Gold-Catalyzed Domino Synthesis of Functionalized Benzofurans and Tetracyclic Isochromans via Formal Carboalkoxylation

Transition metal catalysed cascade C-C and C-O bond forming events of alkynes

The past few decades have witnessed the emergence of domino reactions as a powerful tool for the multi-functionalization of alkynes for the rapid and smooth construction of complex molecular architectures. In this context, employing transition metal catalysis, vicinal/geminal cascade functionalization of alkynes involving C-C and C-O bond-formation reactions, has become a preferred strategy for the synthesis of oxygenated motifs. Despite this significant progress, reviews documenting such strategies are either metal/functional group-centric or target-oriented, thus hampering further developments. Therefore, in this review, different conceptual approaches based on C-C and C-O bond-forming events of alkynes such as carboxygenation (C-C and CO bond formation), carboalkoxylation (C-C and C-OR bond formation), and carboacetoxylation (C-C and C-OAc bond formations) are discussed, and examples from the literature from the last two decades are presented. Further, we have presented detailed insights into the mechanism of different transformations.

Gold-Catalyzed Enynal and Enynol Coupling by Selectively Steering Two Transient Vinyl-Gold Intermediates

The vinyl-gold bond is easily accessible but less exploited in homogeneous gold catalysis, which possesses weak nucleophilicity and would be likely to undergo protodemetalation. Herein, a gold-catalyzed enynal and enynol coupling by selectively steering two transient vinyl-gold intermediates is realized under mild conditions. It exhibits high atom economy and good tolerance of functional groups with the added benefit of operational simplicity. The control experiments indicated that the in situ formed vinyl-gold accounts for the reactivity.

Recent Advances in Gold(I)-Catalyzed Approaches to Three-Type Small-Molecule Scaffolds via Arylalkyne Activation

Gold catalysts possess the advantages of water and oxygen resistance, with the possibility of catalyzing many novel chemical transformations, especially in the syntheses of small-molecule skeletons, in addition to achieving the rapid construction of multiple chemical bonds and ring systems in one step. In this feature paper, we summarize recent advances in the construction of small-molecule scaffolds, such as benzene, cyclopentene, furan, and pyran, based on gold-catalyzed cyclization of arylalkyne derivatives within the last decade. We hope that this review will serve as a useful reference for chemists to apply gold-catalyzed strategies to the syntheses of related natural products and active molecules, hopefully providing useful guidance for the exploration of additional novel gold-catalyzed approaches.

Biomimetic approach to the catalytic enantioselective synthesis of tetracyclic isochroman

Polyketide oligomers containing the structure of tetracyclic isochroman comprise a large class of natural products with diverse activity. However, a general and stereoselective method towards the rapid construction of this structure remains challenging due to the inherent instability and complex stereochemistry of polyketide. By mimicking the biosynthetic pathway of this structurally diverse set of natural products, we herein develop an asymmetric hetero-Diels–Alder reaction of in-situ generated isochromene and ortho-quinonemethide. A broad range of tetracyclic isochroman frameworks are prepared in good yields and excellent stereoinduction (up to 95% ee) from readily available α-propargyl benzyl alcohols and 2-(hydroxylmethyl) phenols under mild conditions. This direct enantioselective cascade reaction is achieved by a Au(I)/chiral Sc(III) bimetallic catalytic system. Experimental studies indicate that the key hetero-Diels-Alder reaction involves a stepwise pathway, and the steric hindrance between in-situ generated isochromene and t-Bu group of Sc(III)/N,N’-dioxide complex is responsible for the enantioselectivity in the hetero-Diels–Alder reaction step.

General and stereoselective synthesis of tetracyclic isochroman-containing polyketide oligomers is challenging. Here, the authors report on an Au(I)/chiral Sc(III) bimetallic catalyst for a biomimetic asymmetric hetero-Diels–Alder reaction for in-situ generation of isochromene and ortho-quinonemethide.

Cycloisomerization of π-Coupled Heteroatom Nucleophiles by Gold Catalysis: En Route to Regiochemically Defined Heterocycles

Since the dawn of millennium, catalytic gold chemistry is at the forefront to set off diverse organic reactions via unique activation of π-bonded molecules. Within this purview, cycloisomerization of heteroatom nucleophiles linked to a π-system is one of the well recognized chemistry for the construction of numerous heterocyclic cores. Though the rudimentary aspects of this transformation are reviewed by several groups in different timeline, a holistic view on regiochemistry of such reactions went largely overlooked. Hence, this account emphasizes the gold catalyzed regioselective cycloisomerization of structurally distinctive π-connected hetero-nucleophiles leading to different heterocycles documented in the last two decades. From an application perspective, this account also highlights those methodologies which find a role in the total synthesis of natural products. Wherever appropriate, mechanistic details and contributing factors for selectivity are also discussed.

Gold(I)-NHC-catalysed synthesis of benzofurans via migratory cyclization of 2-alkynylaryl ethers

Homogeneous cationic gold(i) catalysis emerged as a preferred avenue for the activation of alkenes and alkynes towards reactions with weak nucleophiles, especially in cyclization reactions. Here we report an intramolecular carboalkoxylation reaction of electron-rich benzyl ethers of 2-ethynylaryl phenols catalysed by a digold(i)-NHC complex. The reaction proceeds efficiently with low catalyst loading and the resulting 2,3-disubstituted benzofurans form in moderate to good yields. Based on the results of a cross-over experiment, spectroscopic data, and DFT calculations, we propose a mechanism that accounts for the observed chemo- and regioselectivity.

Benzofuran: A Key Heterocycle - Ring Closure And Beyond

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The benzofuranyl motif present in compounds exhibits various medicinal properties and non-drug applications. These derivatives are naturally occurring compounds or synthetic materials, which cover a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti- depressant, anti-HIV, anti-microbial, anti-proliferative, anti-convulsant, cytotoxic, analgesic, etc. Few of the commercially interesting compounds from this class are, ailanthoidol (anti-inflammatory), amiodarone, dronedarone, celivarone (anti-arrhythmic), bufuralol (muscular airways relaxant), morphine, 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran; 5-APB, 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran; 6-APB (CNS), rifampicin (antibiotic), etc., whereas, some of the non-drug applications are in perfumery industry (bergapten) and as tannin activators in sunscreen preparations (psoralen, 8-methoxypsoralen, and angelicin). Considering these interesting biological activities and commercial utilities, a review on the synthetic aspects of this privileged scaffold was attempted. For the benefit of natural product-based drug discovery, available sources of these derivatives, extraction process and reported biological activities have also been outlined in this review.

Synthesis of benzofurans from the cyclodehydration of α-phenoxy ketones mediated by Eaton’s reagent

Cyclodehydration of α-phenoxy ketones promoted by Eaton’s reagent (phosphorus pentoxide–methanesulfonic acid) is used to prepare 3-substituted or 2,3-disubstituted benzofurans with moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions. The method provides a facile access to benzofurans from readily available starting materials such as phenols and α-bromo ketones. The reaction is highly efficient, which is attributed to the good reactivity and fluidity of Eaton’s reagent. The reaction can be applied to prepare naphthofurans, furanocoumarins, benzothiophenes, and benzopyrans.

Palladium complexes with an annellated mesoionic carbene (MIC) ligand: catalytic sequential Sonogashira coupling/cyclization reaction for one-pot synthesis of benzofuran, indole, isocoumarin and isoquinolone derivatives

A Pd(ii) complex containing a mesoionic carbene and phosphine ligands is an efficient catalyst for tandem coupling/cyclization reaction.

One-Pot Synthesis of 2-(Het)aryl/alkyl-3-cyanobenzofurans from 2-(2-Bromoaryl)-3-(het)aryl-3-(methylthio)acrylonitriles and Benzyl Carbamate

A one-pot synthesis of 2-(het)aryl/alkyl-3-cyanobenzofurans has been reported. The overall sequence involves base-induced reaction of 2-(2-bromoaryl)-3-(het)aryl-3-(methylthio)acrylonitriles with benzyl carbamate, generating α-(het)aroyl-α-(2-bromoaryl)acetonitriles, which are in situ subjected to copper-catalyzed intramolecular O-arylation, furnishing the 2-(het)aryl/alkyl-3-cyanobenzofurans in high yields. A probable mechanism for the base-induced cleavage of 2-(2-bromoaryl)-3-(het)aryl-3-(methylthio)acrylonitriles to α-(het)aroyl-α-(2-bromoaryl)acetonitriles in the presence of benzyl carbamate has been proposed.

Indium(III)-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzo[ b]furans by Intramolecular Hydroalkoxylation of ortho-Alkynylphenols: Scope and Mechanistic Insights

Indium(III) halides catalyze the hydroalkoxylation reaction of ortho-alkynylphenols to afford benzo[ b]furans in good yields. The reaction proceeds with 5- endo- dig regioselectivity with a variety of phenols functionalized at the arene and alkyne moieties in high yields using InI₃ (5 mol %) in DCE. Experimental and computational studies support a mechanism based on the indium(III) π-Lewis acid activation of the alkyne followed by nucleophilic addition of the phenol and final protodemetalation to afford the corresponding benzo[ b]furan. DFT calculations suggest that dimer In₂I₆ is the catalytic species through a novel double coordination with the alkyne and the hydroxyl group.

Synthesis of Functionalized Benzo[b]furans via Oxidative Cyclization of o-Cinnamyl Phenols

Disclosed herein is an efficient synthetic route for the synthesis of functionalized 2-benzyl benzo[b]furans via a regioselective 5-exo-trig intramolecular oxidative cyclization of ortho-cinnamyl phenols using [PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂] as catalyst and benzoquinone as an oxidant. Further, a sequential ortho-cinnamylation of phenols using cinnamyl alcohols catalyzed by Re₂O₇, followed by an oxidative cyclization using the above Pd catalyst, is performed. The reaction showed broad substrate scope with good to excellent yields.

Electronic effects on a one-pot aromatization cascade involving alkynyl-Prins cyclization, Friedel–Crafts alkylation and dehydration to tricyclic benzo[f]isochromenes

A short, efficient cyclization/aromatization cascade affords tricyclic 1,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[f]isochromenes. Electronic factors suggest concerted alkynyl-Prins and Friedel–Crafts reactions in the sequence.