Tunable hydride transfer in the redox amination of indoline with aldehyde: an attractive intramolecular hydrogen-bond effect

Novel tetrahydroquinoline derivatives induce ROS-mediated apoptosis in glioblastoma cells

Current treatment for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is not efficient due to its aggressive nature, tendency to infiltrate surrounding brain tissue, and chemotherapy resistance. Tetrahydroquinoline scaffolds are emerging as a new class of drug for treating many human cancers including GBM. This study investigates the cytotoxicity effect of eight novel derivatives of 2-((3,4-dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)(aryl)methyl)phenol, containing substitute 1 with reduced dihydroquinoline fused with cyclohexene ring and substitute 2 with phenyl and methyl group. The 4-position of the aryl ring was determinant for the desired cytotoxicity, and out of the 8 synthesized compounds, the 4-trifluoromethyl substituted derivative (4ag) exhibited the most anti-GBM potential effect compared to the standard chemotherapeutic agent, temozolomide (TMZ), with IC50 values of 38.3 μM and 40.6 μM in SNB19 and LN229 cell lines, respectively. Our results demonstrated that 4ag triggers apoptosis through the activation of Caspase-3/7. In addition, 4ag induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) which in turn elevated mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) and causes the disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψmt) in both GBM cells. This compound also exhibited anti-migratory properties over the time in both the cell lines. Overall, these findings suggest that tetrahydroquinoline derivative, 4ag could lead to the development of a new drug for treating GBM.

Metal-Free Annulation of 2-Nitrobenzyl Alcohols and Tetrahydroisoquinolines toward the Divergent Synthesis of Quinazolinones and Quinazolinethiones

A simple metal-free method for the synthesis of quinazolinones from commercially available 2-nitrobenzyl alcohols and tetrahydroisoquinolines is developed. The reaction conditions were tolerant of an array of functionalities such as halogen, tertiary amine, protected alcohol, and ester groups. Under nearly identical conditions, quinazolinethiones were obtained in the presence of elemental sulfur and suitable mediators.

Condensation-Based Methods for the C–H Bond Functionalization of Amines

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of condensation-based methods for the C–H bond functionalization of amines that feature azomethine ylides as key intermediates. These transformations are typically redox-neutral and share common attributes with classic name reactions such as the Strecker, Mannich, ­Friedel–Crafts, Pictet–Spengler, and Kabachnik–Fields reactions, while incorporating a redox-isomerization step. This approach provides an ideal platform to rapidly transform simple starting materials into complex amines.

1 Introduction

1.1 General Remarks

1.2 Overview

1.3 Scope of This Review

2 Aromatization of Cyclic Amines

2.1 Pyridines from Piperidine

2.2 Isoquinolines from Tetrahydroisoquinolines and Quinolines from Tetrahydroquinolines

2.3 Pyrroles from 3-Pyrroline or Pyrrolidine

2.4 Indoles from Indolines

3 Pericyclic Reactions

3.1 (3+2)-Dipolar Cycloadditions

3.2 6π-Electrocyclizations

3.3 1,5-Proton Shifts

4 Redox-Variants of Classic Transformations Incorporating a C–H Bond Functionalization Step

4.1 α-Cyanation

4.2 α-Alkynylation

4.3 α-Phosphonation

4.4 α-Arylation

4.5 α-Alkylation with Ketones

4.6 Redox-Ugi Reaction

4.7 Miscellaneous Intermolecular Reactions

5 Redox-Annulations

6 Reactions Involving β-C–H Bond Functionalization

7 Outlook

Highly diastereoselective synthesis of tricyclic fused-pyrans by sequential hydride shift mediated double C(sp3)-H bond functionalization

Described herein is the Brønsted acid-catalyzed double C(sp3)-H bond functionalization of alkyl phenethyl ether derivatives. In this process, a [1,5]-[1,5]-hydride shift occurred successively to afford tricyclic fused pyran derivatives in excellent chemical yields with excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >20 : 1). The key to achieve this reaction was the introduction of two methyl groups at the benzylic position, which was effective in both hydride shift processes: (1) the Thorpe-Ingold effect for the first hydride shift and (2) conformational control in the second hydride shift.

Efficient construction of tetrahydroquinolines via fluorinated alcohol mediated cascade [1,5]-hydride transfer/cyclization

An environmentally benign cascade redox-neutral process was developed for the efficient construction of pharmaceutically important spirocyclic tetrahydroquinolines via a 3-step cascade Knoevenagel condensation/[1,5]-hydride transfer/cyclization.

Formal aromaticity transfer for palladium-catalyzed coupling between phenols and pyrrolidines/indolines

We herein describe a palladium-catalyzed formal aromaticity transfer coupling reaction between phenols and pyrrolidines or indolines to generate the corresponding N-cyclohexyl pyrroles or indoles. In this transformation, the aromaticity of phenols is formally passed on to the pyrrolidine or indoline units. Substituted phenols thus can serve as latent cyclohexyl equivalents for the fast construction of various N-cyclohexyl pyrroles and indoles.

Hf(OTf)4-Catalyzed highly diastereoselective synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted tetralin derivatives via benzylic C(sp3)–H bond functionalization

A highly diastereoselective synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted tetralin derivatives was achieved via Hf(OTf)₄-catalyzed benzylic C(sp³)–H bond functionalization.

Redox-Neutral Aromatization of Cyclic Amines: Mechanistic Insights and Harnessing of Reactive Intermediates for Amine α- and β-C-H Functionalization

Cyclic amines such as pyrrolidine and piperidine are known to undergo condensations with aldehydes to furnish pyrrole and pyridine derivatives, respectively. A combined experimental and computational study provides detailed insights into the mechanism of pyrrole formation. A number of reactive intermediates (e.g., azomethine ylides, conjugated azomethine ylides, enamines) were intercepted, outlining strategies for circumventing aromatization as a valuable pathway for amine C-H functionalization.

C-H functionalization of cyclic amines: redox-annulations with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

Cyclic amines such as pyrrolidine and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline undergo redox-annulations with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones. Carboxylic acid promoted generation of a conjugated azomethine ylide is followed by 6π-electrocylization, and, in some cases, tautomerization. The resulting ring-fused pyrrolines are readily oxidized to the corresponding pyrroles or reduced to pyrrolidines.

Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution of Indolines Based on a Self-Redox Reaction

A strategy for oxidative kinetic resolution of racemic indolines was developed, employing salicylaldehyde derivative as the pre-resolving reagent and chiral phosphoric acid as the catalyst. The iminium intermediate, formed by the condensation reaction of an enantiomer of indoline with salicylaldehyde derivative, was hydrogenated by the same enantiomer of indoline to afford another enantiomer of indoline by a self-redox mechanism. The oxidative kinetic resolution of 2-aryl-substituted indolines proceeded to give enantiomers in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities.

The Rügheimer-Burrows reaction revisited: Facile preparation of 4-alkylisoquinolines and 3,5-dialkylpyridines from (partially) saturated amines

A long-known class of cyclic amine/aldehyde condensation reactions was reinvestigated. Benzoic acid was found to efficiently promote condensations of amines such as piperidine or 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline with aromatic aldehydes, resulting in amine β-functionalization and aromatization. These redox-neutral transformations provide 3,5-dialkylpyridines and 4-alkylisoquinolines in moderate to good yields, following short reaction times under microwave conditions.

The azomethine ylide route to amine C-H functionalization: redox-versions of classic reactions and a pathway to new transformations

Redox-neutral methods for the functionalization of amine α-C–H bonds are inherently efficient because they avoid external oxidants and reductants and often do not generate unwanted byproducts. However, most of the current methods for amine α-C–H bond functionalization are oxidative in nature. While the most efficient variants utilize atmospheric oxygen as the terminal oxidant, many such transformations require the use of expensive or toxic oxidants, often coupled with the need for transition metal catalysts.

Redox-neutral amine α-functionalizations that involve intramolecular hydride transfer steps provide viable alternatives to certain oxidative reactions. These processes have been known for some time and are particularly well suited for tertiary amine substrates. A mechanistically distinct strategy for secondary amines has emerged only recently, despite sharing common features with a range of classic organic transformations. Among those are such widely used reactions as the Strecker, Mannich, Pictet–Spengler, and Kabachnik–Fields reactions, Friedel–Crafts alkylations, and iminium alkynylations. In these classic processes, condensation of a secondary amine with an aldehyde (or a ketone) typically leads to the formation of an intermediate iminium ion, which is subsequently attacked by a nucleophile. The corresponding redox-versions of these transformations utilize identical starting materials but incorporate an isomerization step that enables α-C–H bond functionalization. Intramolecular versions of these reactions include redox-neutral amine α-amination, α-oxygenation, and α-sulfenylation. In all cases, a reductive N-alkylation is effectively combined with an oxidative α-functionalization, generating water as the only byproduct.

Reactions are promoted by simple carboxylic acids and in some cases require no additives. Azomethine ylides, dipolar species whose usage is predominantly in [3 + 2] cycloadditions and other pericyclic processes, have been identified as common intermediates. Extension of this chemistry to amine α,β-difunctionalization has been shown to be possible by way of converting the intermediate azomethine ylides into transient enamines.

This Account details the evolution of this general strategy and the progress made to date. Further included is a discussion of related decarboxylative reactions and transformations that result in the redox-neutral aromatization of (partially) saturated cyclic amines. These processes also involve azomethine ylides, reactive intermediates that appear to be far more prevalent in condensation chemistry of amines and carbonyl compounds than previously considered. In contrast, as exemplified by some redox transformations that have been studied in greater detail, iminium ions are not necessarily involved in all amine/aldehyde condensation reactions.

Highly diastereoselective synthesis of polycyclic amines via redox neutral C–H functionalization

Construction of polycyclic amines via C–H functionalization and 3+2 cycloaddition with high diastereoselectivities was achieved under mild conditions.

Intramolecular [3 + 2]-cycloadditions of azomethine ylides derived from secondary amines via redox-neutral C-H functionalization

Azomethine ylides are accessed under mild conditions via benzoic acid catalyzed condensations of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines or tryptolines with aldehydes bearing a pendent dipolarophile. These intermediates undergo intramolecular [3 + 2]-cycloadditions in a highly diastereoselective fashion to form polycyclic amines with four new stereogenic centers. Challenging substrates such as piperidine, morpholine, and thiomorpholine undergo the corresponding reactions at elevated temperatures.

Redox-neutral α-sulfenylation of secondary amines: ring-fused N,S-acetals

Secondary amines react with thiosalicylaldehydes in the presence of catalytic amounts of acetic acid to generate ring-fused N,S-acetals in redox-neutral fashion. A broad range of amines undergo α-sulfenylation, including challenging substrates such morpholine, thiomorpholine, and piperazines. Computational studies employing density functional theory indicate that acetic acid reduces the energy barriers of two separate steps, both of which involve proton transfer.

The redox-Mannich reaction

A complement to the classic three-component Mannich reaction, the redox-Mannich reaction, utilizes the same starting materials but incorporates an isomerization step that enables the facile preparation of ring-substituted β-amino ketones. Reactions occur under relatively mild conditions and are facilitated by benzoic acid.

Redox-neutral α,β-difunctionalization of cyclic amines

In contrast to the continuously growing number of methods that allow for the efficient α-functionalization of amines, few strategies exist that enable the direct functionalization of amines in the β-position. A general redox-neutral strategy is outlined for amine β-functionalization and α,β-difunctionalization that utilizes enamines generated in situ. This concept is demonstrated in the context of preparing polycyclic N,O-acetals from simple 1-(aminomethyl)-β-naphthols and 2-(aminomethyl)-phenols.

Redox-neutral α-oxygenation of amines: reaction development and elucidation of the mechanism

Cyclic secondary amines and 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes or related ketones react to furnish benzo[e][1,3]oxazine structures in generally good yields. This overall redox-neutral amine α-C-H functionalization features a combined reductive N-alkylation/oxidative α-functionalization and is catalyzed by acetic acid. In contrast to previous reports, no external oxidants or metal catalysts are required. Reactions performed under modified conditions lead to an apparent reductive amination and the formation of o-hydroxybenzylamines in a process that involves the oxidation of a second equivalent of amine. A detailed computational study employing density functional theory compares different mechanistic pathways and is used to explain the observed experimental findings. Furthermore, these results also reveal the origin of the catalytic efficiency of acetic acid in these transformations.

Redox-neutral α-arylation of amines

The direct α-arylation/N-alkylation of cyclic amines was achieved in a redox-neutral fashion under mild conditions. Transformations occur in the absence of any additives or are promoted by simple carboxylic acids.

Synthesis of N-alkyl pyrroles via decarboxylation/dehydration in neutral ionic liquid under catalyst-free conditions

A catalyst-free benign route toN-alkyl pyrroles by reacting aromatic, heteroaromatic or aliphatic aldehydes with 4-hydroxyproline in neutral ionic liquid under microwave irradiation is presented.

Divergent reaction: metal & oxidant free direct C–H aryloxylation and hydride free formal reductive N-benzylation of N-heterocycles

Metal, oxidant and other additive-free novel methods for direct C–H aryloxylation of aliphatic amines are developed. Divergent reaction for the synthesis of ring-fused oxazine and arylmethylamine is developed.

Metal-free α-amination of secondary amines: computational and experimental evidence for azaquinone methide and azomethine ylide intermediates

We have performed a combined computational and experimental study to elucidate the mechanism of a metal-free α-amination of secondary amines. Calculations predicted azaquinone methides and azomethine ylides as the reactive intermediates and showed that iminium ions are unlikely to participate in these transformations. These results were confirmed by experimental deuterium-labeling studies and the successful trapping of the postulated azomethine ylide and azaquinone methide intermediates. In addition, computed barrier heights for the rate-limiting step correlate qualitatively with experimental findings.

Redox-neutral copper(II) carboxylate catalyzed α-alkynylation of amines

A new strategy for iminium ion isomerization was applied to the direct, redox-neutral α-alkynylation of amines. Cu(II) 2-ethylhexanoate was identified as the optimal catalyst for this three-component coupling reaction of secondary amines, aldehydes and alkynes.

An experimental and theoretical study on fragmentation of protonated N-(2-pyridinylmethyl)indole in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

RATIONALE

The dissociation reactions of protonated molecules are the base of structural analysis in electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS(n)). However, general rules for elucidating the numerous fragmentation reactions in ESI-MS(n) are still rather lacking. Therefore, it is very important at all times to carry out mechanistic investigations for fragmentation reactions in the gas phase.

METHODS

The fragmentation reactions of protonated N-(2-pyridinylmethyl)indoles were studied by both of ESI ion trap tandem mass spectrometry and ESI Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance tandem mass spectrometry in positive-ion mode.

RESULTS

In ESI-MS/MS, the ionizing proton is first bound to the most thermodynamically favored site, the pyridine nitrogen; then it transfers to the dissociative protonation sites and triggers the fragmentation. In the fragmentation of the target compounds, some interesting reactions, such as rearrangement, proton transfer and electron transfer reactions, take place via ion/neutral complexes. The proposed mechanisms are supported by both theoretical calculations and isotopic labeling experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is a case for better understanding the dissociative protonation sites and enriching the knowledge about the role of ion/neutral complexes in ESI-MS. It also provides useful information for the structural analysis of organic compounds, especially drug analysis in pharmaceutical chemistry.

Redox-neutral α-cyanation of amines

α-Aminonitriles inaccessible by traditional Strecker chemistry are obtained in redox-neutral fashion by direct amine α-cyanation/N-alkylation or alternatively, α-aminonitrile isomerization. These unprecedented transformations are catalyzed by simple carboxylic acids.

Organocatalytic C-H activation reactions

Organocatalytic C-H activation reactions have recently been developed besides the traditional metal-catalysed C-H activation reactions. The recent non-asymmetric and asymmetric C-H activation reactions mediated by organocatalysts are discussed in this review.

A computational reinvestigation of the formation of N-alkylpyrroles via intermolecular redox amination

A detailed mechanism of N-alkylpyrrole formation from 3-pyrroline and 2-phenylpropanal in the presence of a Brønsted acid catalyst was investigated in depth using the MP2 and DFT theories. The two mechanisms proposed earlier in recent literatures for this internal redox process were evaluated and were found not to account perfectly for the transition state and the energetic barrier of its formation. Based on the present calculations, a new mechanism was put forth.

Decarboxylative formation of N-alkyl pyrroles from 4-hydroxyproline

N-Alkyl pyrroles are obtained in a single step from 4-hydroxyproline and aldehydes in just 15 min under microwave irradiation.

Redox isomerization via azomethine ylide intermediates: N-alkyl indoles from indolines and aldehydes

Indolines react with aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes to yield N-alkyl indoles in a benzoic acid catalyzed redox isomerization reaction. Azomethine ylides are intermediates in this process which was established by intramolecular [3 + 2] trapping experiments.