Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane Embedded in Porphyrinoids**

We report a two-step approach to obtain synthetically versatile bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) derivatives using Grignard reagents. This method allows the incorporation of BCP units in tetrapyrrolic macrocycles and the synthesis of a new class of calix[4]pyrrole analogues by replacing two bridging methylene groups with two BCP units. In addition, a doubly N-confused system was also formed in the presence of electron-withdrawing substituents at the BCP bridgeheads. The pyrrole rings in BCP containing macrocycles exist in 1,3-alternate or αβαβ conformations, as observed from single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and 2D NMR spectroscopy.     

General Synthesis of 3-Azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes and Evaluation of Their Properties as Saturated Isosteres**

A general approach to 3-azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes by reduction of spirocyclic oxetanyl nitriles was developed. The mechanism, scope, and scalability of this transformation were studied. The core was incorporated into the structure of the antihistamine drug Rupatidine instead of the pyridine ring, which led to a dramatic improvement in physicochemical properties.     

Synthesis of Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP)-Based Straight-Shaped Diphosphine Ligands**

[1.1.1]Propellane, which is structurally simple and compact, exhibits promising potential for the synthesis of disubstituted straight-shaped bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) compounds by manipulation of its highly reactive internal C−C bond. BCPs are considered to be isosteres of 1,4-disubstituted benzenes, which have found broad applications in the areas of functional molecules and drug discovery. The internal C−C single bond of [1.1.1]propellane is regarded as a charge-shift bond, which can be readily cleaved by radical means to construct BCPs. We herein report a novel synthetic method for (un)symmetric diphosphines based on the BCP motif, which can be interpreted as isosteres of 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzenes. The obtained BCP-diphosphine derivatives were used to generate a straight-shaped Au complex and an Eu-based coordination polymer.     

A General and Practical Route to Functionalized Bicyclo[1.1.1]Pentane-Heteroaryls Enabled by Photocatalytic Multicomponent Heteroarylation of [1.1.1]Propellane

1-Aryl-substituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are an important class of BCP derivatives with widespread application in drug development. Most syntheses of these materials require multiple chemical steps via BCP electrophiles or nucleophiles derived from [1.1.1]propellane. Although one-step, multicomponent radical cross-coupling reactions could provide a more sustainable and rapid route to access diverse heteroarylated BCPs, current approaches are limited to tertiary alkyl radicals, leading to a decrease in their practical value. In this study, a conceptually different approach enabled by a radical multicomponent heteroarylation of [1.1.1]propellane to access functionalized heteroarylated BCPs is described. Importantly, this protocol is compatible with primary-, secondary-, and tertiary aliphatic radicals, as well as various fluoroalkyl radical sources, thus enabling rapid library generation of sought-after BCP derivatives for drug development.     

Sodium Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanesulfinate: A Bench-Stable Precursor for Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentylsulfones and Bicyclo- [1.1.1]pentanesulfonamides

Herein, we present the synthesis of the bench-stable sodium bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanesulfinate (BCP-SO₂Na) and its application in the synthesis of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentyl (BCP) sulfones and sulfonamides. The salt can be obtained in a four-step procedure from commercially available precursors in multigram scale without the need for column chromatography or crystallization. Sulfinates are known to be useful precursors in radical and nucleophilic reactions and are widely used in medicinal chemistry. This building block enables access to BCP sulfones and sulfonamides avoiding the volatile [1.1.1]propellane which is favorable for the extension of SAR studies. Further, BCP-SO₂Na enables the synthesis of products that were not available with previous methods. A chlorination of BCP-SO₂Na and subsequent reaction with a Grignard reagent provides a new route to BCP sulfoxides. Several products were analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

1,3-Difunctionalizations of [1.1.1]Propellane via 1,2-Metallate Rearrangements of Boronate Complexes

1,3-Disubstituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are valuable bioisosteres of para-substituted aromatic rings. The most direct route to these structures is via multicomponent ring-opening reactions of [1.1.1]propellane. However, challenges associated with these transformations mean that difunctionalized BCPs are more commonly prepared by multistep reaction sequences with BCP-halide intermediates. Herein, we report three- and four-component 1,3-difunctionalizations of [1.1.1]propellane with organometallic reagents, organoboronic esters, and a variety of electrophiles. This process is achieved by trapping intermediate BCP-metal species with boronic esters to form boronate complexes, which are versatile intermediates whose electrophile-induced 1,2-metallate rearrangement chemistry enables a broad range of C−C bond-forming reactions.     

Recent advances in the applications of [1.1.1]propellane in organic synthesis

As a highly strained small molecule, [1.1.1]propellane has been widely used in various synthetic transformations owing to the exceptional reactivity of the central bond between the two bridgehead carbons. Utilizing strain-release approaches, the rapid development of strategies for the construction of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) and cyclobutane derivatives using [1.1.1]propellane as the starting material has been witnessed in the past few years. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances in this field. Accordingly, the reactivity of [1.1.1]propellane can be divided into three pathways, including radical, anionic and transition metal-catalyzed pathways under appropriate conditions.     

Recent advances in the applications of [1.1.1]propellane in organic synthesis

As a highly strained small molecule, [1.1.1]propellane has been widely used in various synthetic transformations owing to the exceptional reactivity of the central bond between the two bridgehead carbons. Utilizing strain-release approaches, the rapid development of strategies for the construction of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) and cyclobutane derivatives using [1.1.1]propellane as the starting material has been witnessed in the past few years. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances in this field. Accordingly, the reactivity of [1.1.1]propellane can be divided into three pathways, including radical, anionic and transition metal-catalyzed pathways under appropriate conditions.     

Si3S-, Si3Se-, Si3Te-Bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes and Si3S2-Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane

The reaction of trisilirene 1 with propylene sulfide or elemental sulfur produced Si₃S-bicyclo[1.1.0]butane 2, which underwent Si–Si insertion of a second S atom forming Si₃S₂-bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane 3. Analogous reactions of 1 with elemental Se or Te resulted in the formation of heavier analogues of 2, namely, Si₃Se-bicyclo[1.1.0]butane 4 and Si₃Te-bicyclo[1.1.0]butane 5.

Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements to view the free supplemental file.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT     

Cubane,Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane and Bicyclo[2.2.2]octane: Impact and Thermal Sensitiveness of Carboxyl-, Hydroxymethyl- and Iodo-substituents

With the burgeoning interest in cage motifs for bioactive molecule discovery, and the recent disclosure of 1,4-cubane-dicarboxylic acid impact sensitivity, more research into the safety profiles of cage scaffolds is required. Therefore, the impact sensitivity and thermal decomposition behavior of judiciously selected starting materials and synthetic intermediates of cubane, bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP), and bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (BCO) were evaluated via hammer test and sealed cell differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Iodo-substituted systems were found to be more impact sensitive, whereas hydroxymethyl substitution led to more rapid thermodecomposition. Cubane was more likely to be impact sensitive with these substituents, followed by BCP, whereas all BCOs were unresponsive. The majority of derivatives were placed substantially above Yoshida thresholds—a computational indicator of sensitivity.     

Alkoxide-Accelerated [1,3] Sigmatropic Shift of Bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-en-2-ols to 8-endo-Hydroxybicyclo[3.3.0]oct-2-en-4-ones

Bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-6-en-2-ols 6 are shown to undergo [1,3] sigmatropic shift to afford 8-endo-hydroxy-bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-2-en-4-ones 8 under the influence of potassium hydride.     

1,3‐Difunctionalizations of [1.1.1]Propellane via 1,2‐Metallate Rearrangements of Boronate Complexes

1,3‐Disubstituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are valuable bioisosteres of para‐substituted aromatic rings. The most direct route to these structures is via multicomponent ring‐opening reactions of [1.1.1]propellane. However, challenges associated with these transformations mean that difunctionalized BCPs are more commonly prepared by multistep reaction sequences with BCP‐halide intermediates. Herein, we report three‐ and four‐component 1,3‐difunctionalizations of [1.1.1]propellane with organometallic reagents, organoboronic esters, and a variety of electrophiles. This process is achieved by trapping intermediate BCP‐metal species with boronic esters to form boronate complexes, which are versatile intermediates whose electrophile‐induced 1,2‐metallate rearrangement chemistry enables a broad range of C?C bond‐forming reactions.     

Enantioselective Synthesis of Bicyclo[3.2.1]octadienes via Palladium-Catalyzed Intramolecular Alkene-Alkyne Coupling Reaction

Bicyclo[3.2.1]octadiene compounds and derivatives exist in a number of natural products and bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, catalytic enantioselective protocols for the synthesis of these skeletons have not been disclosed. Herein we reported a palladium-catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular alkene-alkyne coupling of alkyne-tethered cyclopentenes, affording a library of enantionenriched bicyclo[3.2.1]octadienes in excellent yields and enantioselectivities (mostly >99 % ee). Moreover, the products could undergo an unusual iodination-induced 1,2-acyl migration, forming iodinated bicyclo[3.2.1]octadienes with three vicinal stereocenters. The enone and isolated olefin motifs embedded in the products provide useful handles for downstream elaboration.     

Bicyclo[3.2.1]octenones as Building Blocks in Natural Product Synthesis (IV): Formal Synthesis of (±)-Hydroxyloganin Aglucone

A formal synthesis of (±)-hydroxyloganin aglucone from bicyclo[3.2.1]octenone 1 is described. Ring opening of syn-8-(methanesulfonyloxy)-1-phenylthiotricyclo[4.2.1.0^3,7]non-4-en-2-one 14 with potassium hydroxide is the key reaction.     

Formation of Tetraacetal Oxa-Cages and Convex Oxa-Cages on Ozonolysis of Bicyclo[2.2.2] Octenes

Tetraacetal oxa-cage compounds 5a and 5b and convex oxa-cage compounds 7a and 8b are synthesized in a short sequence. Ozonolysis of endo adducts 2a and 2b in dichloromethane at ?78 °C followed by reduction with dimethylsulfide gave tetraacetal oxa-cages 5a and 5b in 35% yields respectively. Ozonolysis of 2a in dichloromethane at ?78 °C followed by treatment with triethylamine gave the convex oxa-cage 7a in 34% yield. These results support an acid-base proton transfer between the final ozonides and the base. The reasons that these oxa-cage compounds formed in low yields are discussed. The synthesis of tetraacetal oxa-cage 14, possessing aromatic substitutents directly on the skeleton of the oxa-cage, is accomplished.     

The Synthesis and Chemistry of 8-Substituted Bicyclo[5.1.0]oct-1(8)-ene

8-Bromobicyclo[5.1.0]oct-1(8)-cne (7), an intermediate for the preparation of 8-substituted bicyclo[5.1.0]oct-1(8)-enes, was synthesized by denomination of 1,8,8-tribromobicyclo[5.1.0]octane (6). Compound 7 underwent bromo-lithium exchange followed by nucleophilic substitution reactions to generate bicyclo[5.1.0]oct-1(8)-ene (5), 8-methylbicyclo[5.1.0]oct-1(8)-ene (10), and 8-trimethylsilylbicyclo[5.1.0]oct-1(8)-ene (11). The bicyclic cyclopropenes 7, 5, 10, and 11 reacted with cyclopentadiene to form adducts 12, 13, 14, and 15, respectively. All of these Diels-Alder adducts are endo-exo isomers (endo-addition from the view of the cyclopropene and exo-addition from the view of the cyclooctene).     

Synthesis of versatile bicyclo[5.4.0]undecane systems from tetrachlorocyclopropene

2,2,3,4-Tetrachloro-8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octa-2,6-diene, derived in a single step from the cyclocondensation of furan and tetrachlorocylopropene, serves as a key intermediate for the construction of bicyclo[5.4.0]undecane synthons. Conversion to a meso-1,3 diketone is followed by a high yielding Robinson annulation reaction. Studies on the reduction of the enone product reveals a powerful preference for formation of the cis-ring fusion.     

Synthesis of Bicyclo[n.1.0]alkanes by a Cobalt‐Catalyzed Multiple C(sp3)−H Activation Strategy

A cobalt‐catalyzed dual C(sp³)−H activation strategy has been developed and it provides a novel strategy for the synthesis of bicyclo[4.1.0]heptanes and bicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes. A key to the success of this reaction is the conformation‐induced methylene C(sp³)−H activation of the resulting cobaltabicyclo[4.n.1] intermediate. In addition, the synthesis of bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane from pivalamide, by a triple C(sp³)−H activation, has also been demonstrated.     

1,3-bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanediyl: the shortest rigid linear connector of phenylated photochromic units and a 1,5-dimethoxy-9,10-di(phenylethynyl)anthracene fluorophore

An excess of bis-1,3-(4-iodophenyl)bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane, prepared in 63 % yield by iodination of 1,3-diphenylbicyclo[1.1.1]pentane, was selectively mono-coupled with 9-ethynyl-1,5-dimethoxy-10-phenylethynylanthracene (26), and subsequently with the zinc derivatives of 1-(2-methyl/methoxy-4-methyl-5-phenylthiophen-3-yl)-2-(2-methyl/methoxy-4-methylthiophen-3-yl)perfluorocyclopentenes (38-H-41-H). Regioselective synthesis of the 2-unsubstituted thiophenes 38-H-41-H required intermediate preparation of 2-trimethylsilyl-3,5-dimethyl-4-bromothiophene (37) or 2-trimethylsilyl-5-methoxy-3-methyl-4-bromothiophene (40). Protection of the alpha-position of the thiophene ring with a 2-trimethylsilyl group blocks the rearrangement of the 4-lithio derivatives into the corresponding 2-lithiated thiophenes. With the bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane fragment linking the photochromic units 1-3 and 1,5-dimethoxy-9,10-di(phenylethynyl)anthracene as a fluorescent part, quantitative resonance energy transfer between the excited state of the fluorophore (donor) and the closed form of the photochromic units 1-3 (acceptors) was observed. The closed forms of the methoxy-substituted photochromic units 2 and 3 are less resistant to UV light (313 nm) than the closed form of 1.     

Synthesis of New Rigid Dimeric Calix[4]arene

A new Dimeric calixarene from the head to head linkage of two calix[4]arene units fixed in the cone conformation was synthesized via Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction. The structure of 10 was confirmed by NMR, MS and IR-spectroscopy.