Rhodium-Catalyzed (5 + 2) and (5 + 1) Cycloadditions Using 1,4-Enynes as Five-Carbon Building Blocks

Organocatalytic allylic alkylation of alkyne-substituted MBH carbonates: access to quaternary carbon-containing 1,4-enynes

A DABCO-catalyzed allylic alkylation of tertiary propargylic alcohol-derived MBH carbonates with nitromethane was developed. A series of substituted 1,4-enynes with an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter were efficiently obtained in moderate to high yields. The synthetic utility of the product was demonstrated by facile synthesis of 1,4-enyne-embedded 2-pyrrolidinones.

Synthesis of metalla-dual-azulenes with fluoride ion recognition properties

Azulene-based conjugated systems are of great interests due to their unusual structures and photophysical properties. Incorporation of a transition metal into azulene skeleton presents an intriguing opportunity to combine the dπ-pπ and pπ-pπ conjugated properties. No such metallaazulene skeleton however has been reported to date. Here, we describe our development of an efficient [5 + 2] annulation reaction to rapid construction of a unique metal-containing [5-5-7] scaffold, termed metalla-dual-azulene (MDA), which includes a metallaazulene and a metal-free organic azulene intertwined by sharing the tropylium motif. The two azulene motifs in MDA exhibit distinct reactivities. The azulene motif readily undergoes nucleophilic addition, leading to N-, O- and S-substituted cycloheptanetrienyl species. Demetalation of the metallaazulene moiety occurs when it reacts with nBu4NF, which enables highly selective recognition of fluoride anion and a noticeable color change. The practical [5 + 2] annulation methodology, facile functional-group modification, high and selective fluoride detection make this new π-conjugated polycyclic system very suitable for potential applications in photoelectric and sensing materials.

[2+2+1+1] Cycloaddition for de novo Synthesis of Densely Functionalized Phenols

A unique benzannulation strategy for regioselective de novo synthesis of densely functionalized phenols is described. Through metal-mediated formal [2+2+1+1] cycloaddition of two different alkynes and two molecules of CO, a series of densely functionalized phenols were obtained. The benzannulation strategy allows efficient regioselective installation up to five different substituents on a phenol ring. The resulting phenols have a substitution pattern different from those obtained from Dötz and Danheiser benzannulations.

Strain-Release-Controlled [4 + 2 + 1] Reaction of Cyclopropyl-Capped Diene-ynes/Diene-enes and Carbon Monoxide Catalyzed by Rhodium

Achieving transition-metal-catalyzed reactions of diene-ynes/diene-enes and carbon monoxide (CO) to deliver [4 + 2 + 1] cycloadducts, rather than the kinetically favored [2 + 2 + 1] products, is challenging. Here, we report that this can be solved by adding a cyclopropyl (CP) cap to the diene moiety of the original substrates. The resulting CP-capped diene-ynes/diene-enes can react with CO under Rh catalysis to give [4 + 2 + 1] cycloadducts exclusively without forming [2 + 2 + 1] products. This reaction has a broad scope and can be used to synthesize useful 5/7 bicycles with a CP moiety. Of the same importance, the CP moiety in the [4 + 2 + 1] cycloadducts can act as an intermediate group for further transformations so that other challenging bicyclic 5/7 and tricyclic 5/7/5, 5/7/6, and 5/7/7 skeletons, some of which are widely found in natural products, can be accessed. The mechanism of this [4 + 2 + 1] reaction has been investigated by quantum chemical calculations, and the role of the CP group in avoiding the possible side [2 + 2 + 1] reaction has been identified, showing that the [4 + 2 + 1] is controlled by releasing the ring strain in the methylenecyclopropyl (MCP) group (about 7 kcal/mol) in the CP-capped dienes.

I2 -Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of Ynamides: Chemoselective and Divergent Access to Indole Derivatives

Herein, an I₂ -catalyzed unprecedented cycloisomerization of ynamides is developed, furnishing various functionalized bis(indole) derivatives in generally good to excellent yields with wide substrate scope and excellent atom-economy. This protocol not only represents the first molecular-iodine-catalyzed tandem complex alkyne cycloisomerizations, but also constitutes the first chemoselective cycloisomerization of tryptamine-ynamides involving distinctively different C(sp³ )-C(sp³ ) bond cleavage and rearrangement. Moreover, chiral tetrahydropyridine frameworks containing two stereocenters are obtained with moderate to excellent diastereoselectivities and excellent enantioselectivities. Meanwhile, cycloisomerization and aromatization of ynamides produce pyrrolyl indoles with high efficiency enabled by I₂ . Additionally, control experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that this reaction probably undergoes a tandem 5-exo-dig cyclization/rearrangement process.

Why [4 + 2 + 1] but Not [2 + 2 + 1]? Why Allenes? A Mechanistic Study of the Rhodium-Catalyzed [4 + 2 + 1] Cycloaddition of In Situ Generated Ene-Ene-Allenes and Carbon Monoxide

Transition metal-catalyzed [4 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition of in situ generated ene/yne-ene-allenes (from ene/yne-ene propargyl esters) and carbon monoxide (CO) gives the [4 + 2 + 1] cycloadducts rather than [2 + 2 + 1] cycloadducts. Investigating the mechanism of this [4 + 2 + 1] reaction and understanding why the [2 + 2 + 1] reaction does not compete and the role of the allene moiety in the substrates are important. This is also helpful to guide the future design of new [4 + 2 + 1] cycloadditions. Reported here are the kinetic and computed studies of the [4 + 2 + 1] reactions of ene-ene propargyl esters and CO. A quantum chemical study (at the DLPNO-CCSD(T)//BMK level) revealed that the [4 + 2 + 1] reaction includes four key steps, which are 1,3-acyloxy migration (rate-determining step), oxidative cyclization, CO migratory insertion, and reductive elimination. The allene moiety in the substrates is critical for providing additional coordination to the rhodium center in the final step of the catalytic cycle, which in turn favors the reductive elimination transition state in the [4 + 2 + 1] rather than in the [2 + 2 + 1] pathway. The CO insertion step in the [4 + 2 + 1] reaction, which could occur through either the UP (favored here) or DOWN CO insertion pathway, has also been deeply scrutinized, and some guidance from this analysis has been provided to help the future design of new [4 + 2 + 1] reactions. Quantum chemical calculations have also been applied to explain why [4 + 2] and [4 + 1] cycloadditions do not happen and how trienes as side products for some substrates are generated.

NHC-Ni(II)-catalyzed cyclopropene-isocyanide [5 + 1] benzannulation

Isocyanides are common compounds in fine and bulk chemical syntheses. However, the direct addition of isocyanide to simple unactivated cyclopropene via transition metal catalysis is challenging. Most of the current approaches focus on 1,1-insertion of isocyanide to M-R or nucleophilc insertion. That is often complicated by the competitive homo-oligomerization reactivity occurring at room temperature, such as isocyanide 1,1-insertion by Ni(II). Here we show a (N-heterocyclic carbene)Ni(II) catalyst that enables cyclopropene-isocyanide [5 + 1] benzannulation. As shown in the broad substrate scope and a [trans-(N-heterocyclic carbene)Ni(isocyanide)Br₂] crystal structure, the desired cross-reactivity is cooperatively controlled by the high reactivity of the cyclopropene, the sterically bulky N-heterocyclic carbene, and the strong coordination ability of the isocyanide. This direct addition strategy offers aromatic amine derivatives and complements the Dötz benzannulation and Semmelhack/Wulff 1,4-hydroquinone synthesis. Several sterically bulky, fused, and multi-substituted anilines and unsymmetric functionalized spiro-ring structures are prepared from those easily accessible starting materials expediently.

The direct addition of isocyanides to cyclopropenes is challenging. Here, the authors report a catalytic cyclopropene-isocyanide [5 + 1] benzannulation catalyzed by an (N-heterocyclic carbene)Ni(II) complex; this method enables the preparation of fused and multi-substituted anilines and unsymmetrically functionalized spiro-ring structures.

Construction of Bridged Aza- and Oxa-[n.2.1] Skeletons via an Intramolecular Formal [3+2] Cycloaddition of Aziridines and Epoxides with Electron-Deficient Alkenes

An intramolecular formal [3+2] cycloaddition of activated aziridines and epoxides with electron-deficient alkene has been developed for the general and efficient construction of bridged aza- and oxa-[n.2.1] (n = 3 or 4) skeletons. This strategy can be efficiently promoted by lithium iodide. To demonstrate its potential, the intramolecular formal [3+2] cycloaddition was used to access the important intermediate of homoepiboxidine.

Palladium-catalyzed alkynylative [5 + 1] carboannulation of 1,3-diarylprop-2-yn-1-yl acetates with terminal alkynes enabled by C–H functionalization

Using 1,3-diarylprop-2-yn-1-yl acetates as the five-carbon components enables alkynylative[5 + 1] carboannulation involving C–H functionalization toward 3-ethynyl-1-methylene-1,2-dihydronaphthalenes.

Asymmetric Decarboxylative [3+2] Cycloaddition for the Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of Spiro[2.4]heptanes via Cyclopropanation

Asymmetric cycloaddition reaction has emerged as one of the powful and reliable strategies for the construction of enantioenriched molecules, especially those with polycyclic frameworks. Herein, we report the asymmetric decarboxylative...

Dearomative [4 + 3] cycloaddition of furans with vinyl-N-triftosylhydrazones by silver catalysis: stereoselective access to oxa-bridged seven-membered bicycles

A practical dearomative [4 + 3] cycloaddition of furans with vinylcarbenes to access oxa-bridged seven-membered carbocycles, with complete and predictable stereoselectivity, is achieved by merging silver catalysis and vinyl-N-triftosylhydrazones.

Synthesis of 1,4-enynes via nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of allylic alcohols with alkynylzinc reagents

Synthesis of 1,4-enynes was performed via nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of allylic alcohols with alkynylzinc reagents. The reaction features high regio- and E/Z-selectivity when aryl-substituted allylic alcohols were employed. The method also exhibits a wide scope of substrates and good compatibility of functional groups.

Diastereoselective [2+2+1] Hydrative Annulation of Phenol-Linked 1,6-Enynes with Acetylenes Through Rhodium Catalysis: A Rapid Access to Cyclopenta[b]benzofuranols

An unprecedented [2+2+1] hydrative annulation of 1,6-enynes with terminal alkynes is achieved using catalytic cationic Rh(I). Thus, a modular assembly of cyclopenta[b]benzofuranols with two consecutive quarternary stereocenters is achieved from readily available alkynes. The reaction is proposed to go through a sequence of 5-membered rhoda-cycle formation, regioselective acetylene insertion, 1,5 H-shift, substrate controlled stereoselective addition of water molecule followed by 1,2-rhodium migration gave contracted rhoda-cycle D and reductive elimination. Necessary control/labelling experiments were conducted to gain insight in to the mechanism.

Intermolecular [5+2] Annulation between 1-Indanones and Internal Alkynes by Rhodium-Catalyzed C-C Activation

Herein, we report a [5+2] cycloaddition between readily accessible 1-indanones and internal alkynes through Rh-catalyzed activation of less strained C-C bonds. The reaction is enabled by a strongly σ-donating NHC ligand and a carefully modified temporary directing group. A wide range of functional groups is tolerated, and the method provides straightforward access to diverse benzocycloheptenones that are hard to access otherwise. DFT studies of the reaction mechanism imply the migration insertion as the turnover-limiting step and suggest beneficial π-π interactions in the transition states.

Bimetal Cooperatively Catalyzed Arylalkynylation of Alkynylsilanes

An unprecedented Pd/Rh cooperatively catalyzed arylalkynylation of alkynylsilanes was developed to merge an alkynylidene moiety with benzosilacycle. These silaarenes possess a particular aggregation-induced emission behavior. Mechanistic investigations demonstrate that the relay trimetallic transmetalation plays a pivotal role in governing this transformation.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed olefination to build diverse oxazole derivatives from functional alkynes

A novel Rh(iii)-catalyzed olefination reaction of oxazoles to generate diverse oxazole skeleton derivatives has been realized by directly using oxazole as the directing group. The reaction could tolerate many functional groups, affording complex oxazole derivatives with long chain alkenyls in moderate to good yields, which might find applications in the construction of diverse compounds.

Ligand-enforced intimacy between a gold cation and a carbenium ion: impact on stability and reactivity

Controlling the reactivity of transition metal complexes by positioning non-innocent functionalities around the catalytic pocket is a concept that has led to significant advances in catalysis. Here we describe our efforts toward the synthesis of dicationic phosphine gold complexes of general formula [(o-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)Carb)Au(tht)]²⁺ decorated by a carbenium moiety (Carb) positioned in the immediate vicinity of the gold center. While the most acidic examples of such compounds have limited stability, the dicationic complexes with Carb⁺ = 9-N-methylacridinium and Carb⁺ = [C(Ar^N)₂]⁺ (Ar^N = p-(C₆H₄)NMe₂) are active as catalysts for the cycloisomerization of N-propargyl-4-fluorobenzamide, a substrate chosen to benchmark reactivity. The dicationic complex [(o-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)C(Ar^N)₂)Au(tht)]²⁺, which also promotes hydroarylation and enyne cyclization reactions, displays a higher catalytic activity than its acridinium analog, indicating that the electrophilic reactivity of these complexes scales with the Lewis acidity of the carbenium moiety. These results support the role of the carbenium unit as a non-innocent functionality which can readily enhance the activity of the adjacent metal center. Finally, we also describe our efforts toward the generation and isolation of free γ-cationic phosphines of general formula [(o-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)Carb)]⁺. While cyclization into phosphonium species is observed for Carb⁺ = [C(Ar^N)₂]⁺, [C(Ph)(Ar^N)]⁺, and 9-xanthylium, [(o-Ph₂P(C₆H₄)-9-N-methylacridinium)]⁺ can be isolated as an air stable, biphilic derivative with uncompromised Lewis acidic and basic properties.

This work describes the synthesis of carbenium-based, γ-cationic phosphines and their coordination to Au(i) cations , leading to carbophilic catalysts whose activity is enhanced by the ligand-enforced convergence of the positively charged moieties.

Rh(iii)-Catalyzed [3 + 2]/[4 + 2] annulation of acetophenone oxime ethers with 3-acetoxy-1,4-enynes involving C–H activation

A novel, synthetically simple, selective rhodium(iii)-catalyzed [3 + 2]/[4 + 2] annulation cascade reaction to construct complex azafluorenone frameworks has been developed.

Divergent functionalization of terminal alkynes enabled alkynylative [5+1] benzannulation of 3-acetoxy-1,4-enynes

We here describe an alkynylative [5+1] benzannulation of 3-acetoxy-1,4-enynes with terminal alkynes, which enables both the construction of a benzene ring skeleton and intermolecular incorporation of an alkynyl group in a single reaction using Pd and Cu cooperative catalysts. The method represents efficient access to internal aryl alkynes through divergent functionalization of two terminal alkyne components: one alkyne serves as the one-carbon unit to realize the [5+1] benzannulation and the other alkyne as a nucleophile terminates the reaction.

Visible-Light Photoredox-Catalyzed Formal [5 + 1] Cycloaddition of N-Tosyl Vinylaziridines with Difluoroalkyl Halides

A visible-light photoredox-catalyzed formal [5 + 1] cycloaddition of N-tosyl vinylaziridines with difluoroalkyl halides as unique C1 synthons was developed. The procedure provides an efficient and practical method to synthesize diverse pyridines in moderate to good yields. The reaction underwent a radical-initiated kinetically controlled ring-opening of vinylaziridines and involved a key α,β-unsaturated imine intermediate, followed by an E2 elimination, a 6π electrocyclization, and defluorinated aromatization.

Relay Palladium/Copper Catalysis Enabled Silylative [5 + 1] Benzannulation Using Terminal Alkynes as One-Carbon Units

Using terminal alkyne as a nontraditional one-carbon (C1) unit and silylborane as an external silicon pronucleophile, a relay palladium/copper-catalyzed silylative [5 + 1] benzannulation of 3-acetoxy-1,4-enynes for producing polysubstituted arylsilanes, especially including bioactive motif-based analogues, in a single reaction step through benzene ring skeleton assembly and silyl intermolecular incorporation cascades is developed. Mechanistic studies show that this reaction allows the terminal sp-hybridized carbon atom in terminal alkynes as a C1 unit via cleavage of two π-bonds and one C(sp)-H bond.

Transition Metal-Catalyzed Intermolecular Cascade C-H Activation/Annulation Processes for the Synthesis of Polycycles

Polycycles are abundantly present in numerous advanced chemicals, functional materials, bioactive molecules and natural products. However, the strategies for the synthesis of polycycles are limited to classical reactions and transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, requiring pre-functionalized starting materials and lengthy synthetic operations. The emergence of novel approaches shows great promise for the fields of organic/medicinal/materials chemistry. Among them, transition metal-catalyzed C-H activation followed by intermolecular annulation reactions prevail, due to their straightforward manner with high atom- and step-economy, providing rapid, concise and efficient methods for the construction of diverse polycycles. Several strategies have been developed for the synthesis of polycycles, relying on sequential multiple C-H activation/annulation, or combination of C-H activation/annulation and further interaction with a proximal group, or merger of C-H activation with a cycloaddition reaction, or in situ formation of the directing group. These are attractive, efficient, step- and atom-economic methods starting from commercially available materials. This Minireview will provide an introduction to transition metal-catalyzed C-H activation for the synthesis of polycycles, helping researchers to discover indirect connections and reveal hidden opportunities. It will also promote the discovery of novel synthetic strategies relying on C-H activation.

A radical-mediated 1,3,4-trifunctionalization cascade of 1,3-enynes with sulfinates and tert-butyl nitrite: facile access to sulfonyl isoxazoles

An unprecedented indium-promoted three-component 1,3,4-trifunctionalization cascade of 1,3-enynes with sulfinates and tert-butyl nitrite for producing 5-sulfonylisoxazoles via [3+2] annulation is reported.

Brønsted-acid-catalyzed one-pot tandem annulation/[5 + 2]-cycloaddition of o-propargyl alcohol benzaldehydes with alkynes: regioselective and stereoselective synthesis of dibenzo[a,f]azulen-12-ones

The one-pot synthesis of dibenzo[a,f]azulen-12-ones has been established starting from o-propargyl alcohol benzaldehydes and alkynes.

Sterically enriched bulky 1,3-bis(N,N′-aralkyl)benzimidazolium based Pd-PEPPSI complexes for Buchwald–Hartwig amination reactions

A simple and efficient synthesis of a series of unexisting Pd-PEPPSI complexes is summarized. These complexes are exploited for their high catalytic activity towards Buchwald–Hartwig amination.