Base-enabled access to diastereoselective spirofuran oxindoles and γ-functionalized allenoates

Diastereoselective Synthesis of Fused Tricyclic Pyridopyrimidines via Tandem Cyclization of Allenoates and Cyclic Amidines

The tandem cyclization of easily accessible allenoates and cyclic amidines for the synthesis of functionalized tricyclic pyridopyrimidines is reported herein. The annulation featured a broad substrate scope with good functional group tolerance under very mild conditions (35 examples, 32-85% yields). The pyridopyrimidines were obtained in a very short reaction time (1 min), at room temperature, under neat conditions, which offers an alternative way to the sustainable synthesis of functionalized pyridopyrimidines. The scalability of the developed protocol is further demonstrated by a gram-scale synthesis.

Decomposition of Alkynyl Hydrazones: Synthesis of Allenoates, Dihaloallenoates, and Angularly Fused Tricyclic Azepines

An unprecedented decomposition of unprotected alkynyl hydrazones is attempted that has provided allenoates, tetrasubstituted α,γ-dihaloallenoates, and functionalized tricyclic azepines. A reaction of alkynyl hydrazones with N-halosuccinimides captures the electrophile in 2-fold that delivers fully substituted dibromo- and diiodoallenoates in good yields. In addition, a DABCO-promoted Wolff-Kishner reduction of hydrazones, followed by isomerization, provides versatile allenoates under mild conditions. In contrast, a similar decomposition with ambiphilic DBU furnishes a completely different tricyclic azepine scaffold in excellent yield and diastereoselectivity.

DBU-Catalyzed Diastereo/Regioselective Access to Highly Substituted Spiro-oxetane Oxindoles via Ring Annulation of Isatins and Allenoates

A facile and efficient method for the diastereo/regioselective synthesis of highly functionalized spiro-oxetane oxindoles has been described. The 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU)-catalyzed reaction proceeds via spiro-annulation of isatins and allenoates. The reaction is compatible with a wide range of isatins containing electron-donating groups (EDGs) and electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs) with various allenoates affording the corresponding products in acceptable yields. It is noteworthy that this is the first protocol for constructing structurally diverse motifs of highly functionalized spiro-oxetane oxindoles of pharmaceutical relevance.

Multicomponent Synthesis of Spiro-dihydropyridine Oxindoles via Cascade Spiro-cyclization of Knoevenagel/Aza-Michael Adducts

An efficient, straightforward, and one-pot synthesis of biologically relevant spiro-dihydropyridine oxindoles was described via readily available isatin, malononitrile, allenoate, and amines. The metal/organocatalyst-free, Et₃N-mediated reaction proceeds via cascade spiro-cyclization of in situ generated Knoevenagel/aza-Michael adducts. The reaction has great flexibility over electron-rich and electron-poor substituents affording desired products in good to excellent yields. We have also demonstrated the selected spiro-dihydropyridines for late-stage diversification into new spiro-dihydropyridine hybrids of pharmaceutical relevance.

Recent Advances in the Transition Metal-Free Synthesis of Heterocycles from α, β-Unsaturated Ketones

Heterocyclic compounds are an inevitable part of our life. These important classes of molecules have a wide range of applications starting from life-sustaining drugs to agrochemicals. Numerous methods, including metal...