Transition-Metal-Free Multicomponent Reactions Involving Arynes, N-Heterocycles, and Isatins

Transition-Metal-Free C2-Functionalization of Pyridines through Aryne Three-Component Coupling

The direct C2-functionalization of pyridines through a transition-metal-free protocol by using aryne multicomponent coupling is demonstrated. The reaction allowed a broad-scope synthesis of C2-substituted pyridine derivatives bearing the -CF₃ group in good yields with α,α,α-trifluoroacetophenones as the third component. Activated keto esters could also be employed as the third component in this formal 1,2-di(hetero)arylation of ketones. Performing the reaction under dilute conditions inhibited the competing pyridine-aryne polymerization pathway. Nucleophilic attack by the initially generated pyridylidene intermediate on the carbonyl followed by an S_N Ar process resembling the Smiles rearrangement affords the desired products.

Aryne Multicomponent Reactions by Directed C-H Activation

Arylation via ortho C-H activation by the aid of directing groups has been explored recently by many researchers. Herein, a palladium-catalyzed C-H arylation using 8-aminoquinoline as a bidentate directing group has been developed. The reaction furnishes only C-H arylation, unlike previous methods where cyclization to corresponding isoquinolones is observed. More interestingly, sequential C-H functionalization was observed when methylacrylate and acrylonitrile was added; this led to C-H olefination with the aryl group, which was installed from the aryne precursor.

Arynes as Radical Acceptors: TEMPO-Mediated Cascades Comprising Addition, Cyclization, and Trapping

The application of arynes as radical acceptors is described. The stable radical TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine 1-oxyl) is shown to add to various ortho-substituted benzynes generating the corresponding aryl radicals which engage in 5-exo or 6-endo cyclizations. The cyclized radicals are eventually trapped by TEMPO. The introduced method provides ready access to various dihydrobenzofurans, oxindoles, and sultones by a conceptually novel approach.

Rapid Synthesis of Zwitterionic Phosphonium Benzoates by a Three-Component Coupling Involving Phosphines, Arynes and CO2

A mild and easy to perform multicomponent coupling involving phosphines, arynes generated from 2-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates, and CO₂ allowing the transition-metal-free synthesis of zwitterionic phosphonium benzoates has been developed. The reaction proceeds via the generation of 1 : 1 zwitterionic intermediates from phosphines and arynes followed by the interception with CO₂ to deliver the carboxylates in moderate to good yields instead of the anticipated benzooxaphosphol-3(1H)-ones.

CuI -Mediated Bromoalkynylation and Hydroalkynylation Reactions of Unsymmetrical Benzynes: Complementary Modes of Addition

Benzynes formed by heating a suitable triyne (or tetrayne) substrate are shown to react with in situ generated alkynyl copper species. The latter are compatible with the polyyne substrates and two types of chemistries have been achieved: (i) 1-bromo-1-alkynes efficiently undergo net bromoalkynylation of the (unsymmetrical) benzynes and (ii) in situ generated alkynylcopper species give rise to hydroalkynylation products. The regiochemical preferences of these two modes of reaction are complementary to one another with respect to the position of alkynyl substituent in the final products.

Synthesis of quinolinones with palladium-catalyzed oxidative annulation between acrylamides and arynes

An unprecedented palladium-catalyzed oxidative annulation of acrylamides with benzyne precursors has been successfully developed. By using this mild "N-H activation/Heck reaction" method, a wide variety of quinolinones were conveniently prepared in one step with high efficiency.