β-Isocupreidine–hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate method for asymmetric Baylis–Hillman reactions

Theory-Guided Design of Brønsted Acid-Assisted Phosphine Catalysis: Synthesis of Dihydropyrones from Aldehydes and Allenoates

The phosphine-catalyzed addition of 2,3-butadienoates to aldehydes has been extended to the formation of disubstituted dihydro-2-pyrones. The requisite shift in equilibrium of the intermediate zwitterionic beta-phosphonium dienolates toward the s-cis intermediate was accomplished through the use of a Brønsted acid additive, which disrupts the favorable Coulombic interaction present in the s-trans intermediate. The detailed nature of the synergistic interactions involving the Brønsted acid additives and phosphine involved in the formation of s-cis beta-phosphonium dienolates was analyzed through a series of DFT calculations. Unlike previously reported annulations of aldehydes with allenoates, where trialkylphosphines are optimal catalysts, in this study triphenylphosphine was also found for the first time to be a suitable catalyst for the synthesis of dihydropyrones. This method provides a one-step route toward functionalized dihydropyrones from simple, stable starting materials. In addition, new reaction pathways of phosphine-catalyzed allene annulations are unveiled, with the formation of dihydropyrones being the first example of dual activation in this sphere.

The enantioselective Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction and its aza counterpart

The development of asymmetric Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reactions has evolved dramatically over the past few years, parallel to the emerging concept of bifunctional organocatalysis. Whereas organocatalysis is starting to compete with metal-based catalysis in several important organic transformations, the MBH reaction belongs to a group of prototypical reactions in which organocatalysts already display superiority over their metal-based counterparts. This Minireview summarizes recent mechanistic insights and advances in the design and synthesis of small organic molecules for enantioselective MBH and aza-MBH reactions.

Nonenzymatic Acylative Kinetic Resolution of Baylis−Hillman Adducts

The first efficient nonenzymatic acylative kinetic resolution of Baylis-Hillman adducts is reported. Chiral pyridine catalyst 1a and an optimized analogue 1e are capable of promoting the synthetically useful enantioselective acylation (the efficiency of which is outstanding for sp(2)-sp(2) carbinol substrates, s = 3.5-13.1, ee up to 97%) of Baylis-Hillman adducts derived from recalcitrant precursors which are currently difficult to synthesize utilizing benchmark asymmetric Baylis-Hillman reaction catalyst technology. A novel one-pot synthesis-kinetic resolution process involving a DBU-catalyzed Baylis-Hillman reaction and subsequent 1e/DBU-mediated enantioselective acylation has also been developed.

Bifunctional Polymeric Organocatalysts and Their Application in the Cooperative Catalysis of Morita–Baylis–Hillman Reactions

A series of soluble, non-cross-linked polystyrene-supported triphenylphosphane and 4-dimethylaminopyridine reagents were prepared. Some of these polymeric reagents contained either alkyl alcohol or phenol groups on the polymer backbone. The use of these materials as organocatalysts in a range of Morita-Baylis-Hillman reactions indicated that hydroxyl groups could participate in the reactions and accelerate product formation. In the cases examined, phenol groups were more effective than alkyl alcohol groups for catalyzing the reactions. This article is one of the first reports of the synthesis and use of non-natural, bifunctional polymeric reagents for use in organic synthesis in which both functional groups can cooperatively participate in the catalysis of reactions.

Asymmetric Morita−Baylis−Hillman Reaction Catalyzed by Isophoronediamine-Derived Bis(thio)urea Organocatalysts

New and improved bis(thio)urea catalysts were synthesized from isophoronediamine (IPDA) and tested in the Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction. The best results were achieved in the reaction of 2-cyclohexen-1-one with cyclohexanecarbaldehyde, using the catalyst depicted above, in combination with a novel base (N,N,N',N'-tetramethylisophoronediamine, TMIPDA) in toluene. The desired Morita-Baylis-Hillman product was obtained in 75% yield and 96% ee.