Iridium complex-catalyzed reaction of 1,6-enynes: cycloaddition and cycloisomerization

[reaction: see text] 1,6-Enynes reacted with monoynes to give cyclohexadiene derivatives in the presence of a catalytic amount of [Ir(cod)Cl](2)/ligand. DPPE was most suitable for cycloaddition. Diastereoselective cycloaddition was also possible. In the absence of monoynes, 1,6-enynes cycloisomerized to (Z)-1-alkylidene-2-methylenecyclopentane derivatives. DPPF was most suitable for cycloisomerization. These results are the first examples of highly Z-selective cycloisomerization.     

Iridium complex-catalyzed highly selective cross [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of two different monoynes: 2:1 coupling versus 1:2 coupling

[reaction: see text] Highly selective cross [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of two different monoynes is achieved by using a catalytic amount of [Ir(cod)Cl](2) and ligand. The ligand had a considerable effect on the reaction. When 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane was used, two molecules of dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD) reacted with one molecule of a monoyne to give the 2:1 coupling product. When 1,2-bis(dipentafluorophenylphosphino)ethane was used instead of dppe, one molecule of DMAD reacted with two molecules of a monoyne to give the 1:2 coupling product.     

Ruthenium(II)-catalyzed selective intramolecular [2 + 2 + 2] alkyne cyclotrimerizations

In the presence of a catalytic amount of Cp*RuCl(cod), 1,6-diynes chemoselectively reacted with monoalkynes at ambient temperature to afford the desired bicyclic benzene derivatives in good yields. A wide variety of diynes and monoynes containing functional groups such as ester, ketone, nitrile, amine, alcohol, sulfide, etc. can be used for the present ruthenium catalysis. The most significant advantage of this protocol is that the cycloaddition of unsymmetrical 1,6-diynes with one internal alkyne moiety regioselectively gave rise to meta-substituted products with excellent regioselectivity. Completely intramolecular alkyne cyclotrimerization was also accomplished using triyne substrates to obtain tricyclic aromatic compounds fused with 5-7-membered rings. A ruthenabicycle complex relevant to these cyclotrimerizations was synthesized from Cp*RuCl(cod) and a 1,6-diyne possessing phenyl terminal groups, and its structure was unambiguously determined by X-ray analysis. The intermediary of such a ruthenacycle intermediate was further confirmed by its reaction with acetylene, giving rise to the expected cycloadduct. The density functional study on the cyclotrimerization mechanism elucidated that the cyclotrimerization proceeds via oxidative cyclization, producing a ruthenacycle intermediate and subsequent alkyne insertion initiated by the formal [2 + 2] cycloaddition of the resultant ruthenacycle with an alkyne.     

Microwave-assisted iridium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of resin-bound dipropargylamine with alkynes

The [Ir(COD)Cl]₂/dppe system effectively catalyzes the solid-phase [2+2+2] cycloaddition of resin-bound dipropargylamine with alkynes under microwave conditions. The reaction results in high purity of isoindoline derivatives with moderate yields.     

Cobalt-mediated macrocyclizations. Facile synthesis of 2-oxo pyridinophanes via [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of alpha, omega-diynes and isocyanates

[reaction: see text] Cobalt-mediated [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of alpha,omega-diynes and isocyanates provides a direct approach to macrocyclic 2-oxopyridinophanes. This macrocyclization process, which proceeded most efficiently with aliphatic isocyanates, was conveniently performed at a moderate temperature (85 degrees C) without irradiation or syringe-pump addition.     

Iridium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of α,ω-diynes with alkynyl ketones and alkynyl esters

We found that the combination of [Ir(cod)Cl]₂ and rac-BINAP served as an efficient catalyst for the [2+2+2] cycloaddition of 2,7-nonadiyne derivatives and related compounds with alkynyl ketones and alkynyl esters. The corresponding products were obtained in high yields under mild reaction conditions.     

Iridium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of alpha,beta-unsaturated and saturated carbonyl compounds with 2-propanol.

The selective transfer hydrogenation of alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to saturated ones was achieved by the use of 2-propanol as a hydrogen donor under the influence of catalytic amounts of [Ir(cod)Cl](2), 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (dppp), and Cs(2)CO(3). Thus, a variety of conjugated enones were allowed to react with 2-propanol in the presence of the [Ir(cod)Cl](2)/dppp/Cs(2)CO(3) system to give the corresponding saturated carbonyl compounds in good to excellent yields without formation of allylic alcohols. Both dppp and Cs(2)CO(3) were essential components to achieve the reduction satisfactorily. Additionally, the reduction of carbonyl compounds to alcohols was also promoted by the same catalytic system. When the reaction of a 1:1 mixture of a conjugated ketone and a saturated ketone with 2-propanol was carried out in the presence of [Ir(cod)Cl](2) combined with dppp and Cs(2)CO(3), the reduction of the alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone was found to take place in preference to that of the saturated ketone.     

Iridium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of α,ω-diynes with nitriles

[Ir(cod)Cl](2)/DPPF or BINAP efficiently catalyzed the cycloaddition of α,ω-diynes with nitriles to give pyridines. The reaction can accommodate a very wide range of nitriles. Both aliphatic and aromatic nitriles smoothly reacted with α,ω-diynes to give pyridines. Ten equivalents of unactivated aliphatic nitrile were enough to give the product in high yield. Aliphatic nitriles bearing an acetal or amino moiety could be used for the reaction. The highly regioselective cycloaddition of unsymmetrical diyne bearing two different internal alkyne moieties was achieved. The observed regioselectivity could be reasonably explained by considering the different reactivities of the α-position in iridacyclopentadiene. Regioselective cycloaddition was successfully applied to the synthesis of terpyridine and quinquepyridine. This chemistry was extended to a new and efficient synthesis of oligoheteroarenes. Five aromatic or heteroaromatic rings were connected in a single operation. [Ir(cod)Cl](2)/chiral diphosphine catalyst can be applied to enantioselective synthesis. Kinetic resolution of the racemic secondary benzyl nitrile catalyzed by [Ir(cod)Cl](2)/SEGPHOS gave a central carbon chiral pyridine in 80% ee. The mechanism was analyzed on the basis of the B3LYP level of density functional calculations.     

Synthesis of macrocycles via cobalt-mediated [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions

We investigated the formation of macrocycles from alpha,omega-diynes in cobalt-mediated co-cyclotrimerization reactions. Long-chain alpha,omega-diynes underwent metal-mediated [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions with nitriles, cyanamides, or isocyanates in the presence of CpCo(CO)2 (Cp = cyclopentadienide) to yield pyridine-containing macrocycles, i.e., meta- and para-pyridinophanes, such as 5m/5p, 35m/35p, and 41m/41p. The regioselectivity of these reactions was affected by the length and type of linker unit between the alkyne groups, as well as by certain stereoelectronic factors. An analogous alpha,omega-cyano-alkyne, 28, combined with an alkyne to yield two isomeric meta-pyridinophanes, such as 5m and 29m, and an ortho cycloadduct (benzannulation product), such as 29o. We developed a reaction protocol for these cobalt-based [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions that involves markedly improved conditions such that this process offers a convenient, flexible synthetic approach to macrocyclic pyridine-containing compounds. For example, diyne 6 reacted with p-tolunitrile in 1,4-dioxane to give 7p and 7m (7:1 ratio) in 87% yield at a moderate temperature of ca. 100 degrees C in 24 h without photoirradiation or syringe-pump addition. Isocyanates were also effective reactants, as exemplified by the formation of 44p almost exclusively (44p:44m > 50:1) in 64% yield from diyne 8 and 2-phenylethylisocyanate. By using this improved protocol we were able to co-cyclotrimerize long-chain alpha,omega-diynes with alkynes in certain cases to demonstrate a successful macrocyclic variant of the Vollhardt reaction. For instance, diyne 6 reacted with dipropylacetylene to give paracyclophane 57p and benzannulene 57o (2:1 ratio) in 29% yield.     

Synthesis of fused arylboronic esters via cobalt(0)-mediated cycloaddition of alkynylboronates with alpha,omega-diynes

[reaction: see text] Co(2)(CO)(6)-complexed alkynyl pinacolborane derivatives are readily transformed with functional group tolerance into fused arylboronates via the [2 + 2 + 2]cycloaddition to alpha,omega-diynes.     

Rhodium-catalyzed chemo-, regio-, and enantioselective [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of alkynes with isocyanates

[reaction: see text] We have developed a cationic rhodium(I)/modified-BINAP complex-catalyzed chemoselective [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of alkynes with isocyanates leading to a wide range of 2-pyridones. This method was successfully applied to the chemo-, regio-, and enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral 2-pyridones from unsymmetrical alpha,omega-diynes, bearing an ortho-substituted phenyl at one terminal position, and alkyl isocyanates.     

Enantioselective iridium-catalyzed allylic substitutions with hydroxamic acid derivatives as N-nucleophiles

Enantioselective Ir-catalyzed allylic aminations with hydroxamic acid derivatives are described. Catalysts were prepared in situ from [Ir(cod)Cl](2) or [Ir(dbcot)Cl](2), a phosphoramidite and base. In addition, pure (π-allyl)Ir complexes containing cod or dbcot as auxiliary ligands were used. Very high degrees of regio- and enantioselectivity were achieved. The reaction products were transformed into piperidine derivatives suited as precursors for aza-sugars.     

Synthesis of masked haloareneboronic acids via iridium-catalyzed aromatic C-H borylation with 1,8-naphthalenediaminatoborane (danBH)

“Masked” areneboronic acids have been prepared by Ir-catalyzed C-H borylation of arenes. A [Ir(OMe)(cod)]₂ complex with a DPPE ligand showed the highest catalytic activity in the C-H borylation of benzene at 80 °C. The reaction system can be applied to substituted arenes, including halogen-substituted arenes. 1,3-Dihalobenzenes undergo the C-H borylation at their 5-positions in a regioselective fashion, affording 3,5-dihaloareneboronic acid derivatives, which serve as useful coupling modules for the convergent dendrimer synthesis.     

Rhodium‐Catalyzed [3+2+2] and [2+2+2] Cycloadditions of Two Alkynes with Cyclopropylideneacetamides

It has been established that a cationic rhodium(I)/H₈‐binap complex catalyzes the [3+2+2] cycloaddition of 1,6‐diynes with cyclopropylideneacetamides to produce cycloheptadiene derivatives through cleavage of cyclopropane rings. In contrast, a cationic rhodium(I)/(S)‐binap complex catalyzes the enantioselective [2+2+2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes, acetylenedicarboxylates, and cyclopropylideneacetamides to produce spiro‐cyclohexadiene derivatives which retain the cyclopropane rings.     

Fused tetracycles with a benzene or cyclohexadiene core: [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions on macrocyclic systems

A series of fused tetracycles with a benzene or cyclohexadiene core (2a-h) is satisfactorily prepared by intramolecular [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions of triynic and enediynic macrocycles (1a-h) under RhCl(PPh3)3 catalysis; the enantioselective cycloaddition of macrocycles 1b and 1e and gives chiral tetracycles with moderate enantiomeric excess.     

Chiral N-phosphino sulfinamide ligands in rhodium(I)-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions

The combination of cationic rhodium(I) complexes with N-phosphino tert-butylsulfinamides (PNSO) ligands is efficient for catalytic intra- and intermolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions. PNSO ligands are a new class of chiral bidentate ligands, which have the characteristic of combining the easily accessible sulfur chirality with the coordinating capacity of phosphorous. Cycloaddition of open-chained and macrocyclic E-enediynes with these chiral complexes have proved to be highly efficient in terms of yields, giving moderate enantiomeric excesses of the corresponding cyclohexadiene derivatives. In addition Rh(I)/PNSO complexes catalyzed the intermolecular cycloaddition of diynes with monoalkynes in mild reaction conditions and short reaction times.     

Theoretical study of the [2+2+2+1] cycloaddition mechanism of enediynes and carbon monoxide catalyzed by rhodium

The [2+2+2+1] cycloaddition mechanism of enediynes and carbon monoxide catalyzed by the [Rh(CO)2Cl]2 rhodium dimer has been studied using density functional theory, comparing this multistep process with the two-step reaction in the absence of a catalyst. According to our results, the multistep mechanism agrees with that previously suggested. The great selectivity of this reaction and the influence of the chosen solvent in this selectivity were also analyzed.     

Origins of selectivity for the [2+2] cycloaddition of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones within a porous self-assembled organic framework

This article studies the origins of selectivity for the [2+2] cycloadditions of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones within a porous crystalline host. The host, formed by the self-assembly of a bis-urea macrocycle, contains accessible channels of approximately 6 A diameter and forms stable inclusion complexes with a variety of cyclic and acyclic alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone derivatives. Host 1 crystals provide a robust confined reaction environment for the highly selective [2+2] cycloaddition of 3-methyl-2-cyclopentenone, 2-cyclohexenone, and 2-methyl-2-cyclopentenone, forming their respective exo head-to-tail dimers in high conversion. The products are readily extracted from the self-assembled host and the crystalline host can be efficiently recovered and reused. Molecular modeling studies indicate that the origin of the observed selectivity is due to the excellent match between the size and shape of these guests to dimensions of the host channel and to the preorganization of neighboring enones into favorable reaction geometries. Small substrates, such as acrylic acid and methylvinylketone, were bound by the host and were protected from photoreactions. Larger substrates, such as 4,4-dimethyl-2-cyclohexenone and mesityl oxide, do not undergo selective [2+2] cycloaddition reactions. In an effort to understand these differences in reactivity, we examined these host-guest complexes by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), NMR, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and molecular modeling.     

Cation-modified silikalit-2 as a selective adsorbent for gas chromatography columns

A selective adsorbent was proposed on the basis of synthetic zeolite silikalit-2 modified with cadmium, tallium, and silver cations. It is intended for the gas chromatographic separation of some isomeric benzene derivatives. The adsorbent possesses pronounced retention properties to para isomers of aromatic compounds, which is due to the molecular sieve properties of the zeolite and the ability of benzene derivatives to form unstable complexes with cations entering the composition of the zeolite. Low selectivity to ortho and meta isomers is due to only the complexation effect.     

Allylation of alcohols and carboxylic acids with allyl acetate catalyzed by [Ir(cod)2](+)BF4- complex

A facile method for the synthesis of allyl alkyl ethers from alcohols with allyl acetate was developed by the use of [Ir(cod)(2)](+)BF(4)(-) complex. For instance, the reaction of allyl acetate with n-octyl alcohol in the presence of a catalytic amount of [Ir(cod)(2)](+)BF(4)(-) complex afforded allyl octyl ether in quantitative yield. Allyl carboxylates were also prepared by the exchange reaction between carboxylic acids and allyl acetate in good yields. The [Ir(cod)(2)](+)BF(4)(-) complex catalyzed the reaction of alkyl and aromatic amines with allyl acetate to lead to the corresponding allylamines in fair to good yields.