Morita–Baylis–Hillman reactions of isatins with allenoates

4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) was found to be a fairly efficient catalyst for the Morita–Baylis–Hillman reactions of isatins with α-substituted allenoates to give the corresponding products in good to high yields with moderate diastereoselectivities under mild conditions.     

Domino reactions of 5-deoxy-5-iodo-d-xylo- and -l-arabinofuranose derivatives with organometallic reagents. A way towards polyfunctionalized building-blocks

Domino reactions involving metal-halogen exchange, furanose ring-opening and nucleophilic addition from 3-O-benzyl-5-deoxy-5-iodo-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-d-xylofuranose and the epimeric l-arabino derivative with various organometallic reagents are reported. In anhydrous conditions, with a large excess of organolithium or Grignard reagents, vicinal diols are obtained with good yields and a fair diastereoselectivity. Interestingly, with α-trimethylsilyl organolithium reagents, the fragmentation of the furanose ring to the substituted pent-4-enal is followed by a Peterson olefination giving dienic compounds in a four-step one-pot process.     

On the alkoxybromination of glucal esters: 2-acetamido-α-d-mannosyl bromides from 2-acetamidoglucal

While the alkoxybromination of glucal and 2-acyloxyglucal esters leads to 2-bromo-2-deoxy-α-d-glycosides and α-d-glycosulosyl bromides, respectively, the exposure of 2-acetamido-d-glucal triacetate to NBS/ROH yields 2-O-alkyl-2-C-acetamido-α-d-mannosyl bromides. Although the final products of these reactions are distinctly different, mechanistic considerations show the initial step to consistently be the capture of a bromonium ion by C-2 from the axial side, followed by a trans-addition of ROH. In contrast, fluoro-acetoxylations of the same glucal esters invariably lead to cis-addition products due to a quasi-concerted SET-induced mechanism involving a solvent cage-trapped biradical.     

Divergent synthesis of spirocyclopentene-pyrazolones and pyrano[2,3-c]-pyrazoles via Lewis base controlled annulation reactions

An effective Lewis base catalyst-controlled α-regioselective annulation reaction of γ-substituted allenoates with unsaturated pyrazolones has been developed, affording various spirocyclopentene-pyrazolones and pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles. The combination of PPh₃ and K₂CO₃ promoted the [3+2] annulation to access the spirocyclopentene-pyrazolones in moderate to good yields (up to 90%) with excellent diastereoselectivities (dr >19:1), while [4+2] annulations to generate pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles were successfully achieved by employing DBU as catalyst (in up to 92% yield). Of importance, the asymmetric synthesis of spirocyclopentene-pyrazolone was realized by using our previously reported chiral ferrocenylphosphine catalyst.     

2-Allyl-N-benzyl substituted α-naphthylamines as building blocks in heterocyclic synthesis. New and efficient syntheses of benz[e]naphtho[1,2-b]azepine and naphtho[1,2-b]azepine derivatives

A new series of 13-acetyl-7,12-dihydro-7-ethylbenz[e]naphtho[1,2-b]azepine (4a-d) and 2-aryl-4-hydroxy-2,3,4,5-tetrahydronaphtho[1,2-b]azepine derivatives (6a-d) have been synthesized from N-allyl-N-benzyl substituted α-naphthylamines (1a-d) by utilizing aromatic amino-Claisen rearrangement, intramolecular Friedel-Crafts alkylation and intramolecular dipolar 1,3-cycloaddition nitrone-olefin reactions.     

Synthesis of substituted pyrrolidines and piperidines from endocyclic enamine derivatives. Synthesis of (±)-laburnamine

Functionalization of the α- and β-positions of readily available endocyclic enamine derivatives provides a convenient method for the formation of substituted pyrrolidines and piperidines. α-Alkoxy-β-iodopyrrolidines are formed by the electrophilic addition of iodine to the endocyclic enamine double bond of an N-substituted 2-pyrroline, and nucleophillic attack by an alcohol on the intermediate iodonium ion. The resultant α-alkoxy-β-iodopyrrolidines can be used in radical cyclization reactions to give bicyclic hemiaminal compounds, which can be further elaborated using N-acyliminium chemistry to form α,β-cis-dialkylsubstituted pyrrolidines. A strategy for the incorporation of amino functionality at the β-position was also established by using iodoamination of the enamine double bond, followed by migration of the amine functionality through an aziridination/methanolysis protocol. An alternative method uses an azidomethoxylation protocol using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) in the presence of NaN₃ and methanol. Formation and trapping of the N-acyliminium ions derived from these substrates, afforded the 3-carbamate and 3-azido-2-substituted products with good diastereoselectivity, with the preferential formation of the trans and cis stereoisomers, respectively. Using the sequential iodoamination, aziridination in methanol and N-acyliminium transformation, trans-3-NHCO₂Me-2-allyl-pyrrolidine was prepared, which was used as the key precursor in a synthesis of the natural 1-amidopyrrolizidine alkaloid, (±)-laburnamine.     

Facile synthesis of substituted dihydro-1,4-dithiins and -1,4-dithiepins from α-oxo ketene cyclic dithioacetals

A novel and facile synthesis of substituted 2,3-dihydro-1,4-dithiins and 6,7-dihydro-5H-1,4-dithiepins based on the reactions of α-bromo/hydroxy ketones with α-oxo ketene cyclic dithioacetals has been developed. A general mechanism for the reactions is proposed.     

Imine allylation using 2-alkoxycarbonyl allylboronates as an expedient three-component reaction to polysubstituted α-exo-methylene-γ-lactams

α-exo-Methylene-γ-lactams are key structural units in a wide variety of biologically active natural products. A concise route to the formation of polysubstituted α-exo-methylene-γ-lactams is described. In this three-component reaction, an imine is formed from an aldehyde and ammonia in situ, and is subsequently allylated through the use of a 2-alkoxycarbonyl allylboronate. Due to the ester functionality, the addition intermediate subsequently undergoes in situ cyclization to form the observed α-exo-methylene-γ-lactam products. This route allows access to highly substituted α-exo-methylene-γ-lactams in moderate to excellent yields.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of substituted 2-amino-1H-imidazoles from imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines

An efficient method for the synthesis of mono- and disubstituted 2-amino-1H-imidazoles via microwave-assisted hydrazinolysis of substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines is reported. This protocol avoids strong acidic conditions and is superior to the classical cyclocondensation of α-haloketones with N-acetylguanidine.     

1, 3-Cycloadditions to Highly Substituted,Strained Double Bonds: Spiro β-lactams from α-methylidene-β-lactams by reactions with diphenylnitrilimine,acetonitrile oxide,nitrones, and diazomethane

Substituted dihydropyrazole-spiro-β-lactams and isoxazolidine-spiro-β-lactam derivatives are regio- and stereoselectively prepared by 1, 3-cydoadditions between substituted α-methylidene-β-lactams and diazomethane, nitrones, or the in-situ-prepared dipoles ‘diphenylnitrilimine’ and acetonitrile oxide. These reactions represent examples for 1, 3-cycloadditions to the highly substituted, strained double bonds of α-methylidene-β-lactams, and they need special experimental conditions as all reaction products are relatively unstable. Especially in solution, the reverse reaction is highly favoured. Regioselectivity and stereoselectivity of the reactions are elucidated mainly by NMR techniques such as 2D-INEPT, ATP, and NOE experiments.     

Influence of the position of the substituent on the efficiency of lipase-mediated resolutions of 3-aryl alkanoic acids

Hydrolase-catalysed kinetic resolutions to provide enantioenriched α-substituted 3-aryl alkanoic acids are described. (S)-2-Methyl-3-phenylpropanoic acid (S)-1a was prepared in 96% ee by Pseudomonas fluorescens catalysed ester hydrolysis, while, Candida antarctica lipase B (immob) resolved the α-ethyl substituted 3-arylalkanoic acid (R)-1b in 82% ee. The influence of the position of the substituent relative to the ester site on the efficiency and enantioselectivity of the biotransformation is also explored; the same lipases were found to resolve both the α- and β-substituted alkanoic acids. Furthermore, the steric effect of substituents at the C2 stereogenic centre relative to that for their C3 substituted counterparts on the efficiency and stereoselectivity is discussed.     

Enantioselective γ-addition reaction of rhodanines to allenoates catalyzed by chiral phosphine-carbamate

Phosphine-catalyzed enantioselective γ-additions of rhodanines to allenoates have been developed for the first time. With the employment of chiral cyclohexane-based phosphines, a wide range of substituted rhodanine derivatives containing tertiary chiral centers were constructed in good yields and high enantioselectivities.     

On the rapid synthesis of highly substituted proline analogues by 5-endo-trig iodocyclisation

Highly substituted α-alkenyl-α-amino esters undergo smooth if rather slow 5-endo-iodocyclisations both in the presence or absence of base to give good to excellent yields of substituted proline derivatives. The stereoselectivities are often only moderate, except when the amino ester residue carries a substituent, which is branched at its α-position.     

DMAP catalysed vinylogous Rauhut–Currier reaction of allenoates with para-quinone methides

The hitherto unknown, organocatalysed (DMAP) vinylogous Rauhut-Currier reaction of 2,3-butadienoates with para-quinone methides has been achieved. The products, diarylmethane substituted allenoates, are formed in high to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions.     

Reactions of 1,4-bis(tetrazole)benzenes: formation of long chain alkyl halides

The reactions of 1,4-bis[2-(tributylstannyl)tetrazol-5-yl]benzene with α,ω-dibromoalkanes were carried out in order to synthesise pendant alkyl halide derivatives of the parent bis-tetrazole. This led to the formation of several alkyl halide derivatives, substituted variously at N1 or N2 on the tetrazole ring. The crystal structures of 1,4-bis[(2-(4-bromobutyl)tetrazol-5-yl)]benzene (2-N,2-N′), 1,4-bis[(2-(4-bromobutyl)tetrazol-5-yl)]benzene (1-N,2-N′) and 1,4-bis[(2-(8-bromooctyl)tetrazol-5-yl)]benzene (2-N,2-N′) are reported. Further discussion involves the structure of 1,4-bis[2-(6-bromohexyl)-2H-tetrazol-5-yl]benzene (2-N,2-N′) previously reported.     

Synthesis of some new α,α-dioxoketene-N,S- and -N,N-acetals derived from secondary aliphatic amines

A total of 11 new α,α-dioxoketene- N,S -acetals (2a–2k) and two new α,α-dioxoketene- N,N -acetals (3j and 3k) have been synthesised by treating 3-[bis(methylthiol)methylene]pentane-2,4-dione (1) with increasing mole ratios of secondary aliphatic amines at room temperature, in either toluene or ethanol. Eight non-cyclic N -methylalkyl and N -ethylalkyl amines and the azacyclopentane of pyrrolidine yielded exclusively mono-substituted N,S -acetals (2a–2i), while the azacyclohexanes of piperidine and morpholine yielded the mono-substituted N,S -acetals 2j and 2k and the double-substituted N,N -acetals 3j and 3k. The conversion yields for the reactions in ethanol are considerably higher than those in toluene. Furthermore, the secondary aliphatic amines with an N -methylalkyl moiety, which have one primary α-carbon and less steric crowding around the nucleophilic nitrogen, appear to be more reactive towards 1 than those with the N -ethylalkyl group, which have two primary α-carbons; further, the latter amines are more reactive than the amines with secondary α-carbons.     

Cyclisation of α-chiral aminyl radicals

α-Chiral aminyl radicals have been generated from sulfenamides of α-amino acid esters and α-phenylethylamine using Bu₃SnH. The aminyl radicals of α-amino acid esters undergo 5-exo-trig cyclisation reactions onto side chain alkenes to yield proline analogues with reasonable diastereoselectivity. Preliminary studies show urethanyl radicals generated from sulfenamides of alkenyl urethane derivatives of α-amino acid esters and α-phenylethylamine undergo 5-exo-rig cyclisations to providing a protocol for the radical amination of unactivated alkenes. The α-ester of the amino acid or the urethane groups impart electrophilic behaviour to the aminyl radicals and facilitates cyclisation onto alkenes.     

Chiral bidiaziridines by a two-step domino aziridination of meso-α-diimines

Chiral racemic α-diimines, tested in aziridination reactions with NsONHCO₂Et, for the first time led to the synthesis of (±)-bidiaziridines, stereoselectively derived from the corresponding meso (E-s-trans-E)-α-diimines. Moreover, a minor bidiaziridine isomer, probably a meso form that was lost under classical work-up conditions, can be obtained by adding water to the crude mixtures at the end of amination reactions. The results definitively prove that the imine aziridination by carbamates is a two-step domino process. The structures of the compounds were determined using 2D NMR on purified bidiaziridines.     

Reactivity of allenoates towards aziridines: synthesis of functionalized methylenepyrrolidines and pyrroles

The reactivity of buta-2,3-dienoates towards aziridines is reported. Typically, allenoates react as the 2π-component in the [3+2] cycloaddition with azomethine ylides generated from aziridines, affording 4-methylenepyrrolidines in a site-, regio- and stereoselective fashion. However, N-cyclohexyl- or N-tert-butyl-2-benzoyl-3-phenylaziridines showed a different reactivity in the reaction with buta-2,3-dienoates. Pyrrole derivatives were obtained as single or major products resulting from a formal [3+2] cycloaddition via C-N bond cleavage of the three-membered ring heterocycle leading to functionalized pyrroles. From the reaction with allenoates bearing bulkier C-4 substituents 4-methylenepyrrolidines were also formed as minor products.     

Gold-catalyzed bis-cyclization of 1,2-diol- or acetonide-tethered alkynes. Synthesis of β-lactam-bridged acetals: a combined experimental and theoretical study

2-Azetidinone-tethered alkyn-1,2-diols or alkynyl acetonides, readily prepared from imines of (R)-2,3-O-isopropylideneglyceraldehyde, were used as starting materials for the regio- and diastereospecific catalytic bis-oxycyclization reaction in the presence of a gold/acid binary system. Interestingly, in contrast to the gold-catalyzed reactions of N-tethered terminal alkynes, which lead to the corresponding 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives (proximal adduct), the reactions of substituted alkynic diols and acetonides under identical conditions gave the 7,9-dioxabicyclo[4.2.1]nonane derivatives (distal adducts) as the sole products, through exclusive 7-endo/5-exo bis-oxycyclizations by initial attack of the oxygen atom to the external alkyne carbon. Moreover, the mildness of the method allowed the incorporation of a 1,3-diyne moiety as reactive partner, displaying exquisite chemoselectivity toward the internal alkynic moiety. In order to confirm the mechanistic proposal, labeling studies with deuterium oxide have been performed. Besides, density functional calculations were performed to gain insight into the mechanisms of the bis-oxycyclization reactions.