Borane-catalyzed cascade Friedel–Crafts alkylation/[1,5]-hydride transfer/Mannich cyclization to afford tetrahydroquinolines

An unprecedented redox-neutral annulation reaction of tertiary anilines with electron-deficient alkynes was developed that proceeds through a cascade Friedel–Crafts alkylation/[1,5]-hydride transfer/Mannich cyclization sequence. Under B(C₆F₅)₃ catalysis, a range of functionalized 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines were facilely constructed in moderate to good yields with exclusive 3,4-anti-stereochemistry. The commercial availability of the catalyst and the high atom and step economy of the procedure, together with metal-free and external oxidant-free conditions, make this an attractive method in organic synthesis.

We report a redox-neutral annulation reaction of tertiary amines with electron-deficient alkynes under metal-free and oxidant-free conditions.     

Electrocatalytic redox neutral [3 + 2] annulation of N-cyclopropylanilines and alkenes

Although synthetic organic electrochemistry (EC) has advanced significantly, net redox neutral electrosynthesis is quite rare. Two approaches have been employed to achieve this type of electrosynthesis. One relies on turnover of the product by the reactant in a chain mechanism. The other involves both oxidation on the anode and reduction on the cathode in which the radical cation or the radical anion of the product has to migrate between two electrodes. Herein, a home-built electrochemistry/mass spectrometry (EC/MS) platform was used to generate an N-cyclopropylaniline radical cation electrochemically and to monitor its reactivity toward alkenes by mass spectrometry (MS), which led to the discovery of a new redox neutral reaction of intermolecular [3 + 2] annulation of N-cyclopropylanilines and alkenes to provide an aniline-substituted 5-membered carbocycle via direct electrolysis (yield up to 81%). A chain mechanism, involving the regeneration of the substrate radical cation and the formation of the neutral product, is shown to be responsible for promoting such a redox neutral annulation reaction, as supported by experimental evidence of EC/MS.

We report the use of an online electrochemistry/mass spectrometry platform to develop a redox neutral electrosynthesis of 5-membered rings via [3 + 2] annulation of N-cyclopropylanilines and alkenes, without additional oxidant, reductant or catalyst.     

Paired electrolysis enabled annulation for the quinolyl-modification of bioactive molecules

A paired electrolysis enabled cascade annulation that enables the efficient synthesis of highly functionalized quinoline-substituted bioactive molecules from readily available starting materials is reported. Using this methodology, two goals, namely, the direct synthesis of quinolines and the introduction of quinoline moieties to bioactive molecules, can be simultaneously achieved in one simple operation. The use of electroreduction for the activation of isatin, together with the further anodic oxidation of KI to catalytically result in a cascade annulation, highlight the unique possibilities associated with electrochemical activation methods. This transformation can tolerate a wide range of functional groups and can also be used as a functionalization tactic in pharmaceutical research as well as other areas.

A paired electrolysis enabled cascade annulation that enables the efficient synthesis of highly functionalized quinoline-substituted bioactive molecules from readily available starting materials is reported.     

Controllable access to trifluoromethyl-containing indoles and indolines: palladium-catalyzed regioselective functionalization of unactivated alkenes with trifluoroacetimidoyl chlorides

The synthesis of diverse products from the same starting materials is always attractive in organic chemistry. Here, a palladium-catalyzed substrate-controlled regioselective functionalization of unactivated alkenes with trifluoroacetimidoyl chlorides has been developed, which provides a direct but controllable access to a variety of structurally diverse trifluoromethyl-containing indoles and indolines. In more detail, with respect to γ,δ-alkenes, 1,1-geminal difunctionalization of unactivated alkenes with trifluoroacetimidoyl chloride enables the [4 + 1] annulation to produce indoles; as for β,γ-alkenes, a [3 + 2] heteroannulation with the hydrolysis product of trifluoroacetimidoyl chloride through 1,2-vicinal difunctionalization of alkenes occurs to deliver indoline products. The structure of alkene substrates differentiates the regioselectivity of the reaction.

A palladium-catalyzed dual functionalization of unactivated alkenes with trifluoroacetimidoyl chlorides toward the synthesis of structurally diverse trifluoromethyl-containing indoles and indolines has been developed.     

Carbene-catalyzed enantioselective annulation of dinucleophilic hydrazones and bromoenals for access to aryl-dihydropyridazinones and related drugs

4,5-Dihydropyridazinones bearing an aryl substituent at the C6-position are important motifs in drug molecules. Herein, we developed an efficient protocol to access aryl-dihydropyridazinone molecules via carbene-catalyzed asymmetric annulation between dinucleophilic arylidene hydrazones and bromoenals. Key steps in this reaction include polarity-inversion of aryl aldehyde-derived hydrazones followed by chemo-selective reaction with enal-derived α,β-unsaturated acyl azolium intermediates. The aryl-dihydropyridazinone products accessed by our protocol can be readily transformed into drugs and bioactive molecules.

Polarity inversion of arylidene hydrazones to react with bromoenals via carbene organic catalysis is disclosed. The reaction enantioselectively affords 6-aryl-4,5-dihydropyridazinones and related drugs with proven commercial applications.     

A pyrone remodeling strategy to access diverse heterocycles: application to the synthesis of fascaplysin natural products

The synthesis of diverse N-fused heterocycles, including the pyrido[1,2-a]indole scaffold, using an efficient pyrone remodeling strategy is described. The pyrido[1,2-a]indole core was demonstrated to be a versatile scaffold that can be site-selectively functionalized. The utility of this novel annulation strategy was showcased in a concise formal synthesis of three fascaplysin congeners.

The synthesis of diverse N-fused heterocycles, including the pyrido[1,2-a]indole scaffold, using an efficient pyrone remodeling strategy is described.     

Catalytic (3 + 2) annulation of donor–acceptor aminocyclopropane monoesters and indoles

The efficient catalytic activation of donor–acceptor aminocyclopropanes lacking the commonly used diester acceptor is reported here in a (3 + 2) dearomative annulation with indoles. Bench-stable tosyl-protected aminocyclopropyl esters were converted into cycloadducts in 46–95% yields and up to 95 : 5 diastereomeric ratio using catalytic amounts of triethylsilyl triflimide. Tricyclic indoline frameworks containing four stereogenic centers including all-carbon quaternary centers were obtained.

A catalytic dearomatization of indoles with D–A aminocyclopropane monoesters for the synthesis of highly substituted indolines.     

Allylic C(sp3)–H alkylation via synergistic organo- and photoredox catalyzed radical addition to imines

A new catalytic method for the direct alkylation of allylic C(sp³)–H bonds from unactivated alkenes via synergistic organo- and photoredox catalysis is described. The transformation achieves an efficient, redox-neutral synthesis of homoallylamines with broad functional group tolerance, under very mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic investigations indicate that the reaction proceeds through the N-centered radical intermediate which is generated by the allylic radical addition to the imine.

A new catalytic method for the direct alkylation of allylic C(sp³)–H bonds from unactivated alkenes via synergistic organo- and photoredox catalysis is described.     

Electrooxidative palladium- and enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed [3 + 2] spiroannulations

Despite indisputable progress in the development of electrochemical transformations, electrocatalytic annulations for the synthesis of biologically relevant three-dimensional spirocyclic compounds has as of yet not been accomplished. In sharp contrast, herein, we describe the palladaelectro-catalyzed C–H activation/[3 + 2] spiroannulation of alkynes by 1-aryl-2-naphthols. Likewise, a cationic rhodium(iii) catalyst was shown to enable electrooxidative [3 + 2] spiroannulations via formal C(sp³)–H activations. The versatile spiroannulations featured a broad substrate scope, employing electricity as a green oxidant in lieu of stoichiometric chemical oxidants under mild conditions. An array of spirocyclic enones and diverse spiropyrazolones, bearing all-carbon quaternary stereogenic centers were thereby accessed in a user-friendly undivided cell setup, with molecular hydrogen as the sole byproduct.

Despite indisputable progress in the development of electrochemical transformations, electrocatalytic annulations for the synthesis of biologically relevant three-dimensional spirocyclic compounds has as of yet not been accomplished.     

Fe-catalyzed three-component dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated alkenes with alkyl halides and Grignard reagents

A highly chemoselective iron-catalyzed three-component dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated olefins with alkyl halides (iodides and bromides) and sp²-hybridized Grignard reagents is reported. The reaction operates under fast turnover frequency and tolerates a diverse range of sp²-hybridized nucleophiles (electron-rich and electron-deficient (hetero)aryl and alkenyl Grignard reagents), alkyl halides (tertiary alkyl iodides/bromides and perfluorinated bromides), and unactivated olefins bearing diverse functional groups including tethered alkenes, ethers, protected alcohols, aldehydes, and amines to yield the desired 1,2-alkylarylated products with high regiocontrol. Further, we demonstrate that this protocol is amenable for the synthesis of new (hetero)carbocycles including tetrahydrofurans and pyrrolidines via a three-component radical cascade cyclization/arylation that forges three new C–C bonds.

A highly selective iron-catalyzed three-component dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated alkenes with alkyl halides and sp²-hybridized Grignard reagents is reported.     

A palladium-catalyzed approach to allenic aromatic ethers and first total synthesis of terricollene A

A palladium-catalyzed C–O bond formation reaction between phenols and allenylic carbonates to give 2,3-allenic aromatic ethers with decent to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions has been described. A variety of synthetically useful functional groups are tolerated and the synthetic utility of this method has been demonstrated through a series of transformations of the allene moiety. By applying this reaction as the key step, the total syntheses of naturally occurring allenic aromatic ethers, eucalyptene and terricollene A (first synthesis; 4.5 g gram scale), have been accomplished.

A palladium-catalyzed C–O bond formation reaction between phenols and allenylic carbonates to give 2,3-allenic aromatic ethers with decent to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions has been described.     

Catalytic asymmetric multiple dearomatizations of phenols enabled by a cascade 1,8-addition and Diels–Alder reaction

A direct catalytic asymmetric multiple dearomatization reaction of phenols was disclosed, which provides expedient access to a series of architecturally complex polycyclic compounds bearing four stereogenic centers in high enantiopurity. The key to achieve such a transformation is the combination of a dearomative 1,8-addition of β-naphthols to para-quinone methides generated in situ from propargylic alcohols and a subsequent intramolecular dearomative Diels–Alder reaction. Noteworthily, this protocol enrichs not only the diversity of dearomatized products but also the toolbox of dearomatization strategies.

The first chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed asymmetric multiple dearomatizations of phenols for the synthesis of bridged polycyclic compounds are reported.     

Single point activation of pyridines enables reductive hydroxymethylation

The single point activation of pyridines, using an electron-deficient benzyl group, facilitates the ruthenium-catalysed dearomative functionalisation of a range of electronically diverse pyridine derivatives. This transformation delivers hydroxymethylated piperidines in good yields, allowing rapid access to medicinally relevant small heterocycles. A noteworthy feature of this work is that paraformaldehyde acts as both a hydride donor and an electrophile in the reaction, enabling the use of cheap and readily available feedstock chemicals. Removal of the activating group can be achieved readily, furnishing the free NH compound in only 2 steps. The synthetic utility of the method was illustrated with a synthesis of (±)-Paroxetine.

Pyridines can be activated at a single point with a new benzyl group, followed by dearomative functionalisation at C3 using formaldehyde.     

Direct electrochemical defluorinative carboxylation of α-CF3 alkenes with carbon dioxide

An unprecedented γ-carboxylation of α-CF₃ alkenes with CO₂ is reported. This approach constitutes a rare example of using electrochemical methods to achieve regioselectivity complementary to conventional metal catalysis. Accordingly, using platinum plate as both a working cathode and a nonsacrificial anode in a user-friendly undivided cell under constant current conditions, the γ-carboxylation provides efficient access to vinylacetic acids bearing a gem-difluoroalkene moiety from a broad range of substrates. The synthetic utility is further demonstrated by gram-scale synthesis and elaboration to several value-added products. Cyclic voltammetry and density functional theory calculations were performed to provide mechanistic insights into the reaction.

A γ-carboxylation of α-CF₃ alkenes with CO₂ using platinum plate as both working cathode and nonsacrificial anode has been developed.     

Harnessing sulfur and nitrogen in the cobalt(iii)-catalyzed unsymmetrical double annulation of thioamides: probing the origin of chemo- and regio-selectivity

An unconventional cobalt(iii)-catalyzed one-pot domino double annulation of aryl thioamides with unactivated alkynes is presented. Sulfur (S), nitrogen (N), and o,o′-C–H bonds of aryl thioamides are involved in this reaction, enabling access to rare 6,6-fused thiopyrano-isoquinoline derivatives. A reverse ‘S’ coordination over a more conventional ‘N’ coordination of thioamides to the Co-catalyst specifically regulates the formation of four [C–C and C–S at first and then C–N and C–C] bonds in a single operation, a concept which is uncovered for the first time. The power of the N-masked methyl phenyl sulfoximine (MPS) directing group in this annulation sequence is established. The transformation is successfully developed, building a novel chemical space of structural diversity (56 examples). In addition, the late-stage annulation of biologically relevant motifs and drug candidates is disclosed (17 examples). The preliminary photophysical properties of thiopyrano-isoquinoline derivatives are discussed. Density functional theory (DFT) studies authenticate the participation of a unique 6π-electrocyclization of a 7-membered S-chelated cobaltacycle in the annulation process.

A Co-catalyzed one-pot double annulation of sulfoximine bearing thioamides with alkynes for the synthesis of [6,6]-fused thiopyrano-isoquinolines is disclosed. The annulation involves a 6π-electrocyclization of 7-membered S-chelated cobaltacycle.     

Palladium-catalyzed hydroalkylation of methylenecyclopropanes with simple hydrazones

A palladium-catalyzed hydroalkylation reaction of methylenecyclopropanes via highly selective C–C σ-bond scission was achieved under mild conditions, in which simple hydrazones served as carbanion equivalents. This method featured good functional group compatibility, affording high yields of C-alkylated terminal alkenes.

A palladium-catalyzed hydroalkylation of methylenecyclopropanes via selective C–C σ-bond scission was achieved, in which simple hydrazones served as carbanion equivalents. This method affords high yields of C-alkylated terminal alkenes with good functional group compatibility.     

Nickel-catalyzed asymmetric reductive aryl-allylation of unactivated alkenes

Herein we report a nickel-catalyzed asymmetric reductive aryl-allylation of aryl iodide-tethered unactivated alkenes, wherein both acyclic allyl carbonates and cyclic vinyl ethylene carbonates can serve as the coupling partners. Furthermore, the direct use of allylic alcohols as the electrophilic allyl source in this reaction is also viable in the presence of BOC anhydride. Remarkably, this reaction proceeds with high linear/branched-, E/Z- and enantio-selectivity, allowing the synthesis of various chiral indanes and dihydrobenzofurans (50 examples) containing a homoallyl-substituted quaternary stereocenter with high optical purity (90–98% ee). In this reductive reaction, the use of pregenerated organometallics can be circumvented, giving this process good functionality tolerance and high step-economy.

A nickel-catalyzed reductive asymmetric aryl-allylation of tethered unactivated alkenes has been developed, providing diverse benzene-annulated cyclic compounds bearing a quaternary stereocenter with high regio-, E/Z- and enantio-selectivity.     

Visible-light-driven palladium-catalyzed Dowd–Beckwith ring expansion/C–C bond formation cascade

A visible-light-induced palladium-catalyzed Dowd–Beckwith ring expansion/C–C bond formation cascade is described. A range of six to nine-membered β-alkenylated cyclic ketones possessing a quaternary carbon center were accessed under mild conditions. Besides styrenes, the electron-rich alkenes such as silyl enol ethers and enamides were also compatible, providing the desired β-alkylated cyclic ketones in moderate to good yields.

An intermolecular Dowd–Beckwith ring expansion/C–C bond formation is achieved through light-induced palladium catalysis. Not only styrenes but also the electron-rich alkenes such as silyl enol ethers and enamides were also compatible in this reaction.     

Metal-free tandem carbene N–H insertions and C–C bond cleavages

A metal-free C–H [5 + 1] annulation reaction of 2-arylanilines with diazo compounds has been achieved, giving rise to two types of prevalent phenanthridines via highly selective C–C cleavage. Compared to the simple N–H insertion manipulation of diazo, this method elegantly accomplishes a tandem N–H insertion/S_EAr/C–C cleavage/aromatization reaction, and the synthetic utility of this new transformation is exemplified by the succinct syntheses of trisphaeridine and bicolorine alkaloids.

A metal-free C–H [5 + 1] annulation reaction of 2-arylanilines with diazo compounds has been achieved, giving rise to two types of prevalent phenanthridines via highly selective C–C cleavage.     

Chiral N,N′-dioxide/Mg(OTf)2 complex-catalyzed asymmetric [2,3]-rearrangement of in situ generated ammonium salts

Catalytic enantioselective [2,3]-rearrangements of in situ generated ammonium ylides from glycine pyrazoleamides and allyl bromides were achieved by employing a chiral N,N′-dioxide/Mg^II complex as the catalyst. This protocol provided a facile and efficient synthesis route to a series of anti-α-amino acid derivatives in good yields with high stereoselectivities. Moreover, a possible catalytic cycle was proposed to illustrate the reaction process and the origin of stereoselectivity.

The Lewis acid catalyzed asymmetric [2,3]-rearrangement of quaternary ammonium ylides formed in situ from glycine pyrazoleamides and allyl bromides.