A direct catalytic asymmetric Mannich-type reaction via a dinuclear zinc catalyst: synthesis of either anti- or syn-alpha-hydroxy-beta-amino ketones

The use of imines bearing a hydrolyzable nitrogen substituent in direct asymmetric Mannich reactions with alpha-hydroxyketones is developed. Previous work focused on the use of N-arylimines or nonenolizable imines, and the latter with only methoxy-substituted alpha-hydroxyacetophenones. Using a dinuclear catalyst devised from 2,6-di-(S)-2'-diphenylhydroxymethylpyrrolidino-N-methyl)-4-methylphenol and diethylzinc, a broad array of hydroxyacetylated aromatics, including phenyl, 2-furyl, 1-naphthyl, and 2-naphthyl, react well. In addition, the reactions focused on the use of enolizable imines. With the N-diphenylphosphinoyl, the reactions are anti selective with enantiomeric excesses ranging from 83 to 99%, except for the reaction of the 2-methoxy-2'-hydroxyacetylbenzene. With the N-Boc-imines, the reactions were syn selective with enantiomeric excesses from 90 to 94%. The dependence of the diastereoselectivity on the nature of the N-substituent presumably arises from the steric demands of the diphenylphosphinoyl group.     

Aerodynamik und Maschinenbau

Summary The importance of aerodynamics in mechanical engineering is discussed. The influence on the design of vehicles, especially automobiles, is considered in detail. The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is pointed out. This occurs in vehicles of poor aerodynamic form and is due to bad ventilation. Many advances in mechanical engineering rendered possible by the application of aerodynamics are also discussed.      

Iodine-catalyzed,one-pot,three-component aza-Friedel–Crafts reaction of electron-rich arenes with aldehyde/carbamate combinations

Iodine is shown to be an efficient catalyst for a one-step, three-component aza-Friedel–Crafts reaction of activated arenes or heteroarenes with benzyl or tert-butyl carbamates in combination with a wide variety of aldehydes in toluene under ‘open-flask’ and mild conditions. In the presence of 5 mol % of iodine in toluene at room temperature, the reaction gives the corresponding N-CBz or N-Boc protected α-branched amines, selectively, in good to excellent yields.     

One-pot solvent-free synthesis of triaryl- and triheteroarylmethanes by Bi(OTf)3-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts reaction of arenes/heteroarenes with trialkyl orthoformates

A convenient, practical and highly efficient one-pot method has been developed for the synthesis of triaryl- and triheteroarylmethane derivatives by Bi(OTf)₃-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts alkylation of trialkyl orthoformates in combination with a wide variety of arenes/heteroarenes at room temperature under solvent-free conditions and in an air atmosphere. The methodology offers an operational simplicity, high atom economy and environmentally benign procedure. Furthermore, selected compound 3k showed promising anti-inflammatory activity with inhibition nitric oxide and did not exhibit significant cytotoxic effects on macrophage cells.     

A stereoselective approach to bioactive secolignans: synthesis of peperomin C and its analogues

A stereoselective approach to secolignans is described. The key synthetic strategy involves an asymmetric aldol reaction to control the creation of the stereogenic center at the β-carbon of the target secolignans. In the present work, peperomin C and its analogues, i.e., 2,6-didehydropeperomin C and 2-epi-peperomin C were successfully synthesized in good yields with high stereoselectivities.     

Iodine-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts alkylation of electron-rich arenes with aldehydes: efficient synthesis of triarylmethanes and diarylalkanes

Iodine is shown to be an efficient catalyst for the Friedel-Crafts alkylation of arenes with a wide variety of aldehydes in toluene under ‘open-flask’ and mild conditions. In the presence of 10 mol % of iodine, the reaction of arenes with aromatic aldehydes gives the corresponding triarylmethane derivatives (TRAMs), regioselectively, in good to excellent yields. On the other hand, a series of diarylalkane derivatives is synthesized smoothly by the reaction with aliphatic aldehydes.     

Metal-free selective synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles catalyzed by Brönsted acidic ionic liquid: Convenient access to one-pot synthesis of N-alkylated 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles

A novel efficient method for the selective synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles is described through condensation reaction of o-phenylenediamines with a wide rang of aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehyde substrates using Brönsted acidic ionic liquid as a reusable catalyst under metal-free conditions at ambient temperature. Notably, Dodecylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([DodecIm][HSO₄]) is the most efficient catalyst for good to excellent yields of the corresponding products (up to 98%). Subsequently, this protocol was successfully applied for the preparation of N-alkylated 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles in high to excellent yields via sequential one-pot reaction. In addition, catalysts are recycled at least four times without significant loss in activity.