Synthesis of Selenium-Decorated N-Oxide Isoquinolines: Arylseleninic Acids in Selenocyclization Reactions

Herein, we describe the use of benzeneseleninic acid derivatives (BSA) as a bench-stable and easy to handle selenium reagent to access 4-(selanyl)isoquinoline-N-oxides through the selenocyclization of o-alkynyl benzaldehyde oximes. The reaction is conducted in refluxing methanol, allowing the thermal generation of electrophilic selenium species in situ. By this new protocol, a library of 19 selenium-decorated N-oxide isoquinolines was accessed in up to 96% yield with an outstanding substrate tolerance and the feasibility to scale it up 10 times (from 0.25 to 2.5 mmol).

Interconversion between multicomponent slider-on-deck and palladium capsule: regulation of catalysis and encapsulation

When the slider-on-deck [Cu3(1)(2)]3+ and guest G were treated with palladium(II) ions, the biped 2 was released from [Cu3(1)(2)]3+ generating the nanocage [Pd2(2)4(G)]4+ with guest G being encapsulated (NetState-II). This transformation that was reversed by the addition of DMAP enabled modulation of both the overall fluorescence and the activity of copper(I) catalyzing an aza Hopf cyclization.

Computational Investigation of the Formation of Substituted Isoindole N-Oxides through the Photo-oxidative Cyclization of 2'-Alkynylacetophenone Oximes

Our recently published joint experiment-theory study of the photo-oxidative intramolecular cyclization of 2'-alkynylacetophenone oximes, performed in collaboration with the de Lijser group, presented the first reported formation of isoindole N-oxides. That study focused on determining a mechanistic explanation for the unexpected chemistry observed when three 2'-alkynylacetophenone oximes were photo-oxidized with 9,10-dicyanoanthracene (DCA), specifically the derivatives with a phenyl, isopropyl, or n-butyl substituent at the alkynyl group. Here, we use density functional theory to develop a broader understanding of the scope of this chemistry. In particular, we demonstrate that substituents on the alkynyl group and on the central benzene ring can significantly modulate the thermodynamic driving force for oxime radical cation generation when DCA is used as the photosensitizer. In contrast, substituents are shown to have a small impact on the chemical reactivity of the radical cation intermediates. In particular, 5-exo radical cation cyclization, which ultimately results in an isoindole N-oxide product, is always kinetically and sometimes also thermodynamically preferred over 6-endo radical cation cyclization, which would produce an isoquinoline N-oxide product. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insights into the diversity of isoindole N-oxides that can be produced through the photo-oxidative cyclization of 2'-alkynylacetophenone oximes.

Synthesis of Indoles via Intermolecular and Intramolecular Cyclization by Using Palladium-Based Catalysts

As part of natural products or biologically active compounds, the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles is becoming incredibly valuable. Palladium is a transition metal that is widely utilized as a catalyst to facilitate carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom coupling; it is used in the synthesis of various heterocycles. This review includes the twelve years of successful indole synthesis using various palladium catalysts to establish carbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogen coupling, as well as the conditions that have been optimized.

Mechanistic Investigation of the Formation of Isoindole N-Oxides in the Electron Transfer-Mediated Oxidative Cyclization of 2'-Alkynylacetophenone Oximes

This paper describes a joint experiment-theory investigation of the formation and cyclization of 2'-alkynylacetophenone oxime radical cations using photoinduced electron transfer (PET) with DCA as the photosensitizer. Using a combination of experimental ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and calculated NMR chemical shifts, we identified the products to be isoindole N-oxides. The reaction was found to be stereoselective; only one of the two possible stereoisomers is formed under these conditions. A detailed computational investigation of the cyclization reaction mechanism suggests facile C-N bond formation in the radical cation leading to a 5-exo intermediate. Back-electron transfer from the DCA radical anion followed by barrierless intramolecular proton transfer leads to the final product. We argue that the final proton transfer step in the mechanism is responsible for the stereoselectivity observed in experiment. As a whole, this work provides new insights into the formation of complex heterocycles through oxime and oxime ether radical cation intermediates produced via PET. Moreover, it represents the first reported formation of isoindole N-oxides.

Oxone-Promoted Synthesis of 4-(Chalcogenyl)isoquinoline-N-oxides from Alkynylbenzaldoximes and Diorganyl Dichalcogenides

We report a protocol for the synthesis of 3-organyl-4-(organylchalcogenyl)isoquinoline-2-oxides via electrophilic cyclization between alkynylbenzaldoximes and diorganyl dichalcogenides promoted by Oxone. A total of 21 3-organyl-4-(organylchalcogenyl)isoquinoline-2-oxides were selectively obtained in yields of up 93% under an ultrasound irradiation condition in short reaction times (10-70 min). Additionally, the synthetic usefulness of the 3-phenyl-4-(phenylselanyl)isoquinoline-2-oxide was demonstrated in the annulation reaction with 1-(2-bromophenyl)-3-phenylprop-2-yn-1-one and in the deoxygenation reaction with phenylboronic acid.

Halogen-Induced Controllable Cyclizations as Diverse Heterocycle Synthetic Strategy

In organic synthesis, due to their high electrophilicity and leaving group properties, halogens play pivotal roles in the activation and structural derivations of organic compounds. Recently, cyclizations induced by halogen groups that allow the production of diverse targets and the structural reorganization of organic molecules have attracted significant attention from synthetic chemists. Electrophilic halogen atoms activate unsaturated and saturated hydrocarbon moieties by generating halonium intermediates, followed by the attack of carbon-containing, nitrogen-containing, oxygen-containing, and sulfur-containing nucleophiles to give highly functionalized carbocycles and heterocycles. New transformations of halogenated organic molecules that can control the formation and stereoselectivity of the products, according to the difference in the size and number of halogen atoms, have recently been discovered. These unique cyclizations may possibly be used as efficient synthetic strategies with future advances. In this review, innovative reactions controlled by halogen groups are discussed as a new concept in the field of organic synthesis.

Synthesis of 1,3-dibromo-2-aryl-1H-indenes via NBS mediated unusual bromination of 2-alkynylbenzaldoximes

An interesting side-pathway leading to 1,3-dibromo-2-aryl-1H-indenes as opposed to isoquinoline N-oxides via NBS mediated bromination of 2-alkynylbenzaldoximes.

Regioselective synthesis of functionalized dihydroisoquinolines from o-alkynylarylaldimines via the Reformatsky reaction

A novel approach for the synthesis of functionalized 1,2-dihydroisoquinolines from o-alkynylarylaldimines via the Reformatsky reaction without the aid of an external Lewis acid has been described.

Regioselective decarboxylative cross-coupling of carboxy isoquinoline N-oxides

A straightforward method for direct decarboxylative arylation of 1- and 3-carboxy isoquinaldic acid N-oxides with aryl iodides is reported. The reaction proceeded selectively at the carboxy function site to exclusively give the corresponding C-1 or C-3 arylated product. This methodology tolerates various aryl iodides substituted by electronically different groups. Combined with subsequent Reissert-Henze chlorination and SNAr amination, the decarboxylative arylation provides an efficient access to 1,3-functionalized isoquinoline-based antitumor agent.

Generation of 1-amino-isoquinoline-N-oxides via a tandem reaction of 2-alkynylbenzaldoxime with secondary amines in the presence of silver(i) and copper(i)

1-Amino-isoquinoline-N-oxides are generated under mild conditions in good yields through a silver(i) and copper(i) catalyzed reaction of 2-alkynylbenzaldoxime with secondary amines.

FeCl3-diorganyl dichalcogenides promoted cyclization of 2-organochalcogen-3-alkynylthiophenes: synthesis of chalcogenophene[2,3-b]thiophenes

We report here our results on the FeCl3-diorganyl dichalcogenides intramolecular cyclization of 2-organochalcogen-3-alkynylthiophenes. The cyclization reaction proceeded cleanly under mild reaction conditions giving the (S)-Se-, (S)-S- and (S)-Te-heterocycles in good yields. In addition, the obtained chalcogenophenes were readily transformed into more complex products using the palladium cross-coupling reaction with boronic acids. Conversely, using a metal-halogen exchange reaction with n-BuLi, the chalcogenophenes produced the lithium-intermediate which was trapped with aldehyde furnishing the desired secondary alcohol in good yield.

Rh(III)-catalyzed synthesis of multisubstituted isoquinoline and pyridine N-oxides from oximes and diazo compounds

Multisubstituted isoquinoline and pyridine N-oxides have been prepared by Rh(III)-catalyzed cyclization of oximes and diazo compounds via aryl and vinylic C-H activation. This intermolecular annulation involving tandem C-H activation, cyclization, and condensation steps proceeds under mild conditions, obviates the need for oxidants, releases N2 and H2O as the byproducts, and displays a broad substituent scope.

Pd(II)-catalyzed ortho arylation of 2-arylbenzothiazoles with aryl iodides via benzothiazole-directed C-H activation

A novel and efficient method for the arylation of 2-arylbenzothiazoles is described via C-H activation. The desired C(Ar)-C(Ar) bond formation proceeded efficiently with good functional-group tolerance and high regioselectivity. Proposed mechanism for the arylation of 2-arylbenzothiazole is depicted.

An efficient route to 1-aminoisoquinolines via AgOTf-catalyzed reaction of 2-alkynylbenzaldoxime with amine

2-Alkynylbenzaldoxime reacts with amine catalyzed by silver triflate under mild conditions, leading to 1-aminoisoquinolines in good yield. This reaction proceeds efficiently with good functional group tolerance.

1-(isoquinolin-1-yl)urea library generation via three-component reaction of 2-alkynylbenzaldoxime, carbodiimide, with electrophile

A novel and highly efficient three-component reaction of 2-alkynylbenzaldoxime, carbodiimide, with electrophile (bromine or iodine monochloride) is disclosed, which generates 1-(4-haloisoquinolin-1-yl)ureas in good yields under mild conditions. Subsequent palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction is introduced, leading to the diverse 1-(isoquinolin-1-yl)ureas.