New Pyrazolyl‐Nicotinic Acids,Methyl Esters,and 1,3,4‐Oxadiazolyl‐pyrazolyl‐pyridine Tricyclic Scaffold Derivatives from 6‐Hydrazinylnicotinic Acid Hydrazide Hydrate

This paper describes an efficient approach for the synthesis of a new series of 6‐[3‐alkyl(aryl/heteroaryl)‐5‐trifluoromethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl]nicotinic acids (where alkyl = CH₃; aryl = Ph, 4‐OCH₃Ph, 4,4′‐BiPh; and heteroaryl = 2‐Furyl) from the hydrolysis reaction of alkyl(aryl/heteroaryl)substituted 2‐(5‐trifluoromethyl‐5‐hydroxy‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐5‐(5‐trifluoromethyl‐5‐hydroxy‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐1‐carbonylpyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridines, under basic conditions and at 70–95% yields. In a subsequent step, the esterification reaction of pyrazolyl‐nicotinic acids done in thionyl chloride and methanol led to the isolation of a series of methyl 6‐[alkyl(aryl/heteroaryl)‐5‐trifluoromethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl] nicotinates as stable hydrochloride salts at 64–84% yields, which could be easily converted to hydrazides to give new oxadiazolyl‐pyrazolyl‐pyridine tricyclic scaffolds at good yields from a [4 + 1] cyclocondensation reaction with 1,1,1‐triethoxyethane and 1‐(triethoxymethyl)benzene as the reagent/solvent.     

Rhodium(I)‐Catalyzed Benzannulation of Heteroaryl Propargylic Esters: Synthesis of Indoles and Related Heterocycles

A de novo synthesis of a benzene ring allows for the preparation of a diverse range of heterocycles including indoles, benzofurans, benzothiophenes, carbazoles, and dibenzofurans from simple heteroaryl propargylic esters using a unified carbonylative benzannulation strategy. Multiple substituents can be easily introduced to the C4–C7 positions of indoles and related heterocycles.     

Enantioselective Multicomponent Synthesis of Fused 6–5 Bicyclic 2‐Butenolides by a Cascade Heterobicyclisation Process

The successive coupling of an alkoxy(aryl/heteroaryl)carbene complex of chromium with either a ketone or an imide lithium enolate and then a 3‐substituted (H, TMS, PhCH₂, PhCH₂CH₂, Me) propargylic organomagnesium reagent has afforded novel hydroxy‐substituted bicyclic [4.3.0]‐γ‐alkylidene‐2‐butenolides with three modular points that has allowed the efficient introduction of molecular complexity, including a homopropargylic alcohol core. The selective formation of these five‐ or six‐component heterobicyclisation products is the result of the regioselective integration of the Grignard reagent as a propargyl fragment followed by a cascade CO/alkyne/CO insertion, ketene trapping and elimination sequence. By using lithium enolates of chiral N‐acetyl‐2‐oxazolidinones and the corresponding propargylic organocerium reagents, both enantiomers of these bicyclic heterocycles were efficiently prepared with very high enantiomeric purity. Architecturally, these fused bicyclic butenolides are characterised by a highly unsaturated and oxygenated core and they exhibit strong blue fluorescence in solution.     

A Highly Efficient Catalyst for the Suzuki Cross‐coupling Reaction of 3‐Chloro‐5‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl Pyridine

A facile access to diversely substituted 3‐aryl/heteroaryl‐5‐oxadiazol‐2‐yl‐pyridines using PdCl₂(dtbpf) as palladium precursor has been developed. The method is compatible with a wide range of aryl/heteroaryl boronic acids.     

Efficient solvent-free selective monoalkylation of arylacetonitriles with mono-, bis-, and tris-primary alcohols catalyzed by a Cp*Ir complex

Our objectives were to develop catalytic atom-economic processes accessing and/or incorporating versatile functionality using aryl/heteroaryl acetonitriles as substrates. We report essentially solvent-free [Cp*IrCl2]2 catalyzed redox neutral processes whereby substituted acetonitriles react with primary alcohols to deliver monosubstituted aryl/heteroaryl acetonitriles in excellent yield. We further demonstrate that such processes can be achieved by conventional or microwave heating and that bis- and tris-primary alcohols are also processed efficiently.     

Carbazoles from the [4C+2C] Reaction of 2,3‐Allenols with Indoles

A mild and efficient method using readily available 1‐aryl‐2,3‐allenols and unprotected‐N indoles, Au⁺‐catalyzed cyclization, and aromatization to afford the final [4C+2C] products, carbazoles 4, with an excellent selectivity, is reported. The reaction demonstrates excellent regioselectivity and allows the N?H unit to undergo reactivity unprotected. A mechanism involving a spiropolycyclic intermediate has been proposed and synthetic application is also demonstrated.     

Copper/Guanidine‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Alkynylation of Isatins

The highly enantioselective alkynylation of isatins, catalyzed by a bifunctional guanidine/CuI catalyst under mild reaction conditions, is described. The reaction is broad in scope with respect to alkyl/aryl‐substituted terminal alkynes and substituted isatins, thus affording bioactive propargylic alcohols in excellent yields and enantioselectivities.     

Atom‐Efficient Gold(I)‐Chloride‐Catalyzed Synthesis of α‐Sulfenylated Carbonyl Compounds from Propargylic Alcohols and Aryl Thiols: Substrate Scope and Experimental and Theoretical Mechanistic Investigation

Gold(I)‐chloride‐catalyzed synthesis of α‐sulfenylated carbonyl compounds from propargylic alcohols and aryl thiols showed a wide substrate scope with respect to both propargylic alcohols and aryl thiols. Primary and secondary aromatic propargylic alcohols generated α‐sulfenylated aldehydes and ketones in 60–97 % yield. Secondary aliphatic propargylic alcohols generated α‐sulfenylated ketones in yields of 47–71 %. Different gold sources and ligand effects were studied, and it was shown that gold(I) chloride gave the highest product yields. Experimental and theoretical studies demonstrated that the reaction proceeds in two separate steps. A sulfenylated allylic alcohol, generated by initial regioselective attack of the aryl thiol on the triple bond of the propargylic alcohol, was isolated, evaluated, and found to be an intermediate in the reaction. Deuterium labeling experiments showed that the protons from the propargylic alcohol and aryl thiol were transferred to the 3‐position, and that the hydride from the alcohol was transferred to the 2‐position of the product. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that the observed regioselectivity of the aryl thiol attack towards the 2‐position of propargylic alcohol was determined by a low‐energy, five‐membered cyclic protodeauration transition state instead of the strained, four‐membered cyclic transition state found for attack at the 3‐position. Experimental data and DFT calculations supported that the second step of the reaction is initiated by protonation of the double bond of the sulfenylated allylic alcohol with a proton donor coordinated to gold(I) chloride. This in turn allows for a 1,2‐hydride shift, generating the final product of the reaction.     

Kinetic Resolution of Tertiary Propargylic Alcohols by Enantioselective Cu−H‐Catalyzed Si−O Coupling

A broad range of tertiary propargylic alcohols were kinetically resolved by catalyst‐controlled enantioselective silylation. This non‐enzymatic kinetic resolution is catalyzed by a Cu?H species and makes use of the commercially available precatalyst MesCu/(R,R)‐Ph‐BPE and a simple hydrosilane as the resolving reagent. Both alkyl,aryl‐ as well as dialkyl‐substituted propargylic alcohols participate, and especially high selectivity factors are achieved when the alkyne terminus carries a TIPS group, which also enables facile post‐functionalization in this position (s up to 207).     

An efficient and regiospecific preparation of trifluoromethyl substituted 4‐( 1H‐pyrazol‐1 ‐yl)‐7‐chloroquinolines

A new series of 4‐[3‐alkyl(aryl)(heteroaryl)‐5‐hydroxy‐5‐trifluoromethyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl]‐7‐chloroquinolines, where [alkyl = CH₃; aryl = C₆H₅, 4‐CH₃C₆H₄, 4‐FC₆H₄, 4‐ClC₆H₄, 4‐BrC₆H₄, 4‐CH₃OCgH₄, 4‐NO₂CgH₄, 4‐biphenyl, 1‐naphthyl; heteroaryl = 2‐furyl and 2‐thienyl] has been regiospecifi‐caly obtained from the reaction of 7‐chloro‐4‐hydrazinoquinoline with 4‐substituted‐l,1,1‐trifluoro‐4‐methoxybut‐3‐en‐2‐ones in 61 ‐ 96 % yield. Subsequently, dehydration reaction of 4,5‐dihydropyra‐zolylquinolines under acid conditions furnished a new series of 4‐(3‐substituted‐5‐trifluoromethyl‐1H‐pyra‐zol‐1‐yl)‐7‐chloroquinolines in 73 ‐ 96 % yield.     

Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Cascade Annulation of Indole with Propargyl Alcohols

Cascade transformations forming multiple bonds and one‐pot procedures provide rapid access to natural‐product‐like scaffolds from simple precursors. These atom‐economic processes are valuable tools in organic synthesis and drug discovery. Herein, we report on ruthenium‐catalyzed cascade annulations of indole with readily available propargyl alcohols. These provide rapid access to diverse carbazoles, cyclohepta[b]indoles, and further fused polycycles with high selectivity. A bifunctional ruthenium complex featuring a redox‐coupled cyclopentadienone ligand acts as a common catalyst for the different cascade processes.     

Synthesis of naphthalenes and 2-naphthols by the electrophilic cyclization of alkynes

[reactions: see text] A wide variety of substituted naphthalenes are readily prepared regioselectively under mild reaction conditions by the 6-endo-dig electrophilic cyclization of appropriate arene-containing propargylic alcohols by ICl, I2, Br2, NBS, and PhSeBr. 3-Iodo-2-naphthols have also been prepared in excellent yields by the cyclization of analogous 1-aryl-3-alkyn-2-ones. This methodology readily accommodates various functional groups and has been successfully extended to the synthesis of substituted carbazoles and dibenzothiophenes.     

Silver‐Catalyzed Chemoselective [4+2] Annulation of Two Isocyanides: A General Route to Pyridone‐Fused Carbo‐ and Heterocycles

A silver‐catalyzed chemoselective [4+2] annulation of aryl and heteroaryl isocyanides with α‐substituted isocyanoacetamides was developed for the facile and efficient synthesis of 2‐aminoquinolones, naphthyridines, and phenanthrolines. A mechanism for this multistep domino reaction is proposed on the basis of a ¹³C‐labeling experiment, according to which an unprecedented chemoselective heterodimerization of two different isocyanides generates an α‐amidoketenimine intermediate, which undergoes 1,3‐amino migration to form an α‐imidoylketene, followed by 6 π electrocyclization.     

Cobalt‐Catalyzed Intermolecular C(sp2)O Cross‐Coupling

Cobalt(II)‐catalyzed C(sp²)?O cross‐coupling between aryl/heteroaryl alcohols and vinyl/aryl halides in the presence of Cu^I has been achieved under ligand‐free conditions. In this reaction, copper plays a significant role in transmetalation rather than being directly involved in the C?O coupling. This unique Co/Cu‐dual catalyst system provides an easy access to a library of aryl–vinyl, heteroaryl–styryl, aryl–aryl, and heteroaryl–heteroaryl ethers in the absence of any ligand or additive.     

Efficient Synthesis of Substituted 3‐Azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan‐2‐ones from 2‐Iodocyclopropanecarboxamides Using a Copper‐Free Sonogashira Coupling

The copper‐free Sonogashira coupling between N‐substituted cis‐ 2‐iodocyclopropanecarboxamides and terminal aryl‐, heteroaryl‐alkynes or enynes, followed by 5‐exo‐dig cyclization of the nitrogen amide onto the carbon–carbon triple bond, provides a remarkably efficient access to a variety of substituted 4‐methylene‐3‐azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan‐2‐ones in excellent yields. Protonation of these latter enamides generates bicyclic N‐acyliminium ions that can be involved in Pictet–Spengler cyclizations leading to new 3‐azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan‐2‐ones, possessing a quaternary stereocenter at C4, with high diastereoselectivities. This strategy constitutes an attractive complementary alternative to the classical route that relies on the addition of organometallic reagents to cyclopropyl imides.     

Direct Cross‐Couplings of Propargylic Diols

[Pd(PPh₃)₄] catalyzes a Suzuki–Miyaura‐like twofold cross‐coupling sequence between underivatized propargylic diols and either aryl or alkenyl boronic acids to furnish highly substituted 1,3‐dienes. Thus, 2,3‐diaryl‐1,3‐butadienes and their dialkenic congeners ([4]dendralenes) are delivered in a (pseudo)halogen‐free, single‐step synthesis which supersedes existing methods. Allenols are also readily formed. Treatment of these single‐ and twofold cross‐coupled products with acid leads to remarkably short syntheses of highly‐substituted benzofulvenes and aryl indenes, respectively.     

Reactions of methyl 2‐(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino‐3‐dimethylaminopropenoate and related compounds with hydrazines. Regiospecific synthesis of 1‐substituted‐4‐amino‐substituted‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐(2H)‐ones

In this paper the regiospecific transformations of methyl 2‐(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino‐3‐dimethylaminopropenoate ( 1 ) with hydrazine, alkyl‐, aryl‐ and heteroaryl‐substituted hydrazines via the corresponding hydrazones 12‐16 into pyrazoles 17‐25 are described. Heteroaryl‐substitued hydrazones 13‐16 afforded by oxidation with bromine or lead tetraacetate the corresponding substituted (1,2,4‐triazolo[4,3‐b]pyridazin‐3‐yl)glycinates 27‐30 . Alkyl 2‐(2,2‐disubstituted‐1‐ethenyl)amino‐3‐dimethylaminopropenoates 31‐33 gave with hydrazines alkyl 2‐[2,2‐(disubstituted)ethenyl]amino‐3‐heteroarylhydrazonopropanoates 40‐48 and 2‐alkyl 2,3‐bis((hetero)arylhydrazono)propanoates 51‐55 .     

Studies on [PtCl2]‐ or [AuCl]‐Catalyzed Cyclization of 1‐(Indol‐2‐yl)‐2,3‐Allenols: The Effects of Water/Steric Hindrance and 1,2‐Migration Selectivity

The [PtCl₂]‐ or [AuCl]‐catalyzed reaction of 1‐(indol‐2‐yl)‐2,3‐allenols occurred smoothly at room temperature to afford a series of poly‐substituted carbazoles efficiently. Compared with the [PtCl₂]‐catalyzed process, the [AuCl]‐catalyzed reaction represents a significant advance in terms of the scope and the selectivity. Selective 1,2‐alkyl or aryl migration of the gold carbene intermediate was observed: compared with the methyl group, the isopropyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, and cyclohexyl groups migrate exclusively; the cyclopropyl group shifts selectively over the ethyl group; the 1,2‐migration of a non‐methyl linear alkyl is faster than methyl group; the phenyl group migrates exclusively over methyl or ethyl group. DFT calculations show that water makes the elimination of H₂O facile requiring a much lower energy and validates the migratory preferences of different alkyl or phenyl groups observed.     

Formal [4+2] Reaction between 1,3‐Diynes and Pyrroles: Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Indole Synthesis by Double Hydroarylation

Indole synthesis by a gold(I)‐catalyzed intermolecular formal [4+2] reaction between 1,3‐diynes and pyrroles has been developed. This reaction involves the hydroarylation of 1,3‐diynes with pyrroles followed by an intramolecular hydroarylation to give the 4,7‐disubstituted indoles. This reaction can also be applied to the synthesis of carbazoles when indoles are used as the nucleophiles instead of pyrroles.     

Synthesis of β‐Arylacyl/β‐Heteroarylacyl‐β‐alkylidene Malonates and Their Application in Substituted Pyridone Synthesis

A novel approach has been developed for the synthesis of β‐arylacyl/β‐heteroarylacyl‐β‐alkylidine malonates in moderate to good yields by the reaction of Stork aryl and heteroaryl enamine with β‐chloroalkylidene malonates. The reaction involves conjugate (Michael) addition of Stork enamine on β‐chloroalkylidene malonates and elimination of chloride ion. These Michael adducts were utilized as intermediates for the synthesis of highly substituted 1,4‐dialkyl‐2‐oxo‐6‐aryl/hetreoaryl‐1,2‐dihydro‐pyridine‐3‐carboxylic acid ethyl esters via 5 + 1 ring annulation protocol.