Methylene Capping Facilitates Cross-Metathesis Reactions of Enals: A Short Synthesis of 7-Methoxywutaifuranal from the Xylochemical Isoeugenol

Four combinations of type-I olefins isoeugenol and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxystyrene with type-II olefins acrolein and crotonaldehyde were investigated in cross-metathesis (CM) reactions. While both type-I olefins are suitable CM partners for this transformation, we observed synthetically useful conversions only with type-II olefin crotonaldehyde. For economic reasons, isoeugenol, a cheap xylochemical available from renewable lignocellulose or from clove oil, is the preferred type-I CM partner. Nearly quantitative conversions to coniferyl aldehyde by the CM reaction of isoeugenol and crotonaldehyde can be obtained at ambient temperature without a solvent or at high substrate concentrations of 2 mol·L^-1 with the second-generation Hoveyda-Grubbs catalyst. Under these conditions, the ratio of reactants can be reduced to 1:1.5 and catalyst loadings as low as 0.25 mol % are possible. The high reactivity of the isoeugenol/crotonaldehyde combination in olefin metathesis reactions was demonstrated by a short synthesis of the natural product 7-methoxywutaifuranal, which was obtained from isoeugenol in a 44% yield over five steps. We suggest that the superior performance of crotonaldehyde in the CM reactions investigated can be rationalized by "methylene capping", i.e., the steric stabilization of the propagating Ru-alkylidene species.

The first one-pot metathesis–hydroformylation procedure: a straight synthesis of 2-arylpropanals from renewable 1-propenylbenzenes

2-Arylpropanals are synthesised from renewable 1-propenylbenzenes via a two-step, one-pot procedure.

Anise Essential Oil as a Sustainable Substrate in the Multicomponent Double Povarov Reaction for Julolidine Synthesis

The use of star anise oil from a natural source as a dienophile in the multicomponent double Povarov reaction (MCPRs) to produce highly substituted julolidines with diverse technological applications is described. Within the framework of green chemistry, these MCPRs have many advantages such as (i) use of water in the reaction, (ii) creation of up to six bonds in one sequence, (iii) water as a sole waste, (iv) 100% of carbon economy, (v) a metal-free process, and (vi) nontoxic and reusable organocatalysts. These advantages, along with a simple workup procedure, make this protocol greener for the synthesis of julolidines.

Tandem Synthesis of 2-Carboxybenzofurans via Sequential Cu-Catalyzed C-O Coupling and Mo(CO)6-Mediated Carbonylation Reactions

A modular tandem synthesis of 2-carboxybenzofurans from 2-gem-dibromovinylphenols has been established based on a sequence of Cu-catalyzed intramolecular C-O coupling and Mo(CO)₆-mediated intermolecular carbonylation reactions. This protocol allowed one-step access to a broad variety of functionalized benzofuran-2-carboxylic acids, esters, and amides in good to excellent yields under Pd- and CO gas-free conditions.

The isomerization of S-carvone over the natural clinoptilolite as the catalyst: the influence of reaction time, temperature and catalyst content

Abstract

This work describes the isomerization of S-carvone using a natural zeolite—clinoptilolite as the catalyst. The isomerization of S-carvone was carried out at the catalyst content in the reaction mixture from 5 to 15 wt%, in a temperature range of 190–210 °C and for the reaction time from 60 to 300 min. The main product of the isomerization of S-carvone was aromatic alcohol with many practical applications—carvacrol. The use of the most favorable reaction conditions (the reaction time of 3 h, the temperature of 210 °C and the catalyst content 15 wt%) allowed to obtain this compound with high yield amounted to about 90 mol%. The S-carvone isomerization is an example of environmentally friendly process because it does not use any solvents, S-carvone can be separated from cheap cumin waste (renewable biomass) and a cheap zeolite of natural origin—clinoptilolite can be is used as the catalyst.

Graphic abstract

Direct transformation of butenes or ethylene into propylene by cascade catalytic reactions

Catalysts and processes involved in the direct conversion of ethylene or n-butenes into propylene are reviewed.

Sequential Alkene Isomerization and Ring-Closing Metathesis in Production of Macrocyclic Musks from Biomass

We report successful utilization of sequential alkene isomerization and ring-closing metathesis of dec-9-enoic acid based dienes in synthesis of macrocyclic lactones that possess a strong scent of musk. This catalytic sequence was essential to trim the chain length of starting dienes to yield macrocycles of the right size. Dec-9-enoic acid is conveniently obtainable from oleic esters by Ru-catalysed ethenolysis.

Walking Metals for Remote Functionalization

The distant and selective activation of unreactive C-H and C-C bonds remains one of the biggest challenges in organic chemistry. In recent years, the development of remote functionalization has received growing interest as it allows for the activation of rather challenging C-H and C-C bonds distant from the initiation point by means of a "metal-walk". A "metal-walk" or "chain-walk" is defined by an iterative series of consecutive 1,2- or 1,3-hydride shifts of a metal complex along a single hydrocarbon chain. With this approach, simple building blocks or mixtures thereof can be transformed into complex scaffolds in a convergent and unified strategy. A variety of catalytic systems have been developed and refined over the past decade ranging from late-transition-metal complexes to more sustainable iron- and cobalt-based systems. As the possibilities of this field are slowly unfolding, this area of research will contribute considerably to provide solutions to yet unmet synthetic challenges.

Sequential Ruthenium Catalysis for Olefin Isomerization and Oxidation: Application to the Synthesis of Unusual Amino Acids

How can you use a ruthenium isomerization catalyst twice? A ruthenium-catalyzed sequence for the formal two-carbon scission of allyl groups to carboxylic acids has been developed. The reaction includes an initial isomerization step using commercially available ruthenium catalysts followed by in situ transformation of the complex to a metal-oxo species, which is capable of catalyzing subsequent oxidation reactions. The method enables enantioselective syntheses of challenging α-tri- and tetrasubstituted α-amino acids including an expedient total synthesis of the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam.

Enantioselective Synthesis of anti-1,2-Oxaborinan-3-enes from Aldehydes and 1,1-Di(boryl)alk-3-enes Using Ruthenium and Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalysts

A cationic ruthenium(II) complex catalyzes double-bond transposition of 1,1-di(boryl)alk-3-enes to generate in situ 1,1-di(boryl)alk-2-enes, which then undergo chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed allylation of aldehydes producing homoallylic alcohols with a (Z)-vinylboronate moiety. 1,2-Anti stereochemistry is installed in an enantioselective manner. The (Z)-geometry forged in the products allows their isolation in a form of 1,2-oxaborinan-3-enes, upon which further synthetic transformations are operated.

Sequential In-catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation and Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions using bromopropargyl aryl ethers and amines

A sequential one-pot In-catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation and Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction using bromopropargyl aryl ethers and amines has been developed.