[3 + 3] Cycloaddition of in Situ Formed Azaoxyallyl Cations with 2-Alkenylindoles: An Approach to Tetrahydro-β-carbolinones

α-Halocarbonyls as a Valuable Functionalized Tertiary Alkyl Source

This review introduces the synthetic organic chemical value of α-bromocarbonyl compounds with tertiary carbons. This α-bromocarbonyl compound with a tertiary carbon has been used primarily only as a radical initiator in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) reactions. However, with the recent development of photo-radical reactions (around 2010), research on the use of α-bromocarbonyl compounds as tertiary alkyl radical precursors became popular (around 2012). As more examples were reported, α-bromocarbonyl compounds were studied not only as radicals but also for their applications in organometallic and ionic reactions. That is, α-bromocarbonyl compounds act as nucleophiles as well as electrophiles. The carbonyl group of α-bromocarbonyl compounds is also attractive because it allows the skeleton to be converted after the reaction, and it is being applied to total synthesis. In our survey until 2022, α-bromocarbonyl compounds can be used to perform a full range of reactions necessary for organic synthesis, including multi-component reactions, cross-coupling, substitution, cyclization, rearrangement, stereospecific reactions, asymmetric reactions. α-Bromocarbonyl compounds have created a new trend in tertiary alkylation, which until then had limited reaction patterns in organic synthesis. This review focuses on how α-bromocarbonyl compounds can be used in synthetic organic chemistry.

Synthesis of Pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles by [3+3] Annulation of 2-Alkenylindoles and Hydrazonyl Chlorides

A novel [3+3] annulation reaction of 2-alkenylindoles with hydrazonyl chlorides in the presence of base for the formation of pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles was developed. This approach provided a convenient and efficient way to synthesize a series of functionalized pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles derivatives. The method exhibited a broad substrate scope and provided the corresponding pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles products with excellent yields.

Base-Promoted Formal (3 + 2) Cycloaddition of α-Halohydroxamates with Electron-Deficient Alkenyl-iminoindolines To Synthesize Spiro-indolinepyrrolidinones

Construction of pyrrolidinyl-spiroindoles with easily available starting materials has attracted considerable attention from the synthesis community and is in great demand. Here, we describe a base-promoted formal (3 + 2) cycloaddition of α-halohydroxamates with alkenyl-iminoindolines. The present methodology features mild reaction conditions and a broad substrate scope with up to 99% yield and excellent diastereoselectivity. The versatility of this approach is demonstrated through valuable synthetic transformations. Preliminary mechanistic studies shed light on the mechanism of this cycloaddition process.

A concise approach to 2-pyrrolin-5-one scaffold construction from α-halohydroxamates and β-keto compounds

A concise approach to the construction of the 2-pyrrolin-5-one scaffold was developed via a one-pot reaction with formal [3 + 2] annulation/elimination between β-keto nitrile/β-keto ester and unsubstituted α-halohydroxamates. This reaction features mild conditions, easy handling, broad substrate scope and good yields. Remarkably, the products could be readily converted into potentially bioactive alkylidenepyrrolinones, pyrroles, pyran-fused pyrrole heterocycles and other useful compounds, exhibiting versatile synthetic potential.

Expedient (3+3)-annulation of in situ generated azaoxyallyl cations with diaziridines

Efficient annulation of in situ formed azaoxyallyl cations using a base has been accomplished with diaziridines to provide 1,2,4-triazines at room temperature. The substrate scope, scale up, functional group tolerance and transition-metal free reaction conditions are the important practical features.

Access to Sterically Hindered Thioethers (α-Thioamides) Under Mild Conditions Using α-Halohydroxamates: Application toward 1,4-Benzothiazinones and 4,1-Benzothiazepinones

Herein, we report a new and highly efficient approach for synthesizing congested α-thioamides under mild reaction conditions (mild base, room temperature, and short duration) using α-halo hydroxamates as direct alkylating agents. The reaction works well with both (hetero)aryl and alkyl thiols, tolerating a broad functional group and diverse substrate scope, including benzeneselenol for selenoether construction. The strategy enables efficient synthesis of biologically relevant 1,4 benzothiazinone and 4,1-benzothiazepinone cores, along with various other functionalized sulfur-based scaffolds of biological importance.

HFIP in Organic Synthesis

1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is a polar, strongly hydrogen bond-donating solvent that has found numerous uses in organic synthesis due to its ability to stabilize ionic species, transfer protons, and engage in a range of other intermolecular interactions. The use of this solvent has exponentially increased in the past decade and has become a solvent of choice in some areas, such as C-H functionalization chemistry. In this review, following a brief history of HFIP in organic synthesis and an overview of its physical properties, literature examples of organic reactions using HFIP as a solvent or an additive are presented, emphasizing the effect of solvent of each reaction.

Access to 3,3'-disubstituted peroxyoxindole derivatives and α-peroxyamides via azaoxyallyl cation-guided addition of hydroperoxides

Herein, a transition metal-free approach for access to 3,3'-disubstituted peroxyoxindole is disclosed, which harnesses a transient azaoxyallyl cation. This strategy is also applicable to the synthesis of structurally diverse α-peroxycarboxylic acid surrogates. The method exhibits good functional group tolerance and is suitable for generating a library of peroxy-containing compounds.

Synthesis of spirocyclic oxazole derivatives from 2-arylidene cycloalkanones and α-halohydroxamates

Herein we disclose a facile route to spirocyclic oxazole derivatives via [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between 2-arylidene cycloalkanones and azaoxyallyl cations that formed in situ from α-halohydroxamates in the presence of base. This methodology was shown to lead to an efficient formation of a series of functionalized spirocyclic oxazole derivatives in good to excellent yields.

Base-Promoted Formal [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of α-Halohydroxamates with Carbon Disulfide to Synthesize Polysubstituted Rhodanines

A concise and practical strategy via potassium-carbonate-mediated [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of α-halohydroxamates with the common solvent carbon disulfide for the synthesis of functionalized rhodanine derivatives in good to excellent yields is developed. The present methodology features a wide substrate scope as well as good functional group tolerance. The potential synthetic utility of this protocol is demonstrated by synthesis of a series of natural product derivatives containing rhodamine skeletons.

Aza-Oxyallyl Cation Driven 3-Amido Oxetane Rearrangement to 2-Oxazolines: Access to Oxazoline Amide Ethers

Herein, we report a highly facile and unprecedented activation of 3-amido oxetanes to synthesize 2-oxazoline amide ethers using a transient electrophilic aza-oxyallyl cation as an activating as well as an alkylating agent under mild reaction conditions. The aza-oxyallyl cation driven intramolecular rearrangement of 3-amido oxetanes to 2-oxazolines is the hallmark of this transformation and is a new addition to the reactivity profile of aza-oxyallyl cations.

(3 + 2) cycloaddition of 2-alkoxynaphthalenes with azaoxyallyl cations: access to benzo[e]indolones

A route to functionalized benzo[e]indolones has been reported via (3 + 2) cycloaddition of in situ generated azaoxyallyl cations with alkoxynaphthalene followed by aryl C–O bond cleavage. The intermediate adduct has been isolated and characterized.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed Csp2-Csp3 σ-Bond Enolation of α-Indolyl Alcohols

A Rh(III)-catalyzed Csp²-Csp³ σ-bond carbenoid functionalization of α-(2-indolyl)alcohols with acceptor/acceptor diazo compounds has been developed. This transformation provides an efficient strategy to assemble stable C2-enolated indole skeletons via Csp²-Csp³ σ-bond cleavage.

Synthesis, Characterization of Spirocyclic λ3 -Iodanes and Their Application to Prepare 4,1-Benzoxazepine-2,5-diones and 1,3-Diynes

Herein, a [3+2] cycloaddition of aza-oxyallylic cations with ethynylbenziodoxolones for synthesis of new λ³ -iodanes containing spirocyclic 4-oxazolidinone has been developed. This cyclic λ³ -iodanes display stability in air and excellent solubility in organic solvent. Using them as substrate, both the 4,1-benzoxazepine-2,5-diones and symmetrical 1,3-diynes derivatives were afforded in high yield under copper(I)-catalyzed conditions.

Diastereoselective [3 + 1] Cyclization Reaction of Oxindolyl Azaoxyallyl Cations with Sulfur Ylides: Assembly of 3,3'-Spiro[β-lactam]-oxindoles

Oxindoles and β-lactams are attractive structural motifs because of their unique biological importance. However, the fusion of the two moieties featuring 3,3'-spirocyclic scaffolds is a challenging task in organic synthesis. Herein we designed a novel type of oxindole-based azaoxyallyl cation synthons, which could readily participate in the [3 + 1] cyclization with sulfur ylides. With this protocol, a collection of 3,3-spiro[β-lactam]-oxindoles were facilely produced in up to 94% yield with perfect diastereoselectivity.

One-Pot Arylative Benzannulation of 2-Carbonyl-3-propargyl Indoles with Boronic Acids Leading to Arylated Carbazoles

Arylative annulation of 2-carbonyl-3-propargyl indoles with boronic acids under sequential palladium/triflic acid catalysis is described. The present strategy to provide di- and triaryl carbazoles in one pot involves benzannulation through difunctionalization of alkynes. The strategy showed a good substrate scope with respect to boronic acids as well as 2-carbonyl-3-propargyl indoles to afford the corresponding carbazoles in decent yields.

A Role for Isatin Azomethine Imines as a Dipolarophile in Cycloaddition Reactions

An unusual [2 + 3] cycloaddition of isatin azomethine imines (AIs) and in situ generated azaoxyallyl cations has been developed. It is the first example where AIs serve as the [C,O] 2-atom synthon in organic synthesis. This work not only reveals a new role of isatin AIs in cycloaddition reaction but also provides an efficient access to unprecedented spiroheterocycle compounds.

Synthesis of 1,4-diazepinone derivatives via a domino aza-Michael/SN2 cyclization of 1-azadienes with α-halogenoacetamides

A novel cyclization of α-halogenoacetamides with 1-azadienes has been developed for the efficient preparation of monocyclic 1,4-diazepinones in one step under transition metal-free conditions. Various α-halogenoacetamides and 1-azadienes are well tolerated and give the desired products in good to excellent yields. This cyclization also demonstrates potential synthetic utility on a gram-scale and further transformation.

The Fascinating Chemistry of α-Haloamides

The aim of this review is to highlight the rich chemistry of α-haloamides originally mainly used to discover new C-N, C-O and C-S bond forming reactions, and later widely employed in C-C cross-coupling reactions with C(sp3), C(sp2) and C(sp) coupling partners. Radical-mediated transformations of α-haloamides bearing a suitable located unsaturated bond has proven to be a straightforward alternative to access diverse cyclic compounds by means of either radical initiators, transition metal redox catalysis or visible light photoredox catalysis. On the other hand, cycloadditions with α-halohydroxamate-based azaoxyallyl cations have garnered significant attention. Moreover, in view of the important role in life and materials science of difluoroalkylated compounds, a wide range of catalysts has been developed for the efficient incorporation of difluoroacetamido moieties into activated as well as unactivated substrates.

Copper(i)-catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 3] annulation involving aziridines to construct tetrahydro-β-carbolines

A copper-catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 3] annulation of 2-vinylindoles with 2-aryl aziridines has been described, providing direct access to enantioenriched tetrahydro-β-carbolines.

General and efficient synthesis of 1,2-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indol-3-ones via a formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition initiated by C–H activation

A [Cp*RhCl₂]₂-catalyzed formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition involving a sequential coupling reaction initiated by C–H activation and aza-Michael addition has been developed for the general and efficient synthesis of 1,2-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-b]indol-3-ones.

A [4+3] annulation of benzofuran-derived azadienes and α-bromohydroxamates for the synthesis of benzofuran-fused 1,4-diazepinones

A Cs₂CO₃-mediated formal [4+3] cycloaddition involving benzofuran-derived azadienes (BDAs) and α-bromohydroxamates to afford benzofuran-fused 1,4-diazepinones is established.

Controllable synthesis of pyrido[2,3-b]indol-4-ones or indolo[3,2-b]quinolines via formal intramolecular C(sp2)-H functionalization

A novel Fe-catalyzed protocol for the controllable synthesis of pyrido[2,3-b]indol-4-ones or indolo[3,2-b]quinolines has been developed by using indole-2-carboxylic derivatives as starting materials. Indole-2-carboxenamines were transformed into pyrido[2,3-b]indol-4-ones through intramolecular N-H/C-H coupling, in which a carbonyl 1,2-migration was involved. Whereas, when indole-2-carboxarylamines were employed, indolo[3,2-b]quinolones were produced through direct N-H/C-H coupling. The desired products were obtained under mild reaction conditions in moderate to good yields with wide substrate scope. The natural product quindolinone was conveniently prepared by this reaction.

[8+3]-Cycloaddition of Tropones with Azaoxyallyl Cations

Although azaoxyallyl cations are widely used as 1,3-dipoles for various cycloaddition reactions leading to nitrogen-containing heterocycles, their application in higher-order cycloaddition reaction remains scarce. Herein, we present the [8+3]-cycloaddition reaction of tropones with in situ generated azaoxyallyl cations allowing the one-step construction of cycloheptatriene-fused 1,4-oxazinones in moderate to good yields. This base-promoted new carbon-oxygen and carbon-nitrogen bond-forming reaction takes place under mild conditions in the absence of transition metal catalysts.

Synthesis of spirobarbiturate-pyrrolidinones via a domino aza-Michael/SN2 cyclization of barbiturate-derived alkenes with N-alkoxy α-haloamides

A highly efficient domino aza-MIRC (Michael Induced Ring Closure) reaction between barbiturate-derived alkenes and N-alkoxy α-haloamides has been achieved in moderate to excellent yields. This reaction proceeds smoothly under mild conditions via a domino aza-Michael addition/intramolecular SN2 sequence, providing a practical tool in the synthesis of bioactive molecules spirobarbiturate-3-pyrrolidinones.

Facile synthesis of 1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-1,4-benzodiazepin-3-ones via cyclization of N-alkoxy α-halogenoacetamides with N-(2-chloromethyl)aryl amides

A facile and efficient cyclization of N-alkoxy α-halogenoacetamides with N-(2-chloromethyl)aryl amides has been achieved for rapid access to 1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-1,4-benzodiazepine-3-one derivatives (up to 95% yield). The intriguing features of this intermolecular cyclization include its mild reaction conditions and easy handling for scalable synthesis.

One-Step Assembly of Functionalized Morpholinones and 1,4-Oxazepane-3-ones via [3 + 3]- and [3 + 4]-Annulation of Aza-Oxyallyl Cation and Amphoteric Compounds

A new [3 + 3]- and [3 + 4]-annulation strategy involving azaoxyallyl cation and [1,m]-amphoteric compounds (m = 3,4) is presented. This concise method enables easy assembly of functionalized saturated N-heterocycles, comprised of six-and seven-membered rings and is of high significance in the context of drug discovery approaches. This reaction also represents a new trapping modality of the azaoxyallyl cation with amphoteric agents of different chain lengths that consist of a heteroatom nucleophilic site and a π-electrophilic site.

A newly designed heterodiene and its application to construct six-membered heterocycles containing an N-O bond

A new type of zwitterionic nitrosoalkene generated in situ from dehydrohalogenation of α-halo-N-alkylhydroxamic acids was designed. [4+2] cycloadditions of this heterodiene to olefins provide a facile route to construct six-membered heterocycles containing an N-O bond and a new protocol for 1,2-syn carbohydroxylate alkenes with a hydroxyl and acetamide group. DFT calculations support a concerted cycloaddition pathway and the solvent HFIP can stabilize the transition state through H-bonding interaction.

Catalyst-free facile synthesis of polycyclic indole/pyrrole substituted-1,2,3-triazoles

A general and catalyst-free access to the fused polycyclic N-heterocycles via an intramolecular azide-alkene cascade reaction under mild reaction conditions has been developed. The reaction is applicable to both indole and pyrrole substrates, and a variety of substituents are tolerated. The entire sequence can be carried out in a one-pot operation. This methodology provides a sustainable and efficient access to a variety of novel polycyclic indole/pyrrole substituted-1,2,3-triazoles.

[3 + 2]-Cycloaddition of Azaoxyallyl Cations with 1,2-Benzisoxazoles: A Rapid Entry to Oxazolines

A novel and efficient [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of azaoxyallyl cations and 1,2-benzisoxazoles to give oxazoline derivatives has been developed. The transformation provides a rapid entry to functionalized oxazoline scaffolds under mild and transition-metal-free conditions, which will greatly expand the reaction types of heterocycle chemistry and pave the way for syntheses of bioactive compounds.

An efficient synthesis of oxazolines via a cascade reaction between azaoxyallyl cations and 1,2-benzisoxazoles

A formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between the C and O terminals of azaoxyallyl cations formed in situ and 1,2-benzisoxazoles has been realized. This one-pot cycloaddition method provided an effective and practical pathway to synthesize oxazoline in good yields under mild conditions. The title products exhibited unique fluorescence properties.

[3 + 2]-Annulation of Azaoxyallyl Cations and Thiocarbonyls for the Assembly of Thiazolidin-4-ones

A base-promoted, efficient [3 + 2] annulation between azaoxyallyl cations and thiocarbonyls is reported for flexible access to highly functionalized thiazolidin-4-one derivatives in good to excellent yields. An intriguing feature of this method is the metal or Lewis acid free late-stage entry of distinct set of functional groups at C2 of thiazolidin-4-ones via substitution of a latent amino functional group. Overall, this approach constitutes a general platform for convenient access to this medicinally important scaffold.