Cascade Oxypalladation/1,3-Palladium Shift to Access Cyclopentene-Fused Isocoumarins

Fused isocoumarins are frequently found in several natural products and pharmaceuticals. Herein, a cascade annulation of 2-alkynylbenzoate-tethered cyclic 1,3-diones via sequential trans-oxypalladation, carbonyl insertion, 1,3-Pd shift, and β-hydride elimination is reported. This method provides efficient access to highly diastereoselective tetracyclic cyclopentene-fused isocoumarins containing two contiguous quaternary stereocenters. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed on the basis of mechanistic studies, including deuterium labeling experiments. Studies toward enantioselective synthesis using a chiral Bpy ligand gave encouraging initial results.

Synthesis, Structural, and Optical Properties of Azuleno[1,2-c]pyran-1-ones: Bro̷nsted Acid-Mediated Cyclization of 2-Azulenylalkynes

Pyrones and their aromatic ring-fused derivatives have gained significant attention due to their diverse biological activities and potential as foundational frameworks for advanced materials. In this paper, we describe a proficient approach for the preparation of azuleno[1,2-c]pyran-1-ones, which are difficult to produce by using conventional methods. The synthesis was achieved through Bro̷nsted acid-mediated cyclization of 2-azulenylalkynes. The structural and optical properties of azuleno[1,2-c]pyran-1-ones were characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis, NMR, UV/vis, and fluorescence spectroscopies. Under acidic conditions, these compounds displayed notable spectral alterations and emission, distinct from their spectra in neutral medium. These results suggest that azuleno[1,2-c]pyran-1-ones hold great potential for applications in organic electronic materials and fluorescent pH sensors.

Mesoporous Copper-Magnesium Oxide Hybrid Nanocatalyzed Synthesis of 3-Substituted Isocoumarins from 2-Iodobenzoic Acid and Terminal Alkyne under Green Conditions

A 3-substituted isocoumarin scaffold has captivated extensive interest in synthetic and medicinal chemistry due to its presence in various natural products with diverse biological activities. Herein, we report a mesoporous CuO@MgO nanocomposite that was prepared via the sugar-blowing induced confined method with an E-factor of 12.2 and its catalytic potential in the facile synthesis of 3-substituted isocoumarin from 2-iodobenzoic acids and terminal alkynes. Powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller techniques were utilized for the characterization of the as-prepared nanocomposite. A broad substrate scope, mild reaction conditions, excellent yield in short reaction time, no usage of additives, and better green chemistry metrices such as a low E-factor (0.71), high reaction mass efficiency (58.28%), low process mass efficiency (1.71), and high turnover number (629) are the various advantages of the present synthetic route. The nanocatalyst was recycled and reused up to five runs without significant loss in its catalytic activity and a very low leaching of copper (3.20 ppm) and magnesium ions (0.72 ppm). Powder X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques confirmed the structural integrity of the recycled CuO@MgO nanocomposite.

Efficient Synthesis of 1H-Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c][1,3]oxazin-1-one Derivatives Using Ag2CO3/TFA-Catalyzed 6-endo-dig Cyclization: Reaction Scope and Mechanistic Study

A small library of 1H-benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c][1,3]oxazin-1-one derivatives was prepared in good to excellent yields, involving a Ag₂CO₃/TFA-catalyzed intramolecular oxacyclization of N-Boc-2-alkynylbenzimidazole substrates. In all experiments, the 6-endo-dig cyclization was exclusively achieved since the possible 5-exo-dig heterocycle was not observed, indicating the high regioselectivity of this process. The scope and limitations of the silver catalyzed 6-endo-dig cyclization of N-Boc-2-alkynylbenzimidazoles as substrates, bearing various substituents, were investigated. While ZnCl₂ has shown limits for alkynes with an aromatic substituent, Ag₂CO₃/TFA demonstrated its effectiveness and compatibility regardless of the nature of the starting alkyne (aliphatic, aromatic or heteroaromatic), providing a practical regioselective access to structurally diverse 1H-benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c][1,3]oxazin-1-ones in good yields. Moreover, the rationalization of oxacyclization selectivity in favor of 6-endo-dig over 5-exo-dig was explained by a complementary computational study.

Diastereoselective synthesis of tetrahydropyranes via Ag(I)-initiated dimerization of cinnamyl ethers

We present herein the first synthesis of tetrahydropyranes promoted by a silver salt. Cinnamyl ethers undergo a formal dimerization affording the target heterocycle via sequential C-O bond cleavage/C-H bond functionalization. The cascade allows one to assemble three new bonds and to establish up to four stereocenters. The reaction likely proceeds through a cationic manifold that forms the target in a diastereoselective fashion.

Copper-Free Halodediazoniation of Arenediazonium Tetrafluoroborates in Deep Eutectic Solvents-like Mixtures

Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES)-like mixtures, based on glycerol and different halide organic and inorganic salts, are successfully exploited as new media in copper-free halodediazoniation of arenediazonium salts. The reactions are carried out in absence of metal-based catalysts, at room temperature and in a short time. Pure target products are obtained without the need for chromatographic separation. The solvents are fully characterized, and a computational study is presented aiming to understand the reaction mechanism.

Ready Access to Benzannulated [5,5]-Oxaspirolactones Using Au(III)-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclizations

This work showcases an unprecedented Au(III)-catalyzed cascade cyclization of 2-(4-hydroxyalkynyl)benzoates to access benzannulated [5,5]-oxaspirolactones related to biologically active natural products. This reaction proceeds through an initial 5-endo-dig mode of hydroalkoxylation of the alkynol segment to give the oxocarbenium species (via cyclic enol-ether) followed by the addition of carboxylate onto the oxocarbenium that delivers the oxaspirolactone scaffold. While testing this method's scope, we found that the steric and electronic environment of the hydroxyl group could alter the reaction pathway that delivers isochromenone through a competitive 6-endo-dig mode of attack of the carboxylate onto the tethered alkyne.

A Ag2CO3/TFA-catalyzed intramolecular annulation approach to imidazo[1,2-c][1,3]oxazin-5-one derivatives

A series of 2,7-disubstituted 3-methylimidazo[1,2-c][1,3]oxazin-5-ones were synthesized in good yields via Ag₂CO₃/TFA-mediated intramolecular annulation of N-Boc-2-alkynyl-4-bromo(alkynyl)-5-methylimidazoles. This methodology was carried out in the presence of a catalytic amount of silver carbonate and trifluoroacetic acid in dichloroethane at 60 °C. In all experiments, only the six-membered ring product was obtained since the possible five-membered compound was not observed, proving the high regioselectivity of this approach. A complementary computational study was performed in order to rationalize the mechanism of 6-endo-dig heterocycle formation. In addition, 2-bromo-3-methyl-7-phenylimidazo[1,2-c][1,3]oxazin-5-one was used as a building block to synthesize a small library of new 2-substituted imidazo[1,2-c][1,3]oxazin-5-one derivatives through the Suzuki, Sonogashira and Heck cross coupling reactions.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new thiazole scaffolds as potential TRPM8 antagonists

The preliminary results on the development of a viable methodology for the further functionalization of 4-hydroxythiazole derivatives to afford target TRPM8 antagonists are reported. The combined Sonogashira coupling/annulation reactions of the ethyl 2-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-tifluoromethylsulfonyloxy-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylate have been applied to the synthesis of analogues of the selective blocker of TRPM8 DFL23448. Among all the synthetised derivatives, the most promising compound resulted to be active as TRPM8 blocker (IC50 = 4.06 µM), showing an excellent metabolic stability and no cytotoxic effects. Finally, in silico characterisation of the derivatives showed no violation of the drug-likeness rules.

Synthesis of 4-Selanyl- and 4-Tellanyl-1H-isochromen-1-ones Promoted by Diorganyl Dichalcogenides and Oxone

A new method was developed for the synthesis of 4-chalcogenyl-1H-isochromen-1-ones through the 6-endo-dig electrophilic cyclization of 2-alkynylaryl esters and diorganyl dichalcogenides under ultrasound irradiation. The reactions were performed under mild conditions, using Oxone as a green oxidant to promote the cleavage of the chalcogen-chalcogen bond in diorganyl diselenides and ditellurides to generate electrophilic species in situ. A total of 25 compounds were selectively obtained after 30-70 min, in good to excellent yields (74-95%). This procedure was extended to prepare 5H-selenopheno[3,2-c]isochromen-5-ones. Additionally, for the first time, the 4-chalcogenyl-1H-isochromen-1-ones were used as substrates in the thionation reaction, using Lawesson's reagent and microwave irradiation under solvent-free conditions, obtaining the thio derivatives in yields of up to 99% in only 15 min.

Synthesis of C2-Symmetrical Bis-(β-Enamino-Pyran-2,4-dione) Derivative Linked via 1,6-Hexylene Spacer: X-ray Crystal Structures, Hishfeld Studies and DFT Calculations of Mono- and Bis-(Pyran-2,4-diones) Derivatives

The synthesis of C2-symmetrical bis(β-enamino-pyran-2,4-dione) derivative 3 connected via 1,6-hexylene linker was reported for the first time. X-ray structures and Hirshfeld studies of the new bis- β-enamino-pyran-2,4-dione derivative 3 along with two structurally related pyran-2,4-dione derivatives 2a,b were discussed. A comparative analysis of the different intermolecular contacts affecting the crystal stability was presented. Generally, the H…H, O…H, and H…C interactions are common in all compounds and are considered the most abundant contacts. In addition, DFT calculations were used to compute the electronic properties as well as the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the studied systems. All compounds (except 3) are polar where 2a (3.540 Debye) has a higher dipole moment than 2b (2.110 Debye). The NMR chemical shifts were calculated and excellent correlations between the calculated and experimental data were obtained (R2 = 0.93–0.94).

Modular synthesis of 3-substituted isocoumarins via silver-catalyzed aerobic oxidation/6-endo heterocyclization of ortho-alkynylbenzaldehydes

A method involving silver-catalyzed aerobic oxidation/6-endo heterocyclization of ortho-alkynylbenzaldehydes to yield 3-substituted isocoumarins is described. The developed protocol allows convenient access to a range of synthetically useful 3-substituted isocoumarins and related fused heterocyclolactones in good to high yields, using silver tetrafluoroborate as the catalyst, and atmospheric oxygen as the terminal oxidant and the source of endocyclic oxygen. Mechanistic studies suggest the involvement of a free-radical pathway.

Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond, Hirshfeld Analysis, AIM; DFT Studies of Pyran-2,4-dione Derivatives

Intra and intermolecular interactions found in the developed crystals of the synthesized py-ron-2,4-dione derivatives play crucial rules in the molecular conformations and crystal stabili-ties, respectively. In this regard, Hirshfeld calculations were used to quantitatively analyze the different intermolecular interactions in the crystal structures of some functionalized py-ran-2,4-dione derivatives. The X-ray structure of pyran-2,4-dione derivative namely (3E,3′E)-3,3′-((ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanediyl))bis(phenylmethanylylidene))bis(6-phenyl-2H-pyran-2,4(3H)-dione) was determined. It crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system and C2/c space group with unit cell parameters: a = 14.0869(4) Å, b = 20.9041(5) Å, c = 10.1444(2) Å and β = 99.687(2)°. Generally, the H…H, H…C, O…H and C…C contacts are the most important interactions in the molecular packing of the studied pyran-2,4-diones. The molecular structure of these compounds is stabilized by intramolecular O…H hydrogen bond. The nature and strength of the O…H hy-drogen bonds were analyzed using atoms in molecules calculations. In all compounds, the O…H hydrogen bond belongs to closed-shell interactions where the interaction energies are higher at the optimized geometry than the X-ray one due to the shortening in the A…H distance as a con-sequence of the geometry optimization. These compounds have polar characters with different charged regions which explored using molecular electrostatic potential map. Their natural charges, reactivity descriptors and NMR chemical shifts were computed, discussed and compared.

Preliminary Study on Novel Expedient Synthesis of 5-Azaisocoumarins by Transition Metal-Catalyzed Cycloisomerization

A preliminary study to develop a novel synthetic method for 3-aryl-5-azaisocoumarins was performed herein. The cycloisomerization of N-pyranonyl propargylamines in the AgOTf-catalyzed system efficiently afforded the desired 3-aryl-5-azaisocoumarins in a highly regioselective manner. This unprecedented method is expected as an expedient alternative synthetic route to 5-azaisocoumarins because the regioselectivity problem is circumvented, and it is easier to introduce substituents on the pyridine ring compared to previously reported intramolecular lactonization approaches.

Gold(I)-NHC-catalysed synthesis of benzofurans via migratory cyclization of 2-alkynylaryl ethers

Homogeneous cationic gold(i) catalysis emerged as a preferred avenue for the activation of alkenes and alkynes towards reactions with weak nucleophiles, especially in cyclization reactions. Here we report an intramolecular carboalkoxylation reaction of electron-rich benzyl ethers of 2-ethynylaryl phenols catalysed by a digold(i)-NHC complex. The reaction proceeds efficiently with low catalyst loading and the resulting 2,3-disubstituted benzofurans form in moderate to good yields. Based on the results of a cross-over experiment, spectroscopic data, and DFT calculations, we propose a mechanism that accounts for the observed chemo- and regioselectivity.

Lactonization of 2-Alkynylbenzoates for the Assembly of Isochromenones Mediated by BF3·Et2O

A general and efficient lactonization method of readily available 2-alkynylbenzoates affording biologically important isochromenones has been realized via a solely BF₃·Et₂O-mediated 6-endo-dig cyclization process under mild conditions. An alternative mechanistic pathway in which BF₃·Et₂O activates the carbonyl of the ester moiety, rather than the alkyne triple bond, was postulated on the basis of control experiment results. Gram-scale reaction and further application for the assembly of more complex molecules demonstrated the practicability of the protocol.

Fluorination-triggered tandem cyclization of styrene-type carboxylic acids to access 3-aryl isocoumarin derivatives under microwave irradiation

A practical and straightforward synthetic route through a fluorination-triggered tandem cyclization of styrene-type carboxylic acids was developed to construct a variety of 4-fluoro-3-aryl-3,4-dihydroisocoumarins and 3-arylisocoumarins under microwave irradiation. This novel protocol features mild reaction conditions and operational simplicity, with good yields.

Synthesis of 2-substituted benzo[b]thiophenes via gold(i)-NHC-catalyzed cyclization of 2-alkynyl thioanisoles

Benzo[b]thiophene heterocycles are important components of many important small molecule pharmaceuticals and drug candidates as well as organic semiconducting materials. Many methods have been developed for the construction of a benzo[b]thiophene core via cyclization reaction of alkynes. Although few catalytic reactions were disclosed, most methods rely on stoichiometric activation of alkynes. Here we report an efficient method for the synthesis of 2-substituted benzo[b]thiophenes from 2-alkynyl thioanisoles catalyzed by a gold(i)-IPr hydroxide that is applicable to a wide range of substrates with diverse electronic and steric properties. Additionally, we demonstrate experimentally that the acid additive and its conjugate base are essential to catalyst turnover.