Catalytic asymmetric solid-phase cyclopropanation

Combined Experimental and Computational Study of Ruthenium N-Hydroxyphthalimidoyl Carbenes in Alkene Cyclopropanation Reactions

A combined experimental-computational approach has been used to study the cyclopropanation reaction of N-hydroxyphthalimide diazoacetate (NHPI-DA) with various olefins, catalyzed by a ruthenium-phenyloxazoline (Ru-Pheox) complex. Kinetic studies show that the better selectivity of the employed redox-active NHPI diazoacetate is a result of a much slower dimerization reaction compared to aliphatic diazoacetates. Density functional theory calculations reveal that several reactions can take place with similar energy barriers, namely, dimerization of the NHPI diazoacetate, cyclopropanation (inner-sphere and outer-sphere), and a previously unrecognized migratory insertion of the carbene into the phenyloxazoline ligand. The calculations show that the migratory insertion reaction yields an unconsidered ruthenium complex that is catalytically competent for both the dimerization and cyclopropanation, and its relevance is assessed experimentally. The stereoselectivity of the reaction is argued to stem from an intricate balance between the various mechanistic scenarios.

General Cyclopropane Assembly by Enantioselective Transfer of a Redox-Active Carbene to Aliphatic Olefins

Asymmetric cyclopropane synthesis currently requires bespoke strategies, methods, substrates, and reagents, even when targeting similar compounds. This approach slows down discovery and limits available chemical space. Introduced herein is a practical and versatile diazocompound and its performance in the first unified asymmetric synthesis of functionalized cyclopropanes. The redox-active leaving group in this reagent enhances the reactivity and selectivity of geminal carbene transfer. This effect allowed the asymmetric cyclopropanation of various olefins, including unfunctionalized aliphatic alkenes, that enables the three-step total synthesis of (-)-dictyopterene A. This unified synthetic approach delivers high enantioselectivities that are independent of the stereoelectronic properties of the functional groups transferred. Our results demonstrate that orthogonally differentiated diazocompounds are viable and advantageous equivalents of single-carbon chirons.

Highly stereoselective olefin cyclopropanation of diazooxindoles catalyzed by a C2-symmetric spiroketal bisphosphine/Au(I) complex

A spiroketal bisphosphine (SKP) derived chiral digold complex is identified as a powerful catalyst for the highly diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of spirocyclopropyloxindoles from diazooxindoles and a broad range of alkenes, including both cis and trans 1,2-disubstituted alkenes.

DENSITY FUNCTIONAL STUDY OF SELECTED MONO-ZINC AND GEM-DIZINC RADICAL CARBENOID CYCLOPROPANATION REACTIONS: OBSERVATION OF AN EFFICIENT RADICAL ZINC CARBENOID CYCLOPROPANATION REACTION AND THE INFLUENCE OF THE LEAVING GROUP ON RING CLOSURE

We report a theoretical study of the cyclopropanation reactions of EtZnCHI, (EtZn)2CH EtZnCHZnI, and EtZnCIZnI radicals with ethylene. The mono-zinc and gem-dizinc radical carbenoids can undergo cyclopropanation reactions with ethylene via a two-step reaction mechanism similar to that previously reported for the CH2I and IZnCH2 radicals. The barrier for the second reaction step (ring closure) was found to be highly dependent on the leaving group of the cyclopropanation reaction. In some cases, the (di)zinc carbenoid radical undergoes cyclopropanation via a low barrier of about 5–7 kcal/mol on the second reaction step and this is lower than the CH2I radical reaction which has a barrier of about 13.5 kcal/mol for the second reaction step. Our results suggest that in some cases, zinc radical carbenoid species have cyclopropanation reaction barriers that can be competitive with their related molecular Simmons-Smith carbenoid species reactions and produce somewhat different cyclopropanated products and leaving groups.

PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF BUTYROPHENONE AND ITS α-SUBSTITUTED DERIVATIVE: A THEORETICAL EXAMINATION OF A NEW PHOTOCHEMICAL ROUTE TO CYCLOPROPANE GROUP FORMATION

The potential energy surfaces of dissociations and isomerizations for butyrophenone and its α-substituted derivative in low-lying electronic states have been studied with use of the CASSCF and DFT methods. A three-surface (S1, T1 and T2) intersection was found in the present work and this plays an important role in the S1 → T1 process for butyrophenone and related aromatic carbonyl compounds. Examination of these results provides some new insights into the mechanistic photochemistry of aromatic ketones. The most probable mechanism leading to formation of a cyclopropane moiety was obtained on the basis of the calculated potential energy surfaces and their intersections. The selection of a suitable α-substituent was found to be a key step for cyclopropanation to occur by photoexcitation of butyrophenone derivatives.

Effect of toremifene and ospemifene, compared to acolbifene, on estrogen-sensitive parameters in rat and human uterine tissues

BACKGROUND

Although the first generation selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) tamoxifen (TAM) is well known for its uterotrophic activity, this study compares the stimulatory effect of the TAM derivatives toremifene (TORE) and ospemifene (OSPE) on estrogen-sensitive parameters in rat and human uterine tissues.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ovariectomized female rats were treated daily orally for 10 days with 0.75 mg/rat of TORE, OSPE or acolbifene (ACOL, a pure estrogen antagonist in the uterus and mammary gland), which was used for comparison. Human endometrial carcinoma Ishikawa cells were incubated for 5 days with increasing doses of compounds, in the absence or presence of 1 nM estradiol (E2).

RESULTS

TORE and OSPE revealed 52% and 56% increases, respectively, in uterine weight, whereas ACOL had no effect. Similar effects were observed on vaginal weight. Endometrial epithelial height increased from 15.82±0.20 to 48.94± 2.12 and 42.14±1.95 μm with TORE and OSPE, respectively, whereas ACOL had no effect. Alkaline phosphatase activity, an estrogen-sensitive parameter in Ishikawa cells, was increased by 144% and 135% with OH-TORE and OH-OSPE, respectively. Owing to their intrinsic estrogenic activity, at maximal concentrations, OH-TORE and OH-OSPE blocked the stimulatory effect of E2 by only 89% compared to 100% with ACOL.

CONCLUSIONS

The present in vitro and in vivo data show similar stimulatory effects of 4-hydroxytoremifene (OH-TORE) and OH-OSPE on estrogen-sensitive parameters. ACOL, a third generation SERM, has no effect on any of these parameters. Such data add to the potential uterine safety limitations of triphenylethylene-derived SERMs for long-term use in humans.

Lewis acid catalyzed indole synthesis via intramolecular nucleophilic attack of phenyldiazoacetates to iminium ions

Lewis acids catalyze the cyclization of methyl phenyldiazoacetates with an ortho-imino group, prepared from o-aminophenylacetic acid, to give 2,3-substituted indoles in quantitative yields.

Sidearm effects in the enantioselective cyclopropanation of alkenes with aryldiazoacetates catalyzed by trisoxazoline/Cu(i)

A highly enantioselective cyclopropanation of alkenes with phenyldiazoacetates catalyzed by CuPF6(CH3CN)4/trisoxazoline has been developed.

Enantioselective synthesis on the solid phase

Organic transformations on substrates which are immobilized on an insoluble, polymeric carrier have found broad application in compound collection synthesis. In contrast to other synthetic methodologies in solid-phase organic synthesis, reactions that afford non-racemic products are strikingly under-represented. Not only does the introduction of stereoinformation on immobilized, achiral starting materials provide enantioenriched products which can be of value for biological testing, but it also opens up new perspectives for accessible structures. This feature article gives an overview of successful enantioselective transformations on a solid support. Critical differences in the corresponding solution-phase protocols are highlighted, and applications to the generation of compound collections are particularly mentioned.

Asymmetric synthesis of cyclopropanes and dihydrofurans based on phosphine oxide chemistry

The asymmetric synthesis of gamma-azido trans-cyclopropyl ketones is accomplished via a short, simple and efficient sequence. The cyclopropanation step is achieved by an intramolecular nucleophilic ring closure, with a diphenylphosphinate leaving group, to give trans-cyclopropane exclusively. beta-Keto-diphenylphosphine oxides cyclise to form optically active dihydrofurans. All possible diastereoisomers of dihydrofurans can be prepared selectively starting from the same olefin.

Theoretical Study of Samarium (II) Carbenoid (ISmCH2I) Promoted Cyclopropanation Reactions with Ethylene and the Effect of THF Solvent on the Reaction Pathways

A computational study of the cyclopropanation reactions of divalent samarium carbenoid ISmCH(2)I with ethylene is presented. The reaction proceeds through two competing pathways: methylene transfer and carbometalation. The ISmCH(2)I species was found to have a "samarium carbene complex" character with properties similar to previously investigated lithium carbenoids (LiCH(2)X where X = Cl, Br, I). The ISmCH(2)I carbenoid was found to be noticeably different in structure with more electrophilic character and higher chemical reactivity than the closely related classical Simmons-Smith (IZnCH(2)I) carbenoid. The effect of THF solvent was investigated by explicit coordination of the solvent THF molecules to the Sm (II) center in the carbenoid. The ISmCH(2)I/(THF)(n)() (where n = 0, 1, 2) carbenoid methylene transfer pathway barriers to reaction become systematically lower as more THF solvent is added (from 12.9 to 14.5 kcal/mol for no THF molecules to 8.8 to 10.7 kcal/mol for two THF molecules). In contrast, the reaction barriers for cyclopropanation via the carbometalation pathway remain high (>15 kcal/mol). The computational results are briefly compared to other carbenoid reactions and related species.

Dirhodium tetraprolinate-catalyzed asymmetric cyclopropanations with high turnover numbers

The bridged dirhodium tetraprolinate Rh(2)(S-biTISP)(2) (2) catalyzes the asymmetric cyclopropanation reaction between methyl phenyldiazoacetate and styrene at room temperature with high turnover number (92 000) and turnover frequency (4000 per h). [reaction: see text]

Solid-phase rhodium carbenoid N-H insertion reactions: the synthesis of a diverse array of indoles

A solid-phase synthesis of an array of indoles is reported. The key step in our approach involves a N-H insertion reaction of N-alkylanilines into a highly reactive polymer-bound rhodium carbenoid intermediate to yield the corresponding alpha-arylamino-beta-ketoester. These insertion products were then treated under acid-catalyzed cyclodehydration conditions to yield a series of polymer-bound indole esters, which were subsequently cleaved from the resin under Lewis acid-promoted amidation conditions to yield the desired indoles in good yields and with excellent purities.

Rhodium carbenoid N-H insertion reactions of primary ureas: solution and solid-phase synthesis of imidazolones

[reaction: see text] The solution and solid-phase synthesis of imidazolones is reported. The key step for the preparation of these compounds is the N-H insertion reaction of primary ureas into highly reactive rhodium carbenoid intermediates. Typically, a soluble or support-bound alpha-diazo-beta-ketoester is treated with a rhodium carboxylate catalyst in the presence of a primary urea to give the corresponding N-H insertion product. Subsequent acid-catalyzed cyclodehydration of these insertion products affords the desired imidazolone products.

Density functional theory investigation of the remarkable reactivity of geminal dizinc carbenoids (RZn)(2)CHI (R = Et or I) as cyclopropanation reagents with olefins compared to mono zinc carbenoids RZnCHI(2), EtCHIZnR (R = Et or I)

Density functional theory calculations for the cyclopropanation reactions of several mono zinc carbenoids and their corresponding gem-dizinc carbenoids with ethylene are reported. The mono zinc carbenoids react with ethylene via an asynchronous attack on one CH2 group of ethylene with a relatively high barrier to reaction in the 20-25 kcal/mol range similar to other Simmons-Smith type carbenoids previously studied. In contrast, the gem-dizinc carbenoids react with ethylene via a synchronous attack on both CH2 groups of ethylene and substantially lower barriers to reaction (about 15 kcal/mol) compared to their corresponding mono zinc carbenoid. Both mono zinc and gem-dizinc carbenoid reactions can be accelerated by the addition of ZnI2 groups as a Lewis acid, and this lowers the barrier by another 1.0-5.1 kcal/mol and 0.0-5.5 kcal/mol, respectively, for addition of one ZnI2 group. Our results indicate that gem-dizinc carbenoids react with C=C bonds with significantly lower barriers to reaction and in a noticeably different manner than Simmons-Smith type mono zinc carbenoids. The three gem-dizinc carbenoids have a substantially larger positive charge distribution than those in the mono zinc carbenoids and, hence, a stronger electrophilic character for the gem-dizinc carbenoids.

A density functional theory investigation of the Simmons-Smith cyclopropanation reaction: examination of the insertion reaction of zinc into the C-I bond of CH(2)I(2) and subsequent cyclopropanation reactions

The insertion reaction of zinc into the C-I bond of CH(2)I(2) and subsequent cyclopropanation reactions with CH(2)CH(2) have been investigated using B3LYP level density functional theory calculations. The Simmons-Smith cyclopropanation reaction of olefins does not proceed easily due to the relatively large barriers on the insertion and cyclopropanation pathways. The computed results indicate that the IZnCH(2)I molecule is the active reagent in the Simmons-Smith reaction. This is consistent with the IZnCH(2)I reactive species being generated from diiodomethane and a Zn-Cu couple as proposed by several other research groups. The Simmons-Smith IZnCH(2)I carbenoid and CH(2)I-I carbenoid cyclopropanation reactions with olefins are compared. The reactions of olefins with the radicals from the decomposition of the IZnCH(2)I and CH(2)I-I species were also compared. We found that the chemical reactivity of the carbenoid species is dependent on its electrophilic behavior, steric effects, the leaving group character and the mechanism of the cyclopropanation reactions.

Solid-phase rhodium carbenoid reactions: an N-H insertion route to a diverse series of oxazoles

[reaction: see text] The solid-phase synthesis of a series of oxazoles is described. The key step in the construction of these molecules involves the rhodium-catalyzed decomposition of polymer-bound alpha-diazo-beta-ketoesters. These reactions are performed in the presence of primary amides and yield the corresponding N-H insertion products. Subsequent cyclodehydration of these alpha-(acylamino)-beta-ketoesters provides the corresponding resin-bound 2,5-disubstituted oxazoles, which are further elaborated during cleavage from the resin.