Regioselective arylation of 3-bromopyridine

The addition of aryl Grignard reagents to the 1-phenoxycarbonyl salt of 3-bromopyridine affords 2-aryl-5-bromo-1-phenoxycarbonyl-1,2-dihydropyridines and 4-aryl-3-bromo-1-phenoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydropyridines. The crude dihydropyridines were aromatized with o-chloranil in refluxing toluene to give 4- and 6-aryl-3-bromopyridines. The regioselectivity of this two-step process, 6- vs. 4-substitution, was examined and found to be dependent upon the structure of the Grignard reagent. Unhindered aryl Grignard reagents, e.g., phenyl and 2-naphthyl, gave mainly 6-aryl-3-bromopyridines (49-52%) along with 9% of the 4-substituted isomer and less than 4% of the 2-aryl-3-bromopyridine. Hindered aryl Grignard reagents, e.g., o-tolyl and 1-naphthyl, are less regioselective. When a catalytic amount of cuprous iodide is present during the Grignard reaction, nearly exclusive 1,4-addition results. The crude 4-aryl-3-bromo-1,4-dihydropyridines were aromatized with p-chloranil to provide 4-aryl-3-bromopyridines in good yield and high isomeric purity. The sequential use of the cuprous iodide-catalyzed Grignard reaction and the “normal” Grignard reaction provided a regiospeci-fic synthesis of 3-bromo-6-(p-methoxyphenyl)-4-phenylpyridine from 3-bromopyridine.     

Mechanism for the regioselective asymmetric addition of grignard reagents to malimides: A computational exploration

We present a systematic theoretical investigation on the addition reaction of Grignard reagents to malimides to understand its mechanism as well as the origin of its regio- and diastereo-selectivity. The computations carried out at a hybrid density functional B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory reveal that (i) the addition of Grignard reagents with N,O-dimethylmalimide (1-methyl-3-methoxypyrrolidine-2,5-dione) occurs regioselectively at the alpha-carbonyl (C1) by passing through a cis-alpha-chelated precursor and affords stereoselectively cis-addition product, in qualitative agreement with the previous experimental observations; (ii) such regioselectivity is ascribed to the preferential chelation of Grignard reagent to the alpha-carbonyl (C1) over the coordination to the alpha-carbonyl (C4); (iii) its unusual trans-addition, in sharp contrast to the Cram chelation-type stereoselectivity for the reaction of aliphatic alpha- or beta-alkoxy carbonyl compounds, is due primarily to the rigidity of the five-membered ring skeleton of the malimide that favors the formation of the cis-alpha-chelated precursor; and (iv) poor regioselectivity is predicted for the reaction of O-TBDMS-protected malimide (1-benzyl-3-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione) with Grignard reagent and can be ascribed to the large steric repulsion of the bulky TBDMS group and the electronic effects of the silyl group that remarkably destabilizes the alpha-chelated precursors and the corresponding transition states.     

Selective magnesiation of chloro-iodopurines: an efficient approach to new purine derivatives

[reaction: see text] Both 6-chloro-2-iodo-9-isopropylpurine (1) and 2-chloro-6-iodo-9-benzylpurine (4) undergo a selective I/Mg exchange reaction with iPrMgCl at -80 degrees C. The reaction course at 0 degrees C is different. Magnesiation of 1 proceeds with the migration of magnesium to the 8 position of the purine nuclei. In the case of 4, substitution of iodine with an alkyl group from the Grignard reagent accompanied with a Cl/Mg exchange reaction takes place, and 6-alkyl-2-magnesiated purines (9) are formed. Thus prepared Grignard reagents afford the corresponding alcohols by the reaction with aldehydes.     

The stereochemistry of the Grignard — Ortho ester reaction revisited: Regioselective endocyclic cleavage in the reaction of Grignard reagents with cis-2-methoxy-4-methyl-1,3-dioxane

The reaction of cis-2-methoxy-4-methyl-1,3-dioxane (4) with Grignard reagents proceeds in a totally regioselective manner via rupture of the less congested C(2)O(1) bond remote from the 4-methyl substituent. The analogous r-2-methoxy-cis-4,cis-6-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane (2) is totally inert to the action of Grignard reagents.     

Synthesis of a naphthyridone p38 MAP kinase inhibitor

Compound 1 is a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor potentially useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. A novel six-step synthesis suitable for large-scale preparation was developed in support of a drug development program at Merck Research Laboratories. The key steps include a tandem Heck-lactamization, N-oxidation, and a highly chemoselective Grignard addition of 4-(N-tert-butylpiperidinyl)magnesium chloride to a naphthyridone N-oxide. The N-oxide exerted complete chemoselectivity via chelation in directing the Grignard addition to the alpha position as opposed to 1,4-addition on the ene-lactam. The dihydropyridyl adduct was in situ aromatized with isobutylchloroformate followed by heating in pyridine. Syntheses of Grignard precursor, N-tert-butyl-4-chloro-piperidine, were accomplished via transamination with a quaternary ammonium piperidone or via addition of methylmagnesium chloride to an iminium ion. Utilizing this chemistry, multi-kilogram preparation of compound 1 was successfully demonstrated.     

Copper-catalyzed benzylic C-H oxygenation under an oxygen atmosphere via N-H imines as an intramolecular directing group

Copper-catalyzed benzylic C-H oxygenation under an oxygen atmosphere was developed starting from carbonitriles and Grignard reagents via N-H imine intermediates. The present process is characterized by the following two-step sequence in a one-pot manner: (1) addition of Grignard reagents to carbonitriles to form N-H imines and (2) benzylic C-H oxygenation (C═O bond formation) triggered by 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer with transient iminyl copper species.     

Synthesis of 1-alkyl-2,3-dihydro-2-(4-pyridinyl)-1H-isoindoles as potential selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Two 2,3-dihydro-2-(4-pyridinyl)-1H-isoindoles 2a,b have been synthesized by the reaction of isoindoline with 4-chloropyridines. In addition, a number of 1-alkyl-2,3-dihydro-2-(4-pyridinyl)-1H-isoindoles 2c-h were obtained from 2-(4-pyridinyl)phthalimide (5). The addition of alkyl Grignard reagents to 5 gave 1-alkylhydroxyisoindolones 6a-f which, in two cases 6a,b , were dehydrated and subjected to three separate reductions to give targets 2c,d . In three cases, the intermediate hydroxyisoindolones 6c-e were reduced in one step to the target compounds 2c-g with lithium aluminum hydride-aluminum chloride. When 6f , the product of the addition of phenyl Grignard to 5 , was subjected to these conditions, a hydroxyisoindoline 7 was obtained which was further reduced to 2h with triethylsilane-trifluoroacetic acid. The lithium aluminum hydride-aluminum chloride conditions were successfully applied to the synthesis of a 1-benzyl-4-piperidine derivative 21.     

Synthesis of anti-tumour phosphatidylinositol analogues from glucose by the use of ring-closing olefin metathesis

A divergent strategy is described for synthesis of the novel phosphatidylinositols 1-3. The synthetic approach commences from benzyl-protected methyl 6-iodo-6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, which undergoes zinc-mediated reductive fragmentation followed by vinyl Grignard addition and ring-closing metathesis to afford the key conduritol B intermediate 7. This can trifurcate to form three different benzyl-protected myo-inositol headgroups 4-6, which after phosphorylation and attachment of the glycerolipid part give phosphatidylinositols 1-3. Preliminary biological testing against human colon adenocarcinoma cells reveals that analogues 1-3 are significant anti-tumour agents.     

Grignard Reactions Involving Halogenated Pyrimidines

Generally, there are two pathways that involve Grignard reagents and halogenated pyrimidines. The more common approach shows cross‐coupling reactions that utilize a Grignard reagent, either alkyl or aryl, with a variety of halogenated pyrimidines. Typically, these reactions are catalyzed by Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, Mn, or Zn species. Alternatively, but to a lesser degree, halogenated pyrimidines form pyrimidyl Grignard reagents, which then further react either in a cross‐coupling manner or via a standard addition process. Finally, there are a few examples in which Grignard reagents react with pyrimidines via an addition process that does not involve a halogen.     

Novel and stereoselective asymmetric synthesis of an amino sugar analogue, furanodictine A

A novel and efficient strategy is described for the asymmetric synthesis of the first 3,6-anhydrosugar to be isolated from natural sources, furanodictine A. The synthetic process is based on requisite stereodefined manipulation of the functionalized amino alcohol obtained through nucleophilic addition of vinyl Grignard reagent to the aminal incorporating the d-arabinofuranose-derived skeleton in a complete stereoselective manner.     

Reaction of 2H-azirine phosphine oxide and -phosphonates with nucleophiles. Stereoselective Synthesis of functionalized aziridines and alpha- and beta-aminophosphorus derivatives

[reaction: see text] A simple and efficient stereoselective synthesis of aziridine-2-phosphonate 3, and -phosphine oxide 5 by diastereoselective addition of Grignard reagents to 2H-azirine phosphonate 1 and -phosphine oxide 4 is reported. Similarly, the addition of heterocyclic amines and benzenethiol to aziridines 1 and 4 yielded functionalized aziridines 10, 11, and 18. These aziridines are used as intermediates for the regioselective synthesis of beta-aminophosphine oxides 6 and beta-aminophosphonates 7, as well as alpha- aminophosphonates 8. Phenylsulfenyl-substituted alpha-aminophosphorus derivatives 15 and 19 are obtained directly from benzenethiol and 2H-azirine phosphonates 1 and -phosphine oxides 4.     

Effect of chain length and ring size of alkyl and cycloalkyl side-chain substituents upon the biological activity of brassinosteroids. Preparation of novel analogues with activity exceeding that of brassinolide

A series of brassinosteroids with different alkyl or cycloalkyl substituents in place of the isopropyl group at C-24 of brassinolide (1) were prepared by the CuCN-catalyzed addition of Grignard reagents to (threo-2R,3S,5alpha,22R,23R,24S)-23,24-epoxy-6, 6-(ethylenedioxy)-2,3-(isopropylidenedioxy)-26, 27-dinorcholestan-22-ol (9), followed by deketalization and Baeyer-Villiger oxidation. Compound 9 was employed as part of a 70:30 threo/erythro mixture of epoxides 9 and 10, from which the erythro-epoxide 10 was recovered intact after the Grignard additions. Thus, the corresponding n-dodecyl, n-hexyl, n-propyl, tert-butyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutyl, and cyclopropyl analogues of brassinolide were obtained. A rearrangement byproduct was observed during the preparation of the cyclopropyl-substituted brassinosteroid when ether was used as the solvent in the Grignard reaction, but could be avoided by the use of THF. A method for recycling the undesired erythro-epoxide 10 was developed on the basis of deoxygenation with tellurium and lithium triethylborohydride. The rice leaf lamina inclination assay was then used to measure the bioactivity of the products. In general, increasing activity was observed as the length or ring size of the C-24 hydrocarbon substituent decreased. The novel cyclobutyl- and cyclopropyl-substituted analogues of brassinolide (1) were ca. 5-7 times as active as 1 and thus appear to be the most potent brassinosteroids reported to date. Further enhancement of the bioactivity of all of the above brassinosteroids, except that of the inactive n-dodecyl derivative, was observed when the brassinosteroid was applied together with an auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The synergy between the brassinosteroids and IAA thus increased the bioactivity of the brassinosteroids, including the cyclopropyl and cyclobutyl derivatives, by ca. 1-2 orders of magnitude.     

Copper catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of chiral allylic esters

The complex derived from Taniaphos ligand 4 and CuBr*Me2S catalyzes the asymmetric addition of Grignard reagents to 3-bromopropenyl esters 1 to provide allylic esters 2 in high yields and high chemio-, regio-, and enantioselectivities. The work demonstrates that allylic asymmetric alkylation (AAA) can be done on substrates bearing a heteroatom at the gamma-position. The method is a practical route to chiral, nonracemic allylic alcohols. The use of functionalized substrates 1 or Grignard reagents leads to more complex products 2, which can be further manipulated as demonstrated in conversion to (S)-5-ethyl-2(5H)-furanone 6 and (S)-benzoic acid-cyclopent-2-enyl ester 7.     

Total synthesis of (+)-benzastatin E via diastereoselective Grignard addition to 2-acylindoline

[reaction: see text] A stereoselective total synthesis of (+)-benzastatin E (1) is described. The synthesis involves a diastereoselective Grignard addition to 2-acylindoline 2, which is derived from commercially available (S)-2-indolinecarboxylic acid (3). The unknown absolute configuration of (+)-1 is determined as (9S,10R).     

Total Synthesis of Tubulysin U and Its C‐4 Epimer

The Tup fragments of tubulysins were synthesized with a tandem reaction as the key step, and unexpected diastereoselectivity was observed in the first Grignard addition stage. The coupling of the enolate of a thiazolyl ketone with chiral sulfinimines furnished the backbone of the Tuv fragment with over 100:1 d.r. and high yield. Thus, tubulysin U and C‐4 epi‐tubulysin U were prepared in a highly selective and efficient manner. The results of the MTT assay furthermore indicated that C‐4 epi‐tubulysin U maintained significant growth inhibition activities against several cancer cell lines.     

Efficient synthesis of novel NK1 receptor antagonists: selective 1,4-addition of grignard reagents to 6-chloronicotinic acid derivatives

A new efficient synthesis of two novel classes of NK1 receptor antagonists, among them befetupitant and netupitant, starting from 6-chloronicotinic acid is described. The introduction of the o-tolyl substituent at C4 of the pyridine ring was achieved by a one-pot selective 1,4-Grignard addition/oxidation sequence to 6-chloronicotinic acid or a derivative of it. The scope of this addition/oxidation sequence was examined. It was also shown that the carboxylic function can be converted to a methyl amino group by a Hofmann rearrangement followed by reduction. Furthermore, a new high-yielding synthesis of 2-(3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenyl)-2-methyl propionic acid based on the carbonylation of the tertiary alcohol obtained by Grignard addition of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)bromobenzene to acetone was established.     

The 5-endo-trig cyclization of D-glucose derived gamma-alkenylamines with mercury (II) salts: synthesis of 1-deoxycastanospermine and its 8a-epi-analogue

The intramolecular aminomercuration of gamma-alkenylamines 1a, 1b and 4 was shown to afford the 5-endo-trig cyclized product exclusively in good yield. The utility of pyrrolidine derivatives thus obtained from D-glucose derived gamma-alkenylamines 1a and 1b was demonstrated in the synthesis of 1-deoxycastanospermine (3a) and 1-deoxy-8a-epi- castanospermine (3b).     

The reaction of arylmagnesium bromides with N-(ω-bromoalkyl)phthalimides

The reaction of the N-(ω-bromoalkyl)phthalimides, 1 and 2, with a series of arylmagnesium bromides in tetrahydrofuran yielded the corresponding oxazoloisoindoles 4a-4h and oxazinoisoindoles 5a-5f. At low temperatures, phenylmagnesium bromide, on treatment with 1 and 2 , yielded the open-chain alcohols, 7 and 8. With 3, phenylmagnesium bromide yielded the corresponding alcohol 9 under any conditions utilized. In several cases, the products isolated from the reaction of 1 with arylmagnesium bromides were shown to depend on the order of addition, with monoarylated oxazoloisoindoles 4c and 4d being formed when the Grignard reagent was added to 1 , and triarylated products 10a and 10b formed when the order of addition was reversed. A further triarylated product 10c was also obtained by the latter method.     

A concise total synthesis of (+/-)-1-epiaustraline

[reaction: see text] A concise total synthesis of 1-epiaustraline 3 is described that utilizes a diastereoselective Birch reduction of an electron-deficient pyrrole and a chelation-controlled vinyl Grignard addition to an aldehyde to introduce the C7 stereocenter. The C1 and C2 stereocenters were set through an OsO(4)-catalyzed dihydroxylation.     

Synthetic studies toward (-)-FR901483 using a conjugate allylation to install the C-1 quaternary carbon

Two approaches to the aza-tricyclo dodecane skeleton of (-)-FR901483 are reported. Both routes utilized a Grignard addition to an N-acylpyridinium salt to establish the absolute stereochemistry at C-6 and a highly diastereoselective conjugate allylation reaction to form the quaternary center at C-1 of the natural product in an excellent yield. Although the desired polysubstituted piperidine intermediates were prepared regio- and stereoselectively, the construction of the C-8/C-9 bond connectivity could not be achieved. All attempts at a pinacol cyclization or an intramolecular 6-exo-tet epoxide opening were unsuccessful because of an unfavorable A(1,3) strain inherent in the molecule.