Iridium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Asymmetric Dearomatization of β‐Naphthols with Allyl Alcohols or Allyl Ethers

An Ir‐catalyzed intermolecular asymmetric dearomatization reaction of β‐naphthols with allyl alcohols or allyl ethers was developed. When an iridium catalyst generated from [Ir(COD)Cl]₂ (COD=cyclooctadiene) and a chiral P/olefin ligand is employed, highly functionalized β‐naphthalenone compounds bearing an all‐carbon‐substituted quaternary chiral center were obtained in up to 92 % yield and 98 % ee . The direct utilization of allyl alcohols as electrophiles represents an improvement from the viewpoint of atom economy. Allyl ethers were found to undergo asymmetric allylic substitution reaction under Ir catalysis for the first time. The diverse transformations of the dearomatized product to various motifs render this method attractive.     

Asymmetric Allylic Substitution-Isomerization for the Modular Synthesis of Axially Chiral N-Vinylquinazolinones

Axially chiral N-substituted quinazolinones are important bioactive molecules, which are presented in many synthetic drugs. However, most strategies toward their atroposelective synthesis are mainly limited to the axially chiral arylquinazolinone frameworks. The development of modular synthetic methods to access diverse quinazolinone-based atropisomers remains scarce and challenging. Herein, we report the regio- and atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral N-vinylquinazolinones via the strategy of asymmetric allylic substitution-isomerization. The catalysis system utilized both asymmetric transition-metal catalysis and organocatalysis to efficiently afford trisubstituted and tetrasubstituted N-vinylquinazolinone atropisomers, respectively. With the meticulous design of β-substituted allylic substrates, both Z- and E-tetrasubstituted axially chiral N-vinylquinazolinones were obtained in good yields and high enantioselectivities.     

Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of trans‐Configured β‐Lactones: Cooperation of Lewis Acid and Ion Pair Catalysis

The development of the first trans‐selective catalytic asymmetric [2+2] cyclocondensation of acyl halides with aliphatic aldehydes furnishing 3,4‐disubstituted β‐lactones is described. This work made use of a new strategy within the context of asymmetric dual activation catalysis: it combines the concepts of Lewis acid and organic aprotic ion pair catalysis in a single catalyst system. The methodology could also be applied to aromatic aldehydes and offers broad applicability (29 examples). The utility was further demonstrated by nucleophilic ring‐opening reactions that provide highly enantiomerically enriched anti‐aldol products.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Dearomative syn‐1,4‐Oxyamination

A palladium‐catalyzed dearomative syn‐1,4‐oxyamination protocol using non‐activated arenes has been developed. This one‐pot procedure utilizes arenophile chemistry, and the corresponding para‐cycloadducts are treated with oxygen nucleophiles via formal allylic substitution, providing direct access to syn‐1,4‐oxyaminated products. The reaction conditions permit a range of arenes, as well as different O‐nucleophiles, such as oximes and benzyl alcohols. Moreover, this process was established in an asymmetric fashion, delivering products with high enantioselectivity. The dearomatized products are amenable to a multitude of further derivatizations ranging from olefin chemistry to C?H activation, giving rise to a diverse set of new functionalities. Overall, this dearomative functionalization offers rapid and controlled formation of molecular complexity, enabling straightforward access to functionalized small molecules from simple and readily available arenes.     

On the Scope of Trimethylaluminium‐Promoted 1,2‐Additions of ArZnX Reagents to Aldehydes

A practical asymmetric 1,2‐addition of functionalised arylzinc halides to aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes is described by the use of aminoalcohol catalysis in the presence of AlMe₃. The process is simple to carry out, uses only commercially available reagents/ligands and provides moderate to good (80–96 % ee) enantioselectivities for a wide range of substrates. Either commercial ArZnX reagents or those prepared in situ from low cost aryl bromides can be used. In the latter case electrophilic functional groups are tolerated (CO₂Et, CN). The reaction relies on rapid exchange between ArZnX and AlMe₃ to generate mixed organometallic species that lead to the formation of a key intermediate that is distinctly different from the classic “anti” transition states of Noyori. NMR monitoring and related experiments have been used to probe the validity of the proposed selective transition state.     

Catalytic Asymmetric Hydrophosphinylation of 2-Vinylazaarenes to Access P-Chiral 2-Azaaryl-Ethylphosphine Oxides

A chiral Brønsted acid-catalysed asymmetric hydrophosphinylation of 2-vinylazaarenes by secondary phosphine oxides is described. A variety of P-chiral 2-azaaryl-ethylphosphine oxides are synthesized with high yields and ees, of which both the substituents of phosphines and azaarenes can be flexibly modulated, underscoring an exceptionally broad scope of substrates. These adducts are valuable to asymmetric metal catalysis since the resultant P-chiral tertiary phosphines from the reduction of them are verified as a kind of effective C₁-symmetric chiral 1,5-hybrid P,N-ligands. Importantly, this catalysis platform enables the generic and efficient kinetic resolution of P-chiral secondary phosphine oxides. It thus provides an expedient approach to access the enantiomers of the P-chiral tertiary phosphine oxides derived from asymmetric hydrophosphinylation, further improving the utility of the method.     

Hydrochloric Acid Catalysis of N-Bromosuccinimide (NBS) Mediated Nuclear Aromatic Brominations in Acetone

Nuclear bromination of activated aromatic substrates can be achieved quickly and in high yields using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in acetone with 1 M HCl catalysis.     

Ligand and substrate π-stacking interaction controlled enantioselectivity in the asymmetric aziridination

Both the steric hindrance and the electronic effect are important factors for controlling the enantioselectivity in asymmetric catalysis. The substituent-dependent enantioselectivity in the asymmetric aziridination of chalcones catalyzed by 1,8-anthracene-linked bis-oxazoline (AnBOX) was rationalized to the π-stacking interaction between the ligand backbone and substrates and primarily confirmed by the use of bulky substrates and catalysts without aromatic backbones. The results provide important information for designing novel ligands and for understanding the influence of the electronic effect in asymmetric catalysis.     

N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Photoenolization/Diels–Alder Reaction of Acid Fluorides

The combination of light activation and N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis has enabled the use of acid fluorides as substrates in a UVA‐light‐mediated photochemical transformation previously observed only with aromatic aldehydes and ketones. Stoichiometric studies and TD‐DFT calculations support a mechanism involving the photoactivation of an ortho‐toluoyl azolium intermediate, which exhibits “ketone‐like” photochemical reactivity under UVA irradiation. Using this photo‐NHC catalysis approach, a novel photoenolization/Diels–Alder (PEDA) process was developed that leads to diverse isochroman‐1‐one derivatives.     

Kinetic Resolution of Azomethine Imines by Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Enantioselective Reduction

Azomethine imines are valuable substrates in asymmetric catalysis, and can be precursors to β‐amino carbonyl compounds and complex hydrazines. However, their utility is limited because complex and enantioenriched azomethine imines are often unavailable. Reported herein is a kinetic resolution of N,N′‐cyclic azomethine imines by enantioselective reduction (s=13–43). This resolution was accomplished using a Brønsted acid catalyst, and represents the first example of the asymmetric reduction of azomethine imines. The pyrazolidinone product (up to 86 % ee) and the recovered azomethine imine (up to 99 % ee) can both be used to access the opposite enantiomers of valuable products.     

Enantioselective Synthesis of Isoquinolines: Merging Chiral‐Phosphine and Gold Catalysis

The highly enantioselective synthesis of dihydroisoquinoline derivatives from aromatic sulfonated imines tethered with an alkyne moiety, through a one‐pot asymmetric relay catalysis of chiral‐phosphine and gold catalysts, is reported. Enantiomerically enriched dihydroisoquinoline derivatives were afforded in good yields and good‐to‐excellent ee values under mild conditions, based on the asymmetric aza‐Morita‐Baylis–Hillman reaction. Dihydroisoquinoline derivatives containing two chiral centers were also synthesized through further transformations.     

Synthesis of Planar Chiral [2.2]Paracyclophanyl Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium Salts for the Rhodium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Arylation

Abstract

Several novel flexibility-restricted imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium triflates (abbreviated as imidazolium salts) were synthesized from (4S _p,13R _p)-(?)-4-amino-13-bromo[2.2]paracyclophane and pyridylaldehyde. These imidazolium salts can be used as nitrogen-containing heterocyclic carbene precursors in asymmetric catalysis and here they are applied in the Rh-catalyzed asymmetric 1,2-addition of arylboronic acids to aldehydes. After optimizing the catalytic situations and testing a series of substrates, moderate enantioselectivity and good yield were obtained.     

N,N-Diacylaminals as Emerging Tools in Synthesis: From Peptidomimetics to Asymmetric Catalysis

N,N-Diacylaminals are flexible molecular scaffolds that have commonly been utilized as amide surrogates in peptidomimetics. The singularities of this motif as an N-acyl imine equivalent and as hydrogen-bond donor have recently opened new synthetic opportunities, especially in the field of asymmetric catalysis. This concept article highlights this diverse synthetic potential and provides the elements necessary for further developments.     

Highly Enantioselective Iridium‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation of α,β‐Unsaturated Esters

α,β‐Unsaturated esters have been employed as substrates in iridium‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation. Full conversions and good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee) were obtained for a broad range of substrates with both aromatic‐ and aliphatic substituents on the prochiral carbon. The hydrogenated products are highly useful as building blocks in the synthesis of a variety of natural products and pharmaceuticals.     

Enantioselective Alkynylation of Isatins: A Combination of Metal Catalysis and Organocatalysis

An efficient and catalytic asymmetric alkynylation of isatins has been developed using a bifunctional amidophosphine-urea/AgBF₄ complex as the catalyst. By a combination of metal catalysis and organocatalysis, excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee) and good yields are achieved. A wide range of both terminal alkynes and isatins are tolerated by this new catalyst system, providing access to structurally diverse propargylic alcohols with tetrasubstituted stereogenic centers in high efficiency.     

Cooperative Photoredox and N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Fluoroaroylation for the Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Ketones

α-Trifluoromethylated ketones have attracted significant attention as valuable building blocks in organic synthesis. Such compounds are generally accessed through trifluoromethylation of ketones. Here we report an alternative disconnection approach for the construction of α-CF₃ carbonyl compounds by using aroyl fluorides as bifunctional reagents for fluoroaroylation of gem-difluoroalkenes through cooperative photoredox and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis. This strategy bypasses the use of expensive or sensitive trifluoromethylation reagents and/or the requirement for ketone pre-functionalization, thus enabling an efficient and general synthetic method to access α-CF₃-substituted ketones. A wide variety of gem-difluoroalkenes and aroyl fluorides bearing a diverse set of functional groups are eligible substrates. Notably, the developed methodology also provides rapid access to mono- or difluoroalkyl ketones. Mechanistic studies reveal that merging photoredox catalysis with NHC catalysis is essential for the reaction.     

Asymmetric [4+2] Annulation of C1 Ammonium Enolates with Copper‐Allenylidenes

An asymmetric catalytic decarboxylative [4+2] annulation of 4‐ethynyl dihydrobenzooxazinones and carboxylic acids has been established by cooperative copper and nucleophilic Lewis base catalysis. A C1 ammonium enolate and copper–allenylidene complex, each catalytically generated from different substrates, underwent a cascade asymmetric propargylation and lactamization process to yield optically active 3,4‐dihydroquinolin‐2‐one derivatives with excellent levels of stereoselectivity (up to 99 % ee , 95:5 d.r.).     

Asymmetric Epoxidation of Terminal Olefins with Binaphthyl Strapped Porphyrin Catalysts: (‐( Stacking Interaction and Steric Effects on the Enantioselectivities

将两种具有相似手性联萘空腔的手性卟啉1b和2b作为催化剂,对苯乙烯衍生物及非芳香烯烃底物进行了催化不对称环氧化反应。应用理论计算方法研究了底物同两种催化剂之间的作用机理;应用1H NMR探讨了催化剂的手性空腔结构;结果表明芳香烯烃同催化剂的手性联萘基团之间的p-p相互作用是决定该类催化剂对映选择性的重要因素,同时催化剂手性结构的立体位阻效应使该类催化剂具有良好的ee值。     

Enantiospecific Synthesis of ortho‐Substituted 1,1‐Diarylalkanes by a 1,2‐Metalate Rearrangement/anti‐SN2′ Elimination/Rearomatizing Allylic Suzuki–Miyaura Reaction Sequence

The one‐pot sequential coupling of benzylamines, boronic esters, and aryl iodides has been investigated. In the presence of an N‐activator, the boronate complex formed from an ortho‐lithiated benzylamine and a boronic ester undergoes stereospecific 1,2‐metalate rearrangement/anti‐S_N2′ elimination to form a dearomatized tertiary boronic ester. Treatment with an aryl iodide under palladium catalysis leads to rearomatizing γ‐selective allylic Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling to generate 1,1‐diarylalkanes. When enantioenriched α‐substituted benzylamines are employed, the corresponding 1,1‐diarylalkanes are formed with high stereospecificity.     

Asymmetric Markovian analysis of the polymerization mechanism of propene by ziegler-natta catalysis and external alkoxysilane donors

The formulae for conditional probabilities are derived with the term of NMR triad tacticities for the polymers whose polymerization process is described by an asymmetric Markovian process. The formulae obtained are applied to the polypropylene polymerized by Ziegler-Natta catalysis with external alkoxysilane donors. For both, unfractionated samples and heptane-insoluble fractions, four evidences are clarified as follows: Don the transformation from symmetric to (fluctuating) asymmetric sites the transformation of one (hereafter, L) site is much more enhanced than that of the other (D) site, 2) monotonous increase of isotacticity with an increase of the concentration of the donor is due to the increase of p_LL, 3) aromatic donors are more effective than aliphatic ones for the improvement of isotacticity, and 4) the improvement of isotacticity after an addition of alkoxysilane is not due to the contribution from both of L and D sites, but the competition between the larger positive contribution from the former and the smaller negative one from the latter.