Gold(I)-Catalyzed Synthesis of Heterocycles via Allene Oxide from Propargylic Alcohols

Au(PPh3)Cl/AgOTf/TsOH-Catalyzed Cascade Reaction between 1-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-propargyl Alcohols and β-Oxoketones (Amides, Acid): Diastereoselective Construction of cis-3a,8a-Dihydrofuro[2,3-b]benzofuran Framework

In the Au(PPh3)Cl/AgOTf/TsOH/MeCN/N2/25 °C system, diastereoselective synthesis of cis-3a,8a-dihydrofuro[2,3-b]benzofuran derivatives with a substituent at the 8a-position has been achieved by using 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-arylprop-2-yn-1-ols and β-oxoketones (amides, acid) as starting materials. The studies revealed that the acidity of methylene in substrates plays a key role in the differential reactions. A stronger acidity of the methylene is favorable in the desired conversion. The unique role of TsOH as an additive acid in the synthesis strategy has been rationalized. 2-Oxo-phosphonate, 2-oxo-sulfonate, and 3-oxobutanoate are suitable for the conversion.

Mechanosynthesis of Pyrrole-2-carboxylic Acids via Copper-Catalyzed Spiroannulation/Ring-Opening Aromatization of 4-Arylidene Isoxazol-5-ones with Enamino Esters

An efficient and practical tandem reaction of 4-arylidene isoxazol-5-ones with enamino esters catalyzed by an inexpensive copper salt has been established in a ball mill. This innovative approach yields a diverse array of structurally novel pyrrole-2-carboxylic acids, showing excellent tolerance toward different functional groups. By integrating spiroannulation and ring-opening aromatization processes, this protocol introduces a facile and cost-effective strategy for synthesizing highly functionalized pyrrole derivatives.

[Au]-Catalyzed Cyclization of Propargyl-Tethered Ene-Amides: Substrate-Dependent Access to Tetrasubstituted Pyrroles, Aminophenols, and Dihydropyridines

[Au]-catalyzed and substrate-dependent intramolecular cyclization of sulfonyl ene-amides with a pendant propargyl group afford tetrasubstituted pyrroles, o-aminophenols, or 1,6-dihydropyridine carbaldehydes. While the pyrroles and aminophenols are formed when the propargylic alkyne is terminal, dihydropyridines are formed when internal alkyne is present. Internal alkyne substrates with 2-thienyl and 3-thienyl groups give different types of dihydropyridines. The dihydropyridines so obtained can be readily converted to nicotinaldehydes with concomitant sulfonyl migration upon heating in xylene.

Electrocatalytic Asymmetric Nozaki-Hiyama-Kishi Decarboxylative Coupling: Scope, Applications, and Mechanism

The first general enantioselective alkyl-Nozaki-Hiyama-Kishi (NHK) coupling reactions are disclosed herein by employing a Cr-electrocatalytic decarboxylative approach. Using easily accessible aliphatic carboxylic acids (via redox-active esters) as alkyl nucleophile synthons, in combination with aldehydes and enabling additives, chiral secondary alcohols are produced in a good yield with high enantioselectivity under mild reductive electrolysis. This reaction, which cannot be mimicked using stoichiometric metal or organic reductants, tolerates a broad range of functional groups and is successfully applied to dramatically simplify the synthesis of multiple medicinally relevant structures and natural products. Mechanistic studies revealed that this asymmetric alkyl e-NHK reaction was enabled by using catalytic tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene, which acts as a key reductive mediator to mediate the electroreduction of the CrIII/chiral ligand complex.

Gold(I)-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization of Alkynyl Indoles for the Stereoselective Construction of the Quaternary Carbon Center of Akuammiline Alkaloids

A gold-catalyzed cyclization reaction of alkynyl-indoles has been developed for the stereoselective construction of the quaternary carbon center of fused indolines. This reaction efficiently produces fused indolines via diastereoselective 6-endo-dig cyclization controlled by a bulky TIPS group, followed by nucleophilic attack of the carboxy group on the resulting imine. The lactone moiety of the fused indoline can be reductively cleaved to produce a tricyclic indoline, which could be useful for the synthesis of akuammiline alkaloids.