Catalytic thia-Sommelet-Hauser rearrangement: application to the synthesis of oxindoles

Stereoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Conjugated Dienes Enabled by Photo-Driven Sequential Sigmatropic Rearrangement

We here reported a highly stereoselective method for the synthesis of polysubstituted conjugated dienes from α-aryl α-diazo alkynyl ketones and pyrazole-substituted unsymmetric aminals under mild conditions, which was promoted by photo-irridation and involved with 1,6-dipolar intermediate and quadruple sigmatropic rearrangements, was successfully developed. In this transformation, the cleavage of four bonds and the recombination of five bonds were implemented in one operational step. This protocol provided a modular tool for constructing dienes from amines, pyrazoles and α-alkynyl-α-diazoketones in one-pot manner. The results of mechanistic investigation indicated that the plausible reaction path underwent the 1,6-sigmatropic rearrangement instead of the 1,5-sigmatropic rearrangement.

A rhodium-catalyzed ylide formation/Smiles rearrangement reaction of chalcogenide ether and triazoles

A Rh(ii)-catalyzed highly stereoselective chalcogenide ylide formation/Smiles rearrangement reaction of diaryl thioether/selenoethers and triazoles was successfully developed.

Catalytic rearrangements of onium ylides in aromatic systems

Onium ylides are reactive intermediates that undergo versatile chemical transformations to give structurally interesting compounds. Rearrangement reactions of onium ylides are of great importance to synthetic organic chemists, as they provide efficient methods for C-C bond formations as well as installation of new stereogenic centers in molecules. Traditionally, onium ylides have been shown to undergo two types of rearrangements, namely, [2,3]- and [1,2]-rearrangements. In recent years, there have been tremendous developments in the field of metal-catalyzed onium ylide rearrangements through catalytic generation of ylide intermediates from diazocompounds. Several examples of selective catalytic onium ylide rearrangements involving sulfonium, oxonium, ammonium, as well as iodonium ylides have been developed over the years especially in allylic and propargylic systems. However, when the π-system that takes part in the rearrangement is part of an aromatic ring, the selectivity for rearrangements of reactive onium ylides is more challenging. In this review, we discuss recent advances in catalyst control of onium ylide rearrangements of aromatic systems.

Recent advances in thiolation via sulfur electrophiles

This review systematically summarizes the recent developments for constructing sulfur compounds from sulfur electrophiles, and the mechanism mainly involved thirranium ions, sulfur ylides, C–S cross coupling and electrophilic substitution.

Modular and stereoselective synthesis of tetrasubstituted vinyl sulfides leading to a library of AIEgens

Tetraarylethylenes exhibit intriguing photophysical properties and sulfur atom frequently play a vital role in organic photoelectric materials and biologically active compounds. Tetrasubstituted vinyl sulfides, which include both sulfur atom and tetrasubstituted alkenes motifs, might be a suitable skeleton for the discovery of the new material molecules and drug with unique functions and properties. However, how to modular synthesis these kinds of compounds is still challenging. Herein, a chemo- and stereo-selective Rh(II)-catalyzed [1,4]-acyl rearrangements of α-diazo carbonyl compounds and thioesters has been developed, providing a modular strategy to a library of 63 tetrasubstituted vinyl sulfides. In this transformation, the yield is up to 95% and the turnover number is up to 3650. The mechanism of this reaction is investigated by combining experiments and density functional theory calculation. Moreover, the "aggregation-induced emission" effect of tetrasubstituted vinyl sulfides were also investigated, which might useful in functional material, biological imaging and chemicalnsing via structural modification.

Catalyst-Controlled Regiodivergence in Rearrangements of Indole-Based Onium Ylides

We have developed catalyst-controlled regiodivergent rearrangements of onium-ylides derived from indole substrates. Oxonium ylides formed in situ from substituted indoles selectively undergo [2,3]- and [1,2]-rearrangements in the presence of a rhodium and a copper catalyst, respectively. The combined experimental and density functional theory (DFT) computational studies indicate divergent mechanistic pathways involving a metal-free ylide in the rhodium catalyzed reaction favoring [2,3]-rearrangement, and a metal-coordinated ion-pair in the copper catalyzed [1,2]-rearrangement that recombines in the solvent-cage. The application of our methodology was demonstrated in the first total synthesis of the indole alkaloid (±)-sorazolon B, which enabled the stereochemical reassignment of the natural product. Further functional group transformations of the rearrangement products to generate valuable synthetic intermediates were also demonstrated.

Recent Perspectives on Rearrangement Reactions of Ylides via Carbene Transfer Reactions

Among the available methods to increase the molecular complexity, sigmatropic rearrangements occupy a distinct position in organic synthesis. Despite being known for over a century sigmatropic rearrangement reactions of ylides via carbene transfer reaction have only recently come of age. Most of the ylide mediated rearrangement processes involve rupture of a σ-bond and formation of a new bond between π-bond and negatively charged atom followed by simultaneous redistribution of π-electrons. This minireview describes the advances in this research area made in recent years, which now opens up metal-catalyzed enantioselective sigmatropic rearrangement reactions, metal-free photochemical rearrangement reactions and novel reaction pathways that can be accessed via ylide intermediates.

Blue Light-promoted Carbene Transfer Reactions of Tosylhydrazones

Metal-free photochemical carbene-transfer reactions of tosylhydrazones were developed under blue light irradiation at room temperature. This reaction constructs C-X (X=C, N, O, S) bonds and cyclopropanes from readily available and stable starting materials.

Synthesis of 4-chalcogenyl pyrazoles via electrophilic chalcogenation/cyclization of α,β-alkynic hydrazones

A facile method for the synthesis of 4-chalcogenylated pyrazoles has been developed via electrophilic chalcogenation/cyclization of α,β-alkynic hydrazones. The cyclization of α,β-alkynic aldehyde hydrazones could be induced by using either sulfenyl chloride or the S-electrophiles generated in situ from the reaction of NCS and arythiol. The developed method was successfully applied to the synthesis of the sulfenyl analogue of celecoxib.

Rhodium-catalyzed Sommelet–Hauser type rearrangement of α-diazoimines: synthesis of functionalized enamides

An efficient rhodium catalyzed Sommelet–Hauser type rearrangement of sulfur ylides derived from α-thioesters and N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles has been successfully accomplished for the synthesis of various functionalized enamides.

A Mild and Direct C(sp3)-S Cross-Coupling of Oxindoles with Thiols: Synthesis of Unsymmetrical 3-Thiooxindoles

Herein, an operationally simple and mild strategy to construct sulfenation of oxindoles with a series of thiols in the absence of transition metals was developed. This methodology provides an efficient way to directly form a C-S bond at the C-3 position of oxindoles under mild reaction conditions with a cheap and common solvent and base in moderate to good yields.

Bond-Forming and -Breaking Reactions at Sulfur(IV): Sulfoxides, Sulfonium Salts, Sulfur Ylides, and Sulfinate Salts

Organosulfur compounds have long played a vital role in organic chemistry and in the development of novel chemical structures and architectures. Prominent among these organosulfur compounds are those involving a sulfur(IV) center, which have been the subject of countless investigations over more than a hundred years. In addition to a long list of textbook sulfur-based reactions, there has been a sustained interest in the chemistry of organosulfur(IV) compounds in recent years. Of particular interest within organosulfur chemistry is the ease with which the synthetic chemist can effect a wide range of transformations through either bond formation or bond cleavage at sulfur. This review aims to cover the developments of the past decade in the chemistry of organic sulfur(IV) molecules and provide insight into both the wide range of reactions which critically rely on this versatile element and the diverse scaffolds that can thereby be synthesized.

Reactions of 5-Aminoisoxazoles with α-Diazocarbonyl Compounds: Wolff Rearrangement vs N-H Insertion

A highly chemoselective reaction between 5-aminoisoxazoles and α-diazocarbonyl compounds has been described. Both Wolff rearrangement and N-H insertion products can be obtained selectively by the judicious choice of reaction conditions. In the case of the Wolff rearrangement reactions, the N-isoxazole amides are accessed as the sole products under thermal conditions. On the other hand, α-amino acid derivatives of N-isoxazolescan be obtained through N-H insertion reactions in the presence of catalytic Rh₂(Oct)₄. Both reactions proceed under mild reaction conditions and feature a broad substrate scope.

Transition-Metal-Free Thioamination of Arynes Using Sulfenamides

The insertion of arynes into the S-N σ-bond of sulfenamides allowing the synthesis of o-sulfanylaniline derivatives with reasonable functional group compatibility is presented. The aryne generated from 2-(trimethylsilyl)aryl triflates using CsF in DME was the key for the success of this transition-metal-free thioamination reaction, which involves new C-N and C-S bond formations in a single step under mild conditions. Moreover, the synthetic potential of this method was demonstrated by the synthesis of the antidepressant drug vortioxetine.

The aryne Sommelet–Hauser rearrangement

An aryne induced transition-metal-free and mild Sommelet–Hauser rearrangement of tertiary benzylamines for the synthesis of α-aryl amino acid derivatives in moderate to good yields and with broad substrate scope is presented.

Substituent-oriented C–N bond formation via N–H insertion or Wolff rearrangement of 5-aryl-1H-pyrazoles and diazo compounds

Substituent-oriented C–N bond formation of 5-aryl-1H-pyrazoles with diazo compounds.

Combined inorganic base promoted N-addition/[2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement to construct homoallyl sulfur-containing pyrazolones

The first sequentially combined inorganic base promoted N-addition/[2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement reaction of α-alkylidene pyrazolinones and propargyl sulfonium salts has been reported to construct homoallyl sulfur-containing pyrazolones with moderate to excellent yields. α-Alkylidene pyrazolinones function as N-nucleophilic agents distinguished from the reported C-addition reactions. Propargyl sulfonium salts were first involved in the [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement protocol differentiated from the well-established annulation reactions. The excellent regioselectivity, the broad scope of substrates, gram-scale synthesis and convenient transformation embody the synthetic superiority of this cascade process.

The combined inorganic base promoted N-addition/[2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of α-alkylidene pyrazolinones and propargyl sulfonium salts has been reported to construct homoallyl sulfur-containing pyrazolones with moderate to excellent yields.

Solvent-dependent, rhodium catalysed rearrangement reactions of sulfur ylides

Depending on the solvent used, benzyl sulfides undergo in the presence of a rhodium(ii) catalyst either [1,2]- or [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement.

Experimental and theoretical investigations of regioselective functionalization of 3-hydroxy bisindoles with thiols

An instant and efficient p-TSA·H2O-catalyzed sulfenylation reaction of 3-hydroxy bisindole derivatives is reported. This highly regioselective approach afforded C-3 functionalized products in excellent yield, and this methodology was found to be compatible with both aromatic and aliphatic thiols having electronic and steric divergence as well as diverse functional groups. The sulfenylation reaction was performed at room temperature with a green solvent with minimal catalyst loading and proceeded with the involvement of a quasi-antiaromatic-2H-indol-2-one ring intermediate. Moreover, the experimental results obtained for the sulfenylation reaction of 3-hydroxy bisindoles were supported by theoretical calculations in order to comprehend the regioselectivity and chemical reactivity observed in the thiolation reaction of 3-hydroxy bisindoles. The protocol involved the SN1 pathway, as also demonstrated by theoretical calculations.

Unusual biaryl torsional strain promotes reactivity in Cu-catalyzed Sommelet-Hauser rearrangement

A Cu-catalyzed Sommelet-Hauser dearomatization of dihydrophenanthridine and diazo compounds is reported for the synthesis of spiro-indolines. A spiro-structure with adjacent quaternary and tertiary carbon centers was constructed in one step as a single isomer. Increasing steric hindrance by introducing ortho-substituents dramatically improved substrate reactivity in this transformation.

Sulfur-Based Ylides in Transition-Metal-Catalysed Processes

Traditionally employed in the synthesis of small ring systems and rearrangement chemistry, sulfur-based ylides occupy a unique position in the toolbox of the synthetic organic chemist. In recent years a number of pioneering researchers have looked to expand the application of these unorthodox reagents through the use of transition metal catalysis. The strength and flexibility of such a combination have been shown to be of key importance in developing powerful novel methodologies. This chapter summarises recent developments in transition metal-catalysed sulfonium/sulfoxonium ylide reactions, as well as providing a historical perspective. In overviewing the successes in this area, the authors hope to encourage others into this growing field.

Rh(ii)/phosphine-cocatalyzed synthesis of dithioketal derivatives from diazo compounds through simultaneous construction of two different C–S bonds

Rhodium(ii)/phosphine-cocatalyzed bis-sulfuration of α-diazocarbonyl compounds using thiosulfonates as the sulfenylating agent, which provided two sulfur-containing moieties, was developed via simultaneous inter- and intra-molecular C–S bond formation.

Dearomative [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement of ammonium ylides followed by 1,4-elimination to form α-(ortho-vinylphenyl)amino acid esters

A base-induced dearomative [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement followed by 1,4-elimination produced α-(ortho-vinylphenyl)amino acid esters.

Tetrabutylammonium Iodide-Promoted Thiolation of Oxindoles Using Sulfonyl Chlorides as Sulfenylation Reagents

3-Sulfanyloxindoles were synthesised by triphenylphosphine-mediated transition-metal-free thiolation of oxindoles using sulfonyl chlorides as sulfenylation reagents. The above reaction was promoted by iodide anions, which was ascribed to the in situ conversion of sulfenyl chlorides into the more reactive sulfenyl iodides. Moreover, the thiolation of 3-aryloxindoles was facilitated by bases. The use of a transition-metal-free protocol, readily available reagents, and mild reaction conditions make this protocol more practical for preparing 3-sulfanyloxindoles than traditional methods.

Facile synthesis of 1-aminoindoles via Rh(iii)-catalysed intramolecular three-component annulation

A simple and efficient procedure to 1-aminoindoles starting from easily available aryl hydrazines, diazo compounds and ketones via a rhodium-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulative coupling reaction.

Hemin-catalyzed sulfonium ylide formation and subsequently reactant-controlled chemoselective rearrangements

The Stevens and Sommelet–Hauser rearrangements can be controlled by the electronic property of the substituents on the benzyl group together with solvent effects.

Synthesis of Functionalized 6-Hydroxy-2-oxindole Derivatives by Phenoxide Cyclization

An apparent intramolecular cross-dehydrogenative coupling of N-(3-hydroxy)monoanilide of maleic esters comprising base promoted phenoxide cyclization and subsequent base-mediated aerobic oxidation was developed to synthesize a variety of 2-(6-hydroxy-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)acetate derivatives. The isolation of intermediate cyclized products during the large scale reactions and their ready dehydrogenation with 1 equiv of base support this proposed two-step path.

Synthesis of 3-fluoroalkenyl-3-trifluoromethyl-2-oxindoles by the reaction of indoline-2,3-diones with difluoromethylene phosphabetaine

An unprecedent reaction of indoline-2,3-diones and (triphenylphosphonio)difluoroacetate (PDFA) afforded novel 3-fluoroalkenyl-3-trifluoromethyl-2-oxindoles in moderate to excellent yields. These products could be transformed into other trifluoromethylated oxindole derivatives.

Rhodium(ii)-catalyzed direct sulfenylation of diazooxindoles with disulfides

Rhodium(ii)-catalyzed reactions for direct sulfenylation of diazooxindoles with disulfides via C–S bond formation was developed.

The Rh(ii)-catalyzed formal N–S bond insertion reaction of aryldiazoacetates into N-phenyl-sulfenyl phthalimide

The Rh(ii)-catalyzed sulfur ylide [1,2]-rearrangement of carbenoids generated from aryldiazoacetates has been realized via N–S bond insertion under low catalyst loading.