Auto-Tandem Catalysis: A Single Catalyst Activating Mechanistically Distinct Reactions in a Single Reactor

Asymmetric Auto-Tandem Catalysis with Chiral Organosuperbases: Intramolecular Cyclization/Enantioselective Direct Mannich-Type Addition Sequence

An enantioselective addition reaction of alkynyl esters with imines was developed under asymmetric autotandem catalysis with a chiral Brønsted base. A chiral bis(guanidino)iminophosphorane organosuperbase, which has much higher basicity than that of conventional chiral organic bases, efficiently promoted both the intramolecular cyclization for the construction of a benzofuran ring or a benzothiophene ring and the sequential enantioselective direct Mannich-type reaction of diarylmethane derivatives, affording enantio-enriched diarylalkane derivatives that are otherwise difficult to access.

Challenge N- versus O-six-membered annulation: FeCl3-catalyzed synthesis of heterocyclic N,O-aminals

A new class of heterocyclic N,O-aminal and hemiaminal scaffolds was successfully obtained by means of a three-component reaction (3-CR) of 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes (DDs), α-aminoacetals and iso(thio)cyanates. These stable imine surrogates are generated from key-substituted (thio)hydantoin intermediates through selective FeCl3-catalyzed intramolecular N-annulation.

Multifunctional Biocatalysts for Organic Synthesis

Biocatalysis is becoming an indispensable tool in organic synthesis due to high enzymatic catalytic efficiency as well as exquisite chemo- and stereoselectivity. Some biocatalysts display great promiscuity including a broad substrate scope as well as the ability to catalyze more than one type of transformation. These promiscuous activities have been applied individually to efficiently access numerous valuable target molecules. However, systems in which enzymes possessing multiple different catalytic activities are applied in the synthesis are less well developed. Such multifunctional biocatalysts (MFBs) would simplify chemical synthesis by reducing the number of operational steps and enzyme count, as well as simplifying the sequence space that needs to be engineered to develop an efficient biocatalyst. In this Perspective, we highlight recently reported MFBs focusing on their synthetic utility and mechanism. We also offer insight into their origin as well as comment on potential strategies for their discovery and engineering.

Palladium(0) π-Lewis Base Catalysis: Concept and Development

The development of a new catalytic strategy plays a vital role in modern organic chemistry since it permits bond formation in an unprecedented and more efficient manner. Although the application of preformed metal complexes as π-base-activated reagents have enabled diverse transformations elegantly, the concept and strategy by directly utilizing transition metals as efficient π-Lewis base catalysts remain underdeveloped, especially in the field of asymmetric catalysis. Here, we outline our perspective on the discovery of palladium(0) as an efficient π-Lewis base catalyst, which is capable of increasing the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy of both electron-neutral and electron-deficient 1,3-dienes and 1,3-enynes upon flexible η2-complexes formed in situ and resultant π-backdonation. Thus, fruitful carbon-carbon-forming reactions with diverse electrophiles can be achieved enantioselectively in a vinylogous addition pattern, which is conceptually different from the classical oxidative cyclization mechanism. Emphasis will be given to the concept and mechanism elucidation, catalytic features, and reaction design together with perspective on the further development of this emerging field.

Atroposelective PIII /PV =O Redox Catalysis for the Isoquinoline-Forming Staudinger-aza-Wittig Reaction

Herein, we describe the feasibility of atroposelective PIII /PV =O redox organocatalysis by the Staudinger-aza-Wittig reaction. The formation of isoquinoline heterocycles thereby enables the synthesis of a broad range of valuable atropisomers under mild conditions with enantioselectivities of up to 98 : 2 e.r. Readily prepared azido cinnamate substrates convert in high yield with stereocontrol by a chiral phosphine catalyst, which is regenerated using a silane reductant under Brønsted acid co-catalysis. The reaction provides access to diversified aryl isoquinolines, as well as benzoisoquinoline and naphthyridine atropisomers. The products are expeditiously transformed into N-oxides, naphthol and triaryl phosphine variants of prevalent catalysts and ligands. With dinitrogen release and aromatization as ideal driving forces, it is anticipated that atroposelective redox organocatalysis provides access to a multitude of aromatic heterocycles with precise control over their configuration.

One-Pot Synthesis of Pentasubstituted Pyridines following the Gold(I)-Catalyzed Aza-Enyne Metathesis/6π-Electrocyclization-Aromatization Sequence

The one-pot de novo synthesis of pentasubstituted pyridines was realized following the process of Au(I)-autotandem catalysis and subsequent aromatization. The process involves aza-enyne metathesis with aryl propiolates to yield 1-azabutadienes and their addition/6π-electrocyclization sequence with the other propiolate units. The resultant 1,4-dihydropyridines were aromatized to furnish the pyridines in the presence of atmospheric oxygen. The aryl propiolates were regioselectively incorporated into the ring system to afford 2-arylpyridines as the sole product.

Multimetallic-Catalyzed C-C Bond-Forming Reactions: From Serendipity to Strategy

The use of two or more metal catalysts in a reaction is a powerful synthetic strategy to access complex targets efficiently and selectively from simple starting materials. While capable of uniting distinct reactivities, the principles governing multimetallic catalysis are not always intuitive, making the discovery and optimization of new reactions challenging. Here, we outline our perspective on the design elements of multimetallic catalysis using precedent from well-documented C-C bond-forming reactions. These strategies provide insight into the synergy of metal catalysts and compatibility of the individual components of a reaction. Advantages and limitations are discussed to promote further development of the field.

Chiral oxalamide phosphine (COAP)-Pd-catalyzed enantioselective cascade formal [4 + 1] annulation for enantioenriched 2,3-disubstituted indolines and further DFT study on regio- and stereocontrol

COAP-Pd-catalyzed asymmetric cascade formal [4 + 1] annulation was developed between racemic vinyl benzoxazinones and N-tosylhydrazone sodium salts, affording trans-2,3-disubstituted indolines in good yields with high stereoselectivity.

Auto-Tandem Copper-Catalyzed Carboxylation of Undirected Alkenyl C-H Bonds with CO2 by Harnessing β-Hydride Elimination

The exploration into challenging scenarios of the application of elementary reactions offers excellent opportunities for the development of unique transformations under organometallic catalysis. As a ubiquitous reaction of metal alkyl complexes, β-hydride elimination plays a crucial role in a number of important catalytic transformations. However, its functions in these catalytic cycles are limited to either releasing alkene products or generating isomerized intermediates through further migratory insertion. Herein, we report that the precise manipulation of β-hydride elimination enables an auto-tandem copper catalysis for the carboxylation of undirected alkenyl C-H bonds with CO₂. In this transformation, β-hydride elimination of an alkyl copper intermediate is facilitated, while its reaction with CO₂ is suppressed. The resulting copper hydride in turn reacts with CO₂ to provide access to a multitasking catalyst, which enables the tandem borylation/carboxylation of C-H bonds in two mechanistically distinct catalytic cycles.

Formal nucleophilic pyrrolylmethylation via palladium-based auto-tandem catalysis: switchable regiodivergent synthesis and remote chirality transfer

Although nucleophilic benzylation-type reaction to introduce various aromatic systems into molecules has been widely explored, the related pyrrolylmethylation version remains to be disclosed. Reported herein is a palladium-catalysed multiple auto-tandem reaction between N-Ts propargylamines, allyl carbonates and aldimines in the presence of an acid, proceeding through sequential allylic amination, cycloisomerisation, vinylogous addition and aromatisation steps. A diversity of formal pyrrolylmethylated amine products were finally furnished efficiently. In addition, switchable regiodivergent 3-pyrrolylmethylation and 4-pyrrolylmethylation were realised by tuning catalytic conditions. Moreover, remote chirality transfer with readily available enantioenriched starting materials was well achieved with an achiral ligand, relying on diastereoselective generation of η2-Pd(0) complexes between Pd(0) and chiral 1,3-diene intermediates in the key vinylogous addition step. A few control experiments were conducted to elucidate the palladium-involved tandem reaction and regiodivergent synthesis.

Synthesis of Atropisomeric Hydrazides by One-Pot Sequential Enantio- and Diastereoselective Catalysis

The first catalytic enantioselective and diastereoselective synthesis of atropisomeric hydrazides was achieved using a sequential catalysis protocol. This strategy is based on a one-pot sequence of two organocatalytic cycles featuring the enamine amination of branched aldehydes followed by nitrogen alkylation under phase-transfer conditions. The resulting axially chiral hydrazides were obtained directly from commercially available reagents in high yields and with good stereocontrol. The permutation of organocatalysts allowed easy access to all stereoisomers, enabling a stereodivergent approach to enantioenriched atropisomeric hydrazides.

Cascade Multicomponent Assemblies Involving 1,3-Enynes via Auto-Tandem Palladium Catalysis

Here we report a three-component auto-tandem reaction of 1,3-enyne-tethered carbonyls, organoboronic reagents, and suitable nucleophiles catalyzed by palladium, proceeding through consecutive intramolecular vinylogous addition, Suzuki coupling, and allylic alkylation. This process exhibited high chemo- and regioselectivity with 1,3,4-trifunctionalization of the 1,3-enyne motif, and a wide range of 2H-chromenes, 1,2-dihydroquinolines, benzo[b]oxepines, 1,7-annulated indoles, and other frameworks were efficiently constructed in fair to good yields and E/Z selectivity.

Asymmetric Auto-Tandem Palladium Catalysis for 2,4-Dienyl Carbonates: Ligand-Controlled Divergent Synthesis

Developing new asymmetric auto-tandem catalysis processes, especially in a divergent manner, is highly attractive but extremely challenging. Presented herein is a palladium-catalyzed auto-tandem reaction between 2,4-dienyl carbonates and o-TsNH arylimines or trifluoroacetophenones that proceeds through a consecutive N-allylation, vinylogous addition, π-σ-π isomerization, and another N-allylation sequence. Importantly, switchable diastereodivergent synthesis could be achieved by tuning the chiral bisphosphine ligands, which led to the construction of a broad spectrum of fused tetrahydroquinoline architectures with moderate to excellent enantioselectivity. Ligand control even enabled effective access to regiodivergent azetidine or chemodivergent β-H elimination with fair enantioselectivity, further showing the versatility of the current auto-tandem catalysis.

Designing a Redox Noninnocent Phenalenyl-Based Copper(II) Complex: An Autotandem Catalyst for the Selective Oxidation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

A square-planar [Cu^IIL] complex 1, based on the redox-active phenalenyl unit LH₂ = 9,9'-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanediyl))bis(1H-phenalen-1-one), is prepared and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 crystallizes at room temperature with the P1 space group. The molecular structure of 1 reveals the presence of intriguing C-H···Cu intermolecular anagostic interactions of the order ∼2.7715 Å. Utilizing the presence of anagostic interactions and the free nonbonding molecular orbitals (NBMOs) of the closed-shell phenalenyl unit in 1, the oxidation reactions of some industrially important polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the presence of the [Cu^IIL] complex under very mild conditions have been reported. The direct conversion of anthracene-9-carbaldehyde to 9,10-anthraquinone in one step concludes that the catalyst shows dual activity in the chemical transformations. This also includes the first report of a "single-step" catalytic transformation of pyrene-1-carbaldehyde to the synthetically difficult pyren-4-ol, a precursor for the synthesis of several novel fluorescent probes for cell imaging.

Enantioselective Construction of Chiral Bispiro[Oxindole-Pyrrolidine-Pyrazolone] Derivatives via Sequential and One-Pot Mannich/Hydroamination Reaction

The atom-economic method for the preparation of novel bispirocyclic compounds containing three fused heterocyclic scaffolds privileged in drug discovery was developed by using a chiral amine-squaramide Mannich reaction and Au(I)-catalyzed hydroamination. The developed synthetic strategy performed either stepwise or as a one-pot process allows the formation of chiral bispirocyclic [oxindole-pyrrolidine-pyrazolones] in high yields (up to 75%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99%).

TfOH catalysed domino-double annulation of arenes with propargylic alcohols: a unified approach to indene polycyclic systems

The design and development of a TfOH catalysed domino strategy for the double annulation of arenes with propargylic alcohols for the rapid generation of indene based polycyclic systems is reported. The dehydration, intramolecular 6-endo-dig hydroarylation, and cationic cyclization were consecutively promoted by TfOH. The key features of this strategy are the formation of two C-C bonds, unified access to indene polycyclic systems, excellent yields (up to 95%), high atom economy (>90%), an operationally simple procedure, and water being the only byproduct. By extending this strategy, a two-step synthesis of the pentacyclic systems of hypoxylonol A (43% overall yield from α-tetralone), daldinone A (63% overall yield from β-tetralone) and spiro-tetracyclic framework of incarviatone A has also been achieved.

Redox Isomerization/(3+2) Allenoate Annulation by Auto-Tandem Phosphine Catalysis

A phosphine-catalyzed approach to pyrrolines has been developed that involves two mechanistically unlinked catalytic processes. The first involves the redox isomerization of amino crotonates to provide access to aliphatic tosyl imines, which then engage in a (3+2) annulation with various allenoates. The reaction shows generality, with 24 examples established, along with a low yielding and moderately enantioselective variant. Mechanistic studies indicate that the viability of the process is linked to the selection of catalysts with similar propensity to add to the two coupling partners.

Acid-catalyzed cleavage of C-C bonds enables atropaldehyde acetals as masked C2 electrophiles for organic synthesis

Acid-catalyzed tandem reactions of atropaldehyde acetals were established for the synthesis of three important molecules, 2,2-disubstituted indolin-3-ones, naphthofurans and stilbenes. The synthesis was realized using novel reaction cascades, which involved the same two initial steps: (i) S_N2' substitution, in which the atropaldehyde acted as an electrophile; and (ii) oxidative cleavage of the carbon-carbon bond of the generated phenylacetaldehyde-type products. Compared with literature methods, the present protocol not only avoided the use of expensive noble metal catalysts, but also enabled a simple operation.

Au(I) Catalyzed Synthesis of Densely Substituted Pyrazolines and Dihydropyridines via Sequential Aza-Enyne Metathesis/6π-Electrocyclization

A gold(I) autotandem catalysis protocol is reported for the de novo synthesis of densely substituted pyrazolines and dihydropyridines from the corresponding imine derivatives in a highly regioselective fashion via a one-pot aza-enyne metathesis/6π-electrocyclization sequence. The substituents on the nitrogen atom of the imine perfectly control the reaction pathways from the pivotal 1-azabutadiene intermediate; thus, carbazates were converted into pyrazolines via 6π-electrocyclization of α,β-unsaturated hydrazones, while aryl imines provided dihydropyridines via 6π-electrocyclization of 3-azahexatrienes.

Linear-Organic-Polymer-Supported Iridium Complex as a Recyclable Auto-Tandem Catalyst for the Synthesis of Quinazolinones via Selective Hydration/Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling from o-Aminobenzonitriles

A linear-organic-polymer-supported iridium complex Cp*Ir@P4VP, which is designed and synthesized by the coordinative immobilization of [Cp*IrCl₂]₂ on poly(4-vinylpyridine), was proven to be an efficient heterogeneous autotandem catalyst for synthesizing quinazolinones via selective hydration/acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling from o-aminobenzonitriles. Furthermore, the synthesized catalyst was recycled five times without an obvious decrease in the catalytic activity.

Main Group Redox Catalysis of Organopnictogens: Vertical Periodic Trends and Emerging Opportunities in Group 15

A growing number of organopnictogen redox catalytic methods have emerged-especially within the past 10 years-that leverage the plentiful reversible two-electron redox chemistry within Group 15. The goal of this Perspective is to provide readers the context to understand the dramatic developments in organopnictogen catalysis over the past decade with an eye toward future development. An exposition of the fundamental differences in the atomic structure and bonding of the pnictogens, and thus the molecular electronic structure of organopnictogen compounds, is presented to establish the backdrop against which organopnictogen redox reactivity-and ultimately catalysis-is framed. A deep appreciation of these underlying periodic principles informs an understanding of the differing modes of organopnictogen redox catalysis and evokes the key challenges to the field moving forward. We close by addressing forward-looking directions likely to animate this area in the years to come. What new catalytic manifolds can be developed through creative catalyst and reaction design that take advantage of the intrinsic redox reactivity of the pnictogens to drive new discoveries in catalysis?

Pd-Catalyzed Rearrangement of N-Alloc-N-allyl Ynamides via Auto-Tandem Catalysis: Evidence for Reversible C-N Activation and Pd(0)-Accelerated Ketenimine Aza-Claisen Rearrangement

An auto-tandem catalytic double allylic rearrangement of N-alloc-N-allyl ynamides was developed. This reaction proceeds through two separate and distinct catalytic cycles with both decarboxylative Pd-π-allyl and Pd(0)-promoted aza-Claisen rearrangements occurring. A detailed mechanistic study supported by computations highlights these two separate mechanisms. Previously unreported reversible C-N ionization and a Pd(0)-catalyzed [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement were discovered. This study provides new reaction pathways for both π-allyl and sigmatropic rearrangements.

Brønsted Base-Catalyzed Formal Reductive [3+2] Annulation of 4,4,4-Trifluorocrotonate and α-Iminoketones

A formal reductive [3+2] annulation of 4,4,4-trifluorocrotonate and α-iminoketones was developed under Brønsted base catalysis. A single phosphazene base efficiently catalyzes the one-pot tandem reaction involving two mechanistically different elementary processes, namely the chemoselective reduction of an imine moiety of α-iminoketones with thiols as the reductant and the subsequent intermolecular Michael addition of an enolate of α-aminoketones concomitant with lactam formation. This operationally simple method provides β-trifluoromethyl-substituted γ-lactams with a tetrasubstituted carbon as a single diastereomer.

Synthesis of substituted anilines via a gold-catalyzed three-component reaction

A three-component reaction for the synthesis of substituted anilines by a gold(i)-catalyzed domino reaction was developed.

Transition metal-catalyzed alkene isomerization as an enabling technology in tandem, sequential and domino processes

One-pot reactions based on catalytic isomerization of alkenes not only offer the inherent advantages of atom-, step- and redox-economy but also enable the preparation of value-added products that would be difficult to access by conventional methods.

Recent Developments in Heck-Type Reaction of Unactivated Alkenes and Alkyl Electrophiles

The Mizoroki–Heck reaction is considered as one of the most ingenious and widely used methods for constructing C–C bonds. This reaction mainly focuses on activated olefins (styrenes, acrylates, or vinyl ethers) and aryl/vinyl (pseudo) halides. In comparison, the studies on unactivated alkenes and alkyl electrophiles are far less due to the low reactivity, poor selectivity, as well as competitive β-H elimination. In the past years, a growing interest has thus been devoted and significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the employment of unactivated alkenes and alkyl electrophiles as the reaction components, and this type of coupling is called as Heck-type or Heck-like reaction, which distinguishes from the traditional Heck reaction. Herein, we give a brief summary on Heck-type reaction between unactivated alkenes and alkyl electrophlies, covering its initial work, recent advancements, and mechanistic discussions.

1 Introduction

2 Intramolecular Heck-Type Reaction of Unactivated Alkenes and Alkyl Electrophiles

2.1 Cobalt-Catalyzed Intramolecular Heck-Type Reaction

2.2 Palladium-Catalyzed Intramolecular Heck-Type Reaction

2.3 Nickel-Catalyzed Intramolecular Heck-Type Reaction

2.4 Photocatalysis and Multimetallic Protocol for Intramolecular Heck-Type Reaction

3 Intermolecular Heck-Type Reaction of Unactivated Alkenes and Alkyl Electrophiles

3.1 Electrophilic Trifluoromethylating Reagent as Reaction Partners

3.2 Alkyl Electrophiles as Reaction Partners

4 Oxidative Heck-Type Reaction of Unactivated Alkenes and Alkyl Radicals

5 Conclusions and Outlook

Synthesis of diarylalkanes through an intramolecular/intermolecular addition sequence by auto-tandem catalysis with strong Brønsted base

An auto-tandem catalysis with a strong Brønsted base enabled the synthesis of diarylalkanes containing a benzofuran moiety. Potassium tert-butoxide efficiently catalyzed both the intramolecular cyclization of less acidic ortho-alkynylaryl benzyl ethers and the following intermolecular addition of diarylmethanes to styrenes, demonstrating the high potential of the catalysis in organic synthesis.

Copper-Catalyzed Sequential Cyclization/Migration of Alkynyl Hydrazides for Construction of Ring-Expanded N-N Fused Pyrazolones

A copper-catalyzed sequential cyclization/migration reaction of alkynyl hydrazides for the synthesis of ring-expanded N-N fused pyrazolones was developed. Control experiments indicate that the copper-ligand complex plays an essential role in the reaction. This approach features a broad scope including some functional group tolerance as well as a nucleophilic addition/1,3-migration/formal 1,2-migration sequence. This protocol provides simple manipulation and less waste due to high yield and atom economy. The synthetic utility of N-N fused pyrazolones was also demonstrated by further transformations.

A step-economic and one-pot access to chiral Cα-tetrasubstituted α-amino acid derivatives via a bicyclic imidazole-catalyzed direct enantioselective C-acylation

C^α-Tetrasubstituted α-amino acids are ubiquitous and unique structural units in bioactive natural products and pharmaceutical compounds. The asymmetric synthesis of these molecules has attracted a lot of attention, but a more efficient method is still greatly desired. Here we describe the first sequential four-step acylation reaction for the efficient synthesis of chiral C^α-tetrasubstituted α-amino acid derivatives from simple N-acylated amino acids via an auto-tandem catalysis using a single nucleophilic catalyst. The synthetic efficiency is improved via a direct enantioselective C-acylation; the methodology affords the corresponding C^α-tetrasubstituted α-amino acid derivatives with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). This step-economic, one-pot, and auto-tandem strategy provides facile access to important chiral building blocks, such as peptides, serines, and oxazolines, which are often used in medicinal and synthetic chemistry.

The first four-step sequential reaction for the synthesis of C^α-tetrasubstituted chiral α-amino acid derivatives via auto-tandem catalysis has been developed.

A shape changing tandem Rh(CNC) catalyst: preparation of bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,5,7-trienes from terminal aryl alkynes

The preparation of a range of tetraaryl-substituted bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,5,7-trienes using a one-pot procedure starting from terminal aryl alkynes and catalysed by a rhodium(i) complex is reported. This synthesis proceeds by a reaction sequence involving head-to-tail homocoupling of the terminal alkyne and zipper annulation of the resulting gem-enyne. The rhodium catalyst employed is notable for the incorporation of a flexible NHC-based pincer ligand, which is suggested to interconvert between mer- and fac-coordination modes to fulfil the orthogonal mechanistic demands of the two transformations. Evidence for this interesting auto-tandem action of the catalyst is provided by reactions of the precatalyst with model substrates, corroborating proposed intermediates in both component cycles, and norbornadiene, which reversibly captures the change in pincer ligand coordination mode, along with a DFT-based computational analysis.

Valorization of Waste: Sustainable Organocatalysts from Renewable Resources

One of the greatest challenges facing our society is to reconcile our need to develop efficient and sophisticated chemical processes with the limited resources of our planet and its restricted ability to adsorb pollution. Organocatalysis has allowed many issues to be addressed in the development of sophisticated, but less polluting, processes. However, minimizing waste also means an efficient utilization of raw and renewable materials. Waste biomass represents an alternative to conventional petroleum-based chemical manufacturing and is a highly attractive renewable resource for the production of chemicals and high-value-added organocatalysts. Recent achievements in the use of renewable biomass feedstocks for the synthesis of organocatalysts are presented. Their application in synthetic methodologies, including multicomponent reactions, which are performed under solvent-free conditions or in eco-friendly reaction media, as well as recycling and reusing the organocatalysts, is illustrated. A few pioneering examples that demonstrate the potential of these promoters in asymmetric synthesis have also been documented. In particular, this review covers examples on the use of hetero- and homogeneous organocatalysts derived from 1) waste biopolymers, such as chitosan, alginic acid, and cellulose; ii) renewable platform molecules, such as levoglucosenone, isosorbide, mannose, d-glucosamine, and lecithin; 3) terpenes and rosin, such as pinane, isosteviol, and abietic acid; and iv) natural proteins (gelatin, bovine tendons, silk fibroin proteins).

Spatially Ordered Arrangement of Multifunctional Sites at Molecule Level in a Single Catalyst for Tandem Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates

With fossil energy resources increasingly drying up and gradually causing serious environmental impacts, pursuing a tandem and green synthetic route for a complex and high-value-added compound by using low-cost raw materials has attracted considerable attention. In this regard, the selective and efficient conversion of light olefins with CO₂ into high-value-added organic cyclic carbonates (OCCs) is of great significance owing to their high atom economy and absence of the isolation of intermediates. To fulfill this expectation, a multifunctional catalytic system with controllable spatial arrangement of varied catalytic sites and stable texture, in particular, within a single catalyst, is generally needed. Here, by using a stepwise electrostatic interaction strategy, imidazolium-based ILs and Au nanoparticles (NPs) were stepwise immobilized into a sulfonic group grafted MOF to construct a multifunctional single catalyst with a highly ordered arrangement of catalytic sites. The Au NPs and imidazolium cation are separately responsible for the selective epoxidation and cycloaddition reaction. The mesoporous cage within the MOF enriches the substrate molecules and provides a confined catalytic room for the tandem catalysis. More importantly, the highly ordered arrangement of the varied active sites and strong electrostatic attraction interaction result in the intimate contact and effective mass transfer between the catalytic sites, which allow for the highly efficient (>74% yield) and stable (repeatedly usage for at least 8 times) catalytic transformation. The stepwise electrostatic interaction strategy herein provides an absolutely new approach in fabricating the controllable multifunctional catalysts, especially for tandem catalysis.