Gold-Catalyzed Intramolecular Reaction of Indoles with Alkynes: Facile Formation of Eight-Membered Rings and an Unexpected Allenylation

Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-Mediated Intramolecular Cyclization of Allenamides To Access C1-Vinyl Tetrahydro-β-carbolines

The construction of biologically interesting N-heterocycles under metal-free conditions is a constant goal in industry and academia. Herein, we have developed an hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-mediated intramolecular cyclization of allenamides, providing tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives embedded with a C1-vinyl functionality. The metal-free protocol provided tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives atom-efficiently under room temperature with a broad substrate scope in good to excellent yields. The potential impact of the protocol is further highlighted by synthesizing derivatives of biologically important molecules and diversified scaffolds via postsynthetic modifications.

C-H functionalization of 2-alkyl tryptamines: direct assembly of azepino[4,5-b]indoles and total synthesis of ngouniensines

The Pictet-Spengler type condensation of tryptamine derivatives and aldehydes or ketones is a classic reaction, and has been previously applied to assemble indole-annulated 5-, 6- and 8-membered heterocyclic rings. In this work, we further expand the synthetic scope of this reaction to the 7-membered azepino[4,5-b]indole skeleton through the direct C-H functionalization of 2-alkyl tryptamines, in which the non-activated methylene group participates in a 7-membered ring formation with aldehydes. By combining this unprecedented ring-forming process with a second C-H olefination at the same carbon, the concise total synthesis of natural products ngouniensines is achieved, demonstrating the synthetic potential of the developed chemistry in simplifying retrosynthetic disconnections.

Metal-catalyzed Markovnikov-type selective hydrofunctionalization of terminal alkynes

Metal-catalyzed highly Markovnikov-type selective hydrofunctionalization of terminal alkynes provides a straightforward and atom-economical route to access 1,1-disubstituted alkenes, which have a wide range of applications in organic synthesis. However, the highly Markovnikov-type selective transformations are challenging due to the electronic and steric effects during the addition process. With the development of metal-catalyzed organic synthesis, different metal catalysts have been developed to solve this challenge, especially for platinum group metal catalysts. In this perspective, we review homogeneous metal-catalyzed Markovnikov-type selective hydrofunctionalization of terminal alkynes according to the classified element types as well as reaction mechanisms. Future avenues for investigation are also presented to help expand this exciting field.

Copper-Catalyzed [2 + 2] Cyclization/Ring Expansion of Ene-Ynamides: Construction of Medium- and Large-Sized Rings

Catalytic cyclization of enynes is an efficient approach for the preparation of cyclic compounds, and a large variety of four- to six-membered rings could be synthesized using this method. However, it has been rarely employed for the construction of medium- and large-sized rings. Herein, we describe a copper-catalyzed cycloisomerization of ene-ynamides through a [2 + 2] cyclization/electrocyclic ring opening cascade, leading to the atom-economical assembly of indole-fused medium- and large-sized rings in moderate to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Importantly, the synthetic utility of this reaction was demonstrated by the convenient synthesis of iprindole.

Syntheses of Tetracyclic Indoline Derivatives Via Gold(I)-Catalyzed Hydroamination/Cycloisomerization Cascade of 2-Ethynyltryptamides

A gold(I)-catalyzed hydroamination/cycloisomerization cascade reaction was developed to yield indolizino[8,7-b]indole and indolo[2,3-a]-quinolizine derivatives from 2-ethynyltryptamides. The optimal conditions were determined by condition screening, and the functional group tolerances of these reactions were explored based on synthetic substrates. An insight into the explanation on the selectivity of the ring closure was obtained by density functional theory calculations. A plausible mechanism for the cascade reactions was proposed. Derivatization of the indolizino[8,7-b]indole and total synthesis of nauclefidine demonstrated the practicality of this strategy.

Cascade hydroarylation/Diels-Alder cycloaddition of alkynylindoles with electron-deficient alkynes and alkenes

Herein, a novel cascade gold(I)-catalyzed hydroarylation of alkynylindoles and subsequent Diels-Alder cycloaddition with electron-deficient alkynes and alkenes is described. A variety of azepino-fused hydrocarbazoles and carbazoles were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Key features of this methodology are low catalyst loadings, high regioselectivity, broad functional group tolerances, access to important heterocycles, and 100% atom economy.

Synthesis of Azepino[4,5-b]indole via Ring Expansion of Tetrahydro-β-carbolines Ammonium Ylide

The formal cyclization strategy was generally used to construct azepino[4,5-b]indole. Herein, we reported a novel and expeditious protocol for the synthesis of quaternary carbon azepino[4,5-b]indole via ring expansion of ammonium ylide, which was formed by the reaction of tetrahydro-β-carbolines with the diazo compound. The easily available substrates, mild reaction conditions, and broad functional tolerance rendered this method a practical strategy that may significantly afford an efficient method of scaffold hopping in drug discovery.

Catalyst- and Substrate-Controlled Regiodivergent Synthesis of Carbazoles through Gold-Catalyzed Cyclizations of Indole-Functionalized Alkynols

A wide variety of regioselectively substituted carbazole derivatives can be synthesized by the gold-catalyzed cyclization of alkynols bearing an indol-3-yl and an additional group at the homopropargylic positions. The regioselectivity of the process can be controlled by both the oxidation state of the gold catalyst and the electronic nature of the substituents of the alkynol moiety. The 1,2-alkyl migration in the spiroindoleninium intermediate, generated after indole attack to the activated alkyne, is favored with gold(I) complexes and for electron-rich aromatic substituents at the homopropargylic position, whereas the 1,2-alkenyl shift is preferred when using gold(III) salts and for alkyl or non-electron-rich aromatic groups.

Post-Ugi Cyclizations Towards Polycyclic N-Heterocycles

The Ugi reaction has become one of the highly explored reactions for the formation of multifunctional adducts, due to the mild reaction conditions, wide scope and high variability. By carefully selecting the starting four components, Ugi-adducts could undergo different kinds of post-transformations for the synthesis of bioactive heterocycles, natural products and macrocycles. Considering the significance of polycycles, diverse post-Ugi transformations have been developed over the years for constructing structurally novel polycycles. In this account, we summarize important efforts for the synthesis of polycyclic N-heterocycles via post-Ugi cyclizations from the Van der Eycken laboratory onwards 2016. With the aid of transition metal catalysis from gold, rhodium, silver and palladium, as well as metal-free strategies, versatile polyheterocycles are prepared with high efficiency and step-economy.

Gold(I)-Catalyzed Substitution-Controlled Syntheses of Spiro[indoline-3,3'-pyrrolidine] and Spiro[indoline-3,3'-piperidine] Derivatives

Spiro[indoline-3,3'-pyrrolidine] and spiro[indoline-3,3'-piperidine] derivatives were synthesized in a substitution-controlled manner under the catalysis of cationic gold(I) species in the presence of Hantzsch ester (HEH). The optimal reaction condition was determined by screening, and the functional group tolerances of these two pathways were examined by readily synthetic substrates. The endo and exo selectivities of these cyclizations were elucidated by density functional theory calculations, and a plausible mechanism for these transformations was proposed.

Computational insight into gold(I)-catalyzed intramolecular regioselectivity of tryptamine-ynamide cycloisomerizations

The regioselectivity for gold(I)-catalyzed intramolecular cycloisomerizations of tryptamine-ynamides has long been elusive despite various synthetic examples of similar substrates being available. Computational studies were carried out to provide insight into the mechanisms and the origin of the substrate-dependent regioselectivity of these transformations. Based on the analyses of non-covalent interactions, distortion/interaction, and energy decomposition on the interactions between the terminal substituent of alkynes and the gold(I) catalytic ligand, the electrostatic effect was determined to be the key factor for α-position selectivity while the dispersion effect was determined to be the key factor for β-position selectivity. Our computational results were consistent with the experimental observations. This study provides useful guidance for understanding other similar gold(I)-catalyzed asymmetric alkyne cyclization reactions.

Spectroscopic Manifestations and Implications for Catalysis of Quasi-d10 Configurations in Formal Gold(III) Complexes

Several gold +I and +III complexes are investigated computationally and spectroscopically, focusing on the d-configuration and physical oxidation state of the metal center. Density functional theory calculations reveal the non-negligible electron-sharing covalent character of the metal-to-ligand σ-bonding framework. The bonding of gold(III) is shown to be isoelectronic to the formal CuIII complex [Cu(CF3 )4 ]1- , in which the metal center tries to populate its formally unoccupied 3dx2-y2 orbital via σ-bonding, leading to a reduced d10 CuI description. However, Au L3 -edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals excitation into the d-orbital of the AuIII species is still possible, showing that a genuine d10 configuration is not achieved. We also find an increased electron-sharing nature of the σ-bonds in the AuI species, relative to their AgI and CuI analogues, due to the low-lying 6s orbital. We propose that gold +I and +III complexes form similar bonds with substrates, owing primarily to participation of the 5dx2-y2 or 6s orbital, respectively, in bonding, indicating why AuI and AuIII complexes often have similar reactivity.

Access to Azepino-Annulated Benzo[c]carbazoles Enabled by Gold-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Alkynylindoles and Subsequent Oxidative Cyclization

Herein, we report a facile and efficient synthetic method to construct azepino[1,2-a]indoles through a novel gold(I)-catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation of alkynylindoles. A wide range of functional groups can be well tolerated in this transformation, and the corresponding highly functionalized azepino[1,2-a]indole skeletons were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Subsequent oxidation of the products gave the interesting and valuable polycyclic carbazoles, which were widely used as the key building blocks in materials science.

2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol-mediated hydroarylation of fluorinated alkynes with indoles: Application to diindolylmethanes

A new mild and practically simple alkyne hydroarylation protocol for the synthesis of 3-(indol-3-yl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid esters by the reaction of indole derivatives with ethyl/methyl 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-(indol-3-yl)but-2-enoates in trifluoroethanol was developed. This method has the following advantages: no catalyst, atom economy, high yields, broad substrate scope, and large-scale synthesis. The potential application of this protocol was further demonstrated by the synthesis of a variety of CF₃ -substituted synthons and a new class of (un)symmetrical 3,3'-diindolylmethanes with a quaternary carbon core that might be biologically active.

A mechanistic study on the gold(i)-catalyzed cyclization of propargylic amide: revealing the impact of expanded-ring N-heterocyclic carbenes

Density functional theory (DFT) was applied to understand the mechanistic pathway of the gold(i)-catalyzed cyclization of propargylic amide, and to reveal the impact of expanded-ring N-heterocyclic carbenes.

Catalytic Gold Chemistry: From Simple Salts to Complexes for Regioselective C-H Bond Functionalization

Gold coordinated to neutral phosphines (R₃ P), N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) or anionic ligands is catalytically active in functionalizing various C-H bonds with high selectivity. The sterics/electronic nature of the studied C-H bond, oxidation state of gold and stereoelectronic capacity of the coordinated auxiliary ligand are some of the associated selectivity factors in gold-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization reactions. Hence, in this review a comprehensive update about the action of different types of gold catalysts, from simple to sophisticated ones, on C-H bond reactions and their regiochemical outcome is disclosed. This review also highlights the catalytic applications of Au(I)- and Au(III)-species in creating new opportunities for the regio- and site-selective activation of challenging C-H bonds. Finally, it also intends to stress the potential applications in selective C-H bond activation associated with a variety of heterocycles recently described in the literature.

Catalyst-Controlled Regiodivergence in Rearrangements of Indole-Based Onium Ylides

We have developed catalyst-controlled regiodivergent rearrangements of onium-ylides derived from indole substrates. Oxonium ylides formed in situ from substituted indoles selectively undergo [2,3]- and [1,2]-rearrangements in the presence of a rhodium and a copper catalyst, respectively. The combined experimental and density functional theory (DFT) computational studies indicate divergent mechanistic pathways involving a metal-free ylide in the rhodium catalyzed reaction favoring [2,3]-rearrangement, and a metal-coordinated ion-pair in the copper catalyzed [1,2]-rearrangement that recombines in the solvent-cage. The application of our methodology was demonstrated in the first total synthesis of the indole alkaloid (±)-sorazolon B, which enabled the stereochemical reassignment of the natural product. Further functional group transformations of the rearrangement products to generate valuable synthetic intermediates were also demonstrated.

Palladium-Catalyzed Synthesis of 1-Vinyltetrahydro-β-carbolines and Aza-spiroindolenines: Access to the Syntheses of 1-Vinyl-β-carbolines and Eudistomins Y1 and Y2

A general synthesis of 1-vinyltetrahydro-β-carbolines (THBCs) has been achieved via palladium(0)-catalyzed cyclocondensation between allenyltryptamines and aryl iodides. Aza-spiroindolenines could also be accessed from the N-unsubstituted indole substrates by simply tweaking the reaction conditions. DDQ-mediated oxidation of THBCs easily afforded β-carbolines, which could be synthetically transformed into 1-aroyl-β-carbolines of pharmacological interest. Formal total syntheses of eudistomins Y1 and Y2 have also been achieved.

Divergent Gold Catalysis: Unlocking Molecular Diversity through Catalyst Control

The catalyst-directed divergent synthesis, commonly termed as "divergent catalysis", has emerged as a promising technique as it allows chartering of structurally distinct products from common substrates simply by modulating the catalyst system. In this regard, gold complexes emerged as powerful catalysts as they offer unique reactivity profiles as compared to various other transition metal catalysts, primarily due to their salient electronic and geometrical features. Owing to the tunable soft π-acidic nature, gold catalysts not only evolved as superior contenders for catalyzing the reactions of alkynes, alkenes, and allenes but also, more intriguingly, have been found to provide divergent reaction pathways over other π-acid catalysts such as Ag, Pt, Pd, Rh, Cu, In, Sc, Hg, Zn, etc. The recent past has witnessed a renaissance in such examples wherein, by choosing gold catalysts over other transition metal catalysts or by fine-tuning the ligands, counteranions or oxidation states of the gold catalyst itself, a complete reactivity switch was observed. However, reviews documenting such examples are sporadic; as a result, most of the reports of this kind remained scattered in the literature, thereby hampering further development of this burgeoning field. By conceptualizing the idea of "Divergent Gold Catalysis (DGC)", this review aims to consolidate all such reports and provide a unified approach necessary to pave the way for further advancement of this exciting area. Based on the factors governing the divergence in product formation, an explicit classification of DGC has been provided. To gain a fundamental understanding of the divergence in observed reactivities and selectivities, the review is accompanied by mechanistic insights at appropriate places.

An Apparent Umpolung Reactivity of Indole through [Au]-Catalysed Cyclisation and Lewis-Acid-Mediated Allylation

The sequential functionalization of indole C2 and C3 in an umpolung fashion was executed with a predesigned substrate and choice of reagents. The developed method comprises gold-catalysed alkynol cycloisomerisation/intramolecular addition of C2 of indole and subsequent BF₃ ⋅OEt₂ -mediated regioselective C3 allylation, resulting in the synthesis of the functionalized indoloisoquinolinone scaffold. The reaction involves 5-endo-alkynol cycloisomerisation and the dearomative addition of indole C2 to the intermediate oxocarbenium cation, which results in two equilibrating fused and spiropentacyclic intermediates, which upon treatment with allyl silane in the presence of BF₃ ⋅OEt₂ , undergo selective indole C3 allylation. Other nucleophiles, such as hydride, azide and indole, were also found to be compatible with this process.

Asymmetric construction of pyrido[1,2-a]-1H-indole derivatives via a gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization

Pyrido[1,2-a]-1H-indoles are important scaffolds found in many biologically active compounds. Herein, we first developed an IPrAuCl/AgSbF₆-catalyzed cycloisomerization of N-1,3-disubstituted allenyl indoles affording pyrido[1,2-a]-1H-indoles. Then the axial-to-central chirality transfer starting from enantio-enriched N-1,3-disubstituted allenylindoles affording optically active pyrido[1,2-a]-1H-indoles has been realized in excellent yields and enantioselectivities. A mechanism has been proposed based on mechanistic studies. Synthetic applications have also been demonstrated.

Solvent Effect in Gold(I)-Catalyzed Domino Reaction: Access to Furopyrans

We report an efficient synthesis of furopyrans through a gold(I)-catalyzed domino reaction. By starting from the same source and changing the solvent of the reaction, two classes of furopyrans are accessible. During this one-step process, which takes place in DMF, two bonds and two heterocycles are formed. DFT calculations furnish the mechanistic understanding of this transformation. The sequence includes a 5-endo-dig cyclization, a regioselective 8-endo-dig cyclization, and a retro 8π and a 6π electrocyclization.

Selectivity Control in Gold-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Alkynes with Indoles: Application to Unsymmetrical Bis(indolyl)methanes

Gold-catalyzed hydroarylation of unactivated alkynes with indoles have previously been reported to proceed with double indole addition to produce symmetrical bis(indolyl)methanes (BIMs). We demonstrate for the first time that the selectivity of the gold-catalyzed reaction can be fully switched to allow for isolation of the vinylindole products instead. Furthermore, this selective reaction can be utilized to synthesize the more difficult to access unsymmetrical BIMs from readily available starting materials.

Metal-Free Synthesis of Indolopyrans and 2,3-Dihydrofurans Based on Tandem Oxidative Cycloaddition

The synthesis of versatile scaffold indolopyrans based on C-C radical-radical cross-coupling under metal-free conditions is described. The reaction involving single electron transfer between coupling partners followed by cage collapse allows highly selective cross-coupling while employing only equimolar amounts of coupling partners. Moreover, the mechanistic manifold was expanded for the functionalization of enamines to give the stereoselective synthesis of 2,3-dihydrofurans. This iodine-mediated oxidative coupling features mild conditions and fast reaction kinetics.

Synthesis of Medium-Sized Heterocycles by Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Intramolecular Cyclization

Medium-sized heterocycles (with 8 to 11 atoms) constitute important structural components of several biologically active natural compounds and represent promising scaffolds in medicinal chemistry. However, they are under-represented in the screening of chemical libraries as a consequence of being difficult to access. In particular, methods involving intramolecular bond formation are challenging due to unfavorable enthalpic and entropic factors, such as transannular interactions and conformational constraints. The present review focuses on the synthesis of medium-sized heterocycles by transition-metal-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization, which despite its drawbacks remains a straightforward and attractive synthesis strategy. The obtained heterocycles differ in their nature, number of heteroatoms, and ring size. The methods are classified according to the metal used (palladium, copper, gold, silver), then subdivided according to the type of bond formed, namely carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom.

Gold(I)-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization of Anilines with Diynes: Controllable Formation of Eight-Membered Ring-Fused Indoles and Propellane-Type Indolines

Heterocycle-fused indoles or indolines are distributed widely in a variety of natural products, bioactive agents, and pharmaceuticals. Herein, we describe the development of gold-catalyzed cascade reactions of anilines with diynes to form eight-membered ring-fused indoles and propellane-type indolines, both of which proceed through an intramolecular 5-endo-dig hydroamination followed by an 8-endo-dig cycloisomerization. Controllable formation of eight-membered ring-fused indoles and propellane-type indolines was achieved through selection of the ligands and/or solvents. Protic solvents such as alcohols or IPr ligand favored the formation of eight-membered ring-fused indoles, whereas the use of Buchwald's type ligands and/or nonpolar solvents gave propellane-type indoline predominantly. This reaction provides rapid access to two types of fused nitrogen heterocycles from simple aniline derivatives.

Chalcone-Based Pyridinium Salts and Their Diastereoselective Dearomatization To Access Bibridged Benzoazepines

New chalcone-based pyridinium salts have been successfully exploited, which could smoothly participate in the highly diastereoselective dearomatization with binucleophilic enaminones by taking advantage of their multiple reactive sites to construct bibridged benzoazepines in up to 89% yields. The key to the success was the skillful and unprecedented C-3 functionalization of the new pyridinium salts. This work not only provides a kind of novel pyridinium salt synthon but also achieves the first C-3 functionalization of pyridinium salts to construct complex and challenging bibridged benzoazepines with high synthetic efficiency.

Gold-catalyzed enantioselective functionalization of indoles

This review documents the potential of enantioselective gold catalysis for the functionalization of indoles.

Divergent gold-catalysed reactions of cyclopropenylmethyl sulfonamides with tethered heteroaromatics

Cyclopropenylmethyl sulfonamides with tethered heteroaromatics have been demonstrated to undergo divergent gold-catalysed cyclisation reactions. A formal dearomative (4+3) cycloaddition takes place with furan-tethered substrates, yielding densely functionalised 5,7-fused heterocycles related to the bioactive curcusone natural products. Indole-tethered substrates display divergent reactivity giving biologically important tetrahydro-β-carbolines via a Friedel-Crafts mechanism.

Total Synthesis of the Tetrasubstituted Furan Fatty Acid Metabolite CeDFP via Au-Catalyzed Intermolecular Alkyne Hydroarylation

The first total synthesis of the tetrasubstituted furan fatty acid (FFA) metabolite 5-[(1 E)-2-carboxyethenyl]-3,4-dimethyl-2-furanpentanoic acid (CeDFP) is reported. CeDFP is a FFA metabolite isolated from shark livers and is related to the known FFA metabolites CMPF and CMPentylF. Key elements of the synthetic route to CeDFP include an iodine-promoted 5- endo- dig cyclization of a 1,2-alkyne diol, a methyllithium-mediated insertion of the C₃-methyl group, and a Au(I)-catalyzed intermolecular hydroarylation to introduce the unsaturated ester.

Zn(OTf)2-mediated annulations of N-propargylated tetrahydrocarbolines: divergent synthesis of four distinct alkaloidal scaffolds

Experimental and computational studies gained insights into Zn(OTf)₂-mediated annulations and allowed programmable synthesis of four distinct alkaloidal scaffolds.

Intramolecular hydroarylations of N-propargylated tetrahydrocarbolines were efficiently mediated using a unique combination of Zn(OTf)₂ with t-BuOH under neutral conditions. Use of the artificial force induced reaction method in the global reaction route mapping strategy provided insights into the Zn(OTf)₂-mediated hydroarylations and the associated intriguing solvent effects of t-BuOH facilitating a protodezincation process without a Brønsted acid activator. We systematically implemented three distinct hydroarylations as well as an unanticipated α-alkenylation of a carbonyl group to obtain the four alkaloidal scaffolds 2–4, and 18. Zn(OTf)₂-mediated annulation of 1c proceeded through kinetic formation of the spiroindole 3c followed by an alkenyl shift and concomitant retro-Mannich-type fragmentation to furnish azepino[4,5-b]indole 2 framework. Substituents on substrate 1 in the vicinity of the reaction sites substantially affected the mode of the divergent annulations. Judicious choices of the substituents, solvent and reaction conditions enabled programmable divergent synthesis of the four distinct skeletons.

Copper-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization of Indolyl Homopropargyl Amides: Stereospecific Construction of Bridged Aza-[n.2.1] Skeletons

Catalytic cycloisomerization-initiated cascade cyclizations of terminal alkynes have received tremendous interest, and been widely used in the facile synthesis of a diverse array of valuable complex heterocycles. However, these tandem reactions have been mostly limited to noble-metal catalysis, and are initiated by an exo-cyclization pathway. Reported herein is an unprecedented copper-catalyzed endo-cyclization-initiated tandem reaction of indolyl homopropargyl amides, where copper catalyzes both the hydroamination and Friedel-Crafts alkylation process. This method allows the practical and atom-economical synthesis of valuable bridged aza-[n.2.1] skeletons (n=3-6) with wide substrate scope, and excellent diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity by a chirality-transfer strategy. Moreover, the mechanistic rationale for this novel cascade cyclization is also strongly supported by control experiments, and is distinctively different from the related gold catalysis.