Rhodium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective [4+2] Cycloadditions of Vinylcarbenes with Dienes

The reaction of 2‐siloxycyclo‐1,3‐dienes with E‐vinyldiazoacetates in the presence of the bulky chiral dirhodium tetracarboxylate catalyst, Rh₂(R‐p‐PhTPCP)₄ results in an enantioselective [4+2] cycloaddition, in which three new stereogenic centers are formed. The [4+2] cycloadducts are generated as single diastereomers with high enantiocontrol (95–98 % ee). When the diene contains an additional stereogenic center, effective kinetic resolution can be achieved.     

[2 + 2] Cycloaddition reactions of unsymmetrically substituted carbodiimides

N-Alkyl-N′-arylcarbodiimides add alkyl and aryl isocyanates to the N-alkyl substituted CN double bond to yield 4-arylimino-1,3-diazetidine-2-ones 3. In the case of bulky alkyl substituents the reaction still proceeds across the sterically hindered CN double bond. N-Aryl-N′-[(4-dimethylamino)phenyl]carbodiimides form [2 + 2] cycloadducts with aryl isocyanates preferentially across the CN double bond not attached to the electron-rich aryl groups. However, steric crowding on this CN double bond directs the reaction to the adjacent double bond of the heterocumulative system. The rate of the [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of N'-methyl-N′-phenylcarbodiimide with 4-nitrophenylisocyanate is about 2.5 times faster in acetonitrile than in benzene.     

Lewis Acid or Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Reactions of Vinylidene Cyclopropanes with Activated Carbon–Nitrogen,Nitrogen–Nitrogen,and Iodine–Nitrogen Double‐Bond‐Containing Compounds

Lewis acid or Brønsted acid catalyzed reactions of vinylidene cyclopropanes (VDCPs), 1 , with activated carbon–nitrogen, nitrogen–nitrogen, and iodine–nitrogen double‐bond‐containing compounds have been thoroughly investigated. We found that pyrrolidine and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline derivatives can be formed in good yields in the reactions of VDCPs 1 with ethyl (arylimino)acetates 2 by a [3+2] cycloaddition or intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction pathway. Based on these results, we found that activated carbon–nitrogen and nitrogen–nitrogen double‐bond‐containing compounds, such as N‐toluene‐4‐sulfonyl (N‐Ts) imines 5 and diisopropylazodicarboxylate ( 7 ), can also react with VDCPs 1 to give [3+2] cycloaddition products in moderate to good yields in the presence of a Lewis acid. When N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl aldimine 9 was used as the substrate, six‐membered cycloaddition products 10 and 11 were formed in moderate yields in the presence of a Brønsted acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TfOH). The reactions of VDCPs 1 with N‐Ts‐iminophenyliodinane ( 12 ) were also carried out in the presence of (CuOTf)₂ ? C₆H₆ and it was found that nitrogen‐containing indene derivatives 13 were obtained, rather than the aziridination products. Plausible mechanisms for all of these transformations are discussed, based on the obtained results.     

Peri-selective photocycloadditions of methyl 2-pyrone-5-carboxylate with unsaturated cyclic ethers

Photosensitized cycloaddition reaction of methyl 2-pyrone-5-carboxylate ( 1 ) with 2,3-dihydrofuran gave cis- exo- and cis-endo-[2 + 2] cycloadducts across the C₃-C₄ double bond in 1 , and a [4 + 2] cycloadduct which was different in addition-orientation from the Diels-Alder adducts. Each [2 + 2] cycloadduct was obtained by the use of sensitizers having different triplet energies. Photosensitized reactions of 1 with 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrans afforded cis-endo-[2 + 2] cycloadducts, respectively. The photocycloaddition mechanism was also explained from the excited state of 1 calculated by means of MNDO-Cl method.     

Organocatalytic Enantioselective Higher‐Order Cycloadditions of In Situ Generated Amino Isobenzofulvenes

The [8+2] cycloaddition of indene‐2‐carbaldehydes and nitro olefins is described to provide benzonorbornene scaffolds in a highly peri‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselective fashion in the presence of a C₂‐symmetric aminocatalyst. This reaction, which proceeds through a transient semi‐aromatic amino isobenzofulvene, represents the first example of catalytic formation and transformation of these species. Quantum chemical calculations suggest a kinetically controlled stepwise mechanism where the stereochemistry is determined in the first bond‐forming event. Beyond the useful [8+2] cycloadducts, [10+4] cycloadducts have been identified in silico as potential off‐pathway intermediates.     

Intramolecular Benzyne–Phenolate [4+2] Cycloadditions

An intramolecular benzyne–phenolate [4+2] cycloaddition is reported. Benzyne precursors, having vicinal halogen‐sulfonate functionalities, linked with a phenol(ate) by various tether groups undergo efficient intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition by treatment with either Ph₃MgLi or nBuLi for halogen–metal exchange to form various benzobarrelenes.     

Merging [2+2] Cycloaddition with Radical 1,4‐Addition: Metal‐Free Access to Functionalized Cyclobuta[a]naphthalen‐4‐ols

A metal‐free [2+2] cycloaddition and 1,4‐addition sequence induced by S‐centered radicals has been achieved by treating benzene‐linked allene‐ynes with aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates and DABCO‐bis(sulfur dioxide) in a one‐pot procedure. The reaction provides a greener and more practical access to functionalized cyclobuta[a]naphthalen‐4‐ols with valuable applications. More than 50 examples are demonstrated with excellent diastereoselectivity and chemical yields. The reaction pathway is proposed to proceed by the following steps:[2+2] cycloaddition, insertion of SO₂, 1,4‐addition, diazotization, and tautomerization.     

Stereoselective Nickel‐Catalyzed [2+2] Cycloadditions of Ene‐Allenes

A stereoselective nickel‐catalyzed [2+2] cycloaddition of ene‐allenes is reported. This transformation encompasses a broad range of ene‐allene substrates, thus providing efficient access to fused cyclobutanes from easily accessed π‐components. A simple and inexpensive first‐row catalytic system comprised of [Ni(cod)₂] and dppf was used in this process, thus constituting an attractive approach to synthetically challenging cyclobutane frameworks under mild reaction conditions.     

Cobalt‐Catalyzed Formal [4+2] Cycloaddition of α,α′‐Dichloro‐ortho‐Xylenes with Alkynes

A formal [4+2] cycloaddition of α,α′‐dichloro‐ortho‐xylenes with various alkynes has been developed using a low‐valent cobalt catalyst. The transformation has a wide substrate scope and high functional‐group tolerance and led to 1,4‐dihydronaphthalenes. The formed cycloadducts were easily aromatized with MnO₂ under air. A mechanistic investigation suggests that the transformation proceeds through a benzyl cobaltation of alkyne, not the classical Diels–Alder reaction of ortho‐quinodimethanes. This methodology provides a straightforward and streamlined access to linearly expanded π‐conjugated aromatics.     

Structurally novel Bi- and tricyclic beta-lactams via [2 + 2] cycloaddition or radical reactions in 2-azetidinone-tethered enallenes and allenynes

[reaction: see text] Thermolysis of beta-lactam-tethered enallenyl alcohols gave tricyclic ring structures via a formal [2 + 2] cycloaddition of the alkene with the distal bond of the allene, while the tin-promoted radical cyclization in 2-azetidinone-tethered allenynes proceeded to provide bicyclic beta-lactams containing a medium-sized ring. The access to cyclization precursors was achieved by regio- and stereoselective metal-mediated carbonyl allenylation of 4-oxoazetidine-2-carbaldehydes in an aqueous environment.     

One Stone for Three Birds‐Rhodium‐Catalyzed Highly Diastereoselective Intramolecular [4+2] Cycloaddition of Optically Active Allene‐1,3‐dienes

RhCl(PPh₃)₃‐catalyzed [4+2] intramolecular cycloaddition of optically active axially chiral allene‐dienes afforded cis‐fused [3.4.0]‐bicyclic products with three chiral centers in good yields with an excellent chemo‐ and diastereoselectivity. A pair of enantiomers of such products was generated highly selectively from both enantiomers of starting allene‐dienes, indicating that the axial chirality dictated the absolute configurations of the three in situ generated chiral centers with a very high efficiency of chirality transfer.     

Microwave-assisted intramolecular [2 + 2] Allenic cycloaddition reaction for the rapid assembly of bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,6-dienes and bicyclo[5.2.0]nona-1,7-dienes

Microwave irradiation of alkynyl allenes affords an intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. This cycloaddition provides an efficient route to bicyclomethylenecyclobutenes. The reaction occurs with complete regioselectivity for the distal double bond of the allene for the selective formation of a variety of hetero- and carbocyclic substrates. Bicyclo[4.2.0]octadienes and bicyclo[5.2.0]nonadienes have been prepared in high yield. [reaction: see text]     

Gold(I)‐Catalyzed 1,2‐Acyloxy Migration/[3+2] Cycloaddition of 1,6‐Diynes with an Ynamide Propargyl Ester Moiety: Highly Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized Cyclopenta[b]indoles

A gold‐catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,6‐diynes containing an ynamide propargyl ester or carbonate moiety has been developed that provides an attractive route to a diverse‐substituted 3‐acyloxy‐1,4‐dihydrocyclopenta[b]indoles. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction likely proceeds through a competitive 1,2‐OAc migration followed by [3+2] cycloaddition of the vinyl gold–carbenoid intermediate with the pendant triple bond. The synthetic utility of the obtained cyclopenta[b]indole products was demonstrated by their efficient transformations by deprotection or double‐bond isomerization reactions.     

Transition metal-catalyzed intermolecular [5+2] and [5+2+1] cycloadditions of allenes and vinylcyclopropanes

Initial examples of the intermolecular Rh(I)-catalyzed [5+2] cycloaddition reaction of bifunctional allenes and vinylcyclopropanes are described. The reactions proceed with facility and in yields of up to 99% with a variety of alkyne-, ester-, styrene-, or cyano-substituents on the allene to afford the corresponding cycloadducts. In the presence of CO, the reaction proceeds to an eight-membered ring cycloadduct and its transannularly closed product, providing the first example of a three-component [5+2+1] cycloaddition with allenes.     

Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective [4+2] Cycloadditions of Vinylcarbenes with Dienes

The reaction of 2-siloxycyclo-1,3-dienes with E-vinyldiazoacetates in the presence of the bulky chiral dirhodium tetracarboxylate catalyst, Rh₂(R-p-PhTPCP)₄ results in an enantioselective [4+2] cycloaddition, in which three new stereogenic centers are formed. The [4+2] cycloadducts are generated as single diastereomers with high enantiocontrol (95–98 % ee). When the diene contains an additional stereogenic center, effective kinetic resolution can be achieved.     

Investigation of Diels–Alder Reaction of 7‐Substituted 4‐Styrylcoumarins with Symmetrical Dienophiles Leading to 3,4‐Annulated Coumarins

The thermal [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 7‐substituted 4‐styrylcoumarins with N‐phenylmaleimide and tetracyanoethylene in nitrobenzene under reflux conditions rapidly gives 3,4‐annulated coumarins as the Diels–Alder adducts. The position of the surviving double bond was determined on the basis of NMR and supported by energies of the possible structures. The effects of the 7‐substituent and the solvent on the reaction were studied.     

Phenylsulfonyl ene-allenes as efficient precursors to bicyclic systems via intramolecular [2 + 2]-cycloaddition reactions

Various phenylsulfonyl allene derivatives were prepared with double bonds tethered either to the alpha-position or the gamma-position of the allene. These substrates underwent a highly regio- and stereospecific thermal [2 + 2]-cycloaddition across the nonactivated cumulene double bond, forming distal cycloadducts (i.e., 57) in the case of alpha-tethered allenes and proximal adducts (i.e., 25) in the case of gamma-tethered allenes. The mechanistic rationale for the observed stereospecificity involves initial diradical formation, followed by a rapid ring closure to the more stable cis-fused ring system. The tether may be equipped with heteroatoms, allowing for the formation of fused heterocycles (e.g., 61), and the cycloaddition can be facilitated by the introduction of sterically bulky groups and/or by conformational rigidity to the tether. Other modes of cyclization were observed in the presence of sodium benzenesulfinate or Lewis acids, in which cases polar mechanisms prevail. The chemoselectivity is reversed for [4 + 2]-cycloadditions, which prefer instead to engage the vinyl sulfone moiety, independent of whether the tether is attached to the alpha- or gamma-position of the allene.     

Gold‐Catalyzed Intramolecular [3+2] Cycloadditions of 1‐Aryl‐1‐allene‐6‐enes

Treatment of 1‐aryl‐1‐allen‐6‐enes with [PPh₃AuCl]/AgSbF₆ (5 mol %) in CH₂Cl₂ at 25 °C led to intramolecular [3+2] cycloadditions, giving cis‐fused dihydrobenzo[a]fluorene products efficiently and selectively. The reactions proceeded with initial formation of trans/cis mixtures of 2‐alkyl‐1‐isopropyl‐2‐phenyl‐1,2‐dihydronaphthalene cations B, which were convertible into the desired cis‐fused cycloadducts through the combined action of a gold catalyst and a Brønsted acid. Theoretic calculation supports the participation of the trans‐B cation as reaction intermediate. Although HOTf showed similar activity towards several 1‐aryl‐1‐allen‐6‐enes, it lacks generality for this cycloaddition reaction.     

A highly regio- and stereoselective formation of bicyclo[4.2.0]oct-5-ene derivatives through thermal intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition of allenes

Thermal [2 + 2] cycloaddition of allenes with an additional multiple bond is described. By simply heating the allenenes or allenynes having a three-atom tether in an appropriate solvent such as dioxane or DMF, the distal double bond of the allenic moiety regioselectively participates in the cycloaddition to form bicyclo[4.2.0]oct-5-ene derivatives in good to excellent yields. In all the reactions of allenenes, the olefin geometry was completely transferred to the cycloadducts. While the reaction of terminal allenes afforded bicyclic cyclobutane derivatives as a single isomer, the cycloaddition of some internal allenes with axial chirality yielded a diastereomeric mixture of cycloadducts. These results are in good accordance with the stepwise mechanism through a biradical intermediate with a coplanar allyl radical.     

Enantioselective Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Dihydrofurans through Copper‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Formal [3+2] Cycloaddition of β‐Ketoesters with Propargylic Esters

An enantioselective synthesis of highly functionalized dihydrofurans through a copper‐catalyzed asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of β‐ketoesters with propargylic esters has been developed. With a combination of Cu(OTf)₂ and a chiral tridentate P,N,N ligand as the catalyst, a variety of 2,3‐dihydrofurans bearing an exocyclic double bond at the 2 position were obtained in good chemical yields and with good to high enantioselectivities. The exocyclic double bond can be hydrogenated in a highly diastereoselective fashion to give unusual cis‐2,3‐dihydrofuran derivatives, thus further enhancing the scope of this transformation.