Preparation of new polyfunctional magnesiated heterocycles using a chlorine-, bromine-, or iodine-magnesium exchange

The reaction of heteroaryl iodides with i-PrMgBr (ca. 1.0 equiv) in THF provides the corresponding magnesiated heterocycles. Functional groups such as an ester, cyano, or chloride functions are tolerated in these new Grignard reagents if the exchange can be performed below -20 degrees C. This is the case for all heterocycles bearing electron-withdrawing groups or chelating functions facilitating the iodine-magnesium exchange. In many cases, the exchange can be extended to heteroaryl bromides, and a case of a chlorine-magnesium exchange is described with tetrachlorothiophene. This new preparation of functionalized heteroarylmagnesium compounds provides after reaction with various electrophiles a new entry to a broad range of polyfunctional pyridines, imidazoles, furanes, thiophenes, pyrroles, antipyrines, and uracil derivatives. The application of the halogen-magnesium exchange in the solid phase allows the performance of solid-phase synthesis, with potential applications for combinatorial chemistry.     

Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Arylation of α-Substituted Cyanoacetates Enabled by Chiral Amide Ligands

The (S)-nobin-embodied picolinamide and L-hydroxyproline-derived amide are effective ligands for Cu-catalyzed enantioselective coupling reaction of (hetero)aryl iodides with α-alkyl substituted cyanoacetates. This arylation reaction gave α-(heteroaryl)-α-alkyl cyanoacetates in good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 95 % ee). A variety of functionalized (hetero)aryl and alkyl groups could be introduced to the quaternary center and therefore provided a valuable tool for preparing enantioenriched compounds with an all-carbon quaternary center tethered with convertible functional groups. The size of both α-alkyl and ester groups was proven as the key factor for asymmetric induction.     

Preparation and Regioselective Magnesiation or Lithiation of Bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl‐Substituted Heteroaryls for the Generation of Highly Functionalized Heterocycles

A wide range of bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl (BTSM)‐ substituted heteroaryl derivatives has been prepared by using Kumada–Corriu or Negishi cross‐coupling reactions. The regioselective lithiation or magnesiation of these building blocks bearing a bulky BTSM group by using magnesium or lithium 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide bases followed by quenching reactions with different electrophiles provides various functionalized N‐, O‐, or S‐heterocycles. Furthermore, the BTSM group can then be converted into formyl, methyl, or styryl groups to give access to a variety of highly functionalized heteroaromatics.     

Cobalt-catalyzed hydro-difluoromethylthiolation/hydro-trifluoromethylthiolation of unactivated alkenes

An efficient Co-catalyzed hydro-difluoromethylthiolation/hydro-trifluoromethylthiolation reaction of unactivated alkenes was described. Both reactions were conducted at room temperature and a variety of common functional groups such as halogen, ester, aldehyde, enolizable ketone or ester, nitro or cyano group, sulfonate and carbamate were compatible with the reaction conditions. Radical cyclization and radical inhibitor experiments suggested that the reaction proceeds through a free radical process.     

Preparation of polyfunctional zinc organometallics using an Fe- or Co-catalyzed Cl/Zn-exchange

A new Fe- or Co-catalyzed Cl/Zn-exchange reaction allows the direct transformation of aryl, heteroaryl, and also alkyl chlorides into the corresponding zinc reagents. The method tolerates functional groups such as a nitrile or an ester. Remarkably, secondary and tertiary alkyl chlorides are suitable substrates for the Cl/Zn exchange.     

Enantioselective synthesis of cyclopropane aminoalcohols containing quaternary stereogenic centers

Some title compounds have been synthesized in enantiomerically pure form starting from d- or l-glyceraldehyde as chiral precursors. A new synthesis of (+)-(Z)-methanohomoserine, one of the key intermediates employed, is also described. The target molecules are densely functionalized. Thus, in addition to one or two hydroxyl groups on a side-chain, an amino group is attached to a quaternary carbon of the cyclopropane ring, and the fourth substituent of such a stereogenic center contains a halogen atom, an alkyl group, or an alcohol, thioether or ester function. Some of these compounds are useful precursors in the synthesis of new cyclopropane nucleosides.     

Palladium-catalyzed Hiyama cross-coupling of aryltrifluorosilanes with aryl and heteroaryl chlorides

An efficient, palladium-catalyzed Hiyama cross-coupling reaction of aryltrifluorosilanes with aryl chlorides has been developed. A wide variety of functionalized biaryl derivatives were isolated in good to excellent yields. The scope of this reaction has also been extended to heteroaryl chlorides, affording the corresponding heterobiaryl compounds in high yields.     

Nitrosation of aryl and heteroaryltrifluoroborates with nitrosonium tetrafluoroborate

Organotrifluoroborates have emerged as an alternative to toxic and air- and moisture-sensitive organometallic species for the synthesis of functionalized aryl and heteroaryl compounds. It has been shown that the trifluoroborate moiety can be easily converted into a variety of different substituents in a late synthetic stage. In this paper, we disclose a mild, selective, and convenient method for the ipso-nitrosation of organotrifluoroborates using nitrosonium tetrafluoroborate (NOBF(4)). Aryl- and heteroaryltrifluoroborates were converted into the corresponding nitroso products in good to excellent yields. This method proved to be tolerant of a broad range of functional groups.     

Photoinduced Atom Transfer Radical Addition/Cyclization Reaction between Alkynes or Alkenes with Unsaturated α-Halogenated Carbonyls

We have developed a photochemical ATRA/ATRC reaction that is mediated by halogen bonding interactions. This reaction is caused by the reaction of malonic acid ester derivatives containing bromine or iodine with unsaturated compounds such as alkenes and alkynes in the presence of diisopropylethylamine under visible light irradiation. As a result of various control experiments, it was found that the formation of complexes between amines and halogens by halogen-bonding interaction occurs in the reaction system, followed by the cleavage of the carbon–halogen bonds by visible light, resulting in the formation of carbon radicals. In this reaction, a variety of substrates can be used, and the products, cyclopentenes and cyclopentanes, were obtained by intermolecular addition and intramolecular cyclization.     

Novel approach to multifunctionalized homoallylic alcohols via regioselective ring opening of aryl oxiranes with 3-iodo allenoates

[reaction: see text] 3-Iodo allenoates were generated in situ and utilized, for the first time, in the ring opening of oxiranes in a regioselective fashion. This simple one-pot three-component reaction protocol provides easy access to highly functionalized homoallylic alcohols in good yields and moderate to very good (Z/E) selectivity. The two functional groups (ester and halogen) can be further subjected to many synthetic transformations.     

New polyfunctional magnesium reagents for organic synthesis

The iodine-magnesium exchange reaction allows the preparation of polyfunctional aryl, heteroaryl, or alkenyl magnesium reagents at low temperature. These reagents display the typical reactivity of Grignard compounds and undergo various copper-catalyzed reactions such as allylation or 1,4-addition. Using this halogen-metal exchange reaction, it was possible to generate polyfunctional magnesium reagents on the solid phase.     

New efficient approach to 2,2-diaryl-1,1-difluoro-1-alkenes and 1,1-difluoro-2-aryl-1,3-dienes via Suzuki coupling of alpha-halo-beta,beta-difluorostyrenes

[reaction: see text] Alpha-halo-beta,beta-difluorostyrenes [ArCX = CF2; X = Br, I; Ar = aryl, heteroaryl; synthesized by the Pd(0)-catalyzed coupling reaction of the corresponding alpha-halo-beta,beta-difluoroethenylzinc reagents (CF2=CXZnCl, X = Br, I) with aryl iodides] were functionalized at the halogen site with arylboronic acids under Pd(0)-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction conditions to obtain 2,2-diaryl-1,1-difluoro-1-alkenes (ArAr'C=CF2, Ar' = aryl, heteroaryl) in 51-91% isolated yield. The corresponding reaction with alkenylboronic acids produced 1,1-difluoro-2-aryl-1,3-dienes in 53-80% isolated yield. Alternatively, 2,2-disubstituted-1,1-difluoro-1-alkenes were synthesized in moderate yield by a zinc-insertion reaction at the halogen site of the alpha-halo-beta,beta-difluorostyrenes, followed by Pd(0)-catalyzed cross-coupling of the zinc reagent with aryl or alkenyl iodides.     

A simple and efficient synthesis of functionalized cyclic carbonate monomers using a versatile pentafluorophenyl ester intermediate

An improved two-step synthetic route to functionalized cyclic carbonate monomers that features a novel cyclic carbonate intermediate with an active pentafluorophenyl ester group (MTC-OPhF(5)) has been developed. The versatile pentafluorophenyl ester intermediate can be synthesized on the gram to kilogram scale in one high-yielding step and is easy to store and handle on the benchtop. The active pentafluorophenyl ester of MTC-OPhF(5) is amenable to further substitution with suitable nucleophiles such as alcohols and amines to generate functionalized cyclic carbonates in high yields. The substitution reaction is tolerant of a wide variety of functionalities, including various hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups, reactive functionalities (via thiol-ene click chemistry or alkyl halides), and protected acids, alcohols, thiols, and amines. In view of the ever-increasing need for biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, this new methodology provides a simple and versatile platform for the synthesis of new and innovative materials.     

Water as an additive for selective synthesis of saturated 1,4-diketones and tetrasubstituted furans directly from 1,4-enediones

Water-controlled and phosphine-mediated selective synthesis of saturated 1,4-diketones and tetrasubstituted furans has been developed directly from 1,4-enediones. Saturated 1,4-diketones were selectively obtained in acetone with water as an additive, whereas tetrasubstituted furans were selectively obtained in anhydrous 1,2-dichloroethane. A large variety of functional groups are tolerated under these reaction conditions, including electron-rich, electron-poor, halogen, and heteroaryl substituents. This method also has significant advantages in easily available substrates, mild reaction conditions, and high reaction efficiency.     

Pd- and Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of functionalized organozinc reagents with unsaturated thioethers

A variety of unsaturated thioethers have been subjected to cross‐coupling reactions with functionalized zinc reagents in the presence of a transition‐metal catalyst. Three different catalytic systems based on Pd(OAc)₂ or [Ni(acac)₂] and the ligands S‐Phos or DPE‐Phos gave the best results. N‐Heterocyclic thioethers based on a pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, pyridazine, triazine, benzothiazole, benzoxazole, pyrrole, or quinazoline ring, as well as thiomethylacetylenes, serve as electrophiles in this cross‐coupling reaction. Aryl‐, heteroaryl‐, benzylic, and alkylzinc halides with sensitive functionalities, such as ester, nitrile, or ketone groups react at ambient temperature with unsaturated thioethers using a Ni catalyst. The corresponding Pd‐catalyzed reactions require slightly higher temperatures. Large‐scale cross‐coupling experiments (10–20 mmol) with N‐heterocycles are also reported.     

trans-Chloro(1-naphthyl)bis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II)/PCy3 catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl and heteroaryl neopentylglycolboronates with aryl and heteroaryl mesylates and sulfamates at room temperature

trans-Chloro(1-naphthyl)bis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II) complex/PCy(3) system has been successfully applied as catalyst for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of aryl and heteroaryl neopentylglycolboronates with aryl and heteroaryl mesylates and sulfamates in THF at room temperature. This cross-coupling reaction tolerates various functional groups, including keto, imino, ester, ether, and cyano. Together with the nickel-catalyzed, one-pot, two-step neopentylglycolborylation, this bench stable and inexpensive Ni(II)-based catalyst can be utilized as an alternative to Ni(COD)(2)/PCy(3) to provide an inexpensive, robust, and convenient synthesis of biaryl and heterobiaryl compounds.     

Preparation of Functionalized Diaryl‐ and Diheteroaryllanthanum Reagents by Fast Halogen–Lanthanum Exchange

Aryl and heteroaryl halides (X=Br, I) undergo a fast and convenient halogen–lanthanum exchange with nBu₂LaMe, which leads to functionalized diaryl‐ and diheteroaryllanthanum derivatives. Subsequent trapping reactions with selected electrophiles, such as ketones, aldehydes, or amides, proceeded smoothly at −50 °C in THF, affording polyfunctionalized alcohols and carbonyl derivatives. Kinetic competition experiments revealed a similar reactivity trend as for Br/Mg exchange, but 10⁶‐times higher rates, making it comparable to Br/Li exchange.     

Allyl-Palladium-Catalyzed Ketone Dehydrogenation Enables Telescoping with Enone α,β-Vicinal Difunctionalization

The telescoping of allyl-palladium catalyzed ketone dehydrogenation with organocuprate conjugate addition chemistry allows for the introduction of aryl, heteroaryl, vinyl, acyl, methyl, and other functionalized alkyl groups chemoselectively to a wide variety of unactivated ketone compounds via their enone counterparts. The compatibility of the dehydrogenation conditions additionally allows for efficient trapping of the intermediate enolate with various electrophiles. The utility of this approach is demonstrated by comparison to several previously reported multistep sequences.     

Allyl‐Palladium‐Catalyzed Ketone Dehydrogenation Enables Telescoping with Enone α,β‐Vicinal Difunctionalization

The telescoping of allyl‐palladium catalyzed ketone dehydrogenation with organocuprate conjugate addition chemistry allows for the introduction of aryl, heteroaryl, vinyl, acyl, methyl, and other functionalized alkyl groups chemoselectively to a wide variety of unactivated ketone compounds via their enone counterparts. The compatibility of the dehydrogenation conditions additionally allows for efficient trapping of the intermediate enolate with various electrophiles. The utility of this approach is demonstrated by comparison to several previously reported multistep sequences.     

A new Knoevenagel-type synthesis of fully substituted γ-hydroxybutenolides

The synthesis of fully substituted γ-hydroxybutenolides is possible by a Knoevenagel-type ring condensation of α-methyleneketones and α-ketoesters under basic conditions. This novel transformation allowed the preparation of di-aryl/heteroaryl substituted hydroxyfuranones, such as 20 and 27, which are important intermediates for pyridazine fungicides. As it turned out, a whole range of different substituents, such as alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and ester groups could be linked to the butenolide scaffold, demonstrating the broad scope of the novel cyclization.