Rhodium-catalyzed tandem annulation and (5 + 1) cycloaddition: 3-hydroxy-1,4-enyne as the 5-carbon component

A Rh-catalyzed tandem annulation and (5 + 1) cycloaddition was realized. 3-Hydroxy-1,4-enyne served as the new 5-carbon component for the (5 + 1) cycloaddition. Substituted carbazoles, dibenzofurans, and tricyclic compounds containing a cyclohexadienone moiety could be prepared efficiently. The identification of a byproduct suggests that metal carbene and ketene intermediates may be involved in the (5 + 1) cycloaddition.

Benzannulation via the reaction of ynamides and vinylketenes. application to the synthesis of highly substituted indoles

A two-stage "tandem strategy" for the synthesis of indoles with a high level of substitution on the six-membered ring is described. Benzannulation based on the reaction of cyclobutenones with ynamides proceeds via a cascade of four pericyclic reactions to produce multiply substituted aniline derivatives in which the position ortho to the nitrogen can bear a wide range of functionalized substituents. In the second stage of the tandem strategy, highly substituted indoles are generated via acid-, base-, and palladium-catalyzed cyclization and annulation processes.

Practical synthesis of indoles and benzofurans in water using a heterogeneous bimetallic catalyst

This paper describes the preparation of indoles, azaindoles and benzofurans in pure water by using a new heterogeneous Pd–Cu/C catalyst through a cascade Sonogashira alkynylation–cyclization sequence. Details of the optimization studies and the substrate scope are discussed. This procedure allows the preparation of heterocycles with good yields and is tolerant to a wide variety of functional groups.

Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of unprotected, nitrogen-rich heterocycles: substrate scope and mechanistic investigation

The Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of unprotected, nitrogen-rich heterocycles using precatalysts P1 or P2 is reported. The procedure allows for the reaction of variously substituted indazole, benzimidazole, pyrazole, indole, oxindole, and azaindole halides under mild conditions in good to excellent yields. Additionally, the mechanism behind the inhibitory effect of unprotected azoles on Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions is described based on evidence gained through experimental, crystallographic, and theoretical investigations.

Platinum-catalyzed tandem indole annulation/arylation for the synthesis of diindolylmethanes and indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles

Various diindolylmethanes were prepared from propargylic ethers and substituted indoles via a platinum-catalyzed tandem indole annulation/arylation cascade. The resulting diindolylmethanes could be converted to natural product malassezin by formylation or indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles by cyclization.

Enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-blennolide A

Blennolide A can be synthesized through an enantioselective domino-Wacker/carbonylation/methoxylation reaction of 7a with 96 % ee and an enantioselective Wacker oxidation of 7b with 89 % ee. Further transformations led to the α,β-unsaturated ester (E)-17, which was subjected to a highly selective Michael addition, introducing a methyl group to give 18a. After a threefold oxidation and an intramolecular acylation, the tetrahydroxanthenone 4 was obtained, which could be transformed into (-)-blennolide A (ent-1) in a few steps.

Three-component domino reactions for regioselective formation of bis-indole derivatives

A microwave-assisted regioselective reaction dealing with arylglyoxal monohydrate, diverse N-aryl enaminones, and indoles to achieve 3,2'- and 3,3'-bis-indoles by varying a substituted indole substrate is reported. The 2-unsubstituted indoles resulted in the 3,2'-bis-indole skeleton, whereas indoles bearing a methyl or phenyl group at C2 led to the 3,3'-bis-indoles with simultaneous formation of three sigma-bonds. The procedures feature excellent regioselectivity, short reaction times, convenient one-pot manner, and operational simplicity.

Palladium-catalyzed dual C-H or N-H functionalization of unfunctionalized indole derivatives with alkenes and arenes

This review highlights the development of palladium-catalyzed C-H and N-H functionalization reactions involving indole derivatives. These procedures require unactivated starting materials and are respectful of the basic principle of sustainable chemistry tied to atom economy.