Stereospecific Decarboxylative Nazarov Cyclization Mediated by Carbon Dioxide for the Preparation of Highly Substituted 2-Cyclopentenones

Accessing polysubstituted 2-cyclopentenones via base-mediated annulation of β-keto esters and phenacyl bromides

A transition metal-free method is demonstrated for the synthesis of polysubstituted 2-cyclopentenone compounds, which involves the direct annulation of phenacyl bromide with β-keto esters in a single step. This process proceeds through a base-mediated SN2 nucleophilic substitution, followed by an intramolecular aldol condensation, resulting in the formation of three C-C bonds and one ring in a cascade manner. The experimental results achieved a record high yield of highly substituted diverse 2-cyclopentenone analogues, which exhibit very good structural resemblance to biologically significant natural compounds.

Polyoxometalate-Based AgI-MOF for Promoting Catalytic Conversion of CO2 and Propargylic Alcohols under Mild Conditions

The conversion of carbon dioxide to high-value chemicals is greatly significant to green chemistry. The cyclization reaction of CO2 with propargyl alcohol to form α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates has attracted attention due to atomic economy. Silver (AgI) has emerged as one of the most effective activators for alkynes, attributed to its distinctive electronic configuration affording a specific affinity with alkynes. Herein, two novel AgI-based metal-organic frameworks containing Keggin PMo12O403- (abbreviated as {PMo12}), namely, {Ag3(btap)3[PMo12O40]}·H2O (Ag-1) and {Ag(Hbtap)2[PMo12O40]} (Ag-2, btap is 3,5-bis(1',2',4'-triazol-1'-yl)pyridine), were successfully synthesized. Ag-1 exhibits both exceptional thermal and solvent stability, along with high catalytic activity in CO2 cyclization with various substituted propargylic alcohols into α-alkyl cyclic carbonates at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The highly dispersed AgI and {PMo12} sites are beneficial for the superior performance of Ag-1, by activating the C≡C bond and adsorbing carbon dioxide, respectively. Based on the catalytic results, structural analysis, and classical chemical bond theory, it is speculated that the three-coordinated silver in Ag-1 has higher Lewis acidity compared with Ag-2, making it easier to activate the substrate. Notably, the Ag-1 catalyst exhibits outstanding stability with negligible activity loss over at least five successive cycles.

Non-Noble Metal Anchored 2D Covalent Organic Framework for Ambient CO2 Fixation to High-Value Compounds

The catalytic functionalization of CO2 into high-value compounds comprises a promising approach to mitigate its atmospheric content and sustainable generation of fine chemicals. In this respect, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offer great potential in carbon dioxide capture and utilization. Herein, we report application of a crystalline, nanoporous 2D COF (ET-BP-COF) obtained by condensation of 4,4',4'',4'''-(ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayl) tetraaniline (ET-NH2) and 2,2'-bipyridyl-5,5'-dialdehyde (BP-CHO) building blocks for strategic utilization of CO2. The ET-BP-COF features a unique 2D kagome (kgm) topology composed of hexagonal and triangular 1D channels decorated with bipyridine sites, which were exploited for covalent anchoring of eco-friendly, alkynophilic Cu(I) by the post-synthetic method. The Cu(I) engrafted COF was applied as a recyclable catalyst for coupling CO2 with alkynes to generate two high-value compounds, α-alkylidene cyclic carbonates (α-ACCs) and 2-oxazolidinones. Notably, Cu(I)@ET-BP-COF demonstrated excellent catalytic performance for transforming propargylic amine and CO2 to 2-oxazolidinone, an essential building block for antibiotics. Besides, an efficient transformation of propargylic alcohols to generate α-ACCs, valuable commodity chemicals, has been achieved by utilizing carbon dioxide. Further, detailed theoretical simulations disclosed the insight mechanistic path of Cu(I) catalyzed coupling of CO2 and alkynes to produce 2-oxazolidinones and α-ACCs. Significantly, the Cu(I)@COF was reusable for multiple cycles without losing framework rigidity and catalytic performance. This study showcases the potential application of ET-BP-COF for stable anchoring of eco-friendly metals as catalytic sites for effective utilization of CO2 to produce two high-value products, 2-oxazolidinones and α-ACCs, under mild atmospheric conditions.

Keggin structure heteropolyacid-catalyzed phosphinylation of secondary propargyl alcohols with phosphine oxides to γ-ketophosphine oxides

Phosphotungstic acid with a Keggin structure as an efficient, simple and green catalyst for the phosphinylation of secondary propargyl alcohols with phosphine oxides to afford γ-ketophosphine oxides with up to 88% isolated yield was developed using dimethyl carbonate as a green solvent. Diaryl- or alkylaryl-substituted propargyl alcohols, and diaryl or arylalkylphosphine oxides could tolerate the system, which reduced the catalyst dosage, and avoided the use of multi-components and toxic solvents. More interestingly, phosphotungstic acid exhibited the best activity when 0.58 moles of water were added per mole of HPWA, elevating the yield from 55% to 85%. An 18O labelled product was afforded using trace H218O instead of H2O, indicating the participation of water in the reaction. Besides, our work underscores the importance and effect of a small amount of water, acting to promote the transformation of secondary propargyl alcohols into enones, which should be the real intermediates of the reaction. A mechanism involving a carbocation, Meyer-Schuster rearrangement and Michael addition of enones was proposed.

In Situ Anchoring of Small-Sized Silver Nanoparticles on Porphyrinic Triazine-Based Frameworks for the Conversion of CO2 into α-Alkylidene Cyclic Carbonates with Outstanding Catalytic Activities under Ambient Conditions

The preparation of catalytic hybrid materials by introducing highly dispersed metallic nanoparticles into porous organic polymers (POPs) may be an ideal and promising strategy for integrated CO2 capture and conversion. In terms of the carboxylative cyclization of propargyl alcohols with CO2, the anchoring of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on functional POPs to fabricate efficient heterogeneous catalysts is considered to be quite intriguing but remains challenging. In the contribution, well-dispersed AgNPs were successfully anchored onto the porphyrinic triazine-based frameworks by a simple "liquid impregnation and in situ reduction" strategy. The presence of N-rich dual active sites, porphyrin and triazine, which acted as the electron donor and acceptor, respectively, offered a huge opportunity for the nucleation and growth of metal nanoparticles. Significantly, the as-prepared catalyst Ag/TPP-CTF shows excellent catalytic activity (up to 99%) toward the carboxylative cyclization of propargyl alcohols with CO2 at room temperature, achieving record-breaking activities (TOF up to 615 h-1 at 1 bar and 3077 h-1 at 10 bar). Moreover, the catalyst can be easily recovered and reused at least 10 times with retention of high catalytic activity. The possible mechanism involves small-sized AgNP-mediated alkyne activation, which may promote highly efficient and green conversion of CO2. This work paves the way for immobilizing metal nanoparticles onto functional POPs by surface structure changes for enhanced CO2 catalysis.

Decarboxylative Intramolecular [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Cyclic Enol Carbonates: Construction of a Bicyclo[3.3.0]octanone Skeleton

Stereoselective synthesis of bicyclic cyclopentanones was achieved by sequential Tf2O-catalyzed decarboxylation and intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of cyclic enol carbonates bearing an alkene unit. Four stereogenic centers in the obtained cyclopentanone were stereoselectively constructed. This method could be applied to the synthesis of various fused bicyclic products in moderate-to-good yields.

Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Dehydrative Nazarov-Type Cyclization/C2-N1 Cleavage Cascade of Perfluoroalkylated 3-Indolyl(2-benzothienyl)methanols

A novel and unprecedented p-toluenesulfonic acid-catalyzed dehydrative Nazarov-type cyclization/C2-N1 bond cleavage cascade reaction of perfluoroalkylated 3-indolyl(2-benzothienyl)methanols has been developed. This reaction provides an efficient and practical protocol for the construction of highly functionalized benzothiophene-fused cyclopentenones with exclusive stereoselectivity. In addition, this cascade transformation also delineates a rare example of the involvement of the selective C2-N1 bond cleavage of indoles.

Total Syntheses of Calyciphylline A-Type Alkaloids (-)-10-Deoxydaphnipaxianine A, (+)-Daphlongamine E and (+)-Calyciphylline R via Late-Stage Divinyl Carbinol Rearrangements

Among the famous Daphniphyllum alkaloids family, the calyciphylline A-type subfamily has triggered particular interest from the organic synthesis community in recent years. Here, we report divergent total syntheses of three calyciphylline A-type alkaloids, namely, (-)-10-deoxydaphnipaxianine A, (+)-daphlongamine E, and (+)-calyciphylline R. Our work highlights an efficient, divergent strategy via late-stage divinyl carbinol rearrangements, including an unprecedented oxidative Nazarov electrocyclization using an unfunctionalized tertiary divinyl carbinol and an unusual allylic alcohol rearrangement. A highly efficient "donor-acceptor" platinum catalyst was used for a critical nitrile hydration step. Moreover, the power of selective amide reductions has also been showcased by novel and classic tactics.

Decarboxylative 1,2-rearrangement of cyclic carbonates promoted by Lewis acid

A Lewis acid-mediated decarboxylative 1,2-rearrangement reaction of cyclic carbonates was developed. The selectivity of the migration in the decarboxylative 1,2-rearrangement of cyclic carbonates was opposite to that of the corresponding 1,2-diols under the same reaction conditions. This contrasting selectivity of the migration was confirmed in a variety of substrates.

Pd-Catalyzed Enantioselective (3+2)-Cycloaddition of Vinyl-Substituted Oxyallyl Carbonates with Isocyanates and Ketones

The vinyl-substituted oxyallyl carbonates were exploited as a new C,O-dipole for enantioselective Pd-catalyzed (3+2) cycloaddition. The corresponding oxyallyl-Pd species was weakly nucleophilic to react with activated carbonyl compounds, affording multisubstituted and enantioenriched oxazolidinones and 1,3-dioxolanes with a high degree of chemo- and stereoselectivity. The synthetic transformations of oxazolidinone product were carried out to build enantioenriched α-chiral aminoketone and epoxy derivatives.

Gold self-relay catalysis for accessing functionalized cyclopentenones bearing an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter

A new gold(i) self-relay catalysis consisting of a 3,3-rearrangement, Nazarov cyclization and Michael addition cascade of 1,3-enyne acetates with aurones and their derived azadienes is reported, producing functionalized cyclopentenones.

Strategic design of a bifunctional Ag(i)-grafted NHC-MOF for efficient chemical fixation of CO2 from a dilute gas under ambient conditions

Facile grafting of catalytically active Ag(i) into CO2-philic NHC-MOF for simultaneous capture and conversion of CO2 from dilute gas to value-added α-alkylidene cyclic carbonate and oxazolidinones under mild conditions is demonstrated.

Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative [2 + 3] cyclocarbonylation reactions of [60]fullerene: selective synthesis of [60]fullerene-fused 3-vinylcyclopentan-4-ones and cyclopentane-4-carbaldehydes

A new palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative strategy has been developed toward direct cyclocarbonylation of [60]fullerene, selectively furnishing novel [60]fullerene-fused 3-vinylcyclopentan-4-ones and cyclopentane-4-carbaldehydes.

Green Carbon Science: Efficient Carbon Resource Processing, Utilization, and Recycling Towards Carbon Neutrality

Green carbon science is defined as "Study and optimization of the transformation of carbon containing compounds and the relevant processes involved in the entire carbon cycle from carbon resource processing, carbon energy utilization, and carbon recycling to use carbon resources efficiently and minimize the net CO2 emission." [1] Green carbon science is related closely to carbon neutrality, and the relevant fields have developed quickly in the last decade. In this Minireview, we proposed the concept of carbon energy index, and the recent progresses in petroleum refining, production of liquid fuels, chemicals, and materials using coal, methane, CO2, biomass, and waste plastics are highlighted in combination with green carbon science, and an outlook for these important fields is provided in the final section.

Ambiphilic Reactivity of Vinyl Pd-Oxyallyl for Expeditious Construction of Highly Functionalized Cyclooctanoids

We report the catalytic generation of a vinyl Pd-oxyallyl that dimerizes regiospecifically to form highly functionalized nonbridged cyclooctanoids. Such compounds are otherwise synthetically challenging, but highly useful in synthesis. This vinyl Pd-oxyallyl species demonstrates both electrophilic and nucleophilic properties. DFT calculations elucidate the mechanism and the origins of the chemoselective cyclooctanoid formation.

Decarboxylation-triggered homo-Nazarov cyclization of cyclic enol carbonates catalyzed by rhenium complex

Decarboxylative homo-Nazarov cyclization catalyzed by a Lewis acid was achieved using a cyclic enol carbonate bearing a cyclopropane moiety as a substrate. Various substrates were converted into the corresponding multi-substituted cyclohexenones in good yields via decarboxylation, followed by 6-membered ring formation involving cyclopropane-ring-opening.

Pd/LA-catalyzed decarboxylation enabled exclusive [5 + 2] annulation toward N-aryl azepanes and DFT insights

A practical approach towards the synthesis of non-fused N-aryl azepane derivatives with diversity is described. DFT calculations revealed the origins of this unusual exclusive [5 + 2] rather than empirical [3 + 2] annulation process.

Formation of CX Bonds in CO2 Chemical Fixation Catalyzed by Metal-Organic Frameworks

Transformation of CO₂ based on metal-organic framework (MOF) catalysts is becoming a hot research topic, not only because it will help to reduce greenhouse gas emission, but also because it will allow for the production of valuable chemicals. In addition, a large number of impressive products have been synthesized by utilizing CO₂ . In fact, it is the formation of new covalent bonds between CO₂ and substrate molecules that successfully result in CO₂ solidly inserting into the products, and only four types of new CX bonds, including CH, CC, CN, and CO bonds, are observed in this exploration. An overview of recent progress in constructing CX bonds for CO₂ conversion catalyzed by various MOF catalysts is provided. The catalytic mechanism of generating different CX bonds is further discussed according to both structural features of MOFs and the interactions among CO₂ , substrates, as well as MOFs. The future opportunities and challenges in this field are also tentatively covered.

Decarboxylative Nazarov Cyclization-Based Chirality Transfer for Asymmetric Synthesis of 2-Cyclopentenones

Asymmetric synthesis of 2-cyclopentenones was achieved by chirality transfer based on Lewis acid catalyzed decarboxylative Nazarov cyclization of optically active cyclic enol carbonates, which are prepared by silver-catalyzed carbon dioxide incorporation into optically pure propargyl alcohols. The stereochemistry at the 4,5-positions of the 2-cyclopentenones was cleanly constructed by reflecting the stereochemistry of the starting materials. This method could be applied to various substrates to obtain the corresponding products in high yields with highly efficient chirality transfer.

Iron(III)-Mediated Bicyclization of 1,2-Allenyl Aryl Ketones: Assembly of Indanone-Fused Polycyclic Scaffolds and Dibenzo[a,e]pentalene Derivatives

The rapid construction of three-dimensional fused carbocycles is a key challenge in synthetic chemistry. Herein, an unprecedented and practical tandem Nazarov/oxidative umpolung 4π-ring closure of readily available 1,2-allenyl aryl ketones mediated by iron(III) chloride has been developed, furnishing a new family of indanone-fused molecular architectures in moderate to excellent yields. The indanone-containing blocks can be efficiently converted to unsymmetrical dibenzo[a,e]pentalenes. Significantly, divergent synthetic applications have been achieved to provide densely functionalized polycyclic arrays.

Phosphine-catalyzed fixation of CO2 with γ-hydroxyl alkynone under ambient temperature and pressure: kinetic resolution and further conversion

Phosphine-catalyzed fixation of CO₂ with γ-hydroxyl alkynone under ambient temperature and pressure was achieved and the first example of chiral phosphine catalyzed kinetic resolution of propargyl alcohols via carbon dioxide fixation was demonstrated.

Nickel-catalyzed enantioselective sequential Nazarov cyclization/decarboxylation

The nickel-catalyzed enantioselective sequential Nazarov cyclization/decarboxylation has been developed.