Rh(I)-catalyzed allenic Pauson-Khand reaction: first construction of the bicyclo[6.3.0]undecadienone ring system

The Rh(I)-catalyzed Pauson-Khand reaction of allenynes afforded the bicyclo[6.3.0]undecadienones as well as their benzo and furo derivatives. In addition, a novel [RhCl(CO)₂]₂-catalyzed [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of the sulfinic ester species of propargyl alcohols was developed.     

Mo(CO)6- and [Rh(CO)2Cl]2-catalyzed allenic cyclocarbonylation reactions of alkynones: efficient access to bicyclic dienediones

Allenyl alkynones are efficiently transformed into fused bicyclic dienediones via cyclocarbonylation reaction conditions. Mo(CO)6/DMSO reaction conditions result in the formation of a bicyclo[3.3.0]octenone ring system, and the [Rh(CO)2Cl]2-catalyzed reaction affords bicyclo[4.3.0]nonenone and bicyclo[5.3.0]decenone scaffolds.     

Pd(0)-catalyzed intramolecular Heck reaction: A general route for fused oxepine derivatives

A simple and facile approach for the synthesis of various structurally different tricyclic bent oxepine frameworks from a readily accessible precursor has been introduced. The synthesis of substituted oxepine derivative involved Pd(0)-catalyzed Heck reaction. This methodology enriches the literature for the large ring formation.     

Synthesis of [5]-, [6]-, and [7]helicene via Ni(0)- or Co(I)-catalyzed isomerization of aromatic cis,cis-dienetriynes

An original approach to helicene frameworks exploiting atom economic isomerization of appropriate energy-rich aromatic cis,cis-dienetriynes has been developed. The new paradigm provides nonphotochemical syntheses of helicenes based on the easy, convergent, and modular assembly of key cis,cis-dienetriynes and their nickel(0)-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloisomerization. The potential of the methodology is underlined by the syntheses of the parent [5]helicene (2), 7,8-dibutyl[5]helicene (23), [6]helicene (24), and [7]helicene (25). The approach can be adapted to prepare functionalized helicenes as exemplified by the eight-step synthesis of 7,8-dibutyl-2,3-dimethoxy[6]helicene (34). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that bis[2-((1Z)-1-buten-3-ynyl)phenyl]acetylene (1) and isomeric [5]helicene (2) differ enormously in the Gibbs energy content (DeltaG = -136.6 kcal x mol(-1)) to favor highly the devised intramolecular simultaneous construction of three aromatic rings.     

Rh(I)-catalyzed Pauson-Khand reaction and cycloisomerization of allenynes: selective preparation of monocyclic, bicyclo[m.3.0], and bicyclo[5.2.0] ring systems

[reaction: see text] Rhodium(I)-catalyzed PKR of allenynes was found to be applicable for constructing azabicyclo[5.3.0]decadienone as well as oxabicyclo[5.3.0]decadienone frameworks. In addition, a reliable procedure for constructing a 10-monosubstituted bicyclo[5.3.0]deca-1,7-dien-9-one ring system by the rhodium(I)-catalyzed PKR of allenynes was developed under the condition of 10 atm of CO. Investigation of the rhodium(I)-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 4-phenylsulfonylnona-2,3-dien-8-ynes under nitrogen atmosphere gave the corresponding cyclohexene derivatives, whereas the C1-homologated allenynes produced cycloheptene derivatives and/or bicyclo[5.2.0]nonene skeletons depending on the substitution pattern at the allenic terminus. Thus, proper choice of the starting allenynes and reaction conditions led to the selective formation of 2-phenylsulfonylbicyclo[5.3.0]deca-1,7-dien-9-ones (Pauson-Khand-type product), 3-alkylidene-1-phenylsulfonyl-2-vinylcycloheptene derivatives, and bicyclo[5.2.0]nonene frameworks.     

Rh(I)-catalyzed intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition of trans-vinylcyclopropane-enes

Vinylcyclopropane (VCP) has been well applied as a five-carbon component, rather than a three-carbon component, in transition-metal catalyzed cycloadditions. Here we demonstrate a Rh(I)-catalyzed [3 + 2] reaction of trans-VCP-enes, where VCP acts as a three-carbon synthon to furnish five-membered carbocycles. This novel cycloaddition is efficient in generating bicyclic cyclopentanes in good yields from simple and easily prepared substrates. When cis-VCP-ene is used as the substrate, VCP acts as a five-carbon unit to give a [5 + 2] cycloadduct. Rationalization of the [3 + 2] and [5 + 2] cycloadditions of VCP-enes has been proposed.     

Au(I)-catalyzed efficient synthesis of functionalized bicyclo[3.2.0]heptanes

An efficient Au(I)-catalyzed synthesis of highly strained and functionalized bicyclo[3.2.0]heptanes is developed. Subsequent couplings with various nucleophiles offer additional structural features/complexity. These one-pot, three-component reactions are proposed to proceed via a key 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between a Au carbenoid-containing carbonyl ylide and ethyl vinyl ether.     

Rh(I)-catalyzed Pauson-Khand reaction of 1-phenylsulfonyl-1,2-octadien-7-yne derivatives

The Rh(I)-catalyzed PKR of 1-phenylsulfonyl-1,2-octadien-7-ynes and their aza derivatives exclusively produced the corresponding 9-phenylsulfonylbicyclo[4.3.0]nona-1,6-dien-8-ones and no 4-(phenylsulfonylmethylidene)bicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones could be detected. Thus, the ring-closing pattern was found to be the same as those of the previously reported 3-phenylsulfonyl-1,2-octadien-7-yne derivatives. However, the formation of 4-(phenylsulfonylmethylidene)-7-oxabicyclo[3.3.0]oct-1-en-3-ones was observed as a minor product when the 5-oxa congeners were used. In addition, a larger ring-sized product, 10-phenylsulfonyl-5-azabicyclo[5.3.0]deca-1,7-dien-9-one derivative, was obtained from the 6-aza derivative of 1-phenylsulfonyl-1,2-nonadien-8-yne.     

A concise synthesis of the functionalized [5-7-6] tricyclic skeleton of guanacastepene A

The six membered ring of guanacastepene A was constructed by a Diels-Alder reaction of 1,1,4-trisubstituted diene to set up the correct relative stereochemistry at the C8 quaternary center and the remote C5 stereocenter. In 10 efficient steps from the Diels-Alder adduct 9, the desired highly functionalized [5-7-6] tricyclic skeleton 2 was synthesized. Key steps involve trimethylsilyl chloride (TMSCl) assisted Michael addition to form enol ether and the usage of the enol ether in the following intramolecular Mukaiyama aldol reaction to form the middle seven membered ring of guanacastepene A.     

Rh(I)-catalyzed reaction of 2-(chloromethyl)phenylboronic acids and alkynes leading to indenes

The reaction of 2-(chloromethyl)phenylboronic acid (1) with alkynes in the presence of a Rh(I) complex gave indene derivatives in high yields. The regioselectivity depends on the steric nature of the substituent on the alkynes. A bulky group favors the alpha-position of indenes.     

A synthetic approach to bicyclo[6.2.1]undecane ring systems

A synthesis of a functionalized bicyclo[6.2.1]undecane, N-(7-hydroxymethyl-bicyclo[6.2.1]undeca-3,5,9-trien-2-yl)-4-methyl-benzenesulfonamide, is described. Starting with a [6+4] cycloaddition between cyclopentadiene and cycloheptatrienone, the final product was prepared in five steps with an overall 37% yield. The remarkable resistance to hydrolysis of an intermediate lactam was overcome by tosylating the amide and reducing with LiAlH₄.     

A general synthetic route to 6,6-substituted-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyrans from dibenzofuran

The reaction of dibenzofuran 1, lithium pieces (2.2 equiv), and TMEDA (2.2 equiv) in dry ether under reflux led to a solution of the corresponding C,O-dilithiated intermediate 2 which, upon treatment with different ketones or aldehydes (0.8 equiv) at -78 degrees C, afforded, after hydrolysis and dehydration, 6,6-substituted-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyrans 3 in good yields. The reaction undergoes reductive ring opening and cyclization, and the intermediate diol 4e was isolated.     

Enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-asteriscanolide via Rh(I)-catalyzed [(5+2)+1] reaction

The total synthesis of (+)-asteriscanolide starting from two commercially available materials has been accomplished in 19 steps with a 3.8% overall yield. The key reaction is a chiral ene-vinylcyclopropane substrate induced Rh(I)-catalyzed [(5+2)+1] cycloaddition that efficiently constructs the [6.3.0] carbocyclic core with complete asymmetric induction.     

Efficient construction of the bicyclo[5.3.0]decenone skeleton based on the Rh(I)-catalyzed allenic Pauson-Khand reaction

A reliable procedure for constructing a bicyclo[5.3.0]deca-1,7-dien-9-one ring system by rhodium-catalyzed Pauson-Khand reaction (PKR) of allenynes with a sulfonyl group has been developed. Investigation of the rhodium-catalyzed PKR on 19 examples of 1,2-nonadien-8-yne derivatives demonstrated that (i) acceptable yields could be consistently achieved through the proper choice of the rhodium catalyst ([RhCl(CO)(2)](2) or [RhCl(CO)dppp](2)) depending on the starting allenyne and that (ii) an ester functionality as well as hydroxy and siloxy groups could be tolerated in this rhodium-catalyzed PKR.     

Palladium-catalyzed cyclization of 1,6-enyne with 2-bromoarylaldehyde: domino sequence to [5-7-6] tricyclic ring systems

A domino sequence of cyclization of 1,6-enyne with 2-bromoarylaldehyde followed by the intramolecular Aldol-condensation has been realized in the presence of 5 mol % of palladium catalyst. This sequence provides a convenient protocol to access polycyclic ring systems with readily available starting materials under simple Pd(0)-catalyzed conditions. The intramolecular Aldol-condensation has been proposed as the key step for the catalytic cycle.     

A novel synthetic route to 6-oxabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane skeleton

6-Oxabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane skeleton is synthesized starting from bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane skeleton, in which as a key reaction, Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of the tricyclic oxetane (19) is involved.     

A heterocycle-forming double michael reaction. [5 + 1] annulation route to highly substituted and functionalized piperidines

[reaction: see text]. Nitrogen-containing tethered diacids, easily prepared by reductive alkylation of diethyl aminomalonate or ethyl cyanoglycinate, undergo double Michael reactions with 3-butyn-2-one to give highly functionalized and substituted piperidines (pipecolic acid derivatives) with surprisingly high stereoselectivity. The heterocyclic double Michael adducts can be induced to undergo further cyclizations to give a variety of azabicyclic and diazabicyclic compounds.     

Au(I)-catalyzed tandem [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement-cycloisomerization cascade as a route to spirocyclic furans

Gold-catalyzed reaction of 1-(3-hydroxypropynyl)cycloalkanol derivatives was studied. The reaction profile was highly dependent on the ring size, migrating group, as well as reaction conditions. An efficient route to spirocyclic furans via tandem [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement-cycloisomerization is reported.     

A novel synthetic route for 2-[2-（2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy）phenoxy]ethanamine

2-[2-（2,2,2-Trifluoroethoxy）phenoxy]ethanamine is the key intermediate of Silodosin, the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In order to obtain this intermediate, we developed a novel synthetic route by utilizing 2- nitrochlorobenzene as the starting material via O-alkylation, reduction, diazotization, acidolysis, etherification, condensation and hydrazinolysis. The highlight of this method lies on its convenience and economy in accessing this intermediate. 2007 Guo Hua Chert. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.