Functionalized 4-Carboxy- and 4-Keto-2,3-dihydropyrroles via Ni(II)-Catalyzed Nucleophilic Amine Ring-Opening Cyclizations of Cyclopropanes

Enantioselective organocatalyzed one-pot synthesis of N-phenyl thioether-tethered tetrasubstituted dihydropyrrole-3-carbaldehydes

An efficient method for the asymmetric one-pot synthesis of N-phenyl thioether-tethered tetrasubstituted chiral 4,5-dihydropyrrole-3-carbaldehydes have been developed using readily available benzothiazolium salts and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes as starting materials in the presence of the chiral organocatalyst (R)-diphenylprolinol trimethylsilyl ether. The protocol afforded various functionally enantioenriched chiral tetrasubstituted 4,5-dihydropyrrole-3-carbaldehydes in high yields, with excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivity (≤90% yield, ≤98% ee, and >20 : 1 d.r.). This asymmetric one-pot reaction starts with the reaction of azomethine ylides with dipolarophiles to yield pyrrolo-thiazine-2-carbaldehydes as intermediates. Subsequently, the electrophile alkyl halide is attacked by the sulfur atom of the intermediate, followed by C-S bond cleavage (ring-opening), which furnishes the desired chiral tetrasubstituted 4,5-dihydropyrroles.

Atom-Economical Syntheses of Dihydropyrroles Using Flavin-Iodine-Catalyzed Aerobic Multistep and Multicomponent Reactions

Herein, we report facile, atom-economical syntheses of multisubstituted 2,3-dihydropyrroles using flavin-iodine-catalyzed aerobic oxidative multistep transformations of chalcones with β-enamine ketones or 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and amines. Exploiting coupled flavin-iodine catalysis, the multistep reaction, including C-C and C-N bond formation, is promoted only by the consumption of O₂ (1 atm), thus allowing aerobic oxidative synthesis that generates green H₂O as the only waste.

Base-promoted cyclization of ortho-hydroxyacetophenones with in situ generated cyclopropenes: diastereoselective access to spirobenzo[b]oxepines and related precursors

An unprecedented [5 + 2] spirocyclization route to obtain a vital class of functionalized spirobenzo[b]oxepine-cyclopropanes in good to high yields with excellent diastereoselectivities is reported. This domino reaction proceeds through a regioselective oxa-Michael addition of ortho-hydroxyacetophenones as 1,5-binucleophiles to in situ produced highly reactive cyclopropenes from 2-aroyl-1-chlorocyclopropanecarboxylates triggered by Cs₂CO₃ and the subsequent intramolecular aldol reaction under heating conditions, enabling the formation of new C-O and C-C bonds for benzo[b]oxepine ring synthesis. Moreover, at ambient temperature, the above C-O/C-C bond-forming event takes place preferentially via a [4 + 2] annulation path over a spirocyclization route, leading to substituted fused-cyclopropanes with good diastereoselectivities. Gratifyingly, further alterations of the obtained spirobenzo[b]oxepines and tetrahydrocyclopropa[b]chromenes afford fascinating classes of 4H-chromen-4-ones and cyclopenta[c]chromenes, respectively, under metal-free conditions.

Synthesis of 1,5-Substituted Pyrrolidin-2-ones from Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes and Anilines/Benzylamines

We developed a straightforward synthetic route to pharmacologically important 1,5-substituted pyrrolidin-2-ones from donor-acceptor cyclopropanes bearing an ester group as one of the acceptor substituents. This method includes a Lewis acid-catalyzed opening of the donor-acceptor cyclopropane with primary amines (anilines, benzylamines, etc.) to γ-amino esters, followed by in situ lactamization and dealkoxycarbonylation. The reaction has a broad scope of applicability; a variety of substituted anilines, benzylamines, and other primary amines as well as a wide range of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes bearing (hetero)aromatic or alkenyl donor groups and various acceptor substituents can be involved in this transformation. In this process, donor-acceptor cyclopropanes react as 1,4-C,C-dielectrophiles, and amines react as 1,1-dinucleophiles. The resulting di- and trisubstituted pyrrolidin-2-ones can be also used in subsequent chemistry to obtain various nitrogen-containing polycyclic compounds of interest to medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, such as benz[g]indolizidine derivatives.

Ambident reactivity of 5-aminopyrazoles towards donor-acceptor cyclopropanes

Lewis acid-catalysed reactions of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes with 1,3-disubstituted 5-aminopyrazoles were investigated. Under catalysis with gallium(III) chloride, products of the three-membered ring opening via a nucleophilic attack of the exocyclic amino group were obtained in a chemoselective manner. Oppositely, in the presence of scandium(III) triflate, products of either N-alkylation or C(4)-alkylation, or a mixture of both were formed. The products of the C(4) alkylation were transformed in one step into tetrahydropyrazolo[3,4-b]azepines that are attractive for medicinal chemistry and pharmacology.

General Method for the Amination of Aryl Halides with Primary and Secondary Alkyl Amines via Nickel Photocatalysis

The Buchwald-Hartwig C-N coupling reaction has been ranked as one of the 20 most frequently used reactions in medicinal chemistry. Owing to its much lower cost and higher reactivity toward less reactive aryl chlorides than palladium, the C-N coupling reaction catalyzed by Ni-based catalysts has received a great deal of attention. However, there appear to be no universal, practical Ni catalytic systems so far that could enable the coupling of electron-rich and electron-poor aryl halides with both primary and secondary alkyl amines. In this study, it is reported that a Ni(II)-bipyridine complex catalyzes efficient C-N coupling of aryl chlorides and bromides with various primary and secondary alkyl amines under direct excitation with light. Intramolecular C-N coupling is also demonstrated. The feasibility and applicability of the protocol in organic synthesis is attested by more than 200 examples.

An iron-catalyzed domino reaction of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes: a diastereoselective approach towards diversely functionalized pyrrolo-quinazolines

An expeditious synthetic route to access functionalized pyrrolo[2,1-b]quinazoline scaffolds has been achieved via domino ring opening cyclization (DROC) reactions of donor-acceptor (D-A) cyclopropanes and 2-amino(methyl)aniline derivatives. This novel iron catalyzed transformation is amenable to a wide range of substrates. Three new C-N bonds and two rings were sequentially constructed in this divergent one-pot process. The advantages of simple operation, high yields and general applicability make this procedure highly attractive and practical too.

Synthesis of 3C-alkylated active methylene substituted 2H-indazole derivatives via sequential ring opening of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes and reductive cyclization reaction

A facile synthesis of 3C-alkylated active methylene substituted 2H-indazoles from o-nitrocyclopropanes and primary arylamines catalyzed by Ni(ClO4)2.6H2O/SnCl2.2H2O is reported.

Synthesis of substituted 1,2-dihydroisoquinolines via Ni(ii) and Cu(i)/Ag(i) catalyzed double nucleophilic addition of arylamines to ortho-alkynyl donor-acceptor cyclopropanes (o-ADACs)

A concise approach for the synthesis of substituted 1,2-dihydroisoquinolines via double nucleophilic addition of primary arylamines to ortho-alkynyl donor-acceptor cyclopropanes (o-ADACs) in the presence of a catalytic Ni(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O and CuI/AgOTf system has been developed. Further applying this protocol, some of the derived malonates were converted into the corresponding monoesters under Krapcho decarboxylation reaction conditions. Thereafter, these esters were transformed into the respective acids and alcohols. In addition, multifunctionalized 4-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetyl) 1,2-dihydroisoquinolines were also obtained with excess TFAA.

Scandium(III) Triflate-Catalyzed Reaction of Aroyl-Substituted Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes with 1-Naphthylamines: Access to Dibenzo[c,h]acridines

The reaction of aroyl-substituted donor-acceptor (D-A) cyclopropanes with two equivalents of 1-naphthylamines in the presence of a catalytic amount of scandium(III) triflate provides access to dibenzo[c,h]acridines. The key steps of the transformation are the formation of nucleophilic ring-opening products from the D-A cyclopropanes and 1-naphthylamines and their subsequent fragmentation and cyclization. The method has a reasonable substrate scope, and the products are formed in 50-70% yields.

Ring Opening of Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes with Acyclic 1,3-Diketones for the Synthesis of 1,6-Dicarbonyl Compounds

1,6-Dicarbonyl compounds, representing the formal addition products of the α-position of acetophenone derivatives to donor-acceptor cyclopropanes, were synthesized in two steps via first ring opening of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes with acyclic 1,3-diketones followed by DBU catalyzed retro-Claisen-type C-C bond cleavage reactions. In the first step, acyclic 1,3-diketones selectively worked as C-nucleophiles to add to donor-acceptor cyclopropanes. In the second step, the alkyl ketone part of the ring-opening products resulting from unsymmetrical 1,3-diketones was selectively cleaved in the presence of DBU in methanol.

Desymmetrization of 1-Symmetrical Donor-Acceptor (D-A) Cyclopropanes via Reactions with 1,3-Cyclodiones

A new type of 1-unsymmetrical D-A cyclopropanes containing a cyclic enone motif was obtained by the desymmetrization of 1-symmetrical D-A cyclopropanes via first the Lewis acid-catalyzed O-nucleophilic ring-opening reaction with 1,3-cyclodiones followed by an organobase-promoted unexpected multistep intramolecular transformation.

A transition metal-free approach towards the regioselective synthesis of β-carboline tethered pyrroles and 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrroles

A transition metal-free one-pot sequential approach has been unfolded for the synthesis of β-carboline tethered pyrroles and 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrroles by using highly diverse 1-formyl-9H-β-carbolines as a template.

Lewis acid catalysed asymmetric cascade reaction of cyclopropyl ketones: concise synthesis of pyrrolobenzothiazoles

A concise method to synthesize pyrrolobenzothiazoles via a cascade reaction of cyclopropyl ketones was developed by using a chiral N,N′-dioxide-scandium(iii) complex catalyst.

Ring-opening reactions of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with cyclic ketals and thiol ketals

Cyclic (thiol) ketals were used as hetero-nucleophiles for the ring opening of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes to afford functionalized diethers.

Chameleon-Like Activating Nature of the Spirooxindole Group in Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes

The concept of a chameleon activating group is considered in the context of donor-acceptor cyclopropane chemistry. When spiro-conjugated with cyclopropane, oxindole can act as an acceptor or a donor depending on the electronic nature of vicinal substituents. This dichotomy is reflected in the alteration of chemoselectivity of spiro[oxindole-1,3'-cyclopropane] ring opening with nucleophiles.

Direct synthesis of highly functionalized furans from donor-acceptor cyclopropanes via DBU-mediated ring expansion reactions

A DBU-mediated, unprecedented formal ring expansion reaction of 2-acyl-3-arylcyclopropane-1,1-dicarbonitriles for the synthesis of multisubstituted furan derivatives is reported. This transformation represents the regioselective ring-opening reaction of cyclopropane-1,1-dicarbonitriles and annulation using an intramolecular addition cascade reaction protocol for the synthesis of fully substituted furans includes use of readily available starting materials, mild reaction conditions, and it is transition-metal catalyst free, has good functional tolerance, and broad substrate scope.

Metal-mediated synthesis of pyrrolines

The five-membered, nitrogen-containing pyrroline ring is a privileged structure. This ring is present in many bioactive compounds from natural sources. Pyrrolines-the dihydro derivatives of pyrroles-have three structural isomer classes, depending on the location of the double bond: 1-pyrrolines (3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrroles), 2-pyrrolines (2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrroles) and 3-pyrrolines (2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrroles). This review aims to describe the latest advances for the synthesis of pyrrolines by transition metal-catalyzed cyclizations. Only reactions in which the pyrroline ring is formed by metal promotion are described. Transformations of the pyrroline ring in other heterocycles, and the structural manipulations of the pyrroline itself are not discussed. The review is organized into three parts, each covering the metal-mediated synthesis of the three pyrroline isomers. Each part is subdivided according to the metal involved, and concludes with a brief description of notable biological activities within the class.

(3+3)-Annulation of Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes with Diaziridines

The first example of (3+3)-annulation of two different three-membered rings is reported herein. Donor-acceptor cyclopropanes in reaction with diaziridines were found to afford perhydropyridazine derivatives in high yields and diastereoselectivity under mild Lewis acid catalysis. The disclosed reaction is applicable for the broad substrate scope and exhibits an excellent functional group tolerance.

One-Pot Multicomponent Mechanosynthesis of Polysubstituted trans-2,3-Dihydropyrroles and Pyrroles from Amines, Alkyne Esters, and Chalcones

An efficient and practical one-pot multicomponent reaction of amines with alkyne esters and chalcones promoted by I₂/PhI(OAc)₂ has been developed under solvent-free ball-milling conditions to afford a variety of polysubstituted trans-2,3-dihydropyrroles in moderate to good yields. The present method features a short reaction time, mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and feasibility of large-scale synthesis. Intriguingly, this protocol can also furnish the corresponding synthetically more attractive pyrroles with the addition of an oxidant in a one-pot way.

Nucleophilic Ring Opening of Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes Catalyzed by a Brønsted Acid in Hexafluoroisopropanol

A general, Brønsted acid catalyzed method for the room temperature, nucleophilic ring opening of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes in fluorinated alcohol solvent, HFIP, is described. Salient features of this method include an expanded cyclopropane scope, including those bearing single keto-acceptor groups and those bearing electron-deficient aryl groups. Notably, the catalytic system proved amenable to a wide range of nucleophiles including arenes, indoles, azides, diketones, and alcohols.

Asymmetric ring-opening of cyclopropyl ketones with β-naphthols catalyzed by a chiral N,N′-dioxide–scandium(iii) complex

An efficient asymmetric ring-opening reaction of cyclopropyl ketones with 2-naphthols has been realized using a chiral N,N′-dioxide–Sc^III complex catalyst. A variety of chiral β-naphthol derivatives were obtained in excellent outcomes (up to 99% yield, 97% ee).

Synthesis of five-membered cyclic nitrones based on the Lewis acid-catalysed [3+2]-annulation reaction of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with 1,4,2-dioxazoles

A Lewis acid-catalysed reaction of D–A cyclopropanes with 1,4,2-dioxazoles has been developed for the synthesis of five-membered cyclic nitrones.

Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective Cyclopropanation of Internal Olefins with Diazomalonates

The first enantioselective copper catalyzed cyclopropanation of internal olefins with diazomalonates is reported. This process provides a new method for the synthesis of chiral 1,1-cyclopropane diesters. With a chiral bi-side arm bisoxazoline-copper(I) complex, the reaction performed well over a series of substrates, giving the desired products in good yields (up to 95%) and excellent enantioselectivities (90-95% ee).

α-Alkylidene-γ-butyrolactone Formation via Bi(OTf)3-Catalyzed, Dehydrative, Ring-Opening Cyclizations of Cyclopropyl Carbinols: Understanding Substituent Effects and Predicting E/Z Selectivity

A Bi(OTf)₃-catalyzed ring-opening cyclization of (hetero)aryl cyclopropyl carbinols to form α-alkylidene-γ-butyrolactones (ABLs) is reported. This transformation represents different chemoselectivity from previous reports that demonstrated formation of (hetero)aryl-fused cyclohexa-1,3-dienes upon acid-promoted cyclopropyl carbinol ring opening. ABLs are obtained in up to 89% yield with a general preference for the E-isomers. Mechanistically, Bi(OTf)₃ serves as a stable and easy to handle precursor to TfOH. TfOH then catalyzes the formation of cyclopropyl carbinyl cations, which undergo ring opening, intramolecular trapping by the neighboring ester group, subsequent hydrolysis, and loss of methanol resulting in the formation of the ABLs. The nature and relative positioning of the substituents on both the carbinol and the cyclopropane determine both chemo- and stereoselective outcomes. Carbinol substituents determine the extent of cyclopropyl carbinyl cation formation. The cyclopropane donor substituents determine the overall reaction chemoselectivity. Weakly stabilizing or electron-poor donor groups provide better yields of the ABL products. In contrast, copious amounts of competing products are observed with highly stabilizing cyclopropane donor substituents. Finally, a predictive model for E/Z selectivity was developed using DFT calculations.

Ring-Opening 1,3-Halochalcogenation of Cyclopropane Dicarboxylates

Donor-acceptor cyclopropanes with two geminal carboxylic esters are reacted with chalcogenyl chlorides and bromides to afford ring-opened products bearing the halogen atoms in the 1-position, adjacent to the donor, and the chalcogenyl residue in the 3-position next to the two acceptor groups. A variety of different donors (e.g., aryl, N, and O) are used. The stereospecificity of the reaction is demonstrated by using a chiral starting material.

Facile Conversion of Ni(II) Cyclopropylchlorins into Novel β-Substituted Porphyrins through Acid-Catalyzed Ring-Opening Reaction

The conversion of cyclopropylchlorins into porphyrins represents a key step in the synthetic manipulation of macrocycles with tunable physical and chemical properties. Herein, we report a facile method for the synthesis of novel β-substituted porphyrins from cyclopropylchlorins. A series of Ni(II) cyclopropylchlorins was converted into the corresponding Ni(II) and free base porphyrins using TFA and H₂SO₄ under mild reaction conditions in good yields (75-86%). The new chlorins and porphyrins were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The reaction proceeds very fast (<5 min.) with complete conversion of chlorin into porphyrin with distinct color change. Facile conversion, shorter reaction time scale, and good yield (75-86%) without any side products are the significant features of this new protocol. These porphyrinoids exhibited red-shifted electronic spectral features with varying degrees nonplanar conformation, tunable redox properties, and porphyrin core basicity.

C(sp3)–H dehydrogenation and C(sp2)–H alkoxy carbonylation of inactivated cyclic amines towards functionalized N-heterocycles

A novel and efficient synthesis of tetrahydropyridine-, dihydropyrrole-, and tetrahydroazepine-3-carboxylates via cascade reactions of cyclic amines with CO and alcohols is presented. To our knowledge, this should be the first example in which functionalized N-heterocycles were prepared through Pd-catalyzed C(sp³)–H dehydrogenation and C(sp²)–H carbonylation of cyclic amines.

PIFA-Mediated oxidative cyclization of 1-aroyl-N-arylcyclopropane-1-carboxamides and their application in the synthesis of pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinolinones

A PIFA-promoted ring-closing reaction for the synthesis of spirocyclopropane quinolinediones, and their application toward pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinolinones.