Electrochemical synthesis of phosphorylated azaspiro[4.5]di/trienones through dearomative spirocyclization

Cp2Fe-mediated electrochemical synthesis of a diverse array of phosphorylated azaspiro[4.5]di/trienones has been developed, which demonstrated broad substrate scope and good diastereoselectivity. It represents the first example of electrochemical synthesis of phosphorylated azaspiro[4.5]di/trienones, circumventing the need for external oxidants and high temperatures. Moreover, a plausible mechanism including radical-initiated dearomative cyclization driven by ferrocenium cations has been provided, which was supported by the related mechanistic study.

Regioselective Dearomative Amidoximation of Nonactivated Arenes Enabled by Photohomolytic Cleavage of N-nitrosamides

Dearomative spirocyclization reactions represent a promising means to convert arenes into three-dimensional architectures; however, controlling the regioselectivity of radical dearomatization with nonactivated arenes to afford the spirocyclizative 1,2-difunctionalization other than its kinetically preferred 1,4-difunctionalization is exceptionally challenging. Here we disclose a novel strategy for dearomative 1,2- or 1,4-amidoximation of (hetero)arenes enabled by direct visible-light-induced homolysis of N-NO bonds of nitrosamides, giving rise to various highly regioselective amidoximated spirocycles that previously have been inaccessible or required elaborate synthetic efforts. The mechanism and origins of the observed regioselectivities were investigated by control experiments and density functional theory calculations.

Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of N-Fused Quinolines via C(sp3)-H Activation-Radical Addition-Cyclization Cascade

A novel copper-catalyzed cyclization reaction for the synthesis of pyrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline, triazolo[1,5-a]quinoline, and pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline derivatives is described. The process is initiated by di-tert-butyl peroxide-mediated C(sp3)-H activation to generate the α-functionalized radical, which supervenes a cascade radical addition/cyclization sequence to access the N-fused quinolines in good yields with broad functional group tolerance.

Synthesis of sulfur-containing benzo[b]pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]oxazine-3,9-diones: blue light promoted radical cyclization process

The selective and controllable construction of spio-tricyclic skeletons through visible light promoted radical cyclization still remains challenging. Herein, a general and convenient protocol for the blue light-promoted radical-mediated cascade spiro-cyclization/Michael addition of N-arylpropiolamides with thiophenols under metal-free conditions was developed. In this protocol, commercially available hydrochloric acid was employed as the cheap promoter and air as the sustainable oxidant. In addition, many functional groups tolerate the reaction conditions and produce a series of sulfur-containing benzo[b]pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]oxazine-3,9-diones.

Difunctionalization of Dienes, Enynes and Related Compounds via Sequential Radical Addition and Cyclization Reactions

Radical reactions are powerful in creating carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. Designing one-pot radical reactions with cascade transformations to assemble the cyclic skeletons with two new functional groups is both synthetically and operationally efficient. Summarized in this paper is the recent development of reactions involving radical addition and cyclization of dienes, diynes, enynes, as well as arene-bridged and arene-terminated compounds for the preparation of difunctionalization cyclic compounds. Reactions carried out with radical initiators, transition metal-catalysis, photoredox, and electrochemical conditions are included.

Radical selenylative cyclization of trifluoromethyl propargyl imines for the synthesis of trifluoromethyl- and seleno-azaspiro[4,5]-tetraenones and quinolines

A radical selenylative cyclization of trifluoromethyl propargyl imines with diselenides for the regiodivergent construction of diversely functionalized azaspiro[4,5]-tetraenones and quinolines has been developed, which enables dual incorporation of CF₃ and Se groups into heterocycles in a one-pot reaction. When using Oxone as a green oxidant, the reaction proceeds through oxidative dearomative ipso-annulation or intramolecular ortho-annulation exhibiting good regioselectivity. The synthetic utility of this method is demonstrated by a scale-up reaction and further modification of the obtained products.

Copper(II)-catalyzed oxidative ipso-annulation of N-arylpropiolamides and biaryl ynones with 1,3-diketones: construction of diketoalkyl spiro-trienones

An unprecedented copper-catalyzed ipso-annulation reaction of N-(p-methoxyaryl)propiolamides with 1,3-diketones has been developed, which enables the assembly of diketoalkylated spiro[4.5]trienones involving oxidative dearomatization in the presence of ammonium persulfate [(NH₄)₂S₂O₈] as the oxidant. This protocol was extended to biaryl ynones, efficiently affording the diketoalkylated spiro[5.5]trienones in good yields. The significance of the diketoalkyl functionality has been illustrated by further transformation into 3-pyrazoyl spiro-trienone, a structurally unique motif.

Alkylation/Ipso-cyclization of Active Alkynes Leading to 3-Alkylated Aza- and Oxa-spiro[4,5]-trienones

A method for the preparation of 3-alkylated spiro[4.5]trienones via alkylation/ipso-cyclization of activated alkynes with 4-alkyl-DHPs under transition-metal-free conditions is proposed. This alkylation successively undergoes the generation of alkyl radicals, addition of alkyl radicals to the alkynes, and intramolecular ipso-cyclization. The mechanism studies suggest that the alkylation/ipso-cyclization involves a radical process. This ipso-cyclization procedure shows a series of advantages, such as accessibility, mild conditions, high efficiency, greater safety, and an environmentally friendly method.

Tandem trifluoromethylthiolation and cyclization of N-aryl-3-butenamides with AgSCF3: divergent access to CF3S-substituted 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-ones and azaspiro[4,5]dienones

A AgSCF3-mediated tandem trifluoromethylthiolaton and cyclization of N-aryl-3-butenamides was developed. It showed divergent reactivities and enabled the selective syntheses of CF3S-substituted 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-ones and azaspiro[4,5]dienones. The selectivity was achieved through different...

Selectfluor-mediated construction of 3-arylselenenyl and 3,4-bisarylselenenyl spiro[4.5]trienones via cascade annulation of N-phenylpropiolamides with diselenides

A cascade annulation of N-phenylpropiolamides with diselenides leading to the construction of 3-arylselenenyl spiro[4.5]trienones was realized under mild conditions with Selectfluor as the sole oxidant.

Visible-Light-Induced Tandem Difluoroalkylated Spirocyclization of N-Arylpropiolamides: Access to C3-Difluoroacetylated Spiro[4,5]trienones

A visible-light-catalyzed difluoroacetylated spirocyclization of N-arylpropiolamides with ethyl bromodifluoroacetate as a CF2CO2Et radical precursor is described. This approach allows the formation of two carbon-carbon bonds and one carbon-oxygen bond in...

C-centered radical-initiated cyclization by directed C(sp3)–H oxidative functionalization

C(sp3)–H functionalization is attracting constant attention. This review emphasizes C-centered radicals initiated cyclization strategies by directed C(sp3)–H oxidative functionalization since 2012.

Construction of sulfonated spiro[5,5]trienones from sulfur dioxide via iron-catalyzed dearomative spirocyclization of biaryls

An iron-catalyzed dearomative spirocyclization of biaryl ynones with sodium metabisulfite and cycloketone oxime esters is developed. By using sodium metabisulfite as the source of sulfur dioxide, this approach enables the...

Radical-induced denitration of N-(p-nitrophenyl)propiolamides coupled with dearomatization: access to phosphonylated/trifluoromethylated azaspiro[4.5]-trienones

A robust dearomative denitration of nitroarene derivatives induced by a radical ipso-cyclization process has been developed, delivering valuable phosphonated or trifluoromethylated azaspiro[4.5]trienones with good functional group tolerance. This represents a convenient and powerful approach to activate nitroarenes in a radical manner.

Transition-metal catalyzed oxidative spirocyclization of N-aryl alkynamides with methylarenes under microwave irradiation

A practical synthetic route to construct a variety of 3-benzyl spiro[4,5]trienones was developed via transition-metal Cu/Ag-catalyzed oxidative ipso-annulation of activated alkynes with unactivated toluenes using TBPB as an oxidant under microwave irradiation. This method allows the formation of two carbon-carbon bonds and one carbon-oxygen bond in a single reaction through a sequence of C-H oxidative coupling, ipso-carbocyclization and dearomatization. The advantages of this protocol are its operational simplicity and broad substrate scope, and the ability to afford the desired products in moderate to good yields.

Chalcogenative spirocyclization of N-aryl propiolamides with diselenides/disulfides promoted by Selectfluor

A practical and efficient synthetic route to construct a variety of 3-arylselenenyl/3-arylthio spiro[4.5]trienones was developed using Selectfluor reagent as a mild oxidant. This reaction proceeds via a sequence of electrophilic cation addition, spirocyclization and dearomatization, then offers an approach to introduce Se/S-centered cation into the C–C triple bonds. The utility of this protocol were justified by the excellent compatibility of a wide range of functional groups, good yields and scalability under mild reaction conditions.

Iron-Catalyzed Dearomatization of Biaryl Ynones with Aldehydes via Double C-H Functionalization in Eco-Benign Solvents: Highly Atom-Economical Synthesis of Acylated Spiro[5.5]trienones

The multiple C-H bonds of biaryl ynones render the 6-exo-trig regioselective C-H activation dearomatization to spiro[5.5]trienones challenging since the competing reactions of C-H bonds on Ar¹ or the ortho-C-H bonds on Ar³ may result in 5-exo-trig cyclization to indenones or 6-exo-trig ortho-dearomatization, respectively. We here report an unprecendented dearomatization of biaryl ynones with aldehydes via double C-H functionalization where a regiospecific remote unactivated para-C-H functionalization of biaryl ynones efficiently furnishes acylated spiro[5.5]trienones. This cascade cyclization features a green catalyst and solvent and high atom- and step-economy.

Alkynoates as Versatile and Powerful Chemical Tools for the Rapid Assembly of Diverse Heterocycles under Transition-Metal Catalysis: Recent Developments and Challenges

Heterocycles, heteroaromatics and spirocyclic entities are ubiquitous components of a wide plethora of synthetic drugs, biologically active natural products, marketed pharmaceuticals and agrochemical targets. Recognizing their high proportion in drugs and rich pharmacological potential, these invaluable structural motifs have garnered significant interest, thus enabling the development of efficient catalytic methodologies providing access to architecturally complex and diverse molecules with high atom-economy and low cost. These chemical processes not only allow the formation of diverse heterocycles but also utilize a range of flexible and easily accessible building units in a single operation to discover diversity-oriented synthetic approaches. Alkynoates are significantly important, diverse and powerful building blocks in organic chemistry due to their unique and inherent properties such as the electronic bias on carbon-carbon triple bonds posed by electron-withdrawing groups or the metallic coordination site provided by carbonyl groups. The present review highlights the comprehensive picture of the utility of alkynoates (2007-2019) for the synthesis of various heterocycles (> 50 types) using transition-metal catalysts (Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Ag, Au, Pt, Cu, Mn, Fe) in various forms. The valuable function of versatile alkynoates (bearing multifunctional groups) as simple and useful starting materials is explored, thus cyclizing with an array of coupling partners to deliver a broad range of oxygen-, nitrogen-, sulfur-containing heterocycles alongside fused-, and spiro-heterocyclic compounds. In addition, these examples will also focus the scope and reaction limitations, as well as mechanistic investigations into the synthesis of these heterocycles. The biological significance will also be discussed, citing relevant examples of drug molecules highlighting each class of heterocycles. This review summarizes the recent developments in the synthetic methods for the synthesis of various heterocycles using alkynoates as readily available starting materials under transition-metal catalysis.

Visible-light-induced metal-free cascade cyclization of N-arylpropiolamides to 3-phosphorylated, trifluoromethylated and thiocyanated azaspiro[4.5]trienones

Photocatalytic strategies for the preparation of 3-functionalized azaspiro[4.5]trienones via a radical-initiated cascade annulation reaction was developed.

Copper-promoted cyanoalkylation/ring-expansion of vinylcyclopropanes with α-C-H bonds in alkylnitriles toward 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes

A copper-promoted oxidative cyanomethylation/ring-expansion of vinylcyclopropanes with α-C(sp3)-H bonds in alkyl nitriles is established for the generation of 1-cyanoethylated 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes. This cyanomethylation/ring-expansion involves a radical pathway and proceeds via cyanomethyl radical formation, radical addition and ring-expansion. This ring-expansion strategy offers a highly atom-economical route for the construction of nitrile-containing 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes, which can be transformed into other useful products under simple conditions.

Photo-mediated synthesis of halogenated spiro[4,5]trienones of N-aryl alkynamides with PhI(OCOCF3)2 and KBr/KCl

A novel and convenient photo-mediated halogenated spirocyclization of N-(p-methoxyaryl)propiolamides has been developed. The photolysis of phenyliodine bis(trifluoroacetate) (PIFA) as an iodination reagent led to iodinated ipso-cyclization under the irradiation of a xenon lamp, while brominated ipso-cyclization or chlorinated ipso-cyclization was achieved by irradiating a mixture of PIFA and KBr/KCl under a blue LED. The present protocol simply utilizes light as the safe and clean energy source and doesn't require any external photocatalyst providing various 3-halospiro[4,5]trienones in good to excellent yields (up to 93%).

Fe-catalyzed Decarbonylative Alkylative Spirocyclization of N-Arylcinnamamides: Access to Alkylated 1-Azaspirocyclohexadienones

For the convenient introduction of simple linear/branched alkyl groups into biologically important azaspirocyclohexadienones, a practical Fe-catalyzed decarbonylative cascade spiro-cyclization of N-aryl cinnamamides with aliphatic aldehydes to provide alkylated 1-azaspiro-cyclohexadienones was developed. Aliphatic aldehydes were oxidative decarbonylated into primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl radicals conveniently and allows for the subsequent cascade construction of dual C(sp3)-C(sp3) and C=O bonds via radical addition, spirocyclization and oxidation sequence.

New frontiers in the transition-metal-free synthesis of heterocycles from alkynoates: an overview and current status

This review highlights the successful utilization of transition-metal-free approaches for the modular assembly of various heterocycles from alkynoates.

Visible light-mediated ipso-annulation of activated alkynes: access to 3-alkylated spiro[4,5]-trienones, thiaspiro[4,5]-trienones and azaspiro[4,5]-trienones

A novel method for chemoselective difunctionalization of activated alkynes for synthesizing 3-alkylated spiro[4,5]-trienones, thiaspiro[4,5]-trienones and spirolactams has been uncovered using photoredox catalysis under visible light conditions.

Metal-free spirocyclization of N-arylpropiolamides with glyoxylic acids: access to complex azaspiro-fused tricycles

An efficient K₂S₂O₈-mediated oxidative cascade spirocyclization of N-arylpropiolamides with aryl glyoxylic acids was demonstrated for constructing azaspiro[4,5]-trienones and complex azaspiro-fused architectures.

The Persistent Radical Effect in Organic Synthesis

Radical-radical couplings are mostly nearly diffusion-controlled processes. Therefore, the selective cross-coupling of two different radicals is challenging and not a synthetically valuable transformation. However, if the radicals have different lifetimes and if they are generated at equal rates, cross-coupling will become the dominant process. This high cross-selectivity is based on a kinetic phenomenon called the persistent radical effect (PRE). In this Review, an explanation of the PRE supported by simulations of simple model systems is provided. Radical stabilities are discussed within the context of their lifetimes, and various examples of PRE-mediated radical-radical couplings in synthesis are summarized. It is shown that the PRE is not restricted to the coupling of a persistent with a transient radical. If one coupling partner is longer-lived than the other transient radical, the PRE operates and high cross-selectivity is achieved. This important point expands the scope of PRE-mediated radical chemistry. The Review is divided into two parts, namely 1) the coupling of persistent or longer-lived organic radicals and 2) "radical-metal crossover reactions"; here, metal-centered radical species and more generally longer-lived transition-metal complexes that are able to react with radicals are discussed-a field that has flourished recently.

Base-promoted domino radical cyclization of 1,6-enynes

A good regioselective, high atom-economical and transition-metal-free method for the synthesis of α-functionalized ether derivatives via the domino radical cyclization of 1,6-enynes is described. A series of α-functionalized ether derivatives could be easily obtained in good yields with wide functional group tolerance by using less toxic and inexpensive Cs₂CO₃ as the base. The control experiment results show that the reaction involves a radical process. This strategy provides a regioselective way toward the formation of dual C-C bonds in one step.

Visible-light-induced decarboxylative sulfonylation of cinnamic acids with sodium sulfinates by using Merrifield resin supported Rose Bengal as a catalyst

A visible-light-induced decarboxylative sulfonylation of cinnamic acids with sodium sulfinates for the synthesis of vinyl sulfones was developed. The reaction proceeded smoothly in the presence of Merrifield resin supported Rose Bengal ammonium salt as a photocatalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water) as an oxidant in aqueous DMSO solution at room temperature under green LED (530-535 nm) irradiation under an air atmosphere, generating the desired products in good yields. Notably, the supported catalyst can easily be separated from the reaction mixture by filtration and can be recycled at least six times without any significant loss of activity.

Photocatalyzed cascade Meerwein addition/cyclization of N-benzylacrylamides toward azaspirocycles

A visible-light-induced cascade Meerwein addition/cyclization of alkenes involving C-F bond cleavage was developed. This method offers a rapid access to azaspirocyclic cyclohexadienones from N-benzylacrylamides via C-F bond cleavage applying H2O as an external oxygen source, allowing for the incorporation of various aromatic moieties originating from aryldiazonium salts.

Oxidative tandem annulation of 1-(2-ethynylaryl)prop-2-en-1-ones catalyzed by cooperative iodine and TBHP

Metal-free I₂-catalyzed tandem annulation of 1,6-enynes to access 1H-cyclopropa-[b]naphthalene-2,7-diones using TBHP is presented.