Rapid access to oxindoles by the combined use of an Ugi four-component reaction and a microwave-assisted intramolecular Buchwald-Hartwig amidation reaction

Recent developments in the total synthesis of natural products using the Ugi multicomponent reactions as the key strategy

The total syntheses of selected natural products using different versions of the Ugi multicomponent reaction is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The revision covers the period 2008-2023 and includes detailed descriptions of the synthetic sequences, the use of state-of-the-art chemical reagents and strategies, as well as the advantages and limitations of the transformation and some remedial solutions. Relevant data on the isolation and bioactivity of the different natural targets are also briefly provided. The examples clearly evidence the strategic importance of this transformation and its key role in the modern natural products synthetic chemistry toolbox. This methodology proved to be a valuable means for easily building molecular complexity and efficiently delivering step-economic syntheses even of intricate structures, with a promising future.

Highly regioselective and diastereoselective synthesis of novel pyrazinoindolones via a base-mediated Ugi-N-alkylation sequence

An efficient base-mediated/metal-free approach has been developed for the synthesis of 1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrazino[1,2-a]indole-3-carboxamide derivatives via intramolecular indole N-H alkylation of novel bis-amide Ugi-adducts. In this protocol the Ugi reaction of (E)-cinnamaldehyde derivatives, 2-chloroaniline, indole-2-carboxylic acid and different isocyanides was designed for the preparation of bis-amides. The main highlight of this study is the practical and highly regioselective preparation of new polycyclic functionalized pyrazino derivatives. This system is facilitated by Na₂CO₃ mediation in DMSO and 100 °C conditions.

The Discovery of Novel Antimicrobial Agents through the Application of Isocyanide-Based Multicomponent Reactions

Multicomponent reactions (MCR) have been used to synthesize a wide range of analogs from several classes of heterocyclic compounds, with multifaceted medicinal uses. The synthesis of highly functionalized molecules in a single pot is a unique property of MCR, allowing researchers to quickly assemble libraries of compounds of biological interest and uncover novel leads as possible therapeutic agents. Isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions have proven to be extremely effective at swiftly specifying members of compound libraries, particularly in the discovery of drugs. The understanding of structure-activity correlations that drive the development of new goods and technology requires structural variety in these libraries. In today's world, antibiotic resistance is a major ongoing problem that poses risks to public health. The implementation of isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions upholds a significant potential in this regard. By utilizing such reactions, new antimicrobial compounds can be discovered and subsequently used to fight against such concerns. This study discusses the recent developments in antimicrobial medication discovery using isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions (IMCRs). Furthermore, the article emphasizes the potential of IMCRs (Isocyanide-based multicomponent based reactions) in the near future.

N-Oxide-Induced Ugi Reaction: A Rapid Access to Quinoline-C2-amino Amides via Deoxygenative C(sp2)-H Functionalization

A logic-based replacement of the carboxylic acid component of the Ugi reaction by quinoline N-oxides has been developed. In this approach, the carboxylic isostere, quinoline N-oxide, plays a vital role by shifting the equilibria toward the product side with irreversible addition onto the C2-position of the N-oxide. Thus, aldehydes react with amines, isocyanides, and quinoline N-oxides to furnish quinoline four-component Ugi adducts. The unique reactivity of N-oxides with Ugi components opens an efficient synthetic route for the preparation of biologically active compounds.

Dieckmann Condensation of Ugi N-Acylamino Amide Product: Facile Access to Functionalized 2,2-Disubstituted Indolin-3-ones

Structurally unique 2,2-disubstituted indolin-3-ones with a quaternary carbon center have been constructed through a novel C-C bond formation at the C3 position of Ugi N-acylamino amide adducts employing an organic base-mediated Dieckmann condensation. This facile, flexible protocol can be fine-tuned to construct drug-like pyrazino[1,2-a]indole fragments with the same quaternary carbon center only through the variation of the acid part in Ugi input. This novel and expeditious methodology has a broad scope and can rapidly generate the drug-like indolin-3-one core.

Revisit to the synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted pyrrole derivatives in lactic acid media as a green solvent and catalyst

In this study, for the first time, lactic acid was used as a bio-based green catalyst and reaction medium for the synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted pyrrole derivatives from one-pot three-component reaction of commercially available primary amines, 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, and trans-β-nitrostyrene at room temperature. Thirty-three corresponding pyrroles, of which eight are novel and have been reported for the first time, were synthesized in high to excellent yields in lactic acid media and characterized by spectroscopic analysis. In all examined cases, lactic acid represented many advantages, including shorter reaction time, ease of product isolation, higher yields, no by-products, no chromatographic process, and lower volatility in the reaction. This bio-based green solvent can also be recycled and reused three times without loss of its efficiency as a catalyst and solvent.

Recent advances in multi-component reactions and their mechanistic insights: a triennium review

This review summarizes the recent developments in MCRs, incorporating different strategies along with their mechanistic aspects.

Two decades of recent advances of Ugi reactions: synthetic and pharmaceutical applications

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are powerful synthetic tools in which more than two starting materials couple with each other to form multi-functionalized compounds in a one-pot process, the so-called "tandem", "domino" or "cascade" reaction, or utilizing an additional step without changing the solvent, the so-called a sequential-addition procedure, to limit the number of synthetic steps, while increasing the complexity and the molecular diversity, which are highly step-economical reactions. The Ugi reaction, one of the most common multicomponent reactions, has recently fascinated chemists with the high diversity brought by its four- or three-component-based isonitrile. The Ugi reaction has been introduced in organic synthesis as a novel, efficient and useful tool for the preparation of libraries of multifunctional peptides, natural products, and heterocyclic compounds with stereochemistry control. In this review, we highlight the recent advances of the Ugi reaction in the last two decades from 2000-2019, mainly in the synthesis of linear or cyclic peptides, heterocyclic compounds with versatile ring sizes, and natural products, as well as the enantioselective Ugi reactions. Meanwhile, the applications of these compounds in pharmaceutical trials are also discussed.

Synthesis of Lactams via Isocyanide-Based Multicomponent Reactions

Lactams are very important heterocycles as a result of their presence in a wide range of bioactive molecules, natural products and drugs, and also due their utility as versatile synthetic intermediates. Due to these reasons, numerous efforts have focused on the development of effective and efficient methods for their synthesis. Compared to conventional two-component reactions, multicomponent reactions (MCRs), particularly isocyanide-based MCRs, are widely used for the synthesis of a range of small heterocycles including lactam analogues. Despite their numerous applications in almost every field of chemistry, as yet there is no dedicated review on isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions (IMCRs) concerning the synthesis of lactams. Therefore, this review presents strategies towards the synthesis of α-, β-, γ-, δ- and ε-lactams using IMCRs or IMCRs/post-transformation reactions reported in the literature between 2000 and 2020.

1 Introduction

2 Developments in Lactam Synthesis

2.1 α-Lactams

2.2 β-Lactams

2.3 γ-Lactams

2.3.1 General γ-Lactams

2.3.2 Benzo-Fused γ-Lactams

2.3.3 Spiro γ-Lactams

2.3.4 α,β-Unsaturated γ-Lactams

2.3.5 Polycyclic Fused γ-Lactams

2.4 δ-Lactams

2.5 ε-Lactams

3 Conclusions

Synthesis of N-Glycosyl-2-oxindoles by Pd-Catalyzed N-Arylation of 1-Amidosugars

An efficient intramolecular Pd-catalyzed N-arylation of o-iodo-amidosugars for the synthesis of N-glycosylated oxindoles has been reported. The coupling reaction takes place in toluene and involves Pd(OAc)₂/RuPhos catalytic systems in the presence of K₂CO₃. This versatile approach was extended successfully to the synthesis of other N-glycosylated heterocycles.

A green method for the synthesis of pyrrole derivatives using arylglyoxals, 1,3-diketones and enaminoketones in water or water-ethanol mixture as solvent

Three-component reaction between arylglyoxals, 1,3-dicetones and enaminoketones leads to new polyfunctionalized tetraone derivatives which may be easily converted to polyfunctionalized pyrroles. Reactions were conducted in water or water-ethanol mixture as green solvents, and all products were isolated by simple washing of the resulting solids with diethyl ether.

A stereoselective sequential organocascade and multicomponent approach for the preparation of tetrahydropyridines and chimeric derivatives

A stereoselective multicomponent approach leading to a novel class of pentasubstituted tetrahydropyridines is described.

Methyl isocyanide as a convertible functional group for the synthesis of spirocyclic oxindole γ-lactams via post-Ugi-4CR/transamidation/cyclization in a one-pot, three-step sequence

The synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,2'-pyrrole]-2,5'(1'H)-diones and spiro[indoline-3,2'-pyrrolidine]-2,5'-diones, via a post-Ugi-domino transamidation/cyclization sequential process, has been achieved in three sequential steps utilizing a one-pot reaction protocol. The variation in carboxylic acid substrates allows for the generation of new chiral racemic quaternary carbon centers under basic conditions providing molecular diversity and a small library of spirocyclic oxindoles.

Applications of Palladium-Catalyzed C-N Cross-Coupling Reactions

Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions that form C–N bonds have become useful methods to synthesize anilines and aniline derivatives, an important class of compounds throughout chemical research. A key factor in the widespread adoption of these methods has been the continued development of reliable and versatile catalysts that function under operationally simple, user-friendly conditions. This review provides an overview of Pd-catalyzed N-arylation reactions found in both basic and applied chemical research from 2008 to the present. Selected examples of C–N cross-coupling reactions between nine classes of nitrogen-based coupling partners and (pseudo)aryl halides are described for the synthesis of heterocycles, medicinally relevant compounds, natural products, organic materials, and catalysts.

Ultrasound-assisted direct oxidative amidation of benzyl alcohols catalyzed by graphite oxide

Ultrasound irradiation was successfully applied for the direct oxidative amidation of benzyl alcohols with amines into the corresponding amides using graphite oxide (GO) as an oxidative and reusable solid acid catalyst in acetonitrile as solvent at 50°C under air atmosphere. The direct oxidative amidation of benzyl alcohols takes place under mild conditions yielding the corresponding amides in good to high yields (69-95%) and short reaction times under metal-free conditions.

Ligand-controlled product selectivity in palladium-catalyzed domino post-Ugi construction of (spiro)polyheterocycles

Driven by a ligand: a phosphine ligand controlled regioselective divergence towards (spiro)polyheterocycles possessing two adjacent quaternary carbon stereocenters is described.

Isocyanide-Based Multicomponent Reactions for the Synthesis of Heterocycles

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are extremely popular owing to their facile execution, high atom-efficiency and the high diversity of products. MCRs can be used to access various heterocycles and highly functionalized scaffolds, and thus have been invaluable tools in total synthesis, drug discovery and bioconjugation. Traditional isocyanide-based MCRs utilize an external nucleophile attacking the reactive nitrilium ion, the key intermediate formed in the reaction of the imine and the isocyanide. However, when reactants with multiple nucleophilic groups (bisfunctional reactants) are used in the MCR, the nitrilium intermediate can be trapped by an intramolecular nucleophilic attack to form various heterocycles. The implications of nitrilium trapping along with widely applied conventional isocyanide-based MCRs in drug design are discussed in this review.

Efficient synthesis of conformationally constrained, amino-triazoloazepinone-containing di- and tripeptides via a one-pot Ugi-Huisgen tandem reaction

Herein we describe a catalyst-free procedure employing an Ugi-4CR between a β-azido-α-amino acid, propargylamine, an isocyanide and an aldehyde, followed by a thermal azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition to generate a 16-member library of amino-triazoloazepinone-bearing di- and tripeptides with up to four points of diversification and high atom economy.

Metal-mediated post-Ugi transformations for the construction of diverse heterocyclic scaffolds

The Ugi-4CR is by far one of the most successful multicomponent reactions leading to high structural diversity and molecular complexity. However, the reaction mostly affords a linear peptide backbone, enabling post-Ugi transformations as the only solution to rigidify the Ugi-adduct into more drug like species. Not surprisingly, the development of these transformations, leading to new structural frameworks, has expanded rapidly over the last few years. As expected, palladium-catalyzed reactions have received the foremost attention, yet other metals, particularly gold complexes, are fast catching up. This tutorial review outlines the developments achieved in the past decade, highlighting the modifications that are performed in a sequential or domino fashion with emphasis on major concepts, synthetic applications of the derived products as well as mechanistic aspects.

Silica gel promoted environment-friendly synthesis of α-amino amidines and regioselective transformation of α-amino amidines into amidino substituted indazoles

Environment-friendly three-component Ugi-type strategy (U-3CR) for the synthesis of α-amino amidines promoted by silica gel and further transformation into amidino substituted indazoles in regioselective manner under iron catalysis is presented.

Solvent switchable cycloaddition: a (one-pot) metal-free approach towards N-substituted benzo[e]- or [f]isoindolones via C(sp(2))-H functionalization

The tuning of selective ring closure is a nontrivial challenge in synthetic organic chemistry. Herein we report a solvent switchable metal-free [4 + 2] cycloaddition approach via Csp(2)-H functionalization. The protocol is highly atom economical with water being the only by-product, delivering N-substituted benzo[e]- or [f]isoindolones in high yields.

Rapid generation of privileged substructure-based compound libraries with structural diversity and drug-likeness

A library of privileged-substructure-based, heterocyclic compounds was constructed by a sequence of Ugi four-component reactions incorporating the indole motif and microwave-assisted cyclizations in branched pathways. Cheminformatic analysis confirmed that the library exhibited a high degree of structural diversity and good drug-likeness.

Highly stereoselective one-pot construction of trisubstituted tetrahydro-β-carboline-fused diketopiperazines: a synthetic route towards cialis analogues

A facile and efficient synthetic method for the stereoselective preparation of trisubstituted tetrahydro-β-carboline-fused diketopiperazine derivatives is reported.

Construction of functionalized tricyclic dihydropyrazino-quinazolinedione chemotypes via an Ugi/N-acyliminium ion cyclization cascade

Dihydropyrazino-quinazolinedione chemotypes are complex and structurally challenging structures of biological interest, being found in the marine alkaloids such as brevianamide M-N and fumiquinazolines A-C. Herein we report the synthesis of this tricyclic system in three synthetic operations by means of an Ugi multi-component reaction (MCR) followed by a tandem N-acyliminium ion cyclization-intramolecular nucleophilic addition reaction sequence. Additional structural diversification for further library enrichment was also accomplished via sequential N-alkylation and N-acylation/sulfonation.

One-pot syntheses of isoquinolin-3-ones and benzo-1,4-diazepin-2,5-diones utilizing Ugi-4CR post-transformation strategy

One-pot and efficient syntheses of structurally diverse isoquinolin-3-ones and isoquinolin-3-one-based benzo-1,4-diazepin-2,5-diones have been developed. The notable features of the process include the Ugi condensation of monomasked phthalaldehydes with amines, carboxylic acids, and isonitriles, followed by HClO4-mediated intramolecular condensation of the carbonyl with amide.