Nickel-Catalyzed Allylmethylation of Alkynes with Allylic Alcohols and AlMe3: Facile Access to Skipped Dienes and Trienes

We present herein an unprecedented allylative dicarbofunctionalization of alkynes with allylic alcohols. This simple catalytic procedure utilizes commercially available Ni(COD)₂, triphenylphosphine, and inexpensive reagents, and delivers valuable skipped dienes and trienes with an all-carbon tetrasubstituted alkene unit in a highly stereoselective fashion. Preliminary mechanistic studies support the reaction pathway of allylnickelation followed by transmetalation in this dicarbofunctionalization of alkynes.     

Intramolecular trans‐Dicarbofunctionalization of Alkynes by a Formal anti‐Carbopalladation/Stille Cascade

An intramolecular Pd‐catalyzed trans‐dicarbofunctionalization of internal alkynes using aryl bromides and aryl stannanes is presented. Tetrasubstituted double bonds embedded in an oligocyclic ring system are obtained in a regio‐ and diastereoselective fashion. The transformation features a broad substrate scope and functional‐group tolerance.     

Photoinduced Palladium-Catalyzed Dicarbofunctionalization of Terminal Alkynes

Herein, a conceptually distinct approach was developed that allowed for the dicarbofunctionalization of alkynes at room temperature using simple, bench-stable alkyl iodides and a second molecule of alkyne as coupling partner. Specifically, the photochemical activation of palladium complexes enabled this strategic dicarbofunctionalization via addition of alkyl radicals from secondary and tertiary alkyl iodides and formation of an intermediate palladium vinyl complex that could undergo subsequent Sonogashira reaction with a second alkyne molecule. This alkylation–alkynylation sequence allowed the one-step synthesis of 1,3-enynes including heteroarenes and biologically active compounds with high efficiency without exogenous photosensitizers or oxidants and now opens up pathways towards cascade reactions via photochemical palladium catalysis.     

trans-Selective Aryldifluoroalkylation of Endocyclic Enecarbamates and Enamides by Nickel Catalysis

Efficient methods for the dicarbofuntionalization of the cyclic alkenes 2-pyrroline and 2-azetine are limited. Particularly, the dicarbofunctionalization of endocyclic enecarbamates to achieve fluorinated compounds remains an unsolved issue. Reported here is a nickel-catalyzed trans-selective dicarbofunctionalization of N-Boc-2-pyrroline and N-Boc-2-azetine, a class of endocyclic enecarbamates previously unexplored for transition metal catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization. The reaction can be extended to six- and seven-membered endocyclic enamides. A variety of arylzinc reagents and bromodifluoroacetate, and its derivatives, undergo the reaction, providing straightforward and efficient access to an array of pyrrolidine- and azetidine-containing fluorinated amino acids and oligopeptides, which may have applications in the life sciences.     

Catalytic Intermolecular Dicarbofunctionalization of Styrenes with CO2 and Radical Precursors

A redox‐neutral intermolecular dicarbofunctionalization of styrenes with CO₂ at atmospheric pressure and carbon‐centered radicals is described. This mild protocol results in multiple C−C bond‐forming reactions from simple precursors in the absence of stoichiometric reductants, thus exploiting a previously unrecognized opportunity that complements existing catalytic carboxylation events.     

A highly selective cobalt-catalyzed carbonylative cyclization of internal alkynes with carbon monoxide and organic thiols

Despite the fact that many transition-metal-catalyzed reactions of organosulfur compounds with internal alkynes are ineffective, cobalt carbonyl (Co₂(CO)₈) is an excellent catalyst for carbonylative cyclization of internal alkynes with carbon monoxide. When Co₂(CO)₈-catalyzed reactions of internal alkynes with organic thiols are conducted in acetonitrile under 4 MPa pressure of carbon monoxide, thiolative lactonization of internal alkynes successfully takes place with incorporation of two molecules of CO. This carbonylation provides a useful tool to prepare the corresponding α,β-unsaturated γ-thio-γ-lactones (butenolide derivatives) in good yields. In the cases of unsymmetrical alkynes, such as 2-octyne and 6-methyl-2-heptyne, the thiolative lactonization proceeds with moderate regioselectivity to give the butenolide derivatives on which the carbonyl group preferentially bonds to the less hindered acetylenic carbon. Mechanistic pathways about the present thiolative lactonization are also discussed.     

Cu(OTf)2-catalyzed arylmethylation of terminal alkynes with benzylic alcohols under ligand-, base-, and additive-free reaction conditions

An effective, convenient, and mild coupling reaction of benzylic alcohols with terminal alkynes has been developed. As an effective Lewis acid, Cu(OTf)₂-catalyzed arylmethylation of terminal alkynes with benzylic alcohols generated the corresponding products in BrCH₂CH₂Br with good yields in the absence of ligand, base, and additive.     

Synthesis of enol and vinyl esters catalyzed by an iridium complex

Enol and vinyl esters were successfully synthesized by the use of an iridium complex as a catalyst. The reaction of carboxylic acids with terminal alkynes in the presence of catalytic amounts of [Ir(cod)Cl]₂ and Na₂CO₃ gave the corresponding 1-alkenyl esters. The addition of carboxylic acids to alkynes principally took place in the Markovnikov fashion. In addition, by the use of an Ir complex combined with NaOAc various vinyl esters were prepared through the transvinylation between carboxylic acids and vinyl acetate.     

Metal free synthesis of quinoxalines from alkynes via a cascade process using TsNBr2

A metal free protocol for the synthesis of quinoxalines from alkynes has been developed. The reaction was carried out by treating alkynes with TsNBr₂ in presence of O-phenylenediamines in a mixture of acetonitrile and water (9:1). This one-pot reaction proceeds via an oxidative transformation of alkynes to α,α-dibromoketones in presence of TsNBr₂ and eventually to quinoxalines in presence of 1,2-diamines in a cascade process.     

Palladium-catalyzed carbonylative annulation of terminal alkynes: synthesis of coumarins and 2-quinolones

o-Iodophenols and o-iodoaniline derivatives react with terminal alkynes under 1 atm of CO in the presence of pyridine and catalytic amounts of Pd(OAc)₂ to generate coumarins and 2-quinolones, respectively, as the only products. Terminal alkynes bearing alkyl, aryl, silyl, hydroxyl, ester and cyano substituents are effective in these processes affording the desired products in moderate yields. The formation of coumarins and 2-quinolones in this process is in stark contrast with all previously described palladium-catalyzed reactions of o-iodophenols or o-iodoanilines with terminal alkynes and CO, which have afforded chromones and 4-quinolones. Moreover, under our reaction conditions terminal alkynes insert into the carbonpalladium bond instead of undergoing a Sonogashira-type coupling as confirmed by an isotope labeling experiment.     

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of 2-haloselenophene with terminal alkynes in the absence of additive

We present herein our results of the Sonogashira coupling reaction of 2-haloselenophenes with terminal alkynes catalyzed by PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂, under co-catalyst free conditions and establish a new procedure to prepare (2-alkynyl)-selenophenes in good yields. The reaction proceeded cleanly under mild reaction conditions and was performed with propargylic alcohols, protected propargylic alcohols, propargylic amines, as well as alkyl, and aryl alkynes, in the presence of PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂, Et₃N, DMF, and in the absence of any supplementary additives. In addition, by this protocol (2,5-bis-alkynyl)-selenophenes were also obtained, in a one pot procedure, using 2,5-bis-iodoselenofene with an excess of terminal alkynes.     

Control over C-O and C-C bond formation: ruthenium catalyzed regiospecific addition of carboxylic acid to alkyne and stereoselective dimerization of alkyne

A cationic ruthenium(II) complex, [Ru(PPh₃)₂(CH₃CN)₃Cl][BPh₄] (1), has been found to be an effective catalyst for stereoselective dimerization of alkynes in the presence of a base, and for regiospecific addition of carboxylic acids to alkynes in presence of the Lewis acid, BF₃·Et₂O.     

Ready access to organoiodides: Practical hydroiodination and double-iodination of carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds with I2

By using I₂ or I₂/H₃PO₃ system, various alkenes and alkynes were converted to the corresponding alkyl and alkenyl iodides in good yields. In the presence of I₂, alkynes could be di-iodinated using H₂O as the solvent in air at room temperature. This method also features the simple work-up procedure since the pure product could be obtained by extraction. Additionally, for the first time, combining with the non-toxic and cheap phosphonic acid H₃PO₃, alkenes and alkynes were also hydroiodinated successfully, which provides a simple and practical approach for synthesis of organoiodides.     

The co-cyclotrimerization of hexynes and phenylacetylene with niobium(V) chloride as catalyst

Various alkynes were cyclotrimerized with NbCl₅ as catalyst and C₂H₅AlCl₂ as co-catalyst at an Al/Nb molar ratio = 2 in CCl₄ at room temperature and pressure. The tendency of the alkynes to cyclotrimerize decreased in the following order: phenylacetylene > hex-1-yne > hex-2-yne ~ hex-3-yne ~ oct-4-yne If phenylacetylene (X) was co-cyclotrimerized with another alkyne (Y), four different cyclotrimers were found, as represented by the following equation: X + Y → X₃ + X₂Y + XY₂ + Y₃ If the amount of cyclotrimers formed is plotted against the phenylacetylene mole fraction, a statistically random distribution of the products is observed. Differences with regard to the ideal random case are attributed to a polymerization reaction. During the cyclo-trimerization process there is therefore a statistically random coordination of the alkynes on the catalytic species, after which ring closure occurs to form the cyclotrimeric products.     

N-triflyl-propiolamides: Preparation and transamidation reactions

N-Trifluoromethylsulfonyl-propiolamides have been prepared by two methods: a) N-triflation of secondary acetylenic carboxanilides, prepared in two steps from terminal alkynes, with triflic anhydride (Tf₂O) and b) from terminal alkynes and an aryl or alkyl isocyanate followed by Tf₂O in a consecutive one-pot reaction. The title compounds are bench-stable and insensitive to water and alcohols but amenable to transamidation reactions with a wide range of amine nucleophiles. Conversely, they are excellent reagents for the propynoylation of ammonia, primary and secondary amines, anilines, and hydrazines.     

Hydrothiolation of terminal alkynes with diaryl disulfides and diphenyl diselenide: selective synthesis of (Z)-1-alkenyl sulfides and selenides

A simple, stereoselective and efficient method for the hydrothiolation of terminal alkynes with diaryl disulfides and diphenyl diselenide has been developed. In the presence of CuI, rongalite, and Cs₂CO₃, a variety of disulfides underwent the reaction of terminal alkynes stereoselectively to afford the corresponding (Z)-1-alkenyl sulfides in moderate to excellent yields. It is noteworthy that hydroselenations of 1,2-diphenyldiselane with alkynes are also conducted smoothly to afford (Z)-1-alkenyl selenides in good yields under the standard conditions.     

Semihydrogenation of Alkynes Catalyzed by a Pyridone Borane Complex: Frustrated Lewis Pair Reactivity and Boron–Ligand Cooperation in Concert

The metal-free cis selective hydrogenation of alkynes catalyzed by a boroxypyridine is reported. A variety of internal alkynes are hydrogenated at 80 °C under 5 bar H₂ with good yields and stereoselectivity. Furthermore, the catalyst described herein enables the first metal-free semihydrogenation of terminal alkynes. Mechanistic investigations, substantiated by DFT computations, reveal that the mode of action by which the boroxypyridine activates H₂ is reminiscent of the reactivity of an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair. However, it is the change in the coordination mode of the boroxypyridine upon H₂ activation that allows the dissociation of the formed pyridone borane complex and subsequent hydroboration of an alkyne. This change in the coordination mode upon bond activation is described by the term boron-ligand cooperation.     

An Alkene‐Promoted Borane‐Catalyzed Highly Stereoselective Hydrogenation of Alkynes to Give Z‐ and E‐Alkenes

The stereoselective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes is an extremely useful transformation in synthetic chemistry. Despite numerous reports for the synthesis of Z‐alkenes, the hydrogenation of alkynes to give E‐alkenes is still not well resolved. In particular, selective preparation of both Z‐ and E‐alkenes by the same catalytic hydrogenation system using molecular H₂ has rarely been reported. In this paper, a novel strategy of using simple alkenes as promoters for the HB(C₆F₅)₂‐catalyzed metal‐free hydrogenation of alkynes was adopted. Significantly, both Z‐ and E‐alkenes can be furnished by hydrogenation with molecular H₂ in high yields with excellent stereoselectivities. Further experimental and theoretical mechanistic studies suggest that interactions between H and F atoms of the alkene promoter, borane intermediate, and H₂ play an essential role in promoting the hydrogenolysis reaction.     

Iron‐Catalyzed Diboration and Carboboration of Alkynes

An iron‐catalyzed diboration reaction of alkynes with bis(pinacolato)diboron (B₂pin₂) and external borating agents (MeOB(OR)₂) affords diverse symmetrical or unsymmetrical cis‐1,2‐diborylalkenes. The simple protocol for the diboration reaction can be extended to the iron‐catalyzed carboboration of alkynes with primary and, unprecedentedly, secondary alkyl halides, affording various tetrasubstituted monoborylalkenes in a highly stereoselective manner. DFT calculations indicate that a boryliron intermediate adds across the triple bond of an alkyne to afford an alkenyliron intermediate, which can react with the external trapping agents, borates and alkyl halides. In situ trapping experiments support the intermediacy of the alkenyl iron species using radical probe stubstrates.     

Regioselective synthesis of substituted naphthalenes and phenanthrenes by FeCl3-promoted annulation of aryl and naphthyl acetaldehydes with alkynes

The FeCl₃-promoted annulation reaction of aryl acetaldehydes with alkynes has been established, which provides a new and versatile straightforward procedure for the regioselective synthesis of mono-, di-, and polysubstituted naphthalenes under mild conditions. Interestingly, the present catalytic system not only differentiates between internal and terminal alkynes but also shows unprecedented complete Me₃SiOH elimination selectivity for silyl alkyne substrates. Furthermore, the synthesis of a series of substituted phenanthrenes via reactions of nathphyl acetaldehydes with internal alkynes is also achieved for the first time in good yields with excellent regioselectivity.