Highly Enantioselective Asymmetric Autocatalysis of Pyrimidin‐5‐yl Alkanol Induced by Chiral 1,3‐Disubstituted Hydrocarbon Allenes

1,3‐Disubstituted chiral allenes without any heteroatoms act as chiral initiators in the addition of (i‐Pr)₂Zn to pyrimidine‐5‐carbaldehyde to afford, in combination with the subsequent asymmetric autocatalysis, chiral pyrimidin‐5‐yl alkanols with up to 98% ee. The absolute configuration of the pyrimidin‐5‐yl alkanol formed depend on that of the chiral allene.     

Nickel‐Catalyzed Carbofluoroalkylation of 1,3‐Enynes to Access Structurally Diverse Fluoroalkylated Allenes

A nickel‐catalyzed 1,4‐carbofluoroalkylation of 1,3‐enynes to access structurally diverse fluoroalkylated allenes has been established. This method has demonstrated high catalytic reactivity, mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and excellent functional‐group tolerance. The key to success is the use of a nickel catalyst to generate different fluoroalkyl radicals from readily available and structurally diverse fluoroalkyl halides to access 1,4‐difunctionalization of 1,3‐enynes by a radical relay. This strategy provides facile synthesis of structurally diverse multisubstituted allenes, and offers a solution for batch production of various fluorinated bioactive molecules for drug discovery by further transformations.     

Complementary Iron(II)‐Catalyzed Oxidative Transformations of Allenes with Different Oxidants

Substituent‐ and oxidant‐dependent transformations of allenes are described. Given the profound influence of the substituent on the reactivity of allenes, the subtle differences in allene structures are manifested in the formation of diverse products when reacted with different electrophiles/oxidants. In general, reactions of nonsilylated allenes involve an allylic cation intermediate by forming a C?O bond, at the sp‐hybridized C2, with either DDQ (2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐p‐benzoquinone) or TBHP (tert‐butyl hydroperoxide), along with FeCl₂?4 H₂O (10 mol %). In contrast, silylated allenes favor the formation of propargylic cation intermediates by transferring the allenic hydride to the oxidant, thus generating 1,3‐enynes (E1 product) or propargylic THBP ethers (S_N1 product). The formation of these different putative cationic intermediates from nonsilylated and silylated allenes is strongly supported by DFT calculations.     

Enantioselective Synthesis of Multisubstituted Allenes by Cooperative Cu/Pd-Catalyzed 1,4-Arylboration of 1,3-Enynes

A cooperative Cu/Pd-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of multisubstituted allenes is established. By employing chiral sulfoxide phosphine (SOP)/Cu and PdCl₂(dppf) complexes as catalysts, the 1,4-arylboration of 1,3-enynes provides an efficient approach to trisubstituted chiral allenes with up to 92 % yield and 97:3 er. Furthermore, by using 2-substituted 1,3-enynes as substrates, the tetrasubstituted chiral allenes were successfully generated using this strategy. Finally, theoretical calculations indicate that the transmetallation of the allenylcopper species is the rate-limiting step of this transformation.     

Recent Advances and Perspectives in Transition Metal-Catalyzed 1,4-Functionalizations of Unactivated 1,3-Enynes for the Synthesis of Allenes

Classic methods for the synthesis of allenes usually introduce only one functional group into products.In this review,we highlight the recent advances and perspectives in the synthesis of allenes by transition metal-catalyzed 1,4-functionalization of unactivated 1,3-enynes.     

Z‐Selective Hydrothiolation of Racemic 1,3‐Disubstituted Allenes: An Atom‐Economic Rhodium‐Catalyzed Dynamic Kinetic Resolution

A Z‐selective rhodium‐catalyzed hydrothiolation of 1,3‐disubstituted allenes and subsequent oxidation towards the corresponding allylic sulfones is described. Using the bidentate 1,4‐bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb) ligand, Z/E‐selectivities up to >99:1 were obtained. The highly atom‐economic desymmetrization reaction tolerates functionalized aromatic and aliphatic thiols. Additionally, a variety of symmetric internal allenes, as well as unsymmetrically disubstituted substrates were well tolerated, thus resulting in high regioselectivities. Starting from chiral but racemic 1,3‐disubstituted allenes a dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) could be achieved by applying (S,S)‐Me‐DuPhos as the chiral ligand. The desired Z‐allylic sulfones were obtained in high yields and enantioselectivities up to 96 % ee.     

OH‐Directed Alkynylation of 2‐Vinylphenols with Ethynyl Benziodoxolones: A Fast Access to Terminal 1,3‐Enynes

The first direct alkynylation of 2‐vinylphenols was developed. The rationally optimized hypervalent iodine reagent TIPS‐EBX* in combination with [(Cp*RhCl₂)₂] as a C? H‐activating transition metal catalyst enables the construction of a variety of highly substituted 1,3‐enynes in high yields of up to 98 %. This novel C? H activation method shows excellent chemoselectivity and exclusive (Z)‐stereoselectivity, and it is also remarkably mild and tolerates a variety of functional groups. Furthermore, synthetic modifications of the resulting 1,3‐enynes were demonstrated. To our knowledge, this is the first example for an OH‐directed C? H alkynylation with hypervalent iodine reagents.     

Synthesis of Cyclobutenes and Allenes by Cobalt‐Catalyzed Cross‐Dimerization of Simple Alkenes with 1,3‐Enynes

Cobalt‐catalyzed cross‐dimerization of simple alkenes with 1,3‐enynes is reported. A [2+2] cycloaddition reaction occurred, with alkenes bearing no allylic hydrogen, by reductive elimination of a η³‐butadienyl cobaltacycle. On the other hand, aliphatic alkenes underwent 1,4‐hydroallylation by means of exo‐cyclic β‐H elimination. These reactions can provide cyclobutenes and allenes that were previously difficult to access, from simple substrates in a highly chemo‐ and regioselective manner.     

Divergent Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Skeletal Rearrangements of 1,7‐Enynes

The gold(I) complex catalyzed cycloisomerization and skeletal rearrangement of 1,n‐enynes (n=5–7) is a powerful methodology for the efficient synthesis of complex molecular architectures. In contrast to 1,6‐enynes, readily accessible homologous 1,7‐enynes are largely unexplored in such transformations. Here, the divergent skeletal rearrangement of all‐carbon 1,7‐enynes by catalysis with a cationic gold(I) complex is reported. Depending on electronic and steric factors, differently substituted 1,7‐enynes react via different carbocations formed from a common gold carbene intermediate to yield on the one hand novel exocyclic allenes and on the other hand tricyclic hexahydro‐anthracenes through a novel dehydrogenative Diels–Alder reaction.     

Enantioselective Rhodium‐Catalyzed Coupling of Arylboronic Acids, 1,3‐Enynes,and Imines by Alkenyl‐to‐Allyl 1,4‐Rhodium(I) Migration

A chiral rhodium complex catalyzes the highly enantioselective coupling of arylboronic acids, 1,3‐enynes, and imines to give homoallylic sulfamates. The key step is the generation of allylrhodium(I) species by alkenyl‐to‐allyl 1,4‐rhodium(I) migration.     

Divergent Synthesis of CF3‐Substituted Allenyl Nitriles by Ligand‐Controlled Radical 1,2‐ and 1,4‐Addition to 1,3‐Enynes

A ligand‐controlled system that enables regioselective trifluoromethylcyanation of 1,3‐enynes has been identified, which provides access to a variety of CF₃‐containing tri‐ and tetrasubstituted allenyl nitriles. We disclose that the involved propargylic radicals can be selectively trapped by (Box)Cu^II cyanide, while the tautomerized allenyl radicals are trapped by (phen)Cu^II cyanide (Box= bisoxazoline, phen=phenanthroline). In addition, the reaction features broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility. Moreover, this protocol represents a novel regioselectivity‐tunable functionalization of 1,3‐enynes via radicals, which we believe will have great implications for the development of catalytic systems for selectivity control in radical and organometallic chemistry.     

Enantioselective Rhodium‐Catalyzed Coupling of Arylboronic Acids, 1,3‐Enynes,and Imines by Alkenyl‐to‐Allyl 1,4‐Rhodium(I) Migration

A chiral rhodium complex catalyzes the highly enantioselective coupling of arylboronic acids, 1,3‐enynes, and imines to give homoallylic sulfamates. The key step is the generation of allylrhodium(I) species by alkenyl‐to‐allyl 1,4‐rhodium(I) migration.     

Cyclobutene Formation in PtCl2‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerizations of Heteroatom‐Tethered 1,6‐Enynes

Aza(oxa)bicyclo[3.2.0]heptenes are accessed through the PtCl₂‐catalyzed cycloisomerizations of heteroatom‐tethered 1,6‐enynes featuring a terminal alkyne and amide as the solvent. It is shown that the weak coordinating properties of the solvent and alkyl substituent(s) at the propargylic carbon atom favor the formation of cyclobutenes instead of other possible cycloisomerization products such as 1,3‐diene derivatives or cyclopropane‐fused heterocycles.     

Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Desymmetrization of 1,3‐Diols through Intramolecular Hydroalkoxylation of Allenes

A gold(I)‐catalyzed enantioselective desymmetrization of 1,3‐diols was achieved by intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of allenes. The catalyst system 3‐F‐dppe(AuCl)₂ /(R)‐C₈‐TRIPAg proved to be specifically efficient to promote the desymmetrizing cyclization of 2‐aryl‐1,3‐diols, which have proven challenging substrates in previous reports. Multisubstituted tetrahydrofurans were prepared in good yield with good enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity by this method.     

由(E)-β-碘代烯基砜和末端炔合成多取代的1,3-烯炔

通过(E)-b-碘代烯基砜与末端炔的Sonogashira偶联反应,以中等到良好的产率合成了磺酰基取代的1,3-烯炔。在NiCl2(PPh3)2催化下,产物与格氏试剂发生脱磺酰基偶联反应,磺酰基被进一步转化为不同的取代基。     

Pd‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of 4‐Aza‐1,6‐enynes to 3‐Aza‐bicyclo[4.1.0]hept‐2‐enes

A method for the synthesis of bicyclo[4.1.0]heptenes from 1,6‐enynes through Pd‐catalyzed cycloisomerization has been developed. N‐ and O‐tethered 1,6‐enynes were successfully transformed to their corresponding 3‐aza‐ and 3‐oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptenes in reasonable‐to‐high yields using the catalysts [PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂]/P(OPh)₃ or [Pd(maleimidate)₂(PPh₃)₂] in toluene. The computational calculations using density functional theory indicate that [PdCl₂{P(OPh)₃}] in the oxidation state Pd^II acts as the active catalyst species for the formation of 3‐azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptenes through 6‐endo‐dig cyclization.     

Synthesis of Spirocyclic Enones by Rhodium‐Catalyzed Dearomatizing Oxidative Annulation of 2‐Alkenylphenols with Alkynes and Enynes

The dearomatizing oxidative annulation of 2‐alkenylphenols with alkynes and enynes proceeds with high yields and regioselectivities under Rh^III catalysis. These reactions are successful using Cu(OAc)₂ or air as the stoichiometric oxidant, and provide spirocyclic enones, the basic ring system of which appears in several natural products. Application of this process to the preparation of a highly functionalized tetracycle is also demonstrated.     

Enantio‐ and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Homopropargyl Amines by Copper‐Catalyzed Coupling of Imines, 1,3‐Enynes,and Diborons

An efficient, enantio‐ and diastereoselective, copper‐catalyzed coupling of imines, 1,3‐enynes, and diborons is reported. The process shows broad substrate scope and delivers complex, chiral homopropargyl amines; useful building blocks on the way to biologically‐relevant compounds. In particular, functionalized homopropargyl amines bearing up to three contiguous stereocenters can be prepared in a single step.     

Two‐dimensional square‐grid frameworks formed by self‐associating copper(II) complexes with 1‐(3‐pyridyl)‐ and 1‐(4‐pyridyl)‐substituted butane‐1,3‐diones

In bis­[1‐(3‐pyridyl)butane‐1,3‐dionato]copper(II) (the Cu atom occupies a centre of inversion), [Cu(C₉H₈NO₂)₂], (I), and bis­[1‐(4‐pyridyl)butane‐1,3‐dionato]copper(II) methanol solvate, [Cu(C₉H₈NO₂)₂]·CH₃OH, (II), the O,O′‐chelating diketonate ligands support square‐planar coordination of the metal ions [Cu—O = 1.948 (1)–1.965 (1) Å]. Weaker Cu⋯N inter­actions [2.405 (2)–2.499 (2) Å], at both axial sides, occur between symmetry‐related bis­(1‐pyridylbutane‐1,3‐dion­ato)copper(II) mol­ecules. This causes their self‐organization into two‐dimensional square‐grid frameworks, with uniform [6.48 Å for (I)] or alternating [4.72 and 6.66 Å for (II)] inter­layer separations. Guest methanol mol­ecules in (II) reside between the distal layers and form weak hydrogen bonds to coordinated O atoms [O⋯O = 3.018 (4) Å].     

Regio‐ and Enantioselective Rhodium‐Catalyzed Addition of 1,3‐Diketones to Allenes: Construction of Asymmetric Tertiary and Quaternary All Carbon Centers

An unprecedented highly regio‐ and enantioselective rhodium‐catalyzed addition of 1,3‐diketones to terminal and 1,1‐disubstituted allenes furnishing asymmetric tertiary and quaternary all‐carbon centers is reported. By applying a Rh^I/phosphoramidite/TFA catalytic system under mild conditions, the desired chiral branched α‐allylated 1,3‐diketones could be obtained in good to excellent yields, with perfect regioselectivity and in high enantioselectivity. The reaction shows a broad functional‐group tolerance on both reaction partners highlighting its synthetic potential.