Oxidative (3+3) Cycloaddition/Ring-Opening Reactions of Simple Urea Derivatives and N,N'-Cyclic Azomethine Imines to Construct 1,2,3,5-Tetrazine-4(1H)-one Derivatives

A novel oxidative (3 + 3) cycloaddition/ring-opening reaction of N,N'-cyclic azomethine imines with the in situ generated diaza-oxylallyl cations from simple urea derivatives in the presence of base and PhI(OAc)₂ has been developed. This transformation performs well over a broad substrate scope, which provides facile and rapid access to 1,2,3,5-tetrazine-4(1H)-one derivatives in good yields.

Stereospecific [3+2] Cycloaddition of Chiral Arylallenes with C,N-Cyclic Azomethine Imines

A novel α,β-regioselective [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of arylallene with C,N-cyclic azomethine imine is reported. The axial-to-central chirality transfer phenomenon has been disclosed with chiral allenes in the reaction. The wide substrate scope, including different functional groups and natural products, reveals the generality of the methodology. Both experiments and density functional theory calculations have been used to elucidate a plausible mechanism.

Chemodivergent 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions of C,N-Cyclic Azomethine Imines with γ-Sulfonamido-α,β-Unsaturated Ketones to Synthesize Tricyclic Dinitrogen-Fused Heterocycles

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with γ-NHTs-α,β-unsaturated ketones were developed to synthesize tricyclic dinitrogen-fused heterocycles. Highly functionalized tricyclic tetrahydroisoquinolines were readily obtained in good to high yields in the [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of N-Bz-protected C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with γ-NHTs-α,β-unsaturated ketones under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, DABCO-catalyzed cycloaddition of N-Ts-protected C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with γ-NHTs-α,β-unsaturated ketones followed by cleavage of the tosyl group is a convenient route to synthesize tetrahydropyrazolo [5,1-a]isoquinolines in good yields with excellent diastereoselectivities.

Chemodivergent Synthesis of Aza-Heterocycles with a Quarternary Carbon Center via [4 + 1] Annulation between Azoalkenes and α-Bromo Carbonyl Compounds

An efficient [4 + 1] annulation reaction between in situ generated azoalkene intermediates and α-bromocarbonyls has been established. A series of skeletally diverse aza-heterocycles with a functionalized quaternary center were obtained in up to 89% yield under mild conditions.

Formal [4+1] Annulation of Azoalkenes with CF3-Imidoyl Sulfoxonium Ylides and Dual Double Bond Isomerization Cascade: Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl-Containing Pyrazole Derivatives

A straightforward strategy for the metal-free construction of trifluoromethyl-containing pyrazole derivatives has been achieved from readily available α-halo hydrazones and CF₃-imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides. The cascade transformation proceeds through the formal [4+1] cycloaddition followed by an unexpected dual double bond isomerization. The protocol features mild conditions, easy operation, excellent substrate compatibility, and good regioselectivity. The synthetic utility is demonstrated by scale-up reaction and further elaboration of the obtained pyrazole products.

Diversity synthesis of indole derivatives via catalyst control cyclization reaction of 2-indolylmethanols and azonaphthalene

A series of indole-fused scaffolds and derivatives was synthesized via the cyclization reaction of 2-indolylmethanols with azonaphthalene. These reactions were realized under mild reaction conditions through catalyst control, providing structurally diverse indole derivatives with moderate to excellent yields. This protocol also shows good substrate adaptability, especially in six-membered ring products.

Recent Advances in Transition-Metal-Free (4+3)-Annulations

(4+3)-Annulations are incredibly versatile reactions which combine a 4-atom synthon and a 3-atom synthon to form both 7-membered carbocycles as well as heterocycles. We have previously reviewed transition-metal-catalyzed (4+3)-annulations. In this review, we will cover examples involving bases, NHCs, phosphines, Lewis and Brønsted acids as well as some rare examples of boronic acid catalysis and photocatalysis. In analogy to our previous review, we exclude annulations involving cyclic dienes like furan, pyrrole, cyclohexadiene or cyclopentadiene, as Chiu, Harmata, Fernándes and others have recently published reviews encompassing such substrates. We will however discuss the recent additions (2010–2020) to the literature on (4+3)-annulations involving other types of 4-atom-synthons.

1 Introduction

2 Bases

3 Annulations Using N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

3.1 N-Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs)

3.2 N-Heterocyclic Carbenes and Base Dual-Activation

4 Phosphines

5 Acids

5.1 Lewis Acids

5.2 Brønsted Acids

6 Boronic Acid Catalysis and Photocatalysis

7 Conclusion

Diastereoselective synthesis of functionalized tetrahydropyridazines containing indole scaffolds via an inverse-electron-demand aza-Diels–Alder reaction

A base-promoted and catalyst-free unprecedented inverse-electron-demand aza-Diels–Alder reaction between the in situ generated azoalkenes and 3-vinylindoles has been developed to afford tetrahydropyridazines containing indole scaffolds.

Synthesis of Pyrazoles Utilizing the Ambiphilic Reactivity of Hydrazones

A Brønsted acid-mediated synthesis of pyrazoles from conjugated hydrazones through a β-protonation/nucleophilic addition/cyclization/aromatization sequence was developed. This protocol utilizing the ambiphilic reactivity of hydrazones enables not only self-condensation but also cross-condensation, affording multisubstituted pyrazoles in high yields, with a broad substrate scope. This sequential reaction proceeds under mild conditions via a simple operation. Moreover, the method can be applied to the synthesis of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Lonazolac.

[4 + 2] Annulation Reaction of In Situ Generated Azoalkenes with Azlactones: Access to 4,5-Dihydropyridazin-3(2H)-Ones

An unprecedented [4 + 2] annulation reaction between in situ formed azoalkenes and azlactones has been developed. This reaction provides a facile access to an array of 4,5-dihydropyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives, which are very promising in medicinal applications as potential biologically active candidates. Notably, these dihydropyridazinones could also be synthesized via a one-pot reaction protocol by using the in situ formed azlactones from N-acyl amino acids and in situ generated azoalkenes from α-halogeno hydrazones. The potential applications of the methodology were also demonstrated by gram-scale experiments and the versatile conversions of the products into other nitrogen-containing compounds.

[4 + 1] annulation reaction of cyclic pyridinium ylides with in situ generated azoalkenes for the construction of spirocyclic skeletons

Two new types of cyclic pyridinium ylides were designed and further used in reactions with azoalkenes to access structurally diverse spirocyclic compounds. A range of spiropyrazoline oxindoles could be smoothly obtained in up to 99% yield via a [4 + 1] annulation process with oxindole 3-pyridinium ylides as C1 synthons. Similarly, a series of spiropyrazoline indanones could be prepared with indanone 2-pyridinium ylides as C1 synthons. This work represents the first example of cyclic pyridinium ylides as C1 synthons for the efficient construction of spirocyclic compounds.

Regioselective construction of pyridazine and tetrahydrocinnoline derivatives via [4 + 2] cycloaddition–elimination with α-halogeno hydrazones and enaminones

Herein, we report the de novo construction of pyridazine scaffolds via a [4 + 2] cycloaddition–elimination reaction with α-halogeno hydrazones and enaminones.

(3 + 1) Annulation/Rearrangement Cascade of C,N-Cyclic Azomethine Imines and 3-Chlorooxindoles: Construction of Hexahydroindeno[2,1-c]pyrazole Spirooxindole Frameworks

The Brønsted base promoted (3 + 1) annulation reaction of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines and 3-chlorooxindoles was investigated, finally delivering complex hexahydroindeno[2,1-c] pyrazoles incorporating a spirocyclic oxindole motif after an unexpected rearrangement process. The asymmetric version of this new transformation could be accomplished, but slow racemization of the chiral product was observed at ambient temperature. Experiments and DFT calculations were further conducted to elucidate the reaction process and racemization mechanism.

A rhodium-catalysed three-component reaction to access C1-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines

A rhodium-catalyzed three-component reaction of diazo compounds, anilines and C,N-cyclic azomethine imines via trapping of transient ammonium ylides was developed. This reaction provided a simple and convenient approach for the synthesis of pharmaceutically intriguing tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives in moderate to good yields (36-85%) with good diastereoselectivities (up to 95 : 5 dr) under mild reaction conditions.

Synthesis of Bicyclo[4.1.0]tetrahydropyridazines by a Sequential [4 + 2] and [1 + 2] Annulation Reaction of Azoalkenes and Crotonate-Derived Sulfur Ylides

The base-induced unprecedented tandem [4 + 2] and [1 + 2] annulation reaction of in situ formed 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes and crotonate-derived sulfur ylides is reported. This protocol provides a novel and practical method for the synthesis of cyclopropane-fused tetrahydropyridazines with a quaternary carbon center in synthetically useful yield. In this tandem reaction, three new bonds were formed in one pot, and the crotonate-derived sulfur ylide serves as a C3 synthon.

Cross 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with an N-benzyl azomethine ylide: facile access to fused tricyclic 1,2,4-hexahydrotriazines

A cross 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of two different ylides between C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with an in situ-generated nonstabilized azomethine ylide from an N-benzyl precursor was realized. The reactions afforded a clean and facile access to diverse fused tricyclic 1,2,4-hexahydrotriazines in high yields (up to 96%). The chemical structures of the typical compounds were confirmed by X-ray single-crystal structure analysis.

Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed (4 + 3) Cyclization of N, N'-Cyclic Azomethine Imines with Isatoic Anhydrides

A Brønsted acid-catalyzed (4 + 3) cyclization of N, N'-cyclic azomethine imines with isatoic anhydrides has been discovered, which constructs seven-membered nitrogenous heterocyclic frameworks with overall high yields (up to 98% yield). This reaction represents a rarely reported (4 + 3) cyclization of N, N'-cyclic azomethine imines, which involves the reassembly of a C-N bond. In addition, this reaction has also accomplished the unprecedented (4 + 3) cyclization of isatoic anhydrides.

Enantioselective synthesis of multi-nitrogen-containing heterocycles using azoalkenes as key intermediates

Chiral multi-nitrogen-containing heterocycles, such as pyrazole, imidazole and pyridazine, are widely found in naturally occurring organic compounds and pharmaceuticals, and hence, their stereoselective and efficient synthesis is an important issue in organic synthesis. Out of the variety of methods that have been developed over the past century, the catalytic asymmetric cyclization and cycloaddition reactions are recognized as the most synthetically useful strategies due to their step-, atom- and redox-economic nature. In particular, the recently developed annulation reactions using azoalkenes as key intermediates show their great ability to construct diverse types of multi-nitrogen-containing heterocycles. In this feature article, we critically analyse the strategic development and the efficient transformation of azoalkenes to chiral heterocycles and α-functionalized ketone derivatives since 2010. The plausible mechanism for each reaction model is also discussed.

Pyridinium 1,4-zwitterionic thiolates as a useful class of sulfur-containing synthons: application to the synthesis of 2,5-dihydro-1,4,5-thiadiazepines

A class of air-stable, odorless, easy-to-handle, and readily available sulfur-containing synthons that react with 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes to afford 2,5-dihydro-1,4,5-thiadiazepines is described.

Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Conjugated Nitrosoalkenes and Azoalkenes

This review aims to present the most recent contributions in the chemistry of nitrosoalkenes and azoalkenes, highlighting the chemical behavior that makes them important and versatile building blocks in organic synthesis. These are heterodienes used in the assembly of a variety of heterocyclic systems, spanning from five- to seven-membered heterocycles, as well as for the functionalization of heterocycles.

Catalyst and Additive-Free Diastereoselective 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Quinolinium Imides with Olefins, Maleimides, and Benzynes: Direct Access to Fused N,N'-Heterocycles with Promising Activity against a Drug-Resistant Malaria Parasite

A convenient and eco-friendly synthesis of various fused N-heterocyclic compounds through catalyst and additive-free 1,3 dipolar cycloadditions of quinolinium imides with olefins, maleimides, and benzynes in excellent yields and diastereoselectivities is reported. The thermally controlled diastereoselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between quinolinium imides and olefins provided cis-isomers at low temperature and trans-isomers at high temperature. A reaction between quinolinium imides with substituted maleimides gave four-ring-fused N-heterocyclic compounds in high yields as a single diastereomer. The aryne precursors also provided four-ring-fused N,N'-heterocyclic compounds in high yields. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity of selected molecules revealed that this class of molecules possesses potential for ongoing studies against malaria.

Base-mediated diastereoselective [4 + 3] annulation of in situ generated ortho-quinone methides with C,N-cyclic azomethine imines

An efficient [4 + 3] annulation of 2-(1-tosylalkyl)phenols with C,N-cyclic azomethine imines via in situ generation of ortho-quinone methides (o-QMs) under mild basic reaction conditions is disclosed, furnishing biologically interesting seven-membered heterocyclic compounds with moderate to good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities. A gram-scale reaction is performed to demonstrate the potential in industrial application and two transition states are proposed to rationalize the outstanding diastereoselectivity.

An isothiourea-catalyzed asymmetric formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition of in situ generated azoalkenes with C1 ammonium enolates

An efficient isothiourea-catalyzed stereoselective formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition of α-chloro cyclic hydrazones with carboxylic acids has been developed.

Intramolecular cycloaddition/rearrangement cascade from gold(iii)-catalysed reactions of propargyl aryldiazoesters with cinnamyl imines

Surprising rearrangement of dihydroazepinyl aryldiazoacetates from a gold-catalysed [4+3]-cycloaddition to conjugated cycloheptene-1,4-dione-enamines.

Assembly of fully substituted 2,5-dihydrothiophenes via a novel sequential multicomponent reaction

A sequential multicomponent reaction between ketoesters, isothiocyanates and 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes to create 2,5-dihydrothiophenes that can be converted into thiophenes.

Accessing benzooxadiazepinesviaformal [4 + 3] cycloadditions of aza-o-quinone methides with nitrones

Seven membered N-heterocycles were constructed through a formal [4 + 3] cycloaddition of nitrones within situgenerated aza-o-quinone methides.

Silver(I)- and Base-Mediated [3 + 3]-Cycloaddition of C,N-Cyclic Azomethine Imines with Aza-oxyallyl Cations

A silver(I) and base-mediated [3 + 3]-cycloaddition reaction of in situ generated C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with in situ formed aza-oxyallyl cations is reported. This one-pot cycloaddition process shows broad substrate scope an excellent functional group tolerance and provides the corresponding biologically important isoquinoline-fused triazines in good to excellent yields.