Enantioselective Synthesis of Optically Active Pyridine Derivatives andC2-Symmetric 2,2′-Bipyridines

The Reduction of Carbonyl Compounds with Dicyclopentylzinc: A New Example of Asymmetric Amplifying Autocatalysis

A previously unknown reduction of carbonyl compounds with dicyclopentylzinc is reported. Aldehydes react in mild conditions yielding corresponding primary alcohols and cyclopentene. Although cyclohexanone and acetophenone are inert to dicyclopentylzinc, a variety of heterocyclic ketones reacted readily, yielding reasonable to high yields of corresponding secondary alcohols. When the reaction was catalyzed with (-)-(1R,2S)-ephedrine, 3-acetylpyridine (10) resulted in a high yield of (S)-1-(pyridin-3-yl)ethanol (19) with >99% ee. 5-Acetyl-2-bromopyridine (11) also provided the corresponding optically active alcohol 20, albeit with a much lower optical yield. When 10% of 19 with 92% ee was used as an autocatalyst, 55% yield of the same compound was obtained, with 95% ee and 96% ee in two independent experiments. A three-stage reaction sequence starting from "no chirality" reaction yielded 19 with 6% ee. Thus, amplifying autocatalysis was detected in the reaction of ketone 10 with dicylopentylzinc.

C2-Symmetric 2,2'-Bipyridine-α,α'-1-adamantyl-diol Ligand: Bulky Iron Complexes in Asymmetric Catalysis

The synthesis of a chiral 2,2'-bipyridine-α,α'-1-adamantyl-diol ligand was achieved starting from commercially available materials. The bulky ligand was synthesized in three steps in 40% overall yield with stereoselectivities of 98% de and >99.5% ee for the S,S enantiomer. The absolute configuration of and structural insights into a heptacoordinated 2,2'-bipyridine-α,α'-1-Ad-diol/Fe^II chiral complex were obtained from single-crystal diffraction analyses. The newly synthesized ligand was used in iron-catalyzed asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol, thia-Michael, and Diels-Alder reactions.

Synthesis and characterization of new Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) complexes with 3-substituted 1-(2-pyridyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine ligands

Several palladium(ii) and platinum(ii) complexes (1-20) of general formula [M(Lⁿ)(X)(Y)] [M = Pd, X = Y = Cl (1-Cl-4-Cl), X = Y = OAc (1-OAc-4-OAc); M = Pt: X = Y = Cl (5-8); M = Pd, X = Cl, Y = CH₃ (9-12); M = Pt, X = Cl, Y = CH₃ (13-16) or X = Y = CH₃ (17-20); n = 1-4] have been synthesized by reaction of different Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) derivatives with various 3-substituted 1-(2-pyridyl)-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines; i.e.Lⁿ = 1-(2-pyridyl)-3-arylimidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (aryl = Phenyl, L¹; 2-o-Tolyl, L²; Mesityl, L³) and 1-(2-pyridyl)-3-benzylimidazo[1,5-a]pyridine (L⁴). Detailed spectroscopic investigation (including IR, mono- and bi-dimensional ¹H NMR) and elemental analysis has been performed for all these species, allowing their complete characterization. Lⁿ act as N,N-bidentate ligands and coordinate the metal centers in a chelate fashion through the pyridyl (N_py) and the pyridine-like nitrogen atom of the imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine group (N_im). The X-ray structural analysis performed on two of Pd(ii) and three Pt(ii) complexes, namely [Pd(L²)(CH₃)Cl] (10), [Pd(L³)(CH₃)Cl] (11) and [Pt(L¹)Cl₂] (5), [Pt(L⁴)Cl₂] (8), [Pt(L²)(CH₃)Cl] (14) confirmed the spectroscopic and analytical data. Finally DFT studies unveiled the structural reasons behind the inertia of the synthesised compounds toward metalation, identified as the higher angle steric strain in comparison with the analogous bipyridine complexes.

Efficient stereoselective synthesis of chiral 3,3′-dimethyl-(2,2′-bipyridine)-diol ligand and applications in FeII-catalysis

A seven step synthesis of a chiral 2,2′-bipyridinediol ligand with 3,3′-dimethyl substituents was achieved starting from commercially available materials.

Direct and quantitative monitoring of catalytic organic reactions under heterogeneous conditions using direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry

This new method overcomes problems of conventional analytical methodologies such as light scattering and sampling reproducibility issues. We used this method for mechanistic studies of catalytic reactions under heterogeneous conditions. Direct-type hydroxymethylation reactions and Mukaiyama-type hydroxymethylation reactions both catalyzed by a scandium-bipyridine ligand complex under micellar conditions were employed as examples of heterogeneous reactions. For direct-type hydroxymethylation reactions, initial reaction rate assays revealed first-order dependency on both substrate and catalyst. On the other hand, Mukaiyama-type hydroxymethylation reactions showed first-order rate dependency on substrate, zero-order on catalyst and saturation kinetics on formaldehyde.

Applications of Bolm's Ligand in Enantioselective Synthesis

One pathway for the preparation of enantiomerically pure compounds from prochiral substrates is the use of metal complex catalysis with chiral ligands. Compared to the other frequently used chiral ligands, chiral 2,2'-bipyridines have been underexploited, despite the data indicating that such ligands have considerable potential in synthetic chemistry. One of those is the so-called Bolm's ligand, a compound possessing chiral alcohol moieties in the side chains attached to the 2,2'-bipyridine scaffold. Various metal salts have been used in combination with Bolm's ligand as potent catalysts able to bring about enantioselective alkylations, allylations, conjugate additions, desymmetrization of meso-epoxides, aldol reactions, etc. This review aims to summarize Bolm's ligand applications in the area of enantioselective synthesis over the last three decades since its preparation.

Chiral Lewis acids integrated with single-walled carbon nanotubes for asymmetric catalysis in water

The development of highly reactive and stereoselective catalytic systems is required not only to improve existing synthetic methods but also to invent distinct chemical reactions. Herein, a homogenized combination of nickel-based Lewis acid-surfactant-combined catalysts and single-walled carbon nanotubes is shown to exhibit substantial activity in water. In addition to the enhanced reactivity, stereoselective performance and long-term stability were demonstrated in asymmetric conjugate addition reactions of aldoximes to furnish chiral nitrones in high yields with excellent selectivities. The practical and straightforward application of the designed catalysts in water provides an expedient, environmentally benign, and highly efficient pathway to access optically active compounds.

Thermodynamic Programming of Erbium(III) Coordination Complexes for Dual Visible/Near-Infrared Luminescence

Intrigued by the unexpected room-temperature dual visible/near-infrared (NIR) luminescence observed for fast-relaxing erbium complexes embedded in triple-stranded helicates, in this contribution, we explore a series of six tridentate N-donor receptors L4-L9 with variable aromaticities and alkyl substituents to extricate the stereoelectronic features responsible for such scarce optical signatures. Detailed solid-state (X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, optical spectroscopy) and solution (speciations and thermodynamic stabilities, spectrophotometry, NMR and optical spectroscopy) studies of mononuclear unsaturated [Er(Lk)₂ ]³⁺ and saturated triple-helical [Er(Lk)₃ ]³⁺ model complexes reveal that the stereoelectronic changes induced by the organic ligands affect inter- and intramolecular interactions to such an extent that 1) melting temperatures in solids, 2) the affinity for trivalent erbium in solution, and 3) optical properties in luminescent complexes can be rationally varied and controlled. With this toolkit in hand, mononuclear erbium complexes with low stabilities displaying only NIR emission can be transformed into molecular-based dual Er-centered visible/NIR emitters operating at room temperature in both solid and solution states.

Catalytic enantioselective aldol reactions

Recent developments in catalytic asymmetric aldol reactions have been summarized.

Asymmetric FeII-Catalyzed Thia-Michael Addition Reaction to α,β-Unsaturated Oxazolidin-2-one Derivatives

A highly enantioselective Fe^II-catalyzed thia-Michael addition to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl derivatives was developed. The scope of the reaction was demonstrated with a selection of aromatic, heterocyclic and aliphatic thiols, and various Michael acceptors. The corresponding β-thioethers were obtained in good to excellent yields (up to 98%) and moderate to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 96:4 er). Unusual hepta-coordination of the metal and chelation to α,β-unsaturated oxazolidin-2-one derivatives allowed the construction of a coherent model rationalizing the enantioselective event. DFT calculations support the proposed model for observed stereoselectivities.

A Cu(ii)-based strategy for catalytic enantioselective β-borylation of α,β-unsaturated acceptors

The unique nature and readily availability of Cu(v) species underscores the value of the Cu(v)-based catalyst over an array of well-documented Cu(i)-based catalysts.

Mukaiyama Aldol Reactions in Aqueous Media

Mukaiyama aldol reactions in aqueous media have been surveyed. While the original Mukaiyama aldol reactions entailed stoichiometric use of Lewis acids in organic solvents under strictly anhydrous conditions, Mukaiyama aldol reactions in aqueous media are not only suitable for green sustainable chemistry but are found to produce singular phenomena. These findings led to the discovery of a series of water-compatible Lewis acids such as lanthanide triflates in 1991. Our understanding on these beneficial effects in the presence of water will be deepened through the brilliant examples collected in this review. 1 Introduction 2 Rate Enhancement by Water in the Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction 3 Lewis Acid Catalysis in Aqueous or Organic Solvents 3.1 Water-Compatible Lewis Acids 4 Lewis-Base Catalysis in Aqueous or Organic Solvents 5 The Mukaiyama Aldol Reactions in 100% Water 6 Asymmetric Catalysts in Aqueous Media and Water 7 Conclusions and Perspective.

Iron- and bismuth-catalyzed asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol reactions in aqueous media

We have developed asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol reactions of silicon enolates with aldehydes catalyzed by chiral Fe(II) and Bi(III) complexes. Although previous reactions often required relatively harsh conditions, such as strictly anhydrous conditions, very low temperatures (-78 °C), etc., the reactions reported herein proceeded in the presence of water at 0 °C. To find appropriate chiral water-compatible Lewis acids for the Mukaiyama aldol reaction, many Lewis acids were screened in combination with chiral bipyridine L1, which had previously been found to be a suitable chiral ligand in aqueous media. Three types of chiral catalysts that consisted of a Fe(II) or Bi(III) metal salt, a chiral ligand (L1), and an additive have been discovered and a wide variety of substrates (silicon enolates and aldehydes) reacted to afford the desired aldol products in high yields with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities through an appropriate selection of one of the three catalytic systems. Mechanistic studies elucidated the coordination environments around the Fe(II) and Bi(III) centers and the effect of additives on the chiral catalysis. Notably, both Brønsted acids and bases worked as efficient additives in the Fe(II) -catalyzed reactions. The assumed catalytic cycle and transition states indicated important roles of water in these efficient asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol reactions in aqueous media with the broadly applicable and versatile catalytic systems.

Allylation reactions of aldehydes with allylboronates in aqueous media: unique reactivity and selectivity that are only observed in the presence of water

Zn(OH)2-catalyzed allylation reactions of aldehydes with allylboronates in aqueous media have been developed. In contrast to conventional allylboration reactions of aldehydes in organic solvents, the α-addition products were obtained exclusively. A catalytic cycle in which the allylzinc species was generated through a B-to-Zn exchange process is proposed and kinetic studies were performed. The key intermediate, an allylzinc species, was detected by HRMS (ESI) analysis and by online continuous MS (ESI) analysis. This analysis revealed that, in aqueous media, the allylzinc species competitively reacted with the aldehydes and water. An investigation of the reactivity and selectivity of the allylzinc species by using several typical allylboronates (6a-6d) clarified several important roles of water in this allylation reaction. The allylation reactions of aldehydes with allylboronic acid 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol esters proceeded smoothly in the presence of catalytic amounts of Zn(OH)2 and achiral ligand 4d in aqueous media to afford the corresponding syn-adducts in high yields with high diastereoselectivities. In all cases, the α-addition products were obtained and a wide substrate scope was tolerated. Furthermore, this reaction was applied to asymmetric catalysis by using chiral ligand 9. Based on the X-ray structure of the Zn-9 complex, several nonsymmetrical chiral ligands were also found to be effective. This reaction was further applied to catalytic asymmetric alkylallylation, chloroallylation, and alkoxyallylation processes and the synthetic utility of these reactions has been demonstrated.

The new world of organic reactions in water

Different reactivities and selectivities are observed in water compared with those in organic solvents. In this article, such three examples are described. While ammonia was known not to react in metal-catalyzed allylic amination, palladium-catalyzed allylic amination using aqueous ammonia proceeded to afford primary amines in high yields. Second, allylboronates reacted with aldehydes in aqueous media to afford α-addition adducts exclusively in high yields with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities using Zn(OH)2with ligands as catalysts. Finally, it was found that catalytic use of In(0) was effective for the reactions of allylboronates with ketones in water.

Optically pure bulky (hetero)arylalkyl carbinols via kinetic resolution

Planar chiral nucleophilic catalyst Fc-PIP was employed in the kinetic resolution of bulky (hetero)arylalkyl carbinols delivering unreacted alcohols with extremely high enantiomeric excess (>99.0% ees) in ideal conversions ranging from 50.4-56.7%.

Sc(III)-catalyzed enantioselective addition of thiols to α,β-unsaturated ketones in neutral water

This report concerns Lewis acid catalyzed enantioselective sulfa-Michael addition in neutral water by using a very efficient Sc(OTf)(3)/bipyridine 1 catalytic system. It is noteworthy that the protocol presented employs water as a reaction medium and allows us to obtain very high stereoselectivity and satisfactory yields for β-keto sulphides deriving from aliphatic thiols. The recovery and reuse of both the aqueous medium and the catalytic system is also reported.