Two-Step Asymmetric Reaction Using the Frozen Chirality Generated by Spontaneous Crystallization

Attrition-Enhanced Asymmetric Transformation of Axially Chiral Nicotinamides by Dynamic Chiral Salt Formation

Atroposelective resolution for axially chiral nicotinamides was achieved by dynamic chiral salt formation with L-DBTA using six types of nicotinamides that could not be optically resolved by the preferential crystallization method. Kinetic studies of their racemization indicated that the chiral conformation was retained for a significant period of time. Two methods of crystallization-induced asymmetric transformation were examined by dynamic diastereomeric salt formation: solvent evaporation from a supersaturated solution, and attrition-enhanced asymmetric transformation. The attrition method was more effective for asymmetric amplification of diastereomeric salts of axially chiral materials. Attrition of equimolar amount of the nicotinamide salts with L-DBTA converged to one diastereomer salts, and the corresponding enantiomers in 87-99 % ee were obtained after the chiral acid was removed. Changing the ratio of two of the nicotinamides with L-DBTA to 1 : 2 inverted the axial chirality.

Enantioselective Direct Vinylogous Allylic Alkylation of 4-Methylquinolones under Iridium Catalysis

The first enantioselective vinylogous allylic alkylation of 4-methylquinolones has been developed. This iridium-catalyzed reaction introduces an allyl group at the γ-position of 4-methyl-2-quinolones with exclusive branched selectivity and an excellent level of enantioselectivity. This in turn allows for the enantioselective synthesis of γ-allylquinolines and related nitrogenous heterocycles. This is the first application of 4-methylquinolones in an enantioselective transformation.

Intramolecular thermal stepwise [2 + 2] cycloadditions: investigation of a stereoselective synthesis of [n.2.0]-bicyclolactones

A new method for the synthesis of highly functionalised cyclobutenes.

Fused cyclobutanes are found in a range of natural products and formation of these motifs in a straightforward and easy manner represents an interesting synthetic challenge. To this end we investigated an intramolecular variant of the thermal enamine [2 + 2] cyclisation, developing a diastereoselective intramolecular enamine [2 + 2] cyclisation furnishing δ lactone and lactam fused cyclobutenes in good yield and excellent diastereoselectivity.

Frozen Chirality of Tertiary Aromatic Amides: Access to Enantioenriched Tertiary α-Amino Acid or Amino Alcohol without Chiral Reagent

One of the fundamental and intriguing aspects of life is the homochirality of the essential molecules. In this field, the absolute asymmetric synthesis of α-amino acids is a major challenge. Herein, we report access, by chemical means, to tertiary α-amino acid derivatives in up to 96 % ee without using any chiral reagent. In our strategy, the dynamic axial chirality of tertiary aromatic amides is frozen in a crystal and is responsible for the stereoselectivity of the subsequent steps. Furthermore, we could control the configuration of the final product by manually sorting and selecting the initial crystals. Based on vibrational circular dichroism studies, we could rationalize the observed stereoselectivity.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Cyclobutanes by Olefin [2 + 2] Photocycloaddition Reactions

The [2 + 2] photocycloaddition is undisputedly the most important and most frequently used photochemical reaction. In this review, it is attempted to cover all recent aspects of [2 + 2] photocycloaddition chemistry with an emphasis on synthetically relevant, regio-, and stereoselective reactions. The review aims to comprehensively discuss relevant work, which was done in the field in the last 20 years (i.e., from 1995 to 2015). Organization of the data follows a subdivision according to mechanism and substrate classes. Cu(I) and PET (photoinduced electron transfer) catalysis are treated separately in sections 2 and 4 , whereas the vast majority of photocycloaddition reactions which occur by direct excitation or sensitization are divided within section 3 into individual subsections according to the photochemically excited olefin.

The 3,4-dioxygenated 5-hydroxy-4-aryl-quinolin-2(1H)-one alkaloids. Results of 20 years of research, uncovering a new family of natural products

The title alkaloids are discussed. Emphasis is placed on their isolation, source microorganisms and structure, as well as relevant biological activities and synthetic progress.

Enantioselective, intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition reactions of 3-acetoxyquinolone: total synthesis of (−)-pinolinone

The natural product (−)-pinolinone was synthesised via a concise route (six steps, 17% overall yield) from 3-acetoxyquinolone, employing an enantioselective intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition as the key step.

Deracemization of axially chiral nicotinamides by dynamic salt formation with enantiopure dibenzoyltartaric acid (DBTA)

Dynamic atroposelective resolution of chiral salts derived from oily racemic nicotinamides and enantiopure dibenzoyltartaric acid (DBTA) was achieved by crystallization. The absolute structures of the axial chiral nicotinamides were determined by X-ray structural analysis. The chirality could be controlled by the selection of enantiopure DBTA as a chiral auxiliary. The axial chirality generated by dynamic salt formation was retained for a long period after dissolving the chiral salt in solution even after removal of the chiral acid. The rate of racemization of nicotinamides could be controlled based on the temperature and solvent properties, and that of the salts was prolonged compared to free nicotinamides, as the molecular structure of the pyridinium ion in the salts was different from that of acid-free nicotinamides.