Borylation of propargylic substrates by bimetallic catalysis. Synthesis of allenyl, propargylic, and butadienyl Bpin derivatives

NHC-Au-Catalyzed Isomerization of Propargylic B(MIDA)s to Allenes and Double Isomerization of Alkynes to 1,3-Dienes

The synthesis of allenyl boronates is an important yet challenging topic in organic synthesis. Reported herein is an NHC-gold-catalyzed 1,3-H shift toward allenyl boronates synthesis from simple propargylic B(MIDA)s. Mechanistic studies suggest dual roles of the boryl moiety in the reaction: to activate the substrate for isomerization and at the same time, to prevent the allene product from further isomerization. These effects should be a result of α-anion stabilization and α-cation destabilization conferred by the B(MIDA) moiety, respectively. The NHC-Au catalyst, which is commercially available, is also found to be reactive in alkyne-to-1,3-diene isomerization reactions in an atom-economic and base-free manner.

Chemoselective and Stereoselective Allylation of Bis(alkenyl)boronates

Bis(alkenyl)boronates react with optically active Ir(π-allyl) species in a process that involves allylation of the more substituted olefin and 1,2-metalate shift of the less substituted olefin. The method constructs valuable enantioenriched tertiary allylic boronic esters with high chemoselectivity, enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity. Allylic functionalization reactions transform the 1,3-stereodiad to 1,5- and 1,6-stereochemical relationships.

Catalyst-Free Propargylboration of Ketones with Allenyl-Bpins: Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of tert-Homopropargyl Alcohols Bearing Vicinal Stereocenters

A practical and efficient propargylboration of ketones is presented using general allenylboronic acid pinacol esters (allenyl-Bpins) without a catalyst. This reaction is triggered by in-situ activation of stable allenyl-Bpins through the sequential addition of 1.25 equiv. of n BuLi and the prerequisite 2.0 equiv. of TFAA. Under the optimized reaction conditions, the versatile trisubstituted allenyl-Bpins react with various ketones smoothly to afford a wide range of tert-homopropargyl alcohols bearing vicinal stereocenters in high yields with good to excellent diastereoselectivities. Furthermore, propargylboration of ketones with chiral trisubstituted allenyl-Bpins allows for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral tert-homopropargyl alcohols with a full chirality transfer.

Iron-Catalyzed Borylation of Propargylic Acetates for the Synthesis of Multisubstituted Allenylboronates

A novel iron-catalyzed borylation of propargylic acetates leading to allenylboronates has been developed. The method allows the preparation of a variety of di-, tri- and tetrasubstituted allenylboronates at room temperature with good functional group compatibility. Stereochemical studies show that an anti-S_N 2' displacement of acetate by boron occurs; this also allows transfer of chirality to yield enantiomerically enriched allenylboronates. The synthetic utility of this protocol was further substantiated by transformations of the obtained allenylboronates including oxidation and propargylation.

Palladium-catalysed construction of butafulvenes

Butafulvene is a constitutional isomer of benzene, comprising a cyclobutene skeleton bearing two exocyclic conjugated methylene units. As a result of the intrinsic high strain energy and anti-aromaticity, the preparation of butafulvene compounds has been a fundamental issue for the development of butafulvene chemistry. Here an efficient palladium-catalysed coupling protocol involving propargylic compounds has been developed, providing a solid and versatile strategy for the rapid assembly of symmetric butafulvene derivatives. Based on mechanistic studies, two complementary mechanisms, both involving palladium catalysis, have been confirmed. With the mechanism unveiled, the synthesis of non-symmetric butafulvenes has also been achieved. Advantages of this strategy include tolerance to a wide range of propargylic molecules, mild reaction conditions, simple catalytic systems and easy scalability. The synthetic potential of the products as platform molecules for cyclobutene derivatives has also been demonstrated.

Stereodivergent Synthesis of 1,3-Dienes via Protodeboronation of Homoallenylboronic Esters

Vinylboronic esters and allylboronic esters are well known to afford olefins by protodeboronation, and therefore homoallenylboronic esters should be similarly available as precursors for 1,3-dienes, but this strategy has not been well explored due to the limited availability of homoallenylboronic esters. Here, we describe a versatile synthesis of homoallenylboronic esters via lithiation-borylation and subsequent 1,2-rearrangement. The resulting homoallenylboronic esters were successfully converted into Z- and E-1,3-dienes by protodeboronation using Bu₄NF and B(C₆F₅)₃/PhOH, respectively.

Synthesis of Allenyl-Bdan via Cu(I)-Catalyzed Borylation of Propargyl gem-Dichlorides

A copper-catalyzed borylation of propargyl dichlorides was developed under mild reaction conditions. The corresponding chloro-substituted allenyl-Bdan products were obtained in good yields. The utilities of allenyl-Bdan products were examined by their diverse derivatizations.

Synergistic Pd/Cu-catalysed regio- and stereoselective borylation of allenylic carbonates

A simple Pd/Cu-catalyzed borylation of allenylic carbonates with B₂Pin₂ was developed using a cheap P(OEt)₃ ligand. Under mild neutral conditions, 2-boryl 1,3-butadienes were obtained selectively in moderate to high yields. Furthermore, the use of different diboron reagents was also feasible in the reaction.

Reductive Cleavage of Propargylic Ethers with Alkali Metal: Application to the Synthesis of Allenylboronates

Treatment of propargylic ethers with sodium dispersion in the presence of lithium iodide results in the generation of the corresponding carbanion species via cleavage of the propargylic C-O bond. The anionic species react with trimethoxyborane to yield the allenylboronates including highly substituted ones that are difficult to synthesize.

Copper-Mediated Dichotomic Borylation of Alkyne Carbonates: Stereoselective Access to (E)-1,2-Diborylated 1,3-Dienes versus Traceless Monoborylation Affording α-Hydroxyallenes

A mild copper-mediated protocol has been developed for borylation of alkynyl cyclic carbonates. Depending on the nature of the borylating reaction partner, either stereoselective diborylation of the propargylic surrogate takes place, providing convenient access to (E)-1,2-borylated 1,3-dienes, or traceless monoborylation occurs, which leads to α-hydroxyallenes as the principal product. The dichotomy in this borylation protocol has been scrutinized by several control experiments, illustrating that a relatively small change in the diboron(4) reagent allows for competitive alcohol-assisted protodemetalation to forge an α-hydroxyallene product under ambient conditions.

Diboron-controlled product selectivity switch in copper-catalyzed decarboxylative substitutions of alkynyl cyclic carbonates

DFT calculations were performed to explore the mechanisms, origins of diboron-controlled divergent product selectivity and stereoselectivity in the copper-catalyzed decarboxylative substitution of alkynyl cyclic carbonates.

Diboration of 3-substituted propargylic alcohols using a bimetallic catalyst system: access to (Z)-allyl, vinyldiboronates

The diboration of substituted propargylic alcohols has been achieved using a bimetallic Pd/Cu catalyst system. The in situ formation of a pentrafluoroboronic acid intermediate sufficiently activates the C-O bond towards dual catalysis affording (Z)-allyl, vinyldiboronates stereoselectively.

Methodologies and Strategies for Selective Borylation of C-Het and C-C Bonds

Organoborons have emerged as versatile building blocks in organic synthesis to achieve molecular diversity and as carboxylic acid bioisosteres with broad applicability in drug discovery. Traditionally, these compounds are prepared by the substitution of Grignard/lithium reagents with electrophilic boron species and Brown hydroboration. Recent developments have provided new routes for the efficient preparation of organoborons by applying reactions using chemical feedstocks with leaving groups. As compared to the previous methods that used organic halides (I, Br, and Cl), the direct borylation of less reactive C-Het and C-C bonds has become highly important to get efficiency and functional-group compatibility. This Review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this topic, including (1) C-F bond borylation, (2) C-O bond borylation, (3) C-S bond borylation, (4) C-N bond borylation, and (5) C-C bond borylation. Considerable attention is given to the strategies and mechanisms involved. We expect that this Review will inspire chemists to discover more efficient transformations to expand this field.

Access to Fused Pyrroles from Cyclic 1,3-Dienyl Boronic Esters and Arylnitroso Compounds

Complimentary to classical hydroboration and boron-Wittig reactions, a new, efficient access to cyclic 1,3-dienyl boronic esters has been developed via diene or triene metathesis. Subsequently, fused pyrroles were synthesized with a broad substrate scope from the reaction of cyclic 1,3-dienyl boronic esters with arylnitroso compounds using a one-pot hetero-Diels-Alder/ring contraction sequence.

Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,1-Diborylalkenes via Brønsted Base-Catalyzed Mixed Diboration of Alkynyl Esters and Amides with BpinBdan

The NaOtBu-catalyzed mixed 1,1-diboration of terminal alkynes using the unsymmetrical diboron reagent BpinBdan (pin = pinacolato; dan = 1,8-diaminonaphthalene) proceeds in a regio- and stereoselective fashion affording moderate to high yields of 1,1-diborylalkenes bearing orthogonal boron protecting groups. It is applicable to gram-scale synthesis without loss of yield or selectivity. The mixed 1,1-diborylalkene products can be utilized in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions which take place selectivly at the C-B site. DFT calculations suggest the NaOtBu-catalyzed mixed 1,1-diboration of alkynes occurs through deprotonation of the terminal alkyne, stepwise addition of BpinBdan to the terminal carbon followed by protonation with tBuOH. Experimentally observed selective formation of (Z)-diborylalkenes is supported by our theoretical studies.

Three-Component Borylallenylation of Alkynes: Access to Densely Boryl-Substituted Ene-allenes

Ene-allenes serve as versatile building blocks in organic synthesis, and the development of their efficient preparation is valuable. Herein the synthesis of boryl-substituted ene-allenes utilizing a Cu/Pd-catalyzed borylallenylation of alkynes with propargylic carbonates and bis(pinacolato)diboron is reported. Densely (tetra-, penta-, and hexa-) substituted ene-allenes were synthesized in acceptable yield with high regio- and stereoselectivity. More important molecule structures can be obtained by subsequent modifications.

Synthesis of Allenyl-Bdan via the Cu(I)-Catalyzed Borylation of Propargylic Alcohols with the Unsymmetric Diboron Reagent (Bpin-Bdan)

The synthesis of allenyl-Bdan has been realized via the Cu(I)-catalyzed borylation of propargylic alcohols. This methodology offers a facile and efficient pathway toward allenyboronates with diverse functional groups due to the simple access to the substrates. The substrates bearing ester groups are well-tolerated in the synthesis of allenyl-Bdan under the Lewis acidic conditions. The structures of two allenyl-Bdan were further confirmed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Copper-Catalyzed Triboration of Terminal Alkynes Using B2 pin2 : Efficient Synthesis of 1,1,2-Triborylalkenes

We report herein the catalytic triboration of terminal alkynes with B2 pin2 (bis(pinacolato)diboron) using readily available Cu(OAc)2 and Pn Bu3 . Various 1,1,2-triborylalkenes, a class of compounds that have been demonstrated to be potential matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2) inhibitors, were obtained directly in moderate to good yields. The process features mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance. This copper-catalyzed reaction can be conducted on a gram scale to produce the corresponding 1,1,2-triborylalkenes in modest yields. The utility of these products was demonstrated by further transformations of the C-B bonds to prepare gem-dihaloborylalkenes (F, Cl, Br), monohaloborylalkenes (Cl, Br), and trans-diaryldiborylalkenes, which serve as important synthons and have previously been challenging to prepare.

Deoxygenative Borylation of Secondary and Tertiary Alcohols

Two different approaches for the deoxygenative radical borylation of secondary and tertiary alcohols are presented. These transformations either proceed through a metal‐free silyl‐radical‐mediated pathway or utilize visible‐light photoredox catalysis. Readily available xanthates or methyl oxalates are used as radical precursors. The reactions show broad substrate scope and high functional‐group tolerance, and are conducted under mild and practical conditions.

Pd-Catalyzed coupling reaction of cyclobutanols with propargylic carbonates

Pd-Catalyzed ring opening coupling reaction of cyclobutanols with propargylic carbonates afforded δ-allenyl ketones efficiently.

Metal-catalyzed regiodivergent organic reactions

This review discusses metal-catalysed regiodivergent additions, allylic substitutions, CH-activation, cross-couplings and intra- or intermolecular cyclisations.

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of allenylboronic acids. Access to sterically encumbered homopropargylic alcohols and amines by propargylboration

Tri- and tetrasubstituted allenylboronic acids were prepared via a new versatile copper-catalyzed methodology. The densely functionalized allenylboronic acids readily undergo propargylboration reactions with ketones and imines without any additives. Catalytic asymmetric propargylborylation of ketones is demonstrated with high stereoselectivity allowing for the synthesis of highly enantioenriched tertiary homopropargyl alcohols. The reaction is suitable for kinetic resolution of racemic allenylboronic acids affording alkynes with adjacent quaternary stereocenters.

Catalytic, Enantioselective Synthesis of Allenyl Boronates

A method to achieve enantioselective 1,4-hydroboration of terminal enynes to access allenyl boronates under CuH catalysis is described. The reaction typically proceeds in a highly stereoselective manner and tolerates an array of synthetically useful functional groups. The utility of the enantioenriched allenyl boronate products is demonstrated through several representative downstream derivatizations.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Allenyl-B(pin) Compounds by Phosphine-Cu-Catalyzed 1,3-Enyne Hydroboration. Insights Regarding Stereochemical Integrity of Cu-Allenyl Intermediates

Catalytic enantioselective boron-hydride additions to 1,3-enynes, which afford allenyl-B(pin) (pin = pinacolato) products, are disclosed. Transformations are promoted by a readily accessible bis-phosphine-Cu complex and involve commercially available HB(pin). The method is applicable to aryl- and alkyl-substituted 1,3-enynes. Trisubstituted allenyl-B(pin) products were generated in 52-80% yield and, in most cases, in >98:2 allenyl:propargyl and 92:8-99:1 enantiomeric ratio. Utility is highlighted through a highly diastereoselective addition to an aldehyde, and a stereospecific catalytic cross-coupling process that delivers an enantiomerically enriched allene with three carbon-based substituents. The following key mechanistic attributes are elucidated: (1) Spectroscopic and computational investigations indicate that low enantioselectivity can arise from loss of kinetic stereoselectivity, which, as suggested by experimental evidence, may occur by formation of a propargylic anion generated by heterolytic Cu-C cleavage. This is particularly a problem when trapping of the Cu-allenyl intermediate is slow, namely, when an electron deficient 1,3-enyne or a less reactive boron-hydride reagent (e.g., HB(dan) (dan = naphthalene-1,8-diaminato)) is used or under non-optimal conditions (e.g., lower boron-hydride concentration causing slower trapping). (2) With enynes that contain a sterically demanding o-aryl substituent considerable amounts of the propargyl-B(pin) isomer may be generated (25-96%) because a less sterically demanding transition state for Cu/B exchange becomes favorable. (3) The phosphine ligand can promote isomerization of the enantiomerically enriched allenyl-B(pin) product; accordingly, lower ligand loading might at times be optimal. (4) Catalytic cross-coupling with an enantiomerically enriched allenyl-B(pin) compound might proceed with high stereospecificity (e.g., phosphine-Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling) or lead to considerable racemization (e.g., phosphine-Cu-catalyzed allylic substitution).

Copper-catalyzed asymmetric hydroboration of 1,3-enynes with pinacolborane to access chiral allenylboronates

A wide range of functionalized 1,3-enynes undergo hydroboration with pinacolborane to produce enantiomerically enriched allenylboronates in the presence of a chiral copper catalyst.

Rhodium/Silver Synergistic Catalysis in Highly Enantioselective Cycloisomerization/Cross Coupling of Keto-Vinylidenecyclopropanes with Terminal Alkynes

A rhodium/silver synergistic catalysis has been established, enabling cycloisomerization/cross coupling of keto-vinylidenecyclopropanes (VDCPs) with terminal alkynes toward the regio- and enantioselective formation of diversified tetrahydropyridin-3-ol tethered 1,4-enynes in good yields and high ee values. In this synergistic catalysis, Rh(I) and Ag(I) catalysts selectively activate keto-VDCP substrates and terminal alkynes to generate the π-allyl Rh(III) complex of oxa-rhodacyclic intermediate and Ag alkynyl intermediate, respectively. The rapid transmetalation of alkynyl groups from Ag to Rh is proposed to play a key role in realizing the regioselective cleavage of the distal bond of the three-membered ring in this transformation.

Lewis Acid Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Coupling of Tertiary Propargylic Alcohols with Quinoline N-Oxides

An unprecedented Lewis acid catalyzed, high-efficiency synthesis of valuable 2-(quinolin-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-ones via dehydrogenative coupling of propargylic alkynols with quinoline N-oxides is described. This protocol, which tolerates a broad range of functional groups, provides a straightforward pathway to the products 2-(quinolin-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one scaffolds in satisfactory yields. The conversion could be scaled up to gram scale efficiently, which underlines a latent application of this methodology.