Enantioselective Catalytic [4+1]-Cyclization of ortho-Hydroxy-para-Quinone Methides with Allenoates

The first highly asymmetric catalytic synthesis of densely functionalized dihydrobenzofurans is reported, which starts from ortho-hydroxy-containing para-quinone methides. The reaction relies on an unprecedented formal [4+1]-annulation of these quinone methides with allenoates in the presence of a commercially available chiral phosphine catalyst. The chiral dihydrobenzofurans were obtained as single diastereomers in yields up to 90 % and with enantiomeric ratios up to 95:5.     

Isocyanide‐Based Multicomponent Reactions: Concise Synthesis of Spirocyclic Oxindoles with Molecular Complexity by Using a [1,5]‐Hydrogen Shift as the Key Step

A concise multicomponent reaction of isocyanide, α‐substituted allenoate, and methyleneindolinone has been disclosed. This protocol provides a fast and straightforward approach to synthesize unusual tricyclic oxindoles in an efficient and atom‐economic manner. Mechanistically, the present cycloaddition may proceed through a cascade sequence involving double Michael addition, double cyclization, double [1,5]‐hydrogen shift, and group migration. The introduction of a special alkyl group to the allenoate is believed to play a key role in the cascade reaction. This method also features a broad substrate scope, which is particularly useful for the delivery of a large number of compounds.     

A Phosphine‐Catalyzed Novel Asymmetric [3+2] Cycloaddition of C,N‐Cyclic Azomethine Imines with δ‐Substituted Allenoates

Catalytic asymmetric [3+2] cycloadditions of C,N‐cyclic azomethine imines with δ‐substituted allenoates have been developed in the presence of (S)‐Me‐f‐KetalPhos, affording functionalized tetrahydroquinoline frameworks in good yields with high diastereo‐ and good enantioselectivities under mild condition. The substrate scope has been also examined. This is the first time that δ‐substituted allenoates have been applied as a δ,γ‐C?C bond participated C₂ synthon in asymmetric synthesis.     

Catalytic Asymmetric Syntheses of Alkylidenecyclopropanes from Allenoates with Donor-Acceptor and Diacceptor Diazo Reagents

The first diastereo- and enantioselective cyclopropanation reactions of electron-deficient allenes with donor-acceptor and diacceptor diazo reagents are described. The desired enantioenriched alkylidenecyclopropanes (ACPs) were obtained in high yields with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities in the presence of Rh₂((S)-TCPTAD)₄ or Rh₂((R)-BTPCP)₄ catalysts (up to 95 % yield, >95 : 5 d.r. and 99 : 1 e.r.). This methodology gave a direct access to ACPs bearing multiple electron-deficient substituents and allows to further expand the availability of ACPs chemistry. Interestingly, during the examination of the scope of this reaction, the asymmetric intramolecular C−H insertion reaction into tert-butyl group was observed as a side reaction with up to 94 : 6 e.r.     

One‐Pot Synthesis of Polysubstituted Benzenes through a N,N‐dimethyl‐4‐aminopyridine (DMAP)‐Catalyzed [4+2] Benzannulation of 1,3‐Bis(sulfonyl)butadienes and γ‐Substituted Allenoates

A new strategy for the one‐pot synthesis of polysubstituted benzenes through a N,N‐dimethyl‐4‐aminopyridine (DMAP)‐catalyzed [4+2] benzannulation from readily prepared 1,3‐bis(sulfonyl)butadienes and γ‐substituted allenoates is described. This method provides a facile, metal‐free and general route to highly substituted benzenes under mild conditions in moderate‐to‐good yields with complete regioselectivity.     

Synthesis of Substituted Pyrroles via Copper‐Catalyzed Cyclization of Ethyl Allenoates with Activated Isocyanides

A new method for the synthesis of di‐ and trisubstituted pyrroles via copper‐catalyzed cyclization of ethyl allenoates with activated isocyanides has been developed. In contrast to related annulation reactions previously reported, this new process features a skeletal rearrangement in which the aryl sulfonyl moiety, which functions as the electron‐withdrawing group in the α‐carbon of the isocyanide, was found to migrate to the γ‐carbon of the starting allenoate in the final product for the first time.     

Asymmetric Cyclization Reactions of Allenoates with Imines or α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones Catalyzed by Organocatalysts Derived from Cinchona Alkaloids

Lewis base‐catalyzed cyclization reactions of allenoates with electron‐deficient olefins and imines have been demonstrated by the preparation of biologically active natural products and pharmaceutically interesting substances and have emerged as powerful synthetic tools in the rapid construction of cyclic molecular complexity. In contrast to phosphine‐containing Lewis bases, nitrogen‐containing Lewis base amines display markedly different reaction profiles; however, this area is not well‐developed. Herein we summarize the recent progress in this emerging field and outline the challenges ahead.