Palladium-Catalyzed Highly Stereoselective Dearomative [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Nitrobenzofurans

Synthesis of 4-Hydroxycarbazole Derivatives by Benzannulation of 3-Nitroindoles with Alkylidene Azlactones

A general synthesis of 4-hydroxylcarbazoles by domino vinylogous conjugate addition/cyclization/elimination/aromatization of easily prepared 3-nitroindoles with alkylidene azlactones under mild and transition-metal-free conditions has been developed. This method was also applicable to other nitrosubstituted benzofused heterocycles such as 3-nitrobenzothiophene, 2-nitrobenzothiophene, and 2-nitrobenzofuran. The valuable tetracyclic carbazole derivatives, such as 6H-oxazolo[4,5-c]carbazole and 3,6-dihydro-2H-oxazolo[4,5-c]carbazol-2-one, were readily prepared from the product, demonstrating synthetic utility of this method.

Asymmetric Catalytic Vinylogous Addition Reactions Initiated by Meinwald Rearrangement of Vinyl Epoxides

The first catalytic asymmetric multiple vinylogous addition reactions initiated by Meinwald rearrangement of vinyl epoxides were realized by employing chiral N,N'-dioxide/Sc^III complex catalysts. The vinyl epoxides, as masked β,γ-unsaturated aldehydes, via direct vinylogous additions with isatins, 2-alkenoylpyridines or methyleneindolinones, provided a facile and efficient way for the synthesis of chiral 3-hydroxy-3-substituted oxindoles, α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and spiro-cyclohexene indolinones, respectively with high efficiency and stereoselectivity. The control experiments and kinetic studies revealed that the Lewis acid acted as dual-tasking catalyst, controlling the initial rearrangement to match subsequent enantioselective vinylogous addition reactions. A catalytic cycle with a possible transition model was proposed to illustrate the reaction mechanism.

Palladium-Catalyzed Formal (3 + 2) Cycloaddition Reactions of 2-Nitro-1,3-enynes with Vinylaziridines, -epoxides, and -cyclopropanes

A two-step Pd-catalyzed (3 + 2) cycloaddition/HNO₂ elimination reaction sequence has been developed to give novel cyclic 1,3-dien-5-yne systems from Pd-stabilized zwitterionic 1,3-dipoles and 2-nitro-1,3-enyne substrates. The process is highly atom-efficient and tolerates the reaction of 2-vinyloxirane, 1-tosyl-2-vinylaziridine, and diethyl 2-vinylcyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylate derived 1,3-dipoles with a variety of 2-nitro-1,3-enyne substrates. The stereochemistry of the intermediate (3 + 2) cycloadducts was determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. Furthermore, a selective kinetic elimination of the cycloadduct with an antiperiplanar relationship between the NO₂ group and the participating hydrogen was demonstrated, allowing for efficient isolation of a single diastereoisomer of the cycloadduct.

Ligand-Controlled Regiodivergent Asymmetric [5 + 2] and [3 + 2] Annulations of Vinyl Indoloxazolidones Catalyzed by Palladium

Here, we present palladium-catalyzed regiodivergent asymmetric annulations of vinyl indoloxazolidones, which can act as 1,5-carbodipoles or 1,3-carbodipoles by tuning the chiral ligands and conditions, in the assemblies with sulfamate-derived cyclic imines and even activated alkenes. A diversity of polycyclic products are generally constructed with high regio- and enantioselectivity.

Further Developments and Applications of Oxazoline-Containing Ligands in Asymmetric Catalysis

The chiral oxazoline motif is present in many ligands that have been extensively applied in a series of important metal-catalyzed enantioselective reactions. This Review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the most significant applications of oxazoline-containing ligands reported in the literature starting from 2009 until the end of 2018. The ligands are classified not by the reaction to which their metal complexes have been applied but by the nature of the denticity, chirality, and donor atoms involved. As a result, the continued development of ligand architectural design from mono(oxazolines), to bis(oxazolines), to tris(oxazolines) and tetra(oxazolines) and variations thereof can be more easily monitored by the reader. In addition, the key transition states of selected asymmetric transformations will be given to illustrate the features that give rise to high levels of asymmetric induction. As a further aid to the reader, we summarize the majority of schemes with representative examples that highlight the variation in % yields and % ees for carefully selected substrates. This Review should be of particular interest to the experts in the field but also serve as a useful starting point to new researchers in this area. It is hoped that this Review will stimulate both the development/design of new ligands and their applications in novel metal-catalyzed asymmetric transformations.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Homoallylic Alcohols Featuring Vicinal Tetrasubstituted Carbon Centers via Dual Pd/Photoredox Catalysis

Dual palladium/photoredox-catalysis provides an effective method for the decarboxylative asymmetric synthesis of vicinal α,β-tri/tetra- or α,β-tetrasubstituted homoallylic alcohols using Hantzsch-type esters as radical precursors. This mild methodology capitalizes on vinyl cyclic carbonates as accessible reagents providing the target molecules in appreciable to good yields, high branch selectivity, and enantiomeric ratios of up to 94:6, making it a rare example of using prochiral electrophiles for the creation of vicinal congested carbon centers.

TfOH-Catalyzed [4 + 1] Annulation of p-Quinone Methides with α-Aryl Diazoacetates: Straightforward Access to Highly Functionalized 2,3-Dihydrobenzofurans

We have developed a methodology for the greatly efficient construction of significant 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran scaffolds bearing a quaternary carbon center at the C2 position by means of [4 + 1] annulation reactions between p-quinone methides and α-aryl diazoacetates as C1 synthons through organocatalysis by readily accessible TfOH catalyst under mild and transition metal-free conditions. This metal-free protocol furnishes an operationally simple and swift process for the free assembly of diverse highly functionalized 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans and also features broad substrate scope, excellent functional group compatibility, and environmental friendliness. Mechanistic investigation suggested that the reaction undergoes a rapid cascade protonation/intermolecular Michael addition/intramolecular substitution process.

A Base-Mediated Approach Towards Dihydrofuro[2,3-b]Benzofurans from 2-Nitrobenzofurans and 1,3-Dicarbonyls

A straight-forward approach for the synthesis of a dihydrofuro[2,3-b]benzofuran derivatives has been achieved through a base-mediated Michael addition of 1,3-dicarbonyls to 2-nitrobenzofurans followed by intramolecular cyclization. A variety of 1,3-dicarbonyls, including cyclic as well as trifluoromethylated ones, have been subjected to react with 2-nitrobenzofurans under optimal conditions, and the respective dihydrofuro[2,3-b]benzofurans could be accessed in moderate to excellent yields.

The transition-metal-catalyzed stereoselective ring-expansion of vinylaziridines and vinyloxiranes

The transition-metal-aided stereoselective construction of sp3-carbon-rich heterocyclic scaffolds using strained-ring systems has received considerable attention in recent years due to the prominent presence of these scaffolds in myriad natural products, bioactive molecules, and pharmaceutical components. In this area, the catalytic ring-enlargement of vinylaziridines and vinyloxiranes plays a predominant role when synthesizing high sp3-content biorelevant heterocyclic compounds. This article aims to portray recent advancements in the ring-expansion of vinylaziridines and vinyloxiranes for accessing densely functionalized stereoselective heterocycles that have been developed over the past five years, with an emphasis on the substrate scopes and mechanistic insights into the key methodologies, and it is arranged based on the transition metals used and the ring sizes of the heterocyclic scaffolds.

Recent Advances in Enantioselective Pd-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution: From Design to Applications

This Review compiles the evolution, mechanistic understanding, and more recent advances in enantioselective Pd-catalyzed allylic substitution and decarboxylative and oxidative allylic substitutions. For each reaction, the catalytic data, as well as examples of their application to the synthesis of more complex molecules, are collected. Sections in which we discuss key mechanistic aspects for high selectivity and a comparison with other metals (with advantages and disadvantages) are also included. For Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution, the catalytic data are grouped according to the type of nucleophile employed. Because of the prominent position of the use of stabilized carbon nucleophiles and heteronucleophiles, many chiral ligands have been developed. To better compare the results, they are presented grouped by ligand types. Pd-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative reactions are mainly promoted by PHOX or Trost ligands, which justifies organizing this section in chronological order. For asymmetric oxidative allylic substitution the results are grouped according to the type of nucleophile used.

Advances in Catalytic Asymmetric Dearomatization

Asymmetric catalysis has been recognized as the most enabling strategy for accessing chiral molecules in enantioenriched forms. Catalytic asymmetric dearomatization is an emerging and dynamic research subject in asymmetric catalysis, which has received considerable attention in recent years. The direct transformations from readily available aromatic feedstocks to structurally diverse three-dimensional polycyclic molecules make catalytic asymmetric dearomatization reactions of broad interest for both organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. However, the inherent difficulty for the disruption of aromaticity demands a large energy input during the dearomatization process, which might be incompatible with the conditions generally required by asymmetric catalysis. In this Outlook, we will discuss representative strategies and examples of catalytic asymmetric dearomatization reactions of various aromatic compounds and try to convince readers that by overcoming the above obstacles, catalytic asymmetric dearomatization reactions could advance chemical sciences in many respects.

Development of Dipolarophiles for Catalytic Asymmetric Cycloadditions through Pd-π-Allyl Zwitterions

The development of new and efficient methodology for the construction of optically active molecules is of great interest in both synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry fields. To this end, the personal account summarizes our studies on the development of electron-deficient alkenes, allenes, and alkynes containing single activator as new dipolarophiles for Pd-catalyzed asymmetric cycloaddition reactions. These new dipolarophiles can participate in Pd-catalyzed asymmetric [3+2] and [4+2] cycloadditions through Pd-π-allyl 1,3- and 1,4-zwitterions in-situ generated by the reaction of Pd(0) catalyst with vinyl aziridines, vinyl epoxides, vinyl cyclopropanes, 4-vinyl-1,3-dioxan-2-ones, and vinyl benzoxazinanones. These [3+2] and [4+2] cycloadditions provide efficient approaches to a wide range of enantiomerically enriched five- and six-membered ring compounds containing contiguous chiral centers with high to excellent chemo-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivities. The utilities of these protocols are demonstrated by transformation of the cycloadducts into other useful chiral building blocks. DFT calculations reveal the dissimilar reactivity of different electron deficient alkenes and rationalize the mechanism and stereo-control of the reaction. A Pd-catalyzed inverse [3+2] cycloaddition is disclosed.

Dearomative 1,6-addition of P(O)–H to in situ formed p-QM-like ion pairs from 2-benzofuryl-ols to C3-phosphinoyl hydrobenzofurans

We report a dearomative C3-phosphorylation and a tandem C3-phosphorylation/aromatization of 2-benzofuryl-ols with P(O)–H species to afford C3-phosphinoyl hydrobenzofurans and benzofurans, respectively.

Catalytic asymmetric dearomative [4 + 2] annulation of 2-nitrobenzofurans and 5H-thiazol-4-ones: stereoselective construction of dihydrobenzofuran-bridged polycyclic skeletons

An organocatalytic asymmetric dearomative [4 + 2] annulation of 2-nitrobenzofurans and 5H-thiazol-4-ones is developed for the construction of dihydrobenzofuran-bridged polycyclic skeletons with good results.

Recent advances in annulation reactions based on zwitterionic π-allyl palladium and propargyl palladium complexes

Carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds could be constructed through the palladium-catalyzed annulation reactions of zwitterionic π-allyl palladium or propargyl palladium complexes with unsaturated electrophiles.

Enantioselective total synthesis of furofuran lignans via Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic cycloadditon of vinylethylene carbonates with 2-nitroacrylates

Herein, a practical and efficient approach to tetrahydrofurans with three-stereocenters has been developed through Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic cycloaddition of vinylethylene carbonates (VECs) with 2-nitroacrylates under mild conditions. By using this asymmetric catalytic reaction as a key step, several furofuran lignans with stereodivergency have been effectively synthesized through 5- or 6-step sequences from readily available starting materials.

Highly diastereoselective synthesis of 3-methylenetetrahydropyrans by palladium-catalyzed oxa-[4 + 2] cycloaddition of 2-alkenylbenzothiazoles

A highly diastereoselective synthesis of 3-methylenetetrahydropyrans via palladium-catalyzed oxa-[4 + 2] cycloaddition of 2-alkenylbenzothiazoles with allyl carbonates bearing a nucleophilic alcohol side chain is presented. This synthetic methodology tolerates a wide variety of 2-alkenylbenzothiazoles and afforded the desired 3-methylenetetrahydropyrans in good yields and excellent dr. In addition, further derivatizations resulted in new scaffolds, making them useful synthetic precursors.

Optically Active Flavaglines-Inspired Molecules by a Palladium-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Dearomative Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation

With the aid of a class of newly discovered Trost-type bisphosphine ligands bearing a chiral cycloalkane framework, the Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative dearomative asymmetric allylic alkylation (AAA) of benzofurans was achieved with high efficiency [0.2-1.0 mol% Pd₂(dba)₃/L], good generality, and high enantioselectivity (>30 examples, 82-99% yield and 90-96% ee). Moreover, a diversity-oriented synthesis (DOS) of previously unreachable flavaglines is disclosed. It features a reliable and scalable sequence of the freshly developed Tsuji-Trost-Stoltz AAA, a Wacker-Grubbs-Stoltz oxidation, an intra-benzoin condensation, and a conjugate addition, which allows the efficient construction of the challenging and compact cyclopenta[b]benzofuran scaffold with contiguous stereocenters. This strategy offers a new avenue for developing flavagline-based drugs.

Enantioselective [4+2] Annulation to the Concise Synthesis of Chiral Dihydrocarbazoles

A highly efficient phosphine-catalyzed enantioselective [4 + 2] annulation of allenoates with 3-nitroindoles or 3-nitrobenzothiophenes has been developed. The protocol represents a unique dearomatization–aromatization process to access functionalized dihydrocarbazoles or dihydrodibenzothiophenes with high optical purity (up to 97% ee) under mild reaction conditions. The synthetic utility of the highly enantioselective [4 + 2] annulation enables a concise synthesis of analgesic agent.

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High regio-, chemo-, and enantioselectivity

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Broad substrate scope

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Dearomatization/aromatization steps proceed under mild conditions

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Concise synthesis of chiral analgesic agent

Synthesis of Furo[3,2-b]quinolines and Furo[2,3-b:4,5-b']diquinolines through [4 + 2] Cycloaddition of Aza-o-Quinone Methides and Furans

An approach for the construction of furo[3,2-b]quinolines and furo[2,3-b:4,5-b']diquinolines is developed through a metal-free [4 + 2] cycloaddition of easily available in situ generated aza-o-quinone methides and furans. The reaction tolerates a wide range of aza-o-quinone methides and substituted furans to afford the corresponding dihydro- or tetrahydrofuroquinolines in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic studies reveal that the reaction involves a concerted [4 + 2] cycloaddition pathway and shows a high regioselectivity of cycloaddition for a furan ring. The present method features mild reaction conditions, dearomatization of furans, high regio- and diastereoselectivity, gram-scalable preparations, and diversity of furoquinolines.

Asymmetric dearomatization of 2-nitrobenzofurans by organocatalyzed one-step Michael addition to access 3,3′-disubstituted oxindoles

An efficient enantioselective dearomatization of 2-nitrobenzofurans was realized by organocatalyzed one-step Michael addition to access structurally diverse 3,3′-disubstituted oxindoles.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Fused Polycyclic Tropanes via Dearomative [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions of 2-Nitrobenzofurans

A straight synthetic approach to fused polycyclic tropane scaffold formation through an asymmetric dearomatization cycloaddition process of 2-nitrobenzofurans with cyclic azomethine ylides was successfully developed. In the presence of a chiral copper complex, derived from Cu(OAc)₂ and a diphosphine ligand, a series of fused polycyclic tropane derivatives were obtained in high yields (75-91%) with excellent enantioselectivities (90-98%). The utility of this method was showcased by the facile transformation of product.