Sodium Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanesulfinate: A Bench-Stable Precursor for Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentylsulfones and Bicyclo- [1.1.1]pentanesulfonamides

Herein, we present the synthesis of the bench-stable sodium bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanesulfinate (BCP-SO₂Na) and its application in the synthesis of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentyl (BCP) sulfones and sulfonamides. The salt can be obtained in a four-step procedure from commercially available precursors in multigram scale without the need for column chromatography or crystallization. Sulfinates are known to be useful precursors in radical and nucleophilic reactions and are widely used in medicinal chemistry. This building block enables access to BCP sulfones and sulfonamides avoiding the volatile [1.1.1]propellane which is favorable for the extension of SAR studies. Further, BCP-SO₂Na enables the synthesis of products that were not available with previous methods. A chlorination of BCP-SO₂Na and subsequent reaction with a Grignard reagent provides a new route to BCP sulfoxides. Several products were analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Strain-release 2-azaallyl anion addition/borylation of [1.1.1]propellane: synthesis and functionalization of benzylamine bicyclo[1.1.1]pentyl boronates

We report a 3-component reaction between N-benzyl ketimines, [1.1.1]propellane, and pinacol boronates to generate benzylamine bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) pinacol boronates. These structures are analogous to highly sought diarylmethanamine cores, which are common motifs in bioactive molecules. We demonstrate the versatility of the boronate ester handle via downstream functionalization through a variety of reactions, including a challenging Pd-catalyzed (hetero)arylation that exhibits a broad substrate scope. Together, these methods enable the synthesis of high-value BCP benzylamines which are inaccessible by existing methods. Furthermore, we demonstrate the successful application of these newly developed (hetero)arylation conditions to a variety of challenging tertiary pinacol boronates, including nitrogen-containing heterocycles, 1,1-disubstituted cyclopropanes, and other BCP cores.

We report a 3-component reaction between N-benzyl ketimines, [1.1.1]propellane, and pinacol boronates to generate benzylamine bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) pinacol boronates.     

1,3‐Difunctionalizations of [1.1.1]Propellane via 1,2‐Metallate Rearrangements of Boronate Complexes

1,3‐Disubstituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are valuable bioisosteres of para‐substituted aromatic rings. The most direct route to these structures is via multicomponent ring‐opening reactions of [1.1.1]propellane. However, challenges associated with these transformations mean that difunctionalized BCPs are more commonly prepared by multistep reaction sequences with BCP‐halide intermediates. Herein, we report three‐ and four‐component 1,3‐difunctionalizations of [1.1.1]propellane with organometallic reagents, organoboronic esters, and a variety of electrophiles. This process is achieved by trapping intermediate BCP‐metal species with boronic esters to form boronate complexes, which are versatile intermediates whose electrophile‐induced 1,2‐metallate rearrangement chemistry enables a broad range of C?C bond‐forming reactions.     

On-Surface Synthesis of Polyphenylene Wires Comprising Rigid Aliphatic Bicyclo[1.1.1]Pentane Isolator Units

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) motifs are of growing importance to the pharmaceutical industry as sp³-rich bioisosteres of benzene rings and as molecular building blocks in materials science. Herein we explore the behavior of 1,3-disubstituted BCP moieties on metal surfaces by combining low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy / non-contact atomic force microscopy studies with density functional theory modeling. We examine the configuration of individual BCP-containing precursors on Au(111), their supramolecular assembly and thermally activated dehalogenative coupling reactions, affording polymeric chains with incorporated electronically isolating units. Our studies not only provide the first sub-molecular insights of the BCP scaffold behavior on surfaces, but also extend the potential application of BCP derivatives towards integration in custom-designed surface architectures.     

Synthesis of Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane Bioisosteres of Internal Alkynes and para‐Disubstituted Benzenes from [1.1.1]Propellane

We report a general preparation of arylated bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes through the opening of [1.1.1]propellane with various arylmagnesium halides. After transmetalation with ZnCl₂ and Negishi cross‐coupling with aryl and heteroaryl halides, bis‐arylated bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes are obtained. These bis‐arylated bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes may be considered as bioisosteres of internal alkynes. Bioisosteres of tazarotene and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) antagonist 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl)pyridine were prepared and their physicochemical properties were evaluated.     

Synthesis of Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP)-Based Straight-Shaped Diphosphine Ligands**

[1.1.1]Propellane, which is structurally simple and compact, exhibits promising potential for the synthesis of disubstituted straight-shaped bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) compounds by manipulation of its highly reactive internal C−C bond. BCPs are considered to be isosteres of 1,4-disubstituted benzenes, which have found broad applications in the areas of functional molecules and drug discovery. The internal C−C single bond of [1.1.1]propellane is regarded as a charge-shift bond, which can be readily cleaved by radical means to construct BCPs. We herein report a novel synthetic method for (un)symmetric diphosphines based on the BCP motif, which can be interpreted as isosteres of 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzenes. The obtained BCP-diphosphine derivatives were used to generate a straight-shaped Au complex and an Eu-based coordination polymer.     

A General and Practical Route to Functionalized Bicyclo[1.1.1]Pentane-Heteroaryls Enabled by Photocatalytic Multicomponent Heteroarylation of [1.1.1]Propellane

1-Aryl-substituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are an important class of BCP derivatives with widespread application in drug development. Most syntheses of these materials require multiple chemical steps via BCP electrophiles or nucleophiles derived from [1.1.1]propellane. Although one-step, multicomponent radical cross-coupling reactions could provide a more sustainable and rapid route to access diverse heteroarylated BCPs, current approaches are limited to tertiary alkyl radicals, leading to a decrease in their practical value. In this study, a conceptually different approach enabled by a radical multicomponent heteroarylation of [1.1.1]propellane to access functionalized heteroarylated BCPs is described. Importantly, this protocol is compatible with primary-, secondary-, and tertiary aliphatic radicals, as well as various fluoroalkyl radical sources, thus enabling rapid library generation of sought-after BCP derivatives for drug development.     

Phosphide Delivery to a Cyclotrisilene

The reactivity of the 2‐phosphaethynolate anion (PCO^?) towards a cyclic trisilene (cSi₃(Tip)₄) is reported. The result is the net activation of the P? C and Si? Si multiple bonds of the precursors affording a heteroatomic bicyclo[1.1.1]pentan‐2‐one analogue ([P(CO)Si₃(Tip)₄]^?; 1 ). This reaction can be interpreted as the formal addition of a phosphide and a carbonyl across the Si? Si double bond. Photolytic decarbonylation of 1 results in the incorporation of the phosphide vertex into the cyclotrisilene scaffold, yielding a congener of the cyclobutene anion with considerable allylic character.     

Recent advances in the applications of [1.1.1]propellane in organic synthesis

As a highly strained small molecule, [1.1.1]propellane has been widely used in various synthetic transformations owing to the exceptional reactivity of the central bond between the two bridgehead carbons. Utilizing strain-release approaches, the rapid development of strategies for the construction of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) and cyclobutane derivatives using [1.1.1]propellane as the starting material has been witnessed in the past few years. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances in this field. Accordingly, the reactivity of [1.1.1]propellane can be divided into three pathways, including radical, anionic and transition metal-catalyzed pathways under appropriate conditions.     

Recent advances in the applications of [1.1.1]propellane in organic synthesis

As a highly strained small molecule, [1.1.1]propellane has been widely used in various synthetic transformations owing to the exceptional reactivity of the central bond between the two bridgehead carbons. Utilizing strain-release approaches, the rapid development of strategies for the construction of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) and cyclobutane derivatives using [1.1.1]propellane as the starting material has been witnessed in the past few years. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances in this field. Accordingly, the reactivity of [1.1.1]propellane can be divided into three pathways, including radical, anionic and transition metal-catalyzed pathways under appropriate conditions.     

Reactions of 2‐Aryl‐1,3‐Dithianes and [1.1.1]Propellane

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) have sparked the interest of medicinal chemists due to their recent discovery as bioisosteres of aromatic rings. To study the biological activity of this relatively new class of bioisosteres, reliable methods to incorporate BCPs into target molecules are in high demand, as reflected by a flurry of methods for BCP synthesis in recent years. In this work, we disclose a general method for the synthesis of BCP‐containing dithianes which, upon deprotection, provide access to BCP analogues of medicinally abundant diarylketones. A broad scope of 2‐aryl‐1,3‐dithianes, including several heterocyclic derivatives, react with [1.1.1]propellane to afford 26 new derivatives in good to excellent yields. Further transformation of the dithiane portion into a variety of functional groups demonstrates the robustness of the products. A computational study indicates that the reaction of 2‐aryl‐1,3‐dithianes and [1.1.1]propellane proceeds via a two‐electron pathway.     

The “Inverted Bonds” Revisited: Analysis of “In Silico” Models and of [1.1.1]Propellane by Using Orbital Forces

This article dwells on the nature of “inverted bonds”, which refer to the σ interaction between two sp hybrids by their smaller lobes, and their presence in [1.1.1]propellane. Firstly, we study H₃C−C models of C−C bonds with frozen H-C-C angles reproducing the constraints of various degrees of “inversion”. Secondly, the molecular orbital (MO) properties of [1.1.1]propellane and [1.1.1]bicyclopentane are analyzed with the help of orbital forces as a criterion of bonding/antibonding character and as a basis to evaluate bond energies. Triplet and cationic states of [1.1.1]propellane species are also considered to confirm the bonding/antibonding character of MOs in the parent molecule. These approaches show an essentially non-bonding character of the σ central C−C interaction in propellane. Within the MO theory, this bonding is thus only due to π-type MOs (also called “banana” MOs or “bridge” MOs) and its total energy is evaluated to approximately 50 kcal mol⁻¹. In bicyclopentane, despite a strong σ-type repulsion, a weak bonding (15–20 kcal mol⁻¹) exists between both central C−C bonds, also due to π-type interactions, though no bond is present in the Lewis structure. Overall, the so-called “inverted” bond, as resulting from a σ overlap of the two sp hybrids by their smaller lobes, appears highly questionable.     

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane Embedded in Porphyrinoids**

We report a two-step approach to obtain synthetically versatile bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) derivatives using Grignard reagents. This method allows the incorporation of BCP units in tetrapyrrolic macrocycles and the synthesis of a new class of calix[4]pyrrole analogues by replacing two bridging methylene groups with two BCP units. In addition, a doubly N-confused system was also formed in the presence of electron-withdrawing substituents at the BCP bridgeheads. The pyrrole rings in BCP containing macrocycles exist in 1,3-alternate or αβαβ conformations, as observed from single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and 2D NMR spectroscopy.     

Theoretical studies on polynitrobicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes in search of novel high energy density materials

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane is a highly strained hydrocarbon system due to close proximity of nonbonded bridge head carbons. Based on fully optimized molecular geometries at the density functional theory using the B3LYP/6-31G* level, densities, detonation velocities, and pressures for a series of polynitrobicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes, as well as their thermal stabilities were investigated in search for high energy density materials (HEDMs). The designed compounds with more than two nitro groups are characterized by high heat of formation and magnitude correlative with the number and space distance of nitro groups. Density was calculated using the crystal packing calculations and an increase in the number of nitro groups increases the density. The increase in density shows a linear increase in the detonation characteristics. Bond dissociation energy was analyzed to determine thermal stability. Calculations of the bond length and bond dissociation energies of the C-NO₂ bond indicate that this may be the possible trigger bond in the pyrolysis mechanism. 1,2,3-Trinitrobicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (S3), 1,2,3,4-tetranitrobicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (S4), and 1,2,3,4,5-pentanitrobicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (S5) have better energetic characteristics with better stability and insensitivity, and as such may be explored in defense applications as promising candidates of the HEDMs series.     

Synthesis of All‐Carbon Disubstituted Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes by Iron‐Catalyzed Kumada Cross‐Coupling

1,3‐Disubstituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are important motifs in drug design as surrogates for p‐substituted arenes and alkynes. Access to all‐carbon disubstituted BCPs via cross‐coupling has to date been limited to use of the BCP as the organometallic component, which restricts scope due to the harsh conditions typically required for the synthesis of metallated BCPs. Here we report a general method to access 1,3‐C‐disubstituted BCPs from 1‐iodo‐bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (iodo‐BCPs) by direct iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling with aryl and heteroaryl Grignard reagents. This chemistry represents the first general use of iodo‐BCPs as electrophiles in cross‐coupling, and the first Kumada coupling of tertiary iodides. Benefiting from short reaction times, mild conditions, and broad scope of the coupling partners, it enables the synthesis of a wide range of 1,3‐C‐disubstituted BCPs including various drug analogues.     

Synthesis of All-Carbon Disubstituted Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes by Iron-Catalyzed Kumada Cross-Coupling

1,3-Disubstituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are important motifs in drug design as surrogates for p-substituted arenes and alkynes. Access to all-carbon disubstituted BCPs via cross-coupling has to date been limited to use of the BCP as the organometallic component, which restricts scope due to the harsh conditions typically required for the synthesis of metallated BCPs. Here we report a general method to access 1,3-C-disubstituted BCPs from 1-iodo-bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (iodo-BCPs) by direct iron-catalyzed cross-coupling with aryl and heteroaryl Grignard reagents. This chemistry represents the first general use of iodo-BCPs as electrophiles in cross-coupling, and the first Kumada coupling of tertiary iodides. Benefiting from short reaction times, mild conditions, and broad scope of the coupling partners, it enables the synthesis of a wide range of 1,3-C-disubstituted BCPs including various drug analogues.     

1,3-Difunctionalizations of [1.1.1]Propellane via 1,2-Metallate Rearrangements of Boronate Complexes

1,3-Disubstituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are valuable bioisosteres of para-substituted aromatic rings. The most direct route to these structures is via multicomponent ring-opening reactions of [1.1.1]propellane. However, challenges associated with these transformations mean that difunctionalized BCPs are more commonly prepared by multistep reaction sequences with BCP-halide intermediates. Herein, we report three- and four-component 1,3-difunctionalizations of [1.1.1]propellane with organometallic reagents, organoboronic esters, and a variety of electrophiles. This process is achieved by trapping intermediate BCP-metal species with boronic esters to form boronate complexes, which are versatile intermediates whose electrophile-induced 1,2-metallate rearrangement chemistry enables a broad range of C−C bond-forming reactions.     

Divergent Strain‐Release Amino‐Functionalization of [1.1.1]Propellane with Electrophilic Nitrogen‐Radicals

Herein we report the development of a photocatalytic strategy for the divergent preparation of functionalized bicyclo[1.1.1]pentylamines. This approach exploits, for the first time, the ability of nitrogen‐radicals to undergo strain‐release reaction with [1.1.1]propellane. This reactivity is facilitated by the electrophilic nature of these open‐shell intermediates and the presence of strong polar effects in the transition‐state for C?N bond formation/ring‐opening. With the aid of a simple reductive quenching photoredox cycle, we have successfully harnessed this novel radical strain‐release amination as part of a multicomponent cascade compatible with several external trapping agents. Overall, this radical strategy enables the rapid construction of novel amino‐functionalized building blocks with potential application in medicinal chemistry programs as p‐substituted aniline bioisosteres.     

9,9-Dimethyl-8,10-dioxapentacyclo[5.3.0.0.0.0]decane and naphthotetracyclo[5.1.0.0.0]oct-3-ene: new substituted [1.1.1]propellanes as precursors to 1,2,3,4-tetrafunctionalized bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes

Two new substituted [1.1.1]propellanes have been generated from the corresponding bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes in either single-step (1a) or four-step procedures (1b). The observed degree of double lithiation of the bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes is discussed in the context of DFT computational results. Addition reactions across the central C(1)-C(3) bonds of the propellanes were studied. Only the propellane 1b gave the biacetyl addition product.     

Synthesis of 4‐silaspiro[3.4]octa‐1,5‐diene derivatives: hybrid spiro compounds

Trialkynyl(vinyl)silanes CH₂?CH? Si(C?C? R)₃ (R = Bu, Ph, p‐tolyl) were prepared and treated with 9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9‐BBN). Consecutive 1,2‐hydroboration and intramolecular 1,1‐carboboration reactions (each requires different reaction conditions) were studied. 1,2‐Hydroboration of the Si? vinyl group takes place at ambient temperature (23°C in tetrahydrofuran), followed by intramolecular 1,1‐vinylboration to give 1‐silacyclopent‐2‐ene derivatives, bearing still two alkynyl functions at the silicon atom. Further treatment with a second equivalent of 9‐BBN affords 1‐alkenyl‐1‐(alkynyl)‐1‐silacyclopent‐2‐ene derivatives. These undergo intramolecular 1,1‐vinylboration to give 4‐silaspiro[3.4]octa‐1,5‐dienes bearing the boryl groups at 2 and 6 positions. Protodeborylation of all new compounds (intermediates and final products) using acetic acid in slight excess afforded corresponding silanes including spirosilanes. All compounds were characterized using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C, ²⁹Si) in solution state. Solid‐state structures for one of the trialkynyl(vinyl)silanes (R = p‐tolyl) and one of the 1‐silacyclopent‐2‐ene derivatives (R = Ph) were confirmed using X‐ray diffraction. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.