Cycloaddition of N-arylnitrones with donor-acceptor oxiranes via C-C bond cleavage to construct 1,5,2-dioxazinanes

Highly functionalized 1,5,2-dioxazinanes could be smoothly produced via a Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed chemoselective [3 + 3] cycloaddition of various N-arylnitrones with a series of donor-acceptor oxiranes. This reaction involves in situ generation of 1,3-dipoles through Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed C-C bond cleavage of oxiranes and moderate to high yields were obtained for most substrates. This transformation features C-C bond cleavage of donor-acceptor oxiranes, accessible starting materials and mild reaction conditions.

Sustainable access to benzothiophene derivatives bearing a trifluoromethyl group via a three-component domino reaction in water

A catalyst-free three-component domino reaction was developed for the synthesis of benzothiophene fused pyrrolidones bearing a CF3 group for the first time. The notable advantages of this strategy over the existing methods include the use of water as a solvent at room temperature, transition metal-free conditions, a broad substrate scope, and easy scale-up synthesis. More importantly, the benzothiophene derivatives have been found to show potent anticancer activities using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay.

Stereoselective Routes to Hexahydropyrroloindoles and Tetrahydropyrroloquinolines from Activated Aziridines and Electron Deficient 3H-Indoles

An unprecedented and novel synthetic route to hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indoles bearing cis-contiguous stereocenters with excellent stereoselectivities (ee of >99%, dr of ≤99:1) has been disclosed that proceeds through the ring opening of activated aziridines with electron deficient 4-substituted indoles followed by a novel cyclization in a domino fashion, thereby obviating the use of 3-substituted indoles as the prerequisite nucleophile. Another efficient synthetic route to tetrahydropyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quinolines in excellent yields (≤93%) and excellent enantioselectivity (ee of >99%) has been established via ring opening of activated aziridines with 4-bromo-1-methyl-1H-indole at relatively higher temperatures followed by Cu(I)-catalyzed intramolecular C-N cyclization in the same pot. The stability and the formation of products at different temperatures are explained by computational studies.

Palladium-Catalyzed Carbonylative [5+1] Cycloaddition of N-Tosyl Vinylaziridines: Solvent-Controlled Divergent Synthesis of α,β- and β,γ-Unsaturated δ-Lactams

A palladium-catalyzed carbonylative [5+1] cycloaddition of N-tosyl vinylaziridines with CO has been developed. This protocol affords an efficient and practical approach for solvent-controlled divergent synthesis of α,β-unsaturated δ-lactams in dimethylformamide and β,γ-unsaturated δ-lactams in tetrahydrofuran in good to excellent yields. Significantly, the step- and atom-economical reactions are more regioselective toward [5+1] cycloaddition than toward [3+1] cycloaddition.

Stereoselective Construction of Orthogonally Protected, N-O Interlinked Disaccharide Mimetics Using N-Substituted β-Aminooxy Donors

Orthogonally protected N-substituted β-aminooxy sugars can be stereoselectively synthesized from sugar epoxides and nitrones derived from aromatic aldehydes. Both the ether- and ester-protected sugar epoxides can be employed. The synthesized aminooxy sugars could be reacted with aldehyde bearing/free reducing sugars under the heating condition to afford N-O-linked 1,1-/1,5/1,6-disaccharide mimetics in a good yield.

Regioselective and stereospecific synthesis of functionalized 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-thiazines by catalyst-free [3 + 3] annulation of pyridinium 1,4-zwitterionic thiolates and aziridines

An efficient route to 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-thiazines was developed though [3 + 3] annulation of pyridinium 1,4-zwitterionic thiolates and aziridines under catalyst-free conditions.

Direct synthesis for N2-unprotected five-membered cyclic guanidines by regioselective [3+2] annulation of aziridines and cyanamides

A novel and efficient [3+2] annulation of 2-substituted aziridines and N-tosyl cyanamides via domino regioselective ring-opening/5-exo-dig cyclization procedure has been developed, allowing the direct preparation for N2-unprotected five-membered cyclic guanidines...

Synthesis, structures and catalytic activity of some BINOL based boronates and boronium salts

The BINOL supported chiral boronate ester [C₁₀H₁₂O₂BC₆F₅(THF)] [(R)-1], [C₁₀H₁₂O₂BC₆F₅(O[double bond, length as m-dash]PEt₃)] [(R)-3] and [C₁₀H₁₂O₂BC₆F₅]₂ [(R,R)-2] as well as the chiral boronium salts [C₁₀H₁₂O₂B(O[double bond, length as m-dash]PEt₃)₂]⁺[B(O₂C₁₀H₁₂)₂]^-, [(R)-6] and [C₁₀H₁₂O₂B(O[double bond, length as m-dash]SMe₂)₂]⁺[B(O₂C₁₀H₁₂)₂]^- [(R)-7] have been synthesized, characterized by NMR spectroscopy, and the solid state structures of [(R)-1], [(R,R)-2] and [(R)-3] determined. Chiral ester [(R)-1] was found to be a potent Lewis acid, similar to B(C₆F₅)₃, and capable of rapidly catalyzing the annulation of (R)-, (S)- and rac-styrene oxide with nitrone PhCH[double bond, length as m-dash]N(O)Me to trans-2-methyl-3,6-diphenyl-1,4,2-dioxazine (trans-11) with high regio- and diastereoslectivities.

Visible-Light Photoredox-Catalyzed Formal [5 + 1] Cycloaddition of N-Tosyl Vinylaziridines with Difluoroalkyl Halides

A visible-light photoredox-catalyzed formal [5 + 1] cycloaddition of N-tosyl vinylaziridines with difluoroalkyl halides as unique C1 synthons was developed. The procedure provides an efficient and practical method to synthesize diverse pyridines in moderate to good yields. The reaction underwent a radical-initiated kinetically controlled ring-opening of vinylaziridines and involved a key α,β-unsaturated imine intermediate, followed by an E2 elimination, a 6π electrocyclization, and defluorinated aromatization.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]quinolines via SN2-Type Ring-Opening Hydroarylation-Hydroamination Cascade Cyclization of Activated Aziridines with N-Propargylanilines

A novel synthetic approach for the construction of 1,2,3,3a,4,5-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-a]quinolines in good yields (up to 75%) with excellent stereoselectivity (dr up to 94:6, ee up to >99%) under one-pot domino ring-opening cyclization (DROC) conditions has been developed. The DROC protocol proceeds through a Lewis acid catalyzed S_N2-type ring-opening of activated aziridines with N-propargylanilines followed by intramolecular cyclization comprising concomitant hydroarylation and hydroamination steps in a domino fashion.

Stereoselective Syntheses of Highly Functionalized Imidazolidines and Oxazolidines via Ring-Opening Cyclization of Activated Aziridines and Epoxides with Amines and Aldehydes

A mild one-pot stereospecific synthetic route to highly functionalized imidazolidines and oxazolidines via S_N2-type ring-opening of the corresponding activated aziridines and epoxides with amines followed by p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA)-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization with aldehydes has been developed. The methodology tolerates a variety of functional groups and furnishes the desired products in high yields (up to 92%) with excellent stereoselectivities (de, ee > 99%). Interestingly, imidazolidines were formed as the cis-isomers, whereas oxazolidines were produced as trans-isomers exclusively.

A synthetic route to 1,4-disubstituted tetrahydro-β-carbolines and tetrahydropyranoindoles via ring-opening/Pictet–Spengler reaction of aziridines and epoxides with indoles/aldehydes

A route to 1,4-disubstituted tetrahydro-β-carbolines and tetrahydropyrano[3,4-b]indoles in high yields and stereoselectivity via S_N2-type ring opening/Pictet–Spengler reaction of aziridines and epoxides with indoles is described.

A Transannular Rearrangement Reaction of a Pyrroloindoline Diketopiperazine

Oxaline, glandicoline, and meleagrin contain a unique triazaspirocyclic structure. Attracted by their biological activities, we attempted a novel strategy, mimicking a proposed biosynthetic pathway for glandicoline B in Penicillium chrysogenum and Penicillium oxalicum and using a transannular rearrangement to the desired triazaspirocycle 15.

Manipulation of Water for Diversified Functionalization of Tetrahydro-β-carbolines (THβCs) with Indoles

Water plays a crucial role in organic synthesis. However, diversified functionalization manipulated by water is still rare and remains unexplored. Herein, we report the first water-manipulated protocol to achieve the diversified functionalization of tetrahydro-β-carbolines (THβCs) in an open flask at room temperature that exhibit a broad functional-group tolerance. More water leads to monoarylation, while less water leads to diarylation. Further one-step transformation afforded oxidized bis(indolyl)methanes, eudistomin U, and the related derivatives in satisfactory yields.

Synthesis and Transformations of Nitrones for Organic Synthesis

Nitrones are important compounds and are highly useful in many aspects. The first part describes the methods for synthesis of nitrones, which are useful and environmentally friendly. Catalytic oxidations, condensations, and other useful reactions are described. The nitrones thus obtained are key intermediates for the synthesis of biologically important nitrogen compounds. The second part describes the fundamental transformations of nitrones, which will provide the strategies and means for the construction of nitrogen compounds. The reactions with nucleophiles or radicals, C-H functionalization, and various addition reactions are described. The last reactions are particularly important for highly selective carbon-carbon bond formations. 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition reactions are excluded because the size of the review is limited and excellent reviews have been published in Chemical Reviews.

Stereoselective Multicomponent Reactions in the Synthesis or Transformations of Epoxides and Aziridines

Small ring heterocycles, such as epoxides and aziridines, are present in several natural products and are also highly versatile building blocks, frequently involved in the synthesis of numerous bioactive products and pharmaceuticals. Because of the potential for increased efficiency and selectivity, along with the advantages of environmentally benign synthetic procedures, multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have been explored in the synthesis and ring opening of these heterocyclic units. In this review, the recent advances in MCRs involving the synthesis and applications of epoxides and aziridines to the preparation of other heterocycles are discussed emphasizing the stereoselectivity of the reactions.

Substitution-Controlled Selective Formation of Hexahydrobenz[ e]isoindoles and 3-Benzazepines via In(OTf)3-Catalyzed Tandem Annulations

A dramatic N-substituent controlled tandem annulation of 2-(2-(2-bromoethyl)phenyl)-1-sulfonylaziridines with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds has been developed. When the N-substituent was a 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl group (Ts), sequential ring opening of aziridines, nucleophilic substitution, and lactamization took place to provide a series of hexahydrobenz[ e]isoindole compounds in good yields with good diastereoselectivities. By contrast, 3-benzazepine compounds were afforded in good yields via ring opening of aziridines and nucleophilic substitution when the N-substituent was the 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl group (Ns).

Synthesis of Nonracemic 1,4-Benzoxazines via Ring Opening/Cyclization of Activated Aziridines with 2-Halophenols: Formal Synthesis of Levofloxacin

Novel 3,4-dihydro-1,4-benzoxazine derivatives have been synthesized by an efficient and simple method in excellent enantio- and diastereospecificity (ee > 99%, de > 99%). The reaction proceeds via Lewis acid-catalyzed S_N2-type ring opening of activated aziridines with 2-halophenols followed by Cu(I)-catalyzed intramolecular C-N cyclization in a stepwise fashion under one-pot conditions to furnish the 3,4-dihydro-1,4-benzoxazine derivatives in excellent yields (up to 95%). The strategy offers a short and efficient synthesis to ( S)-3-methyl-1,4-benzoxazine ( S)-3v, a late stage intermediate in the synthesis of levofloxacin.

Catalyst-Free Ring Opening of Spiroaziridine Oxindoles by Heteronucleophiles: An Approach to the Synthesis of Enantiopure 3-Substituted Oxindoles

A simple catalyst-free method was developed for the ring opening of spiroaziridine oxindoles by three different nucleophiles, namely, amines, thiols, and methanol, to produce enantiopure (up to 99%) vicinal diaminooxindoles, β-aminosulfides, and β-amino-3-methoxyoxindole, respectively, in good to excellent yields. In contrast to the spiroepoxides, spiroaziridines are opened regio- and stereospecifically through the pseudobenzylic spirocenter under catalyst-free conditions. Moreover, unlike simple 2-substituted aziridines, these spiroaziridines are opened up with retention in configuration at the C3-spirocenter.

Diastereoselective synthesis ofcis-1,3-disubstituted isoindolinesviaa highly site-selective tandem cyclization reaction

A highly site-selective tandem reaction involving regioselective ring opening of aziridines and Michael addition of electron-deficient alkenes has been described.

Ring-opening and cyclization of aziridines with aryl azides: metal-free synthesis of 6-(triflyloxy)quinolines

A metal-free synthesis of 6-(triflyloxy)quinolines has been developed via the ring-opening and cyclization of 2-aryl-1-tosylaziridines with 2-azidobenzaldehydes in the presence of TfOH.

Stereoselective synthesis of 3-spiropiperidino indoleninesviaSN2-type ring opening of activated aziridines with 1H-indoles/Pd-catalyzed spirocyclization with propargyl carbonates

A novel synthetic route to 3-spiropiperidino indoleninesviaLewis acid catalyzed S_N2-type ring opening of activated aziridines with 1H-indoles followed by Pd-catalyzed spirocyclization with propargyl carbonates in high yields (up to 88%) with excellent diastereo- and enantiospecificity (dr >99 : 1; ee up to >99) is reported.

Synthetic route to chiral indolines via Cu(OAc)2-catalyzed ring-opening/C(sp2)–H activation of activated aziridines

A novel synthetic route to functionalized indolinesviaLewis acid catalyzed ring-opening of activated aziridines followed by Cu(OAc)₂-mediated intramolecular C–H amination in one-pot with excellent enantio- and diastereospecificity (ee 99%; de >99%).