Reversal of Regioselectivity in Ynamide Chemistry

TfOH-Catalyzed Reactions of Aryl Methyl Ketones with Ynamides: Synthesis of 1-Amino-1H-indenes and 2,4-Dienamides

The efficient synthesis of 1-amino-1H-indenes and 2,4-dienamides was realized via TfOH-catalyzed reactions of aryl methyl ketones with terminal ynamides in two distinct pathways. Aromatic ketones with high electrophilicity underwent [3 + 2] annulation with ynamides to produce 1-amino-1H-indenes, while aromatic ketones with low electrophilicity proceeded under the same conditions to afford 2,4-dienamides. Furthermore, the obtained 1-amino-1H-indenes could be converted into the corresponding 1H-indenes and dihydro-1H-indenes in excellent yields.

Access to Piperazine-Fused Pyrrolocarbazoles Enabled by Acid-Catalyzed Stereoselective Hydroarylation of Ynamide-Indoles and Subsequent Diels-Alder Reactions/Aromatizations

Pyrrolocarbazole skeletons are well known to possess a variety of biological activities that might be therapeutically useful in the treatment of cancers. Herein, an acid-catalyzed stereoselective hydroarylation/Diels-Alder cycloaddition/aromatization of ynamide-indoles is described. We newly designed and synthesized a variety of piperazine-fused pyrrolocarbazole derivatives that could be further applied to the synthesis of potent Wee1 inhibitors.

HFIP-Mediated, Highly Chemo-, Regio-, and Stereoselective Hydrofunctionalizations of Ynamides: Access to Stereodefined Alkenes Bearing Drugs and Natural Products

We disclose a sustainable and versatile synthetic strategy for the highly chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective hydrofunctionalizations of ynamides, through its activation by a solvent, HFIP, to access a wide variety of stereodefined ketene N,N, N,O, N,S, and N,Se acetals in high yield at room temperature. The reaction proceeded through the formation of the reactive keteniminium ion intermediate, formed via protonation at the β-carbon of ynamide by HFIP, followed by an attack of a nucleophile (syn-addition) at the α-carbon. When ynamides are treated with only HFIP at room temperature, the HFIP addition products of ynamides are formed in a 100% atom-economic fashion; however, in the presence of a stronger N-/O-/S-/Se-based nucleophile, the corresponding syn-hydroheterofunctionalized products are formed. Notably, HFIP played multiple roles, such as a reagent, in particular, a Brønsted acid, nucleophile, as well as solvent. Interestingly, HFIP is found to be unique for this transformation. Notably, this strategy is utilized for the late-stage functionalization of several marketed drugs and natural products, and it also enables the connection of two different drugs or a drug and a natural product through chemical bonds. Significantly, HFIP was recovered after the reaction and reused for consecutive reactions.

Trans-Concerted Addition to Alkynes: the case of Ynamide Silylzincation

An original concerted antarafacial mechanism for the addition of diorganosilyl-zinc reagents across the C-C triple bond of ynamides is computationally investigated using DFT calculations. This concerted mechanism, leading to a trans-product in only one step, results in the formation of a Si-C and a Zn-C σ-bond on opposite sides of the π-system. We demonstrate that the mechanism going through a η2-vinyl intermediate and the proposal of a radical chain pathway are energetically unsustainable. The retained concerted antarafacial pathway is tested on experimental selectivities: the regioselectivity, in favor of the silyl β-addition in ynamide, and stereoselectivity, which is cis- with (Me2PhSi)2Zn but trans- with [(Me3Si)3Si]2Zn, are well reproduced by DFT calculations. The regio- and stereoselectivity are discussed using the activation strain model and a chemical bonding analysis.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Intramolecular Cyclization and Sequential Aromatization of Ynamides with Propargyl Esters: Access to 2,5-Dihydropyrroles and Pyrroles

Disclosed herein is a rhodium(III)-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of ynamides with propargyl esters. A variety of highly functionalized 2,5-dihydropyrroles were obtained in moderate to good yields with high E/Z selectivities. Subsequent oxidation of the products gave valuable pyrrole derivatives. Additionally, scale-up reactions and late-stage derivatizations highlight the potential synthetic utility of this methodology.

Investigation of UV Light-Promoted Synthesis of α-Sulfonyl Amides from N-Sulfonyl Ynamides

UV light-promoted synthesis of α-sulfonyl amides from N-sulfonyl ynamides without any additives is reported. The reaction proceeds through a radical chain mechanism involving the photoinduced cleavage of the nitrogen-sulfur bond and addition of an electrophilic sulfonyl radical to the triple bond of the ynamide followed by β-fragmentation of the sulfonyl group leading to a ketenimine hydrated upon workup. This highly efficient rearrangement leads, after acidic treatment, to a wide range of α-sulfonyl amides in high yields.

Brønsted acid catalyzed Ficini [2 + 2] cycloaddition of ynamides with enones

Herein, we describe a novel metal-free Brønsted acid-catalyzed Ficini [2 + 2] cycloaddition of ynamides with enones under mild reaction conditions, leading to the formation of various cyclobutenamides in generally good to excellent yields within short reaction times. This work represents the first example of ynamides involved in a nonmetal-catalyzed [2 + 2] cycloaddition with enones.

Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Formal [4 + 2] Reaction of Alkynyl Sulfides and 2-Pyrones To Access Polysubstituted Aryl Sulfides

A practical and efficient method to access polysubstituted aryl sulfides has been discovered via a Lewis acid-catalyzed reaction between alkynyl sulfide and 2-pyrone, involving a Diels-Alder/retro-Diels-Alder pathway. Alkynyl sulfide as an electron-rich dienophile and 2-pyrones as electron-poor dienes are conjunctively transformed into a series of polysubstituted aryl sulfides with broad functional group compatibility in good to excellent yields (40 examples, 43-88% yield). The robustness and practicality of the protocol has been demonstrated through gram-scale synthesis and the ease of transformation of the resulting products.

Discovery and Mechanistic Understanding of a Lipase from Rhizorhabdus dicambivorans for Efficient Ester Aminolysis in Aromatic Amines

The formation of amide bonds via aminolysis of esters by lipases generates a diverse range of amide frameworks in biosynthetic chemistry. Few lipases have satisfactory activity towards bulky aromatic amines despite numerous attempts to improve the efficiency of this transformation. Here, we report the discovery of a new intracellular lipase (Ndbn) with a broad substrate scope. Ndbn turns over a range of esters and aromatic amines in the presence of water (2 %; v/v), producing a high yield of multiple valuable amides. Remarkably, a higher conversion rate was observed for the synthesis of amides from substrates with aromatic amine rather than aliphatic amines. Molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) studies showcase the mechanism for the preference for aromatic amines, including a more suitable orientation, shorter catalytic distances in the active site pocket and a lower reaction barrier for aromatic than for aliphatic amines. This unique lipase is thus a promising biocatalyst for the efficient synthesis of aromatic amides.

Enantioselective functionalization of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds through copper-catalyzed diyne cyclization by kinetic resolution

Site- and stereoselective C-H functionalization is highly challenging in the synthetic chemistry community. Although the chemistry of vinyl cations has been vigorously studied in C(sp3)-H functionalization reactions, the catalytic enantioselective C(sp3)-H functionalization based on vinyl cations, especially for an unactivated C(sp3)-H bond, has scarcely explored. Here, we report an asymmetric copper-catalyzed tandem diyne cyclization/unactivated C(sp3)-H insertion reaction via a kinetic resolution, affording both chiral polycyclic pyrroles and diynes with generally excellent enantioselectivities and excellent selectivity factors (up to 750). Importantly, this reaction demonstrates a metal-catalyzed enantioselective unactivated C(sp3)-H functionalization via vinyl cation and constitutes a kinetic resolution reaction based on diyne cyclization. Theoretical calculations further support the mechanism of vinyl cation-involved C(sp3)-H insertion reaction and elucidate the origin of enantioselectivity.

Copper-catalyzed room-temperature cross-dehydrogenative coupling of secondary amides with terminal alkynes: a chemoselective synthesis of ynamides

A copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction between secondary amides and terminal alkynes has been developed. With the aid of ligands and 3 Å molecular sieves, ynamides can be efficiently synthesized at room temperature and conveniently scaled up. A legitimate mechanism involving nitrogen-centred radicals and copper trivalent intermediates has been proposed.

Regio- and Stereocontrolled Hydrohalogenation of Ynamides with N-Halosuccinimides (NXS) as the Halogen Source: Synthesis of (E)-α-Haloenamides

Presented herein is a facile stereoselective construction of synthetically versatile chiral and achiral (E)-α-haloenamides under mild conditions utilizing N-halosuccinimides and diphenylphosphine oxide. This reaction is metal-free, mild, efficient, very rapid, and practical and highlights the synthetic versatility of ynamides. The reaction has a broad substrate scope; both chiral and achiral ynamides have been transformed into the corresponding (E)-α-haloenamides within a very short period of time without compromising selectivity or complexity.

CuI/DMAP-Catalyzed Oxidative Alkynylation of 7-Azaindoles: Synthetic Scope and Mechanistic Studies

An efficient and practical method for the N-alkynylation of 7-azaindoles has been established by using CuI/DMAP catalytic system at room temperature and in open air. This simple protocol has been successfully employed in the synthesis of a wide range of N-alkynylated 7-azaindoles with good yields. Also, this approach is well-suited for large-scale N-alkynylation reactions. The designed N-alkynylated 7-azaindoles were further subjected to Cu-/Ir-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC/IrAAC) or "click" reaction for the rapid synthesis of 1,4-/1,5 disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole decorated 7-azaindoles. A mechanistic study based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectroscopic studies revealed that the CuI and DMAP combination formed a [CuII (DMAP)2 I2 ] species, which acts as an active catalyst. The DFT method was used to assess the energetic viability of an organometallic in the C-N bond formation pathway originating from the [CuII (DMAP)2 I2 ] complex. We expect that the newly designed Cu/DMAP/alkyne system will offer valuable insights into the field of Cu-catalyzed transformations.

Heterodifunctionalization of Electron-Rich Alkynes Catalyzed by in Situ Generated Silylium Ions

Silylium ions are versatile Lewis acids in organic synthesis. While they have been well-known for the activation of σ donors, catalysis initiated by the activation of π donors remains underdeveloped, particularly for alkynes. Herein, we demonstrate an example of silylium-catalyzed alkyne heterodifunctionalization. The silylium ion generated in situ from HNTf2 and the silyl reagent serve as superior catalysts in the efficient silylphosphination and silylcyanation of electron-rich alkynes with excellent regio- and stereoselectivity. The compatibility of this protocol with strongly coordinating ligands (Ph2P and CN) not only complements the metal-catalyzed systems but also expands the scope of silylium-catalyzed reactions.

TMSOTf-Catalyzed Reactions of N-Arylynamides with Sulfilimines To Construct 2-Aminoindoles and α-Arylated Amidines

Here, we disclose an efficient TMSOTf-catalyzed C-H annulation of aryl-terminated N-arylynamides with sulfilimines, leading to the practical assembly of various valuable 2-aminoindoles in generally moderate to excellent yields with a broad range of functional groups, while nonaryl terminated N-arylynamides undergo TMSOTf-catalyzed aminative arylation with sulfilimines providing α-arylated amidines.

Copper-Catalyzed Regio- and Stereoselective Hydroarylation of Ynamide

Presented herein is a copper-catalyzed trans-hydroarylation of ynamides. The reaction showcases the assembly of boronic acids across the carbon-carbon triple bond of ynamides. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions offering a complementary approach for the versatile synthesis of multifunctional (E)-α,β-disubstituted enamides. Moreover, the hydroarylation process is highly regio- and stereoselective. The transformation shows a broad scope (30 examples) and tolerates a wide range of labile functional groups. Control experiments provide substantive evidence supporting the mechanistic cycle and the observed selectivity.

Brønsted-Acid-Catalyzed Enantioselective Desymmetrization of 1,3-Diols: Access to Chiral β-Amino Alcohol Derivatives

Herein, we describe a Brønsted-acid-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetrization of 1,3-diols with alkynes through a hydroalkoxylation/hydrolysis process. The reaction leads to the atom-economical synthesis of valuable chiral β-amino alcohols under mild reaction conditions. Further synthetic transformations based on the β-amino alcohol moiety provide divergent approaches toward chiral N-containing heterocycles.

Copper-Catalyzed Intramolecular Aldehyde-Ketone Nucleophilic Additions for the Synthesis of Chromans Bearing a Tertiary Alcohol Motif

The synthesis of chroman-3-ol derivatives via intramolecular nucleophilic additions has been established. Aldehydes can be used as alkyl carbanion equivalents via reductive polarity reversal which is facilitated by a copper catalyst and N-heterocyclic carbene ligand under mild conditions. The key to success is the difference in reaction activity between aldehydes and ketones. Finally, this methodology also can be used to construct other cyclic structures containing tertiary alcohols including tetraline, cyclohexane, indan, and 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene.

Copper-catalyzed atroposelective formal [4+1] annulation of 1,2-diketones with vinyl cations

The enantioselective transformation of easily accessible 1,2-diketones represents a quick pathway towards enantioenriched molecules. Herein, we disclose a copper-catalyzed atroposelective formal [4+1] annulation of 1,2-diketones with vinyl cations, enabling the efficient and atom-economical construction of axially chiral arylpyrroles bearing 1,3-dioxole moieties with good to excellent enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions. Importantly, this methodology constitutes the first enantioselective formal [4+1] annulation of 1,2-diketones.

3-Trifluoromethyl Pyrrole Synthesis Based on β-CF3-1,3-Enynamides

A new metal-free method for the rapid, productive, and scalable preparation of 3-trifluoromethyl pyrroles has been developed. It is based on the electrophilic nature of the double bond of β-CF3-1,3-enynamides due to the electron-withdrawing characteristics of the trifluoromethyl groups and the strong nucleophilic nature of alkyl primary amines. Evidence for the highly regioselective 1,4-hydroamination was observed after the isolation and characterization of the allenamide intermediate.

Copper-catalyzed intermolecular formal (5 + 1) annulation of 1,5-diynes with 1,2,5-oxadiazoles

One-carbon homologation reactions based on one-carbon insertion into the N-O bond of heterocycles have received tremendous interest over the past decades. However, these protocols have to rely on the use of hazardous and not easily accessible diazo compounds as precursors, and examples of the relevant asymmetric catalysis have not been reported. Here we show that a copper-catalyzed intermolecular formal (5 + 1) annulation of 1,5-diynes with 1,2,5-oxadiazoles involving one-carbon insertion into the heterocyclic N-O bond via non-diazo approach. This method enables practical and atom-economic synthesis of valuable pyrrole-substituted oxadiazines in generally moderate to good yields under mild reaction conditions. In addition, the possibility of such an asymmetric formal (5 + 1) annulation also emerges.

Gold(I)-Catalyzed Bis-Cyclization of Allenynes for the Synthesis of Strained and Planar Polycyclic Compounds

A gold-catalyzed cascade cyclization of naphthalene-tethered allenynes gave strained fused phenanthrene derivatives. The reaction proceeds through the nucleophilic reaction of an alkyne with the activated allene to generate a vinyl cation intermediate, followed by arylation with a tethered naphthalene ring to form the 4H-cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene (CPP) scaffold. When using aryl-substituted substrates on the alkyne terminus, the gold-catalyzed reaction produced dibenzofluorene derivatives along with the CPP derivatives. Selective formation of CPP and dibenzofluorene derivatives depending on the reaction conditions is also presented.

Methodological Development and Applications of Tryptamine-Ynamide Cyclizations in Synthesizing Core Skeletons of Indole Alkaloids

Over the past two decades, synthetic strategies for synthesizing the skeletons of various indole alkaloids based on tryptamine-ynamide have been continuously developed and applied to the total syntheses or formal total syntheses of related molecules. In this synopsis, we summarized the cyclization pathways of tryptamine-ynamide under different catalytic conditions, emphasizing the reaction mechanism and applications in the syntheses of indole alkaloids.

Asymmetric Hydrative Aldol Reaction (HAR) via Vinyl-Gold Promoted Intermolecular Ynamide Addition to Aldehydes

Herein, we reported an intermolecular asymmetric hydrative aldol reaction through vinyl-gold intermediate under ambient conditions. This tandem alkyne hydration and sequential nucleophilic addition afforded a "base-free" approach to β-hydroxy amides with high efficiency (up to 95 % yields, >50 examples). Vinyl gold intermediate was applied as reactive nucleophile and Fe(acac)3 was used as the critical co-catalyst to prevent undesired protodeauration, allowing this transformation to proceed under mild conditions with good functional group tolerance and excellent stereoselectivity (>20 : 1 d.r. and up to 99 % ee).

Organocatalytic intramolecular (4 + 2) annulation of enals with ynamides: atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral 7-aryl indolines

Catalytic enantioselective transformation of alkynes has become a powerful tool for the synthesis of axially chiral molecules. Most of these atroposelective reactions of alkynes rely on transition-metal catalysis, and the organocatalytic approaches are largely limited to special alkynes which act as the precursors of Michael acceptors. Herein, we disclose an organocatalytic atroposelective intramolecular (4 + 2) annulation of enals with ynamides. This method allows the efficient and highly atom-economical preparation of various axially chiral 7-aryl indolines in generally moderate to good yields with good to excellent enantioselectivities. Computational studies were carried out to elucidate the origins of regioselectivity and enantioselectivity. Furthermore, a chiral phosphine ligand derived from the synthesized axially chiral 7-aryl indoline was proven to be potentially applicable to asymmetric catalysis.

1,3-Butadiynamides the Ethynylogous Ynamides: Synthesis, Properties and Applications in Heterocyclic Chemistry

1,3-butadiynamides-the ethynylogous variants of ynamides-receive considerable attention as precursors of complex molecular scaffolds for organic and heterocyclic chemistry. The synthetic potential of these C4-building blocks reveals itself in sophisticated transition-metal catalyzed annulation reactions and in metal-free or silver-mediated HDDA (Hexa-dehydro-Diels-Alder) cycloadditions. 1,3-Butadiynamides also gain significance as optoelectronic materials and in less explored views on their unique helical twisted frontier molecular orbitals (Hel-FMOs). The present account summarizes different methodologies for the synthesis of 1,3-butadiynamides followed by the description of their molecular structure and electronic properties. Finally, the surprisingly rich chemistry of 1,3-butadiynamides as versatile C4-building blocks in heterocyclic chemistry is reviewed by compiling their exciting reactivity, specificity and opportunities for organic synthesis. Besides chemical transformations and use in synthesis, a focus is set on the mechanistic understanding of the chemistry of 1,3-butadiynamides-suggesting that 1,3-butadiynamides are not just simple alkynes. These ethynylogous variants of ynamides have their own molecular character and chemical reactivity and reflect a new class of remarkably useful compounds.

Atom-economic and stereoselective catalytic synthesis of fully substituted enol esters/carbonates of amides in acyclic systems enabled by boron Lewis acid catalysis

Carboacyloxylation of internal alkynes is emerging as a powerful and straightforward strategy for enol ester synthesis. However, the reported examples come with limitations, including the utilization of noble metal catalysts, the control of regio- and Z/E selectivity, and an application in the synthesis of enol carbonates. Herein, a boron Lewis acid-catalyzed intermolecular carboacyloxylation of ynamides with esters to access fully substituted acyclic enol esters in high yield with generally high Z/E selectivity (up to >96 : 4) is reported. Most importantly, readily available allylic carbonates are also compatible with this difunctionalization reaction, representing an atom-economic, catalytic and stereoselective protocol for the construction of acyclic β,β-disubstituted enol carbonates of amides for the first time. The application of the carboacyloxylation products to decarboxylative allylations provided a ready access to enantioenriched α-quaternary amides. Moreover, experimental studies and theoretical calculations were performed to illustrate the reaction mechanism and rationalize the stereochemistry.

Copper-Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization/Direct C(sp2)-H Annulation of Azide-Ynamides via α-Imino Copper Carbenes: Access to Azepino[2,3-b:4,5-b']diindoles

A novel copper-catalyzed tandem cyclization/direct C(sp²)-H annulation of phenyl azide-ynamides via α-imino copper carbenes has been developed, which provides a concise and flexible approach for the construction of a range of valuable azepino[2,3-b:4,5-b']diindoles in mostly good to excellent yields with high chemoselectivities. This tandem reaction also exhibits a broad substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, simple operation, and mild reaction conditions.

Three Component syn-1,2-Arylmethylation of Internal Alkynes

A Pd-catalyzed three-component syn-1,2-arylmethylation of internal alkynes (ynamides/yne-acetates/alkynes) is described. The readily available and bench stable coupling partners iodo-arenes, and methyl boronic acid are successfully used in this coupling strategy to access the methyl-containing tetra-substituted olefins; the scope is broad showing excellent functional-group tolerance. Notably, the transformation is regio- as well as stereoselective. The biologically relevant motifs (BRM) bearing iodo-arenes and ynamides are also used for the late-stage syn-1,2-arylmethylation of alkynes. Aryl-alkylation, aryl-trideuteriomethylation, alkynyl-methylation, and alkenyl-methylation of ynamides are also presented. The Me-substituted alkenes are further transformed into synthetically important β-amino-indenones and α-fluoro-α'-methyl ketones.

Construction of Spirolactams by Unexpected Oxidative Cyclization of Alkenyl Diynes via Copper Catalysis

A copper-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of alkenyl N-propargyl ynamides is described. This protocol enables the practical synthesis of diverse spirocyclic γ-lactams bearing an exocyclic double bond with generally high Z/E selectivity in moderate to good yields. Importantly, this copper-catalyzed oxidative cyclization demonstrates a distinctive selectivity in comparison with the related gold catalysis.

Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective Doyle-Kirmse Reaction of Azide-Ynamides via α-Imino Copper Carbenes

[2,3]-Sigmatropic rearrangement reaction involving sulfonium ylide (Doyle-Kirmse reaction) generated from metal carbenes represents one of the powerful methods for the construction of C(sp³ )-S and C-C bonds. Although significant advances have been achieved, the asymmetric versions via the generation of sulfonium ylides from metal carbenes have been rarely reported to date, and they have so far been limited to diazo compounds as metal carbene precursors. Here, we describe a copper-catalyzed enantioselective Doyle-Kirmse reaction via azide-ynamide cyclization, leading to the practical and divergent assembly of an array of chiral [1,4]thiazino[3,2-b]indoles bearing a quaternary carbon stereocenter in generally moderate to excellent yields and excellent enantioselectivities. Importantly, this protocol represents a unique catalytic asymmetric Doyle-Kirmse reaction via a non-diazo approach and an unprecedented asymmetric [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement via α-imino metal carbenes.

Ynamides in Radical Reactions: A Route to Original Persubstituted 2-Aminofurans

Mn(OAc)₃/Cu(OAc)₂-mediated reaction between ynamides, derived from oxazolidone or 3-methylindole carboxylate, and cyclic α-dicarbonyl radicals led to the one-pot synthesis of 2-aminofurans. The transformation involves addition of the α-dicarbonyl radical to ynamide, oxidation to ketene-iminium, and polar cyclization steps to provide original persubstituted 2-aminofurans in good to excellent yields. This work represents the first radical route for the synthesis of furans from ynamides.

I2 -Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of Ynamides: Chemoselective and Divergent Access to Indole Derivatives

Herein, an I₂ -catalyzed unprecedented cycloisomerization of ynamides is developed, furnishing various functionalized bis(indole) derivatives in generally good to excellent yields with wide substrate scope and excellent atom-economy. This protocol not only represents the first molecular-iodine-catalyzed tandem complex alkyne cycloisomerizations, but also constitutes the first chemoselective cycloisomerization of tryptamine-ynamides involving distinctively different C(sp³ )-C(sp³ ) bond cleavage and rearrangement. Moreover, chiral tetrahydropyridine frameworks containing two stereocenters are obtained with moderate to excellent diastereoselectivities and excellent enantioselectivities. Meanwhile, cycloisomerization and aromatization of ynamides produce pyrrolyl indoles with high efficiency enabled by I₂ . Additionally, control experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that this reaction probably undergoes a tandem 5-exo-dig cyclization/rearrangement process.

Sequential Cu(II)-Catalyzed Multicomponent C-N Coupling, Nucleophilic Addition, and Cyclization Cascade: A Diastereoselective Approach to Carboxamide-Embedded Hexahydrobenzofuran Core

Cascade or domino reactions serve as a powerful technique for the synthesis of complex organic scaffolds in one pot. Herein, a Cu(II)-catalyzed and silica gel-assisted multicomponent reaction (MCR) between bromoalkyne-tethered cyclohexadienones, amides, and water for the construction of hexahydrobenzofuran-3-carboxamide is developed. The reaction proceeds via a C-N coupling reaction followed by hydrative cyclization of ynamide intermediates. Notably, good to excellent diastereoselectivity is complementary of this reaction.

Ring forming transformations of ynamides via cycloaddition

Ynamides are N-alkyne compounds bearing an electron withdrawing group at the nitrogen atom. They offer unique pathways for the construction of versatile building blocks owing to their exceptional balance between reactivity and stability. Recently several studies have been reported that explore and illustrate the synthetic potential of ynamides and ynamide-derived advanced intermediates in cycloadditions with different reaction partners to yield heterocyclic cycloadducts of synthetic and pharmaceutical value. Cycloaddition reactions of ynamides are the facile and preferable routes for the construction of structural motifs having striking importance in synthetic, medicinal chemistry, and advanced materials. In this systematic review, we highlighted the recently reported novel transformations and synthetic applications that involved the cycloaddition reaction of ynamides. The scope along with the limitations of the transformations are discussed in detail.

Synthetic potential of ynamides and ynamide-derived advanced intermediates in cycloaddition reactions with different reaction partners to yield versatile heterocyclic adducts.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Thioamide Directed C(arene)-H Annulation with Ynamide: Regioselective Access to 2-Amidoindenones

Demonstrated herein is an unprecedented thioamide-directed cobalt (Co)-catalyzed umpolung annulation of sulfoximines enabled aryl thioamide with ynamide for the synthesis of highly substituted 2-amidoindenones. The cyclization is regioselective, making β-C-C and α-C-CO bonds. The transformation is even successful on a gram scale, exhibiting broad scope with labile functional group tolerance and constructing 43 unusual 2-amidoindenones of structural diversity. Control experiments and mechanistic investigation validate the regioselectivity outcome in this transformation.

Dimorpholinoacetylene and Its Use for the Synthesis of Tetraaminocyclobutadiene Species

The new diaminoacetylene (DAA) dimorpholinoacetylene (3) was prepared from 1,1-dimorpholinoethene (1) by bromination to form the dibromoketene aminal 2, which upon lithiation afforded 3 through a Fritsch-Buttenberg-Wiechell rearrangement. Heating 3 at elevated temperatures resulted in a complete conversion into the dimer 1,1,2,4-tetramorpholino-1-buten-3-yne (4), which was used for the synthesis of four-membered cyclic bent allene (CBA) transition-metal complexes of the type [(CBA)MLn ] (5-7; MLn =AuCl, RhCl(COD), RhCl(CO)2 ; CBA=1,3,4,4-tetramorpholino-1,2-cyclobutadiene; COD=1,5-cyclooctadiene). The reaction of 3 with tetraethylammonium bromide gave 1,2,3,4-tetramorpholinocyclobutenylium bromide (8), which reacted with bromine to form 1,2,3,4-tetra(morpholino)cyclobutenediylium bis(tribromide) (9). Compound 9 represents the first fully characterized compound containing a tetraaminocyclobutadiene dication and displays a nearly planar C4 N4 core as shown by X-ray diffraction analysis. Detailed quantum chemical calculations were performed to assess the aromaticity of tetraaminocyclubutadiene dications by employing the Nucleus Independent Chemical Shift (NICS) method and current density analysis.

Synthesis of Amide Enol 2-Iodobenzoates by the Regio- and Stereoselective Gold-Catalyzed Acyloxyalkynylation of Ynamides with Hypervalent Iodine Reagents

Multisubstituted alkenes are accessible by a gold-catalyzed acyloxyalkynylation of ynamides with ethynylbenziodoxolones (EBXs) with perfect atom-economy. The EBX reagents transfer both the carboxylate as well as the alkynyl entity. Overall, this cascade comprises the in situ generation of an alkynyl gold(III) species, a stereoselective C(sp)-C(sp²) bond formation, and a C-O coupling at the alkynyl position of the ynamides. This reaction proceeds under mild conditions and accepts a wide range of substrates. A number of tetrasubstituted amide enol 2-iodobenzoates bearing different functional groups were obtained in good to excellent yields. DFT calculations explain the observed regioselectivity. The synthetic potential of the reaction was further demonstrated by a number of selected follow-up transformations.

Stereoselective Synthesis of β-Alkoxy-β-amido Vinylbenziodoxoles via Iodo(III)etherification of Ynamides

A trans-iodo(III)etherification reaction of ynamides with benziodoxole triflate and alcohols is reported. Despite the sensitivity of ynamides and enamides toward Brønsted acid, the reaction could be successfully performed under carefully controlled conditions to afford β-alkoxy-β-amido vinylbenziodoxoles in moderate to good yields. The products could be subjected to a sequence of cross-coupling via C-I(III) bond cleavage and electrophilic halogenation of the resulting α-alkoxyenamides, allowing for the preparation of densely functionalized esters.

Highly Site-Selective Oxidative Cyclization of Ene-ynamides via Non-Noble-Metal Catalysis: Access to Functionalized Lactams

Herein, an unprecedented non-noble-metal-catalyzed oxidation/cyclization of ene-ynamides is developed, allowing the synthesis of diversely functionalized lactams in moderate to good yields with excellent diastereoselectivities without the observation of typical cyclopropanation products. In combination with Ellman's tert-butylsulfinimine chemistry, chiral γ-lactams containing three contiguous stereocenters are obtained with high diastereo- and enantioselectivity. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that this protocol probably undergoes a carbon cation or proton transfer process.

Ag(I)-Promoted, Diastereoselective Cyclo-isomerization of N-Alkynyl-7-azaindole-2-carbinols. Selective Synthesis of syn-1,2-Diarylpyrrolo[1,2-a]indol-3-ones and (Z)-8-Benzylideneoxazolo[3',4'':1,5]pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines

The design and development of an Ag(I)-promoted, highly diastereoselective cycloisomerization strategy for the synthesis of syn-1,2-diarylpyrrolo[1,2-a]indol-3-ones from N-alkynyl-indole-2-carbinols is reported. The H₂¹⁸O control experiment and identification of ¹⁸O-labeled product suggested the involvement of an external water. The 7-azaindole substrates showned a distinct reactivity to give the (Z)-8-benzylideneoxazolo[3',4':1,5]pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines. Key features of this strategy are its 100% atom economy, access to important heterocycles, diverse substrate scope, yields up to 95%, operationally simple procedure, and distinct reactivity of indole vs 7-azaindoles.

Iron(III)-catalyzed tandem annulation of indolyl-substituted p-quinone methides with ynamides for the synthesis of cyclopenta[b]indoles

The unique reactivity of indolyl-substituted p-QMs as a new type of two-carbon synthon has been explored for the first time in a novel iron(III)-catalyzed tandem annulation. This (2+2) annulation/retro-4π electrocyclization/imino-Nazarov cyclization cascade reaction is characterized by an unusual structural reconstruction of indolyl-substituted p-QMs, leading to an expeditious assembly of synthetically important functionalized cyclopenta[b]indoles.

[2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Ynamides to Construct 3-Aminocyclobutenones

An efficient Tf₂NH-catalyzed [2 + 2] cycloaddition of ynamides under mild conditions has been developed. Within short reaction times, various ynamides are transformed into the corresponding 3-aminocyclobutenones in good to excellent yields. This is the first example for the metal-free intermolecular [2 + 2] self-cycloaddition of ynamides. Meanwhile, the desired cycloaddition products can be easily transformed into aminonaphthol derivatives.

Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Diastereoselective Domino Reaction of Ene-Ynamide with Trimethylsilyl Cyanide to Construct Spiroindolines

The Zn(OTf)₂-catalyzed domino reaction of enamide-ynamides in the presence of trimethylsilyl cyanide as an external nucleophile to construct spirocyclic indolines was developed. This domino reaction involved cyclization of enamide to ynamide to generate 4',5'-dihydrospiro[indoline-3,3'-pyrrol]-1'-ium followed by cyanide addition to produce spiroindolopyrrolidines with good diastereoselectivity.