Enantioselective one-pot three-component synthesis of propargylamines catalyzed by copper(I)–pyridine bis-(oxazoline) complexes

A one-pot three-component coupling of aldehydes and amines in presence of terminal alkynes has been efficiently catalyzed by copper (I) complex of i-Pr-pybox-diPh 2b or s-Bu-pybox-diPh 2c. The process is simple and allows the synthesis of various propargylamines in good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) and in higher yields. The nature of the substituents attached to imines plays a vital role on the enantioselectivities obtained. The presence of gem-diphenyl group at C-5 position and secondary alkyl substituents at the C-4 chiral center of the oxazoline rings of the chiral ligands was found to be crucial for higher enantioselectivities. A transition state model involving π–π stacking is also proposed for the stereochemical outcome.     

Intramolecular Direct Dehydrohalide Coupling Promoted by KO(t)Bu: Total Synthesis of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids Anhydrolycorinone and Oxoassoanine

A transition-metal-free intramolecular dehydrohalide coupling via intramolecular homolytic aromatic substitution (HAS) with aryl radicals has been developed in the presence of potassium tert-butoxide and an organic molecule as the catalyst. The methodology has been applied to a concise synthesis of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids viz. oxoassoanine (1b), anhydrolycorinone (1d), and other related structures. Interestingly, the method also works only in the presence of potassium tert-butoxide.     

Highly enantioselective direct aldol reaction catalyzed by organic molecules

We have demonstrated that a new class of l-proline-based organic compounds catalyzed the direct aldol reaction between aldehydes and acetone to provide beta-hydroxy ketones in good yields. The reaction is efficient, and 5-10 mol % of the catalyst and excellent enantioselectivities (97-99% ee) were obtained in both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes. The presence of a gem-diphenyl group at the beta-carbon is necessary for high enantioselectivity.     

Synthesis of chiral vicinal C2 symmetric and unsymmetric bis(sulfonamide) ligands based on trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine by aminolysis of N-tosylaziridines

The ring opening of N-tosylaziridines with aliphatic amines can be efficiently catalyzed by lithium perchlorate to provide derivatives of the trans-1,2-diamine in high yields. The reaction was used in desymmetrization of several cyclic N-tosylaziridines using chiral amines. Using this strategy, an efficient synthesis of chiral vicinal C₂ symmetric bis(sulfonamide) and unsymmetrical bis(sulfonamide) ligands based on trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine was developed.     

Asymmetric Alkynylation/Lactamization Cascade: An Expeditious Entry to Enantiomerically Enriched Isoindolinones

An unprecedented Cu^I–pybox‐diPh‐catalyzed highly enantioselective (up to >99 % ee) alkynylation/lactamization cascade has been developed as a general catalytic system for the synthesis of diversely substituted isoindolinones of immense biological importance. The cascade effects one C? C and two C? N bond‐forming events in one reaction vessel under operationally simple, additive‐free reaction conditions in good to excellent yields. The methodology was further extended to the synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinoline scaffolds common to several biologically active natural products in a two‐step sequence with remarkable selectivity (up to 94 % ee).     

Trimethylsilyl cyanide addition to aldimines and its application in the synthesis of (S)-phenylglycine methyl ester

The addition of TMSCN to a variety of arylaldimines (Strecker reaction) in the presence of LiClO₄ or BF₃·Et₂O in acetonitrile has been studied. The reaction provided the addition products in very high yields. The method has been successfully utilized for the synthesis of (S)-phenylglycine methyl ester.     

2-aryl-N-tosylazetidines as formal 1,4-dipoles for [4 + 2] cycloaddition reactions with nitriles: an easy access to the tetrahydropyrimidine derivatives

[reaction: see text] A new synthetic route to 2-aryl-N-tosyl azetidines has been developed starting from N-tosylarylaldimines in two steps in an overall yield of 63-70%. A formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition of these 2-aryl-N-tosylazetidines with nitriles in the presence of BF3.OEt2 has been described for the synthesis of substituted tetrahydropyrimidines. It is proposed that the reaction proceeds in Ritter fashion.     

Regioselective ring opening of aziridines with activated DMF complexes: a facile synthesis of β-haloamines

A wide variety of aziridines were converted to the corresponding β-haloamines using activated DMF complexes in good to excellent yields with high regioselectivity.     

Unified approach to the sesquiterpenoids,lauranes and cyclolauranes: Total synthesis of (±)-isolaurene

A general approach to the total synthesis of sesquiterpene, isolaurene (1a) and cyclolaurene (2a) is featured from commercially available 3-methyl cyclopenten-2-one. The strategy includes a Stork-Danheiser sequence concomitant with a Ni(II)-catalyzed conjugate addition of methyl group onto 3-aryl 2-methyl cyclopenten-2-one to afford the advanced intermediate 11. A methyllithium addition onto compound 11 with an eventual dehydration completed the total synthesis of isolaurene (1a) in 5 steps (58.3% overall yields).     

Highly enantioselective water-compatible organocatalyst for Michael reaction of ketones to nitroolefins

A chiral diamine was found to catalyze enantioselective addition of ketones to nitroolefins in aqueous/saline/organic media. The products were obtained with excellent diastereoselectivities (syn/anti = 99:1) and enantioselectivities up to 99%. The reaction could be facilitated using a mild acid. [reaction: see text]