Asymmetric synthesis with ynamides: unique reaction control, chemical diversity and applications

Lewis Acid Catalyzed Cycloaddition of Bicyclobutanes with Ynamides for the Synthesis of Polysubstituted 2-Amino-bicyclo[2.1.1]hexenes

Synthesis of bicyclic scaffolds has gained significant attention in drug discovery due to their potential to mimic benzene bioisosteres. Here, we present a mild and scalable Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes (BCBs) with ynamides, yielding a diverse array of polysubstituted 2-amino-bicyclo[2.1.1]hexenes in good to excellent yields. These products offer valuable starting materials for the construction of novel functionalized bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction involves a nucleophilic addition of ynamides to bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes, followed by an intramolecular cyclization of in situ generated enolate and keteniminium ion. We expect that these findings will encourage utilization of complex bioisosteres and foster further investigation into BCB-based cycloaddition chemistry.

Investigation of UV Light-Promoted Synthesis of α-Sulfonyl Amides from N-Sulfonyl Ynamides

UV light-promoted synthesis of α-sulfonyl amides from N-sulfonyl ynamides without any additives is reported. The reaction proceeds through a radical chain mechanism involving the photoinduced cleavage of the nitrogen-sulfur bond and addition of an electrophilic sulfonyl radical to the triple bond of the ynamide followed by β-fragmentation of the sulfonyl group leading to a ketenimine hydrated upon workup. This highly efficient rearrangement leads, after acidic treatment, to a wide range of α-sulfonyl amides in high yields.

Gold(I)-catalysed cyclisation of (E)-ketene-N,O-acetals: a synthetic route toward spiro-oxazole-γ-lactones

In this study, we developed a cascade 5,5-cyclisation of internal ketene-N,O-acetals utilizing homogeneous Au(I) catalysis. This process involves an initial 5-exo-dig carbocyclisation, followed by a 5-exo-dig heterocyclisation that stereoselectively incorporates the O-atom of a water molecule into an N-tethered propargyl alkyne. This sequential reaction results in the formation of one C-C, two C-O, and two C-I bonds, ultimately leading to the synthesis of spiro-α-iodo-γ-lactone structures featuring oxazole rings in good yields.

Brønsted acid catalyzed Ficini [2 + 2] cycloaddition of ynamides with enones

Herein, we describe a novel metal-free Brønsted acid-catalyzed Ficini [2 + 2] cycloaddition of ynamides with enones under mild reaction conditions, leading to the formation of various cyclobutenamides in generally good to excellent yields within short reaction times. This work represents the first example of ynamides involved in a nonmetal-catalyzed [2 + 2] cycloaddition with enones.

Copper-Catalyzed [2 + 2] Cyclization/Ring Expansion of Ene-Ynamides: Construction of Medium- and Large-Sized Rings

Catalytic cyclization of enynes is an efficient approach for the preparation of cyclic compounds, and a large variety of four- to six-membered rings could be synthesized using this method. However, it has been rarely employed for the construction of medium- and large-sized rings. Herein, we describe a copper-catalyzed cycloisomerization of ene-ynamides through a [2 + 2] cyclization/electrocyclic ring opening cascade, leading to the atom-economical assembly of indole-fused medium- and large-sized rings in moderate to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Importantly, the synthetic utility of this reaction was demonstrated by the convenient synthesis of iprindole.

TMSOTf-Catalyzed [4 + 2] Annulation of Ynamides and β-(2-Aminophenyl)-α,β-ynones for the Synthesis 2-Aminoquinolines

A metal-free TMSOTf-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation of ynamides with β-(2-aminophenyl)-α,β-ynones enables the regiospecific and facile assembly of 2-aminoquinoline frameworks. The catalyst TMSOTf presented a remarkable advancement compared to previously reported transition-metal catalysts. A wide range of 3-aryl/alkyl-substituted 2-aminoquinolines were generated in moderate to excellent yields due to the mild conditions.

Copper/Zinc-Catalyzed Stitching of 2-Carbonylanilines with Bis(ynamides): Access to Pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinolines and Its Photophysical Studies

Herein, a one-pot desulfonylative protocol enabled by copper(II)/zinc(II) salts to access pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinolines in good to excellent yields from 2-carbonylanilines and ynamide-derived buta-1,3-diynes has been reported. Significantly, various 2-carbonylanilines carrying reactive functional groups are well tolerated. Moreover, a gram-scale synthesis and synthetic application highlight the practical utility of the current protocol. Notably, the fluorescence properties of pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinolines have been recorded, and their potential use as a fluorescent probe in the imaging of live cells has been demonstrated.

Enantioselective functionalization of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds through copper-catalyzed diyne cyclization by kinetic resolution

Site- and stereoselective C-H functionalization is highly challenging in the synthetic chemistry community. Although the chemistry of vinyl cations has been vigorously studied in C(sp3)-H functionalization reactions, the catalytic enantioselective C(sp3)-H functionalization based on vinyl cations, especially for an unactivated C(sp3)-H bond, has scarcely explored. Here, we report an asymmetric copper-catalyzed tandem diyne cyclization/unactivated C(sp3)-H insertion reaction via a kinetic resolution, affording both chiral polycyclic pyrroles and diynes with generally excellent enantioselectivities and excellent selectivity factors (up to 750). Importantly, this reaction demonstrates a metal-catalyzed enantioselective unactivated C(sp3)-H functionalization via vinyl cation and constitutes a kinetic resolution reaction based on diyne cyclization. Theoretical calculations further support the mechanism of vinyl cation-involved C(sp3)-H insertion reaction and elucidate the origin of enantioselectivity.

Acid-Catalyzed Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of α-Amino Acid Derivatives from Sulfinamides and Alkynes

An enantioselective difunctionalization of activated alkynes using chiral sulfinamide reagents is developed. It is an atom and chirality transfer process that allows for the modular synthesis of optically active α-amino acid derivatives under mild conditions. The reaction proceeds through an acid-catalyzed [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement mechanism with predictable stereochemistry and a broad scope.

Pinpointing Acidic Residues in Proteins

It is of great importance to pinpoint specific residues or sites of a protein in biological contexts to enable desired mechanism of action for small molecules or to precisely control protein function. In this regard, acidic residues including aspartic acid (Asp) and glutamic acid (Glu) hold great potential due to their great prevalence and unique function. To unlock the largely untapped potential, great efforts have been made recently by synthetic chemists, chemical biologists and pharmacologists. Herein, we would like to highlight the remarkable progress and particularly introduce the electrophiles that exhibit reactivity to carboxylic acids, the light-induced reactivities to carboxylic acids and the genetically encoded noncanonical amino acids that allow protein manipulations at acidic residues. We also comment on certain unresolved challenges, hoping to draw more attention to this rapidly developing area.

Copper-catalyzed room-temperature cross-dehydrogenative coupling of secondary amides with terminal alkynes: a chemoselective synthesis of ynamides

A copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction between secondary amides and terminal alkynes has been developed. With the aid of ligands and 3 Å molecular sieves, ynamides can be efficiently synthesized at room temperature and conveniently scaled up. A legitimate mechanism involving nitrogen-centred radicals and copper trivalent intermediates has been proposed.

CuI/DMAP-Catalyzed Oxidative Alkynylation of 7-Azaindoles: Synthetic Scope and Mechanistic Studies

An efficient and practical method for the N-alkynylation of 7-azaindoles has been established by using CuI/DMAP catalytic system at room temperature and in open air. This simple protocol has been successfully employed in the synthesis of a wide range of N-alkynylated 7-azaindoles with good yields. Also, this approach is well-suited for large-scale N-alkynylation reactions. The designed N-alkynylated 7-azaindoles were further subjected to Cu-/Ir-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC/IrAAC) or "click" reaction for the rapid synthesis of 1,4-/1,5 disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole decorated 7-azaindoles. A mechanistic study based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectroscopic studies revealed that the CuI and DMAP combination formed a [CuII (DMAP)2 I2 ] species, which acts as an active catalyst. The DFT method was used to assess the energetic viability of an organometallic in the C-N bond formation pathway originating from the [CuII (DMAP)2 I2 ] complex. We expect that the newly designed Cu/DMAP/alkyne system will offer valuable insights into the field of Cu-catalyzed transformations.

TMSOTf-Catalyzed Reactions of N-Arylynamides with Sulfilimines To Construct 2-Aminoindoles and α-Arylated Amidines

Here, we disclose an efficient TMSOTf-catalyzed C-H annulation of aryl-terminated N-arylynamides with sulfilimines, leading to the practical assembly of various valuable 2-aminoindoles in generally moderate to excellent yields with a broad range of functional groups, while nonaryl terminated N-arylynamides undergo TMSOTf-catalyzed aminative arylation with sulfilimines providing α-arylated amidines.

Brønsted-Acid-Catalyzed Enantioselective Desymmetrization of 1,3-Diols: Access to Chiral β-Amino Alcohol Derivatives

Herein, we describe a Brønsted-acid-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetrization of 1,3-diols with alkynes through a hydroalkoxylation/hydrolysis process. The reaction leads to the atom-economical synthesis of valuable chiral β-amino alcohols under mild reaction conditions. Further synthetic transformations based on the β-amino alcohol moiety provide divergent approaches toward chiral N-containing heterocycles.

Ir/Zn-cocatalyzed chemo- and atroposelective [2+2+2] cycloaddition for construction of C─N axially chiral indoles and pyrroles

Here, an Ir/Zn-cocatalyzed atroposelective [2+2+2] cycloaddition of 1,6-diynes and ynamines was developed, forging various functionalized C─N axially chiral indoles and pyrroles in generally good to excellent yields (up to 99%), excellent chemoselectivities, and high enantioselectivities (up to 98% enantiomeric excess) with wide substrate scope. This cocatalyzed strategy not only provided an alternative promising and reliable way for asymmetric alkyne [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization in an easy handle but also settled the issues of previous [Rh(COD)2]BF4-catalyzed system on the construction of C─N axial chirality such as complex operations, limited substrate scope, and low efficiency. In addition, control experiments and theoretical calculations disclosed that Zn(OTf)2 markedly reduced the barrier of migration insertion to significantly increase reaction efficiency, which was distinctly different from previous work on the Lewis acid for improving reaction yield through accelerating oxidative addition and reductive elimination.

Chiral Auxiliary Approach for Gold(I)-Catalyzed Cyclizations

Two different classes of stereoselective cyclizations have been developed using a chiral auxiliary approach with commercially available [JohnPhosAu(MeCN)SbF6 ] as catalyst. First, a stereoselective cascade cyclization of 1,5-enynes was achieved using the Oppolzer camphorsultam as chiral auxiliary. In this case, a one-pot cyclization-hydrolysis sequence was developed to directly afford enantioenriched spirocyclic ketones. Then, the stereoselective alkoxycyclization of 1,6-enynes was mediated by an Evans-type oxazolidinone. A reduction-hydrolysis sequence was selected to remove the auxiliary to give enantioenriched β-tetralones. DFT studies confirmed that the steric clash between the chiral auxiliary and alkene accounts for the experimentally observed diastereoselective cyclization through the Si face.

Copper-catalyzed atroposelective formal [4+1] annulation of 1,2-diketones with vinyl cations

The enantioselective transformation of easily accessible 1,2-diketones represents a quick pathway towards enantioenriched molecules. Herein, we disclose a copper-catalyzed atroposelective formal [4+1] annulation of 1,2-diketones with vinyl cations, enabling the efficient and atom-economical construction of axially chiral arylpyrroles bearing 1,3-dioxole moieties with good to excellent enantioselectivities under mild reaction conditions. Importantly, this methodology constitutes the first enantioselective formal [4+1] annulation of 1,2-diketones.

Asymmetric formal C-C bond insertion into aldehydes via copper-catalyzed diyne cyclization

The formal C-C bond insertion into aldehydes is an attractive methodology for the assembly of homologated carbonyl compounds. However, the homologation of aldehydes has been limited to diazo approach and the enantioselective reaction was rarely developed. Herein, we report an asymmetric formal C-C bond insertion into aldehydes through diyne cyclization strategy. In the presence of Cu(I)/SaBOX catalyst, this method leads to the efficient construction of versatile axially chiral naphthylpyrroles in moderate to excellent yields with good to excellent enantioselectivities. This protocol represents a rare example of asymmetric formal C-C bond insertion into aldehydes using non-diazo approach. The combined experimental and computational mechanistic studies reveal the reaction mechanism, origin of regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. Notably, the chiral phosphine ligand derived from synthesized axially chiral skeleton was proven to be applicable to asymmetric catalysis.

Copper-catalyzed intermolecular formal (5 + 1) annulation of 1,5-diynes with 1,2,5-oxadiazoles

One-carbon homologation reactions based on one-carbon insertion into the N-O bond of heterocycles have received tremendous interest over the past decades. However, these protocols have to rely on the use of hazardous and not easily accessible diazo compounds as precursors, and examples of the relevant asymmetric catalysis have not been reported. Here we show that a copper-catalyzed intermolecular formal (5 + 1) annulation of 1,5-diynes with 1,2,5-oxadiazoles involving one-carbon insertion into the heterocyclic N-O bond via non-diazo approach. This method enables practical and atom-economic synthesis of valuable pyrrole-substituted oxadiazines in generally moderate to good yields under mild reaction conditions. In addition, the possibility of such an asymmetric formal (5 + 1) annulation also emerges.

Asymmetric Hydrative Aldol Reaction (HAR) via Vinyl-Gold Promoted Intermolecular Ynamide Addition to Aldehydes

Herein, we reported an intermolecular asymmetric hydrative aldol reaction through vinyl-gold intermediate under ambient conditions. This tandem alkyne hydration and sequential nucleophilic addition afforded a "base-free" approach to β-hydroxy amides with high efficiency (up to 95 % yields, >50 examples). Vinyl gold intermediate was applied as reactive nucleophile and Fe(acac)3 was used as the critical co-catalyst to prevent undesired protodeauration, allowing this transformation to proceed under mild conditions with good functional group tolerance and excellent stereoselectivity (>20 : 1 d.r. and up to 99 % ee).

Ynamide Coupling Reagent for the Chemical Cross-Linking of Proteins in Live Cells

Chemical cross-linking of proteins coupled with mass spectrometry analysis (CXMS) is a powerful method for the study of protein structure and protein-protein interactions (PPIs). However, the chemical probes used in the CXMS are limited to bidentate reactive warheads, and the available zero-length cross-linkers are restricted to 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) and 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium chloride (DMTMM). To alleviate this issue, an efficient coupling reagent, sulfonyl ynamide, was developed as a new zero-length cross-linker that can connect high-abundance carboxyl residues (D/E) with lysine (K) to form amide bonds in the absence of any catalyst. Significant improvement in the cross-linking efficiency and specificity in comparison with traditional EDC/NHS was achieved with model proteins, which includes inter- and intramolecular conjugations. The cross-linked structures were validated by X-ray crystallography. Importantly, this coupling reagent can be successfully used to capture interacting proteins in the whole proteome and can be a useful reagent for probing potential protein-protein interactions in situ.

Organocatalytic intramolecular (4 + 2) annulation of enals with ynamides: atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral 7-aryl indolines

Catalytic enantioselective transformation of alkynes has become a powerful tool for the synthesis of axially chiral molecules. Most of these atroposelective reactions of alkynes rely on transition-metal catalysis, and the organocatalytic approaches are largely limited to special alkynes which act as the precursors of Michael acceptors. Herein, we disclose an organocatalytic atroposelective intramolecular (4 + 2) annulation of enals with ynamides. This method allows the efficient and highly atom-economical preparation of various axially chiral 7-aryl indolines in generally moderate to good yields with good to excellent enantioselectivities. Computational studies were carried out to elucidate the origins of regioselectivity and enantioselectivity. Furthermore, a chiral phosphine ligand derived from the synthesized axially chiral 7-aryl indoline was proven to be potentially applicable to asymmetric catalysis.

1,3-Butadiynamides the Ethynylogous Ynamides: Synthesis, Properties and Applications in Heterocyclic Chemistry

1,3-butadiynamides-the ethynylogous variants of ynamides-receive considerable attention as precursors of complex molecular scaffolds for organic and heterocyclic chemistry. The synthetic potential of these C4-building blocks reveals itself in sophisticated transition-metal catalyzed annulation reactions and in metal-free or silver-mediated HDDA (Hexa-dehydro-Diels-Alder) cycloadditions. 1,3-Butadiynamides also gain significance as optoelectronic materials and in less explored views on their unique helical twisted frontier molecular orbitals (Hel-FMOs). The present account summarizes different methodologies for the synthesis of 1,3-butadiynamides followed by the description of their molecular structure and electronic properties. Finally, the surprisingly rich chemistry of 1,3-butadiynamides as versatile C4-building blocks in heterocyclic chemistry is reviewed by compiling their exciting reactivity, specificity and opportunities for organic synthesis. Besides chemical transformations and use in synthesis, a focus is set on the mechanistic understanding of the chemistry of 1,3-butadiynamides-suggesting that 1,3-butadiynamides are not just simple alkynes. These ethynylogous variants of ynamides have their own molecular character and chemical reactivity and reflect a new class of remarkably useful compounds.

Atom-economic and stereoselective catalytic synthesis of fully substituted enol esters/carbonates of amides in acyclic systems enabled by boron Lewis acid catalysis

Carboacyloxylation of internal alkynes is emerging as a powerful and straightforward strategy for enol ester synthesis. However, the reported examples come with limitations, including the utilization of noble metal catalysts, the control of regio- and Z/E selectivity, and an application in the synthesis of enol carbonates. Herein, a boron Lewis acid-catalyzed intermolecular carboacyloxylation of ynamides with esters to access fully substituted acyclic enol esters in high yield with generally high Z/E selectivity (up to >96 : 4) is reported. Most importantly, readily available allylic carbonates are also compatible with this difunctionalization reaction, representing an atom-economic, catalytic and stereoselective protocol for the construction of acyclic β,β-disubstituted enol carbonates of amides for the first time. The application of the carboacyloxylation products to decarboxylative allylations provided a ready access to enantioenriched α-quaternary amides. Moreover, experimental studies and theoretical calculations were performed to illustrate the reaction mechanism and rationalize the stereochemistry.

Modular enantioselective access to β-amino amides by Brønsted acid-catalysed multicomponent reactions

β-Amino acids are structural motifs widely found in therapeutic natural products, novel biomimetic polymers and peptidomimetics. As a convergent method, the synthesis of stereoenriched β-amino amides through the asymmetric Mannich reaction requires specialized amide substrates or a metal catalyst for enolate formation. By a redesign of the Ugi reaction, a conceptually different solution to prepare chiral β-amino amides was established using ambiphilic ynamides as two-carbon synthons. The modulation of ynamides or oxygen nucleophiles concisely furnished three classes of β-amino amides with generally good efficiency as well as excellent chemo- and stereo-control. The utility is verified in the preparation of over 100 desired products that bear one or two contiguous carbon stereocentres, including those that directly incorporate drug molecules. This advance also provides a synthetic shortcut to other valuable structures. The amino amides could be elaborated into β-amino acids, anti-vicinal diamines, γ-amino alcohols and β-lactams or undergo transamidation with amino acids and amine-containing pharmaceuticals.

Copper-Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization/Direct C(sp2)-H Annulation of Azide-Ynamides via α-Imino Copper Carbenes: Access to Azepino[2,3-b:4,5-b']diindoles

A novel copper-catalyzed tandem cyclization/direct C(sp²)-H annulation of phenyl azide-ynamides via α-imino copper carbenes has been developed, which provides a concise and flexible approach for the construction of a range of valuable azepino[2,3-b:4,5-b']diindoles in mostly good to excellent yields with high chemoselectivities. This tandem reaction also exhibits a broad substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, simple operation, and mild reaction conditions.

Three Component syn-1,2-Arylmethylation of Internal Alkynes

A Pd-catalyzed three-component syn-1,2-arylmethylation of internal alkynes (ynamides/yne-acetates/alkynes) is described. The readily available and bench stable coupling partners iodo-arenes, and methyl boronic acid are successfully used in this coupling strategy to access the methyl-containing tetra-substituted olefins; the scope is broad showing excellent functional-group tolerance. Notably, the transformation is regio- as well as stereoselective. The biologically relevant motifs (BRM) bearing iodo-arenes and ynamides are also used for the late-stage syn-1,2-arylmethylation of alkynes. Aryl-alkylation, aryl-trideuteriomethylation, alkynyl-methylation, and alkenyl-methylation of ynamides are also presented. The Me-substituted alkenes are further transformed into synthetically important β-amino-indenones and α-fluoro-α'-methyl ketones.

Construction of Spirolactams by Unexpected Oxidative Cyclization of Alkenyl Diynes via Copper Catalysis

A copper-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of alkenyl N-propargyl ynamides is described. This protocol enables the practical synthesis of diverse spirocyclic γ-lactams bearing an exocyclic double bond with generally high Z/E selectivity in moderate to good yields. Importantly, this copper-catalyzed oxidative cyclization demonstrates a distinctive selectivity in comparison with the related gold catalysis.

Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective Doyle-Kirmse Reaction of Azide-Ynamides via α-Imino Copper Carbenes

[2,3]-Sigmatropic rearrangement reaction involving sulfonium ylide (Doyle-Kirmse reaction) generated from metal carbenes represents one of the powerful methods for the construction of C(sp³ )-S and C-C bonds. Although significant advances have been achieved, the asymmetric versions via the generation of sulfonium ylides from metal carbenes have been rarely reported to date, and they have so far been limited to diazo compounds as metal carbene precursors. Here, we describe a copper-catalyzed enantioselective Doyle-Kirmse reaction via azide-ynamide cyclization, leading to the practical and divergent assembly of an array of chiral [1,4]thiazino[3,2-b]indoles bearing a quaternary carbon stereocenter in generally moderate to excellent yields and excellent enantioselectivities. Importantly, this protocol represents a unique catalytic asymmetric Doyle-Kirmse reaction via a non-diazo approach and an unprecedented asymmetric [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement via α-imino metal carbenes.

Ynamides in Radical Reactions: A Route to Original Persubstituted 2-Aminofurans

Mn(OAc)₃/Cu(OAc)₂-mediated reaction between ynamides, derived from oxazolidone or 3-methylindole carboxylate, and cyclic α-dicarbonyl radicals led to the one-pot synthesis of 2-aminofurans. The transformation involves addition of the α-dicarbonyl radical to ynamide, oxidation to ketene-iminium, and polar cyclization steps to provide original persubstituted 2-aminofurans in good to excellent yields. This work represents the first radical route for the synthesis of furans from ynamides.

I2 -Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of Ynamides: Chemoselective and Divergent Access to Indole Derivatives

Herein, an I₂ -catalyzed unprecedented cycloisomerization of ynamides is developed, furnishing various functionalized bis(indole) derivatives in generally good to excellent yields with wide substrate scope and excellent atom-economy. This protocol not only represents the first molecular-iodine-catalyzed tandem complex alkyne cycloisomerizations, but also constitutes the first chemoselective cycloisomerization of tryptamine-ynamides involving distinctively different C(sp³ )-C(sp³ ) bond cleavage and rearrangement. Moreover, chiral tetrahydropyridine frameworks containing two stereocenters are obtained with moderate to excellent diastereoselectivities and excellent enantioselectivities. Meanwhile, cycloisomerization and aromatization of ynamides produce pyrrolyl indoles with high efficiency enabled by I₂ . Additionally, control experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that this reaction probably undergoes a tandem 5-exo-dig cyclization/rearrangement process.

Sequential Cu(II)-Catalyzed Multicomponent C-N Coupling, Nucleophilic Addition, and Cyclization Cascade: A Diastereoselective Approach to Carboxamide-Embedded Hexahydrobenzofuran Core

Cascade or domino reactions serve as a powerful technique for the synthesis of complex organic scaffolds in one pot. Herein, a Cu(II)-catalyzed and silica gel-assisted multicomponent reaction (MCR) between bromoalkyne-tethered cyclohexadienones, amides, and water for the construction of hexahydrobenzofuran-3-carboxamide is developed. The reaction proceeds via a C-N coupling reaction followed by hydrative cyclization of ynamide intermediates. Notably, good to excellent diastereoselectivity is complementary of this reaction.

Late-stage diversification strategy for synthesizing ynamides through copper-catalyzed diynylation and azide-alkyne cycloaddition

A late-stage diversification strategy for synthesizing ynamides has been developed. This strategy was enabled by the copper-catalyzed direct electrophilic diynylation of sulfonamides with a novel triisopropylsilyl diynyl benziodoxolone, deprotection, and the late-stage chemoselective copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition sequence, which yields various complex molecule-derived ynamides with pyrene, amino acid, nucleoside, and N-acetylglucosamine as substituents.

Ring forming transformations of ynamides via cycloaddition

Ynamides are N-alkyne compounds bearing an electron withdrawing group at the nitrogen atom. They offer unique pathways for the construction of versatile building blocks owing to their exceptional balance between reactivity and stability. Recently several studies have been reported that explore and illustrate the synthetic potential of ynamides and ynamide-derived advanced intermediates in cycloadditions with different reaction partners to yield heterocyclic cycloadducts of synthetic and pharmaceutical value. Cycloaddition reactions of ynamides are the facile and preferable routes for the construction of structural motifs having striking importance in synthetic, medicinal chemistry, and advanced materials. In this systematic review, we highlighted the recently reported novel transformations and synthetic applications that involved the cycloaddition reaction of ynamides. The scope along with the limitations of the transformations are discussed in detail.

Synthetic potential of ynamides and ynamide-derived advanced intermediates in cycloaddition reactions with different reaction partners to yield versatile heterocyclic adducts.

Phosphine-catalyzed regio- and stereo-selective hydroboration of ynamides to (Z)-β-borylenamides

We report a tri-n-butyl phosphine catalyzed regio- and stereo-selective hydroboration of ynamides to yield (Z)-β-borylenamides in good yields. Surprisingly, a formal cis addition to the triple bond was observed as confirmed by NMR and X-ray crystallography. ³¹P NMR studies suggest that a zwitterionic vinylphosphonium intermediate is key in the mechanism. The resulting products were further transformed to β-CF₃ enamides via stereoretentive trifluoromethylation.

Dimorpholinoacetylene and Its Use for the Synthesis of Tetraaminocyclobutadiene Species

The new diaminoacetylene (DAA) dimorpholinoacetylene (3) was prepared from 1,1-dimorpholinoethene (1) by bromination to form the dibromoketene aminal 2, which upon lithiation afforded 3 through a Fritsch-Buttenberg-Wiechell rearrangement. Heating 3 at elevated temperatures resulted in a complete conversion into the dimer 1,1,2,4-tetramorpholino-1-buten-3-yne (4), which was used for the synthesis of four-membered cyclic bent allene (CBA) transition-metal complexes of the type [(CBA)MLn ] (5-7; MLn =AuCl, RhCl(COD), RhCl(CO)2 ; CBA=1,3,4,4-tetramorpholino-1,2-cyclobutadiene; COD=1,5-cyclooctadiene). The reaction of 3 with tetraethylammonium bromide gave 1,2,3,4-tetramorpholinocyclobutenylium bromide (8), which reacted with bromine to form 1,2,3,4-tetra(morpholino)cyclobutenediylium bis(tribromide) (9). Compound 9 represents the first fully characterized compound containing a tetraaminocyclobutadiene dication and displays a nearly planar C4 N4 core as shown by X-ray diffraction analysis. Detailed quantum chemical calculations were performed to assess the aromaticity of tetraaminocyclubutadiene dications by employing the Nucleus Independent Chemical Shift (NICS) method and current density analysis.

Ynamide Electrophile for the Profiling of Ligandable Carboxyl Residues in Live Cells and the Development of New Covalent Inhibitors

Covalent inhibitors with an electrophilic warhead have received considerable attention due to their remarkable pharmacological properties. However, the electrophilic warhead in covalent drugs is often an α, β-unsaturated amide, and the targets are mainly cysteine or lysine residues. Thus, the development of novel electrophiles that can target other amino acids is highly desirable. Ynamide, a useful and versatile building block, is commonly employed in the construction of various compounds in organic synthesis. The performance of this functional group in a proteome-wide environment has been studied here for the first time, and it has been shown that it can efficiently modify carboxyl residues in situ and in vitro. Upon incorporation of this ynamide warhead into the pharmacophores of kinase inhibitors, the resulting compound showed moderate inhibition against the EGFR L858R mutant but not against EGFR WT. This novel electrophilic group can be used in the development of new types of covalent inhibitors.

Ag(I)-Promoted, Diastereoselective Cyclo-isomerization of N-Alkynyl-7-azaindole-2-carbinols. Selective Synthesis of syn-1,2-Diarylpyrrolo[1,2-a]indol-3-ones and (Z)-8-Benzylideneoxazolo[3',4'':1,5]pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines

The design and development of an Ag(I)-promoted, highly diastereoselective cycloisomerization strategy for the synthesis of syn-1,2-diarylpyrrolo[1,2-a]indol-3-ones from N-alkynyl-indole-2-carbinols is reported. The H₂¹⁸O control experiment and identification of ¹⁸O-labeled product suggested the involvement of an external water. The 7-azaindole substrates showned a distinct reactivity to give the (Z)-8-benzylideneoxazolo[3',4':1,5]pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines. Key features of this strategy are its 100% atom economy, access to important heterocycles, diverse substrate scope, yields up to 95%, operationally simple procedure, and distinct reactivity of indole vs 7-azaindoles.

[2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Ynamides to Construct 3-Aminocyclobutenones

An efficient Tf₂NH-catalyzed [2 + 2] cycloaddition of ynamides under mild conditions has been developed. Within short reaction times, various ynamides are transformed into the corresponding 3-aminocyclobutenones in good to excellent yields. This is the first example for the metal-free intermolecular [2 + 2] self-cycloaddition of ynamides. Meanwhile, the desired cycloaddition products can be easily transformed into aminonaphthol derivatives.

Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Diastereoselective Domino Reaction of Ene-Ynamide with Trimethylsilyl Cyanide to Construct Spiroindolines

The Zn(OTf)₂-catalyzed domino reaction of enamide-ynamides in the presence of trimethylsilyl cyanide as an external nucleophile to construct spirocyclic indolines was developed. This domino reaction involved cyclization of enamide to ynamide to generate 4',5'-dihydrospiro[indoline-3,3'-pyrrol]-1'-ium followed by cyanide addition to produce spiroindolopyrrolidines with good diastereoselectivity.

Synthesis of Axially Chiral N-Arylindoles via Atroposelective Cyclization of Ynamides Catalyzed by Chiral Brønsted Acids

In recent years, asymmetric catalysis of ynamides has attracted much attention, but these reactions mostly constructed central chirality, except for a few examples on the synthesis of axially chiral compounds which exclusively relied on noble-metal catalysis. Herein, a facile access to axially chiral N-heterocycles enabled by chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed 5-endo-dig cyclization of ynamides is disclosed, which represents the first metal-free protocol for the construction of axially chiral compounds from ynamides. This method allows the practical and atom-economical synthesis of valuable N-arylindoles in excellent yields with generally excellent enantioselectivities. Moreover, organocatalysts and ligands based on such axially chiral N-arylindole skeletons are demonstrated to be applicable to asymmetric catalysis.