Synthesis of Polysubstituted Fused Pyrroles by Gold-Catalyzed Cycloisomerization/1,2-Sulfonyl Migration of Yndiamides

Gold-Catalyzed Cyclization of Yndiamides with Isoxazoles via α-Imino Gold Fischer Carbenes

Gold catalysis is an important method for alkyne functionalization. Here we report the gold-catalyzed formal [3+2] aminative cyclization of yndiamides and isoxazoles in a direct synthesis of polysubstituted diaminopyrroles, which are important motifs in drug discovery. Key to this process is the formation, and subsequent cyclization, of an α-imino gold Fischer carbene, which represents a new type of gold carbene intermediate. The reaction proceeds rapidly under mild conditions, with high regioselectivity being achieved by introducing a subtle steric bias between the nitrogen substituents on the yndiamide. DFT calculations revealed that the key to this regioselectivity was the interconversion of isomeric gold keteniminiun ions via a low-barrier π-complex transition state, which establishes a Curtin-Hammett scenario for isoxazole addition. By using benzisoxazoles as substrates, the reaction outcome could be switched to a formal [5+2] cyclization, leading to 1,4-oxazepines.

Copper and Silver Catalysis in the (3 + 2) Cycloaddition of Neutral Three-Atom Components with Terminal Alkynes

The introduction of the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne coupling (CuAAC) to 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions was pivotal to their popularization in synthetic chemistry and to their application to multiple other domains of science. The reaction rate enhancement observed when coinage metal acetylide intermediates are involved in the cyclization process greatly expanded the structural and conditional range in which (3 + 2) cycloadditions may take place with terminal alkynes. Herein, we report that comparable rate enhancements, in nature and level, are induced by copper and silver catalysts in the intramolecular (3 + 2) cycloaddition of terminal alkynes with "neutral" three-atom components (TACs), specifically alkynyl sulfides. Through careful observations amidst reaction optimization, experimental, and DFT mechanistic studies, a pathway involving a proton-coupled cyclometallation key step is proposed. The sets of catalytic conditions that have been developed allow us to overcome several scope limitations previously presented by the thermally promoted (3 + 2) cycloaddition of "neutral" TACs, thus expanding their synthetic and applicative potential.

Advancements in Gold-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions to Access Carbocycles and Heterocycles: An Overview

This review summarizes recent developments (from 2006 to 2022) in numerous important and efficient carbo- and heterocycle generations using gold-catalyzed cascade protocols. Herein, methodologies involve selectivity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of product formation being controlled by the ligand as well as the counter anion, catalyst, substrate, and reaction conditions. Gold-catalyzed cascade reactions covered different strategies through the compilation of various approaches such as cyclization, hydroarylation, intermolecular and intramolecular cascade reactions, etc. This entitled reaction is also useful for the synthesis of spiro, fused, bridged carbo- and heterocycles.

Recent progress in the homogeneous gold-catalysed cycloisomerisation reactions

This review focuses on recent advancements in the efficacy of gold catalysts for the cycloisomerisation of ynamides, diynes, and 1,n-enynes to build complex molecules, with critical insight into their mechanism and reaction scope.

Rhodium-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cyclotrimerizations of Yndiamides with Alkynes

Yndiamides offer opportunities for the synthesis of vicinally nitrogen-disubstituted aromatics and azacycles. Here we report the Rh-catalyzed cyclotrimerization of alkynyl yndiamides with alkynes, the regiochemical outcome of which is controlled by the electronic properties of the alkyne partner, enabling the formation of 7-aminoindolines with excellent selectivity (up to >20:1 r.r.). We also report a complementary synthesis of bicyclic 1,2-dianiline derivatives by cyclotrimerization of yndiamides with terminal diynes, where slow addition of the diyne overcomes self-dimerization.

Selective One-Pot Cascade Synthesis of N-Substituted Highly Functionalized Pyrroles from Unprotected Sugars, Primary Amines, and Oxoacetonitriles

A one-pot, three-component cascade reaction between unprotected sugars, primary amines, and 3-oxoacetonitriles gave N-substituted 2,3,5-functionalized pyrroles or N-substituted 2,3,4-functionalized pyrroles in excellent yields and selectivities. The selectivity of the reaction was achieved by simple control of the sequence of substrate addition. The reaction showed a wide substrate scope, and various types of sugars, primary amines, and oxoacetonitriles reacted smoothly. The work demonstrates a highly desired simple reaction for embedding nitrogen into sugars to produce valuable N-heterocyclic compounds that are amenable to further modifications to natural products and drug intermediates.

Gold-Catalyzed Cyclization of Ynones Involving cis-Hydrofunctionalizations: Rapid Assembly of C-, O-, or S-Functionalized Pyrroles by a Single Methodology

A gold-catalyzed cyclization of conjugated ynones with various nucleophiles such as indoles, alcohols, and thiols has been developed. The reaction provides a new and efficient protocol for the synthesis of functionalized pyrroles with wide versatility and functional group compatibility. Remarkably, for indolyl, alkoxy, or sulfenyl pyrroles, all could be constructed efficiently by this single methodology. In addition, cis-hydrofunctionalizations of ynones are involved in these reactions.