Cyclotrimerization of ‘Oxabenzonorbornadiene’: Synthesis of syn‐ and anti‐5,6,11,12,17,18‐Hexahydro‐5,18:6,11:12,17‐triepoxytrinaphthylene

An efficient synthetic route to the concave‐shaped, potentially ionophoric syn‐ and anti‐isomers of 5,6,11,12,17,18‐hexahydro‐5,18:6,11:12,17‐triepoxytrinaphthylene ( 4 ) was elaborated. Starting from ‘oxabenzonorbornadiene’ ( 5 ), the stannylated precursor 9 was prepared in three steps, followed by cyclotrimerization catalyzed by copper(I) thiophene‐2‐carboxylate (CuTC) , which afforded 4 in a syn/anti ratio of 5 : 4.     

A Mechanistic Study of the Utilization of arachno‐Diruthenaborane [(Cp*RuCO)2B2H6] as an Active Alkyne‐Cyclotrimerization Catalyst

The reaction of nido‐[1,2‐(Cp*RuH)₂B₃H₇] ( 1 a , Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅) with [Mo(CO)₃(CH₃CN)₃] under mild conditions yields the new metallaborane arachno‐[(Cp*RuCO)₂B₂H₆] ( 2 ). Compound 2 catalyzes the cyclotrimerization of a variety of internal‐ and terminal alkynes to yield mixtures of 1,3,5‐ and 1,2,4‐substituted benzenes. The reactivities of nido‐ 1 a and arachno‐ 2 with alkynes demonstrates that a change in geometry from nido to arachno drives a change in the reaction from alkyne‐insertion to catalytic cyclotrimerization, respectively. Density functional calculations have been used to evaluate the reaction pathways of the cyclotrimerization of alkynes catalyzed by compound 2 . The reaction involves the formation of a ruthenacyclic intermediate and the subsequent alkyne‐insertion step is initiated by a [2+2] cycloaddition between this intermediate and an alkyne. The experimental and quantum‐chemical results also show that the stability of the metallacyclic intermediate is strongly dependent on the nature of the substituents that are present on the alkyne.     

Chiral M3L2 Self‐Assembled Capsules through Metal Coordination of Enantiopure Ligating Benzocyclotrimers: NMR Spectroscopic and ESI Mass Spectrometric Investigation

The synthesis of enantiopure (+)‐benzotricamphor syn‐ 5 , an important chiral C₃‐symmetric rigid building block for supramolecular applications, was studied in detail to reduce the number of steps and to increase the diastereoselectivity and overall yield. The new synthetic procedure allowed larger amounts of syn‐ 5 to be obtained and used for the preparation of new derivatives, such as the corresponding tris‐trifluoromethanesulfonate syn‐ 12 , which was efficiently transformed into (+)‐benzotribornenetrinitrile syn‐ 1 and (+)‐benzotribornenetris(ethynyl‐4‐pyridine) syn‐ 2 . The previously reported (+)‐benzotricamphortrioxime syn‐ 6 was transformed into tris‐nitrile syn‐ 3 by Beckman reaction. Compounds syn‐ 1 – 3 were employed as multidentate ligands for silver(I) and platinum(II) centres in apolar solvents. The linear coordination geometry of Ag^I and square‐planar geometry of cis‐chelated Pt^II in combination with the chiral tripodal ligands syn‐ 1 – 3 led to the formation of chiral enantiopure capsules with M₃L₂ stoichiometry, as confirmed by 2D NMR NOESY and DOSY experiments as well as ESI mass spectrometry.     

A Versatile Synthesis of β‐Lactam‐Fused Oxacycles through the Palladium‐Catalyzed Chemo‐, Regio‐, and Diastereoselective Cyclization of Allenic Diols

Chemo‐, regio‐ and stereocontrolled palladium‐catalyzed preparations of enantiopure morpholines, oxocines, and dioxonines have been developed starting from 2‐azetidinone‐tethered γ,δ‐, δ,ε‐, and ε,ζ‐allendiols. The palladium‐catalyzed cyclizative coupling reaction of γ,δ‐allendiols 2 with allyl bromide or lithium bromide was effective as 8‐endo cyclization by attack of the primary hydroxy group to the terminal allene carbon to afford enantiopure functionalized oxocines; whereas the palladium‐catalyzed cyclizative coupling reaction of 2‐azetidinone‐tethered ε,ζ‐allendiols 4 furnished dioxonines 16 through a totally chemo‐ and regioselective 9‐endo oxycyclization. By contrast, the palladium‐catalyzed cyclizative coupling reaction of 2‐azetidinone‐tethered δ,ε‐allendiols 3 with aryl and alkenyl halides exclusively generated six‐membered‐ring compounds 14 a and 15 a . These results could be explained through a 6‐exo cyclization by chemo‐ and regiospecific attack of the secondary hydroxy group to the internal allene carbon. Chemo‐ and regiocontrol issues are mainly influenced by the length of the tether rather than by the nature of the metal catalysts and substituents. This reactivity can be rationalized by means of density functional theory calculations.     

Stereoconvergent Generation of a Contrasteric syn‐Bicyclopropylidene (=syn‐Cyclopropylidenecyclopropane) by Stille‐Like Coupling

Stereoisomerically pure endo‐ and exo‐7‐halo‐7‐(trimethylstannyl)benzonorcar‐3‐enes (=endo‐ and exo‐(1‐halo‐1a,2,7,7a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐cyclopropa[b]naphthalen‐1‐yl)trimethylstannane) 4 and 6 were selectively obtained by lithium? tin or magnesium? tin transmetalation in good yields (Scheme 2 and 3). The reaction of these compounds with copper(I) thiophene‐2‐carboxylate (CuTC) produced in both cases the corresponding C_S‐symmetric bicyclopropylidene (=cyclopropylidenecyclopropane) syn‐ 1 , a single diastereoisomer (Schemes 5 and 6). The structure of syn‐ 1 was undoubtedly elucidated by X‐ray single crystal diffraction. The coupling mechanism of the carbenoid cyclopropane is discussed (Scheme 7).     

A Concise and Highly Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)‐anti‐ and (−)‐syn‐Mefloquine Hydrochloride: Definitive Absolute Stereochemical Assignment of the Mefloquines

A concise asymmetric (>99:1 e.r.) total synthesis of (+)‐anti‐ and (?)‐syn‐mefloquine hydrochloride from a common intermediate is described. The key asymmetric transformation is a Sharpless dihydroxylation of an olefin that is accessed in three steps from commercially available materials. The Sharpless‐derived diol is converted into either a trans or cis epoxide, and these are subsequently converted into (+)‐anti‐ and (?)‐syn‐mefloquine, respectively. The synthetic (+)‐anti‐ and (?)‐syn‐mefloquine samples were derivatized with (S)‐(+)‐mandelic acid tert‐butyldimethylsilyl ether, and a crystal structure of each derivative was obtained. These are the first X‐ray structures for mefloquine derivatives that were obtained by coupling to a known chiral, nonracemic compound, and provide definitive confirmation of the absolute stereochemistry of (+)‐anti‐ as well as (?)‐syn‐mefloquine.     

Binuclear trans‐Bis(β‐iminoaryloxy)palladium(II) Complexes Doubly Linked with Pentamethylene Spacers: Structure‐Dependent Flapping Motion and Heterochiral Association Behavior of the Clothespin‐Shaped Molecules

The synthesis, structure, and solution‐state behavior of clothespin‐shaped binuclear trans‐bis(β‐iminoaryloxy)palladium(II) complexes doubly linked with pentamethylene spacers are described. Achiral syn and racemic anti isomers of complexes 1 – 3 were prepared by treating Pd(OAc)₂ with the corresponding N,N′‐bis(β‐hydroxyarylmethylene)‐1,5‐pentanediamine and then subjecting the mixture to chromatographic separation. Optically pure (100 % ee) complexes, (+)‐anti‐ 1 , (+)‐anti‐ 2 , and (+)‐anti‐ 3 , were obtained from the racemic mixture by employing a preparative HPLC system with a chiral column. The trans coordination and clothespin‐shaped structures with syn and anti conformations of these complexes have been unequivocally established by X‐ray diffraction studies. ¹H NMR analysis showed that (±)‐anti‐ 1 , (±)‐anti‐ 2 , syn‐ 2 , and (±)‐anti‐ 3 display a flapping motion by consecutive stacking association/dissociation between cofacial coordination planes in [D₈]toluene, whereas syn‐ 1 and syn‐ 3 are static under the same conditions. The activation parameters for the flapping motion (ΔH^≠ and ΔS^≠) were determined from variable‐temperature NMR analyses as 50.4 kJ mol^?1 and 60.1 J mol^?1 K^?1 for (±)‐anti‐ 1 , 31.0 kJ mol^?1 and ?22.7 J mol^?1 K^?1 for (±)‐anti‐ 2 , 29.6 kJ mol^?1 and ?57.7 J mol^?1 K^?1 for syn‐ 2 , and 35.0 kJ mol^?1 and 0.5 J mol^?1 K^?1 for (±)‐anti‐ 3 , respectively. The molecular structure and kinetic parameters demonstrate that all of the anti complexes flap with a twisting motion in [D₈]toluene, although (±)‐anti‐ 1 bearing dilated Z‐shaped blades moves more dynamically than I‐shaped (±)‐anti‐ 2 or the smaller (±)‐anti‐ 3 . Highly symmetrical syn‐ 2 displays a much more static flapping motion, that is, in a see‐saw‐like manner. In CDCl₃, (±)‐anti‐ 1 exhibits an extraordinary upfield shift of the ¹H NMR signals with increasing concentration, whereas solutions of (+)‐anti‐ 1 and the other syn/anti analogues 2 and 3 exhibit negligible or slight changes in the chemical shifts under the same conditions, which indicates that anti‐ 1 undergoes a specific heterochiral association in the solution state. Equilibrium constants for the dimerizations of (±)‐ and (+)‐anti‐ 1 in CDCl₃ at 293 K were estimated by curve‐fitting analysis of the ¹H NMR chemical shift dependences on concentration as 26 M ^?1 [K_D(racemic)] and 3.2 M ^?1 [K_D(homo)], respectively. The heterochiral association constant [K_D(hetero)] was estimated as 98 M ^?1, based on the relationship K_D(racemic)=1/2 K_D(homo)+1/4 K_D(hetero). An inward stacking motif of interpenetrative dimer association is postulated as the mechanistic rationale for this rare case of heterochiral association.     

Analogues of α‐Campholenal (= (1R)‐2,2,3‐Trimethylcyclopent‐3‐ene‐1‐acetaldehyde) as Building Blocks for (+)‐β‐Necrodol (= (1S,3S)‐2,2,3‐Trimethyl‐4‐methylenecyclopentanemethanol) and Sandalwood‐like Alcohols

To complete our panorama in structure–activity relationships (SARs) of sandalwood‐like alcohols derived from analogues of α‐campholenal (= (1R)‐2,2,3‐trimethylcyclopent‐3‐ene‐1‐acetaldehyde), we isomerized the epoxy‐isopropyl‐apopinene (?)‐ 2d to the corresponding unreported α‐campholenal analogue (+)‐ 4d (Scheme 1). Derived from the known 3‐demethyl‐α‐campholenal (+)‐ 4a , we prepared the saturated analogue (+)‐ 5a by hydrogenation, while the heterocyclic aldehyde (+)‐ 5b was obtained via a Bayer‐Villiger reaction from the known methyl ketone (+)‐ 6 . Oxidative hydroboration of the known α‐campholenal acetal (?)‐ 8b allowed, after subsequent oxidation of alcohol (+)‐ 9b to ketone (+)‐ 10 , and appropriate alkyl Grignard reaction, access to the 3,4‐disubstituted analogues (+)‐ 4f,g following dehydration and deprotection. (Scheme 2). Epoxidation of either (+)‐ 4b or its methyl ketone (+)‐ 4h , afforded stereoselectively the trans‐epoxy derivatives 11a,b , while the minor cis‐stereoisomer (+)‐ 12a was isolated by chromatography (trans/cis of the epoxy moiety relative to the C₂ or C₃ side chain). Alternatively, the corresponding trans‐epoxy alcohol or acetate 13a,b was obtained either by reduction/esterification from trans‐epoxy aldehyde (+)‐ 11a or by stereoselective epoxidation of the α‐campholenol (+)‐ 15a or of its acetate (?)‐ 15b , respectively. Their cis‐analogues were prepared starting from (+)‐ 12a . Either (+)‐ 4h or (?)‐ 11b , was submitted to a Bayer‐Villiger oxidation to afford acetate (?)‐ 16a . Since isomerizations of (?)‐ 16 lead preferentially to β‐campholene isomers, we followed a known procedure for the isomerization of (?)‐epoxyverbenone (?)‐ 2e to the norcampholenal analogue (+)‐ 19a . Reduction and subsequent protection afforded the silyl ether (?)‐ 19c , which was stereoselectively hydroborated under oxidative condition to afford the secondary alcohol (+)‐ 20c . Further oxidation and epimerization furnished the trans‐ketone (?)‐ 17a , a known intermediate of either (+)‐β‐necrodol (= (+)‐(1S,3S)‐2,2,3‐trimethyl‐4‐methylenecyclopentanemethanol; 17c ) or (+)‐(Z)‐lancifolol (= (1S,3R,4Z)‐2,2,3‐trimethyl‐4‐(4‐methylpent‐3‐enylidene)cyclopentanemethanol). Finally, hydrogenation of (+)‐ 4b gave the saturated cis‐aldehyde (+)‐ 21 , readily reduced to its corresponding alcohol (+)‐ 22a . Similarly, hydrogenation of β‐campholenol (= 2,3,3‐trimethylcyclopent‐1‐ene‐1‐ethanol) gave access via the cis‐alcohol rac‐ 23a , to the cis‐aldehyde rac‐ 24 .     

Conformational Isomerism in Monomeric,Low‐Coordinate Group 12 Complexes Stabilized by a Naphthyl‐Substituted m‐Terphenyl Ligand

The synthesis and characterization of the first series of low‐coordinate bis(terphenyl) complexes of the Group 12 metals, [Zn(2,6‐Naph₂C₆H₃)₂] ( 1 ), [Cd(OEt₂)(2,6‐Naph₂C₆H₃)₂] ( 2 ) and [Hg(OEt₂)(2,6‐Naph₂C₆H₃)₂] ( 3 ) (Naph=1‐C₁₀H₇) are described. The naphthyl substituents of the terphenyl ligands confer considerable steric bulk, and as a result of limited flexibility introduce multiple conformations to these unusual systems. In the solid state, complex 1 features a two‐coordinate Zn centre with the ligands oriented in a syn/anti conformation, whereas the three‐coordinate distorted T‐shaped complexes 2 and 3 feature the ligands in the syn/syn configurations. The results of DFT calculations are in good agreement with the solid‐state configurations for these complexes and support the spectroscopic measurements, which indicate several conformers in solution.     

Design,Synthesis, and Application of Chiral C2‐Symmetric Spiroketal‐Containing Ligands in Transition‐Metal Catalysis

We present an expedient and economical route to a new spiroketal‐based C₂‐symmetric chiral scaffold, termed SPIROL. Based on this spirocyclic scaffold, several chiral ligands were generated. These ligands were successfully employed in an array of stereoselective transformations, including in iridium‐catalyzed hydroarylations (up to 95 % ee), palladium‐catalyzed allylic alkylations (up to 97 % ee), intermolecular palladium‐catalyzed Heck couplings (up to 94 % ee), and rhodium‐catalyzed dehydroalanine hydrogenation (up to 93 % ee).     

Design,Synthesis, and Application of Chiral C2‐Symmetric Spiroketal‐Containing Ligands in Transition‐Metal Catalysis

We present an expedient and economical route to a new spiroketal‐based C₂‐symmetric chiral scaffold, termed SPIROL. Based on this spirocyclic scaffold, several chiral ligands were generated. These ligands were successfully employed in an array of stereoselective transformations, including in iridium‐catalyzed hydroarylations (up to 95 % ee), palladium‐catalyzed allylic alkylations (up to 97 % ee), intermolecular palladium‐catalyzed Heck couplings (up to 94 % ee), and rhodium‐catalyzed dehydroalanine hydrogenation (up to 93 % ee).     

Copper‐Complex‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Aerobic Oxidative Cross‐Coupling of 2‐Naphthols: Enantioselective Synthesis of 3,3′‐Substituted C1‐Symmetric BINOLs

A novel chiral 1,5‐N,N‐bidentate ligand based on a spirocyclic pyrrolidine oxazoline backbone was designed and prepared, and it coordinates CuBr in situ to form an unprecedented catalyst that enables efficient oxidative cross‐coupling of 2‐naphthols. Air serves as an external oxidant and generates a series of C₁‐symmetric chiral BINOL derivatives with high enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee) and good yield (up to 87 %). This approach is tolerant of a broader substrates scope, particularly substrates bearing various 3‐ and 3′‐substituents. A preliminary investigation using one of the obtained C₁‐symmetric BINOL products was used as an organocatalyst, exhibiting better enantioselectivity than the previously reported organocatalyst, for the asymmetric α‐alkylation of amino esters.     

Synthesis of the Cyclopentyl Nucleoside (−)‐Neplanocin A from D‐Glucose via Zirconocene‐Mediated Ring Contraction

Two approaches for the conversion of d‐ glucose to (?) ‐neplanocin A ( 2 ), both based on the zirconocene‐promoted ring contraction of a vinyl‐substituted pyranoside, are herein evaluated (Scheme 1). In the first pathway (Scheme 2), the substrate possesses the α‐d‐ allo configuration (see 6 ) such that ultimate introduction of the nucleobase would require only an inversion of configuration. However, this precursor proved unresponsive to Cp₂Zr (=[ZrCl₂(Cp)₂]), an end result believed to be a consequence of substantive nonbonded steric effects operating in a key intermediate (Scheme 5). In contrast, the C(2) epimer (see 7 ) experienced the desired metal‐promoted conversion to an enantiomerically pure polyfunctional cyclopentane (see 5 in Scheme 3). The substituents in this product are arrayed in a manner such that conversion to the target nucleoside can be conveniently achieved by a double‐inversion sequence (Scheme 4). Recourse to palladium(0)‐catalyzed allylic alkylation did not provide an alternate means of generating 2 .     

Cross‐Aldol Reaction of Isatin with Acetone Catalyzed by Leucinol: A Mechanistic Investigation

Comprehensive mechanistic studies on the enantioselective aldol reaction between isatin ( 1 a ) and acetone, catalyzed by L ‐leucinol ( 3 a ), unraveled that isatin, apart from being a substrate, also plays an active catalytic role. Conversion of the intermediate oxazolidine 4 into the reactive syn‐enamine 6 , catalyzed by isatin, was identified as the rate‐determining step by both the calculations (ΔG^≠=26.1 kcal mol^?1 for the analogous L ‐alaninol, 3 b ) and the kinetic isotope effect (k_H/k_D=2.7 observed for the reaction using [D₆]acetone). The subsequent reaction of the syn‐enamine 6 with isatin produces (S)‐ 2 a (calculated ΔG^≠=11.6 kcal mol^?1). The calculations suggest that the overall stereochemistry is controlled by two key events: 1) the isatin‐catalyzed formation of the syn‐enamine 6 , which is thermodynamically favored over its anti‐rotamer 7 by 2.3 kcal mol^?1; and 2) the high preference of the syn‐enamine 6 to produce (S)‐ 2 a on reaction with isatin ( 1 a ) rather than its enantiomer (ΔΔG^≠=2.6 kcal mol^?1).     

Enzymatic Resolution of O‐(Methoxymethyl)‐Protected Tropane‐diols

A convenient synthetic route to enantiomerically pure tropane‐diol building blocks is described. The reaction sequence started from tropenone derivatives 1 , which were dihydroxylated to give 6,7‐dihydroxytropanone derivatives 2 . After introduction of the methoxymethyl (MOM) protecting group in diol 2a , a lipase‐mediated resolution of the resulting racemic mono‐MOM ether (±)‐ 5d with vinyl acetate and vinyl trifluoroacetate gave the acetates (?)‐ 6d and (?)‐ 6f , respectively, with 96–99% ee, and MOM ether (+)‐ 5d with up to 89% ee. Deacetylation of (?)‐ 6d afforded quantitatively MOM ether (?)‐ 5d with 99% ee, the absolute configuration of which was assigned via the modified Mosher method to be (R) at C(6). Enzymatic treatment of unprotected diol 2a with vinyl trifluoroacetate or alkoxycarbonylation resulted in the formation of C_s‐symmetrical products 9 and 12 rather than the desired desymmetrized derivatives.     

Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Directed syn‐1,2‐Carboboration and ‐Silylation: Alkene Scope,Applications in Dearomatization,and Stereocontrol by a Chiral Auxiliary

We report the development of palladium(0)‐catalyzed syn‐selective 1,2‐carboboration and ‐silylation reactions of alkenes containing cleavable directing groups. With B₂pin₂ or PhMe₂Si‐Bpin as nucleophiles and aryl/alkenyl triflates as electrophiles, a broad range of mono‐, di‐, tri‐ and tetrasubstituted alkenes are compatible in these transformations. We further describe a directed dearomative 1,2‐carboboration of electron‐rich heteroarenes by employing this approach. Through use of a removable chiral directing group, we demonstrate the viability of achieving stereoinduction in Heck‐type alkene 1,2‐difunctionalization. This work introduces new avenues to access highly functionalized boronates and silanes with precise regio‐ and stereocontrol.     

Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Directed syn‐1,2‐Carboboration and ‐Silylation: Alkene Scope,Applications in Dearomatization,and Stereocontrol by a Chiral Auxiliary

We report the development of palladium(0)‐catalyzed syn‐selective 1,2‐carboboration and ‐silylation reactions of alkenes containing cleavable directing groups. With B₂pin₂ or PhMe₂Si‐Bpin as nucleophiles and aryl/alkenyl triflates as electrophiles, a broad range of mono‐, di‐, tri‐ and tetrasubstituted alkenes are compatible in these transformations. We further describe a directed dearomative 1,2‐carboboration of electron‐rich heteroarenes by employing this approach. Through use of a removable chiral directing group, we demonstrate the viability of achieving stereoinduction in Heck‐type alkene 1,2‐difunctionalization. This work introduces new avenues to access highly functionalized boronates and silanes with precise regio‐ and stereocontrol.     

Protecting‐Group‐Free Enantioselective Synthesis of (−)‐Pallavicinin and (+)‐Neopallavicinin

The first enantioselective synthesis of (?)‐pallavicinin and (+)‐neopallavicinin has been achieved in 15 steps. The described synthesis avoids protecting‐group manipulations by synthesis designs predicated on highly chemo‐ and stereoselective transformations. Highlights of the synthesis include a palladium‐catalyzed enantioselective decarboxylative allylation to form the chiral all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter, a palladium‐catalyzed oxidative cyclization to assemble the [3.2.1]‐bicyclic moiety, and an unprecedented LiBHEt₃‐induced fragmentation/protonation of an α‐hydroxy epoxide to form the α‐furan ketone with the desired configuration.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Aza‐Wittig‐Type Condensation of Isoxazol‐5(4H)‐ones with Aldehydes

This paper describes the development of a palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative inter‐ and intramolecular condensation reaction of isoxazol‐5(4 H)‐ones with carbonyl compounds in the presence of PPh₃, giving various 2‐azabuta‐1,3‐dienes or pyrroles in moderate to high yields.     

Synthesis of Enantiopure C3‐Symmetric Triangular Molecules

An asymmetric synthesis of C ₃‐symmetric triangular macrocycles is reported. 1‐Methylsulfonyl‐4‐(4‐vinylphenyl)‐1,2,3‐triazole undergoes a rhodium(II)‐catalyzed cyclotrimerization to establish an enantiopure C ₃‐symmetric triangular macrocycle motif. This method can be applied to the synthesis of an enantiopure hydrocarbon, which owes its chirality to asymmetric distribution of H/D atoms on the benzene rings.