Diastereoselective approach to 11-aryl steroid skeletons through a cobalt(I)-mediated [2+2+2] cyclization of allenediynes

Pseudo-multicomponent 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition involving metal-free generation of unactivated azomethine ylides

The pseudo-multicomponent reaction between propargyl amine, an aldehyde and an electron-deficient alkene is described. The C-H activation takes place thermally and allows the obtaining of cycloadducts in very good yields with high diastereoselectivities. The relative configuration is determined by X-ray diffraction analysis of the chiral molecule, obtained as a single diastereoisomer, using a chiral maleimide. A brief study of the stability of the possible ylides involved in the process is also mentioned, confirming the high diastereoselectivity observed. The high functional group density of these cycloadducts permits the synthesis of complex heterocycles. After allylation or propargylation of the pyrrolidine nitrogen atom, RCM-DA cycloaddition or cyclotrimerization with an alkyne is studied, respectively. In this last example, the resulting tetracyclic structures are of potential interest as drugs for the treatment of cystic fibrosis.

Chemo- and Regioselective Rhodium(I)-Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Allenynes with Alkynes

A highly chemo- and regioselective partially intramolecular rhodium(I)-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of allenynes with alkynes is described. A range of diverse polysubstituted benzene derivatives could be synthesized in good to excellent yields, in which the allenynes served as synthetic equivalent to the diynes. A high regioselectivity could be observed when allenynes were treated with unsymmetrical alkynes.

Allenes, versatile unsaturated motifs in transition-metal-catalysed [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions

ThisTutorial Reviewhighlights the versatility of allenes as unsaturated substrates in transition-metal-catalysed [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions in generating complex architectures.

Ruthenium-catalyzed intramolecular [2+2+2] cyclization of allene-yne-enes: construction of fused-tricyclic skeletons

Three's not a crowd: An intramolecular [2+2+2] cyclization between three different components, allene, alkyne, and alkene, has been realized using a catalytic amount of [Cp*RuCl(cod)] complex (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene), and afforded fused-tricyclic compounds in a highly stereoselective manner.

Gold-Catalyzed Synthesis of Bicyclo[4.3.0]nonadiene Derivatives via Tandem 6-endo-dig/Nazarov Cyclization of 1,6-Allenynes

Catalytic cyclization of 1,6-allenynes was achieved by AuPPh(3)SbF(6) (5 mol %) in cold CH(2)Cl(2) (0 degrees C, 0.5-4 h) to form bicyclo[4.3.0]nonadiene products; this cyclization proceeded more efficiently for a substrate bearing R = alkyl (yields >70%). We propose a reaction mechanism involving a 6-endo-dig cyclization of Au(I)-pi-alkyne, followed by Nazarov cyclization.

A New Route to Highly Functionalized Heterocyclic Rings

A novel cascade reaction has been developed for the rapid construction of heterocyclic rings. The cyclization is thermally induced and does not involve the use of metal ions. This highly efficient construction of furans has been developed during studies directed toward the synthesis of the antibiotic lactonamycin 1.