A New Method of Constructing Methyleneindene and Quinoline Frameworks from Methylenecyclopropanes

In this paper, we have established an operationally convenient protocol for the rapid construction of polysubstituted methyleneindene and quinoline derivatives under mild conditions. This new synthetic method is achieved through the conversion of acetyl-substituted methylenecyclopropanes with TsOH ⋅ H2O and ortho-amino-substituted methylenecyclopropanes with aromatic aldehyde and TsOH ⋅ H2O, respectively. A variety of transformations of the obtained products was demonstrated. The plausible reaction mechanisms were also proposed.

Dearomative Construction of 2D/3D Frameworks from Quinolines via Nucleophilic Addition/Borate-Mediated Photocycloaddition

Dearomative construction of multiply-fused 2D/3D frameworks, composed of aromatic two-dimensional (2D) rings and saturated three-dimensional (3D) rings, from readily available quinolines has greatly contributed to drug discovery. However, dearomative cycloadditions of quinolines in the presence of photocatalysts usually afford 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline (THQ)-based polycycles, and dearomative access to 1,2,3,4-THQ-based structures remains limited. Herein, we present a chemo-, regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective dearomative transformation of quinolines into 1,2,3,4-THQ-based 6-6-4-membered rings without any catalyst, through a combination of nucleophilic addition and borate-mediated [2+2] photocycloaddition. Detailed mechanistic studies revealed that the photoexcited borate complex, generated from quinoline, organolithium, and HB(pin), accelerates the cycloaddition and suppresses the rearomatization that usually occurs in conventional photocycloaddition. Based on our mechanistic analysis, we also developed further photoinduced cycloadditions affording other types of 2D/3D frameworks from isoquinoline and phenanthrene.

Electrochemical oxidative C-C bond cleavage of methylenecyclopropanes with alcohols

Herein, an electrochemical approach toward the ring opening functionalization of methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) via C-C bond cleavage in the presence of alcohols is reported. The methodology avoids the usage of external oxidants and shows good functional group tolerance. The mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds via direct single electron oxidation of the C-C bond of MCPs followed by ring opening to form the desired product.

Thermally-Induced Intramolecular [4+2] Cycloaddition of Allylamino- or Allyloxy-Tethered Alkylidenecyclopropanes

A thermally-induced intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of allylamino- or allyloxy-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes has been reported in this paper, giving a new protocol for the rapid construction of polycyclic skeleton molecules in moderate to excellent yields with a broad substrate scope. On the basis of control experiments and DFT calculations, we disclosed that the reaction proceeded through a [4+2] cycloaddition and trace of water assisted 1,3-H shift process to give the target product.

A visible-light mediated ring opening reaction of alkylidenecyclopropanes for the generation of homopropargyl radicals

Classical cyclopropylcarbinyl radical clock reactions have been widely applied to conduct mechanistic studies for probing radical processes for a long time; however, alkylidenecyclopropanes, which have a similar molecular structure to methylcyclopropanes, surprisingly have not yet attracted researcher's attention for similar ring opening radical clock processes. In recent years, photocatalytic NHPI ester activation chemistry has witnessed significant blooming developments and provided new synthetic routes for cross-coupling reactions. Herein, we wish to report a non-classical ring opening radical clock reaction using innovative NHPI esters bearing alkylidenecyclopropanes upon photoredox catalysis, providing a brand-new synthetic approach for the direct preparation of a variety of alkynyl derivatives. The potential synthetic utility of this protocol is demonstrated in the diverse transformations and facile synthesis of bioactive molecules or their derivatives and medicinal substances.

Divergent Gold Catalysis: Unlocking Molecular Diversity through Catalyst Control

The catalyst-directed divergent synthesis, commonly termed as "divergent catalysis", has emerged as a promising technique as it allows chartering of structurally distinct products from common substrates simply by modulating the catalyst system. In this regard, gold complexes emerged as powerful catalysts as they offer unique reactivity profiles as compared to various other transition metal catalysts, primarily due to their salient electronic and geometrical features. Owing to the tunable soft π-acidic nature, gold catalysts not only evolved as superior contenders for catalyzing the reactions of alkynes, alkenes, and allenes but also, more intriguingly, have been found to provide divergent reaction pathways over other π-acid catalysts such as Ag, Pt, Pd, Rh, Cu, In, Sc, Hg, Zn, etc. The recent past has witnessed a renaissance in such examples wherein, by choosing gold catalysts over other transition metal catalysts or by fine-tuning the ligands, counteranions or oxidation states of the gold catalyst itself, a complete reactivity switch was observed. However, reviews documenting such examples are sporadic; as a result, most of the reports of this kind remained scattered in the literature, thereby hampering further development of this burgeoning field. By conceptualizing the idea of "Divergent Gold Catalysis (DGC)", this review aims to consolidate all such reports and provide a unified approach necessary to pave the way for further advancement of this exciting area. Based on the factors governing the divergence in product formation, an explicit classification of DGC has been provided. To gain a fundamental understanding of the divergence in observed reactivities and selectivities, the review is accompanied by mechanistic insights at appropriate places.

Bicyclic Piperidines via [2 + 2] Photocycloaddition

A synthetic strategy to fused bicyclic piperidines-building blocks for medicinal chemistry-is developed. The key step was an intramolecular [2 + 2]-photocyclization. The photochemical step was performed on a gram scale. Crystallographic analysis of the obtained compounds revealed that they occupy a novel chemical space and can be considered as elongated analogues of 3-substituted piperidines.

Construction of polysubstituted spiro[2.3] or [3.3] cyclic frameworks fused with a tosylated pyrrolidine promoted by visible-light-induced photosensitization

A novel visible-light-induced intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) for the rapid construction of polysubstituted spiro[2.3] or [3.3] cyclic frameworks fused with a tosylated pyrrolidine.

Thermally-induced intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of acrylamide-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes

An efficient and highly regio- and diastereoselective synthetic method to cyclobutane-containing spiro[2.3]hexane fused with six-membered hetero-cycles has been disclosed via a thermally-induced intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of acrylamide-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes. The DFT calculations indicate that this intramolecular cycloaddition proceeds in a concerted manner and account for the product selectivity. These reactions exhibited excellent yields and functional group tolerance under metal free conditions.

Pd(II)-Catalyzed Cyclization-Oxidation of Urea-Tethered Alkylidenecyclopropanes

A Pd(OAc)₂-catalyzed intramolecular oxidative cyclization of urea-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes with urea as a nitrogen source through a Pd(II)/Pd(IV) catalytic cycle has been presented, giving the corresponding cyclobuta[ b]indoline derivatives in moderate to good yields with a broad substrate scope. The reaction proceeds through a ring expansion of alkylidenecyclopropane along with the nucleophilic attack of nitrogen atom onto the in situ generated palladium carbenoid species as well as an oxidation process.

Palladium-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of aniline-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes with O2: a facile protocol to selectively synthesize 2- and 3-vinylindoles

A facile and versatile palladium catalyzed oxidative cyclization of aniline-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes with O₂ to selectively construct important synthetic intermediates 2- and 3-vinylindoles in moderate to good yields has been developed.

Recent advances in the chemical transformations of functionalized alkylidenecyclopropanes (FACPs)

Classification of functionalized alkylidenecyclopropanes (FACPs) and recent chemical transformations for the synthesis of novel and useful polycyclic and heterocyclic compounds.

Visible-Light-Induced Trifluoromethylation of Isonitrile-Substituted Methylenecyclopropanes: Facile Access to 6-(Trifluoromethyl)-7,8-Dihydrobenzo[k]phenanthridine Derivatives

A new visible-light-induced trifluoromethylation of isonitrile-substituted methylenecyclopropanes is developed. A range of substituted 6-(trifluoromethyl)-7,8-dihydrobenzo[k]phenanthridine derivatives are readily furnished by this newly developed tandem reaction with moderate to good yields. This reaction allows the direct formation of two six-membered rings and three new C-C bonds, including the C-CF3 bond, under visible light irradiation.

Unprecedented Oxycyanation of Methylenecyclopropanes for the Facile Synthesis of Benzoxazine Compounds Containing a Cyano Group

A novel intramolecular oxycyanation of methylenecyclopropanes is reported that proceeds through oxidative cleavage of the N-CN bond and subsequent palladium transfer from N to O of the amide group. A range of substituted benzo[d][1,3]oxazines with a cyano group are readily furnished by this newly developed oxycyanation reaction. Tris(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)phosphine as a ligand has been found to be crucial to effectively promote the transformation with high chemo- and regioselectivity. Moreover, the reaction outcome can be significantly affected by the electronic effect of the acyl group attached to the nitrogen atom of methylenecyclopropanes. When R(3) is a chloromethyl group, the pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinoline derivative is obtained by thermal-induced [3+2] cycloaddition of methylenecyclopropane to the methanediimine intermediate.

Gold(i)-catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation and the subsequent ring enlargement of methylenecyclopropanes to cyclobutenes

Gold(i)-catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation and the ring enlargement of methylenecyclopropanes containing aryl propargyl ether to give 2H-chromene derivatives and the corresponding cyclobutenes.

Rh(ii)-Catalyzed formation of pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinolines from azide-methylenecyclopropanes and isonitriles

Azide-methylenecyclopropanes underwent an intermolecular cyclization with isonitriles catalyzed by a Rh^IIcomplex to produce a series of pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinolines in good yields. Moreover, synthetic applications to construct useful heterocycles have also been achieved.

Substrate-controlled Rh(ii)-catalyzed single-electron-transfer (SET): divergent synthesis of fused indoles

Rh(ii)-catalyzed diversified ring expansions controlled by single-electron-transfer (SET) have been disclosed in this communication.

Ligand-controlled gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,n-enyne esters toward synthesis of dihydronaphthalene

We describe herein a gold-catalyzed rearrangement of propargyl esters followed by allene–ene cyclization to afford substituted bicyclic [4.4.0] dihydronaphthalene compounds.

An isocyanide insertion approach to substituted pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinolines under metal-free and azide-free conditions

An isocyanide insertion approach to construct the pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinoline skeleton by an I₂/CHP mediated reaction of aminome-thylenecyclo-propanes (amino-MCPs) is developed.

Asymmetric synthesis of 3,3'-spirooxindoles fused with cyclobutanes through organocatalytic formal [2 + 2] cycloadditions under H-bond-directing dienamine activation

The first organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of a spirooxindole skeleton incorporated with a cyclobutane moiety has been successfully developed on the basis of H-bond-directing dienamine activation. Structurally complex spirocyclobutyl oxindoles, which possess four contiguous stereocenters, including one spiro quaternary center, were obtained in good yields (up to 83%) with excellent β,γ-regioselectivity (>19:1) and stereocontrol (up to >19:1 dr and 97% ee).

Rhodium(II)-catalyzed intramolecular cycloisomerizations of methylenecyclopropanes with N-sulfonyl 1,2,3-triazoles

A novel rhodium(II)-catalyzed tandem cycloisomerization of methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) with N-sulfonyl 1,2,3-triazoles is disclosed. The reaction produces a series of highly functionalized polycyclic N heterocycles via a rhodium imino carbene intermediate. A distinct feature of this divergent synthesis is that different types of substrates control the reaction pathways. Moreover, several interesting transformations of these products to construct diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives are also reported.