Highly Regioselective Synthesis of Multisubstituted Pyrroles via Ag-Catalyzed [4+1C]insert Cascade

Enal-azomethine ylides: application in the synthesis of functionalized pyrroles

Rhodium-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulation of diazoenals and N-alkyl imines resulted in N-alkyl-pyrrole-3-carbaldehyde derivatives. The reaction involves thermal 6π-electrocyclization and aromatization of a new class of enal-azomethine ylides (EAYs). The EAYs derived from dihydroisoquinoline and 2H-azirine gave fused-pyrrole and pyridine derivatives, respectively. The synthetic importance of pyrrole products has been demonstrated by one-step synthesis of the biologically relevant pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinoline scaffold as well as pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline which is a core structure of lamellarin alkaloids.

Catalysts-Controlled Roles Exchange between 2,3-Diaryl-2H-azirines and Acetone: Chemodivergent Synthesis of Pyrroles and 3-Oxazolines

We report two practical and step-economical methodologies for the chemodivergent synthesis of tri-substituted pyrroles and 3-oxazolines from the domino reactions of 2H-azirines and acetone. For instance, acetone served as a nucleophile to react with 2H-azirines under the basic conditions to furnish pyrroles. Upon changing the catalyst to TfOH, acetone served as an electrophile to synthesize 3-oxazolines. Moreover, the products could be synthesized on a gram scale, and the possible catalytic cycles were proposed.

Copper-Mediated Cyclization of Terminal Alkynes with CF3-Imidoyl Sulfoxonium Ylides To Construct 5-Trifluoromethylpyrroles

A copper-mediated [3 + 2] cyclization of CF3-imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides and terminal alkynes has been demonstrated. This work provides a practical approach for assembling 5-trifluoromethylpyrroles with the merits of a broad substrate scope, good functional tolerance, and mild reaction conditions. Control experiments and DFT studies indicate that this reaction may involve the addition of π-bonds of terminal alkynes by copper-carbene radicals and hydrogen migration.

Copper-Catalyzed Oxidative [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Enamines and Pyridotriazoles toward Indolizines

An efficient copper catalytic system has been established for the synthesis of highly functional indolizines through oxidative [3 + 2] cycloaddition of enamines and pyridotriazoles. This modular platform is compatible with a broad range of functional groups, including natural and complex skeletons, allowing for late-stage modifications. It features a step-economical, highly regioselective, and easy-handling procedure and has been applied in constructing small molecules of potent activity toward inhibiting the VEGF-NRP1 interaction through a one-pot reaction of pyridotriazoles, amines, and aldehydes.

Copper-catalyzed three-component annulation toward pyrroles via the cleavage of two C-C bonds in 1,3-dicarbonyls

The first copper-catalyzed three-component annulation of α,β-unsaturated ketoximes, 1,3-dicarbonyls and paraformaldehyde has been documented. This novel strategy achieved the two C-C bond cleavage of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds directly as a single-carbon synthon and provided a new and highly efficient method for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted pyrroles in moderate to good yields with broad functional group compatibility.

Modular Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Pyrroles through a Four-Component Cyclization Strategy Using Ammonium Salt as the Nitrogen Source

A four-component synthesis of tetrasubstituted pyrroles was developed under metal-free conditions. The pyrrole ring was formed in one pot through [2 + 1 + 1 + 1] condensation using ammonium salt as the nitrogen source. In this strategy, 1,4-naphthoquinones and maleimides were used as the versatile C2 fragments to provide substituted benzo[f]isoindole-4,9-diones and pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,3-diones, respectively. This work is highlighted by using ammonium salt as the nitrogen source, readily available starting materials and multibond formation (two C-C and two C-N bonds) in a single operation.

Synthesis of 2-Aminofurans and 2-Aminothiophenes through Elemental Sulfur-Promoted Switchable Redox Condensation Reaction of Enaminones with Methylene Nitriles

Herein, we report an elemental sulfur-promoted switchable redox condensation reaction that can selectively prepare 2-aminofurans and 2-aminothiophenes from the corresponding enaminones and methylene nitriles, respectively. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the enaminones, as dual nucleophiles, reacted with nitrile acetate to produce 2-aminofurans via 3,5-annulation under promotion by elemental sulfur. These reactions used readily available starting materials, transition metal-free, eco-friendly procedures, gram-scale syntheses, and wide functional group tolerance. The methodology may be useful for the construction of 2-aminofuran and 2-aminothiophene derivatives with potential biological activity.

Visible-Light-Promoted Carbene Insertion and Decarbonylation for the Synthesis of α-Substituted γ-Ketoesters

Herein, we report a blue visible-light-promoted approach for preparing a variety of α-substituted γ-ketoester derivatives through carbene insertion and the decarbonylation of enaminones and diazoesters. These reactions use readily available starting materials and transition-metal-free, eco-friendly procedures that are amenable to gram-scale synthesis and wide functional group tolerance. This methodology may be useful for constructing polysubstituted heterocycles with potential biological activity.

Synthesis of Pyrrole via Formal Cycloaddition of Allyl Ketone and Amine under Metal-Free Conditions

A new metal-free synthesis of pyrrole from allyl ketone and amine has been established. The reaction proceeds via an thiolative activation of the C-C double bond with dimethyl(methylthio)sulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, followed by a nucleophilic ring-opening addition of primary amine to the generated episulfonium intermediate, and then an internal condensation and aromatization. This mild procedure provides a novel strategy to the construction of substituted pyrroles through a formal [4 + 1] cycloaddition reaction.

Fe-Catalyzed Selective Formal Insertion of Diazo Compounds into C(sp)-C(sp3) Bonds of Propargyl Alcohols: Access to Alkyne-Substituted All-Carbon Quaternary Centers

The construction of all-carbon quaternary centers, especially those containing an alkyne-substituted framework, represents an important challenge in organic synthesis. Here we present a novel Fe-catalyzed selective formal insertion of diazo compounds into C(sp)-C(sp³) bonds of propargyl alcohols under mild conditions that enables the streamlined construction of alkyne-substituted all-carbon quaternary centers. This unique strategy starts with in situ generation of an ester group in the presence of carboxylic acids, followed by insertion of metal-carbene into C(sp)-C(sp³) bonds, which may open up a new reaction mode for exploring metal-carbene insertion into acyclic C-C bonds.

Cu-Catalyzed tandem cyclization and coupling of enynones with enaminones for multisubstituted furans & furano-pyrroles

A synthetic strategy that efficiently constructs complex molecular diversity in a few steps will always be embraced by organic chemists. Here, we report a cascade reaction of enynones with enaminones via carbene insertion and aryl migration to engineer distinctive multisubstituted furans with an all-carbon quaternary center, and could extend the protocol in the same pot towards furano-pyrrole bis-heterocycles. Heterogeneity of this protocol was proved with the upshot of divergent chemical space under a relatively mild reaction environment.

Recent Advances in Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Reactions of N-Tosylhydrazones

N-Tosylhydrazones are highly versatile precursors for in situ carbene formation and are frequently used in metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Due to their many applications in organic synthesis, including C–C, C–O, C–N, and C–S bond formation, N-tosylhydrazones have recently received much interest. They can be simply synthesized by reacting an aldehyde or ketone with N-tosylhydrazine to produce a solid N-tosylhydrazone, which is a ‘green’ precursor of diazo compounds. Using a suitable metal catalyst, N-tosylhydrazones show versatile substrate scope for the synthesis of substituted diaminopyrroles, chromenopyrazoles, alkenylpyrazoles, benzofuran thioethers, tetrahydropyridazines, sulfur-containing heterocycles, and benzofurans with potent biological activities and even regioselective N-functionalization reactions. Metal-catalyzed reactions of N-tosylhydrazones for the construction of bioactive heterocycles are still highly in demand. Hence, this review focuses on the recent synthetic application of N-tosylhydrazones influenced by different transition metals with notable features like simple workup procedures, gram-scale synthesis, broad substrate scope, multicomponent processes, cyclization, and carbon–heteroatom bond formation.

1 Introduction

2 Applications of N-Tosylhydrazones

3 Conclusion

Palladium-Catalyzed [2+3] Cycloaddition/Cross-Coupling Reaction: Z/E and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Dendralene-Functionalized Dihydrofurans

Herein, we describe a Pd-catalyzed [2+3] cycloaddition/cross-coupling reaction of allenyl acetates for the Z/E selective and diastereoselective synthesis of dendralene-functionalized dihydrofurans. Remarkably, mechanistic studies show the formation of an epoxide from a carbonyl bond via cycloaddition, which is practically and mechanistically significant for the construction of other bioactive heterocyclic epoxides. This research also revealed the utility and potential of allenic esters as C2 synthons and 1,2-biselectrophiles in cycloaddition reactions.

Trifluoroethanol as a Unique Additive for the Chemoselective Electrooxidation of Enamines to Access Unsymmetrically Substituted NH-Pyrroles

An electrochemical method for the synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted NH-pyrroles is described. The synthetic strategy comprises a challenging heterocoupling between two structurally diverse enamines via sequential chemoselective oxidation, addition, and cyclization processes. A series of aryl- and alkyl-substituted enamines were effectively cross-coupled from an equimolar mixture to synthesize various unsymmetrical pyrrole derivatives up to 84 % yield. The desired cross-coupling was achieved by tuning the oxidation potential of the enamines by utilizing a "magic effect" of the additive trifluoroethanol (TFE). Additionally, extensive computational studies reveal the unique role of TFE in promoting the heterocoupling process by regulating the activation energies of the reaction steps through H-bonding and C-H⋅⋅⋅π interactions. Importantly, the developed electrochemical protocol was found to be equally efficient for the homocoupling of enamines to form symmetric pyrroles up to 92 % yield.

Insertion of Diazo Esters into C-F Bonds toward Diastereoselective One-Carbon Elongation of Benzylic Fluorides: Unprecedented BF3 Catalysis with C-F Bond Cleavage and Re-formation

Selective transformation of C-F bonds remains a significant goal in organic chemistry, but C-F insertion of a one-carbon-atom unit has never been established. Herein we report the BF₃-catalyzed formal insertion of diazo esters as one-carbon-atom sources into C-F bonds to accomplish one-carbon elongation of benzylic fluorides. A DFT calculation study revealed that the BF₃ catalyst could contribute to both C-F bond cleavage and re-formation. This elongation provided α-fluoro-α,β-diaryl esters with a high level of diastereoselectivity. Various benzylic fluorides and diazo esters were applicable. The synthetic utility of this method was demonstrated by the synthesis of a fluoro analogue of a compound that is used as a transient receptor and potential canonical channel inhibitor.

[2 + 2 + 1] Cycloaddition of N-tosylhydrazones, tert-butyl nitrite and alkenes: a general and practical access to isoxazolines

N-Tosylhydrazones have proven to be versatile synthons over the past several decades. However, to our knowledge, the construction of isoxazolines based on N-tosylhydrazones has not been examined. Herein, we report the first demonstrations of [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition reactions that allow the facile synthesis of isoxazolines, employing N-tosylhydrazones, tert-butyl nitrite (TBN) and alkenes as reactants. This process represents a new type of cycloaddition reaction with a distinct mechanism that does not involve the participation of nitrile oxides. This approach is both general and practical and exhibits a wide substrate scope, nearly universal functional group compatibility, tolerance of moisture and air, the potential for functionalization of complex bioactive molecules and is readily scaled up. Both control experiments and theoretical calculations indicate that this transformation proceeds via the in situ generation of a nitronate from the coupling of N-tosylhydrazone and TBN, followed by cycloaddition with an alkene and subsequent elimination of a tert-butyloxy group to give the desired isoxazoline.

Pd-Catalyzed Triple-Fold C(sp2)-H Activation with Enaminones and Alkenes for Pyrrole Synthesis via Hydrogen Evolution

The synthesis of NH-free pyrroles via Pd-catalyzed annulation of enaminones and alkenes is reported. With the catalysis of Pd(II), the activation of triple C(sp²)-H bonds, including one internal C(sp²)-H bond in enaminone, has been activated to provide various pyrroles. The interesting evolution of hydrogen gas from the reactions has been observed by a hydrogen detector.

AgI -Catalyzed Reaction of Enol Diazoacetates and Imino Ethers: Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Pyrroles

An unprecedented Ag^I -catalyzed efficient method for the coupling of imino ethers and enol diazoacetates through a [3+2]-cycloaddition/C-O bond cleavage/[1,5]-proton transfer cascade process is reported. The general class of imino ethers that includes oxazolines, benzoxazoles and benzimidates are applicable substrates for these reactions that provide direct access to fully substituted pyrroles with uniformly high chemo- and regioselectivity. High variability in substitution at the pyrrole 2-, 5- and N-positions characterizes this methodology that also presents an entry point for further pyrrole diversification via facile modification of resulting N-functional pyrroles.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed, Cu(II)-mediated carbene migratory insertion in the synthesis of trisubstituted pyrroles from isoxazoles

A convenient, "one-pot" synthesis of trisubstituted pyrroles via a Ru(ii)-catalyzed, Cu(ii)-mediated reaction of substituted isoxazoles with sulfonylhydrazones has been developed. A series of highly functionalized pyrroles are obtained via a synergistic formation of new C-C and C-N bonds. Mechanistic investigations were carried out to propose the plausible pathway. This protocol provides a facile and expeditious approach for the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds bearing the pyrrole skeleton.

Asymmetric Intramolecular Dearomatization of Nonactivated Arenes with Ynamides for Rapid Assembly of Fused Ring System under Silver Catalysis

Arene dearomatization is a straightforward method for converting an aromatic feedstock into functionalized carbocycles. Enantioselective dearomatizations of chemically inert arenes, however, are quite limited and underexplored relative to those of phenols and indoles. We developed a method for diazo-free generation of silver-carbene species from an ynamide and applied it to the dearomatization of nonactivated arenes. Transiently generated norcaradiene could be trapped by intermolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition, synthesizing polycycles with five consecutive stereogenic centers. This protocol constitutes the first highly enantioselective reaction based on the diazo-free generation of silver-carbene species. Mechanistic investigations revealed a dearomatization followed by two different classes of pericyclic reactions, as well as the origin of the chemo- and enantioselectivity.

Silver-Catalyzed, Chemo- and Enantioselective Intramolecular Dearomatization of Indoles to Access Sterically Congested Azaspiro Frameworks

An asymmetric dearomatization of indoles bearing α-diazoacetamide functionalities was developed for synthesizing high-value spiro scaffolds. A silver phosphate chemoselectively catalyzed the sterically challenging dearomatization, whereas more typically used metal catalysts for carbene transfer reactions, such as a rhodium complex, were not effective and instead resulted in a Büchner ring expansion or cyclopropanation. Mechanistic studies indicated that the spirocyclization occurred through a silver-assisted asynchronous concerted process and not via a silver-carbene intermediate. Analyses based on natural bond orbital population and a distortion/interaction model indicated that the degree of C-Ag mutual interaction is crucial for achieving a high level of enantiocontrol. In addition, an oxidative disconnection of a C(sp³)-C(sp²) bond in the product provided unconventional access to the corresponding chiral spirooxindole.

I2-Promoted [4 + 2] cycloaddition of in situ generated azoalkenes with enaminones: facile and efficient synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridazines and pyridazines

A facile and efficient strategy for the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridazines and pyridazines through I2-promoted [4 + 2] cycloaddition of in situ generated azoalkenes with enaminones has been developed. The switch in selectivity is attributed to the judicious choice of different reaction temperatures. The key features of this work include controllable and selective synthesis, good functional group tolerance, good to excellent reaction yields, metal/base-free conditions, and also applicability to one-pot methodology.

The Fe(iii)-catalyzed decarboxylative cycloaddition of β-ketoacids and 2H-azirines for the synthesis of pyrrole derivatives

An Fe(iii)-catalyzed Mannich/decarboxylative ring expansion reaction to generate pyrrole derivatives has been achieved using Fe(OTf)₃ as the catalyst. A series of pyrrole derivatives was obtained in moderate to excellent yields.

Copper-catalyzed carbene insertion and ester migration for the synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles

A mild synthetic protocol to access 2-ester pyrroles through Cu(OTf)₂-catalysed carbene insertion/ester migration/cyclization of enaminones and α-diazo compounds is reported.