Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted α‐Amino Allenoates by Dearomative γ‐Addition of 2,3‐Disubstituted Indoles to β,γ‐Alkynyl‐α‐imino Esters

The first asymmetric synthesis of tetrasubstituted α‐amino allenoates by a chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed dearomative γ‐addition reaction of 2,3‐disubstituted indoles to β,γ‐alkynyl‐α‐imino esters is reported. This method provides access to a series of highly functionalized tetrasubstituted allenes featuring quaternary stereocenters in high yields, and with excellent regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivities under mild conditions without by‐product formation. Representative large‐scale reactions and diverse transformations of the products into various scaffolds with potential biological activities render are also disclosed. The mechanism of the reaction was elucidated by control reactions and DFT calculations.     

Wolff Rearrangement of Oxidatively Generated α‐Oxo Gold Carbenes: An Effective Approach to Silylketenes

Gold‐catalyzed oxidations of alkynes by N‐oxides offer direct access to reactive α‐oxo gold carbene intermediates from benign and readily available alkynes instead of hazardous diazo carbonyl compounds. Despite various versatile synthetic methods developed based on this strategy, one of the hallmarks of α‐oxo carbene/carbenoid chemistry, that is, the Wolff rearrangement, has not been realized in this context. This study discloses the first examples that show the Wolff rearrangement can be readily realized by α‐oxo gold carbenes oxidatively generated from TBS‐terminated alkynes (TBS=tert‐butyldimethylsilyl). The thus‐generated silylketenes can be either isolated pure or subsequently trapped by various internal or external nucleophiles in one pot to afford α‐silylated carboxylic acids, their derivatives, or TBS‐substituted allenes.     

N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Enantioselective α‐Fluorination of Aliphatic Aldehydes and α‐Chloro Aldehydes: Synthesis of α‐Fluoro Esters,Amides, and Thioesters

The asymmetric fluorination of azolium enolates that are generated from readily available simple aliphatic aldehydes or α‐chloro aldehydes and N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) is described. The process significantly expands the synthetic utility of NHC‐catalyzed fluorination and provides facile access to a wide range of α‐fluoro esters, amides, and thioesters with excellent enantioselectivity. Pyrazole was identified as an excellent acyl transfer reagent for catalytic amide formation.     

N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Enantioselective α‐Fluorination of Aliphatic Aldehydes and α‐Chloro Aldehydes: Synthesis of α‐Fluoro Esters,Amides, and Thioesters

The asymmetric fluorination of azolium enolates that are generated from readily available simple aliphatic aldehydes or α‐chloro aldehydes and N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) is described. The process significantly expands the synthetic utility of NHC‐catalyzed fluorination and provides facile access to a wide range of α‐fluoro esters, amides, and thioesters with excellent enantioselectivity. Pyrazole was identified as an excellent acyl transfer reagent for catalytic amide formation.     

Fluorinative Rearrangements of Substituted Phenylallenes Mediated by (Difluoroiodo)toluene: Synthesis of α‐(Difluoromethyl)styrenes

Phenylallenes undergo fluorinative rearrangement upon the action of (difluoroiodo)toluene in the presence of 20 mol % BF₃⋅OEt₂ to yield α‐difluoromethyl styrenes. This unprecedented reaction was entirely chemoselective for the internal allene π bond, and showed remarkable regioselectivity during the fluorination event. Substituted phenylallenes, phenylallenes possessing both phenyl‐ and α‐allenyl substituents, and diphenylallenes were investigated, and good functional‐group compatibility was observed throughout. The ease with which allenes can be prepared on a large scale, and the operational simplicity of this reaction allowed us to rapidly access fluorine‐containing building blocks that have not been accessed by conventional deoxyfluorination strategies.     

Efficient Access to All‐Carbon Quaternary and Tertiary α‐Functionalized Homoallyl‐type Aldehydes from Ketones

β,γ‐Unsaturated aldehydes with all‐carbon quaternary or tertiary α‐centers were rapidly assembled from ketones through a unique synthetic operation consisting of 1) C₁ homologation, 2) Lewis acid mediated epoxide–aldehyde isomerization, and 3) electrophilic trapping. The synthetic equivalence of a vinyl oxirane and a β,γ‐unsaturated aldehyde is the key concept of this previously undisclosed tactic. Mechanistic studies and labeling experiments suggest that an aldehyde enolate is a crucial intermediate. The homologating carbenoid formation plays a critical role in determining the chemoselectivity.     

Synthesis and Functionalization of Allenes by Direct Pd‐Catalyzed Organolithium Cross‐Coupling

A palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling between in situ generated allenyl/propargyl‐lithium species and aryl bromides to yield highly functionalized allenes is reported. The direct and selective formation of allenic products preventing the corresponding isomeric propargylic product is accomplished by the choice of SPhos or XPhos based Pd catalysts. The methodology avoids the prior transmetalation to other transition metals or reverse approaches that required prefunctionalization of substrates with leaving groups, resulting in a fast and efficient approach for the synthesis of tri‐ and tetrasubstituted allenes. Experimental and theoretical studies on the mechanism show catalyst control of selectivity in this allene formation.     

Propargylsilanes as Reagents for Synergistic Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Propargylation of Carbonyl Compounds: Isolation and Characterization of σ‐Gold(I) Allenyl Intermediates

Reported herein is the isolation and characterization, for the first time, of a σ‐gold allenyl complex as an intermediate in gold catalysis. This intermediate was captured during the study of a novel gold(I)‐catalyzed propargylation of carbonyl compounds with propargylsilanes. Notably, the gold‐catalyzed propargylation reaction, which proceeds with aldehydes and ketones, can be driven to the formation of either homopropargyl silyl ethers or the in situ synthesis of corresponding 2‐silyl‐4,5‐dihydrofurans.     

Bifunctional Brønsted Base Catalyzes Direct Asymmetric Aldol Reaction of α‐Keto Amides

The first enantioselective direct cross‐aldol reaction of α‐keto amides with aldehydes, mediated by a bifunctional ureidopeptide‐based Brønsted base catalyst, is described. The appropriate combination of a tertiary amine base and an aminal, and urea hydrogen‐bond donor groups in the catalyst structure promoted the exclusive generation of the α‐keto amide enolate which reacted with either non‐enolizable or enolizable aldehydes to produce highly enantioenriched polyoxygenated aldol adducts without side‐products resulting from dehydration, α‐keto amide self‐condensation, aldehyde enolization, and isotetronic acid formation.     

Cyano‐Schmittel Cyclization through Base‐Induced Propargyl‐Allenyl Isomerization: Highly Modular Synthesis of Pyridine‐Fused Aromatic Derivatives

The cyano‐Schmittel cyclization of in situ‐generated cyano‐allenes has been carried out. The DFT calculation results suggest that the diradical pathway plays a major role in this cyclization. The reactions can be conveniently performed in a one‐pot manner through cascade Sonogashira coupling of terminal cyano‐ynes with organic halides, followed by base‐promoted propargyl‐allenyl isomerization/cyclization, leading to an efficient access to pyridine‐fused polycyclic architectures. In particular, a large variety of aryl or heteroaryl rings such as furans, thiophenes and pyridines can be incorporated into the follow‐up cyano‐Diels–Alder reactions, highlighting the great synthetic utility of this chemistry.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative γ‐Arylation for the Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Chiral Allenes

An enantiospecific palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative coupling of acyclic β,γ‐alkynoic acids with various aryl iodides to chiral tetrasubstituted allenes is described. The coupling reaction comprises a decarboxylative γ‐palladation of α,α‐disubstituted carboxylic acids to provide the tetrasubstituted allenes with complete point‐to‐axial chirality transfer in excellent yields.     

Nickel‐Catalyzed α‐Allylation of Aldehydes and Tandem Aldol Condensation/Allylation Reaction with Allylic Alcohols

An additive‐free nickel‐catalyzed α‐allylation of aldehydes with allyl alcohol is reported. The reaction is promoted by 1 mol % of in situ formed nickel complex in methanol, and water is the sole by‐product of the reaction. The experimental conditions allow the conversion of various α‐branched aldehydes and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes as nucleophiles. The same catalyst and reaction conditions enabled a tandem aldol condensation of aldehyde/α‐allylation reaction.     

Enantiodivergent Synthesis of Allenes by Point‐to‐Axial Chirality Transfer

An enantiodivergent method for the synthesis of multiply substituted allenes is described. Highly enantioenriched, point‐chiral boronic esters were synthesized by homologation of α‐seleno alkenyl boronic esters with lithiated carbamates and eliminated to form axially chiral allene products. By employing either oxidative or alkylative conditions, both syn and anti elimination could be achieved with complete stereospecificity. The process enables the synthesis of either M or P allenes from a single isomer of a point‐chiral precursor and can be employed for the enantioselective assembly of di‐, tri‐, and tetrasubstituted allenes.     

Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Allenes: Remote Asymmetric 1,8‐Addition of Indole Imine Methides

An organocatalytic enantioconvergent synthesis of chiral tetrasubstituted allenes is disclosed. With suitable chiral phosphoric acid catalysts, a range of racemic indole‐substituted propargylic alcohols reacted with nucleophiles to provide efficient access to a series of enantioenriched allenes with high enantioselectivities. Control experiments suggested a mechanism involving remotely controlled asymmetric 1,8‐addition of the in situ generated indole imine methide via a bifunctional transition state.     

Divergent Synthesis of CF3‐Substituted Allenyl Nitriles by Ligand‐Controlled Radical 1,2‐ and 1,4‐Addition to 1,3‐Enynes

A ligand‐controlled system that enables regioselective trifluoromethylcyanation of 1,3‐enynes has been identified, which provides access to a variety of CF₃‐containing tri‐ and tetrasubstituted allenyl nitriles. We disclose that the involved propargylic radicals can be selectively trapped by (Box)Cu^II cyanide, while the tautomerized allenyl radicals are trapped by (phen)Cu^II cyanide (Box= bisoxazoline, phen=phenanthroline). In addition, the reaction features broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility. Moreover, this protocol represents a novel regioselectivity‐tunable functionalization of 1,3‐enynes via radicals, which we believe will have great implications for the development of catalytic systems for selectivity control in radical and organometallic chemistry.     

Gold‐Catalyzed [2+2+1] Cycloaddition of 1,6‐Diyne Carbonates and Esters with Aldehydes to 4‐(Cyclohexa‐1,3‐dienyl)‐1,3‐dioxolanes

A synthetic method to stereoselectively prepare 4‐(cyclohexa‐1,3‐dienyl)‐1,3‐dioxolanes in good to excellent yields by gold(I)‐catalyzed [2+2+1] cycloaddition of 1,6‐diyne carbonates and esters with aldehydes is described. The cascade process involves 1,2‐acyloxy migration followed by cyclopropenation and cycloreversion. This leads to an unprecedented [2+2+1] cycloaddition of the resulting alkenylgold carbenoid species, examples of which are extremely rare, with two aldehyde molecules at catalyst loadings as low as 1 mol %. The usefulness of this cycloisomerization chemistry was further demonstrated by the transformation of one example to the corresponding phenol.     

Cascade Triple‐Aldehyde Addition of 1,2,3,4‐Tetrakis(pinacolatoboryl)but‐ 2‐ene: Stereoselective Synthesis of 2,3‐Bis(alkylidene)alkane‐1,5‐diols

Treatment of (Z)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrakis(pinacolatoboryl)but‐2‐ene, prepared from 2,3‐bis(pinacolatoboryl)buta‐1,3‐diene and bis(pinacolato)diboron, with three molar equivalents of aldehyde in toluene at 100 °C gave the 2,3‐bis(alkylidene)alkane‐1,5‐anti‐diol as a single stereoisomer. The reaction is applicable to both aromatic and α‐unbranched aliphatic aldehydes. The 1,5‐anti‐diols were also synthesized by the one‐pot preparation/triple‐aldehyde addition of the tetraborylated butene. Experimental results for the stepwise treatment of the butene with two types of aldehydes suggest that the rate‐determining step of the triple‐aldehyde addition is the third allylation.     

Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of N,Cα,Cα‐Trisubstituted α‐Amino Acid Derivatives Using 1H‐Imidazol‐4(5H)‐ones as Key Templates

1H‐Imidazol‐4(5H)‐ones are introduced as novel nucleophilic α‐amino acid equivalents in asymmetric synthesis. These compounds not only allow highly efficient construction of tetrasubstituted stereogenic centers, but unlike hitherto known templates, provide direct access to N‐substituted (alkyl, allyl, aryl) α‐amino acid derivatives.     

[3,3]‐Sigmatropic Rearrangement/Allylboration/Cyclization Sequence: Enantioenriched Seven‐Membered‐Ring Carbamates and Ring Contraction to Pyrrolidines

The combination of in situ generated α‐isocyanato allylboronic esters and aldehydes afforded seven‐membered‐ring enecarbamates with high levels of diastereo‐ and enantiocontrol. They were easily converted into diversely substituted 1,3‐oxazepan‐2‐ones. An unprecedented rearrangement of 5‐acetoxy‐7‐aryl or styryl derivatives led to tetrasubstituted pyrrolidines. A computational study provides evidence on the feasibility of the proposed mechanism of this unusual ring contraction.     

Enantio‐ and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Chiral Allenes by Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions

A protocol for the asymmetric synthesis of highly substituted chiral allenes with control of point and axial chirality has been developed. A palladium‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition using readily available racemic allenes gives access to densely functionalized chiral allenes with excellent yields and functional group tolerance. The catalytic asymmetric protocol utilizes a broad range of allenyl TMM (trimethylenemethane) donors to form cyclopentanes, pyrrolidines, and spirocycles with very good control of regio‐, enantio‐, and diastereoselectivity. The chiral allene moiety is shown to be a valuable functional group for rapid elaboration towards complex targets.