Asymmetric Syntheses IV: Enantioselective Synthesis of (R)-Benzylic Amines Via Alkylation of D-Camphor Ketimine

An efficient asymmetric synthesis of (R)-benzylic amines in optical purity 36–90% had been achieved by alkylation of a chiral ketimine prepared from D-camphor and benzylamine. Diastereoselectivity in the alkylation is dependent on the alkyl halides.     

Asymmetric Synthesis XIV: TiCl(Oipr)3-Promoted Asymmetric Coupling Reaction of D-Camphor Ketimine Anion

Optically active 1, 2-Diphenylethylendiamine(9) is obtained by asymmetric oxidative coupling reaction of d-camphor ketimine anion (4). Among various oxidating agents, TiCl(Oipr)₃ is better than l₂, Br₂, CuCl₂, FeCl₃ and BrCH₂CH₂Br.     

Oxidative Coupling Reaction of N,N‐Dialkylanilines with Cerium(IV) Ammonium Nitrate in the Solid State

Oxidative coupling reactions of N,N‐dialkylanilines with cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate can be achieved by grinding at room temperature in the absence of solvents.     

Simple and Efficient Method for Obtaining Fluorene and Spirobifluorene Bromide Derivatives

A mild, simple, and efficient synthetic procedure for the preparation of 2-monobromo-, 2,7-dibromo-, and 2,2′,7,7′-tetrabromo-substituted spirobifluorene derivatives and their key intermediates, 2-monobromo- and 2,7-dibromo-substituted fluorene compounds, has been developed. The oxidative bromination of fluorene and spirobifluorene was achieved using NaBr/H₂O₂ as the bromine source. High conversion of the starting materials was achieved together with good selectivities under optimized reaction conditions.     

Asymmetric Syntheses XXVI: Catalytic Enantioselective Syntheses of β-Hydroxy Esters via Double Chiral Induction in Asymmetric Reformatsky Reactions

Catalytic asymmetric Reformatsky reactions of benzaldehyde with optically active menthyl bromoacetates in the presence of Zn-Cu couple were performed using 0.25 equiv. of (1R,2S) or (1S,2R)-dimethyl-2-amino-1,2-diphenyl ethanol as chiral ligand to obtain β - hydroxy esters with enantioselectivities up to 60.2%. The obvious double chiral induction effect was observed while chiral ligands matched with optically active substrates.     

Synthesis of Cholesterylated Thiogalactosides for Gene Delivery

A series of cholesterylated thiogalactosides L₁ –L₆ the cell targeting ligands for gene delivery to hepatocytes, was synthesized. Related poly(ethylene glycol) chain was used as a bridge for the attachment of galactoside on one hydroxyl end, while the other hydroxyl end was linked with cholesterol. This design provided an effective entry for the synthesis of a poly(ethylene glycol) compound with the hepatocyte targeting.     

Silica Sulfuric Acid (SSA)/Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) as a Recyclable System for the Synthesis of Quinoxalines and Pyrazines

An efficient and facile method has been developed for the condensation of 1,2-diamines with α-hydroxyketones in polyethylene glycol (PEG) to quinoxalines and pyrazines with good yields in the presence of silica sulfuric acid (SSA). The important features of the methodology are simple operations, environmentally friendliness, and no requirement for metal catalysts. Additionally, the catalyst system (SSA/PEG) could be recovered easily and reused.     

Synthesis of gemini surfactants with twelve symmetric fluorine atoms and one singlet F MR signal as novel F MRI agents

A family of fluorinated gemini surfactants derived from perfluoropinacol has been synthesized as novel ¹⁹F magnetic resonance imaging (¹⁹F MRI) agents. These fluorinated surfactants with 12 symmetric fluorine atoms and one singlet ¹⁹F MR peak can be conveniently prepared from perfluoropinacol and oligo(ethylene glycols) on multi-gram scales. Solubility, hydrophilicity (log P), and critical micelle concentration (CMC) measurements of these fluorinated surfactants indicated that high aqueous solubility can be achieved by introducing oligo(ethylene glycols) with appropriate length into perfluoropinacol, i.e., manipulating the fluorine content (F%). One of these fluorinated surfactants with high aqueous solubility and excellent ¹⁹F MR properties has been identified by ¹⁹F MRI phantom experiments as a promising ¹⁹F MRI agent.     

Electrochemical synthesis of amides: direct transformation of methyl ketones with formamides

A direct transformation from methyl ketones to secondary or tertiary amides has been developed through a novel electrochemical approach and a wide scope of formamides could be utilized as the amide sources. This transformation was promoted by in situ generated iodine through electrolysis of sodium iodide under mild, metal-free conditions. This electrochemical procedure could avoid the use of stoichiometric iodine and afforded the target products in good to excellent yields.