A polymer-supported [1,3,2]oxazaphospholidine for the conversion of isothiocyanates to isocyanides and their subsequent use in an ugi reaction

Tethered Alkylidenes for REMP from Carbon Disulfide Cleavage

Reactions between tungsten alkylidyne [tBuOCO]W≡CtBu(THF)2 1 and sulfur containing small molecules are reported. Complex 1 reacts with CS2 to produce intermediate η2 bound CS2 complex [O2C(tBuC═)W(η2-(S,C)-CS2)(THF)] 8. Heating complex 8 provides a mixture of a monomeric tungsten sulfido complex 9 and a dimeric complex 10 in a 4:1 ratio, respectively. Heating the mixture does not perturb the ratio. Addition of excess THF in a solution of 9 and 10 (4:1) converts 10 to 9 (>96%) with concomitant loss of (CS)x. Both 9 and 10 can be selectively crystallized from the mixture. An alternative synthesis of exclusively monomeric 9 involves the reaction between 1 and PhNCS. Demonstrating ring expansion metathesis polymerization (REMP), tethered tungsten alkylidene 8 polymerizes norbornene to produce cis-selective syndiotactic cyclic polynorbornene (c-poly(NBE)).

Stefano Marcaccini: a pioneer in isocyanide chemistry

Stefano Marcaccini was one of the pioneers in the use of isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions in organic synthesis. Throughout his career at the University of Florence he explored many different faces of isocyanide chemistry, especially those geared towards the synthesis of biologically relevant heterocycles. His work inspired many researchers who contributed to other important developments in the field of multicomponent reactions and created a school of synthetic chemists that continues today. In this manuscript we intend to review the articles on isocyanide multicomponent reactions published by Dr. Marcaccini and analyse their influence on the following works by other researchers. With this, we hope to highlight the immense contribution of Stefano Marcaccini to the development of isocyanide chemistry and modern organic synthesis as well as the influence of his research on future generations. We believe that this review will not only be a well-deserved tribute to the figure of Stefano Marcaccini, but will also serve as a useful inspiration for chemists working in this field.

A stable ring-expanded NHC-supported copper boryl and its reactivity towards heterocumulenes

Reaction of bis(pinacolato)diboron with (6-Dipp)CuO^tBu generates a ring-expanded N-heterocyclic carbene supported copper(I) boryl, (6-Dipp)CuBpin. This compound showed remarkable stability and was characterised by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. (6-Dipp)CuBpin readily dechalcogenated a range of heterocumulenes such as CO₂, isocyanates and isothiocyanates to yield (6-Dipp)CuXBpin (X = O, S). In the case of CO₂ catalytic reduction to CO is viable in the presence of excess bis(pinacolato)diboron. In contrast, in the case of iso(thio)cyanates, the isocyanide byproduct of dechalcogenation reacted with (6-Dipp)CuBpin to generate a copper(I) borylimidinate, (6-Dipp)CuC(NR)Bpin, which went on to react with heterocumulenes. This off-cycle reactivity gives selective access to a range of novel boron-containing heterocycles bonded to copper, but precludes catalytic reactivity.

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs): a useful access to the synthesis of benzo-fused γ-lactams

Benzo-fused γ-lactam rings such as isoindolin-2-ones and 2-oxindoles are part of the structure of many pharmaceutically active molecules. They can be often synthesized by means of multicomponent approaches and recent contributions in this field are summarized in this review. Clear advantages of these methods include the efficiency in saving raw materials and working time. However, there is still a need of new catalytic systems to allow the enantioselective preparation of these heterocycles by multicomponent reactions.

The rapid generation of isothiocyanates in flow

Isothiocyanates are versatile starting materials for a wide range of chemical reactions. However, their high nucleophilic susceptibility means they are best prepared and used immediately. We report here on a flow platform for the fast and efficient formation of isothiocyanates by the direct conversion of easily prepared chloroximes. To expedite this chemistry a flow insert cartridge containing two immobilised reagents is used to affect the chemical transformation which typically eliminates the requirements for any conventional work-up or purification of the reaction stream.

Microwave-Assisted Suzuki Coupling Reactions with an Encapsulated Palladium Catalyst for Batch and Continuous-Flow Transformations

This article describes the design, optimisation and development of a Suzuki cross-coupling protocol mediated by an efficient palladium-encapsulated catalyst (Pd EnCat) under microwave irradiation. The methodology has been used in both batch mode for classical library preparation and in continuous-flow applications furnishing multigram quantities of material. Described is a method that uses direct focused microwave heating whilst applying an external cooling source. This enables a lower than normal bulk temperature to be maintained throughout the reaction period leading to significant improvements in the overall yield and purity of the reaction products. Additional aspects of this novel heating protocol are discussed in relation to the prolonged lifetime and enhanced reactivity of the immobilised catalyst system.

Advances in organic synthesis using polymer-supported reagents and scavengers under microwave irradiation

Microwave-assisted and polymer-supported organic syntheses have emerged independently as versatile tools for rapid generation of organic molecules. Chemists are increasingly looking for a combination of both techniques for efficient organic synthesis. This review covers the recent literature on organic synthesis using microwave heating in conjunction with polymer-supported reagents and scavengers.

Formation of 4-Aminopyrimidines via the Trimerization of Nitriles Using Focused Microwave Heating

A series of substituted aliphatic nitriles have been trimerized to their corresponding pyrimidine structures under solvent-free conditions in the presence of catalytic quantities of potassium tert-butoxide using a focused microwave reactor. Multigram quantities of the corresponding 4-aminopyrimidines have been prepared in high yields and purity following a simple and scaleable protocol.

Controlled Microwave Heating in Modern Organic Synthesis

Although fire is now rarely used in synthetic chemistry, it was not until Robert Bunsen invented the burner in 1855 that the energy from this heat source could be applied to a reaction vessel in a focused manner. The Bunsen burner was later superseded by the isomantle, oil bath, or hot plate as a source for applying heat to a chemical reaction. In the past few years, heating and driving chemical reactions by microwave energy has been an increasingly popular theme in the scientific community. This nonclassical heating technique is slowly moving from a laboratory curiosity to an established technique that is heavily used in both academia and industry. The efficiency of "microwave flash heating" in dramatically reducing reaction times (from days and hours to minutes and seconds) is just one of the many advantages. This Review highlights recent applications of controlled microwave heating in modern organic synthesis, and discusses some of the underlying phenomena and issues involved.

Microwave assisted Leimgruber-Batcho reaction for the preparation of indoles, azaindoles and pyrroylquinolines

The development of enhanced conditions for Lewis acid catalysed Leimgruber-Batcho indole synthesis using microwave acceleration is described. This approach has permitted the preparation of a variety of heteroaromatic enamine intermediates in good yield and high purities. Subsequent catalytic hydrogenation reactions, under various conditions including the use of a solid-phase encapsulated catalyst, furnish the corresponding indole derivatives in good yields.