Elaboration of the ether cleaving ability and selectivity of the classical Pearlman's catalyst [Pd(OH)2/C]: concise synthesis of a precursor for a myo-inositol pyrophosphate

The cleavage of propargyl, allyl, benzyl, and PMB ethers by Pd(OH)₂/C can be tuned in that order, by varying the reaction conditions. Other moieties such as C-C double bonds, esters, trityl ether, p-bromo and p-nitrobenzyl ethers are stable to these reaction conditions. Cleavage of allyl ethers can be made catalytic by using 1:1 mixture of Pd(OH)₂/C and Pd/C. The synthetic potential of the selective ether cleaving ability of Pd(OH)₂/C, essentially under neutral conditions, has been demonstrated by an efficient synthesis of a precursor for the preparation of an inositol pyrophosphate derivative.     

SYNTHESIS OF ALKYL AND ARYL 1-PROPENYL ETHER MONOMERS: A NEW APPROACH

A new, convenient synthesis of alkyl and aryl 1-propenyl ether monomers in good to excellent yields has been developed. Alkyl and aryl allyl ethers can be smoothly isomerized to the desired 1-propenyl ethers by refluxing in a basic ethanolic solution containing pentacarbonyliron as a catalyst. A simplified two-step, one-pot procedure has also been developed which consists of combining an alcohol with allyl bromide in the presence of base and then adding pentacarbonyliron to isomerize the in-situ generated allyl ether to directly give the 1-propenyl ether. Good yields of alkyl 1-propenyl ethers were obtained using this process. Factors affecting the isomerization reaction were investigated and a mechanism was proposed.     

On the origin of altered diastereomeric ratios for anionic versus neutral reaction conditions in the oxy-Cope/ene reaction: an interplay of experiment and computational modeling

We report herein a detailed investigation into the reaction mechanism for a sequential oxy-Cope/ene reaction under anionic conditions. With DFT calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, the observed diastereoselectivity is shown to be the result of an isomerization of the enolate olefin, which would evidently not occur under neutral conditions. The potential energy surface was thoroughly mapped out for the reaction pathways and the proposed mechanism confirmed the different product distributions observed under neutral and anionic oxy-Cope conditions. In addition, other possible pathways are shown to be higher in energy and experimental evidence is given that supports the olefin-isomerization pathway.     

Isomerization and Cleavage of Allyl Ethers of Carbohydrates by Trans- [Pd(NH3)2Cl2

Allyl ethers are widely used for the “temporary” protection of hydroxy groups in carbohydrates. The allyl group is conveniently removed by isomerization and subsequent cleavage of the labile prop-1-enyl group.² The rearrangement of allyl ethers to prop-1-enyl ethers is readily achieved by treatment with potassium t-butoxide in dimethyl sulfoxide, using tris(tripheny1phosphine)rhodium chloride, palladium on activated charcoal and by an ene reaction with diethylazodicarboxylate. acidic conditions, ozonolysis followed by alkaline hydrolysis, reaction with alkaline permanganate solution, or treatment with mercuric chloride in the presence of mercuric oxide. The isomerization of allyl ethers to prop-1-enyl ethers can also be carried out in the presence of palladium on carbon or complex bis(benzonitrile)palladium(11) chloride. Bruce and Roshan-Ali' showed that derivatives of allyl phenyl ether are smoothly cleaved by this complex. This has made it possible to remove the protecting group in a one-pot operation. We have now investigated the effect of palladium catalysts on the isomerization and cleavage of the allyl group in carbohydrate derivatives.     

Asymmetric allylic alkylation of acyclic allylic ethers with organolithium reagents

A highly efficient, regio- and enantioselective Cu(I) /phosphoramidite-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation of allyl ethers with organolithium reagents is reported. The use of organolithium reagents is essential for this catalytic C?C bond formation due to their compatibility with different Lewis acids. The versatility of allylic ethers under the copper-catalyzed reaction conditions with organolithium reagents is demonstrated in the shortest synthesis of (S)-Arundic acid.     

Ruthenium-catalyzed chemoselective N-allyl cleavage: novel Grubbs carbene mediated deprotection of allylic amines

A novel application of the Grubbs carbene complex has been discovered. The first examples of the catalytic deprotection of allylic amines with reagents other than palladium catalysts have been achieved through Grubbs carbene mediated reaction. Significantly, the catalytic system directs the reaction toward the selective deprotection of allylic amines (secondary as well as tertiary) in the presence of allylic ethers. A variety of substrates, including enantiomerically pure multifunctional piperidines, are also usable. The new method is more convenient, chemoselective, and operationally simple than the palladium-catalyzed method. The current mechanistic hypothesis invokes a nitrogen-assisted ruthenium-catalyzed isomerization, followed by hydrolysis of the enamine intermediate. We believe that the reactive species involved in the reaction may be an Rubond;H species rather than the Grubbs carbene itself. Thus, the isomerization may occur according to the hydride mechanism. The synthetic utility of this ruthenium-catalyzed allyl cleavage is illustrated by the preparation of indolizidine-type alkaloids.     

Catalyzed olefin isomerization leading to highly stereoselective Claisen rearrangements of aliphatic allyl vinyl ethers

Iridium(I)-catalyzed olefin isomerization in bis(allyl) ethers is integrated into a generally applicable strategy for affecting highly stereoselective Claisen rearrangements. Catalyzed alkene isomerization affords allyl vinyl ethers from easily prepared di(allyl) ethers; direct thermolysis of these reaction mixtures leads to highly diastereoselective [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangements affording syn-2,3-dialkyl-4-pentenal derivatives. An easily executed strategy for realizing asymmetric variants of the isomerization-Claisen rearrangement (ICR) reactions is also described.     

Bis(allyl)-ruthenium(IV) complexes as highly efficient catalysts for the redox isomerization of allylic alcohols into carbonyl compounds in organic and aqueous media: scope, limitations, and theoretical analysis of the mechanism

The catalytic activity of the bis(allyl)-ruthenium(IV) dimer [[Ru(eta(3):eta(3)-C(10)H(16))(mu-Cl)Cl](2)] (C(10)H(16) = 2,7-dimethylocta-2,6-diene-1,8-diyl) (1), and that of its mononuclear derivatives [Ru(eta(3):eta(3)-C(10)H(16))Cl(2)(L)] (L = CO, PR(3), CNR, NCR) (2) and [Ru(eta(3):eta(3)-C(10)H(16))Cl(NCMe)(2)][SbF(6)] (3), in the redox isomerization of allylic alcohols into carbonyl compounds, both in tetrahydrofuran and in water, is reported. In particular, a variety of allylic alcohols have been quantitatively isomerized using [[Ru(eta(3):eta(3)-C(10)H(16))(mu-Cl)Cl](2)] (1) as catalyst, the reactions proceeding in all cases faster in water. Remarkably, complex 1 has been found to be the most efficient catalyst reported to date for this particular transformation, leading to TOF and TON values up to 62,500 h(-1) and 1 500,000, respectively. Moreover, catalyst 1 can be recycled and is capable of performing allylic alcohol isomerizations even in the presence of conjugated dienes, which are known to be strong poisons in isomerization catalysis. On the basis of both experimental data and theoretical calculations (DFT), a complete catalytic cycle for the isomerization of 2-propen-1-ol into propenal is described. The potential energy surfaces of the cycle have been explored at the B3LYP/6-311 + G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) + LAN2DZ level. The proposed mechanism involves the coordination of the oxygen atom of the allylic alcohol to the metal. The DFT energy profile is consistent with the experimental observation that the reaction only proceeds under heating. Calculations predict the catalytic cycle to be strongly exergonic, in full agreement with the high yields experimentally observed.     

Heterogeneous reductive isomerization reaction using catalytic Pd/C and H2

[reaction: see text] A highly selective catalytic reductive isomerization reaction is described. The extremely mild and neutral reaction conditions (10% Pd/C, H2, and MeOH at 0 degrees C) tolerate a wide range of functional groups and generally result in excellent yields. Mechanistic studies suggest that this reaction does not proceed via a stepwise reduction/elimination sequence or a pi-allylpalladium intermediate.     

Reductive cleavage versus hydrogenation of allyl aryl ethers and allylic esters using sodium borohydride/catalytic ruthenium(III) in various aqueous solvent mixtures

The reduction of allyl aryl ethers using sodium borohydride in the presence of a catalytic amount of ruthenium(III) chloride in various aqueous solvent mixtures at 0 °C was examined. In aqueous tetrahydrofuran, hydrogenation was the favored pathway (85-100% yield of the corresponding aryl propyl ether); whereas in aqueous N-methylformamide, reductive cleavage predominated (4:1 mixture of phenolic product/aryl propyl ether). In order to gain some insight into the mechanism for this process, 3-octyn-1-ol and trans-2-decen-1-yl acetate were subjected to similar reductive conditions; and both substrates afforded products inconsistent with a single-electron-transfer mechanism.     

FeCl3/NaI-catalyzed allylic C-H oxidation of arylalkenes with a catalytic amount of disulfide under air

This paper describes a FeCl(3)/NaI-catalyzed formal allylic C-H oxidation of arylalkenes using a catalytic amount of disulfide with BnOH and 4-nitroaniline as nucleophiles and air as oxidant to form the corresponding allyl ethers and amines. A possible reaction mechanism has been proposed.     

Isomerization of Functionalized Olefins by Using the Dinuclear Catalyst [PdI(μ-Br)(PtBu3)]2: A Mechanistic Study

In a combined experimental and computational study, the isomerization activity of the dinuclear palladium(I) complex [Pd^I(μ-Br)(P^tBu₃)]₂ towards allyl arenes, esters, amides, ethers, and alcohols has been investigated. The calculated energy profiles for catalyst activation for two alternative dinuclear and mononuclear catalytic cycles, and for catalyst deactivation are in good agreement with the experimental results. Comparison of experimentally observed E/Z ratios at incomplete conversion with calculated kinetic selectivities revealed that a substantial amount of product must form via the dinuclear pathway, in which the isomerization is promoted cooperatively by two palladium centers. The dissociation barrier towards mononuclear Pd species is relatively high, and once the catalyst enters the energetically more favorable mononuclear pathway, only a low barrier has to be overcome towards irreversible deactivation.     

Simple and Highly Efficient Method for the Deprotection of Allyl Ethers Using Dimethylsulfoxide–Sodium Iodide

A simple and highly efficient method for deprotection of allyl ethers has been developed using dimethylsulfoxide–sodium iodide (catalytic amount). This method is inexpensive, has simple reaction conditions, has an easy workup procedure, proceduces excellent yields (60–99%), and is effective for several structurally varied allyl ethers.     

Alkaline aqueous solution promoted debromination of 1,2 dibromo-fluorocarbons – A convenient method for electron deficient perfluorovinyl ethers

A facile and efficient base-mediated protocol for debromination of vic-dibromides in perfluoroalkyl(aryl) compounds in aqueous medium has been demonstrated. With mild reaction conditions, the developed strategy has a good substrate scope and electron-deficient olefin products were obtained in good yields. A mechanistic explanation of the debromination is offered with three key experimental observations: (1) the reactions are accelerated by the more electron-rich nucleophiles, (2) the reactions are promoted by the more electron poor vic-dibromides in perfluoroalkyl compounds, and (3) the nucleophilic side reaction is preventable. It is evident that the electronic factors strongly dictate vic-dibromides elimination to the perfluorovinyl ethers, which are the precursors for various perfluorinated polymers. The different reaction conditions were tested in implicit solvent (water) conditions, which helped to confirm the E2-like mechanism.     

A hierarchy of aryloxide deprotection by boron tribromide

Aryl propargyl ethers and esters are cleaved selectively in the presence of aryl methyl ethers and esters by boron tribromide in dichloromethane. Under the same conditions, allyl ethers undergo very rapid Claisen rearrangement, and benzyl ethers are also cleaved more rapidly than propargyl. A mechanism involving intramolecular delivery of bromide to the propargyl terminus is proposed. [reaction: see text]     

A novel B(C(6)F(5))(3)-catalyzed reduction of alcohols and cleavage of aryl and alkyl ethers with hydrosilanes

The primary alcohols 1a-e and ethers 4a-d were effectively reduced to the corresponding hydrocarbons 2 by HSiEt(3) in the presence of catalytic amounts of B(C(6)F(5))(3). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of catalytic use of Lewis acid in the reduction of alcohols and ethers with hydrosilanes. The secondary alkyl ethers 4j,k enabled cleavage and/or reduction under similar reaction conditions to produce either the silyl ethers 3m-n or the corresponding alcohol 5a upon subsequent deprotection with TBAF. It was found that the secondary alcohols 1g-i and tertiary alcohol 1j, as well as the tertiary alkyl ether 4l, did not react with HSiEt(3)/(B(C(6)F(5))(3) reducing reagent at all. The following relative reactivity order of substrates was found: primary > secondary > tertiary. A plausible mechanism for this nontraditional Lewis acid catalyzed reaction is proposed.     

Acid-Assisted Direct Olefin Metathesis of Unprotected Carbohydrates in Water

The ability to use unprotected carbohydrates in olefin metathesis reactions in aqueous media is demonstrated. By using water-soluble, amine-functionalized Hoveyda–Grubbs catalysts under mildly acidic aqueous conditions, the self-metathesis of unprotected alkene-functionalized α-d -manno- and α-d -galactopyranosides could be achieved through minimization of nonproductive chelation and isomerization. Cross-metathesis with allyl alcohol could also be achieved with reasonable selectivity. The presence of small quantities (2.5 vol %) of acetic acid increased the formation of the self-metathesis product while significantly reducing the alkene isomerization process. The catalytic activity was furthermore retained in the presence of large amounts (0.01 mm ) of protein, underlining the potential of this carbon–carbon bond-forming reaction under biological conditions. These results demonstrate the potential of directly using unprotected carbohydrate structures in olefin metathesis reactions under mild conditions compatible with biological systems, and thereby enabling their use in, for example, drug discovery and protein derivatization.     

Allyl, methallyl, prenyl, and methylprenyl ethers as protected alcohols: their selective cleavage with diphenyldisulfone under neutral conditions

Diphenyldisulfone is a mild and efficient reagent for selective cleavage of methylprenyl (2,3-dimethylbut-2-en-1-yl), prenyl (3-methylbut-2-en1-yl), and methallyl (2-methylallyl) ethers. These reaction conditions are compatible with the presence of other protecting groups such as acetals, acetates, and allyl, benzyl, and TBDMS ethers. Exposure of 2,3-dimethylbut-2-en-1-yl and 3-methylbut-2-en1-yl ethers to diphenyldisulfone led to the formation of 2,3-dimethylbuta-1,3-diene and isoprene, respectively. 2-Methylallyl ethers undergo isomerization to 2-methylpropenyl ethers, which are easily hydrolyzed into the corresponding free alcohols and isobutyraldehyde. [reaction: see text]     

Reactions over multiple, interconnected potential wells: unimolecular and bimolecular reactions on a C3H5 potential

In this article we analyze quantitatively and discuss in detail a number of reactions that take place on a C3H5 potential. These reactions include the reaction of hydrogen atoms with allene and propyne, the reaction of methyl with acetylene, the isomerization of cyclopropyl to allyl, and the dissociation of allyl, 1-propenyl, and 2-propenyl. The theory employs high-level electronic-structure methods to characterize the potential energy surface, RRKM theory to calculate microcanonical, J-resolved rate coefficients, and master-equation methods to determine phenomenological rate coefficients, k(T,p). The agreement between our theory and the experimental results available is very good. The final theoretical results are cast in a form that is convenient for use in chemical kinetics modeling.     

Palladium-catalyzed electrophilic substitution of allyl chlorides and acetates via bis-allylpalladium intermediates

Palladium-catalyzed electrophilic allylic substitution of functionalized allyl chlorides and allyl acetates can be achieved in the presence of hexamethylditin under mild and neutral reaction conditions. This efficient one-pot procedure involves palladium-catalyzed formation of transient allylstannanes followed by generation of a bis-allylpalladium intermediate, which subsequently reacts with electrophiles. Using this catalytic transformation, various aldehydes and imines can be allylated providing highly functionalized homoallyl alcohols and amines. Furthermore, tandem bis-allylation reactions could be performed by employing tosyl isocyanate and benzylidenemalonitrile as substrates. A particularly interesting mechanistic feature of this reaction is that palladium catalyzes up to three different transformations in each catalytic cycle. Various allylic functionalities, including COOEt, CONH(2), COCH(3), CN, Ph, and CH(3), are tolerated in the catalytic reactions due to the application of neutral and mild reaction conditions. The substitution reaction occurs with very high regioselectivity at the branched allylic terminus. Moreover, in several reactions, a high stereoselectivity was observed indicating that this new catalytic process has a high potential for stereoselective synthesis. The regioselectivity of the reaction can be explained on the basis of DFT calculations. These studies indicate that the allylic substituent prefers the gamma-position of the eta(1)-allyl moiety of the reaction intermediate.