Mechanism of Ketone Allylation with Allylboronates as Catalyzed by Zinc Compounds: A DFT Study

The mechanism of the allylation reaction between 4‐chloroacetophenone and pinacol allylboronates catalyzed by ZnEt₂ with alcohols was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) at the M05‐2X/6‐311++G(d,p) level. The calculations reveal that the reaction prefers to proceed through a double γ‐addition stepwise reaction mechanism rather than a Lewis acid‐catalyzed concerted one. The intermediate with a four‐coordinated boron center, which is formed through proton transfer from EtOH to the ethyl group of ZnEt₂ mediated by the boron center, is the active species and an entrance for the catalytic cycle. The latter is composed of three elementary steps: 1) boron to zinc transmetalation leading to the formation of allylzincate species, 2) electrophilic addition of ketone to allylzincate species, and 3) generation of the final product with recovery of the catalyst. The boron to zinc transmetalation step has the largest energy barrier of 61.0 kJ mol^?1 and is predicted to be the rate‐determining step. The calculations indicate that the additive EtOH plays important roles both in lowering the activation free energy for the formation of the four‐coordinated boron active intermediate and in transforming the low catalytic activity ZnEt₂ into high activity zinc alkoxide species. The alcohols with a less sterically encumbering R group might be the effective additives. The substituted groups on the allylboronates might primarily affect the boron to zinc transmetalation, and the allylboronates with substituents on the C_γ atom is poor in reactivity. The comparison of the catalytic effect between the zinc compounds investigated suggest that Zn(OEt)₂, Zn(OH)₂, and ZnF₂ exhibit higher catalytic efficiency for the boron to zinc transmetalation due to the activation of the B? C_α bond through orbital interactions between the p orbitals of the EtO, OH, F groups and the empty p orbital of the boron center.     

Iron‐ and Bismuth‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Mukaiyama Aldol Reactions in Aqueous Media

We have developed asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol reactions of silicon enolates with aldehydes catalyzed by chiral Fe^II and Bi^III complexes. Although previous reactions often required relatively harsh conditions, such as strictly anhydrous conditions, very low temperatures (?78 °C), etc., the reactions reported herein proceeded in the presence of water at 0 °C. To find appropriate chiral water‐compatible Lewis acids for the Mukaiyama aldol reaction, many Lewis acids were screened in combination with chiral bipyridine L1 , which had previously been found to be a suitable chiral ligand in aqueous media. Three types of chiral catalysts that consisted of a Fe^II or Bi^III metal salt, a chiral ligand ( L1 ), and an additive have been discovered and a wide variety of substrates (silicon enolates and aldehydes) reacted to afford the desired aldol products in high yields with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities through an appropriate selection of one of the three catalytic systems. Mechanistic studies elucidated the coordination environments around the Fe^II and Bi^III centers and the effect of additives on the chiral catalysis. Notably, both Brønsted acids and bases worked as efficient additives in the Fe^II‐catalyzed reactions. The assumed catalytic cycle and transition states indicated important roles of water in these efficient asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol reactions in aqueous media with the broadly applicable and versatile catalytic systems.     

环烯丙基溴在Cu/SnCl2参与的水相羰基烯丙基化反应中的应用

Five- and six-membered cyclic allylic halides were found to be much less reactive than the acyclic allylic halides in aqueous allylation reactions. Nevertheless, it was found that SnC12/Cu was powerful enough to mediate the aqueous allylation reactions involving cyclic allylic halides. Both the aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes could be efficiently allylated and the reaction condition was mild, simple and safe. The yields were usually in 75%-97% and the reaction was erythro selective.     

Preparation of α-substituted allylboronates by chemoselective iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation of 1-propenylboronates

Chiral α-substituted allylic boronates are attractive reagents that add to aldehydes with very high stereoselectivity. This study examined the feasibility of an improved method of preparation based on the catalytic asymmetric allylic alkylation of simple 3-hydroxy-1-propenylboronate derivatives with malonate anions. Whereas palladium catalysis failed in promoting the desired process, iridium catalysis led to a regioselective formation of the desired, branched allylboronates with up to 84% ee using a chiral monophosphoramidite ligand. This allylation reagent adds to aldehydes with high chirality transfer. A diastereoselective alkoxycyclization on the resulting homoallylic alcohols allows a separation of the epimeric E/Z isomers.     

Direct carbohydrate to carbocycle conversions via intramolecular allylation with Et2Zn/Pd(0)

Treatment of 5-vinylpyranosides with Et₂Zn and catalytic Pd(0), in the presence of ZnCl₂, results in the formation of 5-membered carbocyclic products. This carbohydrate ring-contraction features an intramolecular allylation of a ring-opened carbohydrate aldehyde by an in situ-generated nucleophilic allylzinc species. The stereoselectivity about vinyl and free hydroxyl groups at the newly created stereogenic centers varies from low to moderate while both its extent and sense are found to depend on particular structural features (e.g. the configuration of the starting carbohydrate).     

Rational design of sterically and electronically easily tunable chiral bisimidazolines and their applications in dual Lewis acid/brønsted base catalysis for highly enantioselective nitroaldol (Henry) reactions

A new addition to the rational design of sterically and electrically easily tunable chiral bis(imidazoline) ligands from chiral amino alcohols has been developed. Vast structural variation of chiral bis(imidazoline) ligands can be simply achieved by the choice of both the 1,2‐amino alcohol and its N‐1 R¹ substituent. A small library of chiral bisimidazolines ( 1 a – h ) has been constructed. The method has provided an easy and simplified route to a diverse set of air‐stable and water‐tolerant chiral bis(imidazoline) ligands on 10 g scales. The dual Lewis Acid/Brønsted base catalytic system generated from the (S)‐ 1 a /Cu(OTf)₂ complex and Et₃N was able to catalyze Henry reactions between aldehydes and nitromethane effectively at room temperature, and also to tolerate a wide scope of aldehydes with excellent enantiomeric excesses. Not only aromatic aldehydes but also aliphatic aldehydes afforded the nitroalcohol products, with enantiomeric excesses in the 93–98 % range. This dual catalytic system is among the most effective systems so far reported for the asymmetric parent Henry reactions. This work also represents the first members of the class of chiral bisimidazolines to have been demonstrated to achieve excellent enantioselectivities.     

双功能手性联萘酚配体在炔基锌对醛的不对称加成反应选择性能研究

单体2-溴吡啶, 2-溴-5-甲基吡啶, 2-氯-4-氟吡啶, 2-氯-3-三氟甲基吡啶分别与( R )-3,3′-二硼酸-2,2′-二甲氧基-1,1′-联萘 [( R )-2]在钯催化下, 通过Suzuki交叉耦合反应合成得到四个类似手性化合物( R )-3a-d。将它们应用到炔基锌对醛的不对称催化加成反应中,结果表明( R )-3a和( R )-3b的催化效果不好, 而( R )-3d只对脂肪醛有很好的催化效果,( R )-3c则对这类不对称催化反应均有很好的催化效果, 能给出高达95%的收率和99%的选择性结果。结果还表明所产生相应炔丙醇异构体构型为S,这与手性催化剂构型相反。     

Asymmetric Polymer Synthesis by Repetitive Sakurai–Hosomi Allylation Reaction of Compounds Possessing Both Formyl and Allylsilane Functions

Trialkylallylsilanes generally react with aldehydes in the presence of a Lewis acid to the corresponding homoallylic alcohols. Chiral Lewis acids promote the same reaction to yield the enantiomerically‐enriched homoallylalcohols. We have prepared four compounds ( 7 – 10 ) that possess both formyl and allylsilane functions. Lewis acids initiated self‐polyaddition reactions of these compounds by means of repetitive allylation. The use of chiral Lewis acids resulted in the formation of optically active polymers that possess exo‐methylene and secondary OH functions in their main chain. The optical purity of these chiral polymers was estimated based on the results of model asymmetric reactions between benzaldehyde and β‐substituted allylsilanes and by controlled degradation.     

Molecular Assembly of an Achiral Phosphine and a Chiral Primary Amine: A Highly Efficient Supramolecular Catalyst for the Enantioselective Michael Reaction of Aldehydes with Maleimides

A combined catalyst system of a cinchonidine‐derived primary amine and triphenylphosphine (CD‐NH₂/PPh₃) exhibited high catalytic performance in the Michael reaction of aldehydes with maleimides, thereby affording the corresponding functionalized aldehydes in excellent yields (up to 99 %) and enantioselectivities (>99 % ee). More interestingly, the significance of the phosphine in enhancing the enantioselectivities in the chiral‐primary‐amine‐catalyzed Michael reaction was revealed. Furthermore, we explored the origin of the reaction mechanism in the Michael addition promoted by the dual organocatalytic system. On the basis of experimental results and spectroscopic analysis, such as UV/Vis, fluorescence emission (FL), NMR, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, as well as ESI‐MS, we found that the molecular assembly of phosphine and primary amine played a crucial role in this enantioselective reaction, in which a possible supramolecular complex was formed as an effective chiral catalyst through noncovalent molecular interactions of a cinchona alkaloid‐derived primary amine with triphenylphosphine.     

Stereoselective allylation reactions of acyclic and chiral α-amino-β-hydroxy aldehydes 3: Total synthesis of (+)-1-epi-castanospermine

Stereoselective allylation reactions of acyclic, chiral α-amino-β-hydroxy aldehydes containing four contiguous stereocenters were conducted. Allylation mediated by MgBr₂?OEt₂ afforded the anti-product. A plausible mechanism of the allylation reaction is also described. The resulting allylation product was used for the total synthesis of (+)-1-epi-castanospermine.     

Providing Support in Favor of the Existence of a PdII/PdIV Catalytic Cycle in a Heck‐Type Reaction

The complex [Pd(O,N,C‐L)(OAc)], in which L is a monoanionic pincer ligand derived from 2,6‐diacetylpyridine, reacts with 2‐iodobenzoic acid at room temperature to afford the very stable pair of Pd^IV complexes (OC‐6‐54)‐ and (OC‐6‐26)‐[Pd(O,N,C‐L)(O,C‐C₆H₄CO₂‐2)I] (1.5:1 molar ratio, at ?55 °C). These complexes and the Pd^II species [Pd(O,N,C‐L)(OX)] and [Pd(O,N,C‐L′)(NCMe)]ClO₄, (X=MeC(O) or ClO₃, L′=another monoanionic pincer ligand derived from 2,6‐diacetylpyridine), are precatalysts for the arylation of CH₂?CHR (R?CO₂Me, CO₂Et, Ph) using IC₆H₄CO₂H‐2 and AgClO₄. These catalytic reactions have been studied and a tentative mechanism is proposed. The presence of two Pd^IV complexes was detected by ESI(+)‐MS during the catalytic process. All the data obtained strongly support a Pd^II/Pd^IV catalytic cycle.     

Palladium-Catalyzed Carbonyl Allylation of Aldehydes with Allylic Phosphates: Synthesis of Homoallylic Alcohols

Allylation of aldehydes by reaction allylic phosphates with diethylzinc in the presence of Pd(PPh₃)₄ afforded homoallylic alcohol via nucleophilic allylzinc species.     

Synthesis of (−)‐Erythrodiene and (+)‐7‐Epispirojatamol via Intramolecular Pd‐Catalyzed Allylzincation

Two spirobicyclic sesquiterpenoids, (−)‐erythrodiene ( 1 ) and (+)‐7‐epispirojatamol ( 30 ), were synthesized in enantiomerically pure form via an intramolecular allylzincation process. The allylzinc species were formed in the presence of Et₂Zn via transmetallation of a catalytically generated allylpalladium intermediate. Several Pd catalysts were tested for this transformation, and [Pd(OAc)₂]/Bu₃P (1 equiv.) was found to be, by far, the most effective. Whereas the preparation of 1 involved allylzincation of a tethered terminal olefin, 30 was formed via a novel intramolecular allyl zincation of a methyl ketone. Both reactions showed the same stereochemical preference, yielding the spirobicyclic products in 95 : 5 and 4 : 1 diastereoisomer ratios, respectively.     

Asymmetric allylation of aldehydes and glyoxylates through `C-centered' chiral pentacoordinate allylsilicates or promoted by Lewis acid

One-pot asymmetric allylation of aldehydes and glyoxylates with `C-centered' chiral pentacoordinate allylsilicates generated from a chiral diol-modified allyltrichlorosilane 8 in the presence of Lewis bases, gave optically active homoallylic alcohols 4 with relatively high enantioselectivity (up to 81% ee). The reactions proceed via a six-membered cyclic transition state. In contrast, the allylation reactions of glyoxylate with allylalkoxysilanes promoted by TiCl₄ proceed through an acyclic transition state. The chiral auxiliaries residing at different positions on the molecules exhibited different abilities for asymmetric induction, depending on the reaction pathway and the stereochemistry of the transition state.     

Scandium-catalyzed allylboration of aldehydes as a practical method for highly diastereo- and enantioselective construction of homoallylic alcohols

A general approach for the allylation of aldehydes using stable, air-tolerant camphor-based chiral allylboronates under Sc(OTf)3 catalysis is described. This practical methodology provides both syn and anti propionate units and other homoallylic alcohols with very high levels of diastereo- and enantioselectivity for several substrates, including functionalized aliphatic aldehydes useful toward the elaboration of complex natural products.     

Catalytic enantioselective allylation of aldehydes via a chiral indium(III) complex in ionic liquids

The ionic liquid [hmim][PF₆] has been demonstrated as an efficient and environmentally-friendly reaction medium for the enantioselective allylation of aldehydes via a chiral indium(III) complex. The allylation of a variety of aromatic, α,β-unsaturated and aliphatic aldehydes resulted in moderate to good yields and enantioselectivities (upto 92% ee).     

Air‐Stable Solid Aryl and Heteroaryl Organozinc Pivalates: Syntheses and Applications in Organic Synthesis

A wide range of air‐stable, solid, polyfunctional aryl and heteroarylzinc pivalates were efficiently prepared by either magnesium insertion or Hal/Mg exchange followed by transmetalation with Zn(OPiv)₂ (OPiv=pivalate). By reducing the amount of LiCl the air stability could be significantly enhanced compared with previously prepared reagents. An alternative route is directed magnesiation using TMPMgCl ? LiCl (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidyl) followed by transmetalation with Zn(OPiv)₂ or, for very sensitive substrates, direct zincation by using TMPZnOPiv. These zinc reagents not only show excellent stability towards air, but they also undergo a broad range of C?C bond‐formation reactions, such as allylation and carbocupration reactions, as well as addition to aldehydes and 1,4‐addition reactions. Acylation reactions can be performed by using an excess of TMSCl to overcome side reactions of the omnipresent pivalate anion.     

Stereoselective allylation reactions of acyclic and chiral α-amino-β-hydroxy aldehydes

Stereoselective allylation reactions of acyclic and chiral α-amino-β-hydroxy aldehydes affording chiral β-amino-α,γ-diols are described. Several Lewis acids (BF₃·OEt₂, SnCl₄, TiCl₄, ZnCl₂, and MgBr₂·OEt₂) were employed to mediate the allylation reactions. The reactions of anti-α-NHCbz-β-OTBS substrates mediated by SnCl₄ afforded syn-selective products. The same reaction conditions also gave satisfactory results for the reactions of syn-α-NHCbz-β-OTBS substrates. The mechanism involves α-chelation between the amido group and aldehyde oxygen.     

Zinc(II)‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Hydrative Aldol Reactions of 2‐En‐1‐ynamides with Aldehydes and Water to form Branched Aldol Products Regio‐ and Stereoselectively

This work describes zinc(II)‐catalyzed hydrative aldol reactions of 2‐en‐1‐ynamides with aldehydes and water to afford branched aldol products regio‐ and stereoselectively. The anti and syn selectivity can be modulated by the sizes of sulfonamides to yield E‐ and Z‐configured zinc(II) dienolates selectively. This new reaction leads to enantiopure aldol products by using a cheap chiral sulfonamide. The mechanistic analysis reveals that the sulfonamide amides of the substrates can trap a released proton to generate dual acidic sites to activate a carbonyl allylation reaction.     

SnCl2-mediated carbonyl allylation in fully aqueous media

Systematic studies were performed on SnCl₂-mediated carbonyl allylation reaction between aldehydes and allyl halides in fully aqueous media. Totally three valuable reaction systems were discovered, which were SnCl₂/CuCl₂, SnCl₂/TiCl₃, and SnCl₂/PdCl₂. They all provided good to excellent yields in the allylation of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes under very mild and convenient conditions. SnCl₂, by itself, was also found to be effective for the allylation reaction when allyl bromide was employed. However, the SnCl₂-only reaction could only tolerate very small amount of water as the solvent. The SnCl₂/CuCl₂, SnCl₂/TiCl₃, and SnCl₂/PdCl₂-mediated reactions exhibited good regioselectivity favoring the γ-adduct when cinnamyl halides were employed as the allylation reagent. The same reactions with cinnamyl halides also showed good diastereoselectivity favoring the anti-product. Mechanistic studies using proton NMR techniques suggested that the additive (i.e., CuCl₂, TiCl₃, PdCl₂) could accelerate the formation of allyltin intermediate, but this step was shown not to be the most important for the allylation. Thus we proposed that the Lewis acid catalysis effect exerted by the additive was the main reason for the observed reactivity enhancement.