Ligand effects in the Rh(II) catalyzed reaction of α-diazo ketoamides

The rhodium(II) catalyzed decomposition of several α-diazo ketoamides resulted in either formation of a push-pull carbonyl ylide intermediate followed by intramolecular [3+2]-cycloaddition across the tethered π-bond or C-H insertion of the initially formed rhodium carbenoid into the C₅-position of the lactam ring followed by a carboethoxy-decarboxylation reaction. The chemoselectivity exhibited by the rhodium carbenoid intermediate was found to be markedly dependent on the metal ligands employed.     

Rhodium(II)-catalyzed carbocyclization reaction of alpha-diazo carbonyls with tethered unsaturation

o-Alkynyl-substituted alpha-diazoketones undergo internal cyclization to produce indenone derivatives upon treatment with catalytic quantities of Rh(II)-carboxylates. A variety of structural influences were encountered by varying the nature of the substituent group attached to the diazo center. The cyclization reaction involves addition of a rhodium-stabilized carbenoid onto the acetylenic pi-bond to generate a cycloalkenone carbenoid. The cyclized carbenoid was found to undergo both aromatic and aliphatic C-H insertion as well as cyclopropanation across a tethered pi-bond. Subjection of diazo phenyl acetic acid 3-phenylprop-2-ynyl ester to Rh(II) catalysis furnished 8-phenyl-1, 8-dihydro-2-oxacyclopenta[a]indenone in high yield. The formation of this compound involves cyclization of the initially formed carbenoid onto the alkyne to produce a butenolide which then undergoes C-H insertion into the neighboring aromatic system. When a vinyl ether is added, the initially formed rhodium carbenoid intermediate can be intercepted by the electron-rich pi-bond prior to cyclization. Different rhodium catalysts were shown to result in significant variation in the product ratios. The competition between bimolecular cyclopropanation, 1,2-hydrogen migration, and internal cyclization was probed using several enol ethers as well as diazoesters which possess different substituent groups on the ester backbone. The specific path followed was found to depend on electronic, steric, and conformational factors.     

Intramolecular [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of push-pull dipoles across heteroaromatic pi-systems

[reaction: see text] Push-pull dipoles generated from the Rh(II)-catalyzed reaction of diazo imides containing tethered heteroaromatic rings undergo successful [3 + 2]-cycloaddition across the 2,3-pi-bond to provide novel pentacyclic compounds in good to excellent yields in a stereocontrolled fashion. The facility of the cycloaddition is critically dependent on conformational factors in the transition state.     

Diastereoselective synthesis of macrocycles incorporating the spiro-indolofurans and -indolodioxolanes

Generation of intramolecular macrocyclic carbonyl ylides from aldehyde group tethered to diazoamides in the presence of rhodium(II) acetate and their successful [3+2]-cycloaddition afforded the corresponding macrocycles incorporating spiro-indolofurans, -indolofuropyrroles, -indolofurofurans, and -indolodioxolanes in moderate to good yield with complete diastereoselectivity. The competition between the electrocyclization and [3+2]-cycloaddition reactions of macrocyclic carbonyl ylides was also demonstrated.     

Rhodium(I)-catalyzed nucleophilic ring-opening reactions of oxabicyclo adducts derived from the [4 + 2]-cycloaddition of 2-imido-substituted furans

A series of 2-imido-substituted furans containing tethered unsaturation were prepared by the addition of the lithium carbamate of furan-2-ylcarbamic acid tert-butyl ester to a solution of the mixed anhydride of an appropriately substituted 3-butenoic acid. The initially formed imido furans undergo a rapid intramolecular [4 + 2]-cycloaddition at room temperature to deliver the Diels-Alder cycloadducts in good to excellent yield. Isolation of the highly labile oxabicyclic adduct is believed to be a consequence of the lower reaction temperatures employed as well as the presence of the extra carbonyl group, which diminishes the basicity of the nitrogen atom, thereby retarding the ring cleavage/rearrangement reaction generally encountered with related systems. By using a Rh(I)-catalyzed ring opening of the oxabicyclic adduct with various nucleophilic reagents, it was possible to prepare highly functionalized hexahydro-1H-indol-2(3H)-one derivatives in good yield. The major stereoisomer obtained possesses a cis-relationship between the nucleophile and hydroxyl group in the ring-opened product. The stereochemistry was unequivocally established by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Coordination of Rh(I) to the alkenyl pi-bond followed by a nitrogen-assisted cleavage of the carbon-oxygen bond occurs to furnish a pi-allyl rhodium(III) species. Addition of the nucleophile then occurs from the least hindered terminus of the resulting pi-allyl rhodium(III) complex. Proton exchange followed by rhodium(I) decomplexation ultimately leads to the cis-diastereomer.     

Efficient construction of the oxatricyclo[6.3.1.0(0,0)]dodecane core of komaroviquinone using a cyclization/cycloaddition cascade of a rhodium carbenoid intermediate

The rhodium(II)-catalyzed cyclization/cycloaddition cascade of a o-carbomethoxyaryl diazo dione is described as a potential route to the oxatricyclo[6.3.1.0(0,0)]dodecane substructure of the icetexane diterpene komaroviquinone. The initially formed carbonyl ylide dipole prefers to cyclize to an epoxide at 25 degrees C but can be induced to undergo cycloaddition across the tethered pi-bond at higher temperatures. [reaction: see text]     

Rhodium-Catalyzed [2+1+2+1] Cycloaddition of Benzoic Acids with Diynes through Decarboxylation and C≡C Triple Bond Cleavage

It has been established that an electron-deficient cyclopentadienyl rhodium(III) (Cp^ERh^III) complex catalyzes the oxidative and decarboxylative [2+1+2+1] cycloaddition of benzoic acids with diynes through C≡C triple bond cleavage, leading to fused naphthalenes. This cyclotrimerization is initiated by directed ortho C−H bond cleavage of a benzoic acid, and the subsequent regioselective alkyne insertion and decarboxylation produce a five-membered rhodacycle. The electron-deficient nature of the Cp^ERh^III complex promotes reductive elimination giving a cyclobutadiene–rhodium(I) complex rather than the second intermolecular alkyne insertion. The oxidative addition of the thus generated cyclobutadiene to rhodium(I) (formal C≡C triple bond cleavage) followed by the second intramolecular alkyne insertion and reductive elimination give the corresponding [2+1+2+1] cycloaddition product. The synthetic utility of the present [2+1+2+1] cycloaddition was demonstrated in the facile synthesis of a donor–acceptor [5]helicene and a hemi-hexabenzocoronene by a combination with the chemoselective Scholl reaction.     

Synthesis of furo[3,4-c]furans using a rhodium(II)-catalyzed cyclization/Diels-Alder cycloaddition sequence

A series of 2-alkynyl 2-diazo-3-oxobutanoates, when treated with a catalytic quantity of rhodium(II) acetate, afforded furo[3,4-c]furans in good yield. The reaction proceeds by addition of a rhodium-stabilized carbenoid onto the acetylenic pi-bond to give a vinyl carbenoid that subsequently cyclizes onto the neighboring carbonyl group to produce the furan ring. These furo[3,4-c]furans react with various dienophiles, furnishing anisole derivatives derived by loss of water from the initially formed Diels-Alder cycloadducts. The Rh(II)-catalyzed cyclization reaction was quite versatile with regard to the nature of the interacting carbonyl group. The methodology was applied to the synthesis of several oxa-polyheterocyclic systems by first generating a 2-alkoxy-substituted furan and then allowing it to undergo a subsequent intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition. Ring opening of the resulting cycloadduct is followed by deprotonation to furnish a rearranged keto lactone. The potential use of this method for the synthesis of the alkaloid strychnine was probed using suitable model diazo compounds. To establish the viability of this approach, the Rh(II)-catalyzed cyclization/cycloaddition sequence of alpha-diazo amides 64 and 68 were studied. Both compounds underwent the sequential process in good overall yield, leading to novel pentacyclic products. The structural features of the resultant products present numerous opportunities for postcycloaddition manipulations that could be exploited to synthetic advantage.     

A new chiral Rh(II) catalyst for enantioselective [2 + 1]-cycloaddition. mechanistic implications and applications

A novel chiral Rh(II) catalyst (1) is introduced for the [2 + 1]-cycloaddition of ethyl diazoacetate to terminal acetylenes and olefins with high enantioselectivity. The catalyst 1 consists of one acetate bridging group and three mono-N-triflyldiphenylimidazoline-2-one bidentate ligands (DPTI) spanning the Rh(II)-Rh(II) metallic center in a structure that was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. A rational mechanism is advanced that provides a straightforward explanation for the enantioselectivity and absolute stereochemical course of the [2 + 1]-cycloaddition reactions. A key element in this explanation is the cleavage of one of the Rh-O bonds of the bridging acetate group in the intermediate Rh-carbene complex to form a new pentacoordinate Rh carbene complex (formally 1.5 valent Rh) that can undergo [2 + 2]-cycloaddition with the C-C pi-bond of the acetylenic or olefinic substrate. Reductive elimination of the resulting adduct affords the cyclopropene or cyclopropane product. The C2-symmetry of the two DPTI ligands orthogonal to the bridging acetate also contributes to the high observed enantioselectivity and mechanistic clarity. The catalyst 1, which functions effectively at 0.5 mol %, can be recovered efficiently for reuse. Its ready availability, robustness, and effectiveness suggest it as a useful addition to the list of practical chiral Rh(II) catalysts for synthesis.     

A new beta-carbolinone synthesis using a Rh(II)-promoted [3 + 2]-cycloaddition and Pd(0) cross-coupling/Heck cyclization chemistry

[reaction: see text]. A short and efficient synthesis of the beta-carbolinone ring system was achieved using a rhodium(II)-catalyzed [3 + 2]-cycloaddition, a Pd(0)-catalyzed C-N amination reaction, and a subsequent intramolecular Heck reaction as the key synthetic steps.     

Generation and reaction of tungsten-containing carbonyl ylides: [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction with electron-rich alkenes

Novel tungsten-containing carbonyl ylides 7, generated by the reaction of the o-alkynylphenyl carbonyl derivatives 1 with a catalytic amount of W(CO)(5)(thf), reacted with alkenes to give polycyclic compounds 5 through [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction followed by intramolecular C-H insertion of the produced nonstabilized carbene complex intermediates 8. In the presence of triethylsilane, these tungsten-containing carbene intermediates 8 were smoothly trapped intermolecularly by triethylsilane to give silicon-containing cycloadducts 17 with regeneration of the W(CO)(5) species. By this procedure, the scope of alkenes employable for this reaction was clarified. The presence of the tungsten-containing carbonyl ylide 7c was confirmed by direct observation of the mixture of o-ethynylphenyl ketone 1c and W(CO)(5)(thf-d(8)). Careful analysis of the intermediate by 2D NMR, along with the observation of the direct coupling with tungsten-183 employing the (13)C-labeled substrate, confirmed the structure of the ylide 7c. Examination using (E)- or (Z)- vinyl ether revealed that the [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction proceeded in a concerted manner and that the facial selectivity of the reaction differed considerably depending on the presence or absence of triethylsilane. These results clarified the reversible nature of this [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction.     

Rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloadditions of alkynyl halides

[reaction: see text] Cationic rhodium(I)-catalyzed intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloadditions of diene-tethered alkynyl halides were found to occur in good yields (70-87%). The halide moiety is compatible with the cycloaddition reactions, and no oxidative insertion to the alkynyl halide was observed. The halogen-containing cycloadducts could be transformed into a variety of products that are difficult or impossible to obtain via direct cycloaddition.     

On the mechanism of rhodium-catalyzed [6+2] cycloaddition of 2-vinylcyclobutanones and alkenes

The intramolecular [6+2] cycloaddition mechanism of 2-vinylcyclobutanones and alkenes catalyzed by the [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ rhodium dimer has been studied using density functional theory, comparing this multi-step process with the one-step reaction in the absence of catalyst. According to our results the calculated mechanism agrees with what was previously experimentally suggested. Calculations have also allowed to explain the reaction selectivity.     

Enantioselective syntheses of tremulenediol A and tremulenolide A

[reaction: see text] An enantioselective entry to the skeleton of the tremulane sesquiterpenes is described. The approach features a series of efficient transition metal-catalyzed reactions commencing with an enantioselective rhodium(II)-catalyzed intramolecular cyclopropanation followed by a regioselective allylic alkylation and a diastereoselective rhodium(I)-catalyzed [5 + 2] cycloaddition. This strategy was applied to the first enantioselective syntheses of tremulenediol A and tremulenolide A.     

Dirhodium tetracarboxylate derived from adamantylglycine as a chiral catalyst for carbenoid reactions

[reaction: see text] The dirhodium tetracarboxylate, Rh2(S-PTAD)4, derived from adamantylglycine, is a very effective chiral catalyst for carbenoid reactions. High asymmetric induction was obtained in Rh2(S-PTAD)4-catalyzed intramolecular C-H insertion (94% ee), intermolecular cyclopropanation (99% ee), and intermolecular C-H insertion (92% ee).     

Tandem cyclization of alkynes via rhodium alkynyl and alkenylidene catalysis

A rhodium(I)-catalyzed tandem cyclization of alkynes has been developed. The reaction allows for multiple bond formations to occur at both the alpha- and beta-positions of alkynes under mild conditions to yield a variety of fused ring systems as the products. In the presence of triethylamine and the complex derived from [Rh(COD)Cl]2 and P(4-F-C6H4)3, a terminal alkyne is converted to a rhodium alkynyl species which reacts with a tethered alkyl halide at the beta-position to provide a beta,beta-disubstituted alkenylidene complex. The rhodium alkenylidene species then undergoes additional ring closures with a range of pendent functional groups such as alkene, hydroxyl, and phenyl groups through [2 + 2] cycloaddition, nucleophilic addition, and 6pi-electrocyclization processes, respectively.     

Rhodium N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [4 + 2] and [5 + 2] cycloaddition reactions

[reactions: see text] A rhodium complex of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) has been developed for intra- and intermolecular [4 + 2] and intramolecular [5 + 2] cycloaddition reactions. This is the first use of a transition-metal NHC complex in a Diels-Alder-type reaction. For the intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition reactions, all the dienynes studied were converted to their corresponding cycloadducts in 91-99% yields within 10 min. Moreover, up to 1900 turnovers have been obtained for the intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition at 15-20 degrees C. For the intermolecular [4 + 2] cycloadditions, high yields (71-99%) of the corresponding cycloaddition products were obtained. The reaction time and yield were highly dependent upon the diene and the dienophile. For the intramolecular [5 + 2] cycloaddition reactions, all the alkyne vinylcyclopropanes studied were converted to their corresponding cycloadducts in 91-98% yields within 10 min. However, the catalytic system was not effective for an intermolecular [5 + 2] cycloaddition reaction.     

Stereochemical aspects of the iodine(III)-mediated aziridination reaction of some cyclic allylic carbamates

[reaction: see text] The iodine(III)-mediated aziridination reaction of an indolyl-substituted carbamate requires a Rh(II) catalyst and proceeds by a metallonitrene intermediate. Stepwise addition across the indole pi-bond followed by Rh(II) detachment generates a metal-free zwitterion, which ultimately leads to the observed products. In contrast, intramolecular aziridination of several cycloalkenyl carbamates does not require a Rh(II) catalyst and occurs via an iminoiodinane intermediate.     

Asymmetric intermolecular C-H activation,using immobilized dirhodium tetrakis((S)-N-(dodecylbenzenesulfonyl)- prolinate) as a recoverable catalyst

[reaction: see text] Heterogenization of dirhodium tetrakis((S)-N-dodecylbenzenesulfonyl)prolinate) (Rh(2)(S-DOSP)(4)) can be readily achieved on a pyridine functionalized highly cross-linked polystyrene resin. The immobilized complex is readily recycled and exhibits excellent catalytic activity for asymmetric intermolecular C-H activation by means of rhodium carbenoid induced C-H insertion.     

Asymmetric Rh(I)-catalyzed intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 1-yne-vinylcyclopropanes for bicyclo[3.3.0] compounds with a chiral quaternary carbon stereocenter and density functional theory study of the origins of enantioselectivity

A highly enantioselective Rh(I)-catalyzed intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 1-yne-VCPs to bicyclo[3.3.0] compounds with an all-carbon chiral quaternary stereocenter at the bridgehead carbon was developed. DFT calculations of the energy surface of the catalytic cycle (complexation, cyclopropane cleavage, alkyne insertion, and reductive elimination) of the asymmetric [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction indicated that the rate- and stereo-determining step is the alkyne-insertion step. Analysis of the alkyne-insertion transition states revealed that the serious steric repulsion between the substituents in the alkyne moiety of the substrates and the rigid H(8)-BINAP backbone is responsible for not generating the disfavored [3 + 2] cycloadducts.