Synthesis of alpha-arylated allylsilanes through palladium-catalyzed gamma-selective allyl-aryl coupling

Copper-Catalyzed Regiodivergent and Enantioselective Hydrosilylation of Allenes

A copper-catalyzed regiodivergent hydrosilylation of a wide range of simple allenes is reported. Linear and branched allylsilanes were formed by judicious choice of solvents. Furthermore, branched allylsilanes were obtained with high enantioselectivity (up to 97% enantiomeric excess) with the aid of a C2-symmetric bisphosphine ligand in the unprecedented asymmetric allene hydrosilylation.

Asymmetric synthesis via stereospecific C-N and C-O bond activation of alkyl amine and alcohol derivatives

This perspective showcases our development of benzylic and allylic amine and alcohol derivatives as electrophiles for stereospecific, nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, as well as the prior art that inspired our efforts. The success of our effort has relied on the use of benzyl ammonium triflates as electrophiles for cross-couplings via C-N bond activation and benzylic and allylic carboxylates for cross-couplings via C-O bond activation. Our work, along with others' exciting discoveries, has demonstrated the potential of stereospecific, nickel-catalyzed cross-couplings of alkyl electrophiles in asymmetric synthesis, and enables efficient generation of both tertiary and quaternary stereocenters.

Aqueous protocol for allylic arylation of cinnamyl acetates with sodium tetraphenylborate using a Bedford-type palladacycle catalyst

Allylic arylation using 0.002 mol% of a Bedford-type palladacycle catalyst is described under mild reaction conditions.

Single or Synergistic Kinetic Resolutions of Chiral Allylalanes: Two Complementary Routes for the Asymmetric Synthesis of Syn Homoallylamines

Two strategies based on kinetic resolution(s) of chiral alanes and providing enantioenriched syn homoallylamines are reported. The first implies a single kinetic resolution of the alane using camphor; the second requires two sequential kinetic resolutions using the synergistic combination of (-)-camphor/(R)-tert-butylsulfinamide-derived imines. This syn selectivity, specific to the use of allyaluminum, opens the way to the preparation of valuable building blocks as illustrated by the synthesis of (+)-epilupinamine.

Stereospecific Allylic Functionalization: The Reactions of Allylboronate Complexes with Electrophiles

Allylboronic esters react readily with carbonyls and imines (π-electrophiles), but are unreactive toward a range of other electrophiles. By addition of an aryllithium, the corresponding allylboronate complexes display enhanced nucleophilicity, enabling addition to a range of electrophiles (tropylium, benzodithiolylium, activated pyridines, Eschenmoser's salt, Togni's reagent, Selectfluor, diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (DIAD), MeSX) in high regio- and stereocontrol. This protocol provides access to key new functionalities, including quaternary stereogenic centers bearing moieties such as fluorine and the trifluoromethyl group. The allylboronate complexes were determined to be 7 to 10 orders of magnitude more reactive than the parent boronic ester.

Enantioselective Nickel-Catalyzed Intramolecular Allylic Alkenylations Enabled by Reversible Alkenylnickel E/Z Isomerization

Enantioselective nickel-catalyzed arylative cyclizations of substrates containing a Z-allylic phosphate tethered to an alkyne are described. These reactions give multisubstituted chiral aza- and carbocycles, and are initiated by the addition of an arylboronic acid to the alkyne, followed by cyclization of the resulting alkenylnickel species onto the allylic phosphate. The reversible E/Z isomerization of the alkenylnickel species is essential for the success of the reactions.

(+)-Camphor-mediated kinetic resolution of allylalanes: a strategy towards enantio-enriched cyclohex-2-en-1-ylalane

An efficient (+)-camphor-mediated kinetic resolution of racemic cyclohex-2-en-1-ylalane is described. This approach provides an enantiomerically enriched form of the alane, in situ available for synthetic uses. Applied to the allylation of aldehydes, this protocol leads to the corresponding homoallylalcohols in a highly enantioselective manner.

Silver-mediated oxidative trifluoromethylthiolation of cycloalkanols by C–C bond cleavage: a regioselective approach to distally trifluoromethylthiolated ketones

Various distally trifluoromethylthiolated ketones were readily prepared by silver-mediated oxidative trifluoromethylthiolation of cycloalkanols. The reaction features complete regioselectivity, operational simplicity, and excellent practicality.

Gas-Phase and Computational Study of Identical Nickel- and Palladium-Mediated Organic Transformations Where Mechanisms Proceeding via M(II) or M(IV) Oxidation States Are Determined by Ancillary Ligands

Gas-phase studies utilizing ion-molecule reactions, supported by computational chemistry, demonstrate that the reaction of the enolate complexes [(CH2CO2-C,O)M(CH3)](-) (M = Ni (5a), Pd (5b)) with allyl acetate proceed via oxidative addition to give M(IV) species [(CH2CO2-C,O)M(CH3)(η(1)-CH2-CH═CH2)(O2CCH3-O,O')](-) (6) that reductively eliminate 1-butene, to form [(CH2CO2-C,O)M(O2CCH3-O,O')](-) (4). The mechanism contrasts with the M(II)-mediated pathway for the analogous reaction of [(phen)M(CH3)](+) (1a,b) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The different pathways demonstrate the marked effect of electron-rich metal centers in enabling higher oxidation state pathways. Due to the presence of two alkyl groups, the metal-occupied d orbitals (particularly dz(2)) in 5 are considerably destabilized, resulting in more facile oxidative addition; the electron transfer from dz(2) to the C═C π* orbital is the key interaction leading to oxidative addition of allyl acetate to M(II). Upon collision-induced dissociation, 4 undergoes decarboxylation to form 5. These results provide support for the current exploration of roles for Ni(IV) and Pd(IV) in organic synthesis.

Gas-phase studies of metal catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reactions of esters

Metal-catalyzed decarboxylative coupling reactions of esters offer new opportunities for formation of C–C bonds with CO2as the only coproduct. Here I provide an overview of: key solution phase literature; thermochemical considerations for decarboxylation of esters and thermolysis of esters in the absence of a metal catalyst. Results from my laboratory on the use of multistage ion trap mass spectrometry experiments and DFT calculations to probe the gas-phase metal catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reactions of allyl acetate and related esters are then reviewed. These studies have explored the role of the metal carboxylate complex in the gas phase decarboxylative coupling of allyl acetate proceeding via a simple two-step catalytic cycle. In Step 1, an organometallic ion, [CH3ML]+/–(where M is a group 10 or 11 metal and L is an auxillary ligand), is allowed to undergo ion-molecule reactions with allyl acetate to generate 1-butene and the metal acetate ion, [CH3CO2ML]+/–. In Step 2, the metal acetate ion is subjected to collision-induced dissociation to reform the organometallic ion and thereby close the catalytic cycle. DFT calculations have been used to explore the mechanisms of these reactions. The organometallic ions [CH3CuCH3]–, [CH3Cu2]+, [CH3AgCu]+and [CH3M(phen)]+(where M = Ni, Pd and Pt) all undergo C–C bond coupling reactions with allyl acetate (Step 1), although the reaction efficiencies and product branching ratios are highly dependant on the nature of the metal complex. For example, [CH3Ag2]+does not undergo C–C bond coupling. Using DFT calculations, a diverse range of mechanisms have been explored for these C–C bond-coupling reactions including: oxidative-addition, followed by reductive elimination; insertion reactions and SN2-like reactions. Which of these mechanisms operate is dependant on the nature of the metal complex. A wide range of organometallic ions can be formed via decarboxylation (Step 2) although these reactions can be in competition with other fragmentation channels. DFT calculations have located different types of transition states for the formation of [CH3CuCH3]–, [CH3Cu2]+, [CH3AgCu]+and [CH3M(phen)]+(where M = Ni, Pd and Pt). Of the catalysts studied to date, [CH3Cu2]+and [CH3Pd(phen)]+are best at promoting C–C bond formation (Step 1) as well as being regenerated (Step 2). Preliminary results on the reactions of [C6H5M(phen)]+(M = Ni and Pd) with C6H5CO2CH2CH=CH2and C6H5CO2CH2C6H5are described.

A palladium NNC-pincer complex: an efficient catalyst for allylic arylation at parts per billion levels

Allylic arylation of allylic acetates by sodium tetraarylborates in the presence of ppb to ppm (molar) loadings of a palladium NNC-pincer complex catalyst in methanol at 50 °C gave the corresponding arylated products in excellent yields.

Decarboxylative-coupling of allyl acetate catalyzed by group 10 organometallics, [(phen)M(CH3)]+

Gas-phase carbon-carbon bond forming reactions, catalyzed by group 10 metal acetate cations [(phen)M(O2CCH3)](+) (where M = Ni, Pd or Pt) formed via electrospray ionization of metal acetate complexes [(phen)M(O2CCH3)2], were examined using an ion trap mass spectrometer and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In step 1 of the catalytic cycle, collision induced dissociation (CID) of [(phen)M(O2CCH3)](+) yields the organometallic complex, [(phen)M(CH3)](+), via decarboxylation. [(phen)M(CH3)](+) reacts with allyl acetate via three competing reactions, with reactivity orders (% reaction efficiencies) established via kinetic modeling. In step 2a, allylic alkylation occurs to give 1-butene and reform metal acetate, [(phen)M(O2CCH3)](+), with Ni (36%) > Pd (28%) > Pt (2%). Adduct formation, [(phen)M(C6H11O2)](+), occurs with Pt (24%) > Pd (21%) > Ni(11%). The major losses upon CID on the adduct, [(phen)M(C6H11O2)](+), are 1-butene for M = Ni and Pd and methane for Pt. Loss of methane only occurs for Pt (10%) to give [(phen)Pt(C5H7O2)](+). The sequences of steps 1 and 2a close a catalytic cycle for decarboxylative carbon-carbon bond coupling. DFT calculations suggest that carbon-carbon bond formation occurs via alkene insertion as the initial step for all three metals, without involving higher oxidation states for the metal centers.

Nickel-catalyzed asymmetric reductive cross-coupling between vinyl and benzyl electrophiles

A Ni-catalyzed asymmetric reductive cross-coupling between vinyl bromides and benzyl chlorides has been developed. This method provides direct access to enantioenriched products bearing aryl-substituted tertiary allylic stereogenic centers from simple, stable starting materials. A broad substrate scope is achieved under mild reaction conditions that preclude the pregeneration of organometallic reagents and the regioselectivity issues commonly associated with asymmetric allylic arylation.

Palladium-catalyzed stereospecific cross-coupling of enantioenriched allylic alcohols with boronic acids

In the presence of 2.5 mol% Pd2(dba)3-TMEDA (1 : 4), a range of enantioenriched allylic alcohols smoothly coupled with boronic acids in a highly regioselective fashion with inversion of configuration to afford structurally diverse alkenes in good yields with perfect retention of ee.

Enantiospecific, nickel-catalyzed cross-couplings of allylic pivalates and arylboroxines

We have developed an enantiospecific, nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of unsymmetric 1,3-disubstituted allylic pivalates with arylboroxines. The success of this reaction relies on the use of BnPPh2 as a supporting ligand for the nickel(0) catalyst and NaOMe as a base. This method shows excellent functional group tolerance and broad scope in both the allylic pivalate and arylboroxine, enabling the preparation of 1,3-diaryl allylic products in high yields with excellent levels of regioselectivity and stereochemical fidelity.

Pd-Catalyzed stereospecific allyl-aryl coupling of allylic alcohols with arylboronic acids

An efficient method for Pd-catalyzed stereospecific allyl-aryl coupling of allylic alcohols with arylboronic acids has been described. The reactions proceeded smoothly in the presence of Pd2(dba)3·CHCl3 and racemic BINAP under mild and neutral conditions, affording allyl-aryl coupling products in moderate to high yields with excellent stereospecificities.

Pd-catalyzed ligand-free Suzuki reaction of β-substituted allylic halides with arylboronic acids in water

The combination of Pd(TFA)₂ and KOH could efficiently catalyze the reaction of β-substituted allylic halides with arylboronic acids in water.

Trifluoromethylation of allylsilanes under photoredox catalysis

A new catalytic method to access allylic secondary CF3 products is described. These reactions use the visible light excited Ru(bpy)3Cl2·6H2O catalyst and the Togni or Umemoto reagent as the CF3 source. The photoredox catalytic manifold delivers enantioenriched allylic trifluoromethylated products not accessible under Cu(I) catalysis.

Copper-catalyzed enantioselective allylic substitution with alkylboranes

The first catalytic enantioselective allylic substitution reaction with alkylboron compounds has been achieved. The reaction between alkyl-9-BBN reagents and primary allylic chlorides proceeded with excellent γ-selectivities and high enantioselectivities under catalysis of a Cu(I)-DTBM-SEGPHOS system. The protocol produces terminal alkenes with an allylic stereogenic center branched with functionalized sp(3)-alkyl groups. The reaction with a γ-silicon-substituted allyl chloride affords an efficient strategy for the enantioselective synthesis of functionalized α-stereogenic chiral allylsilanes.

Synthesis of conjugated allenes through copper-catalyzed γ-selective and stereospecific coupling between propargylic phosphates and aryl- or alkenylboronates

A Cu-catalyzed γ-selective coupling reaction between propargylic phosphates and aryl- or alkenylboronates afforded aryl- or alkenyl-conjugated allenes. The reaction showed excellent functional group compatibility in both the propargylic substrates and the boronates. The reaction of an enantioenriched propargylic phosphate proceeded with excellent chirality transfer with 1,3-anti stereochemistry to give axially chiral aryl- and alkenylallenes.

Pd-catalyzed regioselective and stereospecific Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of allylic carbonates with arylboronic acids

The Pd-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction of unsymmetric 1,3-disubstituted secondary allylic carbonates with arylboronic acids has been developed in a wet solvent under a base-free system to afford allyl-aryl coupling products in a high level of isolated yields with complete regio- and E/Z-selectivities with good to excellent chemoselectivities. The coupling reaction of optically active allyl carbonates gave allyl-aryl coupling products with excellent enantioselectivities with inversion of the stereochemistry. This coupling method was successfully applied to the synthesis of (S)-naproxen.

Total synthesis of (-)-virginiamycin M2: application of crotylsilanes accessed by enantioselective Rh(II) or Cu(I) promoted carbenoid Si-H insertion

A stereoselective synthesis of the antibiotic (-)-virginiamycin M(2) is detailed. A convergent strategy was utilized that proceeded in 10 steps (longest linear sequence) from enantioenriched silane (S)-15. This reagent, which was prepared via a Rh(II)- or Cu(I)-catalyzed carbenoid Si-H insertion, was used to introduce the desired olefin geometry and stereocenters of the C1-C5 propionate subunit. A modified Negishi cross-coupling or an efficient alkoxide-directed titanium-mediated alkyne-alkyne reductive coupling strategy was utilized to assemble the trisubstituted (E,E)-diene. An underutilized late-stage SmI(2)-mediated macrocyclization was employed to construct the 23-membered macrocycle scaffold of the natural product.