One-pot conversion of aromatic bromides and aromatics into aromatic nitriles via aryllithiums and their DMF adduct

Various aromatic bromides and iodides were smoothly converted into the corresponding aromatic nitriles in good to moderate yields by the treatment with n-butyllithium and subsequently DMF, followed by treatment with molecular iodine in aq NH₃. The same treatment of typical aromatics and heteroaromatics with n-butyllithium and subsequently DMF, followed by treatment with molecular iodine in aq NH₃ also provided the corresponding aromatic nitriles in good yields. Moreover, the same treatment of aromatic bromides and aromatics with half amount of DIH (1,3-diiodo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin) instead of molecular iodine worked effectively to give the corresponding aromatic nitriles, respectively, in good yields. These reactions are novel and environmentally benign one-pot methods for the preparation of aromatic nitriles from aromatic bromides and aromatics, respectively, through the formation of aryllithiums and their DMF adducts.     

A novel synthesis of bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones from cyclobutanones through [chloro(p-tolylsulfinyl)methylidene]cyclobutanes with ring expansion

Treatment of [chloro(p-tolylsulfinyl)methylidene]cyclobutanes, which were synthesized from cyclobutanones and chloromethyl p-tolyl sulfoxide in three steps in high overall yields, with excess cyanomethyllithium gave enaminonitriles in high yields. Heating of these enaminonitriles with H₃PO₄ in acetic acid gave 2-cyanobicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones in good yield. On the other hand, treatment of the [chloro(p-tolylsulfinyl)methylidene]cyclobutanes with cyanomethyllithium followed by lithium carbanion of the homologues of acetonitrile afforded enaminonitriles having a substituent at the 3-position. Heating of the enaminonitriles with H₃PO₄ in acetic acid gave 2-substituted bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones in good to high yields. This method offers a novel and versatile procedure for synthesis of 2-substituted bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones from cyclobutanones in good overall yields.     

A sequential reaction process to assemble polysubstituted indolizidines, quinolizidines and quinolizidine analogues

The ω-iodo-α,β-alkynoates and their ketone, sulfone or phosphonate analogues react with δ-chloropropylamines in MeCN assisted with K₂CO₃ to undergo a sequential S_N2/Michael addition/S_N2/S_N2 reaction process, giving polysubstituted indolizidines or quinolizidines in good to excellent yields. This sequential reaction process is also compatible with three other substituted α,β-alkynoates, affording quinolizidine analogues in moderate to good yields.     

Facile preparation of aromatic esters from aromatic bromides with ethyl formate or DMF and molecular iodine via aryllithium

Various aromatic bromides were treated with n-BuLi and subsequently with ethyl formate, followed by the reaction with ethanol and molecular iodine in the presence of K₂CO₃ to provide the corresponding aromatic ethyl esters in good yields. Moreover, aromatic bromides could be transformed into the corresponding aromatic methyl esters in good yields by the treatment with n-BuLi and subsequently with DMF, followed by the reaction with methanol, molecular iodine, and K₂CO₃. Some aromatics could be also converted into the corresponding aromatic esters in good yields by the treatment with n-BuLi, and subsequently with ethyl formate or DMF, followed by the reaction with molecular iodine and K₂CO₃. The present reactions offer a novel route for the transition-metal-free, carbon-monoxide-free, and therefore environmentally benign one-pot conversion of aromatic bromides and aromatics into aromatic esters.     

gem-Difluoromethylation of α- and γ-ketoesters: preparation of gem-difluorinated α-hydroxyesters and γ-butyrolactones

PhSCF₂SiMe₃ has been demonstrated as difluoromethyl carbanion synthon (⁻CF₂H). It reacts chemoselectively with α- and γ-ketoesters at the keto group in the presence of a catalytic amount of TBAF in THF to give the corresponding α-hydroxy ester adducts as well as γ-gem-difluorophenylsulfanylmethylated-γ-butyrolactones in good yields. Reductive cleavage of the phenylsulfanyl group of these products employing Bu₃SnH/AIBN gives the corresponding gem-difluoromethylated α-hydroxyesters and γ-butyrolactones in good yields.     

Facile Transformation of N,N-Dimethylhydrazones and Tosylhydrazones to Ketones with Dimethyl Sulfate and Potassium Carbonate

N,N-Dimethylhydrazones and tosylhydrazones can be converted to their ketones in good to excellent yields with dimethylsulfate and K₂CO₃.     

A Convenient Synthesis of N-Alkyl and N,N-Dialkyltrifluoroacetamides in a Solid-liquid Two-Phase System in the Presence of Phase-Transfer Catalysts

Trifluoroacetamide is easily monoalkylated in a K₂ CO₃-organic solvent solid-liquid two-phase system affording in good to excellent yields N-alkyltrifluoroacetamides. Under the same conditions, the latter, in turn, react with alkylating agents giving N, N-dialkyltrifluoroacetamides in high yields.     

Samarium diiodide promoted formation of 1,2-diketones and 1-acylamido-2-substituted benzimidazoles from N-acylbenzotriazoles

N-Acylbenzotriazoles, when treated with samarium diiodide in THF, undergo self-coupling reaction to afford 1,2-diketones in good to excellent yields; while when treated with samarium diiodide in CH₃CN, they undergo ring-opening reaction to afford 1-acylamido-2-alkyl (or aryl) benzimidazoles in reasonable to good yields. A plausible mechanism was suggested.     

Supported Nitric Acid on Silica Gel and Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone (PVP) as an Efficient Oxidizing Agent for the Oxidation of Urazoles and Bis-urazoles

A method for the oxidation of a good range of urazoles and bis-urazoles to the corresponding triazolinediones by supported nitric acid on silica gel (SiO₂-HNO₃) and/or polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP-HNO₃) is described. Reactions have been carried out heterogeneously at room temperature in dichloromethane with good to excellent yields.     

Alkali Metal and Organo Group‐14 Element Ferrocenecarbo­selenoates: Synthesis and Structures

Lithium, sodium, and potassium ferrocenecarboselenoates were synthesized in good yields by the reaction of ferrocenoyl chloride with the corresponding metal selenides. In air, the saltsquickly oxidized to give diferrocenoyl diselenide. The salts readily reacted with alkyl and organo‐germanium, ‐tin and ‐lead halides to give the corresponding Se‐alkyl and Se‐organo Group‐14 element ferrocenecarboselenoates [(FcCOSe)_xMPh_4–x (M = Ge, Sn, Pb; x = 1–3) in moderate to good yields. In contrast, the reaction of the sodium and potassium salts with trimethylsilyl chloride led to O‐trimethylsilyl ferrocenecarboselenoate FcCSeOSiMe₃. Treatment of the O‐silyl ester with RbF and CsF led to rubidium and cesium ferrocenecarboselenoates, respectively, in good yields. The structures of FcCOSetBu, (FcCOSe)₂SnPh₂, and FcCOSePbPh₃ were revealed by X‐ray molecular structure analysis.     

Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of arylacetamides from arylboronic acids

Aryl amides were synthesized by the palladium catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of α-bromoacetamides with arylboronic acids in good yields. Both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents on the aromatic ring are found to be compatible. The addition of Cu₂O and PPh₃ was found to be essential for good reaction yields.     

Study on the stannous halides promoted addition of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane to aldehydes and the chemical transformation thereof

Promoted by stannous salts, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane reacts readily with aliphatic, aromatic, and α, β-unsaturated aldehydes giving the corresponding alcohols bearing a CF3CCl2-moiety in good to excellent yields. These alcohols are farther oxidized by Jones reagent giving the corresponding ketones in high yields.     

Glycerin and CeCl3·7H2O: a new and efficient recyclable medium for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes

Glycerin and CeCl₃·7H₂O were successfully used in recyclable catalytic system for the synthesis of several bis(indolyl)methanes in good to excellent yields through the reaction of indoles with aldehydes. The method is applicable to aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes, and the mixture of glycerin and CeCl₃·7H₂O can be reused up to five times without special treatment and with comparable yields.     

A green and highly efficient alkylation of thiols in water

An environmentally benign and efficient process for the preparation of thioethers was developed by simple and practical reactions of alkyl halides and thiols in water in the presence of K₂CO₃ or Et₃N in very high yields. The reaction of aryl, alkyl, aliphatic and hindered thiols with various alkyl halides gave the corresponding products with significant advantages such as high conversions, short reaction time, mild reaction conditions, and low cost, simple workup with good to quantitative yields.     

Catalytic Divergent [3+3]‐ and [3+2]‐Cycloaddition by Discrimination Between Diazo Compounds

Highly selective divergent cycloaddition reactions of enoldiazo compounds and α‐diazocarboximides catalyzed by copper(I) or dirhodium(II) have been developed. With tetrakis(acetonitrile)copper(I) tetrafluoroborate as the catalyst epoxypyrrolo[1,2‐a]azepine derivatives were prepared in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities through the first reported [3+3]‐cycloaddition of a carbonyl ylide. Use of Rh₂(pfb)₄ or Rh₂(esp)₂ directs the reactants to regioselective [3+2]‐cycloaddition generating cyclopenta[2,3]pyrrolo[2,1‐b]oxazoles with good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities.     

Sc(OTf)3: A Highly Efficient and Renewable Catalyst for Michael Addition of Indoles to Nitroolefins in Water

A catalytic amount of scandium trifluoromethanesulfonate [Sc(OTf)₃] (2.5 mol%) was used to catalyze the Michael addition of indoles to nitroolefins in water to afford the corresponding 3-alkylated indoles in good to excellent yields. The short reaction times, excellent yields, and renewability of the catalyst are noteworthy.     

Rh‐Catalyzed Direct Carboxylation of Alkenyl C−H Bonds of Alkenylpyrazoles

The Rh‐catalyzed direct carboxylation of alkenyl C?H bonds was achieved by using pyrazole as a removable directing group. In the presence of 5 mol% RhCl₃ ? 3H₂O, 6 mol% P(Mes)₃, and 2 equiv. of AlMe₂(OMe), the alkenyl C?H bond of various alkenylpyrazoles was directly carboxylated in good yields under CO₂ atmosphere. Furthermore, several useful transformations of the pyrazole moiety of the product were achieved to afford synthetically useful carboxylic acid derivatives in good yields.     

InCl3 catalyzed C-C coupling of aryl alcohols and TosMIC

The InCl₃ mediated C-C coupling reaction between aryl alcohols and TosMIC gives the corresponding amides in good to high yields.     

Palladium-catalyzed highly regioselective 2-arylation of 2,x-dibromopyridines and its application in the efficient synthesis of a 17β-HSD1 inhibitor

2,3- and 2,5-Dibromopyridines reacted with arylboronic acids, catalyzed by Pd(OAc)₂/PPh₃ in the presence of K₂CO₃ in CH₃CN/MeOH (2:1) at 50 °C for 24 h, to afford 2-arylpyridines in good to high yields, while 2,4-dibromopyridine reacted with arylboronic acid pinacol esters, catalyzed by Pd(OAc)₂/PPh₃ in the presence of KOH in CH₃CN at 70 °C for 24 h, to afford 2-arylpyridines in good to high yields. To expand this methodology, a 17β-HSD1 inhibitor was synthesized in good yield.     

Metal-free one-pot oxidative conversion of benzylic alcohols and benzylic halides into aromatic amides with molecular iodine in aq ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide

Various primary alcohols, particularly benzylic alcohols, could be converted into the corresponding aromatic amides in good yields in a one-pot manner by treatment with molecular iodine in aq. NH₃, followed by reaction with ∼30% aq H₂O₂. Similarly, various benzylic halides could be also converted into the corresponding aromatic amides in good yields in a one-pot manner by treatment with molecular iodine in aq NH₃, followed by reaction with ∼30% aq H₂O₂. The present reactions involve the metal-free one-pot oxidative conversion of benzylic alcohols and benzylic halides into the corresponding aromatic amides, respectively.