Gold-Catalyzed Cascade Reaction of Skipped Diynes for the Construction of a Cyclohepta[b]pyrrole Scaffold

CuBr-Catalyzed Coupling of Propargyl Bromides with Terminal Alkynes: Syntheses of 1,4-Diynes and Alkynyl Shift Access to Unsymmetrical 1, n-Diynes

A CuBr-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of propargyl bromides with terminal alkynes for the synthesis of 1, n-diynes was investigated. In N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), the cross-coupling reactions of 3-bromo-1-arylpropynes, 3-bromo-1-phenyl-butyne/pentyne with aromatic terminal alkynes in the presence of CuBr and K3PO4 under nitrogen at 40 °C occur to give 1, 5-diaryl-1, 4-diynes having 3-CH2/3-CHMe/3-CHEt/3-CHiPr moieties with high chemoselectivity. Under similar reaction conditions, either the reactions of 3-bromo-1-arylpropynes with aliphatic terminal alkynes or the reactions of 3-bromo-1-alkylpropynes with aromatic terminal alkynes afforded the unexpected unsymmetric 1, 4-disubstituted 1, 3-diynes through one of the alkynyl group shifts to the side conjugating with the aryl group; in these cases, 1, 5-disubstituted 1, 4-diynes could not be obtained at all. In addition, when 3-bromo-1-phenyl-butynes react with aliphatic terminal alkynes bearing a distal phenyl group, the formed 1, 4-diynes are expected not to undergo the alkynyl group shift due to the methyl group at 3-position to form 1, 3-diynes; however, 1, 4-diynes could not be obtained either, and the 1, 5-, 1, 6-, and 1, 7-diynes, by an unprecedented remote alkynyl shift to the side conjugating with the aryl group, were isolated from the reaction mixtures in good yields.

Efficient Synthesis of Cyclohepta[b]indoles and Cyclohepta[b]indole-Indoline Conjugates via RCM, Hydrogenation, and Acid-Catalyzed Ring Expansion: A Biomimetic Approach

Cyclohepta[b]indoles, prevalent in natural products and pharmaceuticals, are conventionally accessed via metal or Lewis acid-mediated cycloadditions with prefunctionalized substrates. Our study introduces an innovative sequential catalytic assembly for synthesizing cyclohepta[b]indoles from readily available isatin derivatives. The process involves three catalytic sequences: ring-closing metathesis, catalytic hydrogenation, and acid-catalyzed ring expansion. The RCM of 2,2-dialkene-3-oxindoles, formed by butenyl Grignard addition to 3-allyl-3-hydroxy-2-oxindoles, yields versatile spirocyclohexene-3-oxindole derivatives. These derivatives undergo further transformations, including dibromination, dihydroxylation, epoxidation, Wacker oxidation at the double bond. Hydrogenation of spirocyclohexene-3-oxindole yields spirocyclohexane-3-oxindoles. Their subsequent acid-catalyzed ring expansion/aromatization, dependent on the acid catalyst, results in either cyclohepta[b]indoles or cyclohepta[b]indole-indoline conjugates, adding a unique synthetic dimension. The utility of this methodology is exemplified through the synthesis of an A-FABP inhibitor, showcasing its potential in pharmaceutical applications.

Gold-Catalyzed "Back-to-Front" Synthesis of 4-Silyloxyindoles

A series of pyrrol-yn-glycol derivatives were easily prepared from simple pyrroles through a three-step sequence involving hydroxyalkylation-alkynylation-O-silylation. Their reaction with IPrAuNTf2 triggers a C2-pyrrole attack onto the activated alkyne and subsequent highly selective 1,2-migration of the oxyalkyl group in the intermediate spirocycle. This approach enables the efficient synthesis of a wide selection of regioselectively functionalized 4-hydroxyindoles, which represent important yet challenging indole scaffolds, in high yields.

Cascade radical cyclization on 3-propargyl-2-alkenyl indole gives stereoselective access to cyclohepta[b]indole over carbazole

A protecting group-dependent diastereoselective synthesis of cyclohepta[b]indole over carbazole derivatives is developed. This strategy involves a regioselective 6-exo-trig radical cyclization-cyclopropanation-ring expansion cascade of 3-propargyl-2-alkenyl indole. The cascade radical cyclization was also performed on indole derivatives possessing alkyne, acrylate and vinylogous carbamate moieties, which delivered pyridocarbazole giving credence to the mechanistic hypothesis. Furthermore, cyclohepta[b]indole could be selectively converted to sulfone and sulfoxide as well as benzoazulenoindole via intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation.

Synthesis of Cyclohepta[b]indoles and Furo[3,4-b]carbazoles from Indoles, Tertiary Propargylic Alcohols, and Activated Alkynes

A robust metal-free and environmentally friendly approach to cyclohepta[b]indole and furo[3,4-b]carbazole frameworks via a three-component reaction from indoles, tertiary propargylic alcohols, and activated alkynes is described. A probable mechanism was proposed on the basis of the isolation and characterization of a key intermediate of the reaction. A gram-scale reaction and product derivatizations were also performed to demonstrate the practicality of the developed methodology.

Advancements in Gold-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions to Access Carbocycles and Heterocycles: An Overview

This review summarizes recent developments (from 2006 to 2022) in numerous important and efficient carbo- and heterocycle generations using gold-catalyzed cascade protocols. Herein, methodologies involve selectivity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of product formation being controlled by the ligand as well as the counter anion, catalyst, substrate, and reaction conditions. Gold-catalyzed cascade reactions covered different strategies through the compilation of various approaches such as cyclization, hydroarylation, intermolecular and intramolecular cascade reactions, etc. This entitled reaction is also useful for the synthesis of spiro, fused, bridged carbo- and heterocycles.

Triflamides and Triflimides: Synthesis and Applications

Among the variety of sulfonamides, triflamides (CF₃SO₂NHR, TfNHR) occupy a special position in organic chemistry. Triflamides are widely used as reagents, efficient catalysts or additives in numerous reactions. The reasons for the widespread use of these compounds are their high NH-acidity, lipophilicity, catalytic activity and specific chemical properties. Their strong electron-withdrawing properties and low nucleophilicity, combined with their high NH-acidity, makes it possible to use triflamides in a vast variety of organic reactions. This review is devoted to the synthesis and use of N-trifluoromethanesulfonyl derivatives in organic chemistry, medicine, biochemistry, catalysis and agriculture. Part of the work is a review of areas and examples of the use of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (triflimide, (CF₃SO₂)₂NH, Tf₂NH). Being one of the strongest NH-acids, triflimide, and especially its salts, are widely used as catalysts in cycloaddition reactions, Friedel–Crafts reactions, condensation reactions, heterocyclization and many others. Triflamides act as a source of nitrogen in C-amination (sulfonamidation) reactions, the products of which are useful building blocks in organic synthesis, catalysts and ligands in metal complex catalysis, and have found applications in medicine. The addition reactions of triflamide in the presence of oxidizing agents to alkenes and dienes are considered separately.

Efficient access to 1,3,4-trisubstituted pyrroles via gold-catalysed cycloisomerization of 1,5-diynes

A gold-catalysed cycloisomerization of 1,5-diynes is described, which offers a selective approach to access 1,3,4-trisubstituted pyrroles. In this reaction, the cationic gold catalyst activates the ynamide moiety, initiating the cycloisomerization to produce the pyrrole core, and H₂O acts as an external nucleophile to trap the vinyl cationic species, thus leading to the formation of 1,3,4-trisubstituted pyrroles with high selectivity.

Gold-Catalyzed Hydroarylation Reactions: A Comprehensive Overview

The hydroarylation of alkynes, alkene, and, allene is a cost-effective and efficient way to incorporate unsaturated moieties into aromatic substrates. This review focuses on gold-catalyzed hydroarylation, which produces aromatic alkenes,...

Skeletally Tunable Seven-Membered-Ring Fused Pyrroles

We describe a copper-mediated method that enables the synthesis of seven-membered-ring fused pyrroles (7-mrFPs). The protocol proceeds via an in situ spiro-intermediate ring expansion and tolerates a library of 7-mrFP derivatives with a broad range of functional groups in a simple step with tangible parameters and substrate adaptations. These rare 7-mrFPs are now accessible on a millimolar scale, and selected examples exhibit high antioxidant activity.

A Novel Pseudo-Three-Component Synthetic Strategy for the Synthesis of 1,6-Dihydroazaazulenes via Cyclization of Pyrrolyl-enones

A synthetic novel strategy involving a pseudo-three-component reaction to obtain 1,6-dihydroazaazulenes derivates via cyclization of pyrrolyl-enones was developed. This reaction is carried out under mild conditions from simple starting materials and catalyzed with ionic liquid. Notably, three new C–C bonds are formed in the one-pot process. The target molecules are of interest in medicinal chemistry as they contain a privileged scaffold and are considered indole homologues.

Catalytic Gold Chemistry: From Simple Salts to Complexes for Regioselective C-H Bond Functionalization

Gold coordinated to neutral phosphines (R₃ P), N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) or anionic ligands is catalytically active in functionalizing various C-H bonds with high selectivity. The sterics/electronic nature of the studied C-H bond, oxidation state of gold and stereoelectronic capacity of the coordinated auxiliary ligand are some of the associated selectivity factors in gold-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization reactions. Hence, in this review a comprehensive update about the action of different types of gold catalysts, from simple to sophisticated ones, on C-H bond reactions and their regiochemical outcome is disclosed. This review also highlights the catalytic applications of Au(I)- and Au(III)-species in creating new opportunities for the regio- and site-selective activation of challenging C-H bonds. Finally, it also intends to stress the potential applications in selective C-H bond activation associated with a variety of heterocycles recently described in the literature.

Gold-Catalyzed Oxidative Cascade Cyclization of 1,3-Diynamides: Polycyclic N-Heterocycle Synthesis via Construction of a Furopyridinyl Core

A facile and practical approach to construct a furopyridinyl motif through a gold-catalyzed cascade cyclization of easily accessible diynamides is described. This strategy offers a straightforward approach to furo[2,3-c]isoquinoline and 6H-furo[3',2':5,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indole derivatives. The reaction could build up four new bonds and two additional heteroaromatic rings via a single operation. The heterocyclic products show promising blue luminous performance with fluorescence quantum yields up to 75%.

Gold(I)-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization of Anilines with Diynes: Controllable Formation of Eight-Membered Ring-Fused Indoles and Propellane-Type Indolines

Heterocycle-fused indoles or indolines are distributed widely in a variety of natural products, bioactive agents, and pharmaceuticals. Herein, we describe the development of gold-catalyzed cascade reactions of anilines with diynes to form eight-membered ring-fused indoles and propellane-type indolines, both of which proceed through an intramolecular 5-endo-dig hydroamination followed by an 8-endo-dig cycloisomerization. Controllable formation of eight-membered ring-fused indoles and propellane-type indolines was achieved through selection of the ligands and/or solvents. Protic solvents such as alcohols or IPr ligand favored the formation of eight-membered ring-fused indoles, whereas the use of Buchwald's type ligands and/or nonpolar solvents gave propellane-type indoline predominantly. This reaction provides rapid access to two types of fused nitrogen heterocycles from simple aniline derivatives.

The key role of protodeauration in the gold-catalyzed reaction of 1,3-diynes with pyrrole and indole to form complex heterocycles

The mechanism of indole and carbazole formation via a formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition strategy is dominated by the protodeauration step.

Direct synthesis of annulated indoles through palladium-catalyzed double alkylations

A facile, one-step synthesis of annulated indoles from (N–H) indoles and dibromoalkanes was developed through a palladium-catalyzed double alkylation process.

The mechanism of the gold-catalyzed intramolecular [3 + 2]-cycloaddition of 1,6-diynes: a DFT study

The mechanism and selectivity of the gold-catalyzed intramolecular cycloaddition of 1,6-diynes were unveiled by DFT calculations.

Direct synthesis of aryl-annulated [c]carbazoles by gold(i)-catalysed cascade reaction of azide-diynes and arenes

The gold-catalysed annulation of conjugated alkynes bearing an azido group with arenes gave annulated [c]carbazoles. Using benzene, pyrrole, and indole derivatives as the nucleophiles, benzo[c]-, pyrrolo[2,3-c]-, and indolo[2,3-c]carbazoles were produced, respectively. The reaction proceeded through pyrrole and benzene ring construction accompanied by the formation of two carbon-carbon and one carbon-nitrogen bond and the cleavage of two aromatic C-H bonds. The mechanism of the reaction with pyrrole was investigated by density functional theory calculations. N,N'-dimethylated indolo[2,3-c]carbazole showed dual ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared and fluorescence spectral changes upon electrolysis.

Development of an Alkyne Analogue of the de Mayo Reaction: Synthesis of Medium-Sized Carbacycles and Cyclohepta[b]indoles

Embedded medium-sized carbacycles and cyclohepta[b]indoles occur frequently as scaffold elements in natural products and bioactive compounds. Described herein is a conceptionally novel photochemically triggered cascade process to these scaffolds. Key to the cascading ring-expansion process is an unprecedented intramolecular alkyne analogue of the de Mayo reaction.

Cyclohepta[ b]indole Synthesis through [5 + 2] Cycloaddition: Bifunctional Indium(III)-Catalyzed Stereoselective Construction of 7-Membered Ring Fused Indoles

A new approach for the synthesis of highly functionalized tetrahydrocyclohepta[ b]indoles through [5 + 2] cycloaddition was developed. Two carbon-carbon bonds were formed by the simple addition of an indium catalyst, which acted as both a π-Lewis acid and σ-Lewis acid to activate the alkyne and unsaturated ester, respectively. The reaction could be applied to various substrates and proceeded regio- and diastereoselectively in all cases.

Gold-catalyzed cascade cyclization of N-propargyl ynamides: rapid access to functionalized indeno[1,2-c]pyrroles

A new gold-catalyzed cascade cyclization of N-propargyl ynamides involving a presumable vinyl cation intermediate has been developed, allowing the efficient and practical synthesis of various functionalized indeno[1,2-c]pyrroles.