Catalytic Asymmetric Addition of Meldrum’s Acid,Malononitrile, and 1,3‐Dicarbonyls to ortho‐Quinone Methides Generated In Situ Under Basic Conditions

A new approach to the utilization of highly reactive and unstable ortho‐quinone methides (o‐QMs) in catalytic asymmetric settings is presented. The enantioselective reactions are catalysed by bifunctional organocatalysts, and the o‐QM intermediates are formed in situ from 2‐sulfonylalkyl phenols through base‐promoted elimination of sulfinic acid. The use of mild Brønsted basic conditions for transiently generating o‐QMs in catalytic asymmetric processes is unprecedented, and allows engaging productively in the reactions nucleophiles such as Meldrum’s acid, malononitrile and 1,3‐dicarbonyls. The catalytic transformations give new and general entries to 3,4‐dihydrocoumarins, 4H‐chromenes and xanthenones. These frameworks are recurring structures in natural product and medicinal chemistry, as testified by the formal syntheses of (R)‐tolterodine and (S)‐4‐methoxydalbergione from the catalytic adducts.     

金催化的炔烃羟基化反应: 合成2取代苯并呋喃化合物

本文报道了一种以邻炔基苯酚为原料,通过金催化的炔烃羟基化反应合成2取代苯并呋喃的方法. 该方法可以在温和的条件下快速以高产率得到各种2取代苯并呋喃. 关键前体邻炔基苯酚可以很容易由Sonogashira 反应制备.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Ring‐Opening Silylation of Benzofurans with Disilane

The catalytic ring‐opening silylation of benzofurans has been achieved by employing a copper catalyst and 1,2‐di‐tert‐butoxy‐1,1,2,2‐tetramethyldisilane, which could be easily prepared and handled without special care. The reaction afforded (E)‐o‐(β‐silylvinyl)phenols with complete stereoselectivity. The scope of benzofurans was well explored, and functional groups such as chloro, fluoro, and acetal were compatible with the reaction conditions. DFT calculations were used to determine the energy profile of the silylation and the origin of the stereoselectivity. The silylated product was proven to be useful as a synthetic intermediate and subsequently underwent transformations such as Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling with iodoarenes.     

A Straightforward Route to Potent Phenolic Chain‐Breaking Antioxidants by Acid‐Promoted Transposition of 1,4‐Benzo[b]oxathiines to Dihydrobenzo[b]thiophenes

The transformation of simple phenols with limited antioxidant activity into potent chain‐breaking antioxidants was achieved by a three‐step protocol, consisting of the conversion of phenols into 1,4‐benzo[b]oxathiines followed by an unprecedented acid‐promoted transposition to o‐hydroxydihydrobenzo[b]thiophenes, or dihydrobenzo[de]thiochromenes, starting from phenols or naphthols, respectively. These derivatives, bearing a benzo‐fused heterocycle with a sulfide sulfur ortho to the phenolic OH, have a rate constant of reaction with alkylperoxyl radicals (k_inh) comparable to that of α‐tocopherol. A solid rationale for the transposition mechanism as well as for the structure‐antioxidant activity relationship is presented.     

Synthesis of Novel Chromene,Pyridine, Pyrazole,Pyrimidine, and Imidazole Derivatives via One‐pot Multicomponent Reaction

New series of chromenes 2 – 4 , pyridines 5 – 8 , and pyranopyrazoles 9a,b were synthesized via one‐pot multicomponent reaction of 4‐tosyloxybenzaldehyde ( 1 ) and malononitrile with phenols, amines or hydrazines, and ethyl acetoacetate, respectively. Compound 9a was reacted with acetic anhydride, formic acid, or formamide to afford N ‐acetyl derivative 10 and pyrazolopyranopyrimidines 11 – 13 , respectively. Imidazole derivatives 14 and 15a – d were obtained by multicomponent reaction between compound 1 with ammonium acetate and benzil or aromatic amines in (1:2:1) or (1:1:1:1) ratio, respectively. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by elemental and spectral analyses.     

General Method for the Synthesis of Salicylic Acids from Phenols through Palladium‐Catalyzed Silanol‐Directed CH Carboxylation

A silanol‐directed, palladium‐catalyzed C? H carboxylation reaction of phenols to give salicylic acids has been developed. This method features high efficiency and selectivity, and excellent functional‐group tolerance. The generality of this method was demonstrated by the carboxylation of estrone and by the synthesis of an unsymmetrically o,o′‐disubstituted phenolic compound through two sequential C? H functionalization processes.     

Highly Efficient One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of 2‐Amino‐4H‐chromene Derivatives

A remarkably efficient three‐component reaction to synthesize 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes derivatives from malononitrile, various aromatic aldehydes, and orcinol was described at room temperature in CH₂Cl₂ in the presence of catalytic amount of triethylamine. In a facile one‐pot procedure, excellent yields of products were achieved in less than 1 h. Some of the synthesized 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes derivatives demonstrated potent antibacterial activities against Gram‐positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus anthracis, indicated by disk method, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration approaches. However, none of the tested compounds expressed any antibacterial activities against Enterococcus faecalis and Gram‐negative bacteria.     

General Method for the Synthesis of Salicylic Acids from Phenols through Palladium‐Catalyzed Silanol‐Directed C?H Carboxylation

A silanol‐directed, palladium‐catalyzed C H carboxylation reaction of phenols to give salicylic acids has been developed. This method features high efficiency and selectivity, and excellent functional‐group tolerance. The generality of this method was demonstrated by the carboxylation of estrone and by the synthesis of an unsymmetrically o,o′‐disubstituted phenolic compound through two sequential C H functionalization processes.     

Brønsted Acid Catalyzed,Conjugate Addition of β‐Dicarbonyls to In Situ Generated ortho‐Quinone Methides—Enantioselective Synthesis of 4‐Aryl‐4H‐Chromenes

We describe herein a catalytic, enantioselective process for the synthesis of 4H‐chromenes which are important structural elements of many natural products and biologically active compounds. A sequence comprising a conjugate addition of β‐diketones to in situ generated ortho‐quinone methides followed by a cyclodehydration reaction furnished 4‐aryl‐4H‐chromenes in generally excellent yields and high optical purity. A BINOL‐based chiral phosphoric acid was employed as a Brønsted acid catalyst which converted ortho‐hydroxy benzhydryl alcohols into hydrogen‐bonded ortho‐quinone methides and effected the carbon–carbon bond‐forming event with high enantioselectivity.     

Novel synthesis of 3‐phenylazo‐1,5‐benzothiazepines, ‐1,5‐benzoxazepines and ‐1,5‐benzodiazepines via a one‐pot reaction

Novel polysubstituted ‐1,5‐benzothiazepine, ‐1,5‐benzoxazepine, and ‐1,5‐benzodiazepine were prepared in good yields by the reaction of hydrazono derivatives with o‐thioaminophenol, o‐aminophenol and o‐phenylenediamine via a one‐pot reaction.     

Furan‐Based o‐Quinodimethanes by Gold‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Heterocyclization of 2‐(1‐Alkynyl)‐2‐alken‐1‐ones: A Modular Entry to 2,3‐Furan‐Fused Carbocycles

A strategy for in situ generation of furan‐based ortho‐quinodimethanes (o‐QDMs) by the gold(I)‐mediated dehydrogenative heterocyclization of 2‐(1‐alkynyl)‐2‐alken‐1‐ones in the presence of pyridine N‐oxide under mild reaction conditions was developed. These in situ furan‐based o‐QDMs were trapped by electron‐deficient olefins and alkynes, thus furnishing various 2,3‐furan‐fused carbocycles in good yields with high diastereo‐ and regioselectivities.     

Synthesis and Spectrokinetic Studies of a New Family of Photochromic 2H‐Chromenes (=2H‐1‐Benzopyrans): Dimethyl 6‐Aryl‐2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐chromene‐7,8‐dicarboxylates

A series of dimethyl 6‐aryl‐2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐chromene‐7,8‐dicarboxylates were synthesized, and the photochromic properties of this new family of dimethyl‐2H‐chromenes were studied under continuous irradiation. The presence of the methoxycarbonyl groups was shown to stabilize the colored forms. This stabilization depended on the solvent, and in two cases the formation of long‐lived opened forms was observed. Under irradiation with a mercury lamp, this family of 2H‐chromenes showed a strong resistance to photodegradation.     

Eco‐friendly,One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of Pyran Annulated Heterocyclic Scaffolds at Room Temperature Using Ammonium or Sodium Formate as Non‐toxic Catalyst

A simple, facile, and convenient practical method for one‐pot synthesis of pharmaceutically interesting diverse kind of pyran annulated heterocycles such as 4H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]coumarins, 4H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]‐α‐pyrones, 5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐5‐oxo‐4H‐chromenes and benzo[h]‐4H‐chromenes in the presence of ammonium or sodium formate as catalyst via three‐component condensation reaction of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, and C?H activated acidic compounds in aqueous ethanol has been developed mostly at room temperature. The salient features of the present method are mild reaction conditions, good to excellent yields, high atom economy, environmentally benign, easy isolation of products, no column chromatographic separation and reusability of reaction media.     

Cu–N‐heterocyclic carbene‐catalysed synthesis of 2‐aryl‐3‐(arylethynyl)quinoxalines from one‐pot tandem coupling of o‐phenylenediamines and terminal alkynes

A series of new benzimidazolium chlorides bearing N,N′‐benzyl, 2,4,6‐trimethylbenzyl and 2,4,6‐triisopropylbenzyl substituents have been designed and synthesized from various o‐phenylenediamines. Subsequently, corresponding Cu‐based N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) were generated in situ in the reaction medium which represents a new application of NHCs exploiting distinct catalytic property towards intermolecular cyclization reaction cascade for the synthesis of 2‐aryl‐3‐(arylethynyl)quinoxalines from o‐phenylenediamines and terminal alkynes. The outcome of the cyclization reaction product depends upon the N,N′‐substituents present on the benzimidazolium chlorides.     

Zn( L‐proline)2 as a powerful and reusable organometallic catalyst for the very fast synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐benzo[g]chromene derivatives under solvent‐free conditions

An efficient route for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐benzo[g]chromenes via a three‐component coupling reaction of aldehydes, malononitrile and 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthaquinone in the presence of Zn( L ‐proline)₂ is reported. High yields, short reaction times, non‐toxicity and recyclability of the catalyst, and easy work‐up are the main merits of this protocol. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Aniline‐Promoted Cyclization–Replacement Cascade Reactions of 2‐Hydroxycinnamaldehydes with Various Carbonic Nucleophiles through In Situ Formed N,O‐Acetals

In this study, we report the harnessing of new reactivity of N,O‐acetals in an aminocatalytic fashion for organic synthesis. Unlike widely used strategies requiring the use of acids and/or elevated temperatures, direct replacement of the amine component of the N,O‐acetals by carbon‐centered nucleophiles for C?C bond formation is realized under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, without necessary preformation of the N,O‐acetals, an amine‐catalyzed in situ formation of N,O‐acetals is developed. Coupling both reactions into a one‐pot operation enables the achievement of a catalytic process. We demonstrate the employment of simple anilines as promoters for the cyclization–substitution cascade reactions of trans‐2‐hydroxycinnamaldehydes with various carbonic nucleophiles including indoles, pyrroles, naphthols, phenols, and silyl enol ethers. The process offers an alternative approach to structurally diverse, “privileged” 2‐substituted 2H‐chromenes. The synthetic power of the new process is furthermore shown by its application in a 2‐step synthesis of the natural product candenatenin E and for the facile installation of 2‐substituted 2H‐chromene moieties into biologically active indoles.     

Catalyst‐Free Synthesis of α‐Functionalized 2H‐Chromenes in Water: A Tandem Self‐Promoted pseudo‐Substitution and Decarboxylation Process

A catalyst‐free decarboxylative reaction between β‐keto acids and 2H‐chromene acetals in water was developed. This reaction featured a broad substrate scope and easily obtainable starting materials to afford α‐functionalized 2H‐chromenes in high yields. The synthetic value of this protocol was also demonstrated by the scale‐up synthesis and versatile conversions of the title product into other useful compounds. In addition, control experiments indicated that water was essential for the reactivity. Mechanistic studies further revealed that the reaction proceeded through a self‐promoted tandem pseudo‐substitution and decarboxylation process.     

Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of One‐pot Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐4H‐chromenes Catalyzed by Basic‐functionalized Ionic Liquids

An efficient and environmentally benign procedure for the reactions of three components condensation of salicylaldehyde and two different CH acids to give 2‐amino‐4H‐chromenes catalyzed by a series of basic‐functionalized ionic liquids was reported. The most possible reaction pathway was proposed for the first time by performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Both cation and anion of [Bmim]OH have a cooperative effect on the reaction. [Bmim]⁺ increases the electrophilicity of salicylaldehyde via intermolecular hydrogen bonds, while OH^? deprives proton of two CH acids to strengthen their nucleophilic ability.     

New base‐soluble positive‐working photosensitive polyimides having o‐nitrobenzyl ester group

A new positive‐working polyimide having photosensitive o‐nitrobenzyl ester group as side substituent, poly{1,4‐phenyleneoxy‐1,4‐phenylene‐3,6‐di[4‐(o‐nitrobenzyloxy)carbonylphenyl]pyromellitimide} (ODA‐PI‐Nb), was prepared and its aqueous alkali‐developability and photosensitivity were investigated. ODA‐PI‐Nb was synthesized by the esterification reaction of poly[1,4‐phenyleneoxy‐1.4‐phenylene‐3,6‐di(4‐carboxylphenyl)pyromellit imide] (ODA‐PI) with o‐nitrobenzyl bromide in the presence of triethylamine (Et₃N). ODA‐PI‐Nb obtained was characterized by FT‐IR and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy. The degree of esterification reaction was found from ¹H‐NMR absorption of CH₂ proton to be over 95 mol%. Upon photo‐irradiation ODA‐PI‐Nb transformed to the freely aqueous alkali‐soluble ODA‐PI under formation of o‐nitrosobenzaldehyde. The thickness loss of thin ODA‐PI‐Nb films upon post‐baking at 400°C was in the 10–15% range. ODA‐PI‐Nb showed positive‐tone behavior in characteristic sensitivity curve and positive patterns were obtained using a typical lithographic process using aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide developer. The patterns with excellent resolution were observed and evaluated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

DPPH (= 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl = 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐(2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl) Radical‐Scavenging Reaction of Protocatechuic Acid Esters (= 3,4‐Dihydroxybenzoates) in Alcohols: Formation of Bis‐alcohol Adduct

Protocatechuic acid esters (= 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoates) scavenge ca. 5 equiv. of radical in alcoholic solvents, whereas they consume only 2 equiv. of radical in nonalcoholic solvents. While the high radical‐scavenging activity of protocatechuic acid esters in alcoholic solvents as compared to that in nonalcoholic solvents is due to a nucleophilic addition of an alcohol molecule at C(2) of an intermediate o‐quinone structure, thus regenerating a catechol (= benzene‐1,2‐diol) structure, it is still unclear why protocatechuic acid esters scavenge more than 4 equiv. of radical (C(2) refers to the protocatechuic acid numbering). Therefore, to elucidate the oxidation mechanism beyond the formation of the C(2) alcohol adduct, 3,4‐dihydroxy‐2‐methoxybenzoic acid methyl ester ( 4 ), the C(2) MeOH adduct, which is an oxidation product of methyl protocatechuate ( 1 ) in MeOH, was oxidized by the DPPH radical (= 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) or o‐chloranil (= 3,4,5,6‐tetrachlorocyclohexa‐3,5‐diene‐1,2‐dione) in CD₃OD/(D₆)acetone 3 : 1). The oxidation mixtures were directly analyzed by NMR. Oxidation with both the DPPH radical and o‐chloranil produced a C(2),C(6) bis‐methanol adduct ( 7 ), which could scavenge additional 2 equiv. of radical. Calculations of LUMO electron densities of o‐quinones corroborated the regioselective nucleophilic addition of alcohol molecules with o‐quinones. Our results strongly suggest that the regeneration of a catechol structure via a nucleophilic addition of an alcohol molecule with a o‐quinone is a key reaction for the high radical‐scavenging activity of protocatechuic acid esters in alcoholic solvents.