Weinreb Amides Research Articles

Synthesis of biaryl ketones by arylation of Weinreb amides with functionalized Grignard reagents under thermodynamic control vs. kinetic control of N,N-Boc2-amides.

A highly efficient method for chemoselective synthesis of biaryl ketones by arylation of Weinreb amides (N-methoxy-N-methylamides) with functionalized Grignard reagents is reported. This protocol offers rapid entry to functionalized biaryl ketones after Mg/halide exchange with i-PrMgCl·LiCl under operationally-simple and practical reaction conditions. The scope of the method is highlighted in >40 examples, including bioactive compounds and pharmaceutical derivatives. Collectively, this transition-metal-free approach offers a major advantage over the recently established cross-coupling of amides by oxidative addition of N-C(O) bonds. Considering the utility of amide acylation reactions in modern synthesis, we expect that this method will be of broad interest.

Synthesis of Weinreb amides using diboronic acid anhydride-catalyzed dehydrative amidation of carboxylic acids.

The first successful example of the direct synthesis of Weinreb amides using catalytic hydroxy-directed dehydrative amidation of carboxylic acids using the diboronic acid anhydride catalyst is described. The methodology is applicable to the concise syntheses of eight α-hydroxyketone natural products, namely, sattabacin, 4-hydroxy sattabacin, kurasoins A and B, soraphinols A and B, and circumcins B and C.

Mild, Rapid, and Chemoselective Procedure for the Introduction of the 9-Phenyl-9-fluorenyl Protecting Group into Amines, Acids, Alcohols, Sulfonamides, Amides, and Thiols.

The 9-phenyl-9-fluorenyl (PhF) group has been used as an Nα protecting group of amino acids and their derivatives mainly as a result of its ability to prevent racemization. However, installing this group using the standard protocol, which employs 9-bromo-9-phenylfluorene/K3PO4/Pb(NO3)2, often takes days and yields can be variable. Here, we demonstrate that the PhF group can be introduced into the amino group of Weinreb's amides and methyl esters of amino acids, as well as into alcohols and carboxylic acids, rapidly and in excellent yields, using 9-chloro-9-phenylfluorene (PhFCl)/N-methylmorpholine (NMM)/AgNO3. Nα-PhF-protected amino acids can be prepared from unprotected α-amino acids, rapidly and often in near quantitative yields, by treatment with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide (BSA) and then PhFCl/NMM/AgNO3. Primary alcohols can be protected with the PhF group in the presence of secondary alcohols in moderate yield. Using PhFCl/AgNO3, a primary alcohol can be protected in good yield in the presence of a primary ammonium salt or a carboxylic acid. Primary sulfonamides and amides can be protected in moderate to good yields using phenylfluorenyl alcohol (PhFOH)/BF3·OEt2/K3PO4, while thiols can be protected in good to excellent yield using PhFOH/BF3·OEt2 even in the presence of a carboxylic acid or primary ammonium group.

Kinetically Controlled, Highly Chemoselective Acylation of Functionalized Grignard Reagents with Amides by N-C Cleavage.

The direct transition-metal-free acylation of amides with functionalized Grignard reagents by highly chemoselective N-C cleavage under kinetic control has been accomplished. The method offers rapid and convergent access to functionalized biaryl ketones through transient tetrahedral intermediates. The direct access to functionalized Grignard reagents by in situ halogen-magnesium exchange promoted by the versatile turbo-Grignard reagent (iPrMgCl⋅LiCl) permits excellent substrate scope with respect to both the amide and Grignard coupling partners. These reactions enable facile, operationally simple and chemoselective access to tetrahedral intermediates from amides under significantly milder conditions than chelation-controlled intermediates. This novel direct two-component coupling sets the stage for using amides as acylating reagents in an alternative paradigm to the metal-chelated approach, acyl metals and Weinreb amides.

Selective C-C Bond Scission of Ketones via Visible-Light-Mediated Cerium Catalysis

Summary Here, we report a general catalytic manifold for the selective C–C bond scission of ketones via the exploitation of the ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) excitation mode. Through a cooperative utilization of Lewis acid catalysis and LMCT catalysis, the C–C bond of ketones could be selectively and effectively cleaved, enabling the installation of different functionalities at each carbon of the cleaved C–C bond through a sequential and orthogonal manner. This reaction manifold serves as a photocatalytic alternative to the Norrish type I reaction with the combination of visible light and inexpensive cerium salts. Under operationally simple conditions, a wide range of acyclic and cyclic ketones, from simple strained cyclobutanones to complex androsterone with less strained cyclopentanone moiety, could be successfully transformed into versatile chemical building blocks.

Direct and Chemoselective Synthesis of Tertiary Difluoroketones via Weinreb Amide Homologation with a CHF2-Carbene Equivalent.

The homologation of Weinreb amides into difluoromethylketones with a formal nucleophilic CHF2 transfer agent is reported. Activating TMSCHF2 with potassium tert-amylate enables a convenient access to the difluorinated homologation reagent, which adds to the acylating partners. The high chemoselectivity showcased in the presence of variously multifunctionalized Weinreb amides, jointly with uniformly high yields, enables the strategy of general applicability without requiring any stabilization element for the putative carbanion.

Acyl and Benzyl‐C‐β‐D‐Glucosides: Synthesis and Biostudies for Glucose‐Uptake‐Promoting Activity in C2C12 Mytotubes

A convenient and scalable synthetic approach has been developed for the synthesis of acyl‐C‐β‐d‐glucosides and benzyl‐C‐β‐d‐glucosides. The use of Weinreb‐amide (WA) functionality was crucial for this accomplishment as the other apparently capable alternatives, had severe limitations for the access to acyl‐C‐glucosides. The synthesized compounds, acyl and benzyl‐C‐glucosides promote glucose‐uptake activity in the C2C12 (mouse skeletal muscle) cell lines through PPAR‐γ mediated GLUT4 expression. The developed synthetic scheme for acyl‐and benzyl‐C‐β‐d‐glucosides and biostudies evaluating their activity as glucose‐uptake promoters are disclosed herein.

Intermolecular 1,4-Carboamination of Conjugated Dienes Enabled by Cp*RhIII -Catalyzed C-H Activation.

A protocol for the three-component 1,4-carboamination of dienes is described. Synthetically versatile Weinreb amides were coupled with 1,3-dienes and readily available dioxazolones as the nitrogen source using [Cp*RhCl2 ]2 -catalyzed C-H activation to deliver the 1,4-carboaminated products. This transformation proceeds under mild reaction conditions and affords the products with high levels of regio- and E-selectivity. Mechanistic investigations suggest an intermediate RhIII -allyl species is trapped by an electrophilic amidation reagent in a redox-neutral fashion.

Synthesis of α,ω‐Bis‐Enones by the Double Addition of Alkenyl Grignard Reagents to Diacid Weinreb Amides

An efficient double addition of substituted alkenylmagnesium bromides to bis‐Weinreb amides has been developed, giving α,ω‐bis‐enones that are building blocks for certain drugs and polymers. Furthermore, reliable protocols for the preparation of the required substituted alkenylmagnesium reagents from substituted non‐activated alkenyl bromides are reported. The double addition is demonstrated on 25 examples, including enantiopure as well as conjugated and cross‐conjugated bis‐enones. The addition to a cyclohexane‐1,2‐dicarboxamide was found to lead to a selective mono addition, giving access to cyclohexyl γ‐ketoamides that are core motifs of several pharmaceutical agents and promising drug candidates.

Chemoselective Synthesis of Aryl Ketones from Amides and Grignard Reagents via C(O)–N Bond Cleavage under Catalyst-Free Conditions

Conversion of a wide range of N-Boc amides to aryl ketones was achieved with Grignard reagents via chemoselective C(O)-N bond cleavage. The reactions proceeded under catalyst-free conditions with different aryl, alkyl, and alkynyl Grignard reagents. α-Ketoamide was successfully converted to aryl diketones, while α,β-unsaturated amide underwent 1,4-addition followed by C(O)-N bond cleavage to provide diaryl propiophenones. N-Boc amides displayed higher reactivity than Weinreb amides with Grignard reagents. A broad substrate scope, excellent yields, and quick conversion are important features of this methodology.

Radical α,β-Dehydrogenation of Saturated Amides via α-Oxidation with TEMPO under Transition Metal-Free Conditions.

A transition metal-free radical process for the selective α,β-dehydrogenation of saturated amides under mild conditions is developed. Utilizing radical activation strategy, the challenging issue associated with the low α-acidity of amides is resolved. For the first time, α,β-unsaturated Weinreb amides and acrylamides could be efficiently prepared directly from corresponding saturated amides. Mechanistic studies confirm the radical nature of this transformation. Two gram scale α,β-dehydrogenation have also been performed to demonstrate the utility of this method.

Weinreb Amides as Privileged Acylating Agents for Accessing α-Substituted Ketones

The acylation of α-substituted carbanion-type reagents (MCR1R2X; X = halogen, OR, SR, NR3R4, SeR, etc.) with Weinreb amides constitutes a highly versatile and flexible approach for accessing α-functionalized ketones. In this short review we will present a series of transformations—from our own and the work of others—documenting the general applicability of the methodology. Chemoselectivity is uniformly manifested including for critical substrates featuring additional electrophilic functionalities or sterically demanding elements. Importantly, the stereochemical information contained in the Weinreb amides can be fully transferred to the targeted ketones without affecting the optical purity. The protocol is also applicable to chiral carbanions generated through sparteine-mediated asymmetric deprotonation: the careful design of the experimental procedure allows recycling of the sparteine and the Weinreb ‘amine’ (N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine), thus improving the sustainability perspective of the processes.1 Introduction1.1 The Problem of the Synthesis of α-Substituted Ketones1.2 Weinreb Amides: General Features and Preparation2 Synthesis of α-Substituted Ketones2.1 α-Haloketones2.2 Synthesis of α-Cyanoketones2.3 Synthesis of α-Oxyketones2.4 Synthesis of β-Oxo Thioethers (α-Thioketones)2.5 Synthesis of Chiral α-Oxy and α-Nitrogen Ketones via the Sparteine-Mediated Generation of Optically Active Organolithiums2.6 Synthesis of α-Selenomethyl Ketones2.7 Reactivity of α-Phosphorus Carbanions with Weinreb Amides2.8 Modification of the Weinreb Amide Core: The CLAmP Reagent3 Competing Attack of Nucleophiles at More Reactive Electrophilic Sites than Weinreb Amides4 Conclusions

Formation of Aryl [1-Cyano-4-(dialkylamino)butadienyl] Ketones from Pyridines

Treatment of 2-chloropyridine with LDA and the Weinreb amide of benzoic acid afforded three unusual products, namely N-methylbenzamide, 2-chloropyridine-3-methanol, and the ring-opened addition product. This same final product could also be obtained from 2-chloro-3-benzoylpyridine on treatment with LDA. Mechanistic insight for the formation of these products is provided.

Magnesium Aldimines Prepared by Addition of Organomagnesium Halides to 2,4,6-Trichlorophenyl Isocyanide: Synthesis of 1,2-Dicarbonyl Derivatives.

The selective addition of organomagnesium reagents to 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl isocyanide leading to magnesiated aldimines is reported. These aldimines react with Weinreb amides, ketones, or carbonates to provide the corresponding carbonyl derivatives after acidic cleavage. This allows for an efficient synthesis of 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds and α-hydroxy ketones.

Conversion of Aldehydes to Branched or Linear Ketones via Regiodivergent Rhodium-Catalyzed Vinyl Bromide Reductive Coupling-Redox Isomerization Mediated by Formate.

A regiodivergent catalytic method for direct conversion of aldehydes to branched or linear alkyl ketones is described. Rhodium complexes modified by P tBu2Me catalyze formate-mediated aldehyde-vinyl bromide reductive coupling-redox isomerization to form branched ketones. Use of the less strongly coordinating ligand, PPh3, promotes vinyl- to allylrhodium isomerization en route to linear ketones. This method bypasses the 3-step sequence often used to convert aldehydes to ketones involving the addition of pre-metalated reagents to Weinreb or morpholine amides.

Ru-Based Catechothiolate Complexes Bearing an Unsaturated NHC Ligand: Effective Cross-Metathesis Catalysts for Synthesis of ( Z)-α,β-Unsaturated Esters, Carboxylic Acids, and Primary, Secondary, and Weinreb Amides.

Despite notable progress, olefin metathesis methods for preparation of ( Z)-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, applicable to the synthesis of a large variety of bioactive molecules, remain scarce. Especially desirable are transformations that can be promoted by ruthenium-based catalysts, as such entities would allow direct access to carboxylic esters and amides, or acids (in contrast to molybdenum- or tungsten-based alkylidenes). Here, we detail how, based on the mechanistic insight obtained through computational and experimental studies, a readily accessible ruthenium catechothiolate complex was found that may be used to generate many α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in up to 81% yield and ≥98:2 Z/ E ratio. We show that through the use of a complex bearing an unsaturated N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand, for the first time, products derived from the more electron-deficient esters, acids, and Weinreb amides (vs primary or secondary amides) can be synthesized efficiently and with high stereochemical control. The importance of the new advance to synthesis of bioactive compounds is illustrated through two representative applications: an eight-step, 15% overall yield, and completely Z-selective route leading to an intermediate that may be used in synthesis of stagonolide E (vs 11 steps, 4% overall yield and 91% Z, previously), and a five-step, 25% overall yield sequence to access a precursor to dihydrocompactin (vs 13 steps and 5% overall yield, formerly).

One-pot synthesis of Weinreb amides employing 3,3-dichloro-1,2-diphenylcyclopropene (CPI-Cl) as a chlorinating agent

The synthesis of Nα-protected amino alkyl Weinreb amides starting from the corresponding α-amino acids as well as carboxylic acids has been delineated through the in situ generation of acid chlorides using CPI-Cl as a chlorinating agent. The protocol is simple; the reaction conditions employed were mild, and compatible with all the three commonly used urethane protecting groups namely, Boc, Cbz and Fmoc groups. The resulting Weinreb amides are obtained in good yields as optically pure products.

Weinreb Amides as Directing Groups for Transition Metal-Catalyzed C-H Functionalizations.

Weinreb amides are a privileged, multi-functional group with well-established utility in classical synthesis. Recently, several studies have demonstrated the use of Weinreb amides as interesting substrates in transition metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization reactions. Herein, we review this part of the literature, including the metal catalysts, transformations explored so far and specific insights from mechanistic studies.

Triflamides: Highly Reactive, Electronically Activated N-Sulfonyl Amides in Catalytic N-C(O) Amide Cross-Coupling.

The direct, highly chemoselective Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of trifluoromethanesulfonamides (triflamides) by selective N-C(O) amide bond cleavage is reported. This operationally simple, mild, and user-friendly method accomplishes the direct synthesis of ketones from amides by a catalytic manifold as a powerful alternative to Weinreb amides. Mechanistic studies support rotational inversion and electronic activation, favoring selective insertion under mild conditions. Our data strongly suggest that triflamides should be routinely considered as precursors in amide bond cross-coupling.

Sustainable Asymmetric Organolithium Chemistry: Enantio- and Chemoselective Acylations through Recycling of Solvent, Sparteine, and Weinreb "Amine".

The well‐established Hoppe–Beak chemistry, which involves enantioselective generation of organolithium compounds in the presence of (−)‐sparteine, was revisited and applied to unprecedented acylations with Weinreb amides to access highly enantioenriched α‐oxyketones and cyclic α‐aminoketones. Recycling of the sustainable solvent cyclopentyl methyl ether, sparteine, and the released Weinreb “amine” [HNMe(OMe)] was possible through a simple work‐up procedure that enabled full recovery of these precious materials. The methodology features a robust scope and flexibility, thus allowing the enantioselective preparation of scaffolds amenable of further derivatization.