Solid-state photocycloaddition of 6,6′-dimethyl-4,4′-[bis(methylenoxy)phenylene]-di-2-pyrones with benzophenone

Photocycloaddition reactions of 6,6′-dimethyl-4,4′-[bis(methylenoxy)phenylene]-di-2-pyrones (4a-c) with benzophenone (2a) by mixing in the solid state (solid solution) afforded the corresponding oxetane derivatives (5a-c; 1:2 adducts) with high site- and regioselectivity across the C5-C6 and C5′-C6′ double bonds in 4 via the triplet excited state of benzophenone. The oxetane formation proceeded more effectively in the solid state than in solution. The reaction mechanism was inferred by MO methods to be initiated by electrostatic interaction between the C6 position of 4a-c and the carbonyl oxygen of 2a in their ground states. The solid-state interaction may be enhanced by the electron density at the carbonyl oxygen of the triplet 2a. The transition state (TS) analysis of the [2+2] cycloaddition reactions also suggested some triplet complexes and high regioselectivity. The hydrogen-bonding interaction between 2a and 4a-c and the triplet reaction mechanism were also explained by the IR analyses and the quenching experiments, respectively.     

Synthesis and transformations of sulfur-substituted indolizidines and quinolizidines

3-Sulfolenes 1a-b underwent [4+2] cycloaddition reactions with p-toluenesulfonyl isocyanate to give tetrahydropyridinones 3a-b. Through N-detosylation of 3a-b and subsequent intramolecular cyclization, indolizidine 5a and quinolizidine 5b were synthesized. Useful functional group transformations of compounds 5a-b were also investigated.     

cis-Palladium(II) complexes of derivatives of di-(2-pyridyl)methane: Study of the influence of the bridge group in the coordination mode

Palladium(II) complexes containing di-(2-pyridyl)-N-methylimine (1), di-(2-pyridyl)methanol (2) and di-(2-pyridyl)methyl-N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (4) ligands were synthesized and characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR in solution, IR and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Crystal structures of cis-dichloro[di-(2-pyridyl)-N-methylimine]palladium(II) (5), cis-dichloro[di-(2-pyridyl)methanol]palladium(II) (6) and cis-dichloro[di-(2-pyridyl)methyl-N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate]palladium(II) (7) showed a bidentate coordination mode of the di-(2-pyridyl)methane derivatives 1, 2 and 4. In these complexes is observed the formation of a five-membered chelate ring with the iminic ligand 1 and six-membered chelate rings with the pyridinic ligands 2 and 4. In all complexes the palladium atom displays a distorted square planar geometry.     

Synthesis of a novel series of tetracyclic opioid antagonists incorporating an 8-aminobicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-ene sub-unit

The bridged bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-ene and -ane amines 9-13 have been prepared via [3+2]cycloaddition of allylic alcohols 6 to alkynes 7, and assessed as ligands at opioid receptors. Amine 10b is a potent antagonist at μ receptors.     

Cyclization in situ of enose-/ynose-nitrilimines: an expedient approach to the synthesis of chiral glycopyrazoles and pyrazolonucleosides

Intramolecular [3+2] nitrilimine cycloaddition reactions on carbohydrate-derived substrates proceed in a regioselective fashion, affording structurally novel chiral glycopyrazoles (4-6 and 10a-c) in good yields. The products can be subsequently transformed to bicyclic pyrazoles (viz. 11 from 4) or nucleoside analogues (viz. 12 from 4).     

An elegant approach for stereocontrolled synthesis of furopyran building blocks

An elegant approach for stereocontrolled synthesis of furopyran (hexahydro-2H-furo[3,2-b]pyran) building blocks was reported. The key steps in the sequence involved an efficient intramolecular 3-oxidopyrylium-alkene [5+2] cycloaddition for the synthesis of cycloadduct 6 and Beckmann fragmentation of ketoxime 13 to yield the furopyrans (5a-c).     

[3+2] Cycloaddition reactions: a simple entry to the 1-aza-2-oxo-3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxybicyclo[3.3.0]octane ring system

The [3+2] intramolecular nitrone cycloaddition (INC) reaction on appropriately designed olefinic nitrones derived from d-glucose, having the nitrone at C-1 and α,β-unsaturated ester functionalities at C-5 of the sugar backbone, afforded the isoxazolidine fused carbocycles 11-13, which were subsequently transformed into the chiral, tetrahydroxylated cis-azabicyclo[3.3.0]octanones 14-18 in good yields.     

Gold-catalyzed intermolecular [4C+3C] cycloaddition reactions

In the presence of the N-heterocyclic carbene gold catalyst (NHC-AuIPr, 7), propargyl esters 1a-f and 13 undergo a [4C+3C] cycloaddition reaction with cyclopentadiene and furan under mild conditions. The evidence suggests that the formation of the seven-membered ring occurs by a direct cycloaddition process, rather than a stepwise cyclopropanation/Cope rearrangement sequence.     

Solid-state and solution photocycloadditions of 4-acyloxy-2-pyrones with maleimide

Solid-state photosensitized reactions of 4-acyloxy-2-pyrones (1b,c) with maleimide (2) afforded endo-endo double-[4+2] cycloadducts (3b,c) with high stereoselectivity. Sensitized photoreactions of 1a-d with 2 in solution gave exo-endo double-[4+2] cycloadducts (4a-d). 2-Pyrones 1a-d were photolyzed to give carboxylic acids (5a-d) via their valence isomerization in the solid state and in solution. Such kinds of photoreaction of the 4-acyloxy-2-pyrones were dramatically different from regio- and stereoselective [2+2] cycloadditions of 4-alkyloxy-2-pyrones. The photoreaction mechanisms of 1 with 2 and 1 itself were analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction analysis and MO calculations.     

Synthesis of conformationally restricted nicotine analogues by intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition

We describe the synthesis of a series of conformationally constrained nicotine analogues 2-5 from appropriate pyridine-containing enals, featuring an intramolecular azomethine ylide-alkene [3+2] cycloaddition. The objective of the current project is to develop new selective nAChRs-targeting ligands. Of the nicotine analogues that we have studied, the conformation-restricting ring B unit can be either a five-membered carbocycle, or a six-membered carbocycle or heterocycle. The present work constitutes a general method for rapid assembly of other related tricyclic nicotine analogues.     

Short-step syntheses and complexation properties of Z,Z-tribenzodidehydro- and all-Z-tribenzo[12]annulenes

Syntheses of all-Z-tribenzo[12]annulenes (1a-c) and Z,Z-tribenzodidehydro[12]annulenes (2a-c) by the reduction of the corresponding tribenzohexadehydro[12]annulenes 3a-c were carried out using a low valent titanium complex generated from Ti(O-i-Pr)₄ and i-PrMgCl. The unique structure of the first reduction products 2a-c as well as 1a-c was fully characterized. Complexation of these annulenes with silver(I) ions produces the corresponding silver complexes. Among them, the silver complexes of 2a-c exhibit interesting monomer-dimer equilibrium.     

Quantum chemical study of ethylene addition to group-7 oxo complexes MO2(CH3)(CH2) (M = Mn, Tc, Re)

Quantum chemical calculations using DFT at the B3LYP level have been carried out for the reaction of ethylene with the group-7 compounds ReO₂(CH₃)(CH₂) (Re1), TcO₂(CH₃)(CH₂) (Tc1) and MnO₂(CH₃)(CH₂) (Mn1). The calculations suggest rather complex scenarios with numerous pathways, where the initial compounds Re1-Mn1 may either engage in cycloaddition reactions or numerous addition reactions with concomitant hydrogen migration. There are also energetically low-lying rearrangements of the starting compounds to isomers which may react with ethylene yielding further products. The [2 + 2]_Re,C cycloaddition reaction of the starting molecule Re1 is kinetically and thermodynamically favored over the [3 + 2]_C,O and [3 + 2]_O,O cycloadditions. However, the reaction which leads to the most stable product takes place with initial rearrangement to the dioxohydridometallacyclopropane isomer Re1a that adds ethylene with concomitant hydrogen migration yielding Re1a-1. The latter reaction has a slightly higher barrier than the [2 + 2]_Re,C cycloaddition reaction. The direct [3 + 2]_C,O cycloaddition becomes more favorable than the [2 + 2]_M,C reaction for the starting compounds Tc1 and Mn1 of the lighter metals technetium and manganese but the calculations predict that other reactions are kinetically and thermodynamically more favorable than the cycloadditions. The reactions with the lowest activation barriers lead after rearrangement to the ethyl substituted dioxometallacyclopropanes Tc1a-1 and Mn1a-1. The manganese compound exhibits an even more complex reaction scenario than the technetium compounds. The thermodynamically most stable final product of ethylene addition to Mn1 is the ethoxy substituted metallacyclopropane Mn1a-2 which has, however, a high activation barrier.     

Reactions of acceptor substituted thiophene-1,1-dioxides with cyclopentadiene: control of selectivity by substitution

Diels-Alder reactions of thiophene-1,1-dioxides with strong electron withdrawing groups (EWG) were studied experimentally and theoretically. Thiophene-1,1-dioxides with two strong EWG behave as dienophiles and regio- and stereoselectively react with cyclopentadiene to give [2+4] cycloadducts 2a-c, which are derivatives of benzothiophene. In contrast, thiophene-1,1-dioxides with one EWG behave as dienes in the inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction yielding dihydro-1H-indenes derivatives. Cope [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of adducts 2a-c was also demonstrated. MP2 calculations successfully rationalize the contrasting regioselectivities of these cycloaddition reactions.     

An easy ABD→ABCD strategy to indolo[2,3-a]quinolizin-4-one. Synthesis of deplancheine and yohimbane

The efficient synthesis of indolo[2,3-a]quinolizin-4-ones 2 is described in two steps via formal [3+3] cycloaddition reaction of α-sulfonyl tryptaminylacetamide 4 with various α,β-unsaturated esters 5 and the regioselective reduction of the resulting glutarimides 3 with sodium borohydride then sequent further dehydrated cyclization in the presence of boron trifluoride etherate. The useful building block is applied to synthesize deplancheine (1a) and yohimbane (1b).     

Synthesis and self-assembly of novel calix[4]arenocrowns: formation of calix[4]areno[2]catenanes

A series of novel calix[4]arenocrowns 1a-c were efficiently synthesized by a one-pot reaction of calix[4]monohydroquinone diacetate 5 with ditosylate 6 and its analogues in the presence of sodium hydroxide. It was found that the calix[4]arenocrowns could form stable pseudorotaxane-type complexes 2a-c with paraquat, and further self-assemble into calix[4]areno[2]catenanes 3a-c with dicationic salt 8 and p-bis(bromomethyl)benzene.     

Columnar/smectic metallomesogens derived from heterocyclic benzoxazoles

The synthesis, mesomorphic behavior, and optical properties of two new series of metal complexes 1a,b-M (M=Pd, Cu, Zn) derived from benzoxazoles 2a,b are reported. The crystal and molecular structures of mesogenic 5-decyloxy-2-(6-decyloxybenzooxazol-2-yl)phenol and nonmesogenic bis[5-octyloxy-2-(6-octyloxybenzooxazol-2-yl) phenol]Pd(II) were determined by means of X-ray structural analysis. Two benzoxazoles 2a exhibited monotropic SmA phases, and all benzoxazoles 2b were nonmesogenic. On the other hand, metal complexes 1a-M exhibited distinctly different mesomorphism from complexes 1b-M. Complexes 1a-Pd formed SmC phases; complexes 1a-Cu and 1a-Zn formed crystal phases. In contrast, complexes 1b-Zn exhibited columnar phases, and complexes 1b-Cu and 1b-Pd were nonmesogenic. The difference of the mesomorphism in 1a-M and 1b-M was probably attributed to the geometry and/or the overall molecular shape created by 2a and 2b. The electronic configuration of metal ion might play an important role in forming the mesophases. The fluorescent properties of these compounds were also examined.     

ClickEnam. 1. Synthesis of novel 1,4-disubsituted-[1,2,3]-triazole-derived β-aminovinyl trifluoromethylated ketones and their copper(II) complexes

The copper(I) catalyzed cycloaddition reaction of N-Boc propargyl amine (dipolarophile) 1 with benzyl azide (1,3-dipole) 2 was found to proceed smoothly in t-BuOH/H₂O at room temperature, to furnish the corresponding 1,4-disubstituted-[1,2,3]-triazole-derived N-Boc amine 3 in good yield. Deprotection of 3 with trifluoroacetic acid and addition of the trifluoroacetate salt 4 in the presence of triethylamine, with a series of methoxyvinyl(trifluoromethyl)ketones 10-14, gave the corresponding β-aminovinyl trifluoromethylated ketones 15-19 in moderate to good yields. Two copper(II) complexes, one monomer and one dimer with chlorine double bridge, 20 and 21, respectively, were also prepared and their crystal structure determined. β-Aminovinyl trifluoromethylated ketones 15-17 and complexes 20 and 21 have been screened as potential antifungal agents and the antimalarial activity of 15 and 16 were tested against two Plasmodium falciparum strains (3D7 and W2).     

Synthesis of heterocyclic methylenebisphosphonates by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of ethyl diazoacetate to 1,2-benzoxaphosphorin-3-phosphonates

Reaction of salicylaldehydes with tetraethyl ester of methylenebisphosphonic acid, under Knoevenagel reaction conditions, gives the corresponding 1,2-benzoxaphosphorin-3-phosphonates 5 in good yields. The [3+2] regio- and stereoselective cycloaddition of 5a and 5b with ethyl diazoacetate gives two P-4 epimers of the corresponding pyrazoline bisphosphonate tetraethyl esters 9 and 10. Analogously, ethyl diazoacetate reacts with 1 and 2 to give the expected pyrazolines 6-8. The structures of the new compounds are revealed and confirmed by analytical, spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallographic analysis.     

Synthesis, characterization and luminescence study of dimethyl[2-(arylmethyleneimino)phenolato]gallium complexes: Crystal structure of dimethyl[N-(4-N,N′-dimethylamino) phenylmethyleneiminophenolato]gallium

Three dimethylgallium complexes of type Me₂GaL [L = 2-methoxylphenylmethyleneiminophenolato (1), N-(4-N,N′-dimethylamino)phenylmethyleneiminophenolato (2), N-(2-naphthyl)methyleneiminophenolato (3)] have been synthesized by the reaction of trimethylgallium with appropriate N-arylmethyleneiminophenol. The complexes obtained have been characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H, ¹³C{¹H} NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy, respectively. The solid structure of 2 has been determined by X-ray single crystal analysis. The gallium atom was bonded by an oxygen atom and coordinated by an imine nitrogen atom forming one five-membered ring. The stable dimmer was formed by the coordination of bridging oxygen atom of phenolate to another gallium atom. The photoluminescence of complexes 1-3 were studied. The maximum emission wavelengths of 1-3 are between 305 and 320 nm upon radiation by UV light. The electroluminescent properties of diodes using 1-3 as emitting material were measured. The blue/green electroluminescence has been observed.     

[4+2] Cyclization reactions of chiral Cβ-substituted Fischer alkenyl carbene complexes: efficient synthesis of enantiopure cyclohexenone and norbornene derivatives

Chiral alkenyl carbene complexes of tungsten(0) 1 and 2, readily available from the chiral pool, undergo the [4+2] cycloaddition with the Danishefsky diene to provide enantiopure 4-alkenyl-2-cyclohexenone adducts 5 and 7 with high stereoselectivity after treatment of the primary cycloadducts 4 and 6 with TBAF. Cyclopentadiene also cycloadds to carbenes 1 and 2 affording the expected norbornene metal carbene complexes 10 and 12 with remarkable diastereo and face selectivity. Oxidative removal of the metal pentacarbonyl fragment leads to the ester derivatives 11 and 13. The X-ray structure analysis of two cycloadducts derived from carbenes 1 and 2 has been performed.