Benzannulation

Mechanochemical Activation of Aryl Diazonium Salts: Synthesis of Polycyclic (Hetero)Aromatics

Although the synthesis of polycyclic (hetero)aromatics via the [4 + 2] benzannulation process has been thoroughly explored, the restricted availability of energy sources (including thermal, light, and electrical energy) mandates the utilization of substantial quantities of organic solvents, inevitably leading to environmental pollution, resource wastage, and low reaction efficiency. Herein, we report a new method for the synthesis of polycyclic (hetero)aromatics from diazonium salts and alkynes under ball-milling conditions. This mechanochemical approach requires only substoichiometric amounts of DMSO as a liquid-assisted grinding additive and furnishes the desired product in a short time.

Copper(I)-Catalyzed Tandem Aminobenzannulation of Dienyne with Sulfonyl Azide

A general and efficient copper-catalyzed tandem aminobenzannulation of dienyne has been accomplished employing sulfonyl azides as a coupling partner. The reaction involves the formation of both C-C and C-N bonds via the initial generation of copper-catalyzed ketenimine from terminal alkyne and sulfonyl azide followed by electrocyclic ring closure and aromatization. The developed reaction is operationally simple and allows the synthesis of diverse substituted aminonaphthalenes and fused aminoarenes in good to excellent yields with high selectivities.

A deconstruction-reconstruction strategy to access 1-naphthol derivatives: application to the synthesis of aristolactam scaffolds

A deconstruction-reconstruction strategy for the synthesis of multisubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is delineated herein. The deconstruction step enables the synthesis of o-cyanomethylaroyl fluorides that are bifunctional substrates holding both a pro-nucleophile and an electrophile. The construction step involves a formal [4 + 2] benzannulation using o-cyanomethylaroyl fluorides and active methylenes. The utility of this synthetic method is also demonstrated by the synthesis of a tetracyclic aristolactam derivative.

Electrochemically driven [4+2] benzannulation: synthesis of polycyclic (hetero)aromatic compounds

A green and economical electrochemical protocol has been developed to synthesize polycyclic (hetero)aromatic compounds by the [4+2] benzannulation of biaryldiazonium salts with alkynes. This protocol features a broad substrate scope. Instead of requiring diazonium reagents, these reactions can begin from anilines and can be carried out in one pot. Moreover, the readily accessible scale-up synthesis achieved by using an electrochemical flow cell demonstrates the synthetic potential of this protocol.

Organocatalytic (5+1) benzannulation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates: synthesis of multisubstituted 4-benzylidene pyrazolones

DABCO-catalyzed (5+1) cycloaddition of MBH carbonate undergoes an α-double deprotonation pathway to de novo assemble the benzene ring.

Ag(I)-Promoted homo-dimerization of 2-(alk-2-yn-1-onyl)-1-alkynylbenzenes via a [4 + 2] cycloaddition of benzopyrylium ions: access to structurally unique naphthalenes

Herein we report a Ag(I)-promoted homo-dimerization of 2-(alk-2-yn-1-onyl)-1-alkynylbenzenes for the synthesis of structurally novel and functionalized naphthalene derivatives. This transformation exhibits a broad scope for the alkyl as well as aryl groups present on alkynes. Observations made from control experiments suggest the possible mechanism as (i) the homo-dimerization of the in situ generated benzopyrylium ion intermediates through a head-tail [4 + 2] cycloaddition, followed by (ii) the competitive ring-opening vs. decarbonylative aromatization of the adduct to give formylated and deformylated naphthalenes, respectively.

Cascade 8π Electrocyclization/Benzannulation to Access Highly Substituted Phenylpyridines

A cascade 8π electrocyclization/benzannulation reaction was developed to obtain the synthetically important highly substituted phenyl-pyridines. This method shows great potential in the rapid and inexpensive application of the scalable and operationally simple production of accessible substrates. On the basis of the resulting phenyl-pyridine products, a new Ru catalyst and bidentate ligand were designed and prepared, further demonstrating its high practicability.

Tetrasubstituted Selenophenes from the Stepwise Assembly of Molecular Fragments on a Diiron Frame and Final Cleavage of a Bridging Alkylidene

A series of 2,3-dicarboxylato-5-acetyl-4-aminoselenophenes, 5a–j, was obtained via the uncommon assembly of building blocks on a diiron platform, starting from commercial [Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₄] through the stepwise formation of diiron complexes [2a–d]CF₃SO₃, 3a–d, and 4a–j. The selenophene-substituted bridging alkylidene ligand in 4a–j is removed from coordination upon treatment with water in air under mild conditions (ambient temperature in most cases), affording 5a–j in good to excellent yields. This process is highly selective and is accompanied by the disruption of the organometallic scaffold: cyclopentadiene (CpH) and lepidocrocite (γ-FeO(OH)) were identified by NMR and Raman analyses at the end of one representative reaction. The straightforward cleavage of the linkage between a bridging Fischer alkylidene and two (or more) metal centers, as observed here, is an unprecedented reaction in organometallic chemistry: in the present case, the carbene function is converted to a ketone which is incorporated into the organic product. DFT calculations and electrochemical experiments were carried out to give insight into the release of the selenophene-alkylidene ligand. Compounds 5a–j were fully characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, IR, and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and by X-ray diffraction and cyclic voltammetry in one case.

Metal−metal cooperativity in action! Different fragments are combined on the {Fe₂Cp₂(CO)₂} skeleton to give highly functionalized selenophene ligands, linked to the iron centers through a bridging alkylidene, which is easily removed from coordination by exposure to air/water in ethereal solution.

Regioselective benzannulation of allylic sulfur ylides with ynones: a rapid access to substituted thioanisoles

The efficiency and selectivity of annulation reactions are often difficult to control in the presence of multiple potential reactive centers, like in the case of allylic sulfur ylides (ASY). Here, we describe a novel base mediated [3+3] benzannulation of ASY and readily available alkynones, which accomplishes the regioselective formation of multisubstituted thioanisoles, highly sought after chemical scaffolds. A new reactivity pattern of ASY has been unearthed, where it acted as both a 3C component and sulfur source in benzannulation. Use of a widely available base, operational simplicity and broad substrate scope are the additional salient features of the conversion.

Switching the Mallory Reaction to Synthesis of Naphthalenes, Benzannulated Heterocycles, and Their Derivatives

This review analyzes the new life of a long-known reaction, the photocyclization of diarylethenes, which became a classical tool for the synthesis of phenanthrenes and their heterocyclic analogues (Mallory reaction). It has been shown in recent years that certain diarylethenes undergo photorearrangement to naphthalenes, benzannulated heterocycles, or related products with bicyclic unit. Herein, I analyze how the Mallory reaction path can be altered to obtain bicyclic rather than tricyclic products. The mechanistic aspects and scope of the reaction are discussed.

Benzannulation through Ruthenium(0)-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenative Cycloaddition: Precision Synthesis and Photophysical Characterization of Soluble Diindenoperylenes

The first application of ruthenium(0)-catalyzed 1,2-dione-diyne [2+2+2] cycloaddition to PAH construction is achieved by the precision synthesis of soluble diindenoperylenes (DIPs), the electronic structures of which were investigated using steady-state absorption and emission, transient absorption, cyclic voltammetry and time-dependent density functional theory.

Synthesis of polysubstituted arenes through organocatalytic benzannulation

Polysubstituted arenes serve as ubiquitous structural cores of aromatic compounds with significant applications in chemistry, biological science, and materials science. Among all the synthetic approaches toward these highly functionalized arenes, organocatalytic benzannulation represents one of the most efficient and versatile transformations in the assembly of structurally diverse arene architectures under mild conditions with exceptional chemo-, regio- or stereoselectivities. Thus, the development of new benzannulation reactions through organocatalysis has attracted much attention in the past ten years. This review systemically presents recent advances in the organocatalytic benzannulation strategies, categorized as follows: (1) Brønsted acid-catalysis, (2) secondary amine catalysis, (3) primary amine catalysis, (4) tertiary amine catalysis, (5) tertiary phosphine catalysis, and (6) N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis. Each part is further classified into several types according to the number of carbon atoms contributed by different synthons participating in the cyclization reaction. The reaction mechanisms involved in different benzannulation strategies were highlighted.

Organocatalytic benzannulation represents one of the most efficient transformations for assembling polysubstituted arenes, this review presents recent advances in organocatalytic benzannulation strategies to construct functionalized benzenes.

Direct access to multi-functionalized benzenes via [4 + 2] annulation of α-cyano-β-methylenones and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes

An efficient [4 + 2] benzannulation of α-cyano-β-methylenones and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes was achieved under metal-free reaction conditions selectively delivering a wide range of polyfunctional benzenes in high yields respectively (up to 94% yield).

An efficient [4 + 2] benzannulation of α-cyano-β-methylenones and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes was achieved under metal-free reaction conditions selectively delivering a wide range of polyfunctional benzenes in high yields respectively (up to 94% yield).

Triple Helical Ir(ppy)3 Phenylene Cage Prepared by Diol-Mediated Benzannulation: Synthesis, Resolution, Absolute Stereochemistry and Photophysical Properties

Cyclometalation of a triple helical N-doped phenylene cage prepared by ruthenium(0)-catalyzed diol-diene benzannulation delivers a chiral, conformationally constrained Ir(ppy)₃ analogue. Like the parent complex, fac-Ir(ppy)₃ , the iridium-containing PAH-cage is phosphorescent, but displays enhanced resistance to oxygen quenching.

Photorearrangement of dihetarylethenes as a tool for the benzannulation of heterocycles

A general strategy for the preparative benzannulation of aromatic heterocycles via photocyclization of 1,2-dihetarylethenes was proposed for the first time. The strategy includes two steps, namely, modular assembly of dihetarylethenes from widely available 3-hetarylacetic acids and 2-bromo-1-hetarylethanones, and subsequent preparative photorearrangement (using a UV lamp at 365 nm as the light source). This approach is efficient for the annulation of a wide range of heterocycles and provides C-, N-, O- or S-substituents in the benzoheterocycles obtained. The photochemical step is a metal-, acid-, and oxidant-free reaction, which requires non-inert conditions, and can be easily monitored by NMR spectroscopy. Applicability of the proposed strategy was tested in the synthesis of a wide range of substituted carbazoles and benzo[b]thiophenes as well as on a gram-scale benzannulation of 3-indoleacetic acid. Our study disclosed how to overcome two notable obstacles to the successful photorearrangement of dihetarylethenes: undesired reactions associated with photogenerated singlet oxygen, and the instability of desired products. The first problem was successfully solved by the addition of DABCO, while development of an in situ alkylation protocol to trap unstable photoproducts allowed us to overcome the second issue.

Base-promoted direct synthesis of functionalized N-arylindoles via the cascade reactions of allenic ketones with indoles

A convenient Cs2CO3-promoted cascade benzannulation reaction of allenic ketones with indoles was achieved for the synthesis of functionalized N-arylindole derivatives under transition-metal-free conditions. A series of readily available starting materials can undergo the process successfully. It represents a practical method for the construction of N-arylindole scaffolds with high atom economy.

Synthesis of multisubstituted arylsulfones via a one-pot, three-component [3 + 3] benzannulation reaction

A one-pot, three-component [3 + 3] benzannulation reaction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, bromoallylic sulfones, and sodium sulfinates provided multisubstituted arylsulfones with moderate to good yields.

Amine-catalyzed and functional group-controlled chemo- and regioselective synthesis of multi-functionalized CF3-benzene via a metal-free process

A novel strategy for the synthesis of CF₃-containing multi-substituted benzenes with high chemo- and regioselectivities under metal-free and air-tolerant conditions was established.

Alternating oligo(o,p-phenylenes) via ruthenium catalyzed diol-diene benzannulation: orthogonality to cross-coupling enables de novo nanographene and PAH construction

Ruthenium(0) catalyzed diol-diene benzannulation is applied to the conversion of oligo(p-phenylene vinylenes) 2a-c, 5 and 6 to alternating oligo(o,p-phenylenes) 10a-c, 11-13. Orthogonality with respect to conventional palladium catalyzed biaryl cross-coupling permits construction of p-bromo-terminated alternating oligo(o,p-phenylenes) 10b, 11-13, which can be engaged in Suzuki cross-coupling and Scholl oxidation. In this way, structurally homogeneous nanographenes 16a-f are prepared. Nanographene 16a, which incorporates 14 fused benzene rings, was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In a similar fashion, p-bromo-terminated oligo(p-phenylene ethane diol) 9, which contains a 1,3,5-trisubstituted benzene core, is converted to the soluble, structurally homogeneous hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene 18. A benzothiophene-terminated pentamer 10c was prepared and subjected to Scholl oxidation to furnish the helical bis(benzothiophene)-fused picene derivative 14. The steady-state absorption and emission properties of nanographenes 14, 16a,b,d,e,h and 18 were characterized. These studies illustrate how orthogonality of ruthenium(0) catalyzed diol-diene benzannulation with respect to classical biaryl cross-coupling streamlines oligophenylene and nanographene construction.

Furo[2,3- g]thieno[2,3- e]indole: Application of an Ynamide-Based Benzannulation Strategy to the Synthesis of a Tetracyclic Heteroaromatic Compound

The first synthesis of the tetracyclic aromatic compound furo[2,3- g]thieno[2,3- e]indole ("FTI") is described. The synthetic strategy features a photochemical benzannulation based on the reaction of an α-diazo ketone and ynamide which assembles a benzothiophene equipped with substituents that enable subsequent cyclizations to generate the nitrogen and oxygen heterocyclic rings.

Phenanthrenes: A Promising Group of Plant Secondary Metabolites

Although phenanthrenes are considered to constitute a relatively small group of natural products, discovering new phenanthrene derivatives and evaluating their prospective biological activities have become of great interest to many research groups worldwide. Based on 160 references, this review covers the phytochemistry and pharmacology of 213 naturally occurring phenanthrenes that have been isolated between 2008 and 2016. More than 40% of the 450 currently known naturally occurring phenanthrenes were identified during this period. The family Orchidaceae is the most abundant source of these compounds, although several new plant families and genera have been involved in the search for phenanthrenes. The presence of certain substituent patterns may be restricted to specific families; vinyl-substituted phenanthrenes were reported only from Juncaceae plants, and prenylated derivatives occur mainly in Euphorbiaceae species. Therefore, these compounds also can serve as chemotaxonomic markers. Almost all of the newly isolated compounds have been studied for their biological activities (e.g., potential cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects), and many of them showed multiple activities. According to the accumulated data, denbinobin, with a novel mechanism of action, has great potential as a lead compound for the development of a new anticancer agent.

H2SO4-Mediated Stereocontrolled Annulation of Oxygenated Naphthalenes and 4-Alkenols: One-Pot Synthesis of Tetanthrenes

H₂SO₄-mediated one-pot stereocontrolled (4 + 2) annulation of 4-alkenols and oxygenated naphthalenes provided tetanthrenes in CH₂Cl₂ at 25 °C for 10 h. The use of various Brønsted acids or Lewis acids was investigated for a facile and efficient transformation. A plausible mechanism has been proposed.

Amine-Triggered Highly Facile Oxidative Benzannulation Reaction for the Synthesis of Anthranilates under Solvent-Free Calcium(II) Catalysis

An amine-triggered facile synthetic approach of anthranilates has been described through benzannulation of readily available chemicals under one-pot solvent-free conditions using Ca(OTf)₂ as the sustainable catalyst. In this regioselective approach, we described a reasonably longer cascade, which proceeds through β-enamino ester formation/Michael addition/intramolecular aldol reaction/elimination/aromatization/oxidative debenzylation/lactonization with a broad substrate scope and high yields. The isolation of intermediates authenticated the mechanism, and the synthetic utility of the products was also demonstrated.