Radical‐Based C−C Bond‐Forming Processes Enabled by the Photoexcitation of 4‐Alkyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines

We report herein that 4‐alkyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines (alkyl‐DHPs) can directly reach an electronically excited state upon light absorption and trigger the generation of C(sp³)‐centered radicals without the need for an external photocatalyst. Selective excitation with a violet‐light‐emitting diode turns alkyl‐DHPs into strong reducing agents that can activate reagents through single‐electron transfer manifolds while undergoing homolytic cleavage to generate radicals. We used this photochemical dual‐reactivity profile to trigger radical‐based carbon–carbon bond‐forming processes, including nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions.     

Substituent Effect on the Photolability of 4‐Aryl‐1,4‐Dihydropyridines

The electronic nature of substituents attached to the 4‐aryl moiety of 1,4‐dihydropyridines strongly affects the photophysical and photochemical behavior of these family of compounds. The presence of an electron donor substituent on the 4‐aryl moiety (or the absence of electron‐withdrawing ones) modifies the luminescence lifetimes (τ < 100 ps) and diminishes the photodecomposition quantum yields. For electron‐withdrawing substituents, the photodegradation quantum yield is affected by the media, changing more than two orders of magnitude as the polarity is increased. Studies in micellar media allow us to conclude that 4‐aryl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines are located near to the interface; however, the surface charge of micelles has no effect on the photodegradation rate constant or the photoproducts profile. The main conclusion of this work is that the photolability of 4‐aryl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines can be significantly reduced by the incorporation of antioxidant moieties.     

Spectroelectrochemical Study on the Electrooxidation in Aqueous Medium of some 1,4‐Dihydropyridines: Effects of Substitution in 1‐Position and 4‐Position

Spectroelectrochemical and HPLC characterization of the electrochemical oxidation in aqueous medium of a series of six N‐1 and C‐4 substituted 1,4‐dihydropyridines is presented. Based on the analysis of spectra obtained by in situ spectroscopic measurements it was possible to detect the generation of final oxidation products, which resulted in differences depending of the nature of the substitution on the nitrogen in the dihydropyridine ring. Controlled potential electrolysis (CPE) in aqueous medium was followed by the HPLC technique using EC and PDA detectors. This latter resulted adequately to follow the parent 1,4‐DHP derivatives and their respective oxidation products. Electrochemical oxidation of parent N‐H substituted 1,4‐dihydropyridines generated the corresponding neutral pyridine derivative as final oxidation product. However, the N‐ethyl substituted 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives gave rise to the pyridinium salt derivatives.     

Synthesis of Functionalized 1‐Benzamido‐1,4‐dihydropyridines via a One‐Pot Two‐Step Four‐Component Reaction

The one‐pot four‐component reaction of benzohydrazide, acetylenedicarboxylate, aromatic aldehydes and malononitrile in ethanol with triethylamine as base catalyst afforded functionalized 1‐benzamido‐1,4‐dihydropyridines in satisfactory yields. Under similar conditions, picolinohydrazide or nicotinohydrazide can also be successfully utilized in the reactions to give corresponding functionalized 1,4‐dihydropyridines. ¹H NMR data indicated that an equilibrium of cis/trans‐conformations exist in 1‐benzamido‐1,4‐dihydropyridines.     

A Redox‐Active Nickel Complex that Acts as an Electron Mediator in Photochemical Giese Reactions

We report a simple protocol for the photochemical Giese addition of C(sp³)‐centered radicals to a variety of electron‐poor olefins. The chemistry does not require external photoredox catalysts. Instead, it harnesses the excited‐state reactivity of 4‐alkyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines (4‐alkyl‐DHPs) to generate alkyl radicals. Crucial for reactivity is the use of a catalytic amount of Ni(bpy)₃²⁺ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridyl), which acts as an electron mediator to facilitate the redox processes involving fleeting and highly reactive intermediates.     

A Photoredox‐Induced Stereoselective Dearomative Radical (4+2)‐Cyclization/1,4‐Addition Cascade for the Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Hexahydro‐1H‐carbazoles

A stereoselective synthesis of functionalized hexahydrocarbazoles was developed based on an unprecedented photoredox‐induced dearomative radical (4+2)‐cyclization/1,4‐addition cascade between 3‐(2‐iodoethyl)indoles and acceptor‐substituted alkenes. The title reaction simultaneously generates three C−C bonds and one C−H bond, along with three contiguous stereogenic centers. The hexahydro‐1H ‐carbazole products are highly valuable intermediates for the synthesis of novel antibiotics, as well as unnatural ring homologues of polycyclic indoline alkaloids.     

2,6‐Diaryl‐4,4‐disubstituted 1,4‐dihydropyridines: Source for spiro heterocycles

Novel spiro heterocycles ( 5–12 ) were obtained by the cyclocondensation of 2,6‐diaryl‐4,4‐dimethoxycarbonyl‐/4‐cyano‐4‐ethoxycarbonyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines( 3/4 ) with hydrazine hydrate, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, urea, and thiourea. All the compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectral data.© 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 14:513–517, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.10183     

Scavenging activity of C4‐hydroxyphenyl‐ and polyhydroxyphenyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines toward free radicals

The radical‐scavenging ability of synthesized C4‐phenolic‐substituted 1,4‐dihydropyridines (1,4‐DHPs) toward 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^?) and alkyl/alkylperoxyl ABAP‐derived radicals at pH 7.4 was assessed by UV–visible spectroscopy. Reactivity of 1,4‐DHPs toward DPPH^? was measured by following the decay of the absorption corresponding to the radical λ_max at 525 nm, permitting the calculation of EC₅₀, t_EC50, and antiradical efficiency values. Pseudo–first‐order kinetic rate constants for the reactivity between the C4‐phenolic‐substituted 1,4‐DHP compounds and alkyl/alkylperoxyl ABAP‐derived radicals were followed by the decrease in λ_max at 356 nm corresponding to 1,4‐DHP moiety. C4‐phenolic‐substituted 1,4‐DHPs were more reactive toward alkyl free radicals than the other tested radicals. The 3,4,5‐trihydroxyphenyl‐1,4‐DHP was the most reactive derivative toward this radical with a kinetic rate constant value of 513.2 s^?1. Also, this derivative was the most effective toward the DPPH^? radical with the lowest EC₅₀ value (5.08 µM). Comparative studies revealed that synthesized 1,4‐DHPs were more reactive than commercial 1,4‐DHPs. The scavenging mechanism involves the contribution of both pharmacophores, that is, hydroxyphenyl and 1,4‐DHP rings, which was supported by the identification of the reaction products. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 810–820, 2012     

Enaminones in Heterocyclic Syntheses: Part 4. A New One‐Step Synthetic Route to Pyrrolo[3,4‐b]pyridine and Convenient Syntheses of 1,4‐Dihydropyridines and 1,1′‐(1,4‐Phenylene)bis(1,4‐dihydropyridine)

Reactions of cyano olefins with (i) enamino imides afforded novel pyrrolo[3,4‐b]pyridines; (ii) enamino esters afforded new 1,4‐dihydropyridines; and (iii) bisenamino ester afforded new 1,1′‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis(1,4‐dihydropyridine). The new derivatives are planned as suggested drug candidates.     

Experimental and theoretical structural study of 2‐pyridyl‐ and 4‐hydroxyphenyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives

A series of substituted 1,4‐dihydropyridines (1,4‐DHPs) has been synthesised following the well‐known Hantzsch's procedure for symmetrical 1,4‐DHP. The structures of these compounds have been thoroughly studied by X‐ray crystallographic analysis and semiempirical (AMI) calculations. A good agreement is found between the theoretical and experimental results. In all cases, the most stable conformation fulfils all the requirements needed for exhibiting an antagonist calcium effect.     

Microwave‐assisted synthesis of phenylenedi(4′,4“‐tetrahydroquinoline) and di(4′,4”‐tetrahydropyridine) derivatives

The synthesis of bifunctional pyridine and quinolione derivatives were investigated using terephthalic and isophthalic aldehydes as a precursor. The reaction proceeds under microwave irradiation with good yield (70–92%) and short reaction time (7–9 min.). We provide a rapid and efficient method of synthesizing a range of bifunctional monocyclic and bicyclic products related to 1,4‐dihydropyridines (1,4‐DHPs).     

Efficient Synthesis of 3,5‐Dicarbamoyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines from Pyridinium Salts: Key Molecules in Understanding NAD(P)+/NAD(P)H Pathways

3,5‐Dicarbamoyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines were prepared in high yields using a green protocol by reduction of the corresponding pyridinium salts in aqueous buffered sodium dithionite solutions. The pH value is a fundamental parameter for the reduction step and depends on the nature of substituent groups at positions 1, 3, and 5 of the pyridinium salts. These 3,5‐dicarbamoyl dihydropyridines show a lower tendency towards oxidation and a higher stability than N‐benzyl‐3‐carbamoyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridine at low pH values.     

Multicomponent Reactions for Diverse Synthesis of N‐Substituted and NH 1,4‐Dihydropyridines

The multicomponent reactions of aldehydes, electron deficient alkynes and amines have been successfully performed to yield a number of symmetrical 2,6‐unsubstituted 1,4‐dihydropyridines (1,4‐DHPs). This method has been found generally applicable for the synthesis of both N‐substituted and N‐unsubstituted 1,4‐DHPs by employing secondary amine to activate the alkyne component via enaminoester intermediates. The present method runs through an enamine type activation, which is different from the known approach employing AcOH as solvent.     

Photoredox Catalytic α‐Alkoxypentafluorosulfanylation of α‐Methyl‐ and α‐Phenylstyrene Using SF6

SF₆ was applied as pentafluorosulfanylation reagent to prepare ethers with a vicinal SF₅ substituent through a one‐step method involving photoredox catalysis. This method shows a broad substrate scope with respect to applicable alcohols for the conversion of α‐methyl and α‐phenyl styrenes. The products bear a new structural motif with two functional groups installed in one step. The alkoxy group allows elimination and azidation as further transformations into valuable pentafluorosulfanylated compounds. These results confirm that non‐toxic SF₆ is a useful SF₅ transfer reagent if properly activated by photoredox catalysis, and toxic reagents are completely avoided. In combination with light as an energy source, a high level of sustainability is achieved. Through this method, the proposed potential of the SF₅ substituent in medicinal chemistry, agrochemistry, and materials chemistry may be exploited in the future.     

Synthesis of New 1,3,4‐Oxadiazol,Thiadiazole, 1,2,4‐Triazole,and Arylidene Hydrazide Derivatives of 4‐Oxo‐1,4‐dihydroquinoline with Antimicrobial Evaluation

A series of substituted 1,3,4‐oxadiazole, 1,2,4‐triazole, and 1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives of the substituted 3‐carboethoxy‐1,4‐dihydro‐4‐oxoquinoline have been synthesized through the reaction of the key intermediate thiosemicarbazide derivatives with different reagents. N′‐Arylidene‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydroquinoline‐3‐carbohydrazides were also synthesized through the condensation reaction of the corresponding hydrazides with the appropriate aldehydes. Antimicrobial activity of some of the synthesized compounds was evaluated.     

Benzyltrimethylammoniumfluoride Hydrate: An Efficient Catalyst for One‐Pot Synthesis of Hantzsch 1,4‐Dihydropyridines and Their Aromatization

An efficient, cost‐effective and simple protocol has been developed for the synthesis of Hantzsch 1,4‐dihydropyridines and their oxidation into pyridines using benzyltrimethylammonium fluoride hydrate as an excellent catalyst under solvent‐free condition. All of the products synthesized by this method are characterized by various spectroscopic methods (IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and DEPT).     

Single‐Electron Transmetalation: Synthesis of 1,1‐Diaryl‐2,2,2‐trifluoroethanes by Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalytic Cross‐Coupling

Novel methods for the incorporation of fluorinated subunits into organic frameworks are important in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and materials science applications. Herein, the first method for the cross‐coupling of benzylic α‐trifluoromethylated alkylboron reagents with (hetero)aryl bromides is achieved through application of a photoredox/nickel dual catalytic system. The harsh conditions and high temperatures required by conventional Suzuki‐coupling protocols are avoided by exploitation of an odd‐electron pathway that permits room temperature transmetalation of these recalcitrant reagents. This method represents the first direct and general route for the synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,1‐diaryl‐2,2,2‐trifluoroethanes, thereby providing efficient access to a previously unexplored chemical space.     

Me3SiCl and Et3SiI‐promoted one‐pot synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives

An efficient synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives has been achieved by the one‐pot cyclocondensation reaction of methyl 3‐aminocrotonate and a range of aldehydes in the presence of chlorotrimethylsilane as a promoter under solvent‐free conditions. The cyclocondenstion reaction requires a very short time and takes place in good to excellent yields. Furthermore iodotriethylsilane, generated in situ by the reaction of triethylsilane and methyl iodide in the presence of palladium chloride, has been investigated for the synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives. This facile and efficient method affords high yields for the preparation of 1,4‐dihydropyridines at room temperature and short reaction times. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Aromatization of Hantzsch 1,4‐Dihydropyridines in Solventless System Using Glycinium Chlorochromate

Glycinium chlorochromate (GCC) supported onto silica gel was used as an effective oxidizing agent for the aromatization of 1,4‐dihydropyridines to corresponding pyridine.     

Silica‐supported Perchloric Acid Catalyzed One‐pot Synthesis of 1,4‐Dihydropyridines

An environmentally friendly and highly efficient procedure for the preparation of 1,4‐dihydropyridines by the reaction between α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes, aromatic amines and β‐keto esters in the presence of silica supported perchloric acid is described.