Hydrogen-mediated C-C bond formation: catalytic regio- and stereoselective reductive condensation of alpha-keto aldehydes and 1,3-enynes

Hydrogenation of 1,3-enynes in the presence of alpha-keto aldehydes using cationic Rh(I) catalysts enables regio- and stereoselective reductive coupling to the acetylenic terminus of the enyne to afford (E)-2-hydroxy-3,5-dien-1-one products. Reductive condensation of 1-phenyl but-3-en-1-yne 1a with phenyl glyoxal 2a performed under an atmosphere of D(2) provides the product of mono-deuteration, (E)-2-hydroxy-3-deuterio-3,5-dien-1-one deuterio-3a, in 85% yield. Competition experiments involving catalytic hydrogenation of phenyl glyoxal in the presence of equimolar quantities of 1,4-diphenylbutadiene and 1,4-diphenylbut-3-en-1-yne 10a, as well as 1,4-diphenylbut-3-en-1-yne 10a and 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne, are chemoselective for coupling to the more highly unsaturated partner, suggesting a preequilibrium involving precoordination and exchange of the pi-unsaturated pronucleophiles with the catalyst prior to C-C bond formation, as well as a preference for coordination of the most pi-acidic reacting partner, as explained by the Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson model for alkyne coordination.     

Palladium-catalyzed deracemization of allylic carbonates in water with formation of allylic alcohols: hydrogen carbonate ion as nucleophile in the palladium-catalyzed allylic substitution and kinetic resolution

The palladium-catalyzed deracemization of racemic cyclic and acyclic allylic methyl carbonates in water in the presence of N,N'-(1R,2R)-1,2-cyclohexanediylbis[2-(diphenylphophino)benzamide] proceeds with high enantioselectivities to give the corresponding allylic alcohols in high yields. This deracemization involves a palladium-catalyzed allylic substitution with the in-situ-formed hydrogen carbonate ion and an irreversible decomposition of the intermediate allylic hydrogen carbonates, with formation of the corresponding allylic alcohols. The palladium-catalyzed reaction of racemic cyclic allylic acetates with potassium hydrogen carbonate in water in the presence of the chiral bisphosphane proceeds with a highly selective kinetic resolution to give the corresponding allylic alcohols and allylic acetates.     

Palladium-catalyzed enantioselective allylic alkylation of thiocarboxylate ions: asymmetric synthesis of allylic thioesters and memory effect/dynamic kinetic resolution of allylic esters

The palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation of KSAc and KSBz with racemic cyclic and acyclic allylic esters by using N,N'-(1R,2R)-1,2-cyclohexandiylbis[2-(diphenylphosphino)-benzamide] as ligand frequently gave the corresponding allylic thioesters with high ee values and yields. The reaction of the cyclic allylic carbonates with KSAc in the presence of H(2)O was accompanied by a partial palladium-catalyzed enantioselective "hydrolysis" of the substrates with formation of the corresponding enantioenriched allylic alcohols. The degree of the "hydrolysis" was strongly dependent on the solvent and the thiocarboxylate ion. Highly selective kinetic resolutions (KRs) were observed in the palladium-catalyzed reaction of the racemic cyclohexenyl and cycloheptenyl acetates with KSAc. While the KR of the cyclohexenyl acetate is characterized by a selectivity factor S = 72 +/- 19, that of the cycloheptenyl acetate afforded (R)-cycloheptenyl acetate of >or=99% ee in 48% yield and (S)-cycloheptenyl thioacetate of 98% ee in 50% yield. The palladium-catalyzed reaction of the racemic cyclopentenyl acetate with KSAc showed a strong "memory effect" (ME), that is, both enantiomers reacted with different enantioselectivities. The ME was probed by studying the palladium-catalyzed reactions of both the matched acetate of >or=99% ee and the mismatched acetate of >or=99% ee with KSAc. The acetates not only reacted with different enantioselectivities and rates but also suffered an unexpected and concomitant palladium-catalyzed racemization in the presence of the chiral ligand. This led in the case of the mismatched acetate to a temporary dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) that featured a racemization of the mismatched acetate by the chiral catalyst. Studies of the palladium-catalyzed reaction of the racemic cyclopentenyl acetate, carbonate, and naphthoate with KSAc in the presence of the chiral ligand also showed the ME to be strongly dependent on the nucleofuge. This also allowed the synthesis of (S)-cyclopentenyl thioacetate of 92% ee in high yield from the racemic cyclopentenyl naphthoate.     

Novel liquid crystalline compounds having an enyne unit

Novel series of liquid crystalline compounds having an enyne unit, 1-(4-alkylphenyl)-4-(trans-4-alkylcyclohexyl)-but-3-en-1-yne and 1-(4-alkoxyphenyl)-4-(trans-4-alkylcyclohexyl)-but-3-en-1-yne are presented. The synthetic methods, mesomorphic phases, and some physical properties of these series are reported.     

Synthesis and field test of three candidates for soybean pod borer's sex pheromone

Three candidates for the soybean pod borer's sex pheromone, dodec-10-en-1-yl acetate (E:Z = 95:5) (9a), (E, E)-dodeca-8, 10-dien-1-yl acetate (9b) and (E)-dodec-8-en-1-yl acetate (9c), were synthesized through the coupling reaction between Grignard reagents and acetates catalyzed by Li2CuCl4. Furthermore, the compounds 9a, 9b, and 9c, when tested in the field, showed that dodec-10-en-1-yl acetate (E:Z = 95:5) (9a) has promise as a lure for male soybean pod borer.     

Palladium-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of (Z)-2-en-4-yn carbonates leading to 2,3,5-trienoates

Pd(0)-catalyzed carbonylation of (Z)-2-en-4-yn carbonates in the presence of a balloon pressure of CO in an alcohol donates vinylallenyl esters with an exclusively E-configuration and in high yields. The fact that no such reactivity could be observed with E-configured enyne carbonates may indicate that the reaction is promoted via the cooperative coordination of palladium with both alkynyl and carbonate moieties.     

Inter- and intramolecular palladium-catalyzed allyl cross-coupling reactions using allylindium generated in situ from allyl acetates, indium, and indium trichloride

Inter- and intramolecular palladium-catalyzed allyl cross-coupling reactions using allylindium generated in situ by treatment of allyl acetates with indium and indium trichloride in the presence of Pd(0) catalyst and nBuNMe(2) in DMF were successfully demonstrated. Allylindium species generated in situ by reductive transmetalation of pi-allylpalladium(II) complexes, obtained from a variety of allyl acetates in the presence of Pd(0) catalyst together with indium and indium trichloride, were found to be capable of acting as effective nucleophilic coupling partners in Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. A variety of allyl acetates such as but-1-en-3-yl acetate, crotyl acetate, and 2-methylallyl acetate afforded the corresponding allylic compounds in good yields in cross-coupling reactions. Various electrophilic cross-coupling partners such as aryl iodides and vinyl bromides and triflates participate in these reactions. Not only intermolecular but also intramolecular Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions work equally well to produce the desired allylic coupling products in good yields.     

Development of palladium-catalyzed transformations using propargylic compounds

It is known that propargylic compounds having an ester and a halide at the propargylic positions react with palladium complexes leading to π-propargylpalladium and allenylpalladium complexes, which cause various transformations in the presence of the reactants. The aim of the present study was to develop novel palladium-catalyzed transformations using propargylic compounds. As diastereoselective reactions of propargylic compounds with bis-nucleophiles, we have developed palladium-catalyzed reactions of propargylic carbonates with 2-substituted cyclohexane-1,3-diones, 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)acetates and 2-oxocyclohex-3-enecarboxylates. These processes produce highly substituted cyclic compounds in a highly stereoselective manner. Through our studies on the construction of substituted 2,3-allenols by the reactions of propargylic oxiranes, it has been made clear that palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions occur in the presence of arylboronic acids and terminal alkynes. The processes can be carried out in mild conditions to yield substituted 4-aryl-2,3-allenols in a diastereoselective manner. In our attempt to develop CO2-recycling reactions, we developed a methodology for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates by palladium-catalyzed reactions of propargylic carbonates with phenols. Our findings suggested that the process proceeds through a pathway involving decarboxylation-followed fixation of the liberated CO2. Diastereoselective, enantioselective, and enantiospecific construction of cyclic carbonates have been achieved by the application of this methodology.     

Palladium-catalyzed enantiospecific reaction of propargylic carbonates with phenols: cascade chirality transfer

[reaction: see text] A cascade chirality transfer process has been achieved by the palladium-catalyzed reaction of substituted propargylic carbonates with phenols. The reaction proceeds in a highly enantiospecific manner to produce chiral cyclic carbonates, which supports the existence of the pi-propargylpalladium intermediate in the reaction mechanism. The (E)- and (Z)-selectivity of the products can be controlled by choice of the phosphine ligand.     

Synthesis of (2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)methyl acetates involving a C-H functionalization process

A novel palladium-catalyzed oxidative C-H functionalization protocol for the synthesis of (2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)methyl acetates has been developed. In the presence of Pd(OAc)2 and PhI(OAc)2, a variety of N-arylpropiolamides underwent the C-H functionalization reaction with acids to afford the corresponding (E)-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)methyl acetates selectively in moderate to excellent yields.     

Palladium-catalyzed cycloalkylations of 2-bromo-1,n-dienes with organoboronic acids

Cascade palladium-catalyzed cycloalkylations of 2-bromo-1,n-dienes were accomplished in good to excellent yields, where the alkylpalladium intermediates, formed via an intramolecular Heck reaction of 2-bromo-1,n-dienes (n = 6 or 7), were successfully cross-coupled with various organoboronic acids. The optimal yields were achieved by the use of cesium carbonate in ethanol with Pd(PPh(3))(4) as catalyst, with 2-bromo-1,n-dienes and organoboronic acids at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.3 M (1.5 equiv), respectively.     

Complexing and catalytic properties of easily available chiral iminophosphite based on biphenyl-2,2"-diol

A chiral iminophosphite ligand based on biphenyl-2,2"-diol and its chelates with rhodium(i) and palladium(ii) were synthesized for the first time. Successful use of these compounds in asymmetric allylic substitution was demonstrated. The enantioselectivity of palladium-catalyzed alkylation of methyl pent-3-en-2-yl carbonate with dimethyl malonate reached 70%, that in the alkylation of 1,3-diphenylallyl acetate with dimethyl malonate was 88%. In the rhodium-catalyzed sulfonylation of 1,3-diphenylallyl acetate with sodium p-toluenesulfinite, the enantioselectivity was 56%.     

Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cascade Reaction of 1,6‐Enynes Involving Addition,Cyclization, and β‐Oxygen Elimination

The reaction of arylboronic acids with 1,6‐enynes that contain an allylic ether moiety is catalyzed by a rhodium(I) complex to produce cyclopentanes with a tetrasubstituted exo olefin and a pendant vinyl group. The reaction is initiated by the regioselective addition of an arylrhodium(I) species to the carbon–carbon triple bond of the 1,6‐enyne. The resulting alkenylrhodium(I) compound subsequently undergoes intramolecular carborhodation of the allylic double bond in a 5‐exo‐trig mode. β Elimination of the methoxy group affords the cyclization product and the catalytically active methoxorhodium(I) species. The use of alkyl Grignard reagents instead of arylboronic acids as organometallic nucleophiles was also examined.     

Palladium-catalyzed allylation of α-isocyanocarboxylates

α-Isocyanocarboxylates underwent palladium-catalyzed allylation with allylic acetates, in which π-allylpalladium(II) intermediate was involved. The catalytic allylation of methyl α-isocyano(phenyl)acetate using an optically active ferrocenylphosphine ligand caused an asymmetric induction of up to 39% ee.     

α,β-Divinyl tetrahydropyrroles as chiral chain diene ligands in rhodium(I)-catalyzed enantioselective conjugated additions

A series of α,β-divinyl tetrahydropyrroles, synthesized by asymmetric allylic C-H bond activation/conjugated diene addition reaction of ene-2-dienes, were found to be very efficient chiral chain diene ligands in the rhodium-catalyzed conjugated addition of organoboronic acids to various α,β-unsaturated compounds, achieving the desired chiral adducts with good to excellent yields and ee values.     

Synthesis of dehydro-beta-amino esters via highly regioselective amination of allylic carbonates

The allylic amination of acetates and carbonates affords dehydro-beta-aminoesters, which are useful precursors of biologically active compounds. The uncatalyzed reaction proceeds via a S(N)2' mechanism. On the other hand, under palladium-catalyzed conditions, the reaction shows a strong solvent-dependent regiocontrol, affording exclusively one of the two possible regioisomers with complete transfer of chirality from the substrates to the products.     

Activation and functionalization of benzylic derivatives by palladium catalysts

Palladium-catalyzed transformations of aryl halides and pseudo-halides involving carbonylation, carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond-forming reactions, etc. are very well documented, and have already been reviewed several times. The metal-catalyzed activation of benzylic derivatives is much less described. However, during the last decades, a number of papers have shown the interest offered by benzylic derivatives (halides, carbonates, acetates, phosphonates) in selective catalytic reactions for organic synthesis, most of them in the presence of palladium catalysts. The purpose of this tutorial review is to highlight selected examples of palladium-catalyzed transformations involving reactive benzylic derivatives.     

Unusual regioselectivity in Pd(0)-catalyzed coupling of allylic monoacetates and nitroalkanes: one-pot isomerization-alkylation

A hitherto unknown palladium-catalyzed reaction of nitroalkanes with hydroxy allylic acetates is reported. The reaction led to the formation of γ-nitrocarbonyl compounds instead of the usual unsaturated nitroalcohol expected upon displacement of the allylic acetate group.     

Vicinal-diamine-based chiral chain dienes as ligands for rhodium(I)-catalyzed highly enantioselective conjugated additions

A variety of readily accessible vicinal-diamine-based chiral chain dienes were successfully synthesized and utilized as steering ligands for rhodium-catalyzed conjugated additions of organoboronic acids to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to afford the desired adducts in good to excellent yields and ee's.     

Mechanism of enyne metathesis catalyzed by Grubbs ruthenium-carbene complexes: a DFT study

The complete catalytic cycle of the reaction of alkenes and alkynes to dienes by Grubbs ruthenium carbene complexes has been modeled at the B3LYP/LACV3P**+//B3LYP/LACVP level of theory. The core structures of the substrates and the catalyst were used as models, namely, ethene, ethyne, hept-1-en-6-yne, (Me(3)P)(2)Cl(2)Ru=CH(2), and [C(2)H(4)(NMe)(2)C](Me(3)P)Cl(2)Ru=CH(2). Insight into the electronically most preferred mechanistic pathways was gained for both intermolecular as well as for intramolecular enyne metathesis. Alkene metathesis is predicted to proceed fast and reversible, while the insertion of the alkyne substrate is slower, irreversible, and kinetically regioselectivity determining. Ruthenacyclobut-2-ene structures do not exist as local minima in the catalytic cycle. Instead, vinylcarbene complexes are formed directly. The alkyne insertion step and the cycloreversion of 2-vinyl ruthenacyclobutanes feature comparable predicted overall barriers in intermolecular enyne metathesis. For intramolecular enyne metathesis, a noncyclic alkene fragment of the enyne substrate is first incorporated into the Grubbs catalyst by an alkene metathesis reaction. The subsequent insertion of the alkyne fragment then proceeds intramolecularly. Alkene association, cycloaddition, and cycloreversion to the diene product complex close the catalytic cycle. Rate enhancement by an ethene atmosphere (Mori's conditions) originates from a constantly higher overall alkene concentration that is necessary for the rate-limiting [2 + 2] cycloreversion step to the diene product complex.