Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Dihydropyrido[1,2‐ a ]indoles from Nitrones and Allenoates

Catalyst-Free Regioselective [3+2] Cycloadditions of α,β-unsaturated N-arylnitrones with Alkenes to Access Functionalized Isoxazolidines: A DFT Study

The catalyst-free regioselective [3+2]-cycloaddition of α,β-unsaturated N-arylnitrones with alkenes are developed. The series of synthetically important functionalized isoxazolidines are prepared in good to excellent yields by step economic pathway under ligand and transition-metal-free conditions. The regioselective cycloaddition pathway supported by control experiment and computational study.

A Cooperative Hydrogen Bond Donor-Brønsted Acid System for the Enantioselective Synthesis of Tetrahydropyrans

Carbocations stabilized by adjacent oxygen atoms are useful reactive intermediates involved in fundamental chemical transformations. These oxocarbenium ions typically lack sufficient electron density to engage established chiral Brønsted or Lewis acid catalysts, presenting a major challenge to their widespread application in asymmetric catalysis. Leading methods for selectivity operate primarily through electrostatic pairing between the oxocarbenium ion and a chiral counterion. A general approach to new enantioselective transformations of oxocarbenium ions requires novel strategies that address the weak binding capabilities of these intermediates. We demonstrate herein a novel cooperative catalysis system for selective reactions with oxocarbenium ions. This new strategy has been applied to a highly selective and rapid oxa-Pictet-Spengler reaction and highlights a powerful combination of an achiral hydrogen bond donor with a chiral Brønsted acid.

Syntheses of Highly Functionalized Spirocyclohexenes by Formal [4+2] Annulation of Arylidene Azlactones with Allenoates

A straightforward phosphine-catalyzed formal [4+2] annulation between α-branched allenoates and arylidene azlactones has been developed to access highly functionalized spirocyclohexenes. This cyclization favors the γ-addition of the phosphine-activated allenoates over a β'-addition pathway. Detailed computational studies support the proposed mechanism and provide a reasonable explanation for the observed regioselectivity and the noted effect of the catalyst.