Tandem double intramolecular [4+2]/[3+2] cycloadditions of nitroalkenes: construction of the pentacyclic core structure of daphnilactone B

An asymmetric synthesis of the ABCD ring system of daphnilactone B is described. The synthesis features a tandem, double intramolecular, [4+2]/[3+2] cycloaddition of a highly functionalized, enantiomerically enriched nitroalkene to generate a pentacyclic nitroso acetal. The cycloaddition establishes six contiguous stereogenic centers including the critical CD ring junction that bears two quaternary stereogenic centers. Hydrogenolysis of the nitroso acetal followed by amide reduction and cyclization provided the AB rings. The methyl substituent on the A ring was installed in the correct configuration via hydrogenation of an exocyclic olefin in the final step.     

An efficient approach to azirino and pyrrolo-fused dibenzazepines. Conformations of substituted dibenzo[c,f]pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepines

An effective approach to azepino-fused heterocycles is described. trans-1-Aryl-7,11b-dihydro-1H-azirino[1,2-a]dibenzo[c,f]azepines were synthesised via a domino sequence: isomerization of gem-dichloroaziridine-intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation of the tethered benzene ring catalysed by SnCl(4) and subsequent hydride induced intramolecular cyclization. Cycloaddition of dibenzazepinium ylides, generated by heating these aziridines, to activated C[double bond]C, C[triple bond]C dipolarophiles and fullerene C(60), leads to derivatives of dibenzo[c,f]pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepine. The reaction proceeds with complete stereoselectivity via cycloaddition of only W-ylide, which due to the high barrier does not undergo E,Z-isomerization under the reaction conditions. It was found that 2,3,9,13b-tetrahydro-1H-dibenzo[c,f]pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepine systems can exist in conformations of two types depending on the substituents at the pyrrolidine carbons in β-position with respect to nitrogen. Details of cycloaddition reactions and the conformational behavior of cycloadducts were studied by DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level.     

Mode selectivity in the intramolecular cyclization of ketenimines bearing N-acylimino units: a computational and experimental study

[reaction: see text] The mode selectivity in the intramolecular cyclization of a particular class of ketenimines bearing N-acylimino units has been studied by ab initio and DFT calculations. In the model compounds the carbonyl carbon atom and the keteniminic nitrogen atom are linked either by a vinylic or an o-phenylene tether. Two cyclization modes have been analyzed: the [2+2] cycloaddition furnishing compounds with an azeto[2,1-b]pyrimidinone moiety and a 6pi-electrocyclic ring closure leading to compounds enclosing a 1,3-oxazine ring. The [2+2] cycloaddition reaction takes place via a two-step process with formation of a zwitterionic intermediate, which has been characterized as a cross-conjugated mesomeric betaine. The 6pi-electrocyclic ring closure occurs via a transition state whose pseudopericyclic character has been established on the basis of its magnetic properties, geometry, and NBO analysis. The 6pi-electrocyclic ring closure is energetically favored over the [2+2] cycloaddition, although the [2+2] cycloadducts are the thermodynamically controlled products. A quantitative kinetic analysis predicts that 1,3-oxazines would be the kinetically controlled products, but they should transform rapidly and totally into the [2+2] cycloadducts at room temperature. In the experimental study, a number of N-acylimino-ketenimines, in which both reactive functions are supported on an o-phenylene scaffold, have been successfully synthesized in three steps starting from 2-azidobenzoyl chloride. These compounds rapidly convert into azeto[2,1-b]quinazolin-8-ones in moderate to good yields as a result of a formal [2+2] cycloaddition.     

Synthesis of functionalized 1,4-cyclohexadienes through intramolecular anionic dearomatization of N-alkyl-N-benzyldiphenylphosphinamides. Insight into the reaction mechanism

A generalization of the intramolecular nucleophilic dearomatization-electrophilic alkylation reactions of N-alkyl-N-benzyldiphenylphosphinamide anions is presented. The process has been optimized by analyzing the effects of metalation and quench times, additives, the nature of the electrophiles used (MeI, CF(3)SO(3)Me, Me(3)O(+)BF(4)(-), AllylBr, PhCH(2)Br, BrCH(2)CO(2)Me, and RCH=O, where R = Ph, 4-Cl-C(6)H(4), 4-MeO-C(6)H(4), and (i)()Pr), and the alkyl substituent linked to the nitrogen of the phosphinamide. Both HMPA and DMPU act as catalysts. The latter proved to be much more efficient for obtaining high yields of substituted tetrahydrobenzo[c][1,2]-1lambda(5)-phospholes containing a 1,4-cyclohexadiene system with very high regio- and diastereoselectivity. Steric effects in the neighborhood of the benzylic anion tend to decrease the stereoselectivity of the anionic cyclization. The optimization study also served to shed light on the reaction mechanism of the dearomatization process by identifying several intermediate species and showing the reversibility of the anionic cyclization step as well as of the reaction with aldehydes.     

Intramolecular cycloaddition/cycloreversion of (E)-3β,17β-diacetoxy-5,10-secoandrost-1(10)-en-5-one

Treatment of 3β,17β-diacetoxy-5,10-secoandrost-1(10)-en-5-one with BF₃·Et₂O was shown to proceed with cleavage of the macrocycle and formation of a new compound containing a cyclopentenone ring. Based on DFT calculations, an intramolecular Lewis acid promoted [2+2]cycloaddition, followed by a cycloreversion of the intermediate oxetane, is proposed as a possible reaction mechanism.     

Gold‐Catalyzed 1,2‐Acyloxy Migration/Intramolecular [3+2] 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddtion Cascade Reaction: An Efficient Strategy for Syntheses of Medium‐Sized‐Ring Ethers and Amines

A highly efficient strategy for the formation of medium‐sized‐ring ethers and amines based on a gold‐catalyzed cascade reaction, involving enynyl ester isomerization and intramolecular [3+2] cyclization, has been developed. Various multisubstituted medium‐sized‐ring unsaturated ethers and amines were obtained through this transformation. This method represents one of the relatively few transition metal catalyzed intramolecular cycloaddition reactions for medium‐sized ring synthesis.     

Synthesis of bicyclic pyrane derivatives via tungsten-mediated [3 + 3] cycloaddition of epoxides with tethered alkynes.

Propargyltungsten compounds bearing a tethered epoxide were prepared in short steps from readily available materials. In the presence of various Lewis acids, BF(3).Et(2)O catalysts (25 mol %) most effectively promote the [3 + 3] cycloaddition of the epoxide with its tethered propargyltungsten group, delivering bicyclic pyranyltungsten compounds in reasonable yields. This cyclization proceeds highly diastereoselectively with tolerance of various functional groups. The stereochemical outcome indicates that the cycloaddition is initiated by the ring opening of the epoxides via an exo-attack of the propargyltungsten group. The resulting pyranyltungsten organometallics were demetalated to yield various bicyclic pyranyl derivatives using different oxidants. This new method provides a short enantiospecific synthesis of bicyclic oxygen compounds if chiral epoxide is used in the cyclization. A mechanistic model is presented to rationalize the reaction pathway of this [3 + 3] cycloaddition.     

Cascade radical cyclizations of benzannulated enyne-allenes. Unusual cleavage of a benzene ring leading to twisted 1,1'-dialkyl-9,9'-bifluorenylidenes and spiro[1H-cyclobut[a]indene-1,9'-[9H]fluorenes

Treatment of the benzannulated enediynyl propargylic alcohol 16 (isomer ratio = 2:1) with thionyl chloride induced a sequence of reactions leading to the twisted 1,1'-dipropyl-9,9'-bifluorenylidene 17, the polycyclic compounds 18 and 19, and the spiro[1H-cyclobut[a]indene-1,9'-[9H]fluorene] 20 (trans/cis = 5:1). The transformation from 16 to the unexpected 17 presumably involved an initial formation of the benzannulated enyne-allene 21 followed by a C(2)-C(6) cyclization reaction and an intramolecular radical-radical coupling reaction, giving rise to the formal Diels-Alder adduct 23. Repeat of this sequence then furnished 24. Cleavage of the bond connecting the two carbons having the propyl substituent afforded 25. A subsequent rotation of the carbon-carbon bond joining the two central five-membered rings then gave the trans isomer 26. Oxidation of 26, presumably by oxygen, followed by hydrolysis then produced 17. Interestingly, the pathway leading to 17 involved an unusual cleavage of a benzene ring. The X-ray crystal structure of 17 reveals that it has a twist angle of 45.2 degrees for the carbon-carbon double bond connecting the two bifluorenylidene fragments. The spiro[1H-cyclobut[a]indene-1,9'-[9H]fluorene] 20 apparently was produced via two intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of the benzannulated enyne-allene moieties, generated in situ from the benzannulated enediynyl propargylic alcohols. The twisted 1,1'-dimethyl-9,9'-bifluorenylidene 33 and the spiro[1H-cyclobut[a]indene-1,9'-[9H]fluorene] 39 (trans/cis = 3:1) were likewise produced from 32 and 38, respectively.     

Synthetic studies on taxanes: construction of the tricyclic skeleton on the basis of a [6+2] cycloaddition reaction

The stereoselective synthesis of a tricyclic model compound of taxane diterpenes was achieved. The eight-membered B ring was constructed on the basis of a [6+2] cycloaddition reaction of a dicobalt acetylene complex with an enol silyl ether of cyclohexanone. After conversion of the cobalt complex moiety to an epoxide and introduction of a 3-cyanopropyl group, the A ring was formed via an intramolecular cyclization reaction under basic conditions.     

An application of the phosphine-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation in indole alkaloid synthesis: formal syntheses of (+/-)-alstonerine and (+/-)-macroline

[reaction: see text] An application of the phosphine-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation in the formal synthesis of alstonerine and macroline is reported. A phosphine-catalyzed [4 + 2] reaction between imine 7a and allene 8 formed the D ring of the target indole alkaloids. A subsequent intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation provided the C ring of the bridged tetracycle. Deprotection, followed by methylation of the bridged nitrogen, deoxygenation of the C6 ketone, and reduction of the C16 carbethoxy group provided the previously known intermediate 3.     

A Catalytic Diastereoselective Formal [5+2] Cycloaddition Approach to Azepino[1,2‐a]indoles: Putative Donor–Acceptor Cyclobutanes as Reactive Intermediates

A catalytic formal [5+2] cycloaddition approach to the diastereoselective synthesis of azepino[1,2‐a]indoles is reported. The reaction presumably proceeds through a Lewis acid catalyzed formal [2+2] cycloaddition of an alkene with an N‐indolyl alkylidene β‐amide ester to form a donor–acceptor cyclobutane intermediate, which subsequently undergoes an intramolecular ring‐opening cyclization. Azepine products are formed in up to 92 % yield with high degrees of diastereoselectivity (up to 34:1 d.r.).     

Unusual intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of allyl and vinylidene C=C bonds under mild conditions: a theoretical analysis

A theoretical analysis allows for the rationalization of the recently reported unusual formation under mild conditions of a cyclobutylidene ring from a diastereoselective [2 + 2] intramolecular cycloaddition of two C=C systems. The reaction takes place by heating in dichloromethane the vinylidene complexes [Ru((eta(5),eta(3)-C(9)H(7))[=C=C(R)H][kappa(1)-(P)-PPh(2)(C(3)H(5))](PPh(3))][BF(4)] (R = Ph, p-Me-C(6)H(4)) (1) yielding the bicyclic alkylidene complexes [Ru((eta(5),eta(3)-C(9)H(7))[kappa(2)-(P,C)-(=CC(R)HCH(2)CHCH(2)-PPh(2)](PPh(3))][BF(4)] (2). The proposed mechanism represents an alternative to the classical Woodward-Hoffmann's supra-antara approach.     

The C-ring problem of sterol biosynthesis: TiCl(4)-induced rearrangement into the anti-Markovnikov cation corresponding to the C-ring

[reaction: see text] Cation 9, generated by the reaction of diol 8 and BF(3).Et(2)O, SnCl(4), Sc(OTf)(3), FeCl(3), TiF(4), or CF(3)SO(3)H, leads to a hydride shift, providing cation 11, which corresponds to the initiation of backbone rearrangement. On the other hand, TiCl(4) selectively induces rearrangement to secondary cation 13 by ring expansion, which corresponds to the C-ring formation of sterol biosynthesis. AlCl(3) and ZrCl(4) induce further rearrangement into six-membered ring tert-cation 16.     

Total synthesis of (+/-)-cytisine via the intramolecular heck cyclization of activated N-alkyl glutarimides

[reaction:see text] A synthesis of racemic cytisine 1 has been developed utilizing an intramolecular Heck cyclization to prepare the bridged tricyclic intermediate 2. The cyclization employs activated glutarimide-derived ketene aminals 3 (X = P(O)OEt(2) or SO(2)CF(3)) and represents the first use of such intermediates in metal-catalyzed processes.     

An IMDAF cycloaddition approach toward the synthesis of the lycopodium alkaloid (±)-fawcettidine

Using an intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition/rearrangement cascade of 3-(1,4-dioxaspiro[4.4]non-7-en-7-yl)-N-furan-2-ylpropionamide (23) as the key step, the BCD core of the lycopodium alkaloid fawcettidine was constructed. Heating the initially formed Diels-Alder cycloadduct at 180 °C results in a nitrogen-assisted ring opening followed by a deprotonation/reprotonation of the ensuing zwitterion to give a rearranged hexahydroindolinone. Our attempts to induce a related intramolecular furan Diels-Alder reaction (IMDAF) from the corresponding ketone of 23 failed to give any cycloaddition product. Instead, the only product obtained corresponded to a cyclopentenone derivative derived by isomerization of the double bond into the thermodynamically more stable α,β-position. Efforts toward construction of the final skeleton of fawcettidine by ring A closure of the rearranged cycloadduct derived from furanyl amide 23 are discussed.     

Theoretical Study of the Cycloaddition Reaction of a Tungsten‐Containing Carbonyl Ylide

The [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of a tungsten‐containing carbonyl ylide with methyl vinyl ether and the insertion reactions of the nonstabilized carbene complex intermediates produced have been investigated through the use of B3LYP density functional theory. The [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of the tungsten‐containing carbonyl ylide has been proven to proceed concertedly, reversibly, and with high endo selectivity. The intermolecular Si? H insertion reactions of the carbene complex intermediates have been proven to be favored over the intramolecular C? H insertion, in good agreement with experimental results. Moreover, the kinetic endo/exo ratio of the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction has been shown to determine the endo/exo selectivity of the Si? H insertion products. In addition, secondary orbital interactions involving the benzene ring and the carbonyl ligand on the metal center have turned out to strongly influence the high endo selectivity of the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction with methyl vinyl ether.     

Molecular Transformation to Pyrroles,Pentafulvenes, and Pyrrolopyridines by [2+2] Cycloaddition of Propargylamines with Tetracyanoethylene

In this paper, we describe an efficient and atom-economical synthesis of highly functionalized pyrroles, pentafulvenes, and pyrrolopyridines by [2+2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization of N-substituted propargylamines with tetracyanoethylene, followed by the treatment of the resulting tetracyanobutadiene derivatives with silica gel. In this reaction, silica gel plays an important role to promote the intramolecular cyclization to afford the heterocyclic products from the tetracyanobutadiene intermediates. The products were obtained selectively depending on the substituent on the nitrogen atom of the starting propargylamines.     

Cascade reaction including a formal [5 + 2] cycloaddition by use of alkyne-Co2(CO)6 complex

A new cascade reaction including formal [5?+?2] cycloaddition was developed. Treatment of homocinnamyl alcohol and Co₂(CO)₆-complexed arylpropynal with BF₃·OEt₂ resulted in the generation of hydrobenzocycloheptafuran having an alkyne-Co₂(CO)₆ complex. The reaction consists of 5-membered ring selective Prins cyclization and subsequent Friedel-Crafts cyclization. The cascade reaction was applied to a further multi-step cascade cyclization, which resulted in the formation of more complex polycyclic hydrofurans.     

Brønsted acidic ionic liquids and their zwitterions: synthesis, characterization and pKa determination

Imidazolium chlorides with one or two carboxylic acid substituent groups, 1-methyl-3-alkylcarboxylic acid imidazolium chloride, [Me[(CH2)nCOOH]im]Cl (n=1, 3), and 1,3-dialkylcarboxylic acid imidazolium chloride, [[(CH2)nCOOH]2im]Cl (n=1, 3), have been synthesized via their corresponding acid esters. Deprotonation of the carboxylic acid functionalized imidazolium chlorides with triethylamine affords the corresponding zwitterions [Me[(CH2)nCOO]im] (n=1, 3) and [[(CH2)nCOOH][(CH2)nCOO]im] (n=1, 3). Subsequent reaction of the zwitterions with strong acids gives the new imidazolium salts [Me[(CH2)nCOOH]im]X (n=1, 3; X=BF4, CF3SO3) and [[(CH2)nCOOH]2im]X (n=1, 3; X=BF4, CF3SO3), which exhibit melting points as low as -61 degrees C. The solid-state structures of two of the carboxylic acid functionalized imidazolium salts have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Extensive hydrogen bonding is present between the chloride and the imidazolium, with eight Cl.H interactions below 3 A. The pK(a) values of all the salts, determined by potentiometric titration, lie between 1.33 and 4.59 at 25 degrees C.     

Lewis acid-promoted carbon-carbon bond cleavage of aziridines: divergent cycloaddition pathways of the derived ylides

Lewis acids are shown to cleave the carbon-carbon bond of activated aziridines at ambient temperature. The derived metal-coordinated azomethine ylides undergo cycloaddition reactions with electron-rich alkenes. Cyclic alkenes afford products that are formally [4+2] adducts most likely derived from a Mannich-type addition to the ylide, followed by intramolecular Friedel-Crafts alkylation. Alternatively, acyclic alkenes undergo [3+2] cycloaddition to give new pyrrolidine products.