Biomimetic reductive amination under the continuous-flow reaction conditions

This study present a full account of continuous-flow reaction conditions for biomimetic reductive amination of fluorinated carbonyl compounds to corresponding amines and amino acids of biomedical importance. We demonstrate that simple silica-adsorbed DBU can be used as efficient catalysts for on-column 1,3-proton shift reaction, a key transformation in the biomimetic reductive amination process. This new on-column process features operationally convenient conditions, higher chemical yields, enantioselectivity and purity of the corresponding products as compared with traditional in-flask reactions. Moreover the removal of base-catalyst, the most delicate problem of the in-flask reactions, is not an issue in the on-column process, as the silica-adsorbed DBU or polymer-bound guanidine remains on the column and can be reused. This feature renders the overall process substantially more economical and synthetically efficient, in particular, for large-scale synthesis of the corresponding fluorinated amines and amino acids target.     

超临界二氧化碳中马来酸锌催化合成环状碳酸酯

在超临界二氧化碳中, 利用马来酸锌催化二氧化碳与环氧化物反应合成环状碳酸酯. 单独使用马来酸锌作为催化剂时, 对二氧化碳与环氧丙烷反应的催化活性较低, 而在DBU、DMAP、三乙胺、吡啶、咪唑或4-氨基吡啶等有机碱的存在下, 反应活性较高, 产物的收率得到明显提高. 有机碱作用的强弱顺序为DBU>Et3N>咪唑>4-氨基吡啶>DMAP>吡啶. 在压力为8 MPa, 温度110 ℃, 反应时间48 h条件下, 马来酸锌与DBU组成的二元催化系统可以催化二氧化碳与环氧丙烷反应, 得到83.4%产率的碳酸丙烯酯. 该二元系统也能催化其它环氧化物高产率地转化为相应的环状碳酸酯.     

Amino acids/superbases as eco-friendly catalyst system for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates under metal-free and halide-free conditions

An eco-friendly and efficient binary catalyst system of superbases and amino acids was developed for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO₂ under metal-free and halide-free conditions. Among the various amino acids and superbases systems tested, the L-histidine/1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene (DBU) system achieved the highest conversion of propylene oxide and selectivity of propylene carbonate. The effect of various reaction parameters was evaluated. A possible catalyst mechanism for L-histidine synergized with DBU in the ring opening of epoxide and DBU introduced CO₂ activation. The process herein represents a green, simple, and cost-effective route for the chemical fixation of CO₂ into cyclic carbonates.     

新型4-羟基香豆素烯醚衍生物的合成

氮气保护下,以4-羟基香豆素类化合物和2-丁炔酸酯类化合物为原料,1,8-二氮杂二环十一碳-7-烯(DBU)为催化剂,乙腈为溶剂,经Michael加成反应合成了11个新型4-羟基香豆素烯醚衍生物（3a~3k）,其结构经¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR和HR-MS（ESI）表征,其构型经H-H NOESY谱确定为Z构型。考察了投料比r[n(2-丁炔酸乙酯,2a) : n(4-羟基香豆素,1a)］、溶剂、催化剂、反应温度和反应时间对3a收率的影响。结果表明：在最优条件［r=1.2,乙腈为溶剂,DBU作催化剂,于80 ℃回流反应18 h］下,3a收率最高（70%）。     

Methylation of Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside with Dimethyl Carbonate

The approach presented in this study is the first for the hemisynthesis of methylated anthocyanins. It was possible to obtain cyanidin-3-O-glucoside derivatives with different degrees of methylation. Cautious identification of 4′-, 5-, and 7-OH monomethylated derivatives was also accomplished. The methylation agent used was the “green chemical” dimethyl carbonate (DMC), which is characterized by low human and ecological toxicity. The influence of the temperature, reaction time, and amount of the required diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-en (DBU) catalyst on the formation of the products was examined. Compared to conventional synthesis methods for methylated flavonoids using DMC and DBU, the conditions identified in this study result in a reduction of reaction time, and an important side reaction, so-called carboxymethylation, was minimized by using higher amounts of catalyst.     

Convenient one-step synthesis of 4-unsubstituted 2-amino-4H-chromene-2-carbonitriles and 5-unsubstituted 5H-chromeno[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carbonitriles from quaternary ammonium salts

We have reported DBU catalyzed synthesis of 4-unsubstituted 2-amino-4H-chromene-2-carbonitriles in water under reflux. The attractive features of this process are mild reaction conditions, short reaction times, easy isolation of products and good yields. 5H-chromeno[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carbonitriles were obtained by refluxing excess of malononitrile and quaternary ammonium salts in ethanol in the presence of NaOH as catalyst. The mechanisms of these reactions are believed to involve the formation of the o-quinone methide intermediate.     

Nucleophilic catalysis with 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) for the esterification of carboxylic acids with dimethyl carbonate

1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) is an effective nucleophilic catalyst for carboxylic acid esterification with dimethyl carbonate (DMC). The reaction pathway of this new class of nucleophilic catalysis has been studied. A plausible, multistep mechanism is proposed, which involves an initial N-acylation of DBU with DMC to form a carbamate intermediate. Subsequent O-alkylation of the carboxylate with this intermediate generates the corresponding methyl ester in excellent yield. In the absence of DBU or in the presence of other bases, such as ammonium hydroxide or N-methylmorpholine, the same reaction affords no desired product. This method is particularly valuable for the synthesis of methyl esters that contain acid-sensitive functionality.     

Efficient Baylis-Hillman reactions of cyclic enones in methanol as catalyzed by methoxide anion

The Baylis-Hillman reactions of cyclic enones with a variety of aldehydes were investigated. 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) was found to be a viable catalyst in promoting the reactions of sterically retarded substrates in methanol. The reactions showed clear solvent dependence and only occurred in hydroxylic solvents, especially in methanol. Further consideration on the steric character of DBU and its high basicity jointly with other experimental observations suggests that the methoxide anion should be the "true" Baylis-Hillman catalyst. This has been confirmed by the effectiveness of similar reactions directly employing methoxide as the catalyst. The reaction pathways of this type of catalysis are proposed to depend on the choice of substrates. Supporting experimental observations were demonstrated and discussed in relation to mechanistic considerations. This study also reveals that both DBU and sodium methoxide can be successfully applied as effective catalysts in methanol to promote the Baylis-Hillman reactions for a range of cyclic enones including cyclopent-2-enones, cyclohex-2-enones, gamma-pyrone, and 1-benzopyran-4(4H)-ones.     

[DBU‐H]+ and H2o as effective catalyst form for 2,3‐dihydropyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4(1H)‐ones: A DFT Study

DFT investigations are carried out to explore the effective catalyst forms of DBU and H₂O and the mechanism for the formation of 2,3‐dihydropyrido[2,3‐d]‐pyrimidin‐4(1H)‐ones. Three main pathways are disclosed under unassisted, water‐catalyzed, DBU and water cocatalyzed conditions, which involves concerted nucleophilic addition and H‐transfer, concerted intramolecular cyclization and H‐transfer, and Dimroth rearrangement to form the product. The results indicated that the DBU and water cocatalyzed pathway is the most favored one as compared to the rest two pathways. The water donates one H to DBU and accepts H from 2‐amino‐nicotinonitrile ( 1 ), forming [DBU‐H]⁺‐H₂O as effective catalyst form in the proton migration transition state rather than [DBU‐H]⁺‐OH^?. The hydrogen bond between [DBU‐H]⁺···H₂O··· 1 ^? decreases the activation barrier of the rate‐determining step. Our calculated results open a new insight for the green catalyst model of DBU‐H₂O. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

One-Pot Synthesis of Biologically Important Spiro-2-amino-4H-pyrans,Spiroacenaphthylenes, and Spirooxindoles Using DBU as a Green and Recyclable Catalyst in Aqueous Medium

We have reported DBU-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of biologically and pharmacologically important spiropyrans from condensation of malononitrile/ethyl cyanoacetate, 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, and ninhydrin/acenaphthequinone/istain in good yields. This new protocol employing DBU, which is a green, recyclable, and inexpensive catalyst, offers advantages such as mild reaction conditions, short reaction times, and easy isolation of products. The structures have been confirmed by x-ray analysis.

[Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Synthetic Communications® for the following free supplemental resource(s): Full experimental and spectral details.]     

A new,convenient and expeditious synthesis of 4-alkyl-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ols in water through a multicomponent reaction

A new, simple and efficient synthesis of 4-alkyl-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ols in water by a two-pot four component reaction of ethyl acetoacetate, hydrazine hydrate, aldehyde and ketone in presence K₂CO₃ as the catalyst is described. Use of water as the reaction medium, operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, application of a cost-effective, nontoxic and easily available catalyst with auto-tandem catalysis, wide substrate scope, easy workup and purification process make the protocol highly attractive.     

One‐pot synthesis of 2‐amino‐4,8‐dihydropyrano[3,2‐b]pyranes and pyridopyrimidines under mild conditions

1,8‐Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene immobilized on silica (SB‐DBU)Cl as a reusable and heterogeneous catalyst was applied for the one‐pot, three‐component synthesis of 2‐amino‐4,8‐dihydropyrano[3,2‐b]pyrane‐3‐carbonitriles and pyridopyrimidines, under solvent‐free conditions. The reaction was carried out at room temperature, and pure products were obtained in high yields and short reaction times (3–7 min). This work introduced an environmentally benign procedure for the synthesis of these classes of biological active compounds.     

Synthesis of vinyloxazolidinones by palladium-catalyzed CO2-recycling reaction of 4-(benzylamino)-2-butenyl carbonates

A CO₂-recycling reaction using (E)-4-(benzylamino)-2-butenyl methyl carbonates has been examined and substituted vinyloxazolidinones were obtained via a CO₂ fixation-elimination process, carried out in the presence of palladium catalyst with DBU.     

Base-Mediated Biginelli-Like Reaction Ignited by Aromatic Isocyanate: A Facile One-Pot Synthesis of N 4-Aryl-5-carboxyl-6-methyl Cytimidine Derivatives

The new three-component Biginelli reaction of aromatic isocyanate, ethyl acetoacetate, and substituted urea (or thiourea as well as guanidine) is described for the first time. In this reaction, N ⁴-aryl-5-carboxyl-6-methyl cytimidine derivatives were obtained in moderate to excellent yields by employing DBU as a highly effective catalyst. This methodology provides several advantages such as good functional group tolerance, excellent yields, atom efficiency, and experimental simplicity.     

Metal- and Solvent-Free Transesterification and Aldol Condensation Reactions by a Homogenous Recyclable Basic Ionic Liquid Based on the 1,3,5-Triazine Framework

A new recyclable basic ionic liquid was introduced as an efficient catalyst for aldol condensation and transesterification reactions under environmentally friendly conditions. The catalyst was prepared based on methyl imidazolium moieties bearing hydroxide counter anions via the Hofmann elimination on a 1,3,5-triazine framework. The ionic liquid with two functionalities including anion stabilizer and high basicity, was used as an efficient catalyst for aldol condensation as well as transesterification reaction of a variety of alkyl benzoates. All reactions were performed in the absence of any external reagent, co-catalyst, or solvent, in line with environmental protection. The kinetics isotope effect (KIE) was conducted for the transesterification reaction to elucidate the mechanism and rate determining step (RDS). It worth noted that, the homogeneous catalyst could be recycled from the reaction mixture and reused for several consecutive runs with insignificant drop of basicity and conversion.     

Synthesis of β‐Keto Sulfones by a Catalyst‐Free Reaction of Aryldiazonium Tetrafluoroborates,Sulfur Dioxide,and Silyl Enol Ethers

A green approach for the generation of β‐keto sulfones through a reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates and sulfur dioxide with silyl enol ether under catalyst‐ and additive‐free conditions has been realized. This reaction proceeds efficiently at room temperature and goes to completion in half an hour. During the reaction process, aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborate is treated with DABCO ⋅ (SO₂)₂ (DABCO=1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) to provide a sulfonyl radical as the key intermediate, which then initiates the transformation. Oxidants or metal catalysts are avoided, and the presence of DABCO also plays an important role in the reaction.     

Iron(iii) chloride-catalyzed mechanochemical cascade synthesis of highly-substituted pyrrolyl indoles

Iron(iii) chloride has been found to serve as an efficient catalyst for a mechanochemical (ball milling) one-pot four- component cascade reaction of phenyl glyoxal, anilines, indoles and activated alkyne affording highly-substituted 3-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1H-indoles. The procedure is beneficial because of mild conditions, easily available starting materials, cheap catalyst and possibility for scaling.     

A rapid and direct access to symmetrical/unsymmetrical 3,4-diarylmaleimides and pyrrolin-2-ones

1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7ene (DBU) facilitated the oxidative cyclization of phenacyl amide in the presence of atmospheric oxygen under environmentally friendly conditions. The reaction has been studied under various conditions and a plausible mechanism is proposed. This ‘green’ reaction proceeds via intramolecular ring closure of the amide followed by subsequent reaction with molecular oxygen where DBU played a crucial role. A variety of phenacyl amides were treated with DBU in acetonitrile under an oxygen atmosphere to give the symmetrical/unsymmetrical 3,4-diarylsubstituted maleimides in good yields. Corresponding pyrrolin-2-ones however, were obtained in good to excellent yields when K₂CO₃ was used in place of DBU affording a practical synthesis of these compounds of potential biological interest.     

A diastereoselective tandem RCM approach to spiropiperidines

This paper outlines the stereocontrolled synthesis of a functionalised spiropiperidine through a diastereoselective tandem RCM reaction. The diastereoselectivity of this process was found to be strongly dependant on the nature of the catalyst; the less active first generation Ru-carbene complexes provided the desired spirocycle in high yield and with good stereocontrol. Additionally, the further functionalisation of the spiropiperidine was carried out through a regio- and stereoselective dihydroxylation reaction employing Donohoe's OsO₄-TMEDA conditions.