Photochemistry of 6,6-Dimethyl- and 2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl-2H,6H-pyran-3-one

The title compounds 1a and 1b have been synthesized in two steps from the saturated pyran-3-ones 2a and 2b , respectively. Upon irradiation (254 nm or 350 nm) in dilute solutions (10^?3?10^?2M ), compounds 1 undergo a formal [4 + 2] cycloreversion from the excited triplet state to give (2-methylprop-1-enyl)ketene ( 11 ) and either formaldehyde or acetone, ketene 11 being trapped by H₂O or MeOH to afford 4-methylpent-3-enoic acid ( 5 ) or its methyl ester 4 in 75–85% isolated yield. In this (monomolecular) photoreaction, heterocycles 1 differ from their alicyclic counterparts, i.e., 4,4-dimethylcyclohex-2-enone ( 10a ) and 4,4,6,6-tetramethylcyclohex-2-enone ( 10b ), as no rearrangement to a 4-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-one occurs. On the other hand, the photochemical behavior of pyranone 1a in bimolecular reactions (cyclodimerization, [2 + 2] cycloaddition to 2,3-dimethylbut-2-ene) resembles that of enone 10a .     

Cobalt(III)‐Catalyzed Dehydrative [4+2] Annulation of Oxime with Alkyne by CH and NOH Activation

Efficient, scalable cobalt‐catalyzed redox‐neutral [4+2] annulation of readily available oximes and alkyne is reported. The developed synthetic methodology is widely applicable and tolerates various functional groups including heterocycles. A stable Cp*Co^III neutral complex is employed as the catalyst for this redox‐neutral [4+2] annulation reaction, which progresses smoothly by way of a reversible cyclometallation without any external oxidizing agent, and produces only water as the side product.     

Phosphine-catalyzed annulations of azomethine imines: allene-dependent [3 + 2], [3 + 3], [4 + 3], and [3 + 2 + 3] pathways

In this paper we describe the phosphine-catalyzed [3 + 2], [3 + 3], [4 + 3], and [3 + 2 + 3] annulations of azomethine imines and allenoates. These processes mark the first use of azomethine imines in nucleophilic phosphine catalysis, producing dinitrogen-fused heterocycles, including tetrahydropyrazolo-pyrazolones, -pyridazinones, -diazepinones, and -diazocinones. Counting the two different reaction modes in the [3 + 3] cyclizations, there are five distinct reaction pathways-the choice of which depends on the structure and chemical properties of the allenoate. All reactions are operationally simple and proceed smoothly under mild reaction conditions, affording a broad range of 1,2-dinitrogen-containing heterocycles in moderate to excellent yields. A zwitterionic intermediate formed from a phosphine and two molecules of ethyl 2,3-butadienoate acted as a 1,5-dipole in the annulations of azomethine imines, leading to the [3 + 2 + 3] tetrahydropyrazolo-diazocinone products. The incorporation of two molecules of an allenoate into an eight-membered-ring product represents a new application of this versatile class of molecules in nucleophilic phosphine catalysis. The salient features of this protocol--the facile access to a diverse range of nitrogen-containing heterocycles and the simple preparation of azomethine imine substrates--suggest that it might find extensive applications in heterocycle synthesis.     

Generation and metathesis of azomethine imines in reaction of 6-aryl-1,5-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes with het(aryl)methylidenemalononitriles

A new metathesis reaction of azomethine imines is found. Catalytic or thermal diaziridine ring opening of 6-aryl-1,5-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes leads to azomethine imines reacting further with het(aryl)methylidenemalononitriles to give in situ new azomethine imines inaccessible by common synthetic methods. New azomethine imines are detected as pyrazolines formed via a 1,4-H shift and trapped by the [3+2] cycloaddition with various dipolarophiles to yield 1,5-diazabicyclo[3.3.0]octane derivatives bearing pharmacophoric heterocycles, e.g. furan, nitrofuran, thiophene, and indole. The best results are achieved in the Et₂O·BF₃-catalyzed reactions in ionic liquids.     

Recent advances in [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions

The [2+2+2] cycloaddition is an elegant, atom-efficient and group tolerant process for the synthesis of carbo- and heterocycles, mostly aromatic, involving the formation of several C-C bonds in a single step. Cyclotrimerisation is catalyzed by a variety of organometallic complexes, including more than 15 different metals. The aim of this tutorial review is to point out the most recent advances in this field and to encourage the use of this reaction enroute to complex molecules. After summarizing the most common catalysts and reaction conditions generally used, we survey the mechanistic features currently accepted for this reaction. Section 4 covers the scope of the different [2+2+2] cycloaddition versions starting with the cyclotrimerisation of three triple bonds, including nitriles, with especial emphasis on asymmetric reactions that create central, axial or planar chirality. Then, reactions that use double bonds are addressed. Finally, the most outstanding examples of natural products synthesis using [2+2+2] cycloadditions as a key step reported recently are shown.     

Synthesis of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,6-naphthyridines and related heterocycles by cobalt-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cyclizations

[reaction: see text] Microwave-promoted, cobalt-catalyzed intramolecular [2 + 2 + 2] cyclizations of dialkynylnitriles successfully gave 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,6-naphthyridines. The efficient synthesis of these relatively simple, yet rarely addressed heterocycles enabled the preparation of a collection of these compounds.     

Ruthenium‐Catalyzed C−C Bond Cleavage of 2H‐Azirines: A Formal [3+2+2] Cycloaddition to Fused Azepine Skeletons

2H‐azirines can serve as three‐atom synthons by C?C bond cleavage, however, it involves a high energy barrier under thermal conditions (>50.0 kcal mol^?1). Reported is a ruthenium‐catalyzed [3+2+2] cycloaddition reaction of 2H‐azirines with diynes, thus leading to the formation of fused azepine skeletons. This approach features an unprecedented metal‐catalyzed C?C bond cleavage of 2H‐azirines at room temperature, and the challenging construction of aza‐seven‐membered rings from diynes. The results of this study provide a new reaction pattern for constructing nitrogen‐containing seven‐membered rings and may find applications in the synthesis of other complex heterocycles.     

Formal Synthesis of Solanoeclepin A: Enantioselective Allene Diboration and Intramolecular [2+2] Photocycloaddition for the Construction of the Tricyclic Core

An enantioselective synthesis of an intermediate in the Tanino total synthesis of solanoeclepin A has been developed. The key step was an intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition, which led to the tricyclo[5.2.1.0^{1, 6}]decane core in six steps. The first photosubstrate, prepared through an indium‐mediated Barbier‐type reaction, gave an excellent [2+2] cycloaddition, but it could not be obtained in sufficient enantiopurity. The second photosubstrate, prepared through an asymmetric allene diborylation in high enantiomeric excess, gave the [2+2] cycloaddition product in high yield on irradiation at 365 nm on 20 g scale in a flow system. Other important steps were the replacement of a boronate group at the quaternary carbon by a vinyl group and diastereoselective cyclopropanation of an allylic alcohol.     

Synthesis and properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-2-[2-(2-hetaryl)vinyl]benzothiazoles

Electrophilic substitution reactions (formylation and acylation) in the series of 2-[2-(2-furyl)vinyl]- and 2-[2-(2-thienyl)vinyl]benzothiazoles leads to the corresponding derivatives at the α-position of the furan or thiophene ring. The presence of a vinylene bridge weakens deshielding effect of the benzothiazole fragment on π-excessive heterocycles, so that such compounds react at a higher rate and under milder conditions as compared to hetarylbenzothiazoles having no vinylene bridge.     

The 2‐Arsaethynolate Anion: Synthesis and Reactivity Towards Heteroallenes

The synthesis and isolation of the 2‐arsaethynolate anion, AsCO^?, and its subsequent reactivity towards heteroallenes is reported. Reactions with ketenes and carbodiimides afford four‐membered anionic heterocycles in formal [2+2] cycloaddition reactions. By contrast, reaction with an isocyanate yielded a 1,4,2‐diazaarsolidine‐3,5‐dionide anion and the unprecedented cluster anions As₁₀^2? and As₁₂^4?. These preliminary reactivity studies hint at the enormous potential synthetic utility of this novel anion, which may be employed as an arsenide (As^?) source.     

Regiodivergent construction of medium-sized heterocycles from vinylethylene carbonates and allylidenemalononitriles

Medium-sized heterocycles exist in a broad spectrum of biologically active natural products and medicinally important synthetic compounds. The construction of medium-sized rings remains challenging, particularly the assembly of different ring sizes from the same type of substrate. Here we report palladium-catalyzed, regiodivergent [5 + 4] and [5 + 2] annulations of vinylethylene carbonates and allylidenemalononitriles. We describe the production of over 50 examples of nine- and seven-membered heterocycles in high isolated yields and excellent regioselectivities. We demonstrate the synthetic utility of this approach by converting a nine-membered ring product to an interesting polycyclic caged molecule via a [2 + 2] transannulation. Mechanistic studies suggest that the [5 + 2] annulation proceeds through palladium-catalyzed ring-opening/re-cyclization from the [5 + 4] adducts.

Here we report palladium-catalyzed, regiodivergent [5 + 4] and [5 + 2] annulations of vinylethylene carbonates and allylidenemalononitriles affording over 50 medium-sized heterocycles in high isolated yields with excellent regioselectivities.     

Interaction Modes and Absolute Affinities of α‐Amino Acids for Mn2+: A Comprehensive Picture

Manganese is involved as a cofactor in the activation of numerous enzymes as well as the oxygen‐evolving complex of photosystem II. Full understanding of the role played by the Mn²⁺ ion requires detailed knowledge of the interaction modes and energies of manganese with its various environments, a knowledge that is far from complete. To bring detailed insight into the local interactions of Mn in metallopeptides and proteins, theoretical studies employing first‐principles quantum mechanical calculations are carried out on [Mn‐amino acid]²⁺ complexes involving all 20 natural α‐amino acids (AAs). Detailed investigation of [Mn‐serine]²⁺_, [Mn‐cysteine]²⁺, [Mn‐phenylalanine]²⁺, [Mn‐tyrosine]²⁺, and [Mn‐tryptophan]²⁺ indicates that with an electron‐rich side chain, the most stable species involves interaction of Mn²⁺ with carbonyl oxygen, amino nitrogen, and an electron‐rich section of the side chain of the AA in its canonical form. This is in sharp contrast with aliphatic side chains for which a salt bridge is formed. For aromatic AAs, complexation to manganese leads to partial oxidation as well as aromaticity reduction. Despite multisite binding, AAs do not generate strong enough ligand fields to switch the metal to a low‐ or even intermediate‐spin ground state. The affinities of Mn²⁺ for all AAs are reported at the B3LYP and CCSD(T) levels of theory, thereby providing the first complete series of affinities for a divalent metal ion. The trends are compared with those of other cations for which affinities of all AAs have been previously obtained.     

Cycloaddition reactions of 2H-benzo[b]thiete and conjugated cyclic dienes

2H-Benzo[b]thiete 1 reacts with cyclopentadiene 3 in consecutive [8π + 2π]cycloadditions yielding the condensed heterocycles 6–8 . Tetracyclone 9 on the other hand gives only the monoadduct 10 . An [8π + 8π]cycloaddition can be observed for 1 and diphenylisobenzofuran 11 . The related π system 13 shows again consecutive [477π + 27π]processes ( 1 + 13 ← 14, 15 ).     

Activation of aromatic rings by early transition metal ions in the gas phase. Implications for the metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of alkynes and nitriles

The reactions of a series of monocyclic and bicyclic arenes with early transition metal ions (Sc⁺, Y⁺, Nb⁺ and Ta⁺) and their oxides and dioxides were studied in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Ring cleavage of the nitrogen-containing heterocycles results in loss of HCN as the dominant pathway. Thermochemical considerations, secondary reactions and correlations with solution cyclotrimerization reactions indicate that the MC₄H₄⁺ product is a metallacyclopentadiene. Based on correspondence between the reactivities of a series of early metals with their valence electron counts, the reactivities of quinoline and isoquinoline and the decomposition behavior of the products, a metallacycloheptatriene intermediate is proposed for the heteroaromatic ring cleavage reaction. These results are compared to metal complexes in solution which catalyze the [2 + 2 + 2] cyclotrimerization of alkynes and nitriles.     

Mechanisms and Synthetic Strategies in Visible Light-Driven [2+2]-Heterocycloadditions

The synthesis of four membered heterocycles usually requires multi-step procedures and prefunctionalized reactants. A straightforward alternative is the photochemical [2+2]-heterocycloaddition between an alkene and a carbonyl derivative, conventionally based on the photoexcitation of this latter. However, this approach is limited by the absorption profile of the carbonyl, requiring in most of the cases the use of high-energy UV-light, that often results in undesired side reactions and/or the degradation of the reaction components. The development of new and milder visible light-driven [2+2]-heterocycloadditions is, therefore, highly desirable. In this Review, we highlight the most relevant achievements in the development of [2+2]-heterocycloadditions promoted by visible light, with a particular emphasis on the involved reaction mechanisms. The open challenges will also be discussed, suggesting new possible evolutions, and stimulating new methodological developments in the field.     

Cycloaddition reactions of heterophospholes

The cycloaddition reactions namely, [2 + 4], [4 + 2], [2 + 3] and [1 + 4] given by the heterophospholes, which are five-membered 6π aromatic heterocycles containing at least one σ², λ³ phosphorus, are reviewed in the present article. Different aspects of these reactions such as stereoselectivity, regioselectivity, relative reactivities and theoretical correlations thereof are included. The literature has been surveyed up to December 2003. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 15:271–287, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20002     

Organocatalytic Intramolecular [4+2] Cycloaddition between In Situ Generated Vinylidene ortho‐Quinone Methides and Benzofurans

Described herein is the enantioselective construction of oxygen‐containing [5‐6‐5] tricyclic heterocycles by an organocatalyzed asymmetric [4+2] cycloaddition of vinylidene ortho ‐quinone methides and benzofurans. According to this methodology, a series of oxygen‐containing [5‐6‐5] tricyclic heterocycles with various functional groups were synthesized in excellent enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities (>99 % ee , >20:1 d.r.). Furthermore, the deuterium‐labeling experiments and high‐resolution mass spectroscopy demonstrated that a vinylidene ortho ‐quinone methide intermediate was involved and possibly resulted from a prototropic rearrangement of 2‐ethynylphenol. Remarkably, a catalyst loading as low as 0.1 mol %, and a gram‐scale synthesis were achieved for this transformation.     

Synthesis of Indolo[2,3‐a]pyrrolo[3,4‐c]carbazoles via the Oxidative Cyclization of Bisindolylmaleimides with Pd(TFA)2/Cu(OAc)2

A new synthetic approach for the synthesis of indolo[2,3‐a]pyrrolo[3,4‐c]carbazoles based on the Cu²⁺/Pd²⁺ catalytic system is described. The optimum condition is established via a systematic screening and utilized for the synthesis of four indolocarbazole aglycones with a satisfied yield.     

Imidazobenzimidazole fused azacalix[4]arenes: Synthesis,structure, and Zn2+-selective colorimetric-fluorometric sensor

Tetra(amino)azacalix[4]arene skeleton was functionalized at the bridging NH sites using various aromatic aldehydes via formation of imidazobenzimidazole fused heterocycles. X-ray single crystal analysis revealed distorted 1,3-alternate conformations for the resulting macrocycles. Anthracenyl and pyrenyl modified imidazobenzimidazole fused azacalix[4]arenes existed as dimers in the solid state, associated mainly through π-π stacking interactions between the planar polycyclic fluorophores. The tetrapyrenyl modified product was further used as a Zn²⁺-selective sensor, which showed naked-eye detected color change and enhanced excimer emission. The stoichiometry between the sensor and Zn²⁺ was determined to be 1:1 and the association constant was 1.1 × 10⁵ L/mol. The sensing process was highly selective and showed strong anti-interference with presence of other cations. The UV-vis spectral changes in the sensing process were completely reversible by alternate addition of Zn²⁺ and F⁻, showing an efficient ‘‘on–off-on’’ result.