Regio- and Diastereoselective Construction of Spirocyclopenteneoxindoles through Phosphine-Catalyzed [3 + 2] Annulation of Methyleneindolinone with Alkynoate Derivatives

Mechanistic Study on the Asymmetric Cascade Michael Addition of Alkynone and Oxindole Catalyzed by Chiral Guanidine

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the M06-2X-D3 functional were used to get the mechanistic investigation and stereoselectivity of the cascade Michael addition of alkynone and oxindole, catalyzed by a chiral guanidine-amide compound. The reaction proceeded through a two-step synergistic process involving sequential C-C and C-O bond formation, together with an H-shift. Because of the high energy barriers of 33.5 kcal mol-1 (for C-C bond construction) and 41.3 kcal mol-1 (for C-O bond construction), the reaction was difficult to proceed without the catalyst. The guanidine catalyst facilitated the generation of enolized oxindole species with high nucleophilicity, activating both the enolate oxindole and the alkynone via ion-pairing and multiple hydrogen bonding, significantly lowering the activation barriers. The combination of the guanidine unit and the sulfonamide backbone created an excellent semiclosed chiral environment, promoting asymmetric induction. Due to steric effects from the ortho- and para-substituted iPr groups in SO2Ar, the bulky Cy group, and the chiral backbone, the SS-configuration spirocyclization product with high enantio- and diastereoselectivity was formed predominantly. The E/Z selectivity in the formation of the key α,β-unsaturated ketone intermediate was influenced by catalyst-substrate interactions. Extension of the alkyl chain at the 3-position in the oxindole substrate led to the C-O bond formation more difficult, hindering the construction of spirooxindoles.

Highly regio- and stereoselective (3 + 2) annulation reaction of allenoates with 3-methyleneindolin-2-ones catalyzed by a planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophane-based bifunctional phosphine-phenol catalyst

A planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophane-based phosphine-phenol catalyst catalyzed the (3 + 2) annulation reaction of ethyl 2,3-butadienoate with 3-methyleneindolin-2-ones to produce 2,5-disubstituted cyclopentene-fused C3-spirooxindoles in high yields with high regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivities. This catalyst was suitable for reactions of not only benzylideneindolinones but also alkylideneindolinones, the chiral phosphine-catalyzed reactions of which have not yet been reported. Density functional theory calculations suggested that the formation of hydrogen bonds between the phenolic OH group of the catalyst and the allenoate carbonyl group, rather than between the OH group and the carbonyl group of indolinone, contributed to the formation of an efficient reaction space at the enantiodetermining step.

Stereoelectronic Effect in the Reaction of α-Methylene Lactones with Tertiary Phosphines and Its Application in Organocatalysis

The kinetic data indicate that the addition of tertiary phosphines to α-methylene lactones in acetic acid is strongly accelerated in comparison to the reactions of related open-chain esters. Six-membered α-methylene-δ-valerolactone exhibited a more pronounced rate increase than five-membered α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone. The use of α-methylene-γ-butyrolactam as a nitrogen analogue of α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone resulted in a total loss of the reaction acceleration. The observed reactivities were rationalized by DFT calculations at the RwB97XD/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory, showing that the intramolecular interaction between phosphonium and enolate oxygen centers provided by the locked s-cis-geometry of the heterocycles plays an important role in the stabilization of intermediate zwitterions. The reactivity is also controlled by the conformational flexibility of the heterocycle. The geometries of five-membered and, especially, six-membered lactone cycles are slightly changed upon the nucleophilic attack of phosphine, leading to the stabilizing stereoelectronic effect by the Ρ···Ο interaction. The addition of phosphine to α-methylene-γ-butyrolactam significantly distorts the initial geometry of the heterocycle, making the nucleophilic attack unfavorable. The application of the stereoelectronic effect to enhance the efficiency of the phosphine-catalyzed Michael and Pudovik reactions of α-methylene lactones was demonstrated.

Tri(n-butyl)phosphine-promoted domino reaction for the efficient construction of spiro[cyclohexane-1,3'-indolines] and spiro[indoline-3,2'-furan-3',3''-indolines]

The tri(n-butyl)phosphine-catalyzed reaction of isatylidene malononitriles and bis-chalcones in chloroform at 65 °C afforded functionalized spiro[cyclohexane-1,3'-indolines] in good yields and with good diastereoselectivity. On the other hand, the tri(n-butyl)phosphine-catalyzed reaction of 3-(ethoxycarbonylmethylene)oxindoles and bis-chalcones gave functionalized spiro[cyclohexane-1,3'-indolines] with different regioselectivity. Additionally, the tri(n-butyl)phosphine-promoted domino annulation reaction of isatins and ethyl isatylidene cyanoacetates produced spiro[indoline-3,2'-furan-3',3''-indolines] in satisfactory yields.

Stereoselective Domino Reactions in the Synthesis of Spiro Compounds

This review summarizes the latest developments in asymmetric domino reactions, with the emphasis on the preparation of spiro compounds. Discussions on the stereoselectivity of the transformations, the reaction mechanisms, the rationalization of the stereochemical outcome, and the applications of domino reactions to the synthesis of biologically active molecules and natural products are included when appropriate.

1 Introduction

2 Asymmetric Domino Reactions

2.1 Domino Reactions Initiated by Michael Reactions

2.2 Domino Reactions Initiated by Mannich Reactions

2.3 Domino Reactions Initiated by Knoevenagel Reactions

2.4 Domino Reactions Initiated by Cycloaddition Reactions

2.5 Domino Reactions Initiated by Metal Insertion

2.6 Other Mechanisms

3 Conclusion

Ligand-Controlled Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric [4+3] and [2+3] Annulation Reactions of Spirovinylcyclopropyl Oxindoles with o-Quinone Methides

We herein report regiodivergent ligand-controlled palladium-catalyzed asymmetric cycloaddition reactions between spirovinylcyclopropyl oxindoles and o-quinone methides. Specifically, by using the chiral P,P-ligand Segphos (L5), we obtained various spirooxindole-3,4-benzo[b]oxepanes in moderate to good yields with excellent enantioselectivities via [4+3] cycloaddition reactions. In contrast, reactions involving Trost's ligand (L7) showed different regio- and stereoselectivities, affording bispirooxindole heterocyclic compounds in good yields via [2+3] cycloaddition reactions.

Phosphine-Catalyzed Internal Redox [4 + 2] Annulation between 1,4-Enynoates and Electron-Deficient Alkenes

Herein we describe a phosphine-catalyzed internal redox [4 + 2] annulation of 1,4-enynoates with electron-deficient alkenes, in which the γ- and φ-C(sp³)-H of the enynoates are formally oxidized for the annulation while the alkynyl moiety is converted to an alkene. The reaction offers an efficient synthesis of highly functionalized cyclohexenes in moderate to good yields with exclusive regioselectivity and high diastereoselectivity under mild conditions.

Lewis acid-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulations of oxindole based spirocyclic donor-acceptor cyclopropanes with ynamides

[3 + 2] annulations of oxindole based spirocyclic donor-acceptor cyclopropanes and ynamides catalyzed by copper triflate have been developed for the synthesis of biologically important spirocyclopenteneoxindoles. These reactions tolerated a wide scope of substrates and provided the desired products in good to high yields (up to 90%) with up to >40 : 1 diastereoselectivities under mild conditions.

Syntheses of Amorfrutins and Derivatives via Tandem Diels-Alder and Anionic Cascade Approaches

We describe two complementary approaches based on a convergent [4+2] logic toward the synthesis of amorfrutins, cannabinoids, and related plant metabolites. An anionic cascade cyclization employing β-methoxycrotonates and β-chloro-α,β-unsaturated esters yielded amorfrutins in four linear steps and demonstrated utility of β-alkoxycrotonate-derived nucleophiles as functional equivalents of β-ketoester-derived dianions. Analogously, tandem Diels-Alder/retro-Diels-Alder cycloaddition of dimedone-derived bis(trimethylsiloxy)-dienes and α,β-alkynyl ester dienophiles provided facile access to resorcinol precursors of amorfrutins and cannabinoids, avoiding late-stage installation of prenyl or geranyl moieties as in previous approaches.

Oxyphosphonium Enolate Equilibria in a (4+1)-Cycloaddition Approach toward Quaternary C3-Spirooxindole Assembly

An efficient and convergent (4+1)-cycloaddition strategy toward the construction of spirooxindole benzofurans that involves the intermediacy of an isatin-derived oxyphosphonium enolate is presented. Mechanistic investigations employing in situ NMR analysis of the reaction mixture revealed a correlation between phosphonium enolate structure and product distribution that was heavily influenced by the solvent and reaction temperature.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of Tetrabenzohydrofuran Spirooxindoles via Diethyl Phosphite-Mediated Coupling of Isatins with o-Quinone Methides

Diethyl phosphite-initiated coupling of isatins with o-quinone methides (o-QMs) is reported. This reaction involves a cascade transformation initiated by base-promoted addition of phosphite to isatins, followed by [1,2]-phospha-Brook rearrangement. This generates α-phosphonyloxy enolates that are subsequently intercepted by o-QMs and finally intramolecular ring closure. This protocol was used to diastereoselectively synthesize a range of trans-tetrabenzohydrofuran spirooxindoles in moderate to good yields with moderate to excellent diastereoselectivities.

A formal intermolecular [4 + 1] cycloaddition reaction of 3-chlorooxindole and o-quinone methides: a facile synthesis of spirocyclic oxindole scaffolds

Herein, we developed an efficient and straightforward method for the rapid synthesis of spirocyclic oxindole scaffolds via the [4 + 1] cyclization reaction of 3-chlorooxindole with o-quinone methides (o-QMs), which were generated under mild conditions. The products could be obtained in excellent yields with numerous types of 3-chlorooxindole. This methodology features mild reaction conditions, high atom-economy and broad substrate scope.

Herein, we developed an efficient and straightforward method for the rapid synthesis of spirocyclic oxindole scaffolds via the [4 + 1] cyclization reaction of 3-chlorooxindole with o-quinone methides (o-QMs), which were generated under mild conditions.

A PPh3-catalyzed sequential annulation reaction to construct cyclopentane-fused dihydropyrazolone-pyrrolidinediones

A PPh3-catalyzed sequential cycloaddition of maleimides with unsaturated pyrazolones has been developed. This protocol provides a simple and practical strategy for the construction of dispirocyclopentyl-[dihydropyrazolone-pyrrolidinedione] pyrrolidinedione skeletons containing five contiguous stereogenic centers, including two spiro-quaternary centers, with moderate yields (34-73%) and excellent diastereoselectivities (>20 : 1).

Catalytic Asymmetric Construction of a 1,2,4-Benzotriazepine Skeleton via Diastereo- and Enantioselective Decarboxylative [4 + 3] Cyclization

We have developed a protocol for palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative [4 + 3] cycloaddition reactions between 4-vinyl benzoxazinanones and azomethine imines to generate moderate to good yields of structurally diverse 1,2,4-benzotriazepines bearing two stereogenic centers with good to excellent stereoselectivities. This protocol not only addresses the challenge of asymmetrically constructing compounds with a 1,2,4-benzotriazepine skeleton but also demonstrates the utility of decarboxylative cycloadditions for the synthesis of enantioenriched polycyclic compounds.

Stereoselective synthesis and applications of spirocyclic oxindoles

This review summaries recent synthetic developments towards spirocyclic oxindoles and applications as valuable medicinal and synthetic targets.

Iodine-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Spirovinylcyclopropyl Oxindoles to Form Spiro-1,2-dioxolanes Diastereoselectively

A novel method of iodine-catalyzed aerobic oxidation with spirovinylcyclopropyl oxindoles under mild conditions has been described. A series of spiro-1,2-dioxolanes were prepared in good to excellent yields and considerable diastereoselectivities. The new approach is operationally simple, scalable, and tolerant of various functional groups.

New frontiers in the transition-metal-free synthesis of heterocycles from alkynoates: an overview and current status

This review highlights the successful utilization of transition-metal-free approaches for the modular assembly of various heterocycles from alkynoates.

Synthesis of methylene cyclopropane-fused chromenes and dihydroquinolines by sequential [4 + 2]- and [1 + 2]-annulation

A base promoted sequential [4 + 2]- and [1 + 2]-annulation of 2-hydroxychalcones or 2-tosylaminochalcones with prop-2-ynylsulfonium salts was developed.

Phosphine-catalyzed (3+2)/(2+3) sequential annulation involving a triple nucleophilic addition reaction of γ-vinyl allenoates

A phosphine-catalyzed (3+2)/(2+3) sequential annulation involving a triple nucleophilic addition reaction of γ-vinyl allenoates was successfully developed. The reaction provided efficient and more practical access to functionalized hydropyrroloimidazolones with good to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions. Notably, γ-vinyl allenoate served as a triple-electrophilic intermediate in this protocol.

Stereocontrolled [3+2] Cycloaddition of Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes to Iminooxindoles: Access to Spiro[oxindole-3,2'-pyrrolidines]

A novel stereocontrolled assembly of spiro[oxindole-3,2'-pyrrolidines] via [3+2]-cycloaddition of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes to electron-poor ketimines, iminooxindoles, was developed. The method allows for efficient employment of common readily available donor-acceptor cyclopropanes, functionalized with ester, keto, nitro, cyano etc. groups, and N-unprotected iminooxindoles. The stereospecificity of the initial S_N2-like imine attack on a cyclopropane molecule together with a high diastereoselectivity of further C-C bond formation facilitate a rapid access to spiro[oxindole-3,2'-pyrrolidines] in their optically active forms. Preliminary in vitro testing of the synthesized compounds against LNCaP (p53+) and PC-3 (p53-) cells revealed good antiproliferative activities and p53-selectivity indices for several compounds that are intriguing in terms of their further investigation as inhibitors of MDM2-p53 interaction.

Construction of Bispirooxindole Heterocycles via Palladium-Catalyzed Ring-Opening Formal [3 + 2]-Cycloaddition of Spirovinylcyclopropyl Oxindole and 3-Oxindole Derivatives

A palladium-catalyzed ring-opening oxo-formal [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction of novel donor-acceptor spirovinylcyclopropyl oxindole with 3-oxindole is described. The developed protocol provides facile access to oxo-bispirooxindole derivatives in good yields (up to 82% yield) with excellent diastereoselectivities (up to 20:1 dr).

Lewis base catalyzed regioselective cyclization of allene ketones or α-methyl allene ketones with unsaturated pyrazolones

A nitrogen-containing Lewis base catalyzed highly regioselective [4 + 2] cycloaddition of allene ketones or α-methyl allene ketones with unsaturated pyrazolones has been disclosed to give the corresponding tetrahydropyrano [2,3-c] pyrazoles in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. High regioselectivity, 100% atom-economy, broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance are attractive features of this process and make it a practical and versatile transformation.

Phosphine Organocatalysis

The hallmark of nucleophilic phosphine catalysis is the initial nucleophilic addition of a phosphine to an electrophilic starting material, producing a reactive zwitterionic intermediate, generally under mild conditions. In this Review, we classify nucleophilic phosphine catalysis reactions in terms of their electrophilic components. In the majority of cases, these electrophiles possess carbon-carbon multiple bonds: alkenes (section 2), allenes (section 3), alkynes (section 4), and Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) alcohol derivatives (MBHADs; section 5). Within each of these sections, the reactions are compiled based on the nature of the second starting material-nucleophiles, dinucleophiles, electrophiles, and electrophile-nucleophiles. Nucleophilic phosphine catalysis reactions that occur via the initial addition to starting materials that do not possess carbon-carbon multiple bonds are collated in section 6. Although not catalytic in the phosphine, the formation of ylides through the nucleophilic addition of phosphines to carbon-carbon multiple bond-containing compounds is intimately related to the catalysis and is discussed in section 7. Finally, section 8 compiles miscellaneous topics, including annulations of the Hüisgen zwitterion, phosphine-mediated reductions, iminophosphorane organocatalysis, and catalytic variants of classical phosphine oxide-generating reactions.

Bisphosphine catalyzed sequential [3 + 2] cycloaddition and Michael addition of ynones with benzylidenepyrazolones via dual α′,α′-C(sp3)–H bifunctionalization to construct cyclopentanone-fused spiro-pyrazolones

A sequential [3 + 2] cycloaddition and Michael addition reaction of ynones with benzylidenepyrazolones afforded cyclopentanone-fused spiro-pyrazolones catalyzed by DPPB via dual α′,α′-C(sp³)–H bifunctionalization.