Domino reactions of 1,3-bis-silyl enol ethers with benzopyrylium triflates: efficient synthesis of fluorescent 6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-ones, dibenzo[c,d]chromen-6-ones, and 2,3-dihydro-1H-4,6-dioxachrysen-5-ones

The condensation of 1,3-bis-silyl enol ethers with benzopyrylium triflates, generated in situ by the reaction of chromones with Me3SiOTf, afforded functionalized 2,3-dihydrobenzopyrans; treatment of the latter with NEt3 or BBr3 resulted in a domino retro-Michael-aldol-lactonization reaction and the formation of a variety of 7-hydroxy-6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-ones. The hydroxy group was functionalized by using Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. The methodology reported was applied to the synthesis of the natural product autumnariol and a new fluorescence dye, which exhibits promising optical properties. 2,3-Dihydro-1H-4,6-dioxachrysen-5-ones were prepared by condensation of chromones with 1,3-bis-silyl enol ethers containing a remote chloride group, domino retro-Michael-aldol-lactonization, and an intramolecular Williamson reaction.     

Probing the efficiency of N-heterocyclic carbene promoted O- to C-carboxyl transfer of oxazolyl carbonates

Screening of a range of azolium salts, bases and solvents for reactivity indicates that triazolinylidenes, generated in situ with KHMDS in THF, promote the Steglich rearrangement of oxazolyl carbonates with high catalytic efficiency (typical reaction time 5 min at <1.5 mol % NHC). This protocol shows wide substrate applicability, even allowing the efficient generation of vicinal quaternary centers. An improved experimental procedure is also described that allows a simplified one-pot reaction protocol to be employed with similarly high catalytic efficiency.     

Novel one-pot total syntheses of deoxyvasicinone, mackinazolinone, isaindigotone, and their derivatives promoted by microwave irradiation

[reaction: see text]. Total syntheses of deoxyvasicinone (1), mackinazolinone (2), and 8-hydroxydeoxyvasicinone (3) via novel microwave-assisted domino reactions, as well as a novel three-component one-pot total synthesis of isaindigotone (5) promoted by microwave irradiation, are reported. The efficient reaction process enabled us to rapidly access related natural product derivatives and to identify a new class of cytotoxic agents.     

Synthesis of 2-benzoyl-4-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)phenols by catalytic domino ‘Michael-retro-Michael-Mukaiyama-aldol’ reactions of 1-aryl-1,3-bis(silyloxy)buta-1,3-dienes with 3-formylchromones

The domino reaction of 1-aryl-1,3-bis(silyloxy)buta-1,3-dienes with 3-formylbenzopyrylium triflates, in situ generated from 3-formylchromones, afforded a variety of 2-benzoyl-4-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)phenols.     

An Unprecedented Domino Double Allylsilane [3+2] Cycloaddition/Wagner–Meerwein Rearrangement/Friedel–Crafts Alkylation/Elimination Reaction Sequence Leading to a Novel Pentacyclic Ring System

A stereoselective synthesis of the disilyl derivatives 3 is achieved by the title reaction, an unprecedented Lewis acid promoted domino reaction, between the cross-conjugated dienone 1 and the allylsilanes 2 . The configurations of the five stereogenic centers of this novel ring system are established in the first step of the reaction sequence, the double [3+2] cycloaddition.     

Organocatalytic multicomponent alpha-methylenation/Diels-Alder reactions: a versatile route to substituted cyclohexenecarbaldehyde derivatives

This article describes the design and optimization of an effective organocatalytic three-component domino alpha-methylenation/Diels-Alder reaction to produce vinyl-substituted cyclohexenecarboxaldehydes in a highly regioselective fashion. In these one-pot transformations, 2-formyl-1,3-butadienes (4) were prepared in situ from alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes and formalin and were subsequently trapped with a variety of buta-1,3-dienes. The outcomes of the reactions were dependent on the electronic properties of the dienes. 1-Vinylcyclohexenecarbaldehydes 6 were formed by use of acyclic electron-rich dienes, while the initially formed cycloadducts of 4 with cyclopentadiene underwent Cope rearrangements, leading to the formation of tetrahydro-3H-indene-5-carbaldehyde compounds 7. The mechanisms involved in these reactions were deduced from experimental findings. Furthermore, the method was also extended to one-pot domino methylenation/Diels-Alder reactions of dihydrofurans and dihydropyrans to yield spirocyclic lactols 22. In these reactions, the unstable intermediate hydroxyethyl and hydroxypropyl acroleins behaved as dienophiles, undergoing cycloaddition reactions with dienes with good yields and selectivities. The wide variety of functionalized 1-vinylcyclohex-3-enecarbaldehydes 6, 4-vinylcyclohex-1-enecarbaldehydes 7, and spiro lactols 22 generated through the use of these organocatalytic domino processes as a diversity-oriented synthesis provided useful intermediates for the construction of novel odorants.     

Further study of the reaction of Fe2+ with CN-: synthesis and characterization of cis and trans [FeII,III(CN)4L2]n- complexes

The reaction of Fe2+ with CN-, which was first performed in 1704, has been used to synthesize a new series of basic [FeII,III(CN)4L2]n- complexes, where L is a monodentate ligand. trans-Na2[FeII(CN)4(DMSO)2] and cis-[NEt4]2[FeII(CN)4(pyridine)2] are synthesized by the direct reaction of FeCl2 with 4 equiv of CN- in DMSO or pyridine. Air oxidation of the latter compound gives cis-[NEt4][FeIII(CN)4(pyridine)2]. The non-cyanide ligands in these complexes undergo facile ligand exchange reactions with solvent. Reaction of cis-[NEt4]2[FeII(CN)4(pyridine)2] with CO at room temperature gives trans-[NEt4]2[FeII(CN)4(pyridine)(CO)].     

New Rh(I) and Rh(III) bisimidazol-2-ylidene complexes: synthesis,reactivity, and molecular structures

New chelate bis-heterocyclic-carbene complexes of Rh(I) and Rh(III) have been obtained and fully characterized. The molecular structures of the new species have been determined. The synthesis of the compounds starts from the bisimidazolium precursors, which are deprotonated with NEt(3) under mild reaction conditions, leading to coordination to the Rh complex. The Rh(III) compounds are generated from Rh(I) and [Rh(II)](2) species, although there is no apparent oxidizing agent in the reaction media.     

[4 + 2] Heterocyclization for Efficient Formation of Substituted Quinoxalines through Carbon–Oxygen Bonds Cleavage

A new domino strategy for efficient synthesis of highly functionalized quinoxaline derivatives via [4 + 2] heterocyclization involving ring‐opening of oxirane process has been developed. The reaction promoted by Cs₂CO₃ was easy to perform in a simple operation from common and inexpensive starting materials. The bisfunctionalization of quinoxaline framework including C2 benzylation and C3 arylation was readily achieved in domino fashion that involved the cleavage of three C–O bonds of 1,3‐diaryl‐2,3‐epoxypropan‐1‐one.     

Syntheses and structures of the arylaluminum chalcogenides (ArAlE)2 (Ar = 2-(NEt2CH2)-6-MeC6H3, E = Se; Ar = 2,6-(NEt2CH2)2C6H3, E = Se, Te)

Two intramolecular stabilized arylaluminum dihydrides, (2-(NEt2CH2)-6-MeC6H3)AlH2 (1) and (2,6-(NEt2CH2)2C6H3)AlH2 (2), were prepared by reducing the corresponding dichlorides with an excess of LiAlH4 in diethyl ether. Reactions of 1 and 2 with elemental selenium afforded the dimeric arylaluminum selenides [(2-(NEt2CH2)-6-MeC6H3)AlSe]2 (3) and [(2,6-(NEt2CH2)2C6H3)AlSe]2 (4). Reaction of 2 with metallic tellurium gave the dimeric arylaluminum telluride [(2,6-(NEt2CH2)2C6H3)AlTe]2 (5). The possible reaction pathway is discussed, and molecular structures determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses are presented for 3 and 5.     

A facile synthesis of novel 9-substituted 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-xanthen-1-ones

A strategically new approach to 9-substituted 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-xanthen-1-ones is described. The protocol includes TMG promoted, conjugate addition of cyclohexane-1,3-diones to 3-(diethoxyphosphoryl)coumarins and a domino transesterification-cyclodehydration reaction of the adducts obtained. Modification of the tetrahydroxanthenone at position 9 is reported for the first time.     

Convenient synthesis of hexasubstituted benzene derivatives via DABCO promoted domino reaction of arylidene malononitrile and dialkyl but-2-ynedioate

A convenient synthetic protocol for the hexasubstituted benzene derivatives was successfully developed by DABCO promoted domino reaction of arylidene malononitrile with two molecules of dialkyl but-2-ynedioates. The domino reaction resulted in tetraalkyl 6-cyano-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2,3,4,5-tetracarboxylates in good to high yields. This formal [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition was believed to proceed with sequential nucleophilic addition, Michael addition, annulation and aromatization processes.     

Scandium triflate and secondary amine promoted AA′B 2:1 coupling and formal inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reactions of dienals

Reaction prospecting studies resulted in the discovery of a Sc(OTf)₃ promoted novel AA′B 2:1 coupling of imidazolone or benzofuran substituted enals with morpholine. A related Sc(OTf)₃/morpholine promoted reaction was demonstrated for the coupling of a benzofuran substituted enal with dihydrofuran. The formation of these adducts is consistent with formal inverse electron demand Diels-Alder cycloadditions, most likely in a stepwise manner via a domino Michael-Mannich annulation process, involving iminium ion activation of the diene. A purely amine promoted formal inverse electron demand Diels-Alder cycloaddition approach was also demonstrated in the 2:1 coupling of 2,4-hexadienal with methanol. These reactions demonstrate the concepts of dual metal/amine catalysis and amine promoted formal inverse electron demand Diels-Alder cycloadditions. They differ from known examples of organocatalyzed Diels-Alder reactions, in which iminium ion activation of the dienophiles or enamine activation of the dienes occur.     

Synthesis of Terminally Fluorinated [7]Helicenes and Their Application to Photochemical Domino Reactions

The intramolecular Diels−Alder reactions of helicenes deform their π-conjugated screw-shaped skeletons. In particular, terminally tetrafluorinated [7]helicene (F₄-[7]helicene) undergoes a photoinduced Diels−Alder reaction followed by a photoinduced double fluorine atom transfer. Herein, we thoroughly investigated this photochemical domino process by decreasing the level of fluorine substitution. F₃-[7]Helicenes bearing two fluorine atoms at the dienophile terminal underwent photoinduced Diels−Alder reactions, but the whole domino process became slow. F₂-[7]Helicene, which is difluorinated only at the dienophile terminal, was also photolabile. As a result, two fluorine atoms were sufficient for the photochemical domino reaction to occur. X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that F₂-[7]helicene was less compressed than F₄-[7]helicene, indicating that terminal polyfluorination enhanced the intramolecular arene−fluoroarene stacking interactions and thus promoted the transformations.     

I(2) promoted domino oxidative cyclization for one-pot synthesis of 2-acylbenzothiazoles via metal-free sp(3) C-H functionalization

An I(2) promoted domino protocol was developed to construct 2-acylbenzothiazoles from simple and readily available aromatic ketones/unsaturated methyl ketones and o-aminobenzenethiols. The reaction proceeded smoothly under metal-free and peroxide-free conditions.     

A modular, one-pot, four-component synthesis of polysubstituted 1,3-oxazolidines

A modular, one-pot, two-step, four-component synthesis of polysubstituted 1,3-oxzolidines is described. The method comprises two linked domino processes: an organocatalyzed domino reaction of alkyl propiolate and an aliphatic aldehydes and a microwave-assisted amine addition cyclization domino process. An alternative modular, one-pot, three-step, four-component synthesis has also been developed by linking the organocatalyzed domino process to a sequential amine addition/Yb(OTf)(3)-catalyzed enamine cyclization reaction.     

Enantioselective Stereodivergent Nucleophile‐Dependent Isothiourea‐Catalysed Domino Reactions

α,β‐Unsaturated acyl ammoniums generated from the reaction of α,β‐unsaturated 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol (TCP) esters bearing a pendent enone with an isothiourea organocatalyst are versatile intermediates in a range of enantioselective nucleophile‐dependent domino processes to form complex products of diverse topology with excellent stereoselectivity. Use of either 1,3‐dicarbonyls, acyl benzothiazoles, or acyl benzimidazoles as nucleophiles allows three distinct, diastereodivergent domino reaction pathways to be accessed to form various fused polycyclic cores containing multiple contiguous stereocentres.     

Synthesis and domino reactions of polymethylene-3-cyanopyridine-2(1Н)-thiones

A new and facile three-component method was developed for the synthesis of polymethylene-3-cyanopyridine-2(1Н)-thiones by the domino Knoevenagel → Michael → heterocyclization → dehydrogenation reaction from cycloalkanones, cyanothioacetamide, and polymethoxy-substituted benzaldehydes. The final dehydrogenation step was found to involve arylidenecyanothioacetamide. The resulting pyridinethiones and 4-chloroacetoacetic ester were introduced into the domino S_N2 → Thorpe-Ziegler → Guareschi-Thorpe reaction to synthesize tetracyclic dipyridothiophenes. Starting from these compounds, 8,9-polymethylenepyranothienodipyridines were also synthesized by the domino Knoevenagel → Michael → hetero-Thorpe-Ziegler reaction. Furthermore, a method for the synthesis of thienodipyridine annulated to the steroid skeleton is proposed.     

Synthesis and reactivity of dichloroboryl complexes of platinum(II)

The reaction between [Pt(nbe)3] (nbe=norbornene), two equivalents of the phosphines PPh3, PMePh2 or PMe2Ph and 1 equivalent of BCl3 affords the platinum dichloroboryl species [PtCl(BCl2)(PPh3)2], [PtCl(BCl2)(PMePh2)2] and [PtCl(BCl2)(PMe2Ph)2]. All three complexes were characterised by X-ray crystallography and reveal that the boryl group lies trans to the chloride. With PMe3 as the phosphine, the complex [PtCl(BCl2)(PMe3)2] is isolated in high yield as a white crystalline powder although crystals suitable for X-ray crystallography were not obtained. Crystals were obtained of a product shown by X-ray crystallography to be the unusual dinuclear species [Pt2(BCl2)2(PMe3)4(micro-Cl)][BCl4] which reveals an arrangement in which two square planar platinum(II) centres are linked by a single bridging chloride which is trans to a BCl2 group on each platinum centre. The reaction of [PtCl(BCl2)(PMe3)2] with NEt3 or pyridine (py) affords the adducts [PtCl{BCl2(NEt3)}(PMe3)2] and [PtCl{BCl2(py)}(PMe3)2], respectively, both characterised spectroscopically. The reaction between [PtCl(BCl2)(PMe3)2] and either 4 equivalents of NHEt2 or piperidine (pipH) results in the mono-substituted boryl species [PtCl{BCl(NEt2)}(PMe3)2] and [PtCl{BCl(pip)}(PMe3)2], respectively, the former characterised by X-ray crystallography. Treatment of either [PtCl(BCl2)(PMe3)2] (in the presence of excess NEt3) or [PtCl{BCl(NEt2)}(PMe3)2] with catechol affords the B(cat) (cat=catecholate) derivative [PtCl{B(cat)}(PMe3)2] which is also formed in the reaction between [Pt(PMe3)4] and ClB(cat) and also from the slow decomposition of [Pt{B(cat)}2(PMe3)2] in dichloromethane over a period of months. The compound [Pt{B(cat)}2(PMe3)2] was prepared from the reaction between [Pt(PMe3)4] and B2(cat)2.     

Solvent/base effects in the selective domino synthesis of phenanthridinones that involves high-valent palladium species: experimental and theoretical studies

The domino reaction of o-bromobenzamides 1a-m in the presence of K(2)CO(3) and the [PdCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)] catalyst granted a selective access to phenanthridinones 2 or to the new 1-carboxamide phenanthridinones 3 depending on the solvent, DMF or 1,4-dioxane, respectively. Investigations of the reaction parameters provided the first example of a direct correlation between the base dissociation and the solvent polarity on the selectivity observed. Moreover, mechanistic studies (NMR spectroscopy and ESI-MS monitoring) allowed us to characterize Pd(II) palladacycle 4 and biaryl species as common intermediates for these two domino processes. On that basis, C(sp(2))-C(sp(2)) bond formation is envisaged by generation of a Pd(IV) complex after oxidative addition of 1 into Pd(II) palladacycle 4, a rationale that is supported by DFT calculations. A general catalytic cycle is proposed to account for these observations.