Highly enantioselective introduction of bis(alkoxycarbonyl)methyl group into the 2-position of piperidine skeleton

Copper ion catalyzed carbon–carbon bond forming reaction of N-acyliminium ions with diaryl malonates was achieved with high enantioselectivity. The key intermediates in the method were 2-methoxy-3,4-didehydropiperidines, which were easily prepared through electrochemical oxidation of 1-(p-methoxybenzoyl)piperidine in methanol followed by the conversion of the oxidation product to didehydropiperidine derivative, which was subjected to a chiral Cu(II) catalyzed coupling reaction with diaryl malonates affording diaryl 2-piperidylmalonates. The maximum % ee (ee, enantiomeric excess) was 97% when di-p-chlorophenyl malonate was used as a nucleophile.     

Glycerol as a promoting medium for cross-coupling reactions of diaryl diselenides with vinyl bromides

We described herein the use of glycerol as a novel solvent in the cross-coupling reaction of diaryl diselenides with vinyl bromides catalyzed by CuI. This cross-coupling reaction was performed with diaryl diselenides and (Z)- or (E)-vinyl bromides bearing electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups, affording the corresponding vinyl selenides in good to excellent yields. The mixture glycerol/catalyst can be directly reused for further cross-coupling reactions.     

Cu(I) mediated one-pot synthesis of azobenzenes from bis-Boc aryl hydrazines and aryl halides

N,N^′-bis-Boc aryl hydrazines underwent Cu(I) catalyzed couplings with aryl halides to provide N,N^′-bis-Boc diaryl hydrazines. The resulting N,N^′-bis-Boc diaryl hydrazines are readily oxidized to the azobenzenes in the presence of Cu(I) and a base. A prolonged heating of the initial coupling reactions directly provides the corresponding azobenzenes in one pot.     

Oxidation and ring cleavage reactions of 3-benzhydrylchromones. Generation of triarylmethine cations from methylidenechroman-4-ones and benzopyrano[4,3-c]pyrazoles

The oxidation of 3-[bis-(diaryl)methyl]chromones 2 with p-chloranil affords novel acetals, 3-[bis-(diaryl)methylene]-2-methoxychroman-4-ones, 4 through interception of a pyrylium type intermediate. Oxidation of 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-[bis-(diaryl)methyl]pyrazoles 8, derived from 2 and hydrazines, gave 4,4-diarylbenzopyrano[4,3-c]pyrazoles 15. The electronic absorption spectra of 4 and 15 upon protonation are comparable with those of triarylmethine cationic dyes.     

Copper mediated coupling of 2-(piperazine)-pyrimidine iodides with aryl thiols using Cu(I)thiophene-2-carboxylate

A copper-mediated synthesis of diaryl sulfides utilizing Cu(I)-thiophene-2-carboxylate (CuTC) is described. We demonstrate the use of CuTC as a soluble, non-basic catalyst in the coupling of aryl iodides and aryl thiols in the synthesis of synthetically advanced diaryl sulfides. This method allows for the successful coupling of challenging substrates including ortho-substituted and heteroaryl iodides and thiols. Additionally, most of the aryl iodide substrates used here contain the privileged piperazine scaffold bound to a pyrimidine, pyridine, or phenyl ring and thus this method allows for the elaboration of complex piperazine scaffolds into molecules of biological interest. The method described here enables the incorporation of late-stage structural diversity into diaryl sulfides containing the piperazine ring, thus enhancing the number and nature of derivatives available for SAR investigation.     

Development of the radical C–O coupling reaction of phenols toward the synthesis of natural products comprising a diaryl ether skeleton

Compounds comprising a diaryl ether skeleton exist among natural phenols. The diaryl ether skeleton is thought to be biosynthesized through the coupling of two or more phenols. It is an important structural feature in medicines and agrochemicals, and it is imperative to develop methods for constructing such skeletons in organic synthesis. However, by the synthesis method through the coupling of phenols, coupling occurs preferentially at the ortho-substituted carbon atom of phenols. In this study, various radical-generating reagents and conditions were investigated with the aim of developing a short-step construction method of the diaryl ether skeleton by the radical homo-coupling of two phenol molecules. In addition, cross-coupling reactions between radicals of 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol and p-substituted phenol were conducted to synthesize eight C (ortho)–O coupling products. Based on the results, a computational chemical approach was employed to verify the cause of C (ortho)–O bond formation.     

Enantioselective oxidation of diaryl carbinols by Nocardia corallina B-276

Whole cells of Nocardia corallina B-276 oxidized diaryl carbinols enantioselectively to give ketones in moderate yields, and some of the unreacted alcohols showed high ee's. This asymmetric oxidation is a simple and efficient method for preparing meta- and para-monosubstituted optically active diaryl carbinols from the racemates. The para-substituted chiral alcohols have an R configuration.     

Computational insights into factor affecting the potency of diaryl sulfone analogs as Escherichia coli dihydropteroate synthase inhibitors

Dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) is an alluring target for designing novel drug candidates to prevent infections caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. Diaryl Sulfone (SO) compounds are found to inhibit DHPS competitively with respect to the substrate pABA (p-aminobenzoate). The extra aromatic ring of diaryl sulfone compounds found to stabilize them in highly flexible pABA binding loops. In this present study, a statistically significant 3D-QSAR model was developed using a data set of diaryl sulfone compounds. The favourable and unfavourable contributions of substitutions in sulfone compounds were illustrated by contour plot obtained from the developed 3D-QSAR model. Molecular docking calculations were performed to investigate the putative binding mode of diaryl sulfone compounds at the catalytic pocket. DFT calculations were carried out using SCF approach, B3LYP- 6-31 G (d) basis set to compute the HOMO, LUMO energies and their respective location at pABA binding pocket. Further, the developed model was validated by FEP (Free Energy Perturbation) calculations. The calculated relative free energy of binding between the highly potent and less potent sulfone compound was found to be −3.78 kcal/ mol which is comparable to the experimental value of −5.85 kcal/mol. A 10 ns molecular dynamics simulation of inhibitor and DHPS confirmed its stability at pABA catalytic site. Outcomes of the present work provide deeper insight in designing novel drug candidates for pathogenic Escherichia coli strains.     

Effect of halogen bonding on supramolecular assembly and photophysical properties of diaryl oxalates

In order to determine the effect of halogen bonding on supramolecular assemblies and photophysical properties of diaryl oxalates, diaryl oxalate itself and its derivatives with fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine substituents in the p-position of phenyl rings were studied and compared. Their single-crystal structures were studied by geometrical analysis and theoretical calculation. The study reveals that different halogen bonds are formed with respect to different halogen atoms, such as C…F and X…X (bromine and iodine atoms) interactions, and molecular stacking modes would be affected by halogen bonds directly. Comparative studies of photophysical properties in dilute solution and solid state indicate that halogen substitutions would not affect the emission processes of diaryl oxalates in dilute solution; this is not the case for their solid state. This work has demonstrated that halogen bonds play an important role in regulating structures and photophysical properties of diaryl oxalates.     

Rhodium-catalyzed arylthiolation reaction of nitroalkanes, diethyl malonate, and 1,2-diphenylethanone with diaryl disulfides: control of disfavored equilibrium reaction

In the presence of catalytic amounts of RhH(PPh₃)₄ and 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe), 1-nitroalkanes reacted with a diaryl disulfide giving 1-arylthio-1-nitroalkanes in air. The equilibrium to form thermodynamically disfavored products was shifted by the rhodium-catalyzed oxidation of thiols to disulfides and water. The thiolation reaction of cyclic nitroalkanes proceeded in high yields provided that suitable diaryl disulfides were employed depending on the substrate: di(p-chlorophenyl) disulfide was used for the thiolation reaction of 1-nitroalkanes, 1-nitrocyclopentane and 1-nitrocycloheptane with acidic α-protons (pK_a 16 and 17); di(p-methoxyphenyl) disulfide for 1-nitrocyclobutane and 1-nitrocyclohexane with less acidic α-protons (pK_a ca. 18). Related reactivities were observed in the thiolation reactions of malonate and 1,2-diphenylethanone.     

Application of the Todd–Atherton synthetic approach for chemical modification of tetraene macrolide antibiotic lucensomycin

Lucensomycin, tetraene macrolide antibiotic, has been chemically modified with dialkyl(diaryl) phosphites under conditions of the Todd–Atherton reaction. The reaction has yielded the corresponding dialkyl-(diaryl) amidophosphate derivatives of the antibiotic. Physico-chemical properties of the prepared derivatives as well as their toxicity and antifungal activity towards a series of pathogenic Candida yeast-like fungi have been studied. The automated decision-making information system for selection of highly efficient antibiotics has been described.     

The alkaloidal profile of cocculus pendulus

(+)-Kohatine (5), (+)-kun-amine (7), (+)-norpenduline (11), and (+)-cheratamine (12), are four new bisbenzylisoquinolines obtained from Cocculus pendulus (Forsk) Diels (Menispermaceae). Ten known bisbenzylisoquinolines are also present. All fourteen alkaloids possess the S chirality at C-1'. The biogenetic sequence involves initial condensation of two coclaurine-type units to form a dinner such as 16. Species 16 may in turn lead to dimers 17 or 18 with two diaryl ether linkages. Only dimer 17 may undergo further oxidative coupling to bisbenzylisoquinolines with three diaryl ether bridges.     

Cobalt-catalyzed oxidative arylmethylation of phosphorylamides

A cobalt-catalyzed strategy for N-arylmethylation of phosphorylamides was herein achieved with the assistance of azodiisobutyronitrile as the radical initiator and di-tert-butyl peroxide as the oxidant. Both methylarenes and diaryl methanes were compatible under the oxidative conditions, expressing broad substrate scope (51 examples) and high efficiency (up to 87% yield).     

Simple and efficient copper-catalyzed S-arylation of diaryl disulfides with triarylbismuthanes under aerobic conditions

Novel and simple copper-catalyzed C(aryl)-S bond formation of diaryl disulfides with bismuth reagents is described. Reactions of diaryl disulfides with triarylbismuthanes in the presence of CuOAc (10 mol %) and 1,10-phenanthroline (10 mol %) under aerobic conditions led to the formation of unsymmetrical diaryl sulfides in satisfactory yields. The reaction is atom-economic and all three aryl groups of the triarylbismuthanes and both sulfanyl groups of the diaryl disulfides could be transferred to the coupling products.     

Stereoselective synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted phthalans by cyclization of (1<Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis>)-1-{2-[hydroxy(diaryl)methyl]phenyl}ethanols

Cyclization of pure enantiomers of 1-{2-[hydroxy(diaryl)methyl]phenyl}ethanol proceeds stereoselectively and affords 1,3-disubstituted 1,3-dihydroisobenzofurans (phthalans) in moderate-to-high enantiomeric (81.7% ee) or diastereomeric (72% de) purity.     

Synthesis of bisarylmethyl-substituted pyrimidines and quinolines

The condensation of 2-chloro-8-methylquinoline-3-carbaldehyde, 2-chloroand 2-chloro-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[h]quinoline-3-carbaldehydes, 2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbaldehyde, 6-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbaldehyde, and 2-chloropyrido[1,2-a]pirimidine-3-carbaldehyde with N-substituted anilines gave the corresponding diaryl(hetaryl)methanes.     

Simple and catalyst-free method for the synthesis of diaryl selenides by reactions of arylselenols and arenediazonium salts

We describe here a simple and catalyst-free method to synthesize diaryl selenides by reaction of arenediazonium tetrafluoroborate salts with arylselenols, generated in situ by using diaryl diselenides and hypophosphorous acid (H₃PO₂), using THF as solvent. This is a direct nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction performed with diaryl diselenides and arenediazonium salts bearing electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups affording the corresponding diaryl selenides in moderated to good yields.     

Transition-Metal-Free Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Diaryl Tellurides via SH2 Reaction of Aryl Radicals on Tellurium

Although diaryl tellurides are parent organotellurium compounds, their synthesis methods, especially for unsymmetrical ones, are limited. This may be due to the instability of diaryl tellurides and their synthesis intermediates under reaction conditions. Radical reactions are known to exhibit excellent functional group selectivity; therefore, we focused on a bimolecular homolytic substitution (S_H2) reaction between the aryl radical and diaryl ditelluride. Aryl radicals are generated from arylhydrazines in air and captured by diaryl ditellurides, resulting in a selective formation of unsymmetrical diaryl tellurides with high yields. The electronic effects of the substituents on both arylhydrazines and diaryl ditellurides on the S_H2 reaction of tellurium are also discussed in detail.     

Efficient synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl thioethers via TBAF-mediated denitrative substitution of nitroarenes with PhSTMS under mild and neutral conditions

Tetrabutylammonium fluoride(TBAF) effectively facilitated a denitrative substitution reaction of electron-deficient nitroarenes with phenylthiotrimethylsilane(PhSTMS) under mild and base-free neutral conditions at room temperature,providing a practical and efficient synthesis of useful unsymmetrical diaryl thioethers.Nitroarenes bearing ortho-and para-positioned electron-withdrawing groups are the most reactive substrates,indicating that this reaction most possibly proceeded via the nucleophilic aromatic substitution(S_NAr) mechanism.     

N-Picolinamides as ligands in Ullman type C–O coupling reactions

Copper-catalyzed modified Ullmann coupling reactions creating C–O bonds, including diaryl ethers or phenols, are vital to organic synthesis. Synthesized N-phenyl-2-pyridinecarboxamide and its derivatives were used as ligands in conjunction with catalytic copper sources in the formation of various diaryl ethers and phenols. Various aryl and heteroaryl halides with electron donating and withdrawing groups were reacted with various phenols under mild reaction conditions providing moderate to excellent yields.