A recyclable palladium-catalyzed synthesis of 2-methylene-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-3-ols by cycloisomerization of 2-(1-hydroxyprop-2-ynyl)phenols in ionic liquids

Ionic Liquids in Metal, Photo-, Electro-, and (Bio) Catalysis

Ionic liquids (ILs) have unique physicochemical properties that make them advantageous for catalysis, such as low vapor pressure, non-flammability, high thermal and chemical stabilities, and the ability to enhance the activity and stability of (bio)catalysts. ILs can improve the efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability of bio(transformations) by acting as activators of enzymes, selectively dissolving substrates and products, and reducing toxicity. They can also be recycled and reused multiple times without losing their effectiveness. ILs based on imidazolium cation are preferred for structural organization aspects, with a semiorganized layer surrounding the catalyst. ILs act as a container, providing a confined space that allows modulation of electronic and geometric effects, miscibility of reactants and products, and residence time of species. ILs can stabilize ionic and radical species and control the catalytic activity of dynamic processes. Supported IL phase (SILP) derivatives and polymeric ILs (PILs) are good options for molecular engineering of greener catalytic processes. The major factors governing metal, photo-, electro-, and biocatalysts in ILs are discussed in detail based on the vast literature available over the past two and a half decades. Catalytic reactions, ranging from hydrogenation and cross-coupling to oxidations, promoted by homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in both single and multiphase conditions, are extensively reviewed and discussed considering the knowledge accumulated until now.

Synthesis of pyrano[3,2-c]quinolones and furo[3,2-c]quinolones via acid-catalyzed tandem reaction of 4-hydroxy-1-methylquinolin-2(1H)-one and propargylic alcohols

Two acid-catalyzed tandem reactions between 4-hydroxy-1-methylquinolin-2(1H)-one and propargylic alcohols are described. Depending mainly on the propargylic alcohol used, these tandem reactions proceed via either a Friedel–Crafts-type allenylation followed by 6-endo-dig cyclization sequence to form pyrano[3,2-c]quinolones or a Friedel–Crafts-type alkylation and 5-exo-dig ring closure sequence to afford furo[3,2-c]quinolones in moderate-to-high yields. The pyrano[3,2-c]quinolones products could be further transformed to tetracyclic 4,9-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[lmn]phenanthridin-5-one derivatives.

Two acid-catalyzed tandem reactions between 4-hydroxy-1-methylquinolin-2(1H)-one and propargylic alcohols are described.

Synthesis of Sulfonylated Heterocycles via Copper-Catalyzed Heteroaromatization/Sulfonyl Transfer of Propargylic Alcohols

An unprecedented copper-catalyzed heteroaromatization/sulfonyl transfer of propargylic alcohols with isocyanide has been developed. 3-Sulfonyl benzofurans and indoles were produced under Cu(I) catalysis in good to high yields. The developed catalytic methodology provides controlled, modular, and facile access to sulfonyl benzoheterocycle scaffolds.

Recent Advances in Phthalan and Coumaran Chemistry

Oxygen-containing heterocycles are common in biologically active compounds. In particular, phthalan and coumaran cores are found in pharmaceuticals, organic electronics, and other useful medical and technological applications. Recent research has expanded the methods available for their synthesis. This Minireview presents recent advances in the chemistry of phthalans and coumarans, with the goal of overcoming synthetic challenges and facilitating the applications of phthalans and coumarans.

Synthesis of 3-Sulfonylamino Quinolines from 1-(2-Aminophenyl) Propargyl Alcohols through a Ag(I)-Catalyzed Hydroamination, (2 + 3) Cycloaddition, and an Unusual Strain-Driven Ring Expansion

We describe herein a silver-catalyzed conversion of 1-(2-aminophenyl)-propargyl alcohols to 4-substituted 3-tosylaminoquinolines using TsN3 as an amino surrogate. Controlled reactions reveal the pathway consisting of Ag(I)-catalyzed 5-exo-dig cyclization, catalyst-free (2 + 3) cycloaddition, and ring-expansive rearrangement via nitrogen expulsion. As a support study, we show that the cyclic enamines in similar conditions produce amidines via a C-C bond migration.