Efficient synthesis of fluorinated α- and β-amino nitriles from fluoroalkylated α,β-unsaturated imines

A simple and efficient synthesis of fluoroalkylated α-amino nitrile (4) derivatives by regioselective 1,2-addition of trimethylsilyl cyanide to fluoroalkylated α,β-unsaturated imines (1) is described. Fluoroalkylated β-amino nitriles (7) are also prepared by regioselective 1,2-addition of α-carbanions derived from acetonitrile to fluoroalkylated α,β-unsaturated imines (1). Fluoroalkylated α-(4) and β-amino nitriles (7) are also prepared through an ‘one pot’ procedure by reaction of enaminophosphonate 2 with BuLi, addition of aldehydes and subsequent addition of either trimethylsilyl cyanide or α-carbanion derived from acetonitrile. Basic hydrolysis of α-(4) and β-amino nitriles (7) gives fluoroalkylated α-(5) and β-amino acids (8).     

Enantioselective synthesis of chiral γ-aryl α-keto ester by copper-catalyzed 1,4-conjugate addition using D2-symmetric biphenyl phosphoramidite ligand

Cu-catalyzed enantioselective 1,4-conjugate addition of β,γ-unsaturated α-keto ester compound was carried out to afford chiral γ-substituted γ-aryl α-keto ester, which could be conveniently converted to the potential skeleton of new Pril drugs. Up to 81% ee and 99% yield were afforded for the 1,4-conjugate addition using D₂-symmetric biphenyl phosphoramidite ligand.     

The stereoselective total synthesis of (−)-cleistenolide

The stereoselective total synthesis of (−)-cleistenolide is described employing the Barbier allylation, MacMillan α-hydroxylation, Stille-Gennari olefination, and CeCl₃·7H₂O mediated lactonization as key steps.     

A continuous-flow synthesis of annulated and polysubstituted furans from the reaction of ketones and α-haloketones

A synthesis of di-, tri- and tetra-substituted furans from reaction of the corresponding ketones and α-haloketones with LiHMDS is reported. Reaction under continuous-flow conditions gave increased yields and removed the need for external cooling when compared to the unoptimised batch conditions.     

A novel zinc chelate complex containing both phosphorus and nitrogen for improving the flame retardancy of low density polyethylene

A novel metal chelate complex containing phosphorus, nitrogen and zinc (II) ion was synthesized and used as the flame retardant of low density polyethylene (LDPE). The zinc chelate complex was synthesized by reacting zinc acetate with the ligand of tetraethyl (1,2-phenylenebis(azanediyl)) bis (2-hydroxylphenylmethylene) diphosphonate (TEPAPM). The chemical structure of the target Zn-TEPAPM was confirmed by FTIR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ³¹P NMR spectra. The flame retardancy and thermal behavior of LDPE containing various amount of Zn-TEPAPM were investigated by limiting oxygen index test, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and cone calorimetry. The results show that Zn-TEPAPM can greatly increase the thermal stability, the char formation and smoke suppression ability of LDPE. The TG curves show that even when the filler content of Zn-TEPAPM is as low as 1 wt% in LDPE, the onset degradation temperature of LDPE is increased from 429 °C to 442 °C, and the maximum degradation temperature is increased from 469 °C to 488 °C. Also, a reduction of 32% for the peak heat release rate (PHRR) is obtained in the cone test. Moreover, Zn-TEPAPM is demonstrated to be a very effective synergist of ammonium polyphosphate (APP). When 1 wt% of Zn-TEPAPM was introduced into the LDPE/APP (mass ratio 80/19) blend, the PHRR value is reduced by 32%, compared with that of LDPE/APP blend without Zn-TEPAPM, and the char layer becomes more compact and intact.     

Brønsted acid (HNO3)-catalyzed tandem reaction of α-ketoesters and arylamines: efficient synthesis of 1,2-dihydroquinoline derivatives

A simple and convenient Brønsted acid (HNO₃)-catalyzed tandem reaction of α-ketoesters with primary or secondary aromatic amines for the synthesis of polysubstituted 1,2-dihydroquinolines has been developed via a tandem process, which has the advantages of ready availability of catalyst, operation simplicity, atom efficiency as well as low toxicity. In particular, tricyclic dihydroquinolines, generally prepared with multi-processes, could also be constructed in this one-pot procedure.     

An organocatalyzed facile and rapid access to α-hydroxy and α-amino phosphonates under conventional/ultrasound technique

In the present work, successful implementation of ultrasound irradiation for the rapid synthesis of α-hydroxy and α-amino phosphonates under solvent-free conditions is demonstrated. Use of a novel catalyst (i.e., camphor sulfonic acid) in combination with ultrasound technique is reported for the first time. Comparative study for the synthesis of α-hydroxy and α-amino phosphonates using conventional as well as ultrasonication method is discussed.     

Abnormal Ito-Saegusa oxidation of TIPS enol ether assisted by a hydroxy group on a side chain

Although Ito-Saegusa oxidation gives defined α,β-unsaturated ketones from silyl enol ether of ketones controlled by the position of the sp² carbon of the silyl enol ether, the formation of a regioisomeric product that was oxidized abnormally was observed. The structural requirements for the substrates, the conditions, and a plausible mechanism are presented.     

Bifunctional cinchona alkaloids-catalyzed asymmetric [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of β,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters with oxazolones

A highly enantioselective [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of β,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters with oxazolones was realized with readily available cinchona alkaloids as the catalysts. Using this reaction, a series of highly functionalized δ-lactones with adjacent α-quaternary-β-tertiary stereocenters were obtained in high yields (up to 97%) and with good-to-excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee).     

Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane [B(C6F5)3]-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts reactions of activated arenes and heteroarenes with α-amidosulfones: the synthesis of unsymmetrical triarylmethanes

Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane [B(C₆F₅)₃] has found to be an efficient catalyst for Friedel-Crafts reactions between activated arenes or heteroarenes and α-amidosulfones. The products undergo further Friedel-Crafts reactions with activated heteroarenes leading to the synthesis of unsymmetrical triarylmethanes. The present synthetic method displayed significant advantages such as low catalyst loading, mild reaction conditions, highly regioselective, high yield, and broad applicability to various substrates.