1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of polycyclic azomethine ylide to norcorroles: towards dibenzoullazine-fused derivatives

A 1,3-cycloaddition reaction of 2-(tert-butyl)-8H-isoquinolino[4,3,2-de]phenanthridin-9-ium chloride to Ni^II norcorrole in the presence of base is shown to produce a family of chiral derivatives of polycyclic system(s) fused with pyrrole subunit(s) of the macrocycle. Dehydrogenation of the cycloaddition products gave rise to dibenzoullazine ortho-fused antiaromatic porphyrinoids.

From Antiaromatic Norcorrolatonickel(II) to Aromatic and Nonaromatic Zwitterions: Innocent Ligands with Unbalanced Charge of the Core

A three-component reaction of antiaromatic meso-mesityl-3-nitronorcorrolatonickel(II) 1-NO₂ with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate and PBu₃ yields aromatic zwitterionic corrole nickel(II) complexes 3-R with one of the meso-substituents comprising a positively charged tributyl phosphonium group and negatively charged coordination core. Reaction of 1-NO₂ with PBu₃ alone resulted in a nonaromatic chiral adduct 5 of a zwitterionic phlorine character with a −PBu₃⁺ group at a pyrrole β-position.

Friedel–Crafts acylation of antiaromatic norcorroles: electronic and steric modulation of the paratropic current

The first ever Friedel–Crafts acylation of an antiaromatic macrocycle was performed for norcorrolatonickel(ii) reacting with aromatic or aliphatic carboxylic acid chlorides in the presence of AlCl₃.

Reactions of Antiaromatic Norcorrole Ni(II) Complex with Carbenes

Norcorrole is a ring-contracted porphyrinoid, exhibiting distinct antiaromaticity. Herein, we report the reactions of meso-dimesitylnorcorrole Ni(II) complex with two types of carbenes: dichlorocarbene and an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC). The reaction with in-situ-generated dichlorocarbene resulted in the double insertion of two chloromethine units to provide a mixture of 5,15-dichloroporphyrin and chlorinated isopyricorroles. The nucleophilic NHC attacked the 3-position of the norcorrole core and the subsequent proton transfer furnished a nonconjugated macrocycle incorporating a diazafulvene segment.

The symmetry principle of antiaromaticity

Current definitions of aromaticity are purely phenomenological and relate symmetry, reactive stability and the occurrence of molecular diamagnetic response currents. The antithetical concept of antiaromaticity provides a connection between the contrary properties: structural instability or distortion out of higher symmetry, a small HOMO-LUMO gap, and paramagnetic response currents. We reveal the symmetry principle that is underlying antiaromaticity by showing an intimate and strict symmetry induced relation between these properties. The principle is mathematically rigorous and can be formulated like: First order (and related) Jahn-Teller distorted molecules out of non-cubic and non-icosahedral point groups are prone to induced paramagnetism in magnetic fields parallel to the main axis of symmetry. We show by the exemplary cases of cyclobutadiene, cyclcooctatetraene, pentalene and manganese trifluoride how this principle works and discuss this new perspective on antiaromaticity.

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides under ultraviolet irradiation: direct access to sulfonated cyclic compounds

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides and silyl enolates or allylic bromide under ultraviolet irradiation at room temperature is accomplished. This protocol provides a convenient route to sulfonated cyclic compounds under mild conditions.

An exocyclic π-system extension of the phenanthriporphyrin framework: towards azaaceneporphyrinoids

An exocyclic π-extension of phenanthriporphyrin reduces the macrocyclic antiaromaticity of the formed expanded carbaporphyrinoids.

First imidazole-fused carbaporphyrinoid and its conversion to a N-heterocyclic carbene precursor

A series of novel imidazole-fused carbaporphyrinoids were obtained by a surprisingly simple approach by exploiting the reaction of tosylmethylisocyanide (TOSMIC) with readily obtainable 2-aza-21-carbaporphyrins. A facile methylation of silver(iii) complexes of these fused systems leads to cationic N-heterocyclic carbene precursors.

A copper-catalyzed insertion of sulfur dioxide via radical coupling

A copper-catalyzed reaction of O-acyl oximes, DABCO·(SO₂)₂, and 2H-azirines is developed under mild conditions, leading to diverse tetrasubstituted β-sulfonyl N-unprotected enamines with excellent stereoselectivity and regioselectivity.

Recent advances in the direct β-C(sp2)–H functionalization of enamides

Recent advances in the direct β-C(sp²)–H functionalization of enamides, mainly including arylation, alkenylation, alkynylation, alkylation, acylation, sulfonylation, phosphorylation, and others, are reported.

Photoinduced synthesis of 2-sulfonylacetonitriles with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under ultraviolet irradiation

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides and 3-azido-2-methylbut-3-en-2-ol under ultraviolet irradiation at room temperature is achieved, giving rise to 2-(arylsulfonyl)acetonitriles in moderate to good yields. Alkyl iodide is also workable under these conditions. This transformation proceeds smoothly under mild conditions with a broad substrate scope. Various functional groups are compatible including amino, ester, halo, and trifluoromethyl groups. No metal catalyst or additive is needed during the reaction process. Mechanistic studies show that under ultraviolet irradiation, an aryl radical is generated in situ from aryl iodide, which undergoes subsequent sulfonylation via the insertion of sulfur dioxide leading to arylsulfonyl radical intermediates. Then the arylsulfonyl radical reacts with 3-azido-2-methylbut-3-en-2-ol giving rise to the corresponding 2-(arylsulfonyl)acetonitrile.

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of sulfonamides from nitroarenes via the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A three-component reaction of arylboronic acids, nitroarenes, and potassium metabisulfite under copper catalysis proceeds smoothly, giving rise to a range of sulfonamides in good to excellent yields with broad substrate scope.

Aromatic and Antiaromatic Pathways in Triphyrin(2.1.1) Annelated with Benzo[b]heterocycles

Understanding of the aromatic properties and magnetically induced current densities of highly conjugated chromophores is important when designing molecules with strongly delocalized electronic structure. Linear extension of the triphyrin(2.1.1) skeleton with an annelated benzo[b]heterocycle fragment modifies the aromatic character by extending the electron delocalization pathway. Two-electron reduction leads to an antiaromatic triphyrin(2.1.1) ring and an aromatic benzo[b]heterocycle subunit. Current-density calculations provide detailed information about the observed pathways and their strengths.

C-N Coupling via Antiaromatic Endocyclic Nitrenium Ions

Herein, we report a C-N coupling reaction via antiaromatic endocyclic nitrenium ions. The nitrenium ion intermediate was generated by a combination of iodine(III) reagent PhI(OCOCF₃)₂ and the N-H center of benzimidazole units at ambient laboratory conditions. Metal-free synthesis of benzimidazole-fused phenanthridine derivatives was achieved in good to excellent yields.

Synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole-substituted 6,7-dihydroindolizin-8(5H)-one derivatives mediated by Selectfluor

The 1,2,3-triazole and 1 H-1,2,3-benzotriazole-substituted 6,7-dihydroindolizin-8(5 H)-one derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of ( E)-7-(arylmethylidene)-6,7-dihydroindolizin-8(5 H)-ones with 1,2,3-triazole and 1 H-1,2,3-benzotriazole in the presence of Selectfluor in moderate yield. The structures of all the products were characterized thoroughly by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, and high-resolution mass spectrometry together with X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Sulfonylation of O-Acyl Oximes via Iminyl Radicals with the Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide

A multicomponent sulfonylation of O-acyl oximes via iminyl radicals with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under photoredox catalysis is achieved. This multicomponent reaction of O-acyl oximes, potassium metabisulfite, alkenes, and nucleophiles under visible-light irradiation is efficient, giving rise to a range of sulfones in moderate to good yields. A broad reaction scope is presented with good functional group compatibility.

Synthesis of spiro[benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazole-2,3-thiolane]s via sulfa-Michael/aldol cascade reactions

The sulfa-Michael/aldol cascade reaction of ( Z)-2-arylmethylidene-benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1- b]thiazol-3(2H)-ones and 1,4-dithiane-2,5-diol afforded novel 2-aryl-4-hydroxy-spiro[benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1- b][1,3]thiazole-2,3-thiolan]-3-ones in moderate yields. The structures of all the products were characterized thoroughly by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and high-resolution mass spectrometry together with X-ray crystallographic analysis.

AgBF4-catalyzed deoxygenative C2-amination of quinoline N-oxides with isothiocyanates

A general, effective and convenient protocol for the direct synthesis of various 2-aminoquinolines (39 examples) through AgBF₄-catalyzed amination of quinoline N-oxides with isothiocyanates under base-, oxidant-free and mild conditions was developed.

Photoredox-catalyzed hydrosulfonylation reaction of electron-deficient alkenes with substituted Hantzsch esters and sulfur dioxide

A sulfonylation reaction of 4-substituted Hantzsch esters, DABCO·(SO₂)₂, and electron-deficient alkenes at room temperature in the presence of photoredox catalysis under visible light irradiation is described.

Oxidative oxy-cyclization of 2-alkynylbenzamide enabled by TBAB/Oxone: switchable synthesis of isocoumarin-1-imines and isobenzofuran-1-imine

A TBAB-controlled switchable synthesis of isocoumarin-1-imine and isobenzofuran-1-imine from 2-alkynylbenzamide in water is described in this paper.

An unexpected reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sodium metabisulfite, and thiourea under photoinduced conditions

A photoinduced synthesis of S-aryl thiosulfonates through a three-component reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sodium metabisulfite, and thiourea is achieved. In this transformation, a radical coupling pathway is proposed.

Synthesis of β-hydroxysulfones through a copper(ii)-catalyzed multicomponent reaction with the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A copper(ii)-catalyzed aerobic oxidative reaction of arylhydrazines, DABCO·(SO₂)₂ and alkenes is reported. Diverse β-hydroxysulfones are generated in moderate to good yields through the hydroxysulfonylation of alkenes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under mild conditions. In some cases, β-ketosulfones are produced.

Combinatorial synthesis and biological evaluations of (E)-β-trifluoromethyl vinylsulfones as antitumor agents

Combinatorial synthesis of (E)-β-trifluoromethyl vinylsulfones is accomplished through a reaction of alkynes, Togni reagent, and sodium benzenesulfinates in DMSO under metal-free conditions at room temperature. These compounds are evaluated in several assays against different tumor cells. Some hits are identified against ES-2, HO-8910, and K562.

(E)-β-Trifluoromethyl vinylsulfones is accomplished through a reaction of alkynes, Togni reagent, and sodium benzenesulfinates under metal-free conditions. p-Acetylphenyl in R¹ has the best activities against several tumor cells.

Metal-catalyzed radical-type transformation of unactivated alkyl halides with C–C bond formation under photoinduced conditions

Recent advances in the metal-catalyzed radical-type transformation of unactivated alkyl halides with C–C bond formation under photoinduced conditions are summarized. Usually, a broad reaction scope is observed including tertiary, secondary, and primary alkyl halides, with good functional group compatibility.

Photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkenylcyclobutanols with the insertion of sulfur dioxide through semipinacol rearrangement

A photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkenylcyclobutanols with the insertion of sulfur dioxide through semipinacol rearrangement under visible light irradiation is developed.

Reaction of antiaromatic porphyrinoid with active methylene compounds

Antiaromatic norcorrolatonickel(ii) reacts regioselectively under basic conditions with active methylene compounds, yielding mono-substituted derivatives in which spectroscopic and redox properties of the starting macrocycle are retained.

Synthesis of 4-Aryl-3,4,5,6-Tetrahydropyrimido[5,4-g]Indolizine-2(1H)-Thione

A number of 4-aryl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimido[5,4-g]indolizine-2(1H)-thiones were synthesised by the reaction of (7E)-7-arylidene-6,7-dihydroindolizin-8(5H)-one and thiourea in the presence of potassium hydroxide in moderate yields. The structures of all the products were characterised thoroughly by NMR, IR and HRMS together with X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Synthesis of spiro[cyclopent-2/3-ene-1,2′-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-a] pyrimidine] derivatives via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of ethyl buta-2,3-dienoate

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of ethyl (2Z)-5-aryl-2-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethylidene)-7-methyl-2,3-dihydro-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a] pyrimidine-6-carboxylate and ethyl buta-2,3-dienoate catalysed by triphenylphosphine afforded novel spiro[cyclopent-2-ene-1,2′-[1,3] thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine] and spiro[cyclopent-3-ene-1,2′-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine] derivatives in moderate yields. The structures of all the products were characterised thoroughly by NMR, IR and HRMS together with X-ray crystallographic analysis.

A Stable Antiaromatic 5,20-Dibenzoyl [28]Hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1): Core AuIII Metalation and Subsequent Peripheral BIII Metalation

5,20-Dibenzoyl [28]hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1) was synthesized as the first hexaphyrin bearing meso-aroyl substituents. The meso-dibenzoyl substituents are hydrogen-bonded with the pyrrolic protons to stabilize an antiaromatic dumbbell conformer. Core metalation of this hexaphyrin with Au^III afforded rectangular and aromatic [26]hexaphyrin bis-Au^III complexes, the major isomer of which was reduced with NaBH₄ to give its antiaromatic 28π bis-Au^III complex. This complex allowed facile peripheral metalation with B^III owing to the peripheral benzoyl substituents.

Synthesis of Dispiro[Indeno[1,2-b]Quinoxaline-11,3′-Pyrrolizine-2′,2″-[1,3] Thiazolo[3,2-a]Pyrimidine Via Cycloaddition Reactions

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of ethyl 5-aryl-2-(2-methoxy-2-oxoethylidene)-7-methyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-5 H-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2- a] pyrimidine-6-carboxylate and azomethine ylide, which was generated in situ by the reaction of 11 H-indeno[1,2- b]quinoxalin-11-one and L-proline, afforded novel 6″ethyl 1′-methyl 5″aryl-7″methyl-3″oxo-5’,6’,7’,7a′-tetrahydro-1' H,3″ H,5″ H-dispiro[indeno[1,2- b]quinoxaline-11, 3 ‘-pyrrolizine-2’,2″-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2- a]pyrimidine-1’,6″-dicarboxylates in good yields. The structures of all the products were characterised thoroughly by NMR, IR and HRMS together with X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Synthesis of 2-(1-Oxo-2,3-Dihydro-1H-Pyrrolizin-2-yl)-2-(Aryl)Acetonitrile Derivatives Via Michael Addition of Trimethylsilyl Cyanide

Several 2-aryl-2-(1-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolizin-2-yl)acetonitrile derivatives were synthesised by Michael addition of ( E)-2-arylidene-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolizin-1-ones with trimethylsilyl cyanide in the presence of tetrabutylammonium fluoride in moderate yields. The structures of all of the products were fully characterised by NMR, IR and high-resolution mass spectrometry, together with X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of Spiro[Pyrrolo[2,1-B][1,3] Benzothiazole-3,5′-[1,3]Thiazolo[3,2-B][1,2,4]Triazol]-6′-Ones via Cycloaddition Reaction of Benzothiazolium Salts

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of (Z)-5-arylidene[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazol-6(5H)-one and azomethine ylide, which was generated in situ by the reaction of N-4-methoxyphenacylbenzothiazolium bromides and triethylamine, afforded novel 2-(aryl)-1-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-1,2-dihydrospiro[pyrrolo[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole-3,5′-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazol]-6′-ones in moderate yields. The structures of all the products were characterised thoroughly by NMR, IR and HRMS spectroscopy together with X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Synthesis of Spiro[Pyrrolo[2,1-b][1,3]Benzothiazole-3,2′-[1,3]Thiazolo[3,2-a] Pyrimidine] via Cycloaddition Reactions

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of ethyl-5-aryl-2-[( Z)-2-methoxy-2-oxoethylidene]-7-methyl-3-oxo-3,5-dihydro-2 H-thiazolo[3,2- a] pyrimidine-6-carboxylates and azomethine ylide, which was generated in situ by the reaction of N-4-methoxyphenacylbenzothiazolium bromides and triethylamine, yielded novel 6′-ethyl-2-methyl-5′-aryl-1-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-7-methyl-3′-oxo-1,2-dihydro-5 H-spiro[pyrrolo[2,1- b][1,3]benzothiazole-3,2′-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2- a]pyrimidine]-2,6′-dicarboxylates in moderate yields. The structures of all of the products were characterised by NMR, IR, HRMS spectrometry, together with X-ray crystallographic analysis.