Design of New Ligands for the Palladium‐Catalyzed Arylation of α‐Branched Secondary Amines

In Pd‐catalyzed C? N cross‐coupling reactions, α‐branched secondary amines are difficult coupling partners and the desired products are often produced in low yields. In order to provide a robust method for accessing N‐aryl α‐branched tertiary amines, new catalysts have been designed to suppress undesired side reactions often encountered when these amine nucleophiles are used. These advances enabled the arylation of a wide array of sterically encumbered amines, highlighting the importance of rational ligand design in facilitating challenging Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions.     

An Alternative to the Classical α‐Arylation: The Transfer of an Intact 2‐Iodoaryl from ArI(O2CCF3)2

The α‐arylation of carbonyl compounds is generally accomplished under basic conditions, both under metal catalysis and via aryl transfer from the diaryl λ³‐iodanes. Here, we describe an alternative metal‐free α‐arylation using ArI(O₂CCF₃)₂ as the source of a 2‐iodoaryl group. The reaction is applicable to activated ketones, such as α‐cyanoketones, and works with substituted aryliodanes. This formal C? H functionalization reaction is thought to proceed through a [3,3] rearrangement of an iodonium enolate. The final α‐(2‐iodoaryl)ketones are versatile synthetic building blocks.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 13‐Aminoisoquinolino[2,1‐a]perimidine‐12‐carboxylates via α‐Arylation with a High Chemoselectivity

The α‐arylation between cyanoacetate and 2‐(2‐bromophenyl)‐1H‐perimidine took place first catalyzed by CuI/L‐proline in the presence of NaHCO₃, and then the amino on perimidine chemoselectively attacked the cyano group to undergo a nucleophilic addition, giving a series of 13‐aminoisoquinolino[2,1‐a]perimidine‐12‐carboxylate derivatives in good yields.     

Base‐Free Conditions for Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Arylation To Produce Stereochemically Labile α‐Aryl Ketones

The asymmetric arylation of 2,2‐dialkyl cyclopent‐4‐ene‐1,3‐diones with aryl boronic acids was found to be efficiently catalyzed by a chiral diene–rhodium μ‐chloro dimer, [{RhCl((R)‐diene*)}₂], in the absence of bases in toluene/H₂O to give 2,2‐dialkyl 4‐aryl cyclopentane‐1,3‐diones in high yields with high enantioselectivity. Such compounds can not be obtained with high enantiomeric purity under the standard basic conditions used for rhodium‐catalyzed asymmetric arylation because the α‐aryl ketone products undergo racemization under the basic conditions.     

Pd‐Catalyzed Synthesis of α‐Aryl Vinylphosphonates via Suzuki Arylation of α‐Phosphonovinyl Nonaflates

The first palladium‐catalyzed method for the arylation of α‐phosphonovinyl nonaflates is described. Using a catalyst comprised of Pd(OAc)₂ and SPhos, terminal and internal α‐aryl vinylphosphonates could be efficiently accessed under mild conditions. The reaction features a broad coupling partner scope and tolerates many functional groups.     

Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed ortho‐CH Arylation/Alkylation of N‐Benzoyl α‐Amino Ester Derivatives

The palladium‐catalyzed arylation/alkylation of ortho‐C?H bonds in N‐benzoyl α‐amino ester derivatives is described. In such a system both the NH‐amido and the CO₂R groups in the α‐amino ester moieties play a role in successful C?H activation/C?C bond formation using iodoaryl coupling partners. A wide variety of functional groups and electron‐rich/deficient iodoarenes are tolerated. The yields obtained range from 20 to 95 %.     

Ruthenium‐Catalyzed α‐(Hetero)Arylation of Saturated Cyclic Amines: Reaction Scope and Mechanism

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed sp³ C? H activation has emerged as a powerful approach to functionalize saturated cyclic amines. Our group recently disclosed a direct catalytic arylation reaction of piperidines at the α position to the nitrogen atom. 1‐(Pyridin‐2‐yl)piperidine could be smoothly α‐arylated if treated with an arylboronic ester in the presence of a catalytic amount of [Ru₃(CO)₁₂] and one equivalent of 3‐ethyl‐3‐pentanol. A systematic study on the substrate and reagent scope of this transformation is disclosed in this paper. The effect of substitution on both the piperidine ring and the arylboronic ester has been investigated. Smaller (pyrrolidine) and larger (azepane) saturated ring systems, as well as benzoannulated derivatives, were found to be compatible substrates with the α‐arylation protocol. The successful use of a variety of heteroarylboronic esters as coupling partners further proved the power of this direct functionalization method. Mechanistic studies have allowed for a better understanding of the catalytic cycle of this remarkable transformation featuring an unprecedented direct transmetalation on a Ru^II? H species.     

Two‐Step Synthesis of Multifunctional γ‐Lactams from γ‐Lactone

We present herein an efficient and rapid method for the synthesis of N,1‐dialkyl‐4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐5‐oxopyrrolidine‐3‐carboxamides based on the conversion of γ‐lactone to γ‐lactam via the conjugate addition of primary amines to an ethyl α‐functionalized acrylate followed by intramolecular cyclization.     

Regioselective Insertion of o‐Carborynes into the α‐CH Bond of Tertiary Amines: Synthesis of α‐Carboranylated Amines

o‐Carboryne can undergo α‐C? H bond insertion with tertiary amines, thus affording α‐carboranylated amines in very good regioselectivity and isolated yields. In this process, the nucleophilic addition of tertiary amines to the multiple bond of o‐carboryne generates a zwitterionic intermediate. An intramolecular proton transfer, followed by a nucleophilic attack leads to the formation of the final product. Thus, regioselectivity is highly dependent upon the acidity of α‐C? H proton of tertiary amines. This approach serves as an efficient methodology for the preparation of a series of 1‐aminoalkyl‐o‐carboranes.     

Transition‐Metal‐Free α‐Arylation of Enolizable Aryl Ketones and Mechanistic Evidence for a Radical Process

The α‐arylation of enolizable aryl ketones can be carried out with aryl halides under transition‐metal‐free conditions using KOtBu in DMF. The α‐aryl ketones thus obtained can be used for step‐ and cost‐economic syntheses of fused heterocycles and Tamoxifen. Mechanistic studies demonstrate the synergetic role of base and solvent for the initiation of the radical process.     

Regioselective Insertion of o‐Carborynes into the α‐C?H Bond of Tertiary Amines: Synthesis of α‐Carboranylated Amines

o‐Carboryne can undergo α‐C H bond insertion with tertiary amines, thus affording α‐carboranylated amines in very good regioselectivity and isolated yields. In this process, the nucleophilic addition of tertiary amines to the multiple bond of o‐carboryne generates a zwitterionic intermediate. An intramolecular proton transfer, followed by a nucleophilic attack leads to the formation of the final product. Thus, regioselectivity is highly dependent upon the acidity of α‐C H proton of tertiary amines. This approach serves as an efficient methodology for the preparation of a series of 1‐aminoalkyl‐o‐carboranes.     

Highly Diastereoselective Synthesis of α‐Difluoromethyl Amines from N‐tert‐Butylsulfinyl Ketimines and Difluoromethyl Phenyl Sulfone

The first highly efficient and stereoselective difluoromethylation of structurally diverse N‐tert‐butylsulfinyl ketimines has been achieved with an in situ generated PhSO₂CF₂^? anion, which provides a powerful synthetic method for the preparation of a variety of structurally diverse homochiral α‐difluoromethyl tertiary carbinamines, including α‐difluoromethyl allylic amines and α‐difluoromethyl propargylamines. The stereocontrol mode of the present diastereoselective difluoromethylation of ketimines was found to be different from that of other known fluoroalkylations of N‐tert‐butylsulfinyl aldimines, which suggests that a cyclic six‐membered transition state may be involved in the reaction.     

Enantioselective Synthesis of α‐Hydroxy Amides and β‐Amino Alcohols from α‐Keto Amides

Synthesis of enantiomerically enriched α‐hydroxy amides and β‐amino alcohols has been accomplished by enantioselective reduction of α‐keto amides with hydrosilanes. A series of α‐keto amides were reduced in the presence of chiral Cu^II/(S)‐DTBM‐SEGPHOS catalyst to give the corresponding optically active α‐hydroxy amides with excellent enantioselectivities by using (EtO)₃SiH as a reducing agent. Furthermore, a one‐pot complete reduction of both ketone and amide groups of α‐keto amides has been achieved using the same chiral copper catalyst followed by tetra‐n‐butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) catalyst in presence of (EtO)₃SiH to afford the corresponding chiral β‐amino alcohol derivatives.     

Transition‐Metal‐Free Formal Sonogashira Coupling and α‐Carbonyl Arylation Reactions

Transition‐metal‐free formal Sonogashira coupling and α‐carbonyl arylation reactions have been developed. These transformations are based on the nucleophilic aromatic substitution (S_NAr) of β‐carbonyl sulfones to electron‐deficient aryl fluorides, producing a key intermediate that, depending on the reaction conditions, gives the aromatic alkynes or α‐aryl carbonyl compounds. The development of these reactions is presented and, based on investigations under basic and acidic conditions, mechanisms have been proposed. To develop the formal Sonogashira coupling further, a milder, two‐step protocol is also disclosed that expands the reaction concept. The scope of these reactions is demonstrated for the synthesis of Sonogashira and α‐carbonyl arylated products from a range of electron‐deficient aryl fluorides with a variety of functional groups and aryl‐, heteroaryl‐, alkyl‐, and alkoxy‐substituted sulfone nucleophiles. These transition‐metal‐free reactions complement the metal‐catalyzed versions in terms of substitution patterns, simplicity, and reaction conditions.     

From α‐carbamoyl‐α‐cyano­oxiranes to 3‐halogenopyruv­amides

The crystal structures of the first stable α‐diol from the α‐halogenopyruv­amide series, 3‐chloro‐2,2‐di­hydroxy‐3‐phenyl­propan­amide, C₉H₁₀­ClNO₃, and three products [3‐(4‐chloro­phenyl)‐2‐cyano‐2,3‐epoxy­propan­amide, C₁₀H₇­ClN₂O₂, 3‐bromo‐2‐cyano‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐p‐tolyl­propan­amide, C₁₁H₁₁Br­N₂O₂, 3‐bromo‐2‐oxo‐3‐p‐tolyl­propan­amide, C₁₀H₁₀­BrNO₂] obtained during the systematic synthesis of α‐halogenopyruv­amides are reported. The crystal structures are dominated by hydrogen bonds involving an amide group. The stability of the geminal diol could be ascribed to hydrogen bonds which involve both hydroxyl groups.     

Mechanochemical Strecker Reaction: Access to α‐Aminonitriles and Tetrahydroisoquinolines under Ball‐Milling Conditions

A mechanochemical version of the Strecker reaction for the synthesis of α‐aminonitriles was developed. The milling of aldehydes, amines, and potassium cyanide in the presence of SiO₂ gave the corresponding α‐aminonitriles in good to high yields. The high efficiency of the mechanochemical Strecker‐type multicomponent reaction allowed the one‐pot synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinolines after a subsequent internal N‐alkylation reaction.     

Dual Catalytic Decarboxylative Allylations of α‐Amino Acids and Their Divergent Mechanisms

The room temperature radical decarboxylative allylation of N‐protected α‐amino acids and esters has been accomplished via a combination of palladium and photoredox catalysis to provide homoallylic amines. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the stability of the α‐amino radical, which is formed by decarboxylation, dictates the predominant reaction pathway between competing mechanisms.     

One‐Pot,Four‐Component Synthesis of Novel Spiro[indeno[2,1‐b]quinoxaline‐11,4′‐pyran]‐2′‐amines

A one‐pot, four‐component reaction for the efficient synthesis of novel spiro[indeno[2,1‐b]quinoxaline‐11,4′‐pyran]‐2′‐amines by using InCl₃ is described. The syntheses are achieved by reacting ninhydrin with 1,2‐diaminobenzenes to give indenoquinoxalines, which are trapped in situ by alkyl malonates and various α‐methylencarbonyl compounds through cyclization, providing multifunctionalized spiro‐substituted indeno[2,1‐b]quinoxaline‐11,4′‐pyran‐2′‐amines.     

Aminoderivate von α‐P4S3, α‐P4Se3 und P3Se4 – Daten und Analyse der 31P‐NMR‐Spektren in Lösungen

Amino Derivatives of α‐P₄S₃, α‐P₄Se₃, and P₃Se₄; Data and Analyses of their ³¹P NMR Spectra in Solution α‐P₄S₃I₂, α‐P₄Se₃I₂, and P₃Se₄I were reacted with primary and secondary amines in CS₂. The reaction yields exo‐exo isomeres of α‐P₄S₃L₂ and α‐P₄Se₃L₂, the N‐bridged compounds α‐P₄S₃L′ and P₃Se₄L, with L = NHR¹, NPhR², THC (R¹ = ^tBu, Ad, Ph, Flu, TPMP; R² = Me, Et, ⁱPr), and L′ = NR¹. The ³¹P NMR data of the compounds in CS₂ solution were measured. By the reaction of α‐P₄Se₃I₂ with primary amines NH₂^tBu and NH₂Ad in CS₂ an asymmetric isomer α‐P₄Se₃I_endo(NHR¹)_exo was observed for the first time in the ³¹P NMR spectra. The influence of the ligands L on the ³¹P NMR parameter of α‐P₄S₃L₂, α‐P₄Se₃L₂, and P₃Se₄L is discussed.     

Ligand‐Enabled β‐C–H Arylation of α‐Amino Acids Without Installing Exogenous Directing Groups

Herein we report acid‐directed β‐C(sp³)‐H arylation of α‐amino acids enabled by pyridine‐type ligands. This reaction does not require the installation of an exogenous directing group, is scalable, and enables the preparation of Fmoc‐protected unnatural amino acids in three steps. The pyridine‐type ligands are crucial for the development of this new C(sp³)‐H arylation.