Allenamides: a powerful and versatile building block in organic synthesis

Metallaphotoredox Enabled Single Carbon Atom Insertion into Alkenes for Allene Synthesis

Efficient methods for synthesizing allenes from readily available starting materials pose a persistent challenge in organic chemistry. In this work, we present a novel two-stage protocol for allene synthesis involving the single-atom insertion into alkenes, facilitated by synergistic photoredox and cobalt catalysis. Diverging from conventional methods such as the Doering-LaFlamme reaction, this photochemical rearrangement approach operates efficiently under mild conditions in a radical-based manner. The protocol exhibits a broad substrate scope and demonstrates applicability in the late-stage diversification of alkene-containing natural products and bioactive molecules. Preliminary mechanistic studies and density functional theory (DFT) calculations offer insights into the reaction pathway, indicating a radical mechanism involving fleeting cyclopropyl carbene intermediates followed by rapid ring opening to form allenes.

HFIP-mediated cascade aminomethylation and intramolecular cyclization of allenamides with N,O-acetals to access tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives

The construction of complex molecules under metal-free conditions via multiple bond-forming steps in a cascade manner is highly desirable. Herein, we have developed an HFIP-alone promoted aminomethylation and intramolecular cyclization of allenamides, providing biologically relevant tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives embedded with an allylic amine functionality. The metal-free protocol provided the desired tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives under mild conditions. The potential of the protocol is further highlighted by the gram-scale reaction and synthesizing derivatives of biologically important molecules.

Intermediate Control: Unlocking Hitherto Unknown Reactivity and Selectivity in N-Conjugated Allenes and Alkynes

ConspectusControlling selectivity through manipulation of reaction intermediates remains one of the most enduring challenges in organic chemistry, providing novel solutions for selective C-C π-bond functionalization. This approach, guided by activation principles, provides an effective method for selective functional group installation, enabling direct synthesis of organic molecules that are inaccessible through conventional pathways. In particular, the selective functionalization of N-conjugated allenes and alkynes has emerged as a promising research focus, driven by advances in controlling reactive intermediates and activation strategies. In this regard, our group, alongside others, has established some new approaches that have emerged as a suitable platform for the synthesis of functionalized enamides. This Account reviews recent developments in the field, highlighting new modes of reactivity and selectivity, atom-economical functionalizations, and strategies for regio- and stereocontrol, while providing mechanistic insights into related transformations.Our study is systematically organized into two sections based on substrate type and chronological research progression. In the first section, we establish a platform by controlling allenamide-derived intermediates, enabling both allenamide-alkyne (AA) cross-coupling and a few novel electrophile-promoted hydrofunctionalization reactions. The unprecedented selectivity in Pd-catalyzed allenamide-alkyne cross-coupling is achieved through neighboring group chelation, with phosphine ligand selection controlling the reaction outcome. In parallel, the electrophile-promoted functionalizations─including haloalkynylation, hydrooxycarbonylation, hydrodifluoroalkylation, and intermolecular hydroamination─are achieved through strategic selection of electrophiles or their precursors.Additionally, our findings demonstrate how ynamides' reactivity toward both electrophiles and nucleophiles, controlled through activator modulation, expands the scope of accessible transformations. Key findings include: (1) chemoselective [2 + 2 + 2] annulation through efficient trapping of N-arylated nitrilium electrophiles by ynamides, (2) divergent C-H annulation of indole-derived vinylogous ynamides controlled by metal and ligand selection via intramolecular hydroarylation, (3) bromoalkynylation-enabled functional group migration through a novel 1,3-alkynyl shift.The final section explores how N-electron polarization in 1,3-enynes enables new chemoselectivity in metal-free inter- and intramolecular couplings with indole substrates. Our findings demonstrate that modulating N-electron conjugation within the enyne skeleton─through both linear and cross conjugation─can direct activation pathways and control product selectivity.This Account aims to stimulate broader research into the intermediate-controlled functionalization of activated π-systems. Future research directions include advanced activator design, novel functional group migration strategies, and deeper mechanistic studies to enable rational reaction development.

Site-Selective Gold-Catalyzed Alkylation of α-Aminotropones with Allenes

The site-selective alkylation of α-aminotropones is effectively realized via gold(I)-catalyzed electrophilic activation of allenamides and allenyl ethers, yielding up to 85% in 30 examples. A dedicated and combined spectroscopic and computational investigation accounts for both chemo- and regioselective profiles of the protocol. New opportunities in the chemical space of tropone/tropolone derivatives are identified.

TCCA/RSeSeR-Mediated Selenoalkoxy of Allenamides via a Radical Process: Synthesis of Selanyl-allylic N,O-Aminals

An efficient TCCA (trichloroisocyanuric acid)/RSeSeR-mediated selenoalkoxy of allenamides for the construction of selanyl-allylic N,OA-aminal derivatives was developed. The reaction exhibits good functional group tolerance and high efficiency, affording the products in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic investigations indicated that a selanyl-allylic radical intermediate was first formed via the RSe radical added to the central carbon of allenamides, which subsequently furnished highly stable selanyl-allylic carbocation intermediate by abstraction of an electron by the chlorine radical. Moreover, this is the first report of using selenium reagent (RSeCl) to activate allenamides via a radical process.

Photocatalyst-free, visible-light-induced regio- and stereoselective synthesis of phosphorylated enamines from N-allenamides via [1,3]-sulfonyl shift at room temperature

Herein, we report the first visible-light-induced strategy for the rapid synthesis of densely functionalized α- and γ-phosphorylated β-sulfonyl enamines in a regio- and stereoselective manner from N-sulfonyl allenamides and H-phosphine oxides. The transformation displays a broad substrate scope, while operating at room temperature under photocatalyst- and additive-free conditions. In this atom-economical process, either terminal or substituted N-sulfonyl allenamides trigger an unprecedented N-to-C [1,3]-sulfonyl shift, relying on a dual radical allyl resonance and α-heteroatom effect in its triplet excited state. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed which was supported by the outcomes of theoretical approaches based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.

γ-CF3-Allenamides versus 3-CF3-Cyclopentenylamines: Substituent-Controlled Divergent Reaction of β-CF3-1,3-Enynamides with β-Dicarbonyl Compounds

A distinctive N-substituent-controlled regioselective 1,4-hydrocarbonation or 1,4-hydrocarbonation/5-endo-trig cyclization cascade reaction of β-CF3-1,3-enynamides with β-dicarbonyl compounds in the presence of a simple base is reported. β-CF3-1,3-enynamides having a Ts group N-substituent produce γ-CF3-allenamides via a 1,4-hydrocarbonation process, whereas β-CF3-1,3-enynamides bearing a Ms group N-substituent lead to 3-CF3-cyclopentenylamines through a 1,4-hydrocarbonation/5-endo-trig cyclization cascade process.

Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-Mediated Intramolecular Cyclization of Allenamides To Access C1-Vinyl Tetrahydro-β-carbolines

The construction of biologically interesting N-heterocycles under metal-free conditions is a constant goal in industry and academia. Herein, we have developed an hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-mediated intramolecular cyclization of allenamides, providing tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives embedded with a C1-vinyl functionality. The metal-free protocol provided tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives atom-efficiently under room temperature with a broad substrate scope in good to excellent yields. The potential impact of the protocol is further highlighted by synthesizing derivatives of biologically important molecules and diversified scaffolds via postsynthetic modifications.

Synthesis of Substituted 1,2-Dihydroisoquinolines by Palladium-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization-Coupling of Trisubstituted Allenamides with Arylboronic Acids

1,2-Dihydroisoquinolines are important compounds due to their biological and medicinal activities, and numerous approaches to their synthesis have been reported. Recently, we reported a facile synthesis of trisubstituted allenamides via N-acetylation followed by DBU-promoted isomerization, where various substituted allenamides were conveniently synthesized from readily available propargylamines with high efficiency. In light of this research background, we focused on the utility of this methodology for the synthesis of substituted 1,2-dihydroisoquinolines. In this study, a palladium-catalyzed cascade cyclization-coupling of trisubstituted allenamides containing a bromoaryl moiety with arylboronic acids is described. When N-acetyl diphenyl-substituted trisubstituted allenamide and phenylboronic acid were treated with 10 mol% of Pd(OAc)2, 20 mol% of P(o-tolyl)3, and 5 equivalents of NaOH in dioxane/H2O (4/1) at 80 °C, the reaction proceeded to afford a substituted 1,2-dihydroisoquinoline. The reaction proceeded via intramolecular cyclization, followed by transmetallation with the arylboronic acid of the resulting allylpalladium intermediate. A variety of highly substituted 1,2-dihydroisoquinolines were concisely obtained using this methodology because the allenamides, as reaction substrates, were prepared from readily available propargylamines in one step.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Trisubstituted Vicinal Diols through Copper(I)-Catalyzed Diastereoselective and Enantioselective Allylation of Ketones with Siloxypropadienes

Chiral trisubstituted vicinal diols are a type of important organic compounds, serving as both common structure units in bioactive natural products and chiral auxiliaries in asymmetric synthesis. Herein, by using siloxypropadienes as the precursors of allyl copper(I) species, a copper(I)-catalyzed diastereoselective and enantioselective reductive allylation of ketones was achieved, providing both syn-diols and anti-diols in good to excellent enantioselectivity. DFT calculations show that cis-γ-siloxy-allyl copper species are generated favorably with either 1-TBSO-propadiene or 1-TIPSO-propadiene. Moreover, the steric difference of TBS group and TIPS group distinguishes the face selectivity of acetophenone, leading to syn-selectivity for 1-TBSO-propadiene and anti-selectivity for 1-TIPSO-propadiene. Easy transformations of the products were performed, demonstrating the synthetic utility of the present method. Moreover, one chiral diol prepared in the above transformations was used as a suitable organocatalyst for the catalytic asymmetric reductive self-coupling of aldimines generated in situ with B2(neo)2.

Acetate Assistance in Regioselective Hydroamination of Allenamides: A Combined Experimental and Density Functional Theory Study

A key factor in the development of selective nucleophilic addition to allenamides is controlling the reactivity of electrophilic intermediates, which is generally achieved using an electrophilic activator via conjugated iminium intermediates. In this combined experimental and computational study, we show that a general and highly chemoselective hydroamination of allenamides can be accomplished using a combination of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) and NaOAc. Experimental mechanistic studies revealed that HFIP mediates proton transfer to activate the allenamide, while the acetate additive significantly contributes to N-selective interception. This strategy enables a general hydroamination of allenamides without the use of metals. We demonstrated that various functionalized 1,3-diamines could be readily synthesized and diversified into value-added structural motifs. Detailed mechanistic investigations using the density functional theory revealed the role of NaOAc in the formation of reactive electrophilic intermediates, which ultimately governed the selective formation of 1,3-diamine products. Critically, calculations of the potential energy surface around the proton-transfer transition state revealed that two different reactive electrophilic intermediates were formed when NaOAc was added.

Palladium-catalysed aryl/monofluoroalkylation of allenamides: access to fluoroalkyl indoles and isoquinolones

A palladium catalysed construction of fluoroalkyl indoles and isoquinolones through aryl/monofluoroalkylation of allenamides has been developed. Monofluoromethyl-substituted heterocycles could be accessed under mild conditions with broad functional group tolerance. In addition, indole-oxindole bisheterocyclic scaffolds bearing a fluorine atom were successfully synthesized with 3-fluoro-oxindole as the nucleophile by applying this method.

Selective Hydrofunctionalization of N-Allenyl Derivatives with Heteronucleophiles Catalyzed by Brønsted Acids

In this study, we present a novel and environmentally sustainable protocol for the γ-hydrofunctionalization of N-allenyl compounds using various heteronucleophiles catalyzed solely by simple Brønsted acids. The method displays remarkable attributes, highlighting its sustainability, efficiency, regio- and stereoselectivity, as well as its versatile applicability to diverse heteroatom-containing enamides. Notably, our approach eliminates the need for metal catalysts and toxic solvents, representing a significant advancement in greener chemistry practices. We demonstrate the broad scope of our protocol by successfully scaling up reactions to gram-scale syntheses, underscoring its robustness for potential industrial implementation. The resulting γ-heterosubstituted enamides offer new possibilities for further synthetic transformations, yielding highly functionalized compounds with diverse applications. Mechanistic investigations reveal the pivotal role of CSA as a catalyst, enabling alcohol addition via a covalent activation mode.

Metal free regio - and stereoselective semireduction of CF3-substituted N-allenamides

We developed a chemoselective metal-free access for the 1,2- and 2,3-semireduction of CF3-N-allenamides. The enamide functionality of CF3-substituted N-allenamides could be efficiently reduced by Et3SiH/BF3·OEt2 in total regioselectivity and good stereoselectivity, whereas DBU promoted the isomerization of the resulting allyl amide leading exclusively to the E-configurated enamide.

Pd/Brønsted acid catalysed intramolecular N-allylation of indoles and pyrroles with alkynes for the synthesis of N-fused heterocycles

We, herein, report a Pd(0) and Brønsted acid-catalyzed redox-neutral intramolecular N-allylation of indoles and pyrroles with alkynes for the synthesis of biologically important imidazolidinone-fused N-heterocycles. The allylation is completely atom-economical and is applicable to a wide range of substrates. The methodology eliminates the use of a leaving group or an oxidizing agent, often employed for the allylation of nucleophiles. To the best of our knowledge, N-allylation of indoles and pyrroles with alkynes has not been reported to date.

Photocatalytic selective synthesis of (E)-β-aminovinyl sulfones and (E)-β-amidovinyl sulfones using Ru(bpy)3Cl2 as the catalyst

Selectively producing a variety of valuable compounds using controlled chemical reactions starting from a common material is an appealing yet complex concept. Herein, a photocatalytic approach for the selective synthesis of (E)-β-aminovinyl sulfones and (E)-β-amidovinyl sulfones from allenamides and sodium sulfinates was established. This reaction exhibits the traits of an eco-friendly solvent and adjustable amide cleavage, and can accommodate a diverse range of substrates with exceptional functional group tolerance. Based on control experiments and deuterium labeling experiments, a plausible radical reaction pathway is proposed.

Recent Progress in Free Radical Transformations of Allenamides

Allenamides are special allenes, and the unique reactivity, selectivity (both stereoselective and regionally selective) and stability of allenamides have been widely studied. In this review, the development of the free radical transformation of allenamides over the last few years will be summarized. This review discusses in detail in three parts: intermolecular radical addition to C- X (X = N, S, O, Se) bonds, metal salt mediated cyclization of allenamides, and photocatalytic cyclization of allenamides. In addition, reasonable details of the mechanisms are provided for the vast majority of these transformations.

PhI(OAc)2-Mediated Regioselective Hydrothiolation of Allenamides with Thiophenol via a Radical Process: Synthesis of Vinyl Sulfides

An efficient PhI(OAc)2-mediated regioselective hydrothiolation of allenamides with thiophenol via a radical process was developed to create a workable route to vinyl sulfides. The reaction exhibits a good functional group tolerance and high efficiency, affording the products in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic investigations indicated that the radical cascade proceeds through an allyl radical intermediate, which is formed via the addition of the PhS radical to the central carbon of allenamides. Moreover, the reaction was also efficient with selenophenol, providing the corresponding product, vinyl selenide, in a 99% yield.

A Highly Stereoselective Redox Isomerization-Reductive Deuteration Sequence of Propargyl Amines to α-Deuterated Amino Acids

Herein, we report a Cu-catalyzed redox isomerization-reductive deuteration sequence, providing facile access to a range of α-deuterated amino acid esters featuring an Z-configured alkene moiety with high yields. The advantages of this sequence include mild conditions, broad substrate scope, and excellent stereoselectivity. This research also represents a rare example of the Z-selective redox isomerization of propargyl amines.

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.

Stereo- and regiocontrol in intermolecular [2+2] cycloadditions between diarylketenes and allenamides to access substituted α-methylenecyclobutanones

The development of intermolecular [2+2] cycloadditions between allenamides and diarylketenes is described. α-Aryldiazo arylketones are employed as ketene precursors that react smoothly with allenamides in the presence of a P(C6F5)3 promoter. High diastereoselectivity (dr > 20 : 1) with endo-regioselectivity can be achieved when two aryl groups of ketenes have opposite electronic properties. The role of P(C6F5)3 is to increase the reaction yields, but also enhancing stereoselectivity.

Development of regiodivergent asymmetric reductive coupling reactions of allenamides to access heteroatom-rich organic compounds

Organic compounds of biological importance often contain multiple stereogenic C-heteroatom functional groups (e.g. amines, alcohols, and ethers). As a result, synthetic methods to access such compounds in a reliable and stereoselective fashion are important. In this feature article, we present a strategy to enable the introduction of multiple C-heteroatom functional groups in a regiodivergent cross-coupling approach through the use of reductive coupling chemistry employing allenamides. Such processes allow for opportunities to access different heteroatom substitution patterns from the same starting materials.

Cobaltaelectro-Catalyzed C-H Annulation with Allenes for Atropochiral and P-Stereogenic Compounds: Late-Stage Diversification and Continuous Flow Scale-Up

The 3d metallaelectro-catalyzed C-H activation has been identified as an increasingly viable strategy to access valuable organic molecules in a resource-economic fashion under exceedingly mild reaction conditions. However, the development of enantioselective 3d metallaelectro-catalyzed C-H activation is very challenging and in its infancy. Here, we disclose the merger of cobaltaelectro-catalyzed C-H activation with asymmetric catalysis for the highly enantioselective annulation of allenes. A broad range of C-N axially chiral and P-stereogenic compounds were thereby obtained in good yields of up to 98% with high enantioselectivities of up to >99% ee. The practicality of this approach was demonstrated by the diversification of complex bioactive compounds and drug molecules as well as decagram scale enantioselective electrocatalysis in continuous flow.

A Pd-catalyzed highly selective three-component protocol for trisubstituted allenes

Herein we report the first example of a Pd-catalyzed highly selective three-component reaction of alkynyl-1,4-diol dicarbonates, organoboronic acids, and malonate anions for the efficient synthesis of trisubstituted 2,3-allenyl malonates not readily available by the known protocols. The reaction demonstrates an excellent regio- and chemo-selectivity for both the oxidative addition referring to the two C-O bonds and the subsequent coupling with the nucleophile with a remarkable functional group compatibility. A series of control experiments confirm a unique mechanism involving β-O elimination forming alka-1,2,3-triene and the subsequent insertion of its terminal C[double bond, length as m-dash]C bond into the Ar-Pd bond.

Synthesis of Multisubstituted Allenes by Palladium-Catalyzed Carboetherification of β,γ-Unsaturated Ketoximes with Propargylic Acetates

A highly efficient Pd-catalyzed carboetherification reaction of β,γ-unsaturated ketoximes with propargylic acetates is demonstrated. This method provides a practical protocol for accessing the incorporation of an allene moiety into 3,5-disubstituted and 3,5,5-trisubstituted isoxazolines. The salient features of this transformation include a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, an easy scale-up, versatile transformations, and applications in the late-stage modification of drugs.

Stereodivergent Synthesis of Allenes with α,β-Adjacent Central Chiralities Empowered by Synergistic Pd/Cu Catalysis

The stereodivergent synthesis of allene compounds bearing α,β-adjacent central chiralities has been realized via the Pd/Cu-catalyzed dynamic kinetic asymmetric alkylation of racemic allenylic esters. The matched reactivity of bimetallic catalytic system enables the challenging reaction of racemic aryl-substituted allenylic acetates with sterically crowded aldimine esters smoothly under mild reaction conditions. Various chiral non-natural amino acids bearing a terminal allenyl group are easily synthesized in high yields and with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to >20 : 1 dr, >99 % ee). Importantly, all four stereoisomers of the product can be readily accessed by switching the configurations of the two chiral metal catalysts. Furthermore, the easy interconversion between the uncommon η³ -butadienyl palladium intermediate featuring a weak C=C/Pd coordination bond and a stable Csp² -Pd bond is beneficial for the dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation process (DyKAT).

Organocatalytic synthesis of axially chiral tetrasubstituted allenes

Asymmetric organocatalysis is a growing method for the synthesis of axially chiral tetrasubstituted allenes, the most challenging one among allene syntheses. In this method, chiral organocatalysts such as phase-transfer catalysts, peptides, disulfonimides, and binaphthyl/bispiro phosphoric acids have displayed remote control of regio- and stereoselectivity. Highly functionalized enantiopure allenes including those with an adjacent tertiary or quaternary stereocenter have been efficiently prepared with high levels of regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivity using this method. Several mechanistic pathways, including electrophilic addition to cumulenolate or zwitterionic enolate intermediates, alkynylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction, nucleophilic addition to quinone methides, and dearomative addition to imino esters, were proposed. The method is necessary for providing access to axially chiral tetrasubstituted allenes, which can be utilized for the preparation of novel ligands, natural products, and organic materials, particularly those having complex structures. This review covers the enantioselective organocatalytic synthesis of these tetrasubstituted allenes and the mechanistic insights into the formation of the chiral axis up to July 2022.

Palladium-catalyzed cascade cyclization of allenamide with 2-iodoanilines to access functionalized indoloquinolines

A novel and efficient palladium-catalyzed cascade cyclization to indoloquinoline derivatives in one pot has been developed by using allenamide derivatives and 2-iodoanilines as the key building blocks. The process involved two cyclizations: intramolecular cyclization/π-allylic substitution and intramolecular 6-endo Heck cyclization. Furthermore, dihydrobenzofuro[2,3-b]quinoline derivatives could also be achieved via this strategy using allenyl ethers instead of allenamides. The readily available substrates, mild conditions, high efficiency and step economy make this strategy a promising method in the synthesis of polycyclic motifs.

Regiodivergent cascade cyclization/alkoxylation of allenamides via N-protecting group driven rearrangement to access indole and indoline derivatives

A mild, palladium-catalyzed domino Heck-cyclization/alkoxylation sequence of aryl halide tethered allenamides is described, providing regiodivergent indole and indoline derivatives controlled by the N-protecting group. This room temperature reaction provided a functionalizable olefinic moiety with broad substrate scope. Preliminary mechanistic studies support the rearrangement of an indoline-derived intermediate to indoles with the N-acetyl allenamides forming free (NH) indoles.

Synthesis of 1,2-diselenides via potassium persulfate-mediated diselenation of allenamides with diselenides

An efficient potassium persulfate-mediated radical addition of allenamides with diselenides was developed to create a workable route to 1,2-diselenide products. The reaction tolerates a wide spectrum of functional groups to deliver the products in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic investigations including a calculation study indicated that the radical cascade proceeds through a vinyl radical intermediate, which is formed via a selenium radical added to the terminal CC double bond of allenamides.

AlCl3-catalyzed regioselective intermolecular α or γ mono- or α,γ bis-hydroalkoxylation of allenamides with alcohols

Regioselective intermolecular mono- or bis-hydroalkoxylation of allenamides with alcohols using simple aluminum-catalyzed reaction conditions is reported. When the reaction was carried out with 1.1 equivalents of alcohol at 50 °C, N,O-acetals were generated by 1,2-addition of an alcohol. An increase in temperature to 80 °C leads to γ-substituted ethers by an intermolecular isomerization process. Treatment with an excess of alcohol (3 equiv.) at 50 °C gave 1,3-bis(alkoxy)propanamines. The reactions exhibited good functional group tolerance and efficiency, affording the products in moderate to good yields.

Regio- and Stereoselective Addition to gem-Difluorinated Ene-Ynamides: Access to Stereodefined Fluorinated Dienes

The first synthesis of gem-difluorinated ene-ynamides is presented via deprotonation of trifluoromethylated N-allenamides and δ extrusion of fluorine. These highly reactive building blocks, owing to their dual functional groups, offer a unique entry to difluorinated dienes and to stereodefined, monofluoro-substituted dienes. Stereoselective addition to the ynamide moiety led to difluorinated dienes. A stereocontrolled domino δ elimination reaction followed by an addition/elimination sequence from trifluoromethylated N-allenamides provided exclusively stereodefined monofluorinated ene-ynamides.

One-Pot anti-Michael Regio- and Stereoselective Hydroamination of Activated N-Allenamides

N-Allenamides, substituted by an ester at the γ-position, were obtained through addition of terminal ynamides with ethyl diazoacetate under copper catalysis for the first time. Regio- and stereoselective hydroamination of those activated N-allenamides provided exclusively E-configured captodative enamimes through a one-pot anti-Michael addition. Numerous ynamides as well as various secondary amines were adapted in this process.

Cu-catalyzed, Mn-mediated propargylation and allenylation of aldehydes with propargyl bromides

A simple, practical, and high chemo-selective method for the synthesis of propargyl alcohol and allenyl alcohols via Cu-catalyzed, Mn-mediated propargylation and allenylation of aldehydes with propargyl bromides has been established. When 3-bromo-1-propyne was conducted under the standard condition, the aldehydes were transformed to the corresponding propargylation products completely, while when 1-bromo-2-pentyne was used, allenic alcohol was the only product. Variety of homopropargyl alcohols and allenyl alcohols were obtained in high yields and the reaction is compatible with broad substrate scopes. In addition, the large-scale reaction could also be proceeded smoothly indicating the potential synthetic applications of this transformation.

Palladium-catalyzed regioselective hydrosulfonylation of allenes with sulfinic acids

An atom-economic method of preparing allylic sulfones via hydrosulfonylation of allenes with sulfinic acids under Pd(0)-catalysis was reported. This process has a high degree of regio- and stereoselectivity, and provides the target product with a moderate to excellent yield. A wide range of nitrogen- or oxygen-containing linear E-allylic sulfones have been synthesized. With the support of experimental research, a possible mechanism was proposed.

Iridium-Catalyzed Enantioselective and Chemodivergent Allenylic Alkylation of Vinyl Azides for the Synthesis of α-Allenylic Amides and Ketones

The first enantioselective synthesis of α-allenylic amides and ketones through allenylic alkylation of vinyl azides is reported. In these chemodivergent reactions, cooperatively catalyzed by a Ir^I /(phosphoramidite,olefin) complex and Sc(OTf)₃ , vinyl azides act as the surrogate for both amide enolates and ketone enolates. The desiccant (molecular sieves) plays a crucial role in controlling the chemodivergency of this enantioconvergent and regioselective reaction: Under otherwise identical reaction conditions, the presence of the desiccant led to α-allenylic amides, while its absence resulted in α-allenylic ketones. Utilizing racemic allenylic alcohols as the alkylating agent, the overall process represents a dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation (DyKAT), where both the products are formed with the same absolute configuration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of the use of vinyl azide as the ketone enolate surrogate in an enantioselective transformation.

Dimerizing cascades of enallenamides reveal the visible-light-promoted activation of cumulated C-C double bonds

The visible-light-promoted activation of conjugated C-C double bonds is well developed, while that of cumulated systems is underexplored. We present the feasibility of this challenging approach. The localization of a triplet on an allenamide arm can be favored over that on a conjugated alkene. Allenamides with an arylacryloyl arm dimerize at room temperature in the presence of visible light and an iridium(iii) photocatalyst. Two orthogonal polycyclizations took place and their outcome is entirely dictated by the substitution of the alkene partner. Both cascades afford complex molecular architectures with high selectivity. Products form through the ordered rearrangement of twelve π electrons, providing a [3.2.0] bicyclic unit tethered to a fused tricycle, whose formation included an aryl C-H functionalization step, using disubstituted alkenes. The outcome was reverted with trisubstituted ones, which gave rise to taxane-like bridged tricycles that had two six-membered lactams flanking a cyclooctane ring, which was established through the creation of four alternate C-C bonds.

One-pot synthesis of multi-substituted conjugated dienones by trapping allene carbocations with active ylides

A Rh(II)/boron reagent co-catalyzed unprecedent transformation was established for the rapid construction of multi-substituted conjugated dienones under mild conditions by trapping allene carbocations with oxonium ylides from simple starting points in yields up to 85%. Two CC double bonds, one C-C and one C-O single bond were built in this one-pot reaction. The diversity-oriented strategy was also established to synthesize alkyne ether and dihydrofuran derivatives by a substrate-depended fashion.