Enantioselective Addition of Cyclic Ketones to Unactivated Alkenes Enabled by Amine/Pd(II) Cooperative Catalysis

Efficient Radical-Mediated Intermolecular α-Alkylation Reactions of Carbonyl Compounds with Nonactivated Alkenes

Alkylation reactions are fundamental carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions in synthetic organic chemistry. Among them, intermolecular α-alkylation reactions of carbonyl compounds with alkenes are important because they are more atom-economical than the equivalent processes using alkyl halides. However, intermolecular reactions with nonactivated alkenes such as 1-hexene, which can allow the use of a wide range of valuable substrates, have been considered to be very challenging for a long time. In this review, radical-mediated intermolecular α-alkylation reactions of carbonyl compounds with nonactivated alkenes are discussed. The examples are grouped into three types of reactions: peroxide-mediated reactions, metal-oxidant-mediated reactions, and photoactivated reactions. Photoredox-catalyzed alkylation reactions under visible-light irradiation are discussed as a particularly promising recent hot topic. This review provides brief history and new prospects on the α-alkylation process with nonactivated alkenes using α-carbonyl radical species.

A Catalytic Three-Component Aminofluorination of Unactivated Alkenes with Electron-Rich Amino Sources

We present herein a copper-catalyzed three-component aminofluorination of unactivated alkenes with N-bromodialkylamines and readily available nucleophilic fluoride under the assistance of a bidentate auxiliary. This protocol exhibits excellent functional group tolerance toward a wide range of unactivated alkenes and N-bromodialkylamines to furnish the corresponding β-fluoroalkylamines in a highly regio- and diastereoselective manner. The appropriate choice of nucleophilic fluoro source is essential to make this reaction a reality. Further DFT calculations show that the exothermic ion exchange between external fluoride ion and Cu(II) intermediate provides additional driving force to the irreversible migratory insertion, which offsets the unfavorable reaction energetics associated with the subsequent C(sp3)-F reductive elimination. This finding offers a new avenue to catalytic intermolecular aminofluorination of unactivated alkenes with electron-rich amino sources via a remarkable reductive elimination of Cu(III) species to forge the C(sp3)-F bonds.

Asymmetric Intramolecular Hydroalkylation of Internal Olefin with Cycloalkanone to Directly Access Polycyclic Systems

An asymmetric intramolecular hydroalkylation of unactivated internal olefins with tethered cyclic ketones was realized by the cooperative catalysis of a newly designed chiral amine (SPD-NH2 ) and PdII complex, providing straightforward access to either bridged or fused bicyclic systems containing three stereogenic centers with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee) and diastereoselectivity (up to >20 : 1 dr). Notably, the bicyclic products could be conveniently transformed into a diverse range of key structures frequently found in bioactive terpenes, such as Δ6 -protoilludene, cracroson D, and vulgarisins. The steric hindrance between the Ar group of the SPD-NH2 catalyst and the branched chain of the substrate, hydrogen-bonding interactions between the N-H of the enamine motif and the C=O of the directing group MQ, and the counterion of the PdII complex were identified as key factors for excellent stereoinduction in this dual catalytic process by density functional theory calculations.

Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Regioselective Hydrocarbofunctionalization of N-Alkenyl Amides: Synthesis of Tryptamine Derivatives

The hydrocarbofunctionalization of allyl amines connected to the picolinamide directing group is developed under Pd(II) catalysis. The strategy is grounded on a nucleopalladation concept, and a wide range of indoles effectively participated to produce valuable tryptamine derivatives in high yields. Synthetic utilities were showcased through the substrate diversification bearing bioactive core, Pictet-Spengler cyclization, and β-carboline synthesis. A mechanistic study suggested an irreversible nucleopalladation step, while protodepalladation follows a reversible pathway.

Regio- and Stereoselective 1,2-Oxyhalogenation of Non-Conjugated Alkynes via Directed Nucleopalladation: Catalytic Access to Tetrasubstituted Alkenes

A catalytic 1,2-oxyhalogenation method that converts non-conjugated internal alkynes into tetrasubstituted alkenes with high regio- and stereoselectivity is described. Mechanistically, the reaction involves a Pd^II /Pd^IV catalytic cycle that begins with a directed oxypalladation step. The origin of regioselectivity is the preference for formation of a six-membered palladacycle intermediate, which is facilitated by an N,N-bidentate 2-(pyridin-2-yl)isopropyl (PIP) amide directing group. Selectivity for C(alkenyl)-X versus -N (X=halide) reductive elimination from the Pd^IV center depends on the identity of the halide anion; bromide and iodide engage in C(alkenyl)-X formation, while intramolecular C(alkenyl)-N reductive elimination occurs with chloride to furnish a lactam product. DFT calculations shed light on the origins of this phenomenon.

Picolinamides and Iodoalkynes Enable Palladium-Catalyzed syn-Aminoalkynylation of Di- and Trisubstituted Alkenes to Give Pyrrolidines

Palladium-catalyzed aminoalkynylation of electronically unbiased olefins with iodoalkynes is reported. The picolinamide auxiliary enables for the first time the syn-selective aminoalkynylation of mono-, di- and trisubstituted alkenes to afford the corresponding pyrrolidines in up to 97 % yield and as single diastereomers. Furthermore, through a C-H activation approach, the picolinamide allows the rapid synthesis of functionalized olefins, which are suitable cyclization precursors. Facile and orthogonal deprotection of the amides and Siⁱ Pr₃ -acetylenes in the products, and a subsequent Pictet-Spengler reaction is demonstrated.

Synergistic Strategies in Aminocatalysis

Synergistic catalysis offers the unique possibility of simultaneous activation of both the nucleophile and the electrophile in a reaction. A requirement for this strategy is the stability of the active species towards the reaction conditions and the two concerted catalytic cycles. Since the beginning of the century, aminocatalysis has been established as a platform for the stereoselective activation of carbonyl compounds through HOMO‐raising or LUMO‐lowering. The burgeoning era of aminocatalysis has been driven by a deep understanding of these activation and stereoinduction modes, thanks to the introduction of versatile and privileged chiral amines. The aim of this review is to cover recent developments in synergistic strategies involving aminocatalysis in combination with organo‐, metal‐, photo‐, and electro‐catalysis, focusing on the evolution of privileged aminocatalysts architectures.

Mapping Ambiphile Reactivity Trends in the Anti-(Hetero)annulation of Non-Conjugated Alkenes via PdII /PdIV Catalysis

In this study, we systematically evaluate different ambiphilic organohalides for their ability to participate in anti-selective carbo- or heteroannulation with non-conjugated alkenyl amides under Pd^II /Pd^IV catalysis. Detailed optimization of the reaction conditions has led to protocols for synthesizing tetrahydropyridines, tetralins, pyrrolidines, and other carbo/heterocyclic cores via [n+2] (n=3-5) (hetero)annulation. Expansion of scope to otherwise unreactive ambiphilic haloketones through Pd^II /amine co-catalysis is also demonstrated. Compared to other annulation processes, this method proceeds via a distinct Pd^II /Pd^IV mechanism involving Wacker-type directed nucleopalladation. This difference results in unique reactivity and selectivity patterns, as revealed through assessment of reaction scope and competition experiments.

Construction of Enantioenriched γ,γ-Disubstituted Butenolides Enabled by Chiral Amine and Lewis Acid Cascade Cocatalysis

Herein we report a cascade cocatalysis strategy for the facile construction of chiral γ,γ-disubstituted butenolides. The synthetic manifold employs simple alkynoic acids instead of the preformed silyloxy furans or 5-substituted furan-2(3H)-ones. In situ formed 5-substituted furan-2(3H)-ones by AgNO₃ or Ph₃PAuCl/AgOTf catalyzed cyclization of alkynoic acids can smoothly engage in the subsequent chiral diphenylprolinol TMS-ether catalyzed Michael and Michael-aldol reactions. The cascade process serves as a general approach to chiral quaternary γ,γ-disubstituted butenolides.

Modular synthesis of non-conjugated N-(quinolin-8-yl) alkenyl amides via cross-metathesis

We report a direct and modular method to access non-conjugated alkenyl amides containing the 8-aminoquinoline (AQ) directing auxiliary and related groups via cross-metathesis. In this way, readily available, AQ-containing, terminal β,γ-unsaturated amides can be coupled with various terminal alkenes to furnish internal alkene products that are otherwise difficult to prepare. The value of this family of products stems from their ability to participate in a number of directed alkene functionalization reactions.

Auto-tandem palladium/phosphine cooperative catalysis: synthesis of bicyclo[3.1.0]hexenes by selective activation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates

A new palladium/phosphine cooperatively catalytic sequential annulation strategy has been developed for the synthesis of bicyclo[3.1.0]hexene derivatives.

Enantioselective Alkylamination of Unactivated Alkenes under Copper Catalysis

An enantioselective addition reaction of various alkyl groups to unactivated internal alkenes under Cu catalysis has been developed. The reaction uses amide-linked aminoquinoline as the directing group, 4-alkyl Hantzsch esters as the donor of alkyl radicals, and rarely used biaryl diphosphine oxide as a chiral ligand. β-lactams featuring two contiguous stereocenters at Cβ and the β substituent can be obtained in good yield with excellent enantioselectivity. Mechanistic studies indicate that a nucleophilic addition of the alkyl radical to Cu^II-coordinated alkene is the enantio-determining step.

Anti-selective [3+2] (Hetero)annulation of non-conjugated alkenes via directed nucleopalladation

2,3-Dihydrobenzofurans and indolines are common substructures in medicines and natural products. Herein, we describe a method that enables direct access to these core structures from non-conjugated alkenyl amides and ortho-iodoanilines/phenols. Under palladium(II) catalysis this [3 + 2] heteroannulation proceeds in an anti-selective fashion and tolerates a wide variety of functional groups. N-Acetyl, -tosyl, and -alkyl substituted ortho-iodoanilines, as well as free -NH2 variants, are all effective. Preliminary results with carbon-based coupling partners also demonstrate the viability of forming indane core structures using this approach. Experimental and computational studies on reactions with phenols support a mechanism involving turnover-limiting, endergonic directed oxypalladation, followed by intramolecular oxidative addition and reductive elimination.

Alkyl halides as both hydride and alkyl sources in catalytic regioselective reductive olefin hydroalkylation

Among the plethora of catalytic methods developed for hydrocarbofunctionalization of olefins to date, reactions that regioselectively install a functionalized alkyl unit at the 2-position of a terminal unactivated C=C bond to afford branched products are scarce. Here, we show that a Ni-based catalyst in conjunction with a stoichiometric reducing agent promote Markovnikov-selective hydroalkylation of unactivated alkenes tethered to a recyclable 8-aminoquinaldine directing auxiliary. These mild reductive processes employ readily available primary and secondary haloalkanes as both the hydride and alkyl donor. Reactions of alkenyl amides with ≥ five-carbon chain length regioselectively afforded β-alkylated products through remote hydroalkylation, underscoring the fidelity of the catalytic process and the directing group’s capability in stabilizing five-membered nickelacycle intermediates. The operationally simple protocol exhibits exceptional functional group tolerance and is amenable to the synthesis of bioactive molecules as well as regioconvergent transformations.

Methods that regioselectively install a functionalized alkyl unit at the 2-position of a terminal unactivated C=C bond are scarce. Here, the authors report a Markovnikov-selective hydroalkylation of unactivated amide-tethered alkenes catalyzed by nickel in conjunction with a stoichiometric reductant.

Controlling cyclization pathways in palladium(ii)-catalyzed intramolecular alkene hydro-functionalization via substrate directivity

We report a series of palladium(ii)-catalyzed, intramolecular alkene hydrofunctionalization reactions with carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen nucleophiles to form five- and six-membered carbo- and heterocycles. In these reactions, the presence of a proximal bidentate directing group controls the cyclization pathway, dictating the ring size that is generated, even in cases that are disfavored based on Baldwin's rules and in cases where there is an inherent preference for an alternative pathway. DFT studies shed light on the origins of pathway selectivity in these processes.

We report a series of palladium(ii)-catalyzed, intramolecular alkene hydrofunctionalization reactions with carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen nucleophiles to form five- and six-membered carbo- and heterocycles.

Directed Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Intermolecular Anti-Markovnikov Hydroarylation of Unactivated Alkenes with (Hetero)arylsilanes

We describe herein a regioselective palladium(II)-catalyzed intermolecular hydroarylation of unactivated aliphatic alkenes with electronically and sterically diverse (hetero)arylsilanes under redox-neutral conditions. A removable bidentate 8-aminoquinoline auxiliary was readily employed to dictate the regioselectivity, prevent β-hydride elimination, and facilitate protodepalladation. This silicon-based protocol features a broad substrate scope with excellent functional group compatibility and enables an expeditious route to a variety of γ-aryl butyric acid derivatives in good yields with exclusive anti-Markovnikov selectivity.

A Bispidine-Based Chiral Amine Catalyst for Asymmetric Mannich Reaction of Ketones with Isatin Ketimines

A unique chiral amine organocatalyst with a bispidine structure was found to be efficient for the diastereo- and enantioselective Mannich reaction of isatin ketimines with ketones. A series of 3-substituted 3-amino-2-oxindoles bearing vicinal tertiary and quaternary chiral stereogenic centers were obtained in excellent yields with excellent dr and ee values. The gram-scale synthesis and transformation of the product showed the practicability of this methodology. In addition, a possible transition state model was proposed to explain the origin of the stereoselectivity.

Enantioselective Desymmetrization of Cyclobutanones: A Speedway to Molecular Complexity

Cyclobutanones hold a privileged role in enantioselective desymmetrization because their inherent ring strain allows for a variety of unusual reactions to occur. Current strategies include α-functionalization, rearrangement, and C-C bond activation to directly convert cyclobutanones into a wide range of enantiomerically enriched compounds, including many biologically significant scaffolds. This Minireview provides an overview of state-of-the-art methods that generate complexity from prochiral cyclobutanones in a single operation.

Hydroamination of Aromatic Alkynes to Imines Catalyzed by Pd(II)-Anthraphos Complexes

Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance of cationic Pd(II)-Anthraphos complexes in the intermolecular hydroamination of aromatic alkynes with aromatic amines. The reaction proceeds with 0.18 mol % of catalyst loading, at 90 °C for 4 h under neat conditions. Good to excellent yields could be obtained for a broad range of amines and alkynes.

A sustainable catalytic enantioselective synthesis of norstatine derivatives

Norstatine derivatives are of important value in pharmaceutical science. However, their catalytic asymmetric synthesis is rare. We developed a sustainable method via chiral phosphoric acid (CPA)-[Rh(OAc)₂]₂ co-catalyzed multi-component reactions (MCR) of diazoacetates with alcohol/water and imines. This method allows us to synthesize a library of 45 norstatines with excellent enanotioselectivites and broad substrate scope which includes anti-α-aryl-norstatines 11-1, anti-α-alkyl-norstatines 11-2, syn-α-hydro-norstatines 11-3 and syn-α-aryl-norstatines 11-4. The sustainability of this method lies in the reliable scalability, improved safety, and reusable [Rh(OAc)₂]₂ catalyst. The synthetic value of norstatine derivatives was demonstrated by preparing oxazolinone 14, ezetimibe analogue 15, and Taxol C-13 chain 16. Mechanistic study reveals that the synergetic catalysis of CPA and [Rh(OAc)₂]₂ is essential to maintain chemo- and enantioselectivity. Control experiments support the mechanism where the reactions proceed through the trapping of hyper-reactive oxonium ylides with imines. Shortly, we report herein the sustainable catalytic enantioselective synthesis of both syn- and anti-norstatine derivatives. We believe that this method might shed light on the sustainable synthesis of norstatine derivative-based drug candidates.

A minireview of hydroamination catalysis: alkene and alkyne substrate selective, metal complex design

Organic compounds that contain nitrogen are very important intermediates in pharmaceutical and chemical industry. Hydroamination is the reaction that can form C-N bond with high atom economy. The research progress in metals catalyzed hydroamination of alkenes and alkynes from the perspective of reaction mechanism is categorized and summarized.