Synthetic Transformations Research Articles

Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Cyclobutylamines Enabled by Lewis Acid-Catalyzed (3 + 2 + 2) Cycloaddition/Ring-Opening Strategy of Bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes with Triazinanes.

Herein, we develop a modular and efficient "cycloaddition/ring-opening" strategy of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes (BCBs) with triazinanes to provide a series of syn-diastereoselective cyclobutylamines via 2,4-diazabicyclo[4.1.1]octanes (aza-BCOs). The reaction features simple operation, mild reaction conditions, and a broad substrate scope. Mechanistic studies suggest that the cycloaddition follows a stepwise (3 + 2 + 2) rather than (4 + 3) cycloaddition, involving an SN2 nucleophilic addition of formaldimine to Lewis acid-activated BCB species. A scale-up experiment and various synthetic transformations of the product further highlight the synthetic utility. We expect that our findings will encourage the exploration of BCB chemistry to access more synthetically challenging cyclobutane frameworks.

Construction of Alkaloid-Type Bis Carbazoles via Pd(II)-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization.

We report the construction of unsymmetrical dimeric carbazoles and π-extended bis carbazoles (having an aryl ring spacer) via the C-H functionalization route. Generally, oxidative coupling and traditional cross-coupling reactions have been used to construct bis- and π extended carbazoles. Natural bis carbazole alkaloids and synthetic dimeric carbazoles are important molecules in medicinal, materials chemistry research. There is scope for developing new synthetic transformations leading to structurally appealing bis carbazoles. The synthesis of symmetrical bis carbazoles via cross-coupling and C-H functionalization is well known in the literature and it is noted that there exist limited reports on the construction of unsymmetrical bis carbazoles via the C-H functionalization route. Accordingly, this paper reveals the Pd(II)-catalyzed bidentate directing group-assisted C-H functionalization as a progressive route for the synthesis of a library of unsymmetrical dimeric carbazoles and π-extended bis carbazoles (connected through an aryl ring spacer).

Iridium/Acid-Dual Catalyzed Enantioselective Intramolecular Allylic Dearomatization Reaction of Allylic Alcohol Tethered α- and β-Naphthols.

The first catalytic enantioselective intramolecular allylic dearomatization of allylic alcohol tethered α- and β-naphthols has been developed with iridium/acid-dual catalysis. A wide range of polycyclic spiroketones containing vicinal tertiary and quaternary carbon stereocenters were readily prepared in good to high yields with high diastereo- and moderate to excellent enantioselectivities. An unusual anti-Markovnikov Wacker oxidation has also been shown in synthetic transformations.

Construction of Axially Chiral 4-Aminoquinolines by Cycloaddition and Central-to-Axial Chirality Conversion.

A two-step strategy has been established for the enantioselective synthesis of 4-aminoquinolines possessing axial chirality. This approach involves a chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed cycloaddition, followed by a DDQ oxidation step. The method offers efficient access to a variety of 1,1'-biaryl-2,2'-amino alcohol derivatives in excellent yields and enantioselectivities (up to 98% yield and 93% ee). Furthermore, the synthetic transformation of the products was also investigated.

Construction of Spiro[pyrrolidine-azlactone] via [2 + 3] Cycloaddition of Alkylidene Azlactone with Trifluoromethylated Imine.

A Ag-catalyzed [2 + 3] cycloaddition of alkylidene azlactones with trifluoromethylated imines has been documented, providing spiro[pyrrolidine-azlactones] bearing four adjacent stereogenic centers with good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities. Catalytic asymmetric cycloaddition has also been developed with good yields and excellent enantioselectivities. Further gram-scale preparation and synthetic transformation to pyrrolidine derivative showed the good practicality and applicability of this reaction.

Ring Expansion toward Fused Diazabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes through Lewis Acid Catalyzed Highly Selective C−C/C−N Bond Cross‐Exchange Reaction between Bicyclobutanes and Diaziridines

The synthesis of bicyclic scaffolds has garnered considerable interest in drug discovery because of their ability to mimic benzene bioisosteres. Herein, we introduce a new approach that utilizes a Lewis acid (Sc(OTf)3)‐catalyzed σ‐bond cross‐exchange reaction between the C−C bond of bicyclobutanes and the C−N bond of diaziridines to produce multifunctionalized and medicinally interesting azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane derivatives. The reaction proceeds well with different bicyclobutanes and a broad range of aryl‐ as well as alkenyl‐, but also alkyl‐substituted diaziridines (up to 98% yield). Conducting a scale‐up experiment and exploring the synthetic transformations of the cycloadducts emphasized the practical application of the synthesis. Furthermore, a zinc‐based chiral Lewis acid catalytic system was developed for the enantioselective version of this reaction (up to 96% ee).

Ring Expansion toward Fused Diazabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes through Lewis Acid Catalyzed Highly Selective C-C/C-N Bond Cross-Exchange Reaction between Bicyclobutanes and Diaziridines.

The synthesis of bicyclic scaffolds has garnered considerable interest in drug discovery because of their ability to mimic benzene bioisosteres. Herein, we introduce a new approach that utilizes a Lewis acid (Sc(OTf)3)-catalyzed σ-bond cross-exchange reaction between the C-C bond of bicyclobutanes and the C-N bond of diaziridines to produce multifunctionalized and medicinally interesting azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane derivatives. The reaction proceeds well with different bicyclobutanes and a broad range of aryl- as well as alkenyl-, but also alkyl-substituted diaziridines (up to 98% yield). Conducting a scale-up experiment and exploring the synthetic transformations of the cycloadducts emphasized the practical application of the synthesis. Furthermore, a zinc-based chiral Lewis acid catalytic system was developed for the enantioselective version of this reaction (up to 96% ee).

Utilization of Lipase‐Catalyzed Acetylation and Deacetylation in the Synthesis of a Natural Product with a Hydroquinone Skeleton

AbstractElaborated conditions for lipase‐catalyzed preferential monoacetylation enabled the large‐scale preparation of hydroquinone monoacetate. This product was then applied to the synthesis of tournefolin B, a highly oxygenated prenylated hydroquinone of plant origin (Tournefortia sarmentosa Lam.). During the course of the synthetic transformations, lipase‐catalyzed deacetylation under mild conditions was demonstrated.

Energy-Transfer Enabled 1,4-Aryl Migration.

Functional group translocation is undoubtedly a pivotal synthetic transformation in organic chemistry. Numerous types of reactions involving radical 1,2-aryl or 1,4-aryl migration via electron transfer mechanism have been extensively investigated. Nevertheless, energy-transfer enabled 1,4-arylation remains unknown. Herein we disclose that an unprecedented di-π-ethane rearrangement featuring 1,4-aryl migration facilitated by energy transfer catalysis under visible light conditions. The newly developed mild protocol exhibits tolerance towards diverse functional groups and enables the migration of a multitude of aromatic rings, encompassing both electron-withdrawing and electron-rich functional groups. The open-shell strategy has also found successful application in the modification of several drugs. Large-scale experiments, continuous-flow experiment, and versatile manipulation of products have demonstrated the robustness and potential utility of this synthetic method. Preliminary mechanistic studies have supported the involvement of radical species in this di-π-ethane rearrangement and have also provided evidence for the energy transfer mechanism.

Electron Donor-Acceptor Complex-Assisted Photochemical Conversion of O-2-Nitrobenzyl Protected Hydroxamates to Amides.

The hydroxamic acid functionality is present in various medicinal agents and has attracted special interest for synthetic transformations in both organic and medicinal chemistry. The N-O bond cleavage of hydroxamic acid derivatives provides an interesting transformation for the generation of various products. We demonstrate, herein, that O-benzyl-type protected hydroxamic acids may undergo photochemical N-O bond cleavage, in the presence or absence of a catalyst, leading to amides. Although some O-benzyl protected aromatic hydroxamates may be photochemically converted to amides in the presence of a base and anthracene as the catalyst, employing O-2-nitrobenzyl group allowed the smooth conversion of both aliphatic and aromatic hydroxamates to primary or secondary amides in good to excellent yields in the presence of an amine, bypassing the need of a catalyst. DFT and UV-Vis studies supported the effective generation of an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex between O-2-nitrobenzyl hydroxamates and amines, which enabled the successful product formation under these photochemical conditions. An extensive substrate scope was demonstrated, showcasing that both aliphatic and aromatic hydroxamates are compatible with this protocol, affording a wide variety of primary and secondary amides.

Energy‐Transfer Enabled 1,4‐Aryl Migration

Functional group translocation is undoubtedly a pivotal synthetic transformation in organic chemistry. Numerous types of reactions involving radical 1,2‐aryl or 1,4‐aryl migration via electron transfer mechanism have been extensively investigated. Nevertheless, energy‐transfer enabled 1,4‐arylation remains unknown. Herein we disclose that an unprecedented di‐π‐ethane rearrangement featuring 1,4‐aryl migration facilitated by energy transfer catalysis under visible light conditions. The newly developed mild protocol exhibits tolerance towards diverse functional groups and enables the migration of a multitude of aromatic rings, encompassing both electron‐withdrawing and electron‐rich functional groups. The open‐shell strategy has also found successful application in the modification of several drugs. Large‐scale experiments, continuous‐flow experiment, and versatile manipulation of products have demonstrated the robustness and potential utility of this synthetic method. Preliminary mechanistic studies have supported the involvement of radical species in this di‐π‐ethane rearrangement and have also provided evidence for the energy transfer mechanism.

Copper-Catalyzed Dearomative [3 + 2] Annulation of Indoles with 2-Iodoacetic Acid.

An efficient copper-catalyzed dearomative [3 + 2] annulation of indoles with 2-iodoacetic acid is developed. By employing Cu(OTf)2/2,2'-bis(2-oxazoline) as the catalyst and LPO as the oxidant, a series of indoline-fused butyrolactones were synthesized in moderate to good yields. The reaction features mild conditions, a broad substrate scope, and readily available starting materials. Furthermore, synthetic transformations of the products were conducted to demonstrate the practical utility of this reaction.

Anilines Formation via Molybdenum-Catalyzed Intermolecular Reaction of Ynones with Allylic Amines.

The multi-substituted anilines are widely found in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and material science. The quest for robust and efficient methods to construct a diverse array of these compounds using readily accessible starting materials under simple reaction conditions is of utmost importance. Here, we report an unprecedented and efficient approach for the synthesis of 2,4-di and 2,4,6-trisubstituted anilines. With a simple molybdenum(VI) catalyst, a wide range of 2,4-di and 2,4,6-trisubstituted anilines were efficiently prepared in generally good to excellent yields from readily accessible ynones and allylic amines. The synthetic potential of this methodology was further underscored by its applications in several synthetic transformations, gram-scale reactions, and derivatization of bioactive molecules. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that this aniline formation might involve a cascade of aza-Michael addition, [1, 6]-proton shift, cyclization, dehydration, 6π-electrocyclization, and aromatization. This novel strategy provided a robust, simple, and modular approach for the syntheses of various valuable di- or trisubstituted anilines, some of which were otherwise challenging to access.

Anilines Formation via Molybdenum‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Reaction of Ynones with Allylic Amines

AbstractThe multi‐substituted anilines are widely found in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and material science. The quest for robust and efficient methods to construct a diverse array of these compounds using readily accessible starting materials under simple reaction conditions is of utmost importance. Here, we report an unprecedented and efficient approach for the synthesis of 2,4‐di and 2,4,6‐trisubstituted anilines. With a simple molybdenum(VI) catalyst, a wide range of 2,4‐di and 2,4,6‐trisubstituted anilines were efficiently prepared in generally good to excellent yields from readily accessible ynones and allylic amines. The synthetic potential of this methodology was further underscored by its applications in several synthetic transformations, gram‐scale reactions, and derivatization of bioactive molecules. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that this aniline formation might involve a cascade of aza‐Michael addition, [1,6]‐proton shift, cyclization, dehydration, 6π‐electrocyclization, and aromatization. This novel strategy provided a robust, simple, and modular approach for the syntheses of various valuable di‐ or trisubstituted anilines, some of which were otherwise challenging to access.

Exploring Interrupted Nazarov Cyclizations Using Tethered Sulfonamide Nucleophiles: Insights into Capture Pathways

AbstractThis manuscript describes a study of diverse reaction outcomes that stem from the ionization of aza‐alkynyl‐Prins adducts. Experimental results have demonstrated unexpected behavior in the nitrogen‐containing systems compared to the analogous oxygen derivatives derived from oxa‐Prins/halo‐Nazarov sequences. In‐depth experimental studies and computational analysis revealed an intricate mechanism involving competing halo‐Nazarov and imino‐Nazarov pathways. These findings further elucidate the reaction chemistry of 3‐halo‐pentadienyl cation intermediates, and expand their utility in synthetic transformations.

Intramolecular Photochemical C−H Insertions of α‐Diazocarbonyl Compounds

AbstractIntramolecular photochemical C−H insertion reactions of α‐diazocarbonyl compounds are powerful synthetic transformations leading to carbon‐carbon bond formation. While there are limitations in the scope of C−H bonds amenable to C−H insertion under photochemical conditions relative to metal catalysed C−H insertions, the benefits of conducting these synthetically powerful transformations in a metal‐free approach offers “green” advantages. Recent advances in technology have revolutionised the potential for use of photochemical transformations in synthesis, including the wavelength control enabled by LEDs and the benefits associated with continuous flow processing which overcome many of the traditional challenges associated with synthetic photochemistry including scale‐up. The potential for telescoping the synthesis of α‐diazocarbonyl compounds and downstream photochemical reactions is clear. This review summarises the development of intramolecular photochemical C−H insertions and highlights the benefits of recent technological advances.

A Sustainable Approach for Palladium and Phosphane‐Free Sonogashira Type Cross‐Coupling of 2‐Chloroquinoline with Terminal Alkynes

AbstractAn efficient and cost‐effective Cu (I) mediated protocol for the C(sp2)–C(sp) cross‐coupling of 3‐chalcone‐2‐chloroquinoline with terminal alkynes has been disclosed by optimizing a wide range of catalysts, ligands, base, and solvents. This approach conveniently assembles various alkynylated hybrids with excellent to moderate yields. Appropriate functional group tolerance and significant mechanistic pathway with mild reaction conditions well‐justified this synthetic transformation more sustainable towards the greener exploration.

Organic Photoredox-Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Vinylboronic Esters for the Synthesis of Geminal and Vicinal Borosilanes.

Geminal and vicinal borosilanes have unique applications in functional materials and synthetic transformations. Herein, a convenient method for the synthesis of geminal and vicinal borosilanes is developed via photoredox metal-free hydrosilylation of vinylboronic esters. This strategy features the advantages of high atom economy, environmental friendliness, and excellent functional group compatibility. The mechanism studies reveal that the catalytic reaction goes through photoredox HAT catalysis and a radical addition pathway.

Design of Stable Chiral Aminosulfonium Ylides and Their Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis.

The isolation and catalytic enantioselective synthesis of configurationally stable S-stereogenic sulfonium ylides have been significant challenges in the field of asymmetric synthesis. These reactive intermediates are crucial for a variety of synthetic transformations, yet their inherent tendency towards rapid inversion at the sulfur stereocenter has hindered their practical utilization. Conventional approaches have focused on strategies that incorporate a C=S bond-containing cyclic framework to help mitigate this stereochemical lability. In this work, we present an alternative tactic that leverages the stabilizing influence of an adjacent N-atom and cyclic sulfide moiety. Exploiting a copper catalyzed enantioselective intermolecular carbene transfer reaction, structurally diverse S-stereogenic aminosulfonium ylides have been achieved in excellent yields and enantioselectivities. Experimental results indicate that the careful selection of 2-diazo-1,3-diketone precursors is crucial for achieving optimal stereoinduction in this transformation. The resulting highly enantioenriched aminosulfonium ylides allow for further stereospecific elaborations to furnish aminosulfonium ylide oxides and sulfinamide. This work expands the boundaries of chiral sulfonium ylide chemistry, providing access to a broad range of previously elusive S-stereogenic aminosulfonium ylide scaffolds.

Design of Stable Chiral Aminosulfonium Ylides and Their Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis

AbstractThe isolation and catalytic enantioselective synthesis of configurationally stable S‐stereogenic sulfonium ylides have been significant challenges in the field of asymmetric synthesis. These reactive intermediates are crucial for a variety of synthetic transformations, yet their inherent tendency towards rapid inversion at the sulfur stereocenter has hindered their practical utilization. Conventional approaches have focused on strategies that incorporate a C=S bond‐containing cyclic framework to help mitigate this stereochemical lability. In this work, we present an alternative tactic that leverages the stabilizing influence of an adjacent N‐atom and cyclic sulfide moiety. Exploiting a copper catalyzed enantioselective intermolecular carbene transfer reaction, structurally diverse S‐stereogenic aminosulfonium ylides have been achieved in excellent yields and enantioselectivities. Experimental results indicate that the careful selection of 2‐diazo‐1,3‐diketone precursors is crucial for achieving optimal stereoinduction in this transformation. The resulting highly enantioenriched aminosulfonium ylides allow for further stereospecific elaborations to furnish aminosulfonium ylide oxides and sulfinamide. This work expands the boundaries of chiral sulfonium ylide chemistry, providing access to a broad range of previously elusive S‐stereogenic aminosulfonium ylide scaffolds.