Synthesis of derivatives of prenylacetic acids by reactions of alkyl malonate, cyanoacetate, and acetoacetate with alkylating reagents in ionic liquids

A method for the synthesis of carboxylic acid derivatives containing one or two —CH₂CH _n (Me)CH _n+1CH₂— fragments (n = 0, 1) was developed. The method is based on the alkylation of (di)alkyl malonates, cyanoacetates, and acetoacetates with acyclic prenyl halides in ionic liquids, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and tetrafluoroborate. For the ambident ethyl acetoacetate anion, the reactions with prenyl halides devoid of a double bond in the allylic position relative to the halogen atom carried out in the ionic liquids give mixtures of C- and O-alkylation products, while in the case of allylic prenyl halides, only C-alkylation products are formed. The reactions of ethyl 2-geranylmalonate and 2-geranylacetoacetate with bromocyclohexane and 1-chloro-3-dimethylaminopropane in ionic liquids provided derivatives of pharmacologically active geranylacetic acids. The product yields are higher than those in molecular organic solvents. The ionic liquids were recovered and reused in the alkylation.     

Strictly Regiocontrolled α-Monosubstitution of Cyclic Carbonyl Compounds with Alkynyl and Alkyl Groups via Pd-Catalyzed Coupling of Cyclic α-Iodoenones with Organozincs[]

The conditions for the Pd-catalyzed cross coupling of cyclic α-iodoenones, such as 2-iodo-2-cyclohexenone, with alkynylzincs have been optimized. The use of tris(o-furyl)phosphine (TFP) as a ligand and DMF as a solvent has led to the formation of α-alkynylenones in excellent yields. This optimized procedure has been applied to the synthesis of (±)-harveynone and (±)-tricholomenyn A in high yields. Investigation of related α-alkylation reactions using alkylzincs has revealed the following. Methylzinc and primary alkylzinc derivatives readily undergo Pd-catalyzed cross coupling with α-iodoenones. Although (s-Bu)₂Zn also undergoes Pd-catalyzed cross coupling, only the n-Bu-substituted products were obtained. α-Benzylation and α-homobenzylation can proceed satisfactorily, whereas allylzinc and propargylzinc derivatives undergo only addition to the carbonyl group. Although some promising results have been obtained in α-homoallylation and α-homopropargylation, these reactions need to be further improved.     

Synthesis of Difluoroglycine Derivatives from Amines,Difluorocarbene, and CO2: Computational Design,Scope, and Applications

A three-component reaction (3CR) for the synthesis of difluoroglycine derivatives has been achieved by using amines, difluorocarbene (generated in situ), and the abundant, inexpensive, and nontoxic C₁ source CO₂. Various tert-amines and pyridine, (iso)quinoline, imidazole, thiazole, and pyrazole derivatives were incorporated, and the corresponding products were isolated in solid form without purification by column chromatography on silica gel. Detailed reaction profiles of the 3CR were obtained from computational analysis using DFT calculations, and the results critically suggest that simple ammonia is not applicable to this reaction. In addition, as strongly supported by computational predictions, a new reagent that can generate difluorocarbene at 0 °C without any additives was discovered. Finally, radical substitution reactions of the obtained difluoroglycine derivatives under photoredox conditions, as well as a synthetic application as an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand are shown.     

Reaction of 6-aminopyrimidin-4-ones with diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate in several media: Synthesis of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines

Reactions of 6-amino-3,4-dihydro-2-methoxy-4-oxopyrimidine 1 and its 3-methyl derivative 2 , with diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate (EMME) are discussed in this paper. These reactions have been carried out in the following media: under fusion, ethanol, sodium methoxide/methanol, sodium ethoxide:ethanol and acetic acid media. In acetic medium, mixtures of products proceeding from C-alkylation and N-alkylation were obtained, while in the remaining conditions only products of N-alkylation were obtained.     

Nickel-catalyzed synthesis of 9-monoalkylated fluorenes from 9-fluorenone hydrazone and alcohols

A practical protocol was disclosed for the nickel-catalyzed C-alkylation of 9-fluorenone hydrazone with alcohols using t-BuOK as the base, and 9-monoalkylated fluorene derivatives were obtained in good yields under the benign conditions.     

Synthesis of some novel 2-phenylpyridazino[4,5-b][1,5]thiazepines

Synthesis of some derivatives of the pyridazino[4,5-b][1,5]thiazepine ring system is reported. Thus, 5-benzyl-8-methyl-2-phenyl-2,3.4,5-tetrahydro-5H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,5]thiazepin-9(8H)-one ( 5 ) was prepared by an intramolecular S-alkylation reaction, whereas the thiazepine ring of sulfone analogue 21 , and that of the novel tricyclic pyrrolidino fused ring system 22 was elaborated by an intramolecular C-alkylation reaction. Unexpected formation of bicyclic pyrido- and thiazine fused pyridazine systems are also discussed.     

Oxetane ethers are formed reversibly in the lithium-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts alkylation of phenols with oxetanols: Synthesis of dihydrobenzofurans,diaryloxetanes, and oxetane ethers

Studies on the mechanism and intermediate products in the Friedel–Crafts reaction between oxetanols and phenols are presented. The formation of O-alkylated intermediates is identified using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, in a reversible formation of the kinetic oxetane ether products. An interesting relationship between the electronic nature of the nucleophile and the degree of O-alkylation is uncovered. For phenols substituted with an electron withdrawing group such as CN, oxetane ethers are the only products isolated regardless of reaction time. Increasing the electron rich nature of the phenol leads to an increased proportion of the thermodynamic C-alkylated Friedel–Crafts products after just 1?h and as the sole product/s after extended reaction times. These studies have enabled a more complete catalytic cycle to be proposed. Using the same lithium catalyst and carefully selected reaction times, several examples of oxetane ethers are successfully isolated as novel bioisosteres for ester groups.     

Regioselective C-alkylation of alkyl 4-hydroxy-2-methylthiophene-3-carboxylates with α-halo ketones

Regioselective C- or O-alkylation of alkyl 4-hydroxy-2-methylthiophene-3-carboxylates with -halo ketones is possible, depending on the solvent nature. A convenient preparative method of C-alkylation was proposed and previously not easily accessible -hydroxythiophene derivatives were synthesized.     

Chemistry of the Higher Fullerenes: Preparative isolation of C76 by HPLC and synthesis,separation, and characterization of Diels-Alder monoadducts of C70 and C76

HPLC Separation of higher fullerenes was compared on two different stationary phases, and the preparative isolation of pure C₇₆ is described. Higher-fullerene derivatives 1 and 2 were prepared by Diels-Alder reaction of C₇₀ and C₇₆ with an ortho-quinodimethane intermediate generated in situ. Three out of four possible isomeric C₇₀ monoadducts, i.e. 1a – c , and, for the first time, one isomeric C₇₆ monoadduct, i.e. 2c , could be isolated in pure form and characterized by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, UV/VIS, and mass spectrometry. Five other C₇₆ isomers i.e., 2a , b , d – f were obtained in partially separated product fractions. Coalescence temperatures and energy barriers were determined for the cyclohexene-ring inversion in two of the isomeric C₇₀ derivatives. The structure of the C₇₀ adducts could be deduced unambiguously from symmetry considerations based on high- and low-temperature ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. A simple model for the qualitative evaluation of the local curvature of fullerene surfaces is presented and used for the prediction of addition sites in higher fullerenes. These predictions are compared to the experimental results mentioned above as well as to predictions resulting from π-bond-order considerations and from calculated pyramidalization angles.     

Influence of alkali and alkaline earth ions on the O -alkylation of the lower rim phenolic-OH groups of p-tert -butyl-calix[4]arene to result in amide-pendants: Template action of K+ and the structure of K+ bound tetra-amide derivative crystallized with a p-tert -butyl-calix[4]arene anion

Role of alkali and alkaline earth ions on the formation of calix[4]arene-amide derivatives through O-alkylation of the lower rim phenolic-OH groups in general and template action of K⁺ in particular have been explored. Na⁺ and K⁺ ions among alkali, and Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺ ions among alkaline earth have shown tetra-amide derivatives bound to metal ion species. Among all these, potassium salts act as template and yields a K⁺ bound tetra-amide derivative where the charge is counter balanced by a calix[4] arene-monoanion and the product is crystallographically characterized. Change in the amide precursor used in these O-alkylation reactions has no effect on the type of the amide derivative formed. Also demonstrated is a direct one-step reaction for the preparation of 1,3-di-amide derivative in high yield and low reaction period using CsHCO₃.     

Low-Cost Synthesis of Fullerene Derivatives

Refined mixed fullerenes were used as a reagent in known organic reactions instead of the pure fullerene C₆₀ with aim to find an alternative, low-cost method for the synthesis of fullerene derivatives potentially exhibiting photoconductive properties. The isolation of C₆₀ or C₇₀ in clean form without admixtures requires the use of large quantities of toluene or other nonpolar solvents, polluting the environment and multiplying the production cost. 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylide to fullerite was chosen because this reaction is one of the most widely used for fullerene functionalization, producing material possibly presenting photoinducing behavior. The data showed that the use of the cheaper mixed fullerenes instead of pure C₆₀ leads to the isolation of the same expected products with similar yields. The photoelectric properties of mixed fullerenes and their organic derivatives were also examined. A slightly semiconductive behavior was confirmed as well as a noticeable photoresponse.

Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Synthetic Communications® to view the free supplemental file.     

Asymmetric Copper‐Catalyzed Vinylogous Mukaiyama Michael Addition of Cyclic Dienol Silanes to Unsaturated α‐Keto Phosphonates

A highly stereoselective vinylogous Mukaiyama Michael reaction (VMMR) leading to α‐keto phosphonate‐containing γ‐butenolides with two stereogenic centers is described. The presented transformation is catalyzed by a combination of a commercially available C₂‐symmetric bisoxazoline (BOX) ligand and a copper salt and tolerates a variety of nucleophiles and electrophiles. The stereoselectivities of the reactions are good to excellent and the products are obtained in moderate to high yields.     

Ligand‐Controlled Copper‐Catalyzed Highly Regioselective Difluoromethylation of Allylic Chlorides/Bromides and Propargyl Bromides

Highly regiodivergent copper‐catalyzed allylic/propargylic difluoromethylation reactions by employing different ligands are described. When 5,6‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline was used as the ligand, exclusively α‐difluoromethylated products were obtained, while γ‐selective difluoromethylated products were generated when N‐heterocyclic carbene‐SIPr was used as the ligand. Likewise, high α‐ vs. γ‐selectivities were achieved in the presence of similar copper catalysts for the reactions of propargyl bromides. Moreover, a copper‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic difluoromethylation reaction with moderate to good enantioselectivity by the use of chiral ligands was developed.     

Cycloalkylations of N-(ω-Halogenoalkyl)-substituted Macrocyclic Imides

With ω-halogenoalkyl isocyanates, 2-oxocyclododecane-l-carbonitrile is transformed under ring enlargement to 1-(ω-halogenoalkyl)-2,14-dioxo-1-azacyclotetradecane-3-carbonitriles. In the presence of base, these products undergo O- or C-alkylation leading to bicyclic compounds. The C-alkylation product 7 undergoes solvolysis to form a sixteen-membered ring compound.     

In situ generation of palladium nanoparticles using agro waste and their use as catalyst for copper‐, amine‐ and ligand‐free Sonogashira reaction

The use of water extract of waste papaya bark ash for the in situ generation of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) as an efficient and environmentally friendly basic medium for the Sonogashira reaction at room temperature is reported. This methodology follows green chemistry principles as the reaction is performed using agro waste (natural feedstock) for the generation of the Pd NPs as well as for providing a basic medium for the reaction in the absence of any additional organic or inorganic base, ligand and copper salt, giving excellent yield of cross‐coupled product at room temperature. The reaction conditions are compatible with electronically diverse aryl iodides and electronically diverse alkyne derivatives.     

ZnFe2O4 as a new catalyst in theC-methylation of phenol

This paper reports the investigation ofC-alkylation of phenol with methanol over zinc ferrite as a catalyst. The reactions were carried out in gas phase at atmospheric pressure in dependence of increasing temperature. The total selectivity towardsortho-cresol and 2,6-xylenol over 300°C surpassed 90%. ZnFe₂O₄ was obtained by oxidative precipitation method from solution of iron (II) sulphate and zinc sulphate at 60°C. Based on the results, the best equation describing the oxidation reaction rate was found. The obtained products have been investigated using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Reactions of nitronates derived from simple nitro alkanes with some thio-stabilized cationic intermediates

Trimethylsilyl and DBU nitronates derived from nitromethane and nitropropanes do not undergoC-alkylation by episulfonium (ESI) or thiophanium (TPI) cationic intermediates. The above-mentioned derivatives of 1-nitropropane react with ESI and TPI to give the corresponding products ofO-alkylation of 1-chloro-1-oxyiminopropane. The reactions of DBU nitronates derived from nitromethane and 2-nitropropane with ESI or TPI proceed asO-alkylation followed by standard fragmentation of the initially formed nitronate intermediates to give methyl (4-tolylthio)acetate or methyl 2,2-dimethyl-3-methyloxy-(4-tolylthio)butanoate respectively. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 3, pp. 492–498, March, 1999.     

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of usnic acid cyanoethyl derivatives

Cyanoethyl derivatives of usnic acid (natural lichen metabolite) were prepared. The reaction proceeded as a C-alkylation process via addition of two acrylonitrile molecules. Cytotoxic effect of the synthesized derivatives on the blood tumor cell lines was studied.     

Alkylation of salts ofN-nitrohydroxylamines with chloromethylnitramines

The reactions of Ag-salts ofN-nitmhydroxyumines withN-methyl-N-chloromethylnitramine afford mainly products ofO-alkylation, whereas the reactions of the corresponding Li-, Na-, K-, Mg-, and NH₄-sals in the presence of tetrabutylammonium (TBAB) give mainly products ofN-alkylation. The reactions of the corresponding. NH₄-salts with bis-(chloromethyl)nitramine in the presence of TBAB lead solely to products ofO-alkylation. Increasing in the amount of TBAB results in the appearance of theN-isomer.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 7, pp. 1740–1744, July, 1996.     

O-Alkylation of a lignite humic acid by phase-transfer catalysis

A mild phase-transfer catalytic reaction has been conducted to O-alkylate the acidic functions of a lignite humic acid (HA), using tetrabutylammonium hydroxide as the phase-transfer catalyst. The HA acidic functional groups were made to react, in tetrahydrofuran, by nucleophilic substitution with several alkyl halides—methyl iodide, and ethyl, propyl, and butyl, and benzyl bromide. The occurrence of the O-alkylation reaction was assessed by elemental analysis and ¹H NMR, CPMAS ¹³C NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy. Bonding of alkyl groups increased the carbon and hydrogen content and the H/C ratios of all the humic reaction products. Increased nitrogen in the reaction products suggested incomplete removal of the phase-transfer catalyst after purification of the alkylated HA. ¹H NMR and CPMAS ¹³C NMR spectra of alkylated products provided evidence of the successful occurrence of the alkylation reactions. Infrared spectra confirmed the NMR results, revealing the characteristic absorption of newly formed alkyl and aryl ethers and esters in the alkylated products and C–H stretching in the aromatic ring of the benzylated derivative. These findings indicate that humic matter can be successfully alkylated with several different alkylating groups by catalysed phase-transfer reaction. This O-alkylation reaction has the advantage of being mild, versatile, and high-yielding compared with traditional methylation reactions applied to HA. The possibility of introducing different alkyl groups into the HA by a mild phase-transfer reaction may become useful by enabling improved fractionation of humic supramolecular associations and further understanding of the molecular nature of humic substances.