Cu(I)-Catalyzed Asymmetric Multicomponent Cascade Inverse Electron-Demand Aza-Diels–Alder/Nucleophilic Addition/Ring-Opening Reaction Involving 2-Methoxyfurans as Efficient Dienophiles

Catalytic asymmetric dearomatization of phenols via divergent intermolecular (3 + 2) and alkylation reactions

The catalytic asymmetric dearomatization (CADA) reaction has proved to be a powerful protocol for rapid assembly of valuable three-dimensional cyclic compounds from readily available planar aromatics. In contrast to the well-studied indoles and naphthols, phenols have been considered challenging substrates for intermolecular CADA reactions due to the combination of strong aromaticity and potential regioselectivity issue over the multiple nucleophilic sites (O, C2 as well as C4). Reported herein are the chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed divergent intermolecular CADA reactions of common phenols with azoalkenes, which deliver the tetrahydroindolone and cyclohexadienone products bearing an all-carbon quaternary stereogenic center in good yields with excellent ee values. Notably, simply adjusting the reaction temperature leads to the chemo-divergent intermolecular (3 + 2) and alkylation dearomatization reactions. Moreover, the stereo-divergent synthesis of four possible stereoisomers in a kind has been achieved via changing the sequence of catalyst enantiomers.

PhI(OAc)2-mediated aminoacyloxylation of β,γ-unsaturated hydrazones using Togni reagent II as an acyloxyl precursor

A metal-free protocol for the direct construction of C(sp2)-N and C-O bonds via a PhI(OAc)2-mediated dehydrogenative aminoacyloxylation of β,γ-unsaturated hydrazones with Togni reagent II is reported. Initiated by the carboxyl-containing species generated in situ from Togni reagent II, this method offers a new solution for regioselective functionalization at a remote site on β,γ-unsaturated hydrazones, thus providing a straightforward method for the synthesis of acyloxyl-substituted pyridazines. This reaction features a broad substrate scope and mild conditions.

Catalytic asymmetric de novo construction of 4-pyrrolin-2-ones via intermolecular formal [3+2] cycloaddition of azoalkenes with azlactones

The chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed asymmetric intermolecular formal [3+2] cycloaddition of azoalkenes with azlactones has been established. This convergent protocol leads to a facile and enantioselective de novo construction of a wide range of fully substituted 4-pyrrolin-2-ones bearing a fully substituted carbon atom in good yields and with excellent enantioselectivities (26 examples, 72-95% yields and 87-99% ee).

Catalytic [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of sulfonium ylides derived from azoalkenes: non-carbenoid Doyle-Kirmse reaction

The Sc(III)-catalyzed [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of sulfonium ylides derived from azoalkenes has been established. Owing to the absence of a carbenoid intermediate, this protocol represents the first non-carbenoid variant of the Doyle-Kirmse reaction. Under mild conditions, a variety of tertiary thioethers have been readily prepared in good to excellent yields.

Catalytic asymmetric inverse-electron-demand aza-Diels-Alder reaction of 1,3-diazadienes with 3-vinylindoles

A facile chiral phosphoric-acid catalyzed asymmetric inverse-electron-demand aza-Diels-Alder reaction of 1,3-diazadienes with 3-vinylindoles was established. By using this mild and practical protocol, a broad range of benzothiazolopyrimidines with three contiguous stereogenic centers were prepared in good yields and excellent diastereo- and enantio-selectivities (43 examples, up to 83% yield, >99% ee and all >20 : 1 dr). A plausible concerted reaction pathway enabled by the dual hydrogen-bonding effect was proposed to account for the observed excellent enantioselectivity and specific trans-trans diastereoselectivity.

Construction of Oxo-Bridged Diazocines via Rhodium-Catalyzed (4+3) Cycloaddition of Carbonyl Ylides with Azoalkenes

Developing efficient strategies for synthesizing novel diazocine compounds is valuable because their use has been limited by their synthetic accessibility. This work describes the catalytic (4+3) cycloaddition reaction of carbonyl ylides with azoalkenes generated in situ. The rhodium-catalyzed cascade reaction features good atom and step economy, providing the first access to oxo-bridged diazocines. The product could be synthesized on a gram scale and converted into diversely substituted dihydroisobenzofurans.

Asymmetric synthesis of chiral 1,2-oxazinane and hexahydropyridazin spirocyclic scaffolds by organocatalytic [4 + 2] cycloaddition

A novel approach to synthesize chiral 1,2-oxazinane spirocyclic scaffolds by organocatalytic [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between methyleneindolinones and γ-aminooxy-α,β-unsaturated ester has been disclosed. Furthermore, a hydrazide 1,4-synthon is designed and synthesized to construct chiral hexahydropyridazin spirocyclic scaffolds with methyleneindolinones via [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. Both reactions give corresponding products in good to excellent yield, excellent diastereoselectivity and good enantioselectivity.

Chiral 1,2-oxazinane spiro-oxindole and chiral hexahydropyridazin spiro-oxindole skeletons are made through asymmetric organocatalytic reactions. Corresponding products were produced in good to excellent yield, excellent diastereoselectivity and good enantioselectivity.

Inverse Electron-Demand Aza-Diels-Alder Reaction of Cyclic Enamides with 1,2-Diaza-1,3-dienes in Situ Generated from α-Halogeno Hydrazones: Access to Fused Polycyclic Tetrahydropyridazine Derivatives

An efficient inverse electron-demand aza-Diels-Alder reaction of cyclic enamides and 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes, which could be readily formed in situ from α-halogeno hydrazones and a base, has been successfully developed. With the developed approach, a wide range of fused polycyclic tetrahydropyridazines were smoothly obtained in up to 99% yield under benign reaction conditions. This reaction concept was also extended to acyclic enamide substrates for accessing 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazines. A gram-scale experiment and further derivatizations of the polycyclic tetrahydropyridazine products were also conducted to verify the practicability of the methodology.

Further Developments and Applications of Oxazoline-Containing Ligands in Asymmetric Catalysis

The chiral oxazoline motif is present in many ligands that have been extensively applied in a series of important metal-catalyzed enantioselective reactions. This Review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the most significant applications of oxazoline-containing ligands reported in the literature starting from 2009 until the end of 2018. The ligands are classified not by the reaction to which their metal complexes have been applied but by the nature of the denticity, chirality, and donor atoms involved. As a result, the continued development of ligand architectural design from mono(oxazolines), to bis(oxazolines), to tris(oxazolines) and tetra(oxazolines) and variations thereof can be more easily monitored by the reader. In addition, the key transition states of selected asymmetric transformations will be given to illustrate the features that give rise to high levels of asymmetric induction. As a further aid to the reader, we summarize the majority of schemes with representative examples that highlight the variation in % yields and % ees for carefully selected substrates. This Review should be of particular interest to the experts in the field but also serve as a useful starting point to new researchers in this area. It is hoped that this Review will stimulate both the development/design of new ligands and their applications in novel metal-catalyzed asymmetric transformations.

Box-copper catalyzed asymmetric inverse-electron-demand oxa-hetero-Diels–Alder reaction for efficient synthesis of spiro pyranyl-oxindole derivatives

A chiral Box/Cu catalyzed asymmetric IEDDA reaction between isatin-derived β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters and electron-rich olefins was developed, which provided chiral spiro oxindole-pyrans in excellent yields with excellent stereoselectivities.

Catalytic Asymmetric Formal [3+2] Cycloaddition of Azoalkenes with 3-Vinylindoles: Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydropyrroles

Chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed highly enantioselective formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of azoalkenes with 3-vinylindoles has been established. Under mild conditions, the projected cycloaddition proceeded smoothly, affording a variety of 2,3-dihydropyrroles in high yields and excellent enantioselectivities, and also in a diastereospecific manner. As opposed to the common 4-atom synthons in the previous literature reports, azoalkenes served as 3-atom synthons. Besides, the observed selectivity was supported by primary theoretical calculation. The unique chemistry of azoalkenes disclosed herein will empower asymmetric synthesis of nitrogen-containing ring structural motifs in a broader context.

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Chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction

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2,3-Dihydropyrroles were enantioselectively synthesized

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Azoalkenes served as 3-atom synthons

Regioselective construction of pyridazine and tetrahydrocinnoline derivatives via [4 + 2] cycloaddition–elimination with α-halogeno hydrazones and enaminones

Herein, we report the de novo construction of pyridazine scaffolds via a [4 + 2] cycloaddition–elimination reaction with α-halogeno hydrazones and enaminones.

Enantioselective Dearomatization of Indoles by an Azoalkene-Enabled (3+2) Reaction: Access to Pyrroloindolines

The enantioselective dearomatization of indoles by an organocatalytic (3+2) reaction has been established. The reaction makes use of simple indole derivatives as substrates, and employs azoalkenes reaction partners. A wide range of pyrroloindolines containing an all-carbon quaternary stereogenic center were readily prepared in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities.

Perylenequinonoid-Catalyzed [4 + 1] and [4 + 2] Annulations of Azoalkenes: Photocatalytic Access to 1,2,3-Thiadiazole/1,4,5,6-Tetrahydropyridazine Derivatives

Nitrogen-containing heterocycles are especially considered "privileged" structural scaffolds for the development of new drugs. However, traditional methods of organic synthesis are mainly based on thermal cycloaddition reaction; thus, the exploration of new strategies for the rapid assembly of N-heterocycles under mild conditions is highly desirable. Here, we developed a new method that visible light along with 1 mol % cercosporin, which is one of the perylenequinonoid pigments with excellent properties of photosensitization and can be easily produced by a new isolated endophytic fungus Cercospora sp. JNU001 strain with high yield through microbial fermentation, catalyzes the synthesis of 1,2,3-thiadiazoles and 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazines by a photocatalytic process with good regioselectivity and broad functional-group compatibility under mild conditions. Thus, a bridge between microbial fermentation and organic photocatalysis for the construction of nitrogen-containing heterocycles was set up in a sustainable, environmentally friendly manner.

Highly Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of Quinuclidine Derivatives by an Iridium-Catalyzed Intramolecular Allylic Dearomatization Reaction

Asymmetric construction of quinuclidine derivatives has been realized by an iridium-catalyzed allylic dearomatization reaction. The catalytic system, derived from [Ir(cod)Cl] 2 and the Feringa ligand, tolerates a broad range of substrates. A large array of quinuclidine derivatives can be obtained under mild conditions in good to excellent yields (68%–96%), diastereoselectivity (up to >20/1 dr), and enantioselectivity (up to >99% ee). These products feature versatile functional group diversity and can undergo diverse transformations. A model that accounts for the origin of the stereoselectivity has been proposed based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Enantioselective synthesis of multi-nitrogen-containing heterocycles using azoalkenes as key intermediates

Chiral multi-nitrogen-containing heterocycles, such as pyrazole, imidazole and pyridazine, are widely found in naturally occurring organic compounds and pharmaceuticals, and hence, their stereoselective and efficient synthesis is an important issue in organic synthesis. Out of the variety of methods that have been developed over the past century, the catalytic asymmetric cyclization and cycloaddition reactions are recognized as the most synthetically useful strategies due to their step-, atom- and redox-economic nature. In particular, the recently developed annulation reactions using azoalkenes as key intermediates show their great ability to construct diverse types of multi-nitrogen-containing heterocycles. In this feature article, we critically analyse the strategic development and the efficient transformation of azoalkenes to chiral heterocycles and α-functionalized ketone derivatives since 2010. The plausible mechanism for each reaction model is also discussed.

Enantioselective dearomative [3+2] cycloaddition of 2-nitrobenzofurans with aldehyde-derived Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates

The phosphine-catalyzed asymmetric dearomative [3+2] cycloaddition of 2-nitrobenzofurans with aldehyde-derived MBH carbonates or allenoates was developed.

Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Conjugated Nitrosoalkenes and Azoalkenes

This review aims to present the most recent contributions in the chemistry of nitrosoalkenes and azoalkenes, highlighting the chemical behavior that makes them important and versatile building blocks in organic synthesis. These are heterodienes used in the assembly of a variety of heterocyclic systems, spanning from five- to seven-membered heterocycles, as well as for the functionalization of heterocycles.

Organocatalytic Dearomative [4 + 2] Cycloadditions of Biomass-Derived 2,5-Dimethylfuran with ortho-Quinone Methides: Access to Multisubstituted Chromanes

The organocatalytic dearomative [4 + 2] cycloadditions of biomass-derived 2,5-dimethylfuran with ortho-quinone methides were developed, affording two diffferent types of multisubstituted chromanes in high yields and excellent diastereoselectivities. The controllable synthesis of these two types of multisubstituted chromanes could be achieved by succinctly varying the reaction conditions.

Catalytic asymmetric inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction of fulvenes with azoalkenes

An unprecedented copper(i)-catalyzed asymmetric inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction of azoalkenes with fulvenes is reported. This methodology offers a directed entry to synthesize bicyclic tetrapyridazine derivatives in good yield with exclusive regioselectivity and excellent stereoselectivity.

An isothiourea-catalyzed asymmetric formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition of in situ generated azoalkenes with C1 ammonium enolates

An efficient isothiourea-catalyzed stereoselective formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition of α-chloro cyclic hydrazones with carboxylic acids has been developed.

5-Methylene N-acyl dihydropyridazinium ions as novel Mannich-type acceptors in 1,4 additions of nucleophiles

Mannich-type addition reactions of various type of nucleophiles with N-acyliminium ions, generated in situ from 5-methylene-6-methoxy-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazines, in the presence of BF₃·OEt₂, have been developed.

A Redox-Active Cascade Precursor: Isolation of a Zwitterionic Triphenylphosphonio-Hydrazyl Radical and an Indazolo-Indazole Derivative

A redox-active [ML] unit (M = Co^II and Mn^II; LH₂ = N'-(1,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)benzohydrazide) defined as a cascade precursor that undergoes a multicomponent redox reaction comprising of a C-N bond formation, tautomerization, oxidation, C-C coupling, demetalation, and affording 6,14-dibenzoylbenzo[f]benzo[5,6]indazolo[3a,3-c]indazole-5,8,13,16-tetraone (^IndL₂) is reported. Conversion of LH₂ → ^IndL₂ in air is overall a (6H⁺+6e) oxidation reaction, and it opens a route for the syntheses of bioactive diarylindazolo[3a,3-c]indazole derivatives. The reaction occurs via a radical coupling reaction, and the radical intermediate was isolated as a triphenylphosphonio adduct. In presence of PPh₃ the [ML] unit promotes a reaction that involves a C-P bond formation, tautomerization, and oxidation to yield a stable zwitterionic triphenylphosphonio-hydrazyl radical (^PPh3L^±•). Conversion of LH₂ → ^PPh3L^±• is a (3H⁺+3e) oxidation reaction. To authenticate the [ML] unit, in addition to the ^IndL₂, a zinc(II) complex, [(L₃)Zn^II(H₂O)Cl]·2MeOH (1·2MeOH), was successfully isolated (L₃H = a pyridazine derivative of 1,4 naphthoquinone) from a reaction of LH₂ with hydrated ZnCl₂. Conversion of 3LH₂ → 1 is also a multicomponent (6H⁺+6e) oxidation reaction promoted by zinc(II) ion via a radical intermediate. Facile oxidation of [L^2-] to [L^•-] that was considered as an intermediate of these conversions was confirmed by isolating a 1,4 naphthoquinone-benzhydrazyl radical (LH^•) complex, [(LH^•)Zn^II(H₂O)Cl₂] (2H^•). The intermediates of LH₂ → ^IndL₂, LH₂ → ^PPh3L^±•, and 3LH₂ → 1 conversions were analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. The molecular and electronic structures of ^PPh3L^±•, ^IndL₂, 1·2MeOH, and 2H^• were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations.

Catalytic Asymmetric Inverse-Electron-Demand Hetero-Diels-Alder Reactions

In this review, the recent developments in catalytic asymmetric inverse-electron-demand hetero-Diels-Alder reaction, which is recognized as one of the most powerful routes to construct highly functionalized and enantioenriched six-membered heterocycles, are described. The article is organized on the basis of different kinds of electron-deficient heterodienes, including α,β-unsaturated ketones/aldehydes, o-benzoquinones, α,β-unsaturated imines, N-aryl imines, o-benzoqinone imides, and other aza-olefins.

PPh3-Mediated [4 + 2]- and [4 + 1]-Annulations of Maleimides with Azoalkenes: Access to Fused Tetrahydropyridazine/Pyrrolidinedione and Spiro-dihydropyrazole/Pyrrolidinedione Derivatives

Unprecedented PPh₃-mediated [4 + 2]- and [4 + 1]-annulation of maleimides with in situ formed azoalkenes have been successfully developed, affording fused tetrahydropyridazine/pyrrolidinedione and spiro-dihydropyrazole/pyrrolidinedione derivatives in good yields under mild reaction conditions. Maleimides serve as C2 synthons in the [4 + 2]-annulation using 1,2-dichloroethane as the solvent in the presence of 20 mol % of PPh₃. With a stoichiometric amount of PPh₃ in acetone, maleimides serve as C1 synthons, and the in situ formed phosphorus ylide is the key intermediate to realize this [4 + 1]-annulation.

Isolation, structure elucidation, and KDD study of (−)-Celosine, a new skeleton with potent anti-atherosclerosis activity

Natural (−)-Celosine was isolated as a novel endocyclicditerpene with an unprecedented skeleton from Celosia cristata L.

Enantioselective intermolecular all-carbon [4+2] annulation via N-heterocyclic carbene organocatalysis

The challenge of asymmetric intermolecular all-carbon [4+2] annulation via α,β-unsaturated acyl azoliums was addressed with 2-acyloxy-3-butenones as suitable dienolate precursors, and a variety of highly functionalized cyclohexene products were delivered at a high level of enantioselectivity.

Construction of 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazines via [4 + 2] cycloaddition of α-halogeno hydrazones to imines

In the presence of sodium carbonate, the [4 + 2] cycloaddition of α-halogeno hydrazones to imines proceeded readily, and furnished 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,2,4-triazines in moderate to high chemical yields.