Transition-metal-free synthesis of oxindoles by potassium tert-butoxide-promoted intramolecular α-arylation

Synthesis of 1,4-dihydroquinoline derivatives under transition-metal-free conditions and their diverse applications

A transition-metal-free process for the synthesis of 1,4-dihydroquinoline derivatives starting from simple enaminones with aldehydes via intermolecular cascade cyclization in a one-pot protocol is developed. This methodology affords a variety of products in moderate to good yields. Particularly, the use of the enaminone fragment in 1,4-dihydroquinoline derivatives 3 as a leaving group for further diverse applications with C-nucleophiles is proved to be feasible.

Chemoselective intermolecular α-arylation of amides

A new approach for the fully chemoselective α-arylation of amides is presented. By means of electrophilic amide activation, aryl groups can be regioselectively introduced α- to amides, even in the presence of esters and alkyl ketones. Mechanistic studies reveal key reaction intermediates and emphasize a remarkably subtle base effect in this transformation.

A General and Practical Palladium-Catalyzed Direct α-Arylation of Amides with Aryl Halides

An efficient system for the direct catalytic intermolecular α-arylation of acetamide derivatives with aryl bromides and chlorides is presented. The palladium catalyst is supported by Kwong's indole-based phosphine ligand and provides monoarylated amides in up to 95% yield. Excellent chemoselectivities (>10:1) in the mono- and diarylation with aryl bromides were achieved by careful selection of bases, solvents, and stoichiometry. Under the coupling conditions, the weakly acidic α-protons of amides (pKa up to 35) were reversibly depotonated by LiO t Bu, NaO t Bu, or NaN(SiMe3)2.

Metal-free syntheses of oxindole derivatives via a benzoylation/substitution/desulfonylation/cyclization cascade

A benzoylation/substitution/desulfonylation/cyclization cascade reaction giving oxindole derivatives was reported.

Catalyst-free three-component reaction to synthesize chiral α-amino phosphine oxides

A novel method for high diastereoselective syntheses of chiral α-aminophosphine oxides by a three-component reaction involve a metal-free system was performed.

Transition-metal-free synthesis of benzimidazoles mediated by KOH/DMSO

Benzimidazoles are prepared by intramolecular N-arylations of amidines mediated by potassium hydroxide in DMSO at 120 °C. In this manner, diversely substituted products have been obtained in moderate to very good yields.

Interrupted Fischer-indole intermediates via oxyarylation of alkenyl boronic acids

The oxyarylation of alkenyl boronic acids with N-arylbenzhydroxamic acids has been achieved under both copper-mediated and copper-catalyzed conditions to provide access to interrupted Fischer-indole intermediates. This transformation is believed to proceed through a copper-promoted C-O bond forming event followed by a [3,3] rearrangement. The scope of the method is described and mechanistic experiments are discussed.

Base-catalyzed synthesis of substituted indazoles under mild, transition-metal-free conditions

Back to basics: A transition-metal-free method developed for the synthesis of indazoles involves an inexpensive catalytic system composed of a diamine and K2CO3. Various (Z)-2-bromoacetophenone tosylhydrazones were converted into indazoles at room temperature in excellent yields (see example; Ts = p-toluenesulfonyl). The yield was improved by photoisomerization with UV light when E/Z isomeric mixtures of the starting material were used.

Silver-catalyzed oxidative coupling/cyclization of acrylamides with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds

An efficient silver-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of acrylamides with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds is described. It proceeds through a tandem radical addition/cyclization process, in which two new C–C bonds were formed.