Nickel(0)-mediated [2+2+1] cyclization reaction of chromium carbene complexes and internal alkynes

Alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl chromium Fischer carbene complexes undergo Ni(0)-mediated [2+2+1] cyclization reaction with internal unactivated and electron-poor internal alkynes to yield highly substituted cyclopentadienes with complete regioselectivity in most cases. The intramolecular version of this cyclization has been accomplished with 1,8-diphenyl-1,7-octadiyne to produce indene derivatives. This three-component [2+2+1] cyclization represents a very uncommon process in the chemistry of Fischer carbene complexes.     

Construction of [4.3.1]propellanes via molybdenum fischer carbene complexes

Treatment of molybdenum Fischer carbene complexes with 6-methylene-7-octen-1-yne derivatives at 40 degrees C generates substituted tricyclo[4.3.1.0(1,6)]deca-2,4-dienes in good yield. Pentacarbonyl(butylmethoxycarbene)molybdenum(0) afforded the highest cyclization yields (54%), while the analogous chromium carbene complex gave no reaction. The range of dienyne substrates that participate in this reaction is explored and its mechanism is analyzed and discussed.     

Stereoselective [4 + 1] annulation reactions with silyl vinylketenes derived from Fischer carbene complexes

Stable silyl vinylketenes were prepared via the thermal reaction of Fischer carbene complexes with triisopropylsilyl- or tert-butyldimethylsilyl-substituted alkynes. The ability of these silyl vinylketenes to participate with carbenoid reagents in [4 + 1] annulation reactions was investigated. The best results were obtained with diazomethane and substituted diazomethane reagents, which provided cyclopentenone products in excellent yields and essentially complete stereoselectivity.     

Synthesis of highly substituted benzene ring systems through three-component coupling of enyne imines,Fischer carbene complexes,and electron-deficient alkynes

Three-component coupling of Fischer carbene complexes, enyne aldehyde hydrazones, and electron-deficient alkynes leads to simple benzoate derivatives in a process involving the formation of an N-aminopyrrole derivative, Diels-Alder reaction, and nitrene extrusion. The products are readily converted into isoquinolones through reaction with primary amines. The reaction proceeds best with highly substituted and electron-rich pyrroles even though these are the sterically least favorable substrates, and this reactivity trend is supported by a computational study.     

A sub-stoichiometric tungsten-mediated Pauson-Khand reaction: Scope and limitations

Terminal alkynes do not partake in sequential [2+2+1]/benzoannulation reactions with Fischer carbene complexes and highly reactive and sterically hindered olefins; instead, they undergo a Fischer carbene complex-catalyzed Pauson-Khand reaction (PKR). This result has allowed the development, for the first time, of a tungsten-catalyzed PKR, although of limited scope.     

Reaction of α,β-unsaturated Fischer carbene complexes with allyl alkoxide

Optically enriched homo-binuclear Fischer chromium carbene complexes with planar chiral arene chromium complexes gave α-allyl β-arylpropionates up to 97% ee by reaction with allyl alkoxide and subsequent photo-oxidative demetalation. The chiral hetero-binuclear tungsten carbene complexes afforded anti α-allyl β-hydroxy β-arylpropionates as a major product up to 92/8 dr by the same reaction sequence. High diastereoselectivity in these reactions is contributed to the planar chirality of the arene chromium complex, even though the reaction was carried out under vigorous basic media. The reaction products, α-allyl β-arylpropionates were derived by 1,3-M(CO)₅ shift and subsequent [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement. Also, the corresponding chromium-uncomplexed α,β-unsaturated Fischer carbene complexes afforded α-allyl β-arylpropionates under the same conditions. Formation of β-allyl β-arylpropionates via 1,2-M(CO)₅ shift followed by [3,4]-sigmatropic rearrangement was not observed in both reactions of chromium-coordinated and the corresponding chromium-uncoordinated α,β-unsaturated Fischer carbene complexes with allyl alkoxide in the presence of base.     

Highly Substituted Spiro[4.4]nonatrienes from a β-Amino-Substituted α,β-Unsaturated Fischer Carbene Complex and Three Molecules of an Arylalkyne

A novel mode of reaction towards arylethynes is shown by the β-trimethylsilyl-substituted α,β-unsaturated Fischer carbene complexes 1 . A mixture of the isomeric, highly substituted spiro[4.4]nonatrienes 2 and 3 is formed by the formal insertion of three alkyne molecules and subsequent cyclization (see scheme). Such selective triple insertions of alkynes into ethenylcarbene complexes have not been previously observed.     

Stereoselective [3+2+2] cycloaddition utilizing optically active binuclear Fischer carbene complexes with alkynes

The reaction of optically active α,β-unsaturated binuclear Fischer carbene complexes with alkynes gave planar chiral cycloheptatriene chromium complexes via [3+2+2] cycloaddition with high diastereoselectivity.     

A general and regioselective synthesis of cyclopentenone derivatives through nickel(0)-mediated [3 + 2] cyclization of alkenyl Fischer carbene complexes and internal alkynes

A broad range of substituted 2-cyclopentenone derivatives 3-6 are synthesized by the nickel(0)-mediated [3 + 2] cyclization reaction of chromium alkenyl(methoxy)carbene complexes 1 and internal alkynes 2. The reaction takes place with complete regioselectivity with both unactivated alkynes and activated alkynes (electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituted alkynes). Representative cycloadducts containing boron and tin substituents are further demonstrated to be active partners in classical Pd-catalyzed C-C coupling processes to allow the production of 2-aryl- and 2-alkynyl-substituted cyclopentenones 9-13.     

Regioselective synthesis of substituted o-alkoxyphenol derivatives through thermal benzannulation of Fischer (alkenylcyclobutenyl)carbene complexes

A convenient, regioselective, and general synthetic method for producing highly substituted o-phenol-containing polycycles from Fischer (alkenylcyclobutenyl)carbene complexes has been described. The starting complexes have been synthesized by means of the [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of (alkenylethynyl)carbene complexes and a range of enol ethers, and in most cases, they have proven to be stable at room temperature and therefore isolable. The key step of the synthesis consists of the thermal benzannulation reaction of these novel pentacarbonyl dienyl Fischer complexes, which is an unprecedented transformation for these kinds of complexes. The unexpected behavior of (alkenylcyclobutenyl)carbene complexes has been rationalized in terms of their geometries.     

Fischer Carbene Complexes as Chemical Multitalents: The Incredible Range of Products from Carbenepentacarbonylmetal alpha,beta-Unsaturated Complexes

The metal carbene complexes, discovered by E. O. Fischer at the start of the 1960s and carrying his name, have since proved themselves to be irreplaceable building blocks for organic synthesis. In particular, since the discovery of the D?tz reaction, a formal cycloaddition of Fischer alpha,beta-unsaturated carbene complexes to alkynes with CO insertion, this area of chemistry has become increasingly interesting to organic chemists. In spite of the considerable diversity of reactions performed with these complexes, proper selection of substrates and careful adjustment of the reaction conditions have allowed, in most cases the perfectly selective preparation of individual compounds of this enormous range of products. The spectrum of new successes begins with the conventional Diels-Alder reaction of alkynylcarbene complexes and the formal regioselective [3+2] cycloaddition of alkenylcarbene complexes to alkynes. It extends much further, however, from cascade reactions with the formation of oligofunctional and oligocyclic products of impressive molecular complexity to complex, formal [3+6] cocyclizations in which six bonds are formed in a single operational step. Beyond doubt, the methodological arsenal of preparative organic chemistry cannot be imagined any more without the valuable transformations of the Fischer carbene complexes; it only remains to be seen whether one or other of the numerous new types of cocyclization products of these complexes can establish itself as a lead structure in the search for biologically active compounds.     

Rhodium-catalyzed rapid synthesis of substituted phenols from cyclobutenones and alkynes or alkenes via C-C bond cleavage

A novel rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of substituted phenols by the ring-opening reaction of cyclobutenones with alkynes as well as electron-deficient alkenes has been developed. Both reactions involve C-C bond cleavage of cyclobutenones, and an (η⁴-vinylketene)rhodium complex rather than a rhodacyclopentenone is considered to be a key intermediate.     

Stereoselective [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement promoted by the metal [1,3]-shift of binuclear Fischer carbene complexes

Reaction of chiral homobinuclear Fischer chromium carbene complexes with allyl alcohol in the presence of NaH and the following oxidative demetalation gave alpha-allyl esters in up to 97% ee via [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement reaction promoted by the metal 1,3-shift. On the other hand, chiral heterobinuclear tungsten carbene complexes with arene chromium complexes afforded alpha-allyl-beta-hydroxy esters as a major product in up to 92/8 dr by the same reaction sequence.     

New Fischer carbene complexes of rhodium(i): preparation and 2-cyclopentenone ring synthesis by annelation to alkynes

A new type of metal carbene complexes of group 9, specifically a cationic Fischer carbene of rhodium(I), has been synthesized from chromium carbene complexes via double transfer of carbene and CO ligands. These complexes reveal a different reactivity than other transition metal carbenes, including their chromium precursors, toward neutral and electron-poor alkynes, giving selectively polysubstituted cyclopentenones.     

Synthesis of dibenzofuran-1,4-diones using the Dötz benzannulation

The chromium Fischer carbene complexes of benzofuran and benzothiophene have been prepared and can be used in Dötz benzannulations with alkynes for the regioselective and converg ent synthesis of dibenzofuran-1,4-dione heterocycles. The use of alkynylboronates led to model systems of the tricyclic ring system of popolohuanone E after oxidation. It would appear that the combination of alkynyl boronates with furan type Fischer carbene complexes leads to substantial amounts (∼50%) of protodeboronated products.     

Tautomerism-dependent ring construction of N-heterocyclic compounds from the reactions of 1-alkynyl Fischer carbene complexes and substituted pyrazolinones

Four types of N-heterocyclic ring systems were successfully constructed from the reactions of 1-alkynyl Fischer carbene complexes (OC)5M=C(OEt)C[triple bond]CPh (1) (M = Cr, W) and substituted pyrazolinones (2). Reactions of 1 with 3-methyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (2a), 3-n-propyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (2b), 3,4-dimethyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (2c), 3,4-trimethylene-2-pyrazolin-5-one (2d), or 3,4-tetramethylene-2-pyrazolin-5-one (2e) generated three kinds of Fischer aminocarbene complexes (3-5), and reactions of 1 with phenyl-substituted pyrazolinones, i.e., 3-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (2f) and its tautomer 3-phenyl-3-pyrazolin-5-one (2g), gave Fischer alkoxycarbene complexes (6) as the major products and aminocarbene complexes of types 3-5 as the minor products. Multiple tautomerism of pyrazolinones is attributed to the versatile formation of N-heterocyclic Fischer carbene complexes. Oxidative demetalation of complexes 3-6 with pyridine N-oxide or m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid efficiently afforded organic carbonyl products, and thus, strongly fluorescent syn-mixed-bimanes were prepared. The present findings constitute an alternative new method to synthesize mixed bimanes and other novel N-heterocyclic compounds.     

Convergent synthesis of fully functionalized ring C allocolchicinoids. Benzannulation approach

[reaction: see text]. A novel convergent approach to fully functionalized ring C allocolchicinoids is developed which is based on the benzannulation reaction of Fischer carbene complexes with alkynes. The efficacy of this strategy was established with the conversion of bromide 1a (R1 = Me, R2 = H) to the biaryl phenol 3a (R = Me, R(L) = Pr, R(S) = H) via the carbene complex 2a. Bromide 1b (R1 = t-Bu, R2 = OMe) was then used for the analogous preparation of the diastereomeric allocolchicinoids 3b (R = Me, R(L) = Pr, R(S) = H).     

The [2 + 1] and [4 + 3] cyclization reactions of fulvenes with Fischer carbene complexes: new access to annulated cyclopentanones

Pentafulvenes are regioselectively cyclopropanated with group 6 Fischer carbene complexes leading to the homofulvene ring with complete endo selectivity. The homofulvene adducts undergo in turn a further cyclopropanation with ethyl diazoacetate or cyclopentannulation with a Fischer alkenyl carbene complex to provide substituted cyclopentanones after ozonolysis of the exocyclic carbon=carbon double bond. Fischer alkynyl carbene complexes also produce the corresponding alkynyl homofulvenes, albeit the exo stereoisomer is in this case exclusively or preferentially formed. Under moderate CO pressure, tungsten alkynyl carbene complexes cycloadd to pentafulvenes in a [4 + 3] fashion, giving rise to bicyclo[3.2.1]octadien-2-ones.     

Extended Dötz-like cyclization reactions towards the synthesis of eight-membered ring-containing polycycles: scope and theoretical studies

The reaction between cyclobutene-containing dienyl Fischer carbene complexes (FCCs) and alkynes has been studied from both an experimental and a theoretical point of view. We have found that the reaction follows different pathways depending on the nature of the terminal double bond of the carbene complex. Thus, eight-membered carbocycles have been obtained from an extended D?tz-like reaction of dienyl FCCs and indolyl- or benzofuryl-substituted alkenyl FCCs. On the other hand, phenyl- and naphthyl-substituted alkenyl FCCs follow a typical benzannulation pathway giving rise to cyclohexadienones. DFT calculations have allowed us to formulate detailed mechanistic proposals and to provide an explanation for the formation of either the benzannulation products or the eight-membered carbocycles.     

Oxidative demetalation of Fischer alkoxy carbene complexes with stoichiometric pyridine N-oxide and NaBH4-promoted demetalation of Fischer iminocarbene complexes with sulfur and selenium

Oxidation of Fischer alkoxy carbene complexes were systematically investigated with stoichiometric pyridine N-oxide (PNO) under mild conditions, forming ester products in good to excellent yields from the corresponding monocarbene complexes. Fischer alkoxy biscarbene complexes efficiently underwent stepwise oxidative demetalation under controlled conditions, resulting in ester-monocarbene and diester products, respectively. This oxidation protocol has demonstrated a generally efficient method to oxidize Fischer alkoxy carbene complexes under mild conditions, providing a new route to novel monocarbene complexes from Fischer biscarbene complexes. In the presence of NaBH₄, reactions of Fischer iminocarbene complexes with elemental sulfur or selenium in ethanol at ambient temperature regioselectively afforded thione or selone complexes by insertion of a sulfur or selenium atom into the MC bonds in Fischer carbene complexes, and metal-free selone was also obtained. The molecular structures of the iminocarbene complexes and selone derivatives were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic study. The NaBH₄-promoted demetalation protocol suggests a potential new route to demetalate Fischer aminocarbene complexes.