Cyano-Schmittel Cyclization through Base-Induced Propargyl-Allenyl Isomerization: Highly Modular Synthesis of Pyridine-Fused Aromatic Derivatives

TFA-Promoted Cascade Sulfonylation/Rearrangement/Cyclization of 1,5-Diynols and Sodium Sulfinates to Construct Sulfonylated Benzo[b]fluorenes

A novel conversion of 1,5-diynols into sulfonylated benzo[b]fluorenes is reported by a TFA-promoted cascade cyclization with sodium sulfinates under mild conditions. This strategy provides an efficient and practical approach for accessing various sulfonated benzo[b]fluorenes in moderate to excellent yields under metal-free conditions. On the basis of the control experimental results and density functional theory calculations, a possible cascade transformation mechanism consisting of the dehydration of propargylic alcohols, sulfonylation, allenylation, and Schmittel-type cyclization is proposed. It is worth noting that TFA played an important role in this cascade cyclization, which promoted C-SO2R bond cleavage in a propargylic sulfone intermediate to form allenyl sulfones, followed by Schmittel-type cyclization to give the target product.

In Situ Allene Formation via Alkyne Tautomerization to Promote [4 + 2]-Cycloadditions with a Pendant Alkyne or Nitrile

We have explored the net-[4 + 2]-cycloadditions of a variety of aryl (or alkenyl) alkynes. Tautomerization via base-catalyzed alkyne-to-allene isomerization produces a transient allene, which undergoes stepwise cyclization with not only a pendant alkyne but also a nitrile. The operative mechanisms for these reactions were studied by density functional theory and compared with the slower thermal cyclization of the precursor alkyne.

Rh(iii)-Catalyzed [3 + 2]/[4 + 2] annulation of acetophenone oxime ethers with 3-acetoxy-1,4-enynes involving C–H activation

A novel, synthetically simple, selective rhodium(iii)-catalyzed [3 + 2]/[4 + 2] annulation cascade reaction to construct complex azafluorenone frameworks has been developed.

Cyanomethyl Ether as an Orthogonal Participating Group for Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,2-trans-β-O-Glycosides

Stereoselective formation of glycosidic linkages has been the prime focus for contemporary carbohydrate chemistry. Herein, we report cyanomethyl (CNMe) ether as an efficient and effective participating orthogonal protecting group for the stereoselective synthesis of 1,2-trans-β-O-glycosides. The participating group facilitated good to high β-selective glycosylation with a broad range of electron-rich and electron-deficient glycosyl acceptors. Detailed experimental and theoretical studies reveal the involvement of CNMe ether in the formation of a six-membered imine-type cyclic intermediate for the observed stereoselectivity. Rapid incorporation and selective removal of the CNMe ether group in the presence of benzyl ether and isopropylidene acetal protection have also been reported here. The nitrile group provided an opportunity for the glycodiversification through further derivatizations.

The Aza-hexadehydro-Diels-Alder Reaction

The generation of pyridynes from diyne nitriles is reported. These cyano-containing precursors are analogues of the triyne substrates typically used for the hexadehydro-Diels-Alder (HDDA) cycloisomerization reactions that produce ring-fused benzynes. Hence, the new processes described represent aza-HDDA reactions. Depending on the location of the nitrile, either 3,4-pyridynes (from 1,3-diynes containing a tethered cyano group) or 2,3-pyridynes (from 1-cyanoethyne derivatives containing a tethered alkyne) are produced. In situ trapping of these reactive intermediates leads to highly substituted and functionalized pyridine derivatives. In several instances, unprecedented pyridyne trapping reactions are seen. Differences in reaction energetics between the aza-HDDA substrates and that of their analogous HDDA (triyne) substrates are discussed.

Revitalizing Spin Natural Orbital Analysis: Electronic Structures of Mixed-Valence Compounds, Singlet Biradicals, and Antiferromagnetically Coupled Systems

Chemical systems with open-shell electronic structure have been gaining attention these days. Their potential applications in first-row transition metal catalysis, molecular wires, photovoltaics and other potential applications have urged the adoption of a simple analysis tool to better understand their open-shell electronic structures, especially the role played by the unpaired electrons. Despite its lack of popularity, spin natural orbital (SNO) analysis is a tool we found to well-suit this purpose. We have therefore re-examined how the SNO could help us analyze some interesting open-shell systems, including mixed-valence compounds, singlet biradicals, and antiferromagnetically coupled systems. We found that some interesting patterns emerge from SNO analysis, especially those associated with exchange interaction. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Synthesis of benzothiophene and indole derivatives through metal-free propargyl-allene rearrangement and allyl migration

An efficient base-catalyzed protocol for the synthesis of benzothiophene is described. The reaction proceeds via base-promoted propargyl-allenyl rearrangement followed by cyclization and allyl migration. Phosphine-substituted indoles can be synthesized by a similar strategy.

Copper-Catalyzed Borylative Cyclization of in Situ Generated o-Allenylaryl Nitriles with Bis(pinacolato)diboron

A Cu-catalyzed cascade borylcupration/cyclization of in situ generated allene-nitriles with B₂pin₂ has been developed, which provides highly substituted 3-boryl-1-naphthylamines with excellent regioselectivity and wide functional group compatibility. It has been shown that, for the first time, the catalytically generated allylcopper species can be captured by a cyano group from a normal nitrile to furnish a carbocycle.

Nickel-catalyzed cyclization of alkyne-nitriles with organoboronic acids involving anti-carbometalation of alkynes

Nickel-catalyzed regioselective addition/cyclization of o-(cyano)phenyl propargyl ethers with arylboronic acids provides an efficient protocol for the synthesis of functionalized 1-naphthylamines.

A nickel-catalyzed regioselective addition/cyclization of o-(cyano)phenyl propargyl ethers with arylboronic acids has been developed, which provides an efficient protocol for the synthesis of highly functionalized 1-naphthylamines with wide structural diversity. The reaction is characterized by a regioselective and anti-addition of the arylboronic acids to the alkyne and subsequent facile nucleophilic addition of the resulting alkenylmetal to the tethered cyano group. Mechanistic studies reveal that a Ni(i) species might be involved in the catalytic process.

(Hetero)aromatics from dienynes, enediynes and enyne–allenes

Recent advances in the synthesis of (hetero)aromatics starting from polyenes, such as dienynes, enediynes and enyne–allenes, are discussed.