Asymmetric synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines through a [3+2] cycloaddition controlled by dienamine catalysis

Asymmetric Organocatalytic 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides with β-Substituted Cyclic Enones

The enantioselective and diastereoselective control of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions to β-substituted cyclic enones has been developed. The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of phthalazinium dicyanomethanides with cyclic dienones affords chiral tetrahydropyrrolo[2,1-a]phthalazine derivatives 3 through vinylogous iminium ion activation by combining a cinchona-based primary amine C3 and a chiral camphorsulfonic acid additive. Conversely, with a weaker 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid additive, the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of phthalazinium dicyanomethanides with β-substituted cyclic enones leads to chiral hexahydroisoindolo[1,2-a]phthalazin-10(8H)-one derivatives 4 with excellent stereocontrol via endo-dienamine activation.

Chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed enantioselective [5+1] cycloaddition reaction of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with isocyanides

The first catalytic enantioselective [5+1] cycloaddition reactions of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with isocyanides are reported herein. The method displays a broad substrate scope and atom-economy. A series of chiral tetrahydroisoquinoline containing indole skeletons were obtained in up to 90% yield with 95% ee under mild reaction conditions. A possible catalytic model was also proposed.

Chemodivergent 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions of C,N-Cyclic Azomethine Imines with γ-Sulfonamido-α,β-Unsaturated Ketones to Synthesize Tricyclic Dinitrogen-Fused Heterocycles

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with γ-NHTs-α,β-unsaturated ketones were developed to synthesize tricyclic dinitrogen-fused heterocycles. Highly functionalized tricyclic tetrahydroisoquinolines were readily obtained in good to high yields in the [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of N-Bz-protected C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with γ-NHTs-α,β-unsaturated ketones under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, DABCO-catalyzed cycloaddition of N-Ts-protected C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with γ-NHTs-α,β-unsaturated ketones followed by cleavage of the tosyl group is a convenient route to synthesize tetrahydropyrazolo [5,1-a]isoquinolines in good yields with excellent diastereoselectivities.

Asymmetric inverse-electron-demand 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of cyclopentadienones and thiophene-1,1-dioxide with C,N-cyclic azomethine imines

The normal 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between the carbonates of 4-hydroxy-2-cyclopentenones and C,N-cyclic azomethine imines can be switched to an inverse-electron-demand version under Pd(0) catalysis, by in situ generation of HOMO-raised η²-Pd(0)-cyclopentadienone complexes. An array of fused heterocyclic architectures are constructed with high levels of diastereo and enantioselectivity, and diastereodivergent synthesis is well realised by tuning the bifunctional phosphine ligands. In addition, similar reaction with in situ formed thiophene-1,1-dioxide is compatible by using a chiral bisphosphine ligand, and the fused cyclic sulfone frameworks are afforded with high stereoselectivity.

Dynamics in Catalytic Asymmetric Diastereoconvergent (3 + 2) Cycloadditions with Isomerizable Nitrones and α-Keto Ester Enolates

Reaction design in asymmetric catalysis has traditionally been predicated on a structurally robust scaffold in both substrates and catalysts, to reduce the number of possible diastereomeric transition states. Herein, we present the stereochemical dynamics in the Ni(II)-catalyzed diastereoconvergent (3 + 2) cycloadditions of isomerizable nitrile-conjugated nitrones with α-keto ester enolates. Even in the presence of multiple equilibrating species, the catalytic protocol displays a wide substrate scope to access a range of CN-containing building blocks bearing adjacent stereocenters with high enantio- and diastereoselectivities. Our computational investigations suggest that the enantioselectivity is governed in the deprotonation process to form (Z)-Ni-enolates, while the unique syn addition is mainly controlled by weak noncovalent bonding interactions between the nitrone and ligand.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Tetrahydroisoquinoline Derivatives through 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of C,N-Cyclic Azomethine Imines with Allyl Alkyl Ketones

A [3 + 2] 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with allyl alkyl ketones has been achieved. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions and tolerates a wide range of functional groups. An array of tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives is generally constructed with good diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities (up to >25:1 dr, >95% ee). Moreover, the absolute configuration of the product was previously determined by using the quantum electronic circular dichroism calculation and ECD spectrum method.

Recent Advances in Transition-Metal-Free (4+3)-Annulations

(4+3)-Annulations are incredibly versatile reactions which combine a 4-atom synthon and a 3-atom synthon to form both 7-membered carbocycles as well as heterocycles. We have previously reviewed transition-metal-catalyzed (4+3)-annulations. In this review, we will cover examples involving bases, NHCs, phosphines, Lewis and Brønsted acids as well as some rare examples of boronic acid catalysis and photocatalysis. In analogy to our previous review, we exclude annulations involving cyclic dienes like furan, pyrrole, cyclohexadiene or cyclopentadiene, as Chiu, Harmata, Fernándes and others have recently published reviews encompassing such substrates. We will however discuss the recent additions (2010–2020) to the literature on (4+3)-annulations involving other types of 4-atom-synthons.

1 Introduction

2 Bases

3 Annulations Using N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

3.1 N-Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs)

3.2 N-Heterocyclic Carbenes and Base Dual-Activation

4 Phosphines

5 Acids

5.1 Lewis Acids

5.2 Brønsted Acids

6 Boronic Acid Catalysis and Photocatalysis

7 Conclusion

Visible-Light-Mediated α-Amino Alkylation of Azomethine Imines: An Approach to N-(β-Aminoalkyl)pyrazolidinones

Herein, a mild and robust photocatalytic protocol for the combination of amino and pyrazolidinone functionalities through a radical α-amino alkylation of azomethine iminium ions is demonstrated. This method presents a high functional group tolerance providing direct access to a large family of N-(β-aminoalkyl)pyrazolidinones in good to excellent yields, including the late-stage incorporation of the pyrazolidinone moiety to pharmaceutical ingredients. We propose a plausible scenario for the C-C bond-forming step which involves radical addition followed by a spin-center-shift event.

New Developments of the Principle of Vinylogy as Applied to π-Extended Enolate-Type Donor Systems

The principle of vinylogy states that the electronic effects of a functional group in a molecule are possibly transmitted to a distal position through interposed conjugated multiple bonds. As an emblematic case, the nucleophilic character of a π-extended enolate-type chain system may be relayed from the legitimate α-site to the vinylogous γ, ε, ..., ω remote carbon sites along the chain, provided that suitable HOMO-raising strategies are adopted to transform the unsaturated pronucleophilic precursors into the reactive polyenolate species. On the other hand, when "unnatural" carbonyl ipso-sites are activated as nucleophiles (umpolung), vinylogation extends the nucleophilic character to "unnatural" β, δ, ... remote sites. Merging the principle of vinylogy with activation modalities and concepts such as iminium ion/enamine organocatalysis, NHC-organocatalysis, cooperative organo/metal catalysis, bifunctional organocatalysis, dicyanoalkylidene activation, and organocascade reactions represents an impressive step forward for all vinylogous transformations. This review article celebrates this evolutionary progress, by collecting, comparing, and critically describing the achievements made over the nine year period 2010-2018, in the generation of vinylogous enolate-type donor substrates and their use in chemical synthesis.

Base-mediated diastereoselective [4 + 3] annulation of in situ generated ortho-quinone methides with C,N-cyclic azomethine imines

An efficient [4 + 3] annulation of 2-(1-tosylalkyl)phenols with C,N-cyclic azomethine imines via in situ generation of ortho-quinone methides (o-QMs) under mild basic reaction conditions is disclosed, furnishing biologically interesting seven-membered heterocyclic compounds with moderate to good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities. A gram-scale reaction is performed to demonstrate the potential in industrial application and two transition states are proposed to rationalize the outstanding diastereoselectivity.

Synthesis of Non-Racemic Pyrazolines and Pyrazolidines by [3+2] Cycloadditions of Azomethine Imines

Asymmetric [3+2] cycloadditions of azomethine imines comprise a useful synthetic tool for the construction of pyrazole derivatives with a variable degree of saturation and up to three stereogenic centers. As analogues of pyrrolidines and imidazolidines that are abundant among natural products, pyrazoline and pyrazolidine derivatives represent attractive synthetic targets due to their extensive applications in the chemical and medicinal industries. Following the increased understanding of the mechanistic aspect of metal-catalyzed and organocatalyzed [3+2] cycloadditions of 1,3-dipoles gained over recent years, significant strides have been taken to design and develop new protocols that proceed efficiently under mild synthetic conditions and duly benefit from superior functional group tolerance and selectivity. In this review, we represent the current state of the art in this field and detailed methods for the synthesis of non-racemic pyrazolines and pyrazolidines via [3+2] metal and organocatalyzed transformations reported since the seminal work of Kobayashi et al. and Fu et al. in 2002 and 2003 up to the end of year 2017.

Catalytic Enantioselective [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of α-Keto Ester Enolates and Nitrile Oxides

An enantioselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between nitrile oxides and transiently generated enolates of α-keto esters has been developed. The catalyst system was found to be compatible with in situ nitrile oxide-generation conditions. A versatile array of nitrile oxides and α-keto esters could participate in the cycloaddition, providing novel 5-hydroxy-2-isoxazolines in high chemical yield with high levels of diastereo- and enantioselectivity. Notably, the optimal reaction conditions circumvented concurrent reactions via O-imidoylation and hetero-[3 + 2] pathways.

Asymmetric cycloaddition reactions catalysed by diarylprolinol silyl ethers

Organocatalysis as a paint palette for asymmetric cycloaddition reactions.

Rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular [3+3] cycloaddition of vinyl aziridines with C,N-cyclic azomethine imines: stereospecific synthesis of chiral fused tricyclic 1,2,4-hexahydrotriazines

A new rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular [3+3] cycloaddition of vinylaziridines with C,N-cyclic azomethine imines has been described to construct enantioenriched 1,2,4-hexahydrotriazines.

Old tricks, new dogs: organocatalytic dienamine activation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes

Chiral secondary amines are some of the most commonly used kinds of catalysts. They have become a reliable tool for the α- and β-activation of carbonyl compounds, via HOMO, SOMO or LUMO activation pathways. Recently, chemists have turned their attention to the development of novel organocatalytic strategies for remote functionalisation, targeting stereocentres even more distant from the catalyst-activation site, through dienamine, trienamine, and vinylogous iminium ion pathways (γ-, ε- and δ-positions, respectively). Here we outline and discuss the state-of-the-art in dienamine activation, classifying examples according to the different reactive activation pathways followed by the formed dienamine intermediate (1,3-, 1,5-, 2,5- and 4,5-functionalisation) and the reaction type developed, as determined by the structure and the nature of electrophiles and nucleophiles.

Catalytic Asymmetric Inverse-Electron-Demand 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of C,N-Cyclic Azomethine Imines with Azlactones: Access to Chiral Tricyclic Tetrahydroisoquinolines

Reported herein is a bifunctional-organocatalyst-mediated enantioselective inverse-electron-demand 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with azlactones. The strategy provides concise access to enantioenriched C1-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines featuring a pyrazolidinone scaffold. Moreover, the scalability and practical utility of this protocol was well demonstrated by employing a gram-scale reaction and some representative transformations.

Asymmetric α,γ-Regioselective [3 + 3] Formal Cycloadditions of α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes via Cascade Dienamine-Dienamine Catalysis

Asymmetric α,γ-regioselective [3 + 3] formal cycloadditions of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and 2-nitroallylic acetates have been developed for the first time. These reactions proceeded through a domino Michael addition-Michael addition sequence via an unusual cascade dienamine-dienamine catalysis of a chiral secondary amine, and multifunctional cyclohexene derivatives were generally constructed in moderate yields with excellent stereoselectivity after simple treatment with K2CO3.

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of azomethine imines

Azomethine imines are considered 1,3-dipoles of the aza-allyl type which are transient intermediates and should be generated in situ but can also be stable and isolable compounds. They react with electron-rich and electron-poor olefins as well as with acetylenic compounds and allenoates mainly by a [3 + 2] cycloaddition but they can also take part in [3 + 3], [4 + 3], [3 + 2 + 2] and [5 + 3] with different dipolarophiles. These 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions (1,3-DC) can be performed not only under thermal or microwave conditions but also using metallo- and organocatalytic systems. In recent years enantiocatalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions have been extensively considered and applied to the synthesis of a great variety of dinitrogenated heterocycles with biological activity. Acyclic azomethine imines derived from mono and disubstituted hydrazones could be generated by prototropy under heating or by using Lewis or Brønsted acids to give, after [3 + 2] cycloadditions, pyrazolidines and pyrazolines. Cyclic azomethine imines, incorporating a C-N bond in a ring, such as isoquinolinium imides are the most widely used dipoles in normal and inverse-electron demand 1,3-DC allowing the synthesis of tetrahydro-, dihydro- and unsaturated pyrazolo[1,5-a]isoquinolines in racemic and enantioenriched forms with interesting biological activity. Pyridinium and quinolinium imides give the corresponding pyrazolopyridines and indazolo[3,2-a]isoquinolines, respectively. In the case of cyclic azomethine imines with an N-N bond incorporated into a ring, N-alkylidene-3-oxo-pyrazolidinium ylides are the most popular stable and isolated dipoles able to form dinitrogen-fused saturated and unsaturated pyrazolopyrazolones as racemic or enantiomerically enriched compounds present in many pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and other useful chemicals.

Novel strategies for catalytic asymmetric synthesis of C1-chiral 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines and 3,4-dihydrotetrahydroisoquinolines

This review summarizes recent progress in catalytic asymmetric construction of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines and 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines, among the most important “privileged scaffolds”.

An efficient [4+3] cycloaddition reaction of aza-o-quinodimethanes with C,N-cyclic azomethine imines: stereoselective synthesis of 1,2,4-triazepines

An efficient [4+3] cycloaddition reaction of in situ generated aza-o-quinodimethanes with C,N-cyclic azomethine imines has been developed.

Asymmetric synthesis of 3,3'-spirooxindoles fused with cyclobutanes through organocatalytic formal [2 + 2] cycloadditions under H-bond-directing dienamine activation

The first organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of a spirooxindole skeleton incorporated with a cyclobutane moiety has been successfully developed on the basis of H-bond-directing dienamine activation. Structurally complex spirocyclobutyl oxindoles, which possess four contiguous stereocenters, including one spiro quaternary center, were obtained in good yields (up to 83%) with excellent β,γ-regioselectivity (>19:1) and stereocontrol (up to >19:1 dr and 97% ee).

Control of the dual reactivity (iminium-dienamine) of β-arylmethyl α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in organocatalytic 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with N-benzoyl C,N-cyclic azomethine imines

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes can be performed with complete control of the regio-, exo-, and enantioselectivity under aminocatalytic conditions. The so far never studied competence of the iminium-dienamine reactivity inherent to β-alkyl α,β-unsaturated aldehydes was studied, which was possible by allowing achievement of complete control of the chemoselectivity in reactions of the β-arylmethyl derivatives with azomethine imines by using different additives and organocatalysts, whose role has been rationalized by DFT calculations and chemical proofs. Thus, it has been possible to selectively obtain the pyrazolidines resulting from both the attack to the C2-C3 (via iminium) and the C3-C4 (via dienamine) bonds at the starting enals, which can be used as precursors of interesting tetrahydroisoquinolinic compounds.