Synthesis of spiro[furan-3,3′-indolin]-2′-ones by PET-catalyzed [3+2] reactions of spiro[indoline-3,2′-oxiran]-2-ones with electron-rich olefins

Asymmetric photoreactions catalyzed by chiral ketones

Asymmetric catalytic reactions are essential for synthesizing chiral drugs and fine chemicals, with their stereoselectivity influenced significantly by interactions between catalysts and substrates. Ketone catalysts have garnered considerable attention in the realm of asymmetric photoreactions because of their highly controllable structures, ease of availability, and environmental friendliness. This review highlights the application of various reported ketone catalysts in a range of asymmetric photoreactions, including [2 + 2] photocycloaddition, photoderacemization, photochemical rearrangement, asymmetric electrophilic amination, and asymmetric alkylation of aldehydes. This review discusses the design concepts, catalytic mechanisms, as well as the advantages and limitations of these catalysts within each reaction. The aim is to provide valuable insights for developing more effective asymmetric catalytic systems.

The Solubility Studies and the Complexation Mechanism Investigations of Biologically Active Spiro[cyclopropane-1,3'-oxindoles] with β-Cyclodextrins

In this work, we first improved the aqueous solubility of biologically active spiro[cyclopropane-1,3′-oxindoles] (SCOs) via their complexation with different β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs) and proposed a possible mechanism of the complex formation. β-CDs significantly increased the water solubility of SCOs (up to fourfold). Moreover, the nature of the substituents in the β-CDs influenced the solubility of the guest molecule (MβCD > SBEβCD > HPβCD). Complexation preferably occurred via the inclusion of aromatic moieties of SCOs into the hydrophobic cavity of β-CDs by the numerous van der Waals contacts and formed stable supramolecular systems. The phase solubility technique and optical microscopy were used to determine the dissociation constants of the complexes (Kc~102 M−1) and reveal a significant decrease in the size of the formed crystals. FTIR-ATR microscopy, PXRD, and 1H-1H ROESY NMR measurements, as well as molecular modeling studies, were carried out to elucidate the host−guest interaction mechanism of the complexation. Additionally, in vitro experiments were carried out and revealed enhancements in the antibacterial activity of SCOs due to their complexation with β-CDs.

HFIP-Promoted Synthesis of Substituted Tetrahydrofurans by Reaction of Epoxides with Electron-Rich Alkenes

In the present work, the employment of fluorinated alcohols, specifically 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), as solvent and promoter of the catalyst-free synthesis of substituted tetrahydrofuranes through the addition of electron-rich alkenes to epoxydes is described. The unique properties of this fluorinated alcohol, which is very different from their non-fluorinated analogs, allows carrying out this new straightforward protocol under smooth reaction conditions affording the corresponding adducts in moderate yields in the majority of cases. Remarkably, this methodology has allowed the synthesis of new tetrahydrofuran-based spiro compounds as well as tetrahydrofurobenzofuran derivatives. The scope and limitations of the process are also discussed. Mechanistic studies were also performed pointing towards a purely ionic or a SN2-type process depending on the nucleophilicity of the alkene employed.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Spirooxindoles via Nucleophilic Epoxidation Promoted by Bifunctional Organocatalysts

Taking into account the postulated reaction mechanism for the organocatalytic epoxidation of electron-poor olefins developed by our laboratory, we have investigated the key factors able to positively influence the H-bond network installed inside the substrate/catalyst/oxidizing agent. With this aim, we have: (i) tested a few catalysts displaying various effects that noticeably differ in terms of steric hindrance and electron demand; (ii) employed α-alkylidene oxindoles decorated with different substituents on the aromatic ring (11a-g), the exocylic double bond (11h-l), and the amide moiety (11m-v). The observed results suggest that the modification of the electron-withdrawing group (EWG) weakly conditions the overall outcomes, and conversely a strong influence is unambiguously ascribable to either the N-protected or N-unprotected lactam framework. Specifically, when the NH free substrates (11m-u) are employed, an inversion of the stereochemical control is observed, while the introduction of a Boc protecting group affords the desired product 12v in excellent enantioselectivity (97:3 er).

Synthesis of CF3-containing spiro-epoxyoxindoles via the Corey–Chaykovsky reaction of N-alkyl isatins with Ph2S+CH2CF3OTf−

CF₃-containing spiro-epoxyoxindoles were successfully prepared via Corey–Chaykovsky reaction of N-alkyl isatins with the ylide generated from Ph₂S⁺CH₂CF₃OTf⁻ with almost exclusive diastereoselectivity.

Regio- and stereospecific Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with spiro-epoxyoxindoles

A highly efficient strategy for the regio- and stereospecific Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with spiro-epoxyoxindoles has been developed in the mixed solvents of HFIP/H₂O (1 : 9) without the use of catalysts.

Enantioselective Photochemical Rearrangements of Spirooxindole Epoxides Catalyzed by a Chiral Bifunctional Xanthone

The title compounds were shown to undergo an enantioselective photochemical rearrangement to 3-acylindolin-2-ones (16–33 % ee). A xanthone, which is tethered via an anellated oxazole to a chiral 1,5,7-trimethyl-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-2-one scaffold, efficiently catalyzed this reaction at λ 366 nm, presumably by triplet sensitization. The observed enantioselectivity can be explained by hydrogen bonding of the oxindole substrate and the putative 1,3-diradical intermediate to the lactam part of the catalyst. Although one substrate enantiomer is processed with minor preference over the other, it was shown that the reaction is not stereospecific. Rather, the main reason for the observed selectivity is the enantioselective migration step.