Zirconocene-catalyzed alkylative dimerization of 2-methylene-1,3-dithiane via a single electron transfer process to provide symmetrical vic-bis(dithiane)s

A mixture of tertiary alkyl halide and 2-methylene-1,3-dithiane was treated with butylmagnesium bromide in the presence of a catalytic amount of zirconocene dichloride. The reaction resulted in alkylative dimerization to yield the corresponding vic-bis(dithiane). The reaction would proceed as follows. A single electron transfer from low-valent zirconocene to alkyl halide would generate the corresponding alkyl radical. The radical adds to 2-methylene-1,3-dithiane to afford the corresponding radical stabilized by the two sulfur atoms. A couple of the stable radicals finally undergo dimerization.     

Divergent Synthesis of CF3‐Substituted Allenyl Nitriles by Ligand‐Controlled Radical 1,2‐ and 1,4‐Addition to 1,3‐Enynes

A ligand‐controlled system that enables regioselective trifluoromethylcyanation of 1,3‐enynes has been identified, which provides access to a variety of CF₃‐containing tri‐ and tetrasubstituted allenyl nitriles. We disclose that the involved propargylic radicals can be selectively trapped by (Box)Cu^II cyanide, while the tautomerized allenyl radicals are trapped by (phen)Cu^II cyanide (Box= bisoxazoline, phen=phenanthroline). In addition, the reaction features broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility. Moreover, this protocol represents a novel regioselectivity‐tunable functionalization of 1,3‐enynes via radicals, which we believe will have great implications for the development of catalytic systems for selectivity control in radical and organometallic chemistry.     

Synthesis of the C1-side chain of zaragozic acid D and progress towards a total synthesis

A synthesis of a 1,3-dithiane corresponding to the C1-side chain of zaragozic acid D is described. An aldol reaction using an Evans oxazolidinone is the key step in controlling stereochemistry. Metallation of the derived dithiane monosulfoxide and coupling to an aldehyde effected construction of the C1-C7 bond. Subsequent steps are also reported, including acid-mediated ketalization resulting in formation of an advanced synthetic intermediate containing the bicyclic ketal core of the natural product.     

Soluble and insoluble polymeric 1,3-dithiane reagents for the synthesis of aldehydes from alkyl halides

Through the synthesis and study of model systems as proper dithiane derivatives, vinyl monomers and soluble copolymeric reagents containing 2-unsubstituted 1,3-dithiane rings, we attained the key synthon 1,3-dithiane-5-methanol. Through its reaction with commercial resins, new polymeric reagents useful for supported organic synthesis and combinatorial chemistry were developed. Exploiting the reactivity of position 2 in 1,3-dithiane rings, such polymeric reagents were employed in the production of aldehydes from alkyl halides through a process entirely free from unpleasant odors.     

Synthesis and selective transformation of nitrogen-containing compounds via radical pathways

This account presents the recent contribution of our group to the development of radical methodologies, and their application to the synthesis and the reactivity of nitrogen-containing compounds. The scope of several cascade processes involving sulphur-centred radicals is discussed first, then the synthetic potential of radical additions to C=N bonds mediated by triethylborane and diethylzinc is examined. Special attention is given to 1,3-stereoinduction in the perspective of enantioselective synthesis.     

Open Chain Chiral Macrolide Building Blocks by Opening of Deoxygenated 1,6-Anhydrosugars with 1,3-Propanedithiol

Chiral building blocks for macrolides and related natural products are obtained from 1,6-anhydrosugars by conversion of the bicyclic acetals 2 or 12 into the open chain chiral 1,3-dithianes 6 and 13. Branched precursors can be obtained by opening of the ?erný epoxide 1 with the 1,3-dithiane anion to yield 7, followed by ring opening with 1,3-propanedithiol to the bis-1,3-dithiane 8.     

A new synthesis of 2-substituted-1,3-dithianes from trichloromethyl compounds

Trichloromethyl compounds are efficiently converted into 1,3-dithianes upon reaction with a disodium 1,3-propanedithiolate-1,3-propanedithiol mixture in DMF solution at 0 °C. This synthesis is limited to those substrates where the substituent attached to the trichloromethyl group is an electron-withdrawing group.     

Copper(II)-selective electrode based on dithioacetal

A PVC membrane electrode for copper ion based on 1,3-dithiane,2-(4-methoxy phenyl) as ionophore and o-nitrophenyl octyl ether as a plasticizer is demonstrated. The electrode exhibits a Nernstian slope of 29.5±1 mV per decade in a linear range of 3.0×10⁻⁶ to 5.0×10⁻² M for Cu²⁺ ion. The detection limit of this electrode is 1.0×10⁻⁶ mol/l. This sensor has a very short response time of about 5 s and could be used in a pH range of 4.0-7.0. High selectivity was obtained over a wide variety of metal ions. The proposed electrode was successfully applied as an indicator electrode for the potentiometric titration of copper ion with EDTA and for the direct determination of copper in river water.     

Intermolecular reductive radical addition to 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylidene)-1,3-dithiane 1-oxide: experimental and theoretical studies

Tin hydride mediated radical addition of organic halide to 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylidene)-1,3-dithiane 1-oxide has been devised. The reaction is equivalent to an unrealizable radical addition to trifluoromethylketene, providing useful α-trifluoromethyl carbonyl equivalents. The trifluoromethyl and the sulfoxide groups of the substrate play key roles for the success of the radical addition, lowering the barrier of the radical addition step and controlling the stereoselectivity of the reaction, which DFT calculations have elucidated.     

Deprotection of Thioacetals Using K2S2O8/[bmim]Br as a Mild and Efficient Reagent under Solvent-Free Conditions

Summary. A straightforward and effective procedure for the deprotection of thioacetals to the corresponding carbonyl compounds using potassium persulfate and the ionic liquid [bmim]Br under solvent-free conditions is reported. A variety of aliphatic and aromatic 1,3-dithiolanes or 1,3-dithanes was deprotected to the corresponding carbonyl derivatives by this procedure.     

Constructing the CF3 group; unique trifluorodecarboxylation induced by BrF3

A variety of 2-alkyl-1,3-dithiane-2-carboxylic acids was prepared from the appropriate alkyl halides, 1,3-dithiane and CO₂. These acids were reacted with BrF₃ to form the trifluoromethylalkyl derivatives via a combination of ionic and radical trifluorodecarboxylation in about 50-60% yield.     

Photoredox Catalysis of Aromatic β‐Ketoesters for in Situ Production of Transient and Persistent Radicals for Organic Transformation

Radical formation is the initial step for conventional radical chemistry. Reported herein is a unified strategy to generate radicals in situ from aromatic β‐ketoesters by using a photocatalyst. Under visible‐light irradiation, a small amount of photocatalyst fac‐Ir(ppy)₃ generates a transient α‐carbonyl radical and persistent ketyl radical in situ. In contrast to the well‐established approaches, neither stoichiometric external oxidant nor reductant is required for this reaction. The synthetic utility is demonstrated by pinacol coupling of ketyl radicals and benzannulation of α‐carbonyl radicals with alkynes to give a series of highly substituted 1‐naphthols in good to excellent yields. The readily available photocatalyst, mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and high functional‐group tolerance make this reaction a useful synthetic tool.     

Photoredox Catalysis of Aromatic β-Ketoesters for in Situ Production of Transient and Persistent Radicals for Organic Transformation

Radical formation is the initial step for conventional radical chemistry. Reported herein is a unified strategy to generate radicals in situ from aromatic β-ketoesters by using a photocatalyst. Under visible-light irradiation, a small amount of photocatalyst fac-Ir(ppy)₃ generates a transient α-carbonyl radical and persistent ketyl radical in situ. In contrast to the well-established approaches, neither stoichiometric external oxidant nor reductant is required for this reaction. The synthetic utility is demonstrated by pinacol coupling of ketyl radicals and benzannulation of α-carbonyl radicals with alkynes to give a series of highly substituted 1-naphthols in good to excellent yields. The readily available photocatalyst, mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and high functional-group tolerance make this reaction a useful synthetic tool.     

Copper(II) tetrafluoroborate as an extremely efficient catalyst for 1,3-dithiolane/dithiane formation from carbonyl compounds under solvent-free conditions at room temperature

Copper(II) tetrafluoroborate hydrate is a new and extremely efficient catalyst for 1,3-dithiolane/dithiane formation from aromatic, heteroaromatic and aliphatic aldehydes and cyclic saturated ketones in 1-5 min under solvent-free conditions at room temperature. The reaction is compatible with other functionalities such as ether, ester, hydroxyl, halide, nitro and cyano groups and exhibits excellent chemoselectivity. α,β-Unsaturated aldehydes/ketones lead to selective formation of 1,3-dithiolanes instead of Michael addition products. For substrates bearing an aldehyde and a ketone carbonyl group, chemoselective dithiolane formation takes place with the aldehyde.     

Controlling neighbouring group participation from thioacetals

A 1,3-dithiane displaces tosylate by a 5-exo-tet cyclisation to give a bicyclic sulfonium salt. Nucleophilic attack on this 4-thia-7a-thioniaperhydroindene by azide ions kinetically favours opening to give a nine-membered ring α-azidosulfide, but 2-(3′-azidopropyl)-1,3-dithiane is the thermodynamic product from B3LYP/6-31G** calculations. A similar sulfonium salt generated from 2-(3′-hydroxypropyl)-1,3-dithiane with thionyl chloride rearranges to 2-(3′-chloropropyl)-1,3-dithiane. Azide ion displacement of the primary alkyl chloride is then faster than [1.4] sulfanyl participation from the thioacetal. An α-chlorosulfide derived from diphenyldithioacetal does not rearrange but undergoes direct displacement to give an α-azidosulfide.     

Reaction of dihydrolipoic acid with juglone and related naphthoquinones: unmasking of a spirocyclic 1,3-dithiane intermediate en route to naphtho[1,4]dithiepines

The reaction of dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) with 5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (juglone) gives rise to the novel naphtho[1,4]dithiepine derivatives through ring expansion of an unstable spirocyclic 1,3-dithiane intermediate, which was isolated and completely characterized. Reported herein is also the characterization of novel reaction products of DHLA with other naphthoquinones and the extension of the study to the spirocyclic adduct formed by reaction with a representative 2-substituted naphthoquinone.     

Preparation and application of odorless 1,3-propanedithiol reagents

2-Dodecyl-1,3-propanedithiol (2a) was prepared without a malodorous procedure as an odorless reagent that was usable in place of 1,3-propanedithiol (1) in organic reactions, e.g., in the reduction of azides and protection of carbonyl groups. The 1,3-dithioacetals obtained in the latter reaction were effectively reduced to methylene with Raney nickel and reconverted to the original carbonyl compounds by hydrolysis with N-bromosuccinimide in aqueous 2-butanone. In addition, the anion of 1,3-dithiane prepared from 2a and formaldehyde could be utilized as a synthetic equivalent of an anionic carbonyl carbon.     

Naphthalene analogues of lignans

The methodology for the synthesis of podophyllotoxin and thuriferic acid-type lignans has been applied to derivatives carrying a naphthalene moiety. Starting from the 1,3-dithiane of 2-naphthaldehyde afforded the expected analogues in the 2,1-naphthalene series. The preferred conformations of these compounds are influenced by the bulky naphthalene system. By contrast, 1,8-bridged products were obtained from the 1,3-dithiane of 1-naphthaldehyde. In this series, polycyclic naphthalene lignan analogues were isolated after deprotection and/or desulfurization reactions. The cyclizations produced in this process are due to the proximity between the 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl moiety and the reacting C-2 of the 1,3-dithiane ring.     

Preparation of silyl-protected γ-hydroxylated α,β-unsaturated acetylenic ketones and their reactions with some nucleophiles

A number of 5-siloxylated 1,1-diethoxy-3-alkyn-2-ones were prepared from the corresponding ketals. The t-butyldiphenylsiloxy derivatives were stable, whereas the trimethylsilyl analogs were unstable. The former compounds were reacted with diethylamine, lithium dimethylcuprate, and 1,3-propanedithiol and gave Michael adducts in good to very good yields. The amine and cuprate gave the conjugated alkenones, the former in a stereospecific manner (Z), the latter stereospecifically (E) in one case but otherwise stereoselectively with an E preponderance. With the dithiol bisaddition occurred, and the corresponding 1,3-dithiane was obtained in excellent yield. Attempts to make 1,3-dithianes from 1,3-propanedithiol and 1,1-diethoxy-4-diethylaminoalk-3-en-2-ones failed.