Highly efficient synthesis and stereoselective migration reactions of chiral five-membered aza-spiroindolenines: scope and mechanistic understanding

Interrupted Plancher Rearrangement Initiated by Dearomative Epoxide-Indole Cyclization: Formal Umpolung Reactivity of Indoles

We herein report the serendipitous discovery of the interrupted Plancher rearrangement initiated by an HFIP-promoted dearomative epoxide-indole cyclization, unlocking a new blueprint to the formal C3 umpolung reactivity of indoles. This rapid complexity generating cascade process paves the way toward a new class of fused-bridged indolines in high yields and under full regio- and diastereocontrol. The reaction is amenable to a wide range of substituents in the starting materials.

Dearomative Alkylation-Based Two-Step cis-Diastereoselective Synthesis of Indoline-2,3-Fused Chromans and Tetrahydropyrans

Herein, we describe a two-step, cis-diastereoselective synthesis of indoline-2,3-fused chromans from 3-substituted indoles. The method proceeds without intermediacy of ortho-quinone methides and leverages the dual function of TBS-protected 2-hydroxybenzyl iodides both as highly reactive alkylating agents in a t-BuONa/Et3B-promoted dearomative alkylation step and as a source of masked phenoxide nucleophiles in a subsequent TBAF-induced one-pot deprotection-cyclization step of the resulting indolenines. Importantly, this two-step protocol can also be extended to access indoline-2,3-fused tetrahydropyrans. These syntheses of indoline-2,3-fused chromans and tetrahydropyrans proceed with operational convenience, use easily accessible substrates and reagents, and feature broad substrate scope, high yields and complete diastereoselectivity. Furthermore, the synthesized products have the potential to undergo late-stage functionalization.

Diastereocontrolled Construction of Spiroindolenines via Hexafluoroisopropanol-Promoted Dearomative Epoxide-Indole Cyclization

Herein, we report the discovery of the ipso-selective, dearomatizing spirocyclization of indole-tethered epoxides as a fundamentally new approach for constructing spiroindolenines equipped with three contiguous stereogenic centers under complete diastereocontrol (dr >99:1) and in high yields. Promoted by hexafluoroisopropanol, the protocol features a broad substrate scope, easy scale-up, and versatile transformations of the synthesized spiroindolenines.

A Sequential Transition Metal and Organocatalytic Approach to the Enantioselective Synthesis of C2-Spiroindoline Systems

We report herein an organocatalyzed enantioselective spirocyclization strategy to access valuable C2-spiroindoline scaffolds bearing a quaternary stereocenter via an aza-Michael addition reaction, wherein the acid additive plays the role of dual functionality. The substrates for this key step were put together by an exo-selective, Pd-catalyzed γ-arylation of silyldienol ethers of the corresponding cyclohexenones. A close alliance between a low catalyst loading and a slow reaction rate yields C2-spiroindolines with good enantioselectivity.

B(C6 F5 )3 -Catalyzed [2+3]-Cyclative o,m-diC-H Functionalization of Phenols

Metal-free catalytic C-H functionalization is highly desired for the construction of C-C bonds. We herein report a highly chemoselective consecutive C-H [2+3]-cyclative functionalization for the simultaneous formation of two C-C bonds with construction of polycyclic phenols catalyzed by commercially available and low-cost B(C6 F5 )3 . This catalytic system tolerates a wide range of substrate scope, providing a series of 2,6,7,8-tetrahydroacenaphthylen-3-ol-type polycyclic compounds efficiently. Several derivatizations of the catalytic products have also been conducted to show the potential application of this method in synthesis of polycyclic compounds.

Regioselective Decarboxylative Transformations of Tetrahydro-β-carboline-1-carboxylic Acid: Reagent Controlled Selectivity toward Alkynylated or Enaminone Products

A one-pot, regioselective decarboxylative alkynylation of tetrahydro-β-carboline-1-carboxylic acid under peroxide-free condition is reported. The reaction is highly selective for the 1-position over the 3-position of tetrahydro-β-carboline. The reaction can afford alkynylated or enaminone products depending on the reagent. The reaction proceeds through sequential decarboxylative iminium ion formation followed by an alkynylation and oxidative rearrangement cascade.

Chemical insights into the synthetic chemistry of five-membered saturated heterocycles-a transition metal-catalyzed approach

Drug design and delivery is primarily based on the hunt for new potent drug candidates and novel synthetic techniques. Recently, saturated heterocycles have gained enormous attention in medicinal chemistry as evidenced by the medicinal drugs listed in the FDA Orange Book. Therefore, the demand for novel saturated heterocyclic syntheses has increased tremendously. Transition metal (TM)-catalyzed reactions have remained the prime priority in heterocyclic syntheses for the last three decades. Nowadays, TM catalysis is well adorned by combining it with other techniques such as bio- and/or enzyme-catalyzed reactions, organocatalysis, or using two different metals in a single catalysis. This review highlights the recent developments of the transition metal-catalyzed synthesis of five-membered saturated heterocycles.

Iodine(III)-Mediated Oxidation of Anilines to Construct Dibenzazepines

The development of an efficient process that produces bioactive medium-sized N-heterocyclic scaffolds from 2-substituted anilines using either iodosobenzene or (bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo)-benzene is reported. The tether between the sulfonamide and the aryl group can be varied to access dihydroacridine-, dibenzazepine-, or dibenzazocine scaffolds. While substitution on the aniline portion is limited to electron-neutral- or electron-poor groups, a broader range of functional groups are tolerated on the ortho-aryl substituent and site selective C-NAr bond formation can be achieved. Preliminary mechanistic investigations suggest that medium-ring formation occurs via radical reactive intermediates.

1,3-Migrative Ring Expansion of Spiroindolenines to Azepino[3,4-b]indoles

We serendipitously found an unprecedented 5-to-7-membered ring expansion of 2-alkylspiroindolenines to azepinoindoles mediated by n-tetrabutylammonium fluoride. The starting materials can be easily prepared by the hypoiodite-catalyzed oxidative dearomative spirocyclization of indole derivatives. Mildly basic conditions and electron-deficient protecting groups for the amines were found to be crucial to promoting chemoselective reactions. Moreover, the ring expansion of aniline-derived spiroindolenines proceeds smoothly under much milder conditions using only a catalytic amount of cesium carbonate.

Iridium-catalyzed enantioselective alkynylation and kinetic resolution of alkyl allylic alcohols

Herein, we report an efficient kinetic resolution of alkyl allylic alcohols enabled by an iridium-catalyzed enantioselective alkynylation of alkyl allylic alcohols with potassium alkynyltrifluoroborates. A wide range of chiral 1,4-enynes bearing various functional groups and unreacted enantioenriched allylic alcohols were obtained with excellent enantioselectivities and high kinetic resolution performance (s-factor up to 922). Additionally, this method is particularly effective for preparing some useful optically pure alkyl allylic alcohols, such as the key components towards the synthesis of prostaglandins and naturally occurring matsutakeols, which are difficult to access via other asymmetric reactions. Mechanistic studies revealed that the efficient kinetic resolution might be due to the significant distinction of the η ²-coordination between the (R)- and (S)-allylic alcohols with the iridium/(phosphoramidite, olefin) complex.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of Indoline- and Pyrrole-Embedded Tetracycles via an Unprecedented Dearomative Indole-C3-Alkylation/Aza-Friedel-Crafts Cascade Reaction

Dearomative indole C3-alkylation─intramolecular iminium trapping cascade reaction of indole-C3-tethered nucleophiles is a well-known blueprint for accessing 2,3-fused indolines. In exploring this strategy, synthetic chemists have utilized diverse classes of electrophilic reagents. However, the tethered nucleophiles have mainly been limited to heteronucleophiles and enolates; exploitation of tethered arenes/heteroarenes remains unknown. We herein describe the first examples of pyrrole-intercepted dearomative indole C3-allylation and benzylation of indole-tethered pyrroles toward the synthesis of 2,3-cis-fused tetracyclic indolines featuring a C3 all-carbon quaternary stereocentre. Our methodology capitalizes on the capability of NaO^tBu/Et₃B combination to direct the intermolecular alkylation to take place regioselectively at the indole C3 position over the other reactive sites (indole N and C2 and pyrrole C2 positions) and leverages the high nucleophilicity of the pyrrole template for the concomitant aza-Friedel-Crafts ring closure that traditionally would require an additional acid-catalyzed synthetic step. This cascade reaction is accomplished with broad substrate scope and excellent yields and chemo-, regio-, and diastereoselectivities.

Merging dearomatization with redox-neutral C(sp3)–H functionalization via hydride transfer/cyclization: recent advances and perspectives

This review highlights the encouraging advances in hydride transfer-involved dearomatization reaction during the past decade, the content of which is categorized according to the hydride acceptors, namely vinylogous imines and quinone methides.

Catalytic Asymmetric Alkynylation of 3,4-Dihydro-β-carbolinium Ions Enables Collective Total Syntheses of Indole Alkaloids

Chiral tetrahydro-β-carboline (THβC) is not only a prevailing structural feature of many natural alkaloids but also a versatile synthetic precursor for a vast array of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids. Asymmetric synthesis of C1-alkynyl THβCs remains rarely explored and challenging. Herein, we describe the development of two complementary approaches for the catalytic asymmetric alkynylation of 3,4-dihydro-β-carbolinium ions with up to 96 % yield and 99 % ee. The utility of chiral C1-alkynyl THβCs was demonstrated by the collective total syntheses of seven indole alkaloids: harmicine, eburnamonine, desethyleburnamonine, larutensine, geissoschizol, geissochizine, and akuammicine.

Skeletally Tunable Seven-Membered-Ring Fused Pyrroles

We describe a copper-mediated method that enables the synthesis of seven-membered-ring fused pyrroles (7-mrFPs). The protocol proceeds via an in situ spiro-intermediate ring expansion and tolerates a library of 7-mrFP derivatives with a broad range of functional groups in a simple step with tangible parameters and substrate adaptations. These rare 7-mrFPs are now accessible on a millimolar scale, and selected examples exhibit high antioxidant activity.

Biomimetically Inspired, One-Step Synthesis of Exotine A and Exotine B

The one-step syntheses of exotine A and exotine B, which comprise the unusual coumarin-cyclohepta[b]indole ring system, have been achieved via the biomimetically inspired combination of indole, prenal, and either trans-dehydroosthol or gleinadiene. This facile three-component reaction delivered a mixture (17:1) of exotine A and 11'-epi-exotine A in a 43% yield from trans-dehydroosthol and a mixture (4:1) of exotine B and 11'-epi-exotine B in a 50% yield from gleinadiene. Some mechanistic aspects of this process were explored, and spectral evidence for 3,3'-spiroindolenine intermediates was obtained. Moreover, a skeletal isomer of exotine A that likely originates from a 1,2-alkyl rearrangement of a protonated 3,3'-spiroindolenine was isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography. These findings not only provide experimental support for Jiang's proposed biosynthesis of exotine A and exotine B but also foreshadow the existence of other exotine-derived natural products having isomeric frameworks. Exploratory attempts to induce an enantioselective 3CR using a chiral phosphoric acid were unsuccessful.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Stereoselective Cyclization of 3-Allenylindoles and N-Allenyltryptamines to Functionalized Vinylic Spiroindolenines

Herein, we report a highly enantio- and diastereoselective rhodium-catalyzed cyclization of N-allenyltryptamines and 3-allenylindoles to 6-membered spirocyclic indolenines. This allylic addition methodology offers the advantage of using a comparably cheap commercially available ligand with low loadings of an affordable rhodium precursor. The products can be converted into functionalized spirooxindoles and spiroindolines, which are regarded as important building blocks for the synthesis of a lot of natural products with biological activities.

Advances in Catalytic Asymmetric Dearomatization

Asymmetric catalysis has been recognized as the most enabling strategy for accessing chiral molecules in enantioenriched forms. Catalytic asymmetric dearomatization is an emerging and dynamic research subject in asymmetric catalysis, which has received considerable attention in recent years. The direct transformations from readily available aromatic feedstocks to structurally diverse three-dimensional polycyclic molecules make catalytic asymmetric dearomatization reactions of broad interest for both organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. However, the inherent difficulty for the disruption of aromaticity demands a large energy input during the dearomatization process, which might be incompatible with the conditions generally required by asymmetric catalysis. In this Outlook, we will discuss representative strategies and examples of catalytic asymmetric dearomatization reactions of various aromatic compounds and try to convince readers that by overcoming the above obstacles, catalytic asymmetric dearomatization reactions could advance chemical sciences in many respects.

Palladium-Catalyzed Synthesis of 1-Vinyltetrahydro-β-carbolines and Aza-spiroindolenines: Access to the Syntheses of 1-Vinyl-β-carbolines and Eudistomins Y1 and Y2

A general synthesis of 1-vinyltetrahydro-β-carbolines (THBCs) has been achieved via palladium(0)-catalyzed cyclocondensation between allenyltryptamines and aryl iodides. Aza-spiroindolenines could also be accessed from the N-unsubstituted indole substrates by simply tweaking the reaction conditions. DDQ-mediated oxidation of THBCs easily afforded β-carbolines, which could be synthetically transformed into 1-aroyl-β-carbolines of pharmacological interest. Formal total syntheses of eudistomins Y1 and Y2 have also been achieved.

Palladium-catalyzed dearomative allylation of indoles with cyclopropyl acetylenes: access to indolenine derivatives

A palladium-catalyzed redox-neutral allylic alkylation of indoles with cyclopropyl acetylenes has been disclosed. Various 1,3-diene indolenine framework bearing a quaternary stereocenter at the C3 position were synthesized straightforwardly in good to excellent yields with high regio- and stereoselectivities. The reaction could be further expanded to the dearomatization of naphthols to synthesize functionalized cyclohexadienones with 1,3-diene motifs. The reaction exhibited high atom economy and good functional group tolerance.

Intramolecular Sakurai Allylation of Geminal Bis(silyl) Enamide with Indolenine. A Diastereoselective Cyclization To Form Functionalized Hexahydropyrido[3,4-b]Indole

A fluoride-promoted intramolecular Sakurai allylation of geminal bis(silyl) enamide with indolenine has been developed. The reaction facilitates an efficient cyclization to give hexahydropyrido[3,4-b]indoles in good yields with high diastereoselectivity. The resulted cis, trans-stereochemistry further enables the ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction of two alkene moieties, giving a tetracyclic N-hetereocycle widely found as the core structure in akuammiline alkaloids.

Asymmetric Dearomatization of Indole by Palladium/PC-Phos-Catalyzed Dynamic Kinetic Transformation

A palladium-catalyzed intermolecular dynamic kinetic asymmetric dearomatization of 3-arylindoles with internal alkynes was developed with the use of achiral Xantphos and chiral sulfinamide phosphine ligand (PC-Phos) as the co-ligands. This method could deliver various spiro[indene-1,3'-indole] compounds in good yields (up to 95 % yield) with up to 98 % ee. The salient features of the transformation include the use of readily available substrates, ease of scale-up and the versatile functionalization of the products. The mechanistic experiments gave some insights on active intermediates.

Iridium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Intermolecular Indole C2-Allylation

The enantioselective intermolecular C2-allylation of 3-substituted indoles is reported for the first time. This directing group-free approach relies on a chiral Ir-(P, olefin) complex and Mg(ClO4 )2 Lewis acid catalyst system to promote allylic substitution, providing the C2-allylated products in typically high yields (40-99 %) and enantioselectivities (83-99 % ee) with excellent regiocontrol. Experimental studies and DFT calculations suggest that the reaction proceeds via direct C2-allylation, rather than C3-allylation followed by in situ migration. Steric congestion at the indole-C3 position and improved π-π stacking interactions have been identified as major contributors to the C2-selectivity.

Exploring the Chemistry of Spiroindolenines by Mechanistically-Driven Reaction Development: Asymmetric Pictet-Spengler-type Reactions and Beyond

The Pictet-Spengler reaction is a fundamental named reaction in organic chemistry, and it is the most straightforward method for the synthesis of tetrahydro-β-carbolines, a core structure embedded in numerous alkaloids. Spiroindolenines are often proposed as possible intermediates in Pictet-Spengler reactions. However, whether the spiroindolenine species is an intermediate in the mechanism of the asymmetric Pictet-Spengler reaction remains unclear. Questions about the role of the spiroindolenine species regarding the mechanism include the following: Can the spiroindolenine species be formed effectively under Pictet-Spengler conditions? If so, what is its fate? Is the delivery of the enantioenriched tetrahydro-β-carboline product related to the spiroindolenine intermediate? Previous studies regarding these questions have not reached a consensus. Therefore, elucidating these questions will advance the field of synthetic organic chemistry.The first highly enantioselective synthesis of spiroindolenines that have the same molecular scaffold as the proposed key intermediate of the Pictet-Spengler reaction was accomplished by an Ir-catalyzed intramolecular asymmetric allylic substitution reaction of an indol-3-yl allylic carbonate. In this reaction, a piperidine, pyrrolidine, or cyclopentane ring can be introduced in conjunction with the indolenine structure.Spiroindolenines were found to undergo ring-expansive migration reactions when treated with a catalytic amount of an acid, leading to tetrahydro-β-carbolines or related tetrahydrocarbazoles. Comprehensive DFT calculations and Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations have provided insight into the mechanism of the migration process. It has been found that the stereochemistry is strongly correlated with the electronic properties of the migratory group along with the acidity of the catalyst. Close interactions between the positively charged migratory group and the electron-rich indole ring favor the stereospecificity of the migration. Furthermore, a continuous mechanistic spectrum of the Pictet-Spengler reactions can be obtained on the basis of two readily accessible energetic parameters that are derived from computed energies for competing transition states relative to a key intermediate species. This theoretical model provides a unified mechanistic understanding of the asymmetric Pictet-Spengler reaction, which has been further supported by rationally designed prototype reactions. Chemically and stereochemically controllable migration can be achieved when multiple potential migratory groups are available.The reactivity of spiroindolenines has also been explored beyond Pictet-Spengler reactions. A one-pot Ir-catalyzed asymmetric allylic dearomatization/stereoconvergent migration allows the facile synthesis of enantioenriched tetrahydro-β-carbolines from racemic starting materials. An unprecedented six- to seven-membered ring-expansive migration can be achieved when a vinyliminium moiety is involved as a highly reactive migratory group. This reaction facilitates the stereoselective synthesis of thermodynamically challenging indole-annulated seven-membered rings. It has also been found that the migration process can be interrupted. The electrophilic migratory group released from the retro-Mannich reaction of a spiroindolenine can be captured by an inter- or intramolecular nucleophile, thus providing new entries into structurally diverse polycyclic indole derivatives.Therefore, the mechanism of the Pictet-Spengler reaction can be probed by manipulating the reactivity of the spiroindolenine species. In turn, the mechanistic insights gained herein will aid in chemical transformations toward various target molecules. This study serves as a vivid example of the positive interplay between experimental and theoretical investigations in synthetic organic chemistry.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Spiroindolines via Cascade Isomerization/Spirocyclization/Dearomatization Reaction

The spiroindoline skeleton featured with 2,7-diazaspiro[4.4]nonane exists in various structurally intricate and biologically active monoterpene indole alkaloids. A catalytic asymmetric cascade enamine isomerization/spirocyclization/dearomatization succession to construct the spiroindoline was developed, which employed the indolyl dihydropyridine as a substrate under catalysis of the chiral phosphoric acid. This cascade reaction provided various spiroindolines in both diastereoselective and enantionselective fashions.

Palladium-catalyzed intermolecular allenylation reactions of 2,3-disubstituted indoles and allenyl carbonate

A palladium-catalyzed intermolecular allenylation of non-strained 2,3-disubstituted indoles and allenyl carbonate has been developed, providing convenient access to indolenines bearing an allene unit by taking advantage of the C-3 nucleophilicity of indoles. Decent yields and good functional group tolerance have been achieved with diverse indoles under mild conditions. Gram-scale reaction and various synthetic transformations have been demonstrated.

Palladium(0)-Catalyzed Intermolecular Asymmetric Cascade Dearomatization Reaction of Indoles with Propargyl Carbonate

An intermolecular asymmetric cascade dearomatization reaction of indole derivatives with propargyl carbonate was developed. The challenges associated with both the chemoselectivity between the carbon and nitrogen nucleophile and the enantioselective control during the formation of an all-carbon quaternary stereogenic center were well addressed by a Pd catalytic system derived from the Feringa ligand. A series of enantioenriched multiply substituted fused indolenines were provided in good yields (71-86 %) with excellent enantioselectivity (91-96 % ee) and chemoselectivity (3/4>19:1 in most cases).

Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Substitution Reactions

In this review, we summarize the origin and advancements of iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions during the past two decades. Since the first report in 1997, Ir-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions have attracted intense attention due to their exceptionally high regio- and enantioselectivities. Ir-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reactions have been significantly developed in recent years in many respects, including ligand development, mechanistic understanding, substrate scope, and application in the synthesis of complex functional molecules. In this review, an explicit outline of ligands, mechanism, scope of nucleophiles, and applications is presented.

Dearomatizing Spiroannulation Reagents: Direct Access to Spirocycles from Indoles and Dihalides

Unfunctionalized indoles can be directly converted into 3,3'-spirocyclic indolenines and indolines upon reaction with electrophilic dihalides in the presence of t-BuOK/BEt₃. This double C-C bond forming reaction, which simultaneously generates a quaternary spirocyclic center, typically proceeds in high yield and has good functional group tolerance. In contrast to existing dearomatizing spirocyclization approaches, there is no need to prepare a prefunctionalized aromatic precursor, enabling faster access to valuable spirocyclic products from simple, commercially available aromatics in one step.