Assistance of DFT calculations on the design and rationalization of active pharmaceutical ingredients synthesis - Michael addition-isomerization steps in Oseltamivir synthesis

gem-Difluorovinyl and trifluorovinyl Michael acceptors in the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated fluorinated and nonfluorinated amides

The incorporation of fluorine atoms within the structure of organic compounds is known to exert a significant impact on their electronic properties, thereby modulating their reactivity in diverse chemical transformations. In the context of our investigation, we observed a striking illustration of this phenomenon. A Michael addition involving gem-difluorovinyl and trifluorovinyl acceptors was successfully achieved, demonstrating high stereoselectivity. This selectivity was further elucidated through theoretical calculations. Using this methodology, a series of new α,β-unsaturated amides, both fluorinated and nonfluorinated, were synthesized.

α-Alkylation of ketones with primary alcohols by an active non-noble metal Cu/CuOx catalyst

Development of convenient and effective heterogeneous non-noble metal catalysts for α-alkylation of ketones with alcohols is challenging in heterogeneous catalysis. Here, we report active non-noble metal Cu/CuOx catalysts for the construction of C-C bonds by the α-alkylation of ketones with alcohols through the borrowing hydrogen methodology. The optimal Cu/CuOx-250 catalyst exhibits good catalytic performance in the reactions to give the corresponding products in 50-96% yields. The Cu/CuOx catalysts are characterized by different analysis techniques such as XRD, TEM, XPS, H2-TPR, BET, and ICP. Moreover, the catalyst can be reused at least for five successive cycles without significant loss of activity. The present study provides meaningful insights into the development of non-noble metal heterogeneous catalysts for α-alkylation of ketones with alcohols.