Total synthesis of (±)-3-demethoxyerythratidinone via Tf2O-promoted cascade reaction of enaminone

The tetracyclic rings with chiral quaternary center represent a formidable synthetic challenge for Erythrina alkaloids. We present a 6-step synthesis of the Erythrina alkaloid 3-demethoxyerythratidinone with a 16% overall yield. Our synthesis highlights a cascade reaction initiated by Tf2O-induced activation of an enaminone substrate, yielding an iminium species and an enol triflate, followed by a Pictet-Spengler reaction. This method efficiently constructs the tetracyclic core skeleton, featuring an N-substituted quaternary center. It exhibits versatility across diverse (hetero)arenes and enaminone structures, providing a general strategy for the rapid synthesis of fused or spiro ring systems including the core structure of homoerythrina alkaloids.

Dual Role of TiO(acac)2 as a Reagent and an Activator/Catalyst: A Study on the Solvent Dependent Product Formation

The dual operation of a chemical species in synthetic chemistry is an intriguing and relatively unexplored phenomenon. The application of such a species is expected to reduce the use of multiple reaction partners and catalysts/activators. Herein, we report a simple and easy-to-use protocol for the twin application of TiO(acac)2 , as a reagent and an activator to synthesize β-enamino ketones with amines in acetonitrile. The same early transition metal precursor when employed in N,N-dimethylformamide with the amines, resulted in the formation of the substituted amides. Both reactions were explored with various substrates to check the viability of the present protocol. Moreover, experimental studies were conducted to understand the mechanism of both reactions.

Regioselective Decarboxylative Transformations of Tetrahydro-β-carboline-1-carboxylic Acid: Reagent Controlled Selectivity toward Alkynylated or Enaminone Products

A one-pot, regioselective decarboxylative alkynylation of tetrahydro-β-carboline-1-carboxylic acid under peroxide-free condition is reported. The reaction is highly selective for the 1-position over the 3-position of tetrahydro-β-carboline. The reaction can afford alkynylated or enaminone products depending on the reagent. The reaction proceeds through sequential decarboxylative iminium ion formation followed by an alkynylation and oxidative rearrangement cascade.

Rh-Catalyzed C-H Activation/Annulation of Enaminones and Cyclic 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds: An Access to Isocoumarins

A facile access to isocoumarins has been established via rhodium(III)-catalyzed C-H bond activation and intramolecular C-C cascade annulation of enaminones and cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. The synthetic protocol features a wide range of substrates with high functional group tolerance, mild reaction conditions, and the selective cleavage of the enaminone C-C bond. Notably, the cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds can in situ-generate iodonium ylide as a carbene precursor to prepare polycyclic scaffolds by reacting with PhI(OAc)₂. The application of this method to prepare useful synthetic precursors and bioactive skeletons is also exemplified.

Coupling of acceptor-substituted diazo compounds and tertiary thioamides: synthesis of enamino carbonyl compounds and their pharmacological evaluation

This paper describes the synthesis of enamino carbonyl compounds by the copper(i)-catalyzed coupling of acceptor-substituted diazo compounds and tertiary thioamides. We plan to use this method to synthesize indolizidine (-)-237D analogs to find α6-selective antismoking agents. Therefore, we also performed in silico α6-nAchRs binding studies of selected products. Compounds with low root-mean-square deviation values showed more favorable binding free energies. We also report preliminary pharmacokinetic data on indolizidine (-)-237D and found it to have weak activity at CYP3A4. In addition, as enamino carbonyl compounds are also known for antimicrobial properties, we screened previously reported and new enamino carbonyl compounds for antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. Eleven compounds showed significant antimicrobial activities.

Novel Thiadiazole-Based Molecules as Promising Inhibitors of Black Fungi and Pathogenic Bacteria: In Vitro Antimicrobial Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies

Novel 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives were synthesized through the reaction of methyl 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene) hydrazine-1-carbodithioate and the appropriate hydrazonoyl halides in the presence of a few drops of diisopropylethylamine. The chemical structure of the newly fabricated compounds was inferred from their microanalytical and spectral data. With the increase in microbial diseases, fungi remain a devastating threat to human health because of the resistance of microorganisms to antifungal drugs. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) have higher mortality rates in many populations. The present study aimed to find new antifungal agents using the disc diffusion method, and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were estimated by the microdilution assay. An in vitro experiment of six synthesized chemical compounds exhibited antifungal activity against Rhizopus oryzae; compounds with an imidazole moiety, such as the compound 7, were documented to have energetic antibacterial, antifungal properties. As a result of these findings, this research suggests that the synthesized compounds could be an excellent choice for controlling black fungus diseases. Furthermore, a molecular docking study was achieved on the synthesized compounds, of which compounds 2, 6, and 7 showed the best interactions with the selected protein targets.

Anticorrosive Effect of Halogenated Aniline Enaminoesters on Carbon Steel in HCl

Four enaminoesters derived from halogenated aniline, with potential anticorrosion activity, were synthesized and tested against carbon steel AISI 1020 in acid medium using 1.0 mol L-1 HCl. The synthesis was demonstrated through the reaction of ethyl acetoacetate with four different amines, in the presence of glacial acetic acid and molecular sieve, using ethanol as solvent for 24 h. The evaluation of the anticorrosive activity was performed using the gravimetric technique and electrochemical methods, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear polarization resistance (LPR), and potentiodynamic polarization (PP). Results indicated that the F-EN (Ethyl (2Z)-3-[(4-fluoro-phenyl)-amino]-but-2-enoate) inhibitor had higher corrosion inhibition efficiency, of 98% by mass loss, and 85% by electrochemical techniques. Adsorption obeyed the Langmuir isotherm, thus suggesting that the inhibitors form a monolayer film in metal surface. These results also contributed to the calculations of the physicochemical parameters of $E_{\text{a}}$ , $△{H^{\ne }}_{\text{ads}}$ , and $△{S^{\ne }}_{\text{ads}}$ , which confirmed the corrosion inhibition when compared to the absence of the inhibitors.

Copper-catalyzed direct sulfenoamination of saturated ketones via in situ formed enaminones

A sequential and efficient protocol for the synthesis of α-thiolated enaminones has been developed using copper-TEMPO systems. This reaction features a broad substrate scope to afford the desired product in good to excellent yields with high stereoselectivity. A preliminary mechanistic study suggests that the in situ formed enaminone acts as the key intermediate.

Iodine promoted cyclization of N,N′-diphenylthiocarbamides with enaminones: a protocol for the synthesis of poly-substituted 2-iminothiazolines

An iodine promoted cyclization reaction between N,N′-diphenylthiocarbamides and enaminones was achieved, providing a series of poly-substituted 2-iminothiazolines.

Functionalized Polyhydroquinolines from Amino Acids Using a Key One-Pot Cyclization Cascade and Application to the Synthesis of (±)-Δ7-Mesembrenone

Substituted polyhydroquinolines are ubiquitous skeletal cores found in drugs and bioactive natural products. As a new route to access this motif, we successfully developed a one-pot cyclization cascade with high chemocontrol and diastereoselectivity. The sequence generates two cycles, three carbon-carbon bonds, and an all-carbon quaternary center in a highly convergent process. Functionalized polyhydroquinolines and congeners can be accessed from commercially available amino acids. This versatile and robust strategy was applied to the synthesis of (±)-Δ7-mesembrenone.

Silica gel and microwave-promoted synthesis of dihydropyrrolizines and tetrahydroindolizines from enaminones

A wide range of N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)enaminones, prepared by the Eschenmoser sulfide contraction between N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)pyrrolidine-2-thione and various bromomethyl aryl and heteroaryl ketones, underwent cyclization in the presence of silica gel to give ethyl 6-(hetero)aryl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine-5-carboxylates within minutes upon microwave heating in xylene at 150 °C. Instead of functioning as a nucleophile, the enaminone acted as an electrophile at its carbonyl group during the cyclization. Yields of the bicyclic products were generally above 75%. The analogous microwave-assisted reaction to produce ethyl 2-aryl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroindolizine-3-carboxylates from (E)-ethyl 2-[2-(2-oxo-2-arylethylidene)piperidin-1-yl]acetates failed in nonpolar solvents, but occurred in ethanol at lower temperature and microwave power, although requiring much longer time. A possible mechanism for the cyclization is presented, and further functionalization of the newly created pyrrole ring in the dihydropyrrolizine core is described.

Mechanistic study of C–H bond activation by O2 on negatively charged Au clusters: α,β-dehydrogenation of 1-methyl-4-piperidone by supported Au catalysts

Aerobic C–H activation by Au/OMS-2 catalyst is driven by charge transfer from OMS-2 to adsorbed O₂via Au cluster.

Design, synthesis and cytotoxicity of the antitumor agent 1-azabicycles for chemoresistant glioblastoma cells

Twelve multi-functional pyrrolizidinones, indolizidinones and pyrroliazepinones were prepared from formal aza-[3 + 2] and aza-[3 + 3] cycloadditions of five- to seven-membered heterocyclic enaminones as diverse ambident electrophiles. The antitumor activity of these alkaloid-like compounds was investigated through an initial screening performed on human glioblastoma multiform (GBM) cell lines (GL-15, U251), on murine glioma cells line (C6) and on normal glial cells. Of the compounds tested, the new pyrrolo[1,2a]azepinone, [ethyl (3-oxo-1,2-diphenyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-3H-pyrrolo[1,2a]azepin-9a(5H)-yl)acetate] or (Compound-13) exhibited selective cytotoxic effects on GBM-temozolomide resistant cells. Compound-13 exerted dose-dependent cytotoxic activity by promoting arrest of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle in the first 24 h. The apoptotic effect observed was in a time-dependent manner. Anti-migratory effect promoted by the treatment with compound-13 was also observed. Moreover, healthy mixed glial cell cultures from rat brain exhibited no cytotoxicity effect upon exposure to compound-13. Thus, the present study paves the way for the use of compound-13 as novel antitumor scaffold candidate for glioma cell therapy.

Transition-Metal-Free Addition Reaction for the Synthesis of 3-(Aminobenzylidene/aminoalkylidene)indolin-2-ones and Its Synthetic Applications

A novel and efficient transition-metal-free approach for the exclusive synthesis of Z-3-(aminobenzylidene/aminoalkylidene)indolin-2-ones in high yield from 2-oxindole and aryl/alkyl nitrile in the presence of LiOtBu and 2,2'-bipyridine system is described. In addition, we disclosed a new approach towards the metal-free fluorination using selectfluor and the C═C bond cleavage using CuI and environmentally benign O₂.

Aza-Annulation of 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-β-carboline Derived Enaminones and Nitroenamines: Synthesis of Functionalized Indolizino[8,7-b]indoles, Pyrido[1,2-a:3,4-b']diindoles, Indolo[2,3-a]quinolizidine-4-ones and Other Tetrahydro-β-carboline Fused Heterocycles

Aza-annulation of novel 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline derived enaminones and nitroenamines with various 1,2- and 1,3-bis electrophiles, such as oxalyl chloride, maleic anhydride, 1,4-benzoquinone, 3-bromopropionyl chloride, itaconic anhydride, and imines (from formaldehyde and primary amines), has been investigated. These methodologies provide simple one-step pathways for efficient construction of highly functionalized tetrahydro-β-carboline 1,2-fused, five- and six-membered heterocyclic frameworks, such as indolizino[8,7-b]indoles, pyrido[1,2-a:3,4-b']diindoles, indolo[2,3-a]quinolizidines, and pyrimido[1',6':1,2]pyrido[3,4-b]indoles, which are core structures of many naturally occurring indole alkaloids with diverse bioactivity.

Metal-Free Method for Direct Synthesis of Functionalized β-Ketoenamines

A new method for direct synthesis of β-ketoenamines was developed by a BF₃·OEt₂-catalyzed cyclization of 1-iodoalkyne and α-keto acid followed by an amine-mediated ring-opening in one pot. Its metal-free conditions allowed the easy synthesis of those products bearing the transition metal-sensitive functional groups. Its three-component process achieved wide range of functionalized products.

Copper-Catalyzed Coupling of Thioamides and Donor/Acceptor-Substituted Carbenoids: Synthesis of Enamino Esters and Enaminones

The coupling of thioamides and donor/acceptor-substituted diazocarbonyl compounds is reported for the first time. The present report provides a mild, catalytic method that couples thioamides and donor/acceptor-substituted diazocarbonyl compounds to form enamino esters and enaminones. Unlike traditional methods for the synthesis of enamino esters and enaminones from thioamides, both N-alkyl thioamides and thiocarbamates are suitable substrates in this coupling reaction. Copper(I) bromide catalyzes the reaction and provides enamino esters and enaminones chemo- and diastereoselectively in less time than Rh2(OAc)4 or Ru(PPh3)3Cl2 catalysts.

Synthesis of Multifunctionalized 2,3-Dihydro-4-pyridones and 4-Pyridones via the Reaction of Carbamoylated Enaminones with Aldehydes

The novel and effective diastereoselective synthesis of multifunctionalized dihydropyridones, including CF₃-substituted derivatives, has been developed on the basis of the piperidine-promoted domino reaction of carbamoylated enaminones with aldehydes. The products have been prepared in 38-90% yields and can be easily isolated by crystallization. Tautomerism, epimerization, and atropisomerism of dihydropyridones have been studied. The use of the resulting dihydropyridones in the synthesis of 1,2,6-trisubstituted 4-pyridone-3-carboxamides has been demonstrated via oxidative aromatization initiated by iodine.

Synthesis of 4-(2H-[1,2,4]-Triazol-5-ylsulfanyl)-1,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one via Ring-Switching Hydrazinolysis of 5-Ethoxymethylidenethiazolo [3,2-b][1,2,4]triazol-6-one

4-(1H-[1,2,4]-Triazol-5-ylsulfanyl)-1,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one (4) was synthesized with a yield of 55% via ring-switching hydrazinolysis of 5-ethoxymethylidenethiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4] triazol-6-one (3) in ethanol medium. The initial 1H-[1,2,4]-triazole-3-thiol (1) was modified via a two-step reaction: S-alkylation with chloroacetic acid under Williamson reaction conditions, and further one-pot cyclization–condensation with triethylorthoformate in the acetic anhydride medium, yielding compound 3. The structures of compounds 3 and 4 were confirmed by LC-MS, NMR spectra and a single X-ray diffraction analysis (for compound 4).

Special feature of kinetics of ZcE isomerization of β-N-methylaminovinyl trifluoromethyl ketone in Ar matrix exposed to UV radiation and spontaneous E⇌Z isomerization of α-methyl-β-N-methylaminovinyl trifluoromethyl ketone

Although it is well known that reactivity of α,β-unsaturated enaminoketones is closely associated with spatial and electronic structure but until now little attention was devoted to quantitative investigation of interconversion of different stereoisomeric forms of enaminoketones. In present work we studied peculiarities of kinetics of Z⇌E isomerization of enaminoketone 4-(N-methylamino)-1,1,1-trifluorobut-3-en-2-one F₃C-COCHCHNH(CH₃) (1) in Ar-matrix exposed to UV-radiation (λ=340nm) with IR Fourier and 2D correlation spectroscopy and we found that Z-s-Z-s-trans isomer transforms primarily into two E-isomers, E-s-E-s-trans and E-s-Z-s-trans which further turn into the E-s-E-s-cis and E-s-Z-s-cis conformers all interconversion rate constants being comparable in magnitude. Along with this process long-term exposure to the UV-radiation results in proton transfer from nitrogen of methylamino group to carbonyl oxygen with simultaneous isomerization of 'cyclic' iminoenol form into 'linear'one. In solution of enaminoketone 4-(N-methylamino)-1,1,1-trifluoro-3-methylbut-3-en-2-one F₃C-CO-C(CH₃)CH-NH(CH₃) (2) we observed reversed process, namely, spontaneous interconversion of the E-s-E-s-trans and E-s-Z-s-trans conformers into the Z-s-Z-trans isomer. It was found that rate constants of the dimeric forms of the E-s-E-s-trans and E-s-Z-s-trans conformers are higher than those of the monomers and are independent on total enaminoketone concentration. Addition of highly polar HMPA promotes proton transfer from nitrogen to oxygen in the Z-s-Z-s-trans isomer of 2 with subsequent isomerization into the linear imino-enol product but the rate constant of this transformation is ten-fold smaller than that for 1 in the Ar matrix exposed to UV radiation.

Oxazaborinines from Vinylogous N-Allylic Amides: Reactivities of Underexplored Heterocyclic Building Blocks

Access to a new class of oxazaborinines using an efficient transition-metal-catalyzed rearrangement is demonstrated. The method overcomes the synthetic challenge of achieving an aza-Claisen rearrangement of vinylogous N-allylic amide substrates, giving rise to a variety of highly modifiable oxazaborinine products. An investigation of the unique reactivity of these boron-based heterocycles has unveiled their underexplored potential as valuable building blocks and intermediates for organic synthesis.

Multifunctionalization of Unactivated Cyclic Ketones via Synergistic Catalysis of Copper and Diarylamine: Access to Cyclic α-Enaminone

A multifunctionalization of unactivated cyclic ketones via synergistic catalysis of copper and diarylamine for the direct synthesis of cyclic α-enaminone is reported for the first time. This reaction goes through oxidative α-amination, followed by a desaturation, and features mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and great functional group tolerance.

Bio-based triacetic acid lactone in the synthesis of azaheterocyclesviaa ring-opening transformation

In the present article a new way of converting biobased triacetic acid lactone (TAL) into azaheterocyclic compounds, such as 4-pyridones, pyrazoles, isoxazolines and isoxazoles, has been found through reactive and multifunctional polycarbonyl intermediates.