Stereospecific preparation of symmetrical (1Z, 3Z)- and (1E, 3E)-2,3-difluoro-1,4-disubstituted-buta-1,3-dienes from 1-bromo-1-fluoroalkenes

A straightforward method to prepare symmetrical (1Z, 3Z)- and (1E, 3E)-2,3-difluoro-1,4-disubstituted-buta-1,3-dienes is described. High E/Z ratio 1-bromo-1-fluoroalkenes, prepared by isomerization from the E/Z ≈ 1:1 isomeric mixtures, reacted with Bu₃SnSnBu₃ and Pd(PPh₃)₄ to afford (1Z, 3Z)-2,3-difluoro-1,4-disubstituted-buta-1,3-dienes in good yield. (Z)-1-Bromo-1-fluoroalkenes, which were prepared by kinetic reduction from 1-bromo-1-fluoroalkenes (E/Z ≈ 1:1), can undergo similar reaction with Bu₃SnSnBu₃ and Pd(PPh₃)₄/CuI to prepare (1E, 3E)-2,3-difluoro-1,4-disubstituted-buta-1,3-dienes.     

Novel (E)- and (Z)-3(5)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-styrylpyrazoles from (E)- and (Z)-3-styrylchromones: the unexpected case of (E)-3(5)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-nitrostyryl)pyrazoles

An efficient synthetic method for the preparation of (E)- and (Z)-3(5)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-styrylpyrazoles has been developed. The reaction of (E)- and (Z)-3-styrylchromones with hydrazine hydrate afforded the corresponding (E)- and (Z)-4-styrylpyrazoles, respectively, saved 4′-nitro-derivatives where both (E)- and (Z)-4′-nitro-3-styrylchromones afforded (E)-3(5)-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-nitrostyryl)pyrazoles. The reaction mechanism for these transformations was discussed and the stereochemistry of all products was assigned by NMR experiments.     

Different recognitions of (E)- and (Z)-1,1′-binaphthyl ketoximes using lipase-catalyzed reactions

Lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of (E)-2-[α-(acetoxyimino)benzyl]-1,1′-binaphthyl [(±)-1a] and (Z)-2-[α-(acetoxyimino)benzyl]-1,1′-binaphthyl [(±)-1b] yielded optically active (E)-2-[α-(hydroxyimino)benzyl]-1,1′-binaphthyl [(S)-2a] and (Z)-2-[α-(hydroxyimino)benzyl]-1,1′-binaphthyl [(R)-2b], respectively, with high enantiomeric excess. Selectivity for the opposite enantiomer of the axial binaphthyl skeleton was shown by (Z)-isomer 1b against (E)-isomer 1a.     

Reactions of (E)- and (Z)-1,3-dichloropropenes with secondary amines

An efficient procedure was developed for preparation of (E)- and (Z)-3-chloroprop-2-ne-1-ylamines from commercially available 1,3-dichloropropene.     

The stereoselective synthesis of (E)-octafluoro-1,3,5-hexatriene and (3E,5E,7E)-dodecafluoro-1,3,5,7,9-decapentaene

(E)-(1,2-Difluoro-1,2-ethenediyl)bis[tributylstannane], 3, readily undergoes a Pd(PPh₃)₄/CuI-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction with iodotrifluoroethene to yield (E)-octafluoro-1,3,5-hexatriene, 4, in high isomeric purity. (1Z,3E,5Z)-(1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexafluoro-1,3,5-hexenetriyl)bis[tributylstannane], 7, was sequentially prepared from (1Z,3E,5Z)-(1,2,3,4,5,6-hexafluoro-1,3,5-hexenetriyl)bis[triethylsilane], 5, which was prepared via a Pd(PPh₃)₄/CuI-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of 3 with (E)-1,2-difluoro-1-iodo-2-triethylsilylethene, 6. Pd(PPh₃)₄/CuI cross-coupling of 7 with iodotrifluoroethene gave (3E,5E,7E)-dodecafluoro-1,3,5,7,9-decapentaene, 8.     

Stereoselective synthesis of fluoroalkenes via (Z)-2-fluoroalkenyliodonium salts

Stereoselective synthesis of fluoroalkenes is described. (Z)-2-Fluoro-1-alkenyl(phenyl)iodonium tetrafluoroborates (1) were synthesized stereoselectively in good yields by Michael-type addition of HF to 1-alkynyl(phenyl)iodonium tetrafluoroborates (2) with a commercially available HF reagent, hydrofluoric acid or Et₃N-3HF. Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions using 1 gave (Z)-2-fluoro-1-alkene derivatives in moderate yields. The treatment of 1 with KI in the presence of a catalytic amount of CuI gave (Z)-2-fluoro-1-iodo-1-alkenes (3). Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of 3 gave better results than that of 1, and a variety of (Z)-2-fluoro-1-alkene derivatives were synthesized in good yields.     

Synthesis and biological activity of both (E)- and (Z)-isomers of optically pure (S)-14-methyl-8-hexadecenal (trogodermal), the antipodes of the pheromone of the khapra beetle

Both (E)- and (Z)-isomers of (S)-14-methyl-8-hexadecenal (trogodermal) were synthesized from 100% optically pure (R)-(+)-citronellic acid. These antipodes of the khapra beetle pheromone were 1/500 to 1/1000 times as active as the natural (R)-pheromone. Determination of the optical purities of citronellic acid and related compounds was achieved by hplc method. Warning was made not to forget the measurement of density in expressing the optical rotation of a neat liquid as [α]_D (neat).     

Regioselective biocatalytic hydrolysis of (E,Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitrile for production of (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid

Acidovorax facilis 72W nitrilase catalyzed the regioselective hydrolysis of (E,Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitrile, producing only (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid with no detectable conversion of (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitrile. (E)-2-Methyl-2-butenoic acid, produced in aqueous solution as the ammonium salt, was readily separated from (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitrile, and isolated in high yield and purity. The combination of nitrile hydratase and amidase activities of several Comamonas testosteroni strains were also highly regioselective for the production of (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid from (E,Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitrile.     

Stereoselective synthesis of either (E)- or (Z)-silyl enol ether from the same acyclic α,β-unsaturated ketone using cationic rhodium complex-catalyzed 1,4-hydrosilylation

The stereoselective synthesis of either (E)- or (Z)-silyl enol ether from the same acyclic α,β-unsaturated ketone is reported. Highly (Z)-selective conditions were the use of [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄/DPPE at room temperature with no solvent, whereas (E)-selective conditions were the use of [Rh(cod)₂]BF₄/P(1-Nap)₃ (1-Nap = 1-naphthyl) under refluxing dichloromethane.     

Palladium-catalyzed isomerization of (Z)-1-functionalized-4-acetoxy-2-butenes: Solvent and substituent effects

The Pd(PPh₃)₄-catalyzed isomerization of (Z)-1,4-diacetoxy-2-butene, (Z)-1-(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-4-acetoxy-2-butene and (Z)-1-(t-butyldiphenylsilyloxy)-4-acetoxy-2-butene affords the corresponding (E)-isomers and 1,2-difunctionalized-3-butenes. In THF, the formation of the (E)-isomers is mainly due to reaction from an η¹-allylpalladium intermediate while an η³-allylpalladium is the main key intermediate in DMF. The time to reach equilibrium between the products and their respective concentrations depend on the nature of the substituents and the solvent.     

Asymmetric synthesis of the marine alkaloid (−)-(S)-nakinadine C

The first asymmetric synthesis of the marine alkaloid (−)-(S)-nakinadine C is described. This synthesis employs the conjugate addition of lithium dibenzylamide to an N-α-phenylacryloyl SuperQuat derivative followed by diastereoselective protonation of the intermediate enolate using 2-pyridone as the key step to introduce the stereochemistry. (−)-(S)-Nakinadine C was isolated in 13% yield over 9 steps from commercially available atropic acid, 98:2 dr [(Z):(E) ratio] and >99% ee.     

Synthesis of spiro[4.5]decane and bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane ring systems by self-cyclization of (Z)- and (E)-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)pentadienal derivative

The two title carbon frameworks were synthesized utilizing a new type of iron-induced cyclization reaction of 2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)pentadienal. 2-Methylspiro[4.5]dec-2-en-1-one was obtained from (Z)- and (E)-4-cyclohexylidene-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)but-2-enal. It was found that the (Z)-substrate isomerized to (E)-intermediate followed by cyclization to afford the initial product, 2-methylenespiro[4.5]dec-3-en-1-ol, which was isomerized to the above product. The cyclization of 4-(4-alkyl)cyclohexylidene-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)but-2-enal proceeded stereoselectively. While, (E)-3-(cyclohex-1-en-1-yl)-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)prop-2-en-1-al cyclized immediately affording 8-methylenebicyclo[4.3.0]non-9-en-7-ol. The corresponding (Z)-isomer gave several cyclization products as a complex mixture.     

Dimethylaluminium 4,4-dimethylpent-2-en-2-olate: (Z)- and (E)-isomers and their association

The (Z)- and (E)-isomers of dimethylaluminium 4,4-dimethylpent-2-en-2-olate, Me₂AlOC(Me)=CH-t-Bu, have been obtained. The (Z)-isomer is dimeric; the (E)-isomer can be isolated either as a dimer or as a trimer.The enolates are O-acetylated by acetic anhydride to the corresponding enol acetates (no C-acetylation is observed). They form 1/1 complexes with trimethylamine oxide, pyridine, hexamethylphosphoramide and triphenylphosphine oxide.     

The stereospecific preparation of two perfluoro-1,3-butadiene synthons; (E)-1-trimethylsilyl-1,2,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1,3-butadiene and (E)-1-tributylstannyl-1,2,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1,3-butadiene

(E)-1-Trimethylsilyl-1,2,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1,3-butadiene (1) can be stereospecifically prepared by Pd(0)/CuI catalyzed cross-coupling of (Z)-1-tributylstannyl-1,2-difluoro-2-trimethylsilylethene with iodotrifluoroethene. The corresponding (E)-1-tributylstannyl-1,2,3,4,4-pentafluoro-1,3-butadiene can be prepared via the stereospecific conversion of 1 with Bu₃SnOSnBu₃/KF (catalysis) to the corresponding vinylstannane.     

Triphenylphosphine as an effective catalyst for ketoximes addition to acylacetylenes: regio- and stereospecific synthesis of (E)-(O)-2-(acyl)vinylketoximes

Triphenylphosphine catalyzes the regio- and stereospecific addition of ketoximes to acylacetylenes, whereas classical conditions using acetylene (KOH/DMSO, 70 °C) are unsuitable for this purpose. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions (CH₂Cl₂, rt, 7 h) to afford (E)-(O)-2-(acyl)vinylketoximes (92-98% stereoselectivity) in a yield of up to 85%. The (E)-adducts obtained are energetically less favorable than the corresponding (Z)-isomers and are gradually enriched with (Z)-isomers, thus indicating the kinetic control of (E)-stereoselectivity of the reaction.     

Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of (Z)- and (E)-bromoenyne: unusual stereochemical outcome

Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of (E)-bromoenyne 1Z with 1-alkyne and tributylvinyl-stannane occurs with retention of the configuration in benzene but with an inversion of the configuration in DMF or CH₂Cl₂. On the other hand, that of (Z)-bromoenyne 1E occurs with retention of the configuration in these solvents.     

N-Nitrosation of (E)-2-(benzylidene-amino)ethanols

Reaction of (E)-2-(benzylidene-amino)ethanol 2 with nitric oxide afforded an (E)-rotamer dominant mixture of (E)- and (Z)-N-nitroso-2-aryl-1,3-oxazolidine 3 at room temperature in good overall yields.     

From (E)- and (Z)-ketoximes to N-sulfenylimines, ketimines or ketones at will. Application to erythromycin derivatives

Reactions of (E)- and (Z)-ketoximes with trialkylphosphines and diphenyl disulfide (PhSSPh) have been compared to gain insight into the mechanisms involved and their potential applications. N-Sulfenylimine isomers and ketimines have been spectroscopically characterised. Both the E and Z isomers of erythromycin A oxime, when treated with Bu₃P and PhSSPh (1:4:8 ratio), give the same N-phenylsulfenyl ketimine (of configuration E) as the major compound, whereas with Bu₃P or Me₃P and PySeSePy (1:8:4 ratio) afford the imine in good yield. Clarithromycin oxime behaves similarly.     

Self-cyclization of (E)-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)pentadienol derivative. Synthesis of bicyclo[4.3.0]nonane ring systems

Utility and limitation of the title reaction was studied. When (E)-3-(4-t-butyl- and 4-phenylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)prop-2-en-1-ols were treated with Ms₂O or MsCl, 3-t-butyl- and 3-phenyl-8-methylbicyclo[4.3.0]nona-1(6),7-dienes were obtained, respectively. The corresponding (Z)-isomer afforded a complex mixture, among which an elimination product was detected. (E)-4-(4-t-Butylcyclohexylidene)-2-(trimethylsilylmethyl)but-2-en-1-ol afforded only elimination product.     

Stereoselective synthesis of (E)-α-aryltellurenylvinylsilanes via hydromagnesiation reaction of alkynylsilanes

(E)-α-Aryltellurenylvinylsilanes have been synthesized stereoselectively via the hydromagnesiation of alkynylsilanes, followed by the reaction with aryltellurenyl iodides. (E)-α-Aryltellurenylvinylsilanes can undergo the cross coupling reaction with Grignard reagents in the presence of Ni(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ catalyst to afford (Z)-1,2-disubstituted vinylsilanes in good yields.