Domino Mukaiyama-Michael reactions in the synthesis of polycyclic systems

Good results were obtained in the Mukaiyama-Michael reaction of the silyl enol ether of cyclohexanone with 2-methyl-2-cyclopentenone and carvone, with transfer of the silyl group to the receiving enone and with TrSbCl₆ as catalyst. A second Mukaiyama-Michael reaction of this new silyl enol ether with methyl vinyl ketone and cyclization of the resulting adduct leads to tricyclic compounds in one-pot domino sequences. The scope and limitations of this domino reaction have been investigated.     

Catalytic enantioselective three-component hetero-[4+2] cycloaddition/allylboration approach to alpha-hydroxyalkyl pyrans: scope, limitations, and mechanistic proposal

This article describes the design and optimization of a catalytic enantioselective three-component hetero-[4+2] cycloaddition/allylboration reaction between 3-boronoacrolein, enol ethers, and aldehydes to afford alpha-hydroxyalkyl dihydropyrans. The key substrate, 3-boronoacrolein pinacolate (2) was found to be an exceptionally reactive heterodiene in the hetero-[4+2] cycloaddition catalyzed by Jacobsen's chiral Cr(III) catalyst 1. The scope and limitations of this process were thoroughly examined. The adduct of 3-boronoacrolein pinacolate and ethyl vinyl ether was obtained in high yield and with over 95 % enantioselectivity. This cyclic alpha-chiral allylboronate adds to a very wide variety of aldehyde substrates, including unsaturated aldehydes and alpha-chiral aldehydes to give diastereomerically pure products. Acyclic 2-substituted enol ethers can be employed, in which case the catalyst promotes a kinetically selective reaction that favors Z enol ethers over the E isomers. Surprisingly, 3-boronoacrolein pinacolate was found to be a superior heterodiene than ethyl (E)-4-oxobutenoate, and a mechanistic interpretation based on a possible [5+2] transition state is proposed.     

Highly efficient palladium-catalyzed hydrostannation of ethyl ethynyl ether

The palladium-catalyzed hydrostannation of acetylenes is widely exploited in organic synthesis as a means of forming vinyl stannanes for use in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Application of this methodology to ethyl ethynyl ether results in an enol ether that is challenging to isolate from the crude reaction mixture because of incompatibility with typical silica gel chromatography. Reported here is a highly efficient procedure for the palladium-catalyzed hydrostannation of ethyl ethynyl ether using 0.1% palladium(0) catalyst and 1.0 equiv of tributyltin hydride. The product obtained is a mixture of regioisomers that can be carried forward with exclusive reaction of the β-isomer. This method is highly reproducible, relative to previously reported procedures, it is more economical and involves a more facile purification procedure.     

Molecular dynamics simulations of the hydration of poly(vinyl methyl ether):Hydrogen bonds and quasi-hydrogen bonds

Atomistic detailed hydration structures of poly(vinyl methyl ether)(PVME) have been investigated by molecular dynamics simulations under 300 K at various concentrations. Both radial distribution functions and the distance distributions between donors and acceptors in hydrogen bonds show that the hydrogen bonds between the polymer and water are shorter by 0.005 nm than those between water molecules. The Quasi-hydrogen bonds take only 7.2% of the van der Waals interaction pairs. It was found the hydrogen bonds are not evenly distributed along the polymer chain,and there still exists a significant amount(10%) of ether oxygen atoms that are not hydrogen bonded to water at a concentration as low as 3.3%. This shows that in polymer solutions close contacts occur not only between polymer chains but also between chain segments within the polymer,which leads to inefficient contacts between ether oxygen atoms and water molecules. Variation of the quasi-hydrogen bonds with the concentration is similar to that of hydrogen bonds,but the ratio of the repeat units forming quasi-hydrogen bonds to those forming hydrogen bonds approaches 0.2. A transition was found in the demixing enthalpy at around 30% measured by dynamic testing differential scanning calorimetry(DTDSC) for aqueous solutions of a mono-dispersed low molecular weight PVME,which can be related to the transition of the fractions of hydrogen bonds and quasi-hydrogen bonds at ～27%. The transition of the fractions of hydrogen bonds and quasi-hydrogen bonds at ～27% can be used to explain the demixing enthalpy transition at 30% at a molecular scale. In addition,at the concentration of 86%,each ether oxygen atom bonded with water is assigned 1.56 water molecules on average,and 'free' water molecules emerge at the concentration of around 54%.     

Mechanism of Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Conia‐ene Reaction of β‐Ketoesters with Alkynes: A DFT Study

Density functional calculations have been performed to comparatively investigate two possible pathways of Au(I)‐catalyzed Conia‐ene reaction of β‐ketoesters with alkynes. Our studies find that, under the assistance of trifluoromethanesulfonate (TfO), the β‐ketoester is the most likely to undergo Model II to isomerize into its enol form, in which TfO plays a proton transfer role through a 6‐membered ring transition state. The coordination of the Au(I) catalyst to the alkynes triple bond can enhance the eletrophilic capability and reaction activity of the alkynes moiety, which triggers the nucleophilic addition of the enol moiety on the alkynes moiety to give a vinyl‐Au intermediate. This cycloisomerizaion step is exothermal by 21.3 kJ/mol with an energy barrier of 56.0 kJ/mol. In the whole catalytic process, the protonation of vinyl‐Au is almost spontaneous, and the formation of enol is a rate‐limiting step. The generation of enol and the activation of Au(I) catalyst on the alkynes are the key reasons why the Conia‐ene reaction can occur in mild condition. These calculations support that Au(I)‐catalyzed Conia‐ene reactions of β‐ketoesters with alkynes go through the pathway 2 proposed by Toste.     

Dicobalt octacarbonyl-catalyzed cationic polymerization of allylic and enolic ethers

In the presence of silanes bearing Si H groups, dicobalt octacarbonyl [Co₂(CO)₈] efficiently catalyzes the cationic polymerization of a wide variety of enol ether and other related monomers including vinyl ethers, 1-propenyl ethers, 1-butenyl ethers, 2,3-dihydrofuran, 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran, ketene acetals, and allene ethers. In addition, this catalyst system is also effective for the polymerization of complimentary allylic and propargylic ethers by a process involving tandem isomerization and cationic polymerization. This latter process occurs by a stepwise mechanism in which the allylic or propargylic ether is first isomerized, respectively, to the corresponding enol ether or allenic ether and then this latter compound is rapidly cationically polymerized in the presence of the catalyst. In accord with this mechanism, it has been shown that the structure of the polymers prepared from related enol and allyl ethers using the above catalyst system are identical. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 1579–1591, 1997     

Theoretical Analysis of the Heterocyclic [4+2] Cycloaddition Between Pyridinium Ion and Enol Ether

Dearomative heterocyclic [4+2] cycloaddition between the N-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)pyridinium ion of nicotinamide and an enol ether was analyzed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The calculation revealed that the reaction undergoes stepwise bond formation rather than occurring in a concerted manner. The experimental products were found to be both kinetically and thermodynamically favored. The calculated transition states and intermediate suggested that the high diastereoselectivity is derived from the electrostatic interaction between the 2-nitro group of the pyridinium ion and the hydrogen of the enol ether.     

A convenient synthesis of vinyl sulfides

Dithioketals are converted in good yields to vinyi sulfides by action of diethylzinc and methylene iodide. The reaction has been successfully applied to dialkyl and diaryl dithioketals, to spirocyclic analogs, and to a dithioacetal. A monothioketal produced a vinyl ether (enol ether) with the same reagent.     

Theoretical studies on the bifunctionality of chiral thiourea-based organocatalysts: competing routes to C-C bond formation

The mechanism of enantioselective Michael addition of acetylacetone to a nitroolefin catalyzed by a thiourea-based chiral bifunctional organocatalyst is investigated using density functional theory calculations. A systematic conformational analysis is presented for the catalyst, and it is shown that both substrates coordinate preferentially via bidentate hydrogen bonds. The deprotonation of the enol form of acetylacetone by the amine of the catalyst is found to occur easily, leading to an ion pair characterized by multiple H-bonds involving the thiourea unit as well. Two distinct reaction pathways are explored toward the formation of the Michael product that differ in the mode of electrophile activation. Both reaction channels are shown to be consistent with the notion of noncovalent organocatalysis in that the transition states leading to the Michael adduct are stabilized by extensive H-bonded networks. The comparison of the obtained energetics for the two pathways allows us to propose an alternative mechanistic rationale for asymmetric C-C bond forming reactions catalyzed by bifunctional thiourea derivatives. The origin of enantioselectivity in the investigated reaction is also discussed.     

Study of a new ‘chiral proton’ organocatalyst with hydrolase activity: application in azlactone racemic dynamic resolution

For the first time, a 1,3-ketoenol system is described as an acid catalyst with hydrolytic activity. The combination of an enol and a pyridine/benzimidazole supported on a benzofuran skeleton allowed the creation of a novel bifunctional organocatalyst, which has been applied in azlactone racemic dynamic resolution. In spite of the moderate enantioselectivities obtained, the catalyst constitutes a novel concept in the field of chiral Brønsted acid catalysis.     

Design and synthesis of 2,4-difluorophenylpyruvic acid and of its azlactone precursor for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) tautomerase activity

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important cytokine implicated in several diseases and currently a target for drug development. This study aimed to synthesize phenylpyruvic acid like structures that fit the molecular requirements of MIF with respect to keto/enol tautomerism and E/Z isomerism of the enol forms. The synthesis of 2,4-difluorophenylpyruvic acid and its azlactone precursor as potential ligands to interact with the active site of MIF is reported here. Both the E and Z isomers of the azlactone of 2,4-difluorobenzaldehyde were synthesized using different synthetic methods. Hydrolysis of these isomeric azlactones yielded similar enol/keto tautomeric mixtures of 2,4-difluorophenylpyruvic acid, with the enol form predominating. NMR spectroscopy was used to confirm the structures of these compounds, while an X-ray crystallographic study also confirmed the configuration of the E isomer of the azlactone.     

The location of olefinic bonds in mono- and di-unsaturated compounds

The use of vinyl methyl ether as a chemical ionization reagent gas for the location of olefinic bonds is limited by reactions of various ion with vinyl methyl ether molecules. A 75: 20: 5 mixture of nitrogen/carbon disulphide/vinyl methyl ether suggested by Harrison and Chai gives much cleaner spectra and has been used to study octenes and octadienes. Evidence is presented to indicate the formation of two reaction complexes with octenes and four reaction complexes with unconjugated octadienes. Elimination of olefins from these complexes allows one to infer the positions of the carbon-carbon double bonds in each type of molecule.     

Coupling Reaction of Enol Derivatives with Silyl Ketene Acetals Catalyzed by Gallium Trihalides

A cross‐coupling reaction between enol derivatives and silyl ketene acetals catalyzed by GaBr₃ took place to give the corresponding α‐alkenyl esters. GaBr₃ showed the most effective catalytic ability, whereas other metal salts such as BF₃?OEt₂, AlCl₃, PdCl₂, and lanthanide triflates were not effective. Various types of enol ethers and vinyl carboxylates as enol derivatives are amenable to this coupling. The scope of the reaction with silyl ketene acetals was also broad. We successfully observed an alkylgallium intermediate by using NMR spectroscopy, suggesting a mechanism involving anti‐carbogallation among GaBr₃, an enol derivative, and a silyl ketene acetal, followed by syn‐β‐alkoxy elimination from the alkylgallium. Based on kinetic studies, the turnover‐limiting step of the reaction using a vinyl ether and a vinyl carboxylate involved syn‐β‐alkoxy elimination and anti‐carbogallation, respectively. Therefore, the leaving group had a significant effect on the progress of the reaction. Theoretical calculations analysis suggest that the moderate Lewis acidity of gallium would contribute to a flexible conformational change of the alkylgallium intermediate and to the cleavage of the carbon?oxygen bond in the β‐alkoxy elimination process, which is the turnover‐limiting step in the reaction between a vinyl ether and a silyl ketene acetal.     

New approaches toward the synthesis of (D-homo) steroid skeletons using Mukaiyama reactions

New, short, and flexible procedures have been developed for syntheses of steroid and D-homo steroid skeletons. A Mukaiyama reaction between the silyl enol ether of 6-methoxytetralone and 2-methyl-2-cyclopentenone or carvone, with transfer of the silyl group to the receiving enone, gave a second silyl enol ether. Addition of a carbocation, generated under Lewis acid conditions from 3-methoxy-2-butenol, 3-ethoxy-3-phenyl-2-propenol or 3-methoxy-2-propenol to this second silyl enol ether gave adducts, which could not be cyclized by aldol condensation to (D-homo) steroid skeletons. The Mukaiyama-Michael reaction of the silyl enol ether of 6-methoxy tetralone with 2-methyl-2-cylopentenone gave a second silyl enol ether, which reacted in high yield with a carbocation generated from 3-hydroxy-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propene. Ozonolysis of the double bond in this adduct gave a tricarbonyl compound (Zieglers triketone), which has been used before in the synthesis of 9,11-dehydroestrone methyl ether. A second synthesis of C17 substituted CD-trans coupled (D-homo) steroid skeletons has been developed via addition of a carbocation, generated with ZnBr₂ from a Torgov reagent, to a silyl enol ether containing ring D precursor. The obtained seco steroids have been cyclized under formation of the 8-14 bond by treatment with acid. The double bonds in one of the cyclized products have been reduced to a C17-substituted all trans steroid skeleton.     

Mechanism of silver(I)-catalyzed Mukaiyama aldol reaction: active species in solution in AgPF6-(S)-BINAP versus AgOAc-(S)-BINAP systems

Silver(I)-diphosphine complex is an effective catalyst for Mukaiyama Aldol reaction in polar solvents. AgPF₆-(S)-BINAP cationic chiral complex indicated a good activity and could afford fairly high enantioselectivity in the reaction of aromatic aldehydes and silyl enol ethers. On the other hand, AgOAc-(S)-BINAP system afforded the aldol product of the absolute configuration opposite to that by AgPF₆-(S)-BINAP and very high catalytic activity was shown. The structure and equilibrium state of Ag(I)-BINAP complexes in solution were examined to understand the reaction mechanism. In AgPF₆ system [Ag((S)-BINAP)₂]PF₆ (1a), [Ag((S)-BINAP)]PF₆ (1b), [Ag₂((S)-BINAP)](PF₆)₂ (1c) and AgPF₆ are present in solution. The active species of the aldol reaction in DMF is [Ag((S)-BINAP)]PF₆ (1b), which exists as a minor species in solution. For this cationic Ag(I) catalyst, cyclic transition state containing substrate and silyl enol ether is assumed. In AgOAc-(S)-BINAP system, active species is also monomeric AgOAc((S)-BINAP) (2b) species which exists as a major component in solution and strong interaction was observed with a silyl enol ether. The reaction by AgOAc-(S)-BINAP catalyst is concluded to proceed as follows: nucleophile forms a complex with AgOAc-(S)-BINAP species and is activated. This complex attacks aldehydes to afford aldol adduct via acyclic transition state.     

BINAP/AgOTf/KF/18-crown-6 as new bifunctional catalysts for asymmetric Sakurai-Hosomi allylation and Mukaiyama aldol reaction

A catalytic amount of KF.18-crown-6 complex is effective as a soluble fluoride source to activate an asymmetric Sakurai-Hosomi allylation with BINAP and silver(I) triflate catalyst. The allylation of a variety of aromatic, alpha,beta-unsaturated and aliphatic aldehydes with allylic trimethoxysilane resulted in high yields and remarkable enantioselectivities. In addition, the asymmetric Mukaiyama-type aldol reaction is achieved by using trimethoxysilyl enol ethers in the presence of the same catalysts. High anti selectivity is obtained from E-silyl enol ether, while Z-silyl enol ether gives syn selectivity.     

Temperature-responsive swelling and deswelling of the copolymers from vinyl ether of ethylene glycol and butyl vinyl ether

Linear and crosslinked copolymers of a vinyl ether of ethylene glycol (2-hydroxyethyl vinyl ether, ( 1 )) and butyl vinyl ether ( 2 ) are synthesized by α-irradiation polymerization. It is shown that the linear copolymers exhibit a phase separation phenomenon in dependence of the temperature due to the destruction of hydrogen bonds and the enhancement of hydrophobic interaction in aqueous solution. The processes of reversible swelling or shrinking upon temperature change are demonstrated for polymer networks.     

Umvinylierungen mit Vinyl-phenyl-äther als Vinylierungsmittel

Vinyl interchange of vinyl phenyl ether with phenols in the presence of mercuric acetate as a catalyst gives the corresponding vinyl aryl ethers in 40–75% yields. The reaction between vinyl phenyl ether and alcohols yields isolable quantities of vinyl alkyl ethers only when this product can be removed continuously during the reaction.     

Theoretical study of the symmetry of the (OH...O)- hydrogen bonds in vinyl alcohol-vinyl alcoholate systems

The interactions between substituted vinyl alcohols and vinyl alcoholates (X = NH(2), H, F, Cl, CN) are studied at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. In a first step, the conformation of the monomers is investigated and the proton affinities (PA(A(-))) of the enolates are calculated. The enols and enolates are held together by strong (OH...O)(-) hydrogen bonds, the hydrogen bond energies ranging from 19.1 to 34.6 kcal mol(-1). The optimized O...O distances are between 2.414 and 2.549 A and the corresponding OH distances from 1.134 and 1.023 A. The other geometry parameters such as C[double bond]C or CO distances also indicate that, in the minimum energy configuration, the hydrogen bonds are characterized by a double well potential. The Mulliken charges on the different atoms of the proton donors and proton acceptors and the frequencies of the nu(OH) stretching vibrations agree with this statement. All the data indicate that the hydrogen bonds are the strongest in the homomolecular complexes. The transition state for hydrogen transfer is located with the transition barrier estimated to be about zero. Upon addition of the zero-point vibration energies to the total potential energy, the barrier vanishes. This is a characteristic feature of low-barrier hydrogen bonds (LBHBs). The hydrogen bond energies are correlated to the difference 1.5 PA(AH) - PA(A(-)). The correlation predicts different energies for homomolecular hydrogen bonds, in agreement with the theoretical calculations. Our results suggest that a PA (or pK(a)) match is not a necessary condition for forming LBHBs in agreement with recent data on the intramolecular hydrogen bond in the enol form of benzoylacetone (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1998, 120, 12117).     

Synthesis of Vinyl Phenyl Ether and Its Use for Ammetric Titration of Silver(I)

Catalytic vinylation of phenol with acetylene at atmospheric pressure was studied. The yield of vinyl phenyl ether was determined as influenced by the solvent, reaction temperature, and catalyst amount. The mechanism of formation of vinyl phenyl ether was proposed. Ammetric titration of silver(I) with a solution of vinyl phenyl ether in nonaqueous acetic acid solutions was performed.