Synthesis of NH-3-phenylsulfanyl- and NH-3-benzylsulfanyl-azetidinones from 1-phenylsulfanyl- or 1-benzylsulfanyl-3-aza-1,3-dienes

The syntheses of NH-3-phenylsulfanyl- and NH-3-benzylsulfanyl-azetidinones, starting from 1-phenylsulfanyl- or 1-benzylsulfanyl-2-trimethylsilyloxy-3-aza-1,3-dienes are reported.     

Diastereoselective SmI2-mediated cyclisation of δ-oxo-α,β-unsaturated esters to cyclopropanols

In the presence of samarium diiodide and a proton source, δ-oxo-γ,γ-disubstituted-α,β-unsaturated esters readily cyclise with complete diastereocontrol to give anti-cyclopropanol products.     

Towards a facile synthesis of triarylethanones: palladium-catalyzed arylation of ketone enolates under homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions

The palladium-catalyzed regioselective α-monoarylation of deoxybenzoins and α,α-diarylation of acetophenones provides general, efficient access to 1,2,2-triarylethanones. After a comprehensive search for suitable experimental conditions to optimize such transformations, both reactions are alternatively conducted by means of either commercially available polymer-anchored catalysts or a very simple homogeneous catalytic system, thus avoiding the use of complex ligands. In addition, the synthesis of deoxybenzoins employing polymer-supported fibrous palladium catalysts is reported for the first time, and the excellent catalyst recycling properties suggest applicability to industrial purposes.     

Process research on arylnaphthalene lignan aza-analogues: a new palladium-catalyzed benzannulation of α,β-bisbenzylidenesuccinic acid derivatives

The discovery of a new Pd-catalyzed benzannulation reaction of bisbenzylidenesuccinimide during process research on arylnaphthalene lignan aza-analogues is described. An extension of the Pd-catalyzed benzannulation to the regiospecific synthesis of various arylnaphthalene lignan aza-analogues utilizing classical Stobbe condensation is included.     

Synthesis of 2-unsubstituted imidazolones from bisamides via a one-pot,domino dehydration/base promoted cyclisation process

A one-pot, domino process was developed as an alternative approach for the preparation of 2-unsubstituted imidazolones. The methodology utilizes readily accessible bisamides, which upon a dehydration/cyclisation sequence produced imidazolones in good yields. The transformation relies on the compatibility of the dehydrating agent and base, and the reaction conditions tolerate various functional groups.     

A simple catalyst system for the palladium-catalyzed coupling of aryl halides with terminal alkynes

A convenient catalyst system consisting of Pd(OAc)₂, PPh₃, K₃PO₄ and DMSO was found to be effective for the coupling reaction of aryl halides with terminal alkynes as well as the deacetonative coupling reaction using a 4-aryl-2-methylbut-3-yn-2-ol as a terminal alkyne precursor. An iminophosphine as a ligand worked more effectively for some combination of substrates than triphenylphosphine.     

Synthesis of 5,5′-diarylated 2,2′-bithiophenes via palladium-catalyzed arylation reactions

2,2′-Bithiophene and 3,3′-dicyano-2,2′-bithiophenes are diarylated directly with aryl bromides at the 5- and 5′-positions accompanied by C-H bond cleavage in the presence of Pd(OAc)₂ and a bulky phosphine ligand using Cs₂CO₃ as base. In the reaction using (2,2′-bithiophen-5-yl)diphenylmethanol as the substrate, monoarylation at the 5-position via C-C bond cleavage occurs selectively to give 5-aryl-2,2′-bithiophenes and the subsequent arylation with a different aryl bromide affords the corresponding unsymmetrically 5,5′-diarylated products.     

Synthesis of 5-methylfuro[3,2-c]quinolin-4(5H)-one via palladium-catalysed cyclisation of N-(2-iodophenyl)-N-methyl-3-furamide

A new synthesis of the furo[3,2-c]quinolin-4(5H)-one heterocycle has been developed using a palladium-catalysed cyclisation of N-(2-iodophenyl)-N-methyl-3-furamide. By varying the catalyst, base and solvent, the yield of the cyclisation was optimised. It was found that the use of palladium oxide with potassium acetate in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) with a small amount of tetrabutylammonium chloride gave the highest yield of 5-methylfuro[3,2-c]quinolin-4(5H)-one (9).     

Enhanced tungstate electrochromism via formation of transparent conductive networks

Indium tin oxide (ITO) nanopowder was added to a polymer film containing WO₃ · H₂O particles to enhance electron conductivity and complimentary Li ion kinetics in an electrochromic device. Film conductivity increased dramatically with ITO content, suggesting the formation of conductive ITO networks in the film. The improved electron conductivity leads to a substantial increase of the effective Li⁺ ion diffusion coefficient in the composite film, from 10⁻¹¹ to 10⁻⁹ cm²/s. Electrochromic contrast studies revealed that the presence of the ITO networks leads to enhanced blue/green color contrast.     

The effect of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands in the palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of K[C6F5BF3] with aryl iodides and aryl bromides

The effect of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands on the catalytic activity of in situ generated palladium complexes in the model cross-coupling reaction of K[C₆F₅BF₃] with 4-FC₆H₄I was studied. Based on the obtained results, a series of pentafluorobiphenyls C₆F₅C₆H₄X were prepared from K[C₆F₅BF₃] and XC₆H₄I or 4-CF₃C₆H₄Br in high yields under aerobic conditions.     

The stereoselective total synthesis of xestodecalactone C and epi-sporostatin via the Prins cyclisation

Syntheses of xestodecalactone C and epi-sporostatin are described utilising Prins cyclisations, Mitsunobu reaction and intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation. The approach is convergent and highly stereoselective.     

Stereoselective synthesis of cis-2,6-bis-hydroxyalkyl-tetrahydropyrans by the permanganate promoted oxidative cyclisation of 1,6-dienes

The first examples of permanganate promoted oxidative cyclisations of 1,6-dienes are described, providing exclusively cis-2,6-bis-hydroxyalkyl-tetrahydropyrans. In addition, good levels of asymmetric induction have been attained using dienoyl sultam substrates.     

N-Phosphano nitrogen-containing five-membered aromatic chiral α-sulfoxides as new chiral ligands in asymmetric palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation: stereoelectronic effects of the substituents on the aromatic rings

New chiral ligands, N-diphenylphosphano nitrogen-containing five-membered aromatic compounds bearing chiral sulfinyl groups as the sole chiral source has been developed. The structure of a palladium intermediate derived from the new chiral sulfoxide ligand was determined as a palladium complex with a five-membered chelate ring formed by coordination of the phosphano group and the sulfinyl sulfur atom involved. The stereoelectronic effects of substituents on the aromatic rings are discussed.     

An iodoacetamide-based free radical cyclisation approach to the 7,12-dihydro-indolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepin-6(5H)-one (paullone) system

A potentially versatile route to 2-(2-aminoaryl)indoles is described based on a palladium-mediated cyclisation of N-substituted indoles, together with free radical cyclisation of their N-benzyliodoacetamide derivatives to the 7,12-dihydro-indolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepin-6(5H)-one system.     

Stereoselective synthesis of polyketide precursors containing an anti-1,3-diol system via a Prins cyclisation and reductive cleavage sequence

A new approach for the stereoselective synthesis of polyketide precursors containing anti-1,3-diol units flanked by a variety of alkyl branches and functional groups through a Prins cyclisation and reductive cleavage sequence is described.     

Synthetic studies on bafilomycin A1: first formation of the 16-membered macrolide via an intramolecular Stille reaction

The 16-membered macrolide formation of a bafilomycin A₁ synthesis intermediate showed to be very difficult to achieve via an intramolecular Stille reaction. Complex reactions were observed, depending on the nature of the palladium source, ligand, solvent and reaction conditions. Unexpected reactions of the 2-furyl group transfer of trifurylphosphine were observed on the vinylic iodide and (or) the vinylstannane. Best conditions were found with Pd₂(dba)₃/AsPh₃/i-Pr₂NEt in DMF, at 40 °C, to afford the desired macrocycle in 28% yield (33% corrected), the structure of which was definitely confirmed by chemical filiation.     

A sequence of electrophile induced cyclisation and concomitant N-deprotection of alkenylsulfinimines and alkenylsulfinamides as a direct route to cyclic or spirocyclic imines, pyrrolidines and piperidines

Alkenylsulfinimines and alkenylsulfinamides underwent electrophile induced cyclisation reactions with phenylselenyl bromide, iodine and bromine to cyclic and spirocyclic imines, pyrrolidines and piperidines with spontaneous cleavage of the protective group at nitrogen in good to excellent yield.     

Stereoselective synthesis of anti-1,3-diol units via Prins cyclisation: application to the synthesis of (−)-sedamine

The scope of the Prins cyclisation, the higher stereoselective synthesis of multisubstituted tetrahydropyrans from aldehydes and homoallylic alcohols, is expanded. A new approach for the stereoselective synthesis of polyketide precursors containing anti-1,3-diols, flanked by a variety of alkyl branches and functional groups is described. The approach is successfully exploited for the synthesis of (−)-sedamine.     

Non-C2-symmetrical antimony-phosphorus ligand, (R/S)-2-diphenylphosphano-2′-di(p-tolyl)stibano-1,1′-binaphthyl (BINAPSb): preparation and its use for asymmetric reactions as a chiral auxiliary

A new non-C₂-symmetrical antimony-phosphorous ligand, (±)-2-diphenyl-phosphano-2′-di(p-tolyl)stibano-1,1′-binaphthyl (BINAPSb) 3, has been prepared from 2-bromo-2′-diphenylphosphano-1,1′-naphthyl 4 via its borane complex 6, and could be resolved by the separation of a mixture of the diastereomeric palladium complexes 8A and 8B derived from the reaction of (±)-3 with optically active palladium reagent (S)-7. The enantiomerically pure BINAPSb 3 has proved to be highly effective in the palladium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrosilylation of styrene as a chiral auxiliary.     

Synthesis of a new smart temperature responsive glycopolymer via click-polymerisation

A novel temperature responsive water-soluble glycopolymer was synthesised via copper wire-catalysed click-polymerisation. Di-hydroxyl terminated poly(ethylene glycol) was quantitatively alkyne end-capped to yield di-alkyne terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (DAT-PEG). 2,3,4,2′,3′,4′-hexa-O-acetyl-6,6′-diazido-6,6′-dideoxy-α,α-D-trehalose (HADADT) was prepared from the di hydrated α,α-D-Trehalose by tosylation/acetylation followed by azidation. Click-polymerisation reaction between DAT-PEG and HADADT was successfully carried out to produce an alternating glycopolymer with triazole rings as linkers in high yield. All the intermediates as well as the glycopolymer were fully characterised by NMR, MS, IR, SEC, TGA and DSC. The cloud point of the aqueous solution of glycopolymer was investigated by optical microscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy. The LCST was found to be within physiological range of about 39 °C, known as fever temperature.