Structure and catalytic activity of organopalladium(II) complexes based on 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-5-one derivatives

The paper describes preparation of a chiral bidentate ligand - 2-(2-bromophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-5-one, and a tridentate ligand - 2-bromo-1,3-bis(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-5-on-2-yl)benzene, whose oxidative addition reaction with Pd(0) giving neutral organopalladium(II) complexes has been studied. The structure of these complexes was studied by means of NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. After transformation of the neutral organopalladium(II) complexes into the corresponding ionic species the latter were studied as enantioselctive catalysts for asymmetric Friedel-Crafts alkylation and Michael addition.     

Synthesis,In Silico and In Vivo Toxicity Assessment of Functionalized Pyridophenanthridinones via Sequential MW-Assisted Intramolecular Friedel-Crafts Alkylation and Direct C–H Arylation

A rapid, efficient, and original synthesis of novel pyrido[3,2,1-de]phenanthridin-6-ones is reported. First, the key cinnamamide intermediates 8a–f were easily prepared from commercial substituted anilines, cinnamic acid, and 2-bromobenzylbromide in a tandem amidation and N-alkylation protocol. Then, these N-aryl-N-(2-bromobenzyl) cinnamamides 8a–f were subjected to a TFA-mediated intramolecular Friedel-Crafts alkylation followed by a Pd-catalyzed direct C–H arylation to obtain a series of potentially bioactive 4-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-6H,8H-pyrido[3,2,1-de]phenanthridin-6-one derivatives 4a–f in good yields. Finally, the toxicological profile of the prepared final compounds, including their corresponding intermediates, was explored through in silico computational methods, while the acute toxicity toward zebrafish embryos (96 hpf-LC₅₀, 50% lethal concentration) was also determined in the present study.     

Convergent synthesis of diptoindonesin G

A convergent and scalable synthetic route to a tetracyclic oligostilbenoid natural product, diptoindonesin G, is described where Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling and intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation were employed to construct the central C ring of diptoindonesin G. Two fragments for cross-coupling reaction were readily synthesized with similar efficiency.     

Friedel-Crafts alkylation of indoles with trichloroacetimidates

Substituted indole scaffolds are often utilized in medicinal chemistry as they regularly possess significant pharmacological activity. Therefore the development of simple, inexpensive and efficient methods for alkylating the indole heterocycle continues to be an active research area. Reported are reactions of trichloroacetimidate electrophiles and indoles to address the challenges of accessing alkyl decorated indole structures. These alkylations perform best when either the indole or the imidate is functionalized with electron withdrawing groups to avoid polyalkylation.     

Synthesis of tetraarylmethanes via a Friedel-Crafts cyclization/desulfurization strategy

Tetraarylmethanes are an important class of molecules that contain four aryl groups bonded to a central carbon atom. The shape/three-dimensionality of these molecules makes them suitable for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic solar cells, hydrogen storage, and even drug-delivery. Despite their importance, there are only a few methods available for their preparation. Herein, we report a simple procedure for the preparation of tetraarylmethanes that involves a bismuth-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts cyclization followed by a desulfurization reaction mediated by Raney nickel.     

Unusual reactivity of upper-rim bridged calix[4]arenes – Friedel–Crafts alkylation via cleavage of the macrocyclic skeleton

Upper-rim bridged derivatives of calix[4]arenes, prepared by the direct introduction of mercury into the meta position of the basic skeleton followed by Pd-catalyzed intramolecular bridging, represent a novel type of calixarenes bearing an additional single bond between the meta positions of neighboring aromatic units. Due to the presence of this short bridge, these compounds exhibit extremely distorted cavities when compared with common calix[4]arenes. As a consequence of highly enhanced inner strain, the bridged compounds can be cleaved under acidic conditions to form open oligomeric species (benzylic type carbocation) that can be used for the Friedel–Crafts alkylation of aromatic compounds. This behavior, never observed in common calix[4]arenes, demonstrates a reasonably amended reactivity invoked by the additional bridge.     

The first synthesis of biatriosporin D

Biatriosporin D was synthesized in six steps from 3,5-dimethoxyphenol. The key step was an intramolecular Friedel-Crafts cyclization of an acyl imidazolide to form an ortho-quinone.     

Selective,C-3 Friedel-Crafts acylation to generate functionally diverse,acetylated Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives

Carbon-carbon bonds are integral for pharmaceutical discovery and development. Frequently, CC bond reactions utilize expensive catalyst/ligand combinations and/or are low yielding, which can increase time and expenditures in pharmaceutical development. To enhance CC bond formation protocols, we developed a highly efficient, selective, and combinatorially applicable Friedel-Crafts acylation to acetylate the C-3 position of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines. The reaction, catalyzed by aluminum chloride, is both cost effective and more combinatorial friendly compared to acetylation reactions requiring multiple, stoichiometric equivalents of AlCl₃. The protocol has broad application in the construction of acetylated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with an extensive substrate scope. All starting materials are common and the reaction requires inexpensive, conventional heating methods for adaptation in any laboratory. Further, the synthesized compounds are predicted to possess GABA activity through a validated, GABA binding model. The developed method serves as a superior route to generate C-3 acetylated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine building-blocks for combinatorial synthetic efforts.     

Friedel-Crafts alkylation of benzo[b]furan with activated cyclopropanes catalyzed by a calcium(II) complex

The synthesis of γ-benzo[b]furanyl malonates was achieved through the addition of benzo[b]furan to activated cyclopropanes. These Friedel-Crafts reactions were catalyzed by calcium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonimide), Ca(NTf₂)₂ with tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphine as a co-catalyst. The additions proceeded with complete regioselectivity and in good to excellent yield. Optimization of the reaction conditions and investigation into the scope of the methodology with regards to substitution on the cyclopropane are reported.     

Synthesis of N-substituted 1,2-dihydrobenz[g]isoquinoline-5,10-diones

The synthesis of N-substituted 1,2-dihydrobenz[g]isoquinoline-5,10-diones was envisaged as part of our research on structural modifications of pentalongin, the active principle of Pentas longiflora Oliv. Therefore, a synthesis of the 2-aza analogues of this natural pyranonaphthoquinone with an acid-mediated intramolecular cyclization of different N-protected 2-(((2,2-dimethoxyethyl)amino)methyl)-1,4-naphthoquinones in the key step was conducted. The synthesized 1,2-dihydrobenz[g]isoquinoline-5,10-diones represent a new class of compounds, which has been undescribed in organic chemistry.