Asymmetric isomerization of ω-hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated thioesters into β-mercaptolactones by a bifunctional aminothiourea catalyst

We present a novel methodology for the asymmetric synthesis of β-mercaptolactones via isomerization of ω-hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated thioesters by means of a bifunctional aminothiourea catalyst. The catalyst interacts with the substrate through the cooperative action of both a covalent bond at the amino group and noncovalent bonding at the thiourea group. The potential for an enantiodivergent synthesis could also be demonstrated by carrying out the reaction in a different solvent system.

Acylammonium salts as dienophiles in Diels-Alder/lactonization organocascades

α,β-Unsaturated acylammonium salts, generated in situ from commodity acid chlorides and a chiral isothiourea organocatalyst, comprise a new and versatile family of chiral dienophiles for the venerable Diels-Alder (DA) cycloaddition. Their reactivity is unveiled through a highly diastereo- and enantioselective Diels-Alder/lactonization organocascade that generates cis- and trans-fused bicyclic γ- and δ-lactones bearing up to four contiguous stereocenters. Moreover, the first examples of DA-initiated, stereodivergent organocascades are described delivering complex scaffolds found in bioactive compounds. The origins of stereoselectivity are rationalized through computational studies. In addition, the utility of this methodology is demonstrated through a concise approach to the core structure of glaciolide and formal syntheses of fraxinellone, trisporic acids, and trisporols.

N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of functionalized cyclopentenes via α,β-unsaturated acyl azoliums

Highly enantioselective NHC-organocatalyzed synthesis of functionalized cyclopentenes by the reaction of modified enals with malonic ester derivatives having a γ-benzoyl group is reported.

Rapid assembly of complex cyclopentanes employing chiral, α,β-unsaturated acylammonium intermediates

With the intention of improving synthetic efficiency, organic chemists have turned to bioinspired organocascade or domino processes that generate multiple bonds and stereocentres in a single operation. However, despite the great importance of substituted cyclopentanes, given their prevalence in complex natural products and pharmaceutical agents, the rapid, enantioselective assembly of these carbocycles lags behind cyclohexanes. Here, we describe a Michael-aldol-β-lactonization organocascade process for the synthesis of complex cyclopentanes utilizing chiral α,β-unsaturated acylammonium intermediates, readily generated by activation of commodity unsaturated acid chlorides with chiral isothiourea catalysts. This efficient methodology enables the construction of two C-C bonds, one C-O bond, two rings and up to three contiguous stereogenic centres delivering complex cyclopentanes with high levels of relative and absolute stereocontrol. Our results suggest that α,β-unsaturated acylammonium intermediates have broad utility for the design of organocascade and multicomponent processes, with the latter demonstrated by a Michael-Michael-aldol-β-lactonization.