A Highly Regio- and Stereoselective Formation of Bicyclo[4.2.0]oct-5-ene Derivatives through Thermal Intramolecular [2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Allenes

Recent advances in the application of [2 + 2] cycloaddition in the chemical synthesis of cyclobutane-containing natural products

Cyclobutanes are distributed widely in a large class of natural products featuring diverse pharmaceutical activities and intricate structural frameworks. The [2 + 2] cycloaddition is unequivocally the primary and most commonly used method for synthesizing cyclobutanes. In this review, we have summarized the application of the [2 + 2] cycloaddition with different reaction mechanisms in the chemical synthesis of selected cyclobutane-containing natural products over the past decade.

A Removable Acyl Group Promoted the Intramolecular Dehydro-Diels-Alder Reaction of Styrene-Ynes: Highly Chemoselective Synthesis of Aryldihydronaphthalene Derivatives

A removable acyl group promoted the intramolecular didehydro-Diels-Alder reaction of styrene-ynes under mild reaction conditions is proposed. The reaction is free of metals and catalysts, is easy to perform, and exhibits good functional group tolerance, providing a highly chemoselective approach for obtaining the valuable aryldihydronaphthalene derivatives.

A Rare Alder-ene Cycloisomerisation of 1,6-Allenynes

Thermally induced cycloisomerization reactions of 1,6-allenynes gives α-methylene-γ-lactams via intramolecular Alder-ene reactions. The mechanism is supported by computational and deuterium labeling studies. This thermal, non-radical method enables the discovery of a hitherto unknown route that proceeds via a divergent mechanism distinct from the previous [2+2] cycloisomerization manifold.

Copper-Catalyzed Tandem Cross-Coupling/Thermally Promoted [2 + 2] Cycloaddition of 1,6-Enynes and Diazo Compounds To Assemble Methylenecyclobutane-Fused Ring System

An unprecedented copper-catalyzed tandem reaction of 1,6-enynes with diazo compounds via a cross-coupling/[2 + 2] cycloaddition sequence was reported. A library of methylenecyclobutane-fused ring systems including cyclobuta[b]indolines, cyclobuta[b]benzofuran, benzo[b]cyclobuta[d]thiophene, and bicyclo[3.2.0] structures were obtained in moderate to excellent yields under very mild reaction conditions. The reaction exhibited high proximal-regioselectivity and diastereoselectivity. Moreover, 1,6-allenene has proven to be the key intermediate and proceeds via a thermally promoted [2 + 2] cycloaddition in the absence of copper catalyst.

Bicyclic Piperidines via [2 + 2] Photocycloaddition

A synthetic strategy to fused bicyclic piperidines-building blocks for medicinal chemistry-is developed. The key step was an intramolecular [2 + 2]-photocyclization. The photochemical step was performed on a gram scale. Crystallographic analysis of the obtained compounds revealed that they occupy a novel chemical space and can be considered as elongated analogues of 3-substituted piperidines.

Orthogonal Syntheses of 3.2.0 Bicycles from Enallenes Promoted by Visible Light

Enallenes can be readily converted into two families of 3.2.0 (hetero)bicycles with high diastereoselectivities through the combination of visible light with a suitable Ir(III) complex (1 mol %). Two complementary pathways, namely, a photocycloaddition versus a radical chain, can then take place. Both manifolds grant complete regiocontrol of the allene difunctionalization. This is accompanied by an original 1,3-group shift using sulfonyl allenamides that deliver a congested tetrasubstituted headbridging carbon in the corresponding product.

Synthesis of cyclobutane-fused oxygen-containing tricyclic framework via thermally promoted intramolecular cycloaddition of cyclohexadienone-tethered allenes

We have developed a unique approach for the thermally promoted cycloaddition of cyclohexadienone-tethered allenes to form a versatile cyclobutane-fused oxygen-containing tricyclic framework in an environmentally friendly and atomic economic fashion with high regioselectivity. The reaction encompasses a broad substrate scope and functional group tolerance of cyclohexadienone moieties. Moreover, the cycloaddition was also applicable to the late-stage functionalization of pharmaceutically relevant compounds.

Recent advances in the application of ring-closing metathesis for the synthesis of unsaturated nitrogen heterocycles

This short review summarizes recent advances relating to the application of ring-closing olefin-olefin and carbonyl-olefin metathesis reactions towards the synthesis of unsaturated five- and six-membered nitrogen heterocycles. These developments include catalyst modifications and reaction designs that will enable access to more complex nitrogen heterocycles.

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.

Catalytic Double [2 + 2] Cycloaddition Relay Enabled C-C Triple Bond Cleavage of Yne-Allenones

An unusual catalytic double [2 + 2] cycloaddition relay reaction of yne-allenones with unactivated alkenes and alkynes has been achieved, which enabled C-C triple-bond cleavage to access more than 60 examples of functionalized phenanthren-9-ols with generally good yields. This reaction provides a regioselective and practical method for the construction of carbocyclic ring systems with a high degree of functional group compatibility. Aside from surveying the scope of this transformation, mechanistic details of this process are provided by conducting systematic theoretical calculations.

Thiazolium salt-catalyzed C-C triple bond cleavage for accessing substituted 1-naphthols via benzannulation

The first thiazolium salt-catalyzed C-C triple bond cleavage of benzene-linked allene-ynes has been established. The reaction pathway involves [2+2] cycloaddition and ring-opening of in situ generated cyclobutenes with H₂O under mild and convenient conditions, and provides practical access to substituted 1-naphthols with potentially valuable applications.

Synthesis of ent-[3]-Ladderanol: Development and Application of Intramolecular Chirality Transfer [2+2] Cycloadditions of Allenic Ketones and Alkenes

An enantioselective synthesis of ent-[3]-ladderanol is presented. The ladderanes are an interesting class of molecules for their unique structure of fused cyclobutane rings as well as their perceived biological function of organism protection. The route hinges on the development and application of a chirality transfer [2+2] cycloaddition of an allenic ketone and alkene. Further stereocontrolled transformations allowed for completion of the synthesis. The scope of the chirality transfer [2+2] cycloaddition is also presented.

Metal-free benzannulation of 1,7-diynes towards unexpected 1-aroyl-2-naphthaldehydes and their application in fused aza-heterocyclic synthesis

A novel I₂-mediated benzannulation of 1,7-diyne-involved 1,4-oxo-migration was established, providing unexpected 1-aroyl-2-naphthaldehydes. The resulting 1-aroyl-2-naphthaldehydes were successfully applied in the synthesis of polycyclic isoindoles.

Carbopalladation of bromoene-alkynylsilanes: mechanistic insights and synthesis of fused-ring bicyclic silanes and phenols

Palladium-catalyzed cyclizations of silylated bromoenynes lead to bicyclic cyclohexadienes that are precursors to enones and phenols. Novel cyclization pathways and mechanistic insights are also disclosed.

Microwave-assisted intramolecular dehydrogenative Diels-Alder reactions for the synthesis of functionalized naphthalenes/solvatochromic dyes

Functionalized naphthalenes have applications in a variety of research fields ranging from the synthesis of natural or biologically active molecules to the preparation of new organic dyes. Although numerous strategies have been reported to access naphthalene scaffolds, many procedures still present limitations in terms of incorporating functionality, which in turn narrows the range of available substrates. The development of versatile methods for direct access to substituted naphthalenes is therefore highly desirable. The Diels-Alder (DA) cycloaddition reaction is a powerful and attractive method for the formation of saturated and unsaturated ring systems from readily available starting materials. A new microwave-assisted intramolecular dehydrogenative DA reaction of styrenyl derivatives described herein generates a variety of functionalized cyclopenta[b]naphthalenes that could not be prepared using existing synthetic methods. When compared to conventional heating, microwave irradiation accelerates reaction rates, enhances yields, and limits the formation of undesired byproducts. The utility of this protocol is further demonstrated by the conversion of a DA cycloadduct into a novel solvatochromic fluorescent dye via a Buchwald-Hartwig palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction. Fluorescence spectroscopy, as an informative and sensitive analytical technique, plays a key role in research fields including environmental science, medicine, pharmacology, and cellular biology. Access to a variety of new organic fluorophores provided by the microwave-assisted dehydrogenative DA reaction allows for further advancement in these fields.

Gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,7-enyne esters to structurally diverse cis-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl ketones

A synthetic method that relies on gold(I)-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,7-enyne esters to prepare highly functionalized cis-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl ketone derivatives in good to excellent yields and as a single regio-, diastereo-, and enantiomer is described. By taking advantage of the distinctive differences in the electronic and steric properties between an NHC (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) and phosphine ligand in the respective gold(I) complexes, a divergence in product selectivity was observed. In the presence of [PhCNAuIPr](+)SbF6(-) (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidine) as the catalyst, tandem 1,3-acyloxy migration/6-exo-trig cyclization/1,5-acyl migration of the substrate was found to selectively occur to give the δ-diketone-substituted 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine adduct. In contrast, reactions with the gold(I) phosphine complex [MeCNAu(JohnPhos)](+)SbF6(-) (JohnPhos = (1,1'-biphenyl-2-yl)-di-tert-butylphosphine) as the catalyst was discovered to result in preferential 1,3-acyloxy migration/6-exo-trig cyclization/hydrolysis of the 1,7-enyne ester and formation of the cis-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl ketone derivative. The utility of this piperidine forming strategy as a synthetic tool that makes use of 1,7-enyne esters was exemplified by its application to the synthesis of an enantiopure analogue of the bioactive 2,3,4,4a,5,9b-hexahydroindeno[1,2-c]pyridine family of compounds.

A thermal dehydrogenative Diels-Alder reaction of styrenes for the concise synthesis of functionalized naphthalenes

Functionalized naphthalenes are valuable building blocks in many important areas. A microwave-assisted, intramolecular dehydrogenative Diels-Alder reaction of styrenyl derivatives to provide cyclopenta[b]naphthalene substructures not previously accessible using existing synthetic methods is described. The synthetic utility of these uniquely functionalized naphthalenes was demonstrated by a single-step conversion of one of these cycloadducts to a fluorophore bearing a structural resemblance to Prodan.

Formal intermolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of allenamide [corrected] with alkenes via gold catalysis

An efficient method was developed to construct the densely functionalized cyclobutane[corrected] adducts through formal intermolecular cycloaddition of allenamides [corrected] with electron-rich olefins via gold catalysis, in which vinyl ethers/amides and electron-rich styrenes worked very well. In addition, a series of allenamide [corrected] dimerization products were prepared from the same allenamide [corrected] substrates.

Synthesis of propargylic and allenic carbamates via the C-H amination of alkynes

Propargylic amines are important intermediates for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles. The insertion of a nitrene into a propargylic C-H bond has not been explored, despite the attention directed toward the Rh-catalyzed amination of other types of C-H bonds. In this communication, the conversion of a series of homopropargylic carbamates to propargylic carbamates and aminated allenes is described.

Gold-catalyzed tandem 1,3-migration/[2 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,7-enyne benzoates to azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-5-enes

A synthetic method that relies on gold(I)-catalyzed tandem 1,3-migration/[2 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,7-enyne benzoates to prepare azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-5-enes is described.