Synthesis of 5-alkyl-5-aryl-γ-lactams from 1-aryl-substituted nitroalkanes and methyl acrylate via Michael addition and reductive lactamization

A general method for accessing 5-alkyl-5-aryl-γ-lactams has been developed using readily available aryl bromides, nitroalkanes, and methyl acrylate as the starting materials. The palladium-catalyzed arylation of nitroalkanes gave the 1-aryl-substituted nitroalkanes, which underwent the DBU-mediated Michael addition with methyl acrylate at room temperature to afford the methyl 4-aryl-4-nitroalkanoates. The latter were then subjected to the nitro reduction using NaBH₄–NiCl₂·6H₂O in MeOH at 0 °C to furnish, after treatment with aqueous K₂CO₃ at room temperature, the 5-alkyl-5-aryl-γ-lactams in good to excellent overall yields. Selected examples of N-alkylation of the γ-lactams were also illustrated.     

A novel synthesis of 4,5-diaryl-6-arylamino-2,3-benzo-1,3a,6a-triazapentalenes

Treatment of N-alkyl- and N-aryl-imines of 2,3-diaryl- and 2-alkyl-3-aryl-3-(benzotriazol-1-yl)propenals with trifluoroacetic anhydride in THF at room temperature gave 5-alkyl-4-aryl-6-[N-alkyl (and aryl)-N-trifluoroacetyl]amino-2,3-benzo-1,3a,6a-triazapentalenes in moderate to good yields. On heating triazapentalenes having R²=aryl in MeOH at reflux, detrifluoroacetylation of triazapentalene occurred to give title compounds in good yields. However, the same treatment of triazapentalenes having R²=alkyl did not give the corresponding detrifluoroacetylation product. The title compounds and 5-alkyl-4-aryl-6-(N-alkyl-N-trifluoroacetyl)amino-2,3-benzo-1,3a,6a-triazapentalenes were found to be good precursors for the synthesis of 1-(o-aminophenyl)-3-arylamino-4-alkyl (and aryl)-5-arylpyrazoles and 1-(o-aminophenyl)-3-(N-alkyl-N-trifluoroacetyl)amino-4-alkyl (and aryl)-5-arylpyrazoles, respectively.     

Synthesis of 8-R-9c-alkyl-1-aryl-2-benzyl-1-hydroxy-1,2,9b,9c-tetrahydro-5-oxa-2-aza-cyclopenta[2,3]cyclopropa[1,2-a]naphthalene-3,4-diones and reaction thereof with acetic anhydride

The reaction of zinc enolates synthesized from 1-aryl-2,2-dibromoalkanones and zinc with 6-R-2-oxochromene-3-carboxylic acid N-benzylamide affords 8-R-9c-alkyl-1-aryl-2-benzyl-1-hydroxy-1,2,9b,9c-tetrahydro-5-oxa-2-aza-cyclopenta[2,3]cyclopropa[1,2-a]naphthalene-3,4-diones. Acylation of these compounds is accompanied by an unexpected rearrangement producing a sole geometrical isomer of 4′-alkyl-5′-aryl-1′-benzyl-3,4,2′,3′-tetrahydro-2,2′-dioxospiro[chroman-3,3′-pyrrol]-4-yl acetates.     

Regioselective synthesis of 2-unsubstituted 1-aryl-4- and 1-aryl-5-acylimidazoles

An efficient and simple method for the synthesis of 2-unsubstituted 1-aryl-4- and 1-aryl-5-acylimidazoles has been developed. It consists in the condensation of α-diketone monooximes with aromatic amines and formaldehyde on the presence of boron trifluoride etherate, leading to the formation of stable boron trifluoride complexes of N-oxides. Further reduction of these complexes led to the corresponding imidazoles. This method permits broad variations of substituents in the aryl part of these compounds.     

Room-temperature oxidative Suzuki coupling reaction of 1,2,3-triazole N-oxides

This study develops a new efficient pathway for synthesis of 2,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles through regioselective direct arylation between 2-aryl-1,2,3-triazole N-oxides and Ar-B(OH)₂. The reaction proceeds smoothly at room temperature and exhibits good yield and high C5 position selectivity. The possible pathway of oxidative Suzuki coupling is also discussed. This simple methodology can be used to construct 2,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole moiety.     

4-Alkyl-6-amino-N 3,N 5-diaryl-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxamides: II. Synthesis and selected reactions

New 4-alkyl-6-amino-N ³,N ⁵-diaryl-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxamides have been prepared via enantioselective reaction of 3-amino-N-aryl-3-thioxopropanamides with N-aryl-2-cyanoacetamide and aliphatic aldehydes. The prepared products can be regioselectively alkylated at sulfur atom.     

Reactions of 1,1,1-trihalo-3-nitrobut-2-enes with enamines derived from cycloalkanones. Rearrangement of trifluoromethylated 1,2-oxazine N-oxide into 1-pyrroline N-oxides and stereochemistry of the products

1,2-Oxazine N-oxides derived from (E)-1,1,1-trifluoro-3-nitrobut-2-ene and cyclohexanone enamines underwent spontaneous rearrangement with ring contraction to give 1-pyrroline N-oxides. Reactions of (E)-1,1,1-trifluoro(trichloro)-3-nitrobut-2-enes with N-cyclopent-enylmorpholine resulted in a series of novel CX₃-containing nitroalkyl enamines and g-nitro ketones; the stereochemistry of the synthesized compounds were studied by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.     

Densities and refractive indices of imidazolium- and phosphonium-based ionic liquids: Effect of temperature,alkyl chain length,and anion

A systematic study of densities and refractive indices of 17 room temperature ionic liquids is presented at four different temperatures ranging from 293 K to 333 K. The ionic liquids are grouped into four families: 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide, [C_nmim][Ntf₂], ionic liquids (with n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14); 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [C_nmim][PF₆], ionic liquids (with n = 4, 6, 8); ionic liquids based on the trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium cation, [P_{6 6 6 14}], combined with the anions bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide, [Ntf₂], acetate, [OAc], and triflate, [OTf]; and [C₄mim]-based ionic liquids combined with the anions [OAc], [OTf], methylsulfate [MeSO₄], and tetrafluoroborate [BF₄]. The data obtained were analysed to determine the effect of (i) temperature, (ii) the alkyl chain length of the 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium cation, and (iii) the nature of the anion. Different empirical models for the calculation of the densities of the ionic liquids were tested. Molar refractions were also calculated from the volumetric and refractive index data and the values were discussed with the aim of checking their utility in obtaining insights on the intermolecular forces and behaviour in solution of the different ionic liquids.     

Facile access to chiral 1-pyrrolines through Rh-catalyzed enantioselective partial hydrogenation of unprotected simple pyrroles

Highly enantioselective Rh-catalyzed partial hydrogenation of unprotected simple 2-alkyl-5-aryl-disubstituted pyrroles has been successfully developed, generating a series of chiral 1-pyrroline derivatives generally with excellent results (95%–99% yields, 91%–96% ee). Moreover, 2,5-aryl-1H-pyrroles were hydrogenated well in high yields and good enantioselectivities. This efficient protocol features easily accessible substrates, wide substrate scope, well functional group compatibility, commercially available rhodium precursor and chiral ligand. It provides a versatile route to access chiral 1-pyrroline derivatives that are of great importance in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical chemistry.     

One-step synthesis of N-alkyl-2-aryl-2-oxoacetamides and N,N-dialkyl-2-aryl-4H-1,3-benzodioxine-2,4-dicarboxamides

Alkyl isocyanides react with 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde or 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde to afford N-alkyl-2-aryl-2-oxoacetamides and N²,N⁴-dialkyl-2-aryl-4H-1,3-benzodioxine-2,4-dicarboxamides in nearly 1:1 ratios. Treatment of 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide with 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde affords only the 2-oxoacetamide derivative.     

Reactions of 5-nitrospiro[benzimidazole-2,1′-cyclohexane] 1,3-dioxide with nucleophiles

Reactions of 5-nitrospiro[benzimidazole-2,1′-cyclohexane] 1,3-dioxide with aliphatic amines and sodium hydroxide resulted in removal of one N-oxide oxygen atom and formation of 4-alkylamino- or 4-hydroxy-substituted 5-nitrospiro[benzimidazole-2,1′-cyclohexane] 1-oxides, respectively. The title compound reacted with ammonia and methylamine in the presence of MnO₂ with conservation of both N-oxide moieties, and the products were 4-amino- and 4-methylamino-5-nitrospiro[benzimidazole-2,1′-cyclohexane] 1,3-dioxides. The reactions with aromatic amines were accompanied by removal of both N-oxide oxygen atoms with formation of N-aryl-5-nitrospiro[benzimidazole-2,1′-cyclohexane]-4-amines. In the reactions of 5-nitrospiro-[benzimidazole-2,1′-cyclohexane] 1,3-dioxide with sodium azide and aromatic amine hydrochlorides nucleophilic replacement of the 5-nitro group by azido or arylamino occurred, in the first case both N-oxide fragments being conserved. The reactions with aromatic amine hydrochlorides afforded N-aryl-5-nitrospiro[benzimidazole-2,1′-cyclohexan]-4-amine 1-oxides. Treatment of 5-nitrospiro[benzimidazole-2,1′-cyclohexane] 1,3-dioxide with sodium cyanide led to the formation of 5-oxo-3,5-dihydrospiro[benzimidazole-2,1′-cyclohexane]-4-carbonitrile 1-oxide.     

An efficient 2-(1H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (TBTU)-mediated synthesis of 5-(trifluoromethyl)-N-alkyl-1-(3-phenylisoquinoline-1-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamides

A series of 5-(trifluoromethyl)-N-alkyl-1-(3-phenylisoquinoline-1-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamides 4 has been effectively achieved in high yield and purity from the reaction of pyrazole carboxylic acid 2 with amines 3 in the presence of TBTU as a catalyst and diisopropyl ethylamine as a base in acetonitrile at room temperature.     

A simple metal-free synthesis of 2-substituted pyridine-4,5-dicarboxylates and their N-oxides

Herein a simple, metal-free synthesis of 2-alkyl-, 2-cycloalkyl-, 2-aryl-, and 2-heteroaryl-substituted pyridine 3,4-dicarboxylates and their N-oxides from the corresponding methyl ketones in good to excellent yield, demonstrated with 22 examples in each case, is described. The method complements the current coupling reactions of 2-heterocyclic organometallic reagents.     

CAN-promoted, diastereoselective synthesis of fused 2,3-dihydrofurans and their transformation into tetrahydroindoles

The reaction between 1,3-cyclohexanediones and chalcones (or their vinilogs) in the presence of 2.5 equiv of cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate afforded trans-2-arylcarbonyl-3-aryl (or styryl)-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrobenzofuran-4(5H)-ones in good to excellent yields and in high diastereoselectivities. The method was also extended to the preparation of derivatives of the 5,6-dihydro-2H-cyclopenta[b]furan-4(3H)-one system. The fused 2,3-dihydrofuran derivatives were transformed into 1-alkyl-2-acyl-3-aryl-6,7-dihydroindole-4(5H)-ones by 2,3-dehydrogenation followed by reaction with primary amines. The direct reaction of the tetrahydrobenzofuran-4(5H)-one compounds derived from dimedone with amines gave 1-alkyl-2-alkylimino-3-aryl-6,7-dihydroindole-4(5H)-ones, while starting materials derived from 1,3-cyclohexanedione underwent an unprecedented 2-deacylation reaction and gave 1-alkyl-3-aryl-6,7-dihydroindole-4(5H)-ones.     

1,n-Diamines. Part 2: Synthesis of acyclic and heterocyclic N-arylputrescine derivatives

In the present Letter we report the use of N-arylputrescines as synthetic intermediates for the preparation of N-acyl-N′-aryltetramethylenediamines 3 and related seven-membered heterocyclic amidines 4. Compounds 1 were synthesized by Cs₂CO₃/KI-mediated aminolysis of 4-chlorobutyronitrile and subsequent reduction. N-Acylation of diamines 1 with carboxylic acid anhydrides led selectively to N-acyl-N′-aryl tetramethylenediamines 3. Microwave-assisted ring closure of such precursors promoted by PPE allowed for the synthesis of hitherto unreported 1-aryl-2-alkyl-1H-1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-1,3-diazepines 4.     

Straightforward synthesis of enantiopure 2-aminomethyl and 2-hydroxymethyl pyrrolidines with complete stereocontrol

A practical synthesis of 2-aminomethyl- and 2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidines via stereocontrolled addition of TMSCN and LiCH₂OMOM to chiral 3,4 dihydro-2H-pyrroline N-oxides is reported.     

Novel one-pot, three-component synthesis of new 2-alkyl-5-aryl-(1H)-pyrrole-4-ol in water

New 2-alkyl-5-aryl-(1H)-pyrrole-4-ol derivatives were synthesized via three-component reaction of beta-dicarbonyl compounds with arylglyoxals in the presence of ammonium acetate in water at room temperature.     

Synthesis of 2-bromo-1-aryl-1H-indenes via a Ag(I) promoted domino 2π-electrocyclic ring-opening/4π-electrocyclization reaction of 1,2-diaryl substituted gem-dibromocyclopropanes

2-Bromo-1-aryl substituted indenes can be synthesized from 1,2-diaryl substituted gem-dibromocyclopropanes via a domino reaction sequence. The cascade reaction involves silver(I) promoted ionization and 2π-disrotatory electrocyclic ring-opening, followed by a 4π-conrotatory electrocyclic ring closing reaction of the allylic carbocation intermediate. Reaction conditions utilize silver tetrafluoroborate (AgBF₄) in dichloroethane at 65 °C. Selectivity effects for the electrocyclization were also studied. The 2-bromoindenes can be further functionalized using cross-coupling reactions, such as the Suzuki–Miyaura protocol. The alkene π-bond of the indenes can also be isomerized to give the thermodynamically more stable 2-bromo-3-aryl-1H-indene isomers using triethylamine in dichloromethane at room temperature.     

Synthesis of 7-aryl-1,8-naphthyridines via addition of aryl boronic acids to 1,8-naphthyridine N-oxides

Simply combining aryl boronic acids with 1,8-naphthyridine N-oxides and heating at 110 °C in toluene or dimethylformamide affords the corresponding 7-aryl-1,8-naphthyridines. The reaction is not sensitive to air or moisture and the process can be extended to other electron-deficient heteroaromatic N-oxides.     

Studies on the reduction of the nitro group in 3-aryl-2-methylene-4-nitro-alkanoates afforded by the Baylis-Hillman adducts: synthesis of 4-aryl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidinones and 3-(1-alkoxycarbonyl-vinyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylates

The formation of substituted 2-pyrrolidinones and indoles by the reduction of the secondary nitro group in appropriate 3-aryl-2-methylene-4-nitroalkanoates afforded by Baylis-Hillman chemistry via different reducing agents is described. The 3-aryl-2-methylene-4-nitroalkanoate obtained from S_N2 nucleophilic reaction between the acetate of Baylis-Hillman adducts and ethyl nitroacetate upon reduction with indium-HCl furnishes a mixture of cis and trans substituted phenyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidinones. In contrast, similar reductions of analogous substrates derived from nitroethane stereoselectively furnished only the trans substituted phenyl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidinones. On the other hand the SnCl₂·2H₂O-promoted reductions of substrates derived from nitro ethylacetate give oxime derivatives while the ones obtained from nitroethane yield a mixture of cis and trans 4-aryl-3-methylene-2-pyrrolidinones. Alternatively, the SnCl₂·2H₂O-promoted reduction of substituted 2-nitrophenyl-2-methylene-alkanoate furnished from ethyl nitroacetate yield 3-(1-alkoxycarbonyl-vinyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylate while indium-promoted reaction of this substrate leads to a complex mixture. Analogous reactions with SnCl₂·2H₂O of substituted 2-nitrophenyl-2-methylene-alkanoate obtained from nitroethane yield 4-alkyl-3-methylene-2-quinolones in moderate yields.