Synthesis of 3,3‐Disubstituted Oxindoles by Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Intramolecular α‐Arylation of Amides: Reaction Development and Mechanistic Studies

Palladium complexes incorporating chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands catalyze the asymmetric intramolecular α‐arylation of amides producing 3,3‐disubstituted oxindoles. Comprehensive DFT studies have been performed to gain insight into the mechanism of this transformation. Oxidative addition is shown to be rate‐determining and reductive elimination to be enantioselectivity‐determining. The synthesis of seven new NHC ligands is detailed and their performance is compared. One of them, L8 , containing a tBu and a 1‐naphthyl group at the stereogenic centre, proved superior and was very efficient in the asymmetric synthesis of fifteen new spiro‐oxindoles and three azaspiro‐oxindoles often in high yields (up to 99 %) and enantioselectivities (up to 97 % ee; ee=enantiomeric excess). Three palladacycle intermediates resulting from the oxidative addition of [Pd(NHC)] into the aryl halide bond were isolated and structurally characterized (X‐ray). Using these intermediates as catalysts showed alkene additives to play an important role in increasing turnover number and frequency.     

Synthesis of Peptides by Silver‐Promoted Coupling of Carboxylates and Thioamides: Mechanistic Insight from Computational Studies

The mechanism of the recently described N→C direction peptide synthesis through silver‐promoted coupling of N‐protected amino acids with thioacetylated amino esters was explored by using density functional theory. Calculation of the potential energy surfaces for various pathways revealed that the reaction proceeds through silver‐assisted addition of the carboxylate to the thioamide, which is followed by deprotonation and silver‐mediated extrusion of sulfur as Ag₂S. The resulting isoimide is the key intermediate, which subsequently rearranges to an imide through a concerted pericyclic [1,3]‐acyl shift (O–sp²N 1,3‐acyl migration). The proposed mechanism clearly emphasises the requirement of two equivalents of Ag^I and basic reaction conditions, which is in full agreement with the experimental findings. Alternative rearrangement pathways involving only one equivalent of Ag^I or through O–sp³N 1,3‐acyl migration can be excluded. The computations further revealed that peptide couplings involving thioformamides require significant conformational changes in the intermediate isoformimide, which slow down the rearrangement process.     

Catalytic,Conjugate Reduction‐Aldol Addition Reaction of β′‐Oxoalkyl α,β‐Unsaturated Carboxylates

Intramolecular conjugate reduction‐aldol addition reactions of β′‐oxoalkyl α,β‐unsaturated carboxylates were performed in the presence of copper catalysts generated in situ from copper salts, phosphine ligands and silanes. Moderate to good yields and high diastereoselectivities were obtained in 15 min to 3 h using bis[(2‐diphenylphosphino)phenyl] ether as the ligand.     

An Efficient Synthesis of 5,6‐Dimethoxy 1‐ and 2‐Naphthols via Teuber Reaction

Based on the oxidation of 1,5‐naphthalenediol ( 4 ) and 6‐bromo‐2‐naphthol ( 9 ) via Teuber reaction, an efficient synthesis of 5,6‐dimethoxy‐1‐naphthol ( 1 ) and 5,6‐dimethoxy‐2‐naphthol ( 2 ) was achieved with high overall yield (16% for 1 and 25% for 2 ). The key steps of the synthetic strategy involved the oxidation of naphthols ( 4 and 9 ) to the corresponding naphthoquinones ( 5 and 10 ) and the conversion of 5,6‐dimethoxy‐2‐naphthaldehyde to 5,6‐dimethoxy‐2‐naphthol formate through Baeyer‐Villiger oxidation‐rearrangement.     

A New Zincate‐Mediated Rearrangement Reaction of 2‐(1‐Hydroxyalkyl)‐1‐alkylcyclopropanol

A novel rearrangement of 2‐(1‐hydroxyalkyl)‐1‐alkylcyclopropanol has been found. It proceeds in the presence of a catalytic amount of organozinc ate complex to give vic‐diols. The rearrangement can be applied to various types of 2‐(1‐hydroxyalkyl)‐1‐alkylcyclopropanol, which can be easily prepared from the corresponding α,β‐epoxyketones and bis(iodozincio)methane. When bicyclo[13.1.0]pentadecane‐1,15‐diol was treated with the organozinc ate complex, the corresponding 14‐membered cyclic vic‐diol was obtained. Thus, this rearrangement is also useful for changing the ring size of cyclic substrates.     

Practical Preparation of 2‐Halomethyl‐Allyl Carboxylates

An improved, efficient preparation of 2‐(halomethyl)allyl carboxylates starting from diethyl bis(hydroxymethyl)malonate and hydrobromic acid is reported. The allylic halogen of 2‐(chloromethyl)acrylate and 2‐(bromomethyl)acrylate are readily exchanged during esterification.     

Pictet‐Spengler Condensation of N,N‐Dimethylsulfamoyl‐β‐Phenethylamines with Methylthioacetic Acid Ethyl Ester. New Synthesis of Ethyl 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydroisoquinoline‐1‐Carboxylates

The reaction of N,N‐dimethylsulfamoyl‐β‐phenethylamines with methylthioacetic acid ethyl ester using phenyliodine(III) bis(trifluoroacetate) gives moderate to good yields of the corresponding ethyl 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline‐1‐carboxylates.     

Efficient Domino Approach to Polysubstituted 2‐Hydroxyindole‐3,4‐(2H,5H)‐diones

Concise and efficient domino [3 + 2] heterocyclization promoted by HCOOH has been established for unprecedented synthesis of 15 examples of 2‐hydroxyindole‐3,4‐(2H,5H)‐diones in good yields. The present methodology shows attractive properties such as mild reaction conditions, concise one‐pot operation, short reaction periods of 15–20 min, and easy purification. The resulting 2‐hydroxyindole‐3,4(2H,5H)‐diones are of importance for organic and medicinal research.     

Ritter Reaction of 1‐Aryl‐1‐Fluoro‐2‐Haloethanes

Fluorinated phenethyl bromides 1,2 , and 3 , prove to be totally inert under Ritter reaction conditions in the presence of either SnCl₄ or AgNO₃, due to the strong deactivation by the gem‐difluoro unit. Subjecting 2‐bromo‐1‐fluoro‐1‐phenylethane to SnCl₄ in MeCN at elevated temperatures led to formation of 2‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydrooxazole.     

One‐Pot Synthesis of (−)‐Oseltamivir and Mechanistic Insights into the Organocatalyzed Michael Reaction

The one‐pot sequential synthesis of (?)‐oseltamivir has been achieved without evaporation or solvent exchange in 36 % yield over seven reactions. The key step was the asymmetric Michael reaction of pentan‐3‐yloxyacetaldehyde with (Z)‐N‐2‐nitroethenylacetamide, catalyzed by a diphenylprolinol silyl ether. The use of a bulky O‐silyl‐substituted diphenylprolinol catalyst, chlorobenzene as a solvent, and HCO₂H as an acid additive, were key to produce the first Michael adduct in both excellent yield and excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. Investigation into the effect of acid demonstrated that an acid additive accelerates not only the E–Z isomerization of the enamines derived from pentan‐3‐yloxyacetaldehyde with diphenylprolinol silyl ether, but also ring opening of the cyclobutane intermediate and the addition reaction of the enamine to (Z)‐N‐2‐nitroethenylacetamide. The transition‐state model for the Michael reaction of pentan‐3‐yloxyacetaldehyde with (Z)‐N‐2‐nitroethenylacetamide was proposed by consideration of the absolute configuration of the major and minor isomers of the Michael product with the results of the Michael reaction of pentan‐3‐yloxyacetaldehyde with phenylmaleimide and naphthoquinone.     

Heck Reaction as Key Step in the Synthesis of Hydrogenated 2‐benzazepin‐1‐ones

Two strategies were pursued for the synthesis of 2‐benzazepin‐1‐ones 16 and 17 with an N/O‐acetal or enamide in 3‐position. Establishment of the propionaldehyde substructure first and subsequently the amide moiety via a four step sequence failed to provide amides 11 . However the Pd‐catalyzed Heck reaction of 2‐iodobenzamides 13 with allyl alcohol and subsequent reaction of the products 14 / 15 with acid led to 2‐benzazepin‐1‐ones in a two‐step sequence. Depending on the size of the N‐substituent the 3‐methoxy derivative 16a or the dihydro‐2‐benzazepine 17b was formed.     

Synthesis and Properties of Triphenylgermanium Heteroaromatic Carboxylates and Crystal Structure of Triphenylgermanium 2‐Furoate

Ten triphenylgermanium heteroaromatic carboxylates Ph₃GeO₂CR (where R=2‐furanyl, 2‐furanvinyl, 2‐(5‐tertbutyl) furanyl, 2‐thiophenyl, 2‐pyridinyl, 3‐pyridinyl, 4‐pyridinyl, 3‐indolyl, 3‐indolylmethyl, 3‐indolylpropyl) were synthesized by the reaction of sodium heteroaromatic carboxylates with the triphenylgermanium chloride. All compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR and MS spectra. The compounds were tested against two human tumour cell lines: MCF‐7 and WiDr. The results showed that they had high activities. The crystal structure of triphenylgermanium 2‐furoate was determined by X‐ray single crystal diffraction. The crystal belongs to monoclinic with space group P2₁/c, a = 1.1545(4), b=0.9934(3), c = 1.6284(5) nm, β= 91.59(5), Z = 4. In this crystal, the structure consists of discrete molecule containing four‐coordinate germanium atom in a distored tetrahedron.     

Facile Synthesis of Polysubstituted Indolizines via One‐Pot Reaction of 1‐Acetylaryl 2‐Formylpyrroles and Enals

An efficient method for the synthesis of polysubstituted indolizines has been developed based on formal [4+2] annulation of 1‐acetylaryl 2‐formylpyrroles with enals, followed by oxidative aromatization. Pyridine‐type six‐membered rings were constructed in this transformation. This transition metal‐free reaction features mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and excellent functional group tolerance. Notably, the formyl group is well tolerated under reaction conditions.     

Oxidative Cyclization Reaction of 2‐Aryl‐Substituted Cinnamates To Form Phenanthrene Carboxylates by Using MoCl5

The oxidative cyclization reaction of 2‐aryl cinnamates and derivatives thereof can be easily performed with MoCl₅ as the oxidant. This powerful reagent allows oxidative coupling reactions for which other reagents fail. The best results are obtained when the 2‐phenyl substituent of the cinnamate is equipped with two methoxy groups. Even iodo moieties in the bay region of phenanthrene are tolerated under the reaction conditions. If naphthalene moieties are involved, a rearrangement of the skeleton occurs, providing an elegant route to highly functionalized angular arenes. The cyclization is demonstrated for 15 example substrates with isolated yields of up to 99 % for the phenanthrene derivative. The broad scope of the reaction underlines the usefulness of MoCl₅ and MoCl₅/TiCl₄ in the oxidative coupling reaction.     

Synthesis and characterization of 1‐ and 2‐cinnamoyloxyacetonaphthones

The synthesis of 1‐ and 2‐cinnamoyloxyacetonaphthones was achieved in one step using hydroxyl acetonaphthones and substituted cinnamic acids in the presence of a catalytic amount of phosphoroxychloride. Structural characterization was accomplished using high‐resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Chemical shifts of the compounds were compared and the change in the chemical shifts relative to electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing groups is presented. Introduction of a thiophene ring instead of phenyl‐substituted analogs caused shielding of the olefinic proton. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reaction of 2‐Phenyl‐4‐arylidene‐1,3‐oxazolones with Different Nucleophiles for Synthesis of Some New Heterocycles

Refluxing of 1,3‐oxazolone ( 1a ) with malononitrile in dry benzene and in the presence of ammonium acetate afforded imidazolone derivative ( 2 ). However, carrying out the same reaction in absolute ethanol and in the presence of piperidine as a base gave the benzamide derivative ( 4 ). Fusion of ( 1a ) with p‐anisidine gave the open adduct benzamide ( 6 ), which cyclized in acidic medium to give imidazolone derivative ( 7 ). Heating of imidazolone ( 7 ) with malononitrile above its melting point afforded 1,3‐diazepine derivative ( 8 ). Reaction of the carbohydrazide ( 9 ) with isatin in ethanol gives the corresponding Schiff base ( 11 ), which then reacted with acetyl acetone, ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl cyanoacetate, and malononitrile in n‐butanol and piperidine to afford benzamide derivative ( 13 , 14 , 15 ) and ( 16 ), respectively. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established on the basis of IR, ¹H‐NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analyses.     

Pd‐Catalyzed Carbonylative α‐Arylation of Aryl Bromides: Scope and Mechanistic Studies

Reaction conditions for the three‐component synthesis of aryl 1,3‐diketones are reported applying the palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative α‐arylation of ketones with aryl bromides. The optimal conditions were found by using a catalytic system derived from [Pd(dba)₂] (dba=dibenzylideneacetone) as the palladium source and 1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (DPPP) as the bidentate ligand. These transformations were run in the two‐chamber reactor, COware, applying only 1.5 equivalents of carbon monoxide generated from the CO‐releasing compound, 9‐methylfluorene‐9‐carbonyl chloride (COgen). The methodology proved adaptable to a wide variety of aryl and heteroaryl bromides leading to a diverse range of aryl 1,3‐diketones. A mechanistic investigation of this transformation relying on ³¹P and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy was undertaken to determine the possible catalytic pathway. Our results revealed that the combination of [Pd(dba)₂] and DPPP was only reactive towards 4‐bromoanisole in the presence of the sodium enolate of propiophenone suggesting that a [Pd(dppp)(enolate)] anion was initially generated before the oxidative‐addition step. Subsequent CO insertion into an [Pd(Ar)(dppp)(enolate)] species provided the 1,3‐diketone. These results indicate that a catalytic cycle, different from the classical carbonylation mechanism proposed by Heck, is operating. To investigate the effect of the dba ligand, the Pd⁰ precursor, [Pd(η³‐1‐PhC₃H₄)(η⁵‐C₅H₅)], was examined. In the presence of DPPP, and in contrast to [Pd(dba)₂], its oxidative addition with 4‐bromoanisole occurred smoothly providing the [PdBr(Ar)(dppp)] complex. After treatment with CO, the acyl complex [Pd(CO)Br(Ar)(dppp)] was generated, however, its treatment with the sodium enolate led exclusively to the acylated enol in high yield. Nevertheless, the carbonylative α‐arylation of 4‐bromoanisole with either catalytic or stoichiometric [Pd(η³‐1‐PhC₃H₄)(η⁵‐C₅H₅)] over a short reaction time, led to the 1,3‐diketone product. Because none of the acylated enol was detected, this implied that a similar mechanistic pathway is operating as that observed for the same transformation with [Pd(dba)₂] as the Pd source.