Regioselective Synthesis of Substituted Arenes via Aerobic Oxidative [3 + 3] Benzannulation Reactions of α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes and Ketones

Synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetra-substituted benzenes via copper-catalyzed dimerization of γ,δ-unsaturated ketones

An efficient cyclization for the synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetra-substituted benzenes via copper catalyzed dimerization of γ,δ-unsaturated ketones has been described. This one-pot procedure employs the γ,δ-unsaturated ketones as the sole substrate with multiple C-C bond formation. This protocol features broad substrate scope and provides a facile and robust method to construct polysubstituted benzene derivatives under mild conditions.

A formal vinylic substitution reaction for the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated enol esters and their anticancer potential

Arylsulfonyl group-bearing α,β-unsaturated enol esters were readily assembled via the Cs2CO3-mediated union of 2-bromoallyl sulfones and cinnamic acids. The overall transformation is equivalent to an sp2 carbon-oxygen coupling reaction, and therefore constitutes a formal vinylic substitution. Several of the products display promising levels of antiproliferative activities higher than that of the anticancer drug carboplatin. Thiophenol reacted with 2-bromoallyl sulfones under identical conditions to afford α-thiophenyl-α'-tosyl acetone via an apparent aerial oxidation.

N-Arylation of Amino Acid Esters via an I2-Mediated Metal-Free Multicomponent Benzannulation Strategy

Herein, we present a novel method for the N-arylation of amino acid esters using α-bromoacetaldehyde acetal and acetoacetate via an I2-mediated metal-free benzannulation strategy, which disclosed the first synthetic application of N-arylation of amino acids using nonaromatic building blocks. The synthesized N-arylated amino acid derivatives were found to possess promising selective inhibition against human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cells, human melanoma cells, and human normal liver cells, with an IC50 value as low as 16.79 μg·mL-1.

One-Pot Synthesis of Multiarylated Benzophenones via [3 + 2 + 1] Benzannulation of Ketones, Alkynes, and α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyls

In this study, we synthesized γ-phenyl-β,γ-unsaturated ketones in situ from acetophenones and phenylacetylenes under Trofimov's conditions using KOtBu in a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent. The obtained ketones reacted with α,β-unsaturated carbonyls in a one-pot manner, forming tri- or diarylated benzophenones. The present reaction proceeded efficiently by one-pot manipulation with a suitable carboxylic acid.

Efficient Synthesis of 3-Sulfonyl-2-sulfonylmethyl-2H-chromenes via Tandem Knoevenagel Condensation/Oxa-Michael Addition Protocol

An organocatalytic [4 + 2] cascade annulation of salicylaldehydes and 1,3-bisarylsulfonylpropenes has been developed. This protocol enables the efficient and straightforward synthesis of a new series of 3-sulfonyl-2-sulfonylmethyl-2H-chromenes that are useful for exploring pharmacologically valued compounds. Further reductive modifications result in 3-desulfonylated chromene or chromane derivatives. This protocol can be expanded to the synthesis of 3-sulfonyl-2-sulfonylmethyl 1,2-dihydroquinoline.

Benzannulation Reactions: A Case for Perspective Change From Arene Decoration to Arene Construction

Benzannulation reactions involve construction of a benzene ring from acyclic precursors. This class of reactions offer a versatile and often superior alternative to aromatic substitution for construction of substituted arenes. Selected pioneering and recent reports of various benzannulation reactions are categorised and discussed in this review.

Base-Mediated Denitrogenative Sulfonylation/Benzannulation of Conjugated N-Sulfonylhydrazones with 3-Formylchromones for the Construction of Polyfunctionalized Biaryl Sulfones

Base-promoted benzannulation of conjugated N-sulfonylhydrazones and 3-formylchromones for the synthesis of diverse biaryl sulfones is described. The approach facilitates new C-C and C-S bond formation via the cascade diazo formation/Michael addition/ring opening/denitrogenative sulfonylation/intramolecular cycloaddition/dehydration and introduces diverse functional groups onto biaryl sulfones. The synthesized compounds are converted to aryl sulfones bearing bioactive benzisoxazole and benzofuran frameworks. Moreover, the synthesized biaryl sulfones possess potent turn-on fluorescence sensing and UV absorbance properties.

Base-Mediated Cyclopentannulation of Ynones with Amino Crotonates for Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of Pentafulvenes and Cyclopenta[c]quinolines

A regio- and stereoselective synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted pentafulvenes is reported via the condensation of readily available ynones and amino crotonates under very mild conditions. The mechanism of this 3 + 2 annulation involved a vinylogous Michael addition followed by an intramolecular enamine aldol condensation. Substrates with o-bromo tether further cyclized to pentannulated hydroquinolines through an isomerization/S_NAr in the same reaction pot at the elevated temperature.

Regioselective synthesis of benzonitriles via amino-catalyzed [3+3] benzannulation reaction

A straightforward synthesis of benzonitriles is achieved via amino-catalyzed [3+3] benzannulation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and 4-arylsulfonyl-2-butenenitriles. Using pyrrolidine as an organocatalyst via iminium activation, a series of substituted benzonitriles were obtained in good to high yields in a regioselective manner. This reaction can proceed smoothly under mild reaction conditions and without the aid of any metals, additional oxidants, or strong bases, thus making this an efficient and environmentally friendly method to access benzonitriles.

Base Mediated Tandem Vinylogous Addition and Cyclization of γ-Phosphonyl/Sulfonyl Crotonates and Ynones: Synthesis of Functionalized 2-Pyrones

A general method for highly functionalized 2-pyrones via a base-mediated sequential vinylogous addition and cyclization of γ-phosphonyl/sulfonyl crotonates and ynones are described. An exclusive E-geometry with respect to the newly generated olefin substituent at C3 of pyrone was observed. Imino glyoxalates and glycine imines similarly reacted with ynones to deliver 3-imino pyrones.

Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Benzannulation of Amines, Benzaldehydes, and β-Dicarbonyls

A palladium-catalyzed aerobic multicomponent benzannulation of Hantzsch reactants, i.e., amines, aldehydes, and β-dicarbonyls, has been developed. Hence, a viable entry to highly functionalized anilines has been accessed under solvent-free neat conditions. Mechanistically, the palladium chelating with an imine intermediate was proposed to be the key for this novel carbocyclization.

Facile synthesis of biarylmethanes and tetrasubstituted arenes via a base-mediated [3 + 3] benzannulation reaction of Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts and unsaturated sulfones

A regioselective DBU-mediated [3 + 3] benzannulation reaction of 1,3-bis-sulfonyl propenes and Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) bromides to afford bis-sulfonyl biarylmethanes/arenes is described.

Synthesis of multisubstituted arylsulfones via a one-pot, three-component [3 + 3] benzannulation reaction

A one-pot, three-component [3 + 3] benzannulation reaction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, bromoallylic sulfones, and sodium sulfinates provided multisubstituted arylsulfones with moderate to good yields.

Synthesis of 1,2,4-Trisubstituted-(1H)-imidazoles through Cu(OTf)2-/I2-Catalyzed C-C Bond Cleavage of Chalcones and Benzylamines

1,2,4-Trisubstituted-(1H)-imidazoles have been synthesized by the Cu(OTf)₂- and I₂-catalyzed unusual C-C bond cleavage of chalcones and benzylamines. After the α,β-unsaturated C-C bond cleavage, the β-portion is eliminated from the reaction. Various aryl- and heteroaryl-substituted chalcones and benzylamines were well tolerated in this unusual transformation to yield the trisubstituted-(1H)-imidazoles.

Regioselective Formal [4 + 2] Cycloadditions of Enaminones with Diazocarbonyls through RhIII-Catalyzed C-H Bond Functionalization

A regioselective formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition for the assembly of highly functionalized benzene rings was successfully developed. In this reaction, olefinic C-H bond functionalization/cyclization cascade reaction followed by rearomatization led to the desired molecules in one step under mild reaction conditions. This protocol also displays a broad substrate scope and good tolerance to a wide range of functional groups. Additionally, the potential utility for the synthesis of highly conjugated polybenzenes and diversification of natural products was also demonstrated.

Facile synthesis of substituted diaryl sulfones via a [3 + 3] benzannulation strategy

A metal-free and efficient synthesis of highly substituted diaryl sulfones via a base-mediated [3 + 3] benzannulation strategy.

Catalytic, Cascade Ring-Opening Benzannulations of 2,3-Dihydrofuran O,O- and N,O-Acetals

An Al(OTf)3 -catalyzed intramolecular cascade ring-opening benzannulation of 2,3-dihydrofuran O,O- and N,O-acetals is described. The cascade sequence involves the dihydrofuran ring-opening by acetal hydrolysis, an intramolecular Prins-type cyclization, and aromatization to generate an array of benzo-fused (hetero)aromatic systems in up to 95 % yield. This method represents the first example of dihydrofuran acetal usage in benzannulation reactions. The approach provides excellent regiocontrol based on the choice of alkenes used to form the requisite dihydrofuran acetals.

Involucratusins A-H: Unusual Cadinane Dimers from Stahlianthus involucratus with Multidrug Resistance Reversal Activity

Three novel cadinane dimers, involucratusins A–C (1–3), five unique nor-cadinane-dimers, involucratusins D–H (4–8), together with a known compound (9) were isolated from the rhizomes of Stahlianthus involucratus. Their challenging structures and absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic data, CD experimentation, chemical conversions and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1–3 are unusual cadinane dimers with new connection and novel cores. Compound 4 is a unique nor-cadinane-dimer, and 5 and 6 are two pairs of hemiketal racemates with novel dinor-cadinane-dimer backbone. Compounds 7 and 8 represent unusual dodecanor-cadinane-dimer and tetradecanor-cadinane-dimer carbon skeletons, respectively. The possible biogenetic pathways of 1–8 were proposed, involving nucleophilic addition, S_N2 nucleophilic displacement, [3 + 3] benzannulation, oxidative cleavage, decarboxylation, and oxidative phenol coupling reactions. Multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal activity assay of the isolates were evaluated in doxorubicin-resistant human breast cancer cells (MCF-7/DOX). The combined use of these novel cadinane dimers at a concentration of 10 μM increased the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin by 2.2–5.8-fold. It is the first report about the MDR reversal activity of cadinane dimers.

Facile synthesis of 4H-chromene derivatives via base-mediated annulation of ortho-hydroxychalcones and 2-bromoallyl sulfones

The cesium carbonate-mediated reaction of 2-bromoallyl sulfones and ortho-hydroxychalcones furnished 3-arylsulfonyl-4H-chromene derivatives in 58–67% yield (18 examples). 2-Bromoallyl sulfones functioned as synthetic surrogates for allenyl sulfones in the reaction.

Regioselective construction of diverse and multifunctionalized 2-hydroxybenzophenones for sun protection by indium(iii)-catalyzed benzannulation

Highly regioselective synthesis of 2-hydroxybenzophenones via the In(OTf)₃-catalyzed formal [2+2+2] and [4+2] benzannulations has been successfully developed and their application as sun protection materials was also evaluated.

Sulfonyl radical-enabled 6-endo-trig cyclization for regiospecific synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl sulfones

A new sulfonyl radical-triggered 6-endo-trig cyclization of unactivated 1,5-enynes under catalytic oxidation conditions for flexible synthesis of unprecedented unsymmetrical diaryl sulfones was established.

A new route to naphthyl ketones via copper-mediated intramolecular aerobic oxidative cyclization of alkynes and sulfonylcrotonates

A copper-mediated intramolecular aerobic oxidative cyclization of alkynes and sulfonylcrotonates to a variety of highly functionalized naphthyl ketones was developed.

Copper-Catalyzed γ-Sulfonylation of α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds by Means of Silyl Dienol Ethers

A regioselective method for the introduction of sulfonyl groups at the γ-carbon of enone systems is reported. Using a copper catalyst and readily available sulfonyl chlorides, a range of silyl dienol ethers are sulfonylated in good yield under mild reaction conditions. The sulfone derivatives formed are poised for further synthetic manipulations as demonstrated by regioselective alkylations.

Catalyst-controlled divergence in cycloisomerisation reactions of N-propargyl-N-vinyl sulfonamides: gold-catalysed synthesis of 2-sulfonylmethyl pyrroles and dihydropyridines

Gold-catalysed, divergent synthesis of 2-sulfonylmethyl pyrroles and dihydropyridines from readily available N-propargyl-N-vinyl sulfonamides is reported.