Brønsted Acid Catalyzed and NIS-Promoted Cyclization of Diynones: Selective Synthesis of 4-Pyrone, 4-Pyridone, and 3-Pyrrolone Derivatives

Synthesis of γ-Thiapyrones by Diels-Alder/Retro-Diels-Alder Reaction of α-Pyrones with 5-H-1,2,3-Thiadiazoles

The efficient synthesis of γ-thiapyrones by a base-mediated Diels-Alder/retro-Diels-Alder reaction of α-pyrones with 5-H-1,2,3-thiadiazoles is reported herein. Thioketenes in situ generated from thiadiazoles as electron-poor dienophile and electron-rich 4-hydroxy-2-pyrones as dienes are conjunctively transformed into a series of γ-thiapyrones with broad functional group compatibility in good to excellent yields (35 examples, 67% average yield).

Cyclization Reactions of In Situ-Generated Acyl Ketene with Ynones to Form Oxacycles

Acyl ketenes react with polar unsaturated functional groups to give unique heterocyclic rings, yet reactions with unpolarized unsaturated functional groups have not been reported. Herein, we describe two effective ring-forming reactions between acetyl ketene and electron-deficient alkynes. The first reaction involves in situ tethering between acetyl ketene and nucleophile-containing 1,3-diynones, which promotes sequential intramolecular 1,6/1,4-additions to generate 2-methylene-2H-pyrans in various yields (24-91%). The other involves a zwitterionic intermediate generated from acetyl ketene and DABCO, which undergoes a Michael addition with terminal alkynyl ketones to generate 3-acyl-4-pyrones (11-79%).

Electronic Conductance and Thermopower of Cross-Conjugated and Skipped-Conjugated Molecules in Single-Molecule Junctions

We report a combined experimental and theoretical study of a series of thiomethyl (SMe) anchored cross-conjugated molecules featuring an acyclic central bridging ketone and their analogous skipped-conjugated alcohol derivatives. Studies of these molecules in a gold|single-molecule|gold junction using scanning tunneling microscopy-break junction techniques reveal a similar conductance (G) value for both the cross-conjugated molecules and their skipped-conjugated partners. Theoretical studies based on density functional theory of the molecules in their optimum geometries in the junction reveal the reason for this similarity in conductance, as the predicted conductance for the alcohol series of compounds varies more with the tilt angle. Thermopower measurements reveal a higher Seebeck coefficient (S) for the cross-conjugated ketone molecules relative to the alcohol derivatives, with a particularly high S for the biphenyl derivative 3a (-15.6 μV/K), an increase of threefold compared to its alcohol analog. The predicted behavior of the quantum interference (QI) in this series of cross-conjugated molecules is found to be constructive, though the appearance of a destructive QI feature for 3a is due to the degeneracy of the HOMO orbital and may explain the enhancement of the value of S for this molecule.

Switchable Regioselective 7-endo or 6-exo Iodocyclization of O-Homoallyl Benzimidates

We present a facile switchable regioselective 7-endo or 6-exo iodocyclization of O-homoallyl benzimidates here, which affords various iodo-substituted 1,3-oxazines and tetrahydro-1,3-oxazepines in a controllable manner. The products can further undergo substitution reactions to afford a series of rich functionalized target heterocyclic molecules. The developed protocol has the advantages of mild conditions, simple operation, and excellent functional group compatibility.

Synthesis of 4-Pyrones by Formal Hydration of 1,3-Diynones Promoted by 1,4-Addition of Piperidine

A new approach for the synthesis of 4-pyrones with broader substrate scope and functional group tolerance is described. The reaction proceeds via an initial 1,4-addition by piperidine, followed by nitrogen-assisted 6-endo-dig cyclization and hydrolysis. 1,3-Diynones with nonenolizable electron-withdrawing ketones and nonpropargylic H provide relatively high yields. For substrates with particular R² substituents, 1,4- or 1,6-adducts were isolated, suggesting that steric and electronic factors of the R² substituent should have a strong impact on the 6-endo-dig cyclization.

Synthesis of γ-Pyrones and N-Methyl-4-pyridones via the Au Nanoparticle-Catalyzed Cyclization of Skipped Diynones in the Presence of Water or Aqueous Methylamine

Supported Au nanoparticles on TiO₂ catalyze the hydration/6-endo cyclization of skipped diynones to γ-pyrones in aqueous dioxane, via triple bond activation. The isomeric 3(2H)-furanones which could be formed through a competing and often prevailing 5-exo cyclization pathway using homogeneous ionic Au(I) catalysts were not seen. The reaction does not proceed via the initial 1,3-transposition of the skipped diynones to their corresponding conjugated 1,3-diynone isomers. If aqueous methylamine is added, N-methyl-4-pyridones are exclusively formed in 69-79% yields via an analogous hydroamination/Au-catalyzed 6-endo cyclization pathway.

Tandem Michael-anti-Michael Addition-Mediated Orthogonal Strapping of Diynones: Regioselective Spirocyclopentannulation of Oxindoles and Pyrazolones and DFT Validation

An efficient protocol involving the transformation of sequentially generated recursive anions from heterocyclic precursors to orthogonally strap diynones through one pot transition-metal-free spirocyclopentannulation has been devised, employing oxindoles and pyrazolones as prototypical platforms. Insights into these regioselective tandem Michael-anti-Michael processes have been gleaned through DFT calculations.

Phosphine-Catalyzed Synthesis of 3-Allyl-4-pyrones by the Tandem Reaction of Diynones and Allylic Alcohols

A simple and effective tandem reaction of diynones and allylic alcohols was developed to afford functionalized 3-allyl-4-pyrones in moderate to excellent yields. This protocol underwent a Michael addition─Claisen rearrangement─O-cyclization process, which exhibited broad substrate tolerance, high regioselectivity, and atom economy under a metal-free condition. Moreover, functional transformation of the products was also further studied.

Construction of 3-Sulfonyl Naphthalenes via Tandem Reaction of 1,4-Diyn-3-yl Esters with Sodium Sulfinates

Polysubstituted 3-sulfonyl naphthalenes were constructed in good to high yields by AlCl₃-mediated tandem reaction of 1,4-diyn-3-yl esters and sodium sulfinates. This reaction proceeded under mild reaction conditions and tolerated a variety of functional groups. Moreover, the mechanistic studies indicated that the initial formation of allene under DBU from 1,4-diyn-3-yl ester and a sequence of nucleophilic addition of sodium sulfinate, the formation of allene, and intramolecular cyclization might be involved.

"One-Pot" Synthesis of γ-Pyrones from Aromatic Ketones/Heteroarenes and Carboxylic Acids

Despite the various attractive properties of γ-pyrones, there are still some deficiencies in their synthetic approaches such as lower atom economy, multistep processes, and prefunctionalization of the reagents. In this work, an efficient and simple (CF₃CO)₂O/CF₃SO₃H-mediated "one-pot" approach was realized to produce γ-pyrones by applying aromatic ketones/heteroarenes and carboxylic acids as the starting materials. The target products were isolated in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction mechanism was studied by density functional theory calculational methods. The results of experimental and theoretical investigations not only helped us explain the reason of high selectivity formation of β-diketones but also proved that 1,3,5-ketones might be important intermediates for the cyclization to afford γ-pyrones.

Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydro-4-pyridones and 4-Pyridones by the Cyclization Reaction of Ester-Tethered Enaminones

2,3-Dihydro-4-pyridone skeleton is an important building block in organic synthesis because it features several reaction sites with nucleophilic or electrophilic properties. Herein, we disclose a method for its formation by intramolecular cyclization of ester-tethered enaminones, which can easily be synthesized from readily available materials, such as amines, activated alkynes, and activated alkenes. 2,3-Dihydro-4-pyridones have been isolated in 41-90% yields. We also demonstrate the transformation of these heterocycles into another important class of compounds, 4-pyridones, by utilizing 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (chloranil) as an oxidizing agent. The latter products were isolated in 65-94% yields.

Regiodivergent Hydration-Cyclization of Diynones under Gold Catalysis

Skipped diynones, efficiently prepared from biomass-derived ethyl lactate, undergo a tandem hydration-oxacyclization reaction under gold(I) catalysis. Reaction conditions have been developed for a switchable process that allows selective access to 4-pyrones or 3(2H)-furanones from the same starting diynones. Further application of this methodology in the total synthesis of polyporapyranone B was demonstrated.

Iodine promoted cascade cycloisomerization of 1-en-6,11-diynes

An iodine promoted cascade cycloisomerization of 1-en-6,11-diynes is presented for the easy preparation of tetrahydrobenzo[f]isoquinolines. This developed reaction system is identified as having good functional-group applicability and can be scaled up to gram quantities. In this transformation, two new cyclic frameworks and one carbonyl group are formed with four new bonds constructed. Additionally, the resulting iodo-substituted compounds could be further derived through simple elimination reactions.

Metal-Free Aminothiation of Alkynes: Three-Component Tandem Annulation toward Indolizine Thiones from 2-Alkylpyridines, Ynals, and Elemental Sulfur

A metal-free three-component annulation reaction for the synthesis of indolizine thiones via tandem C-C/C-N/C-S bond formation was developed. Various 2-alkylpyridines with aromatic ynals and elemental sulfur proceeded smoothly under catalyst-free conditions, and the desired products were obtained in moderate to excellent yields.

Synthesis of N-Alkylpyridin-4-ones and Thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridin-5-ones through Pummerer-Type Reactions

N-Alkylated 4-pyridones were obtained through a one-pot procedure involving either normal or interrupted Pummerer reactions between triflic anhydride-activated sulfoxides and 4-fluoropyridine derivatives, followed by hydrolysis. On the other hand, triflic anhydride-activated benzyl 6-fluoro-2-pyridyl sulfoxide could react with alkenes or alkynes to afford thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridin-5-ones, via the pyridinium salt intermediates.

Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Intermolecular Annulation: Three-Component Reaction toward Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Thiones

A Lewis acid-catalyzed three-component annulation reaction of 2-aminopyridines and ynals with elemental sulfur was established. A series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine thiones was obtained in moderate to excellent yields. The merits of this transformation include easily available starting materials, multiple C-heteroatom bond formation in one pot, good functional group tolerance, elemental sulfur as S source, operational simplicity, etc.

Catalyst-Free Annulation of 2-Pyridylacetates and Ynals with Molecular Oxygen: An Access to 3-Acylated Indolizines

A catalyst and additive-free annulation of 2-pyridylacetates and ynals under molecular oxygen was the first developed, affording 3-acylated indolizines in good to excellent yields. Molecular oxygen was used as the source of the carbonyl oxygen atom in indolizines. This approach was compatible with a wide range of functional groups, and especially it has been successfully extended to unsaturated double bonds and triple bonds, which were difficult to prepare by previous methods in a single step.

Normal, Abnormal, and Cascade Wittig Olefinations of α-Oxoketenes

α-Oxoketenes generated in situ by a thermal Wolff rearrangement have been found to participate as 1,2- and 1,4-ambident C-electrophilic/O-nucleophilic reagents towards donor/acceptor carbonyl-stabilized Wittig ylides. This resulted in the very direct and practical syntheses of functionalized allenes by a normal Wittig olefination, 4H-pyran-4-ones by an abnormal Wittig olefination, or 4H-pyranylidenes following a Wittig/abnormal Wittig cascade sequence as a function of the substrates combination employed. Mechanistic experimental and computational studies provided a full rational for these reactivity switches. Some unusual mechanistic features for Lewis acid-free Wittig olefinations were identified in this series such as the involvement of betaine intermediates and some degree of reversibility in the normal Wittig olefination. The abnormal Wittig olefination was fully uncovered.

Thermally induced formal [4+2] cycloaddition of 3-aminocyclobutenones with electron-deficient alkynes: facile and efficient synthesis of 4-pyridones

A thermally induced novel formal [4+2] cycloaddition of cyclobutenones with electron-deficient alkynes under metal-free conditions has been developed. The reaction provides a straightforward and efficient method for the synthesis of 4-pyridone derivatives in a single step.

Regiospecific construction of diverse and polyfunctionalized γ-pyrone cores by indium(iii)-catalyzed annulation of diazodicarbonyls with active methylenes, 4-hydroxycoumarins, or 4-hydroxyquinolinone

An efficient and novel annulation protocol for the construction of diverse and polyfunctionalized γ-pyrones via an InBr₃-catalyzed reaction is described.

Atom-Economic Synthesis of 4-Pyrones from Diynones and Water

Transition-metal-free synthesis of 4-pyrones via TfOH-promoted nucleophilic addition/cyclization of diynones and water has been developed. This transformation is simple, atom economical and environmentally benign, providing rapid and efficient access to substituted 4-pyrones.

Synthesis of γ-pyrones via decarboxylative condensation of β-ketoacids

Abstract

This manuscript describes the convergent synthesis of aryl- and alkyl-disubstituted γ-pyrones from β-ketoacids. The reaction proceeds in the presence of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride via an unprecedented decarboxylative auto-condensation of the starting material. Herein, the scope and limitations of this transformation are reported.

Graphical abstract

Diorganyl Dichalcogenides-Promoted Nucleophilic Closure of 1,4-Diyn-3-ols: Synthesis of 2-Benzoyl Chalcogenophenes

We report here the preparation of chalcogenophene derivatives via cyclization reactions of diynols promoted by diorganyl dichalcogenides and a halogen source. Different chalcogenophenes, such as 4-halo-selenophenes, 4-butylselenyl-selenophenes, halo-thiophenes, and 4-methylthio-thiophenes, were selectively prepared in good yields from the same starting materials. The results revealed that the halogen source had a significant effect on the proportion of 4-bromo-selenophenes and 4-butylselenyl-selenophenes. The best yields of 4-iodo-selenophenes were obtained with iodine as a halogen source, while the use of NBS gave exclusively the 4-butylselenyl-selenophenes. The experiments also revealed that the cyclization reaction to form 4-halo-thiophene derivatives can also be controlled changing the ratios of reagents. The 4-iodo-thiophenes were exclusively obtained by using dimethyl disulfide (2.0 equiv) and iodine (1.5 equiv), while the 4-bromo-thiophenes were obtained when the reaction was carried out with a 1.5 molar ratio of dimethyl disulfide and a halogen source. In addition, the reaction of diynols with an excess of dimethyl disulfide in the presence of NBS gave the 4-methylthio-thiophenes as sole products. We also studied the application of chalcogenophenes obtained as starting materials in the Suzuki, Sonogashira, and Ullmann cross-coupling reactions.

Copper-mediated intramolecular oxidative C-H/N-H cross-coupling of α-alkenoyl ketene N,S-acetals to synthesize pyrrolone derivatives

CuCl2 and CuBr2-mediated intramolecular oxidative C-H/N-H cross-coupling/halogenation of β-thioalkyl-substituted α-alkenoyl ketene N,S-acetals occurred efficiently, affording 4-halo-5-thioalkyl-3-pyrrolones. Tunable C-S and C-halo bond transformations of the resultant pyrrolone derivatives led to highly functionalized N-heterocyclic compounds.