P-Stereogenic Phosphorus Ligands in Asymmetric Catalysis

Chiral phosphorus ligands play a crucial role in asymmetric catalysis for the efficient synthesis of useful optically active compounds. They are largely categorized into two classes: backbone chirality ligands and P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands. Most of the reported ligands belong to the former class. Privileged ones such as BINAP and DuPhos are frequently employed in a wide range of catalytic asymmetric transformations. In contrast, the latter class of P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands has remained a small family for many years mainly because of their synthetic difficulty. The late 1990s saw the emergence of novel P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands with their superior enantioinduction ability in Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation reactions. Since then, numerous P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands have been synthesized and used in catalytic asymmetric reactions. This Review summarizes P-stereogenic phosphorus ligands reported thus far, including their stereochemical and electronic properties that afford high to excellent enantioselectivities. Examples of reactions that use this class of ligands are described together with their applications in the construction of key intermediates for the synthesis of optically active natural products and therapeutic agents. The literature covered dates back to 1968 up until December 2023, centering on studies published in the late 1990s and later years.

Development of novel transition metal-catalyzed synthetic approaches for the synthesis of a dihydrobenzofuran nucleus: a review

The synthesis of dihydrobenzofuran scaffolds bears pivotal significance in the field of medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis. These heterocyclic scaffolds hold immense prospects owing to their significant pharmaceutical applications as they are extensively employed as essential precursors for constructing complex organic frameworks. Their versatility and importance make them an interesting subject of study for researchers in the scientific community. While exploring their synthesis, researchers have unveiled various novel and efficient pathways for assembling the dihydrobenzofuran core. In the wake of extensive data being continuously reported each year, we have outlined the recent updates (post 2020) on novel methodological accomplishments employing the efficient catalytic role of several transition metals to forge dihydrobenzofuran functionalities.

Transition Metal-Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Five- and Six-Membered Benzo O-heterocycles

Enantiomerically enriched five- and six-membered benzo oxygen heterocycles are privileged architectures in functional organic molecules. Over the last several years, many effective methods have been established to access these compounds. However, comprehensive documents cover updated methodologies still in highly demand. In this review, recent transition metal catalyzed transformations lead to chiral five- and six-membered benzo oxygen heterocycles are presented. The mechanism and chirality transfer or control processes are also discussed in details.

Visible-Light-Induced Regioselective Functionalization of α-Olefin: Development of One-Pot Photo-Synthesis of C3-Substituted Dihydrobenzofurans

A method for the catalytic regioselective synthesis of C₃-substituted dihydrobenzofurans (DHBs) via [2 + 2] photocycloaddition of alkene and p-benzoquinone is developed. This method realizes the rapid synthesis of DHBs with readily available substrates and simple reaction conditions by using Lewis acid B(C₆F₅)₃ and Lewis base P(o-tol)₃ as a catalyst in combination with the classical Paternò-Büchi reaction.

Enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed addition of arylboronic acids to N-heteroaryl ketones: synthesis of α-hydroxy acids

The enantioselective addition of arylboronic acids to N-heteroaryl ketones provides a convenient access to chiral α-heteroaryl tertiary alcohols, yet addition reactions of this type have been challenging due to catalyst deactivation. In this report, an efficient rhodium-catalyzed addition of arylboronic acids to N-heteroaryl ketones is established, affording a variety of valuable α-heteroaryl alcohols with excellent functional group compatibility. The employment of the WingPhos ligand containing two anthryl groups is crucial for this transformation. In particular, a range of chiral benzoxazolyl-substituted tertiary alcohols were formed with excellent ee values and yields by employing a Rh loading as low as 0.3 mol%, which can serve as a practical protocol to furnish a series of chiral α-hydroxy acids after hydrolysis.