Palladium-catalyzed amination and cyclization to heteroannellated indoles and carbazoles

New ortho-bromodiarylamines in the benzo[b]thiophene series were prepared by palladium-catalyzed amination, either in the benzene or in the thiophene ring. These were submitted to palladium-catalyzed cyclization, under different required conditions, to give several differently substituted thieno[3,2-c] or [2,3-b]carbazoles and indolo[3,2-b]benzo[b]thiophenes. This constitutes a novel synthetic route to both tetracyclic systems.     

Z‐Shaped Pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles and Their Transformation into π‐Expanded Indolo[3,2‐b]indoles

Sterically hindered 1,4‐dihydropyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles possessing ortho‐(arylethynyl)phenyl substituents at positions‐2 and ‐5 were efficiently synthesized through a sila‐Sonogashira reaction. These unique Z‐shaped dyes showed relatively strong fluorescence in solution. Detailed optimization revealed that, in the presence of InCl₃, these alkynes readily undergo an intramolecular double cyclization to give hexacyclic products bearing an indolo[3,2‐b]indole skeleton in remarkable yields. Steady‐state UV–visible spectroscopy revealed that upon photoexcitation, the prepared Z‐shaped alkynes undergo mostly radiative relaxation leading to high fluorescence quantum yields. In the case of 7,14‐dihydrobenzo[g]benzo[6,7]indolo[3,2‐b]indoles, we believe that the substantial planarization of geometry in the excited state, is the underlying reason for the observed large Stokes shifts. The presence of additional electron‐withdrawing groups makes it possible to further alter the photophysical properties. The two‐photon absorption cross‐section values of both families of dyes were found to be modest and the nature of the excited state responsible for two‐photon absorption appeared to be strongly affected by the presence of peripheral groups. Serendipitous synthesis of unusual double‐Z‐shaped alkyne by Sonogashira and Glaser coupling is also reported.     

Synthesis,photophysical and electrochemical properties of novel 6,12-di(thiophen-2-yl) substituted indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles

Novel 5,11-dialkyl-6,12-di(thiophen-2-yl) substituted 5,11-dihydroindolo[3,2-b]carbazoles have been obtained and plausible ways for their further modifications via the Friedel–Crafts reaction are presented. The formylation of these indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles with dichloromethyl alkyl esters catalysed by Lewis acids leads to the formation of the corresponding 2,8-diformyl derivatives. Applicability of this formylation method for modification of indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles bearing electron-rich aromatic substituents at C-6 and C-12 has also been demonstrated. The Knoevenagel condensation of 2,8-dialdehydes with active methylene nitriles has been studied. The measurements of optical and redox properties for a number of new indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles have been performed.     

Synthesis of Indolo[3,2‐b]carbazoles via an Anomeric‐Based Oxidation Process: A Combined Experimental and Computational Strategy

Indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole is a molecule of great biological significance, as it is formed in vivo after consumption of cruciferous vegetables. The reaction of 1H‐indole and various aldehydes in the presence of a catalytic amount of N,2‐dibromo‐6‐chloro‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[e][1,2,4]thiadiazine‐7‐sulfonamide 1,1‐dioxide as an efficient and homogeneous catalyst in acetonitrile at 50°C produces 6,12‐disubstituted 5,7‐dihydroindolo[2,3‐b]carbazole with an in good to excellent yield. The presented technique offers a fast and robust method, by the use of inexpensive commercially available starting materials toward 6,12‐disubstituted 5,7‐dihydroindolo[2,3‐b]carbazole. A new anomeric‐based oxidation was kept in mind for the final step of the indolo[2,3‐b]carbazoles synthesis. The suggested anomeric‐based oxidation mechanism was supported by experimental and theoretical evidences.     

Revisiting Indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole: Synthesis,Structures, Properties,and Applications

Indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole presents a π‐skeleton with a remarkable electronic structure and interesting potential applications. It is, however, also associated with ambiguity and controversy. Herein, new derivatives of indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole are reported and they have enabled a comprehensive study on the electronic structure of indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole and the development of a new n‐type organic semiconductor. Experimental and computational studies show that indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole has a largely localized p‐benzoquinonediimine moiety and significant antiaromaticity. When substituted with (4‐silylethynyl)phenyl groups, the indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole exhibits one‐dimensional π–π stacking and functions as an n‐type organic semiconductor in solution‐processed field effect transistors.     

A Straightforward Approach to Tetrahydroindolo[3,2‐b]carbazoles and 1‐Indolyltetrahydrocarbazoles through [3+3] Cyclodimerization of Indole‐Derived Cyclopropanes

A rapid new approach to produce biologically relevant bisindoles, namely indolyltetrahydrocarbazoles and indolo[3,2‐b]carbazoles, has been developed, based on the Ga(OTf)₃‐catalyzed [3+3] cyclodimerization of indole‐derived donor–acceptor cyclopropanes. Chemoselectivity of the process depends on the location of the three‐membered ring at the indole core.     

Highly Diastereoselective Synthesis of Polycyclic Indolines through Formal [4+2] Propargylic Cycloaddition of Indoles with Ethynyl Benzoxazinanones

A formal [4+2] propargylic annulation of indoles and pyrrole with ethynyl benzoxazinanones was described. This protocol provides a concise synthesis of tetrahydro‐5H‐indolo[2,3‐b]quinolines and tetrahydro‐3H‐pyrrolo[3,2‐b]quinoline, the core structures of alkaloid frameworks, featuring excellent yields, high diastereoselectivity, mild conditions and wide substrate scope.     

Synthesis of 2,10,11-Trisubstituted Indolo[3,2-b]quinolines

A new method has been developed for the synthesis of derivatives of indolo[3,2-b]quinolines-11 based on N-oxidization of 2-nitro-10-substituted indolo[3,2-b]quinolines with subsequent conversion of the mixtures obtained into 2-nitro-11-substituted indolo[3,2-b]quinolinones-11. A series of 2-nitro-11-substituted indolo[3,2-b]quinolines was prepared.     

Revisiting Indolo[3,2-b]carbazole: Synthesis,Structures, Properties,and Applications

Indolo[3,2-b]carbazole presents a π-skeleton with a remarkable electronic structure and interesting potential applications. It is, however, also associated with ambiguity and controversy. Herein, new derivatives of indolo[3,2-b]carbazole are reported and they have enabled a comprehensive study on the electronic structure of indolo[3,2-b]carbazole and the development of a new n-type organic semiconductor. Experimental and computational studies show that indolo[3,2-b]carbazole has a largely localized p-benzoquinonediimine moiety and significant antiaromaticity. When substituted with (4-silylethynyl)phenyl groups, the indolo[3,2-b]carbazole exhibits one-dimensional π–π stacking and functions as an n-type organic semiconductor in solution-processed field effect transistors.     

Synthetic experiments related to the indole alkaloids V. mercuric acetate oxidation of 2-[2-(3-indolyl)ethyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines and the formation of benz[a]indolo[3,2-h]quinolizine derivatives

Oxidation of 2-[2-(3-indolyl)ethyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (I) with mercuric acetate gave 5,6,8,9,14,14b-hexahydrobenz[a]indolo[3,2-h]quinolizine (IV) and 8,9-dihydro-14H-benz[a]indolo[3,2-h]quinolizin-7-ium iodide (VI), as well as starting material. The base (IV) was oxidized with iodine and potassium acetate to VI and on Palladium carbon - maleic acid dehydrogenation yielded 5,6-dihydro-14H-benz[a]indolo[3,2-h]-quinolizin-7-ium iodide (IX), and 14H-benz[a]indolo[3,2-h]quinolizin-7-ium iodide (X). Heating the iodide (VI) with Palladium-carbon brought about an irreversible rearrangement to VII and both these salts with base yielded the red anhydro base 8, 9-dihydrobenz[a]indolo[3,2-h]quinolizine (VIII). This base was also obtained from IV by oxidation in air. The corresponding 8, 9-dehydroanhydro base (XI), benz[a]indolo[3,2-h]quinolizine, was readily obtained from X and alkali. The quinolizinium salts (VI), (VII), and (IX), on catalytic, zinc dust and acetic acid, or sodium borohydride reduction, regenerated the base (IV). Selenium degradation of IV gave, among other products, 1-(2-ethylphenyl)-β-carboline. An analogous series of products was obtained with the 6, 7-dimethoxy derivative of I. Various other aspects of these and related transformations are described.     

Synthesis, photophysical and electrochemical properties and theoretical studies on three novel indolo[3,2-b]carbazole derivatives containing benzothiazole units

Three novel indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles derivatives were successfully synthesized by condensation reaction and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy methods, which belong to donor-π-acceptor systems comprising an indolo[3,2-b]carbazole group as an electron donor and two benzothiazole rings as electron acceptors. The thermal, electrochemical and photophysical properties of the compounds were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis combined with electrochemistry, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. On the other hand, the geometries, molecular orbitals, charge-injection and transport properties were determined by quantum chemical calculations. The results show that the compounds synthesized exhibit good thermal stability and high fluorescence quantum yields, indicating the potential application as optoelectronic materials.     

Synthesis of novel benzo naphtho naphthyridines from 2,4-dicloroquinolines

A schematic study on the condensation of 2,4-dichloroquinolines ( 1 ) with 1-naphthyamine ( 2 ) in the presence of CuI as a catalyst to functionalized mono ( 3 ) and di ( 4 ) substituted naphthylamino quinolines was described. Consequently, these mono- and di-substituted amines on polyphosphoric acid-catalyzed cyclization reaction with p-toluic acid and acetic acid to yield the linear benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-g][1,8]naphthyridines ( 5 ) and angular benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-h] naphthyridines ( 6 ) in good yields. In addition to descried the similar synthesis of benzo[g]naphtho [2,1-b][1,8]naphthyridines ( 12 ) and benzo[h]naphtho[2,1-g][1,8]naphthyridines ( 13 ) from 2,4-dichlorobenzo[h]quinoline ( 8 ) with various anilines ( 9 ) through my intermediates ( 10 and 11 ).     

Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity of Some Novel Dihyrobenzo[h]pyrano[3,2‐c]chromene Derivatives

Three‐component reaction of 4‐hydroxy‐2H‐benzo[h]chromen‐2‐one, aromatic aldehydes, and malononitrile in the presence of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) in ethanol at room temperature affords good yields of novel dihyrobenzo[h]pyrano[3,2‐c]chromene derivatives. The synthesized compounds examined by MTT assays for cytotoxic activity in two human cancer cell lines (MOLT‐4, HL‐60). Most of the evaluated compounds showed low inhibitory activity against tumor cell line at micromolar concentrations.     

1,4‐Dihydropyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole and Its π‐Expanded Analogues

Various approaches to the synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles are summarized. Many two‐ and three‐step reaction sequences have been developed, and have allowed access to a broad variety of structures, including not only the parent 1,4‐dihydropyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles, but also their π‐expanded analogues. The newest approaches are critically compared with older strategies. The reactivity of these compounds is also reviewed, with special emphasis on electrophilic aromatic substitution. The synthesis of indolo[3,2‐b]indole derivatives has been the subject of intense investigation. Overall, a few interesting and ingenious approaches toward these ladder‐type heteroacenes have been proposed, reaching total yields in the region of 30 %. Finally, the optical, electrochemical, and other physicochemical properties are presented in the broader perspective of heteropentalenes. The parent 1,4‐dihydro‐pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles constitute the most electron‐rich, simple, aromatic heterocycles, and their simple derivatives and π‐expanded analogues possess strong violet, blue, or green fluorescence both in solution and in the solid state.     

Synthesis of Some New Pyridine and Pyrimidine Derivatives Containing Benzothiazole Moiety

A variety of pyridine and pyrimidine rings incorporating benzothiazole moiety were synthesized by reaction of 1‐(2‐benzothiazolyl)‐1‐cyano‐3‐chloroacetone ( 1 ) with 2‐pyridone, 2‐thioxopyridine, thiouracil, and 2‐thioxopyrimidine derivatives to give compounds 7,9‐dimethylfuro[2,3‐b:4,5‐b′]dipyridin‐4‐ol 5 , 4, 6‐diphenylthieno[2,3‐b]pyridin‐2‐yl 9 , 2‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2‐(7‐substituted‐5‐oxo‐5H‐thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidin‐3‐yl)acetonitriles 12a and 12b , pyrimido[2,1‐b][1,3]thiazepine‐3‐carboxamide 15 , and benzo[4,5]thiazolo[3,2‐b]pyridazine‐3‐one 20 , respectively.     

Ligand‐Controlled Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Regiodivergent Carbonylation of Alkynes: Syntheses of Indolo[3,2‐c]coumarins and Benzofuro[3,2‐c]quinolinones

Regiodivergent syntheses of indolo[3,2‐c]coumarins and benzofuro[3,2‐c]quinolinones through a controllable palladium(II)‐catalyzed carbonylative cyclization are established. The chemo‐ and regioselectivity are exclusively tuned by the ligand on the palladium catalyst. The rigid framework of the electron‐deficient ligand promotes the O‐attack/N‐carbonylation cyclization leading to benzofuro[3,2‐c]quinolinones, while a sterically bulky and electron‐rich ligand facilitates N‐attack/O‐carbonylation cyclization to generate indolo[3,2‐c]coumarins. Furthermore, various other nucleophiles are applicable for delivering a variety of indoloquinolinones, pyranoquinolones, and chromeno[3,4‐c]quinolinones in one step, and serves as a method for creating compound libraries for drug discovery.     

Synthesis and alkylation of indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles

Double Fischer cyclisation was used to prepare indolo[3,2-b]carbazole and its 2,8-di-OMe, OH, Br and F-derivatives. N-monosubstituted derivatives of indolo[3,2-b]carbazole (methyl, hydroxymethyl, dimethylaminoethyl) were obtained starting from 5,11-di-Boc-indolo[3,2-b]carbazole.     

Convenient Synthesis of Spiro[benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1‐b]thiazole‐3,2′‐indenes] Derivatives via Three‐Component Reaction

The three‐component reaction of N‐phenacylbenzothiazolium bromides, aromatic aldehydes and indane‐1,3‐dione in ethanol at room temperature in the presence of triethylamine as base afforded functionalized spiro[benzo[d]pyrrolo[2,1‐b]thiazole‐3,2′‐indenes] in good yields and with high diastereoselectivity. The ¹H NMR data and single crystal structure clearly indicated that the obtained spiro compounds predominately have one diastereoisomer.     

Synthesis of new methylated thieno[2,3‐a] and [3,2‐b]carbazoles by reductive cyclization of 6‐(2′‐Nitrophenyl)benzo[b]thiophenes obtained by palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling isabel

The synthesis of new methylated thieno[2,3‐a] and [3,2‐b]carbazoles (5) (R=H) was achieved by a palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling, intramolecular reductive cyclization sequence of reactions. The cyclization precursors 6‐(2′‐nitrophenyl)benzo[b]thiophenes (3) were obtained by Suzuki cross‐coupling of 6‐boronated methylbenzo[b]thiophenes intermediates (2) with 2‐bromo or iodonitrobenzene. The boronated intermediates (2) were prepared via bromine‐lithium exchange followed by boron transmetalation and coupled in situ using Pd(OAc)₂ giving thus a “one‐pot” three steps reaction from the 6‐bromobenzo[b]thio‐phenes (1) to the cyclization precursors (3) . In the reductive cyclization step, N‐ethylthienocarbazoles (5) (R=Et) were also obtained. Several experiments have been made varying the amount of triethylphosphite and the time of reaction, to avoid their formation.     

Structure elucidation of two tryptophan-derived, high affinity Ah receptor ligands

Background: Environmental contaminants, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and other structurally related ‘environmental hormones’, exert their harmful biological effects through the Ah receptor signaling pathway. Several naturally occurring substances also bind to this receptor, but its natural role is still obscure. Tryptophan derivatives of the indolo[3,2-b]carbazole type, earlier suggested by us to be endogenous ligands for the receptor, should be a powerful tool in understanding receptor function. We therefore: set out to determine their identity.Results: The two tryptophan-derived Ah receptor ligands have been chemically analyzed and characterized by means of mass spectrometry, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR. UV, infra-red and fluorescence spectra were also recorded. All data are in accordance with the two compounds being closely related indolo[3,2-b]carbazole derivatives. Evidence is presented that compound A (MW = 312) is the symmetrical 6,12-diformylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole, and compound B (MW = 284) is the monosubstituted 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole.Conclusions: The elucidation of the structures of the two high affinity Ah receptor ligands 6,12-diformylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole and 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole provides the necessary basis for further mechanistic studies of this important group of compounds, and will help in determining the natural role of the Ah receptor.