Application of modified Pictet-Spengler reaction for the synthesis of thiazolo- and pyrazolo-quinolines

Two new thiazole and pyrazole-based arylamine substrate have been used for the Pictet-Spengler reaction. This is in contrast to the traditionally used indole/imidazole-based aliphatic amine substrates that has remained in use for the last ∼100 years. The condensation of both the substrates with a variety of aldehydes in the presence of 2% TFA-DCM at 0° for 30 min or pTsOH in toluene at reflux led to the synthesis of thiazoloquinolines and pyrazoloquinolines, respectively. Unlike aliphatic amine substrates, our substrates readily underwent Pictet-Spengler cyclization even with aldehydes having electron donating group. The studies are based on a new concept proposed by us that arylamines linked to an activated heterocyclic ring can lead to a variety of second-generation substrates for the Pictet-Spengler cyclization. Our studies open up new avenues for the application of Pictet-Spengler reaction beyond syntheses of the tetrahydroisoquinolines and tetrahydro-β-carbolines.     

Microwave-assisted selenium dioxide oxidation of aryl methyl ketones to aryl glyoxals

We report an improved procedure for the synthesis of phenyl glyoxal and a series of para-substituted aryl glyoxals by microwave-assisted selenium dioxide oxidation. The reaction time has been reduced from several hours to three minutes for activated aryl methyl ketone substrates and 18 min for deactivated substrates, with all reactions affording quantitative conversion into the corresponding aryl glyoxals.     

New application of Pictet-Spengler reaction leading to the synthesis of an unusual seven-membered heterocyclic ring system

A novel strategy for the Pictet-Spengler reaction is reported. Our strategy involves reaction of arylamines, linked to the N-1 of disubstituted imidazoles, with aldehydes in the presence of p-TsOH. The iminium ion generated in situ undergoes C-C bond formation with the C-5 of the imidazoles to furnish triazabenzoazulenes as a novel heterosystem. Our strategy differs from conventional Pictet-Spengler reaction since the latter utilizes only aliphatic amines in which the amine functionality is linked to a C instead of N of the activated aromatic moiety.     

Application of the Pictet-Spengler reaction to aryl amine-based substrates having pyrimidine as a π-nucleophile: synthesis of pyrimidoquinolines with structural analogy to benzonaphthyridines present in alkaloids

Synthesis of pyrimidine annulated quinolines, structurally analogous to biologically active benzonaphthyridines present in alkaloids, has been described. Our synthetic strategy is based on the modified Pictet-Spengler reaction involving substrates comprising deactivated pyrimidine ring as the nucleophilic partner whereas aryl amine originating from the C-4 of the pyrimidine ring served as the source for electrophilic partner. The resulting substrates 5-7 with diversity at 2- and 6-position after condensation with a variety of aldehydes underwent 6-endo cyclization to furnish pyrimido[5,4-c]quinolines 14 in good yields. However, attempts to further extend this strategy on new structurally analogous substrate involving the pyridine ring as nucleophilic partner failed, thus limiting the scope of the reaction.     

A modified strategy for Pictet-Spengler reaction leading to the synthesis of imidazoquinoxalines on solid phase

An alternative strategy for Pictet-Spengler reaction involving an N-1 linked aromatic amine of imidazole and aldehydes is described. This is in contrast to a typical Pictet-Spengler reaction, which involves an aliphatic amine attached to the carbon of an activated aromatic nucleus and an aldehyde. Our strategy commences with the nucleophilic replacement of fluorine in resin-bound o-fluoro-nitrobenzoic acid with mono- or disubstituted imidazole, followed by reduction of the nitro group to give an N1 linked aromatic amine of the resin-bound imidazole. This was subsequently treated with an aldehyde in toluene at 80 degrees C and then oxidized in the presence of DDQ to give resin-bound imidazoquinoxalines. Finally, acidolytic cleavage furnished the desired compounds in high yields and purities.     

p-toluene sulfonic acid-promoted rapid and facile baeyer condensation with microwave irradiation under solvent-free conditions

A fast and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of triarylmethanes catalyzed by p-TsOH under microwave irradiation. The reactions of different aryl aldehydes carrying activated and deactivated groups with N,N-dimethylaniline in the presence of a catalytic amount of p-TsOH produced the corresponding triarylmethanes in good to excellent yields.     

An expedient regio and diastereoselective synthesis of novel spiropyrrolidinylindenoquinoxalines via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction

We described an efficient and multicomponent approach for the synthesis of novel polyheterocyclic spiropyrrolidinylindenoquinoxalines via 1,3 dipolar [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of 3-methyl-4-nitro-5-alkenylisoxazoles, ninhydrin, orthophenylenediamine and benzyl amine. Excellent to good yields were obtained. Various isoxazole derivatives were used as dipolarophiles against substituted benzylamine and o-phenylenediamine. Diastereoselectivity was found to be variable and found to be dependent on the substitutions and their position on the aromatic ring of the reactants. This catalyst free and green approach is column free and does not even require a work up procedure.     

Synthesis of Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes possessing bicyclo[3.2.0]heptanyl phosphinite ligands: Identification of a novel Pd(II) precatalyst for 1,6-diene cycloisomerisation

The synthesis of monodentate and bidentate phosphinite ligands, possessing the unusual bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane framework, are reported. A convenient, tin-free synthesis of a key intermediate, namely 3-endo-6-endo-dihydroxybicyclo[3.2.0]heptane, is described. The air-sensitive phosphinite ligand 1 was either protected as the borane adduct, which is air-stable, or reacted directly with bis(acetonitrile)palladium(II)chloride to give the novel air and moisture stable palladium(II) complex 11. A platinum(II) relative 12 has also been synthesised by reaction of phosphinite 1 with bis(benzonitrile)platinum(II)chloride. Each complex has been thoroughly characterised and their molecular structures confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies. In catalytic applications, such as cross-coupling reactions of organometallic reagents with organohalides, an unexpectedly poor activity has been established for 11. For example, Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of activated and deactivated aryl bromides with aryl boronic acids, in the presence of catalytic quantities of 11, proceed in low yield, accompanied by substantial homocoupling. Palladium agglomeration, to produce catalytically inactive Pd black, is rapid in these reactions, under both aqueous and non-aqueous conditions. The poor reactivity is proposed to arise through an unfavourable near tetrahedral ‘(PP′)Pd(0)’ geometry, which slows the oxidative addition step in the catalytic cycle with either activated or deactivated aryl halides. The steric bulk of the ligand and the associated large P-M-P′ bite angle, particularly at the palladium zero oxidation state, is proposed to account for the poor reactivity. However, we have established that cationic derivatives of 11 promote the cycloisomerisation of diallylmalonate in a regioselective fashion.     

NHC triggered cascade metal-free synthesis of 2,3-diarylated indoles under solvent-free conditions

A new cascade strategy to the synthesis of 2,3-diarylated indoles via the metal-free reaction of aryl aldehyde and aryl amine triggered by N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) under solvent-free conditions, has been disclosed. The protocol has the advantages of easy work-up, high yields, wide application scope, and an environmentally benign procedure compared with the reported methods.     

Nucleophilic and electrophilic substitutions of difluoropropargyl bromides

Fundamental organic reactions like nucleophilic and electrophilic substitutions have seldom been studied on fluorinated propargyl or allenyl modules, when the carbon atom undergoing substitution is bonded to two fluorine atoms. Herein we report a practical synthesis of difluoropropargyl bromides from substituted acetylenes and dibromodifluorometane using a wide variety of alkyl, aryl or silyl substrates. The synthesis of O-, S- and carboxylic acid derivatives of difluoropropargyl bromide is also described. These compounds are suitable starting materials for the synthesis of electrophilically substituted difluoropropargyl derivatives via magnesium and fluoride promoted reactions. An indium-mediated reaction of silyldifluoropropargyl bromide, followed by electrophilic trapping with bromine led to a very useful bromoallene, which was then used in reactions with nucleophiles (C, O, N, P, S, Hal) to yield a de facto bimolecular nucleophilic substitution of a difluoropropargyl bromide.     

N,N-dimethyl glycine-promoted Ullmann coupling reaction of phenols and aryl halides

[reaction: see text] Ullmann-type diaryl ether synthesis can be performed at 90 degrees C using either aryl iodides or aryl bromides as the substrates under the assistance of N,N-dimethylglycine.     

Nickel‐Catalyzed Amination of Silyloxyarenes through C–O Bond Activation

Silyloxyarenes were utilized as electrophilic coupling partners with amines in the synthesis of aniline derivatives. A diverse range of amine substrates were used, including cyclic or acyclic secondary amines, secondary anilines, and sterically hindered primary anilines. Additionally, a range of sterically hindered and unhindered primary aliphatic amines were employed, which have previously been challenging with other classes of aryl ether electrophiles. Orthogonal couplings of silyloxyarenes with aryl methyl ethers are illustrated, where selectivity between the two C?O electrophiles is determined by ligand control, thereby allowing complementary and selective late‐stage diversification of either electrophile. Finally, a sequential coupling displays the utility of this amination method along with the reversal in intrinsic reactivity between aryl methyl ethers and silyloxyarenes.     

Improving palladium-catalyzed cyanation of aryl halides: development of a state-of-the-art methodology using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as cyanating agent

Benzonitriles are easily accessible via palladium-catalyzed cyanation of aryl halides using potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) as cyanide source. This method is applicable on both activated and deactivated aryl and heteroaryl bromides and activated chlorides giving the corresponding benzonitriles in good to excellent yield. Advantageously, the used cyanating agent is non-toxic and cheap. The presented catalyst system is rather simple and it is not necessary to add expensive phosphines, making the novel method also attractive for industrial applications.     

Construction of Polyheterocyclic Compounds by Lewis Acid Mediated Intramolecular [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction

An efficient domino approach has been developed for the synthesis of polyheterocyclic derivatives constituting pyrrole moiety. Lewis acid catalyzed reaction of 2-substituted-2-hydroxy-indane-1,3-diones and 1,4-benzoxazinone derivatives resulted in the formation of polyheterocyclic compounds under metal-free and mild conditions in good to excellent yield. The reaction is highly regioselective for C−C and C−N bond construction proceeded via intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition reaction. The protocol is highly efficient, obviates column chromatography and the products are obtained by simple filtration followed by washing with solvent.     

Reactivity of (NNN)-pincer nickel(II) aryl complex towards oxidative carbon-heteroatom bond formation

The reactivity of an (NNN)-Ni(II) aryl complex towards C–X bond formation upon exposure to a panel of one- and two-electron oxidants is reported. High selectivity for C(sp²)–N bond formation is observed in all cases, except under conditions when C–C bond formation is accessible. Preliminary mechanistic investigations indicate access to either a Ni(III) or Ni(IV) intermediate dependent on oxidant used and that C–N bond formation is more efficient via Ni(IV) pathway due to geometry of reactive species.     

Solvent‐Free Iodination of Arenes using Iodine–Silver Nitrate Combination

A simple and environmentally safe general method of iodination of aromatic substrates under sovent‐free conditions using the I₂/AgNO₃ combination in a solid state is reported. Both activated and deactivated aromatic compounds afford the respective aryl iodides in generally high yields (80–90%).     

Direct Cyclization of Tertiary Aryl Amines with Iodonium Ylides

Described herein is a direct cyclization of simple tertiary aryl amines with iodonium ylides leading to a broad range of N‐heterocycles. Completely different from the known reactivity of iodonium ylides, the finding reported herein is that an iodonium ylide is capable of cleaving a C(sp³)−H bond and accepting two hydrogen atoms of a tertiary aryl amine, thus inducing a novel cyclization process. This transformation can proceed without the assistance of a transition‐metal catalyst and eliminates the need for the premodification of the amine or the use of an additional initiator/oxidant.     

A surprisingly mild and versatile method for palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-couplings of aryl chlorides in the presence of a triarylphosphine

In the presence of new air-stable triarylphosphine 2, palladium-catalyzed Suzuki reactions of a wide array of aryl chlorides can be accomplished in uniformly good yield, including couplings of very sterically demanding and electronically deactivated substrates; activated aryl chlorides can be coupled at room temperature. In terms of scope and mildness, Pd-2 compares well with other catalyst systems that have been described for Suzuki reactions of aryl chlorides, thereby establishing that triarylphosphines should be regarded as fertile ground for future ligand-design efforts for palladium-catalyzed couplings of aryl chlorides.     

Regioselective intramolecular electrophilic substitution reactions involving π-deficient pyridine substrates: a new entry to pyridoquinazolines and benzo[h][1,6]naphthyridines

Regioselective intramolecular electrophilic substitution reactions have been described in π-deficient pyridine substrates tethered at C-2 to the aryl amine. The presence and nature of ring activating groups at C-6 led to the involvement of either N-1 or C-3 of the pyridine ring in the cyclization thereby leading to the regioselective synthesis of pyridoquinazolines and naphthyridines in excellent yields.     

A convergent route to poly(phenyl ketone ether) dendrons

A series of poly(phenyl ketone) dendrons have been constructed using a convergent strategy. An aryl fluoro-substituent is deactivated towards nucleophilic substitution by protection of a para-ketone as an acetal. This allows coupling to an activated aryl fluoride.Subsequent deprotection of the acetyl group then activates the first fluoro-substituent and allows the next generation of the dendron to be added. The synthesis of higher generations is complicated by a scrambling reaction, which lowers the yields.