Amides as precursors of imidoyl radicals in cyclisation reactions

Amides have been successfully used as precursors of imidoyl radicals for radical cyclisation. The amides have been converted to imidoyl selanides via reaction with phosgene to yield imidoyl chlorides followed by reaction with potassium phenylselanide. Imidoyl selanides were reacted with tributyltin hydride (Bu₃SnH) as the radical mediator with triethylborane or AIBN as initiators to yield imidoyl radicals for cyclisation reactions. Imidoyl radicals have been cyclised onto alkenes to yield 2,3-substituted-indoles and -quinolines and also onto pyrroles and indoles to give bi- and tricyclic heteroarenes.     

Enantioselective radical cyclisation reactions of 4-substituted quinolones mediated by a chiral template

Six 4-substituted quinolones 6-8, which bear an ω-iodoalkyl chain, were prepared and subjected to reductive radical cyclisation conditions employing BEt(3)/O(2) as the initiator and either Bu(3)SnH or TMS(3)SiH as hydride source. 4-(4-Iodobutyl)-quinolone (6a) and 4-(3-iodopropylthio)-quinolone (8a) gave the respective 6-endo-cyclisation products in good yields. 4-(3,3-Dimethyl-4-iodobutyl)-quinolone (6b) cyclised in a 5-exo-fashion, while the other substrates delivered only reduction products. The cyclisation reactions could be conducted in the presence of a chiral template (1) with high enantiomeric excess (94-99% ee). The association behaviour of substrate 6a to 1 was studied by NMR titration experiments. In the enantioselective cyclisation of 6b a significant nonlinearity was observed when comparing the product ee with the ee of the template.     

Dihaloindium hydride as a novel reducing agent

Dihaloindium hydrides (X2InH) are novel reducing reagents, which act in both an ionic and a radical manner. The hydrides were easily generated from InX3 and Bu3SnH to reduce a variety of functionalities such as aldehydes, ketones, enones, and imines. The combination of a phosphine and Cl2InH accomplished the selective transformation from acid chlorides to aldehydes. One-pot treatment of Cl2InH, enones, and aldehydes achieved reductive aldol reactions, in which the predominant reduction of enones was followed by an aldol reaction between the resulting indium enolates and the remaining aldehydes. It is noteworthy that both anti- and syn-selective aldols were obtained by the use of THF and an aqueous solvent, respectively. The replacement of Bu3SnH with Et3SiH as a hydride source allowed the catalytic use of InBr3 to give the syn-selective aldols. The dehalogenation of alkyl halides was achieved by a catalytic amount of InCl3 in the presence of Bu3SnH. This procedure was applied to some representative cyclizations as radical proof. A simple and non-toxic system, NaBH4/InCl3, also promoted dehalogenation, intramolecular cyclization, and intermolecular coupling reactions. In addition, the Et3SiH/InCl3 system was found applicable to an effective intramolecular cyclization of enynes.     

Studies toward the synthesis of alpha-fluorinated phosphonates via tin-mediated cleavage of alpha-fluoro-alpha-(pyrimidin-2-ylsulfonyl)alkylphosphonates. Intramolecular cyclization of the alpha-phosphonyl radicals

Treatment of the alpha carbanions generated from several alpha-(pyrimidin-2-ylsulfonyl)alkylphosphonates with Selectfluor gave high yields of the alpha-fluoro-alpha-(pyrimidin-2-ylsulfonyl)alkylphoshonates, which were desulfonylated [Bu(3)SnH/2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN)/benzene or toluene/Delta] to give alpha-fluoroalkylphosphonates. "Catalytic" tin hydride, generated from tributyltin chloride and excess polymethylhydrosiloxane in the presence of potassium fluoride, also effected removal of the pi-deficient alpha-(pyrimidin-2-ylsulfonyl) group from the phosphonate esters. Substitution of Bu(3)SnD for Bu(3)SnH gave access to alpha-deuterium-labeled phosphonates. Prolonged treatment of alpha-(pyridin-2-ylsulfonyl)alkylphosphonate with excess Bu(3)SnH/AIBN or catalytic tin hydride also effected desulfonylation but in moderate yields. This represents a mild new methodology for removal of the synthetically useful pi-deficient heterocyclic sulfone moiety and an alternative route for the preparation of alpha-fluorinated phosphonates. Desulfonylation is suggested to proceed via attack of tin radical at an oxygen (or sulfur) atom of the sulfonyl group to give a stabilized alpha-phosphonyl radical intermediate. The latter was found to undergo 5-exo-trig ring closure to give the corresponding 2-methylcyclopentylphosphonates. Treatment of diethyl 1-bromohex-6-enylphosphonate with Bu(3)SnH/AIBN produced an analogous mixture of ring-closure products. Treatment of [(2-bromo-5- methoxyphenyl)(fluoro)(pyrimidin-2-ylsulfonyl)]methylphosphonate with Bu(3)SnH resulted in an intramolecular radical [1,5]-ipso substitution reaction and migration of the pyrimidinyl ring to give fluoro[5-methoxy-2-(pyrimidin-2-yl)phenyl]methylphosphonate.     

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.     

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.     

Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Hydrostannation of Acetylenes. Regio- and Stereoselective Trans-Addition of Tributyltin Hydride and Dibutyltin Dihydride

Lewis acids such as ZrCl(4) or HfCl(4) catalyze the hydrostannation of acetylenes 1 by tributyltin hydride to produce the cis vinylstannanes 2 by regio- and stereoselective anti-hydrostannation. The hydrostannation of acetylenes using dibutyltin dihydride was also catalyzed by ZrCl(4) to give the stereodefined Z-Z divinyltin derivatives 4 by an anti-hydrostannation pathway. The use of nonpolar solvents such as toluene or hexane was essential for obtaining high stereoselectivity and chemical yield. Since ZrCl(4) and HfCl(4) are not soluble in such solvents, the hydrostannations were carried out in a heterogeneous system. The reactions of internal acetylenes with Bu(3)SnH proceeded smoothly, although the use of stoichiometric amounts of ZrCl(4) gave better results. The ZrCl(4)-catalyzed hydrostannation at 0 degrees C gave better yields and stereoselectivities than the reaction at room temperature. To help clalify the reason, the reaction of Bu(3)SnH with ZrCl(4) was monitored by (1)H and (119)Sn NMR spectroscopy, and it was found that Bu(3)SnH reacted with ZrCl(4) at room temperature to afford a mixture of tributyltin hydride, dibutyltin dihydride, and tetrabutyltin.     

Radical cyclisation reactions with indoles

Several radical cyclisation reactions involving indoles are described. Most notably, we have shown that radical additions to C3 of an indole are frequently facile. A dichotomy in the course of radical cyclisation reactions to C2 of the indole has also been exposed wherein 6-endo-trig cyclisations are propagated by the loss of a hydrogen atom from C2 while 5-exo-trig cyclisations are propagated by hydrogen atom abstraction at C3 from tributyltin hydride. Cyclisations involving the addition of indolyl radical intermediates to arenes have also been demonstrated.     

Relative rates and approximate rate constants for inter- and intramolecular hydrogen transfer reactions of polymer-bound radicals

Measurements of relative rates and rate constants for inter- and intramolecular hydrogen transfer reactions of polymer-bound radicals are reported. The relative rate of reaction of resin-bound primary alkyl radical with tributyltin hydride is about 2 times slower than that of the benchmark reaction in solution. The data do not reveal whether this is due to a reduced rate constant or a lower concentration of tin hydride in the resin phase. Yet the difference between solid and solution reactions is small enough to be neglected, and it appears that rate constants measured in solution can be applied directly to resin-bound radicals. A resin-bound aryl radical abstracts a hydrogen atom rapidly (k = 3 x 10(6) s(-1)) from its own polymer backbone and linker, and a simplified view of the resin as a "solvent" is suggested for predicting such effects with other polymers and linkers. Rapid cyclizations of resin-bound aryl radicals will be possible, but slower cyclizations and most bimolecular reactions will be difficult due to the competing polymer/linker hydrogen transfer.     

A New Method of Deoxygenation in the Synthesis of Taxanes by Hypophosphorous Acid

Based on the chemistry involved in the radical chain deoxygenation of alcohols by the Barton-McCombie reaction, numerous applications in the synthesis of taxanes were reported. [1] In the original Barton-McCombie method,tributyltin hydride was the hydrogen atom source and tributyltin radical generated from the hydride served as a chain carrier. [2] Although the method gave the good yield and found many applications, the problems associated with the price, toxicity and removal of tin residues prompted search for other hydrogen atom sources. Radical chain deoxygenation of alcohols can be carried out with phosphorus centered radicals, generated from hypophosphorous acid orits salts. [3]     

Triethylborane-induced radical reactions with gallium hydride reagent HGaCl2

[see reaction]. A gallium hydride reagent, HGaCl2, was found to act as a radical mediator, like tributyltin hydride. Treatment of alkyl halides with the gallium hydride reagent, generated from gallium trichloride and sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminum hydride, provided the corresponding reduced products in excellent yields. Radical cyclization of halo acetals was also successful with not only the stoichiometric gallium reagent but also a catalytic amount of gallium trichloride combined with stoichiometric aluminum hydride as a hydride source.     

Denitrohydrogenation of aliphatic nitro compounds and a new use of aliphatic nitro compounds as radical precursors

Aliphatic nitro groups are replaced by hydrogen on treatment with tributyltin hydride which proceeds via free radical chain processes. As the nitro group is selectively denitrated and other reducible groups are not affected with tributyltin hydride, this reaction can be used as a method for removing the nitro group from polyfunctional compounds. The radical intermediates generated via denitration can be also used for the carbon-carbon bond forming reactions.     

A tin hydride designed to facilitate removal of tin species from products of stannane-mediated radical reactions

The stannane 1, which is simple to prepare, behaves like the conventional reagents Bu3SnH and Ph3SnH in standard free radical reactions, but with the special characteristic that the tin-containing byproducts are easily and very largely removed by mild hydrolysis (LiOH-water-THF or TsOH-water-THF), which converts them into base-soluble (aqueous NaHCO3) materials. The performance of stannane 1 was evaluated for a range of radical reactions involving halides, selenides, Barton-McCombie deoxygenation, and enyne cyclization. In several cases the effectiveness of the workup procedure in removing tin species was monitored by 1H NMR.     

Cyclizations of N-stannylaminyl radicals onto nitriles

[reaction: see text] Stannylaminyl radicals derived from radical reactions of Bu(3)SnH with azidoalkylmalononitriles exhibit highly efficient 5- and 6-exo cyclization onto either nitrile group to give aminoiminyl radicals that in turn are reduced to amidines or undergo successive 5-exo cyclization onto an internal alkene.     

Cyclizative radical carbonylations of azaenynes by TTMSS and hexanethiol leading to alpha-silyl- and thiomethylene lactams. Insights into the E/Z stereoselectivities

Free-radical mediated cyclizative carbonylations of azaenynes were carried out using TTMSS as a radical mediator to compare the efficiency and the stereochemistry with those using tributyltin hydride. Using a substrate concentration of 0.1 M, the reactions gave good yields of alpha-silylmethylene lactams having four to seven-membered rings. The observed E-diastereoselectivity of the resulting vinylsilane moiety is in sharp contrast to the Z-selectivity observed during the analogous carbonylation using tributyltin hydride. When hexanethiol was used as the radical mediator, alpha-thiomethylene lactams were formed with E-favoring stereoselectivity again. Ab initio and DFT molecular orbital calculations on the stability of E and Z products were carried out for a set of five-membered methylene lactams bearing SnH3, SiH3, and SMe groups. The distinct thermodynamic preference for the Z-isomer was only predicted for the Sn-bearing lactam. A steric effect due to the bulky (TMS)3Si group is proposed for the E-selectivity observed in the TTMSS-mediated reaction.     

Free radical cyclisation of enamides leading to biologically important γ-lactams

This review describes the free radical cyclisation of enamides using tributyltin hydride, manganese(III) acetate, copper(I) complexes or dichlorotris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II). These cyclisations can proceed via either 4-exo or 5-endo pathways, to produce β- or γ-lactam products, respectively. In general, the reactions produce γ-lactams derived from an unusual (disfavoured) 5-endo-trig radical cyclisation. These results can be explained on the basis of a reversible cyclisation mechanism; the 4-exo cyclisation produces the kinetically favoured β-lactam while the 5-endo cyclisation produces the thermodynamically more stable γ-lactam.     

Tributyltin hydride and 1-ethylpiperidine hypophosphite mediated intermolecular radical additions to 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl vinyl sulfonate

2,4,6-Trichlorophenyl vinyl sulfonate smoothly undergoes intermolecular radical addition under mild initiation conditions mediated by tributyltin hydride and 1-ethylpiperidine hypophosphite (EPHP) to generate a range of functionalised alkyl sulfonamide precursors. This methodology can be used to prepare bifunctional pentafluorophenyl/2,4,6-trichlorophenyl sulfonates in good yields.     

Innovative reactions mediated by zirconocene

Radical reactions mediated by Schwartz reagent and zirconocene(alkene) complex are firstly described. Schwartz reagent is a promising alternative to tributyltin hydride and the first transition metal hydrido complex used as a radical mediator in organic synthesis. A zirconocene(alkene) complex effects single electron transfer to alkyl halide to generate the corresponding alkyl radical. Secondly, serendipitous allylic C-H bond activation of the coordinating alkene of zirconocene(alkene) complex and its application to organic synthesis are summarized. By utilizing equilibrium between zirconocene(alkene) and zirconocene 2-alkenyl hydride, reaction of acid chloride with zirconocene(alkene) provides the corresponding homoallylic alcohol by sequential attacks of the hydride and 2-alkenyl moieties. A set of hydride and 2-alkenyl attacks on 1,4-diketone yields 6-heptene-1,4-diol derivative in high yield with high stereoselectivity. Selective capture of the hydride with diisopropyl ketone gives zirconocene 2-alkenyl alkoxide, which is a useful reagent for stereoselective allylation of aldehyde and imine. alpha-Halo carbonyl compounds undergo radical allylation with the zirconocene 2-alkenyl alkoxide which serves as a substitute for allyltin.     

Evaluation of tributylgermanium hydride as a reagent for the reductive alkylation of active olefins with alkyl halides

The reductive alkylation of acrylonitrile and of 2-cyclohexen-1-one by alkyl halides using tributylgermanium hydride was systematically evaluated. The performance of the germanium reagent was compared to that of the more commonly employed tributyltin hydride. For certain applications the germanium reagent afforded improved yields without the use of large excess olefin concentrations. Disadvantages of the germanium reagent include a tendency to hydrogermylate active terminal olefins and a general low reactivity towards alkyl halide substrates. The following series of six other triorganotin and triorganogermanium hydrides were also briefly screened for possible application to reductive alkylations: trimesityltin hydride, trimesitylgermanium hydride, triphenyltin hydride, triphenylgermanium hydride, trineopentyltin hydride, and tricyclohexylgermanium hydride.     

Microwave-assisted generation of alkoxyl radicals and their use in additions, beta-fragmentations, and remote functionalizations

Microwave irradiation (2.45 GHz, 300-500 W) of N-(alkoxy)thiazole-2(3H)-thiones in low-absorbing solvents affords alkoxyl radicals, which were identified by (i) spin adduct formation (EPR-spectroscopy) and (ii) fingerprint-type selectivities in intramolecular additions (stereoselective synthesis of disubstituted tetrahydrofurans), beta-fragmentations (formation of carbonyl compounds), and C,H-activation of aliphatic subunits, by delta-selective hydrogen atom transfer. C-Radicals formed from oxygen-centered intermediates were trapped either by Bu(3)SnH, L-cysteine ethyl ester, the reduced form of glutathione (reductive trapping), or by bromine atom donor BrCCl(3) (heteroatom functionalization) The results suggest that microwave activation is superior to UV/Vis-photolysis and conductive heating for alkoxyl radical generation from N-(alkoxy)thiazolethiones. It offers by far the shortest reaction times along with the option to reduce the amount of trapping reagent significantly.