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

Acid-Promoted Redox-Annulation toward 1,2-Disubstituted-5,6-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-α]isoquinolines: Synthesis of the Lamellarin Core

An efficient synthesis of a variety of 1,2-disubstituted-5,6-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-α]isoquinoline derivatives via an acid-promoted cyclization reaction between 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) and substituted α,β-unsaturated aldehyde derivatives is reported. This cycloaddition allows access to structurally diverse multisubstituted dihydropyrrolo[2,1-α]isoquinolines in moderate to good yields, which was the core scaffold of marine natural alkaloid lamellarins.

I2-DMSO-Mediated N-H/α-C(sp3)-H Difunctionalization of Tetrahydroisoquinoline: Formal [2 + 2 + 1] Annulation for the Construction of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline Derivatives

An I₂-DMSO-mediated cascade reaction using methyl ketones and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs) as commercially available substrates has been developed for the construction of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives. This metal-free process involves N-H/α-C(sp³)-H difunctionalization of THIQ. Two C-C bonds and one C-N bond are formed in one pot under mild conditions. Besides, a quaternary carbon center has been constructed in this transformation efficiently.

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 reactions, while incorporating a redox-isomerization step. This approach provides an ideal platform to rapidly transform simple starting materials into complex amines.

1 Introduction

1.1 General Remarks

1.2 Overview

1.3 Scope of This Review

2 Aromatization of Cyclic Amines

2.1 Pyridines from Piperidine

2.2 Isoquinolines from Tetrahydroisoquinolines and Quinolines from Tetrahydroquinolines

2.3 Pyrroles from 3-Pyrroline or Pyrrolidine

2.4 Indoles from Indolines

3 Pericyclic Reactions

3.1 (3+2)-Dipolar Cycloadditions

3.2 6π-Electrocyclizations

3.3 1,5-Proton Shifts

4 Redox-Variants of Classic Transformations Incorporating a C–H Bond Functionalization Step

4.1 α-Cyanation

4.2 α-Alkynylation

4.3 α-Phosphonation

4.4 α-Arylation

4.5 α-Alkylation with Ketones

4.6 Redox-Ugi Reaction

4.7 Miscellaneous Intermolecular Reactions

5 Redox-Annulations

6 Reactions Involving β-C–H Bond Functionalization

7 Outlook

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.

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.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Diastereoselective [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Carbonyl Ylide: An Access to the Core Ring System of Cordigol and Lophirone H

This paper describes a new synthetic strategy for the construction of tricyclic chromeno/quinolino furan frameworks via creation of two new rings and three contiguous stereogenic centers with high diastereoselectivity through a rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular carbonyl ylide cycloaddition reaction for the first time. This protocol allows the synthesis of the core ring system of natural products such as cordigol and lophirone H.

Base-Mediated Cyclopentannulation of Ynones with Amino Crotonates for Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of Pentafulvenes and Cyclopenta[c]quinolines

A regio- and stereoselective synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted pentafulvenes is reported via the condensation of readily available ynones and amino crotonates under very mild conditions. The mechanism of this 3 + 2 annulation involved a vinylogous Michael addition followed by an intramolecular enamine aldol condensation. Substrates with o-bromo tether further cyclized to pentannulated hydroquinolines through an isomerization/S_NAr in the same reaction pot at the elevated temperature.

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.

Copper-catalysed oxidative α-C(sp3)–H nitroalkylation of (hetero)arene-fused cyclic amines

Under aerobic copper catalysis, a direct α-C(sp³)–H nitroalkylation of N-unsubstituted (hetero)arene-fused cyclic amines with nitroalkanes has been demonstrated.

Divergent synthesis of N-heterocyclic 1,6-enynes through a zinc-catalyzed decarboxylative A3 reaction

A zinc-catalyzed decarboxylative A³ reaction of cyclic amino acids, α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and terminal alkynes has been developed. A series of functionalized N-heterocyclic 1,6-enynes have been successfully obtained with excellent regioselectivities through this novel approach. In addition, the utility of this straightforward process is demonstrated by the preparation of a polycyclic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound.

β-Selective Aroylation of Activated Alkenes by Photoredox Catalysis

Late-stage synthesis of α,β-unsaturated aryl ketones remains an unmet challenge in organic synthesis. Reported herein is a photocatalytic non-chain-radical aroyl chlorination of alkenes by a 1,3-chlorine atom shift to form β-chloroketones as masked enones that liberate the desired enones upon workup. This strategy suppresses side reactions of the enone products. The reaction tolerates a wide array of functional groups and complex molecules including derivatives of peptides, sugars, natural products, nucleosides, and marketed drugs. Notably, addition of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methyl-pyridine enhances the quantum yield and efficiency of the cross-coupling reaction. Experimental and computational studies suggest a mechanism involving PCET, formation and reaction of an α-chloro-α-hydroxy benzyl radical, and 1,3-chlorine atom shift.

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.

Decarboxylative Annulation of α-Amino Acids with β-Ketoaldehydes

Indolizidine and quinolizidine derivatives are readily assembled from l-proline or (±)-pipecolic acid and β-ketoaldehydes via a decarboxylative annulation process. These reactions are promoted by acetic acid and involve azomethine ylides as reactive intermediates.

Catalyst-free [3 + 2] cyclization of dihydroisoquinoline imines and isatin-derived Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates via 1,5-electrocyclization: synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinoline-fused spirooxindoles

The incorporation of tetrahydroisoquinoline and spirooxindole frameworks has been achieved.

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.

Decarboxylative Annulation of α-Amino Acids with γ-Nitroaldehydes

Indolizidine and quinolizidine derivatives are readily assembled from proline or pipecolic acid and γ-nitroaldehydes by means of a decarboxylative annulation process. These reactions are promoted by simple acetic acid and involve azomethine ylides as reactive intermediates. The method was applied to the synthesis of an epiquinamide analog.

Redox-Annulation of Cyclic Amines and β-Ketoaldehydes

Benzo[a]quinolizine-2-one derivatives are readily assembled from 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and β-ketoaldehydes by means of a new intramolecular redox-Mannich process. These reactions are promoted by simple acetic acid and are thought to involve azomethine ylides as reactive intermediates.

An Ugi Reaction Incorporating a Redox-Neutral Amine C-H Functionalization Step

Pyrrolidine and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) undergo redox-neutral α-amidation with concurrent N-alkylation upon reaction with aromatic aldehydes and isocyanides. Reactions are promoted by acetic acid and represent a new variant of the Ugi reaction.