Application of directed metalation in synthesis. Part 7: Synthesis of suitably functionalised benzo[b]thiophenes as key intermediates in the synthesis of benzothienopyranones

One-pot syntheses of (3-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl) aryl methanones from ortho-methylsulfanylaryl N,N-diethyl amides and of 1-(3-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)ethanone and 1-(3-hydroxybenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)propan-1-one via an anionic ortho-Fries rearrangement are described. The hydroxy ketones were used as key intermediates in the synthesis of benzothienopyranones.     

Adding a Structural Context to the Deprotometalation and Trans‐Metal Trapping Chemistry of Phenyl‐Substituted Benzotriazole

Organometallic bases are becoming increasingly complex, because mixing components can lead to bases superior to single‐component bases. To better understand this superiority, it is useful to study metalated intermediate structures prior to quenching. This study is on 1‐phenyl‐1H‐benzotriazole, which was previously deprotonated by an in situ ZnCl₂ ? TMEDA/LiTMP (TMEDA=N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine; TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide) mixture and then iodinated. Herein, reaction with LiTMP exposes the deficiency of the single‐component base as the crystalline product obtained was [{4‐R‐1‐(2‐lithiophenyl)‐1H‐benzotriazole ? 3THF}₂], [R=2‐C₆H₄(Ph)NLi], in which ring opening of benzotriazole and N₂ extrusion had occurred. Supporting lithiation by adding iBu₂Al(TMP) induces trans‐metal trapping, in which C?Li bonds transform into C?Al bonds to stabilise the metalated intermediate. X‐ray diffraction studies revealed homodimeric [(4‐R′‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐benzotriazole)₂], [R′=(iBu)₂Al(μ‐TMP)Li], and its heterodimeric isomer [(4‐R′‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐benzotriazole){2‐R′‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐benzotriazole}], whose structure and slow conformational dynamics were probed by solution NMR spectroscopy.     

Light‐Controlled Release and Uptake of Zinc Ions in Solution by a Photochromic Terthiazole‐Based Ligand

We have synthesized and fully characterized a photochromic zinc complex with a terphenylthiazole‐based ligand with a salen‐like cavity. The solution stability of the complex was found to be greatly dependent on the state of the photochromic ligand and an interesting photo‐triggered release and uptake of zinc ions was found as well as monitored by its fluorescence. The contrasting stability difference of the zinc complex between its two isomeric states was rationalized by DFT calculations.     

Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of indane and cyclobuta[a]indenes from homoallylic alcohols derived from Baylis-Hillman adducts: base-dependent stereoselectivity for the benzylidene group in cyclobuta[a]indene

Various indane and cyclobuta[a]indene derivatives were synthesized by palladium-catalyzed cyclization of homoallylic alcohol derivatives prepared from Baylis-Hillman adducts. Especially, cyclobuta[a]indene derivative was synthesized stereoselectively by palladium-catalyzed 5-exo-trig/4-exo-trig cascade cyclization, albeit in moderate yield. The Z isomer was formed exclusively in the presence of Et₃N by usual Heck-type carbopalladation process while E isomer with Cs₂CO₃ most likely by a concerted metalation/deprotonation (CMD) process.