Three-component reaction of small-ring cyclic amines with arynes and acetonitrile

Three-component coupling reactions of arynes for the synthesis of benzofurans and coumarins

The domino three-component coupling reaction of arynes with DMF and active methylenes or methines was studied as a highly efficient method for preparing heterocycles. Coumarin derivative 5 was formed when diethyl malonate (2) or α-bromomalonate (3) were used as a C2-unit. In contrast, dihydrobenzofurans 7a and 7b were obtained by using α-chloroenolates generated from α-chloromalonates 4a and 4b and Et₂Zn. The benzofuran 15a could be obtained by using ethyl iodoacetate (14) as a C1-unit. The one-pot conversion of dihydrobenzofurans 7a, 7b and 8a into benzofurans 15a and 15b was also studied. The direct synthesis of benzofuran 15b was achieved by using the active methine 18 having ketone and ester groups.

Employing arynes in transition-metal-free monoarylation of aromatic tertiary amines

The highly monoselective N-arylation of aromatic tertiary amines using a transition-metal-free approach using arynes has been developed. The reaction afforded functionalized diaryl amines in moderate to excellent yield. High levels of functional group compatibility especially with halogen containing substrates, dyes and donor-acceptor systems, and high yields of products are the notable features of the present reaction.