Synthetic Methods Based on Sulfonimides I. SN2 Displacement of Ditosylamine

A new synthesis of 2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes

An efficient synthesis of the 2-azabicyclo[2.1.1]hexane ring system has been accomplished starting from cis-cyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride 7, which was prepared using a photochemical method. The key step of this new strategy involved a stereoselective electrophilic addition of phenylselenyl bromide to the double bond of cyclobutene dicarbamate 16 derived from 7. The subsequent ring closure of 17a in the presence of sodium hydride afforded the 2-azabicyclohexane compound 18 with a satisfying overall yield. Reductive removal of the phenylselenyl group and subsequent deprotection led rapidly to the amino derivative 4a functionalized on the carbon ring. Syntheses of the hydroxy and carboxylic derivatives 4b,c were then achieved from the intermediary disulfonamide 23. Displacement of the activated amino group by potassium acetate yielded hydroxy derivative 4b after three additional steps. Finally, oxidation of the alcohol function of 4b under Jones conditions followed by hydrogenolysis afforded the carboxylic derivative 4c, which is the first reported beta-isomer of 2,4-methanoproline 1.

Direct Synthesis of Previously Inaccessible Bridgehead Azabicyclics by Intramolecular Cyclization of α-Sulfonamido and α-Sulfonimido Radicals

Syntheses of the first bridgehead sultams and the only known bridgehead disulfonimide are described. Both approaches capitalize on the electrophilicity of alpha-sulfonyl radicals and their propensity to undergo intramolecular ring closure. Where double bonds are concerned, 5-exo and 6-exo pathways operate preferentially as long as structural strain is not excessive. When the reaction center is a carbon-carbon triple bond, the first cyclization gives rise to vinyl radicals that hold sufficient reactivity to capture solvent benzene. In the case of 45, this sequential reaction leads importantly to the introduction of a styrene functionality sufficiently activated to allow a second ring closure to be kinetically feasible. The solid-state structural features of 12 and 17 have been elucidated by X-ray crystallographic methods. Despite key differences from the norm in the alignment of the nitrogen lone pair relative to the adjacent sulfonyl groups, these compounds exhibit good hydrolytic stability. For 13, generation of the alpha-sulfonamide carbanion is possible and regiospecific oxidation with chromyl acetate has been achieved.