Chiral Lewis acid-catalyzed highly enantioselective [4 + 3] cycloaddition reactions of nitrogen-stabilized oxyallyl cations derived from allenamides

A chiral Lewis acid-catalyzed highly enantioselective [4 + 3] cycloaddition reaction of allenamide-derived nitrogen-stabilized chiral oxyallyl cations is described here. The use of bisoxazoline ligand and CuOTf2 provides high enantioselectivity, especially with [SbF6]- as the counteranion.     

Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis,Structures, and Properties of Single and Double Azahelicene-Like Molecules

The enantioselective synthesis of aza[6] and [7]helicene-like molecules have been achieved by the cationic rhodium(I)/axially chiral biaryl bisphosphine complex-catalyzed intramolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of cyanodiynes. This protocol was successfully applied to the diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of an S-shaped double aza[6]helicene-like molecule with a high ee value of 89 %. Although no epimerization and racemization were observed in the double carbo[6]helicene-like molecule at 80 °C, epimerization and racemization of the double aza[6]helicene-like molecule proceeded at 80 °C. This double aza[6]helicene-like molecule showed good fluorescent quantum yields and chiroptical responses under both neutral and acidic conditions.     

Total synthesis of (+)-lepadin F

An enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-lepadin F is described. The synthetic sequence features an intermolecular aza-[3 + 3] annulation, homologation of a vinylogous amide via Eschenmoser's episulfide contraction, and a highly stereoselective hydrogenation essential for achieving the 1,3-anti relative stereochemistry at C2 and C8a.     

Enantioselective organocatalytic formal [3 + 3]-cycloaddition of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes and application to the asymmetric synthesis of (-)-isopulegol hydrate and (-)-cubebaol

[reaction: see text] The first highly enantioselective organocatalyzed carbo [3 + 3] cascade cycloaddition of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes is reported. Using this methodology, crotonaldehyde is converted to 6-hydroxy-4-methylcyclohex-1-enecarbaldehyde, which is used in the synthesis of (-)-isopulegol hydrate, (-)-cubebaol, and p-tolualdehyde as well as (-)-6-hydroxy-4-methyl-1-cyclohexene-1-methanol acetate, an intermediate in the total synthesis of lycopodium alkaloid magellanine. Other alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes give rise to chiral cyclohexadienes via formal [4 + 2] reactions.     

Enantioselective photocycloaddition mediated by chiral Brønsted acids: asymmetric synthesis of the rocaglamides

Enantioselective syntheses of methyl rocaglate and the related natural products rocaglamide and rocaglaol are outlined. The approach involves enantioselective [3 + 2] photocycloaddition promoted by chiral Br?nsted acids (TADDOLs) to afford an aglain precursor followed by a ketol shift/reduction sequence to the rocaglate core.     

Enantioselective Formal [4+2] Cycloadditions to 3‐Nitroindoles by Trienamine Catalysis: Synthesis of Chiral Dihydrocarbazoles

The first enantioselective formal [4+2] cycloadditions of 3‐nitroindoles are presented. By using 3‐nitroindoles in combination with an organocatalyst, chiral dihydrocarbazole scaffolds are formed in moderate to good yields (up to 87 %) and enantioselectivities (up to 97 % ee). The reaction was extended to include enantioselective [4+2] cycloadditions of 3‐nitrobenzothiophene. The reaction proceeds through a [4+2] cycloaddition/elimination cascade under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, a diastereoselective reduction of an enantioenriched cycloadduct is presented. The mechanism of the reaction is discussed based on experimental and computational studies.     

Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Highly Fluorescent and CPL-Active Dispiroindeno[2,1-c]fluorenes

The enantioselective synthesis of chiral [7]-helical dispirodihydro[2,1-c]indenofluorenes (DSF-IFs) was achieved for the first time in good yields with high er values (er up to 99 : 1). The crucial step of the whole reaction sequence was the enantioselective intramolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of tethered triynediols to indenofluorenediols, which was catalyzed by a Rh/SEGPHOS® complex. Further transformations led to the corresponding DSF-IFs. The prepared helically chiral DSF-IFs combine circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) activity (g_lum=∼10⁻³) with exceptionally high fluorescence quantum yields (up to Φ_lum=0.97).     

Sequential organocatalyzed Michael addition/[3 + 2]-heterocyclization for the stereoselective synthesis of fused-isoxazoline precursors of enantiopure cyclopentanoids

We propose an asymmetric synthesis of functionalized cyclopentanoids bearing up to four stereogenic centers from easily accessible nitroalkenes and unsaturated aldehydes. The overall sequence includes an enantioselective organocatalytic Michael addition and a [3 + 2]-heterocyclization between an in situ generated silylnitronate and the unactivated double bond. Finally, the fused isoxazoline can be further transformed to various cyclopentanoids.     

Enantioselective Formal [3+2] Cycloaddition of Epoxides with Imines under Brønsted Base Catalysis: Synthesis of 1,3‐Oxazolidines with Quaternary Stereogenic Center

The formal [3+2] cycloaddition of epoxides and unsaturated compounds is a powerful methodology for the synthesis of densely functionalized five‐membered heterocyclic compounds containing oxygen. Described is a novel enantioselective formal [3+2] cycloaddition of epoxides under Brønsted base catalysis. The bis(guanidino)iminophosphorane as a chiral organosuperbase catalyst enabled the enantioselective reaction of β,γ‐epoxysulfones with imines, owing to its strong basicity and high stereocontrolling ability, to provide enantioenriched 1,3‐oxazolidines having two stereogenic centers, including a quaternary one, in a highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective manner.     

Enantioselective total synthesis of valeriananoids A-C

[reaction: see text] The first enantioselective total synthesis of valeriananoids A-C (-)-1-3 is reported starting from the readily available monoterpene (R)-carvone, employing a tandem intermolecular Michael addition-intramolecular Michael addition-alkylation sequence and an electron-transfer-mediated 6-endo-trig cyclization as key steps.     

Catalytic enantioselective [2 + 4] and [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions with propiolamides

We report here the catalytic and highly enantioselective [2 + 4] and [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of electron-rich dienes or silyl enol ethers with electron-deficient propiolamide derivatives induced by copper(II).3-(2-naphthyl)-L-alanine amide complex.     

Catalytic Asymmetric Formal [3+3] Cycloaddition of an Azomethine Ylide with 3‐Indolylmethanol: Enantioselective Construction of a Six‐Membered Piperidine Framework

A catalytic asymmetric formal [3+3] cycloaddition of 3‐indolylmethanol and an in situ‐generated azomethine ylide has been established to construct a chiral six‐membered piperidine framework with two stereogenic centers. This approach not only represents the first enantioselective cycloaddition of isatin‐derived 3‐indolylmethanol, but also has realized an unusual enantioselective formal [3+3] cycloaddition of azomethine ylide rather than its common [3+2] cycloadditions. Besides, this protocol combines the merits of a multicomponent reaction and organocatalysis, which efficiently assembles a variety of isatin‐derived 3‐indolylmethanols, aldehydes, and amino esters into structurally diverse spiro[indoline‐3,4′‐pyridoindoles] with one all‐carbon quaternary stereogenic center in high yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 93 % yield, >99 % enantiomeric excess (ee)). Although the diastereoselectivity of the reaction is generally moderate, most of the diastereomers can be separated by using column chromatography followed by preparative TLC.     

Asymmetric Brønsted Base Catalyzed and Directed [3+2] Cycloaddition of 2‐Acyl Cycloheptatrienes with Azomethine Ylides

Conjugated cyclic trienes have the potential for different types of cycloaddition reactions. In the present work, we will, in a novel asymmetric cycloaddition reaction, demonstrate that the organocatalytic reaction of 2‐acyl cycloheptatrienes with azomethine ylides proceeds as a [3+2] cycloaddition, which is in contrast to the Lewis acid‐catalyzed reaction, in which a [3+6] cycloaddition takes place. In the presence of a chiral organosuperbase, 2‐acyl cycloheptatrienes react in a highly enantioselective manner in the [3+2] cycloaddition with azomethine ylides, providing the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition product in high yields and up to 99 % ee. It is also shown that the diene formed by the reaction can undergo stereoselective dihydroxylation, bromination, and cycloaddition reactions. Finally, based on experimental observations, some mechanistic considerations are discussed.     

NHC-catalyzed enantioselective [2 + 2] and [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions of ketenes with isothiocyanates

The enantioselective N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed formal [2 + 2] and [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of ketenes and isothiocyanates were developed. Reaction with N-aryl isothiocyanates at room temperature favors the [2 + 2] cycloaddition, while reaction with N-benzoyl isothiocyanates at -40 °C favors the [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition.     

Organocatalytic enantioselective desymmetrization of cyclic enones via phosphine promoted [3+2] annulations

Phosphine catalyzed enantioselective [3+2] cyclizations on 4-substituted 2,6-diarylidenecyclohexanones and 2,4-diarylidene-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-ones take place with high diastereo- and enantioselectivity levels. The process affords spirocyclic compounds with excellent stereochemical control of up to five stereogenic centres.     

First cobalt(I)-catalyzed [6 + 2] cycloadditions of cycloheptatriene with alkynes

[reaction: see text] The CoI2(dppe)/Zn/ZnI2 system effectively catalyzes the [6 + 2] cycloaddition of cycloheptatriene with terminal alkynes to afford 7-alkyl-bicyclo[4.2.1]nona-2,4,7-trienes in fair to excellent yields. The catalyst proved to be tolerant toward functional groups such as ketone, sulfone, ester, ketal, ether, alcohol, imide, and nitrile. The enantioselective cycloaddition of CHT and phenylacetylene with BINOL phosphoramidite ligand 4 afforded the cycloadduct 3a (R = Ph) in 91% yield and 74% ee.     

Expanding the Scope of Enantioselective FerroPHANE‐Promoted [3+2] Annulations with α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones

The planar chiral 2‐phospha[3]ferrocenophane I has been shown to be the first efficient nucleophilic organocatalyst for the enantioselective synthesis of cyclopentenylphosphonates, through [3+2] cyclizations between diethyl allenylphosphonate and α,β‐unsaturated ketones. The same catalyst has also been applied to the highly enantioselective [3+2] cyclizations of allenic esters with dibenzylideneacetone and analogous bis‐enones, leading to functionalised cyclopentenes with either monocyclic or spirocyclic structures (ee 84–95 %). It has been shown that the residual enone functions in the resulting cyclopentenes can be involved in subsequent cyclization steps to afford unprecedented C₂‐symmetric bis‐cyclopentenylketones. In order to provide insight into the behaviour of FerroPHANE I as a chiral catalyst in [3+2] cyclisations, the energetically most favoured isomers of the key phosphine‐allene adduct have been calculated by DFT methods. Factors likely to control the chiral induction process are highlighted.     

Asymmetric aza-[3+3] annulation in the synthesis of indolizidines: an unexpected reversal of regiochemistry

An enantioselective and diastereoselective aza-[3+3] annulation of pyrrolidine-based exo-cyclic vinylogous amides and urethanes with chiral vinyl iminium salts is described. This asymmetric annulation manifold is possible because of an unexpected regiochemical reversal whereby head-to-tail annulations dominated over the predicted head-to-head. It should find prevalent synthetic applications in the enantioselective synthesis of indolizidines.     

Cu(I)-catalyzed enantioselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 1-alkylallenylsilane with alpha-imino ester: asymmetric synthesis of dehydroproline derivatives

[reaction: see text] The catalytic, enantioselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 1-alkyl-substituted allenylsilanes with alpha-imino ester has been achieved by means of [Cu(MeCN)(4)]BF(4)/(R)-DM-SEGPHOS catalyst to afford silyl-substituted dehydroproline derivatives in high yields and enantioselectivities.     

Catalytic Enantioselective Carboannulation with Allylsilanes

The first catalytic asymmetric carboannulation with allylsilanes is presented. The enantioselective [3+2] annulation is catalyzed using a scandium(III)/indapybox complex with tetrakis‐[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐borate (BArF) to enhance catalytic activity and control stereoselectivity. Functionalized cyclopentanes containing a quaternary carbon center are derived from alkylidene oxindole, coumarin, and malonate substrates with high stereoselectivity. The enantioselective 1,4‐conjugate addition and enantioselective lactone formation (by trapping of the β‐silyl carbocation) is also described.