Electrosynthesis of Dihydropyrano[4,3-b]indoles Based on a Double Oxidative [3+3] Cycloaddition

Oxidative [3+3] cycloadditions offer an efficient route for six-membered-ring formation. This approach has been realized based on an electrochemical oxidative coupling of indoles/enamines with active methylene compounds followed by tandem 6π-electrocyclization leading to the synthesis of dihydropyrano[4,3-b]indoles and 2,3-dihydrofurans. The radical–radical cross-coupling of the radical species generated by anodic oxidation combined with the cathodic generation of the base from O₂ allows for mild reaction conditions for the synthesis of structurally complex heterocycles.     

Ring transformations of heterocyclic compounds. XX Benzo‐fused spiro[cyclohexadiene‐dihydroindoles] by ring transformation of pyrylium salts with anhydrobases of benzo[e]‐ and benzo[g]indolium salts

The diastereoselective synthesis of 6‐aroyl‐3,5‐diarylspiro[cyclohexa‐2,4‐diene‐1,2′2′,3′‐dihydro‐1′H‐benzo[e]indoles] 6 and ‐benzo[g]indoles] 7 from 2,4,6‐triarylpyrylium perchlorates 1 and in situ generated 2‐methylene‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[e]indoles 3 or ‐benzo[g]indoles 5 (anhydrobases of the corresponding 2‐methyl‐1H‐benzo[e]indolium perchlorates 2 and 2‐methyl‐3H‐benzo[g]indolium perchlorates 4 , respectively) in the presence of triethylamine/acetic acid in ethanol by a 2,5‐[C₄+C₂] pyrylium ring transformation is reported. Spectroscopic data of the transformation products and their mode of formation are discussed.     

Direct Oxidative Coupling of N‐Acetyl Indoles and Phenols for the Synthesis of Benzofuroindolines Related to Phalarine

Inspired by the biogenetic synthesis of benzofuroindoline‐containing natural products, we designed an oxidative coupling between phenol and N‐acetyl indoles. This straightforward and direct radical process, mediated by 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone and FeCl₃ allowed the regioselective synthesis of benzofuro[3,2‐b]indolines, whose structure is found in the natural product phalarine.     

Electrooxidation Enables Selective Dehydrogenative [4+2] Annulation between Indole Derivatives

Dearomative annulation of indoles has emerged as a powerful tool for the preparation of polycyclic indoline‐based alkaloids. Compared with well‐established methods towards five‐membered‐ring‐fused indolines, the six‐membered‐ring‐fused indolines are rarely accessed under thermal conditions. Herein, a dearomative [4+2] annulation between different indoles is developed through an electrochemical pathway. This transformation offers a remarkably regio‐ and stereoselective route to highly functionalized pyrimido[5,4‐b]indoles under oxidant‐ and metal‐free conditions. Notably, this electrochemical approach maintains excellent functional‐group tolerance and can be extended as a modification tactic for pharmaceutical research. Preliminary mechanism studies indicate that the electrooxidation annulation proceeds through radical–radical cross‐coupling between an indole radical cation and an N‐centered radical generated in situ.     

A New Four‐Component Reaction for the Synthesis of Spiro[4H‐indeno[1,2‐b]pyridine‐4,3′‐[3H]indoles]

A new four‐component synthesis of spiro[4H‐indeno[1,2‐b]pyridine‐4,3′‐[3H]indoles] and spiro[acenaphthylene‐1(2H),4′‐[4H‐indeno[1,2‐b]pyridines] by the reaction of indane‐1,3‐dione, 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds, isatins (=1H‐indole‐2,3‐diones) or acenaphthylene‐1,2‐dione, and AcONH₄ in refluxing toluene in the presence of a catalytic amount of pyridine is reported.     

Aniline Dearomatization and Silver‐Catalyzed [3+3] Dipolar Cycloaddition: Efficient Construction of Oxocino[4,3,2‐cd]indoles from 2‐Alkynylanilines and 2‐Alkynylbenzaldoximes

2‐Alkynylanilines are attractive starting materials in indole synthesis because of their ready availability. Herein, a one‐pot stepwise procedure is reported for efficient construction of multisubstituted oxocino[4,3,2‐cd]indoles from 2‐alkynylanilines and 2‐alkynylbenzaldoximes. The method comprises the oxidative dearomatization of 2‐alkynylanilines, the silver‐catalyzed [3+3] cycloaddition with 2‐alkynylbenzaldoximes, and subsequent thermal radical skeletal rearrangement and aromatization.     

Z‐Shaped Pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles and Their Transformation into π‐Expanded Indolo[3,2‐b]indoles

Sterically hindered 1,4‐dihydropyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles possessing ortho‐(arylethynyl)phenyl substituents at positions‐2 and ‐5 were efficiently synthesized through a sila‐Sonogashira reaction. These unique Z‐shaped dyes showed relatively strong fluorescence in solution. Detailed optimization revealed that, in the presence of InCl₃, these alkynes readily undergo an intramolecular double cyclization to give hexacyclic products bearing an indolo[3,2‐b]indole skeleton in remarkable yields. Steady‐state UV–visible spectroscopy revealed that upon photoexcitation, the prepared Z‐shaped alkynes undergo mostly radiative relaxation leading to high fluorescence quantum yields. In the case of 7,14‐dihydrobenzo[g]benzo[6,7]indolo[3,2‐b]indoles, we believe that the substantial planarization of geometry in the excited state, is the underlying reason for the observed large Stokes shifts. The presence of additional electron‐withdrawing groups makes it possible to further alter the photophysical properties. The two‐photon absorption cross‐section values of both families of dyes were found to be modest and the nature of the excited state responsible for two‐photon absorption appeared to be strongly affected by the presence of peripheral groups. Serendipitous synthesis of unusual double‐Z‐shaped alkyne by Sonogashira and Glaser coupling is also reported.     

Synthesis of 3-substituted cyclopenta[b]indoles

When reacting with I₂, 2-(cyclopent-2-enyl)anilines undergo cyclization into 3-iodo-1,2,3,3a,4,8b-hexahydrocyclopenta[b]indoles in high yields. The minor reaction products were 3,5- or 3,7-diiodoindolines. Ammonolysis of 3-iodo-5-methyl-1,2,3,3a,4,8b-hexahydro-cyclopenta[b]indole or itsN-chloroacetyl derivative results in 3-amino-5-methyl-1,2,3,3a,48b-hexahydro- and 5-methyl-1,3a,4,8b-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]indoles. Published inIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimischeskaya, No. 10, pp. 1789–1793, October, 2000.     

Tetraazadibora[3, 3]paracyclophane

Starting from the para‐phenylenediamine derivative HN(SiMe₃)‐C₆H₄‐NH(SiMe₃), a lithiation and subsequent borylation give [(MeO)₂B]N(SiMe₃)‐C₆H₄‐N(SiMe₃)[B(OMe)₂] ( 1 ), the hydridation of which yields Li₂[(H₃B)N(SiMe₃)‐C₆H₄‐N(SiMe₃)(BH₃)] ( 2 ). Applying ZrCl₄ upon 2 initiates a condensation to give the title compound [‐N(SiMe₃)‐p‐C₆H₄‐N(SiMe₃)‐BH‐]₂, a hetero[3, 3]paracyclophane with two N‐B‐N chains that connect the para‐phenylene units. The product 3 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁.     

Simple,Convenient, and Efficient Synthesis of 2-Aryl-substituted Benzo[b]furans

A simple, convenient, and efficient one-pot method for the preparation of benzofuran is reported. Sonogashira coupling reaction of aryl iodides with 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol was used as an acetylene source in the presence of Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ and CuI. Deprotection of the acetylene moiety in the same pot using a strong base and the second Sonogashira coupling/cyclization of and substituted o-iodophenols led to the formation of the appropriate benzo[b]furans. These protocols also can be used in the synthesis of natural products and indoles.     

Stereoselective [3+2] Carbocyclization of Indole‐Derived Imines and Electron‐Rich Alkenes: A Divergent Synthesis of Cyclopenta[b]indole or Tetrahydroquinoline Derivatives

An unprecedented stereoselective [3+2] carbocyclization reaction of indole‐2‐carboxaldehydes, anilines, and electron‐rich alkenes to obtain cyclopenta[b]indoles is disclosed. This pathway is different from the well‐established Povarov reaction: the formal [4+2] cycloaddition involving the same components, which affords tetrahydroquinolines. Moreover, by simply changing the Brønsted acid catalyst, this multicomponent coupling process could be divergently directed towards the conventional Povarov pathway to produce tetrahydroquinolines or to the new pathway (anti‐Povarov) to generate cyclopenta[b]indoles. Supported by computational studies, a stepwise Mannich/Friedel–Crafts cascade is proposed for the new anti‐Povarov reaction, whereas a concerted [4+2] cycloaddition mechanism is proposed for the Povarov reaction.     

Formal Asymmetric Organocatalytic [3+2] Cyclization between Enecarbamates and 3‐Indolylmethanols: Rapid Access to 3‐Aminocyclopenta[b]indoles

A highly enantio‐ and diastereoselective synthesis of 3‐aminocyclopenta[b]indoles has been developed through formal [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of enecarbamates and 3‐indolylmethanols. This transformation is catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid that achieves simultaneous activation of both partners of the cycloaddition. Mechanistic data are also presented that suggest that the reaction occurs through a stepwise pathway.     

Ring transformations of heterocyclic compounds. XXII. Pyrido[1,2‐a]indolium salts from 2‐methyl‐3H‐indoles by pyrylium mediated three carbon annelation

The synthesis of pyrido[1,2‐a]indolium perchlorates 8,11 from 2,4,6‐triarylpyrylium perchlorates 1 and 2‐methyl‐3H‐indoles 6,9 in the presence of a basic condensing agent (anhydrous sodium acetate, piperidine acetate, triethylamine/acetic acid, triethylamine) in ethanol by a 2,4‐[C₃+C₂N] pyrylium ring transformation is reported. Spectroscopic data of the transformation products and their mode of formation are discussed.     

RhodiumIII/SilverI Relay Catalyzed C—H Aminomethylation with Imine Equivalents and Lewis Acid Catalyzed [4+2] Cycloaddition of Indoles with Triarylhexahydrotriazine†

A Rh^III/Ag^I relay‐catalyzed C(sp²)—H coupling of indoles with triarylhexahydrotriazine (THT) is reported in this context. Upon merging Rh^III‐catalyzed C(sp²)—H bond activation and silver promoted THT dissociation, an efficient indole's C3 aminomethylation protocol is uncovered, providing C3 aminomethyl indoles in good yields and exhibiting potential applications for the synthesis of complicated bioactive compounds. We revealed the C3‐selectivity of this reaction through a detailed mechanistic investigation. Meanwhile, during the examination of the reaction conditions, we discovered another [4+2] cycloaddition pathway to afford tetrahydro‐indolo[3,2‐c]quinoline scaffold products via silver or Lewis acid catalysis.     

The synthesis of 11H-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles,11H-tetrazolo[4,5-b]pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles and 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-f]-1,2,4-triazino[4,5-a]indoles

This paper describes the synthesis of the previously unknown 11H-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles (2) and 11H-tetrazolo[4,5-b]pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles (3) from 4-hydrazino-5H-pyridazino[4,5-b]indoles (1) , as well as the synthesis of 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-f]-1,2,4-triazino-[4,5-a]indoles (10) from 2-indolecarbohydrazide (4) . Compounds 2 were obtained by acylation of compounds 1 , followed of thermal cyclization and compounds 3 by treating compounds 1 with nitrous acid. The reactions of compound 4 with formic acid or ethyl orthoformiate gave 1,2-dihydro-1-oxo-1,2,4-triazino[4,5-a]indole (6) . Treating this last compound with phosphorus oxychloride or phosphorus pentasulfide, followed by hydrazine, gave 1-hydrazino-1,2,4-triazino-[4,5-a]indole (9) . Acylation of this last compound, followed of cyclization gave compounds 10 . All the compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and ir and ¹H-nmr spectra.     

1‐Phosphabicyclo[3.2.1]octane

1‐Phosphabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes 1‐Phosphabicyclo[3.2.1]octane has been obtained by free‐radical cyclization of (2‐vinyl‐4‐pentenyl)‐phosphane in the presence of AIBN. Another approach to 1‐phosphabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes involves free‐radical cyclization of 2‐methyl‐4‐(2‐propenyl)‐phospholane synthesized by the reaction of [2‐(2‐propenyl)‐4‐pentenyl]‐phosphane with KPH₂/[18]crown‐6 in THF. The bicyclic phosphanes are characterized by reactions with CS₂, selenium, sulfur, NO, CH₃I, and HSO₃F, respectively, structural and analytical data as well as ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P, ⁷⁷Se NMR spectral measurements. The steric crowding of the phosphanes as complex ligands has been estimated from ³¹P–¹H coupling constants according to the Tolman model. The configuration of the methyl substituents as well as the conformation of the six‐membered ring were determined by NMR parameters (coupling constants, noe's) and proved by X‐ray crystal structure analysis.     

Nano n‐propylsulfonated γ‐Al2O3: a new,efficient and reusable catalyst for synthesis of spiro[indoline‐3,4‐pyrazolo[3,4‐e][1,4]thiazepine]diones in aqueous media

Nano n‐propylsulfonated γ‐Al₂O₃ is easily prepared by the reaction of nano γ‐Al₂O₃ with 1,3‐propanesultone. This reagent can be used as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of spiro [indoline‐3,4‐pyrazolo[3,4‐e][1,4]thiazepine]diones in aqueous media. This new method consistently has the advantages of excellent yields and short reaction times. Further, the catalyst can be reused and recovered several times. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nanomagnetically modified thioglycolic acid (γ‐Fe2O3@SiO2‐SCH2CO2H): Efficient and reusable green catalyst for the one‐pot domino synthesis of spiro[benzo[a]benzo[6,7]chromeno[2,3‐c]phenazine] and benzo[a]benzo[6,7]chromeno[2,3‐c]phenazines

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles of modified thioglycolic acid (γ‐Fe₂O₃@SiO₂‐SCH₂CO₂H) represent a new, efficient and green catalyst for the one‐pot synthesis of novel spiro[benzo[a ]benzo[6,7]chromeno[2,3‐c ]phenazine] derivatives via domino Knoevenagel–Michael–cyclization reaction of 2‐hydroxynaphthalene‐1,4‐dione, benzene‐1,2‐diamines, ninhydrin and isatin. This novel magnetic organocatalyst was easily isolated from the reaction mixture by magnetic decantation using an external magnet and reused at least six times without significant loss in its activity. The catalyst was fully characterized using various techniques. This procedure was also applied successfully for the synthesis of benzo[a ]benzo[6,7]chromeno[2,3‐c ]phenazines.     

Synthesis of pyrazole‐fused azepino[5,4,3‐cd]indoles

The synthesis of some new pyrazolo[3′,4′:6,7]azepino[5,4,3‐cd] indoles (10a‐c) was achieved via regios‐elective cyclization of the respective 3‐(4‐acylaminopyrazol‐5‐yl)indoles (9a‐c) under Bischler‐Napieralski reaction conditions. The latter compounds were obtained by acylation of the corresponding 3‐(4‐aminopyra‐zol‐5‐yl)indoles (8a,b) which, in turn, were prepared by reduction of the 3‐(4‐nitropyrazol‐5‐yl)indoles precursors (7a,b) . The latter synthons were accessible from the reaction of indolylzinc chlorides (5a,b) with 5‐chloro‐1,3‐dimethyl‐4‐nitropyrazole. Ms and nmr spectral data of 10a‐c are in agreement with the assigned azepino‐indole structure as determined for 10a by X‐ray crystal measurements which demonstrate that the azepine ring is almost completely planar with the indole and pyrazole rings.     

Brønsted Acid Catalyzed [3+2]‐Cycloaddition of 2‐Vinylindoles with In Situ Generated 2‐Methide‐2H‐indoles: Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indoles

Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indoles are privileged structural elements of many natural products and pharmaceuticals. An efficient one‐step process for their highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective synthesis, comprising a direct [3+2]‐cycloaddition, has been developed. A chiral BINOL‐derived phosphoric acid catalyzes the reaction of in situ‐generated 2‐methide‐2H‐indoles with 2‐vinylindoles, furnishing the target products incorporating three contiguous stereogenic centers as single diastereoisomers and with excellent yields and enantioselectivities.