Highly regioselective [2+2+2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes catalyzed by titanium complexes of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene

Mono- and dinuclear titanium complexes of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene were applied as a catalyst for [2+2+2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes. They showed high catalytic activity and regioselectivity toward 1,3,5-trisubstituted benzenes over 1,2,4-trisubstituted isomers. The regioselectivity was rationalized in terms of the steric effect of the thiacalixarene skeleton and the coordination of the bridging sulfur atom to the titanium center.     

Polyfunctional isocytosine derivatives: II. Regioselectivity of methylation of 2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-6-methylpyrimidin-4(3H)-one in different media

High regioselectivity in the methylation of 2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-6-methylpyrimidin-4-(3H)-one at the N³ atom in water and ethanol in the presence of inorganic bases is determined by participation of the oxygen atom in hydrogen bonding and its coordination to metal cation, respectively. In going to aprotic dimethylformamide which is capable of solvating cations, the regioselectivity decreases, and a mixture of N ³-and O-methyl isomers is formed.     

A DFT study of the mechanism of palladium-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation and aminocarbonylation of alkynes: Hydride versus amine pathways

A DFT study on the palladium-bisphosphine catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation and aminocarbonylation of alkyne (propyne) is reported. The theoretical study explores the feasibility and the regioselectivity control of two independent mechanisms: the first is based on the active intermediate [Pd(II)(P₂)(H)]⁺ (where P₂ = PH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂PH₂) for the alkoxycarbonylation reaction, and the second is based on the active species [Pd(II)(P₂)(NR₂)]⁺ for the aminocarbonylation reaction. The study explains the role of solvent in increasing the yield and in controlling the selectivity of reaction to produce selectively the trans isomer in the alkoxycarbonylation reaction (hydride cycle) and the gem isomer in the aminocarbonylation reaction (amine cycle). In hydride cycle, the regioselectivity is mainly determined by the stability of the complex [Pd(II)(P₂)(COC₃H₅)(CH₃CN)]⁺; however, for the amine cycle, the regioselectivity is determined by the stability of the complex [Pd(II)(P₂)(C₃H₅CON(CH₃)₂)]⁺. The calculations reveal that ligand simplification is not valid in addressing the regioselectivity behavior of alkoxycarbonylation and aminocarbonylation reactions. The kinetic data for the formation of the two key complexes show no difference between the gem and trans isomers which predict the regioselectivity to be a thermodynamically controlled process.     

An experimental and theoretical investigation of the regio- and stereoselectivity of the polar [3+2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides to nitrostyrenes

The regio- and stereochemical polar [3+2] cycloaddition of the azomethine ylides, which were generated in situ by the reaction of isatin derivatives and proline, with trans-β-nitrostyrene and (E)-1-phenyl-2-nitropropene were studied using experimental and theoretical methods. In comparison with trans-β-nitrostyrene, when the reactions were performed with (E)-1-phenyl-2-nitropropene, a remarkable inversion in the regioselectively was observed. The regioselectivity of the reactions was investigated using global and local reactivity indices and frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. The effects of the electronic and steric factors on the regioselectivity of the reactions were discussed. The inspection of geometries and energetics of transition states revealed the importance of weak interactions in regioselectivity of the cycloaddition reactions.     

Palladium-catalyzed desulfinylative C-C allylation of Grignard reagents and enolates using allylsulfonyl chlorides and esters

2-Methylprop-2-ene-, prop-2-ene-, 1-methylprop-2-ene-, and (E)-but-2-enesulfonyl chlorides have been used as electrophilic partners in desulfinylative palladium-catalyzed C-C coupling with Grignard reagents and sodium salts of dimethyl malonate and methyl acetoacetate. Neopentyl alk-2-ene sulfonates can also be used as electrophilic partners in desulfinylative allylic arylations and allylic alkylations. The regioselectivity of the allylic arylation and alkylation depends on the nature of the catalyst. With PdCl₂(PhCN)₂, (E)-crotyl derivatives are formed in high regioselectivity using either 1-methylprop-2-ene- or (E)-but-2-enesulfonyl chloride.     

The Highly Regioselective Synthesis of Novel Imidazolidin-2-Ones via the Intramolecular Cyclization/Electrophilic Substitution of Urea Derivatives and the Evaluation of Their Anticancer Activity

A series of novel 4-(het)arylimidazoldin-2-ones were obtained by the acid-catalyzed reaction of (2,2-diethoxyethyl)ureas with aromatic and heterocyclic C-nucleophiles. The proposed approach to substituted imidazolidinones benefits from excellent regioselectivity, readily available starting materials and a simple procedure. The regioselectivity of the reaction was rationalized by quantum chemistry calculations and control experiments. The anti-cancer activity of the obtained compounds was tested in vitro.     

Rh(III)-Catalyzed annulative aldehydic C-H functionalization for accessing ring-fluorinated benzo[b]azepin-5-ones

A new Rh(III)-catalyzed aldehydic C-H activation/[4 + 3] annulation cascade of N-sulfonyl-2-aminobenzaldehydes with gem-difluorocyclopropenes is reported for the first time, and used to produce a range of hitherto unreported precedented β-monofluorinated benzo[b]azepin-5-ones with good yields and complete regioselectivity. This approach features a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and high regioselectivity, which may include Rh(III)-catalyzed aldehydic C−H activation, tandem site-/regioselective insertion, defluorinated ring-scission, and 1,2-elimination.     

Thermally induced opening of the diaziridine ring in 6-aryl-2-methyl-1,5-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes

Thermally induced opening of the diaziridine ring in 6-aryl-2-methyl-1,5-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]-hexanes at the carbon-nitrogen bond is characterized by low regioselectivity; isomerization of unstable intermediate azomethine imines leads to mixtures of the corresponding 1-arylmethyl-5-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles and 1-arylmethyl-3-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles at a ratio of ～6:5. Analogous regioselectivity in opening of the three-membered ring is observed in the presence of phenyl isocyanate. In this case, adducts with cis arrangement of the aryl and methyl groups are formed as the major products (cis/trans ratio ～3:1).     

Regioselective Cleavage of 3,4-Epoxy Alcohols with Substituted Alkynylaluminum Reagents: Application to the Stereoselective Synthesis of Polypropionates

The reaction of 3-O-substituted propynyl aluminum reagents with a TIPS-protected 2,3-epoxy alcohol and several diastereomeric 2-methyl-3,4-epoxy alcohols offers a convenient synthetic approach for the subsequent preparation and epoxidation of allylic alcohols. The yields are low to moderate and the regioselectivity (internal vs external attack) is similar to that of the standard diethylpropynyl aluminum reagent. The TMS-acetylide alane reagent gives improved yields and good regioselectivity, and is the reagent of choice for the cleavage of the hindered epoxides. This attractive methodology is applied to the elaboration of two advanced polypropionate precursor fragments.     

Assessment of the regioselectivity in the condensation reaction of unsymmetrical o-phthaldialdehydes with alanine

One approach for the synthesis of isoindolinones, a privileged bioactive heterocyclic core structure, involves a condensation reaction of o-phthaldialdehydes with a suitable nitrogen-containing nucleophile. This fascinating reaction is revisited here in the context of the use of o-phthaldialdehydes that contain additional substituents in the aromatic ring leading to a detailed analysis of the regioselectivity of the reaction. Eleven monosubstituted o-phthaldialdehydes were synthesised and reacted with alanine. The regioselectivity observed across the eleven substrates led to the design of a disubstituted substrate that reacted with very high control. A gram-scale reaction followed by esterification gave one major regioisomer in high yield. In addition, the regioselectivity observed on reaction of two novel monodeuterated substrates led to an increased mechanistic understanding.     

Regioselective access to substituted oxindoles via rhodium-catalyzed carbene C-H insertion

Rhodium-catalyzed decomposition of diazoamides followed by insertion of the resulting carbenes into an aromatic C-H bond gives access to substituted oxindoles. The reaction takes place with aromatic rings substituted by either electron-donating or -withdrawing groups at ortho, meta or para positions and the regioselectivity can be controlled by a substitution α to the diazo functionality. In the presence of an ester, the reaction leads to the formation of 2-silyloxyindole-3-carboxylates in 40-85% yields and regioselectivities up to 80% are observed in the case of meta-substituted substrates. This selectivity mainly relies on steric factors and use of a more bulky N,N-diethylamide then affords 2-silyloxyindole-3-carboxamides in 42-91% yields with complete regioselectivity.     

Catalytic activity of salenCo(III)OAc complex in the reaction of addition of carboxylic acids to terminal epoxides

The catalytic activity and regioselectivity were studied of the salenCo(III)OAc complex in the reaction of addition of aliphatic carboxylic acids to a series of terminal epoxides (epichlorohydrin, 1,2-epoxybutane, propylene oxide, tert-butyl glycidyl ether and 2,3-epoxypropyl phenyl ether). The reduction in the activity in the order: acetic > acrylic > methacrylic acid was found. The regioselectivity of the addition was independent on carboxylic acid nature and depended on the nature of the epoxide. The best regioselectivity for the addition to epichlorohydrin was observed. The catalytic activity and regioselectivity of salenCo(III)OAc were compared with those for chromium(III) acetate catalyst.     

Xphos ligand and platinum catalysts: A versatile catalyst for the synthesis of functionalized β-(E)-vinylsilanes from terminal alkynes

Hydrosilylation of functionalized terminal arylalkynes with a variety of silanes catalyzed by PtCl₂ or PtO₂ in the presence of the air-stable and bulky Xphos ligand was investigated. Regardless of the electronic nature (electron withdrawing or donating group) and the position (o, m, p) of the substituents on the aromatic ring, a single β-(E)-styrylsilanes was obtained in good to excellent yields. The regioselectivity of the H-Si bond addition was found to be governed by steric effects induced by the bulky Xphos ligand. A dramatic regioselectivity was also observed when functionalized terminal aliphatic alkynes were employed as a substrate and in these cases regioisomeric β-(E)-vinylsilanes were generated with excellent selectivity.     

Cu(OAc)2-catalyzed direct radical C2 arylation of quinoline N-oxide with arylamines

A Cu(OAc)₂-catalyzed synthesis of 2-arylquinoline N-oxides with easily available arylamines is described. The main features of this reaction are mild reaction conditions, high functional-group tolerance, excellent regioselectivity, and good to excellent yields. This procedure is mild, operationally simple, and constitutes a greener approach to the arylation of quinoline N-oxides.     

Electrophilic aromatic fluorination with fluorine: meta-Directed fluorination of anilines

Anilines are mainly or selectively fluorinated in the meta-position with F₂ when dissolved in triflic acid, sometimes in the presence of small quantities of antimony pentafluoride. The regioselectivity is increased when an electron-donating substituent is present at the para-position.     

The first enantioselective [3+2] cycloaddition of epoxides to arylisocyanates: asymmetric synthesis of chiral oxazolidinone phosphonates

A [3+2] cycloaddition of diethyl 1,2-oxiranephosphonate to aryl isocyanates catalyzed by lanthanide cations is described. The reaction is highly regioselective and 5-substituted 2-oxazolidinone phosphonates are obtained with a regioselectivity greater than 95:5 with respect to the 4-substituted regioisomer, and in up to 84% yield. When 20 mol % of Pybox-Yb³⁺ is used as a catalyst, enantiomerically enriched products are obtained in up to 75% ee, depending on the reaction conditions, and the nature of the isocyanate. Low temperatures benefit asymmetric induction, but have an adverse effect on the regioselectivity for para-substituted aryl isocyanates.     

Synthesis and regiochemistry of spiro indane-1,3-dione compounds

Spiro indane-1,3-dione compounds have been synthesized by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of ninhydrin, l-proline, and an alkene (either a chalcone or an (E)-??-arylnitrostyrene). All these reactions proceed with good yield and with high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. The structures were studied by NMR spectroscopy, MS, and X-ray diffraction analysis. It was found that these two kinds of alkene lead to different regioselectivity. This study has provided information about the regioselectivity of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions: regioselectivity may be controlled by ?ШC?? stacking state; the order of stability of stacking of the Ar and EWG part with the indane-1,3-dione part is: benzoyl group?>?phenyl group?>?nitro group.     

Regioselectivity in nickel(0) catalyzed cycloadditions of carbon dioxide with diynes

The regioselectivity of Ni(0)-catalyzed cycloadditions of CO₂ (1 atm) with various asymmetrical diynes to afford pyrones was explored. The use of 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene (IPr) provided high regioselectivity when one terminal substituent on the diyne was a methyl group and the other was medium or large in size (R_L=i-Pr, t-Bu, or TMS). In contrast, the use of a relatively small N-heterocyclic carbene, 1,3-dimesitylimidazol-2-ylidene (IMes), afforded high selectivity only when R_L was large (TMS). X-ray crystal analysis of the major isomer indicated that the relatively large R_L group was in the 3-position of the pyrone.     

Copper catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling of aromatic amines with 2-pyrrolidinone: a facile synthesis of N-aryl-γ-amino-γ-lactams

Synthesis of N-aryl-γ-amino-γ-lactams by oxidative coupling of aromatic amines with 2-pyrrolidinone using catalytic amount of CuO nanoparticles is described. The procedure has broad substrate scope, good yields, complete regioselectivity and catalyst recyclability.     

Synthesis of 2-oxo-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-5-thioxoimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolines by one-pot cyclization of α-aminocarboxylic esters with 2-(isothiocyanato)benzonitrile (ITCB)

The cyclization of 2-(isothiocyanato)benzonitrile with α-aminocarboxylic esters and acids afforded a variety of 2-oxo-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-5-thioxo-imidazo[1,2-c]quinazolines with very good regioselectivity.