Redox-neutral α-sulfenylation of secondary amines: ring-fused N,S-acetals

3-Arylsulfonylquinolines from N-Propargylamines via Cascaded Oxidative Sulfonylation Using DABSO

We report a cascaded oxidative sulfonylation of N-propargylamine via a three-component coupling reaction using DABCO·(SO₂)₂ (DABSO). 3-Arylsulfonylquinolines were obtained by mixing diazonium tetrafluoroborate, N-propargylamine, and DABSO under argon atmosphere in dichloroethane (DCE) for 1 h. In a radical pathway, DABSO was utilized as the sulfone source and an oxidant in this radical-mediated cascaded reaction.

Condensation-Based Methods for the C-H Bond Functionalization of Amines

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of condensation-based methods for the C-H bond functionalization of amines that feature azomethine ylides as key intermediates. These transformations are typically redox-neutral and share common attributes with classic name reactions such as the Strecker, Mannich, Friedel-Crafts, Pictet-Spengler, and Kabachnik-Fields reaction, while incorporating a redox-isomerization step. This approach provides an ideal platform to rapidly transform simple starting materials into complex amines.

C-H Bond Functionalization of Amines: A Graphical Overview of Diverse Methods

This Graphical Review provides a concise overview of the manifold and mechanistically diverse methods that enable the functionalization of sp3 C-H bonds in amines and their derivatives.

Synthetic and Computational Studies on RhIII-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral Cascade of Carbenoid Functionalization and Dephosphonylative Annulation

A Rh(III)-catalyzed regioselective redox-neutral cascade process of carbenoid functionalization followed by dephosphonylative annulation of benzoic acids with α-diazo-β-keto phosphonate has been realized, which led to the direct synthesis of a privileged 3-substituted isocoumarin scaffold. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a complete redox neutral method to synthesize isocoumarins using C-H functionalization strategy. In the catalytic cycle of this reaction, there are two possible pathways for the C-C coupling between ortho-positioned carbon atom of benzoic acid and the diazo carbon atom: (i) concerted 1,2-aryl shift and (ii) stepwise metal-carbene formation followed by migratory insertion. DFT study has predicted that the concerted pathway has lower activation energy as compared to the stepwise pathway by 1.5 kcal/mol.

The first observation on polymerization of 1,3-benzothiazines: synthesis of mono- and bis-thiazine monomers and thermal properties of their polymers

Mono and difunctional 1,3-benzothiazines (PH-a-BZT, PH-ddm-BZT) have been synthesized by a method different from the one reported in the literature.

Iron-catalyzed cascade reaction of C(sp3)-Se bond cross-coupling/C-N bond formation

An iron-catalyzed cascade reaction of C(sp3)-Se bond cross-coupling/C-N bond formation was developed. Various 5,13a-dihydro-6H,8H-benzo[5,6][1,3]selenazino[2,3-a]isoquinolin-8-one derivatives were synthesized under mild conditions starting from 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines and 2-hydroselenobenzoic acids. This protocol provides an economical approach for C(sp3)-Se bond formation.

Traceless Redox-Annulations of Alicyclic Amines

Amines such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline undergo redox-neutral annulations with ortho-(nitromethyl)benzaldehyde. Benzoic acid acts as a promoter in these reactions, which involve concurrent amine α-C-H bond and N-H bond functionalization. Subsequent removal of the nitro group provides access to tetrahydroprotoberberines not accessible via typical redox-annulations. Also reported are decarboxylative annulations of ortho-(nitromethyl)benzaldehyde with proline and pipecolic acid.

Redox-Annulations of Cyclic Amines with ortho-Cyanomethylbenzaldehydes

Amines such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline undergo redox-neutral annulations with ortho-cyanomethylbenzaldehydes. These amine α-C-H bond functionalization reactions are promoted by acetic acid. The resulting β-aminonitriles can be converted to the corresponding β-aminoalcohols in diastereoselective fashion.

Design, synthesis and characterization of structurally dynamic cyclic N,S-acetals

We report the synthesis, characterization and comparison of a series of electronically perturbed, cyclic N,S-acetals.

Redox-Annulations of Cyclic Amines with Electron-Deficient o-Tolualdehydes

Amines such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline undergo redox-neutral annulations with 2-methyl-3,5-dinitrobenzaldehyde and closely related substrates. Acetic acid serves as the solvent and sole promoter of these transformations which involve dual C-H functionalization.

Redox-Annulations of Cyclic Amines with 2-(2-Oxoethyl)malonates

Amines such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline undergo redox-neutral annulations with 2-(2-oxoethyl)malonates in the presence of catalytic amounts of benzoic acid. These reactions install a fully saturated five-membered ring and provide access to structures closely related to the natural products crispine A and harmicine.

CuI nanoparticle-catalyzed synthesis of tetracyclic benzo[e]benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c][1,3]thiazin-6-imine heterocycles by SNAr-type C-S, C-N bond formation from isothiocyanatobenzenes and benzimidazoles

In this paper, a simple and practical synthesis of benzo[e]benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c][1,3]thiazin-6-imine tetracyclic heterocycles via a CuI nanoparticle-catalyzed intramolecular C(sp2)-S coupling reaction is presented. This strategy provides a straightforward method for synthesizing analogs of the anti-HIV drug 3,4-dihydro-2H,6H-pyrimido[1,2-c][1,3]benzothiazin-6-imine (PD 404182). The reaction rate and yield were increased by employing CuI nanoparticles.

Lipase catalyzed 1,2-addition of thiols to imines under mild conditions

PPL, chymosin and BSA as efficient biocatalysts (low catalyst loading, high yields) in an eco-friendly synthesis of N,S-acetals.

Direct access to α-sulfenylated amides/esters via sequential oxidative sulfenylation and C–C bond cleavage of 3-oxobutyric amides/esters

An efficient, environmentally benign and unprecedented synthesis of various α-sulfenylated amides/esters has been developed under oxygen atmosphere.

A new and facile approach to 1,2-dihydroisoquinolin-3(4H)-imines by the Cu(i)-catalyzed reaction of 2-ethynylbenzyl methanesulfonates, sulfonyl azides and amines

A new, step-economical and operationally simple access to unsubstituted 1,2-dihydroisoquinolin-3(4H)-imines by Cu-catalyzed MCRs under mild conditions is described.

Synthesis of Polycyclic Imidazolidinones via Amine Redox-Annulation

α-Ketoamides undergo redox-annulations with cyclic secondary amines, such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, pyrrolidine, piperidine, and morpholine. Catalytic amounts of benzoic acid significantly accelerate these transformations. This approach provides polycyclic imidazolidinone derivatives in typically good yields.

Asymmetric synthesis of isoquinolinonaphthyridines catalyzed by a chiral Brønsted acid

A catalytic asymmetric method for the synthesis of chiral isoquinolinonaphthyridines has been developed. A chiral disulfonimide catalyzes a redox cyclization reaction between 2-methyl-3-aldehydeazaarenes and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines to deliver a range of isoquinolinonaphthyridines with good to high yields (up to 91%) and up to 92 : 8 er.

Acetic Acid Promoted Redox Annulations with Dual C-H Functionalization

Amines such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline undergo redox-neutral annulations with 2-alkylquinoline-3-carbaldehydes as well as the corresponding 4-alkyl isomers and pyridine analogues. These processes involve dual C-H bond functionalization. Acetic acid is used as a cosolvent and acts as the sole promoter of these transformations.

Direct N–H/α,α,β,β-C(sp3)–H functionalization of piperidine via an azomethine ylide route: synthesis of spirooxindoles bearing 3-substituted oxindoles

A protocol for the direct functionalization of N–H/α,α,β,β-C(sp³)–H of piperidine without any metal or external oxidants is reported.

Reactions of Hexadehydro-Diels-Alder (HDDA)-Derived Benzynes with Thioamides: Synthesis of Dihydrobenzothiazino-Heterocyclics

Reaction of thioamides (e.g., II) with benzynes generated by the hexadehydro-Diels-Alder (HDDA) cycloisomerization (e.g., I) produces dihydrobenzothiazines (e.g., III). It is postulated that the reaction proceeds via benzothietene (cf. IV) and o-thiolatoaryliminium (cf. V) intermediates and that the latter undergoes intramolecular 1,3-hydrogen atom migration to produce the penultimate isomeric iminium zwitterions VI.

Redox-Neutral Aromatization of Cyclic Amines: Mechanistic Insights and Harnessing of Reactive Intermediates for Amine α- and β-C-H Functionalization

Cyclic amines such as pyrrolidine and piperidine are known to undergo condensations with aldehydes to furnish pyrrole and pyridine derivatives, respectively. A combined experimental and computational study provides detailed insights into the mechanism of pyrrole formation. A number of reactive intermediates (e.g., azomethine ylides, conjugated azomethine ylides, enamines) were intercepted, outlining strategies for circumventing aromatization as a valuable pathway for amine C-H functionalization.

Synthesis and Sulfur Electrophilicity of the Nuphar Thiaspirane Pharmacophore

We describe a general method to synthesize the iminium tetrahydrothiophene embedded in the dimeric Nuphar alkaloids. In contrast to prior studies, the sulfur atom of the thiaspirane pharmacophore is shown to be electrophilic. This α-thioether reacts with thiophenol or glutathione at ambient temperature to cleave the C-S bond and form a disulfide. Rates of conversion are proportional to the corresponding ammonium ion pK a and exhibit half-lives less than 5 h at a 5 mM concentration of thiol. A simple thiophane analogue of the Nuphar dimers causes apoptosis at single-digit micromolar concentration and labels reactive cysteines at similar levels as the unsaturated iminium "warhead". Our experiments combined with prior observations suggest the sulfur of the Nuphar dimers can react as an electrophile in cellular environments and that sulfur-triggered retrodimerization can occur in the cell.

C-H functionalization of cyclic amines: redox-annulations with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

Cyclic amines such as pyrrolidine and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline undergo redox-annulations with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones. Carboxylic acid promoted generation of a conjugated azomethine ylide is followed by 6π-electrocylization, and, in some cases, tautomerization. The resulting ring-fused pyrrolines are readily oxidized to the corresponding pyrroles or reduced to pyrrolidines.

Copper-catalyzed regio and diastereoselective three component C–N, C–C and C–O bond forming reaction: oxidative sp3 C–H functionalization

Naphthoxazine derivatives were synthesized in good yields in the one-pot reaction of tetrahydroisoquinolines, aromatic benzaldehydes and naphthols employing CuI as a catalyst.

Asymmetric Redox-Annulation of Cyclic Amines

Cyclic amines such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline undergo regiodivergent annulation reactions with 4-nitrobutyraldehydes. These redox-neutral transformations enable the asymmetric synthesis of highly substituted polycyclic ring systems in just two steps from commercial materials. The utility of this process is illustrated in a rapid synthesis of (−)-protoemetinol. Computational studies provide mechanistic insights and implicate the elimination of acetic acid from an ammonium nitronate intermediate as the rate-determining step.

Intramolecular Redox-Mannich Reactions: Facile Access to the Tetrahydroprotoberberine Core

Cyclic amines such as pyrrolidine undergo redox-annulations with 2-formylaryl malonates. Concurrent oxidative amine α-CH bond functionalization and reductive N-alkylation render this transformation redox-neutral. This redox-Mannich process provides regioisomers of classic Reinhoudt reaction products as an entry to the tetrahydroprotoberberine core, enabling the synthesis of (±)-thalictricavine and its epimer. An unusually mild amine-promoted dealkoxycarbonylation was discovered in the course of these studies.

The Rügheimer-Burrows reaction revisited: Facile preparation of 4-alkylisoquinolines and 3,5-dialkylpyridines from (partially) saturated amines

A long-known class of cyclic amine/aldehyde condensation reactions was reinvestigated. Benzoic acid was found to efficiently promote condensations of amines such as piperidine or 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline with aromatic aldehydes, resulting in amine β-functionalization and aromatization. These redox-neutral transformations provide 3,5-dialkylpyridines and 4-alkylisoquinolines in moderate to good yields, following short reaction times under microwave conditions.

The azomethine ylide route to amine C-H functionalization: redox-versions of classic reactions and a pathway to new transformations

Redox-neutral methods for the functionalization of amine α-C–H bonds are inherently efficient because they avoid external oxidants and reductants and often do not generate unwanted byproducts. However, most of the current methods for amine α-C–H bond functionalization are oxidative in nature. While the most efficient variants utilize atmospheric oxygen as the terminal oxidant, many such transformations require the use of expensive or toxic oxidants, often coupled with the need for transition metal catalysts.

Redox-neutral amine α-functionalizations that involve intramolecular hydride transfer steps provide viable alternatives to certain oxidative reactions. These processes have been known for some time and are particularly well suited for tertiary amine substrates. A mechanistically distinct strategy for secondary amines has emerged only recently, despite sharing common features with a range of classic organic transformations. Among those are such widely used reactions as the Strecker, Mannich, Pictet–Spengler, and Kabachnik–Fields reactions, Friedel–Crafts alkylations, and iminium alkynylations. In these classic processes, condensation of a secondary amine with an aldehyde (or a ketone) typically leads to the formation of an intermediate iminium ion, which is subsequently attacked by a nucleophile. The corresponding redox-versions of these transformations utilize identical starting materials but incorporate an isomerization step that enables α-C–H bond functionalization. Intramolecular versions of these reactions include redox-neutral amine α-amination, α-oxygenation, and α-sulfenylation. In all cases, a reductive N-alkylation is effectively combined with an oxidative α-functionalization, generating water as the only byproduct.

Reactions are promoted by simple carboxylic acids and in some cases require no additives. Azomethine ylides, dipolar species whose usage is predominantly in [3 + 2] cycloadditions and other pericyclic processes, have been identified as common intermediates. Extension of this chemistry to amine α,β-difunctionalization has been shown to be possible by way of converting the intermediate azomethine ylides into transient enamines.

This Account details the evolution of this general strategy and the progress made to date. Further included is a discussion of related decarboxylative reactions and transformations that result in the redox-neutral aromatization of (partially) saturated cyclic amines. These processes also involve azomethine ylides, reactive intermediates that appear to be far more prevalent in condensation chemistry of amines and carbonyl compounds than previously considered. In contrast, as exemplified by some redox transformations that have been studied in greater detail, iminium ions are not necessarily involved in all amine/aldehyde condensation reactions.

Highly diastereoselective synthesis of polycyclic amines via redox neutral C–H functionalization

Construction of polycyclic amines via C–H functionalization and 3+2 cycloaddition with high diastereoselectivities was achieved under mild conditions.