One-pot sequential organocatalysis: highly stereoselective synthesis of trisubstituted cyclohexanols

Catalytic, Asymmetric Michael-Aldol Annulations via a Stereodivergent/Stereoconvergent Path Operating under Curtin-Hammett Control

A bifunctional iminophosphorane (BIMP)-catalyzed method for the synthesis of densely functionalized cyclohexanols establishes five contiguous stereocenters (diastereoselection up to >20:1, enantioselectivity up to >99:1) in a Michael/aldol domino reaction between trisubstituted electrophilic alkenes and γ-nitroketones. Mechanistic studies suggest a scenario in which stereoconvergency is achieved by kinetically controlled cyclization after the initial diastereodivergent Michael addition. Diastereoconvergency during cyclization is shown to result from Curtin-Hammett kinetics, a finding that contrasts the crystallization-driven stereoconvergency previously reported in similar systems. Despite the change in the stereocontrol mechanism, the operational attributes remain attractive, with the crystalline products typically isolated in analytically pure form upon filtration of the reaction mixture.

Catalysts’ evolution in the asymmetric conjugate addition of nitroalkanes to electron-poor alkenes

This review provides a journey of the catalyst usage for the enantioselective conjugate addition of nitroalkanes to electron-poor olefins from the early attempts to the latest achievements. Selected applications are also reported.

Asymmetric Sequential Michael Addition and Cyclization Reactions of 2-(2-Nitrovinyl)phenols Catalyzed by Bifunctional Amino-Squaramides

In this work, we describe the Michael addition–cyclization reaction of 2-(2-nitrovinyl)phenol with two different reactive Michael donors, which lead to chiral benzopyran derivatives. Specifically, bifunctional amino-squaramides with one or two chiral units in the side chains were evaluated as catalysts in these transformations. Furthermore, the utility of selected green solvents as reaction media for these processes was also tested. The best result was achieved with methyl-cyclopentanone-2-carboxylate as the Michael donor in ethyl (–)-l-lactate with quinine-based amino-squaramide as catalyst (yield 72%, dr >99:1, ee 99%).

Enantio- and Diastereoselective Organocatalytic Conjugate Additions of Nitroalkanes to Enone Diesters

Enantio- and diastereoselective conjugate addition reactions between nitroethane or nitropropane and enone diesters are reported. A bifunctional triaryliminophosphorane catalyzed the addition reaction with consistently excellent stereoselectivities and yields across a wide range of substrates. By the use of the gem-diester functional handle present in the adducts, local desymmetrization via diastereotopic group discrimination was demonstrated, and a polyfunctionalized lactam with three contiguous stereocenters was synthesized.

(Thio)urea-mediated synthesis of functionalized six-membered rings with multiple chiral centers

Organocatalysis, now running its second decade of life, is being considered one of the main tools a synthetic chemist has to perform asymmetric catalysis. In this review the synthesis of six-membered rings, that contain multiple chiral centers, either by a ring closing process or by a functionalization reaction on an already existing six-membered ring, utilizing bifunctional (thio)ureas will be summarized. Initially, the use of primary amine-thioureas as organocatalysts for the above transformation is being discussed, followed by the examples employing secondary amine-thioureas. Finally, the use of tertiary amine-thioureas and miscellaneous examples are presented.

Stereoselective synthesis of spirooxindole derivatives using an organocatalyzed tandem Michael–Michael reaction

A highly efficient and stereoselective method for the synthesis of functionalized spirooxindole derivatives was realized using enamine catalysis.

Asymmetric synthesis of 3,3′-pyrrolidinyl-dispirooxindoles via a one-pot organocatalytic Mannich/deprotection/aza-Michael sequence

A highly stereoselective synthesis of functionalized 3,3′-pyrrolidinyl-dispirooxindole derivatives with three stereogenic centers, including two contiguous spiro-stereocenters, has been achieved through an organocatalytic Mannich/Boc-deprotection/aza-Michael sequence.

Asymmetric synthesis of functionalized cyclohexanes bearing five stereocenters via a one-pot organocatalytic Michael-Michael-1,2-addition sequence

A highly stereoselective one-pot organocatalytic procedure involving a Michael–Michael–1,2-addition sequence provides an efficient access to fully substituted cyclohexanes bearing five contiguous stereocenters in good yields and excellent stereoselectivities.

A highly stereoselective one-pot procedure involving an enantioselective Michael addition promoted by low loading of an amino-squaramide catalyst followed by an achiral base catalyzed domino Michael–Knoevenagel-type 1,2-addition sequence provides efficient access to fully substituted cyclohexanes bearing five contiguous stereogenic centers in good yields (68–86%) and excellent stereoselectivities (>30 : 1 dr and 96–99% ee).

Asymmetric synthesis of highly functionalized tetrahydropyrans via a one-pot organocatalytic Michael/Henry/ketalization sequence

A diastereo- and enantioselective Michael/Henry/ketalization sequence to functionalized tetrahydropyrans is described. The multicomponent cascade reaction uses acetylacetone or β-keto esters, β-nitrostyrenes, and alkynyl aldehydes as substrates affording tetrahydropyrans with five contiguous stereocenters. Employing a bifunctional quinine-based squaramide organocatalyst, the title compounds are obtained in moderate to good yields (27-80%), excellent enantiomeric excesses (93-99% ee), and high diastereomeric ratios (dr > 20:1) after one crystallization.

Asymmetric domino synthesis of indanes bearing four contiguous stereocentres catalyzed by sub-mol% loadings of a squaramide in minutes

An efficient diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of polyfunctionalized indanes bearing four contiguous stereogenic centres in generally very short reaction times and sub-mol% squaramide catalyst loadings has been developed. The novel methodology creates a maximum of two stereocentres per bond formation via an organocatalytic Michael-Henry domino reaction.