A novel highly regio- and diastereoselective haloamination of alkenes catalyzed by divalent palladium

From the readily available allylic alcohols or allylic amines, a novel Pd(II)-CuCl₂-catalyzed haloamination reaction of alkenes with high chemo-, regio-, and diastereo-selectivity was developed. The reaction proceeds through trans-aminopalladation of alkenes, followed by oxidative cleavage of the carbon-palladium bond with retention of configuration.     

Chemo- and diastereoselective cyclopropanation of allylic amines and carbamates

A highly chemo- and diastereoselective protocol for the cyclopropanation of tertiary allylic amines with Shi’s carbenoid [CF₃CO₂ZnCH₂I] is described. The high levels of diastereoselectivity observed in these reactions may be attributed to chelation of the nitrogen atom to the zinc reagent, which then transfers a methylene unit to the syn-face of the olefin. Furthermore, a stereodivergent protocol for the cyclopropanation of a range of allylic carbamates has been developed, which provides access to both diastereoisomers of the corresponding cyclopropanes with very high levels of diastereoselectivity: cyclopropanation with the Wittig-Furukawa reagent [Zn(CH₂I)₂] proceeds under chelation control to give the corresponding syn-product, whilst reaction with Shi’s carbenoid proceeds under steric control to give the corresponding anti-cyclopropane, in >95:5 dr in both cases.     

Evidence for involvement of cationic intermediate in epoxidation of chiral allylic alcohols and unfunctionalised alkenes catalysed by MnIII(quinazolinone) complexes

A pair of Mn^III(quinazolinone) complexes was prepared and evaluated in the catalytic epoxidation of the chiral allylic alcohols and unfunctionalised alkenes with iodosylbenzene. Epoxidation of chiral allylic alcohols with 1,3-allylic strain proceeded chemo- and diastereoselectively to give threo-epoxy alcohol (up to 99% d.r). Epoxidation of unfunctionalised alkenes by the proposed catalyst system proceeded nonselectively, as evidenced by the formation of isomerization and rearrangement products in the epoxidation of (Z)-stilbene. A three-step pathway involving a cationic intermediate is proposed for the formation of isomerization and rearrangement products. The fact that only products resulting from the cationic intermediate were detected in the oxidation of a mechanistic probe, (2-methoxy-3-vinylcyclopropyl)benzene, with Mn^III(quinazolinone) and PhIO substantiated the cationic oxygen transfer mechanism.     

Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution using novel phosphino-ester (PHEST) ligands with 1,1′-binaphthyl skeleton

The asymmetric allylic alkylation of rac-1,3-diphenyl-2-propenyl acetate 1 with dimethyl malonate 2a proceeded smoothly in the presence of lithium acetate, BSA (N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide), [Pd(η³-C₃H₅)Cl]₂, and the chiral ligand (R)-i-Pr₂N-PHEST (R)-5a to give the allylic alkylation product (R)-3a in 89% yield with 99% ee. Furthermore, the asymmetric allylic amination of 1 with potassium phthalimide 2c has been carried out using the same ligand to give the allylic amination product (S)-3c in 10% yield with 66% ee.     

Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic nucleophilic substitution reactions using chiral tert-butanesulfinylphosphine ligands

The asymmetric allylic alkylation of racemic 1,3-diphenyl-2-propenyl acetate 3 with dimethyl malonate proceeded smoothly in the presence of lithium acetate, BSA (N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide), [Pd(η³-C₃H₅)Cl]₂, and chiral tert-butanesulfinylphosphine ligand 2c to give the allylic alkylation product in good yield and high enantiomeric excess (up to 93% ee), while the enantioselectivities of allylic amination of 3 with various amines were moderate (up to 76% ee).     

Expedient synthesis of β,β-disubstituted α-methylenepropionates

Baylis-Hillman alcohols are excellent sources of the allylic halides ArCHCH(CH₂X)(CO₂R) (X=Br, Cl; R¹=Me, Et, Bu^t). The Z double bond isomers are attained in high isomeric purity (>14:1, Z/E). The halides are chemo- and regiospecifically transformed into the acrylates (ArCHR²)C(CH₂)(CO₂R¹) on treatment with Zn(R²)₂ (R²=Me, Et, CH₂TMS, CH₂SiMe₂OMe) or PrZnBr in the presence of catalytic amounts of copper(I) salts (0.5-20 mol%) in high yield.     

Reactions of allylic compounds such as allyl alcohols,allyl ethers,and allylamines using trans-Mo(N2)2(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)2

Double-bond migration of allylic alcohols and allylic alkyl ethers was catalytically effected with trans-Mo(N₂)₂(dpe)₂(dpe = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂). Decarbonylation occurred simultaneously in the case of allyl alcohol. Diallyl ether and allyl phenol ether gave the fragmentation products presumably through initial oxidative addition of the allylO bond. Allylamine was converted to N-propylideneallylamine and NH₃. N,N-Dimethylallylamine was isomerized to N-trans-propenyldimethylamine, which was further transformed into 4-dimethylamino-1,3-hexadiene and dimethylamine on addition of oxygen. The catalytic allylation of methyl acetoacetate with allylic ethers and amines was achieved by use of trans-Mo(N₂)₂(dpe)₂.     

Peracid dependent stereoselectivity and functional group contribution to the stereocontrol of epoxidation of (E)-alkene dipeptide isosteres

Twelve Boc-protected phenylalanyl-phenylalanine and phenylalanyl-glycine trans-vinyl isosteres were epoxidised with magnesium monoperoxyphtalate hexahydrate (MMPP) and trifluoroperacetic acid, and the results have been compared with those from earlier studies on epoxidations with m-CPBA. The alkenes were synthesised in high yields with high E/Z-selectivities using either the Julia or Schlosser reactions. The formation of threo isomers was favoured in all epoxidation reactions except with CF₃CO₃H on substrates containing two allylic/homoallylic functional groups directing the peracid to opposite faces of the alkene. The switch to erythro selectivity observed with CF₃CO₃H is suggested to emanate from coordination to the allylic ester functionalities via hydrogen bond donation from the peracid. The other peracid reagents seem to be preferentially coordinated to the allylic carbamate function. The contribution of individual functional groups to the stereopreference was also investigated.     

Palladium-catalyzed desulfinylative C-C allylation of Grignard reagents and enolates using allylsulfonyl chlorides and esters

2-Methylprop-2-ene-, prop-2-ene-, 1-methylprop-2-ene-, and (E)-but-2-enesulfonyl chlorides have been used as electrophilic partners in desulfinylative palladium-catalyzed C-C coupling with Grignard reagents and sodium salts of dimethyl malonate and methyl acetoacetate. Neopentyl alk-2-ene sulfonates can also be used as electrophilic partners in desulfinylative allylic arylations and allylic alkylations. The regioselectivity of the allylic arylation and alkylation depends on the nature of the catalyst. With PdCl₂(PhCN)₂, (E)-crotyl derivatives are formed in high regioselectivity using either 1-methylprop-2-ene- or (E)-but-2-enesulfonyl chloride.     

A regio- and stereoisomeric study of allylic alcohol fluorination with a range of reagents

A range of dehydroxyfluorination reagents was reacted with separate diastereoisomers of a chiral allylic alcohol to explore both the regio- and stereoselectivity ratios of direct versus allylic fluorination. The allylic alcohol stereoisomers gave the same predominant fluorinated diastereoisomer indicating that the reaction proceeds with a significant S_N1 component via an allylic carbocation intermediate, which is quenched by fluoride ion, predominantly from the least hindered face. None of the reagents displayed very high regio- or stereoselectivity, although in all cases the allylic fluorination products predominated.     

Palladium-catalyzed allylic oxidation of 1-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-2-propene and 1-(trimethylsilyl)-1-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-2-propene

The course of palladium-catalyzed oxidation of a terminal alkene by t-BuOOH or by O₂/H₂O is greatly modified when the allylic carbon bears a p-toluenesulfonyl substituent, and allylic oxidation results. Mechanistic explanations of this observation are proposed.     

New synthetic routes to allylic germatranes

Allylic germatranes derived from triethanolamine can be prepared with moderate control of regioselectivity by two complementary routes. The first of these is through the preparation of the precursor allylic germanium trichlorides by a transmetallation reaction between germanium(IV) chloride and the corresponding allylic tributylstannanes followed by alcoholysis and reaction with triethanolamine. The second route is via the palladium-catalyzed hydrogermylation of conjugated dienes by germatrane, N(CH₂CH₂O)₃GeH. The former route gives mixtures of E and Z stereoisomers, whereas the second route gives exclusively Z products.     

One-pot synthesis of heterocyclic compounds initiated by chemoselective addition to β-acyl substituted unsaturated aldehydes with nucleophilic tin complexes

β-Acyl substituted unsaturated aldehydes 1 were revealed to be good precursors for the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds by the combination with tin nucleophiles. Various 2-monosubstituted pyrroles were prepared in an one-pot procedure via the reductive amination of formyl groups of 1 by using Bu₂SnIH–HMPA complex. One-pot synthesis of heterocycles was carried out initiated by chemoselective reduction of 1 with Bu₃SnH–HMPA complex and the subsequent reaction with heterocumulenes. Furthermore, the one-pot synthesis of nitrogen heterocyclic compounds accompanying chemo-, regio- and diastereoselective carbon–carbon bond formation in side chain moieties was effectively accomplished initiated by the regio- and diastereoselective allylation of the formyl group of 1 with allylic tin species.     

Cs2CO3-promoted synthesis of p-terphenyls from allyl ketones

An efficient Cs₂CO₃-promoted synthesis of acylated p-terphenyls from allylic ketones under mild conditions has been developed. The reaction occurred in moderate to good yields and tolerated γ-aryl substituted allylic aryl ketones containing functionalities such as alkanes, ethers and halogens.     

Ru3(CO)12-catalyzed intramolecular allylic transfer reaction of tethered carbonyl group and allylic acetate moiety

A ruthenium catalyzed intramolecular allylic transfer reaction of allylic acetates containing aldehydes or ketones to form cis-homoallylic cyclopentanols and cyclohexanols as a major component is described. The use of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ (1 mol %) to promote reaction results in a convenient procedure for intramolecular allylation of carbonyl functionalities.     

An unexpected reaction of phosphorous tribromide on chromanone, thiochromanone, 3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b]thiepin-5-one, 3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b]oxepin-5-one and tetralone derived allylic alcohols: a case study

Treatment of chromanone, thiochromanone, tetralone and benzo[b]thiepinone derived allylic alcohols with phosphorous tribromide furnished unexpected products instead of desired bromo derivatives. Reaction of 7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylchromenyl-aryl-methanols and 7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylthiochromenyl-aryl-methanols with PBr₃ gave saturated carbonyls and exocyclic olefins depending on the substituents at R⁴, whereas allylic alcohols without 7-methoxy substituent furnished rearranged products. Several related analogs varying in ring size, heteroatom in the ring and substituents at various positions were synthesized and studied. Reactions of other phosphorous-based reagents like PPh₃, PPh₃/I₂ and PPh₃Br₂ on allylic alcohols were also attempted. A case study is presented here.     

Studies on the radical addition reaction of perfluoroalkyl iodides with 2,3-allenols and the Pd-catalyzed kinetic resolution via Sonogashira coupling reaction

A radical addition reaction promoted by Na₂S₂O₄ of perfluoroalkyl iodides with 2,3-allenols affording E/Z mixtures of 3-iodo-4-perfluoroalkyl-substituted allylic alcohols has been studied. Kinetic resolution with Sonogashira coupling reaction was applied to afford the Z isomer of 3-iodo-4-perfluoroalkyl-substituted allylic alcohol (Z-3) and the E isomer of conjugated enynic diols (E-5) in 39-52% and 22-40% yields, respectively.     

Regioselective allylic alkylation and etherification catalyzed by in situ generated N-heterocyclic carbene ruthenium complexes

Benzimidazolium halides are used for the first time as ligand precursors in ruthenium-catalyzed substitution of allylic carbonates and chlorides by carbon nucleophiles and phenols, respectively. After generation of diaminocarbene species upon deprotonation by tBuOK, their association with [Cp*Ru(MeCN)₃]PF₆ induces a very high regioselectivity in favor of the branched isomers when cinnamyl derivatives are used as starting substrates. They also provide good regioselectivities for the allylation of phenols by unsymmetrical aliphatic allylic substrates such as 3-chloro-4-phenylbut-1-ene, and thus provide a straightforward access to new allylic phenyl ethers.     

PdII-Catalyzed stereospecific formation of tetrahydro- and 3,6-dihydro[2H]pyran rings: 1,3-chirality transfer by intramolecular oxypalladation reaction

The stereospecific synthesis of 2,6-disubstituted tetrahydropyran and 3,6-dihydro[2H]pyran is described. The Pd^II-catalyzed cyclization of the hydroxy nucleophile to the allylic alcohol takes place efficiently under mild conditions, with the stereogenic center on the secondary allylic alcohol transfers to a newly generated stereogenic center on pyran ring via a syn-S_N2′ type process.     

Versatile Homoallylic Boronates by Chemo-, SN2′-, Diastereo- and Enantioselective Catalytic Sequence of Cu−H Addition to Vinyl-B(pin)/Allylic Substitution

A highly chemo-, diastereo- and enantioselective catalytic method that efficiently combines a silyl hydride, vinyl-B(pin) (pin=pinacolato) and (E)-1,2-disubstituted allylic phosphates is introduced. Reactions, best promoted by a Cu-based complex with a chiral sulfonate-containing N-heterocyclic carbene, are broadly applicable. Aryl-, heteroaryl-, alkenyl-, alkynyl- and alkyl-substituted allylic phosphates may thus be converted to the corresponding homoallylic boronates and then alcohols (after C−B bond oxidation) in 46–91 % yield and in up to >98 % S_N2′:S_N2 ratio, 96:4 diastereomeric ratio and 98:2 enantiomeric ratio. The reasons why an NHC−Cu catalyst is uniquely effective (vs. the corresponding phosphine systems) and the basis for different trends in stereoselectivity are provided with the aid of DFT calculations.