Pd-Cu bimetallic catalyzed domino cyclization of alpha-allenols followed by a coupling reaction: new sequence leading to functionalized spirolactams

A novel regioselective metal-catalyzed spirocyclization of alpha-allenols-cross coupling (Heck, Sonogashira, and Suzuki) reaction sequence, leading to potentially bioactive spirocyclic lactam derivatives has been developed. Precursors for the tandem spirocyclization-coupling reaction, alpha-allenols 2 a-d were obtained starting from alpha-oxolactams 1 a-c via indium-mediated Barbier-type carbonyl-allenylation reaction in aqueous media by using our previously described methodologies.     

Catalytic Asymmetric Construction of 3,3′‐Spirooxindoles Fused with Seven‐Membered Rings by Enantioselective Tandem Reactions

The first catalytic asymmetric construction of a spirooxindole scaffold incorporated with a seven‐membered benzodiazepine moiety has been established by a three‐component (isatin, 1,2‐phenylenediamine, cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione) tandem reaction catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid. Structurally complex spirobenzodiazepine oxindoles with one quaternary stereogenic center are obtained in high yield with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99 % yield, enantiomeric ratio>99.5:0.5). This approach takes advantage of organocatalytic asymmetric tandem reactions to efficiently construct the structurally rigid spirobenzodiazepine oxindole architecture with high enantiopurity in a single transformation, which involves a cascade enamine–imine formation/intramolecular Mannich reaction sequence.     

Phosphine‐Initiated Domino Reaction: A Convenient Method for the Preparation of Spirocyclopentanones

An efficient synthetic approach has been developed for the construction of the spirocyclopentanone skeleton via a phosphine‐catalyzed [3+2] annulation reaction. With this novel and economical protocol, various quaternary carbon‐centered spirocyclopentanones could be readily obtained.     

Preparation and synthetic applications of 2-halotryptamines: synthesis of elacomine and isoelacomine

The preparation of 2-halotryptamines from tryptamine is described. New stereoselective intramolecular iminium ion spirocyclization methodology for the construction of spiro[pyrrolidine-3,3'-oxindoles] is outlined in synthetic studies of elacomine (1) and isoelacomine (2). [reaction: see text]     

A Novel Domino Synthesis of Quinazolinediones by Palladium‐Catalyzed Double Carbonylation

Combining commercially available bromoanilines and bromobenzonitriles in a novel double carbonylation process allows for a straightforward synthesis of isoindolo[1,2‐b]quinazoline‐10,12‐diones. At least five different C?C and/or C?N bonds are selectively formed in this 3‐component reaction, which likely proceeds through sequential carbonylation–cyclization–isomerisation–carbonylation steps. Notably, two molecules of CO are inserted in this highly efficient palladium‐catalyzed process.     

A convergent Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation of dl- and meso-divinylethylene carbonate: enantioselective synthesis of (+)-australine hydrochloride and formal synthesis of isoaltholactone

The use of a mixture of dl- and meso-divinylethylene carbonate as an electrophile in palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation reactions is reported. From the diastereomeric mixture of meso and chiral racemic starting materials, a single product is obtained in high optical purity employing either oxygen or nitrogen nucleophiles. The resulting dienes have proven to be versatile synthetic intermediates as each carbon is functionalized for further transformation and differentiated by virtue of the reaction. A mechanism for this intriguing transformation is proposed and a concise enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-australine hydrochloride is reported as well as a formal synthesis of isoaltholactone.     

Intramolecular Formal anti‐Carbopalladation/Heck Reaction: Facile Domino Access to Carbo‐ and Heterooligocyclic Dienes

An intramolecular domino process consisting of a formal anti‐carbopalladation followed by Heck reaction is realized. Complex oligo(hetero)cyclic scaffolds are efficiently obtained in one synthetic step from easily obtainable enyne precursors. In contrast to common syn‐carbopalladation reactions of alkyne units, the carbopalladation employed here is designed to afford an anti‐arrangement of the two new substituents across the emerging double bond. A prerequisite is that the residues next to the alkyne should lack any β‐hydrogen atoms. The method paves the way to tri‐ and tetrasubstituted double‐bond systems that have not been accessible by conventional Pd catalysis.