Gold‐Catalyzed Intermolecular CS Bond Formation: Efficient Synthesis of α‐Substituted Vinyl Sulfones

A general method for the synthesis of α‐substituted vinyl sulfones makes use of a combination of a triazole gold complex and gallium triflate. This efficient C? S bond formation between simple terminal alkynes and sulfinic acids provides access to various α‐substituted vinyl sulfones.     

Cobalt‐Catalyzed Alkyne Hydrosilylation and Sequential Vinylsilane Hydroboration with Markovnikov Selectivity

A pyridinebis(oxazoline) cobalt complex is a very efficient precatalyst for the hydrosilylation of terminal alkynes with Ph₂SiH₂, providing α‐vinylsilanes with high (Markovnikov) regioselectivity and broad functional‐group tolerance. The vinylsilane products can be further converted into geminal borosilanes through Markovnikov hydroboration with pinacolborane and a bis(imino)pyridine cobalt catalyst.     

Vinyl Cation Stabilization by Silicon Enables a Formal Metal‐Free α‐Arylation of Alkyl Ketones

The ability of silicon to stabilize vinyl cationic species leads to a redox arylation of alkynes whereby the stringent limitations of reactivity and regioselectivity of alkyl‐substituted alkynes are lifted. This allows the synthesis of a range of α‐silyl‐α′‐arylketones under mild conditions in good to excellent yields and with high functional group tolerance, whereby the silicon moiety in the final products can either be removed for a formal acetone monoarylation transform, or capitalized upon for subsequent electrophilic substitutions at either side of the carbonyl group.     

α‐Carbonyl Cations in Sulfoxide‐Driven Oxidative Cyclizations

The selective, metal‐free generation of α‐carbonyl cations from simple internal alkynes was accomplished by the addition of a sulfoxide to a densely substituted vinyl cation. The high reactivity of the α‐carbonyl cations was found to efficiently induce hydrogen and even carbon shift reactions with unusual selecivities. Complex compounds with highly congested tertiary and all‐carbon‐substituted quartenary carbon centers can thus be accessed in a single step from simple precursors. Mechanistic analysis strongly supports the intermediacy of the title compounds and provides a simple predictive scheme for the migratory aptitude of different substituents.     

Gold‐Catalyzed Intermolecular C?S Bond Formation: Efficient Synthesis of α‐Substituted Vinyl Sulfones

A general method for the synthesis of α‐substituted vinyl sulfones makes use of a combination of a triazole gold complex and gallium triflate. This efficient C S bond formation between simple terminal alkynes and sulfinic acids provides access to various α‐substituted vinyl sulfones.     

Synthesis of α‐Trifluoromethylated Ketones from Vinyl Triflates in the Absence of External Trifluoromethyl Sources

A novel method for the conversion of vinyl triflates into α‐trifluoromethylated ketones in the absence of external trifluoromethyl sources is described. This process accomplishes an efficient migration of the trifluoromethyl group of the triflate to the α‐position in the ketone through a radical process. The reaction proceeds by the addition of a trifluoromethyl radical to the vinyl triflate and subsequent fragmentation of the trifluoromethane sulfonyl radical. Based on this reaction, a one‐pot two‐step procedure for the trifluoromethylation of ketones was developed. The method presented herein also allows the transfer of perfluoroalkyl groups from vinyl perfluoroalkanesulfonates, which are readily accessible from alkynes and perfluoroalkanesulfonic acids.     

Highly Regio‐ and Stereoselective Hydrosilylation of Alkynes Catalyzed by Tridentate Cobalt Complexes

Several cobalt complexes bearing tridentate (NNN) ligands were synthesized and served as precatalysts for alkyne hydrosilylation with Ph₂SiH₂. For terminal alkynes, the catalyst L2 b‐CoCl₂ was selected, and resulted in the corresponding α‐vinylsilanes with high (Markovnikov) regioselectivity and extensive functional‐group tolerance. For internal diaryl alkynes, the catalyst L2 c‐CoCl₂ exhibited the best activity, and afforded E‐selective vinylsilanes through syn‐addition in excellent yield under mild conditions.     

Silver‐Catalyzed Stereoselective Aminosulfonylation of Alkynes

A silver‐catalyzed intermolecular aminosulfonylation of terminal alkynes with sodium sulfinates and TMSN₃ is reported. This three‐component reaction proceeds through sequential hydroazidation of the terminal alkyne and addition of a sulfonyl radical to the resultant vinyl azide. The method enables the stereoselective synthesis of a wide range of β‐sulfonyl enamines without electron‐withdrawing groups on the nitrogen atom. These enamines are found to be suitable for a variety of further transformations.     

Radical Desulfur‐Fragmentation and Reconstruction of Enol Triflates: Facile Access to α‐Trifluoromethyl Ketones

We report an efficient oxidative radical desulfur‐fragmentation and reconstruction of enol triflates for the synthesis of α‐CF₃ ketones. Preliminary mechanistic studies disclosed that oxidative fragmentation to release a CF₃ radical from the triflyl group of enol triflate and subsequent addition of the CF₃ radical to another enol triflate form the desired α‐CF₃ ketones. This method provides a new approach to α‐CF₃ ketones, featuring the utilization of catalytic amount of oxidants, broad substrate scope, and potential to control the regioselectivity.     

Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Vinyl Boronates and Vinyl Silanes via Atom‐Economical Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Alkene–Alkyne Coupling

The synthesis of vinyl boronates and vinyl silanes was achieved by employing a Ru‐catalyzed alkene–alkyne coupling reaction of allyl boronates or allyl silanes with various alkynes. The double bond geometry in the generated vinyl boronates can be remotely controlled by the juxtaposing boron‐ and silicon groups on the alkyne substrate. The synthetic utility of the coupling products has been demonstrated in a variety of synthetic transformations, including iterative cross‐coupling reactions, and a Chan‐Lam‐type allyloxylation followed by a Claisen rearrangement. A sequential one‐pot alkene‐alkyne‐coupling/allylation‐sequence with an aldehyde to deliver a highly complex α‐silyl‐β‐hydroxy olefin with a handle for further functionalization was also realized.     

Visible‐Light‐Mediated Decarboxylative Radical Additions to Vinyl Boronic Esters: Rapid Access to γ‐Amino Boronic Esters

The synthesis of alkyl boronic esters by direct decarboxylative radical addition of carboxylic acids to vinyl boronic esters is described. The reaction proceeds under mild photoredox catalysis and involves an unprecedented single‐electron reduction of an α‐boryl radical intermediate to the corresponding anion. The reaction is amenable to a diverse range of substrates, including α‐amino, α‐oxy, and alkyl carboxylic acids, thus providing a novel method to rapidly access boron‐containing molecules of potential biological importance.     

One‐Pot Aminoethylation of Indoles/Pyrroles with Alkynes and Sulfonyl Azides

A general and efficient one‐pot aminoethylation of substituted indoles/pyrroles was accomplished for the synthesis of various tryptamine derivatives employing a combination of alkynes and sulfonyl azides as readily accessible aminoethylating agents. The reaction features a successful integration of copper‐catalyzed alkyne and azide cycloaddition to N‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazole, rhodium‐catalyzed selective insertion of α‐iminocarbenes onto the C3?H bond of indoles, and reduction of the resultant enamides to tryptamine derivatives employing either NaCNBH₃ or palladium catalyst, in one‐pot. The reaction also showed excellent functional‐group tolerance and allowed the synthesis of various substituted tryptamines in good to excellent yield. This transformation constitutes a one‐pot formal regioselective functionalization of terminal alkynes. Utility of the synthesized tryptamine was further demonstrated in the synthesis of dihydro‐β‐carboline and tryptoline.     

Alkyne Versus Ynamide Reactivity: Regioselective Radical Cyclization of Yne‐Ynamides

Ynamides are typically more reactive than simple alkynes and olefins. However, a serendipitous observation revealed a rare case where the reactivity of simple alkynes exceeds that of ynamides. This led to the development of a unique sulfur‐radical‐triggered cyclization of yne‐tethered ynamides, which involves attack of the alkyne by a thiyl radical followed by cyclization with the ynamide. A wide range of novel 4‐thioaryl pyrroles that could tolerate common functional moieties and N‐protecting groups were expediently constructed by this strategy. The current method contrasts with the typical cyclization of yne‐ynamides, which involves the attack of the alkyne moiety by the ynamide core. Control experiments and DFT calculations supported the participation of the sulfur radical in the reaction and the regioselective cyclization. The synthetic potential of the substituted pyrroles is also discussed.     

Selective Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Hydrochlorination of Alkynes: One‐Step Synthesis of Vinylchlorides

An unprecedented ruthenium‐catalyzed direct and selective alkyne hydrochlorination is reported and leads to vinylchlorides in excellent yields with atom economy. The reaction proceeds at room temperature from terminal alkynes and provides a variety of chloroalkenes. Only the regioisomer resulting from the formal Markovnikov addition is selectively formed. Mechanistic studies show the stereoselective syn addition of HCl to alkynes at room temperature and suggest a chloro hydrido Ru^IV species as a key intermediate of the reaction.     

A convenient synthesis of N‐t‐butyl‐N′‐aminocarbonyl‐N‐(substituted)benzoyl‐hydrazine containing α‐aminoalkylphosphonate groups in a one‐pot procedure

A variety of novel N‐t‐butyl‐N′‐aminocarbonyl‐N‐(substituted)benzoylhydrazines containing α‐aminoalkylphosphonate groups were synthesized. Treatment of α‐aminoalkylphosphonates with triphosgene yielded α‐isocyanatoalkylphosphonates, and subsequent addition with N‐t‐butyl‐N‐substituted benzoylhydrazines provided the title compounds in a one‐pot procedure with good yields. The triphosgene‐mediated reaction for the synthesis of α‐isocyanatoalkylphosphonates enjoys a number of advantages: the reaction is carried out under mild condition in good yield, triphosgene is relatively safe to handle because of its low vapor pressure and high stability, and the experimental procedure is simple. This method can be applicable to the synthesis of other α‐isocyanatoalkyl‐phosphonates and urylenediphosphonates. The structures of all of the products and by‐products were confirmed by ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. We also found that some of the compounds possess potential antitobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activities and anticancer activities. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 12:68–72, 2001     

Hypervalent Iodine(III)‐Mediated Benzannulation of Enamines with Alkynes: an Efficient Synthesis of Substituted Aminonaphthoic Acid Derivatives

An intermolecular two C? C bond formation procedure for the synthesis of carbocycles mediated by hypervalent iodine(III) reagents was developed. This metal free protocol provided a new approach for the synthesis of useful substituted 1‐amino‐2‐naphthoic acid derivatives via benzannulation reactions. Various N‐unsubstituted and N‐alkyl substituted aromatic enamines with terminal alkynes and non‐terminal alkynes can be converted into corresponding 1‐amino‐2‐naphthoic acid derivatives under mild reaction conditions. When meta‐substituted phenyl enamines were employed in the reaction, two cyclization paths were detected in the reaction and ortho‐cyclization products were the only or major products. Good functional group tolerance, readily available material and high atom utilization efficiency make this method a potential procedure which may find broad application in organic synthesis.     

Transition‐Metal‐Free Formal Sonogashira Coupling and α‐Carbonyl Arylation Reactions

Transition‐metal‐free formal Sonogashira coupling and α‐carbonyl arylation reactions have been developed. These transformations are based on the nucleophilic aromatic substitution (S_NAr) of β‐carbonyl sulfones to electron‐deficient aryl fluorides, producing a key intermediate that, depending on the reaction conditions, gives the aromatic alkynes or α‐aryl carbonyl compounds. The development of these reactions is presented and, based on investigations under basic and acidic conditions, mechanisms have been proposed. To develop the formal Sonogashira coupling further, a milder, two‐step protocol is also disclosed that expands the reaction concept. The scope of these reactions is demonstrated for the synthesis of Sonogashira and α‐carbonyl arylated products from a range of electron‐deficient aryl fluorides with a variety of functional groups and aryl‐, heteroaryl‐, alkyl‐, and alkoxy‐substituted sulfone nucleophiles. These transition‐metal‐free reactions complement the metal‐catalyzed versions in terms of substitution patterns, simplicity, and reaction conditions.     

Copper‐Catalyzed 1,2‐Addition of α‐Carbonyl Iodides to Alkynes

β,γ‐Unsaturated ketones are an important class of organic molecules. Herein, copper catalysis has been developed for the synthesis of β‐γ‐unsaturated ketones through 1,2‐addition of α‐carbonyl iodides to alkynes. The reactions exhibit wide substrate scope and high functional group tolerance. The reaction products are versatile synthetic intermediates to complex small molecules. The method was applied for the formal synthesis of (±)‐trichostatin A, a histone deacetylase inhibitor.     

Organosulfide‐Catalyzed Diboration of Terminal Alkynes under Light

An efficient metal‐free diboration of terminal alkynes is reported. In the presence of a catalytic amount of organosulfides under light, the addition of bis(pinacolato)diboron (B₂pin₂) to terminal alkynes takes place efficiently to produce the corresponding double borylation products in good yields. Mechanistic studies indicate that this metal‐free sulfide‐catalyzed diboration of alkynes likely occurs by generation of a boryl‐centered radical with the aid of light and a sulfide, since such a radical was detected in the reaction mixture by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The present form of catalysis (sulfide/light) is thought to be unprecedented and provides a new means of preparation for organoboranes without heavy metal contamination in the products, which is highly desired in the preparation of drugs and electronic materials.     

Enantioselective Zinc/BINOL‐Catalysed Alkynylation of Aldimines Generated in Situ from α‐Amido Sulfones

Chiral nonracemic N‐Cbz‐protected propargylic amines have been prepared by the addition of terminal alkynes to imines generated in situ from α‐amido sulfones in the presence of diethylzinc and BINOL‐type ligands as catalysts. The reactions give good yields and high enantioselectivities (ee values up to 95 %) for a good number of aromatic and heteroaromatic α‐amido sulfones and alkynes.