Synthesis of Functionalized Tetrasubstituted Allenes by the Addition of Bis(trimethylsilyl)ketene Acetals to Ynones Catalyzed by Gold(I)

We have developed a straightforward and rapid methodology for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted allenes bearing carboxylic acids in the 1,3-position through the gold(I)-catalyzed nucleophilic addition of bis(trimethylsilyl)ketene acetals to ynones. The reaction was evaluated with several substrates, and 21 allenes were obtained in moderate to good yields. Using DFT calculations, we studied the mechanism of the reaction, which suggested a nucleophilic 1,4-addition pathway. The potential of allenes to act as a source of highly functionalized lactones was also explored.

Nickel-Catalyzed Three-Component Tandem Radical Cyclization 1,5-Difunctionalization of 1,3-Enynes and Alkyl Bromide

A nickel-catalyzed three-component tandem radical cyclization reaction of aryl bromides with 1,3-enynes and aryl boric acids to construct γ-lactam-substituted allene derivatives has been described. This protocol provides lactam alkyl radicals through the free radical cyclization process, which can be effectively used to participate in the subsequent multicomponent coupling reaction so that 1,3-enynes could directly convert into corresponding poly-substituted allene compounds. In addition, this efficient method enjoys a broad substrate scope and provides a series of 1,5-difunctionalized allenes in a one-pot reaction.

Tunable Construction of Multisubstituted 1,3-Dienes and Allenes via a 1,4-Palladium Migration/Carbene Insertion Cascade

Efficient palladium-catalyzed vinylic C-H alkenylation and allenylation of gem-disubstituted ethylenes with N-tosylhydrazones of aryl alkyl and diaryl ketones were achieved to access trisubstituted 1,3-dienes and tetrasubstituted allenes, respectively. An aryl to vinyl 1,4-palladium migration/carbene insertion/β-hydride elimination sequence proceeded to switch the chemo- and regioselectivities to give structurally diverse products. Use of 2-FC₆H₄OH additive enables enhancement of the reaction efficiency through accelerating the key 1,4-palladium migration process.

Synthesis of fluoroolefin derivatives by nickel(II)-catalyzed trifluorovinylation and 1,2,2-trifluoroethylation of cinnamyl alcohols

Nickel(II)-catalyzed regioselective trifluorovinylation and 1,2,2-trifluoroethylation of allyl alcohols with trifluorovinyl reagents were performed. The reaction of (E)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-ol and trifluorovinylzinc bromide (TFVZ) afforded 1,2,2-trifluorovinyl diene in moderate to high yields. The reaction of (E)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-ol and trifluorovinyl trimethylsilane (TFVTMS) resulted in the novel nucleophilic addition product 1,1,2-trifluoroethoxy aryl olefin.

Synthesis of β-Polychlorinated Alkynes Enabled by Copper-Catalyzed Multicomponent Reaction

Functional molecules bearing polychlorinated moieties usually play versatile roles in organic synthesis and biochemistry. A copper-catalyzed multicomponent polychloro-carboalkynylation of alkenes presents an efficient and operationally simple approach for the synthesis of β-polychlorinated alkynes. Mechanistic experiments were conducted demonstrating that an in situ generated copper acetylide complex was the real catalyst and reactive intermediate during the copper-catalytic cycle. And enantioselective exploration demonstrated potential application for the synthesis of chiral β-polychlorinated alkynes.

Synthesis of tetrasubstituted allenes via a 1,4-palladium migration/carbene insertion/β-H elimination sequence

A palladium-catalyzed synthesis of tetrasubstituted allenes from aryl bromides and aryl diazoacetates is developed. This transformation proceeded via an aryl to alkenyl 1,4-palladium migration/carbene insertion/β-H elimination sequence under mild reaction conditions.

Cu(i)- and Pd(ii)-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-couplings of alkynyl carboxylic acids with N-tosylhydrazones: access to trisubstituted allenes and conjugated enynes

This paper reports the copper- and palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reactions of alkynyl carboxylic acids and N-tosylhydrazones, affording trisubstituted allenes and conjugated enynes, respectively.

Copper(i)-catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 2] cycloaddition of N-ester acylhydrazones and β-trifluoromethyl-α,β-unsaturated ketones

The first copper(i)-catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 2] cycloaddition of N-ester acylhydrazones and ketones has been developed, affording an array of chiral pyrazolidines containing a trifluoromethyl moiety bearing three vicinal stereocenters.

Radical transformations for allene synthesis

Allenes are valuable organic molecules that feature unique physical and chemical properties. They are not only often found in natural products, but also act as versatile building blocks for the access of complex molecular targets, such as natural products, pharmaceuticals, and functional materials. Therefore, many remarkable and elegant methodologies have been established for the synthesis of allenes. Recently, more and more methods for radical synthesis of allenes have been developed, clearly emphasizing the associated great synthetic values. In this perspective, we will discuss recent important advances in the synthesis of allenes via radical intermediates by categorizing them into different types of substrates as well as distinct catalytic systems. The mechanistic studies and synthetic challenges will be highlighted.

Recent important advances in the synthesis of allenes via radical strategies are highlighted.