Coupling-isomerization synthesis of chalcones

The Sonogashira coupling of electron-deficient (hetero)aryl halides 1 and (hetero)aryl or alkenyl 1-propargyl alcohols 2 does not terminate at the stage of the expected internal propargyl alcohols, but rather gives rise to the formation of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones 3 with a variety of acceptor substituents. This new domino reaction, a coupling-isomerization reaction (CIR), can be rationalized as a sequence of rapid Pd/Cu-catalyzed alkynylation followed by a slow amine-base-catalyzed propargyl alcohol-enone isomerization. Performing the CIR in deuterated protic solvents or with a selectively deuterated propargyl alcohol revealed that the base-catalyzed isomerization step proceeds through a formal 1,3-H shift with minimal H/D exchange with the surrounding solvent. Additionally, 19F NMR kinetic measurements on the isomerization step with the fluorinated propargyl alcohol 4 r support the mechanistic rationale.     

Synthesis of pyrrolo-pyrrolo-pyrazines via the Pd/C-catalyzed cyclization of N-propargyl pyrrolinyl-pyrrole derivatives

A novel and efficient synthesis of N-substituted dipyrrolo[1,2-a:2′,1′-c]pyrazine derivatives has been developed. The synthetic strategy relies on the synthesis of 4′,5′-dihydro-1H,3′H-2,2′-bipyrrole, followed by the reaction with propargyl bromide. Various substituents were introduced to the alkyne functionality using the Sonogashira coupling reaction. Aromatization of the dihydropyrrole ring followed by an intramolecular cyclization reaction between the alkyne functionality and the pyrrole nitrogen atom was catalyzed by Pd/C at high temperature to furnish the desired dipyrrolo-pyrazine skeleton.     

Apical Functionalization of Tribenzotriquinacenes

The introduction of one alkyne moiety at the central carbon atom of the tripodal tribenzotriquinacene scaffold allows easy access to a great variety of apically functionalized derivatives. The spatially well‐separated arrangement of different functional units on the convex face and outer rim was further proven by single‐crystal X‐ray studies. Subsequent modifications that feature a general protecting group‐free strategy for the demethylation of protected catechols in the presence of a terminal alkyne group, an azide–alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition, and Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions showcase the high synthetic potential of this modular approach for tribenzotriquinacene derivatization.     

Gold catalysis: domino reaction of en-diynes to highly substituted phenols

By Sonogashira coupling of 1,7-heptadiynes and 1,8-octadiynes with 2-iodoallyl alcohols, various substrates that bear a 2-alkynylallyl alcohol moiety tethered to an additional alkyne were prepared in one step. Subjection to nitrogen acyclic carbene (NAC)/gold(I) catalysts delivered highly substituted phenols in an efficient domino reaction. Furan derivatives were formed as intermediates; this was proven by in situ NMR spectroscopy. The uncommon substitution pattern of these furans opens the way for a selective formation of phenols that contain the hydroxyl group in the meta position to the ring junction, which previously was not possible by gold-catalyzed furan-yne cyclization. Furthermore, interesting mechanistic insights were obtained by products derived from secondary allyl alcohols. In this case, in addition to the phenolic compounds, a ketone is formed by 1,2-alkyl shift.     

Phthalocyaninodehydroannulenes

4-Bromo- and 4,5-dibromo-3,6-dibutoxyphthalonitrile have been prepared and treated with 3,6-didecylphthalonitrile in cross tetramerisation reactions in the presence of nickel acetate to afford monobromo- and dibromo-dibutoxyhexadecylphthalocyaninato nickel(II) complexes. Sonogashira and Stille coupling reactions on these compounds displaced the bromine substituents by ethynyl groups. Oxidative coupling of the monoethynyl derivatised nickel phthalocyanine afforded a butadiynyl-linked dinuclear phthalocyanine. The corresponding coupling reaction of the diethynylated phthalocyanine gave a mixture of phthalocyaninodehydroannulenes. Separation of the mixture yielded the diphthalocyaninodehydro[12]annulene as the major product. Electrospray mass spectrometry provides evidence for its aggregation in solution. The corresponding cyclic trimer, the triphthalocyaninodehydro[18]annulene, has been identified as a minor product. Both compounds show a large splitting of the Q-band absorption in the visible region spectrum. Most of the mononuclear phthalocyanine precursors exhibit discotic liquid crystal behaviour. The diphthalocyaninodehydro[12]annulene also enters a mobile phase on heating, but undergoes an irreversible change at 220 degrees C. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry of the product reveals that the compound undergoes oligomerisation at this temperature.     

Cyclization and rearrangement products from coupling reactions between terminal o-alkynylphenols or o-ethynyl(hydroxymethyl)benzene and 6-halopurines

Cyclization reactions on 6-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethynyl]purines, 6-[(2-hydroxymethylphenyl)ethynyl]purines and 6-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)propyn-1-yl]purines have been studied. 6-(2-Benzofuryl)purines are readily available via a one-pot Sonogashira coupling-cyclization between 6-iodopurine and 2-ethynylphenol. When the same reaction was performed with o-(hydroxymethyl)ethynylbenzene, 6-[isobenzofuran-1(3H)-ylidenemethyl]purine was formed, mainly as the (E)-isomer. Acid catalyzed isomerization of the (E)-compound afforded the (Z)-isomer. The latter compound was also formed from a two-step reaction; Sonogashira coupling with O-silylated alkyne followed by deprotection and subsequent 5-exo cyclization. Sonogashira coupling between 6-halopurines and 2-propynylphenol gave only the alkyne coupling product and no cyclization took place. However, the Sonogashira product was unexpectedly rearranged to 6-(3-phenoxypropa-1,2-dienyl)purines under basic conditions. Theoretical calculations demonstrated that the allenes are more stable than their alkyne isomers.     

Convergent approach to the maduropeptin chromophore: aryl ether formation of (R)-3-aryl-3-hydroxypropanamide and cyclization of macrolactam

Efficient enantioselective syntheses of the functionalized phenol and diethynylcyclopentene moiety of the maduropeptin chromophore were achieved. Their CsF-mediated coupling yielded a sterically congested aryl propargyl ether. The subsequent intramolecular Sonogashira coupling reaction between the vinyl iodide and diethynyl groups occurred at the appropriate position to yield a macrolactam, which was accompanied by Pd-mediated enyne-yne benzannulation.     

Development of environmental friendly synthetic strategies for Sonogashira cross coupling reaction: An update

Sonogashira cross coupling is a well-known reaction for the formation of carbon–carbon bond. It involves the coupling of aryl halides with terminal alkynes to synthesize versatile functionalized alkyne scaffolds having diverse applications. Many of the natural products and important pharmaceutical drugs can be obtained through this reaction. In this regard, hectic progress has been put by the synthetic chemists to make this cross coupling more effective. This review article discloses mild and environmental friendly reaction conditions of Sonogashira cross coupling developed during 2013–2018.     

Total Synthesis of Rubriflordilactone B

Taking advantage of a 6π electrocyclization–aromatization strategy, we accomplished the first and asymmetric total synthesis of rubriflordilactone B, a heptacyclic Schisandraceae bisnortriterpenoid featuring a tetrasubstituted arene moiety. The left‐hand fragment was accessed through a chiral‐pool‐based route, and linked to the right‐hand fragment by a Sonogashira coupling. The cis geometry of the electrocyclization substrates was established by hydrogenation or hydrosilylation of the alkyne. An electrocyclization–aromatization sequence finally built the multisubstituted arene. The hydrosilylation approach was of significant advantage in terms of reaction scale, reproducibility, and intermediate stability. The structure of synthetic rubriflordilactone B was validated by X‐ray crystallographic analysis, and found to be consistent with that reported for the authentic natural product based on an independent X‐ray crystallographic analysis. However, obvious differences in the NMR spectra of the synthetic and authentic samples suggest that the authentic samples subjected to X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy were two different compounds.     

Synthesis and optoelectronic characterization of poly(fluorenylethynylene)s containing perylene bisimide moiety in the backbone

A series of poly(fluorenylethynylene)s containing different ratios of perylene bisimide moiety in the backbone were synthesized by Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction. The electron‐deficient perylene bisimide moiety was introduced into the backbone to construct the donor‐acceptor architectures. The chemical structures of these copolymers were determined by ¹H NMR and FTIR. The solubility, thermal, and optoelectronic properties were studied. The results of UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectra of these copolymers showed that intramolecular energy transfer and charge separation occur between the fluorenyl alkyne segment and perylene bisimide moiety. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1932–1938, 2008     

Mild and efficient Sonogashira couplings of 8-oxa- and 8-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octanone derived alkenyl nonaflates

We demonstrate in this report that bicyclic alkenyl nonaflates (nonafluorobutanesulfonates) generated from 8-heterobicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one derivatives are excellent substrates for Sonogashira couplings with alkynes. Employing CuI, Pd(OAc)₂, PPh₃ in DMF/i-Pr₂NH as standard reagents structurally diverse bicyclic nonaflates were coupled with phenyl acetylene in generally high yields. Particularly efficient are transformations of precursors 16, 18, and 20 bearing methyl groups at the bridgehead carbons, which furnished the expected enynes 17, 19, and 21 in approximately 90% yield. With respect to the alkyne component the scope of this palladium-catalyzed reaction seems also to be fairly broad. Thus, trimethylsilyl acetylene and propargyl alcohol could also be used, affording coupling products 22, 23, and 25 with high efficacy. The protocol of Grieco was applied to induce a domino coupling of tricyclic alkenyl nonaflate 14 with trimethylsilyl acetylene affording product 26 in moderate yield and as 1:1 mixture of the expected two diastereomers.     

Development of resin-to-resin transfer reactions (RRTR) using Sonogashira chemistry

Sonogashira chemistry can be used according to the ‘resin-to-resin transfer reaction’ (RRTR) concept. Two fragments, one containing the halide moiety and the second one incorporating the alkyne functionality, are anchored on different solid supports using allyl and/or Wang-type linkages. Treatment with Pd(0) cleaves the allyl-linked fragment(s) which subsequently undergo Sonogashira coupling under the same conditions.     

Platinum- and gold-catalyzed rearrangement reactions of propargyl acetates: total syntheses of (-)-alpha-cubebene, (-)-cubebol, sesquicarene and related terpenes

Propargyl acetates, in the presence of catalytic amounts of late transition-metal salts such as PtCl(2) or AuCl(3), represent synthetic equivalents of alpha-diazoketones. This notion is corroborated by a concise approach to various sesquiterpene natural products starting from readily available substrates. Specifically, (+)-carvomenthone (17) is converted into propargyl acetate (S)-26 by a sequence involving Stille cross-coupling of its kinetic enol triflate 18, regioselective hydroboration/oxidation of the resulting 1,3-diene 19, and addition of an alkynyl cerium reagent to aldehyde 21 thus obtained. Since the latter step was found to be unselective, the configuration of the reacting propargyl acetate was unambiguously set by oxidation followed by diastereoselective transfer hydrogenation by using Noyori's catalyst 25. Compound (S)-26, on treatment with PtCl(2) in toluene, converted exclusively to the tricyclic enol acetate 27, which was saponified to give norcubebone 11 in excellent overall yield. The conversion of this compound into the sesquiterpene alcohol (-)-cubebol (6) was best achieved with MeCeCl(2) as the nucleophile, whereas the formation of the parent hydrocarbon (-)-alpha-cubebene (4) was effected in excellent yield by recourse to iron-catalyzed cross coupling methodology developed in this laboratory. Since norketone 11 has previously been transformed into (-)-beta-cubebene (5) as well as (-)-4-epicubebol 8, our approach constitutes formal total syntheses of these additional natural products as well. Along similar lines, the readily available propargyl acetates 1, 33 and 47 were shown to give access to 2-carene 44, sesquicarene 39, and episesquicarene 51 in excellent overall yields. In this series, however, the cycloisomerization reaction was best achieved with catalytic amounts of AuCl(3) in 1,2-dichloroethane as the solvent. In addition to these preparative results, our data provide some insight into the mechanism of these remarkable skeletal rearrangement reactions. Transformations of this type are likely triggered by initial coordination of the alkyne unit of the substrate to the carbophilic transition-metal cation. Formal attack of the alkene moiety onto the resulting pi-complex engenders the formation of an electrophilic cyclopropyl carbene species which subsequently reacts with the adjacent acetate unit to give the final product. The alternative phasing of events, implying initial attack of the acetate (rather than the alkene moiety) onto the metal-alkyne complex, is inconsistent with the stereochemical data obtained during this total synthesis campaign.     

Photoinduced Palladium-Catalyzed Dicarbofunctionalization of Terminal Alkynes

Herein, a conceptually distinct approach was developed that allowed for the dicarbofunctionalization of alkynes at room temperature using simple, bench-stable alkyl iodides and a second molecule of alkyne as coupling partner. Specifically, the photochemical activation of palladium complexes enabled this strategic dicarbofunctionalization via addition of alkyl radicals from secondary and tertiary alkyl iodides and formation of an intermediate palladium vinyl complex that could undergo subsequent Sonogashira reaction with a second alkyne molecule. This alkylation–alkynylation sequence allowed the one-step synthesis of 1,3-enynes including heteroarenes and biologically active compounds with high efficiency without exogenous photosensitizers or oxidants and now opens up pathways towards cascade reactions via photochemical palladium catalysis.     

Total synthesis of 8-deshydroxyajudazol B

The total synthesis of a stereoisomer of 8-deshydroxyajudazol B (4), the putative biosynthetic intermediate of the ajudazols A (1) and B (2), is described. The key steps in the synthesis included an intramolecular Diels-Alder (IMDA) reaction to secure the isochromanone fragment, a novel selective acylation/O,N-shift to give a hydroxyamide which was cyclized to the oxazole and a high yielding Sonogashira coupling to form the C18-C19 bond. Partial alkyne reduction then afforded the target 4.     

One-pot Pd-catalyzed hydrostannation/Stille reaction with acid chlorides as the electrophiles

A one-pot hydrostannation/Stille coupling sequence amenable to the employment of acid chloride electrophiles has been developed. In this protocol, palladium mediated alkyne hydrostannations using Me₃SnF/PMHS as an in situ trimethyltin hydride source are followed by the addition of the acid chloride to afford a variety of α,β-unsaturated ketones in a single pot.     

Preparation of stimulus-responsive,polyfluorene-wrapped carbon nanotubes via palladium cross coupling

Decoration of carbon nanotube surfaces without damaging nanotube optoelectronic properties is an ongoing challenge. Here, we utilize Sonogashira coupling chemistry to decorate the nanotube surface without perturbing optoelectronic properties. Reactive, noncovalently functionalized polymer–nanotube complexes were prepared using a polyfluorene with aryl iodide groups in its side chains. The aryl iodides enable Pd cross coupling between polymer–nanotube complexes and small molecules or polymers derivatized with an alkyne. Modestly efficient coupling was found to occur under dilute conditions at elevated temperatures. Successful coupling between aryl iodide and alkyne partners was observed using infrared spectroscopy via the appearance of carbonyl stretches that originate from covalently linked, carbonyl-containing alkynes, and thermogravimetric analysis was used to measure reaction conversion under various conditions. Grafting of the hydrophobic polymer–nanotube complex with poly(ethylene glycol) enabled the dispersion to be transferred from organic to aqueous solution. This chemistry resulted in no damage to the nanotube sidewall, as evidenced by Raman spectroscopy. The aryl iodide-containing polyfluorene–nanotube complex was also coupled to a photoswitchable alkyne-containing spiropyran moiety and it was found that the photoswitch retained its functionality after coupling to the polymer–nanotube complex. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018 , 56, 2723–2729     

Intramolecular Vinyl Radical Cyclization Reactions of cyclohexadienes derived from sequential additions to (arene)(tricarbonyl)chromium complexes. Preliminary communication

Cyclohexa-1,3-dienes 7–10 with a 1,5,6-substitution pattern were prepared in a one-pot reaction sequence by sequential addition of MeLi and propargyl bromides to the tricarbonylchromium complex 1a . These products were subjected to radical cyclization procedures. Vinyl radical generation by Bu₃Sn addition to the propargyl group in 7–10 was followed by regio- and diastereoselective intramolecular ring closure. Two different 5-exo-trig cyclizations are possible via different vinyl radical intermediates and cyclization to one or the other of the termini of the cyclohexadiene moiety. Internal alkynes reacted to yield exclusively the cis-fused hexahydroindene products 12–14 , whereas the terminal alkyne yielded bicyclo[3.2.1]octenes 11 as sole products.     

Heterogeneous Suzuki and copper-free Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions catalyzed by a reusable palladium(II) complex in water medium

A new polystyrene anchored Pd(II) azo complex has been synthesized and characterized. The present Pd(II) azo complex behaves as a very efficient heterogeneous catalyst in the Suzuki coupling and Sonogashira coupling reaction in water medium. Aryl halides, coupled with phenylboronic acids (Suzuki-Miyaura reaction) or terminal alkyne (Sonogashira reaction), smoothly afford the corresponding cross-coupling products in excellent yields (83-100% yield for Suzuki reaction and 68-96% yield for Sonogashira reaction of aryl halides) under phosphine-free reaction conditions in the presence of polystyrene anchored Pd(II) azo complex catalyst in water medium. Furthermore, the catalyst has shown good thermal stability and recyclability. This polymer-supported Pd(II) catalyst could be easily recovered by simple filtration of the reaction mixture and reused for more than six consecutive trials without a significant loss of its catalytic activity.     

Oligoene‐Based π‐Helicenes or Dispiranes? Winding up Oligoyne Chains by a Multiple Carbopalladation/Stille/(Electrocyclization) Cascade

A domino approach consisting of up to five consecutive steps to access either highly substituted dispiranes or π‐helicenes from oligoyne chains is reported. The domino sequence consists of several carbopalladation reactions, a Stille cross‐coupling to obtain the helicenes, and, depending on the steric demands of the helicene, a final 6π‐electrocyclization to afford the dispiranes. Formally, the latter transformation contravenes the Woodward–Hoffmann rules, as revealed by X‐ray crystallography of the dispirane. Additionally, the racemization barrier of the (Z,Z,Z)‐triene‐based helicene has been determined by a kinetic analysis and compared with results from density functional theory calculations. Characteristic points on the reaction coordinate were further analyzed according to their relaxed force constants (compliance constants).