Synthesis of a tricyclic mescaline analogue by catalytic C-H bond activation

[reaction: see text] A tetrahydrobis(benzofuran) mescaline analogue has been prepared in six steps and 38% overall yield from (4'-O-methyl)methyl gallate. The key step in this synthesis is a tandem cyclization reaction via directed C[bond]H activation followed by olefin insertion.     

Mixed-metal cluster chemistry. 28. Core enlargement of tungsten-iridium clusters with alkynyl, ethyndiyl, and butadiyndiyl reagents

Reaction of [WIr3(mu-CO)3(CO)8(eta-C5Me5)] (1c) with [W(C[triple bond]CPh)(CO)3(eta-C5H5)] afforded the edge-bridged tetrahedral cluster [W2Ir3(mu4-eta2-C2Ph)(mu-CO)(CO)9(eta-C5H5)(eta-C5Me5)] (3) and the edge-bridged trigonal-bipyramidal cluster [W3Ir3(mu4-eta2-C2Ph)(mu-eta2-C=CHPh)(Cl)(CO)8(eta-C5Me5)(eta-C5H5)2] (4) in poor to fair yield. Cluster 3 forms by insertion of [W(C[triple bond]CPh)(CO)3(eta-C5H5)] into Ir-Ir and W-Ir bonds, accompanied by a change in coordination mode from a terminally bonded alkynyl to a mu4-eta2 alkynyl ligand. Cluster 4 contains an alkynyl ligand interacting with two iridium atoms and two tungsten atoms in a mu4-eta2 fashion, as well as a vinylidene ligand bridging a W-W bond. Reaction of [WIr3(CO)11(eta-C5H5)] (1a) or 1c with [(eta-C5H5)(CO)2 Ru(C[triple bond]C)Ru(CO)2(eta-C5H5)] afforded [Ru2WIr3(mu5-eta2-C2)(mu-CO)3(CO)7(eta-C5H5)2(eta-C5R5)] [R = H (5a), Me (5c)] in low yield, a structural study of 5a revealing a WIr3 butterfly core capped and spiked by Ru atoms; the diruthenium ethyndiyl precursor has undergone Ru-C scission, with insertion of the C2 unit into a W-Ir bond of the cluster precursor. Reaction of [W2Ir2(CO)10(eta-C5H5)2] with the diruthenium ethyndiyl reagent gave [RuW2Ir2{mu4-eta2-(C2C[triple bond]C)Ru(CO)2(eta-C5H5)}(mu-CO)2(CO)6(eta-C5H5)3] (6) in low yield, a structural study of 6 revealing a butterfly W2Ir2 unit capped by a Ru(eta-C5H5) group resulting from Ru-C scission; the terminal C2 of a new ruthenium-bound butadiyndiyl ligand has been inserted into the W-Ir bond. Reaction between 1a, [WIr3(CO)11(eta-C5H4Me)] (1b), or 1c and [(eta-C5H5)(CO)3W(C[triple bond]CC[triple bond]C)W(CO)3(eta-C5H5)] afforded [W2Ir3{mu4-eta2-(C2C[triple bond]C)W(CO)3(eta-C5H5)}(mu-CO)2(CO)2(eta-C5H5)(eta-C5R5)] [R = H (7a), Me (7c); R5 = H4Me (7b)] in good yield, a structural study of 7c revealing it to be a metallaethynyl analogue of 3.     

Olefin Cyclopropanation by Radical Carbene Transfer Reactions Promoted by Cobalt(II)/Porphyrinates: Active‐Metal‐Template Synthesis of [2]Rotaxanes

A Co^II/porphyrinate‐based macrocycle in the presence of a 3,5‐diphenylpyridine axial ligand functions as an endotopic ligand to direct the assembly of [2]rotaxanes from diazo and styrene half‐threads, by radical‐carbene‐transfer reactions, in excellent 95 % yield. The method reported herein applies the active‐metal‐template strategy to include radical‐type activation of ligands by the metal‐template ion during the organometallic process which ultimately yields the mechanical bond. A careful quantitative analysis of the product distribution afforded from the rotaxane self‐assembly reaction shows that the Co^II/porphyrinate subunit is still active after formation of the mechanical bond and, upon coordination of an additional diazo half‐thread derivative, promotes a novel intercomponent C?H insertion reaction to yield a new rotaxane‐like species. This unexpected intercomponent C?H insertion illustrates the distinct reactivity brought to the Co^II/porphyrinate catalyst by the mechanical bond.     

Cyclometallated Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes with a trithiacrown ligand

We report the synthesis and full characterization for a series of cyclometallated complexes of Pt(II) and Pd(II) incorporating the fluxional trithiacrown ligand 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane ([9]aneS3). Reaction of [M(C insertion mark N)(micro-Cl)]2 (M = Pt(II), Pd(II); C insertion mark N = 2-phenylpyridinate (ppy) or 7,8-benzoquinolinate (bzq)) with [9]aneS3 followed by metathesis with NH4PF6 yields [M(C insertion mark N)([9]aneS3)](PF6). The complexes [M(C insertion mark P)([9]aneS3)](PF6) (M = Pt(II), Pd(II); Cinsertion markP = [CH2C6H4P(o-tolyl)2-C,P]-) were synthesized from their respective [Pt(C insertion mark P)(micro-Cl)]2 or [Pd(C insertion mark P)(micro-O2CCH3)]2 (C insertion mark P) starting materials. All five new complexes have been fully characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopies in addition to elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and single-crystal structural determinations. As expected, the coordinated [9]aneS3 ligand shows fluxional behavior in its NMR spectra, resulting in a single 13C NMR resonance despite the asymmetric coordination environment of the cyclometallating ligand. Electrochemical studies reveal irreversible one-electron metal-centered oxidations for all Pt(II) complexes, but unusual two-electron reversible oxidations for the Pd(II) complexes of ppy and bzq. The X-ray crystal structures of each complex indicate an axial M-S interaction formed by the endodentate conformation of the [9]aneS3 ligand. The structure of [Pd(bzq)([9]aneS3)](PF6) exhibits disorder in the [9]aneS3 conformation indicating a rare exodentate conformation as the major contributor in the solid-state structure. DFT calculations on [Pt([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6) and [Pd([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6) indicate the HOMO for both complexes is primarily dz2 in character with a significant contribution from the phenyl ring of the ppy ligand and p orbital of the axial sulfur donor. In contrast, the calculated LUMO is primarily ppy pi* in character for [Pt([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6), but dx2-y2 in character for [Pd([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6).     

Reaction of vinyl chloride with late transition metal olefin polymerization catalysts

The reactions of vinyl chloride (VC) with representative late metal, single-site olefin dimerization and polymerization catalysts have been investigated. VC coordinates more weakly than ethylene or propylene to the simple catalyst (Me(2)bipy)PdMe(+) (Me(2)bipy = 4,4'-Me(2)-2,2'-bipyridine). Insertion rates of (Me(2)bipy)Pd(Me)(olefin)(+) species vary in the order VC > ethylene > propylene. The VC complexes (Me(2)bipy)Pd(Me)(VC)(+) and (alpha-diimine)Pd(Me)(VC)(+) (alpha-diimine = (2,6-(i)Pr(2)[bond]C(6)H(3))N[double bond]CMeCMe[double bond]N(2,6-(i)Pr(2)[bond]C(6)H(3))) undergo net 1,2 VC insertion and beta-Cl elimination to yield Pd[bond]Cl species and propylene. Analogous chemistry occurs for (pyridine-bisimine)MCl(2)/MAO catalysts (M = Fe, Co; pyridine-bisimine = 2,6-[(2,6-(i)Pr(2)[bond]C(6)H(3))N[double bond]CMe](2)-pyridine) and for neutral (sal)Ni(Ph)PPh(3) and (P[bond]O)Ni(Ph)PPh(3) catalysts (sal = 2-[C(H)[double bond]N(2,6-(i)Pr(2)-C(6)H(3))]-6-Ph-phenoxide; P[bond]O = [Ph(2)PC(SO(3)Na)[double bond]C(p-tol)O]), although the initial metal alkyl VC adducts were not detected in these cases. These results show that the L(n)MCH(2)CHClR species formed by VC insertion into the active species of late metal olefin polymerization catalysts undergo rapid beta-Cl elimination which precludes VC polymerization. Termination of chain growth by beta-Cl elimination is the most significant obstacle to metal-catalyzed insertion polymerization of VC.     

Organoiron compounds derived from the indium 'carbene analogues', [In(N(Ar)C(Me))2CH] (Ar = dipp = 2,6-iPr2C6H3; = Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2)

Oxidative insertion of the In(I) 'carbene analogues', [In{N(Dipp)C(Me))2CH] (Ar = Dipp = 2,6-iPr2C6H3; Ar = Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2) into the Fe-I bond of [CpFe(CO)2I] occurred cleanly and under mild conditions to yield the In(III) compounds [CH((CH3)2CN-2,6-iPr2C6H3)2In(I)FeCp(CO)2] and [CH( (CH3)2CN-2,4,6-Me3C6H3)2In(I)FeCp(CO)2], which have been fully characterised in solution and the solid state. Attempts to abstract the iodide anion from [CH( (CH3)2CN-2,6-iPr2C6H3)2In(I)FeCp(CO)2] to form cationic species containing a coordinated indium diyl were unsuccessful and resulted in a complex mixture of products from which two ionic species were isolated. Neither cation was found to contain indium by X-ray crystallographic analysis. These observations were indicative of ill-defined decomposition pathways as have been noted by previous workers. A further attempt to form a cationic iron species containing a coordinated [In(N(Dipp)C(Me) )2CH] fragment resulted in oxidation of the iron centre from Fe(II) to Fe(III), with deposition of indium metal, and the isolation of a cationic Fe(III) beta-diketiminate complex.     

Migratory insertion of [B(C6F5)2] into C-H bonds: CO promoted transfer of the boryl fragment

The reaction of (eta(5)-C5H5)Fe(CO)2B(C6F5)2 with CO has been shown to proceed via ligand substitution at the metal with accompanying transfer of the boryl fragment (via C-H insertion) to the Cp ring, thereby generating the zwitterion [eta(5)-C5H4B(C6F5)2H]Fe(CO)3 in quantitative yield.     

Nickel-catalyzed

Oxabenzonorbornadienes 1 and 2 and azabenzonorbornadiene 3 undergo [2+2] cycloaddition with alkynes (PhC triple bond Ph, PhC triple bond CMe, PhC triple bond CCO2Et, PhC triple bond CCH(OEt)2, and HC triple bond C(CH2)4Me) in the presence of [Ni(PPh3)2Cl2], PPh3, and Zn powder in toluene to afford the corresponding exo-cyclobutene derivatives 4a-e, 5a-e, and 6 in fair to excellent yields. Under similar conditions. EtCO2C triple bond CCO2Et does not react with 1 in toluene to give the [2+2] cycloaddition product, but in acetonitrile, the catalytic [2+2] cycloaddition proceeds and cycloadduct 4 f is isolated in 83% yield. At high temperature, these cyclobutene derivatives readily undergo ring expansion to yield the corresponding 8-membered carbocyclic dienes. Thus, flash vacuum pyrolysis of 4a, 4d, 4f, 6, and 14 at 500 degrees C affords dienes 13a-d and 15 in 70-96% yields. This interesting ring expansion may be viewed as the insertion of an alkyne moiety into the carbon-carbon double bond of a cyclic olefin resulting in the enlargement of the ring by two carbons. Compound 13a is readily deoxygenated by TiCl4 and Zn in THF to give a cyclooctatetraene derivative 16 in 89% yield.     

Carbodiimide-mediated preparation of the tricyclic pyrido[3',2':4,5]pyrrolo[1,2-c]pyrimidine ring system and its application to the synthesis of the potent antitumoral marine alkaloid variolin B and analog

A total synthesis of the marine alkaloid variolin B has been completed in 13 steps in an overall yield of 6.5% from 3-formyl-4-methoxypyridine. Our approach is based on the sequential formation of the 7-azaindole ring, the tricyclic pyrido[3',2':4,5]pyrrolo[1,2-c]pyrimidine ring system, and finally installation of the 2-aminopyrimidine ring at C5. The required 7-azaindole ring appropriately substituted is formed by a modified indole synthesis involving a nitrene insertion process (two steps). Formation of the annelated pyrimidine ring is achieved by two routes both involving a carbodiimide-mediated cyclization process, which allow incorporation of the amine functionality at C9 of the core tricyclic (six steps). Installation of the northeast 2-aminopyrimidine ring at C5 is performed using the Bredereck protocol (three steps). Ultimate, thermal decarboxylation with concomitant O-methyl deprotection and further N-benzyl deprotection by the action of triflic acid completed the synthesis of the target natural product variolin B.     

Mechanism of C[bond]H bond activation/C[bond]C bond formation reaction between diazo compound and alkane catalyzed by dirhodium tetracarboxylate

The B3LYP density functional studies on the dirhodium tetracarboxylate-catalyzed C-H bond activation/C-C bond formation reaction of a diazo compound with an alkane revealed the energetics and the geometry of important intermediates and transition states in the catalytic cycle. The reaction is initiated by complexation between the rhodium catalyst and the diazo compound. Driven by the back-donation from the Rh 4d(xz) orbital to the C[bond]N sigma*-orbital, nitrogen extrusion takes place to afford a rhodium[bond]carbene complex. The carbene carbon of the complex is strongly electrophilic because of its vacant 2p orbital. The C[bond]H activation/C[bond]C formation proceeds in a single step through a three-centered hydride transfer-like transition state with a small activation energy. Only one of the two rhodium atoms works as a carbene binding site throughout the reaction, and the other rhodium atom assists the C[bond]H insertion reaction. The second Rh atom acts as a mobile ligand for the first one to enhance the electrophilicity of the carbene moiety and to facilitate the cleavage of the rhodium[bond]carbon bond. The calculations reproduce experimental data including the activation enthalpy of the nitrogen extrusion, the kinetic isotope effect of the C[bond]H insertion, and the reactivity order of the C[bond]H bond.     

New disulfido molybdenum-manganese complexes exhibit facile addition of small molecules to the sulfur atoms

The reaction of Mn(2)(CO)(7)(mu-S2) (1) with [CpMo(CO)(3)](2) (Cp = C(5)H(5)) and [Cp*Mo(CO)(3)](2) (Cp* = C(5)(CH(3))(5)) yielded the new mixed-metal disulfide complexes CpMoMn(CO)(5)(mu-S2) (2) and Cp*MoMn(CO)(5)(mu-S2) (3) by a metal-metal exchange reaction. Compounds 2 and 3 both contain a bridging disulfido ligand lying perpendicular to the Mo-Mn bond. The bond distances are Mo-Mn = 2.8421(10) and 2.8914(5) A and S-S = 2.042(2) and 1.9973(10) A for 2 and 3, respectively. A tetranuclear metal side product CpMoMn(3)(CO)(13)(mu3-S)(mu4-S) (4) was also isolated from the reaction of 1 with [CpMo(CO)(3)](2). Compounds 2 and 3 react with CO to yield the dithiocarbonato complexes CpMoMn(CO)(5)[mu-SC(=O)S] (5) and Cp*MoMn(CO)(5)[mu-SC(=O)S] (6) by insertion of CO into the S-S bond. Similarly, tert-butylisocyanide was inserted into the S-S bond of 2 and 3 to yield the complexes CpMoMn(CO)(5)[mu-S(C=NBu(t))S] (7) and Cp*MoMn(CO)(5)[mu-S(C=NBu(t))S] (8), respectively. Ethylene and dimethylacetylene dicarboxylate also inserted into the S-S bond of 2 and 3 at room temperature to yield the ethanedithiolato ligand bridged complexes CpMoMn(CO)(5)(mu-SCH(2)CH(2)S) (9), Cp*MoMn(CO)(5)(mu-SCH(2)CH(2)S) (10), CpMoMn(CO)(5)[mu-SC(CO(2)Me)=C(CO(2)Me)S] (11), and Cp*MoMn(CO)(5)[mu-SC(CO(2)Me)=C(CO(2)Me)S] (12). Allene was found to insert into the S-S bond of 2 by using one of its two double bonds to yield the complex CpMoMn(CO)(5)[mu-SCH(2)C(=CH(2))S] (13). The molecular structures of the new complexes 2-7 and 9-13 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.     

Total synthesis of (+/-)-magnofargesin

[reaction: see text] A convenient method for the preparation of 2,5-dihydrofurans by using the chemistry of alkynyl(phenyl)iodonium salts is reported. Treatment of 3-alkoxy-1-alkynyl(phenyl)iodonium triflates with sodium benzenesulfinate generates an alkylidenecarbene, which undergoes [1,5]-C-H insertion to form 2-substituted 4-benzenesulfonyl-2,5-dihydrofurans in reasonable yield. These cyclic vinyl sulfones are functionalized in such a way as to make them useful starting materials for the preparation of lignans. The application of this methodology to the first total synthesis of (+/-)-magnofargesin is disclosed.     

Syntheses of [prolyl-U-14C]alacepril and its related compounds

In order to study the metabolic fate of alacepril, an anti-hypertensive agent, the 14C-labeled compound of alacepril and its related compounds were synthesized. [Prolyl-U-14C]alacepril was synthesized in over-all yield of 32.7-38.0% by the mixed anhydride condensation of L-phenylalanine with [prolyl-U-14C]DU-1163, which had been prepared from L-[U-14C]proline and N-(S-3-acetylthio-2-methylpropanoyloxy)succinimide. [Prolyl-U-14C]captopril and [prolyl-U-14C]DU-1227 were prepared in high yields by hydrolysis of [prolyl-U-14C]DU-1163 and [prolyl-U-14C]alacepril, respectively. [Prolyl-U-14C]captopril-cysteine was synthesized by condensation of [prolyl-U-14C]captopril with cystine S-monoxide in 55.0% yield.     

Ruthenium porphyrin catalyzed intramolecular carbenoid C[bond]H insertion. Stereoselective synthesis of cis-disubstituted oxygen and nitrogen heterocycles

[reaction: see text] A ruthenium porphyrin-catalyzed stereoselective intramolecular carbenoid C[bond]H insertion is described. Using [Ru(II)(TTP)(CO)] as catalyst, aryl tosylhydrazones are converted to 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans, 2,3-dihydroindoles, and beta-lactams in good yields and remarkable cis selectivity (up to 99%). Enantioselective synthesis of 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans is also achieved with [Ru(II)(D(4)-Por*)(CO)] as catalyst, and up to 96% ee is attained.     

Closing the gap between MC3 and MC5 metallacumulenes: the chemistry of the first structurally characterized transition-metal complex with M=C=C=C=CR2 as the molecular unit

The reactions of the dihydrido compound [IrH2Cl(PiPr3)2] (3) with HC identical to CC(O)CHPh2 and HC identical to CC(OAc)=CPh2 lead to the formation of alkynyl-(hydrido)iridium(III) and vinylideneiridium(I) complexes 4-7 which, however, are not suitable precursors for the target molecule trans-[IrCl(=C=C=C=CPh2)-(PiPr3)2] (8). Compound 8 has been prepared in 77% yield from 3 and the vinyl triflate HC identical to CC(OTf)=CPh2 in the presence of NEt3. Treatment of 8 with CF3CO2H affords the vinylvinylidene complex trans-[IrCl(=C=CHC(O2C-CF3)=CPh2)(PiPr3)2] (10) by addition of the electrophile to the C beta-C gamma bond of the MC4 chain. In contrast, the reaction of 8 with HCl yields the five-coordinate butadienyliridium(III) compound [IrCl2-(eta 1-(Z)-CH=CHC(Cl)=CPh2)(PiPr3)2] (11). Salt metathesis of 8 with KI, KOH, and NaN3 leads to the formation of the substitution products trans-[IrX-(=C=C=C=CPh2)(PiPr3)2] (12-14) of which the hydroxo derivative 13 reacts with phenol to give trans-[Ir(OPh)(=C=C=C=CPh2)(PiPr3)2] (15). From 13 and methanol, the octahedral dihydridoiridium(III) complex [IrH2(CH=C=C=CPh2)(CO)(PiPr3)2] (16) is formed by fragmentation of the alcohol. In the presence of CO, both the methyl compound trans-[Ir(CH3)(=C=C=C=CPh2)-(PiPr3)2] (17) (generated from 8 and CH3Li) and the azido complex 14 (X=N3) undergo migratory insertion reactions to yield the four-coordinate iridium(I) carbonyls trans-[Ir(C(C identical to CCH3)=CPh2)(CO)(PiPr3)2] (18) and trans-[Ir(C identical to CC(N3)=CPh2)(CO)(PiPr3)2] (19), respectively. Compound 19 rearranges slowly to the thermodynamically more stable isomer trans-[Ir(C(N3)=C=C=CPh2)(CO)(PiPr3)2] (20). The molecular structures of 8 and 18 have been determined crystallographically.     

Z-Selective and Syndioselective Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) Initiated by MonoAryloxidePyrrolide (MAP) Catalysts

We report the Z-selective and syndioselective polymerization of 2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene (NBDF6) and 3-methyl-3-phenylcyclopropene (MPCP) by monoaryloxide monopyrrolide imido alkylidene (MAP) catalysts of Mo. The mechanism of polymerization with syn-Mo(NAd)(CHCMe(2)Ph)(Pyr)(OHIPT) (1; Ad = 1-adamantyl, OHIPT = O-2,6-(2,4,6-i-Pr(3)C(6)H(2))(2)C(6)H(3)) as the initiator is proposed to consist of addition of monomer to the syn initiator to yield a syn first insertion product and propagation via syn insertion products. In contrast, the mechanism of polymerization with syn-Mo(NAr)(CHCMe(2)Ph)(Pyr)(OTPP) (4; Ar = 2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3), OTPP = 2,3,5,6-Ph(4)C(6)H) as the initiator at -78 °C consists of addition of monomer to the syn initiator to yield an anti first insertion product and propagation via anti insertion products. Polymerizations of NBDF6 and MPCP at room temperature initiated by 4 led to polymers without a regular structure. We propose that the syndiotacticity of cis polymers is the consequence of the required inversion at the metal center with each insertion of monomer, i.e., stereogenic metal control of the polymer structure. We also propose that the two mechanisms for forming cis,syndiotactic polymers arise as a consequence of the relative steric bulk of the imido and phenoxide ligands.     

The first structural characterisation of a group 2 metal alkylperoxide complex: comments on the cleavage of dioxygen by magnesium alkyl complexes

A new high-yield synthesis of [(PhCH(2))(2)Mg(thf)(2)] and [[(PhCH(2))CH(3)Mg(thf)](2)] via benzylpotassium has allowed a simple entry into benzylmagnesium coordination chemistry. The syntheses and X-ray crystal structures of both [(eta(2)-Me(2)NCH(2)CH(2)NMe(2))Mg(CH(2)Ph)(2)] and [eta(2)-HC[C(CH(3))NAr'](2)Mg(CH(2)Ph)(thf)] (Ar'=2,6-diisopropylphenyl) are reported. The latter beta-diketiminate complex reacts with dioxygen to provide a 1:2 mixture of dimeric benzylperoxo and benzyloxo complexes. The benzylperoxo complex [[eta(2)-HC[C(CH(3))NAr'](2)Mg(mu-eta(2):eta(1)-OOCH(2)Ph)](2)] is the first example of a structurally characterised Group 2 metal-alkylperoxo complex and contains the benzylperoxo ligands in an unusual mu-eta(2):eta(1)-coordination mode, linking the two five-coordinate magnesium centres. The O[bond]O separation in the benzylperoxo ligands is 1.44(2) A. Reaction of the benzylperoxo/benzyloxo complex mixture with further [eta(2)-HC[C(CH(3))NAr'](2)Mg(CH(2)Ph)(thf)] results in complete conversion of the benzylperoxo species into the benzyloxo complex. This reaction, therefore, establishes the cleavage of dioxygen by this system as a two-step process that involves initial oxygen insertion into the Mg[bond]CH(2)Ph bond followed by O[bond]O/Mg[bond]C sigma-bond metathesis of the resulting benzylperoxo ligand with a second Mg[bond]CH(2)Ph bond. The formation of a 1:2 mixture of the benzylperoxo and benzyloxo species indicates that the rate of the insertion is faster than that of the metathesis, and this is shown to be consistent with a radical mechanism for the insertion process.     

Tandem Insertion–[1,3]‐Rearrangement: Highly Enantioselective Construction of α‐Aminoketones

An enantioselective synthesis of α‐aminoketone derivatives were readily available through a tandem insertion–[1,3] O‐to‐C rearrangement reaction. The rhodium salt and chiral N,N′‐dioxide‐indium(III) complex make up relay catalysis, which enables the O?H insertion of benzylic alcohols to N‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles, and asymmetric [1,3]‐rearrangement of amino enol ether intermediates, subsequently. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that the [1,3] O‐to‐C rearrangement step proceeded through an ion pair pathway.     

Synthesis of 11C-labelled N,N'-diphenylurea and ethyl phenylcarbamate by a rhodium-promoted carbonylation via [11C]isocyanatobenzene using phenyl azide and [11C]carbon monoxide

The reaction with phenyl azide and [11C]carbon monoxide to give N,N'-diphenyl[11C]urea and ethyl phenyl[11C]carbamate has been studied with the aim of development of a new methodology for carbonylation using [11C]carbon monoxide with high specific radioactivity. The synthesis of 11C-labelled N,N'-diphenylurea from phenyl azide and [11C]carbon monoxide, with 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane-bound Rh(I) complex at 120 degrees C at a pressure of 35 MPa in the presence of aniline was accomplished in 82% trapping efficiency and 82% conversion yield. This approach was also useful for the synthesis of ethyl phenyl[11C]carbamate with lithium ethoxide as a nucleophilic reagent giving 90% trapping efficiency and 76% conversion yield. These reactions can be considered to proceed via a [11C]isocyanate or a [11C]isocyanate-coordinated Rh complex to give the corresponding 11C-products. This protocol provides the chemical basis for the synthesis of [11C]urea and [11C]carbamate derived from [11C]isocyanates.     

A new technique for labeling of [11C]-choline, a positron-emitting tracer for tumor imaging

Summary [¹¹C]-choline has been reported as a potential tracer for imaging a variety of human tumors with positron emission tomography (PET). A new labeling technique for [¹¹C]-choline was established depending on parameters optimized, such as reaction time, volume, temperature, and the quantity of DMAE.The synthesis yield was improved from 82.0% to 96.5% (EOB), while the consumption of DMAE precursor decreased from 60 to 2 mg. Absolute yield of [¹¹C]-choline was 2500 MBq for a 10-minute irradiation at15mA, and a total synthesis time of less than 8 minutes from [¹¹C]-CH₃I to [¹¹C]-choline.