Synthesis of Branch-Type 3-Allylindoles from N-Alkyl-N-cinnamyl-2-ethynylaniline Derivatives Using π-Allylpalladium Chloride Complex as a Catalyst

The reaction of N-alkyl-N-cinnamyl-2-ethynylaniline derivatives 1 via annulation and aza-Claisen-type rearrangement easily afforded corresponding branch-type 3-allylindoles 2 with high regioselectivities in good yields using π-allylpalladium chloride complex as a catalyst.

Recent advances in ligand-enabled palladium-catalyzed divergent synthesis

Developing efficient and straightforward strategies to rapidly construct structurally distinct and diverse organic molecules is one of the most fundamental tasks in organic synthesis, drug discovery and materials science. In recent years, divergent synthesis of organic functional molecules from the same starting materials has attracted significant attention and has been recognized as an efficient and powerful strategy. To achieve this objective, the proper adjustment of reaction conditions, such as catalysts, solvents, ligands, etc., is required. In this review, we summarized the recent efforts in chemo-, regio- and stereodivergent reactions involving acyclic and cyclic systems catalyzed by palladium complexes. Meanwhile, the reaction types, including carbonylative reactions, coupling reactions and cycloaddition reactions, as well as the probable mechanism have also been highlighted in detail.

Facile and stereospecific synthesis of diverse β-N-glycosyl sulfonamide scaffolds via palladium catalysis

Glycosylation is an important strategy to improve the druggability of lead compounds. Here, we present a palladium-catalysed stereospecific N-glycosylation of sulfonamides. This approach stands out with wide substrate scope, high functional group tolerance, and easy scalability, furnishing a broad spectrum of densely functionalized β-N-glycosyl sulfonamides with good efficiency and exceptional regio-/stereoselectivity. Diverse drug-like glycosulfonamido scaffolds have been constructed via a late-stage diversification strategy and various facile synthetic transformations of the products. Collectively, the established protocol provides a valuable tool for efficiently preparing glycosyl sulfonamides to facilitate drug discovery.

One-Pot Modified Madelung Synthesis of 3-Tosyl- and 3-Cyano-1,2-disubstituted Indoles

A One-pot, two-step procedure for the synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted-3-tosyl and 1,2-disubstituted-3-cyanoindoles from the corresponding N-(o-tolyl)benzamides is reported. The developed procedure is operationally simple, does not utilize any transition metals, and provides variably substituted indoles in good yields from readily available starting materials.

Oxidative Addition to the N-C Bond Vs Formation of the Zwitterionic Intermediate in Platinum(II)-Catalyzed Intramolecular Annulation of Alkynes to Form Indoles: Mechanistic Studies and Reaction Scope

In this study, Pt(II)-catalyzed intramolecular translocation annulation of ortho-alkynylamides to the formation of indoles is presented, where a proposed intermediacy of zwitterionic intermediate has been substantiated over the oxidative addition. We focused our attention on Pt(II)-catalyzed aminoacylation of alkynes both theoretically and experimentally using low boiling solvent where the formation of deacylation product was suppressed simultaneously. One-step intramolecular [1,3]-acyl migration from the zwitterionic intermediate is highly unlikely, which imparts a high energy barrier of +99.0 kcal mol^-1. Another possible approach involving oxidative addition to the N-C bond, migratory insertion to alkyne, and subsequent reductive elimination is also explored through DFT studies to justify the reaction consequence. However, based on the computational studies, it is suggested that initial zwitterion formation is highly favored over oxidative addition. We suggest the formation of an acylium intermediate, which can further react with indol-3-ylplatinum species in an intramolecular manner, albeit within the same solvent cage to form 3-acyl indoles.

Synthesis of Indoles via Intermolecular and Intramolecular Cyclization by Using Palladium-Based Catalysts

As part of natural products or biologically active compounds, the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles is becoming incredibly valuable. Palladium is a transition metal that is widely utilized as a catalyst to facilitate carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom coupling; it is used in the synthesis of various heterocycles. This review includes the twelve years of successful indole synthesis using various palladium catalysts to establish carbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogen coupling, as well as the conditions that have been optimized.

Sequential Sonogashira/intramolecular aminopalladation/cross-coupling of ortho-ethynyl-anilines catalyzed by a single palladium source: rapid access to 2,3-diarylindoles

We have developed a practical and efficient one-pot protocol for the synthesis of 2,3-diarylindoles via Pd-catalyzed bis-arylative cyclization of various o-ethynylanilines with aryl iodides. Mechanism studies showed that a Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira reaction took place firstly, giving an internal alkyne intermediate, which subsequently underwent intramolecular aminopalladation/cross-coupling to give access to 2,3-diarylindoles. The present methodology exhibits a broad substrate scope, producing various 2,3-diaryl indoles bearing two different aryl groups.

Nickel-Catalyzed trans-Carboamination across Internal Alkynes to Access Multifunctionalized Indoles

A Ni-catalyzed reaction was developed for the synthesis of multifunctionalized indoles. The reaction proceeded through oxidative cyclization of the Ni(0)/P^N complex with an enyne system, 2-alkynyl anilinoacrylate, to provide a nickelacycle intermediate. The trans-carboamination around the internal alkyne was achieved by syn/anti-rotation of the Ni-carbenoid intermediate formed by C-N bond cleavage of the nickelacycle, and 3-alkenylated indoles were formed by C-N bond-forming reductive elimination. Notably, the synthesized indoles could be successfully transformed to functionalized carbazoles.

Copper-Catalyzed Sequential Cyclization/Migration of Alkynyl Hydrazides for Construction of Ring-Expanded N-N Fused Pyrazolones

A copper-catalyzed sequential cyclization/migration reaction of alkynyl hydrazides for the synthesis of ring-expanded N-N fused pyrazolones was developed. Control experiments indicate that the copper-ligand complex plays an essential role in the reaction. This approach features a broad scope including some functional group tolerance as well as a nucleophilic addition/1,3-migration/formal 1,2-migration sequence. This protocol provides simple manipulation and less waste due to high yield and atom economy. The synthetic utility of N-N fused pyrazolones was also demonstrated by further transformations.

Lewis Acid Catalyzed Atom-Economic Synthesis of C2-Substituted Indoles from o-Amido Alkynols

Herein we have disclosed a Zn(OTf)₂ catalyzed synthesis of C2-alkyl substituted indole derivatives via unprecedented carbonyl group migration from o-amido alkynols. The key features of this protocol involve N,O-carbonyl group migration, broad substrate scope with varied functionality tolerance, moderate to good yields, and 100% atom economy. The crossover experiments proved that the migration is happening via an intramolecular pathway.

Selective Insertion of Alkynes into C-C σ Bonds of Indolin-2-ones: Transition-Metal-Free Ring Expansion Reactions to Seven-Membered-Ring Benzolactams or Chromone Derivatives

An unprecedented ring expansion reaction of indolin-2-ones with alkynyl ketones under transition-metal-free conditions has been developed. Base-promoted selective cleavage of a C-C σ bond of the amide is the key in this process, which provides a straightforward and efficient way to synthesize seven-membered-ring benzolactams or chromone derivatives. The significant advantages of this method include readily accessible starting materials, wide scope and functional group tolerance, and high atom economy.

Recent advances in the synthesis of indoles from alkynes and nitrogen sources

This review highlights ten years of success in the synthesis of indoles using alkynes and nitrogen sources as substrates.

Recent Advances in the Addition of Amide/Sulfonamide Bonds to Alkynes

The addition of amide/sulfonamide bonds to alkynes is not only one of the most important strategies for the direct functionalization of carbon⁻carbon triple bonds, but also a powerful tool for the downstream transformations of amides/sulfonamides. The present review provides a comprehensive summary of amide/sulfonamide bond addition to alkynes, including direct and metal-free aminoacylation, based-promoted aminoacylation, transition-metal-catalyzed aminoacylation, organocatalytic aminoacylation and transition-metal-catalyzed aminosulfonylation of alkynes up to December 2018. The reaction conditions, regio- and stereoselectivities, and mechanisms are discussed and summarized in detail.

Recent Progress in the Transition Metal Catalyzed Synthesis of Indoles

Indole is the most frequently found heterocyclic core structures in pharmaceuticals, natural products, agrochemicals, dyes and fragrances. For about 150 years, chemists were absorbed in finding new and easier synthetic strategies to build this nucleus. Many books and reviews have been written, but the number of new syntheses that appear in the literature, make necessary continuous updates. This reviews aims to give a comprehensive overview on indole synthesis catalyzed by transition metals appeared in the literature in the years 2016 and 2017.

Transition-metal-free insertion reactions of alkynes into the C–N σ-bonds of imides: synthesis of substituted enamides or chromones

Transition-metal-free insertion of ynones into the C–N σ-bonds of imides for the chemo-selective synthesis of chromones or enamides.