Trifluoromethyl-substituted cyclopropanes

Unlocking carbene reactivity by metallaphotoredox α-elimination

The ability to tame high-energy intermediates is important for synthetic chemistry, enabling the construction of complex molecules and propelling advances in the field of synthesis. Along these lines, carbenes and carbenoid intermediates are particularly attractive, but often unknown, high-energy intermediates1,2. Classical methods to access metal carbene intermediates exploit two-electron chemistry to form the carbon-metal bond. However, these methods are usually prohibitive because of reagent safety concerns, limiting their broad implementation in synthesis3-6. Mechanistically, an alternative approach to carbene intermediates that could circumvent these pitfalls would involve two single-electron steps: radical addition to metal to forge the initial carbon-metal bond followed by redox-promoted α-elimination to yield the desired metal carbene intermediate. Here we realize this strategy through a metallaphotoredox platform that exploits iron carbene reactivity using readily available chemical feedstocks as radical sources and α-elimination from six classes of previously underexploited leaving groups. These discoveries permit cyclopropanation and σ-bond insertion into N-H, S-H and P-H bonds from abundant and bench-stable carboxylic acids, amino acids and alcohols, thereby providing a general solution to the challenge of carbene-mediated chemical diversification.

Palladium-Catalyzed Addition of Trifluoroacetylsilanes to Alkenes and Allenes via the Cleavage of C-Si Bonds

The palladium-catalyzed addition of trifluoroacetylsilanes to alkenes and allenes via the cleavage of the C-Si bonds is reported. When alkenes are used, cyclopropanation occurs to afford cyclopropane derivatives bearing CF3 and siloxy groups with a high degree of stereoselectivity. When allenes are used, silylacylation occurs to form alkenylsilane derivatives bearing a trifluoroacetyl group at the allylic position with complete regioselectivity. Both reactions allow for highly atom-economical access to densely functionalized fluorinated organosilane derivatives using simple building blocks.

Dirhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Difluoromethylated Cyclopropanes via Enyne Cycloisomerization

(Difluoromethylated cyclopropane represents an important motif, which is widely found in bioactive and functional molecules. Despite significant progress in modern chemistry, the atom-economic and enantioselective synthesis of difluoromethylated cyclopropanes is still challenging. Herein, an Rh2 (II)-catalyzed asymmetric enyne cycloisomerization is described to construct chiral difluoromethylated cyclopropane derivatives with up to 99% yield and 99% ee in low catalyst loading (0.2 mol%), which can be easily transformed into highly functionalized difluoromethylated cyclopropanes with vicinal all-carbon quaternary stereocenters by ozonolysis. Mechanistic studies and the crystal structures of alkyne-dirhodium complexes reveal that the cooperative weak hydrogen bondings between the substrates and the dirhodium catalyst may play key roles in this reaction.).

General and Scalable Approach to Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Cyclopropanes

CF₃-cyclopropanes with aliphatic, aromatic, and even heteroaromatic substituents were prepared on a multigram scale by deoxyfluorination of cyclopropane carboxylic acids or their salts with sulfur tetrafluoride. For labile α-pyridine acetic acids, only the use of their potassium salts allowed to obtain the needed products. Derivatization of CF₃-cyclopropanes into building blocks ready for direct use in medicinal chemistry was performed.

Engineered Myoglobin Catalysts for Asymmetric Intermolecular Cyclopropanation Reactions

Biocatalysis has covered an increasingly important role in the synthesis and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and other high value compounds. In the interest of expanding the range of synthetically useful reactions accessible via biocatalysts, our group has explored the potential and application of engineered myoglobins for 'abiological' carbene transfer catalysis. These transformations provide a direct route for the construction of new carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds, including the synthesis of cyclopropane rings, which are key motifs and pharmacophores in many drugs and bioactive natural products. In this award article, we survey the progress made by our group toward the development of myoglobin-based catalysts for asymmetric intermolecular cyclopropanation reactions. The high stereoselectivity exhibited by these biocatalysts in these reactions, combined with their broad substrate scope, scalability, and robustness to high substrate loading and organic co-solvents, contribute to make these systems particularly useful for chemical synthesis and biocatalysis at the preparative scale. Extension of the scope of biocatalytic carbene transfer reactions to include different classes of carbene donor reagents has created new opportunities for the asymmetric synthesis of functionalized cyclopropanes. Furthermore, the integration of myoglobin-catalyzed stereoselective cyclopropanations with chemical diversification of the enzymatic products has furnished attractive chemoenzymatic strategies to access a diverse range of optically active cyclopropane scaffolds of high value for drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, and the synthesis of natural products.

Skeletal Ring Contractions via I(I)/I(III) Catalysis: Stereoselective Synthesis of cis-α,α-Difluorocyclopropanes

The clinical success of α,α-difluorocyclopropanes, combined with limitations in the existing synthesis portfolio, inspired the development of an operationally simple, organocatalysis-based strategy to access cis-configured derivatives with high levels of stereoselectivity (up to >20:1 cis:trans). Leveraging an I(I)/I(III)-catalysis platform in the presence of an inexpensive HF source, it has been possible to exploit disubstituted bicyclobutanes (BCBs) as masked cyclobutene equivalents for this purpose. In situ generation of this strained alkene, enabled by Brønsted acid activation, facilitates an unprecedented 4 → 3 fluorinative ring contraction, to furnish cis-α,α-difluorinated cyclopropanes in a highly stereoselective manner (up to 88% yield). Mechanistic studies are disclosed together with conformational analysis (X-ray crystallography and NMR) to validate cis-α,α-difluorocyclopropanes as isosteres of the 1,4-dicarbonyl moiety. Given the importance of this unit in biology and the foundational n_o → π* interactions that manifest themselves in this conformation (e.g., collagen), it is envisaged that the title motif will find application in focused molecular design.

Solvent-controlled base-free synthesis of bis(trifluoromethyl)-cyclopropanes and -pyrazolines via cycloaddition of 2-trifluoromethyl-1,3-enynes with 2,2,2-trifluorodiazoethane

A highly efficient solvent-controlled synthesis of bis(trifluoromethyl)cyclopropanes and bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolines via a [2 + 1] or [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 2-trifluoromethyl-1,3-conjugated enynes with CF₃CHN₂ was developed. The reactions of 2-trifluoromethyl-1,3-conjugated enynes with CF₃CHN₂ proceeded smoothly under transition-metal and base-free conditions, affording the expected cycloaddition products in good to excellent yields. When DMAc (N,N-dimethylacetamide) was used as the solvent, bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolines were obtained; however, in contrast, bis(trifluoromethyl)cyclopropanes were formed by changing the solvent from DMAc to DCE (1,2-dichloroethane).

Diastereoselective Transfer of Tri(di)fluoroacetylsilanes-Derived Carbenes to Alkenes

Stereoselective cyclopropanation reaction of alkenes is usually achieved by metal complexes via singlet-metal-carbene intermediates. However, previous transition-metal-catalyzed cyclopropanation of alkenes with acylsilanes afforded low diastereoselectivity. Herein, we report the first visible-light-induced transition-metal-free cyclopropanation reaction of terminal alkenes with trifluoroacetylsilanes and difluoroacetylsilanes. Both aromatic and aliphatic alkenes as well as electron-deficient alkenes are suitable substrates for the highly cis-selective [2+1] cyclization reaction. A combination of experimental and computational studies identified triplet carbenes as being key intermediates in this transformation. The gram scale reaction and late-stage functionalization demonstrated the synthetic potential of this strategy.

Fluoroalkyl-Substituted Cyclopropane Derivatives: Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties

A series of all 12 cis- and trans-cyclopropanecarboxylic acids and cyclopropylamines bearing CH₂F, CHF₂, and CF₃ substituents were synthesized by different methods on a multigram scale. Dissociation constants (pK_a) and log P values were measured for the obtained compounds or their derivatives to evaluate the influence of the type and relative position of fluoroalkyl substituents on the acidity and lipophilicity of monofunctionalized cyclopropanes. An analysis of the selected products by X-ray crystallography was carried out to obtain a better insight into the observed differences in physicochemical properties.

Fluoral Hydrate: A Perspective Substrate for the Castagnoli-Cushman Reaction

The reactivity of azomethines based on trifluoroacetaldehyde hydrate in the Castagnoli-Cushman reaction (CCR) was researched. The impact of the nature of anhydrides explored on the reaction route was determined. The preparative procedures for the synthesis of N-substituted (3R*,4R*)-1-oxo-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-4-carboxylic and (1R*,2R*)-4-oxo-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[d]azepine-1-carboxylic acids in gram scales were elaborated. It was shown that the trifluoromethyl group remarkably decreased the reactivity of azomethines in CCR. The mechanism for the formation of different products depending on the anhydride's nature was proposed.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of 1,3-Diyne-Tethered Trifluoromethylcyclopropanes through a Sulfur Ylide Mediated Cyclopropanation/DBU-Mediated Epimerization Sequence

A one-pot synthesis of 1,3-diyne-tethered trifluoromethylcyclopropanes starting from 2-CF₃-3,5-diyne-1-enes and sulfur ylides via a sulfur ylide mediated cyclopropanation and a DBU-mediated epimerization sequence is described in this work. This process is highly diastereoselective with broad substrate scope. Moreover, a series of synthetic transformations based on the diyne moieties were conducted smoothly, affording cyclopropanes featuring trifluoromethyl-substituted all-carbon quaternary centers.

Deoxofluorination of (Hetero)aromatic Acids

Diverse trifluoromethyl-substituted compounds were synthesized by deoxofluorination of cinnamic and (hetero)aromatic carboxylic acids with sulfur tetrafluoride. The obtained products were used as starting materials in the preparation of novel fluorinated amino acids, anilines, and aliphatic amines - valuable building blocks for medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry.

Trifluoroacetimidoyl halides: a potent synthetic origin

In the review, recent advances in the synthetic applications of trifluoroacetimidoyl halides have been summarized.

Deoxofluorination of Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids: A Route to Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Derivatives

A practical method for the synthesis of functionalized aliphatic trifluoromethyl-substituted derivatives from aliphatic acids is developed. The transformation proceeds with sulfur tetrafluoride in the presence of water as a key additive. Compared to previous methods, the reaction gives products with full retention of stereo- and absolute configuration of chiral centers.

Catalytic Enantioselective Cyclopropenation of Internal Alkynes: Access to Difluoromethylated Three-Membered Carbocycles

Herein we described an efficient Rh^II -catalyzed enantioselective cyclopropenation reaction of internal alkynes with a masked difluorodiazoethane reagent (PhSO₂ CF₂ CHN₂ , Ps-DFA). This asymmetric transformation offers efficient access to a broad range of enantioenriched difluoromethylated cyclopropenes (40 examples, up to 99 % yield, 97 % ee). The synthetic utility of obtained strained carbocycles is demonstrated by subsequent stereodefined processes, including cross-couplings, hydrogenation, Diels-Alder reaction, and Pauson-Khand reaction.

Use of trifluoroacetaldehyde N-tfsylhydrazone as a trifluorodiazoethane surrogate and its synthetic applications

Trifluorodiazoethane (CF₃CHN₂), a highly reactive fluoroalkylating reagent, offers a useful means to introduce trifluoromethyl groups into organic molecules. At present, CF₃CHN₂ can only be generated by oxidation of trifluoroethylamine hydrochloride under acidic conditions; due to its toxic and explosive nature, its safe generation and use remains a prominent concern, hampering wider synthetic exploitation. Here we report the development of trifluoroacetaldehyde N-tfsylhydrazone (TFHZ-Tfs) as a CF₃CHN₂ surrogate, which is capable of generating CF₃CHN₂ in situ under basic conditions. The reaction conditions employed in this chemistry enabled a difluoroalkenylation of X-H bonds (X = N, O, S, Se), affording a wide range of heteroatom-substituted gem-difluoroalkenes, along with Doyle-Kirmse rearrangements and trifluoromethylcyclopropanation reactions, with superior outcomes to approaches using pre-formed CF₃CHN₂. Given the importance of generally applicable fluorination methodologies, the use of TFHZ-Tfs thus creates opportunities across organic and medicinal chemistry, by enabling the wider exploration of the reactivity of trifluorodiazoethane.

Cyanomethyl anion transfer reagents for diastereoselective Corey-Chaykovsky cyclopropanation reactions

A readily available and bench-stable cyanomethyl sulfonium salt was used in highly diastereoselective Corey-Chaykovsky cyclopropanation reactions of electron-poor olefins. This efficient method provides a rapid route to access densely functionalized cyclopropyl nitriles.

General Catalytic Enantioselective Access to Monohalomethyl and Trifluoromethyl Cyclopropanes

An efficient catalytic enantioselective access to chiral functionalized trifluoromethyl cyclopropanes from two classes of diazo compounds and α-trifluoromethyl styrenes using Rh₂ ((S)-BTPCP)₄ as a catalyst is described. This method provides an efficient and practical strategy for the synthesis of highly functionalized CF₃ -cyclopropanes with excellent diastereoselectivities (up to 20:1) and enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee). The depicted methodology represents, to date, the most efficient catalytic enantioselective method to access highly decorated chiral CF₃ -cyclopropanes. Extension to chiral monohalomethyl cyclopropanes in high ee is also reported.

Redox-Neutral Photocatalytic Cyclopropanation via Radical/Polar Crossover

A benchtop stable, bifunctional reagent for the redox-neutral cyclopropanation of olefins has been developed. Triethylammonium bis(catecholato)iodomethylsilicate can be readily prepared on multigram scale. Using this reagent in combination with an organic photocatalyst and visible light, cyclopropanation of an array of olefins, including trifluoromethyl- and pinacolatoboryl-substituted alkenes, can be accomplished in a matter of hours. The reaction is highly tolerant of traditionally reactive functional groups (carboxylic acids, basic heterocycles, alkyl halides, etc.) and permits the chemoselective cyclopropanation of polyolefinated compounds. Mechanistic interrogation revealed that the reaction proceeds via a rapid anionic 3- exo- tet ring closure, a pathway consistent with experimental and computational data.

Synthesis of Trifluoroacetyl-Substituted Cyclopropanes Using Onium Ylides

The use of carbonyl-stabilized ammonium- and sulfonium ylides allows for the synthesis of highly-functionalized trifluoroacetyl-substituted cyclopropanes. It turned out that the diastereoselectivities strongly depend on the nature of the chosen ylide and the employed base. The products could be obtained in good yields under operationally simple conditions.

Catalytic enantioselective synthesis of cyclopropanes featuring vicinal all-carbon quaternary stereocenters with a CH2F group; study of the influence of C–F⋯H–N interactions on reactivity

A highly diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of cyclopropanes with adjacent all-carbon quaternary stereocenters featuring a CH₂F group is reported.

Using a traceless directing group for the silver-mediated synthesis of 3-trifluoromethylpyrazoles: a computational study on the mechanism and origins of regioselectivity

The silver-mediated one-pot synthesis of 3-trifluoromethylpyrazoles using a traceless directing group was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Highly enantioselective synthesis of trifluoromethyl cyclopropanes by using Ru(ii)–Pheox catalysts

An asymmetric synthesis of various trifluoromethyl cyclopropanes from olefins, such as vinyl ferrocene, vinyl ethers, vinyl amines, vinyl carbamates and dienes, was achieved by using Ru(ii)–Pheox catalysts.

Dichlorotrifluoromethoxyacetic Acid: Preparation and Reactivity

We describe the first gram scale preparation of the reagent dichlorotrifluoromethoxyacetic acid. This stable compound is obtained in five steps starting from the cheap diethylene glycol. The reactivity of the sodium salt of this fluorinated acid was also tested and allowed the preparation of new amides.

Highly Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Cyclopropanes via Myoglobin-Catalyzed Transfer of Trifluoromethylcarbene

We report an efficient strategy for the asymmetric synthesis of trifluoromethyl-substituted cyclopropanes by means of myoglobin-catalyzed olefin cyclopropanation reactions in the presence of 2-diazo-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (CF3CHN2) as the carbene donor. These transformations were realized using a two-compartment setup in which ex situ generated gaseous CF3CHN2 is processed by engineered myoglobin catalysts expressed in bacterial cells. This approach was successfully applied to afford a variety of trans-1-trifluoromethyl-2-arylcyclopropanes in high yields (61-99%) and excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity (97-99.9% de and ee). Furthermore, mirror-image forms of these products could be obtained using myoglobin variants featuring stereodivergent selectivity. These reactions provide a convenient and effective biocatalytic route to the stereoselective synthesis of key fluorinated building blocks of high value for medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. This work expands the range of carbene-mediated transformations accessible via metalloprotein catalysts and introduces a potentially general strategy for exploiting gaseous and/or hard-to-handle carbene donor reagents in biocatalytic carbene transfer reactions.