Grignard reagent-promoted 6-endo-dig cyclization: instantaneous synthesis of original dipyrido[1,2-a:3′,4′-d]imidazole

Dipyrido[1,2-a:3′,4′-d]imidazole derivatives can be readily synthetized from various 3-alkyne-2-cyanoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines via an efficient Grignard reagent-promoted 6-endo-dig cyclization of nitrile to alkynes. A previous optimization of the Sonogashira coupling reaction at C(3) of the 2-cyanoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine was necessary as this coupling reaction is known to be largely influenced by the nature of the 2-substituent.     

An efficient and general synthesis of pyrroles

We have discovered that a wide range of 3-alkynyl-hydroxyalkanamine derivatives undergo 5-endo-dig cyclisations when exposed to silver nitrate supported on silica gel. Subsequent in situ dehydration of the resulting and sometimes isolable hydroxy-dihydropyrroles leads to pyrroles in essentially quantitative yields using this recoverable and reusable heterogeneous catalyst.     

A simple, two-step synthesis of 3-iodoindoles

2-Halo-anilines, protected as the corresponding sulfonamides or carbamates, can be converted very efficiently into 3-iodoindoles by sequential Sonogashira coupling with a 1-alkyne and 5-endo-dig iodocyclisation. Azaindoles can also be obtained using this methodology.     

The influence of electronic factors on Pd-mediated cycloisomerization: a systematic investigation of competitive 6-exo-dig versus 7-endo-dig cyclizations of sugar alkynols

Pd-mediated cycloisomerization of 3-C-propargyl-ribo- and allofuranose derivatives was investigated in detail to understand the influence of electronic factors on the regioselectivity (6-exo- vs 7-endo) of alkynol cycloisomerization leading either to a six- or seven-membered ring. In general, the 6-exo-dig mode of cyclization is facile and is independent of electronic factors. With some of the alkynols, a regioselective (7-endo?) hydration of the alkyne unit was observed and this has been attributed to the participation of C(3)-OH. When the C(3)-OH was protected as its benzyl ether, cycloisomerization of these alkynols occurred exclusively in a 6-exo-dig mode resulting in the corresponding [3.2.1]-bicyclic ketals. Additional control experiments conducted were in support of the participation of C(3)-OH in regioselective alkyne hydration.     

A novel method for the synthesis of 5,6-dihydro-4H-oxocin-4-ones: 6-endo-dig versus 8-endo-dig cyclizations

The condensation of substituted α-keto alkynes with p-nitrobenzaldehyde in the presence of lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) affords highly substituted 5,6-dihydro-4H-oxocin-4-ones in good yields. Surprisingly, no six-membered carbocycles were formed in this 8-endo-dig cyclization to the oxocinone system.     

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 general route to 5-substituted-2-furylacetic acids: a brief synthesis of plakorsin B

3,4-Dihydroxy-5-alkynylcarboxylic acids, readily obtained by the addition of lithium acetylides to α-acetoxysuccinic anhydride followed by reduction and hydrolysis, undergo smooth silver(I)-catalysed 5-endo-dig cyclisations and in situ dehydration to give excellent overall yields of 5-substituted-2-furylacetic acids, including the natural metabolite plakorsin B.     

Diverse synthesis of pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles and imidazo[2,1-b]benzothiazoles via CuI-catalyzed decarboxylic multicomponent reactions of heterocyclic azoles,aldehydes and alkynecarboxylic acids

We have developed a straightforward approach to diverse synthesis of 2,3-, 2,4-disubstituted pyrimido [1,2-a]benzimidazoles, 2,4,10-trisubstituted 2,10-dihydropyrimido [1,2-a]benzimidazoles and 2,3-disubstituted imidazo [2,1-b]benzothiazoles via multicomponent reactions (MCRs) of heterocyclic azoles, aldehydes with easily storable and handling alkynecarboxylic acids. In the presence of a catalytic amount of CuI and K₂CO₃, the pyrimido [1,2-a]benzimidazole or imidazo [2,1-b]benzothiazole scaffold could be rapidly constructed through a 6-endo-dig or 5-exo-dig cyclization, respectively. The preliminary mechanistic study suggested that the formation of 2,3- disubstituted pyrimido [1,2-a]benzimidazoles, which completes the assembly of the scaffold and its C-3 position functionalization in one pot, undergoes a novel cascade process involving a decarboxylation, A [3] coupling, 6-endo-dig cyclization, nucleophilic addition and dehydration.     

Intramolecular regioselective addition of radicals and carbanions to ynol ethers. A strategy for the synthesis of exocyclic enol ethers

The scope and limitations of radical and anionic cyclization reactions involving halo ynol ethers have been investigated. 5-exo and 6-exo radical cyclizations of 6-iodo and 7-iodo ynol ethers proceeded well when the oxygen of the ynol ether was bearing an ethyl group. Exocyclic iodoenol ethers resulting from these cyclizations were highly unstable and decomposed rapidly. Li-I exchange of iodo ynol ethers proceeded smoothly at −78 °C. 6-Alkoxy-5-hexynyllithiums underwent regiospecific 5-exo-dig anionic cyclization to produce five-membered rings bearing an exocyclic enol ether moiety. The cyclized vinyllithium intermediate was successfully trapped with electrophiles to afford functionalized cycloalkoxyalkylidene derivatives in modest to good yields. 7-Alkoxy-6-heptynyllithiums did not cyclize via a 6-exo anionic process.     

Studies of ring-closing mode of 4-hydroxy-2-vinylidenebutanoates: 5-exo-trig versus 5-endo-dig

The ring-closing mode of benzyl 4-hydroxy-2-vinylidenebutanoates (5-exo-trig vs 5-endo-dig) could precisely be controlled in a highly selective manner by the proper choice of conditions (solvent and base).     

Efficient palladium-mediated or base-induced 5-endo-dig cyclisation of C5-alkynylated pyrimidine derivatives: conventional and microwave-assisted synthesis of novel furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines

A series of the novel 5-alkynyl- and furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives in which the sugar moiety is replaced by a methoxymethyl (MOM) group is synthesised using the Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction under both conventional and microwave conditions, in good to excellent yields. The 5-endo-dig cyclisation of 5-alkynylpyrimidine derivatives promoted by a Pd-catalyst or base gives the corresponding furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines in good yields.     

AlCl3-promoted three-component cascade reaction for rapid access to [1,2,3]triazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines

Novel AlCl₃-promoted, three component cascade Henry reaction-triazole formation-intramolecular 6-endo-dig cyclization reactions between 2-alkynylaryl aldehydes, nitroalkanes, and sodium azide for the assembly of [1,2,3]triazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines have been developed. Further transformations of representative [1,2,3]triazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines are also described.     

Synthesis of 2-cyclopropyl-4-pyrones and 5-cyclopropyl-2-alkylene-3(2H)-furanones based on tandem cyclization-cyclopropanation strategy

In AgSbF₆/Rh₂(OAc)₄/DCE system, two-component diastereoselective reactions of 2-diazo-3,5-dioxo-6-ynoates (phosphonates and sulphones) and alkenes provided easy access to 2-cyclopropyl-γ-pyrones through 6-endo-dig cyclization-cyclopropanation. In AgOAc/Rh₂(OAc)₄/Et₃N/DCE system, two-component reaction of 2-diazo-3,5-dioxo-7-aryl-6-ynoates and alkenes afforded 2-cyclopropyl-2-alkylene-3(2H)-furanones through 5-exo-dig cyclization-cyclopropanation. The possible mechanism of reaction is discussed. A simple procedure and mild conditions are significant features of this strategy.     

6-endo Versus 5-exo radical cyclization: streamlined syntheses of carbahexopyranoses and derivatives by 6-endo-trig radical cyclization

Three factors that can direct 6-endo radical cyclization over 5-exo ring closure: substitution at C-5, vinyl radical cyclization and ring strain, have been considered in the context of the preparation of carbapyranoses from carbohydrate derivatives. As a result, alkyl radicals in substrates containing a strain inducing 2,3-O-isopropylidene ring, and vinyl radical in non-strained compounds undergo a completely regioselective 6-endo-trig ring closure leading to carbasugar derivatives.     

Short and convenient synthesis of two natural phthalides by a copper(I) catalysed Sonogashira/oxacyclisation copper(I) process

Total synthesis of (±)-herbaric acid and (±)-(4-methoxybenzyl)-5,7-dimethoxyphthalide, two natural phthalide products, was achieved in 8 steps and 5 steps, respectively, starting from commercially available 3,5-dimethoxyaniline. The key step of the sequence included a copper-catalysed tandem cross-coupling and oxacylisation reaction of terminal alkynes and 2-iodobenzoïc acid derivatives via 5-exo-dig cyclisation with high stereo-, regio- and chemoselectivities. This straightforward method allows the preparation of diverse phthalides, which belong to a group of pharmacologically important compounds.     

A novel and efficient synthesis of pyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine-2,4,7-trione and pyrido[2,3-d:6,5-d] dipyrimidine-2,4,6,8-tetrone derivatives

An efficient and direct procedure for the synthesis of pyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine-2,4,7-trione derivatives has been described under microwave-assisted conditions. Reaction of 6-amino-1,3-dimethyluracil with aromatic aldehydes resulted in the formation of pyrido[2,3-d:6,5-d] dipyrimidine-2,4,6,8-tetrone derivatives.     

An efficient approach to isoquinoline via AgNO3-promoted 6-endo-dig cyclization followed by oxidative elimination of o-alkynylarylaldimines and its application in fluoride recognition

A novel 6-endo-dig cyclization followed by oxidation/elimination of o-alkynylarylaldimines with 4-hydroxybenzylamine was developed for preparation of isoquinolines. The intermediates of this tandem reaction were monitored by mass spectroscopy (MS) to confirm the reaction pathway. This methodology was further applied to the design and synthesis of a novel ratiometric chemosensor for determination of fluoride.     

On the viability of 5-endo-dig cyclisations of O-propargylic hydroxylamine derivatives, leading to 2,5-dihydroisoxazoles (3-isoxazolines)

O-Propargylic hydroxylamines undergo smooth 5-endo-dig cyclisations upon exposure to 3 equiv of molecular iodine to give respectable yields of the corresponding 4-iodo-2,5-dihydroisoxazoles, which should find a number of applications as intermediates for syntheses amongst this useful class of heterocycles.     

Facile approach to diverse 3-acylated indolizines via a sequential Sonogashira coupling/iodocyclization process

Successful implementation of a sequential Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira cross-coupling/iodine-promoted 5-exo-dig cyclization procedure with pyridines bearing a terminal alkyne moiety provided direct and straightforward access to a diverse array of 3-acylated indolizines under mild conditions.     

Polyfluorinated arylnitrosamines

N-Methyl-, N-n-butyl-, N-t-butylperfluoroarylamines undergo nitrosation with nitrous acid to give the corresponding N-nitroso derivatives. Perfluoroaryl groups were selected from the benzene, indane, biphenyl, naphthalene and pyridine series. According to ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR spectra, N-nitroso-N-methyl derivatives of polyfluoroarenes consist of E and Z isomers with the former prevailing. The more bulky n-butyl group promotes an increase in the formation of Z isomers. Only Z isomers have been obtained from N-t-butyl derivatives of perfluorinated 4-toluidine and 4-aminopyridine. The structure of the Z isomer of N-nitroso-N-methylperfluoro-4-toluidine is confirmed by X-ray data.