Enantioselective synthesis of indolizidines bearing quaternary substituted stereocenters via rhodium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of alkenyl isocyanates and terminal alkynes

Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Asymmetric Desymmetrization of para-Quinamines with Isocyanates: Access to Functionalized Imidazolidin-2-one Derivatives

The development of enantioselective desymmetrization of para-quinamines with isocyanates catalyzed by chiral phosphoric acid is reported. The strategy provides concise access to functionalized imidazolidin-2-one derivatives in high yields and enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions. Remarkably, this reaction could be performed on a gram scale using 5 mol % catalyst loading and the chiral imidazolidin-2-one derivatives could be easily transformed into valuable scaffolds without disturbing the enantiopurity, demonstrating the synthetic utility of this protocol.

Cycloaddition/annulation strategies for the construction of multisubstituted pyrrolidines and their applications in natural product synthesis

Pyrrolidines are privileged substructures of numerous bioactive natural products and drugs.

Asymmetric total synthesis of pleurospiroketals A and B

The first asymmetric total synthesis of pleurospiroketals A and B has been accomplished in 16 steps from 5-methyl-5-hexenoic acid.

Cyclic enaminones. Part I: stereocontrolled synthesis using diastereoselective and catalytic asymmetric methods

Cyclic enaminones are versatile intermediates to construct a variety of azacyclic frameworks and have been widely used in alkaloid synthesis. Here, we summarize three approaches for stereoselective syntheses of cyclic enaminones and their functionalized derivatives. These include chiral substrates (chirons) as starting materials, syntheses employing non-catalytic (stoichiometric) reagents, and catalytic asymmetric methods.

Cyclic enaminones. Part II: applications as versatile intermediates in alkaloid synthesis

Among many other strategies, the enaminone approach is an important strategy to construct and diversify the azacyclic core in various alkaloids syntheses. In this brief review we discuss the application of cyclic enaminones as building blocks, as well as potential intermediates in the total synthesis of selected alkaloids.

Homogeneous rhodium(i)-catalysis in de novo heterocycle syntheses

Rh(i)-catalysed reactions often employ mild reaction conditions and offer excellent functional group tolerance, making them ideal transformations for the preparation of complex molecules. This review surveys examples of these synthetically useful transformations as applied to the synthesis of various heterocycles.

Enantioselective Rhodium-Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Pentenyl Isocyanate and 4-Ethynylanisole: Preparation and Use of Taddolpyrrolidine Phosphoramidite

Caution, alkyl acyl azides can rapidly decompose with heat to release large amounts of nitrogen. Care should be taken during handling: do not attempt to convert neat and avoid handling neat.

Studies toward the first stereoselective total synthesis of (±)-quinolizidine 195C and other transformations

Starting from a thio-substituted 4-quinolizidinone, a series of C-6 alkylated derivatives with a trans C-6, C-9a relationship was synthesized. Further transformations led to the first stereoselective total synthesis of the structure proposed for (±)-quinolizidine 195C, the major alkaloid isolated from the skin extracts of the Madagascan frog Mantella betsileo. Since the spectral data of the synthetic and natural products differed significantly, the true structure of (±)-quinolizidine 195C remains uncertain.

Catalytic, asymmetric indolizidinone aza-quaternary stereocenter synthesis: expedient synthesis of the cylindricine alkaloid core

The Rh(I)•CKphos catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,1-disubstituted alkenyl isocyanates and alkyl alkynes selectively forms previously inaccessible vinylogous amide indolizidinone cycloadducts, establishing an aza-quaternery stereocenter with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee). This advance enables a seven step catalytic, asymmetric synthesis of the tricyclic core of the cylindricine alkaloids with excellent control of product selectivity as well as regio- and enantioselectivity.

Perfluorinated Taddol Phosphoramidite as an L,Z-Ligand on Rh(I) and Co(-I): Evidence for Bidentate Coordination via Metal-C6F5 Interaction

Perfluorinated Taddol-based phosphoramidite, CKphos, is a highly selective ligand for formation of the vinylogous amide cycloadduct in the Rh(I) catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of alkenyl isocyanates and alkynes. CKphos overrides substrate bias of product selectivity in the cycloaddition, providing indolizinones in excellent product and enantioselectivities. Excellent selectivities are attributed to a shortened Rh-P bond and coordination of one C6F5 to rhodium via a Z-type interaction, making the phosphoramidite a bidentate L,Z-ligand on rhodium. Evidence for the shortened Rh-P and C6F5 coordination is provided by X-ray, NMR and DFT computation analyses. Additionally, an anionic cobalt complex with CKphos was synthesized and two Co-C6F5 interactions are seen. Rh(C2H4)Cl•CKphos catalyst in the [2+2+2] cycloaddition of alkenyl isocyanates and alkynes represents a rare example of metal-C6F5 Z-type interaction affecting selectivity in transition metal catalysis.

Synthesis of functionalized indolizidines through Pauson-Khand cycloaddition of 2-allylpyrrolidines

A concise entry to functionalized indolizidine scaffolds through a domino 2-aza-Cope-[3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition and Pauson-Khand [2 + 2 + 1] cyclization has been accomplished. The process was conducted under mild conditions to afford diverse indolizidine systems as single diastereomers in good overall yields.

Enantioselective Synthesis of the Tricyclic Core of FR901483 Featuring a Rh-Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition

An efficient approach to the tricyclic framework of FR901483 is described. The sequence features a [3, 3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of a cyanate into an isocyanate, followed by its subsequent asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition with a terminal alkyne for the synthesis of the indolizidine core. The aza-tricyclic core is completed using an intramolecular benzoin reaction to close the last ring of the natural product. Through a model study of the key cycloaddition, we evaluated the impact of different substituents on the tether of the alkenyl isocyanate.

Synthesis of cis-octahydroindoles via intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 2-acyl-5-aminooxazolium salts

A concise method for the diastereoselective synthesis of octahydroindoles is presented. The products contain 2-amido and 7-hydroxyl substituents. A series of 2-acyl-5-aminooxazoles were prepared in one step. Upon methylation of the oxazole nitrogen atom, the substrates underwent rapid intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with a tethered alkene and, after reduction with excess hydride, produced octahydroindoles with excellent diastereoselectivity. The method allows for the installation of α-quaternary stereogenic carbon atoms.

Enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed [4+2] cycloaddition of α,β-unsaturated imines and isocyanates

A [4+2] cycloaddition of α,β-unsaturated imines and isocyanates catalyzed by a phosphoramidite-rhodium complex provides pyrimidinones in good yields and high enantioselectivities.

Synthesis of 2-pyridones and iminoesters via Rh(III)-catalyzed oxidative coupling between acrylamides and alkynes

Catalytic oxidative coupling between acrylamides and alkynes was achieved using 0.5 mol % loading of [RhCp*Cl(2)](2) with Cu(OAc)(2) as an oxidant. 2-Pyridones, iminoesters, and substituted indoles could be obtained as a result of the electronic and steric effects of the substituents in the acrylamides.

Synthesis of 6- and 7-membered cyclic enaminones: scope and mechanism

Six- and seven-membered cyclic enaminones can be prepared using common, environmentally benign reagents. Amino acids are used as synthetic precursors allowing diversification and the incorporation of chirality. The key reaction in this multistep process involves deprotection of Boc-amino ynones and subsequent treatment with methanolic K(2)CO(3) to induce cyclization. A β-amino elimination side reaction was identified in a few labile substrates that led to either loss of stereochemical purity or degradation. This process can be mitigated in specific cases using mild deprotection conditions. NMR and deuterium-labeling experiments provided valuable insight into the workings and limitations of this reaction. Although disguised as a 6-endo-dig cyclization, the reagents employed in the transformation play a direct role in bond-making and bond-breaking, thus changing the mode of addition to a 6-endo-trig cyclization. This method can be used to construct an array of monocyclic and bicyclic scaffolds, many of which are found in well-known natural products (e.g., indolizidine, quinolizidine, and Stemona alkaloids).

Rhodium-catalyzed oxidative cycloaddition of benzamides and alkynes via C-H/N-H activation

The oxidative cycloaddition of benzamides and alkynes has been developed. The reaction utilizes Rh(III) catalysts in the presence of Cu(II) oxidants, and is proposed to proceed by N-H metalation of the amide followed by ortho C-H activation. The resultant rhodacycle undergoes alkyne insertion to form isoquinolones in good yield. The reaction is tolerant of extensive substitution on the amide, alkyne, and arene, including halides, silyl ethers, and unprotected aldehydes as substituents. Unsymmetrical alkynes proceed with excellent regioselectivity, and heteroaryl carboxamides are tolerated leading to intriguing scaffolds for medicinal chemistry. A series of competition experiments shed further light on the mechanism of the transformation and reasons for selectivity.

Phosphoramidites: privileged ligands in asymmetric catalysis

Asymmetric catalysis with transition-metal complexes is the basis for a vast array of stereoselective transformations and has changed the face of modern synthetic chemistry. Key to this success has been the design of chiral ligands to control the regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivity. Phosphoramidites have emerged as a highly versatile and readily accessible class of chiral ligands. Their modular structure enables the formation of ligand libraries and easy fine-tuning for a specific catalytic reaction. Phosphoramidites frequently show exceptional levels of stereocontrol, and their monodentate nature is essential in combinatorial catalysis, where a ligand-mixture approach is used. In this Review, recent developments in asymmetric catalysis with phosphoramidites used as ligands are discussed, with a focus on the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds.

New chiral phosphoramidite complexes of iron as catalytic precursors in the oxidation of activated methylene groups

New phosphoramidite complexes of iron were synthesized and structurally characterized. Reaction of the known chiral phosphoramidites (RO)2PNR'2 (R = binaphthyl, R' = CH3, 1a; R = binaphthyl, R' = benzyl, 1b) with [FeBr(Cp)(CO)2] afforded the title compounds [FeBr(Cp)(CO)(1a,b)] (4a,b) in 34 and 65 % isolated yields as mixtures of diastereomers, since both the metal and the ligand are stereogenic. Similarly, reaction of 1b with [Fe(Cp)I(CO)2] in the presence of catalytic [Fe(Cp)(CO)2]2 afforded [Fe(Cp)I(CO)(1b)] (5b) in 81% yield as a mixture of diastereomers. The molecular structures of 4a, 4b and 5 were determined, revealing a pseudo octahedral coordination geometry about the iron center. The new metal complexes are catalytically active in the oxidation of benzylic methylene groups to the corresponding ketones, utilizing t-BuOOH as oxidant (2 mol% catalyst, 36 h, room temperature, 31-80% yield).

Enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed [4+2+2] cycloaddition of dienyl isocyanates for the synthesis of bicyclic azocine rings

A highly enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed [4+2+2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes and dienyl isocyanates has been developed. The cycloaddition provides a rapid entry to highly functionalized and enantioenriched bicyclic azocines. This reaction represents the first [4+2+2] cycloaddition strategy to construct nitrogen-containing eight-membered rings.

Excess substrate is a spectator ligand in a rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of alkenyl isocyanates with tolanes

Excess substrate has been identified as an unintended spectator ligand affecting enantioselectivity in the [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of alkenyl isocyanates with tolanes. Replacement of excess substrate with an exogenous additive affords products with consistent and higher ee's. The increase in enantioselectivity is the result of a change in composition of a proposed rhodium(III) intermediate on the catalytic cycle. The net result is a rational probe of a short-lived rhodium(III) intermediate and gives insight that may have applications in many rhodium-catalyzed reactions.

Enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions of terminal alkynes and alkenyl isocyanates: mechanistic insights lead to a unified model that rationalizes product selectivity

This manuscript describes the development and scope of the asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes and alkenyl isocyanates leading to the formation of indolizidine and quinolizidine scaffolds. The use of phosphoramidite ligands proved crucial for avoiding competitive terminal alkyne dimerization. Both aliphatic and aromatic terminal alkynes participate well, with product selectivity a function of both the steric and electronic character of the alkyne. Manipulation of the phosphoramidite ligand leads to tuning of enantio- and product selectivity, with a complete turnover in product selectivity seen with aliphatic alkynes when moving from Taddol-based to biphenol-based phosphoramidites. Terminal and 1,1-disubstituted olefins are tolerated with nearly equal efficacy. Examination of a series of competition experiments in combination with analysis of reaction outcome shed considerable light on the operative catalytic cycle. Through a detailed study of a series of X-ray structures of rhodium(cod)chloride/phosphoramidite complexes, we have formulated a mechanistic hypothesis that rationalizes the observed product selectivity.

Multi-component cycloaddition approaches in the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of alkaloid targets

Cycloaddition reactions are attractive strategies for the rapid formation of molecular complexity in organic synthesis, as multiple bonds are formed in a single process. To this end, several research groups have been actively involved in the development of catalytic methods to activate readily accessible pi-components to achieve cycloadditions. However, the use of C-N pi-components for the formation of heterocycles by these processes is less well developed. It has been previously demonstrated that the combination of different isocyanates with two alkynes yields pyridones of several types by metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions. The potential of this chemistry has been extended to alkenes as C-C pi-components, allowing the formation of sp(3)-stereocenters. In this tutorial review directed towards [n + 2 + 2] cycloadditions of heterocumulenes, alkynes and alkenes, the recent advances in the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of indolizidine, quinolizidine and azocine skeletons are discussed.

Nickel-catalyzed cycloadditive couplings of enynes and isocyanates

A mild and general route for preparing dienamides is described. Nickel imidazolylidene complexes were used to mediate cycloadditive coupling between enynes and isocyanates. Dienamides were prepared in excellent yields and with good E:Z selectivity. These dienamides can be further manipulated through oxidative cyclization methods. When a terminal enyne is employed, cyclization affords a lactam rather than a dienamide.

Predictable and regioselective insertion of internal unsymmetrical alkynes in rhodium-catalyzed cycloadditions with alkenyl isocyanates

A regioselective, rhodium-catalyzed cycloaddition between a variety of internal, unsymmetrical alkynes is described. We document the impact of both steric and electronic properties of the alkyne on reaction course, efficiency, and enantioselectivity. The substituent that better stabilizes a positive charge or the larger group, all else being equal, inserts distal to the carbonyl moiety in a predictable and controllable fashion. The reaction scope is broad and the enantioselectivities are high, providing an "instruction manual" for substrate choice when utilizing this reaction as a synthetic tool.

Phosphoramidite-Rhodium Complexes as Catalysts for the Asymmetric [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Alkenyl Isocyanates and Alkynes

The discovery and development of the asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of alkenyl isocyanates and exogenous alkynes to form indolizinone and quinolizinone scaffolds is described. This methodology has been expanded to include substituted alkenes and dienes, a variety of sterically and electronically diverse alkynes, and carbodiimides in place of the isocyanate. Through X-ray analysis of Rh(cod)/phosphoramidite complexes, additives that modify the enantio-determining step, and other experimental data, a mechanism has been proposed that explains lactam, vinylogous amide, and pyridone products and the factors governing their formation. Finally, we have applied this methodology to the synthesis of (+)-lasubine-II and (-)-209D.

Regioselective rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of alkynes and isocyanates to form pyridones

A highly regioselective rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes with a variety of isocyanates to provide 2- and 4-pyridones has been developed. This reaction proceeds in good to excellent yields and overcomes the problem of dimerization and trimerization through the use of phosphoramidite ligands. A CO migration in the metallacycle is proposed to account for the formation of 4-pyridone.