Well‐Defined Models for the Elusive Dinuclear Intermediates of the Pauson–Khand Reaction

The mechanism of the Pauson–Khand reaction has attracted significant interest due to the unusual dinuclear nature of the Co₂(CO)_x active site. Experimental and computational data have indicated that the intermediates following the initial Co₂(CO)₆(alkyne) complex are thermodynamically unstable and do not build up in appreciable concentrations during the course of the reaction. As a consequence, the key steps that control the scope of viable substrates and various aspects of selectivity have remained largely uncharacterized. Herein, a direct experimental investigation of the dinuclear metallacycle‐forming step of the Pauson–Khand reaction is reported. These studies capitalize on well‐defined d⁹–d⁹ dinickel complexes supported by a naphthyridine–diimine (NDI) pincer ligand as functional surrogates of Co₂(CO)₈.     

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (−)-Cephalotanin B

Cephalotaxus diterpenoids are attractive natural products with intriguing molecular frameworks and promising biological features. As a structurally unusual member, (−)-cephalotanin B possesses an extraordinarily congested heptacyclic skeleton, three lactone units, and nine consecutive stereocenters. Herein, we report an enantioselective total synthesis of (−)-cephalotanin B based on a divergent asymmetric Michael addition reaction, a novel Pauson–Khand/deacyloxylation process discovered in the development of a second-generation stereoselective Pauson–Khand reaction protocol, and an epoxide-opening/elimination/dual-lactonization cascade to construct the challenging propeller-shaped A–B–C ring system as key transformations.     

Pauson-Khand反应的研究进展

综述了过渡金属络合物参与或催化的Pauson-Khand反应，不对称Pauson- Khand反应的最新进展。     

Catalytic Enantioselective Cyclopropenation of Internal Alkynes: Access to Difluoromethylated Three‐Membered Carbocycles

Herein we described an efficient Rh^II‐catalyzed enantioselective cyclopropenation reaction of internal alkynes with a masked difluorodiazoethane reagent (PhSO₂CF₂CHN₂, Ps‐DFA). This asymmetric transformation offers efficient access to a broad range of enantioenriched difluoromethylated cyclopropenes (40 examples, up to 99 % yield, 97 % ee). The synthetic utility of obtained strained carbocycles is demonstrated by subsequent stereodefined processes, including cross‐couplings, hydrogenation, Diels–Alder reaction, and Pauson–Khand reaction.     

Three characteristic reactions of alkynes with metal compounds in organic synthesis

Alkynes have two sets of mutually orthogonal π‐bonds that are different from the π‐bonds of alkenes. These π‐bonds are able to bond with transition metal compounds. Alkynes easily bond with the various kinds of compounds having a π‐bond such as carbon monoxide, alkenes, other alkynes and nitriles in the presence of the transition metal compounds. The most representative reaction of alkynes is called the Pauson–Khand reaction. The Pauson–Khand reactions include the cyclization of alkynes with alkenes and carbon monoxide in the presence of cobalt carbonyls. Similar Pauson–Khand reactions also proceed in the presence of other transition metal compounds. These reactions are the first type of characteristic reaction of alkynes. Other various kinds of cyclizations with alkynes also proceed in the presence of the transition metal compounds. These reactions are the second type of characteristic reaction of alkynes. These include cyclooligomerizations and cycloadditions. The cyclooligomerizations include mainly cyclotrimerizations and cyclotetramerizations, and the cycloadditions are [2 + 2], [2 + 2 + 1], [2 + 2 + 2], [3 + 2], [4 + 2], etc., type cycloadditions. Alkynes are fairly reactive because of the high s character of their σ‐bonds. Therefore, simple coupling reactions with alkynes also proceed besides the cyclizations. The coupling reactions are the third type of characteristic reactions of alkynes in the presence of, mainly, the transition metal compounds. These reactions include carbonylations, dioxycarbonylations, Sonogashira reactions, coupling reactions with aldehydes, ketones, alkynes, alkenes and allyl compounds. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bornane-2,10-sultam: a highly efficient chiral controller and mechanistic probe for the intermolecular Pauson–Khand reaction

The origin of the essentially complete diastereoselectivity observed in the intermolecular Pauson–Khand reactions of N-(2-alkynoyl)bornane-2,10-sultam derivatives has been studied by a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques. PM3(tm) calculations show that the corresponding dicobalthexacarbonyl complexes have only two stable conformations that are geometrically very similar. The CD spectra of these complexes are in accordance with these calculations. Finally, a PM3(tm)//DFT study of the putative intermediates in the Pauson–Khand cycloaddition of complex 5b with norbornadiene shows that an oxygen atom of the sultam moiety of the auxiliary can selectively chelate one of the cobalt atoms of the initially formed alkyne–dicobaltpentacarbonyl complex, and that the coordination of the olefin to the same cobalt in a well-defined orientation is also the energetically preferred option. This chelation effect leads to an extremely efficient chirality transfer to the C₂Co₂ tetrahedral core of the alkyne–dicobaltcarbonyl complex and completely determines the diastereoselectivity of the process.     

Total Syntheses of (−)-Conidiogenone B, (−)-Conidiogenone,and (−)-Conidiogenol

Cyclopianes are novel diterpenes featuring a highly strained 6/5/5/5 tetracyclic core embedded with 6–8 consecutive stereocenters. The concise total syntheses of (−)-conidiogenone B, (−)-conidiogenone, and (−)-conidiogenol have been accomplished in 14–17 steps. The present work features a HAT-mediated alkene–nitrile cyclization to access the cis-biquinane, a Nicholas/Pauson–Khand reaction to construct the linear triquinane, and a Danheiser annulation to afford the congested angular triquinane skeleton.     

Studies on the Pauson–Khand reaction of alkynyl sulfoxides. Unexpectedly easy racemization of their dicobalt hexacarbonyl complexes

The scope and limitations of the Pauson–Khand reactions of alkynyl sulfoxides with strained alkenes have been studied. (S)-1-Hexynyl p-tolyl sulfoxide and (S)-2-phenylethynyl p-tolyl sulfoxide afforded β-(p-tolylsulfinyl)enones in moderate yields and low diastereoselectivities. The diastereomeric mixtures were easily separated by column chromatography and the sulfinyl group could be cleaved by a sequence involving reduction to sulfide, carbonyl reduction and enol thioether hydrolysis to afford 1,3-rearranged enantiomerically enriched α-butyl and α-phenyl enones. The absolute configuration of the Pauson–Khand adducts was determined by X-ray diffraction. The decreased enantiomeric excess of the final products uncovered an unprecedented low temperature racemization of the hexacarbonyl dicobalt complexes of alkynyl sulfoxides.     

An enantiodivergent formal synthesis of paecilomycine A

A concise, enantiodivergent formal synthesis of (+)-paecilomycine A and its antipode, involving a 1,4-chirality transfer protocol and an intramolecular Pauson–Khand reaction as the key steps is outlined.     

Total Syntheses of (−)‐Conidiogenone B, (−)‐Conidiogenone,and (−)‐Conidiogenol

Cyclopianes are novel diterpenes featuring a highly strained 6/5/5/5 tetracyclic core embedded with 6–8 consecutive stereocenters. The concise total syntheses of (?)‐conidiogenone B, (?)‐conidiogenone, and (?)‐conidiogenol have been accomplished in 14–17 steps. The present work features a HAT‐mediated alkene–nitrile cyclization to access the cis‐biquinane, a Nicholas/Pauson–Khand reaction to construct the linear triquinane, and a Danheiser annulation to afford the congested angular triquinane skeleton.     

Total Synthesis of (−)‐Nakadomarin A

A highly efficient 12‐step synthesis of the marine alkaloid (?)‐nakadomarin A has been accomplished. The key advanced intermediate, a tetracyclic ketone derivative, was constructed in just seven steps using a sequence that includes an asymmetric Pauson–Khand reaction, an Overman rearrangement reaction, a ring‐closing metathesis reaction, and an amination reaction. Late introduction of the furan ring during the synthesis of (?)‐nakadomarin A means that the key tetracyclic ketone derivative has the potential to serve as an advanced intermediate for the synthesis of related marine alkaloids.     

Conformational control on remote stereochemistry in the intramolecular Pauson–Khand reactions of enynes tethered to homoallyl and homopropargyl alcohols

An intramolecular Pauson–Khand reaction of enynes derived from homoallyl and homopropargyl alcohols is described. 2-Furyl substituted homoallyl and homopropargyl alcohols are easily and efficiently resolved through enzymatic resolution in a high ee (93–99%) with a known stereochemistry. Each enantiomerically enriched enyne affords the conformationally most stable diastereomeric cyclopenta[c]pyran ring system.     

Intermolecular Pauson–Khand reactions of N-substituted maleimides

Co₂(CO)₈-mediated intermolecular Pauson–Khand reactions of N-substituted maleimides with terminal alkynes are described, producing maleimide-fused cyclopentenones. The transformation differs from other intermolecular Pauson–Khand-type reactions of electron-deficient olefins, which react with Co₂(CO)₈ and alkynes to produce conjugated dienes, or generally require terminal, monosubstituted olefins to generate cyclopentenones. The reaction works well for N-benzyl, N-aryl, and N-alkyl substituted maleimides, and tolerates branching at the 3-position of the terminal alkyne. N–H maleimide, N–CO₂Me maleimide, and maleic anhydride do not take part in the transformation.     

Synthesis of Tris(N,N-dimethylthiocarbamoyl)-1,1,1-tris-(methylaminomethyl)ethane and Its Application as Ligand for Pauson–Khand Reaction

Tris(N,N-dimethylthiocarbamoyl)-1,1,1-tris(methylaminomethyl)ethane ligand was prepared from very cheap and commercially availably tris-1,1,1-(hydroxymethyl)ethane in five steps and applied as ligand in 1:1 coordination to cobalt in a catalytic Pauson–Khand reaction with Co₂(CO)₈ as catalyst.     

A Click Approach to Polymetallic Chromium(0) and Tungsten(0) Fischer‐Carbene Complexes and Their Use in the Synthesis of Functionalized Polymetallic Metal?Carbene Complexes

Alkynylamino Cr⁰ and W⁰ Fischer carbenes undergo a CuAAC reaction with a diverse range of di‐, tri‐, and tetra‐azides to produce polymetallic chromium(0) and tungsten(0) (Fischer)‐carbene complexes in good‐to‐excellent yields. This method is simple, versatile, and is suitable for the preparation of a diverse range of structures with a high level of symmetry. Moreover, the resulting polymetallic carbene complexes are suitable partners for the peripheral functionalization of the metal nuclei, whilst retaining the metal fragment. This fact has been demonstrated in a simultaneous Pauson–Khand reaction, which, in some cases, allows for the generation of four bicyclic [5,5] rings on the periphery of a tetrametallic molecule in a process that involves the formation of 12 new C? C bonds, with four simultaneous CO‐insertion processes. The electrochemistry of the polymetallic Fischer carbenes show completely independent behavior for each nucleus, as well as an anomalous observation of the reversible oxidation of the allyl substituents, which has not been reported before in this class of chemistry.     

New Developments in the Pauson–Khand Reaction

Catalytic and asymmetric variations , enones, enynes, and allene as other starting materials, and numerous applications in natural product synthesis are all evidence of the diversity of the Pauson–Khand reaction [Eq. (a)], which now definitely counts among the standard tools of organic synthesis.     

A Substrate‐Based Approach to Skeletal Diversity from Dicobalt Hexacarbonyl (C1)‐Alkynyl Glycals by Exploiting Its Combined Ferrier–Nicholas Reactivity

Novel substrates that combine dicobalt hexacarbonyl propargyl (Nicholas) and pyranose‐derived allylic (Ferrier) cations have been generated by treatment of hexacarbonyldicobalt (C‐1)‐alkynyl glycals with BF₃^.Et₂O. The study of these cations has resulted in the discovery of novel reaction pathways that have shown to be associated to the nature of O‐6 substituent in the starting alkynyl glycals. Accordingly, compounds resulting from ring expansion (oxepanes), ring contraction (tetrahydrofurans), or branched pyranoses, by incorporation of nucleophiles, can be obtained from 6‐O‐benzyl, 6‐hydroxy, or 6‐O‐silyl derivatives, respectively. The use of a 6‐O‐allyl alkynyl glycal led to a suitable funtionalized oxepane able to experience an intramolecular Pauson–Khand cyclization leading to a single tricyclic derivative.     

Phosphine–Alkene Ligands as Mechanistic Probes in the Pauson–Khand Reaction

An alkyne tetracarbonyl dicobalt complex with a chelated phosphine–alkene ligand, in which the phosphorus atom and the alkene from the ligand are attached to the same cobalt atom has been prepared, isolated, and characterized by X‐ray crystallography. The complex serves as a mechanistic model for an intermediate of the Pauson–Khand (PK) reaction. Although the alkene fragment is located in an equatorial coordination site with an appropriate orientation, and, therefore, should undergo insertion, it failed to give the PK product upon either thermal or N‐methylmorpholine N‐oxide activation. However, a phosphine–alkene complex that contains a terminal alkene readily provided the corresponding PK product. We attribute this change in reactivity to the different ability of each olefin to undergo 1,2‐insertion. These results provide further insights into the factors that govern a crucial step in the PK reaction, the olefin insertion.     

Enantioselective Synthesis and Racemization of (−)-Sinoracutine

Sinoracutine is a recently isolated alkaloid with unusual stereochemical and biological properties. It features an unprecedented tetracyclic 6/6/5/5 skeleton that bears an N-methylpyrrolidine ring fused to a cyclopentenone. Interestingly, both enantiomers of sinoracutine have been independently isolated from the same plant, yet the molecule does not appear to occur as a racemate. Here, we present a short synthesis of (−)-sinoracutine that relies on a highly diastereoselective Pauson–Khand reaction and a Mandai–Claisen reaction to install the quaternary stereocenter. Our work establishes the absolute configuration of the levorotatory isomer and suggests that the optical purity of sinoracutine varies in nature due to its gradual racemization. Experimental evidence supports this proposal, and a plausible mechanism for the racemization is provided.     

Allylsilyl Propargyl Ethers as Substrates for Intramolecular Pauson–Khand Reactions

Silyl ethers that are synthesized by coupling a propargylic alcohol with an allylsilyl chloride are shown to undergo sulfide‐promoted Pauson–Khand reactions, affording bicyclic enones.