Useful enantioselective bicyclization reactions using an N-protonated chiral oxazaborolidine as catalyst

[reaction: see text] Nine examples are reported of enantioselective [4 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of achiral, acyclic substrates to form chiral bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane or bicyclo[4.4.0]decane derivatives.     

New approaches in radical carbonylation chemistry: fluorous applications and designed tandem processes by species-hybridization with anions and transition metal species

New approaches in radical carbonylation chemistry are described. We have successfully integrated tin mediated radical carbonylation chemistry into modern fluorous applications and separation techniques. We revealed that radical carbonylation reactions can be performed using fluorous tin mediators, such as fluorous tin hydride and fluorous allyltin reagents. Fine tuning of the reaction conditions resulted in a good efficiency equivalent to conventional tin mediators. The tedious procedure of removing organotin byproducts can be circumvented through the use of fluorous/organic liquid-liquid extraction or fluorous liquid-solid phase extraction with fluorous reverse phase silica (FRPS). Also described are newly developed tandem carbonylation reactions that are based on species hybridization approaches. Using a radical/anionic hybrid system based on zinc-induced one-electron reduction, we achieved a three-component coupling reaction consisting of 4-alkenyl iodides, carbon monoxide, and electron-deficient alkenes. We observed two types of annulations processes, namely [4 + 1](radical)/[3 + 2](anionic) and [5 + 1](radical)/[3 + 2](anionic), which lead to the production of bicyclo[3.3.0]octanols and bicyclo[3.2.1]octanols, respectively. We found a radical/palladium hybrid system to be useful in the construction of new cyclic systems that incorporate two or three molecules of carbon monoxide.     

Electrophilic Additions to Strained Bridgehead Olefins. Estimation of Strain by Comparison with the Solvolysis of Bridgehead Bromides

The addition of water, acetic acid, and hydrogen bromide to the strained bridge-head olefins bicyclo[3.3.1]-1(2)-nonene (1) , bicyclo[4.2.1]-1(8)-nonene (2) , and bicyclo[4.2.1]-1(2)-nonene (3) gives exclusively the bridgehead alcohols, acetates, and bromides, respectively. The reaction rate constants for the addition of acetic acid to the bridgehead olefins 1,2 and 3 , and the solvolysis rates for the related 1-bromo-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (4) and 1-bromobicyclo[4.2.1]nonane (5) were measured. A comparison of the activation enthalpies of these two reactions gives an estimate of relative strain of the bridgehead double bond. The strain in the bicyclo[4.2.1]nonenes 2 and 3 is similar to that in trans-cyclooctene (8-9 kcal/mol).     

Synthesis of (-)-sordarin

The first total synthesis of (-)-sordarin (1) was accomplished exploiting the following key reactions: (i) Ag(I)-catalyzed oxidative radical cyclization of a cyclopropanol derivative leading to a bicyclo[5.3.0]decan-3-one skeleton; (ii) Pd(0)-catalyzed intramolecular allylation reaction resulting in the entire strained bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one framework of sordaricin (2); (iii) selective dihydroxylation of terminal alkenes by the combined use of OsO(4) and PhB(OH)(2); and (iv) beta(1,2-cis)-selective glycosidation via a 1,3-anchimeric assistance from a 4-methoxybenzoyl group.     

Enantioselective formal synthesis of (+)-precapnelladiene by chiral copper-catalyzed asymmetric [2+2]-cycloaddition reaction

Enantioselective short formal synthesis of (+)-precapnelladiene (1) was achieved from a bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane derivative, which was prepared enantioselectively by chiral copper-catalyzed [2+2]-cycloaddition reaction of 2-methoxycarbonyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one with phenylthioacetylene developed by us.     

Simple chiral diene ligands provide high enantioselectivities in transition-metal-catalyzed conjugate addition reactions

Chiral dienes possessing the bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene framework were prepared readily through the [4 + 2] cycloaddition of ( R)-alpha-phellandrene with methyl propiolate as the key step. Diene 9, substituted with a tertiary alcohol on one of the two double bonds, is prepared in just one step from the cycloadduct and is highly effective as a chiral ligand for rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition reactions, giving the corresponding addition products with higher enantioselectivity than other chiral dienes.     

Development of catalytic asymmetric 1,4-addition and [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions using chiral calcium complexes

Catalytic asymmetric 1,4-addition and [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions using chiral calcium species prepared from calcium isopropoxide and chiral bisoxazoline ligands have been developed. Glycine Schiff bases reacted with acrylic esters to afford 1,4-addition products, glutamic acid derivatives, in high yields with high enantioselectivities. During the investigation of the 1,4-addition reactions, we unexpectedly found that a [3 + 2] cycloaddition occurred in the reactions with crotonate derivatives, affording substituted pyrrolidine derivatives in high yields with high enantioselectivities. On the basis of this finding, we investigated asymmetric [3 + 2] cycloadditions, and it was revealed that several kinds of optically active substituted pyrrolidine derivatives containing contiguous stereogenic tertiary and quaternary carbon centers were obtained with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities. In addition, optically active pyrrolidine cores of hepatitis C virus RNA-dependent polymerase inhibitors and potential effective antiviral agents have been synthesized using this [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. NMR spectroscopic analysis and observation of nonamplification of enantioselectivity in nonlinear effect experiments suggested that a monomeric calcium species with an anionic ligand was formed as an active catalyst. A stepwise mechanism of the [3 + 2] cycloaddition, consisting of 1,4-addition and successive intramolecular Mannich-type reaction was suggested. Furthermore, modification of the Schiff base structure resulted in a modification of the reaction course from a [3 + 2] cycloaddition to a 1,4-addition, affording 3-substituted glutamic acid derivatives with high diasterero- and enantioselectivities.     

Lewis Acid Catalyzed Formal (3+2)-Cycloaddition of Bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes with Ketenes

Design, synthesis and application of benzene bioisosteres have attracted a lot of attention in the past 20 years. Recently, bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes have emerged as highly attractive bioisosteres for ortho- and meta-substituted benzenes. Herein we report a mild, scalable and transition-metal-free protocol for the construction of highly substituted bicyclo[2.1.1]hexan-2-ones through Lewis acid catalyzed (3+2)-cycloaddition of bicyclo[1.1.0]-butane ketones with disubstituted ketenes. The reaction shows high functional group tolerance as documented by the successful preparation of various 3-alkyl-3-aryl as well as 3,3-bisalkyl bicyclo[2.1.1]hexan-2-ones (26 examples, up to 89 % yield). Postfunctionalization of the exocyclic ketone moiety is also demonstrated.     

Asymmetric Rh(I)-catalyzed intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 1-yne-vinylcyclopropanes for bicyclo[3.3.0] compounds with a chiral quaternary carbon stereocenter and density functional theory study of the origins of enantioselectivity

A highly enantioselective Rh(I)-catalyzed intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 1-yne-VCPs to bicyclo[3.3.0] compounds with an all-carbon chiral quaternary stereocenter at the bridgehead carbon was developed. DFT calculations of the energy surface of the catalytic cycle (complexation, cyclopropane cleavage, alkyne insertion, and reductive elimination) of the asymmetric [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction indicated that the rate- and stereo-determining step is the alkyne-insertion step. Analysis of the alkyne-insertion transition states revealed that the serious steric repulsion between the substituents in the alkyne moiety of the substrates and the rigid H(8)-BINAP backbone is responsible for not generating the disfavored [3 + 2] cycloadducts.     

Synthetic Studies on and Mechanistic Insight into [W(CO)5(L)]‐Catalyzed Stereoselective Construction of Functionalized Bicyclo[5.3.0]decane Frameworks

Stereoselective preparation of a variety of synthetically useful functionalized bicyclo[5.3.0]decane derivatives was achieved by tandem cyclization of 3‐siloxy‐1,3,9‐triene‐7‐yne derivatives based on the electrophilic activation of alkynes catalyzed by [W(CO)₅(L)]. The reaction proceeded smoothly under photoirradiation, and various substrates were cyclized to give the corresponding bicyclic compounds with up to four chiral centers stereospecifically. Reactions of siloxydienes with a silyl substituent as an equivalent of a hydroxyl group also proceeded with wide generality to afford silyl‐substituted bicyclo[5.3.0]decanes, which were highly useful as synthetic intermediates. Stereochemical studies concerning the silyl enol ether moiety suggested that two types of reaction pathway for the formation of seven‐membered rings were present. The reaction of (Z)‐enol silyl ethers proceeded through Cope rearrangement of cis‐divinylcyclopropane intermediates, and that of (E)‐enol silyl ethers by 1,4‐addition of the dienyl tungsten species at the position δ to the metal atom. In the reactions of siloxydiene derivatives with silyl substituents, all possible diastereomers could be synthesized stereoselectively by changing the geometry of the silyl enol ether and enyne moieties.     

Chiral Silver Amides as Effective Catalysts for Enantioselective [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions

Asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of α‐aminoester Schiff bases with substituted olefins is one of the most efficient methods for the preparation of chiral pyrrolidine derivatives in optically pure form. In spite of its potential utility, applicable substrates for this method have been limited to Schiff bases that bear relatively acidic α‐hydrogen atoms. Here we report a chiral silver amide complex for asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition reactions. A silver complex prepared from silver bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (AgHMDS) and (R)‐DTBM‐SEGPHOS worked well in asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of α‐aminoester Schiff bases with several olefins to afford the corresponding pyrrolidine derivatives in high yields with remarkable exo‐ and enantioselectivities. Furthermore, α‐aminophosphonate Schiff bases, which have less acidic α‐hydrogen atoms, also reacted with olefins with high exo‐ and enantioselectivities. The stereoselectivities of the [3+2] cycloadditions with maleate and fumarate suggested that the reaction proceeded by means of a concerted mechanism. An NMR spectroscopic study indicated that complexation of AgHMDS with the bisphosphine ligand was not complete, and that free AgHMDS, which did not show any significant catalytic activity, existed in the catalyst solution. This means that significant ligand acceleration occurred in the current reaction system.     

Synthesis and aminolysis of N-(4-chlorophenyl)- and N-(2,4-dichlorophenylsulfonyl)-N-(glycidyl)bicyclo-[2.2.1]hept-5-en-endo-ylmethylamines

A glycidyl fragment was introduced into molecules of derivatives of bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-endo-2-ylmethylamine (sulfonamides, sulfonylurea) under the conditions of phase-transfer catalysis; carboxamides were established to be passive in this reaction; the results were compared with the calculations of the proton affinity of the nitrogen atoms in the molecules of the acyl derivatives of the framework amine. Products were obtained from reactions of N-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-N-(glycidyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-endo-2-ylmethylamine with benzylamine, N-benzylpiperazine, and bicyclic framework amines. The regiochemistry of the aminolysis was investiganted with the help of NMR ¹H, ¹³C spectra, and also with the use of 2D spectra COSY, NOESY, HMQC, HMBC.     

Parts-per-Million-Level,Catalytic [3+2]-Annulations for the Asymmetric Synthesis of Methanobenzo[7]annulenes

3-Alkyl-lawsones selectively reacted with α-alkyl-nitroethylenes under 500 parts-per-million (ppm) quinine-NH-thiourea-catalysis to furnish the chiral methanobenzo[7]annulenes in up to >99 % ee with >20 : 1 dr and TON up to 1820 through tandem Michael/Henry [3+2]-annulations. These asymmetric ppm-level, catalytic tandem [3+2]-annulations would be highly inspirational for the design of many more ppm-level organocatalytic reactions, and at the same time these final molecules are basic skeletons of antibiotics.     

Bromenium‐Catalysed Tandem Ring Opening/Cyclisation of Vinylcyclopropanes and Vinylcyclobutanes: A Metal‐Free [3+2+1]/[4+2+1] Cascade for the Synthesis of Chiral Amidines and Computational Investigation

We present a detailed study of a [3+2+1] cascade cyclisation of vinylcyclopropanes (VCP) catalysed by a bromenium species (Br^δ+? X^δ?) generated in situ, which results in the synthesis of chiral bicyclic amidines in a tandem one‐pot operation. The formation of amidines involves the ring‐opening of VCPs with Br? X, followed by a Ritter‐type reaction with chloramine‐T and a tandem cyclisation. The reaction has been further extended to vinylcyclobutane systems and involves a [4+2+1] cascade cyclisation with the same reagents. The versatility of the methodology has been demonstrated by careful choice of VCPs and VCBs to yield bicyclo[4.3.0]‐, ‐[4.3.1]‐ and ‐[4.4.0]amidines in enantiomerically pure form. On the basis of the experimental observations and DFT calculations, a reasonable mechanism has been put forth to account for the formation of the products and the observed stereoselectivity. We propose the existence of a π‐stabilised homoallylic carbocation at the cyclopropane carbon as the reason for high stereoselectivity. DFT studies at B3LYP/6‐311+G** and M06‐2X/6‐31+G* levels of theory in gas‐phase calculations suggest the ring‐opening of VCP is initiated at the π‐complex stage (between the double bond and Br? X). This can be clearly perceived from the solution‐phase (acetonitrile) calculations using the polarisable continuum model (PCM) solvation model, from which the extent of the ring opening of VCP was found to be noticeably high. Studies also show that the formation of zero‐bridge bicyclic amidines is favoured over other bridged bicyclic amidines. The energetics of competing reaction pathways is compared to explain the product selectivity.     

Synthesis of Bridged Bicyclic Molecules using Halocarbenes. Derivatives of bicyclo[4.2.1]nonane

The addition of dichlorocarbene (generated by the interaction of sodium methoxide and ethyl trichloroacetate) to bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-2-ene, its 3-chloro and exo-3,4-dichloro derivatives gives the exo 1 : 1 adducts in yields of 94, 89 and 48%. By suitable chemical reactions of these adducts, convenient syntheses of bicyclo[4.2.1]nona-2,4-diene and bicyclo[4.2.1]non-3-ene, together with their monochloro, dichloro and trichloro derivatives are obtained. Bicyclo[4.2.1]-nonan-3-one is also obtained from bicyclo[4.2.1]non-3-ene in a synthesis starting from the readily available 5-hydroxymethylnorborn-2-ene in an overall yield of 20%.     

Expeditious synthesis of N-bridged heterocycles via dipolar cycloaddition of pentafulvenes with 3-oxidopyridinium betaines

A new and highly versatile approach towards the synthesis of bicyclo[6.3.0]undecanes and bicyclo[5.3.0]decanes was accomplished. The methodology adopted involved [6+3] and [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of pentafulvenes with 3-oxidopyridinium betaines generated either by the action of a base on the pyridinium salt or thermally from pyridinium betaine dimer. These well-functionalized bicyclo[6.3.0]undecanes and bicyclo[5.3.0]decanes offer a wide range of synthetic options, which can be expected to translate into a variety of rapid and efficient synthesis of natural products.     

Thermische,nichtkatalysierte Cycloadditionen der Acrylverbindungen an Cycloheptatrien

The cycloaddition reactions of cycloheptatriene with acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate have been investigated in some detail. The exo ( 1 ) and endo ( 2 ) adducts resulting from the [2+2+2]-cycloaddition of acrylic components to the 2,5-positions of cycloheptatriene have been separated and the structures have been elucidated by NMR. The by-products are 7-endo-substitued derivatives of bicyclo[4,2,1]nona-2,4-diene ( 3 ), resulting from the formal [6+2]-cycloaddition to the 1,6-positions of cycloheptatriene. The mechanism of their formation is discussed. Irradiation (λ = 253,7 nm) of 3 in various solvents gave an almost quantitativ yield of [2+2]-cyclodimers of the 14 type. No intramolecular photocyclization of 3 to cyclobutenes 13a and/or 13b was observed.     

Photochemical,thermal, and base-induced access to hydroazulene derivatives via two-carbon ring-enlargement reactions of condensed electrophilic cyclobutenes

Enamines, silyl enol ethers, and beta-keto ester anions derived from bicyclo[3.3.0]octan-2-one efficiently underwent a formal [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction with DMAD and ethyl propynoate leading to a large variety of electrophilic cyclobutenes. The latter were transformed into polyfunctionalized bicyclo[5.3.0]decane (or hydroazulene) ring systems in high yields by fragmentation of the cyclobutene moiety. These two-carbon ring-enlargement reactions were utilized as a synthetic tool for the construction of a polyfunctionalized hydroazulene derivative that represents a potential precursor of the tricyclic framework of ingenol.     

Enantioselective formal [3+3] annulation for the direct construction of bicyclic skeletons with four stereogenic centers

An enantioselective formal [3+3] annulation reaction of cyclic ketones with enones has been developed. In the presence of 20 mol % of pyrrolidine-thiourea 1a or N-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl)trifluoromethanesulfonamide 1i, the reactions afford bicyclo [3.3.1] adducts in moderate to good yields with good to high enantioselectivities under mild conditions.     

Exploiting the ring strain in bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane systems for the stereoselective preparation of highly functionalized cyclopentene, dihydrofuran, pyrroline, and pyrrolidine scaffolds

The high strain of bicyclic systems drives retro-condensation reactions on bridgehead substituted bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-enes giving rise to orthogonally functionalized cyclopentene, 2,5-dihydrofuran, and 3-pyrroline scaffolds. Retro-Dieckman reactions were easily carried out on 3-tosyl-(7-carba/7-oxa/7-aza)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-ones. Retro-aldol reactions of N-Boc-3-tosyl-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-ol and functionalized N-Boc-3-tosyl-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ols yield functionalized pyrrolidine scaffolds stereoselectively. The same reaction does not work with corresponding norbornene and 7-oxanorbornene derivatives.