Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of α‐Arylpyrrolidines and Benzo‐fused Nitrogen Heterocycles

Herein, we report a practical two‐step synthetic route to α‐arylpyrrolidines through Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling and enantioselective copper‐catalyzed intramolecular hydroamination reactions. The excellent stereoselectivity and broad scope for the transformation of substrates with pharmaceutically relevant heteroarenes render this method a practical and versatile approach for pyrrolidine synthesis. Additionally, this intramolecular hydroamination strategy facilitates the asymmetric synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinolines and medium‐ring dibenzo‐fused nitrogen heterocycles.     

Iridium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyrrole‐Annulated Medium‐Sized‐Ring Compounds

Enantioselective synthesis of pyrrole‐annulated medium‐sized‐ring compounds by an iridium‐catalyzed allylic dearomatization/retro‐Mannich/hydrolysis sequence is presented. Various substituted pyrrole‐annulated seven‐ and eight‐membered‐ring products were obtained under mild reaction conditions with moderate to good yields and excellent enantioselectivity. Additionally, these products contain a scaffold widely distributed in natural products and biologically active compounds. The current method provides a convenient way for accessing such pyrrole‐anuulated medium‐sized‐ring compounds.     

Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Reaction of Terminal Propargyl Alcohols,Aldehydes, and Amines: Synthesis of 3‐Amino‐2‐pyrones and 2,5‐Dihydrofurans

A novel copper(I)‐catalyzed three‐component reaction for the efficient synthesis of 3‐amino‐2‐pyrones and 2,5‐dihydrofurans from propargyl alcohols, aldehydes, and amines has been developed. The starting materials are easily available and the scope of this method is broad. Through mechanistic studies, it is believed that the three‐component reaction consists of an A³‐coupling to propargylic amine, alkyne–allene isomerization, and intramolecular cyclization of the allenol to form a furan. In case of using ethyl glyoxalate as the aldehyde, a ring‐opening, lactonization, and isomerization process affords the 3‐amino‐2‐pyrones.     

Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Reaction of Terminal Propargyl Alcohols,Aldehydes, and Amines: Synthesis of 3‐Amino‐2‐pyrones and 2,5‐Dihydrofurans

A novel copper(I)‐catalyzed three‐component reaction for the efficient synthesis of 3‐amino‐2‐pyrones and 2,5‐dihydrofurans from propargyl alcohols, aldehydes, and amines has been developed. The starting materials are easily available and the scope of this method is broad. Through mechanistic studies, it is believed that the three‐component reaction consists of an A³‐coupling to propargylic amine, alkyne–allene isomerization, and intramolecular cyclization of the allenol to form a furan. In case of using ethyl glyoxalate as the aldehyde, a ring‐opening, lactonization, and isomerization process affords the 3‐amino‐2‐pyrones.     

Formal Total Synthesis of (−)‐Taxol through Pd‐Catalyzed Eight‐Membered Carbocyclic Ring Formation

A formal total synthesis of (?)‐taxol by a convergent approach utilizing Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular alkenylation is described. Formation of the eight‐membered carbocyclic ring has been a problem in the convergent total synthesis of taxol but it was solved by the Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular alkenylation of a methyl ketone affording the cyclized product in excellent yield (97 %), indicating the high efficiency of the Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular alkenylation. Rearrangement of the epoxy benzyl ether through a 1,5‐hydride shift, generating the C3 stereogenic center and subsequently forming the C1–C2 benzylidene, was discovered and utilized in the preparation of a substrate for the Pd‐catalyzed reaction.     

Rhodium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroarylation of 1‐Halo‐1‐alkynes: Regioselective Synthesis of Semihydrogenated Aromatic Heterocycles

The regioselective intramolecular hydroarylation of (3‐halo‐2‐propynyl)anilines, (3‐halo‐2‐propynyl) aryl ethers, or (4‐halo‐3‐butynyl) aryl ethers was efficiently catalyzed by Rh₂(OCOCF₃)₄ to give semihydrogenated aromatic heterocycles, such as 4‐halo‐1,2‐dihydroquinolines, 4‐halo‐3‐chromenes, or 4‐(halomethylene)chromans, in good to excellent yields. Some synthetic applications taking advantage of the halo‐substituents of the products are also illustrated.     

Gold‐Catalyzed Oxidative Ring Expansion of 2‐Alkynyl‐1,2‐Dihydropyridines or ‐quinolines: Highly Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized Azepine or Benzazepine Scaffolds

A gold‐catalyzed highly regio‐ and chemoselective oxidative ring expansion of 2‐alkynyl‐1,2‐dihydropyridines and its analogues using pyridine‐N‐oxide as the oxidant has been developed. Ring expansion proceeds through exclusive 1,2‐migration of a vinyl or phenyl group, whereas no 1,2‐H and 1,2‐N migration take place. The reaction provides an efficient and attractive route to various types of medium‐sized azepine derivatives in generally high to excellent yields with a broad functional group tolerance. DFT studies indicate that the reaction proceeds through the formation of a cyclopropyl gold intermediate, and no gold carbene species is involved.     

Tandem Regioselective Substitution and Palladium‐Catalyzed Ring Fusion Reaction for Core‐Expanded Boron Dipyrromethenes with Red‐Shifted Absorption and Intense Fluorescence

A selective method for the core‐extension of boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) with two annulated indole rings with exclusive syn‐connectivity is reported. The method is based on a regioselective nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2,3,5,6‐tetrabromoBODIPY with aryl amines, followed by palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular C?C coupling ring fusion. The unsymmetrical core‐expanded BODIPY with annulated indole and benzofuran rings was also synthesized by stepwise and regioselective nucleophilic substitution and palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular C?C coupling reaction. The diindole‐annulated BODIPY was unambiguously characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The optical properties of the present core‐expanded BODIPYs were studied, revealing clearly red‐shifted absorption and emission bands and enhanced absorption coefficients upon annulation.     

A Migratory Ether Formation Route to Medium‐Sized Sugar Mimetics

Polyol‐substituted cyclic ethers are fundamental building blocks of biomolecules. The position and stereochemistry of multiple hydroxy substituents of cyclic ethers play a central role in their biological function. Current methods for the synthesis of such structures are limited to “naked” ring products with no or few substituents. Here we describe a general route to medium‐sized polyol cyclic ethers using a migratory ether formation strategy. In contrast to the common pathway of direct opening of epoxides, Me₃Al was found to promote an unprecedented ether addition reaction, opening a neighboring epoxide. The resulting oxonium intermediate triggers a 1,3‐methyl shift to yield 2‐deoxyribital products. When the hemiacetal auxiliary is a monosaccharide, the sugar ring is expanded by four atoms to give the corresponding 9‐ to 11‐membered analogues. This method provides an entry into the untapped chemical space of medium‐sized sugar mimetics.     

Yttrium‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroalkoxylation/Claisen Rearrangement Sequence: Efficient Synthesis of Medium‐Sized Lactams

An efficient yttrium‐catalyzed intramolecular hydroalkoxylation/Claisen rearrangement sequence has been achieved, thus enabling facile access to a diverse array of valuable medium‐sized lactams. Furthermore, a mechanistic rationale for this novel cascade reaction is well supported by a variety of control experiments.     

Catalytic Synthesis of 8‐Membered Ring Compounds via Cobalt(III)‐Carbene Radicals

The metalloradical activation of o‐aryl aldehydes with tosylhydrazide and a cobalt(II) porphyrin catalyst produces cobalt(III)‐carbene radical intermediates, providing a new and powerful strategy for the synthesis of medium‐sized ring structures. Herein we make use of the intrinsic radical‐type reactivity of cobalt(III)‐carbene radical intermediates in the [Co^II(TPP)]‐catalyzed (TPP=tetraphenylporphyrin) synthesis of two types of 8‐membered ring compounds; novel dibenzocyclooctenes and unprecedented monobenzocyclooctadienes. The method was successfully applied to afford a variety of 8‐membered ring compounds in good yields and with excellent substituent tolerance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental results suggest that the reactions proceed via hydrogen atom transfer from the bis‐allylic/benzallylic C?H bond to the carbene radical, followed by two divergent processes for ring‐closure to the two different types of 8‐membered ring products. While the dibenzocyclooctenes are most likely formed by dissociation of o‐quinodimethanes (o‐QDMs) which undergo a non‐catalyzed 8π‐cyclization, DFT calculations suggest that ring‐closure to the monobenzocyclooctadienes involves a radical‐rebound step in the coordination sphere of cobalt. The latter mechanism implies that unprecedented enantioselective ring‐closure reactions to chiral monobenzocyclooctadienes should be possible, as was confirmed for reactions mediated by a chiral cobalt‐porphyrin catalyst.     

Ir‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of α‐Alkylidene β‐Lactams and Cyclobutanones

Chiral β‐lactams and cyclobutanones are present in numerous natural and pharmaceutical products. The stereoselective construction of chiral four‐membered cyclic compounds is an ongoing challenge for the chemical community. Herein, we report a highly stereocontrolled construction of four‐membered ring (mini‐sized) β‐lactams and cyclobutanones via an Ir/ In‐BiphPHOX ‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation, providing the corresponding optically active four‐membered ring carbonyl products bearing an α‐chiral carbon center with excellent yields (up to 99%) and enantioselectivities (up to 98%) under mild reaction conditions (1.0—2.5 bar H₂ for 1.0—10 h). The reaction presents wide substrate scope. Diverse transformations of the catalyzed products were also conducted to show the potential utility of this protocol.     

Pd‐Catalyzed Regioselective Activation of gem‐Difluorinated Cyclopropanes: A Highly Efficient Approach to 2‐Fluorinated Allylic Scaffolds

An unprecedented Pd‐catalyzed regioselective activation of gem‐difluorinated cyclopropanes induced by C? C bond cleavage is reported. It provides a general and efficient access to a variety of 2‐fluoroallylic amines, ethers, esters, and alkylation products in high Z‐selectivity, which are important skeletons in many biologically active molecules. In addition, the transformation represents the first general application of gem‐difluorinated cyclopropanes as reaction partners in transition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction.     

Base‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroamination of Cyclohexa‐2,5‐dienes: Insights into the Mechanism through DFT Calculations and Application to the Total Synthesis of epi‐Elwesine

The base‐catalyzed intramolecular hydroamination of 1‐ethylaminocyclohexa‐2,5‐dienes is described. The transformation proceeds through isomerization of the cyclohexa‐1,4‐dienyl fragment into the corresponding conjugated 1,3‐diene prior to the hydroamination step. Attaching a chiral glycinol ether auxiliary on the amino group allows the protonation to occur with complete diastereocontrol. The resulting lithium amide then adds onto the 1,3‐dienyl moiety, affording the desired fused pyrrolidine ring along with the corresponding lithium allylic anion. Protonation of the latter then proceeds with high regiocontrol to favor the resulting allylic amines. In contrast, when the reaction was performed on primary amines, fused pyrrolidines bearing a homoallylic amino group were obtained. The stereochemical course of the process and determination of the reaction pathways were established based on calculations performed at the DFT level. Finally, application of the methodology to the enantioselective synthesis of (+)‐epi‐elwesine, a crinane alkaloid, is described.     

Cu‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Cyclizations of 3‐N‐Hydroxyamino‐1,2‐propadienes with Alcohols,Thiols, and Amines To Form α‐O‐, S‐, and N‐Substituted 4‐Methylquinoline Derivatives

A one‐pot, two‐step synthesis of α‐O‐, S‐, and N‐substituted 4‐methylquinoline derivatives through Cu‐catalyzed aerobic oxidations of N‐hydroxyaminoallenes with alcohols, thiols, and amines is described. This reaction sequence involves an initial oxidation of N‐hydroxyaminoallenes with NuH (Nu=OH, OR, NHR, and SR) to form 3‐substituted 2‐en‐1‐ones, followed by Brønsted acid catalyzed intramolecular cyclizations of the resulting products. Our mechanistic analysis suggests that the reactions proceed through a radical‐type mechanism rather than a typical nitrone‐intermediate route. The utility of this new Cu‐catalyzed reaction is shown by its applicability to the synthesis of several 2‐amino‐4‐methylquinoline derivatives, which are known to be key precursors to several bioactive molecules.     

Functional‐Group‐Tolerant Catalytic Migratory Oxidative Coupling of Nitrones

A copper‐catalyzed migratory oxidative‐coupling reaction between nitrones and various ethers/amines exhibited high functional‐group tolerance. Even in aqueous media, the reaction proceeded efficiently. For practical use of this catalysis, a unique sequential Huisgen cycloaddition was demonstrated. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the reaction proceeded through oxidative catalytic activation of ethers/amines to afford iminium/oxonium intermediates by concurrent dual one‐electron abstractions by copper(II) and oxyl radicals.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Reductive Heck Reactions: Convenient Access to 3,3‐Disubstituted 2,3‐Dihydrobenzofuran

The first example of highly enantioselective intramolecular hydroarylation of allyl aryl ethers was realized by palladium‐catalyzed reductive heck reactions utilizing a new chiral sulfinamide phosphine ligand (N‐Me‐ XuPhos ). N‐Me‐ XuPhos can be easily prepared on gram scale from readily available starting materials in a one‐pot synthesis approach. A series of optically active 2,3‐dihydrobenzofurans bearing a quaternary stereocenter were obtained in good yields and with excellent enantioselectivities. The practicality of this reaction was validated in the straightforward synthesis of CB2 receptor agonists. Moreover, deuterium was efficiently incorporated into the products.     

Synthesis of 1‐Arylnaphthalenes by Gold‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Sequential Epoxide to Carbonyl Rearrangement and Cyclization with Arylalkynes

Intermolecular and intramolecular reactions of a one‐pot gold‐catalyzed epoxide rearrangement followed by an electrophilic addition to arylalkynes to synthesize 1‐arylnaphthalenes have been reported. The intramolecular reaction has been applied to synthesize 1‐arylnaphthalenes fused with saturated furan, pyran, pyrrole, and cyclopentane ring systems.     

Base Mediated Aromatization of Carbonyl Condensation Products Derived from 2‐(2‐Bromoprop‐2‐enyl)cyclohexanone Derivatives via ‘Intramolecular Unsaturation Transfer’

Alkylbenzenes are synthesized for the first time from aliphatic hydrocarbons via an one pot, transition metal‐free coupling approach under basic conditions. The method consists of two steps: condensation of 2‐bromoprop‐2‐enyl‐ or 2‐propargylcyclohexanone with alcohols, amines, or amino alcohols, followed by base treatment (Scheme 1). Phenolic ethers and N‐phenylated polyalkyl aromatic compounds are shown to be in the scope of the demonstrated reaction (Table). The proposed mechanism suggests that the unsaturation in another part of the molecule (propargyl‐group equivalent) is transferred into the cyclohexane ring to yield a benzene ring through a series of prototropic shifts.     

Convergent Synthesis of (−)‐Quinocarcin Based on the Combination of Sonogashira Coupling and Gold(I)‐Catalyzed 6‐endo‐dig Hydroamination

The total synthesis of the pentacyclic tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid quinocarcin, which possesses intriguing structural and biological features, has been achieved through a gold(I)‐catalyzed regioselective hydroamination reaction. It is noteworthy that the regioselectivity of the intramolecular hydroamination of an unsymmetrical alkyne could be completely switched through substrate control. Other key features of this synthesis include the highly stereoselective synthesis of 2,5‐cis‐pyrrolidine through the intramolecular amination of the bromoallene and the Lewis acid mediated ring opening of dihydrobenzofuran.