Importance of a Fluorine Substituent for the Preparation of meta‐ and para‐Pentafluoro‐λ6‐sulfanyl‐Substituted Pyridines

Although there are ways to synthesize ortho‐pentafluoro‐λ⁶‐sulfanyl (SF₅) pyridines, meta‐ and para‐SF₅‐substituted pyridines are rare. We disclose herein a general route for their synthesis. The fundamental synthetic approach is the same as reported methods for ortho‐SF₅‐substituted pyridines and SF₅‐substituted arenes, that is, oxidative chlorotetrafluorination of the corresponding disulfides to give pyridylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides (SF₄Cl‐pyridines), followed by chloride/fluoride exchange with fluorides. However, the trick in this case is the presence on the pyridine ring of at least one fluorine atom, which is essential for the successful transformation of the disulfides into m‐and p‐SF₅‐pyridines. After enabling the synthesis of an SF₅‐substituted pyridine, ortho‐F groups can be efficiently substituted by C, N, S, and O nucleophiles through an S_NAr pathway. This methodology provides access to a variety of previously unavailable SF₅‐substituted pyridine building blocks.     

Visible‐Light‐Induced ortho‐Selective Migration on Pyridyl Ring: Trifluoromethylative Pyridylation of Unactivated Alkenes

The photocatalyzed ortho‐selective migration on a pyridyl ring has been achieved for the site‐selective trifluoromethylative pyridylation of unactivated alkenes. The overall process is initiated by the selective addition of a CF₃ radical to the alkene to provide a nucleophilic alkyl radical intermediate, which enables an intramolecular endo addition exclusively to the ortho‐position of the pyridinium salt. Both secondary and tertiary alkyl radicals are well‐suited for addition to the C2‐position of pyridinium salts to ultimately provide synthetically valuable C2‐fluoroalkyl functionalized pyridines. Moreover, the method was successfully applied to the reaction with P‐centered radicals. The utility of this transformation was further demonstrated by the late‐stage functionalization of complex bioactive molecules.     

Brønsted Acid Catalyzed,Conjugate Addition of β‐Dicarbonyls to In Situ Generated ortho‐Quinone Methides—Enantioselective Synthesis of 4‐Aryl‐4H‐Chromenes

We describe herein a catalytic, enantioselective process for the synthesis of 4H‐chromenes which are important structural elements of many natural products and biologically active compounds. A sequence comprising a conjugate addition of β‐diketones to in situ generated ortho‐quinone methides followed by a cyclodehydration reaction furnished 4‐aryl‐4H‐chromenes in generally excellent yields and high optical purity. A BINOL‐based chiral phosphoric acid was employed as a Brønsted acid catalyst which converted ortho‐hydroxy benzhydryl alcohols into hydrogen‐bonded ortho‐quinone methides and effected the carbon–carbon bond‐forming event with high enantioselectivity.     

Sulfoxide‐Directed Metal‐Free ortho‐Propargylation of Aromatics and Heteroaromatics

A sulfoxide‐directed, metal‐free ortho‐propargylation of aromatics and heteroaromatics exploits intermolecular delivery of a propargyl nucleophile to sulfur followed by an intramolecular relay to carbon. The operationally simple cross‐coupling procedure is general, regiospecific with regard to the propargyl nucleophile, and shows complete selectivity for products of ortho‐propargylation over allenylation. The use of secondary propargyl silanes allows metal‐free ortho‐coupling to form carbon–carbon bonds between aromatic and heteroaromatic rings and secondary propargylic centres. The ‘safety‐catch’ nature of the sulfoxide directing group is illustrated in a selective, iterative double cross‐coupling process. The products of propargylation are versatile intermediates and they have been readily converted into substituted benzothiophenes.     

Heterocyclization reaction of 2‐(2‐methylaziridin‐1‐yl)‐3‐ureidopyridines under appel's conditions

The reaction of 2‐(2‐methylaziridin‐1‐yl)‐3‐ureidopyridines 12 with triphenylphosphine, carbon tetra‐chloride, and triethylamine (Appel's conditions) led to the corresponding carbodiimides 13 , which underwent intramolecular cycloaddition reaction with aziridine under the reaction conditions to give the pyridine‐fused heterocycles, 2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazo[2′,3′:2,3]imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridines 16 and 12,13‐dihydro‐5H‐1,3 ‐benzodiazepino [2′,3′:2,3] imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridines 17 .     

A Catalyst‐Controlled Aerobic Coupling of ortho‐Quinones and Phenols Applied to the Synthesis of Aryl Ethers

ortho‐Quinones are underutilized six‐carbon‐atom building blocks. We herein describe an approach for controlling their reactivity with copper that gives rise to a catalytic aerobic cross‐coupling with phenols. The resulting aryl ethers are generated in high yield across a broad substrate scope under mild conditions. This method represents a unique example where the covalent modification of an ortho‐quinone is catalyzed by a transition metal, creating new opportunities for their utilization in synthesis.     

Ortho‐Functionalized Aryltetrazines by Direct Palladium‐Catalyzed C−H Halogenation: Application to Fast Electrophilic Fluorination Reactions

A general catalyzed direct C?H functionalization of s‐tetrazines is reported. Under mild reaction conditions, N‐directed ortho‐C?H activation of tetrazines allows the introduction of various functional groups, thus forming carbon–heteroatom bonds: C?X (X=I, Br, Cl) and C?O. Based on this methodology, we developed electrophilic mono‐ and poly‐ortho‐fluorination of tetrazines. Microwave irradiation was optimized to afford fluorinated s‐aryltetrazines, with satisfactory selectivity, within only ten minutes. This work provides an efficient and practical entry for further accessing highly substituted tetrazine derivatives (iodo, bromo, chloro, fluoro, and acetate precursors). It gives access to ortho‐functionalized aryltetrazines which are difficult to obtain by classical Pinner‐like syntheses.     

Synthesis of high thermal stability polybenzoxazoles via ortho‐imide‐functional benzoxazine monomers

We report our work for preparing cross‐linked polyimide via a series of imide functional benzoxazine resins as precursors. The structures of synthesized monomers have been confirmed by ¹H NMR and FT‐IR. Among this class of benzoxazine monomers, the ortho‐imide functional benzoxazine resins show useful features both in the synthesis of benzoxazine monomers and the properties of the corresponding thermosets. For the cross‐linked polyimides based on ortho‐imide functional benzoxazine, an additional route is adopted to form a more thermally stable cross‐linked polybenzoxazole with the release of carbon dioxide. The ortho‐imide functional benzoxazine resins show the possibility to form high performance and even super high performance thermosets with low cost and easy processability. The thermal properties are evaluated by DSC and TGA. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 1330–1338     

Simple Electrochemical Characterization of ortho‐Carborane and some of its exo‐Skeletal Derivatives

Electrochemical behaviour of 12 icosahedral carboranes – ortho‐, meta‐ and para‐carborane with different exo‐skeletal substituents was investigated. The study was done using phosphate buffers, in some cases with 20 % and 30 % dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) addition to increase the solubility of studied compounds. Commercial glassy carbon electrode or home‐made screen printed electrodes were used. Distinct electrochemical responses were observed only for the ortho‐carborane and its exo‐skeletal derivatives. The study of different exo‐skeletal substituents on the electrochemical behaviour of the carboranes is crucial for the intended use of these compounds as electrochemical labels of biomolecules.     

Cyclocondensation of Ethyl (imidazolidine‐2‐ylidene)acetate with Aromatic Esters Bearing Labile Halogen in ortho‐Position

Cyclocondensation of ethyl (imidazolidine‐2‐ylidene)acetate with aromatic esters bearing labile halogen in ortho‐position leads to fused heterocycles, which is formed by substitution of halogen atom with α‐carbon atom of cyclic ketene aminal and binding of nitrogen atom with carbonyl carbon atom of aromatic ester.     

Synthesis of meta‐Functionalized Pyridines by Selective Dehydrogenative Heterocondensation of β‐ and γ‐Amino Alcohols

New reactions that convert alcohols into important classes of compounds are becoming increasingly important as their development contributes to the conservation of our fossil carbon feedstock and the reduction of CO₂ emissions. Two key catalytic alcohol conversion concepts are borrowing hydrogen or hydrogen autotransfer and acceptorless dehydrogenative condensation. Herein, we combined both concepts to synthesize meta ‐functionalized pyridines. First, diols and amines were linked to β‐amino alcohols, which can then undergo a selective dehydrogenative heterocondensation with γ‐amino alcohols. Iridium catalysts stabilized by PN₅P pincer ligands that were developed in our laboratory mediate the reactions most efficiently. All of the 3‐aminopyridines that we describe in this paper have been synthesized for the first time, emphasizing the degree of innovation of this method and the problems associated with the synthesis of such meta ‐functionalized pyridines.     

CH Oxygenation and N‐Trifluoroacylation of Arylamines Under Metal‐Free Conditions: A Convenient Approach to 2‐Aminophenols and N‐Trifluoroacyl‐ortho‐aminophenols

Direct ortho‐hydroxylation through C?H oxygenation and N‐trifluoroacylation of anilines was achieved in a single step under metal‐free conditions by using a combination of TFA and oxone. The method allowed the formation of functionalised amino phenolic compounds such as ortho‐hydroxy‐N‐trifluoroacetanilides in good yields with broad substrate scope.     

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Annulation of ortho‐Alkynylanilines: Synthesis of Axially Chiral Naphthyl‐C2‐indoles

A chiral Brønsted base catalyzed asymmetric annulation of ortho‐alkynylanilines has been developed to access axially chiral naphthyl‐C2‐indoles via vinylidene ortho‐quinone methide (VQM) intermediates. This strategy provides a unique organocatalytic atroposelective route to axially chiral aryl‐C2‐indole skeletons with excellent enantioselectivity and functional‐group tolerance. This transformation was applicable to decagram‐scale preparation (50.0 g) with perfect enantioselectivity through simple recrystallization. Moreover, the utility of this reaction was demonstrated by a variety of transformations towards chiral naphthyl‐C2‐indoles for a series of carbon–heteroatom bond formations. Furthermore, the prepared axially chiral naphthyl‐C2‐indoles were applied as a chiral skeleton for organocatalytic aza‐Baylis–Hillman reaction and asymmetric formal [4+2] tandem cyclization to give the corresponding adducts in high yields with improved enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity.     

Synthesis of dihydrofuro[2,3‐b]pyridines by the reaction of 2‐amino‐4,5‐dihydro‐3‐furancarbonitriles with α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds

The reactions of 2‐amino‐4,5‐dihydro‐3‐furancarbonitriles 1a‐d with α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds in the presence of sodium ethoxide (0.1 equivalent) gave the corresponding Michael adducts 2a‐d , 3a‐d and 4a‐d. Compounds 2a‐d and 3a‐c reacted with sodium alkoxide (1 equivalent) to yield the corresponding 7a‐alkoxyhexahydrofuro[2,3‐b]pyridines 5a‐d, 6a‐d, 7a‐c and 8a‐c . Treatment of 5a‐d, 6a‐d, 7a‐c and 8a‐c with potassium tert‐butoxide produced the corresponding dihydrofuro[2,3‐b]pyridines 9a‐d and 10a‐c . The reaction of 4a‐c with sodium ethoxide (1 equivalent) afforded the corresponding dihydro‐furo[2,3‐b]pyridines 11a‐c .     

Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed,Highly Enantioselective Addition of Enamides to In Situ‐Generated ortho‐Quinone Methides: A Domino Approach to Complex Acetamidotetrahydroxanthenes

The highly enantioselective conjugate addition of enamides and enecarbamates to in situ‐generated ortho‐quinone methides, upon subsequent N,O‐acetalization, gives rise to acetamido‐substituted tetrahydroxanthenes with generally excellent enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities. A chiral BINOL‐based phosphoric acid catalyst controls the enantioselectivity of the carbon–carbon bond‐forming event. The products are readily converted into other xanthene‐based heterocycles.     

Ru–η6‐Arene Cations [{(Ph2PC6H4)2B(η6‐Ph)}RuX]+ (X=Cl,H) as Lewis Acids

The reactivity of [{(Ph₂PC₆H₄)₂B(η⁶‐Ph)}RuCl][B(C₆F₅)₄] ( 1 ) as a Lewis acid was investigated. Treatment of 1 with mono and multidentate phosphorus Lewis bases afforded the Lewis acid–base adducts with the ortho‐carbon atom of the coordinated arene ring. Similar reactivity was observed upon treatment with N‐heterocyclic carbenes; however, adduct formation occurred at both ortho‐ and para‐carbon atoms of the bound arene with the para‐position being favoured by increased steric demands. Interestingly treatment with isocyanides resulted in adduct formation with the B‐centre of the ligand framework. The hydride‐cation [{(Ph₂PC₆H₄)₂B(η⁶‐Ph)}RuH] [B(C₆F₅)₄] was prepared via reaction of 1 with silane. This species in the presence of a bulky phosphine behaves as a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) to activate H₂ between the phosphorus centre and the ortho‐carbon atom of the η⁶‐arene ring.     

One‐pot Annulation for Biaryl‐fused Monocarba‐closo‐dodecaborate through Aromatic B−H Bond Disconnection

We have developed a one‐pot annulation reaction of monocarba‐closo‐dodecaborate with cyclic diaryliodonium salts to afford biaryl‐fused derivatives. Aryl functionalities are introduced at both the 1‐carbon and unreactive ortho‐boron vertices of the “σ‐aromatic” carborane cage without the need for pre‐functionalization. DFT calculations revealed that the palladium‐catalyzed C?B bond‐formation step in this process proceeds through a concerted metalation–deprotonation (CMD)‐type pathway for the B?H bond disconnection on the aromatic cage, though such bonds are generally regarded as hydridic.     

Chiral N,N′‐Dioxide–Scandium(III) Complex‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Friedel–Crafts Alkylation Reaction of ortho‐Hydroxybenzyl Alcohols with C3‐Substituted N‐Protected Indoles

The first Lewis acid catalyzed asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction of ortho‐hydroxybenzyl alcohols with C3‐substituted indoles is described. A chiral N,N′‐dioxide Sc(OTf)₃ complex served not only to promote formation of ortho‐quinone methides (o‐QMs) in situ but also induced the asymmetry of the reaction. This methodology enables a novel activation of ortho‐hydroxybenzyl alcohols, thus affording the desired chiral diarylindol‐2‐ylmethanes in up to 99 % yield and 99 % ee. A range of functional groups were also tolerated under the mild reaction conditions. Moreover, this strategy gives concise access to enantioenriched indole‐fused benzoxocines.     

Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Monoalkenylation of Aromatic Ketones by Cleavage of Carbon–Heteroatom Bonds with Unconventional Chemoselectivity

Ruthenium‐catalyzed selective monoalkenylation of ortho C? O or C? N bonds of aromatic ketones was achieved. The reaction allowed the direct comparison of the relative reactivities of the cleavage of different carbon‐heteroatom bonds, thus suggesting an unconventional chemoselectivity, where smaller, more‐electron‐donating groups are more easily cleaved. Selective monofunctionalization of C? O bonds in the presence of ortho C? H bonds was also achieved.     

Reactions of hydrazonoyl halides 43 : Synthesis of some new 2,3‐dihydro‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoles,pyrazoles, pyrazolo[3,4‐d]‐pyridazines,thieno[2,3‐b]pyridines,pyrimidino[4′,5′:4,5]thieno[2,3‐b]‐pyridines and pyrrolo[3,4‐d]pyrazoles

2,3‐Dihydro‐1,3,4‐thiadiazoles, pyrazoles, pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyridazines, thieno[2,3‐b]pyridines, pyrim‐idino[4′,5′:4,5]thieno[2,3‐b]pyridines and pyrrolo[3,4‐d]pyrazoles were obtained in a good yields by treatment of hydrazonoyl halides with each of alkyl carbodithioates, 3‐(dimethylamino)‐1‐naphtho[1,2‐d]furan‐2‐ylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one and N‐arylmalemides.