Recent Progress on Nazarov Cyclizations: The Use of Iron Salts as Catalysts in Ionic Liquid Solvent Systems

Nazarov cyclization is an important and versatile method for the synthesis of five‐membered carbocycles, and extensive studies have been conducted to optimize the reaction. Among recent studies, several trends are recognized. One is the combination of different reactions with Nazarov cyclization in a one‐pot reaction system which enables the preparation of unique cyclization products. The second is the use of a transition‐metal catalyst, though Lewis or Brønsted acids have generally been used for the reaction. The third is the realization of the asymmetric Nazarov cyclization. The fourth is the base‐catalyzed Nazarov cyclization. Furthermore, several useful protocols for realizing Nazarov cyclization have also been developed. The recent progress on Nazarov cyclizations is summarized in Section 2. Section 3 is our chronicle in this field. We focused on the use of iron as the catalyst in Nazarov cyclizations and ionic liquids as solvents: Nazarov cyclization of thiophene derivatives using FeCl₃ as the catalyst was accomplished and we succeeded in demonstrating the first example of an iron‐catalyzed asymmetric Nazarov reaction. We next established Nazarov cyclization of pyrrole or indole derivatives using Fe(ClO₄)₃·Al₂O₃ as the catalyst with high trans selectivities in excellent yields. Since the cyclized product was reacted with a vinyl ketone in the presence of the same iron salt, the system allowed realization of the sequential type of Nazarov/Michael reaction of pyrrole derivatives. Furthermore, we demonstrated the recyclable use of the iron catalyst and obtained the desired Nazarov/Michael reaction products in good yields for five repetitions of the reactions without any addition of the catalyst using an ionic liquid, [bmim][NTf₂], as the solvent. We expect that the iron‐catalyzed Nazarov cyclization, in particular, in an ionic liquid solvent might become a useful method to synthesize functional molecules that include cycloalkene moieties.     

Lewis acid-catalyzed tandem acylation–Nazarov cyclization for the syntheses of fused cyclopentenones

Treatment of N-tosylpyrroles or N-tosylindoles with α-unsubstituted α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids or unsaturated carboxylic acids having an α electron-withdrawing substituent in the presence of TFAA and a Lewis acid catalyst resulted in the formation of fused cyclopentenones via a tandem acylation–Nazarov cyclization sequence, while either the acylation product obtained or no reaction occurred in the absence of the Lewis acid catalyst.     

Template‐Induced Diverse Metal–Organic Materials as Catalysts for the Tandem Acylation–Nazarov Cyclization

In our continuing quest to develop a metal–organic framework (MOF)‐catalyzed tandem pyrrole acylation–Nazarov cyclization reaction with α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids for the synthesis of cyclopentenone[b]pyrroles, which are key intermediates in the synthesis of natural product (±)‐roseophilin, a series of template‐induced Zn‐based ( 1–3 ) metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been solvothermally synthesized and characterized. Structural conversions from non‐porous MOF 1 to porous MOF 2 , and back to non‐porous MOF 3 arising from the different concentrations of template guest have been observed. The anion–π interactions between the template guests and ligands could affect the configuration of ligands and further tailor the frameworks of 1–3 . Futhermore, MOFs 1–3 have shown to be effective heterogeneous catalysts for the tandem acylation–Nazarov cyclization reaction. In particular, the unique structural features of 2 , including accessible catalytic sites and suitable channel size and shape, endow 2 with all of the desired features for the MOF‐catalyzed tandem acylation–Nazarov cyclization reaction, including heterogeneous catalyst, high catalytic activity, robustness, and excellent selectivity. A plausible mechanism for the catalytic reaction has been proposed and the structure–reactivity relationship has been further clarified. Making use of 2 as a heterogeneous catalyst for the reaction could greatly increase the yield of total synthesis of (±)‐roseophilin.     

Total Synthesis of Farnesin through an Excited‐State Nazarov Reaction

The asymmetric total synthesis of farnesin, a rearranged ent‐kaurenoid, was achieved through a convergent approach involving photo‐Nazarov and intramolecular aldol cyclizations to build the syn‐syn‐syn hydrofluorenol ABC ring system and bicyclo[3.2.1]octane CD ring system in the first application of a UV‐light‐induced excited‐state Nazarov cyclization of a non‐aromatic dicyclic divinyl ketone in a total synthesis. Unlike the conventional acid‐promoted ground‐state Nazarov reaction, the excited‐state Nazarov reaction enables stereospecific formation of the highly strained syn‐syn‐syn‐fused hydrofluorenone scaffold through a disrotatory cyclization.     

Efficient Nazarov Cyclization/Wagner–Meerwein Rearrangement Terminated by a CuII‐Promoted Oxidation: Synthesis of 4‐Alkylidene Cyclopentenones

The discovery and elucidation of a new Nazarov cyclization/Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement/oxidation sequence is described that constitutes an efficient strategy for the synthesis of 4‐alkylidene cyclopentenones. DFT computations and EPR experiments were conducted to gain further mechanistic insight into the reaction pathways.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Trost–Oppolzer‐Type Alder–Ene Reaction of Dienyl Acetates to Cyclopentadienes

A new approach to the synthesis of highly substituted cyclopentadienes, indenes, and cyclopentene‐fused heteroarenes by means of the Pd‐catalyzed Trost–Oppolzer‐type intramolecular Alder–ene reaction of 2,4‐pentadienyl acetates is described. This unprecedented transformation combines the electrophilic features of the Tsuji–Trost reaction with the nucleophilic features of the Alder–ene reaction. The overall outcome can be perceived as a hitherto unknown “acid‐free” iso‐Nazarov‐type cyclization. The versatility of this strategy was further demonstrated by the formal synthesis of paucifloral F, a resveratrol‐based natural product.     

Synthesis of (±)‐Tetrapetalone A‐Me Aglycon

The first synthesis of (±)‐tetrapetalone A‐Me aglycon is described. Key bond‐forming reactions include Nazarov cyclization, a ring‐closing metathesis promoted with complete diastereoselectivity by a chiral molybdenum‐based complex, tandem conjugate reduction/intramolecular aldol cyclization, and oxidative dearomatization.     

One‐Pot Cascade Transformation of Glucal into Structurally Diverse Drug‐Like Scaffolds

A diversity‐oriented synthesis strategy to produce three types of structurally drug‐like N‐heterocyclic‐fused rings has been developed from abundant biomass‐derived d ‐glucal, aniline and water in a stereoselective manner. The overall transformation which entails a cascade of Ferrier reaction and 4π conrotatory imino‐Nazarov cyclization was performed in one‐pot allowing convenient preparation of scaffolds of high molecular complexity from relatively simple starting materials. While indoline‐fused products were readily accessible using ortho‐unsubstituted secondary anilines as substrates, reactions with ortho‐hydroxyl‐anilines furnished fused 1,4‐benzoxazines instead. In both cases, InBr₃ acted as the Lewis acid catalyst. By altering InBr₃ to Ln(OTf)₃, the indoline‐fused products could be further converted into tetrahydroquinoline‐fused cyclopentenones via ensuing retro‐ene rearrangement.     

Multicomponent Double Diels–Alder/Nazarov Tandem Cyclization of Symmetric Cross‐Conjugated Diynones to Generate [6‐5‐6] Tricyclic Products

The construction of complex polycyclic terpenoid products in an efficient and step‐economical manner using multicomponent and tandem processes is highly valuable. Herein, we report a tandem cyclization sequence that initiates with a multicomponent double Diels–Alder reaction of cross‐conjugated diynones, followed by a Nazarov cyclization to efficiently produce [6‐5‐6] tricyclic products with excellent regio‐ and diastereoselectivity. This methodology generates five new carbon–carbon bonds, three rings, quaternary or vicinal quaternary carbons, and stereogenic centers in a one‐pot reaction.     

Formal homo-Nazarov and other cyclization reactions of activated cyclopropanes

The Nazarov cyclization of divinyl ketones gives access to cyclopentenones. Replacing one of the vinyl groups by a cyclopropane leads to a formal homo‐Nazarov process for the synthesis of cyclohexenones. In contrast to the Nazarov reaction, the cyclization of vinyl‐cyclopropyl ketones is a stepwise process, often requiring harsh conditions. Herein, we describe two different approaches for further polarization of the three‐membered ring of vinyl‐cyclopropyl ketones to allow the formal homo‐Nazarov reaction under mild catalytic conditions. In the first approach, the introduction of an ester group α to the carbonyl on the cyclopropane gave a more than tenfold increase in reaction rate, allowing us to extend the scope of the reaction to non‐electron‐rich aryl donor substituents in the β position to the carbonyl on the cyclopropane. In this case, a proof of principle for asymmetric induction could be achieved using chiral Lewis acid catalysts. In the second approach, heteroatoms, especially nitrogen, were introduced β to the carbonyl on the cyclopropane. In this case, the reaction was especially successful when the vinyl group was replaced by an indole heterocycle. With a free indole, the formal homo‐Nazarov cyclization on the C3 position of indole was observed using a copper catalyst. In contrast, a new cyclization reaction on the N1 position was observed with Brønsted acid catalysts. Both reactions were applied to the synthesis of natural alkaloids. Preliminary investigations on the rationalization of the observed regioselectivity are also reported.     

Reagent Control of [1,2]‐Wagner–Meerwein Shift Chemoselectivity Following the Nazarov Cyclization: Application to the Total Synthesis of Enokipodin B

An approach toward the carbon framework of various sesquiterpenes from the herbertane and cuparane families is described, including the concise total synthesis of enokipodin B. The key step is the construction of the vicinal quarternary centers of the skeleton through a tandem Nazarov cyclization/Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement mediated by a copper(II) complex. During this study, it was also found that changing the ligand architecture on the copper(II) promoter improved the chemoselectivity of the cationic rearrangement.     

A concise total synthesis of bruceolline E

An efficient synthesis of bruceolline E was completed in three steps from the known ethyl indole-1-carboxylate (9d) in 60% overall yield, via a tandem acylation/Nazarov cyclization with 3,3-dimethyl acrylic acid followed by selenium dioxide oxidation to install the α-diketone functionality.     

Synthesis of (+)-madindoline A and (+)-madindoline B

The allene ether version of the Nazarov cyclization was used to construct the cyclopentane dione portion of madindolines A and B. The racemic cyclopentane dione from the Nazarov cyclization was converted to an enol ether that was combined with the chiral, nonracemic hydroxyfuroindoline in a Mannich reaction. Deprotection and oxidation led to (+)-madindoline A and (+)-madindoline B. [reaction: see text].     

Enantioselective Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Nazarov‐Type Cyclization

A Pd⁰‐catalyzed asymmetric Nazarov‐type cyclization is described. The optimized ligand for the reaction incorporates a weakly coordinating pyridine ring into a TADDOL‐derived phosphoramidite (TADDOL=α,α,α,α‐tetraaryl‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4,5‐dimethanol). The reaction leads to the formation of cyclopentenones as single diastereoisomers that incorporate two contiguous asymmetric centers, one tertiary and one an all‐carbon‐atom quaternary stereocenter, in high yield and optical purity. It is noteworthy that the reaction does not require that substrates should be activated by aryl substituents.     

Nazarov Cyclization of Divinyl and Arylvinyl Epoxides: Application in the Synthesis of Resveratrol‐Based Natural Products

New variation in the Nazarov cyclization has been developed by preparing divinyl and arylvinyl epoxides as pentadienyl cation precursors for the first time. Highly substituted cyclopentadienes, hydrindienes, and indenes were synthesized to demonstrate the compatibility of this reaction with substrates bearing a variety of substitutions and having different types of epoxides. Application of this method in the synthesis of resveratrol‐based natural products was also demonstrated.     

Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Cascade Reactions Involving 1,2‐Indole Migration

A cascade reaction of indoles with propargylic diols involving an unprecedented metal‐free 1,2‐indole migration onto an alkyne was carried out. DFT calculations support a mechanism consisting of a concerted nucleophilic attack of the indole nucleus with loss of water, followed by the 1,2‐migration and subsequent Nazarov cyclization. This Brønsted acid‐catalyzed protocol affords indole‐functionalized benzofulvene derivatives in high yields.     

Total synthesis of (±)-rocaglamide via oxidation-initiated Nazarov cyclization

This article describes the evolution of a Nazarov cyclization-based synthetic strategy targeting the anticancer, antiinflammatory, and insecticidal natural product (±)-rocaglamide. Initial pursuit of a polarized heteroaromatic Nazarov cyclization to construct the congested cyclopentane core revealed an unanticipated electronic bias in the pentadienyl cation. This reactivity was harnessed in a successful second-generation approach using an oxidation-initiated Nazarov cyclization of a heteroaryl alkoxyallene. Full details of these two approaches are given, as well as the characterization of undesired reaction pathways available to the Nazarov cyclization product. A sequence of experiments that led to an understanding of the unexpected reactivity of this key intermediate is described, which culminated in the successful total synthesis of (+)-rocaglamide.     

One Pot Spiropyrazoline Synthesis via Intramolecular Cyclization/Methylation

Regioisomeric spiropyrazolines were synthesized through a tandem intramolecular cyclization/methylation reaction of a functionalized 5,5-disubstituted pyrazoline in one reaction vessel. The 5,5-pyrazolines were constructed through a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of aromatic ring containing nitrile imines and a disubstituted geminal alkene. An evaluation of the relative location of the nucleophilic and electrophilic functional groups on the pyrazoline was performed in order to ascertain the best pyrazoline system for the intramolecular cyclization/methylation reaction. Higher spiropyrazoline isolated yields were realized from pyrazolines with the electrophilic ester located further away from the pyrazoline when compared to pyrazolines with a directly bonded ester.     

Gold-catalyzed synthesis of polycyclic enones from carbon tethered 1,3-enynyl carbonyls via tandem heteroenyne metathesis and Nazarov reaction

An efficient and general Au(III)-catalyzed tandem reaction, heteroenyne metathesis and Nazarov cyclization, of 1,3-enynyl ketones to produce fused tri- and tetracyclic enones has been developed. The products were formed with excellent regioselectivity of the double bond position and with very high diastereoselectivities. In this reaction, the Au(III) catalyst exhibits dual roles for activating both alkynes and carbonyls.     

Total Synthesis of Farnesin through an Excited-State Nazarov Reaction

The asymmetric total synthesis of farnesin, a rearranged ent-kaurenoid, was achieved through a convergent approach involving photo-Nazarov and intramolecular aldol cyclizations to build the syn-syn-syn hydrofluorenol ABC ring system and bicyclo[3.2.1]octane CD ring system in the first application of a UV-light-induced excited-state Nazarov cyclization of a non-aromatic dicyclic divinyl ketone in a total synthesis. Unlike the conventional acid-promoted ground-state Nazarov reaction, the excited-state Nazarov reaction enables stereospecific formation of the highly strained syn-syn-syn-fused hydrofluorenone scaffold through a disrotatory cyclization.