Intramolecular reactions of 2-indolylacyl radicals: cyclisation upon aromatic rings

The generation of 2-indolylacyl radicals from the corresponding selenoesters under reductive (tributyltin hydride-AIBN) and nonreductive (hexabutylditin, 300 W) conditions and their behaviour in cyclisation reactions upon benzene rings attached either to the indole nitrogen or the C-3 ring position have been studied.     

Gas-phase generation and cyclisation reactions of imidoyl radicals

Some 1,2-diarylimidoyl radicals were generated in the gas-phase by intramolecular radical translocation from ortho-imino-aryloxyl radicals, in turn generated under flash vacuum pyrolysis (FVP) conditions. The imidoyls reacted with XR ortho'-substituents in the N-aryl group to give (in most cases) modest yields of cyclisation products. Depending on the nature of the bridging atom (X), the formation of these products was initiated either by a further hydrogen atom translocation (X = CH(2)), or by ipso-attack onto the aryl group (R = Ph), or by direct substitution at the heteroatom (X = S). With XR = N(Me)Ph, the major reaction product was probably the result of a competing pathway not involving the corresponding imidoyl.     

Synthetic applications of aryl radical building blocks for cyclisation onto azoles

2-(2-Bromophenyl)ethyl groups have been used as building blocks in radical cyclisation reactions onto azoles to synthesise tri- and tetra-cyclic heterocycles. 2-(2-Bromophenyl)ethyl methanesulfonate was used to alkylate azoles (imidazoles, pyrroles, indoles and pyrazoles) for the synthesis of the radical precursors. Cyclisations of the intermediate aryl radicals yield new 6-membered rings attached to the azoles. The aryl radicals undergo intramolecular homolytic aromatic substitution onto the azole rings. Tributylgermanium hydride has been used with success to replace the toxic and troublesome tributyltin hydride. Initial studies show that the protocol can be used on solid phase resins. The molecular and crystal structures of methyl 5,6-dihydroimidazo[5,1-a]iso-quinoline-1-carboxylate and methyl 5,6-dihydroimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-3-carboxylate were determined by X-ray crystallography.     

A facile method for the synthesis of novel imidoyl iminosulfuranes from imidoyl azides

A novel and environmentally friendly method for the one-pot preparation of new imidoyl iminosulfuranes in high yield under microwave (MW) and solvent-free conditions from the corresponding imidoyl azides is presented. This efficient synthetic approach benefits from non-toxic and non-explosive precursors for the synthesis of imidoyl iminosulfuranes.     

Electrogenerated Nickel(I) complexes as catalysts for the intramolecular radical cyclisation of unsaturated α-bromoesters

The indirect electroreduction of unsaturated α-bromoesters using Ni(II) complexes as electron-transfer mediators is achieved in N,N′-dimethylformamide by constant current electrolysis between a cathode and a sacrificial anode in a diaphragmless cell. Cyclic compounds are obtained in moderate to good yields in conditions that avoid the usual preparation using organotin reagents.     

Formation of five- and six-membered heterocyclic rings under radical cyclisation conditions

This review describes the formation of five- and six-membered heterocyclic rings in various organic molecules by radical cyclisation and covers mostly the literature published in 2005.     

Synthesis of substituted dihydrobenzothiopyrans and dihydrobenzopyrans by cation-mediated cyclisation reactions

Treatment with acid of thiosalicylaldehyde- and salicylaldehyde-derived phenyl 3-phenyl-2-propenyl thioethers and ethers possessing latent oxonium ion functionality triggers simple or tandem cyclisation to give substituted dihydrobenzothiopyrans and dihydrobenzopyrans. Some derivatisation reactions of the products are described.     

A radical mediated approach to the core structure of huperzine A

The synthesis of the core structure of huperzine A by cyclisation of 2-pyridylmethyl radicals is described. (2-Methylpyridin-3-yl)cyclohexenols are directly selenated at the benzylic position by deprotonation/selenation and the products undergo either 5-exo-trig or 6-exo-trig radical cyclisations giving access to hexahydroindenopyridines and the bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane core of huperzine A, respectively.     

Cyclisation of dienes using phosphorus-centred radicals to form organophosphorus adducts

Reaction of various dienes with phosphites or related phosphorus hydrides, under free radical cyclisation conditions, affords cyclic organophosphorus adducts. This quick, mild and technically clean approach affords 5- and 6-ring carbocycles and heterocycles in good to excellent yield.     

An iodoacetamide-based free radical cyclisation approach to the 7,12-dihydro-indolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepin-6(5H)-one (paullone) system

A potentially versatile route to 2-(2-aminoaryl)indoles is described based on a palladium-mediated cyclisation of N-substituted indoles, together with free radical cyclisation of their N-benzyliodoacetamide derivatives to the 7,12-dihydro-indolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepin-6(5H)-one system.     

Stereoselective synthesis of polyketide precursors containing an anti-1,3-diol system via a Prins cyclisation and reductive cleavage sequence

A new approach for the stereoselective synthesis of polyketide precursors containing anti-1,3-diol units flanked by a variety of alkyl branches and functional groups through a Prins cyclisation and reductive cleavage sequence is described.     

Formation of DMSO and DMF radicals with minute amounts of base

So far overlooked DMSO and DMF form long-lived radicals in the presence of small amounts of bases, DMF radicals being less stable than DMSO radicals. In solvent mixtures, the presence of DMSO prolonged the lifetime of DMF radicals. The occurrence of radicals may explain previously reported unexpected outcomes of reactions performed in these solvents. The commonly accepted inertness of these solvents towards minor quantities of alkali seems not to be warranted.     

The correct McLachlan method in free radicals and radical anions

A recent modification to the McLachlan method is corrected. This modification, when correctly applied to odd alternant hydrocarbons, reproduces McLachlan's results instead of improving their agreement with experiment. The modification is irrelevant and erroneous for radical anions.     

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles from imidoyl chlorides

A strategy for the synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles has been developed and a variety of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles were obtained from imidoyl chlorides and o-haloanilines via copper(I)-catalyzed reaction in moderate yields.     

Bu3SnH-mediated radical cyclisation onto azoles

Alkyl radicals have been cyclised onto pyrroles, imidazoles and pyrazoles, and acyl radicals cyclised onto pyrroles, using Bu₃SnH-, (TMS)₃SiH- and Bu₃GeH-mediated aromatic homolytic substitution for the synthesis of bicyclic N-heterocycles. The reactions yield intermediate π-radicals that lose hydrogen in the rearomatisation step of the aromatic homolytic substitution. Mechanistic studies of these rearomatisation steps indicate aromatic homolytic substitution in which the initiator or breakdown products from the inhibitor are responsible for the H-abstraction step.     

A convenient synthesis of 2-substituted indoles by the reaction of 2-(chloromethyl)phenyl isocyanides with organolithiums

The reaction of 2-(chloromethyl)phenyl isocyanides, readily available by dehydration of the respective N-[2-(chloromethyl)phenyl]formamides, with organolithiums produced 2-substituted indoles in satisfactory yields through addition of organolithiums to the isocyano carbon followed by intramolecular substitution reaction of the resulting imidoyl anion intermediates.     

Aromatic homolytic substitution using solid phase synthesis

Solid phase synthesis has been used to carry out intramolecular aromatic homolytic substitution with benzoimidazole precursors. The protocol attaches the radical precursors to the resins via the radical leaving groups (in the aromatic homolytic substitution). When the radical reactions are complete, the leaving group, unaltered starting material and reduced uncylised products remain attached to the resin, which facilitates easy separation of the cyclised products. Novel use of focussed microwave irradiation in solid phase radical reactions drastically shortens the reactions times. Tributylgermanium hydride has been used to replace the toxic and troublesome tributyltin hydride in the radical reactions.     

Stereoselective synthesis of tarchonanthuslactone via the Prins cyclisation

The stereoselective total synthesis of tarchonanthuslactone, a polyketide natural product, has been achieved. The synthesis exploits the high stereochemical control in the Prins cyclisation along with ring closing metathesis (RCM) as a key step.