Synthesis of highly functionalized cyclohexenone rings: rhodium-catalyzed 1,3-acyloxy migration and subsequent [5+1] cycloaddition

Rhodium-catalyzed carbonylation of cyclopropyl substituted propargyl esters: a tandem 1,3-acyloxy migration [5 + 1] cycloaddition

We have developed two different types of tandem reactions for the synthesis of highly functionalized cyclohexenones from cyclopropyl substituted propargyl esters. Both reactions were initiated by rhodium-catalyzed Saucy-Marbet 1,3-acyloxy migration. The resulting cyclopropyl substituted allenes derived from acyloxy migration then underwent [5 + 1] cycloaddition with CO. The acyloxy group not only eased the access to allene intermediates but also provided a handle for further selective functionalizations.

Synthesis of functionalized cyclohexenone core of welwitindolinones via rhodium-catalyzed [5 + 1] cycloaddition

The cyclohexenone core of welwitindolinones was synthesized by a Rh(I)-catalyzed [5 + 1]-cycloaddition of an allenylcyclopropane with CO. A pentasubstituted cyclopropane was prepared successfully by a Rh(II)-catalyzed intramolecular cyclopropanation of alkenes with chlorodiazoacetates.

Rhodium-catalyzed intra- and intermolecular [5 + 2] cycloaddition of 3-acyloxy-1,4-enyne and alkyne with concomitant 1,2-acyloxy migration

A new type of rhodium-catalyzed [5 + 2] cycloaddition was developed for the synthesis of seven-membered rings with diverse functionalities. The ring formation was accompanied by a 1,2-acyloxy migration event. The five- and two-carbon components of the cycloaddition are 3-acyloxy-1,4-enynes (ACEs) and alkynes, respectively. Cationic rhodium(I) catalysts worked most efficiently for the intramolecular cycloaddition, while only neutral rhodium(I) complexes could facilitate the intermolecular reaction. In both cases, electron-poor phosphite or phosphine ligands often improved the efficiency of the cycloadditions. The scope of ACEs and alkynes was investigated in both the intra- and intermolecular reactions. The resulting seven-membered-ring products have three double bonds that could be selectively functionalized.

Rhodium-catalyzed carbonylation of 3-acyloxy-1,4-enynes for the synthesis of cyclopentenones

Functionalized cyclopentenones were synthesized by a Rh-catalyzed carbonylation of 3-acyloxy-1,4-enynes, derived from alkynes and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. The reaction involved a Saucy-Marbet 1,3-acyloxy migration of propargyl esters and a [4 + 1] cycloaddition of the resulting acyloxy substituted vinylallene with CO.

Rhodium-catalyzed 1,3-acyloxy migration and subsequent intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition of vinylallene and unactivated alkyne

A Rh-catalyzed 1,3-acyloxy migration of propargyl ester followed by intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition of vinylallene and unactivated alkyne was developed. This tandem reaction provides access to bicyclic compounds containing a highly functionalized isotoluene or cyclohexenone structural motif, while only aromatic compounds were observed in related transition metal-catalyzed cycloadditions.

Interception of a Rautenstrauch intermediate by alkynes for [5+2] cycloaddition: rhodium-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 3-acyloxy-4-ene-1,9-diynes to bicyclo[5.3.0]decatrienes

Rholling in the bicycles: a rhodium(I)-catalyzed cycloisomerization for the synthesis of bicyclic compounds containing a cycloheptatriene ring from linear alkenynes (see scheme; cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) is proposed to proceed through 1,2-acyloxy migration, 6 π electrocyclization, migratory insertion, and reductive elimination. The overall process can be viewed as a novel intramolecular [5+2] cycloaddition with concomitant 1,2-acyloxy migration.