Single‐Operation Decarboxylative Mannich Reaction/Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation Cascade Process Directly Accesses 1,3‐Distereocentered β‐Sulfonamido Alcohols

Enantioselective Decarboxylative Mannich Reactions of α,β-Unsaturated β'-Ketoacids and Isatin Imines: Application in the Synthesis of Spiro[indoline-3,2'-piperidine]-2,4'-diones

Organocatalytic, enantioselective decarboxylative Mannich reactions of α,β-unsaturated β'-ketoacids and isatin N-Boc imines, to give the corresponding 3-carbamoyl-2-oxindole derivatives, were developed. Subsequent N-deprotection and diastereoselective, intramolecular, aza-Michael reaction of the free amine provides previously unreported spiro[indoline-3,2'-piperidine]-2,4'-diones.

Copper(ii)-catalyzed enantioselective decarboxylative Mannich reaction coordinated by supramolecular organic amine cages

Using supramolecular chiral cages to create a favorable chiral environment can effectively address the limitations of traditional metal asymmetric catalysis in controlling chiral catalytically active centers. However, achieving harmonious interactions among the molecular cage, the metal, and the substrate within the cavity remains a significant challenge. To overcome this, we have designed a pyridinium-modified, chiral-diamine-functionalized cage with a distinct bowl-shaped geometry. This structure features three quaternary ammonium linkers at the base and three chiral cyclohexanediamine units positioned at the rim. Acting as a supramolecular chiral ligand, the coordination of this cage with copper salts forms an optimal chiral environment that enables an efficient decarboxylative Mannich reaction between β-ketoacids and imines, yielding a broad range of chiral β-amino carbonyl compounds. Mechanistic studies and control experiments reveal that the coordinated Cu center is responsible for the substrate grabbing and preorganization within the cavity and the free NH group contributes to the enhanced enantioselectivity through hydrogen bonds, collaboratively enhancing the overall catalytic efficiency.

Base mediated aza-[2 + 1] annulation and regioselective aziridine ring-opening cascade: mild synthesis of functionalized β-amino ketones from cyclic N-sulfonyl aldimines and α-carbonyl sulfonium salts

Cyclic N-sulfonyl aldimines are well-known aza-[2C]-synthons for various [2 + n] annulation reactions. Herein we describe a novel base mediated [2 + 1] annulation and a regioselective aziridine ring-opening reaction cascade, which provides an efficient and distinct synthetic strategy from readily available cyclic N-sulfonyl aldimines and α-carbonyl sulfonium salts leading to β-amino ketone derivatives through the corresponding fused tri-substituted aziridines. This one-pot, two-step process involves formation of C-C and C-N bonds and subsequent cleavage of a C-N bond. The features of the developed reaction include the use of mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and excellent yields. The synthetic utility of this approach was demonstrated by gram-scale operation and further product derivatizations.

Swapping Copper-Catalytic Process: Selective Access to Pyrazoles and Conjugated Ketimines from Oxime Acetates and Cyclic Sulfamidate Imines

A powerful CuCl-catalyzed sequential one-pot reaction of aryl methyl ketoxime acetates with cyclic N-sulfonyl imines followed by elimination in the presence of base is reported. This hydrazine-free method conveniently makes C-C and N-N bonds via a radical cleavage of the N-O bond, delivering a special class of C3-hydroxyarylated pyrazoles in good yields. Surprisingly, while employing CuI as a catalyst instead of CuCl, the reaction proceeds through a non-radical pathway which embodies a new tactic for the high-yielding access to value-added conjugated N-unsubstituted ketimines. Moreover, additive-free approach to sulfamidate-fused-pyrazoles was achieved by successfully catalyzing addition and oxidative N-N bond-making reactions by CuI and CuCl, respectively. Significantly, our novel technique could convert the prepared ketimines into the pharmacologically recognized 6H-benzo[c]chromene frameworks.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Chalcones in Water: Application to the Enantioselective Synthesis of Flavans BW683C and Tephrowatsin E

The oxo-tethered-Ru(II) precatalyst promoted the one-pot C═C/C═O reduction of chalcones using sodium formate as the hydrogen source in water through asymmetric transfer hydrogenation. Twenty-seven 1,3-diarylpropan-1-ols were obtained in good to excellent yields (up to 96%) and enantiomeric purities (up to 98:2). Our data suggested that the enones are first reduced to the corresponding dihydrochalcones (1,4-selectivity) and then into 1,3-diarylpropan-1-ols (C═O reduction). The stereoelectronic effects of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups at the ortho, meta and para positions of both aromatic rings were evaluated. The 2-OH group at the B ring was well tolerated, allowing a straightforward enantioselective synthesis of two flavans through the Mitsunobu cyclization, the antiviral (S)-BW683C and the natural flavan (S)-tephrowatsin E.