Cross [2 + 2] cycloaddition of bicyclic alkenes with alkynes mediated by cobalt complexes: a facile synthesis of cyclobutene derivatives

Chemodivergent, Regio- and Enantioselective Cycloaddition Reactions between 1,3-Dienes and Alkynes

Alkynes and 1,3-dienes are among the most readily available precursors for organic synthesis. We report two distinctly different, catalyst-dependent, modes of regio- and enantioselective cycloaddition reactions between these classes of compounds providing rapid access to highly functionalized 1,4-cyclohexadienes or cyclobutenes from the same precursors. Complexes of an earth abundant metal, cobalt, with several commercially available chiral bisphosphine ligands with narrow bite angles catalyze [4+2]-cycloadditions between a 1,3-diene and an alkyne giving a cyclohexa-1,4-diene in excellent chemo-, regio- and enantioselectivities. In sharp contrast, complex of a finely tuned phosphino-oxazoline ligand promotes unique [2+2]-cycloaddition between the alkyne and the terminal double bond of the diene giving a highly functionalized cyclobutene in excellent regio- and enantioselectivities.

Selective Reductive Coupling of Vinyl Azaarenes and Alkynes via Photoredox Cobalt Dual Catalysis

A visible light-induced Co-catalyzed highly regio- and stereoselective reductive coupling of vinyl azaarenes and alkynes has been developed. Notably, Hünig's base together with simple ethanol has been successfully applied as the hydrogen sources instead of commonly used Hantzsch esters in this catalytic photoredox reaction. This approach has considerable advantages for the straightforward synthesis of stereodefined multiple substituted alkenes bearing an azaarene motif, such as excellent regioselectivity (>20 : 1 for >30 examples) and stereoselectivity (>20 : 1 E/Z), broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility under mild reaction conditions, which has been utilized in the concise synthesis of natural product monomorine I. A reasonable catalytic reaction pathway involving protolysis of the cobaltacyclopentene intermediate has been proposed based on the mechanistic studies.

Three-Component Coupling of Arenes, Ethylene, and Alkynes Catalyzed by a Cationic Bis(phosphine) Cobalt Complex: Intercepting Metallacyclopentenes for C-H Functionalization

A cobalt-catalyzed intermolecular three-component coupling of arenes, ethylene, and alkynes was developed using the well-defined air-stable cationic bis(phosphine) cobalt(I) complex, [(dcype)Co(η⁶-C₇H₈)][BAr^F₄] (dcype = 1,2-bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)ethane; BAr^F₄ = B[(3,5-(CF₃)₂)C₆H₃]₄), as the precatalyst. All three components were required for turnover and formation of ortho-homoallylated arene products. A range of directing groups including amide, ketone, and 2-pyridyl substituents on the arene promoted the reaction. The cobalt-catalyzed method exhibited broad functional group tolerance allowing for the late-stage functionalization of two drug molecules, fenofibrate and haloperidol. A series of control reactions, deuterium labeling studies, resting state analysis, as well as synthesis of substrate- and product-bound η⁶-arene complexes supported a pathway involving C(sp²)–H activation from a cobalt(III) metallacycle.

Iridium-catalyzed hydroacylation reactions of C1-substituted oxabenzonorbornadienes with salicylaldehyde: an experimental and computational study

An experimental and theoretical investigation on the iridium-catalyzed hydroacylation of C1-substituted oxabenzonorbornadienes with salicylaldehyde is reported. Utilizing commercially available [Ir(COD)Cl]2 in the presence of 5 M KOH in dioxane at 65 °C, provided a variety of hydroacylated bicyclic adducts in up to a 95% yield with complete stereo- and regioselectivity. The mechanism and origins of selectivity in the iridium-catalyzed hydroacylation reaction has been examined at the M06/Def2TZVP level of theory. The catalytic cycle consists of three key steps including oxidative addition into the aldehyde C-H bond, insertion of the olefin into the iridium hydride, and C-C bond-forming reductive elimination. Computational results indicate the origin of regioselectivity is involved in the reductive elimination step.

Uncommon Four-Membered Building Blocks - Cyclobutenes, Azetines and Thietes

Strained ring systems have gained considerable importance over the last few years for their implication in natural product syntheses or in drug discovery programs. We present herein a recollection of our work on the construction and functionalization of unsaturated four-membered carbo- and heterocycles in the context of the literature, as well as their applications in further reactions.

Iron-Catalyzed Vinylsilane Dimerization and Cross-Cycloadditions with 1,3-Dienes: Probing the Origins of Chemo- and Regioselectivity

The selective, intermolecular, homodimerization and cross-cycloaddition of vinylsilanes with unbiased 1,3-dienes, catalyzed by a pyridine-2,6-diimine (PDI) iron complex is described. In the absence of a diene coupling partner, vinylsilane hydroalkenylation products were obtained chemoselectively with unusual head-to-head regioselectivity (up to >98% purity, 98:2 E/Z). In the presence of a 4- or 2-substituted diene coupling partner, under otherwise identical reaction conditions, formation of value-added [2+2]- and [4+2]-cycloadducts, respectively, was observed. The chemoselectivity profile was distinct from that observed for analogous α-olefin dimerization and cross-reactions with 1,3-dienes. Mechanistic studies conducted with well-defined, single-component precatalysts (MePDI)Fe(L2) (where MePDI = 2,6-(2,6-Me2-C6H3N═CMe)2C5H3N; L2 = butadiene or 2(N2)) provided insights into the kinetic and thermodynamic factors contributing to the substrate-controlled regioselectivity for both the homodimerization and cross cycloadditions. Diamagnetic iron diene and paramagnetic iron olefin complexes were identified as catalyst resting states, were characterized by in situ NMR and Mössbauer spectroscopic studies, and were corroborated with DFT calculations. Stoichiometric reactions and computational models provided evidence for a common mechanistic regime where competing steric and orbital-symmetry requirements dictate the regioselectivity of oxidative cyclization. Although distinct chemoselectivity profiles were observed in cross-cycloadditions with the vinylsilane congeners of α-olefins, these products arose from metallacycles with the same connectivity. The silyl substituents ultimately governed the relative rates of β-H elimination and C-C reductive elimination to dictate final product formation.

Access to substituted cyclobutenes by tandem [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement/[2 + 2] cycloaddition of dipropargylphosphonates under Ag/Co relay catalysis

We present herein an unconventional tandem [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement/[2 + 2] cycloaddition of simple dipropargylphosphonates to deliver a range of bicyclic polysubstituted cyclobutenes and cyclobutanes under Ag/Co relay catalysis. An interesting switch from allene-allene to allene-alkyne cycloaddition was observed based on the substitution of the substrates, which further diversified the range of compounds accessible from this practical method. Significantly, preliminary biological screening of these new compounds identified promising candidates as suppressors of cellular proliferation.

Design and synthesis of a new furan-steroid-propanone derivative using some chemical strategies

There are several reports for the preparation of furan derivatives using some protocols which requires special conditions. In this way, the aim of this study was to synthesize a new furan-steroid-propanone derivative from both 17α-ethynylestradiol and 2-nitro-17α-ethynylestradiol using some series of reactions such as aldolization, 2 + 2 addition and etherification. The chemical structure was evaluated through both ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic analysis. The results showed a good yielding from furan-steroid derivative. In conclusion, this investigation provides a facile synthesis of a new furan-steroid-propanone derivative, using some reagents which are not expensive and do not require special conditions for handling.

Design and Synthesis of an Aniline Derivative with Biological Activity on Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Several compounds have been synthesized as a therapeutic alternative for heart failure; however, its preparation requires special conditions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study, was to synthesize some aniline derivatives (4-9) from 3- ethynylaniline to evaluate their biological activity against heart failure.

METHODS

The synthesis of aniline derivatives involved a series of reactions such as etherification, addition, and cyclization. The structure of all compounds obtained was confirmed by spectroscopic and spectrometric methods. In addition, to evaluate the biological activity of compounds, an ischemia/reperfusion injury model was used.

RESULTS

The results showed that compound 8 decreases heart failure, which translates into a decrease in the infarction area compared to compounds 4-7 and 9.

CONCLUSION

This study reports a facile method for the preparation of aniline derivatives. This method offers some advantages such as; a simple procedure, low cost, and easy work up. In addition, compound 8 showed an interesting biological activity against heart failure. This phenomenon is particularly interesting because the biological activity induced by this compound could involve a molecular mechanism that is different from other drugs used for the treatment of heart failure.

Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Cyclobutenes from Alkynes and Alkenyl Derivatives

Discovery of enantioselective catalytic reactions for the preparation of chiral compounds from readily available precursors, using scalable and environmentally benign chemistry, can greatly impact their design, synthesis, and eventually manufacture on scale. Functionalized cyclobutanes and cyclobutenes are important structural motifs seen in many bioactive natural products and pharmaceutically relevant small molecules. They are also useful precursors for other classes of organic compounds such as other cycloalkane derivatives, heterocyclic compounds, stereodefined 1,3-dienes, and ligands for catalytic asymmetric synthesis. The simplest approach to make cyclobutenes is through an enantioselective [2 + 2]-cycloaddition between an alkyne and an alkenyl derivative, a reaction which has a long history. Yet known reactions of this class that give acceptable enantioselectivities are of very narrow scope and are strictly limited to activated alkynes and highly reactive alkenes. Here, we disclose a broadly applicable enantioselective [2 + 2]-cycloaddition between wide variety of alkynes and alkenyl derivatives, two of the most abundant classes of organic precursors. The key cycloaddition reaction employs catalysts derived from readily synthesized ligands and an earth-abundant metal, cobalt. Over 50 different cyclobutenes with enantioselectivities in the range of 86-97% ee are documented. With the diverse functional groups present in these compounds, further diastereoselective transformations are easily envisaged for synthesis of highly functionalized cyclobutanes and cyclobutenes. Some of the novel observations made during these studies including a key role of a cationic Co(I)-intermediate, ligand and counterion effects on the reactions, can be expected to have broad implications in homogeneous catalysis beyond the highly valuable synthetic intermediates that are accessible by this route.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Intermolecular [2+2] Cycloaddition between Alkynes and Allenes

An intermolecular [2+2] cycloaddition reaction between an alkyne and an allene is reported. In the presence of a cobalt(I)/diphosphine catalyst, a near equimolar mixture of the alkyne and allene is converted into a 3-alkylidenecyclobutene derivative in good yield with high regioselectivity. The reaction tolerates a variety of internal alkynes and mono- or disubstituted allenes bearing various functional groups. The reaction is proposed to involve regioselective oxidative cyclization of the alkyne and allene to form a 4-alkylidenecobaltacyclopentene intermediate, with subsequent C-C reductive elimination.

Nickel-Catalyzed Asymmetric [2+2] Cycloaddition Reaction of Hetero-Bicyclic Alkenes with Internal Alkynes

Enantioselective [2+2] cycloaddition reaction of azabenzonorbornadienes and oxabenzonorbornadienes with internal alkynes has been enabled by a catalyst system comprising Ni(COD)₂ and (R)-SIPHOS-Ph-Mor. This transformation represents the first asymmetric [2+2] cycloaddition reaction of azabenzonorbornadienes with internal alkynes, providing a straightforward method to prepare four-membered carbocycles.

Cobalt Catalysis for Enantioselective Cyclobutanone Construction

Over the past 40 years, intramolecular hydroacylation has favored five-membered rings, in preference to four membered rings. Herein, we report a catalyst derived from earth-abundant cobalt that enables preparation of cyclobutanones, with excellent regio-, diastereo-, and enantiocontrol, under mild conditions (2 mol % catalyst loading and as low as 50 °C).

Cyclobutene vs 1,3-Diene Formation in the Gold-Catalyzed Reaction of Alkynes with Alkenes: The Complete Mechanistic Picture

The intermolecular gold(I)-catalyzed reaction between arylalkynes and alkenes leads to cyclobutenes by a [2 + 2] cycloaddition, which takes place stepwise, first by formation of cyclopropyl gold(I) carbenes, followed by a ring expansion. However, 1,3-butadienes are also formed in the case of ortho-substituted arylalkynes by a metathesis-type process. The corresponding reaction of alkenes with aryl-1,3-butadiynes, ethynylogous to arylalkynes, leads exclusively to cyclobutenes. A comprehensive mechanism for the gold(I)-catalyzed reaction of alkynes with alkenes is proposed on the basis of density functional theory calculations, which shows that the two pathways leading to cyclobutenes or dienes are very close in energy. The key intermediates are cyclopropyl gold(I) carbenes, which have been independently generated by retro-Buchner reaction from stereodefined 1a,7b-dihydro-1H-cyclopropa[a]naphthalenes.

Heteromultimetallic catalysis for sustainable organic syntheses

Fully complementary bimetallic catalysis has been identified as an increasingly powerful tool for molecular transformations, which was largely inspired by early examples of sequential catalytic transformations.

Cobalt-Catalyzed [2π + 2π] Cycloadditions of Alkenes: Scope, Mechanism, and Elucidation of Electronic Structure of Catalytic Intermediates

Aryl-substituted bis(imino)pyridine cobalt dinitrogen compounds, (^RPDI)CoN₂, are effective precatalysts for the intramolecular [2π + 2π] cycloaddition of α,ω-dienes to yield the corresponding bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane derivatives. The reactions proceed under mild thermal conditions with unactivated alkenes, tolerating both amine and ether functional groups. The overall second order rate law for the reaction, first order with respect to both the cobalt precatalyst and the substrate, in combination with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic studies established the catalyst resting state as dependent on the identity of the precatalyst and diene substrate. Planar S =¹/₂ κ³-bis(imino)pyridine cobalt alkene and tetrahedral κ²-bis(imino)pyridine cobalt diene complexes were observed by EPR spectroscopy and in the latter case structurally characterized. The hemilabile chelate facilitates conversion of a principally ligand-based singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) in the cobalt dinitrogen and alkene compounds to a metal-based SOMO in the diene intermediates, promoting C–C bond-forming oxidative cyclization. Structure–activity relationships on bis(imino)pyridine substitution were also established with 2,4,6-tricyclopentyl-substituted aryl groups, resulting in optimized catalytic [2π + 2π] cycloaddition. The cyclopentyl groups provide a sufficiently open metal coordination sphere that encourages substrate coordination while remaining large enough to promote a challenging, turnover-limiting C(sp³)–C(sp³) reductive elimination.

Cobalt catalysis involving π components in organic synthesis

Over the last three decades, transition-metal-catalyzed organic transformations have been shown to be extremely important in organic synthesis. However, most of the successful reactions are associated with noble metals, which are generally toxic, expensive, and less abundant. Therefore, we have focused on catalysis using the abundant first-row transition metals, specifically cobalt. In this Account, we demonstrate the potential of cobalt catalysis in organic synthesis as revealed by our research. We have developed many useful catalytic systems using cobalt complexes. Overall, they can be classified into several broad types of reactions, specifically [2 + 2 + 2] and [2 + 2] cycloadditions; enyne reductive coupling; reductive [3 + 2] cycloaddition of alkynes/allenes with enones; reductive coupling of alkyl iodides with alkenes; addition of organoboronic acids to alkynes, alkenes, or aldehydes; carbocyclization of o-iodoaryl ketones/aldehydes with alkynes/electron-deficient alkenes; coupling of thiols with aryl and alkyl halides; enyne coupling; and C-H bond activation. Reactions relying on π components, specifically cycloaddition, reductive coupling, and enyne coupling, mostly afford products with excellent stereo- and regioselectivity and superior atom economy. We believe that these cobalt-catalyzed π-component coupling reactions proceed through five-membered cobaltacyclic intermediates formed by the oxidative cyclometalation of two coordinated π bonds of the substrates to the low-valent cobalt species. The high regio- and stereoselectivity of these reactions are achieved as a result of the electronic and steric effects of the π components. Mostly, electron-withdrawing groups and bulkier groups attached to the π bonds prefer to be placed near the cobalt center of the cobaltacycle. Most of these transformations proceed through low-valent cobalt complexes, which are conveniently generated in situ from air-stable Co(II) salts by Zn- or Mn-mediated reduction. Overall, we have shown these reactions to be excellent substitutes for less desirable noble-metal systems. Recent successes in cobalt-catalyzed C-H activation have especially advanced the applicability of cobalt in this field. In addition to the more common low-valent-cobalt-catalyzed C-H activation reactions, an in situ-formed cobalt(III) five-membered complex with a 1,6-enyne effectively couples with aromatic ketones and esters through ortho C-H activation, opening a new window in this research area. Interestingly, this reaction proceeds under milder reaction conditions with broad substrate scope. Furthermore, many of the reactions we have developed are highly enantioselective, including enantioselective reductive coupling of enones and alkynes, addition of organoboronic acids to aldehydes, and the cyclization of 2-iodobenzoates with aldehydes. Overall, this Account demonstrates the versatility and utility of cobalt catalysis in organic synthesis.

An efficient route to highly strained cyclobutenes: indium-catalyzed reactions of enynals with alkynes

A catalytic method to synthesize the highly strained cyclobutene was developed. The reaction was believed to proceed through a formal indium-catalyzed [2+2] cycloaddition between electron-deficient enynals and a variety of alkynes.

Synthesis of cyclobutenes and allenes by cobalt-catalyzed cross-dimerization of simple alkenes with 1,3-enynes

Cobalt-catalyzed cross-dimerization of simple alkenes with 1,3-enynes is reported. A [2+2] cycloaddition reaction occurred, with alkenes bearing no allylic hydrogen, by reductive elimination of a η(3)-butadienyl cobaltacycle. On the other hand, aliphatic alkenes underwent 1,4-hydroallylation by means of exo-cyclic β-H elimination. These reactions can provide cyclobutenes and allenes that were previously difficult to access, from simple substrates in a highly chemo- and regioselective manner.

Rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes with electron-deficient alkenes

The first catalytic intermolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes with electron-deficient alkenes is reported. The reaction proceeds with an 8-quinolinolato rhodium/phosphine catalyst system to give cyclobutenes from various substrates having polar functional groups in high yields with complete regioselectivity.

Nickel-catalyzed intermolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of conjugated enynes with alkenes

A nickel-catalyzed intermolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of conjugated enynes with alkenes has been developed. A variety of electron-deficient alkenes as well as electronically neutral norbornene and 1-decene were applicable to this reaction. The use of conjugated enynes circumvented possible side rections, such as oligomerizations and cyclotrimerizations. The isolation of reaction intermediate complexes revealed that the η(3)-butadienyl coordination is the key for the selective formation of cyclobutene.