Cu(I)-Catalyzed and Base-Promoted [5 + 2 + 1] Cascade Cyclization of 2-Nitrochalcones with Aliphatic Primary Amines to 5H-Pyrimido[5,4-b]indole Frameworks

Base-Promoted and Copper(I)-Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization-C(sp2)-N Coupling of Vinyl Malononitriles with Ortho-Nitrochalcones: Access to Acridones and their Fused Derivatives

An efficient Cs2CO3-promoted and copper(I)-catalyzed double cyclization of ortho-nitrochalcones with vinyl malononitriles for the de novo access to a variety of tri- and tetra-substituted acridones and their fused derivatives with a value-added CN group has been developed for the first time. This one-pot operation proceeds through a Michael-cyclization-aromatization, followed by regioselective ipso-amination via nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reaction, resulting in two C═C bonds and a C-N bond for acridone ring synthesis. This economic strategy based on 100% carbon atoms ensures the successive formation of two rings in a one-pot operation, good to high yields, a wide range of substrates, and good tolerance of functionalities. In addition, acridones were converted into several value-added acridones and acridines, highlighting the synthetic versatility and usefulness of the prepared acridone derivatives.

High Selectivity Hydroxylation and Other Functionalization of Quinoline-Directed Reactions under Cu(II)-Catalysis

Despite progress in ortho C-H functionalization of aromatic rings directed by guiding groups, achieving highly selective hydroxylation in simple systems without the need for additional ligand assistance remains a significant challenge. Here, we report the direct hydroxylation of the ortho C-H bond of aromatic rings directed by quinoline under Cu(II) catalysis. Based on experimental analysis and DFT calculations, the main reason for the high selectivity of the quinoline-directed hydroxylation reaction is that the match between the new substrate and the method leads to an increased range of oxygen source incorporation. Isotope experiments and DFT calculations provide support for the origin of the oxygen source in the hydroxylation process and the rationale behind its observed distribution. Additionally, the introduction of various nucleophiles enabled the cyanation, nitration, and halogenation of ortho C-H bonds in the aryl group.

Base-Catalyzed Chalcogenative Annulation of N-Maleimido O-Aminobenzyl Alcohol with Elemental Sulfur/Selenium: Access to 1,4-Sulfa-/Selena-zepanes

We reported an unprecedented chalcogen element (Se, S) insertion reaction with functionalized aminomaleimide to assemble medium-sized nitrogen-containing organic selenium/sulfur catalyzed by bases. During these [5/6 + 1] tandem annulations, a variety of low-valent inorganic chalcogenides exhibited excellent compatibility, providing a wide scope of structurally diverse 1,4-selenazepanes (17 examples, 60-71% yields), 1,4-benzothiazepines (20 examples, 74-86% yields), and 1,4-thiazines (6 examples, 31-68% yields). The characteristics of this transformation are high atomic economy, formation of two C-Se or C-S bonds in one step, and avoiding the use of unstable and toxic selenium/sulfur reagents under mild conditions.

Base-Promoted [4 + 1 + 1] Multicomponent Tandem Cycloaddition of Ortho-Substituted Nitroarenes, Aldehydes, and Ammonium Salts To Access 2,4-Substituted Quinazoline Frameworks

We report a base-promoted, metal-free multicomponent tandem reaction, involving a [4 + 1 + 1] cycloaddition process between ortho-substituted nitroarenes, aldehydes, and ammonium salts. Modifying the substituents on the nitroaromatic compounds effectively provides structurally diverse 2-substituted and 4-alkenylquinazolines with good to excellent yields (77%-90% and quinazoline 51 examples) and high tolerance for various inorganic ammonium salts (13 examples, such as NH3·H2O, NH4Cl, and NH4HF2). A new method for constructing 2,4-substituted quinazoline compounds with high selectivity from simple nitrogen source compounds was developed, and the reaction can be scaled up to a gram scale. Additionally, this method also facilitates the preparation of organic molecules with photophysical properties, offering new insights into the further transformation of quinazolines.

One-pot synthesis of symmetrical bis-sulfonyl 2,6-diarylpyridines via BiCl3-catalyzed and K2S2O8-mediated domino annulation of β-ketosulfones and N,N-dimethylacetamide

In this study, BiCl3-promoted and K2S2O8-mediated synthesis of diverse bis-sulfonyl 2,6-diarypyridines was developed via one-pot stepwise (2C + 2C + 1C + 1N) annulation of two molecules of β-ketosulfone and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC). In the entire process, DMAC acts as the synthon of one carbon and one nitrogen in the construction of the pyridine skeleton via cascade formation of single (C-C/C-N) and double (CC/CN) bonds under refluxing DMAC conditions.

A substrate-induced dual utilization cascade reaction of N-alkyl anilines: highly site-selective sustainable synthesis of chromeno[4,3-b]quinolin-6-ones

We describe a novel substrate-induced cascade reaction of N-alkyl anilines via C(sp3)-N bond cleavage and reorganization into chromeno[4,3-b]quinolin-6-ones. N-alkyl anilines are not only used as a carbon source, but also the waste group was trapped by 4-hydroxy coumarin. The calculation of green metrics shows that our protocol is more efficient and green with lower emission than before. Additionally, a gram-scale reaction and one-pot synthesis of bioactive molecules further demonstrate the potential application of our protocol in the pharmaceutical industry.

Cascade Annulation for Synthesizing Chromenopyrrolones from o-Hydroxyphenyl Enaminones and 2-Halo-N-alkyloxyacetamides

A cascade cyclization reaction comprising two halogenation reactions and a Michael addition was developed for the synthesis of chromeno[2,3-c]pyrrole-3-ones 4. Additionally, another cascade cyclization reaction, which involves a halogenation reaction followed by two intramolecular Michael additions, was established for the synthesis of chromeno[2,3-b]pyrrole-2-ones 5. Both types of compounds were synthesized from o-hydroxyphenyl enaminones and 2-halo-N-alkyloxyacetamides through a process that facilitated the intramolecular formation of C-C, C-O, and C-N bonds to effectively establish two fused rings in a single operation. This novel protocol is efficient, uses readily accessible starting materials, and operates under mild conditions, demonstrating tolerance for various functional groups while achieving good yields.

Copper-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization of 2-Nitrochalcones with NH-Heterocycles

We developed a method for allowing cascade cyclization of 2-nitrochalcones with pyrazoles, imidazole, and indazole in the presence of CuI catalyst, DBU base, and THF solvent. The conditions were tolerant of an array of useful functionalities including ester, nitro, cyano, halogen groups. A mechanistic consideration was also provided, as H2O2 was presumably a byproduct. Our method appears to be a rare example to directly prepare C3-heterocyclic unprotected indoles.

Domino Sequence of Ketimization and Electrophilic Amination for an Inverse Aza Intramolecular Morita-Baylis-Hillman Adduct

Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction, typically catalyzed by a Lewis base, is a popular and useful method for C-C bond formation. Unfortunately, it is limited by a slow reaction rate and has sensitivity toward steric and electronic parameters. Despite tremendous efforts, the versatility of the reaction keeps the quest open for new mechanistic and catalytic pathways. Here, we have reported a Bro̷nsted acid-catalyzed, electrophilic amination (Umpolung of imine) as a method for an inverse Aza Intramolecular MBH adduct in the form of 2-acylindole. Umpolung of imine with nitrogen acting as an electrophilic center has been achieved. Interestingly, the reaction was also shown to occur under catalyst-free conditions also. The expected products of ketimine formation, 6π electrocyclization, or quinoline formation were least/not observed. A large number of examples have demonstrated the reaction strength. β-aryl-substituted acrylate and acrylamide (cinnamates and cinnamides), which are extremely sluggish in conventional MBH chemistry, are the highlights of the developed methodology. The annulated product exhibited keto-enol tautomerism, which was proven by 1H NMR integrals. As an application, another tandem reaction in the form of Michael addition on a highly complex amine was carried out to provide spiro-annulated indole.

Base-Promoted Tandem Cyclization of 2-(Indol-3-yl)naphthoquinones with Benzamidines toward Polysubstituted Pyrimido[4,5-b]indoles

A novel and unique approach for the construction of polysubstituted pyrimido[4,5-b]indoles from 2-(indol-3-yl)naphthoquinones and benzamidines is described. Our strategy, promoted by an inorganic base, involves the ring opening and recyclization of naphthoquinone and produces three nitrogen heterocyclic rings via multiple C-N bond formations in one pot under transition-metal-free conditions.

NBS-Promoted Synthesis of Thiocyanated Aminomaleimides and Site-Selective Intramolecular Cyclization Access to 1,4-Benzothiazepines via S-CN Bond Cleavage

A transition metal-free concise and efficient protocol for the synthesis of thiocyanated aminomaleimides and benzo[e][1,4]thiazepine derivatives has been developed. The method involves an initial α-C-H thiocyanation of aminomaleimides with KSCN and TEMPO-mediated tandem S-CN bond cleavage/intramolecular cyclization substitution processes, which enables the formation of seven-membered S/N-heterocycles. This synthetic strategy provides a reliable method for the synthesis of biologically interesting benzo[e][1,4]thiazepine derivatives by using KSCN as sulfur sources as well as expands the application of enaminones thiocyanation reactions in heterocycles synthesis.

Base-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization of 2-Nitrochalcones and Isocyanides to Access Pyrano[3,4-b]indol-1(9H)-one Frameworks

An unexpected cascade reaction of 2-nitrochalcones with isocyanoacetates has been reported for the efficient synthesis of indole carboxylic esters and pyranoindoles. The conversion was achieved by KOH-catalyzed cyclization and elimination of the nitro group with final decarbonylation-aromatization. The method was used to synthesize a series of potentially biologically active indole derivatives (49 examples) in 67-85% yields under transition-metal-free catalytic conditions.

DFT Study on Mechanism of Ni-Al Bimetallic-Catalyzed C-H Cyclization to Construct Tricyclic Imidazoles: Roles of NHC Ligand and AlMe3

The mechanism of the Ni-Al bimetallic-catalyzed C-H cyclization to construct tricyclic imidazoles is investigated using density functional theory calculations. The calculation result shows that the reaction mechanism involves sequential steps of substrate coordination, ligand-to-ligand hydrogen transfer (LLHT), and C-C reductive elimination to produce the final product tricyclic imidazole. The LLHT step is calculated to be the rate-determining step. The oxidative addition of the benzimidazole C-H bond to the Ni center and the insertion of the alkene into the Ni-H bond occur concertedly in the LLHT step. The effects of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands and AlMe3 on the reactivity and regioselectivity were also analyzed. These calculation results shed light on some ambiguous suggestions from experiments.

Nucleophile-Controlled Trapping of Gold Carbene by Nitriles and Water: Synthesis of 5H-Pyrimido[5,4-b]indoles and 2-Benzylidene-3-indolinones

A gold-catalyzed, nucleophile-controlled cascade reaction of N-(2-azidophenyl-ynyl)methanesulfonamides with nitriles and water is described that provides structurally diverse 5H-pyrimido[5,4-b]indoles and 2-benzylidene-3-indolinones in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic studies indicate that the β-sulfonamido-α-imino gold carbene is the key intermediate which is generated through the gold-catalyzed cyclization of N-(2-azidophenyl-ynyl)methanesulfonamides and undergoes formal [4 + 2] cascade annulation with nitriles and intramolecular SN2' type reaction with water, respectively.

Iodine-dependent oxidative regioselective aminochalcogenation of indolines

A directing-group-free strategy for oxidative regioselective aminochalcogenation of indolines with amines and dichalconides is presented. This strategy combines tandem coupling sequences and oxidative dehydrogenation methods in a multi-component reaction, enabling the fast construction of a series of C2,3- or C2,5-aminochalcogenated indole derivatives. Moreover, the application of this synthetic approach is demonstrated through the late-stage modification of pharmaceuticals and the derivatization of the products, highlighting its potential and significance.

Cu(II)-Catalyzed Cascade of N-Phenyl-o-phenylenediamine with Benzaldehyde: One-Step Direct Construction of 2-(1-Phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)phenols

A practical protocol for the construction of hydroxylated 2-(1-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)phenols (PBIs) from N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine with benzaldehydes was developed. The cascade reaction was enabled by heating a mixture of the two substrates in the presence of air as an oxidant and anhydrous Cu(OAc)₂ as a catalyst in dimethyl sulfoxide, and a diverse series of PBIs were synthesized in moderate to good yields (69-81%). Furthermore, the synthesis of the PBIs was enabled via a one-pot cascade reaction that proceeded through subsequent dehydration condensation, intramolecular cyclization, and aromatic C-H hydroxylation. This protocol can be used for the synthesis of hydroxylated PBI via a one-pot annulation C-H hydroxylation reaction rather than through a series of multistep reactions, which provides the possibility of further modification.

Nitroarenes and nitroalkenes as potential amino sources for the synthesis of N-heterocycles

Nitro-compounds are one of the cheapest and most readily available materials in the chemical industry and are commonly utilized as versatile building blocks. Previously, the synthesis of N-heterocycles was largely based on anilines. The utilization of nitroarenes and nitroalkenes for the synthesis of N-heterocyclic compounds can save at least one step, however, as compared to anilines. Thus, considerable attention has been paid to nitroarenes and nitroalkenes as new potential amino sources. Significant progress has been made in the reductive cyclization of nitroarenes or nitroalkenes to access various N-heterocycles in recent years. Herein, we comprehensively summarize the recent progress in the construction of N-heterocycles using nitroarenes and nitroalkenes as potential amino sources. The compatibility of the reaction substrate, its mechanism, applications, advantages, and limitations in this field are also discussed in detail.

Sequential condensation and double desulfonylative cyclopropanation of 1,2-bis(sulfonylmethyl)arenes with 3-arylacroleins: access to biscyclopropane-fused tetralins

Efficient tBuOK-mediated sequential condensation and double desulfonylative cyclopropanation of readily accessible 1,2-bis(sulfonylmethyl)arenes with 3-arylacroleins is described. This high-yielding, single-step strategy provides a variety of polysubstituted biscyclopropane-fused tetralins with six contiguous stereogenic centers via the construction of five carbon-carbon single bonds. A plausible mechanism is proposed and discussed. In the overall reaction process, water and sulfinic acid salts were generated as the byproducts.

Annulation strategies for diverse heterocycles via the reductive transformation of 2-nitrostyrenes

Reduction of the stable nitro group is a fundamental and widely used transformation for the construction of complex and functionalized heterocyclic architectures. The unfolding of the reactivity of the nitro group in the 2-nitrostyrene moiety not only triggers the formation of carbon-nitrogen bonds, but also offers the opportunity for annulation and heteroannulation, thereby providing a cascade process for the synthesis of highly conjugated natural and unnatural molecules. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the use of 2-nitrostyrene motifs in the synthesis of various N-heterocycles. We offer readers an overview of the synthetic achievements achieved to date, highlighting their important features, reactivities, and mechanisms.