Enaminone substitutents attached to cyclopentadienes: 3E/3Z stereochemistry of 1-metalla-1,3,5-hexatriene intermediates (M = Cr, W) as a functional criterion for the formation of cyclopentadienes and six-membered heterocycles, respectively

Reactions of NH-enaminones 2 with [2-(1-cycloalkenyl)ethynyl]carbene complexes 7 (M=W, Cr) gave tetrahydropentalenes, tetrahydroindenes, and hexahydroazulenes 8a-i, in which the NH-enaminone moiety is attached to the cyclopentadiene unit. The reaction involved formation of (3E)-1-metalla-1,3,5-hexatriene intermediates, which underwent pi cyclization faster than 3E/3Z isomerization. Tungsten complexes 12 and 13 were characterized as reaction intermediates. Compounds 8 are potentially bidentate ligands with respect to coordination both of the cyclopentadienyl and the enaminone moieties.     

Stereocontrolled synthesis of angularly fused tricyclic ring systems by means of 1-metalla-1,3,5-hexatrienes (M=Cr, W)

An efficient pathway for the stereocontrolled synthesis of functionalized, angularly fused tricyclic ring systems from readily available (1-alkynyl)carbene complexes [(OC)(5)M=C(OEt)C(triple bond)CR] (M=Cr, W; R=Ph, c-C(6)H(9)) is described. The synthesis involves the formation of a 1-metalla-1,3,5-hexatriene from the (1-alkynyl)carbene tungsten complex [(OC)(5)W=C(OEt)C(triple bond)C-c-C(6)H(9)] and a secondary amine, and its thermally induced pi-cyclization to a tetrahydroindene, which undergoes a spontaneous isomerization to another tetrahydroindene. Condensation of these tetrahydroindenes with pyran-2-ylidene complexes derived from (1-alkynyl)carbene complexes [(OC)(5)M=C(OEt)C(triple bond)CPh] (M=Cr, W) proceeds smoothly giving angularly fused tricyclic ring systems, rearrangement of which may generate spiro(cyclopentane-1,1-indanes) as side products. The synthesis is highly versatile and can be applied to the formation of various ring systems, such as steroid-type ring skeletons.     

Efficient synthesis of furan-2-ylacetates, 7-(alkoxycarbonyl)benzofurans, and 7-(alkoxycarbonyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans based on cyclization reactions of free and masked dianions: a "cyclization/dehydrogenation" strategy

[reaction: see text] A variety of furan-2-ylacetates have been prepared by dehydrogenation of monocyclic 2-alkylidenetetrahydrofurans, which are readily available by cyclizations of open-chained 1,3-dicarbonyl dianions with 1-bromo-2-chloroethane. 5'H-[2,3']Bifuranyl-2'-ones are available based on sequential "cyclization/dehydrogenation" reactions of alpha-acetyl-gamma-butyrolactones. A variety of 7-(alkoxycarbonyl)benzofurans and 7-(alkoxycarbonyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans were prepared by a cyclization/dehydrogenation strategy. These reactions rely on cyclizations of 2-oxocycloalkane-1-carboxylate-derived 1,3-dicarbonyl dianions ("free dianions") or 1,3-bis-silyl enol ethers ("masked dianions") with various 1,2-dielectrophiles.     

Single and Consecutive Cyclization Reactions of Alkynyl Carbene Complexes and 8‐Azaheptafulvenes: Direct Access to Polycyclic Pyrrole and Indole Derivatives

The reactivity of alkynyl and enynyl Fischer carbene complexes towards 8‐azaheptafulvenes is examined. Alkynyl carbenes 1 a – f undergo regioselective [8+2] heterocyclization with 8‐aryl‐8‐azaheptafulvenes 2 a , b providing cycloheptapyrroles 3 and 4 with metal carbene or ester functionality at C3. Moreover, consecutive cyclization reactions are involved when enynyl carbenes are used. Thus, the cyclopenta[b]pyrrole framework 7 is formed by the consecutive [8+2] cyclization and cyclopentannulation reactions. The initially formed cyclopentannulation adduct can be intercepted through a Diels–Alder reaction with classic dienophiles to afford increasing structural complexity (compounds 8 and 9 ). More importantly, the construction of the indole skeleton is accomplished with a high degree of substitution and functionalization (compounds 11 – 15 ) by a one‐pot sequence that involves [8+2] cyclization, R? NC or CO insertion, and ring closure.     

Synthesis and properties of highly fluorescent indolizino[3,4,5-ab]isoindoles

We report here the synthesis, X-ray structures, optical and electrochemical properties, fabrication of light-emitting devices, and density functional calculations for indolizino[3,4,5-ab]isoindole (INI) derivatives. Strongly luminescent heterocycles based on the INI unit were synthesized by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions between pyrido[2,1-a]isoindole (PIS) and acetylene or ethylene derivatives. They are indolizino[3,4,5-ab]isoindoles 2-9 and 14-15, benzo[1',2'-1,2]indolizino[3,4,5-ab]isoindoles 10, pyridazino[4',5':1,2]indolizino[3,4,5-ab]isoindoles 12-13, and 2,3-hydropyridazino[4',5':1,2]indolizino[3,4,5-ab]isoindole-1,4-dione 11. The relative luminescence quantum yield can be as high as 90%. Their reduction and oxidation potentials and high luminescence can make these heterocycles possible alternatives to tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum (Alq(3)). The brightness of the light-emitting device reached as high as 10(4) cd/m(2) and indolizino[3,4,5-ab]isoindole 3 emits beautifully blue light. The X-ray crystal structures of INI derivatives were obtained for the first time. The geometries obtained from X-ray data and density functional theory calculations shed more light on an interesting formally antiaromatic 16pi system, which is divided into 10pi and 6pi aromatic systems. We also report a relatively easy protonation of INI, which occurs at a carbon, rather than nitrogen atom.     

Efficient one-pot synthesis of biologically interesting diverse furo[2,3-b]pyran-6-ones by rhodium(II)-catalyzed cascade reactions of diazo compound with ethynyl compounds

Rhodium(II)-catalyzed reactions of diazo compound and a variety of ethynyl compounds were carried out. These reactions provide a rapid route for preparing a variety of furo[2,3-b]pyran-6-one derivatives in one-pot via cascade reactions of metal carbenoid reaction/ketene formation/[2+2]cycloaddition/ring expansion.     

Synthesis and redox behavior of biferrocenyl-functionalized ruthenium(II) terpyridine gold clusters

Spectroscopic and electrochemical characterizations of ferrocene- and biferrocene-functionalized terpyridine octanethiolate monolayer-protected clusters were investigated and reported. The electrochemical measurements of Ru2+ coordinated with 4'-ferrocenyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine and 4'-biferrocenyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine complexes were dominated by the Ru2+/Ru3+ redox couple (E(1/2) at approximately 1.3 V), Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) redox couples (E(1/2) from approximately 0.6 to approximately 0.9 V), and terpy/terpy-/terpy2- redox couples (E(1/)(2) at ca. -1.2 and ca. -1.4 V). The substantial appreciable variations detected in the Ru2+/Ru3+ and Fe2+/Fe3+ oxidation potentials indicate that there is an interaction between the Ru2+ and Fe2+ metal centers. The coordination of the Ru2+ metal center with 4'-ferrocenyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine and 4'-biferrocenyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine leads to an intense 1[(d(pi)Fe)6] --> 1[d(pi)Fe)5(pi*terpyRu)1] transition in the visible region. The 1[(d(pi)Fe)6] -->1[d(pi)Fe)5(pi*terpyRu)1] transition observed at approximately 510 nm revealed that there was a qualitative electronic coupling between metal centers. The coordination of the Ru2+ transition metal center lowers the energy of the pi*terpy orbitals, causing this transition.     

[8+2] and [8+3] Cyclization Reactions of Alkenyl Carbenes and 8‐Azaheptafulvenes: Direct Access to Tetrahydro‐1‐azaazulene and Cyclohepta[b]pyridinone Derivatives

The reactivity of Fischer alkenyl carbenes toward 8‐azaheptafulvenes is examined. Alkenyl carbenes react with 8‐azaheptafulvenes with complete regio‐ and stereoselectivity through formal [8+3] and [8+2] heterocyclization reactions, which show an unprecedented dependence on the C_β substituent at the alkenyl carbene complex. Thus, the formal [8+3] heterocyclization reaction is completely favored in carbene complexes that bear a coordinating moiety to give tetrahydrocyclohepta[b]pyridin‐2‐ones. Otherwise, alkenyl carbenes that lack appropriate coordinating groups undergo a formal [8+2] cyclization with 8‐azaheptafulvenes to give compounds that bear a tetrahydroazaazulene structure. A likely mechanism for these reactions would follow well‐established models and would involve a 1,4‐addition/cyclization in the case of the [8+2] cyclization or a 1,2‐addition/[1,2] shift–metal‐promoted cyclization for the [8+3] reaction. The presence of a coordinating moiety in the carbene would favor the [1,2] metal shift through transition‐state stabilization to lead to the [8+3] product. All these processes provide an entry into the tetrahydroazaazulene and cycloheptapyridone frameworks present in the structure of biologically active molecules.     

Thermally and photochemically induced vinyl-hydrogen activation of [η-1,2:3,4-(trans-1,3,5-hexatriene)](η-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt: Regio- and stereospecific hydrogen migrations

[η⁴-1,2:3,4-(trans-1,3,5-hexatriene)](η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt (3) undergoes dimerization to form a flyover carbene, 5, with concomitant elimination of one equivalent of trans-1,3,5-hexatriene. Structure 5 thermally rearranges via a metal-mediated [1,5]-H shift to carbene 6: E_a = 29.1 ± 0.4 kcal mol⁻¹, log A = 11.6 ± 0.6. The structures of 5 and 6 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray determination. Low temperature irradiation of 6 generates 13 which undergoes a thermally induced reversion to 6: E_a = 19.4 ± 0.9 kcal mol⁻¹, log A = 10.0 ± 1.3. Deuterium labeling studies indicate the mechanisms involved in these C---H transformations are intramolecular, regio-, and stereospecific. The chemical study of this system is extended to include a variety of homologous CpCo(triene) complexes. A comparison between the triene approach to the formation of these flyover pentadienyl carbenes and direct carbene addition is described.     

Formal and standard ruthenium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 1,6-diynes to alkenes: a mechanistic density functional study

"Formal" and standard Ru(II)-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,6-diynes 1 to alkenes gave bicyclic 1,3-cyclohexadienes in relatively good yields. The neutral Ru(II) catalyst was formed in situ by mixing equimolecular amounts of [Cp*Ru(CH3CN)3]PF6 and Et4NCl. Two isomeric bicyclic 1,3-cyclohexadienes 3 and 8 were obtained depending on the cyclic or acyclic nature of the alkene partner. Mechanistic studies on the Ru catalytic cycle revealed a clue for this difference: (a) when acyclic alkenes were used, linear coupling of 1,6-diynes with alkenes was observed giving 1,3,5-trienes 6 as the only initial reaction products, which after a thermal disrotatory 6e-pi electrocyclization led to the final 1,3-cyclohexadienes 3 as probed by NMR studies. This cascade process behaved as a formal Ru-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition. (b) With cyclic alkenes, the standard Ru-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition occurred, giving the bicyclic 1,3-cyclohexadienes 8 as reaction products. A complete catalytic cycle for the formal and standard Ru-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of acetylene and cyclic and acyclic alkenes with the Cp*RuCl fragment has been proposed and discussed based on DFT/B3LYP calculations. The most likely mechanism for these processes would involve the formation of ruthenacycloheptadiene intermediates XXIII or XXVII depending on the alkene nature. From these complexes, two alternatives could be envisioned: (a) a reductive elimination in the case of cyclic alkenes 7 and (b) a beta-elimination followed by reductive elimination to give 1,3,5-hexatrienes 6 in the case of acyclic alkenes. Final 6e-pi electrocyclization of 6 gave 1,3-cyclohexadienes 3.     

Effect of the metal fragment in the thermal cycloaddition between alkynyl metal(0) Fischer carbene complexes and nitrones

The thermal cycloaddition between alkynyl metal(0) Fischer carbenes and nitrones has been studied computationally within the Density Functional Theory framework. It is found that the [3 + 2] cycloaddition takes place via transition structures that are more asynchronous and less aromatic than their nonorganometallic analogues. These reactions are also found to be completely regioselective in favor of the cycloadduct possessing the Fischer carbene moiety and the oxygen atom of the nitrone in a 1,3-relative disposition. These results are consistent with the role of the Fischer carbene moiety as an electron withdrawing group that enhances the electrophilic character of the alkyne group acting as a Michael acceptor as a dipolarophile. In terms of the isolobal analogy model, it can be concluded that alkynylalkoxy metal(0) carbene complexes act in this reaction as organometallic analogues of organic alkyl-propiolates with enhanced electrophilic character.     

Photoreactions of 1-acetylisatin with alkynes: regioselectivity in oxetene formation and easy access to 3-alkylideneoxindoles and dispiro[oxindole[3,2']furan[3',3' ']oxindole]s

[reaction: see text] Photoinduced reactions of 1-acetylisatin (IS) with diphenylacetylenes 1a-c, 1-(p-methoxyphenyl)propyne 2, and 1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiyne 3 gave beta,beta-disubstituted 3-alkylidene oxindoles 6-12 respectively via [2+2] cycloaddition of 3IS* with the alkyne and subsequent oxetene ring opening. Photoreactions of IS with phenylacetylenes 4a-d and cyclopropylacetylene 5 furnished the dispiroindole[3,2']furan[3',3' ']indoles 13 and 14. Compounds 13 and 14 are formed in tandem reactions initiated by [2+2] cycloaddition of 3IS* with the alkynes to give spirooxetenes Va and Vb, which upon spontaneous ring opening gave the alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes IVa and IVb. It is proposed that hydrogen abstraction of 3IS* from the C(O)-H functionality in IV followed by dissociation of the triplet isatin ketyl (A)-aldehyde acyl (B) radical pair and an oxygenphilic attack of the acyl radical B at the C3 carbonyl oxygen atom of a neutral IS gave the 2:1 (IS:4) radical C, which took part in an intramolecular radical cyclization to give the dispiroindole[3,2']furan[3',3' ']indoles 13 and 14. The regioselectivity in the [2+2] photocycloadditions of IS with 4 to afford the oxetene Va depends on the intervening of the more stable 1,4-diradical intermediates VI, which have a linear alpha-phenyl-substituted vinyl radical where the phenyl provides spin delocalization of the radical center at the sp carbon atom.     

Asymmetric synthesis of unusual fused tricyclic beta-lactam structures via aza-cycloadditions/ring closing metathesis

Conveniently substituted bis-beta-lactams, pyrrolidinyl-beta-lactams, and piperidinyl-beta-lactams undergo ring-closing methatesis using Grubbs' carbene, Cl(2)(Cy(3)P)(2)Ru=CHPh, to give medium-sized rings fused to bis-2-azetidinone, pyrrolidinyl-2-azetidinone, or piperidinyl-2-azetidinone systems. The diolefinic cyclization precursors can be obtained from optically pure 4-oxoazetidine-2-carbaldehydes bearing an extra alkene tether at position 1 or 3 of the beta-lactam ring via [2 + 2] cycloaddition of imino 2-azetidinones, N-metalated azometine ylide [3 + 2] cycloaddition, and subsequent N-acylation of the pyrrolidinyl nitrogen atom, or through aza-Diels-Alder cycloaddition of 2-azetidinone-tethered imines. Under standard reaction conditions, the combination of cycloaddition reactions of 2-azetidinone-tethered imines with ring-closing methatesis offers an asymmetric entry to a variety of unusual fused tricyclic 2-azetidinones bearing two bridgehead nitrogen atoms.     

Cobalt(I)-catalyzed [6+2] cycloadditions of cyclooctatetra(tri)ene with alkynes

The cobalt-catalyzed [6+2] cycloaddition of cyclooctatetraene 1 with alkynes 3 affords monosubstituted bicyclo[4.2.2]deca-2,4,7,9-tetraenes 4 in fair to good yields. Due to the valence tautomerism, 1,3,5-cyclooctatriene 2, in equilibrium with bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-2,4-diene A, and alkynes 3 are converted to 10 and 11 according to [6+2] and [4+2] cycloadditions, respectively.     

Synthesis and photochromic reactivity of diarylethene trimers bridged by ethenyl and ethynyl unit

Two diarylethene trimers bridged by ethenyl and ethynyl groups were synthesized and their photochromic behaviors were examined. Upon irradiation of the trimers 2 and 4 with UV light, one-three photoinduced cyclization reactions occur. Each isomer was isolated and analyzed by ¹H NMR spectrum. The quantum yield of 2 and 4 is 0.52 and 0.311, respectively.     

Total synthesis of the Kopsia lapidilecta alkaloid (+/-)-lapidilectine B

The total synthesis of Kopsia lapidilecta alkaloid (+/-)-lapidilectine B is described. Notable elements of this synthesis include the first natural products application of the Smalley azido-enolate cyclization to form the 1,2-dihydro-3H-indol-3-one (indoxyl) core and installation of the pyrrolidine ring by a 2-azaallyllithium [3+2] cycloaddition with the acetylene equivalent phenyl vinyl sulfide. Closure of the eight-membered perhydroazocine ring is accomplished via the intramolecular S(N)2 substitution of a mesylate. This constitutes the first synthesis of a member of the 5,6,12,13-tetrahydro-11a,13a-ethano-3H-pyrrolo[1',2':1,8]azocino[5,4-b]indole class of alkaloids.     

Density functional theory study of trans-dioxo complexes of iron, ruthenium, and osmium with saturated amine ligands, trans-[M(O)2(NH3)2(NMeH2)2]2+ (M=Fe, Ru, Os), and detection of [Fe(qpy)(O)2]n+ (n=1, 2) by high-resolution ESI mass spectrometry

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on trans-dioxo metal complexes containing saturated amine ligands, trans-[M(O)2(NH3)2(NMeH2)2]2+ (M=Fe, Ru, Os), were performed with different types of density functionals (DFs): 1) pure generalized gradient approximations (pure GGAs): PW91, BP86, and OLYP; 2) meta-GGAs: VSXC and HCTH407; and 3) hybrid DFs: B3LYP and PBE1PBE. With pure GGAs and meta-GGAs, a singlet d2 ground state for trans-[Fe(O)2(NH3)2(NMeH2)2]2+ was obtained, but a quintet ground state was predicted by the hybrid DFs B3LYP and PBE1PBE. The lowest transition energies in water were calculated to be at lambda approximately 509 and 515 nm in the respective ground-state geometries from PW91 and B3LYP calculations. The nature of this transition is dependent on the DFs used: a ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (LMCT) transition with PW91, but a pi(Fe-O)-->pi*(Fe-O) transition with B3LYP, in which pi and pi* are the bonding and antibonding combinations between the dpi(Fe) and ppi(O(2-)) orbitals. The FeVI/V reduction potential of trans-[Fe(O)2(NH3)2NMeH2)2]2+ was estimated to be +1.30 V versus NHE based on PW91 results. The [Fe(qpy)(O)2](n+) (qpy=2,2':6',2':6',2':6',2'-quinquepyridine; n=1 and 2) ions, tentatively assigned to dioxo iron(V) and dioxo iron(VI), respectively, were detected in the gas phase by high-resolution ESI-MS spectroscopy.     

Cycloaddition of carbonyl compounds on Si(100): new mechanisms and approaches to selectivity for surface cycloaddition reactions

Density functional theory has been used to explore cycloaddition reactions of organic molecules containing carbonyl functional groups on the Si(100) surface. As with other pi bonds, carbonyl groups can add to the surface by a [2+2] cycloaddition with negligible activation barrier, as previously shown through experiment. However, the present calculations indicate that 1,2-dicarbonyls, such as glyoxal, may also react by means of a [4+2] addition to form a hetero-Diels-Alder product in which the organic ring stands normal to the surface. Calculations of [2+2] and [4+2] pathways indicate that both reactions proceed without significant barriers. This reactivity is analogous to that of conjugated dienes, in which evidence for both reactions has been observed. In contrast to unsaturated alkyl systems, which must react through the pi electron system, the reactions of carbonyls may proceed through a very different mechanism, in which the initial surface interaction is through the oxygen lone pair. The presence of lone pairs affects the geometry of the [4+2] adduct, and may alter the competition between [2+2] and [4+2] addition. Some potential rearrangement reactions of the initial binding products are described. Recent experimental studies of a 1,2-dicarbonyl on Si(100) are reinterpreted in light of these calculations, and found to be consistent with the presence of the [4+2] adduct. Finally, some molecules are suggested as cycloaddition reagents for experimental tests of the conclusions presented here.     

Trialkylsilyl group-directed regioselective transformations of 2-(alk-1-yn-1-yl)-2-(trialkylsilyl)-1,3-dithianes to alkynylcyclopropanes and enynes

[reaction: see text] The Cp(2)Ti[P(OEt)(3)](2)-promoted reaction of 2-(alk-1-yn-1-yl)-2-(trialkylsilyl)-1,3-dithianes with 1-alkenes regioselectively produced [(trialkylsilyl)ethynyl]cyclopropanes with a formal allylic rearrangement. The reaction of the thioacetals with ketones proceeded with the same regioselectivity to produce 1-(trialkylsilyl)alk-3-en-1-ynes predominantly. It is suggested that these reactions proceed via the formation of titanium alpha-(silylethynyl)carbene complexes Cp(2)Ti=C(R)CCSi in preference to their regioisomers, alpha-silylalkynylcarbene complexes Cp(2)Ti=C(Si)CCR.     

Domino 6pi-electrocyclization/Diels-Alder reactions on 1,6-disubstituted (E,Z,E)-1,3,5-hexatrienes: versatile access to highly substituted tri- and tetracyclic systems

The (E,Z,E)-1,3,5-hexatrienes 1a, 2a,b and 3b undergo 6pi-electrocyclization within 15-30 min upon heating to 200-215 degrees C. While the cyclohexene-annelated products 8a,b were stable, the analogous cyclopentene- and cycloheptene-annelated derivatives 7a and 9b easily underwent dehydrogenation to the corresponding aromatic compounds 10a and 12b during the work-up. The cyclohexadiene derivatives 8a,b were employed in thermal Diels-Alder reactions with 4-phenyl-3H-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (PTAD) and tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) to give the expected [4+2] cycloadducts 13a and 14a in good yields (60 and 78%). The initially formed cycloadduct of 8a and dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) underwent a subsequent retro-Diels-Alder reaction to give the tetrahydronaphthalene 11b (47%). Under high pressure (10 kbar), the cycloadduct 15a was formed at room temperature and could be isolated in 44% yield. TCNE and N-phenylmaleimide with 8a under high pressure also led to the [4+2] cycloadducts 14a and 16a in good yields (60 and 77%). The 6pi-electrocyclization and subsequent Diels-Alder reaction, when performed as a one-pot domino process, provided direct access to Diels-Alder products of intermediately formed 6pi-electrocyclization products, for example from the 1,3,5-hexatrienes 1a,b, 2a,b, 3b and TCNE to the corresponding tricyclic products 17a,b, 14a,b, 18b in moderate to good yields (27-80%) depending on the nature of the alkoxycarbonyl group. Such sequential reactions with N-phenylmaleimide, maleic anhydride, dimethyl maleate and fumarodinitrile, the latter two under high pressure (10 kbar), worked as well to yield 16b (70%), 19a,b (19, 32%) and 20b (39%) and 21b (76%), respectively. With PTAD, however, the hexatrienes 2a,b reacted at ambient temperature without 6pi-electrocyclization to give the formal [4+2] cycloadducts 27a,b (48 and 46%), most probably via zwitterionic intermediates 23a,b and 25a,b.