Lewis base activation of Lewis acids: catalytic, enantioselective addition of silyl ketene acetals to aldehydes

The concept of Lewis base activation of Lewis acids has been reduced to practice for catalysis of the aldol reaction of silyl ketene acetals and silyl dienol ethers with aldehydes. The weakly acidic species, silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4), can be activated by binding of a strongly Lewis basic chiral phosphoramide, leading to in situ formation of a chiral Lewis acid. This species has proven to be a competent catalyst for the aldol addition of acetate-, propanoate-, and isobutyrate-derived silyl ketene acetals to conjugated and nonconjugated aldehydes. Furthermore, vinylogous aldol reactions of silyl dienol ethers are also demonstrated. The high levels of regio-, anti diastereo-, and enantioselectivity observed in these reactions can be rationalized through consideration of an open transition structure where steric interactions between the silyl cation complex and the approaching nucleophile are dominant.     

Catalytic asymmetric aldol reactions in aqueous media using chiral bis-pyridino-18-crown-6-rare earth metal triflate complexes

Catalytic asymmetric aldol reactions in aqueous media have been developed using Pr(OTf)(3) and chiral bis-pyridino-18-crown-6 1. In the asymmetric aldol reaction using rare earth metal triflates (RE(OTf)(3)) and 1, slight changes in the ionic diameters of the metal cations greatly affected the diastereo- and enantioselectivities of the products. The substituents (MeO, Br) at the 4-position of the pyridine rings of the crown ether did not significantly affect the selectivities in the asymmetric aldol reaction, although they affected the binding ability of the crown ether with RE cations and the catalytic activity of Pr(OTf)(3)-crown ether complexes. From X-ray structures of RE(NO(3))(3)-crown ether complexes, it was found that they had similar structures regardless of the RE cations and the crown ethers used. Accordingly, the binding ability of the crown ether with the RE cation and the catalytic activity of the complex are important for attaining high selectivity in the asymmetric aldol reaction. Various aromatic and alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes and silyl enol ethers derived from ketones and a thioester can be employed in the catalytic asymmetric aldol reactions using Pr(OTf)(3) and 1, to provide the aldol adducts in good to high yields and stereoselectivities. In the case using the silyl enol ether derived from the thioester, 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine significantly improved the yields of the aldol adducts.     

Mukaiyama aldol reaction using ketene silyl acetals with carbonyl compounds in ionic liquids

Mukaiyama aldol reactions using ketene silyl acetals with various aldehydes proceed smoothly in ionic liquids to afford the corresponding aldol products in moderate yields.     

Oxazaborolidinone-promoted vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reactions

delta-Hydroxy-alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds were prepared in one step via the vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reactions with O,O-silyl ketene acetals. Isopropyl alcohol as additive and tryptophane-based B-phenyloxazaborolidinone were required for obtaining the gamma-alkylated product in high enantioselectivities.     

Chiral enolates for highly stereoselective aldol reactions—Scope and limitations

Enantioselective approaches to the formation of α,β-disubstituted ketones through aldol reactions are compared. A one-pot ACA/aldol domino process is lower yielding than alternative procedures involving enantiomerically pure β-substituted silyl enol ethers. The use of chiral acetals derived from hydrobenzoin provides access to syn and anti diols in moderate to good yields and high diastereoselectivities. A novel synthesis of functionalized β,γ-unsaturated acetals is also described.     

Synthesis of optically pure (+)-puraquinonic acid and assignment of absolute configuration to natural (-)-puraquinonic acid. Use of radical cyclization for asymmetric generation of a quaternary center

An asymmetric aldol reaction between aldehyde 31 and imide 32, followed at a later stage by ring-closing metathesis (38 --> 40), are key reactions used to make optically pure allylic alcohol 40. Radical cyclization of the derived Stork bromo acetals gives lactol ethers 43, which were degraded to generate a quaternary center carrying a methoxycarboxyl group (44 --> 47). Compound 47 was converted into (+)-puraquinonic acid; and comparison with a natural sample established that the configuration of the natural compound is 2R (1).     

Lewis base activation of Lewis acids. Vinylogous aldol addition reactions of conjugated N,O-silyl ketene acetals to aldehydes

N,O-Silyl dienyl ketene acetals derived from unsaturated morpholine amides have been developed as highly useful reagents for vinylogous aldol addition reactions. In the presence of SiCl4 and the catalytic action of chiral phosphoramide (R,R)-3, N,O-silyl dienyl ketene acetal 8 undergoes high-yielding and highly site-selective addition to a wide variety of aldehydes with excellent enantioselectivity. Of particular note is the high yields and selectivities obtained from aliphatic aldehydes. Low catalyst loadings (2-5 mol %) can be employed. The morpholine amide serves as a useful precursor for further synthetic manipulation.     

Mesoporous aluminosilicate-catalyzed Mukaiyama aldol reaction of aldehydes and acetals

A mesoporous aluminosilicate (Al-MCM-41) was found to be an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the reaction of both aldehydes and acetals with silyl enol ethers or ketene silyl acetals to give the corresponding aldol adducts in moderate to high yields. The remarkable high catalytic activity of Al-MCM-41 over amorphous silica-alumina and aluminum-free mesoporous silicate was observed in the reaction. The solid acid catalyst could be recovered easily by filtration and the recovered catalyst was reusable in the same reactions without a significant loss of catalytic activity.     

Recognition of cyclic, acyclic, exocyclic, and spiro acetals via structurally diagnostic ion/molecule reactions with the (CH3)2N-C(+)=O acylium ion

Reactions of the model acylium ion (CH3)2N-C(+)=O with acyclic, exocyclic, and spiro acetals of the general formula R(1)O-CR(3)R(4)-OR(2) were systematically evaluated via pentaquadrupole mass spectrometry. Characteristic intrinsic reactivities were observed for each of these classes of acetals. The two most common reactions observed were hydride and alkoxy anion [R(1)O(-) and R(2)O(-)] abstraction. Other specific reactions were also observed: (a) a secondary polar [4(+) + 2] cycloaddition for acetals bearing alpha,beta-unsaturated R(3) or R(4) substituents and (b) OH(-) abstraction for exocyclic and spiro acetals. These structurally diagnostic reactions, in conjunction with others observed previously for cyclic acetals, are shown to reveal the class of the acetal molecule and its ring type and substituents and to permit their recognition and distinction from other classes of isomeric molecules.     

Diastereo- and enantioselective dearomatization of rhenium-bound naphthalenes

Dihapto-coordinated naphthalene complexes of the form TpRe(CO)(L)(eta(2)-naphthalene) (L = PMe(3), pyridine, or 1-methylimidazole) undergo electrophilic addition with dimethoxymethane and with various Michael acceptors to generate 1H-naphthalenium species. These naphthalenium complexes undergo intra- or intermolecular nucleophilic addition reactions with stabilized enolates, silyl ketene acetals, or enols to form the corresponding dihydronaphthalene complexes. Oxidative decomplexation generates the free dihydronaphthalene. When a resolved form of the rhenium dearomatization agent is used, these reactions can be performed enantioselectively. DFT calculations provide a useful guide in explaining the observed stereochemistry. Depending on reaction conditions, a Michael-Michael ring-closure sequence (MIMIRC) or a net [2 + 4] cycloaddition with the bound naphthalene is also observed, and the corresponding tricyclic molecules can be removed from the metal in high yield.     

Role of Adamantane Amide Based on L-Proline Double-H Potential Organocatalyst in Aldol Reaction with Product Separated via Host-guest Interaction

Chiral organocatalysts of 4-adamantane amide based on L-proline with double hydrogen potential were synthesized and used in asymmetric aldol reactions. The reactions were evaluated in toluene under -20℃. A series of aldol products was obtained from moderate to good yields(up to 98%) with excellent diastereoselectivities(up to >99:1) and enantioselectivities(up to >99%). The aldol products in the system were separated by α-cyclodextrin via host-guest interaction and determined by chiral HPLC. The catalyst could be reused up to five times. The 4-substitution position played an important role in diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity.     

Hydrophobic polymer-supported scandium catalyst for carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions in water

It has been revealed that a hydrophobic polymer-supported scandium(III) catalyst prepared from sulfonated polystyrene resin is an effective catalyst for carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions such as Mukaiyama aldol reactions in water. According to studies on loading levels of scandium, hydrophobicity of the catalyst is a key for the efficient catalysis. The scandium catalyst was successfully recovered and reused. Several ketones instead of aldehydes were also used as substrates in the aldol reactions. Some 1,4-addition reactions also occurred using the scandium catalyst in water.     

An air-stable,storable chiral zirconium catalyst for asymmetric aldol reactions

Asymmetric aldol reactions of ketene silyl acetals with aldehydes using an air-stable, storable chiral zirconium catalyst, which could be stored for at least 13 weeks at room temperature, proceeded smoothly to afford the desired adducts in high yields with high selectivity.     

Mechanism of Mukaiyama-Michael Reaction of Ketene Silyl Acetal: Electron Transfer or Nucleophilic Addition?

Mechanism of Mukaiyama-Michael reaction of ketene silyl acetal has been discussed. The competition reaction employing various types of ketene silyl acetals reveals that those bearing more substituents at the beta-position react preferentially over less substituted ones. However, when ketene silyl acetals involve bulky siloxy and/or alkoxy group(s), less substituted compounds react preferentially. The Lewis acids play an important role in these reactions. Enhanced preference for the more sterically demanding Michael adducts is obtained with Bu(2)Sn(OTf)(2), SnCl(4), and Et(3)SiClO(4) in the former reaction while TiCl(4) gives the highest selectivity for the less sterically demanding products in the latter case. These results are interpreted in terms of alternative reaction mechanisms. The reaction of less bulky ketene silyl acetals are initiated by electron transfer from these compounds to a Lewis acid. On the other hand, bulkier ketene silyl acetals undergo a ubiquitous nucleophilic reaction. Such a mechanistic change is discussed based on a variety of experimental results as well as the semiempirical PM3 MO calculations.     

Mechanistic investigations of the ZnCl2-mediated tandem Mukaiyama aldol lactonization: evidence for asynchronous, concerted transition states and discovery of 2-oxopyridyl ketene acetal variants

The ZnCl(2)-mediated tandem Mukaiyama aldol lactonization (TMAL) reaction of aldehydes and thiopyridyl ketene acetals provides a versatile, highly diastereoselective approach to trans-1,2-disubstituted β-lactones. Mechanistic and theoretical studies described herein demonstrate that both the efficiency of this process and the high diastereoselectivity are highly dependent upon the type of ketene acetal employed but independent of ketene acetal geometry. Significantly, we propose a novel and distinct mechanistic pathway for the ZnCl(2)-mediated TMAL process versus other Mukaiyama aldol reactions based on our experimental evidence to date and further supported by calculations (B3LYP/BSI). Contrary to the commonly invoked mechanistic extremes of [2+2] cycloaddition and aldol lactonization mechanisms, investigations of the TMAL process suggest a concerted but asynchronous transition state between aldehydes and thiopyridyl ketene acetals. These calculations support a boat-like transition state that differs from commonly invoked Mukaiyama "open" or Zimmerman-Traxler "chair-like" transition-state models. Furthermore, experimental studies support the beneficial effect of pre-coordination between ZnCl(2) and thiopyridyl ketene acetals prior to aldehyde addition for optimal reaction rates. Our previously proposed, silylated β-lactone intermediate that led to successful TMAL-based cascade sequences is also supported by the described calculations and ancillary experiments. These findings suggested that a similar TMAL process leading to β-lactones would be possible with an oxopyridyl ketene acetal, and this was confirmed experimentally, leading to a novel TMAL process that proceeds with efficiency comparable to that of the thiopyridyl system.     

A new organocatalyst derived from abietic acid and 4-hydroxy-l-proline for direct asymmetric aldol reactions in aqueous media

Enantioselective direct aldol reactions were carried out in aqueous media with a new organocatalyst that was derived from 4-hydroxy-l-proline and abietic acid via a simple and convenient synthetic protocol with a high overall yield (75%). The new organocatalyst was used for aldol reactions between substituted aromatic aldehydes and various ketones in the presence of several acid additives in aqueous media. The corresponding aldol products were obtained in high isolated yields (up to 99%) and with high anti-diastereoselectivities (up to 94%) and enantioselectivities (>99.9%). The catalyst loading can be efficiently reduced to only 1 mol %. The aldol reactions were found to be extremely fast which is very unusual in organocatalyzed reactions in water.     

Aldol-type reactions between trimethylsilyl enol ethers and acetals with the aid of rhodium complex

Aldol-type reactions of trimethylsilyl enol ethers with acetals, ketals, and orthoesters are successfully performed with the aid of a catalytic amount of rhodium complex, Rh₄(CO)₁₂ or [Rh(COD)(DPPB)]⁺ClO₄⁻, underneutral conditions.     

Chalcogeno-Morita-Baylis-Hillman Reaction of Chalcogenide-Enones with Carbonyl Compounds

Abstract

The Chalcogeno-Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction was achieved by the reactions of 2-(methylchalcogeno)phenyl vinyl ketones with carbonyl compounds or acetals in the presence of BF₃· Et₂O. This reaction proceeds via the intramolecular Michael addition of the chalcogenide group to an enone moiety followed by the aldol reaction of the resulting chalcogenonio-enolate with an aldehyde. The reactions were worked up with triethylamine or saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ to give the α -methylene aldols (the Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts).     

Synthesis of a Novel Chiral Ionic Liquid and Its Application in Enantioselective Aldol Reactions

A novel chiral ionic liquid, compound 1 , based on camphorsulfonic acid, was prepared. A catalytic amount of 1 readily promotes L ‐proline‐catalyzed aldol reactions, with good chemoselectivity, both in H₂O and in organic solvents. Further, the aldol reaction of cyclohexanone with 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde afforded 2‐[hydroxy(4‐nitrophenyl)methyl]cyclohexanone ( 6 ) in 98% yield with high enantioselectivity (94% ee) when large amounts of 1 (5 equiv.) were used as promoter.     

Highly anti-selective asymmetric aldol reactions using chiral zirconium catalysts. Improvement of activities, structure of the novel zirconium complexes, and effect of a small amount of water for the preparation of the catalysts

Catalytic asymmetric aldol reactions of silyl enol ethers with aldehydes (Mukaiyama aldol reactions) have been performed using novel chiral zirconium catalysts. The reactions proceeded in high yields under mild conditions, and anti-adducts were obtained in high diastereo- and enantioselectivities. The catalysts were first prepared from zirconium(IV) tert-butoxide (Zr(O(t)Bu)(4)), (R)-3,3'-diiodo-1,1'-binaphthalene-2,2'-diol ((R)-3,3'-I(2)BINOL), a primary alcohol, and a small amount of water. It was revealed that the primary alcohol played an important role in completing the catalytic cycle and that a small amount of water was essential for obtaining high selectivities. Moreover, activities of the chiral zirconium catalysts were enhanced by using new ligands, (R)-3,3'-I(2)-6,6'-X(2)BINOL (X = Br, I, C(2)F(5)), and it has been shown that even aldol reactions of less reactive substrates proceeded smoothly using the novel zirconium catalysts. Finally, NMR studies of these catalysts were performed, which suggested that the catalyst would form a dimeric structure and that the water affected the catalyst formation.