenes

Direct insertion of CO and isocyanides, RNC, into Re–R bonds results in high-oxidation-state acyl and iminoacyl complexes that can be treated with an electrophile to generate rare examples of rheni...

Silver-Assisted Oxidative Isocyanide Insertion of Ethers: A Direct Approach to β-Carbonyl α-Iminonitriles.

An efficient silver-assisted oxidative coupling of simple ethers with tert-butyl isocyanide was realized in the presence of DDQ. The direct synthesis of high density functional β-carbonyl α-iminonitriles was achieved in a single step with high yields through the synergetic cascade isocyanide insertion into C(sp3)-H bond, where the isocyanide was used as crucial "CN" and "C═N" sources and the tert-butoxyl group acted as the carbonyl source. Diverse reactivity of β-carbonyl α-iminonitriles has been demonstrated.

From Isocyanides to Iminonitriles via Silver-mediated Sequential Insertion of C(sp3)-H Bond.

SummaryHeterocycles are prevalent constituents of many marketing drugs and biologically active molecules to meet modern medical challenges. Isocyanide insertion into C(sp3)–H bonds is challenging especially for the construction of quaternary carbon centers. Herein, we describe an efficient strategy for the synthesis of α-iminonitrile substituted isochromans and tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs) with quaternary carbon centers through silver-triflate-mediated sequential isocyanide insertion of C(sp3)–H bonds, where isocyanide acts as the crucial “CN” and “imine” sources. The produced α-iminonitriles have extensive applications as valuable synthetic building blocks for pharmacologically interesting heterocycles. This protocol could be further applied for the synthesis of iminonitrile-decorated phenanthridines and azapyrene. Interestingly, a remarkable aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect was first observed for an iminonitrile-decorated pyrene derivative, which may open a particular area for iminonitrile applications in materials science.