Copper-catalyzed dimerization of chromium Fischer carbene complexes: synthesis of dialkoxytrienes and their Nazarov-type cyclization to 2-alkoxy-2-cyclopentenones

Fischer carbene complexes 1 underwent a clean ligand dimerization reaction yielding functionalized olefins and trienes 4 in the presence of copper (I) catalysts. If treated with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), trienes 4c, d, f undergo a cyclization process (Nazarov reaction) which furnishes cyclopentenone derivatives 6c, d, 7c, d and 8 in good yields. Finally, the Fischer aminocarbene 9 efficiently cyclodimerizes to the substituted arene 10 in the presence of CuBr.     

[4+2] Cyclization reactions of chiral Cβ-substituted Fischer alkenyl carbene complexes: efficient synthesis of enantiopure cyclohexenone and norbornene derivatives

Chiral alkenyl carbene complexes of tungsten(0) 1 and 2, readily available from the chiral pool, undergo the [4+2] cycloaddition with the Danishefsky diene to provide enantiopure 4-alkenyl-2-cyclohexenone adducts 5 and 7 with high stereoselectivity after treatment of the primary cycloadducts 4 and 6 with TBAF. Cyclopentadiene also cycloadds to carbenes 1 and 2 affording the expected norbornene metal carbene complexes 10 and 12 with remarkable diastereo and face selectivity. Oxidative removal of the metal pentacarbonyl fragment leads to the ester derivatives 11 and 13. The X-ray structure analysis of two cycloadducts derived from carbenes 1 and 2 has been performed.     

[Ru(NHC)(P-P)(CO)HF] (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene; P-P = xantphos, dppf) complexes: Efforts to prepare new hydrodefluorination catalysts

The ruthenium N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) hydride fluoride complexes Ru(NHC)(P-P)(CO)HF (NHC = ICy (3), IEt₂Me₂ (5), P-P = xantphos; NHC = ICy (7), P-P = dppf) have been prepared by treatment of the corresponding dihydride complexes [Ru(NHC)(P-P)(CO)H₂] (NHC = ICy (2), IEt₂Me₂ (4) P-P = xantphos; NHC = ICy (6), P-P = dppf) with Et₃N·3HF. In all cases, the hydride fluoride complexes exist in solution as two conformers or isomers. Although 3, 5 and 7 could be converted back to 2, 4 and 6, respectively, by heating with Et₃SiH, efforts to generate a catalytic cycle for the hydrodefluorination of aromatic fluorocarbons by subsequent reaction of Ru(NHC)(P-P)(CO)H₂ with C₆F₆ were prevented by the much more favourable cyclometallation of the carbene ligand.     

[4+2] Cycloaddition of 1-phosphono-1,3-butadiene with azo- and nitroso-heterodienophiles

Under microwave activation, diethyl 1-phosphono-1,3-butadiene (1) reacted with t-butyl azodicarboxylate (2) and o-nitrosotoluene (5) to furnish quantitatively [4+2] cycloadducts, 3-phosphono-3,6-dihydro-1,2-pyridazine (3) and 6-phosphono-3,6-dihydro-1,2-oxazine (6), respectively. Selective oxidation and/or reduction of 6 led to functionalized δ-aminophosphonic derivatives in cyclic (7, 8) and aliphatic series (9, 10). Intermediate 10 may be cyclized into 2-phosphono-2,5-dihydro-1-pyrrole (12).     

Copper (I) 1,3-R2-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidenes (R=mesityl, 2-propyl): synthesis, X-ray structures, immobilization and catalytic activity

The synthesis of novel copper (I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes is described. Thus, reaction of CuX with 1,3-di(2-propyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidene yields CuX(1,3-di(2-propyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidene) (X=Cl, (1a), Br (1b)); however, reaction of CuCl with 1,3-dimesityl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidene yields the bis-N-heterocylcic carbene complex Cu(1,3-dimesityl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidene)₂⁺CuBr₂⁻ (2). A supported version of 1, i.e. PS-DVB-CH₂-OCO-CF₂-CF₂-CF₂-COOCu(1,3-di(2-propyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-2-ylidene) (3) was prepared from 1 and PS-DVB-CH₂-OCO-CF₂-CF₂-CF₂-COOAg. A copper loading of 4.15 μmol/g was realized. The new compounds were used as catalysts in carbonyl hydrosilylation and cyanosilylation reactions. Excellent reactivity was observed, giving raise to turn-over numbers (TONs) of up to 100,000. Compounds 1a, 1b, and 2 have also been used as catalysts for the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA). A linear conversion of monomer with time was observed, however, no control over molecular weight of PMMA was observed.     

[4+2] Cycloaddition reactions of 4-sulfur-substituted 2-pyridones with electron-deficient dienophiles

[4+2] Cycloaddition reactions of 4-(phenylthio)-1-tosyl-2-pyridone (6a) and 4-(phenylsulfonyl)-1-tosyl-2-pyridone (6b) with electron-deficient dienophiles 7 (N-methylmaleimide, N-phenylmaleimide, and methyl acrylate) gave new isoquinuclidine products 8-10. The N-tosyl group of 6a and 6b was also efficiently converted to N-alkyl derivatives 6c-f, which showed different stereoselectivity toward reactions with dienophiles 7. Several other dienophiles 15 (dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, methyl vinyl ketone, ethyl vinyl ether, and methyl methacrylate) were found not to react with 6a or 6b, but led to the formation of tosyl migration products 4-(phenylthio)-O-tosyl-pyridinol (16a) and 4-(phenylsulfonyl)-O-tosyl-2-pyridinol (16b), respectively. The reactivity, regioselectivity, and stereoselectivity of the cycloaddition reactions were also compared with semi-empirical calculations.     

New electronically enriched boronobutadienes for the synthesis of hydroxylated cyclohexenes via tandem [4+2]/allylboration

This communication describes the preparation and behavior of ether-substituted 1-boronobutadienes 1 and 2 in the Vaultier tandem [4+2]/allylboration three-component reaction involving electron-poor dienophiles and aldehydes. Whereas diene 1 failed to undergo the second, allylboration step of this process, diene 2 reacted with maleimides to give products 12, and even reacted with moderately activated dienophiles such as acrylates and acrylamide derivative 14 to provide a new stereoselective approach to the synthesis of hydroxyalkylated cyclohexene derivatives.     

Large-scale synthesis of 1,1,3,3,6-pentamethyl-1,3-disilaindan-5-ol via a CoBr2/Zn-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction

1,1,3,3,6-Pentamethyl-1,3-disilaindan-5-ol (2) is a key intermediate in the synthesis of new sila-substituted gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor antagonists, such as 1. In order to produce sufficient quantities of 1 for pharmacological and toxicological evaluation, an efficient synthesis of 2 has been developed. (1,1,3,3,6-Pentamethyl-1,3-disilaindan-5-yl)methanal (11) was synthesized in a one-pot procedure. CoBr₂/Zn-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of diyne 3 with the commercially available monoalkyne 15 was achieved through a slow addition of 3 and CoBr₂ to a mixture of 15 and zinc powder in refluxing acetonitrile, giving rise to 5-(diethoxymethyl)-1,1,3,3,6-pentamethyl-1,3-disilaindane (14). In-situ aqueous acidification yielded 11. Conversion to 2 was then achieved via a Baeyer-Villiger oxidation followed by hydrolysis under basic condition. This novel methodology is useful, not only for the rapid, large-scale synthesis of 2, but also for the synthesis and development of new sila-substituted drugs derived from 11.     

Gold-catalyzed intermolecular [4C+3C] cycloaddition reactions

In the presence of the N-heterocyclic carbene gold catalyst (NHC-AuIPr, 7), propargyl esters 1a-f and 13 undergo a [4C+3C] cycloaddition reaction with cyclopentadiene and furan under mild conditions. The evidence suggests that the formation of the seven-membered ring occurs by a direct cycloaddition process, rather than a stepwise cyclopropanation/Cope rearrangement sequence.     

o-(Trialkylstannyl)anilines and their utility in Migita-Kosugi-Stille cross-coupling: direct introduction of the 2-aminophenyl substituent

We have developed shelf- and air-stable ortho-stannylated aniline reagents that can directly be coupled with alkenyl and aryl halides via Migita-Kosugi-Stille cross-coupling. We report (i) the efficient preparation of o-(tributylstannyl)aniline (2a) and o-(trimethylstannyl)aniline (2b), (ii) the comparison of the reactivities of 2a and 2b with those of related organostannanes in cross-coupling reaction with an alkenyl halide, and (iii) the cross-coupling of 2a and 2b with a series of arylhalides and triflate.     

N-heterocyclic carbene enabled synthesis of conjugated polymers

The Suzuki polycondensation of a dihalogenated 4,5-diphenylimidazole (2) with a fluorenyl diboronic acid diester followed by methylation afforded a conjugated poly(imidazolium) copolymer (P2) in 93% yield. Upon exposure to strong base, P2 was converted in situ to the corresponding poly(N-heterocyclic carbene) P3, as evidenced by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and a trapping experiment involving sulfur that afforded the corresponding poly(thiourea) P4. Similarly, treating a solution of P2 with KOtBu and [Ir(1,5-cyclooctadiene)Cl]₂ afforded a conjugated polymer bearing pendant Ir complexes (P5) in 63% yield. Thermal and photophysical analyses of the aforementioned polymers revealed that they were thermally stable with tunable fluorescence properties, features which poise them for use in various electronic and sensing applications. The presented methodology is expected to facilitate the synthesis of a broad range conjugated organometallic polymers from a common and readily accessible precursor.     

First silver complexes of tetrahydropyrimid-2-ylidenes

The syntheses and characterizations of homoleptic silver(I) carbene complexes of the type LAgCl (3) and [L₂Ag]⁺₂[Pd₂Cl₆]²⁻ (4) (L=dimesityltetrahydropyrimid-2-ylidene) are described. 3 was obtained by reaction of the corresponding tetrahydropyrimidinium salt with silver(I) oxide. Subsequent reaction of 3 with Pd(CH₃CN)₂Cl₂ afforded complex 4. The crystal structure of 3 has been determined to be a monomer in the solid state. The ¹³C NMR spectra of both 3 and 4 exhibit ¹³C-^107,109Ag coupling in solution. Furthermore, both compounds show a downfield shift of the carbene carbon of about 20 ppm to about 205 ppm in the ¹³C NMR compared to five-membered ring silver(I) carbene complexes. Unlike other silver-carbene complexes, 3 does not undergo ligand exchange and can thus not be used for carbene transfer to other metals.     

Mild and efficient Sonogashira couplings of 8-oxa- and 8-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octanone derived alkenyl nonaflates

We demonstrate in this report that bicyclic alkenyl nonaflates (nonafluorobutanesulfonates) generated from 8-heterobicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one derivatives are excellent substrates for Sonogashira couplings with alkynes. Employing CuI, Pd(OAc)₂, PPh₃ in DMF/i-Pr₂NH as standard reagents structurally diverse bicyclic nonaflates were coupled with phenyl acetylene in generally high yields. Particularly efficient are transformations of precursors 16, 18, and 20 bearing methyl groups at the bridgehead carbons, which furnished the expected enynes 17, 19, and 21 in approximately 90% yield. With respect to the alkyne component the scope of this palladium-catalyzed reaction seems also to be fairly broad. Thus, trimethylsilyl acetylene and propargyl alcohol could also be used, affording coupling products 22, 23, and 25 with high efficacy. The protocol of Grieco was applied to induce a domino coupling of tricyclic alkenyl nonaflate 14 with trimethylsilyl acetylene affording product 26 in moderate yield and as 1:1 mixture of the expected two diastereomers.     

Convenient synthesis of dithiafulvene carbene complexes as potential precursors of extended TTF

The condensation of α-carbanion of Fischer-type carbene complex with 2-thiomethyl-1,3-dithiolium salts 1 gave new heterocyclic organometallic carbenes 2 potentially precursors of extended TTF. Reaction of allylic carbanion 4 derived from (methoxypropenyl)pentacarbonyl carbene complex afforded a mixture of monoheterocyclic condensation products 7 and diheterocyclic carbene complexes 8 produced from successive α and γ attacks of the heterocyclic cations.     

N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of Zn(II): synthesis, X-ray structures and reactivity

The synthesis of six novel zinc (II) mono(N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes is described. 1,3-Bis(mesityl)-imidazol-2-ylidene was reacted with the zinc salts ZnX₂ (X=Cl, CH₃COO, PhCOO, and PhCH₂COO) to yield the corresponding monomeric Zn-NHC complex ZnCl₂(NHC)(THF) (1) and dimeric [Zn(OOCCH₃)₂(NHC)]₂ (2), [Zn(OOCPh)₂(NHC)]₂ (3), [Zn(OOCCH₂Ph)₂(NHC)]₂ (4) (NHC=1,3-bis(mesityl)-imidazol-2-ylidene). Reaction of 1 with 2 equivalents of silver trifluoromethanesulfonate yielded monomeric Zn(O₃SCF₃)₂(NHC)(THF) (5), reaction of 1 with sodium {[R(+)-α-2-(1-phenyl-ethylimino)-methyl]-phenolate} yielded monomeric ZnCl(OC₆H₄-2-CHN(CHPhCH₃)(NHC) (6). Compounds 1, 4-6 were structurally characterized by X-ray analysis. Selected compounds were investigated for their activity in the copolymerization of carbon dioxide with cyclohexene oxide as well as in the ring-opening polymerization of cyclohexene oxide and ε-caprolactone.     

Ni-catalyzed [3+2+2] cycloaddition of ethyl cyclopropylideneacetate and 1,3-diynes. Application to the three-component cycloaddition

The Ni-catalyzed [3+2+2] cocyclization between ethyl cyclopropylideneacetate (1) and 1,3-diynes afforded cycloheptadiene derivatives. The three-component reaction of 1, 1,3-diynes, and alkynes proceeded with good yield and high selectivity. Scope of the substrates was studied, and the origin of chemo- and regioselectivity of the reaction is discussed.     

Notable temperature effect on the stereoselectivity in the photochemical [2+2] cycloaddition reaction (Paternò-Büchi reaction) of 2,3-dihydrofuran-3-ol derivatives with benzophenone

A notable temperature effect (nonlinear Eyring plot) on stereoselectivity, trans-configured oxetane 2 versus cis-configured oxetane 2, is reported in the photochemical [2+2] cycloaddition reaction (Paternò-Büchi reaction) of 2,3-dihydrofuran-3-ol derivatives 1 with benzophenone.     

Electrochemical fluorination of several esters derived from oxolane-2-yl-carboxylic acid, oxolane-2-yl-methanol and oxane-2-yl-methanol

Electrochemical fluorination (ECF) of the ester derivatives of oxolane-2-yl-carboxylic acid (1), oxolane-2-yl-methanol (2) and oxane-2-yl-methanol (3) were investigated. Perfluoro(oxolane-2-yl-carbonylfluoride) (4) was obtained from derivatives of 1 and 2, and perfluoro(oxane-2-yl-carbonylfluoride) (5) was obtained from derivatives of 3 as the desired compounds, respectively. From the ECF of acetates of 2 and 3, perfluorospiroethers having a dioxolane ring were also obtained as the cyclization product in low yield together with the desired perfluoroacid fluoride (4 and 5). The structure of these perfluorospiroethers was confirmed by analyzing the chlorinated products, which were obtained by the reaction with AlCl₃.     

Synthesis of 2-azaspiro[4.4]nonan-1-ones via phosphine-catalysed [3+2]-cycloadditions

The phosphine-catalyzed [3+2]-cycloaddition of the 2-methylene γ-lactams 4 and 5 and the acrylate 6 with the ylides derived from the ethyl ester, the amide or the chiral camphor sultam derivative of 2-butynoic acid (7a-c) give directly, or indirectly after reductive cyclization, spiro-heterocyclic products. The acid 32 underwent Curtius rearrangement and then acid hydrolysis to give two novel spiro-cyclic ketones, 41 and 42.     

α,β-(Phosphino)(aminocarbene) and α,ω-(phosphino)(oxyaminocarbene): new bidentate ligands for transition metal complexes

Direct complexation of (amino)(phosphino)carbene 1a and (amino)(oxy)carbene 1b featuring a phosphino group in position-6 to the carbene with [Rh(CO)₂Cl]₂ has been studied. With the 1,2-bidentate ligand 1a, an original cationic complex 2 featuring two (amino)(phosphino)carbenes η²-bonded to the metal has been isolated in 79% yield. In the case of the 1,6-bidentate ligand 1b, a rhodium(I) complex 3 in which the carbene is in trans position relative to the CO ligand was obtained in 85% yield. Both compounds were fully characterized including X-ray diffraction studies.