Generation of Functionalized Azepinone Derivatives via a (4 + 3)-Cycloaddition of Vinyl Ketenes and α-Imino Carbenes Derived from N-Sulfonyl-triazoles

Skeletal Editing: Ring Insertion for Direct Access to Heterocycles

Skeleton editing has rapidly advanced as a synthetic methodology in recent years, significantly streamlining the synthesis process and gaining widespread acceptance in drug synthesis and development. This field encompasses diverse ring reactions, many of which exhibit immense potential in skeleton editing, facilitating the generation of novel ring skeletons. Notably, reactions that involve the cleavage of two distinct rings followed by the reformation of new rings through ring insertion play a pivotal role in the construction of novel ring skeletons. This article aims to compile and systematize this category of reactions, emphasizing the two primary reaction types and offering a thorough exploration of their associated complexities and challenges. Our endeavor is to furnish readers with comprehensive reaction strategies, igniting research interest and injecting fresh impetus into the advancement of this domain.

(4+3) Annulation of Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropanes and Azadienes: Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Azepanones

Azepanes are important seven‐membered heterocycles, which are present in numerous natural and synthetic compounds. However, the development of convergent synthetic methods to access them remains challenging. Herein, we report the Lewis acid catalyzed (4+3) annulative addition of aryl and amino donor‐acceptor cyclopropanes with 2‐aza‐1,3‐dienes. Densely substituted azepane derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields and with high diastereoselectivity. The reaction occurred under mild conditions with ytterbium triflate as the catalyst. The use of copper triflate with a trisoxazoline (Tox) ligand led to an enantioselective transformation. The obtained cycloadducts were convenient substrates for a series of further modifications, showing the synthetic utility of these compounds.