Carbon-sulfur bond formation via iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylation of aliphatic thiols

Enantioselective Synthesis of Allylic Sulfones via Rhodium-Catalyzed Direct Hydrosulfonylation of Allenes and Alkynes

A highly regio- and enantioselective hydrosulfonylation using commercially available sodium sulfinates is reported, providing the first direct asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed hydrosulfonylation of allenes/alkynes to synthesize chiral allylic sulfones. Ligand screening studies demonstrated the indispensable role of the C1-symmetric P,N-ligand (Rax,S,S)-StackPhim for achieving both high regioselecitivity (>20:1) and enantioselectivity (up to 97% ee). Notably, the operationally simple method and mild conditions allow for the rapid preparation of chiral allylic sulfones with a wide scope of functional groups. Moreover, the use of sodium tert-butyldimethylsilyloxymethanesulfinate enables the collective synthesis of various chiral sulfone derivatives after simple transformations of the protected hydroxymethyl product.

Sulfenofunctionalization of Chiral α-Trifluoromethyl Allylboronic Acids: Asymmetric Synthesis of SCF3 , SCF2 R, SCN and SAr Compounds

We report herein a new method for the synthesis of densely functionalized chiral allyl SCF3 , SCF2 R, SCN and SAr species with a separate CF3 functionality. The synthetic approach is based on selenium-catalyzed sulfenofunctionalization of chiral α-CF3 allylboronic acids. The reactions proceeded with remarkably high stereo-, diastereo- and site-selectivity, based on the formation of a stable thiiranium ion followed by rapid deborylative ring opening.

Gold-catalyzed thioetherification of allyl, benzyl, and propargyl phosphates

Supported gold catalysts showed high activity for thioetherification of various phosphates. The surface of gold nanoparticles supported on ZrO2 served as a source for active cationic Au species.

K2S2O8 promoted dehydrative cross-coupling between α,α-disubstituted allylic alcohols and thiophenols/thiols

K₂S₂O₈ promoted dehydrative cross-coupling between α,α-disubstituted allylic alcohols and thiophenols/thiols is demonstrated for the first time, leading to a wide range of allyl sulfides in good to high yields.

Recent Advances in Synthesis of Chiral Thioethers

Chiral thioethers is an important class of organosulfur molecules with extensive applications, especially in the field of medicine and organic synthesis. This review discusses the recent progress of synthesis of enantioenriched chiral thioethers and hopes to be helpful for related research in the future. It is summarized from organosulfur compounds-participating organic reaction types, including nucleophilic substitution, cross coupling, sulfa-Michael addition, sulfenylation, asymmetric allylic reaction, asymmetric Doyle-Kirmse reaction, Pummerer-type rearrangement, Smiles rearrangement,^[2,3] Stevens and Sommelet-Hauser rearrangement.

Pd/BIPHEPHOS is an Efficient Catalyst for the Pd-Catalyzed S-Allylation of Thiols with High n-Selectivity

The Pd-catalyzed S-allylation of thiols with stable allylcarbonate and allylacetate reagents offers several advantages over established reactions for the formation of thioethers. We could demonstrate that Pd/BIPHEPHOS is a catalyst system which allows the transition metal-catalyzed S-allylation of thiols with excellent n-regioselectivity. Mechanistic studies showed that this reaction is reversible under the applied reaction conditions. The excellent functional group tolerance of this transformation was demonstrated with a broad variety of thiol nucleophiles (18 examples) and allyl substrates (9 examples), and could even be applied for the late-stage diversification of cephalosporins, which might find application in the synthesis of new antibiotics.

Labeling and Natural Post-Translational Modification of Peptides and Proteins via Chemoselective Pd-Catalyzed Prenylation of Cysteine

The prenylation of peptides and proteins is an important post-translational modification observed in vivo. We report that the Pd-catalyzed Tsuji-Trost allylation with a Pd/BIPHEPHOS catalyst system allows the allylation of Cys-containing peptides and proteins with complete chemoselectivity and high n/i regioselectivity. In contrast to recently established methods, which use non-native connections, the Pd-catalyzed prenylation produces the natural n-prenylthioether bond. In addition, a variety of biophysical probes such as affinity handles and fluorescent tags can be introduced into Cys-containing peptides and proteins. Furthermore, peptides containing two cysteine residues can be stapled or cyclized using homobifunctional allylic carbonate reagents.

Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Substitution Reactions

In this review, we summarize the origin and advancements of iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions during the past two decades. Since the first report in 1997, Ir-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions have attracted intense attention due to their exceptionally high regio- and enantioselectivities. Ir-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions have been significantly developed in recent years in many respects, including ligand development, mechanistic understanding, substrate scope, and application in the synthesis of complex functional molecules. In this review, an explicit outline of ligands, mechanism, scope of nucleophiles, and applications is presented.

DDQ-mediated regioselective C–S bond formation: efficient access to allylic sulfides

A novel metal-free dehydrocoupling approach for constructing allylic sulfides via oxidative allylic C–H functionalization with high atom- and step-economy has been developed.

A thiocyanopalladation/carbocyclization transformation identified through enzymatic screening: stereocontrolled tandem C-SCN and C-C bond formation

Herein we describe a formal thiocyanopalladation/carbocyclization transformation and its parametrization and optimization using a new elevated temperature plate-based version of our visual colorimetric enzymatic screening method for reaction discovery. The carbocyclization step leads to C-SCN bond formation in tandem with C-C bond construction and is highly stereoselective, showing nearly absolute 1,2-anti-stereoinduction (5 examples) for substrates bearing allylic substitution, and nearly absolute 1,3-syn-stereoinduction (16 examples) for substrates bearing propargylic substitution. Based upon these high levels of stereoinduction, the dependence of the 1,2-stereoinduction upon cyclization substrate geometry, and the generally high preference for the transoid vinyl thiocyanate alkene geometry, a mechanistic model is proposed, involving (i) Pd(ii)-enyne coordination, (ii) thiocyanopalladation, (iii) migratory insertion and (iv) β-elimination. Examples of transition metal-mediated C-SCN bond formation that proceed smoothly on unactivated substrates and allow for preservation of the SCN moiety are lacking. Yet, the thiocyanate functionality is of great value for biophysical chemistry (vibrational Stark effect) and medicinal chemistry (S,N-heterocycle construction). The title transformation accommodates C-, O-, N- and S-bridged substrates (6 examples), thereby providing the corresponding carbocyclic or heterocyclic scaffolds. The reaction is also shown to be compatible with a significant range of substituents, varying in steric and electronic demand, including a wide range of substituted aromatics, fused bicyclic and heterocyclic systems, and even biaryl systems. Combination of this new transformation with asymmetric allylation and Grubbs ring-closing metathesis provides for a streamlined enantio- and diastereoselective entry into the oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octyl core of the natural products massarilactone and annuionone A, as also evidenced by low temperature X-ray crystal structure determination. Utilizing this bicyclic scaffold, we demonstrate the versatility of the thiocyanate moiety for structural diversification post-cyclization. Thus, the bridging vinyl thiocyanate moiety is smoothly elaborated into a range of derivative functionalities utilizing transformations that cleave the S-CN bond, add the elements of RS-CN across a π-system and exploit the SCN moiety as a cycloaddition partner (7 diverse examples). Among the new functionalities thereby generated are thiotetrazole and sulfonyl tetrazole heterocycles that serve as carboxylate and phosphate surrogates, respectively, highlighting the potential of this approach for future applications in medicinal chemistry or chemical biology.

Alkynes as Electrophilic or Nucleophilic Allylmetal Precursors in Transition-Metal Catalysis

Diverse late transition metal catalysts convert terminal or internal alkynes into transient allylmetal species that display electrophilic or nucleophilic properties. Whereas classical methods for the generation of allylmetal species often form stoichiometric by-products, the recent use of alkynes as allylmetal precursors enables completely atom-efficient catalytic processes to be carried out, including enantioselective transformations.

Chiral carbon–sulfur center formation via Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic thioetherification: synthesis of allylic thioethers

Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic thioetherification of various sodium thiolates was realized, giving the allylic thioethers with high enantioselectivity.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Sulfenylation of α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes

An efficient N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed sulfenylation reaction of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with N-(arylthio)phthalimide has been developed. A wide variety of α-thioenals can be obtained with good to excellent yields and excellent Z-configuration.

Chiral Lithiated Allylic α-Sulfonyl Carbanions: Experimental and Computational Study of Their Structure, Configurational Stability, and Enantioselective Synthesis

X-ray crystal structure analysis of the lithiated allylic α-sulfonyl carbanions [CH2 CHC(Me)SO2 Ph]Li⋅diglyme, [cC6 H8 SO2 tBu]Li⋅PMDETA and [cC7 H10 SO2 tBu]Li⋅PMDETA showed dimeric and monomeric CIPs, having nearly planar anionic C atoms, only OLi bonds, almost planar allylic units with strong CC bond length alternation and the s-trans conformation around C1C2. They adopt a C1S conformation, which is similar to the one generally found for alkyl and aryl substituted α-sulfonyl carbanions. Cryoscopy of [EtCHCHC(Et)SO2 tBu]Li in THF at 164 K revealed an equilibrium between monomers and dimers in a ratio of 83:17, which is similar to the one found by low temperature NMR spectroscopy. According to NMR spectroscopy the lone-pair orbital at C1 strongly interacts with the CC double bond. Low temperature (6) Li,(1) H NOE experiments of [EtCHCHC(Et)SO2 tBu]Li in THF point to an equilibrium between monomeric CIPs having only OLi bonds and CIPs having both OLi and C1Li bonds. Ab initio calculation of [MeCHCHC(Me)SO2 Me]Li⋅(Me2 O)2 gave three isomeric CIPs having the s-trans conformation and three isomeric CIPs having the s-cis conformation around the C1C2 bond. All s-trans isomers are more stable than the s-cis isomers. At all levels of theory the s-trans isomer having OLi and C1Li bonds is the most stable one followed by the isomer which has two OLi bonds. The allylic unit of the C,O,Li isomer shows strong bond length alternation and the C1 atom is in contrast to the O,Li isomer significantly pyramidalized. According to NBO analysis of the s-trans and s-cis isomers, the interaction of the lone pair at C1 with the π* orbital of the CC double bond is energetically much more favorable than that with the "empty" orbitals at the Li atom. The C1S and C1C2 conformations are determined by the stereoelectronic effects nC -σSR * interaction and allylic conjugation. (1) H DNMR spectroscopy of racemic [EtCHCHC(Et)SO2 tBu]Li, [iPrCHCHC(iPr)SO2 tBu]Li and [EtCHC(Me)C(Et)SO2 tBu]Li in [D8 ]THF gave estimated barriers of enantiomerization of ΔG(≠) =13.2 kcal mol(-1) (270 K), 14.2 kcal mol(-1) (291 K) and 14.2 kcal mol(-1) (295 K), respectively. Deprotonation of sulfone (R)-EtCHCHCH(Et)SO2 tBu (94 % ee) with nBuLi in THF at -105 °C occurred with a calculated enantioselectivity of 93 % ee and gave carbanion (M)-[EtCHCHC(Et)SO2 tBu]Li, the deuteration and alkylation of which with CF3 CO2 D and MeOCH2 I, respectively, proceeded with high enantioselectivities. Time-dependent deuteration of the enantioenriched carbanion (M)-[EtCHCHC(Et)SO2 tBu]Li in THF gave a racemization barrier of ΔG(≠) =12.5 kcal mol(-1) (168 K), which translates to a calculated half-time of racemization of t1/2 =12 min at -105 °C.

Asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed addition of thiols to allenes: synthesis of branched allylic thioethers and sulfones

A highly regio- and enantioselective hydrothiolation of terminal allenes, a reaction which fulfills the criteria of atom economy, is reported. Applying two chiral rhodium catalyst systems, a wide variety of thiols and allenes could be coupled. Oxidation gave access to the corresponding allylic sulfones in essentially enantiomerically pure form. The reaction tolerates a variety of functional groups and labeling experiments gave first insights into the reaction mechanism of this new methodology.

Site and stereoselectivity in sulfa-Michael addition to equivocally activated conjugated dienes

Two terminally-linked Michael acceptors can react in either a 1,4- or 1,6-fashion with thiols depending on the choice of activation method.

Enantioselective functionalization of indoles and pyrroles via an in situ-formed spiro intermediate

Herein we report a highly enantioselective synthesis of polycyclic indoles and pyrroles with up to 99% ee by an iridium catalyst system consisting of a commercially available iridium precursor and a readily accessible ligand. Investigation of the reaction mechanism led to the discovery of an unprecedented dearomatized spiro intermediate and its in situ migration phenomenon. The new reaction mode features switching of the substituent from the indole C-3 position to the C-2 position (from the C-2 position to the C-3 position in the case of pyrrole) without loss of the enantiomeric purity, providing a novel concept in designing the asymmetric construction of enantiopure polycyclic indoles and pyrroles.

Enantioselective synthesis of 2,5-dihydrobenzo[b]azepine derivatives via iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic amination with 2-allylanilines and ring-closing-metathesis reaction

Iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic amination of allylic carbonates with 2-allylanilines was realized. With a catalyst generated from 2 mol% of [Ir(dbcot)Cl](2) (dbcot = dibenzo[a,e]cyclooctatetraene) and 4 mol% of phosphoramidite ligand (L3), the amination products were obtained in up to 99% yield and 99% ee. Subjecting amination products to trifluoroacetyl protection and ring-closing-metathesis reaction provided an efficient synthesis of enantioenriched 2,5-dihydrobenzo[b]azepine derivatives.

Enantioselective allylic thioetherification: the effect of phosphoric acid diester on iridium-catalyzed enantioconvergent transformations

You'll take the high road and I'll take the low road: Enantioenriched allylic thioethers have been synthesized from chiral racemic allylic alcohols. The combination of an Ir-(P,alkene) complex and dibutyl phosphoric acid are required to attain high selectivities. Mechanistic studies uncover an enantioconvergent transformation in which substrate enantiomers react along different pathways to give the same product (see scheme; cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene).