Dearomative Indole Cycloaddition Reactions of Aza-Oxyallyl Cationic Intermediates: Modular Access to Pyrroloindolines

α-Halocarbonyls as a Valuable Functionalized Tertiary Alkyl Source

This review introduces the synthetic organic chemical value of α-bromocarbonyl compounds with tertiary carbons. This α-bromocarbonyl compound with a tertiary carbon has been used primarily only as a radical initiator in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) reactions. However, with the recent development of photo-radical reactions (around 2010), research on the use of α-bromocarbonyl compounds as tertiary alkyl radical precursors became popular (around 2012). As more examples were reported, α-bromocarbonyl compounds were studied not only as radicals but also for their applications in organometallic and ionic reactions. That is, α-bromocarbonyl compounds act as nucleophiles as well as electrophiles. The carbonyl group of α-bromocarbonyl compounds is also attractive because it allows the skeleton to be converted after the reaction, and it is being applied to total synthesis. In our survey until 2022, α-bromocarbonyl compounds can be used to perform a full range of reactions necessary for organic synthesis, including multi-component reactions, cross-coupling, substitution, cyclization, rearrangement, stereospecific reactions, asymmetric reactions. α-Bromocarbonyl compounds have created a new trend in tertiary alkylation, which until then had limited reaction patterns in organic synthesis. This review focuses on how α-bromocarbonyl compounds can be used in synthetic organic chemistry.

Transition-Metal-Free Direct α-Arylation of Weinreb-type Amides with Arylboronic Acids through Aza-oxyallyl Cation Intermediates

Here, we report an efficient transition-metal-free C(sp2)-C(sp3) Suzuki-Miyaura-type cross-coupling between α-halo Weinreb-type amides and arylboronic acids. The reaction is carried out by capturing active aza-oxyallyl cation (AOAC) with arylboronic acid to form a boron "ate" complex, followed by 1,4-migration to give α-aryl amides with good yields.

Heteroannulation of Arynes with α-Bromodifluorohydroxamates: An Efficient and General Approach to Access 2,2-Difluoro Indoxyls

Herein, we report the first general approach to access N-alkoxy-2,2-difluoro indoxyls, via formal 3 + 2 cycloaddition of aryne and (putative) fluorinated-aza-oxyallyl cation. This transition-metal/oxidant-free transformation occurs under mild reaction conditions with a short reaction time. Mechanistic investigation indicates the possible involvement of the closed form of fluorinated-aza-oxyallyl cation, viz., α-lactam, in the current transformation.

Discovery of a Novel Pseudo-Natural Product Aurora Kinase Inhibitor Chemotype through Morphological Profiling

The pseudo-natural product (pseudo-NP) concept aims to combine NP fragments in arrangements that are not accessible through known biosynthetic pathways. The resulting compounds retain the biological relevance of NPs but are not yet linked to bioactivities and may therefore be best evaluated by unbiased screening methods resulting in the identification of unexpected or unprecedented bioactivities. Herein, various NP fragments are combined with a tricyclic core connectivity via interrupted Fischer indole and indole dearomatization reactions to provide a collection of highly three-dimensional pseudo-NPs. Target hypothesis generation by morphological profiling via the cell painting assay guides the identification of an unprecedented chemotype for Aurora kinase inhibition with both its relatively highly 3D structure and its physicochemical properties being very different from known inhibitors. Biochemical and cell biological characterization indicate that the phenotype identified by the cell painting assay corresponds to the inhibition of Aurora kinase B.

Indole as a Versatile Building Block in Cycloaddition Reactions: Synthesis of Diverse Heterocyclic Frameworks

Indole, a ubiquitous and structurally versatile aromatic compound, has emerged as a key player in the synthesis of diverse heterocyclic frameworks via cycloaddition reactions. These reactions are completely atom-economical and, hence, are considered as green reactions. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the pivotal role played by indole in the construction of complex and biologically relevant heterocyclic compounds. Here we explore the chemistry of indole-based cycloadditions, highlighting their synthetic utility in accessing a wide array of heterocyclic architectures, including cyclohepta[b]indoles, tetrahydrocarbazoles, tetrahydroindolo[3,2-c]quinoline, and indolines, among others. Additionally, we discuss the mechanistic insights that underpin these transformations, emphasizing the strategic importance of indole as a building block. The content of this article will certainly encourage the readers to explore more work in this area.

Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Decarboxylation of 5-Vinyloxazolidine-2,4-Diones Triggering the Dearomatization of Electron-Deficient Indoles for the Synthesis of Chiral Highly Functionalized Pyrroloindolines

A catalyst system consisting of a chiral phosphoramidite ligand and Pd2(dba)3·CHCl3 causes the decarboxylation of 5-vinyloxazolidine-2,4-diones to generate amide-containing aza-π-allylpalladium 1,3-dipole intermediates, which are capable of triggering the dearomatization of 3-nitroindoles for diastereo- and enantioselective [3+2] cycloaddition, leading to the formation of a series of highly functionalized pyrroloindolines containing three contiguous stereogenic centers with excellent results (up to 99% yield, 88:12 dr, and 96% ee).

Synthesis of Isoquinuclidines via Dearomative Diels-Alder Reaction of Cyclic Amidines with Indoles

The development and utilization of new dienes and dienophiles for the controlled synthesis of isoquinuclidines is highly appealing. Herein, we describe a novel strategy for diastereoselective synthesis of indoline-fused isoquinuclidines via copper-catalyzed dearomative Diels-Alder reaction of cyclic amidines with indoles. This protocol avoids the use of unstable DHPs and activated alkenes, offering a more efficient and selective approach to synthesize isoquinuclidines.

Design and synthesis of novel 1,2,3,4-tetrazines as new anti-leukemia cancer agents

A series of novel 1,2,3,4-tetrazines were designed and synthesized. 1 H-NMR spectroscopy, 13 C NMR spectroscopy, and HRMS were used to determine the structures of this novel compounds. Computational approaches suggested that DHFR is a putative target for the newly synthesized 11 compounds. Extensive molecular dynamics simulations followed by molecular docking simulations were employed to evaluate DHFR as a potential target protein. The anticancer activities of the compounds were evaluated against five different types of leukemia cell lines (Jurkat, Nalm-6, Reh, K562, and Molt-4) and one non-leukemic cell line (Hek293T) by MTT test in vitro and imatinib was used as a control drug. Among these compounds, 3a exhibited the best activity against all the leukemic cell lines, except Reh cell line. For Nalm-6, K562, Jurkat, and Molt-4 cell lines, IC50 values were found to be 15.98, 19.12, 23.15, and 25.80 μM, respectively. Our work focuses on the synthesis of original and novel 1,2,3,4-tetrazine derivatives while contributing to the ongoing effort to discover more potent new antileukemia agents.

Base-Promoted Formal (3 + 2) Cycloaddition of α-Halohydroxamates with Electron-Deficient Alkenyl-iminoindolines To Synthesize Spiro-indolinepyrrolidinones

Construction of pyrrolidinyl-spiroindoles with easily available starting materials has attracted considerable attention from the synthesis community and is in great demand. Here, we describe a base-promoted formal (3 + 2) cycloaddition of α-halohydroxamates with alkenyl-iminoindolines. The present methodology features mild reaction conditions and a broad substrate scope with up to 99% yield and excellent diastereoselectivity. The versatility of this approach is demonstrated through valuable synthetic transformations. Preliminary mechanistic studies shed light on the mechanism of this cycloaddition process.

A concise approach to 2-pyrrolin-5-one scaffold construction from α-halohydroxamates and β-keto compounds

A concise approach to the construction of the 2-pyrrolin-5-one scaffold was developed via a one-pot reaction with formal [3 + 2] annulation/elimination between β-keto nitrile/β-keto ester and unsubstituted α-halohydroxamates. This reaction features mild conditions, easy handling, broad substrate scope and good yields. Remarkably, the products could be readily converted into potentially bioactive alkylidenepyrrolinones, pyrroles, pyran-fused pyrrole heterocycles and other useful compounds, exhibiting versatile synthetic potential.

Expedient (3+3)-annulation of in situ generated azaoxyallyl cations with diaziridines

Efficient annulation of in situ formed azaoxyallyl cations using a base has been accomplished with diaziridines to provide 1,2,4-triazines at room temperature. The substrate scope, scale up, functional group tolerance and transition-metal free reaction conditions are the important practical features.

Total Synthesis of (±)-N-Methyldibromoisophakellin and N-Methylugibohlin via Net [3+2] Cycloguanidinylations Employing 2-Amido-1,3-Diamino-Allyl Cations

A concise total synthesis of (±)-N-methyldibromoisophakellin, a member of the monomeric pyrrole-aminoimidazole alkaloid family isolated from the marine sponge Stylissa carbica, was achieved via a net [3+2] cycloaddition to install the cyclic guanidine. This ring annulation employs a 2-amido-1,3-aminoallyl cation obtained under oxidative conditions from variously N-substituted guanidines which in one instance led to isolation of a tetracycle bearing a carbinolamine center through subsequent benzylic oxidation. Finally, the serendipitous formation of a unique, related alkenyl guanidine, N-methylugibohlin, achieved via ring opening of cyclic guanidine under acidic conditions suggests that ugibohlin may be an artifact of isolation.

Divergent Construction of N-Doped Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Indole as the Nitrogen Source Building Block

An Ag/Au-catalyzed divergent cascade reaction of alkyne embedded diazoketones with indoles has been described. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction goes through a [4+2]-cycloaddition of an in situ formed isobenzopyrylium intermediate with indole, followed by a sequential retro-Michael addition/carbene N-H insertion process to give the benzo[i]phenanthridines products with gold catalysis; whereas a dearomatization/rearomatization sequence occurs favourably when the reaction is catalyzed by a silver catalyst, delivering benzo[b]carbazoles in generally high to excellent yields. Notably, this is a rare example of using indole as the dienophile for cycloaddition with the isobenzopyrylium species, providing a concise and practical approach for the selective construction of N-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with structural diversity and broad functional-group compatibility.

Access to Sterically Hindered Thioethers (α-Thioamides) Under Mild Conditions Using α-Halohydroxamates: Application toward 1,4-Benzothiazinones and 4,1-Benzothiazepinones

Herein, we report a new and highly efficient approach for synthesizing congested α-thioamides under mild reaction conditions (mild base, room temperature, and short duration) using α-halo hydroxamates as direct alkylating agents. The reaction works well with both (hetero)aryl and alkyl thiols, tolerating a broad functional group and diverse substrate scope, including benzeneselenol for selenoether construction. The strategy enables efficient synthesis of biologically relevant 1,4 benzothiazinone and 4,1-benzothiazepinone cores, along with various other functionalized sulfur-based scaffolds of biological importance.

Palladium-Catalyzed Dearomative [4 + 2]-Cycloaddition toward Hydrocarbazoles

An efficient method for the construction of hydrocarbazoles bearing three continuous sterically hindered stereocenters, two quaternary and one tertiary, via a highly diastereoselective palladium-catalyzed [4 + 2]-cycloaddition/dearomatization of 3-nitroindoles has been developed. The cycloaddition of 3-nitroindoles occurs at ambient conditions with a 1,4-zwitterionic intermediate, in situ generated from γ-methylidene-δ-valerolactones. The further synthetic utility of this method is demonstrated by the multifaceted transformations possible from the products. The catalytic asymmetric aspect of this transformation has also been explored.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of Dihydrobenzofuran-Fused Spiroindolizidines via Double-Dearomative [3 + 2] Cycloadditions

Spiroindolizidine oxindoles represent a kind of privileged scaffold in many biologically active natural alkaloids. 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran derivatives exhibit significant bioactivities in a variety of pharmaceuticals. Herein, we assembled these two privileged fragments into a small molecule via double-dearomative [3 + 2] cycloadditions with pyridinium ylides and 2-nitrobenzofurans. This protocol features remarkable advantages including wide substrate scope, mild condition, high level of diastereoselectivities and yields. Thus, a collection of spiroindolizidine-fused dihydrobenzofurans/indolines were facilely produced efficiently.

HFIP in Organic Synthesis

1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is a polar, strongly hydrogen bond-donating solvent that has found numerous uses in organic synthesis due to its ability to stabilize ionic species, transfer protons, and engage in a range of other intermolecular interactions. The use of this solvent has exponentially increased in the past decade and has become a solvent of choice in some areas, such as C-H functionalization chemistry. In this review, following a brief history of HFIP in organic synthesis and an overview of its physical properties, literature examples of organic reactions using HFIP as a solvent or an additive are presented, emphasizing the effect of solvent of each reaction.

Dual Roles of Azide: Dearomative Dimerization of Furfuryl Azides

A dearomative dimerization of furfuryl azides for the construction of furfuryl triazoles is developed. As a rare leaving group, azide is capable of initiating the generation of a furfuryl cation under the Lewis acid-catalyzed conditions, followed by reacting with the other azide to realize an intermolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition/furan ring-opening cascade. By extending the reaction time, a fragmentation reaction of resulting furfuryl triazoles occurs to afford 1H-triazoles in high yield. Control studies demonstrated that key furfuryl cations also can be obtained from furfuryl triazoles. Furthermore, a chemoselective cross-cycloaddition can be achieved between furfuryl azides and a benzyl azide.

Dearomative (3 + 2) Cycloadditions of Unprotected Indoles

The (3 + 2) cycloaddition of various indoles with a dithioallyl cation affords dearomatized cyclopentannulated adducts, with complete control of regioselectivity and excellent chemo- and diastereoselectivity. The success of the reaction critically relies on the use of an excess of very strong Brønsted acid, which paradoxically prevents carbocationic side reactions. The reaction tolerates sensitive functionalities such as basic amines or free hydroxyls, and we demonstrate its use in late stage derivatization of highly functionalized, unprotected indoles.

Access to 3,3'-disubstituted peroxyoxindole derivatives and α-peroxyamides via azaoxyallyl cation-guided addition of hydroperoxides

Herein, a transition metal-free approach for access to 3,3'-disubstituted peroxyoxindole is disclosed, which harnesses a transient azaoxyallyl cation. This strategy is also applicable to the synthesis of structurally diverse α-peroxycarboxylic acid surrogates. The method exhibits good functional group tolerance and is suitable for generating a library of peroxy-containing compounds.

Synthesis of spirocyclic oxazole derivatives from 2-arylidene cycloalkanones and α-halohydroxamates

Herein we disclose a facile route to spirocyclic oxazole derivatives via [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between 2-arylidene cycloalkanones and azaoxyallyl cations that formed in situ from α-halohydroxamates in the presence of base. This methodology was shown to lead to an efficient formation of a series of functionalized spirocyclic oxazole derivatives in good to excellent yields.

Base-controlled dearomative [3 + 2] cycloadditions between 3-nitro-indoles and fumaric acid amide esters

The base-controlled dearomative [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between 3-nitroindoles and fumaric acid amide esters has been disclosed by using the dearomatization and aromatization strategy. Three kinds of diverse functionalized pyrrolo[2,3-b]indole derivatives were obtained respectively with excellent chemoselectivities and good diastereoselectivities using different bases.

Base-Promoted Formal [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of α-Halohydroxamates with Carbon Disulfide to Synthesize Polysubstituted Rhodanines

A concise and practical strategy via potassium-carbonate-mediated [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of α-halohydroxamates with the common solvent carbon disulfide for the synthesis of functionalized rhodanine derivatives in good to excellent yields is developed. The present methodology features a wide substrate scope as well as good functional group tolerance. The potential synthetic utility of this protocol is demonstrated by synthesis of a series of natural product derivatives containing rhodamine skeletons.

Aza-Oxyallyl Cation Driven 3-Amido Oxetane Rearrangement to 2-Oxazolines: Access to Oxazoline Amide Ethers

Herein, we report a highly facile and unprecedented activation of 3-amido oxetanes to synthesize 2-oxazoline amide ethers using a transient electrophilic aza-oxyallyl cation as an activating as well as an alkylating agent under mild reaction conditions. The aza-oxyallyl cation driven intramolecular rearrangement of 3-amido oxetanes to 2-oxazolines is the hallmark of this transformation and is a new addition to the reactivity profile of aza-oxyallyl cations.

Studies on the Origin of the Stabilizing Effects of Fluorinated Alcohols and Weakly Coordinated Fluorine-Containing Anions on Cationic Reaction Intermediates

Many synthetic methods that use fluorinated alcohols as solvents have been reported, and the fluorinated alcohols have been found to be crucial to the success of these methods. In addition, there have been reports indicating that adding a weakly coordinated fluorine-containing anion, such as BF₄^-, PF₆^-, or SbF₆^-, to fluorinated alcohols can improve yields. The boosting effect of fluorinated alcohols is attributed mainly to hydrogen bond activation. A few studies have suggested that the very polar fluorinated alcohols can stabilize cationic reaction intermediates. However, how they do so and why weakly coordinated fluorine-containing anions improve yields have not been studied in depth. Here, we used quaternary ammonium cations, a quaternary phosphonium cation, and a triaryl-substituted carbocation as models for short-lived cationic intermediates and studied the possible interactions of these cations with fluorinated alcohols and BF₄^-, PF₆^-, or SbF₆^-. On the basis of the results, we propose that the C-F dipoles of fluorinated alcohols and the E-F dipoles (where E is B, P, or Sb) of weakly coordinated fluorine-containing anions stabilized these cations by intermolecular charge-dipole interactions. We deduced that in the same fashion the C-F and E-F dipoles can thermodynamically stabilize cationic reaction intermediates.

(3 + 2) cycloaddition of 2-alkoxynaphthalenes with azaoxyallyl cations: access to benzo[e]indolones

A route to functionalized benzo[e]indolones has been reported via (3 + 2) cycloaddition of in situ generated azaoxyallyl cations with alkoxynaphthalene followed by aryl C–O bond cleavage. The intermediate adduct has been isolated and characterized.

Palladium-Catalyzed One-Pot Synthesis of Pyrroloindolines from 2-Alkynyl Arylazides and Thioacetamides

A novel and efficient synthetic method for the preparation of various pyrroloindolines from 2-alkynyl arylazides and thioacetamides was developed. The reaction was carried out in a one-pot process under mild reaction conditions to afford the products in moderate to good yields, which has the potential to be used in organic synthesis.

Photoinduced [3+2] Annulation of Alkene with o-Iodoanilines: An Expedient Approach to Indolines

A highly regioselective [3+2] cyclization of alkenes with 2-iodoanilines under the irradiation of UV light is described. This general, metal-free strategy facilitates the direct preparation of 2-mono-/disubstituted indolines as well as spiroindolines through alkene carboamination in one step. Mechanistic studies suggested that the photochemical protocol proceeded via a radical pathway.

Synthesis, Characterization of Spirocyclic λ3 -Iodanes and Their Application to Prepare 4,1-Benzoxazepine-2,5-diones and 1,3-Diynes

Herein, a [3+2] cycloaddition of aza-oxyallylic cations with ethynylbenziodoxolones for synthesis of new λ³ -iodanes containing spirocyclic 4-oxazolidinone has been developed. This cyclic λ³ -iodanes display stability in air and excellent solubility in organic solvent. Using them as substrate, both the 4,1-benzoxazepine-2,5-diones and symmetrical 1,3-diynes derivatives were afforded in high yield under copper(I)-catalyzed conditions.

Diastereoselective [3 + 1] Cyclization Reaction of Oxindolyl Azaoxyallyl Cations with Sulfur Ylides: Assembly of 3,3'-Spiro[β-lactam]-oxindoles

Oxindoles and β-lactams are attractive structural motifs because of their unique biological importance. However, the fusion of the two moieties featuring 3,3'-spirocyclic scaffolds is a challenging task in organic synthesis. Herein we designed a novel type of oxindole-based azaoxyallyl cation synthons, which could readily participate in the [3 + 1] cyclization with sulfur ylides. With this protocol, a collection of 3,3-spiro[β-lactam]-oxindoles were facilely produced in up to 94% yield with perfect diastereoselectivity.

A Role for Isatin Azomethine Imines as a Dipolarophile in Cycloaddition Reactions

An unusual [2 + 3] cycloaddition of isatin azomethine imines (AIs) and in situ generated azaoxyallyl cations has been developed. It is the first example where AIs serve as the [C,O] 2-atom synthon in organic synthesis. This work not only reveals a new role of isatin AIs in cycloaddition reaction but also provides an efficient access to unprecedented spiroheterocycle compounds.

Metal free amination of congested and functionalized alkyl bromides at room temperature

Herein, we report a highly facile and unprecedented approach to synthesize congested N-(hetero)aryl amines en route to α-amino acid amides using α-bromoamides as alkylating agents under mild reaction conditions (room temperature). The involvement of aza-oxyallyl cations as alkylating agents is the hallmark of this reaction. The method was readily adapted for the rapid synthesis of coveted 1,4-benzodiazepine-3,5-diones.

Synthesis of Cyclohepta[b]indoles by (4 + 3) Cycloaddition of 2-Vinylindoles or 4H-Furo[3,2-b]indoles with Oxyallyl Cations

The synthesis of cyclohepta[b]indole derivatives through the dearomative (4 + 3) cycloaddition reaction of 2-vinylindoles or 4H-furo[3,2-b]indoles with in situ generated oxyallyl cations is reported. Oxyallyl cations are generated from α-bromoketones in the presence of a base and a perfluorinated solvent. Cyclohepta[b]indole scaffolds are obtained under mild reaction conditions, in the absence of expensive catalysts, starting from simple reagents, in good to excellent yields and with complete diasteroselectivity. Preliminary expansion of the scope to 3-vinylindoles and to aza-oxyallyl cations is reported.

Synthesis of 1,4-diazepinone derivatives via a domino aza-Michael/SN2 cyclization of 1-azadienes with α-halogenoacetamides

A novel cyclization of α-halogenoacetamides with 1-azadienes has been developed for the efficient preparation of monocyclic 1,4-diazepinones in one step under transition metal-free conditions. Various α-halogenoacetamides and 1-azadienes are well tolerated and give the desired products in good to excellent yields. This cyclization also demonstrates potential synthetic utility on a gram-scale and further transformation.

Generation and Reactivity of 2-Amido-1,3-diaminoallyl Cations: Cyclic Guanidine Annulations via Net (3 + 2) and (4 + 3) Cycloadditions

Toward a method for direct conversion of alkenes to cyclic guanidines, we report that 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of 2-amido-1,3-diamino allylic cations with alkenes provide a new method for direct cyclic guanidine annulation. Generated under oxidative conditions, the 2-amido-1,3-diaminoallyl cations react as 1,3-dipoles providing rapid access to 2-amino imidazolines through net (3 + 2) cycloadditions. The utility is demonstrated through a concise synthesis of the oroidin alkaloid, phakellin. The described 1,3-dipole also participates in net (4 + 3) cycloadditions with dienes.

The Fascinating Chemistry of α-Haloamides

The aim of this review is to highlight the rich chemistry of α-haloamides originally mainly used to discover new C-N, C-O and C-S bond forming reactions, and later widely employed in C-C cross-coupling reactions with C(sp3), C(sp2) and C(sp) coupling partners. Radical-mediated transformations of α-haloamides bearing a suitable located unsaturated bond has proven to be a straightforward alternative to access diverse cyclic compounds by means of either radical initiators, transition metal redox catalysis or visible light photoredox catalysis. On the other hand, cycloadditions with α-halohydroxamate-based azaoxyallyl cations have garnered significant attention. Moreover, in view of the important role in life and materials science of difluoroalkylated compounds, a wide range of catalysts has been developed for the efficient incorporation of difluoroacetamido moieties into activated as well as unactivated substrates.