Iridium‐Catalyzed Propenylation Reactions for the Synthesis of 4‐Pyridone Derivatives

Regioselective synthesis of 5-azaindazoles based on the intramolecular amination reaction of 5-acyl-4-pyridones with hydrazines

The labile tautomerism of N-unsubstituted 5-acyl-4-pyridones, which exist in the form of 4-pyridone or 4-hydroxypyridine depending on the solvent, has been demonstrated. This equilibrium determines the reactivity of pyridones and their ability to undergo substitution reactions of the OH group. A regioselective and convenient method for the construction of functionalized pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridines (30-93%) based on the intramolecular amination reaction of 4-pyridones with hydrazines has been developed. The heterocyclization of N-alkyl-4-pyridones is accompanied by a dealkylation reaction. The reaction with hydroxylamine as a nucleophile can be used for the construction of the isoxazolo[4,5-c]pyridine core. Methods have been developed for further modification of the 5-azaindazole fragment via alkylation and decarboxylation. The antiproliferative properties of the prepared 5-azaindazoles were studied in relation to cancer (Hep-2, MCF) and normal cell lines (FH and Vero), and the compounds demonstrated relevant biological activity for further design of new molecules for antitumor therapy.

Stereospecific 3-Aza-Cope Rearrangement Interrupted Asymmetric Allylic Substitution-Isomerization

Transition-metal catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution with alkyl and heteroaryl carbon nucleophiles has been well-established. However, the asymmetric allylic arylation of acyclic internal alkenes with aryl nucleophiles remains challenging and underdeveloped. Herein we report a stereospecific 3-aza-Cope rearrangement interrupted asymmetric allylic substitution-isomerization (Int-AASI) that enables asymmetric allylic arylation. By means of this stepwise strategy, both enantioenriched allylic arylation products and axially chiral alkenes could be readily obtained in high enantioselectivities. Experimental studies support a mechanism involving a cascade of asymmetric allylic amination, stereospecific 3-aza-Cope rearrangement and alkene isomerization. Density functional theory studies detailed the reasons of achieving the high chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, stereoselectivity and stereospecificity, respectively.

A Neutral PCNHCP Co(I)-Me Pincer Complex as a Catalyst for N-Allylic Isomerization with a Broad Substrate Scope

Earth-abundant-metal catalyzed double bond transposition offers a sustainable and atom-economical route toward the synthesis of internal alkenes. With an emphasis specifically on internal olefins and ethers, the isomerization of allylic amines has been particularly under represented in the literature. Herein, we report an efficient methodology for the selective isomerization of N-allylic organic compounds, including amines, amides, and imines. The reaction is catalyzed by a neutral PCNHCP cobalt(I) pincer complex and proceeds via a π-allyl mechanism. The isomerization occurs readily at 80-90 °C, and it is compatible with a wide variety of functional groups. The in situ formed enamines could additionally be used for a one-pot inverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction to furnish a series of diversely substituted heterobiaryls, which is further discussed in this report.

Recent Strategies in the Nucleophilic Dearomatization of Pyridines, Quinolines, and Isoquinolines

Dearomatization reactions have become fundamental chemical transformations in organic synthesis since they allow for the generation of three-dimensional complexity from two-dimensional precursors, bridging arene feedstocks with alicyclic structures. When those processes are applied to pyridines, quinolines, and isoquinolines, partially or fully saturated nitrogen heterocycles are formed, which are among the most significant structural components of pharmaceuticals and natural products. The inherent challenge of those transformations lies in the low reactivity of heteroaromatic substrates, which makes the dearomatization process thermodynamically unfavorable. Usually, connecting the dearomatization event to the irreversible formation of a strong C-C, C-H, or C-heteroatom bond compensates the energy required to disrupt the aromaticity. This aromaticity breakup normally results in a 1,2- or 1,4-functionalization of the heterocycle. Moreover, the combination of these dearomatization processes with subsequent transformations in tandem or stepwise protocols allows for multiple heterocycle functionalizations, giving access to complex molecular skeletons. The aim of this review, which covers the period from 2016 to 2022, is to update the state of the art of nucleophilic dearomatizations of pyridines, quinolines, and isoquinolines, showing the extraordinary ability of the dearomative methodology in organic synthesis and indicating their limitations and future trends.

Tandem Iridium Catalysis as a General Strategy for Atroposelective Construction of Axially Chiral Styrenes

Axially chiral styrenes are of great interest since they may serve as a class of novel chiral ligands in asymmetric synthesis. However, only recently have strategies been developed for their enantioselective preparation. Thus, the development of novel and efficient methodologies is highly desirable. Herein, we reported the first tandem iridium catalysis as a general strategy for the synthesis of axially chiral styrenes enabled by Asymmetric Allylic Substitution-Isomerization (AASI) using cinnamyl carbonate analogues as electrophiles and naphthols as nucleophiles. In this approach, axially chiral styrenes were generated through two independent iridium-catalytic cycles: iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution and in situ isomerization via stereospecific 1,3-hydride transfer catalyzed by the same iridium catalyst. Both experimental and computational studies demonstrated that the isomerization proceeded by iridium-catalyzed benzylic C-H bond oxidative addition, followed by terminal C-H reductive elimination. Amid the central-to-axial chirality transfer, the hydroxyl of naphthol plays a crucial role in ensuring the stereospecificity by coordinating with the Ir(I) center. The process accommodated broad functional group compatibility. The products were generated in excellent yields with excellent to high enantioselectivities, which could be transformed to various axially chiral molecules.

Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydro-4-pyridones and 4-Pyridones by the Cyclization Reaction of Ester-Tethered Enaminones

2,3-Dihydro-4-pyridone skeleton is an important building block in organic synthesis because it features several reaction sites with nucleophilic or electrophilic properties. Herein, we disclose a method for its formation by intramolecular cyclization of ester-tethered enaminones, which can easily be synthesized from readily available materials, such as amines, activated alkynes, and activated alkenes. 2,3-Dihydro-4-pyridones have been isolated in 41-90% yields. We also demonstrate the transformation of these heterocycles into another important class of compounds, 4-pyridones, by utilizing 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (chloranil) as an oxidizing agent. The latter products were isolated in 65-94% yields.

Enantioselective α-Functionalization of 1,3-Dithianes by Iridium-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution

An iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reaction with 2-alkoxy carbonyl-1,3-dithianes has been achieved with high regio- and enantioselectivities. The transformation provides a new method for the enantioselective α-functionalization of dithianes. The corresponding dithiane-containing products are easily converted into many other derivatives with high yields and enantioselectivities.

Asymmetric allylic substitution-isomerization to axially chiral enamides via hydrogen-bonding assisted central-to-axial chirality transfer

Axially chiral enamides bearing a N–C axis have been recently studied and were proposed to be valuable chiral building blocks, but a stereoselective synthesis has not been achieved. Here, we report the first enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral enamides via a highly efficient, catalytic approach. In this approach, C(sp²)–N bond formation is achieved through an iridium-catalyzed asymmetric allylation, and then in situ isomerization of the initial products through an organic base promoted 1,3-H transfer, leading to the enamide products with excellent central-to-axial transfer of chirality. Computational and experimental studies revealed that the 1,3-H transfer occurs via a stepwise deprotonation/re-protonation pathway with a chiral ion-pair intermediate. Hydrogen bonding interactions with the enamide carbonyl play a significant role in promoting both the reactivity and stereospecificity of the stepwise 1,3-H transfer. The mild and operationally simple formal N-vinylation reaction delivered a series of configurationally stable axially chiral enamides with good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities.

Axially chiral enamides bearing a N–C axis have been recently studied and were proposed to be valuable chiral building blocks, but a stereoselective synthesis has not been achieved.

Synthesis of N-Alkylpyridin-4-ones and Thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridin-5-ones through Pummerer-Type Reactions

N-Alkylated 4-pyridones were obtained through a one-pot procedure involving either normal or interrupted Pummerer reactions between triflic anhydride-activated sulfoxides and 4-fluoropyridine derivatives, followed by hydrolysis. On the other hand, triflic anhydride-activated benzyl 6-fluoro-2-pyridyl sulfoxide could react with alkenes or alkynes to afford thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridin-5-ones, via the pyridinium salt intermediates.

Enantioselective iridium catalyzed α-alkylation of azlactones by a tandem asymmetric allylic alkylation/aza-Cope rearrangement

An enantioselective and regioselective α-alkylation of azlactones was developed by iridium catalysis using asymmetric allylic alkylation.