Tandem Inter [4 + 2]/Intra [3 + 2] Cycloadditions of Nitroalkenes. A Versatile Asymmetric Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Aminocyclopentanes

The Domino Way to Heterocycles

Sequential transformations enable the facile synthesis of complex target molecules from simple building blocks in a single preparative step. Their value is amplified if they also create multiple stereogenic centers. In the ongoing search for new domino processes, emphasis is usually placed on sequential reactions which occur cleanly and without forming by-products. As a prerequisite for an ideally proceeding one-pot sequential transformation, the reactivity pattern of all participating components has to be such that each building block gets involved in a reaction only when it is supposed to do so. The development of sequences that combine transformations of fundamentally different mechanisms broadens the scope of such procedures in synthetic chemistry. This mini review contains a representative sampling from the last 15 years on the kinds of reactions that have been sequenced into cascades to produce heterocyclic molecules.

Tandem double intramolecular [4+2]/[3+2] cycloadditions of nitroalkenes. The fused/bridged mode

A new class of tandem [4+2]/[3+2] cycloadditions of nitroalkenes is described in which both pericyclic processes are intramolecular. Two subclasses of intra [4+2]/intra [3+2] cycloadditions have been explored in which the dipolarophile is tethered at either C(5) or C(6) of the nitronate. For both families of precursors, the cycloadditions occur in good yield and are found to be highly regio- and stereoselective. This method converts linear polyenes to functionalized polycyclic systems bearing up to six stereogenic centers.

Tandem double intramolecular [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] cycloadditions of nitroalkenes

[reaction: see text]. A new class of tandem [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] cycloadditions of nitroalkenes is described in which both pericyclic processes are intramolecular. Two subclasses of intra [4 + 2]/intra [3 + 2] cycloadditions have been explored in which the dipolarophile is tethered at either C(5) or C(6) of the nitronate. For both families of precursors, the cycloadditions occur in good yield and are found to be highly regio- and stereoselective. This method converts linear polyenes to functionalized polycyclic systems bearing up to six stereogenic centers.

[4 + 2] cycloadditions of nitroalkenes in water. Highly asymmetric synthesis of functionalized nitronates

The [4 + 2] cycloadditions of (E)-2-aryl-1-cyano-1-nitroalkenes 1 with achiral and enantiopure vinyl ethers 2 and 3 carried out in sole water are reported. These reactions occur in a heterogeneous phase under mild conditions and are fast and highly stereoselective. By using (-)-N,N-dicyclohexyl-(1S)-isoborneol-10-sulfonamide as a chiral auxiliary, the cycloadditions are totally asymmetric. The face selectivity is discussed in terms of the shape of the chiral auxiliary and the reactive conformation of vinyl ether.

Tandem Cycloaddition Chemistry of Nitroalkenes: Preparative and Theoretical Studies on the Stereochemical Course of [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Cyclic Nitronates

Intermolecular [3 + 2] cycloadditions between two cyclic nitronates and a series of dipolarophiles are examined. High facial selectivity is observed in all cases and is analyzed with the aid of ab initio transition structure calculations. Monosubstituted dipolarophiles reacted with exclusive regiocontrol. Disubstituted dipolarophiles reacted with varying degrees of regiocontrol, which was dependent on the substituent. A theoretical approach for predicting regioselectivity is discussed. Exo selectivity was generally favored due to steric effects, and was especially high with cis-disubstituted dipolarophiles.

Tandem Inter [4 + 2]/Intra [3 + 2] Cycloadditions of Nitroalkenes. The Bridged Mode (beta-Tether)

A new variation of the tandem inter [4 + 2]/intra [3 + 2] cycloaddition of nitroalkenes has been developed. This method involves the Lewis acid-promoted [4 + 2] cycloaddition of nitro olefins 12 with 1-alkoxy-1,4-dienes 3. The resulting nitronates 13, bearing a C(5) tethered dipolarophile, undergo thermal, intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition to afford stable tricyclic nitroso acetals 14, which can be subsequently reduced to unveil a new carbocycle 16. Thus, in three steps, highly functionalized aminocyclopentanes can be stereoselectively constructed in high yield.

Tandem Inter [4 + 2]/Intra [3 + 2] Cycloadditions of Nitroalkenes. Asymmetric Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Aminocyclopentanes Using the Bridged Mode (beta-Tether) Process

An asymmetric, tandem inter [4 + 2]/intra [3 + 2] bridged mode (beta-tether) cycloaddition of nitroalkenes has been developed. This new sequence involves the Lewis acid-promoted [4 + 2] cycloaddition of nitro olefins with enantiopure 1-alkoxy-1,4-dienes. The resulting nitronates, bearing a C(5) tethered dipolarophile, undergo thermal, intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition to afford stable tricyclic nitroso acetals, which can be subsequently reduced to provide interesting aminocyclopentanes. Thus, in three steps, highly functionalized, enantiomerically enriched aminocyclopentanes can be constructed with good yield and high ee. Additionally, the Lewis acid was found to impart a remarkable influence on the stereochemical outcome of the [4 + 2] cycloaddition.