One-Step Synthesis of Isoindolo[2,1-a]indol-6-ones via Tandem Pd-Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation and C-H Activation

Aminocarbonylation using CO surrogates

Aminocarbonylation reactions play a critical role in the synthesis of amides. Traditional aminocarbonylation processes often rely on carbon monoxide (CO) gas, a highly toxic and challenging reagent to handle. Recent advancements in CO surrogates address these challenges. This review looks at the various CO substitutes used in aminocarbonylation reactions. These include metal carbonyls, acids, formates, chloroform, and others that release CO. Use of CO surrogates not only improves safety but also broadens the substrate scope and operational simplicity of the aminocarbonylation reactions. This review provides a summary of recent progress made in aminocarbonylation reactions using different CO surrogates. We discuss key methodologies, catalytic systems, and mechanistic insights, highlighting the efficiency and versatility of CO surrogates in amide bond formation.

Iridium-catalyzed tandem olefination/aza-Michael reaction: rapid access to N-N functionalized hydrazides

An Ir-catalyzed tandem olefination/aza-Michael reaction of protected benzoylhydrazine derivatives with olefins under mild conditions has been developed. This method can be successfully applied to the construction of various structurally N-N-functionalized hydrazide derivatives bearing the α,β-unsaturated side chain in good to excellent yields. In particular, the deaminoprotected products can be used as potential precursors for the construction of N-N axially chiral compounds.

A Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Cascade Synthesis of Fused N-Heterocycles from 2-Alkynylanilines and 2-Formylbenzonitriles: Unveiling Iminoisoindoloindolone and Its Derivatives

We herein reveal a streamlined synthesis of structurally fused 6-iminoisoindoloindolones via a meticulously orchestrated cascade reaction. This process seamlessly intertwines 2-alkynylaniline and 2-formylbenzonitrile under the catalytic influence of TMSOTf, giving rise to these compounds in remarkable yields that stand as a testament to the efficiency of our approach. Moreover, the versatility of this synthetic strategy extends far beyond mere synthesis, offering a gateway to the creation of both isoindoloindolone and unprecedented diphenylbenzopyrrolizinoisoquinolinone derivatives, thereby opening new horizons in the realm of chemical innovation. Furthermore, the strategic elegance of this synthetic methodology is underscored by its potential for scale-up production and applicability across diverse chemical contexts.

Carbonylative synthesis and functionalization of indoles

Carbonylation processes have become widely recognized as a versatile, convenient, and low-cost method for the synthesis of high-value compounds. Given the great importance of heterocyclic compounds, the carbonylative approach has become increasingly important for their synthesis. In this mini-review, as a class of benzo-fused nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, we summarized and discussed the recent achievements on the synthesis and functionalization of indole derivatives via carbonylative approaches.

Mechanochemical Pd-Catalyzed Amino- and Oxycarbonylations using FeBr2(CO)4 as a CO Source

Herein, we describe the development of mechanochemical amino- and oxycarbonylation employing FeBr2(CO)4 as a solid CO source. This Pd/XantPhos-catalyzed reaction affords a range of carboxamides and esters from aryl iodides and various amines or phenols. Both primary and secondary amines, including amino acids, can be employed as N-nucleophiles.

Cu(I)/Pd(II)-Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroamidation and C-H Dehydrogenative Coupling of ortho-Alkynyl-N-arylbenzamides for Access to Isoindolo[2,1-a]Indol-6-Ones

An efficient, atom-economic and one-pot synthesis of isoindolo[2,1-a]indol-6-ones via CuI/Pd(OAc)₂-catalyzed intramolecular hydroamidation of alkynyl group, and C-H dehydrogenative coupling of ortho-alkynyl-N-arylbenzamides has been developed. This transformation occurs with the use of oxygen as the oxidant, and water is the only by-product. The reaction shows a high tolerance to a variety of functional groups, and affords isoindolo[2,1-a]indol-6-ones in good to high yields.

Recent advances in the synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles and their derivatives

The pyrrolo[1,2-a]indole unit is a privileged heterocycle found in numerous natural products and has been shown to exhibit diverse pharmacological properties. Thus, recent years have witnessed immense interest from the synthesis community on the synthesis of this scaffold. In light of the ever-increasing demand for pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles in drug discovery, this review provides an overview of recent synthesis methods for the preparation of pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles and their derivatives. The mechanistic pathway and stereo-electronic factors affecting the yield and selectivity of the product are briefly explained. Furthermore, we have attempted to demonstrate the utility of the developed methods in the synthesis of bioactive molecules and natural products, wherever offered.

Isoindolinone Synthesis via One-Pot Type Transition Metal Catalyzed C-C Bond Forming Reactions

Isoindolinone structure is an important privileged scaffold found in a large variety of naturally occurring as well as synthetic, biologically and pharmaceutically active compounds. Owing to its crucial role in a number of applications, the synthetic methodologies for accessing this heterocyclic skeleton have received significant attention during the past decade. In general, the synthetic strategies can be divided into two categories: First, direct utilization of phthalimides or phthalimidines as starting materials for the synthesis of isoindolinones; and second, construction of the lactam and/or aromatic rings by different catalytic methods, including C-H activation, cross-coupling, carbonylation, condensation, addition and formal cycloaddition reactions. Especially in the last mentioned, utilization of transition metal catalysts provides access to a broad range of substituted isoindolinones. Herein, the recent advances (2010-2020) in transition metal catalyzed synthetic methodologies via formation of new C-C bonds for isoindolinones are reviewed.