Intramolecular Ketone-Olefin Radical Cyclization with Low-Valent Titanium Reagent: Synthesis of Benzopyrans

A novel protocol for intramolecular ketyl-olefin radical cyclization with low-valent titanium reagent is outlined. It allows the formation of the benzopyran nucleus from ortho-allyloxy propiophenones as the sole product in moderate yields via intramolecular radical cyclization.     

Radical Reactions Induced by Visible Light in Dichloromethane Solutions of Hünig's Base: Synthetic Applications and Mechanistic Observations

β‐(3‐Iodopropoxy)‐substituted α,β‐unsaturated lactams, lactones, and cycloalkenones (eight examples) underwent reductive radical reactions in a dichloromethane solution of N,N‐diisopropylethylamine (Hünig's base) upon irradiation with visible light (λ=419 nm). Apart from plain reduction reactions (hydro‐de‐iodination), a significant degree of cyclization was observed in three cases. In parallel to the conversion of the substrates, the formation of intensely colored by‐products was observed. Based on mass spectrometric evidence and upon comparison with known compounds, the by‐products were identified as cyanine dyes. Their formation supports the hypothesis that irradiation of dichloromethane solutions of Hünig's base leads to the formation of radicals, which in turn can either initiate a radical reaction or combine with cyanine precursors. It was shown by deuterium‐labelling experiments, that one equivalent of dichloromethane is incorporated into the cyanine dyes and that the reductive quenching of radical intermediates is at least partially due to hydrogen abstraction from the solvent. As a consequence, a reductive cyclization of the starting materials is favored in CD₂Cl₂ solutions as shown for two β‐(3‐iodopropoxy)‐substituted tetronates, which underwent in dichloromethane almost exclusive reduction, but gave predominantly the cyclization products in CD₂Cl₂.     

Oxidative cyclization of morusin

Oxidative cyclization of morusin (I) by using one-electron transfer oxidizing agents (manganese dioxide, silver oxide) afforded morusin hydroperoxide (II). A similar reaction was carried out in the presence of 2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenol, a radical quencher, to give compounds (IV, V, VI and VII) coupled with the 2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenoxy radical. On the basis of above results, the possible mechanism of this oxidative cyclization was discussed. In addition, morusin hydroperoxide (II) was also obtained by photo-sensitized oxidation of morusin (I) in the presence of sensitizers (Rose Bengal, hematoporphyrin). To elucidate the reaction mechanism similar reactions were carried out in the presence of radical quencher (2,4,6-tri-t-butylphenol) or singlet oxygen quencher (triethylenediamine). From these results, the possible mechanism of the formation of morusin hydroperoxide (II) from morusin (I) was discussed.     

自由基环化制备β-内酰胺的理论研究

使用密度泛函方法在UB3LYP/6-311＋＋G(3df, 2p)水平上对自由基环化合成β-内酰胺的四种反应途径进行理论研究. 结合Marcus理论对影响反应的热力学及动力学因素进行分析, 发现氨基甲酰基自由基4-exo环合反应是理想的动力学控制过程; 酰胺自由基的4-exo环合反应与5-endo环合反应相比是动力学有利的转化过程; 单取代的酰胺烷基自由基的4-exo环合反应是一类动力学和热力学都较为不利的反应; 羰基自由基加成亚胺N＝C双键的4-exo环合反应与5-endo环合反应相比动力学不利而热力学有利.     

Total Synthesis of the Isodon Diterpene Sculponeatin N

The total synthesis of sculponeatin N, a bioactive polycyclic diterpene isolated from Isodon sculponeatus, is reported. Key features of the synthesis include diastereoselective Nazarov and ring‐closing metathesis reactions, and a highly efficient formation of the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane ring system by a reductive radical cyclization.     

Scalable Total Synthesis of rac‐Jungermannenones B and C

Reported is the first scalable synthesis of rac‐jungermannenones B and C starting from the commercially available and inexpensive geraniol in 10 and 9 steps, respectively. The unique jungermannenone framework is rapidly assembled by an unprecedented regioselective 1,6‐dienyne reductive cyclization reaction which proceeds through a vinyl radical cyclization/allylic radical isomerization mechanism. DFT calculations explain the high regioselectivity observed in the 1,6‐dienyne reductive radical cyclization.     

Computational studies on the cyclization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the synthesis of curved aromatic derivatives.

Computational studies on the cyclization reactions of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were performed at the DFT level. Compounds C26H14 and C24H14, which show the connectivity of C60 fullerene fragments, were chosen as suitable models to study the formation of curved derivatives by six- or five-membered ring formation, upon oxidation to their radical cations. Four possible pathways for the cyclization process were considered: a) initial C-C bond formation to afford a curved derivative, followed by dehydrogenation; b) homolytic C-H cleavage prior to cyclization; c) initial concerted H2 elimination and subsequent cyclization; and d) deprotonation of the radical cations prior to cyclization. Computed reaction and activation energies for these reactions show that direct cyclization from radical cations (pathway a) is the lowest-energy mechanism. The formation of five-membered rings is somewhat more favourable than benzannulation. After new cycle formation, homolytic C-H dissociation to afford the corresponding cations is the most favourable process. These cations react with H* without barrier to give H2* Intermediate deprotonations are strongly disfavoured. The relatively low activation energies compared with carbon cage rearrangements suggest that ionization of PAHs can be used for the tailored preparation of nonplanar derivatives from suitable precursors.     

Highly Functionalized Cyclopentane Derivatives by Tandem Michael Addition/Radical Cyclization/Oxygenation Reactions

Densely functionalized cyclopentane derivatives with up to four consecutive stereocenters are assembled by a tandem Michael addition/single‐electron transfer oxidation/radical cyclization/oxygenation strategy mediated by ferrocenium hexafluorophosphate, a recyclable, less toxic single‐electron transfer oxidant. Ester enolates were coupled with α‐benzylidene and α‐alkylidene β‐dicarbonyl compounds with switchable diastereoselectivity. This pivotal steering element subsequently controls the diastereoselectivity of the radical cyclization step. The substitution pattern of the radical cyclization acceptor enables a switch of the cyclization mode from a 5‐exo pattern for terminally substituted olefin units to a 6‐endo mode for internally substituted acceptors. The oxidative anionic/radical strategy also allows efficient termination by oxygenation with the free radical 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinoxyl, and two C?C bonds and one C?O bond are thus formed in the sequence. A stereochemical model is proposed that accounts for all of the experimental results and allows the prediction of the stereochemical outcome. Further transformations of the synthesized cyclopentanes are reported.     

Pulse radiolysis study of the reduction of 1-phenyl-1-cyanonitroethylene. Cyclization leading to 5-amino-4-phenylisoxazole

It is known that the electrochemical reduction of the 1-phenyl-1-cyanonitroethylene leads to the formation of a cyclic compound, the 5-amino-4-phenyl isoxazole, but the mechanism of such a cyclization, which is pH dependent, is not clearly established. Pulse radiolytic methods were used to follow the various stages resulting from the reduction of the 1-phenyl-l-cyanonitroethylene by the radical anion COO^? in order to obtain a better understanding of the preceding reduction. The transient spectra are studied between 250 and 400 nm for times ranging from 4 microseconds to several minutes after the pulse; one of these spectra concerns the ene hydroxylamine. As expected, the changes and evolution of the spectra are pH dependent and corresponding mechanisms are proposed to explain the cyclization following the formation of the ene hydroxylamine. A general scheme is given taking into account all the results obtained.     

Radical Cyclization of 1,n-Enynes and 1,n-Dienes for the Synthesis of 2-Pyrrolidone

2-Pyrrolidones have aroused enormous interest as a useful structural moiety in drug discovery; however, not only does their syntheses suffer from low selectivity and yield, but also it requires high catalyst loadings. The radical cyclization of 1,n-enynes and 1,n-dienes has demonstrated to be an attractive method for the synthesis of 2-pyrrolidones due to its mild reaction conditions, fewer steps, higher atom economy, excellent functional group compatibility, and high regioselectivity. Furthermore, radical receptors with unsaturated bonds (i. e. 1,n-enynes and 1,n-dienes) play a crucial role in realizing radical cyclization because of the ability to selectively introduce one or more radical sources. In this review, we discuss representative examples of methods involving the radical cyclization of 1,n-enynes and 1,n-dienes published in the last five years and discuss each prominent reaction design and mechanism, providing favorable tools for the synthesis of valuable 2-pyrrolidone for a variety of applications.     

Studies on the Radical Cyclization of 3‐Oxopropanenitriles and Alkenes with Cerium(IV) Ammonium Nitrate in Ether Solvents

The radical cyclization of 3‐oxopropanenitriles 1a – 1e and alkenes 2a – 2g with cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) in ether solvents was investigated (Tables 1 and 2). In the optimization study, 1,3‐dioxolane, 1,4‐dioxane, 1,2‐dimethoxyethane, Et₂O, and THF were used as ether‐based solvents, and the latter was found to be the most effective solvent in radical cyclizations mediated by cerium(IV). This system (cerium(IV)/THF) was applied to cyclizations of various 3‐oxopropanenitriles and 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds with alkenes resulting in the formation of 4,5‐dihydrofurans in high yields (Table 2 and Scheme 2). The results of the cerium(IV)/THF radical cyclization were compared with those obtained with manganese(III) acetate/AcOH; the cerium(IV)/THF system turned out to be much more efficient.     

Cascade Cyclizations of Terpenoid Polyalkenes Triggered by Photoelectron Transfer – Biomimetics with Photons

Light-induced cyclizations of suitably functionalized polyalkene terpenoids, such as geranyl, all-trans-farnesyl, and all-trans-geranylgeranyl derivatives, via formation of radical cations are proven to be a powerful method for the single-step synthesis of mono- and mostly all-trans-fused polycyclic compounds from readily available precursors. Whereas some of these highly stereo- and chemoselective transformations required the use of micel ar media, they can now be conveniently performed in homogeneous solutions upon suitable choice of the electron acceptors and of the functionality pattern of the polyalkene substrates. Moreover, the mode of cyclization, i.e., 6- vs. 5-membered ring formation and termination of the cyclization cascades, are steered efficiently by the substituents of the polyalkenes (polyalkenyl acetate vs. α,β-unsaturated ethyl polyalkenoate and polyalkene-1,1-dicarbonitrile). At the same time, the protic solvents used add highly stereoselectively to the ω-alkene sites of the polyalkens in anti-Markovnikov sense which strongly suggests that radical cations are intercepted. Interestingly, the transformations achieved here upon photoelectron transfer parallel the biosynthetic paths of non-oxidative terpene cyclizations which are thought to occur purely by protonation of the isoprenoid polyalkenes.     

Single‐Electron/Pericyclic Cascade for the Synthesis of Dienes

The highly efficient and diastereoselective synthesis of E dienes has been accomplished through radical cyclization of bromoallyl hydrazones. This methodology has been further extended to generate these products through a one‐pot condensation/radical cyclization/cycloreversion cascade from simple aldehyde starting materials in high yields (>75 %) and high diastereoselectivities (>95:5). Mechanistic investigations suggest that the cascade reaction proceeds through a cyclic diazene intermediate prior to the cycloreversion.     

Photochemical and radical initiator-induced reaction of allylic indium compounds

Intramolecular cyclization of allylic radicals generated from allylindium compounds both by photolysis or by the reaction of radical initiators was examined. The photolysis of allylic indium compounds, prepared from 8-bromo- or 8-iodooct-1,6-dienes and powdered indium metal, led to the formation of the 5-exo-trig products. Benzoyl peroxide as a radical initiator was also effective for the cyclization. In contrast, the radical initiators with oxidizing nature, such as tert-butyl hypochlorite, induced iodocyclization producing iodomethylcyclopentane via an oxidation of the iodide on the indium atom.     

Regiochemistry in radical cyclization of allenes

The cyclization of allenic radicals was systematically studied for the first time by computational methods. It was found that the theoretical results at the ONIOM(QCISD(T)/6-311+G(2df,2p):UB3LYP/6-311+G(2df,2p)) level were in good agreement with all the available experimental data. For the cyclization of penta-3,4-dien-1-yl radicals the major product was penta-1,2-diene from direct reduction whereas a small amount of vinylcyclopropane may also be produced. For the cyclization of hexa-4,5-dien-1-yl radicals the major product is 1-methyl-cyclopentene. Furthermore, for the cyclization of hepta-5,6-dien-1-yl radicals both vinylcyclopentane and 1-methyl-cyclohexene are produced. Marcus theory analysis indicated that the formation of an olefinic radical product always had a lower intrinsic energy barrier than the formation of an allylic radical product. On the other hand, the formation of an olefinic radical product was always much less favorable than the formation of an allylic radical product in the thermodynamic term. For the cyclization of substituted hexa-4,5-dien-1-yl radicals, substitution at the allene moiety does not affect the regioselectivity where the allylic radical product is always favored. For the cyclization of hepta-5,6-dien-1-yl radicals, substitution at the allene moiety dramatically affects the regioselectivity, where some radical-stabilizing groups such as -CN and -COMe may even completely reserve the regioselectivity.     

Synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles using exo- and endo-selective radical cyclizations onto enamides

The effect of positional change of the carbonyl group of enamides on Bu₃SnH-mediated alkyl radical cyclization leading to five-, six-, seven-, and eight-membered nitrogen-containing heterocycles was examined. A 5-exo cyclization is generally preferred over a 6-endo ring closure in systems having an alkyl radical center on the enamide-acyl side chain, whereas enamides having an alkyl radical center opposite to the acyl side chain predominantly gave 6-endo cyclization products. These results suggest that the exo or endo selectivity of radical cyclization onto the alkenic bond of enamides can be controlled by positional change of the carbonyl group. For an understanding of these selectivities, heat of formation for each transition state was calculated. 6-endo-Selective radical cyclization was applied to the radical cascade, enabling a concise synthesis of a cylindricine skeleton. A 7- or 8-endo alkyl radical cyclization, however, predominated over a corresponding 6- or 7-exo ring closure regardless of the positional change of the carbonyl group of enamides.     

An unusual decarboxylative benzannulation and biaryl formation during copper(I)-promoted halogen atom transfer radical cyclization of 2-allylaryl trichloroacetates

CuCl/bpy-promoted halogen atom transfer radical cyclization of 2-allylaryl trichloroacetates in refluxing benzene gave benzannulated chloroarenes and benzannulated symmetrical biaryls along with reductive dehalogenation products. The unusual decarboxylative benzannulation and biaryl formation might be explained by a further intramolecular radical addition on the benzene ring of the eight-membered lactone intermediate, initially formed through 8-endo-trig halogen atom transfer radical cyclization, followed by decarboxylation, radical dimerization and dehydrochlorination reactions.     

Total Synthesis of Leuconoxine,Melodinine E,and Mersicarpine through a Radical Translocation–Cyclization Cascade

The Aspidosperma alkaloids leuconoxine, melodinine E, and mersicarpine were synthesized. The approach features a key cascade radical reaction. A 1,5‐hydrogen atom transfer is followed by spontaneous 5‐exo‐trig cyclization to construct the central indoline architecture. Late‐stage differentiation of the radical cyclization product by chemoselective oxidation allows production of either the leuconoxine/melodinine E or mersicarpine structure.     

Total Synthesis of Leuconoxine,Melodinine E,and Mersicarpine through a Radical Translocation–Cyclization Cascade

The Aspidosperma alkaloids leuconoxine, melodinine E, and mersicarpine were synthesized. The approach features a key cascade radical reaction. A 1,5‐hydrogen atom transfer is followed by spontaneous 5‐exo‐trig cyclization to construct the central indoline architecture. Late‐stage differentiation of the radical cyclization product by chemoselective oxidation allows production of either the leuconoxine/melodinine E or mersicarpine structure.     

Electrochemically Enabled Intramolecular Aminooxygenation of Alkynes via Amidyl Radical Cyclization

An electrochemical synthesis of oxazol‐2‐ones and imidazol‐2‐ones has been developed via 5‐exo‐dig cyclization of propargylic carbamates‐ and ureas‐derived amidyl radicals. The electrosynthesis relies on the dual function of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐ 1‐yl)oxyl (TEMPO) as a redox mediator for amidyl radical formation and an oxygen atom donor. The reactions are conducted under mild conditions using a simple setup and provide convenient access to functionalized oxazol‐2‐ones and imidazol‐2‐ones from readily available materials.