Synthesis of homoallylic amines via the palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling of amino acid derivatives

Aniline assisted dimerization of phenylalanines: convenient synthesis of 2-aroyl-3-arylquinoline in an I2-DMSO system

We herein report an efficient synthesis of 2-aroyl-3-arylquinolines from phenylalanines and anilines. The mechanism involves I₂-mediated Strecker degradation enabled catabolism and reconstruction of amino acids and a cascade aniline-assisted annulation. Both DMSO and water act as oxygen sources in this convenient protocol.

Decarboxylative Allylic Alkylation of Phthalides: Stabilized Benzylic Nucleophiles for sp3-sp3 Coupling

A new family of stabilized benzylic nucleophiles for the palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative allylic alkylation reaction has been developed. Allyl esters derived from 3-carboxyphthalides were found to undergo palladium-catalyzed deallylation and decarboxylation under mild reaction conditions, a process facilitated by the formation of a stabilized aromatic anion. The regioselective allylic coupling of this intermediate afforded a variety of functionalized phthalides in 73-96% yields.

The catalytic decarboxylative allylation of enol carbonates: the synthesis of enantioenriched 3-allyl-3'-aryl 2-oxindoles and the core structure of azonazine

The catalytic asymmetric synthesis of 3-allyl-3'-aryl 2-oxindoles has been shown via the Pd(0)-catalyzed decarboxylative allylation of allylenol carbonates. This methodology provides access to a variety of 2-oxindole substrates (5a-v) with all-carbon quaternary stereocenters (up to 94% ee) at the pseudobenzylic position under additive-free and mild conditions. The synthetic potential of this method was shown by the asymmetric synthesis of the tetracyclic core of the diketopiparazine-based alkaloid azonazine (11).

Pd(0)-Catalyzed Deacylative Allylations (DaA) Strategy and Application in the Total Synthesis of Alkaloids

Natural product synthesis has been the prime focus for the development of new carbon-carbon bond forming transformations. In particular, the construction of molecules with all-carbon quaternary centers remain one of the most facinating targets. In this regard, transition-metal catalyzed processes have gained imporatnce owing to their mild nature. Towards this, Pd(0)-catalyzed decarboxylative allylations (DcA) is worth mentioning and has emerged as a convenient method for synthesis of molecules even in their enantioenriched form. However, in order to have a flexible approach that facilitate rapid production of derivatives by utilizing commercially available allyl alcohols, the concept of Pd(0)-catalyzed deacylative allylations (DaA) methodology gains popularity. In these reactions, the transfer of an acyl group has a functional role in activating the allylic alcohol (proelectrophile) toward reaction with Pd(0)-catalysts. We present here an Account on newly conceptualized deacylative allylations (DaA) methodology and its applications in the synthesis of various intermediates and building blocks. Further, its potential in the total synthesis of naturally occurring alkaloids have been summarized in this personal account.

Synthesis of Conformationally Liberated Yohimbine Analogues and Evaluation of Cytotoxic Activity

A modular synthetic approach to strategically unique structural analogues of the alkaloid yohimbine is reported. The overall synthetic strategy couples the transition-metal-catalyzed decarboxylative allylation of 2,2-diphenylglycinate imino esters with a scandium triflate-mediated highly endo-selective intramolecular Diels-Alder (IMDA) cycloaddition to generate a small collection of de-rigidified yohimbine analogues lacking the ethylene linkage between the indole and decahydroisoquinoline units. One compound generated in this study contains an unprecedented pentacyclic urea core and appears to demonstrate increased cytotoxicity against the gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 in comparison to a pancreatic cancer cell line (PATU-8988) and a normal human gastric mucosal cell line (GES-1).

Transition-metal-free allylation of 2-azaallyls with allyl ethers through polar and radical mechanisms

Allylation of nucleophiles with highly reactive electrophiles like allyl halides can be conducted without metal catalysts. Less reactive electrophiles, such as allyl esters and carbonates, usually require a transition metal catalyst to facilitate the allylation. Herein, we report a unique transition-metal-free allylation strategy with allyl ether electrophiles. Reaction of a host of allyl ethers with 2-azaallyl anions delivers valuable homoallylic amine derivatives (up to 92%), which are significant in the pharmaceutical industry. Interestingly, no deprotonative isomerization or cyclization of the products were observed. The potential synthetic utility and ease of operation is demonstrated by a gram scale telescoped preparation of a homoallylic amine. In addition, mechanistic studies provide insight into these C(sp3)-C(sp3) bond-forming reactions.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Umpolung Alkylation of Imines To Generate α-Branched Aliphatic Amines

Here we report a general and mild approach to prepare α-branched aliphatic amines from imines. This method capitalizes on a cobalt-catalyzed umpolung alkylation of imines, employs easily available reaction partners, and demonstrates a broad substrate scope. Mechanistic studies suggest this transformation occurs by a radical pathway.

Recent Advances in Enantioselective Pd-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution: From Design to Applications

This Review compiles the evolution, mechanistic understanding, and more recent advances in enantioselective Pd-catalyzed allylic substitution and decarboxylative and oxidative allylic substitutions. For each reaction, the catalytic data, as well as examples of their application to the synthesis of more complex molecules, are collected. Sections in which we discuss key mechanistic aspects for high selectivity and a comparison with other metals (with advantages and disadvantages) are also included. For Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution, the catalytic data are grouped according to the type of nucleophile employed. Because of the prominent position of the use of stabilized carbon nucleophiles and heteronucleophiles, many chiral ligands have been developed. To better compare the results, they are presented grouped by ligand types. Pd-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative reactions are mainly promoted by PHOX or Trost ligands, which justifies organizing this section in chronological order. For asymmetric oxidative allylic substitution the results are grouped according to the type of nucleophile used.

Formal α-Allylation of Primary Amines by a Dearomative, Palladium-Catalyzed Umpolung Allylation of N-(Aryloxy)imines

N-(Aryloxy)imines, readily accessible by condensation/tautomerization of (pseudo)benzylic primary amines and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone, undergo efficient allylation to afford a wide range of homoallylic primary amines following hydrolytic workup. Deprotonation of N-(aryloxy)imines generates a delocalized 2-azaallyl anion-type nucleophile that engages in dearomative C-C bond-forming reactions with allylpalladium(II) electrophiles generated from allylic tert-butyl carbonates. This reactivity umpolung enables the formal α-allylation of (pseudo)benzylic primary amines. Mechanistic studies reveal that the apparent regioselectivity of the desired bond-forming event is a convergent process that is initiated by unselective allylation of N-(aryloxy)imines to give several regioisomeric species, which subsequently rearrange via stepwise [1,3]- or concerted [3,3]-sigmatropic shifts, ultimately converging to provide the desired regioisomer of the amine products.

Decarboxylative Umpolung Synthesis of Amines from Carbonyl Compounds

2-Azaallyl anions are valuable intermediates which have versatile applications in functionalization with various electrophiles. Decarboxylation of the imines formed from aromatic aldehydes and α,α-diphenylglycine provides an interesting and efficient way to generate delocalized 2-azaallyl anions, which display high reactivity toward different electrophiles with excellent regioselectivity at the diphenylketimino aryl carbon of the 2-azaallyl anions. The transformation produces various amines in good yields under very mild conditions. This Synpacts article highlights the recent advances on the decarboxylative umpolung synthesis of amines from carbonyl compounds.

1 Introduction

2 Decarboxylative Umpolung Reactions of Carbonyl Compounds with Different Electrophiles

2.1 Reaction with π-Allyl–Pd(II) Species

2.2 Reaction with Morita–Baylis–Hillman Adducts

2.3 Reaction with Imines

2.3.1 Intermolecular Reaction with N-Ts Imines

2.3.2 Intramolecular Reaction with Chiral N-tert-Butanesulfinyl Imines

2.4 Reaction with Aldehydes and Ketones

3 Decarboxylative Umpolung Reaction of α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes with Aldehydes

4 Conclusion

Nickel-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Generation and Asymmetric Allylation of 2-Azaallyl Anions

The first nickel-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative allylation (DcA) of allyl 2,2-diarylglycinate imines is reported. This transformation utilizes a chiral ferrocenyl bidentate ligand and a Ni(0) precatalyst to mediate the decarboxylative generation and asymmetric allylation of 2-azaallyl anions, affording α-aryl homoallylic imines in modest-to-high yields and moderate-to-high enantiomeric ratios. The resulting Ni-catalyzed transformation proved to be less general in comparison to our previously reported analogous Pd-mediated protocol, but it still exhibited certain advantages in regard to the regio- and enantioselectivity of the C-C bond formation.

Functionalized Allyl Aryl Ether Synthesis from Benzoic Acids Using a Dearomatization and Decarboxylative Allylation Approach

A strategy toward the preparation of substituted allyl aryl ethers from benzoic acids via a dearomatization and decarboxylative allylation (DcA) reaction is presented. The benzoic acids undergo a dearomatization to give alkylated 2,5-cyclohexadienyl ketoesters which are subjected to a palladium-catalyzed DcA reaction, providing a variety of functionalized allyl aryl ethers. In addition, the combination of a resonance stabilized DcA reaction with a Claisen rearrangement for the synthesis of multisubstituted phenols and applying to dihydroplicatin B derivative synthesis is also presented.

Intramolecular Umpolung Synthesis of Exocyclic β-Amino Alcohols through Decarboxylative Amination

An intramolecular aminative Umpolung cyclization strategy has been developed by using α,α-diphenylglycine (2) as the amination and Umpolung reagent. Aldehydes (1) bearing an additional carbonyl group underwent condensation with α,α-diphenylglycine to form an imine, decarboxylation to generate a delocalized 2-azaallylanion, and subsequent intramolecular Umpolung cyclization to produce a variety of exocyclic β-amino alcohols (6) in 60-93% yields with up to >20:1 trans/cis selectivity under mild conditions.

Aminative Umpolung cyclization for synthesis of chiral exocyclic vicinal diamines

Chiral exocylic vicinal diamines are biologically and chemically important compounds, but they are not easy to make. In this paper, an interesting aminative Umpolung cyclization process has been developed. Aromatic aldehydes 6 bearing an electrophilic chiral sulfinimine group underwent imine formation with 2,2-diphenylglycine (2), decarboxylation, and subsequent Umpolung cyclization, producing various trans-diamines 10 in 84-96% yields with high trans/cis ratios under very mild conditions. This work not only provides an efficient, clean, and mild method for the synthesis of chiral exocyclic vicinal diamines in one step but also represents a new application of aminative Umpolung strategy on intramolecular reactions.

2-Azaallyl Anions, 2-Azaallyl Cations, 2-Azaallyl Radicals, and Azomethine Ylides

This review covers the use of 2-azaallyl anions, 2-azaallyl cations, and 2-azaallyl radicals in organic synthesis up through June 2018. Particular attention is paid to both foundational studies and recent advances over the past decade involving semistabilized and nonstabilized 2-azaallyl anions as key intermediates in various carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond-forming processes. Both transition-metal-catalyzed and transition-metal-free transformations are covered. Azomethine ylides, which have received significant attention elsewhere, are discussed briefly with the primary focus on critical comparisons with 2-azaallyl anions in regard to generation and use.

Intramolecular Umpolung Allylation of Imines

An intramolecular umpolung allylation of imines is reported. This reaction occurs via the intermediacy of 2-azaallyl anions. It could proceed either under transition-metal-catalyzed conditions or under transition-metal-free conditions. Importantly, this approach afforded trans-3-vinyl-4-aminochromanes with high diastereoselectivity, while conventional, nonumpolung methods often display high cis-selectivity.

Pd(0)-Catalyzed Chemoselective Deacylative Alkylations (DaA) of N-Acyl 2-Oxindoles: Total Syntheses of Pyrrolidino[2,3- b]indoline Alkaloids, (±)-Deoxyeseroline, and (±)-Esermethole

We report an efficient Pd(0)-catalyzed deacylative allylation of N-acyl 3-substituted 2-oxindoles via the coupling of in situ generated nucleophiles (3 and 4) with allyl electrophiles for the synthesis of a variety of 2-oxindoles with C3-quaternary centers. Gratifyingly, this alkylation process is found to be highly chemoselective in nature, where a C-C bond formation is completely predominant over a C-N bond formation. A variety of key intermediates were synthesized utilizing an aforementioned methodology.

Exploring the Steric and Electronic Factors Governing the Regio- and Enantioselectivity of the Pd-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Generation and Allylation of 2-Azaallyl Anions

The impact of the steric and electronic factors in both the para-substituted benzaldimine and 2,2-diarylglycine components on the regioselectivity and enantioselectivity of the palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative allylation of allyl 2,2-diarylglycinate aryl imines was explored. These studies revealed that using 2,2-di(2-methoxyphenyl)glycine as the amino acid linchpin allowed for the exclusive synthesis of the desired homoallylic benzophenone imine regioisomers, independent of the nature of the imine moiety, in typically high yields. The resulting enantiomeric ratios, however, are slightly decreased in comparison to the transformations involving the corresponding allyl 2,2-diphenylglycinate imines, but this is more than balanced out by the increases in yield and regioselectivity. Overall, these studies suggest a general strategy for the highly regioselective functionalization of 2-azaallyl anions.

Quinone-catalyzed oxidative deformylation: synthesis of imines from amino alcohols

A new method for imine synthesis by way of quinone-catalyzed oxidative deformylation of 1,2-amino alcohols is reported. A wide range of readily accessible amino alcohols and primary amines can be reacted to provide N-protected imine products. The methodology presented provides a novel organocatalytic approach for imine synthesis and demonstrates the synthetic versatility of quinone-catalyzed oxidative C–C bond cleavage.

Ir/PTC cooperatively catalyzed asymmetric umpolung allylation of α-imino ester enabled synthesis of α-quaternary amino acid derivatives bearing two vicinal stereocenters

A novel Ir/PTC (phase-transfer catalyst) cooperatively catalyzed asymmetric umpolung allylation of simple α-imino esters is developed and it provides facile access to α-quaternary amino acid derivatives bearing two vicinal stereocenters. Both the metal catalyst and the phase-transfer catalyst are crucial for this methodology. The reaction features good yields, high diastereo- and enantio-selectivities, ease of scale-up to gram scale and further transformation of the products (e.g. to quaternary proline analogues with multi stereocenters).

Umpolung Synthesis of 1,3-Amino Alcohols: Stereoselective Addition of 2-Azaallyl Anions to Epoxides

We report the direct preparation of 1,3-amino alcohols that contain up to three contiguous stereogenic centers by the umpolung coupling of imines and epoxides. Nucleophilic 2-azaallyl anions, generated from imines, are stereoselectively added to epoxides to furnish 1,3-amino alcohols after hydrolysis of the product imine. Transformations afford amino alcohols with >98% site selectivity with respect to both reaction partners and in up to >98% yield and >20:1 dr.

Transition-metal-free chemo- and regioselective vinylation of azaallyls

Direct C(sp³)-C(sp²) bond formation under transition-metal-free conditions offers an atom-economical, inexpensive and environmentally benign alternative to traditional transition-metal-catalysed cross-coupling reactions. A new chemo- and regioselective coupling protocol between 3-aryl-substituted-1,1-diphenyl-2-azaallyl derivatives and vinyl bromides has been developed. This is the first transition-metal-free cross-coupling of azaallyls with vinyl bromide electrophiles and delivers allylic amines in excellent yields (up to 99%). This relatively simple and mild protocol offers a direct and practical strategy for the synthesis of high-value allylic amine building blocks that does not require the use of transition metals, special initiators or photoredox catalysts. Radical clock experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance studies and density functional theory calculations point to an unprecedented substrate-dependent coupling mechanism. Furthermore, an electron paramagnetic resonance signal was observed when the N-benzyl benzophenone ketimine was subjected to silylamide base, supporting the formation of radical species upon deprotonation. The unique mechanisms outlined herein could pave the way for new approaches to transition-metal-free C-C bond formations.

Homologation of α-aryl amino acids through quinone-catalyzed decarboxylation/Mukaiyama-Mannich addition

A new method for amino acid homologation by way of formal C-C bond functionalization is reported. This method utilizes a 2-step/1-pot protocol to convert α-amino acids to their corresponding N-protected β-amino esters through quinone-catalyzed oxidative decarboxylation/in situ Mukaiyama-Mannich addition. The scope and limitations of this chemistry are presented. This methodology provides an alternative to the classical Arndt-Eistert homologation for accessing β-amino acid derivatives. The resulting N-protected amine products can be easily deprotected to afford the corresponding free amines.

Development of catalytic deacylative alkylations (DaA) of 3-acyl-2-oxindoles: total synthesis of meso-chimonanthine and related alkaloids

We present an effective deacylative alkylation strategy for the construction of a variety of 2-oxindoles bearing an all-carbon quaternary center at the pseudobenzylic position. A wide variety of products with quaternary centers could be accessed by employing simple Pd(0) catalysis under mild reaction conditions. Importantly, the same strategy works equally well for the dimeric 2-oxindole system, furnishing products with a vicinal quaternary center in favour of meso-isomer as the major product. Eventual application to the total syntheses of meso-chimonanthine and meso-folicanthine very well demonstrates the synthetic potential of this strategy.

Decarboxylative Umpolung of conjugated enals to β-carbanions for intramolecular nucleophilic addition to an aldehyde

Decarboxylative Umpolung converts enals to β-carbanions for intramolecular nucleophilic addition to an aldehyde group with excellent regio- and diastereoselectivities.

Umpolung Synthesis of Diarylmethylamines via Palladium-Catalyzed Arylation of N-Benzyl Aldimines

An umpolung synthesis of diarylmethylamine derivatives is presented. This reaction entails a Pd catalyzed arylation of 1,3-diaryl-2-azaallyl anions, in situ generated from N-benzyl aldimines. A Pd(NIXANTPHOS)-based catalyst together with hindered silylamide bases enabled the coupling of aldimines with aryl bromides in good to excellent yields without product isomerization. Moreover, regioselectivity in the arylation of unsymmetrical 1,3-diaryl-2-azaallyl anions was studied. This method is suitable for a gram scale synthesis of diarylmethylamine derivatives at room temperature without use of a glovebox.

Palladium-Catalyzed C-H Arylation of α,β-Unsaturated Imines: Catalyst-Controlled Synthesis of Enamine and Allylic Amine Derivatives

A unique chemo- and regioselective α- and γ-arylation of palladium azapentadienyl intermediates is presented. Two distinct catalysts and sets of conditions successfully controlled the regioselectivity of the arylation. These methods provide the first umpolung C-H functionalization of azapentadienyl palladium intermediates and enable the divergent synthesis of allylic amine and enamine derivatives, which are of significant interest in the pharmaceutical industry.

Transition-metal-free decarboxylation of dimethyl malonate: an efficient construction of α-amino acid esters using TBAI/TBHP

A transition-metal-free decarboxylation coupling process for the preparation of α-amino acid esters, which succeeded in merging hydrolysis/decarboxylation/nucleophilic substitution, is well described. This strategy uses commercially available inexpensive starting materials, catalysts and oxidants and has a wide substrate scope and operational simplicity.

Dual Catalytic Decarboxylative Allylations of α-Amino Acids and Their Divergent Mechanisms

The room temperature radical decarboxylative allylation of N-protected α-amino acids and esters has been accomplished via a combination of palladium and photoredox catalysis to provide homoallylic amines. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the stability of the α-amino radical, which is formed by decarboxylation, dictates the predominant reaction pathway between competing mechanisms.

Gas-Phase and Computational Study of Identical Nickel- and Palladium-Mediated Organic Transformations Where Mechanisms Proceeding via M(II) or M(IV) Oxidation States Are Determined by Ancillary Ligands

Gas-phase studies utilizing ion-molecule reactions, supported by computational chemistry, demonstrate that the reaction of the enolate complexes [(CH2CO2-C,O)M(CH3)](-) (M = Ni (5a), Pd (5b)) with allyl acetate proceed via oxidative addition to give M(IV) species [(CH2CO2-C,O)M(CH3)(η(1)-CH2-CH═CH2)(O2CCH3-O,O')](-) (6) that reductively eliminate 1-butene, to form [(CH2CO2-C,O)M(O2CCH3-O,O')](-) (4). The mechanism contrasts with the M(II)-mediated pathway for the analogous reaction of [(phen)M(CH3)](+) (1a,b) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The different pathways demonstrate the marked effect of electron-rich metal centers in enabling higher oxidation state pathways. Due to the presence of two alkyl groups, the metal-occupied d orbitals (particularly dz(2)) in 5 are considerably destabilized, resulting in more facile oxidative addition; the electron transfer from dz(2) to the C═C π* orbital is the key interaction leading to oxidative addition of allyl acetate to M(II). Upon collision-induced dissociation, 4 undergoes decarboxylation to form 5. These results provide support for the current exploration of roles for Ni(IV) and Pd(IV) in organic synthesis.

Transition-Metal-Free Synthesis of Ynones via Decarboxylative Alkynylation of α-Keto Acids under Mild Conditions

A transition-metal-free synthetic method of various ynones via decarboxylative alkynylation of α-keto acids is described. The reaction is carried out under mild conditions and exhibits remarkable tolerance of functional groups. The mechanism of a radical process is proposed in the reaction.