Torquoselectivity in the Cationic Cyclopentannelation of (2Z)-Hexa-2,4,5-trienal Acetals

Computational insights into the mechanisms and origins of switchable selectivity in gold(i)-catalyzed annulation of ynamides with isoxazoles via 6π-electrocyclizations of azaheptatrienyl cations

Electrocyclizations of acyclic conjugated π-motifs have emerged as a versatile and effective strategy for accessing various ring systems with excellent functional group tolerability and controllable selectivity. Typically, the realization of 6π-electrocyclization of heptatrienyl cations to afford seven-membered motif has proven difficult due to the high-energy state of the cyclizing seven-membered intermediate. Instead, it undergoes the Nazarov cyclization, affording a five-membered pyrrole product. However, the incorporation of a Au(i)-catalyst, a nitrogen atom and tosylamide group in the heptatrienyl cations unexpectedly circumvented the aforementioned high energy state to afford a seven-membered azepine product via 6π-electrocyclization in the annulation of 3-en-1-ynamides with isoxazoles. Therefore, extensive computational studies were carried out to investigate the mechanism of Au(i)-catalyzed [4+3] annulation of 3-en-1-ynamides with dimethylisoxazoles to produce a seven-membered 4H-azepine via the 6π-electrocyclization of azaheptatrienyl cations. Computational results showed that after the formation of the key α-imino gold carbene intermediate, the annulation of 3-en-1-ynamides with dimethylisoxazole occurs via the unusual 6π-electrocyclization to afford a seven-membered 4H-azepine exclusively. However, the annulation of 3-cyclohexen-1-ynamides with dimethylisoxazole occurs via the commonly proposed aza-Nazarov cyclization pathway to majorly generate five-membered pyrrole derivatives. The results from the DFT predictive analysis revealed that the key factors responsible for the different chemo-, and regio-selectivities observed are the cooperating effect of the tosylamide group on C¹, the uninterrupted π-conjugation pattern of the α-imino gold(i) carbene and the substitution pattern at the cyclization termini. The Au(i)-catalyst is believed to assist in the stabilization of the azaheptatrienyl cation.

2-Alkylidenesulfol-3-enes by (regio- and) stereoselective cheletropic addition of SO2 to (di)vinylallenes

[reaction: see text] The cheletropic addition of SO(2) to divinylallenes is regioselective, taking place at the most substituted vinylallene and at the E unit if vinyl groups of opposite geometry are competing. Diastereofacial differentiation results from the approach of the reagent from the less-substituted direction of the allene and from the concomitant disrotatory movement of the termini of the vinylallene to afford the sterically more congested 2-alkylidenesulfol-3-ene isomer. DFT computations confirm the regio- and the stereoselectivity of these cheletropic additions.

Preparation of Vinyl Allenes from 1-Lithio-1,3-dienyl Phosphine Oxides and Aldehydes by the Wittig−Horner Reaction

[reaction: see text] Vinyl allenes were prepared in high yields by the Wittig-Horner reaction of 1-lithio-1,3-dienyl phosphine oxides with aldehydes. 1-Lithio-1,3-dienyl phosphine oxides were generated in situ from lithiation of 1-iodo-1,3-dienyl phosphine oxides, which were obtained by iodination of alpha-phosphinozirconacyclopentadienes. As a whole, a vinyl allene is synthesized from two different alkynes and one aldehyde.

Torquoselectivity induced by lone-pair conjugation in the electrocyclic reactions of 1-azapolyenes

Torquoselectivity in the electrocyclic interconversions of 1-azapolyenes and their heterocyclic isomers was investigated theoretically. The ring openings of 1,2-dihydroazete, 1,2-dihydropyridine, and 1,2-dihydroazocine were examined using HF, MP2, and B3LYP calculations. A large preference for inward rotation of the nitrogen lone pair and outward rotation of the N-H group was found for the four- and six-electron systems. No strong preference was observed for the eight-electron system.