Synthesis of P-Containing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Alkynyl-phosphonium Salts

This work presents a straightforward method for synthesizing a series of phosphorus-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (P-PAHs) featuring an internal ylidic bond. The method involves anion exchange, alkyne annulation, and deprotonation reactions, enabling the efficient production of cyclic phosphonium salts, which serve as pivotal intermediates in the synthesis of P-PAHs. The alkyne annulation reaction exhibits high regioselectivity, ensuring the successful synthesis of λ5-phosphaphenanthrene isomers. Additionally, the incorporation of electron-withdrawing groups effectively stabilizes the internal ylidic bond of P-PAHs.

Synthesis of Seven- and Eight-Membered Rings by a Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Cationic Carbocyclization of Biphenyl Embedded Enynes

A Brønsted acid catalyzed cyclization of o-alkenyl-o'-alkynylbiaryls for the synthesis of biologically relevant dibenzo-fused medium-sized rings has been developed. The outcome of the cyclization is determined by the nature of the substituent at the alkyne, with arenes favoring seven-membered rings and alkyl substituents producing eight-membered rings. These reactions proceed via a vinyl cation, which is captured by water and, notably, by C-nucleophiles, such as electron-rich (hetero)arenes.

Direct synthesis of phenanthrenyl triflates from 1-biphenylyl-2-diazo-2-aryl ketones and triflic anhydride

A strategy for direct synthesis of phenanthrenyl triflates from 1-biphenylyl-2-diazo-2-aryl ketones and triflic anhydride is described. The reaction of 1-biphenylyl-2-diazo-2-aryl ketones with triflic anhydride proceeded smoothly in the presence of 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine under mild conditions to produce phenanthrenyl triflates in high to excellent yields. The phenanthrenyl triflate products were demonstrated to be utilized as coupling partners in various coupling reactions. The proposed mechanism involves an intramolecular Friedel-Crafts reaction of a vinyl cation intermediate formed in situ.

Total Synthesis of Alanense A through an Intramolecular Friedel-Crafts Alkylation

The first total synthesis of cadinane sesquiterpenoid alanense A, in which an intramolecular dehydrative Friedel-Crafts alkylation of 2,5-diaryl-2-pentanol is incorporated as a key step, has been achieved. The combinatorial use of p-TsOH·H2O as a catalyst and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) as a solvent provides 1,1-disubstituted tetrahydronaphthalene in 97% yield. It was also found that the combination of p-TsOH and HFIP is effective for the removal of phenolic MOM ether.

Stereospecific Synthesis of Unprotected, α,β-Disubstituted Tryptamines and Phenethylamines from 1,2-Disubstituted Alkenes via a One-Pot Reaction Sequence

Unprotected, α,β-disubstituted tryptamines and phenethylamines are obtained by a one-pot, metal-free sequence that proceeds by the in situ formation of aziridinium salts followed by Friedel-Crafts reaction with electron-rich (hetero)arenes. Both steps are facilitated by hexafluoroisopropanol as the solvent. The one-pot sequence was effective for diversely substituted indoles and 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene, for cyclic and acyclic alkenes, and proceeded in a stereospecific fashion for both (E)- and (Z)-1,2-disubstituted alkenes. Moreover, one-pot morpholine addition to an aziridinium salt provided a diamine.

Ab Initio Metadynamics Simulations of Hexafluoroisopropanol Solvent Effects: Synergistic Role of Solvent H-Bonding Networks and Solvent-Solute C-H/π Interactions

The solvent effects in Friedel-Crafts cycloalkylation of epoxides and Cope rearrangement of aldimines were investigated by using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Explicit molecular treatments were applied for both reactants and solvents. The reaction mechanisms were elucidated via free energy calculations based on metadynamics simulations. The results reveal that both reactions proceed in a concerted fashion. Key solvent-substrate interactions are identified from the structures of transition states with explicit solvent molecules. The remarkable promotion effect of hexafluoroisopropanol solvent is ascribed to the synergistic effect of H-bonding networks and C-H/π interactions with substrates.

Advances in the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds by in situ benzyne cycloaddition

Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds are prevalent in various natural products, medicines, agrochemicals, and organic functional materials. Among strategies to prepare nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, pathways involving benzyne intermediates are attractive given that they can readily assemble highly diverse heterocyclic compounds in a step-economical manner under transition-metal-free conditions. The synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds from benzyne intermediates offers an alternative strategy to the conventional metal-catalyzed activation approaches. In the past years, chemists have witnessed the revival of benzyne chemistry, mainly attributed to the wide application of various novel benzyne precursors. The cycloaddition of benzynes is a powerful tool for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, which can be constructed by [n + 2] cyclization of benzyne intermediates in situ generated from benzyne precursors under mild reaction conditions. This review focuses on the application of cycloaddition reactions involving in situ benzynes in the construction of various nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds.

Aromatic Homo-Nazarov-Type Cyclization of Benzonorcaradienes: Stereoselective Synthesis of Hydrochrysenes

Formal homo-Nazarov cyclization of benzonorcaradienes produced by intramolecular hydroarylation of arylated alkynylcyclopropanes promoted by TfOH has been described, providing stereoselective access to highly substituted hydrochrysenes. An unprecedented 1,2-acyl migration occurred for the 2-heteroaroyl substrates, thus giving the same products as their 3-heteroaroyl analogs. Moreover, these products could be readily oxidized by air to fully π-conjugated chrysenes after decarboxylation.

Vinyl cation-mediated intramolecular hydroarylation of alkynes using pyridinium reagents

Once considered to be exotic species of limited synthetic utility, vinyl cations have recently been shown to be highly versatile intermediates in a variety of processes. Here, we report a method for the synthesis of aryl-substituted benzocycloheptenes and -hexenes using the hydrotriflate salt of an electron-poor pyridine as a uniquely efficient proton source for a vinyl cation mediated Friedel-Crafts cyclization. The mild conditions made possible by this reagent allowed a range of simple and functionalized alkynes bearing pendant aryl groups to serve as suitable substrates for this scalable and convenient protocol.

Entropy-Induced Selectivity Switch in Gold Catalysis: Fast Access to Indolo[1,2-a]quinolines

New N-heterocyclic compounds for organic functional materials and their efficient syntheses are highly demanded. A surprising entropy-induced selectivity switch in the gold-catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation of 2-ethynyl N-aryl indoles was found and its exploitation led to straightforward syntheses of indolo[1,2-a]quinolines. Experimental and computational mechanistic investigations gave insight into this uncommon selectivity phenomenon and into the special reactivity of the indolo[1,2-a]quinolines. The high functional group tolerance of this methodology enabled access to a diverse scope with high yields. In addition, bidirectional approaches, post-functionalization reactions, and π-extension of the core structure were feasible. An in-depth study of the photophysical properties explored the structure-effect relationship for different derivatives and revealed a high potential of these compounds for future applications as functional materials.

HFIP in Organic Synthesis

1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is a polar, strongly hydrogen bond-donating solvent that has found numerous uses in organic synthesis due to its ability to stabilize ionic species, transfer protons, and engage in a range of other intermolecular interactions. The use of this solvent has exponentially increased in the past decade and has become a solvent of choice in some areas, such as C-H functionalization chemistry. In this review, following a brief history of HFIP in organic synthesis and an overview of its physical properties, literature examples of organic reactions using HFIP as a solvent or an additive are presented, emphasizing the effect of solvent of each reaction.

Palladium-Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of 2-Ethynylbiaryls to 9-Methylidene Fluorenes

A palladium-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 2-ethynylbiaryls to 9-methylidene fluorenes is described for the first time. The cycloisomerization of 2-ethynylbiaryls proceeded smoothly in the presence of weak acid at low temperature to afford 9-methylidene fluorenes in satisfactory to high yields. This new type of cycloisomerization of 2-ethynylbiaryls is operationally simple and scalable and exhibits high functional-group tolerance. Various synthetically useful functional groups, such as halogen atoms, as well as formyl, acetyl, methoxycarbonyl, cyano, and nitro groups, remain intact during the cycloisomerization of 2-ethynylbiaryls.

Hydrogen Bonding Networks Enable Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Carbonyl-Olefin Metathesis

Synthetic chemists have learned to mimic nature in using hydrogen bonds and other weak interactions to dictate the spatial arrangement of reaction substrates and to stabilize transition states to enable highly efficient and selective reactions. The activation of a catalyst molecule itself by hydrogen‐bonding networks, in order to enhance its catalytic activity to achieve a desired reaction outcome, is less explored in organic synthesis, despite being a commonly found phenomenon in nature. Herein, we show our investigation into this underexplored area by studying the promotion of carbonyl‐olefin metathesis reactions by hydrogen‐bonding‐assisted Brønsted acid catalysis, using hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) solvent in combination with para‐toluenesulfonic acid (pTSA). Our experimental and computational mechanistic studies reveal not only an interesting role of HFIP solvent in assisting pTSA Brønsted acid catalyst, but also insightful knowledge about the current limitations of the carbonyl‐olefin metathesis reaction.

Studies on the Origin of the Stabilizing Effects of Fluorinated Alcohols and Weakly Coordinated Fluorine-Containing Anions on Cationic Reaction Intermediates

Many synthetic methods that use fluorinated alcohols as solvents have been reported, and the fluorinated alcohols have been found to be crucial to the success of these methods. In addition, there have been reports indicating that adding a weakly coordinated fluorine-containing anion, such as BF₄^-, PF₆^-, or SbF₆^-, to fluorinated alcohols can improve yields. The boosting effect of fluorinated alcohols is attributed mainly to hydrogen bond activation. A few studies have suggested that the very polar fluorinated alcohols can stabilize cationic reaction intermediates. However, how they do so and why weakly coordinated fluorine-containing anions improve yields have not been studied in depth. Here, we used quaternary ammonium cations, a quaternary phosphonium cation, and a triaryl-substituted carbocation as models for short-lived cationic intermediates and studied the possible interactions of these cations with fluorinated alcohols and BF₄^-, PF₆^-, or SbF₆^-. On the basis of the results, we propose that the C-F dipoles of fluorinated alcohols and the E-F dipoles (where E is B, P, or Sb) of weakly coordinated fluorine-containing anions stabilized these cations by intermolecular charge-dipole interactions. We deduced that in the same fashion the C-F and E-F dipoles can thermodynamically stabilize cationic reaction intermediates.

Direct activation of alcohols via perrhenate ester formation for an intramolecular dehydrative Friedel–Crafts reaction

A general and highly efficient intramolecular dehydrative Friedel–Crafts reactions via Re2O7 mediated hydroxyl group activation is described for the syntheses of tetrahydronaphthalene, tetrahydroquinoline, tetrahydroisoquinoline, chromane, and isochromane derivatives.

Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Decorated by Fluorinated Carbon Acids/Carbanions

The carboarylation reaction of biphenyl-alkynes was successfully triggered by electrophilic attack of 1,1-bis(triflyl)ethylene on the alkyne moiety to give polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) decorated by superacidic carbon acid functionality. Neutralisation of thus obtained acids with NaHCO₃ yielded the corresponding sodium salts, which showed improved solubility in both aqueous and organic solvents.

Triflimide-Promoted Nucleophilic C-Arylation of Halopurines to Access N7-Substituted Purine Biaryls

Functionalized nucleobases are utilized in a wide range of fields; therefore, the development of new synthesis methods is essential for their continued application. With respect to the C⁶-arylation of halopurines, which possess a substituent at the N⁷-position, only a small number of successful cases have been reported, which is predominately a result of large steric hinderance effects. Herein, we report efficient and metal-free C⁶-arylations and S_NAr reactions of N⁷-substituted chloropurines in aromatic and heteroatom nucleophiles promoted by triflimide (Tf₂NH) in fluoroalcohol.

Iodine-Catalyzed Methylthiolative Annulation of 2-Alkynyl Biaryls with DMSO: A Metal-Free Approach to 9-Sulfenylphenanthrenes

An iodine-catalyzed sustainable, cost-effective, and atom-economic synthetic methodology is developed to synthesize a wide variety of valuable sulfenylphenanthrenes and polycyclic heteroaromatics in moderate to high yield through electrophilic thiolative annulation of 2-alkynyl biaryls (6-endo-dig cyclization) using methyl sulfoxides such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the sulfur source under transition-metal-free conditions. The transformation requires only iodine in a catalytic amount and trifluoroacetic anhydride. Notably, DMSO played multiple roles such as methylthiolating reagent, oxidant, and solvent in this reaction.

Modular Synthesis of 9,10-Dihydroacridines through an ortho-C Alkenylation/Hydroarylation Sequence between Anilines and Aryl Alkynes in Hexafluoroisopropanol

9,10-Dihydroacridines are frequently encountered as key scaffolds in OLEDs. However, accessing those compounds from feedstock precursors typically requires multiple steps. Herein, a modular one-pot synthesis of 9,10-dihydroacridine frameworks is achieved through a reaction sequence featuring a selective ortho-C alkenylation of diarylamines with aryl alkynes followed by an intramolecular hydroarylation of the olefin formed as an intermediate. This transformation was accomplished by virtue of the combination of hexafluoroisopropanol and triflimide as a catalyst that triggers the whole process.

Helicene synthesis by Brønsted acid-catalyzed cycloaromatization in HFIP [(CF3)2CHOH]

A facile synthesis of carbo- and heterohelicenes was achieved via tandem cycloaromatization of bisacetal precursors, which were readily prepared through C–C bond formation by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling. This cyclization was efficiently realized by a catalytic amount of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH) in a cation-stabilizing solvent, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-ol (HFIP), which readily allowed gram-scale syntheses of higher-order helicenes, double helical helicenes, and heterohelicenes.

Catalyst-free synthesis of α,α-disubstituted carboxylic acid derivatives under ambient conditions via a Wolff rearrangement reaction

Herein, a hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-promoted Wolff rearrangement reaction was developed, delivering various α,α-disubstituted carboxylic acid derivatives in good to excellent yields.

Iron-catalyzed carboarylation of alkynes via activation of π-activated alcohols: rapid synthesis of substituted benzofused six-membered heterocycles

An Fe(OTf)3-catalysed carboarylation of alkynes is reported for the straightforward synthesis of densely substituted 1,2-dihydroquinolines from N-propargyl anilides and π-activated alcohols. The reaction provides a new method for the synthesis of highly substituted benzofused six-membered heterocycles by the formation of two carbon-carbon bonds and one ring in a single step. The power of the methodology was further extended to the synthesis of substituted chromene and thiochromene derivatives in high yields. In addition, substituted quinoline derivatives were also achieved in a single step in the presence of FeCl3 through detosylation/aromatisation. A number of control experiments have been performed and a plausible mechanism has also been proposed to explain the formation of the products.

Phenanthrenes/dihydrophenanthrenes: the selectivity controlled by different benzynes and allenes

A method for the intermolecular annulation of benzynes with allenes is disclosed. This protocol utilized allenes as an unconventional diene component for the selective synthesis of phenanthrenes and dihydrophenanthrenes under the control of different benzyne precursors, featuring high atom-economy and good functional group compatibility. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that different migratory routes of the aromatic C-H bond are crucial for the observed selectivity.

Electrophilic Cyanative Alkenylation of Arenes

A variety of appropriately substituted internal alkynes were transformed into the corresponding cyano-substituted phenanthrenes, dihydronaphthalenes, and cyclohepta-1,3,5-trienes in moderate to excellent yields by treatment with imidazolium thiocyanate 1, which serves as an easy to handle [CN]⁺ precursor, in the presence of BCl₃. The synthetic value of the method is additionally demonstrated by the transformation of the primarily obtained products into heavily substituted quinolines. Additionally, the dynamic properties of the prepared dibenzocyclohepta-1,3,5-trienes have been investigated.

Hexafluoroisopropanol-Promoted Disulfidation and Diselenation of Alkyne, Alkene, and Allene

Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-promoted disulfidation and diselenation of C-C unsaturated bonds is reported. Reactions of unactivated alkyne, alkene, and allene, respectively, with disulfides or diselenides in HFIP led to desired products in good to excellent yields (up to 96%). In contrast, other solvents, such as isopropanol and dichloroethane, could not promote the same reaction. This method revealed an example of HFIP-promoted transformations under the mild conditions, which greatly highlighted the unique reactivity of this special solvent.

Bimolecular vinylation of arenes by vinyl cations

Styrene derivatives can be easily synthesized from vinyl triflates and arenes under mild reaction conditions, using [Li][Al(OC(CF₃)₃)₄] as a catalyst and LiHMDS as a base.

Exploiting hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) in Lewis and Brønsted acid-catalyzed reactions

Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is a solvent with unique properties that has recently gained attention for promoting a wide range of challenging chemical reactions. It was initially believed that HFIP was almost exclusively involved in the stabilization of cationic intermediates, owing to its high polarity and low nucleophilicity. However, in many cases, the mechanism of action of HFIP appears to be more complex. Recent findings reveal that many Lewis and Brønsted acid-catalyzed transformations conducted in HFIP additionally involve cooperation between the catalyst and HFIP hydrogen-bond clusters, akin to Lewis- or Brønsted acid-assisted-Brønsted acid catalysis. This feature article showcases the remarkable versatility of HFIP in Lewis and Brønsted acid-catalyzed reactions, with an emphasis on examples yielding mechanistic insight.