Efficient synthesis of trisubstituted alkenes in an aqueous-organic system using a versatile and recyclable Rh/m-TPPTC catalyst

We have found that the use of [Rh(cod)OH]₂ associated with the water-soluble ligand m-TPPTC was highly efficient for the Rh-catalyzed arylation of alkynes. Aryl and alkyl alkynes were transformed to alkenes using 3 mol % rhodium catalyst and 2.5 equiv of boronic acid at 100 °C in a biphasic water/toluene system in 80-99% yield. The reaction was found to be totally regioselective for alkyl arylalkynes and alkyl silylated alkynes. The Rh/m-TPPTC system was for the first time recycled with no loss of the activity and with excellent purity of the desired alkene.     

CuI/glycerol mediated stereoselective synthesis of 1,2-bis-chalcogen alkenes from terminal alkynes: synthesis of new antioxidants

(E)-1,2-Bis-chalcogen alkenes were stereoselectively prepared in good yields by the addition of diorganyl dichalcogenides to terminal alkynes using CuI/Zn/glycerol as a recyclable catalytic system. The antioxidant activity in vitro of four (E)-1,2-bis-chalcogen alkenes synthesized was evaluated and (E)-1,2-bis-(4-methoxyphenylselanyl)styrene 3b presented excellent activity. The catalytic system used in the synthesis was recovered and used directly up to 5 cycles without loss of activity.     

Radical-mediated vicinal addition of alkoxysulfonyl/fluorosulfonyl and trifluoromethyl groups to aryl alkyl alkynes

The addition of sulfonyl radicals to alkenes and alkynes is a valuable method for constructing useful highly functionalized sulfonyl compounds. The underexplored alkoxy- and fluorosulfonyl radicals are easily accessed by CF₃ radical addition to readily available allylsulfonic acid derivatives and then β-fragmentation. These substituted sulfonyl radicals add to aryl alkyl alkynes to give vinyl radicals that are trapped by trifluoromethyl transfer to provide tetra-substituted alkenes bearing the privileged alkoxy- or fluorosulfonyl group on one carbon and a trifluoromethyl group on the other. This process exhibits broad functional group compatibility and allows for the late-stage functionalization of drug molecules, demonstrating its potential in drug discovery and chemical biology.

An unprecedented method for vicinal addition of alkoxysulfonyl/fluorosulfonyl and trifluoromethyl groups to aryl alkyl alkynes has been developed to afford useful alkenylsulfonate esters and alkenylsulfonyl fluorides.     

Copper-catalyzed Z-selective semihydrogenation of alkynes with hydrosilane: a convenient approach to cis-alkenes

A copper catalyst generated in situ from widely available copper salt and imidazolium salt in the presence of t-BuOK showed high efficiency for the semihydrogenation of a wide range of internal and terminal alkynes to their corresponding alkenes without obvious over-reduction. Functional groups, such as hydroxyl, nitro, halides, and amino, etc. were tolerated. The Z/E ratios of the obtained alkenes were generally >99%. Finally, semireduction of bulky alkynes also went smoothly.     

Organoboranes for synthesis. 9. Rapid reaction of organoboranes with iodine under the influence of base. a convenient procedure for the conversion of alkenes into iodides via hydroboration

The reaction of organoborane with iodine is strongly accelerated by sodium hydroxide. Organoboranes derived from terminal alkenes react with the utilization of approximately two of the three alkyl groups attached to boron, providing a maximum of 67% yield of alkyl iodide. Thus, hydroboration-iodination of 1-decene gives a 60% yield ofn-decyl iodide. Secondary alkyl groups, derived from internal alkenes, react more sluggishly and only one of the three alkyl groups attached to boron is converted to the iodide. Thus, the procedure applied to 2-butene provides a 30% yield of 2-butyl iodide. The use of disiamylboranebis-(3-methyl-2-butylborane, Sia₂BH) as hydroborating agent increases the yield of iodides from terminal alkenes since the primary alkyl groups react in preference to the secondary siamyl groups. Consequently, hydroboration of 1-decene with Sia₂BH, followed by iodination gives a 95% yield ofn-decyl iodide. The use of methanolic sodium methoxide in place of sodium hydroxide provides alkyl iodides in considerably higher yields. The combination of hydroboration with iodination in the presence of a base provides a convenient method for theanti-Markovnikov hydroiodination of alkenes. The base-induced iodination of organoboranes proceeds with the inversion of configuration at the reaction center, as shown by the formation ofendo-2iodonorbomane from tri-exo-norbomylborane.     

Synthesis of trans-Disubstituted Alkenes by Cobalt-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Terminal Alkynes with Activated Alkenes

A cobalt-catalyzed reductive coupling of terminal alkynes, RC?CH, with activated alkenes, R'CH?CH(2) , in the presence of zinc and water to give functionalized trans-disubstituted alkenes, RCH?CHCH(2) CH(2) R', is described. A variety of aromatic terminal alkynes underwent reductive coupling with activated alkenes including enones, acrylates, acrylonitrile, and vinyl sulfones in the presence of a CoCl(2) /P(OMe)(3) /Zn catalyst system to afford 1,2-trans-disubstituted alkenes with high regio- and stereoselectivity. Similarly, aliphatic terminal alkynes also efficiently participated in the coupling reaction with acrylates, enones, and vinyl sulfone, in the presence of the CoCl(2) /P(OPh)(3) /Zn system providing a mixture of 1,2-trans- and 1,1-disubstituted functionalized terminal alkene products in high yields. The scope of the reaction was also extended by the coupling of 1,3-enynes and acetylene gas with alkenes. Furthermore, a phosphine-free cobalt-catalyzed reductive coupling of terminal alkynes with enones, affording 1,2-trans-disubstituted alkenes as the major products in a high regioisomeric ratio, is demonstrated. In the reactions, less expensive and air-stable cobalt complexes, a mild reducing agent (Zn) and a simple hydrogen source (water) were used. A possible reaction mechanism involving a cobaltacyclopentene as the key intermediate is proposed.     

Dichloroborane-dioxane: an exceptional reagent for the preparation of alkenyl- and alkylboronic acids

Terminal alkynes and alkenes were conveniently hydroborated to the corresponding alkenyl- and alkyldichloroboranes using dichloroborane-dioxane in dichloromethane. These dichloroboranes were hydrolyzed by water to the corresponding alkenyl- and alkylboronic acids in moderate to good yields. With terminal alkenes and alkynes boron was predominantly attached to terminal carbon. Alkynes gave exclusively trans-vinylboronic acids.     

Ready access to organoiodides: Practical hydroiodination and double-iodination of carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds with I2

By using I₂ or I₂/H₃PO₃ system, various alkenes and alkynes were converted to the corresponding alkyl and alkenyl iodides in good yields. In the presence of I₂, alkynes could be di-iodinated using H₂O as the solvent in air at room temperature. This method also features the simple work-up procedure since the pure product could be obtained by extraction. Additionally, for the first time, combining with the non-toxic and cheap phosphonic acid H₃PO₃, alkenes and alkynes were also hydroiodinated successfully, which provides a simple and practical approach for synthesis of organoiodides.     

Synthesis of trans‐Disubstituted Alkenes by Cobalt‐Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Terminal Alkynes with Activated Alkenes

A cobalt‐catalyzed reductive coupling of terminal alkynes, RC?CH, with activated alkenes, R′CH?CH₂, in the presence of zinc and water to give functionalized trans‐disubstituted alkenes, RCH?CHCH₂CH₂R′, is described. A variety of aromatic terminal alkynes underwent reductive coupling with activated alkenes including enones, acrylates, acrylonitrile, and vinyl sulfones in the presence of a CoCl₂/P(OMe)₃/Zn catalyst system to afford 1,2‐trans‐disubstituted alkenes with high regio‐ and stereoselectivity. Similarly, aliphatic terminal alkynes also efficiently participated in the coupling reaction with acrylates, enones, and vinyl sulfone, in the presence of the CoCl₂/P(OPh)₃/Zn system providing a mixture of 1,2‐trans‐ and 1,1‐disubstituted functionalized terminal alkene products in high yields. The scope of the reaction was also extended by the coupling of 1,3‐enynes and acetylene gas with alkenes. Furthermore, a phosphine‐free cobalt‐catalyzed reductive coupling of terminal alkynes with enones, affording 1,2‐trans‐disubstituted alkenes as the major products in a high regioisomeric ratio, is demonstrated. In the reactions, less expensive and air‐stable cobalt complexes, a mild reducing agent (Zn) and a simple hydrogen source (water) were used. A possible reaction mechanism involving a cobaltacyclopentene as the key intermediate is proposed.     

Cobalt-catalyzed reductive coupling of activated alkenes with alkynes

Cobalt complex/Zn systems effectively catalyze the reductive coupling of activated alkenes with alkynes in the presence of water to give substituted alkenes with very high regio- and stereoselectivity in excellent yields. While the intermolecular reaction of acrylates, acrylonitriles, and vinyl sulfones with alkynes takes place in the presence of CoI2(PPh3)2/Zn, the reaction of enones and enals with alkynes requires the use of the CoI2(dppe)/Zn/ZnI2 system. The intramolecular reductive coupling of activated alkenes (enones, enals, acrylates, and acrylonitriles) with alkynes also works efficiently. Further a variety of cyclic lactones and lactams were prepared using this methodology. Possible mechanistic pathways are proposed based on a deuterium-labeling experiment carried out in the presence of D2O.     

Copper (II)-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective addition of H/P(O)R2 to alkynes

Cu(acac)₂ is the new universal catalyst for β-E regio- and stereoselective syn-addition of the H–P(O)-bond of diphenylphosphine oxide, H-phosphinates, dialkylphosphites to various alkynes in the synthesis of P(O)-containing alkenes. Without additives and ligands Cu(II)-compounds showed better results than CuI or Ni(acac)₂. The catalytic system developed is tolerant to typical organic functional groups present in the alkynes and to the nature of different substituents in the H–P(O)-compounds.     

Synthesis of Pyrrolidine Derivatives by a Platinum/Brønsted Acid Relay Catalytic Cascade Reaction

A new catalytic reaction for the synthesis of pyrrolidine derivatives is presented. The method implies the coupling of N‐Boc‐protected alkynamine derivatives and appropriate alkenes or alkynes in a process catalysed by a platinum/triflic acid catalytic binary system. This reaction is believed to proceed through a cascade process implying an initial platinum‐catalysed cycloisomerization of the alkynamine derivative followed by a triflic acid promoted nucleophilic addition of the alkene or alkyne and trapping of the cationic species formed by the Boc group. Not only simple alkenes and alkynes were used in this reaction but also allyltrimethylsilane and propargyltrimethylsilane. Particularly, when allyltrimethylsilane is used as the alkene counterpart interesting bicyclic compounds containing a trimethylsilane group are obtained. However, when propargyltrimethylsilane is used in the presence of water we observed the formation of a related bicyclic compound lacking the trimethylsilane group and containing an exocyclic carbon?carbon bond.     

Umsetzungen von ω-alkenylsubstituierten Zirconocendichloridkomplexen mit n-Alkyllithiumverbindungen in Gegenwart von Alkenen bzw. Alkinen

The reaction of ω-alkenyl substituted zirconocene dichloride complexes with two equivalents of n-butyllithium is strongly influenced in the presence of alkenes and alkynes. Metallacyclic zirconocene complexes of novel structures are obtained. The additives alkenes and alkynes compete with the ω-alkenyl substituents and the intermediate 1-butene for the formation of a metallacyclic structure. The reaction of ω-alkenyl substituted zirconocene dichloride complexes with two equivalents of ethyllithium and n-hexyllithium gives analogous reactions and metallacycles as with n-butyllithium.     

Indium(III) chloride-catalyzed oxidative cleavage of carbon-carbon multiple bonds by tert-butyl hydroperoxide in water—a safer alternative to ozonolysis

An efficient and general method for the oxidative cleavage of alkenes and alkynes using tert-butyl hydroperoxide and indium(III) chloride as catalyst in water to give the corresponding carboxylic acids or ketones has been achieved. The reaction conditions are compatible with sensitive moieties such as peptide bonds, tert-butyl carboxylic esters and N-Boc-protected tryptophan. The catalyst could be recycled.     

A new synthesis of 2-aryl/alkylbenzofurans by visible light stimulated intermolecular Sonogashira coupling and cyclization reaction in water

A visible light induced rapid one pot intermolecular Sonogashira coupling and 5-endo-dig cyclization in water of ortho-halophenols and terminal alkynes catalyzed by [Pd] have been developed to furnish 2-aryl/alkyl benzofurans in good yields sans Ru or Ir complexes or any other additives.     

A mathematical relationship between the number of isomers of alkenes and alkynes: a result established from the enumeration of isomers of alkenes from alkyl biradicals

A simple and fast algorithm for enumerating alkene isomers is described. This algorithm is based on a 2-step hypothetical chemical reaction. In the first step, an alkane molecule loses two protons becoming an alkyl biradical. In the second step, two alkyl biradicals react to form an alkene molecule. By using two sequential recursive algorithms, the number of computational terms in the enumeration process is much less than when using the Henze–Blair algorithm. By using this simple algorithm, the numbers of constitutional isomers of alkenes and alkynes for carbon content greater than 30 are easily enumerated. In addition, through this algorithm, a mathematical relationship between the number of constitutional isomers of alkenes and alkynes has been established for the first time. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Migratory Hydrogenation of Terminal Alkynes by Base/Cobalt Relay Catalysis

Migratory functionalization of alkenes has emerged as a powerful strategy to achieve functionalization at a distal position to the original reactive site on a hydrocarbon chain. However, an analogous protocol for alkyne substrates is yet to be developed. Herein, a base and cobalt relay catalytic process for the selective synthesis of (Z)‐2‐alkenes and conjugated E alkenes by migratory hydrogenation of terminal alkynes is disclosed. Mechanistic studies support a relay catalytic process involving a sequential base‐catalyzed isomerization of terminal alkynes and cobalt‐catalyzed hydrogenation of either 2‐alkynes or conjugated diene intermediates. Notably, this practical non‐noble metal catalytic system enables efficient control of the chemo‐, regio‐, and stereoselectivity of this transformation.     

Monomeric Magnesium Catalyzed Alkene and Alkyne Hydroboration

In this work, two monomeric magnesium alkyl complexes ( 1 and 2 ) were prepared using bis(phosphino)carbazole framework and among them 1 has been used as a catalyst for hydroboration of alkenes and alkynes with pinacolborane (HBpin). A broad variety of aromatic and aliphatic alkenes and alkynes were efficiently reduced. Anti-Markovnikov regioselective hydroboration of alkenes and alkynes was achieved, which was confirmed by deuterium-labelling experiments. The work represents the first example of the use of magnesium in homogeneous catalytic hydroboration of alkene with broad substrate scope. Experimental mechanistic investigations and DFT calculations provided insights into the reaction mechanism. Finally, the hydroboration protocol was extended to terpenes.     

Reaction of CBrF2-CBrF2 with hydrazones of aromatic aldehydes: Novel efficient synthesis of fluorocontaining alkanes, alkenes and alkynes

An olefination of hydrazones of aromatic aldehydes by CBrF₂-CBrF₂ under copper catalysis was investigated. In situ prepared aldehydes hydrazones were converted to (3-bromo-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl)arenes by reaction with CBrF₂-CBrF₂ in the presence of CuCl. Subsequent elimination of HF by sodium hydroxide resulted in stereospecific formation of fluorocontaining alkenes. Elimination proceeds stereoselectively, only Z-isomers of alkenes are formed. Elimination of two molecules of HF from (3-bromo-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl)arenes by treatment with potassium tert-butoxide leads to formation of (bromodifluoromethyl)alkynes. As a result a simple and efficient transformation of aromatic aldehydes to range of various fluorinated alkanes, alkenes and alkynes was elaborated.     

Alkylation of Terminal Alkynes with Transient σ‐Alkylpalladium(II) Complexes: A Carboalkynylation Route to Alkyl‐Substituted Alkynes

A mild and general alkylation of terminal alkynes with transient σ‐alkylpalladium(II) complexes for assembling alkyl‐substituted alkynes is described. This method represents a new way to the use of transient σ‐alkylpalladium(II) complexes in organic synthesis through 1,2‐carboalkynylation of alkenes.