Stereoselective Double Spirocyclization of 2-Benzyl-3-alkynyl Chromone with Nitrone via Gold-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions

A novel, highly stereoselective gold-catalyzed spirocyclization of 2-benzyl-3-alkynyl chromone with nitrone is described. This cascade reaction involves gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization, nitrone-olefin [3 + 2]-annulation, alkene oxidation, and rearrangement for the formation of spirocyclic products. Interestingly, the isoxazolidine ring generated from [3 + 2]-annulation donates oxygen to alkene to generate a new pyran-3(4H)-one and azetidine ring for dispiro-benzofuran formation upon heating. This work demonstrates the one-pot, gold-catalyzed, multiple-step reaction, and the reaction temperature directly affects the formation of spirocyclic products.

Catalysts-Controlled Roles Exchange between 2,3-Diaryl-2H-azirines and Acetone: Chemodivergent Synthesis of Pyrroles and 3-Oxazolines

We report two practical and step-economical methodologies for the chemodivergent synthesis of tri-substituted pyrroles and 3-oxazolines from the domino reactions of 2H-azirines and acetone. For instance, acetone served as a nucleophile to react with 2H-azirines under the basic conditions to furnish pyrroles. Upon changing the catalyst to TfOH, acetone served as an electrophile to synthesize 3-oxazolines. Moreover, the products could be synthesized on a gram scale, and the possible catalytic cycles were proposed.

Triethylamine-Promoted Oxidative Cyclodimerization of 2H-Azirine-2-carboxylates to Pyrimidine-4,6-dicarboxylates: Experimental and DFT Study

An unprecedented oxidative cyclodimerization reaction of 2H-azirine-2-carboxylates to pyrimidine-4,6-dicarboxylates under heating with triethylamine in air is described. In this reaction, one azirine molecule undergoes formal cleavage across the C-C bond and another across the C=N bond. According to the experimental study and DFT calculations, the key steps of the reaction mechanism include nucleophilic addition of N,N-diethylhydroxylamine to an azirine to form an (aminooxy)aziridine, generation of an azomethine ylide, and its 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to the second azirine molecule. The crucial condition for the synthesis of pyrimidines is generation of N,N-diethylhydroxylamine in the reaction mixture in a very low concentration, which is ensured by the slow oxidation of triethylamine with air oxygen. Addition of a radical initiator accelerated the reaction and resulted in higher yields of the pyrimidines. Under these conditions, the scope of the pyrimidine formation was elucidated, and a series of pyrimidines was synthesized.

Azirine-triazole hybrids: selective synthesis of 5-(2H-azirin-2-yl)-, 5-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazoles and 2-(5-(2H-azirin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)pyridines

Azirine-triazole hybrids, 1-R-5-(3-aryl-2H-azirin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazoles, were selectively synthesized by reaction of 1-(3-aryl-2H-azirin-2-yl)-2-(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ethanones with tosyl and (E)-2-benzoylvinyl azides in high yields at rt. The reaction with 2-azidopyridine makes it possible to obtain azirine-triazole-pyridine hybrids, albeit in moderate yields, at 170 °C. The mechanism and selectivity of the reaction of α-carbonylphosphoranes with azides are discussed on the basis of DFT calculations. According to the calculation, the reaction of α-carbonylphosphoranes with model mesyl azide, leading to 1,5-disubstituted triazoles proceeds via a non-concerted cycloaddition, while the reaction leading to 1,4-disubstituted triazoles proceeds via a concerted azide cycloaddition, but through the transition state which has much higher energy. In contrast to the reaction of α-(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ketones with TsN₃, the reaction with TfN₃ yields the α-diazo ketones. Ni-Catalyzed reaction of azirinyl-1,2,3-triazoles with acetylacetone provides pyrrole-triazole and pyrrole-triazole-pyridine hybrids in good yields under mild conditions.

An Approach to Vinylidenequinazolines from Isoxazoles and Dioxazolones

An effective strategy for the synthesis of vinylidenequinazolines has been efficaciously developed, which involves Rh(III)-assisted C-H amidation followed by ring-opening and intramolecular annulation. This protocol shows a straightforward way to construct diverse quinazoline units with a wide functional group compatibility from readily available isoxazoles and dioxazolones.

4,5,6,7-Tetrahydroindol-4-Ones as a Valuable Starting Point for the Synthesis of Polyheterocyclic Structures

This review focuses on the synthesis of polyheterocyclic structures with a variety of medicinal and optoelectronic applications, starting from readily available 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindol-4-one analogs. First, routes toward the 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindol-4-one starting materials are summarized, followed by synthetic pathways towards polyheterocyclic structures which are categorized based on the size and attachment point of the newly formed (hetero)cyclic ring.

An isoxazole strategy for the synthesis of alkyl 5-amino-4-cyano-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylates - versatile building blocks for assembling pyrrolo-fused heterocycles

A full atom-economical domino method has been developed for the preparation of alkyl 5-amino-4-cyano-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylates by transannulation of 5-alkoxyisoxazoles with malononitrile under Fe(ii) catalysis. Alkyl 5-amino-4-cyano-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylates are excellent building blocks for various annulation reactions, leading to new derivatives of 1H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]imidazole and pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine. The DFT calculations of mechanistic details of alkyl 5-amino-4-cyano-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate formation are presented.

Buchner Reaction/Azirine Modification Approach Toward Cycloheptatriene Containing Nitrogen Heterocyclic Scaffolds

The reaction conditions for the Buchner reaction of 2-(diazoacetyl)-2H-azirines with benzene leading to 2-(cyclohepta-2,4,6-trien-1-yl)-2H-azirines have been found. The azirine fragment of these compounds was subsequently used to prepare 5-(cyclohepta-2,4,6-trien-1-yl)isoxazoles and α-(cyclohepta-2,4,6-triene-1-ylcarbonyl)-1H-pyrroles. NMR and DFT calculations showed that the cycloheptatriene-norcaradiene valence isomerization in the corresponding moieties of synthesized azirines, isoxazoles, and pyrroles is very fast at room temperature. Cycloheptatriene valence isomer predominates in azirines and pyrroles, while 5-(cycloheptatrienyl)isoxazoles exist in a pure cycloheptatriene form at 25 °C in chloroform solution. In accordance with the X-ray analysis, two of the synthesized pyrroles crystallized as norcaradiene isomers from a solution of equilibrium mixture of valence isomers. Reductive isoxazole ring opening using the Mo(CO)₆/H₂O reductive system afforded (Z)-3-amino-3-aryl-1-(cyclohepta-2,4,6-trien-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-ones, which are pure cycloheptatriene isomers. α-(Cycloheptatrieneylcarbonyl)-1H-pyrroles were transformed into the α-(benzylcarbonyl)-1H-pyrroles under cooperative TFA/Rh₂(TFA)₄ catalysis.

Sequential Cu(II)-promoted oxidation/[3 + 2] cycloaddition/aromatization tandem reaction for the synthesis of 2-substituted benzo[f]isoindole-4,9-dione

An efficient method for the synthesis of 2-substituted benzo[f]isoindole-4,9-dione derivatives from N-substituted iminodiacetates and quinones via a Cu(II)-promoted oxidation/[3 + 2] cycloaddition/aromatization tandem reaction was reported. This tandem reaction uses a wide range of N-substituted iminodiacetate derivatives that contain the chain-alkyl, cycloalkyl, and aryl group on the N-atom. Based on optimized reaction conditions, the desired product of 2-substituted benzo[f]isoindole-4,9-diones was obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Taken together, the promising results of this research would provide an especially efficient strategy to synthesize polysubstituted pyrroles from easy available starting materials and promoted by cheaper Cu(OAc)2.

1-(2H-Azirine-2-carbonyl)benzotriazoles: building blocks for the synthesis of pyrrole-containing heterocycles

A one-pot method was developed for the preparation of 2H-azirine-2-carbonylbenzotriazoles, formed by the reaction of benzotriazole with 2H-azirine-2-carbonyl chlorides, which were generated by the Fe(ii)-catalyzed isomerization of 5-chloroisoxazoles. The Co(ii)-catalyzed reaction of 2H-azirine-2-carbonylbenzotriazoles with 1,3-diketones provides 2-((benzotriazol-1-yl)carbonyl)pyrroles in moderate to good yields. Base-promoted annulations of 2-((benzotriazol-1-yl)carbonyl)pyrroles with aldehydes, ketones, isocyanates and isothiocyanates afford various substituted pyrrolo[1,2-c]oxazole and 1H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole derivatives in moderate to high yields. The 6-acyl group of these adducts can be removed by triflic acid, giving further new pyrrolo-fused O- and N-heterocycles, such as 6-unsubstituted pyrrolo[1,2-c]oxazol-1(3H)-one and 1H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-1,3(2H)-dione, while the 6-acetyl substituent of 1H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-1,3(2H)-dione, when treated with POCl3/pyridine, is transformed into the 6-ethynyl substituent.

The Fe(iii)-catalyzed decarboxylative cycloaddition of β-ketoacids and 2H-azirines for the synthesis of pyrrole derivatives

An Fe(iii)-catalyzed Mannich/decarboxylative ring expansion reaction to generate pyrrole derivatives has been achieved using Fe(OTf)₃ as the catalyst. A series of pyrrole derivatives was obtained in moderate to excellent yields.

Hetero-bimetallic cooperative catalysis for the synthesis of heteroarenes

Review covering the synthesis of 5- and 6-membered as well as condensed heteroarenes, focussing on the combinations in cooperative catalytic systems in strategies used to achieve selectivity and also highlights the mode of action for the cooperative catalysis leading to the synthesis of commercially and biologically relevant heteroarenes.

2-Diazoacetyl-2 H-azirines: Source of a Variety of 2 H-Azirine Building Blocks with Orthogonal and Domino Reactivity

A synthesis of 2-diazoacetyl-2 H-azirines was developed starting from 2 H-azirine-2-carbonyl chlorides, generated by Fe(II)-catalyzed isomerization of 5-chloroisoxazoles. 2-Diazoacetyl-2 H-azirines easily undergo reactions characteristic of α-diazo ketones with preservation of the azirine ring. Reactions with hydrohalogenic, carboxylic, and p-toluenesulfonic acids provide novel 1-(3-aryl-2 H-azirin-2-yl)-2-halo- and 2-(R-oxy)ethan-1-ones in good yields. The synthesized 2 H-azirines can offer many possibilities for chemical manipulation in heterocyclic synthesis, due to the presence of highly reactive azirine and the exocyclic C(O)-CHN₂ or C(O)-CH₂X functionalities, which can show orthogonal or domino reactivity. The synthetic usefulness of the developed building blocks was demonstrated by the preparation of new types of heterocyclic dyads (azirine-oxazole, azirine-pyrazoline, azirine-thiazole, azirine-oxirane, pyrrole-oxazole) as well as an azirine chalcone analogue, 2-azidoacetyl-2 H-azirine, and 2-diazoacetylaziridine derivatives.

Recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed reactions of alkynes with isoxazoles

Isoxazoles, as masked 1,3-dicarbonyl equivalents, have proven to be versatile building blocks and pivotal intermediates for the construction of a variety of useful azacycles with molecular complexity. As a result, a range of new reactions have been discovered based on isoxazoles in the past decade. However, the relevant reactions of isoxazoles with alkynes have seldom been explored. In this review, we will focus on the recent progress in the transition-metal-catalyzed formal annulations for the efficient synthesis of N-heterocycles between alkynes and isoxazoles by highlighting their specificity and applicability, and the mechanistic rationale is presented where possible.

Fe(II)-Catalyzed Isomerization of 4-Vinylisoxazoles into Pyrroles

The first synthesis of pyrroles by Fe(II)-catalyzed isomerization of 4-vinylisoxazoles is reported. 5-Alkoxy, amino, and N,N-dialkylamino-3-aryl/alkyl-4-(2-R-vinyl)isoxazoles afford 2-aryl/alkyl-5-aryl/alkyl/methoxycarbonyl-1H-pyrrol-3-carboxylic acid derivatives typically under mild conditions with cheap and available FeCl₂·4H₂O as a catalyst. The isomerization of 5-alkoxy/amino-3-arylisoxazoles, bearing unsaturated carbo and heterocyclic substituents at the position 4, gives the corresponding fused pyrrolecarboxylic acid derivatives in high yields. DFT calculations were used to elucidate a probable mechanism of the isomerization and explain the influence of steric congestion of the vinyl moiety on the isomerization pathway.

Fe(II)/Au(I) Relay Catalyzed Propargylisoxazole to Pyridine Isomerization: Access to 6-Halonicotinates

An efficient synthesis of methyl nicotinates/6-halonicotinates by the domino isomerization of 4-propargyl/(3-halopropargyl)-5-methoxyisoxazoles under Fe(II)/Au(I) relay catalysis was developed. It was found that FeNTf₂ is an effective catalyst for first step of the domino isomerization, transformation of isoxazole to 2H-azirine, which is compatible with Ph₃PAuNTf₂, catalyzing the second step.

Synthesis of Multifunctionalized 2-Carbonylpyrrole by Rhodium-Catalyzed Transannulation of 1-Sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole with β-Diketone

A facile rhodium-catalyzed transannulation of 1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles with β-diketones was realized, and a series of multisubstituted 2-carbonylpyrroles were synthesized efficiently (up to 94% yield). The protocol features several advantages, such as readily available materials, mild reaction conditions, a concise operating procedure, a broad reaction scope, and excellent regioselectivity when benzoylacetone derivatives were used.

Fe(II)/Et3N-Relay-catalyzed domino reaction of isoxazoles with imidazolium salts in the synthesis of methyl 4-imidazolylpyrrole-2-carboxylates, its ylide and betaine derivatives

A simple approach was developed for the synthesis of methyl 4-imidazolylpyrrole-2-carboxylates from easily available compounds, 5-methoxyisoxazoles and phenacylimidazolium salts under hybrid Fe(II)/Et₃N relay catalysis. The products were easily transformed into the corresponding 3-(5-methoxycarbonyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium-3-yl)pyrrol-1-ides, which in turn can be hydrolyzed under basic conditions into the corresponding betaines. A carbene tautomeric form of the 4-methoxycarbonyl-substituted imidazolylpyrrolides was trapped by reaction with sulfur affording the corresponding imidazolethiones under very mild conditions.

Metal/organo relay catalysis in a one-pot synthesis of methyl 4-aminopyrrole-2-carboxylates from 5-methoxyisoxazoles and pyridinium ylides

Methyl 4-aminopyrrole-2-carboxylates were easily synthesized by the reaction of 5-methoxyisoxazoles with phenacylpyridinium salts under hybrid relay catalysis leading to 1-(5-methoxycarbonyl-1H-pyrrol-3-yl)pyridinium salts followed by a one pot Zincke cleavage.

A new heterocyclic skeleton with highly tunable absorption/emission wavelength via H-bonding

A new heterocyclic system, pyrido[2,1-a]pyrrolo[3,2-c]isoquinoline, showing stimuli responsive fluorescence, was synthesized via Pd-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of 1-[1-benzyl-2-(2-bromophenyl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]pyridin-1-ium bromides.