Dimethyl Sulfoxide Participating in Copper(I) Iodide-Catalyzed Cascade Oxidation/Formylation Reactions: The Synthesis of α-Formylpyrroles from 2,3-Dihydro-1H-pyrroles

TBHP/Et3N-Promoted Chemoselective Formylation and Peroxidation of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

An efficient formylation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives has been reached by the use of TBHP (tBuOOH) and Et3N as the mediator. In this strategy, CHO and CDO can be readily incorporated into heteroarenes by the utilization of CHCl3 and CDCl3 as the carbonyl sources. Interestingly, a solvent-controlled chemoselectivity was observed. The use of PhCl as a solvent resulted in dearomatization and peroxidation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines, delivering functionalized peroxides in 53-64% yields.

KF-catalyzed direct thiomethylation of carboxylic acids with DMSO to access methyl thioesters

With dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the methylthio source, a KF-catalyzed strategy was employed for the direct thiomethylation of carboxylic acids with DMSO for the preparation of methyl thioesters. In this process, a wide range of methyl thioesters were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. This novel strategy features the first use of DMSO as a methylthiolating agent for the construction of methyl thioesters, transition metal-free conditions, inexpensive reagents, easy workup, broad substrate scope and sustainability. Additionally, this procedure can be readily scaled up to a gram scale.

NH4OAc/DMSO-Promoted Benzylation of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

Benzylation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives has been realized with various phenols by the use of ammonium acetate as a promoter (20 examples, up to 84% yield). DMSO served as the source of methylene and solvent. The employment of iron chloride as a catalyst can also afford the desired benzylated products in moderate to good yields (11 examples, up to a 74% yield).

Cobalt(III)-Catalyzed and DMSO-Involved Allylation of 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds with Alkenes

Cobalt(III)-catalyzed allylation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds has been reported with in situ generated allyl reagents from alkenes and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). This novel protocol enables a high regio- and stereoselective access for a broad range of allyl 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. In the transformation, DMSO plays the role of a C1 source, and it incorporates with alkenes to form the allyl reagent allylic methyl thioether. Moreover, a multiple-step pathway has been proposed to rationalize the mechanism study, which involves silver-mediated coupling, Co(III)-catalyzed π-allylation, and intermolecular nucleophilic substitution.

Bromine-Promoted One-Pot Furo[b]annulation and α-C(sp2)-Thiomethylation Cascade of (E)-3-Styrylquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with Dimethyl Sulfoxide

A new process has been developed for the bromine-promoted sequential (sp²)C = (sp²)C bond functionalization of (E)-3-styrylquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones and furo[b]annulation via the 5-exo-cyclization in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The reaction represents a novel strategy for the synthesis of 2-aryl-3-(methylthio)furo[2,3-b]quinoxalines and involves 3-(1,2-dibromo-2-arylethyl)quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones and 2-arylfuro[2,3-b]quinoxalines as key intermediates. Furthermore, DMSO was converted to dimethyl sulfide in situ, which served as the methylthiolation reagent in the reaction. This protocol constitutes an efficient and convenient method for the annulation and methylthiolation of (E)-3-styrylquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones bearing a wide range of functional groups in high yields at room temperature.

Modification of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and Pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines with Ammonium Acetate and Dimethyl Sulfoxide via Methylthiomethylation

An efficient methylthiomethylation of pyrroloisoquinolines and pyrroloquinolines has been reached by the use of ammonium acetate and dimethyl sulfoxide. Methylthiomethylated heterocycles can be obtained in moderate to good yields in most cases, while trace amounts to good yields of methylene-bridged products can be observed. Choice of DMSO activator and its amount have a great influence on the chemoselectivity of this process. It is worth noting that this process can also be scalable. Another feature of this process is that the product can be transformed to sulfone and sulfoxide easily.

Synthesis of methylene-bridged α,β-unsaturated ketones: α-Csp3-H methylenation of aromatic ketones using Selectfluor as a mild oxidant

A three starting material four component reaction (3SM-4CR) is developed for the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones and β-amino ketones in good yields. The reaction employs tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) as a methylene and terminal olefin source, and Selectfluor as a mild oxidant. TMEDA worked as a dual synthon to provide two carbons in this metal-free transformation process. The scope and versatility of the methods have been demonstrated with 23 examples. A Selectfluor-promoted oxidative reaction mechanism is proposed based on the results of the experimental studies.

MnSO4-Promoted S-O Bond Cleavage to Synthesize Functionalized Sulfonium Ylides from Activated Alkynes and Sulfoxides

A variety of functionalized sulfonium ylides were prepared in good yields through MnSO4-promoted S-O bond cleavage from activated alkynes and sulfoxides. Experimental results showed that MnSO4-catalyst played important roles to...

Synthesis of Cyclopentenes and Cyclohexenes Via Cobalt(II)-Catalyzed Oxidative Cyclization

A unique method for the synthesis of cyclopentenes and cyclohexenes has been achieved by the coupling of diketones and alkenes under cobalt(II) catalysis and dimethyl sulfoxide involvement. Under optimal conditions, the formation of five- and six-membered rings can be readily controlled by the α-position substitution of styrenes. This process is proposed to proceed through a reaction sequence of oxidative coupling (mediated by K₂S₂O₈), regioselective alkene insertion (promoted by cobalt), and intramolecular attack of the resulting allylcobalt species on the carbonyl group or methyl group in the reactive methylene process.

Potassium Persulfate Mediated Chemodivergent C-3 Functionalization of 2H-Indazoles with DMSO as C1 Source

A facile, efficient, and transition-metal-free chemodivergent C-3 functionalization of 2H-indazoles was developed under aerobic conditions using carboxylic acid and DMSO as the combined source of the carboxylic acid ester group and DMSO as the formylating agent. A series of formylated indazoles and carboxylic acid esters of indazole derivatives were produced in moderate to excellent yields. The mechanistic studies suggest that the reactions probably proceed through a radical pathway.

Formylation and Bromination of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline Derivatives with Bromoisobutyrate and Dimethyl Sulfoxide

We have developed an efficient formylation of pyrroloisoquinolines using bromoisobutyrate and dimethyl sulfoxide as carbonyl reagent. Various formylated pyrroloisoquinolines could be prepared in good yields (up to 94%). This formylation process can be easily scaled up to gram scale with good yield. In most cases of pyrroloisoquinolines without methoxy groups, the combination of bromoisobutyrate and dimethyl sulfoxide could act as a bromination reagent, delivering brominated pyrroloisoquinolines in acceptable to good yields (up to 82%).

An expedient route to tricyanovinylindoles and indolylmaleimides from o-alkynylanilines utilising DMSO as a one-carbon synthon

A Pd(ii)/Cu(ii) catalysed domino synthesis of tricyanovinylindoles has been achieved using DMSO as a one-carbon synthon. The reaction proceeds via the construction of 2-aryl-3-formyl indole followed by sequential addition of malononitrile and a CN resulting in two C-C, one C[double bond, length as m-dash]C and one C-N bonds in the final product. Furthermore, post-synthetic modification results in the unprecedented formation of 4-cyano-3-indolylmaleimides. Photophysical studies of selected compounds show emission in the visible range.

Synthesis of 3-benzylidenetetrahydrofurans: Tf2O-catalyzed hydroxylation/cyclization of cyclopropanemethanols with DMSO

A formal hydroxylation/cyclization of cyclopropanemethanols with DMSO is described, which involves isomerization and cyclization under Tf₂O catalysis. This reaction undergoes ring-opening of the cyclopropane moiety to generate homoallylic alcohols, which react with DMSO to produce 3-benzylidenetetrahydrofurans. With various substituted groups on cyclopropanemethanols the reactions proceed smoothly and the desired 3-benzylidenetetrahydrofurans are obtained in moderate to good yields.

Isolation and synthesis of cryptosanguinolentine (isocryptolepine), a naturally-occurring bioactive indoloquinoline alkaloid

Cryptosanguinolentine (isocryptolepine) is one of the minor naturally-occurring monomeric indoloquinoline alkaloids, isolated from the West African climbing shrub Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. The natural product displays such a simple and unique skeleton, which chemists became interested in well before it was found in Nature. Because of its structure and biological activity, the natural product has been targeted for synthesis on numerous occasions, employing a wide range of different strategies. Hence, discussed here are aspects related to the isolation of isocryptolepine, as well as the various approaches toward its total synthesis.

A new tandem synthesis of bis(β,β'-dialkoxy carbonyl) compounds by oxidative cleavage of aziridines under metal-free conditions

An efficient and new approach has been developed to synthesize bis(β,β'-dialkoxy carbonyl) derivatives through the reaction between N-tosylaziridines and malonate esters under ambient air using tBuOK in DMSO solvent. A plausible reaction pathway has been predicted. Control experiments suggested that the reactions proceed through the formation of α-aminoketones. This reaction offers a broad substrate scope, metal-free synthesis, excellent regioselectivity, easily accessible reactants, and simple operation. A gram-scale synthesis demonstrates the potential applications of the present method.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Allylation of Amides with Styrenes Using DMSO as Both the Solvent and the α-Methylene Source

An efficient synthesis of privileged allylic amines has been developed via cobalt-catalyzed allylation of amides with styrenes, in which DMSO was used as both the solvent and the α-methylene source. This transformation features high yields, and selectivity for the (E)-isomer of the linear product. Through the experimental and computational investigations, a sequential K₂S₂O₈-mediated oxidative coupling/cobalt-assisted regioselective alkene insertion/β-H elimination/alkene dissociation/hydride transfer process has also been deduced.

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of pyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives from 2-gem-dipyrazolylvinylbromobenzenes

An efficient copper-catalyzed synthesis of pyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines from 2-gem-dipyrazolylvinylbromobenzenes under mild conditions has been developed.

A cascade oxidation/[4 + 1] annulation of sulfonium salts for synthesis of polyfunctional furans: DMSO as one carbon source

A novel DMSO-involved cascade reaction of stabilized sulfonium salts has been established for direct construction of polyfunctional furans.

Molecular iodine-mediated formal [2+1+1+1] cycloaddition access to pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with DMSO as the methylene source

A molecular iodine-mediated formal [2+1+1+1] cycloaddition for the efficient synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines from acetophenones, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) and DMSO has been developed.

Ammonium Acetate-Promoted One-Pot Tandem Aldol Condensation/Aza-Addition Reactions: Synthesis of 2,3,6,7-Tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridin-4(5H)-ones

An efficient tandem intermolecular one-pot aldol condensation/aza-addition reaction of 2-methyl-3-carbamoylpyrroles and aldehydes was developed for the synthesis of 2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridin-4(5H)-ones. The reaction proceeded using only 3.0 equiv of ammonium acetate promoter in green solvent poly(ethylene glycol)-400 at 100 °C to afford a series of pyrrolo[3,2-c]pyridinone derivatives in good to excellent yields.

Introducing tetramethylurea as a new methylene precursor: a microwave-assisted RuCl3-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling approach to bis(indolyl)methanes

The microwave-assisted synthesis of symmetrical/unsymmetrical bis(indolyl)methanes using tetramethylurea as a methylene source.

Carbon annulation of ortho-vinylanilines with dimethyl sulfoxide to access 4-aryl quinolines

A palladium-catalyzed annulation of ortho-vinylanilines with dimethyl sulfoxide was developed to access 4-aryl quinolines in moderate to good yields.