Gold-Catalyzed Intermolecular Hydroamination of Allenes with Arylamines and Resulting High Chirality Transfer

Isoindolium-Based Allenes: Reactivity Studies and Applications in Fluorescence Temperature Sensing and Cysteine Bioconjugation

The reaction of a series of electron-deficient isoindolium-based allenes with sulfhydryl compounds has been studied, leading to the formation of isoindolium-based vinyl sulfides. The vinyl sulfides generated could be readily converted into the corresponding indanones and amines upon heating at 30-70 °C with good yields up to 61 %. The thermal cleavage reaction of vinyl sulfides was further studied for developing temperature-sensitive systems. Notably, a novel FRET-based fluorescent temperature sensor was designed and synthesized for temperature sensing at 50 °C, giving a 6.5-fold blue fluorescence enhancement. Moreover, chemoselective bioconjugation of cysteine-containing peptides with the isoindolium-based allenes for the construction of multifunctional peptide bioconjugates was investigated. Thermal cleavage of isoindoliums on the modified peptides at 35-70 °C gave indanone bioconjugates with up to >99 % conversion. These results indicated the biocompatibility of this novel temperature-sensitive reaction.

Synthesis of medicinally relevant oxalylamines via copper/Lewis acid synergistic catalysis

Allylamines have long been recognized as valuable synthons because of their excellent reactivity in organic synthesis. Here, an efficient amination reaction of allenyl ethers via copper/Lewis acid synergistic catalysis has been established, providing straightforward access to diverse functionalized Z-oxalylamines and E -halogenated oxalylamines in good to excellent yields with high regio- and stereoselectivities. The developed method tolerates more than 100 examples that include late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules, and features gram-scale synthesis of oxalylamines with high turnover number (TON > 1000) under mild and simple conditions. The applicability of the protocol is further demonstrated with the construction of drug molecules.

Achieving Aliphatic Amine Addition to Arylalkynes via the Lewis Acid Assisted Triazole-Gold (TA-Au) Catalyst System

Transition metal catalyzed intermolecular hydroamination of the arylalkynes with aliphatic amine is generally problematic due to the good coordination between amine and metal cation. With the combination of 1,2,3-triazole coordinated gold(I) catalyst (TA-Au) and Zn(OTf)₂ cocatalyst, this challenging transformation was achieved with good to excellent yields and regioselectivity. Compared to previously reported methods, this approach offered an alternative catalyst system to achieve this fundamental chemical transformation with high efficiency and practical conditions.

Kinetics and Mechanism of the Gold-Catalyzed Hydroamination of 1,1-Dimethylallene with N-Methylaniline

The mechanism of the intermolecular hydroamination of 3-methylbuta-1,2-diene (1) with N-methylaniline (2) catalyzed by (IPr)AuOTf has been studied by employing a combination of kinetic analysis, deuterium labelling studies, and in situ spectral analysis of catalytically active mixtures. The results of these and additional experiments are consistent with a mechanism for hydroamination involving reversible, endergonic displacement of N-methylaniline from [(IPr)Au(NHMePh)]⁺ (4) by allene to form the cationic gold π-C1,C2-allene complex [(IPr)Au(η² -H₂ C=C=CMe₂ )]⁺ (I), which is in rapid, endergonic equilibrium with the regioisomeric π-C2,C3-allene complex [(IPr)Au(η² -Me₂ C=C=CH₂ )]⁺ (I'). Rapid and reversible outer-sphere addition of 2 to the terminal allene carbon atom of I' to form gold vinyl complex (IPr)Au[C(=CH₂ )CMe₂ NMePh] (II) is superimposed on the slower addition of 2 to the terminal allene carbon atom of I to form gold vinyl complex (IPr)Au[C(=CMe₂ )CH₂ NMePh] (III). Selective protodeauration of III releases N-methyl-N-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)aniline (3 a) with regeneration of 4. At high conversion, gold vinyl complex II is competitively trapped by an (IPr)Au⁺ fragment to form the cationic bis(gold) vinyl complex {[(IPr)Au]₂ [C(=CH₂ )CMe₂ NMePh]}⁺ (6).

Catalysis and regioselectivity in hydrofunctionalization reactions of unsaturated carbon bonds. Part II. Hydroamination

This review continues consideration of the regioselectivity problem in the catalyzed hydrofunctionalization of unsaturated organic compounds and addresses hydroamination of unsaturated hydrocarbons. Particular parts of the review deal with reactions of alkenes, alkynes, allenes and dienes. It is shown that the selectivity of hydroamination depends on the natures of the reactants and the catalyst. Conditions of the reactions are described; in some cases, reaction mechanisms are discussed. Reactions for which divergent regioselectivity is possible are noted.

The bibliography includes 249 references.

Dedicated to the memory of V.V.Markovnikov.

Unravelling mechanistic insights in the platinum-catalysed dihydroalkoxylation of allenes

The mechanism of the platinum-catalysed dihydroalkoxylation of allenes to give acetals has been studied experimentally and by computational methods. Our findings further explain divergent reactivity encountered for platinum- and gold-vinyl intermediates after the first nucleophilic attack onto the coordinated allene, as well as provide new details on the catalytic cycle with platinum, uncovering enol ethers as resting states of the catalytic cycle, a SEOx process via Pt(IV)–H as the final protodemetallation step after the second nucleophilic attack when neutral platinum complexes are used, and a fast acid promoted addition of methanol to enol ethers when cationic platinum complexes are employed.

Gold(I)-Catalysed Hydroarylation of 1,3-Disubstituted Allenes with Efficient Axial-to-Point Chirality Transfer

Hydroarylation of enantioenriched 1,3-disubstituted allenes has the potential to proceed with axial-to-point chirality transfer to yield enantioenriched allylated (hetero)aryl compounds. However, the gold-catalysed intermolecular reaction was previously reported to occur with no chirality transfer owing to competing allene racemisation. Herein, we describe the development of the first intermolecular hydroarylations of allenes to proceed with efficient chirality transfer and summarise some of the key criteria for achieving high regio- and stereoselectivity.

Mechanistic insights into Pd(0)-catalyzed intermolecular and intramolecular hydroamination of methylenecyclopropanes: a computational study

The mechanisms of transition metal-catalyzed methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs)-involved reactions are rather complicated due to the diverse pathways for the activation of MCPs. Herein, computational studies were carried out to investigate the detailed mechanisms of Pd(0)-catalyzed intermolecular and intramolecular hydroamination of MCPs. The initial activation of the three-membered ring of MCPs readily occurs via the insertion of Pd(0) into the distal C-C bond, leading to a metallacyclobutane intermediate. The commonly proposed oxidative addition of amine/amide nucleophile (Nu-H) onto the Pd(0) center to afford a hydrido-Pd(ii) complex, however, is less favorable in comparison with the Pd(0)-mediated cleavage of the distal C-C bond of MCPs. Subsequently, for the Pd(0)-catalyzed intermolecular hydroamination of 1,1-diphenyl MCP with 2-pyrrolidone, it is more favorable for the C1 of the metallacyclobutane intermediate to undergo protonation to yield a π-allylpalladium intermediate, from which the final allylamine product is afforded via reductive elimination. For the Pd(0)-catalyzed intramolecular hydroamination of aniline-tethered MCP, the intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the amine moiety to C3/C4 of the corresponding metallacyclobutane intermediate is preferable to generate a cyclic intermediate. Subsequent proton transfer steps could occur to complete the hydroamination reaction. The different pKa values of the N-H bonds of amide/amine are mainly responsible for the mechanistic difference in the Pd(0)-catalyzed hydroamination of MCPs.

Chirality Transfer in Gold(I)-Catalysed Hydroalkoxylation of 1,3-Disubstituted Allenes

Gold(I)-catalysed intermolecular hydroalkoxylation of enantioenriched 1,3-disubstituted allenes was previously reported to occur with poor chirality transfer due to rapid allene racemisation. The first intermolecular hydroalkoxylation of allenes with efficient chirality transfer is reported here, exploiting conditions that suppress allene racemisation. A full substrate scope study reveals that excellent regio- and stereoselectivities are achieved when a σ-withdrawing substituent is present.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Diastereoselective Cyclization of Allenyl-Sulfonylcarbamates: A Stereodivergent Approach to 1,3-Aminoalcohol Derivatives

A diastereoselective and stereodivergent rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular coupling of sulfonylcarbamates with terminal allenes is described and it provides selective access to 1,3-aminoalcohol derivatives, scaffolds found in bioactive compounds. The reaction is compatible with a large range of different functional groups, thus furnishing products with high diastereoselectivities and yields. Moreover, multigram scale reactions, as well as the application of suitable product transformations were demonstrated.

Enantioselective, Stereodivergent Hydroazidation and Hydroamination of Allenes Catalyzed by Acyclic Diaminocarbene (ADC) Gold(I) Complexes

The gold-catalyzed enantioselective hydroazidation and hydroamination reactions of allenes are presented herein. ADC gold(I) catalysts derived from BINAM were critical for achieving high levels of enantioselectivity in both transformations. The sense of enantioinduction is reversed for the two different nucleophiles, allowing access to both enantiomers of the corresponding allylic amines using the same catalyst enantiomer.

Asymmetric synthesis of allylic amines via hydroamination of allenes with benzophenone imine

Rhodium-catalyzed highly regio- and enantioselective hydroamination of allenes is reported. Exclusive branched selectivities and excellent enantioselectivities were achieved applying a rhodium(i)/Josiphos catalyst. This method permits the practical synthesis of valuable α-chiral allylic amines using benzophenone imine as ammonia carrier.

Chirality transfer in metal-catalysed intermolecular addition reactions involving allenes

This review covers chirality transfer in metal-catalysed intermolecular addition reactions involving allenes, including axial-to-central chirality transfer, asymmetric catalysis and racemization.

Regioselective Rhodium-Catalyzed Addition of 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds to Terminal Alkynes

A new method for the rhodium-catalyzed regioselective C-C bond formation using terminal alkynes and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds to achieve valuable branched α-allylated 1,3-dicarbonyl products is reported. With a Rh(I)/DPEphos/p-CF3-benzoic acid as the catalyst system, the desired products can be obtained in good to excellent yields and with perfect regioselectivity. A broad range of functional groups were tolerated, and first experimental insights of a plausible reaction mechanism were obtained.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Copper-Catalyzed Group-, Site-, and Enantioselective Allylic Substitution with a Readily Accessible Propargyl(pinacolato)boron Reagent: Utility in Stereoselective Synthesis and Mechanistic Attributes

The first instances of catalytic allylic substitution reactions involving a propargylic nucleophilic component are presented; reactions are facilitated by 5.0 mol % of a catalyst derived from a chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and a copper chloride salt. A silyl-containing propargylic organoboron compound, easily prepared in multigram quantities, serves as the reagent. Aryl- and heteroaryl-substituted disubstituted alkenes within allylic phosphates and those with an alkyl or a silyl group can be used. Functional groups typically sensitive to hard nucleophilic reagents are tolerated, particularly in the additions to disubstituted alkenes. Reactions may be performed on the corresponding trisubstituted alkenes, affording quaternary carbon stereogenic centers. Incorporation of the propargylic group is generally favored (vs allenyl addition; 89:11 to >98:2 selectivity); 1,5-enynes can be isolated in 75-90% yield, 87:13 to >98:2 SN2'/SN2 (branched/linear) selectivity and 83:17-99:1 enantiomeric ratio. Utility is showcased by conversion of the alkynyl group to other useful functional units (e.g., homoallenyl and Z-homoalkenyl iodide), direct access to which by other enantioselective protocols would otherwise entail longer routes. Application to stereoselective synthesis of the acyclic portion of antifungal agent plakinic acid A, containing two remotely positioned stereogenic centers, by sequential use of two different NHC-Cu-catalyzed enantioselective allylic substitution (EAS) reactions further highlights utility. Mechanistic investigations (density functional theory calculations and deuterium labeling) point to a bridging function for an alkali metal cation connecting the sulfonate anion and a substrate's phosphate group to form the branched propargyl addition products as the dominant isomers via Cu(III) π-allyl intermediate complexes.

Asymmetric synthesis of N-allylic indoles via regio- and enantioselective allylation of aryl hydrazines

The asymmetric synthesis of N-allylic indoles is important for natural product synthesis and pharmaceutical research. The regio- and enantioselective N-allylation of indoles is a true challenge due to the favourable C3-allylation. We develop here a new strategy to the asymmetric synthesis of N-allylic indoles via rhodium-catalysed N-selective coupling of aryl hydrazines with allenes followed by Fischer indolization. The exclusive N-selectivities and good to excellent enantioselectivities are achieved applying a rhodium(I)/DTBM-Segphos or rhodium(I)/DTBM-Binap catalyst. This method permits the practical synthesis of valuable chiral N-allylated indoles, and avoids the N- or C-selectivity issue.

N-allylic indoles are important in medicinal and synthetic chemistry, but selective N-allylation of indoles can be difficult to achieve. Here, the authors report a catalytic asymmetric synthesis of these compounds through an enantioselective addition of aryl hydrazines to allenes, followed by indole formation.

Displacement of ethene from the decamethyltitanocene-ethene complex with internal alkynes, substituent-dependent alkyne-to-allene rearrangement, and the electronic transition relevant to the back-bonding interaction

The titanocene-ethene complex [Ti(II)(η(2)-C2H4)(η(5)-C5Me5)2] (1) with simple internal alkynes R(1)C≡CR(2) gives complexes [Ti(II)(η(2)-R(1)C≡CR(2))(η(5)-C5Me5)2] {R(1), R(2): Ph, Ph (3), Ph, Me (4), Me, SiMe3 (5), Ph, SiMe3 (6), t-Bu, SiMe3 (7), and SiMe3, SiMe3 (8). In contrast, alkynes with R(1) = Me and R(2) = t-Bu or i-Pr afford allene complexes [Ti(II)(η(2)-CH2=C=CHR(2))(η(5)-C5Me5)2] (11) and (12), whereas for R(2) = Et a mixture of alkyne complex (13A) and minor allene (13) is obtained. Crystal structures of 4, 6, 7 and 11 have been determined; the latter structure proved the back-bonding interaction of the allene terminal double bond. Only the synthesis of 8 from 1 was inefficient because the equilibrium constant for the reaction [1] + [Me3SiC≡CSiMe3] ⇌ [8] + [C2H4] approached 1. Compound 9 (R(1), R(2): Me), not obtainable from 1, together with compounds 3–6 and 10 (R(1), R(2): Et) were also prepared by alkyne exchange with 8, however this reaction did not take place in attempts to obtain 7. Compounds 1 and 3–9 display the longest-wavelength electronic absorption band in the range 670-940 nm due to the HOMO → LUMO transition. The assignment of the first excitation to be of predominantly a b2 → a1 transition was confirmed by DFT calculations. The calculated first excitation energies for 3–9 followed the order of hypsochromic shifts of the absorption band relative to 8 that were induced by acetylene substituents: Me > Ph ≫ SiMe3. Computational results have also affirmed the back-bonding nature in the alkyne-to-metal coordination.