Mechanistic studies on a sulfoxide transfer reaction mediated by diphenyl sulfoxide/triflic anhydride

Glycosylation of 2-(2-Propylsulfinyl)benzyl 1,2-Orthoester Glycosides Initiated by Sulfoxide Activation

We have developed a highly effective glycosylation method that involves the activation of 2-(2-propylsulfinyl)benzyl 1,2-orthoester glycosides using triflic anhydride (Tf2O). Our research indicates that half of the glycosyl donor is activated through Tf2O via an interrupted Pummerer reaction mechanism, while the remaining portion is activated by triflic acid (TfOH) generated in situ. As a result, as little as 0.5 equiv of Tf2O is adequate for activating the orthoester glycoside donors. This glycosylation procedure offers several benefits, such as high efficiency, wide applicability, and the utilization of a recyclable leaving group.

Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of 5-(Aryl)dibenzothiophenium Triflates

A synthetic protocol for the preparation of 5-(aryl)dibenzothiophenium salts starting from inexpensive dibenzothiophene S-oxide and simple arenes is reported. The scope of the method regarding the nature of the arene is evaluated, intermediates along the reaction sequence have been trapped, and side-reactions identified. In addition, the X-ray structures of a complete set of these salts are reported and their reactivities studied. Specifically, chemoselective Suzuki coupling is observed at the dibenzothiophenium in the presence of iodides.

Biomimetic Reductive Cleavage of Keto Aryl Ether Bonds by Small-Molecule Thiols

The nucleophilic and reductive properties of thiolates and thiols make them ideal candidates as redox mediators via the thiol/disulfide couple. One mechanism for biological lignin depolymerization entails reduction of keto aryl ether bonds by an S_N 2 mechanism with the thiol redox mediator glutathione. In this study, mimicking this chemistry in a simple protein- and metal-free process, several small organic thiols are surveyed for their ability to cleave aryl keto ethers that model the β-O-4 linkages found in partially oxidized lignin. In polar aprotic solvents, β-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol yielded up to 100 % formation of phenol and acetophenone products from 2-phenoxyacetophenone, but not from its reduced alcohol congener. The effects of reaction conditions and of substituents on the aryl rings and the keto ether linkage are assessed. These results, together with activation barriers computed by quantum chemical simulations and direct observation of the expected intermediate thioether, point to an S_N 2 mechanism. This study confirms that small organic thiols can reductively break down lignin-relevant keto aryl ether linkages.

5-(Alkynyl)dibenzothiophenium Triflates: Sulfur-Based Reagents for Electrophilic Alkynylation

The synthesis of a series of 5-(alkynyl) dibenzothiophenium triflates, prepared from dibenzo[b,d]thiophene 5-oxide and the corresponding trimethylsilyl-substituted alkynes is reported. Their structures were determined by X-ray crystallography, and their reactivities as electrophilic alkynylation reagents evaluated. Their broad substrate scope and functional-group tolerance illustrate their potential to become an alternative to the broadly used EBX reagents. Isotope labeling studies reveal that alkynyldibenzothiophenium salts may undergo attack by nucleophiles at either the α- or β-carbon atom depending on the nature of their substitution pattern. Subsequent elimination of the dibenzothiophene unit and 1,2-migration of one of the groups (in case of β-attack) affords the desired alkynes.

Triazine-Based Cationic Leaving Group: Synergistic Driving Forces for Rapid Formation of Carbocation Species

A new triazine-based cationic leaving group has been developed for the acid-catalyzed alkylation of O- and C-nucleophiles. There are two synergistic driving forces, namely, stable C═O bond formation and charge-charge repulsive effects, involved in the rapid generation of the carbocation species in the presence of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (∼200 mol %). Considerable rate acceleration of benzylation, allylation, and p-nitrobenzylation was observed as compared to the reactions with less than 100 mol % of the acid catalyst. The triazine-based leaving group showed superior p-nitrobenzylation yield and stability in comparison to common leaving groups, trichloroacetimidate and bromide. A plausible reaction mechanism (the cationic leaving group pathway) was proposed on the basis of mechanistic and kinetic studies, NMR experiments, and calculations.

Mapping the Reactivity and Selectivity of 2-Azidofucosyl Donors for the Assembly of N-Acetylfucosamine-Containing Bacterial Oligosaccharides

The synthesis of complex oligosaccharides is often hindered by a lack of knowledge on the reactivity and selectivity of their constituent building blocks. We investigated the reactivity and selectivity of 2-azidofucosyl (FucN₃) donors, valuable synthons in the synthesis of 2-acetamido-2-deoxyfucose (FucNAc) containing oligosaccharides. Six FucN₃ donors, bearing benzyl, benzoyl, or tert-butyldimethylsilyl protecting groups at the C3-O and C4-O positions, were synthesized, and their reactivity was assessed in a series of glycosylations using acceptors of varying nucleophilicity and size. It was found that more reactive nucleophiles and electron-withdrawing benzoyl groups on the donor favor the formation of β-glycosides, while poorly reactive nucleophiles and electron-donating protecting groups on the donor favor α-glycosidic bond formation. Low-temperature NMR activation studies of Bn- and Bz-protected donors revealed the formation of covalent FucN₃ triflates and oxosulfonium triflates. From these results, a mechanistic explanation is offered in which more reactive acceptors preferentially react via an S_N2-like pathway, while less reactive acceptors react via an S_N1-like pathway. The knowledge obtained in this reactivity study was then applied in the construction of α-FucN₃ linkages relevant to bacterial saccharides. Finally, a modular synthesis of the Staphylococcus aureus type 5 capsular polysaccharide repeating unit, a trisaccharide consisting of two FucNAc units, is described.

Cooperative chiral salen TiIV catalyst supported on ionic liquid-functionalized graphene oxide accelerates asymmetric sulfoxidation in water

Multiple chiral salen Ti^IV complexes appended on an IL-functionalized GO surface reinforced intramolecular cooperative catalysis of asymmetric sulfoxidation in water.

Further studies on cation clock reactions in glycosylation: observation of a configuration specific intramolecular sulfenyl transfer and isolation and characterization of a tricyclic acetal

The use of the 2-O-(2-trimethylsilylmethallyl) group as intramolecular nucleophile and cation clock reaction in the glucopyranose series depends on the nature of the glycosyl donor. As previously reported, with trichloroacetimidates the anticipated intramolecular Sakurai reaction proceeds efficiently and is an effective clock, whereas with sulfoxides complications arise. The source of these complications is now shown to be an intramolecular sulfenyl transfer reaction between the tethered allylsilane and the activated sulfoxide. These results illustrate how a different unimolecular clock reaction may be required for a given cation when it is generated from different donors in order to avoid side reactions. The synthesis and cyclization of a 2-O-(3-hydroxypropyl) glucopyranosyl sulfoxide leading on activation to the formation of a trans-fused acetal is also described. The formation of this crystallographically-established trans-fused acetal is discussed in terms of the high effective concentration of the intramolecular nucleophile which leads to a high degree of a SN2 character in the displacement of the α-glucosyl triflate or at the level of the corresponding α-CIP. The possible use of such intramolecular alcohols as clock reactions and their limitations is discussed.

Mechanistic Investigations into the Application of Sulfoxides in Carbohydrate Synthesis

The utility of sulfoxides in a diverse range of transformations in the field of carbohydrate chemistry has seen rapid growth since the first introduction of a sulfoxide as a glycosyl donor in 1989. Sulfoxides have since developed into more than just anomeric leaving groups, and today have multiple roles in glycosylation reactions. These include as activators for thioglycosides, hemiacetals, and glycals, and as precursors to glycosyl triflates, which are essential for stereoselective β-mannoside synthesis, and bicyclic sulfonium ions that facilitate the stereoselective synthesis of α-glycosides. In this review we highlight the mechanistic investigations undertaken in this area, often outlining strategies employed to differentiate between multiple proposed reaction pathways, and how the conclusions of these investigations have and continue to inform upon the development of more efficient transformations in sulfoxide-based carbohydrate synthesis.

Cooperative chiral salen TiIV catalysts with built-in phase-transfer capability accelerate asymmetric sulfoxidation in water

Double chiral salen Ti^IV complexes were flexibly combined into a single molecule through a PEG-based di-imidazolium IL bridge, which provided cooperative, phase transfer catalysts for efficient asymmetric sulfoxidation in water with H₂O₂.

Sulfur(IV)-mediated transformations: from ylide transfer to metal-free arylation of carbonyl compounds

The development of a direct ylide transfer to carbonyl derivatives and of a sulfoxide-mediated arylation is presented from a unified perspective. Mechanistic studies (including density functional calculations) support a common reaction pathway and showcase how subtle changes in reactant properties can lead to disparate and seemingly unrelated reaction outcomes.

Sulfoxide-TFAA and nucleophile combination as new reagent for aliphatic C-H functionalization at indole 2α-position

Aliphatic C-H functionalization at indole 2α-position mediated by acyloxythionium species 1 generated from sulfoxide and acid anhydride has been developed. The combination of sulfoxide and TFAA with O-, N- and C-nucleophiles enabled introduction of various substituents in a one-pot procedure. Especially on utilizing DMSO, the combination provided a practical and efficient method for the synthesis of a wide range of 2α-substituted indoles.

Sulfoxide-mediated Umpolung of alkali halide salts

A new protocol for the direct two-electron oxidative Umpolung of alkali halide salts is reported. This procedure, relying on the use of a commercially available sulfoxide as the oxidant, allows the electrophilic halogenation of carbonyl compounds as well as halolactonisation reactions to proceed from the corresponding sodium salts, at room temperature and under mild conditions.