Diastereoselective Construction of 6,8-Dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane Frameworks from Vinylethylene Carbonates via Palladium-Organo Relay Catalysis

Chemo-, Regio- and Stereoselective Preparation of (Z)-2-Butene-1,4-Diol Monoesters via Pd-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Acyloxylation

(Z)-alkenes are useful synthons but thermodynamically less stable than their (E)-isomers and typically more difficult to prepare. The synthesis of 1,4-hetero-bifunctionalized (Z)-alkenes is particularly challenging due to the inherent regio- and stereoselectivity issues. Herein we demonstrate a general, chemoselective and direct synthesis of (Z)-2-butene-1,4-diol monoesters. The protocol operates within a Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative acyloxylation regime involving vinyl ethylene carbonates (VECs) and various carboxylic acids as the reaction partners under mild and operationally attractive conditions. The newly developed process allows access to a structurally diverse pool of (Z)-2-butene-1,4-diol monoesters in good yields and with excellent regio- and stereoselectivity. Various synthetic transformations of the obtained (Z)-2-butene-1,4-diol monoesters demonstrate how these synthons are of great use to rapidly diversify the portfolio of these formal desymmetrized (Z)-alkenes.

Palladium-catalyzed (Z)-selective allylation of phosphine oxides with vinylethylene carbonates to construct phosphorus allyl alcohols

Allylphosphine oxide compounds are important building blocks with broad applications in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical science. Herein, we report an unprecedented palladium-catalyzed allylation of phosphine oxides with vinylethylene carbonates, producing various phosphorus allyl alcohols in excellent yields with high Z-selectivity. In addition, gram-scale synthesis and further functional group transformations demonstrate the practical utility of this synthetic method.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Tandem Asymmetric Allylic Decarboxylative Addition and Cyclization of Vinylethylene Carbonates with N-Nosylimines

A enantioselective tandem transformation, concerning asymmetric allylic decarboxylative addition and cyclization of N-nosylimines with vinylethylene carbonates (VECs), in the presence of [Rh(C2H4)2Cl]2, chiral sulfoxide-N-olefin tridentate ligand has been developed. The reaction of VECs with various substituted N-nosylimines proceeded smoothly under mild conditions, providing highly functionalized oxazolidine frameworks in good to high yields with good to excellent enantioselectivity.

Preparation of Spirocyclic Vinylic Carbonates from Allylic Alcohols

We present the synthesis of exo- and endo-spirovinylethylene carbonates, starting from various cyclic allylic alcohols. This one-pot cascade reaction to the spirocyclic scaffold was optimized using a design of experiments approach. The introduction of spirovinylethylene carbonates broadens the scope of using these in catalytic applications and provides an easy synthetic entry into spirocyclic scaffolds of various ring sizes.

Stereodivergent synthesis of α-fluoro α-azaaryl γ-butyrolactones via cooperative copper and iridium catalysis

The development of stereodivergent synthetic methods to access all four stereoisomers of biologically important α-fluoro γ-butyrolactones containing vicinal stereocenters is of great importance and poses a formidable challenge owing to ring strain and steric hindrance. Herein, a novel asymmetric [3+2] annulation of α-fluoro α-azaaryl acetates with vinylethylene carbonate was successfully developed through Cu/Ir-catalyzed cascade allylic alkylation/lactonization, affording a variety of enantioenriched α-fluoro γ-butyrolactones bearing vicinal stereogenic centers with high reaction efficiency and excellent levels of both stereoselectivity and regioselectivity (up to 98% yield, generally >20:1 dr and >99% ee). Notably, all four stereoisomers of these pharmaceutically valuable molecules could be accessed individually via simple permutations of two enantiomeric catalysts. In addition, other azaaryl acetates bearing α-methyl, α-chlorine or α-phenyl group were tolerated well in this transformation. Reaction mechanistic investigations were conducted to explore the process of this bimetallic catalysis based on the results of reaction intermediates, isotopic labelling experiments, and kinetic studies.

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.

Regio- and stereoselective syntheses of chiral α-quaternary (Z)-trisubstituted allylic amino acids via synergistic Pd/Cu catalysis

Synergistic palladium/copper catalysis for asymmetric allylic alkylation of vinylethylene carbonates with aldimine esters has been developed for the synthesis of α-quaternary (Z)-trisubstituted allylic amino acids under mild conditions. This methodology features broad substrate compatibilities in yields of up to 87% and up to 94% ee. A facile scale-up and straightforward conversion to 1,2,3,5-tetrasubstituted pyrrole and 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine bearing chiral quaternary carbon centers verifies the synthetic utility of this method.

Chemodivergent 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions of C,N-Cyclic Azomethine Imines with γ-Sulfonamido-α,β-Unsaturated Ketones to Synthesize Tricyclic Dinitrogen-Fused Heterocycles

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with γ-NHTs-α,β-unsaturated ketones were developed to synthesize tricyclic dinitrogen-fused heterocycles. Highly functionalized tricyclic tetrahydroisoquinolines were readily obtained in good to high yields in the [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of N-Bz-protected C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with γ-NHTs-α,β-unsaturated ketones under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, DABCO-catalyzed cycloaddition of N-Ts-protected C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with γ-NHTs-α,β-unsaturated ketones followed by cleavage of the tosyl group is a convenient route to synthesize tetrahydropyrazolo [5,1-a]isoquinolines in good yields with excellent diastereoselectivities.

Organocatalytic Asymmetric [3 + 2]-Annulations of γ-Sulfonamido/γ-Hydroxy-α,β-Unsaturated Ketones with Cyclic N-Sulfimines: Synthesis of Chiral Polyheterotricyclic Imidazolidines and Oxazolidines

The first organocatalytic asymmetric [3 + 2]-annulation of γ-sulfonamido-α,β-unsaturated ketones with cyclic N-sulfimines has been developed, and enantioenriched functionalized polyheterotricyclic imidazolidines were obtained in good yields and with excellent enantioselectivities. This approach was also extended to the asymmetric [3 + 2]-annulation of γ-hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated ketones, affording enantioenriched polyheterotricyclic oxazolidines. In addition, base-catalyzed [3 + 2]-annulations of γ-sulfonamido/γ-hydroxy-α,β-unsaturated ketones with cyclic N-sulfimines were re-investigated under mild reaction conditions for the synthesis of racemic polyheterotricyclic imidazolidines and oxazolidines with excellent diastereoselectivities.

Chalcones, a Privileged Scaffold: Highly Versatile Molecules in [4+2] Cycloadditions

Chalcones are aromatic ketones found in nature as the central core of many biological compounds. They have a wide range of biological activity and are biogenetic precursors of other important molecules such as flavonoids. Their pharmacological relevance makes them a privileged scaffold, advantageous for seeking alternative therapies in medicinal chemistry. Due to their structural diversity and ease of synthesis, they are often employed as building blocks for chemical transformations. Chalcones have a carbonyl conjugated system with two electrophilic centers that are commonly used for nucleophilic additions, as described in numerous articles. They can also participate in Diels-Alder reactions, which are [4+2] cycloadditions between a diene and a dienophile. This microreview presents a chronological survey of studies on chalcones as dienes and dienophiles in Diels-Alder cycloadditions. Although these reactions occur in nature, isolation of chalcones from plants yields very small quantities. Contrarily, synthesis leads to large quantities at a low cost. Hence, novel methodologies have been developed for [4+2] cycloadditions, with chalcones serving as a 2π or 4π electron system.

Highly diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of multisubstituted allylic amino acid derivatives by allylic alkylation of a chiral glycine-based nickel complex and vinylethylene carbonates

The asymmetric synthesis of multisubstituted allylic amino acid derivatives was accomplished by the allylic alkylation of a chiral glycine-based nickel complex with vinylethylene carbonates. High enantioselectivities and diastereoselectivities were obtained under mild reaction conditions. The gram-scale synthesis was carried out with a good yield and high enantioselectivity, indicating that the method is a highly efficient route to chiral multisubstituted allylic amino acid derivatives.

Sulphur ylide-mediated cyclopropanation and subsequent spirocyclopropane rearrangement reactions

The efficient construction of cyclopropyl spiroindoline skeletons and the exploration of related follow-up synthetic transformations have elicited considerable interest amongst members of the chemistry community. Here, we describe a formal (2 + 1) annulation and three-component (1 + 1 + 1) cascade cyclisation via sulphur ylide cyclopropanation under mild conditions. The spiro-cyclopropyl iminoindoline moiety can be readily transformed into another medicinally interesting pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinoline framework through a novel rearrangement process.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Aza-macrodiolides via Iridium-Catalyzed Cascade Allylation/Macrolactonization

Iridium-catalyzed cascade allylation/macrolactonization between vinylethylene carbonate (VEC) and isatoic anhydride derivatives was successfully developed, readily generating a wide range of C₂-symmetric chiral macrodiolides bearing 14-membered rings in moderate to good yields with excellent diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities (generally 99% ee). Control experiments revealed that racemic VEC as the precursor of electrophilic iridium-π-allyl species underwent kinetic resolution process. This expedient protocol features easily available substrates, excellent stereoselective control, and high step economy.

Palladium-catalysed stereoselective [3 + 2] annulation of vinylethylene carbonates and tryptanthrin-based ketones

The first example of palladium-catalysed [3 + 2] annulation of VECs and ketones has been developed, allowing the efficient synthesis of indoloquinazolinones in generally excellent yields with good stereoselectivity.

Construction of Hydrodibenzo[b,d]furan Frameworks from Morita-Baylis-Hillman Carbonates of Isatins and o-Hydroxy Enones via Palladium and Brønsted Base Relay Catalysis

A cascade assembly between isatin-derived Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates and o-hydroxybenzylideneacetones has been developed under the relay catalysis of Pd(PPh₃)₄ and DBU, affording a spectrum of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrodibenzo[b,d]furan architectures incorporating a spirooxindole motif in moderate to good yields with excellent diastereoselectivity. The fused indole analogues were similarly furnished by employing the benzylideneacetones having an o-TsNH group.

Enantioselective access to tricyclic tetrahydropyran derivatives by a remote hydrogen bonding mediated intramolecular IEDHDA reaction

Inverse-electron-demand-hetero-Diels-Alder reactions of alkenes with α,β-unsaturated keto compounds allow rapid access to the tetrahydropyran ring found in numerous natural products and bioactive molecules. Despite its synthetic interest, catalytic asymmetric versions of this process remain underdeveloped, especially regarding the use of non-activated alkenes reacting with α,β-unsaturated ketone or aldehyde, for which no report can be found in the literature. Herein, we describe the catalytic inverse-electron-demand-hetero-Diels-Alder reactions between neutral alkenes and an α,β-unsaturated ketones or aldehydes to produce a variety of trans-fused [5,6,8] tricyclic structures containing a central, chiral tetrahydropyran ring. This complex transformation, which is achieved using a chiral phosphoric acid, allows for the formation of four stereogenic centers in a single step with high regio-, diastereo- and enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee). Such level of stereocontrol could be achieved by a key remote double hydrogen atom bonding interaction between the linear substrate and the catalyst.

Although the hetero-Diels–Alder reaction is a staple of organic chemistry, catalytic asymmetric versions of the inverse-electron demand variant often require specially engineered substrates for the reaction to work. Here the authors cyclize non-activated alkenes with α,β-unsaturated ketones or aldehydes to form chiral fused heterocycles using a chiral phosphoric acid catalyst.

1,5-Hydrogen Atom Transfer/Surzur-Tanner Rearrangement: A Radical Cascade Approach for the Synthesis of 1,6-Dioxaspiro[4.5]decane and 6,8-Dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane Scaffolds in Carbohydrate Systems

The 1,5-HAT–1,2-(ester)alkyl radical migration (Surzur–Tanner rearrangement) radical/polar sequence triggered by alkoxyl radicals has been studied on a series of C-glycosyl substrates with 3-C-(α,β-d,l-glycopyranosyl)1-propanol and C-(α-d,l-glycopyranosyl)methanol structures prepared from chiral pool d- and l-sugar. The use of acetoxy and diphenoxyphosphatoxy as leaving groups provides an efficient construction of 10-deoxy-1,6-dioxaspiro[4.5]decane and 4-deoxy-6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane frameworks. The alkoxyl radicals were generated by the reaction of the corresponding N-alkoxyphthalimides with group 14 hydrides [n-Bu₃SnH(D) and (TMS)₃SiH], and in comparative terms, the reaction was also initiated by visible light photocatalysis using the Hantzsch ester/fac-Ir(ppy)₃ procedure. Special attention was devoted to the influence of the relative stereochemistry of the centers involved in the radical sequence on the reaction outcome. The addition of BF₃•Et₂O as a catalyst to the radical sequence resulted in a significant increase in the yields of the desired bicyclic ketals.

Synthesis of Tetra-Substituted Trifluoromethyl-3,1-Benzoxazines by Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Cyclization of N-Benzoyl Benzoxazinones

Efficient synthesis of N,O-heterocyclic tetra-substituted trifluoromethyl-3,1-benzoxazines via a transition-metal-catalyzed decarboxylative intramolecular cyclization was achieved. The decarboxylation of N-benzoyl trifluoromethyl-benzoxazinones generated the amide oxygen nucleophile, allowing a selective internal C1 -attack on Pd- or Cu-coordinated zwitterions, affording medicinally attractive tetra-substituted vinyl- or ethynyl-trifluoromethyl-3,1-benzoxazines. This protocol can be applied to the synthesis of perfluoroalkyl- and non-fluorinated 3,1-benzoxazines.

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.

Highly Chemoselective [2+1] Annulation of α-Alkylidene Pyrazolones with α-Bromonitroalkenes: Synthesis of Pyrazolone-Based Vinylcyclopropanes and Computational Studies

A highly chemoselective [2+1] annulation of α-alkylidene pyrazolones with α-bromonitroalkenes has been achieved under mild conditions. α-Alkylidene pyrazolones were unprecedentedly used as a C1 synthon to participate in annulation reactions, providing access to diverse vinylcyclopropane-based pyrazolone products. In addition, a spectrum of pharmaceutically interesting pyrazole-fused pyranone oximes could be rapidly obtained through a [2+1] annulation/rearrangement sequential process. Computational studies disclosed the origin of the observed chemoselectivity of the [2+1] cycloaddition.

Construction of a Benzo[b]azepine Skeleton through Decarboxylative Ylide [6+1] Annulations with Modified Vinyl Benzoxazinanones

A Lewis acid-promoted [6+1] annulation between sulfur ylides and modified vinyl benzoxazinanones was described. In this reaction, the newly designed vinyl benzoxazinanones could serve as a novel six-atom synthon, and the key to success is the installation of an electron-withdrawing group on the alkene moiety of the benzoxazinanones. A broad range of substrates are compatible with this mild reaction system, thereby providing a facile and practical approach for constructing a benzo[b]azepine skeleton.

Theoretical insight into the origins of chemo- and diastereo-selectivity in the palladium-catalysed (3 + 2) cyclisation of 5-alkenyl thiazolones

The mechanism of the palladium-catalysed (3 + 2) cyclisation of 5-alkenyl thiazolones and VECs has been investigated from a computational perspective, and the origins of unique chemoselectivity and excellent diastereoselectivity have been disclosed.

Recent advances in annulation reactions based on zwitterionic π-allyl palladium and propargyl palladium complexes

Carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds could be constructed through the palladium-catalyzed annulation reactions of zwitterionic π-allyl palladium or propargyl palladium complexes with unsaturated electrophiles.

Palladium-catalysed cyclisation of vinylethylene carbonates and anhydrides: a new approach to diverse medium-sized bislactones

Efficient construction of medium-sized lactones has attracted considerable interest over several decades, but remains a formidable challenge in synthetic chemistry. Here, we describe an unprecedented palladium-catalysed regioselective [5 + n] cyclisation (n = 5, 6, and 7) between vinylethylene carbonates and various anhydrides. Catalytic transformation occurs under mild, room-temperature conditions and offers an exceptional substrate scope. A broad spectrum of medium-sized bislactones with skeletal diversity can be obtained easily.

Bifunctional Brønsted Base Catalyzed [3 + 3] Annulations of Indolin-2-imines and α,β-Unsaturated Imides: An Enantioselective Approach to α-Carbolinones

Asymmetric construction of α-carbolinones with easily available starting materials has recently attracted considerable attention from the synthesis community, and the development of effective catalysis for this target is in great demand. Here, a bifunctional Brønsted base catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 3] cyclization of indolin-2-imines and α,β-unsaturated N-acylated succinimides was developed by using the strategy of noncovalent bonding catalysis. With this organocatalytic protocol, a variety of tetrahydro-α-carbolinones bearing different substituents were synthesized with up to 99% yield and up to 96:4 er.

Palladium-Catalyzed Regio- and Stereoselective Cross-Coupling of Vinylethylene Carbonates with Ketimine Esters to Generate (Z)-Tri- and Tetra-substituted Allylic Amino Acid Derivatives

Herein we report the palladium-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective cross-coupling of vinylethylene carbonates with ketimine esters to construct allylic amino acid scaffolds. This operationally simple protocol furnished (Z)-tri- and tetra-substituted allylic amino acid derivatives in good to excellent yields with distinguished geometric control under mild reaction conditions and proved to be sufficient in large-scale synthesis while retaining excellent reactivity and stereoselectivity, highlighting the practical value of this transformation.

Regiodivergent construction of medium-sized heterocycles from vinylethylene carbonates and allylidenemalononitriles

Medium-sized heterocycles exist in a broad spectrum of biologically active natural products and medicinally important synthetic compounds. The construction of medium-sized rings remains challenging, particularly the assembly of different ring sizes from the same type of substrate. Here we report palladium-catalyzed, regiodivergent [5 + 4] and [5 + 2] annulations of vinylethylene carbonates and allylidenemalononitriles. We describe the production of over 50 examples of nine- and seven-membered heterocycles in high isolated yields and excellent regioselectivities. We demonstrate the synthetic utility of this approach by converting a nine-membered ring product to an interesting polycyclic caged molecule via a [2 + 2] transannulation. Mechanistic studies suggest that the [5 + 2] annulation proceeds through palladium-catalyzed ring-opening/re-cyclization from the [5 + 4] adducts.

Here we report palladium-catalyzed, regiodivergent [5 + 4] and [5 + 2] annulations of vinylethylene carbonates and allylidenemalononitriles affording over 50 medium-sized heterocycles in high isolated yields with excellent regioselectivities.

"On water" palladium catalyzed diastereoselective boronic acid addition to structurally diverse cyclopropane nitriles

An efficient palladium catalyzed diastereoselective addition of arylboronic acids to complex spirocyclopropyl dinitriles is developed in the presence of a catalytic amount of 4-dodecylbenzenesulphonic acid (DBSA) as a Brønsted acid surfactant in aqueous media. The protocol is also found to be highly effective when different types of nitrile compounds and organo-boron compounds are used. The overall reaction has been found to be very cost efficient since it requires low catalyst loading, mild thermal energy and short reaction time. Wide substrate scope, operational simplicity, good to excellent product yield, and use of green solvents make the reaction a practical route to transform nitrile into a keto functionality in biorelevant heterocyclic scaffolds. The scale-up synthesis of the target scaffolds can also be achieved with ease which also signifies the practicability of this protocol.

Facile access to versatile aza-macrolides through iridium-catalysed cascade allyl-amination/macrolactonization

Direct access to benzo-fused aza-macrolides was successfully realised via the first iridium-catalysed intermolecular decarboxylative couplings of vinylethylene carbonates with isatoic anhydrides under relatively mild conditions.