An efficient one-pot synthesis of novel 4-aryl-1-methyloxindoles

Pd-catalyzed N-arylation of secondary acyclic amides: catalyst development, scope, and computational study

We report the efficient N-arylation of acyclic secondary amides and related nucleophiles with aryl nonaflates, triflates, and chlorides. This method allows for easy variation of the aromatic component in tertiary aryl amides. A new biaryl phosphine with P-bound 3,5-(bis)trifluoromethylphenyl groups was found to be uniquely effective for this amidation. The critical aspects of the ligand were explored through synthetic, mechanistic, and computational studies. Systematic variation of the ligand revealed the importance of (1) a methoxy group on the aromatic carbon of the "top ring" ortho to the phosphorus and (2) two highly electron-withdrawing P-bound 3,5-(bis)trifluoromethylphenyl groups. Computational studies suggest the electron-deficient nature of the ligand is important in facilitating amide binding to the LPd(II)(Ph)(X) intermediate.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of (2R,alphaS)-3,4-dihydro-2-[3-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)phenyl]-5-[3-(trifluoromethoxy)-phenyl]-alpha-(trifluoromethyl)-1(2H)-quinolineethanol as potent and orally active cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor

With the goal of identifying a CETP inhibitor with high in vitro potency and optimal in vivo efficacy, a conformationally constrained molecule was designed based on the highly potent and flexible 13. The synthetic chemistry efforts led to the discovery of the potent and selective 12. In high-fat fed hamsters, human CETP transgenic mice, and cynomolgus monkeys, the in vivo efficacy of 12 for raising HDL-C was demonstrated to be comparable to torcetrapib.

Orthogonal Pd- and Cu-based catalyst systems for C- and N-arylation of oxindoles

In the cross-coupling reactions of unprotected oxindoles with aryl halides, Pd- and Cu-based catalyst systems displayed orthogonal chemoselectivity. A Pd-dialkylbiarylphosphine-based catalyst system chemoselectively arylated oxindole at the 3 position, while arylation occurred exclusively at the nitrogen using a Cu-diamine-based catalyst system. Computational examination of the relevant L1Pd(Ar)(oxindolate) and diamine-Cu(oxindolate) species was performed to gain mechanistic insight into the controlling features of the observed chemoselectivity.

Biaryl phosphane ligands in palladium-catalyzed amination

Palladium-catalyzed amination reactions of aryl halides have undergone rapid development in the last 12 years, largely driven by the implementation of new classes of ligands. Biaryl phosphanes have proven to provide especially active catalysts in this context. This Review discusses the application of these catalysts in C-N cross-coupling reactions in the synthesis of heterocycles and pharmaceuticals, in materials science, and in natural product synthesis.