Synthesis of Spiro[furan-2,1'-isoindolin]-3'-ones from 2-(4-Hydroxybut-1-yn-1-yl)benzonitriles and Aryl Aldehydes under the Action of Triflic Acid

Stereodivergent Synthesis of Spiroaminals via Chiral Bifunctional Hydrogen Bonding Organocatalysis

Spiroaminals represent novel structural motifs prevalent in diverse natural products and biologically active molecules. Achieving their enantioselective synthesis is a highly desirable and challenging task in synthetic endeavors due to their intricate molecular frameworks. Herein, we accomplished the first stereodivergent construction of spiroaminals using chiral bifunctional organocatalyzed intramolecular 1,2-addition followed by an oxa-Michael addition cascade in a high atom and step economical pathway. A proper modulation of the cinchona-derived squaramide catalysts efficiently provided access to all the possible stereoisomers with high yield, diastereoselectivity, and excellent enantioselectivity while displaying a broad substrate tolerance. Additionally, we validated the scalability of the reaction and demonstrated the synthesis of variable spiroaminal scaffolds, confirming the viability of our protocol.

Stereoselective synthesis of gem-dihalopiperidines via the halo-aza-Prins cyclization reaction: access to piperidin-4-ones and pyridines

An efficient methodology for the synthesis of 4,4-dihalopiperidine derivatives in excellent yields has been developed using N-(3-halobut-3-en-1-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide and an aldehyde catalyzed by In(OTf)3. The reaction involves an initial formation of a six-membered carbocation via the aza-Prins cyclization reaction followed by a nucleophilic attack by a halide ion to give 4,4-dihalopiperidine. The dihalopiperidine is converted to tetrahydropiperidinone using Ac2O/Et3N in DCM/H2O (1 : 1). It is also utilized for the synthesis of pyridine scaffolds by treatment with DBU. Furthermore, the dihalopiperidine is transformed to its enol ether derivatives using KOH in alcohol.

Enantioselective synthesis of spiro-N,O-ketals via iridium and Brønsted acid co-catalyzed asymmetric formal [4+2] cycloaddition

We present an iridium and Brønsted acid co-catalyzed enantioselective formal [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of cyclic enamides with 2-(1-hydroxyallyl)phenols. This method yields a wide range of N-unsubstituted spiro-N,O-ketals, with good efficiency (up to 94%) and excellent enantioselectivities (most >95% ee). The protocol features easy scale-up and facile product derivatization.

Nitrile stabilized synthesis of pyrrolidine and piperidine derivatives via tandem alkynyl aza-Prins-Ritter reactions

An efficient methodology for the synthesis of N-(pyrrolidine-3-ylidenemethyl)acetamides mediated by triflic acid in good yields with separable Z/E isomers within a short reaction time has been demonstrated. The reaction involves the initial formation of the pyrrolidin-3-ylidenemethylium carbocation via the Prins cyclization reaction followed by the Ritter reaction to produce N-(pyrrolidine-3-ylidenemethyl)acetamides. This methodology is also used for the synthesis of their piperidine derivatives.

Synthesis of Spiroisoindolinones via Ru(II)-Catalyzed Spiroannulation of N-Acyl Ketimines with Aryl Isocyanates/Isothiocyanates through Aromatic C-H Bond Activation

Herein, we disclose the first report on Ru(II)-catalyzed amidation/thioamidation of 3-hydroxy-3-arylisoindolinones with isocyanates/isothiocyanates, respectively. The reaction furnishes spiroisoindolinones via sequential C-H functionalization of ortho C-H bond followed by intramolecular cyclization in moderate to high yields (up to 94%). Moreover, the developed strategy is highly atom-economical and site-selective and shows diverse substrate generality. Also, synthesized spiroisoindolinones undergo several chemical transformations.

Leveraging cascade alkynyl Prins cyclization towards the stereoselective synthesis of spiro-furan quinazolinone scaffolds

A TfOH-promoted, metal-free protocol has been unveiled for the synthesis of spiro-furan quinazolinones employing alkynol urea derivatives utilizing alkynyl Prins cyclization reaction. This methodology produces highly functionalized spiro-heterocycles in excellent yields with exclusive E-selectivity under ambient conditions. Furthermore, late-stage modifications incorporate bromide and acetyl functionalities into the synthesized spiro-heterocycles.

Synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole-fused N-heterocycles from N-alkynyl hydroxyisoindolinones and sodium azide via the Huisgen reaction

An efficient methodology for the synthesis of dihydro[1,2,3]triazolo-pyrimidoisoindolones and dihydro[1,2,3]triazolo-diazepinoisoindolones has been developed using the Huisgen reaction from sodium azide and alkyne substituted amido alcohols in moderate to good yields. The reaction involves the in situ generation of the N-acyliminium ion intermediate, which undergoes a nucleophilic attack by the azide ion, followed by a [3 + 2]-intramolecular azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction. Importantly, the reaction proceeds without the involvement of any transition metal catalyst. This methodology can be further utilized for the synthesis of dihydro[1,2,3]triazolo-pyrimidoisoindolthiones via thionation of amides.

Tandem Oxidative Ritter Reaction/Hydration/Aldol Condensation of α-Arylketones with Propiolonitriles for the Construction of 3-Acyl-3-pyrrolin-2-ones

A novel tandem oxidative Ritter reaction/hydration/aldol condensation of α-arylketones with substituted propiolonitriles has been developed. This protocol conveniently affords a wide range of functionalized 3-acyl-3-pyrrolin-2-ones through the efficient construction of four chemical bonds, a C-N bond, a C═C bond, and two C═O bonds, and the formation of one ring bearing an aza-quaternary center, which is ascribed to the strategical introduction of functionalized nitriles to this transformation. A reaction mechanism was proposed based on some control experiments.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of 2,6-Disubstituted Tetrahydropyranones via Prins Cyclization of 3-Bromobut-3-en-1-ols and Aldehydes

Tetrahydropyranones are synthesized from 3-bromobut-3-en-1-ols and aldehydes in good yields with excellent diastereoselectivity at -35 °C. The reaction involves an initial formation of a most stable six-membered chairlike tetrahydropyranyl carbocation followed by nucleophilic attack of the hydroxyl group and subsequent elimination of HBr to give tetrahydropyranone. The carbonyl moiety of the tetrahydropyranone is converted to enol ether and esters using Wittig reaction. It is also transformed into 4-hydroxy-2,6-disubstituted tetrahydropyran with 2,4- and 4,6-cis configuration by lithium aluminum hydride in up to 96% diastereoselectivity. Furthermore, the methodology is extended toward the synthesis of novel anticancer aminoguanidine compounds.