Regio- and Enantioselective Rhodium-Catalyzed Allylic Alkylation of Racemic Allylic Alcohols with 1,3-Diketones

Recent Advances on the Catalytic Asymmetric Allylic α-Alkylation of Carbonyl Derivatives Using Free Allylic Alcohols

During the last years, the development of more sustainable and straightforward methodologies to minimize the generation of waste organic substances has acquired high importance within synthetic organic chemistry. Therefore, it is not surprising that many efforts are devoted to ameliorating already well-known successful methodologies, that is, the case of the asymmetric allylic allylation reaction of carbonyl compounds. The use of free alcohols as alkylating agents in this transformation represents a step forward in this sense since it minimizes waste production and the substrate manipulation. In this review, we aim to gather the most recent methodologies describing this strategy by paying special attention to the reaction mechanisms, as well as their synthetic applications.

Tridentate Sulfoxide-N-olefin Hybrid Ligands in Rhodium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Substitution

A well-defined tridentate chiral sulfoxide-N-olefin ligand has been designed and applied in rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitutions of racemic allylic carbonates, providing the branched allylic products in good yields with good to high enantioselectivities and excellent regioselectivities. This reaction mechanism, which involves the possible hemilability of olefin coordination on sulfoxide-N-olefin hybrid ligands with rhodium, is elaborated as well.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Tandem Asymmetric Allylic Decarboxylative Addition and Cyclization of Vinylethylene Carbonates with N-Nosylimines

A enantioselective tandem transformation, concerning asymmetric allylic decarboxylative addition and cyclization of N-nosylimines with vinylethylene carbonates (VECs), in the presence of [Rh(C2H4)2Cl]2, chiral sulfoxide-N-olefin tridentate ligand has been developed. The reaction of VECs with various substituted N-nosylimines proceeded smoothly under mild conditions, providing highly functionalized oxazolidine frameworks in good to high yields with good to excellent enantioselectivity.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Allylations: Development and Mechanistic Studies

In recent years, there has been a concerted drive to develop methods that are greener and more sustainable. Being an earth-abundant transition metal, cobalt offers an attractive substitute for commonly employed precious metal catalysts, though reactions engaging cobalt are still less developed. Herein, we report a method to achieve the decarboxylative allylation of nitrophenyl alkanes, nitroalkanes, and ketones employing cobalt. The reaction allows for the formation of various substituted allylated products in moderate-excellent yields with a broad scope. Additionally, the synthetic potential of the methodology is demonstrated by the transformation of products into versatile heterocyclic motifs. Mechanistic studies revealed an in situ activation of the Co(II)/dppBz precatalyst by the carboxylate salt to generate a Co(I)-species, which is presumed to be the active catalyst.

Quaternary Stereocenters via Catalytic Enantioconvergent Allylation of Epoxides

The development of catalytic and enantioselective transformations for the synthesis of all-carbon quaternary stereocenters has long been recognized as a significant challenge in organic synthesis. While considerable progress has been made in asymmetric allylations, their potential to functionalize the commonly used synthon, epoxide, remains largely underexplored. Here we demonstrate the first highly regio- and enantioselective allylation of epoxides that delivers a range of quaternary stereocenters in the face of potentially problematic elimination and protonation reactions. The reaction proceeds via a radical approach under mild conditions and benefits from the use of earth-abundant titanium with a highly sophisticated salen ligand, which facilitates remarkable enantiocontrol and suppresses undesired side reactions. The resulting allylation products are multifunctional building blocks that can be elaborated chemo- and stereoselectively to a broad array of stereodefined structural motifs.

Development of Immobilized Carreira (Phosphoramidite, Olefin) Ligands and Application in Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Amination

A family of polystyrene-supported (phosphoramidite, olefin) ligands L1-L4, based on the original design by Defieber and Carreira, has been developed and applied in iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic amination of unmasked allylic alcohols (27 examples, up to 99% ee). Among them, functional resins L1 and L4 exhibit important advantages such as easy preparation, ligand recyclability, and easy handling for sequential use. As a distinctive advantage, the catalytic use of the iridium complexes of L1 and L4 allows the straightforward reuse of a high percentage of the expensive iridium metal involved in the complexes, which is not achievable under homogeneous conditions with the corresponding monomeric complexes.

Site-Selective C-H Allylation of Alkanes: Facile Access to Allylic Quaternary sp3 -Carbon Centers

The construction of allylic quaternary sp³ -carbon centers has long been a formidable challenge in transition-metal-catalyzed alkyl-allyl coupling reactions due to the severe steric hindrance. Herein, we report an effective carbene strategy that employs well-defined vinyl-N-triftosylhydrazones as a versatile allylating reagent to enable direct assembly of these medicinally desirable structural elements from low-cost alkane feedstocks. The reaction exhibited excellent site selectivity for tertiary C-H bonds, broad scope (>60 examples and >20 : 1:0 r. r.) and good efficiency, even on a gram-scale, making it a convenient alternative to the well-known Trost-Tsuji allylation reaction for the formation of alkyl-allyl bonds. Combined experimental and computational studies were employed to unravel the mechanism and origin of site- and chemoselectivity of the reaction.

Boron-catalysed transition-metal-free arylation and alkenylation of allylic alcohols with boronic acids

The development of efficient catalytic reactions with excellent atom and step economy employing sustainable catalysts is highly sought-after in chemical synthesis to reduce the negative effects on the environment. The most commonly-used strategy to construct allylic compounds relies on the transition-metal-catalysed nucleophilic substitution reaction of allylic alcohol derivatives. These syntheses exhibit good yield and selectivity, albeit at the expense of toxic and expensive catalysts and extra steps. In this paper, we report a transition-metal-free arylation and alkenylation reaction between unprotected allylic alcohols and boronic acids. The reactions were performed with B(C₆F₅)₃ as the catalyst in toluene, and corresponding products were obtained in 23-92% yields. The reaction has mild conditions, scalability, excellent atom and step economy.

Intensification of Double Kinetic Resolution of Chiral Amines and Alcohols via Chemoselective Formation of a Carbonate-Enzyme Intermediate

Chiral amines and alcohols are synthons of numerous pharmaceutically-relevant compounds. The previously developed enzymatic kinetic resolution approaches utilize a chiral racemic molecule and achiral acyl donor (or acyl acceptor). Thus, only one enantiodivergent step of the catalytic cycle is engaged, which does not fully exploit the enzyme’s abilities. The first carbonate-mediated example of simultaneous double chemoselective kinetic resolution of chiral amines and alcohols is described. Herein, we established a biocatalytic approach towards four optically-pure compounds (>99% ee, Enantioselectivity: E > 200) via double enzymatic kinetic resolution, engaging chiral organic carbonates as acyl donors. High enantioselectivity was ensured by extraordinary chemoselectivity in lipase-catalyzed formation of unsymmetrical organic carbonates and engaged in a process applicable for the synthesis of enantiopure organic precursors of valuable compounds. This study focused not only on preparative synthesis, but additionally the catalytic mechanism was discussed and the clear impact of this rarely observed carbonate-derived acyl enzyme was shown. The presented protocol is characterized by atom efficiency, acyl donor sustainability, easy acyl group removal, mild reaction conditions, and biocatalyst recyclability, which significantly decreases the cost of the reported process.

Chiral Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Intramolecular Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of Indoles with Primary Alcohols

Herein, chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed intramolecular asymmetric allylic alkylation of indoles with allylic primary alcohols is described. The allyl alcohols were directly employed as the allylic precursors in this metal-free protocol, without preactivation or any additional activating reagents. This method provides the convenient synthesis of a broad range of functionalized tetrahydrocarbazoles in excellent yields (≤97%) with good enantioselectivity (≤93% ee). The optimal conditions are compatible for gram-scale reaction.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Medium-Sized-Ring Lactones via Iridium-Catalyzed Z-Retentive Asymmetric Allylic Substitution Reaction

Medium-sized rings are important structural units, but their synthesis, especially in a highly enantioselective manner, has been a great challenge. Herein we report an enantioselective synthesis of medium-sized-ring lactones by an iridium-catalyzed Z-retentive asymmetric allylic substitution reaction. The reaction features mild conditions and a broad substrate scope. Various eight- to 11-membered-ring lactones can be afforded in moderate to excellent yields (up to 88%) and excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee). The utilization of both Z-allyl precursors and an Ir catalyst is critical for the medium-sized-ring formation.

Recent Progress in the Synthesis of Heterocycles Based on 1,3-Diketones

N,O-heterocycles containing the dicarbonyl ring play a significant role in heterocyclic and therapeutic chemistry. Since the discovery of 1,3-diketones, numerous research works have been achieved regarding the synthesis and its chemical reactivity. In this review, we have described the most relevant publications involving β-diketone compounds published during the period between 2018 to date. In addition, we include the 1,3-diketones-based heterocyclic compounds prepared by various synthetic methodologies.

Enantioselective Lactonization by π-Acid-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution: A Complement to π-Allylmetal Chemistry

Asymmetric allylic alkylation (AAA) is a powerful method for the formation of highly useful, non-racemic allylic compounds. Here we present a complementary enantioselective process that generates allylic lactones via π-acid catalysis. More specifically, a catalytic enantioselective dehydrative lactonization of allylic alcohols using a novel Pd^II -catalyst containing the imidazole-based P,N-ligand (S)-StackPhos is reported. The high-yielding reactions are operationally simple to perform with enantioselectivities up to 99 % ee. This strategy facilitates the replacement of a poor leaving group with what would ostensibly be a better leaving group in the product avoiding complications arising from racemization by equilibration.

Dirhodium(II)/Xantphos-Catalyzed Relay Carbene Insertion and Allylic Alkylation Process: Reaction Development and Mechanistic Insights

Although dirhodium-catalyzed multicomponent reactions of diazo compounds, nucleophiles and electrophiles have achieved great advance in organic synthesis, the introduction of allylic moiety as the third component via allylic metal intermediate remains a formidable challenge in this area. Herein, an attractive three-component reaction of readily accessible amines, diazo compounds, and allylic compounds enabled by a novel dirhodium(II)/Xantphos catalysis is disclosed, affording various architecturally complex and functionally diverse α-quaternary α-amino acid derivatives in good yields with high atom and step economy. Mechanistic studies indicate that the transformation is achieved through a relay dirhodium(II)-catalyzed carbene insertion and allylic alkylation process, in which the catalytic properties of dirhodium are effectively modified by the coordination with Xantphos, leading to good activity in the catalytic allylic alkylation process.

A one-pot successive cyclization-alkylation strategy for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted benzo[b]thiophenes

In this study, a new environmentally benign iodine-mediated one-pot iodocyclization/alkylation strategy for the synthesis of benzo[b]thiophene derivatives starting from 2-alkynylthioanisoles was developed. The synthesis of a diverse population of 2,3-disubstituted benzo[b]thiophenes was achieved in high yields by employing moderate reaction conditions using 1,3-dicarbonyl substrates as the nucleophile and various substituted propargyl alcohols as both the cyclization precursor and the alkylating agent. This method resulted in the formation of a series of complex structures obtained in a single step. Additionally, a strategy was devised for the one pot iodocyclization/oxidation of propargyl alcohols into carbonyl functionalized benzo[b]thiophene structures. These green one-pot reaction processes were designed to reduce wastes and byproducts while generating a complex substitution pattern on the benzo[b]thiophene structure. The reported methodologies may be used to synthesize more functionalized benzo[b]thiophene structures that can be used in both biomedical and organic electronic applications.

Ligand-Dependent Regiodivergent Enantioselective Allylic Alkylations of α-Trifluoromethylated Ketones

The asymmetric introduction of the CF₃ unit is a powerful tool for modifying pharmacokinetic properties and slowing metabolic degradation in medicinal chemistry. A catalytic and enantioselective addition of α-CF₃ enolates allows for expeditious access to functionalized chiral building blocks with CF₃-containing stereogenicity. The computational studies reveal that the choice of ligand in a designed palladium-complex system regulates the regioselectivity and stereoselectivity of the asymmetric allylic alkyation of α-CF₃ ketones and Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts.

Monoallylation and benzylation of dicarbonyl compounds with alcohols catalysed by a cationic cobalt(iii) compound

Monoallylation and monoalkylation of diketones and β-keto esters with allylic and benzylic alcohols catalysed by [Cp*Co(CH3CN)3][SbF6]2 (I) are reported. The method does not require any additive and affords regioselective products. The mechanistic investigations were done by in situ 1H NMR spectroscopy as well as control experiments. It has been shown that reactions proceed via η3-allyl complex formation or ally ether intermediate. The alkylation takes place via only ether intermediate. The resulting allylated and alkylated products have been used for the synthesis of eleven new trisubstituted pyrazoles and one pyrazolone.

Enantioselective Iridium-Catalyzed Allylic Alkylation of Racemic Branched Alkyl-Substituted Allylic Acetates with Malonates

The regio- and enantioselective allylic substitution of branched alkyl-substituted allylic acetates employing malonates has been achieved through a process that calls for Krische's π-allyliridium C,O-benzoate catalyst. The protocol reported herein can be applied to a diverse set of branched alkyl substrates that are generally not well tolerated in the other two types of Ir-catalyzed allylation.

Practical allylation with unactivated allylic alcohols under mild conditions

A practical palladium/calcium catalytic system was developed for dehydrative allylation with unactivated allylic alcohols.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Asymmetric [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of 1,6-Enynes with Racemic Secondary Allylic Alcohols through Kinetic Resolution

It has been established that a cationic rhodium(I)/P-phos complex catalyzes the asymmetric [2+2+2] cycloaddition of 1,6-enynes with racemic secondary allylic alcohols to produce the corresponding chiral bicyclic cyclohexenes, possessing three stereogenic centers, as a single diastereomer with excellent ee values. Mechanistic experiments revealed that the present cycloaddition proceeds through the kinetic resolution of the racemic secondary allylic alcohols, in which one enantiomer preferentially reacts with the 1,6-enyne.

Rh-Catalyzed diastereo- and linear-selective α-allylation of chiral cycloenamines

In this paper, a Rh-catalyzed diastereoselective α-allylation of cycloenamines is demonstrated.

Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Functionally Rich Molecules Enabled by (Phosphoramidite,Olefin) Ligands

The catalytic, asymmetric synthesis of complex molecules has been a core focus of our research program for some time because developments in the area can have an immediate impact on the identification of novel strategies for the synthesis of value-added molecules. In concert with this central interest, we have emphasized the design of ligand scaffolds as a tactic to discover and develop novel chemistry and overcome well-recognized synthetic challenges. Based on our group's work on chiral pool-derived diolefin ligands, we designed and implemented a class of hybrid (phosphoramidite,olefin) ligands, which combines the properties of both phosphoramidite and olefin motifs to impact, fine-tune, and even override the inherent reactivity of the metal center. Specifically, we have utilized these unique modifying ligands to address several recognized limitations in the field of iridium-catalyzed, asymmetric allylic substitution. The methods we have documented typically employ branched, unprotected allylic alcohols as substrates and obviate the need for rigorous exclusion of air and moisture. Following Takeuchi's seminal report demonstrating the high aptitude of Ir(I)-phosphite catalysts for  branch-selective allylic substitution, concerted efforts from numerous research laboratories have led to a broadening of the synthetic utility of this reaction class. The first section of this Account outlines the process leading to our discovery of an unprecedented (phosphoramidite,olefin) ligand and its validation in the first iridium-catalyzed amination of branched, unprotected allylic alcohols. This section continues with our work involving heteroatom-based nucleophiles within inter- and intramolecular etherification, thioetherification and spiroketalization processes. The second section highlights the use of readily available carbon nucleophiles possessing sp, sp², and sp³ hybridization in a series of enantioselective carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions. We describe how alkylzinc, allylsilane, and several classes of organotrifluoroborate nucleophiles can be coupled enantioselectively to enable construction of several key motifs including 1,5-dienes, 1,4-dienes, and 1,4-enynes. Since the unique electronic and steric properties of this class of ligands renders the (η³-allyl)-Ir(III) intermediate highly electrophilic, even weak nucleophiles such as alkyl olefins can be used. We also show that more nucleophilic alkene motifs such as enamines and in situ generated ketene acetals smoothly participate in substitution reactions with allylic alcohols to yield valuable piperidines and γ,δ-unsaturated esters, respectively. The concept of stereodivergent dual catalysis, which synergistically combines chiral amine catalysis with iridium catalysis to furnish α-allylated aldehydes containing two independently controllable stereocenters is then discussed. This process has enabled the independent, stereoselective synthesis of all four possible product stereoisomers from a single set of starting materials, and was highlighted in the stereodivergent synthesis of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol. This Account concludes with an overview of our organometallic mechanistic studies regarding relevant intermediates within the catalytic cycle of this class of allylic substitution. These studies have allowed us to better understand the origin of the unique characteristics exhibited by this catalyst in comparison to related systems.

Highly atroposelective synthesis of nonbiaryl naphthalene-1,2-diamine N-C atropisomers through direct enantioselective C-H amination

Nonbiaryl N-C atropisomer is an important structural scaffold, which is present in natural products, medicines and chiral ligands. However the direct enantioselective C-H amination to access optically pure N-C atropisomer is still difficult and rare. Here we report a π-π interaction and dual H-bond concerted control strategy to develop the chiral phosphoric acids (CPAs) catalyzed direct intermolecular enantioselective C-H amination of N-aryl-2-naphthylamines with azodicarboxylates as amino sources for the construction of atroposelective naphthalene-1,2-diamines. This type of N-C atropisomers is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bond and the method features a broad range of substrates, high yields and ee values, providing a strategy to chirality transfer via the modification of N-C atropisomers.

Brønsted acid and Pd-PHOX dual-catalysed enantioselective addition of activated C-pronucleophiles to internal dienes

We describe the development of Pd-PHOX-catalysed enantioselective couplings of internal dienes with malononitrile and other activated C-pronucleophiles. Reactions are dramatically accelerated by the addition of Et3N·HBArF 4 as a Brønsted acid co-catalyst, enabling a suite of products bearing a variety of alkyl substituents at the stereogenic carbon to be prepared. A series of mechanism-oriented experiments reveal key aspects of the catalytic cycle and the importance of the non-coordinating BArF 4 counterion in not only promoting reactions of internal dienes but also additions of previously unreactive nucleophiles towards terminal dienes.

Selective Mono-allylation of 1,3-Diketones and Their Use in the Synthesis of 3-Allyl Chromones and Benzannulated 6,5-Bicyclic Ketals

The selective mono-allylation of 1,3-diketone containing compounds is described. The reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions and in moderate to high yield (66-99 %). Using this procedure to access the key mono-allylated intermediate, the hitherto difficult to access 3-allyl chromones were synthesized in excellent yield (87-98 %). Finally, the utility of this newly developed procedure was showcased through the rapid synthesis of the scaffold of the xyloketal family of natural products.

Iridium and a Brønsted acid cooperatively catalyzed chemodivergent and stereoselective reactions of vinyl benzoxazinones with azlactones

Under cooperative catalysis of iridium and a Brønsted acid, different C4-substituted azlactones react with vinyl benzoxazinones via a formal [4+2] cycloaddition or substitution reaction in a chemo- and stereoselective mode.