Stereoselective Synthesis of Difunctionalized 1,3-Dienes Containing Silicon and Selenium via Hydrozirconation of (Z)-3-(Trimethylsilyl)alk-3-en-1-ynes

Sonogashira coupling of (E)-α-iodovinylsilanes 1 with (trimethylsilyl)-acetylene gave (Z)-1,3-bis(trimethylsilyl)alk-3-en-1-ynes 2, which underwent a desilylation reaction to afford (Z)-3-(trimethylsilyl)alk-3-en-1-ynes 3 in good yields. (1E,3Z)-1-Arylseleno-3-(trimethylsilyl)-substituted 1,3-dienes 5 could be synthesized stereoselectively via hydrozirconation of (Z)-3-(trimethylsilyl)alk-3-en-1-ynes 3, followed by trapping with arylselenenyl bromides.     

Total Synthesis of α-Elvucitabine

Total synthesis of α-elvucitabine was achieved in 26% overall yield by a concise nine-step procedure starting from L-lyxose, with trimethylsilyl trifluoromethaneoulfonate (TMSOTf)–mediated stereocontrolled α-N-glycosidation and olefination through Barton–McCombie deoxygenation being the key steps, and the stereochemistry of the product was determined by nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy.     

Enantio- and Diastereoselective Oxidation of N-Alkylimines Using Chiral α-Bromonitriles and Hydrogen Peroxide System

Chiral α-bromonitriles were prepared with good chemical and optical yields starting from natural α-amino acids by dehydrating the corresponding α-bromoamides with thionyl chloride. The combined system α-bromonitriles/hydrogen peroxide was examined for the enantio- and diastereoselective oxidation of N-alkylimines in basic media at room temperature. The oxidation of N-tertiobutylarylimines leads to optically active oxaziridines with moderate enantiomeric excess. However, the oxidation of (S)-1-phenylethylarylimines affords the corresponding oxaziridines with good diasteromeric excess up to 97/3 as proved by gaseous-phase chromatography.     

One-Pot,Fluoride-Promoted Wittig Reaction

A one-pot, fluoride-promoted Wittig reaction was developed. The reactions of ethyl α-bromoacetate with aliphatic, aromatic, and heteroaromatic aldehydes in the presence of tri-n-butylphosphine and tetrabutylammonium fluoride produced α,β-unsaturated esters in good to excellent yields and E-stereoselectivity. Under the same conditions, reactions of ethyl α-bromopropionate, α-bromo acetonitrile, and α-bromoacetophenone with aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes in the presence of tri-n-butylphosphine and tetrabutylammonium fluoride produced the expected α,β-unsaturated derivatives in good E-stereoselectivity. The protocol was extended to semistabilized ylides and applied to the synthesis of some combretastatin analogs.     

Applications of Dithioacetals in Ester Synthesis

The α-oxoketene dithioacetals are simple synthetic intermediates widely utilized and implicated for the synthesis of a variety of heterocyclic compounds other than alicyclic and aromatic compounds. They act as 1,3-electrophilic three-carbon synthons. The α-oxoketene dithioacetal of pyrazolone derivatives can be efficiently converted through a base-catalyzed alcoholysis into the corresponding ester in a single one-step reaction with good yield of pure products. In this article, we summarize recent direct conversion of α-oxoketene dithioacetals to highly desirable esters. The overall process is an example of intramolecular rearrangement of bonds. Characterization and identification of all synthesized compounds were assigned through ¹H NMR and mass spectroscopy.     

Efficient Friedländer Synthesis of Quinoline Derivatives from 2-Aminoarylketones and Carbonyl Compounds Mediated by Recyclable PEG-Supported Sulfonic Acid

2-Aminoarylketones undergo smooth condensation with α-methylene ketones in the presence of 10 mol% of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)–supported sulfonic acid under mild reaction conditions to afford the corresponding poly-substituted quinolines in excellent yields. The catalyst can be recovered by simple filtration and can be recycled in subsequent reactions. The method is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally benign.     

Selective Bromination of Dehydroacetic Acid with N-Bromosuccinimide

Bromination of dehydroacetic acid has been carried out with N-bromosuccinimide under various conditions. The reactions led to selective bromination, thereby offering efficient synthesis of 3β-bromodehydroacetic acid (3), 3β,5-dibromodehydroacetic acid (4), 3β,3β-dibromodehydroacetic acid (5), and 3β,3β,5-tribromodehydroacetic acid (6).     

Easy Access to α-Bromoketones and Epoxides from vic-Dibromides Under Aqueous Conditions

The conversion of vic-1,2 dibromides to α-bromoketones and epoxides using H₂O₂/dioxane and NaOH/water respectively under mild conditions has been described.     

Heteropoly Acids as Heterogeneous and Reusable Catalyst for α-Thiocyanation of Ketones

Simple, efficient, and mild method for α-thiocyanation of ketones in presence of heteropolyacid has been developed. This methodology offered α-oxothiocyanates in good to excellent yields at room temperature in a highly selective manner. The catalyst could be efficiently recovered from the reaction and reused.     

Stereocontrolled Transformations of trans α,β‐Aziridine Aldehydes toward Different Amino Hydroxylated Structures

The stereocontrolled condensation of methyl ketones to trans α,β‐aziridine aldehydes creates functionalized aldols, valuable precursors for different amino hydroxylated structures, such as amino alcohols, amino diols, α‐tetrahydrofuryl amides, and α‐furyl amides.