Homohalocyclization: Electrophilic Bromine-Induced Cyclizations of Cyclopropanes

Electrochemical Formation of Oxazolines by 1,3-Oxyfluorination of Non-activated Cyclopropanes

The C-C bond in non-activated cyclopropanes can be intramolecularly cleaved with an electrochemically generated amidyl radical forming oxazolines. In the presence of TBABF4, this provides 1,3-oxyfluorination products. C-C bond cleavage of cyclopropane proceeds with inversion of the configuration, suggesting an intramolecular homolytic substitution (SHi) mechanism. The performance of TBABF4 as an efficient fluoride source was explained by accumulation of the BF4- anion at the anode surface, at which a carbocation is formed by the oxidation of the C-centered radical.

Divergent Fluorinations of Vinylcyclopropanes: Ring-Opening 1,5-Hydrofluorination and Ring-Retaining 1,2-Difluorination

Organofluorine compounds have been widely used in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and material sciences. Reported herein are divergent fluorination reactions of vinylcyclopropanes with different electrophiles, which allow the facile synthesis of homoallylic monofluorides and vicinal-difluorides through ring-opening 1,5-hydrofluorination and ring-retaining 1,2-difluorination, respectively. Both protocols feature mild conditions, simple operations, good functional group tolerance, and generally good yields. The practicality of these reactions is demonstrated by their scalability, as well as the successful conversion of the formed homoallylic monofluorides into other complex fluorinated molecules.

Access to Saturated Oxygen Heterocycles and Lactones via Electrochemical Sulfonylative Oxycyclization of Alkenes with Sulfonyl Hydrazides

A facile electrochemical sulfonylative cycloetherification of linear unsaturated alcohols with sulfonyl hydrazides under mild conditions has been accomplished. This catalyst- and oxidant-free protocol proceeds via electro-oxidation, followed by radical addition, as well as an intramolecular oxygen nucleophilic process. This methodology is compatible with a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility, which provides a valuable and convenient synthetic tool for the synthesis of saturated five-, six-, seven-, and eight-membered ring oxygen heterocycles. Furthermore, sulfonylative cycloesterification of linear unsaturated acids toward the lactone products has also been established under this electrochemical system. In addition, control experiments indicated that the N-H bonds of the sulfonyl hydrazide molecule are non-essential.

C-C Bond Activation of Cyclopropanes Enabled by Phosphine-Catalyzed In Situ Formation of High-Strain Methylenecycopropane Intermediate

An effective strategy for the ring-opening/elaboration of cyclopropanes by phosphine catalyst is documented, providing the 2,4-pentadiene sulfonamides and isoindolines in moderate to good yields. The key to the success of this reaction is phosphine-catalyzed introduction of a trigonal center into cyclopropanes, which results in the formation of higher ring strain cyclopropylidenemethyl phosphonium salt. Moreover, this methodology is employed as the key step for the synthesis of bioactive molecules.

Complementary Photocatalytic Toolbox: Control of Intramolecular endo- versus exo-trig Cyclizations of α-Phenyl Olefins to Oxaheterocyclic Products

The regioselectivity of the intramolecular cyclization of bifunctional α-phenyl alkenes can be controlled simply by the choice of the organic chromophore as the photocatalyst. The central photoredox catalytic reaction in both cases is a nucleophilic addition of the hydroxy function to the olefin function of the substrates. N,N-(4-Diisobutylaminophenyl)phenothiazine catalyzes exo-trig cyclizations, whereas 1,7-dicyanoperylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid bisimides catalyze endo-trig additions to products with anti-Markovnikov regioselectivity. We preliminarily report the photoredox catalytic conversions of 11 representative substrates into 20 oxaheterocycles in order to demonstrate the similarity, but also the complementarity, of these two variants in this photoredox catalytic toolbox.

Access to Bromo-γ-butenolides via Zwitterion-Catalyzed Rearrangement of Cyclopropene Carboxylic Acids

γ-Butenolides are useful structural motifs in many pharmaceutically relevant compounds. In particular, halogenated γ-butenolides are attractive building blocks because the halogen handles can readily be manipulated to give various functional molecules. In this study, a catalytic synthesis of halogenated γ-butenolides from cyclopropene carboxylic acids was developed using zwitterionic catalysts and N-haloamides as the halogen sources. The catalytic protocol could also be applied to the synthesis of halogenated pyrrolones by using cyclopropene amides as the starting materials.

Ring Expansion Fluorination of Unactivated Cyclopropanes Mediated by a New Monofluoroiodane(III) Reagent

Herein, we report a new strategy for carbon-carbon bond scission and intramolecular ring expansion fluorination of unactivated cyclopropanes, which was accomplished with a new hypervalent fluoroiodane(III) reagent 1. This novel method delivers medicinally relevant 4-fully substituted fluoropiperidines in moderate to high yields with excellent regio- and diastereoselectivity. Reagent 1, which has an N-acetylbenziodazole framework, was readily synthesized via three steps in 76 % overall yield and was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Owing to the presence of a secondary I⋅⋅⋅O bonding interaction between the λ³ -iodane atom and the carbonyl oxygen of the acetyl group of the N-acetylbenziodazole framework, 1 has excellent stability and can be stored at ambient temperature for 6 months without any detectable decomposition. Density functional theory calculations and experimental studies showed that the reaction proceeds via a carbocation intermediate that readily combines with a fluoride ion to generate the product.

Arylcyclopropane yet in its infancy: the challenges and recent advances in its functionalization

Electronically unbiased arylcyclopropane functionalization has always been a challenge to organic chemists, and the emergence of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes (DACs) has not only vehemently overshadowed them but still dominates the cyclopropane chemistry. Unlike DACs, the absence of pre-installed functional groups makes it harder for them to activate and participate in a reaction. The field has witnessed considerably slow progress since its inception due to the inherent challenges. There are only a few strategies available to open arylcyclopropanes. Therefore, this work is still in its infancy stage in spite of these materials being one of the earliest known type of cyclopropanes. This review manifests the history, endeavors, and achievements alongside the associated challenges, opportunities, and the need for concerted efforts to accomplish the long-awaited golden age of arylcyclopropanes.

Electrochemical C-C bond cleavage of cyclopropanes towards the synthesis of 1,3-difunctionalized molecules

Electrochemistry has a lot of inherent advantages in organic synthesis and many redox reactions have been achieved under electrochemical condition. However, the electrochemical C-C bond cleavage and functionalization reactions are less studied. Here we develop electrochemical C-C bond cleavage and 1,3-difuntionalization of arylcyclopropanes under catalyst-free and external-oxidant-free conditions. 1,3-difluorination, 1,3-oxyfluorination and 1,3-dioxygenation of arylcyclopropanes are achieved with a high chemo- and regioselectivity by the strategic choice of nucleophiles. This protocol has good functional groups tolerance and can be scaled up. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that arylcyclopropane radical cation obtained from the anode oxidation and the subsequently generated benzyl carbonium are the key intermediates in this transformation. This development provides a scenario for constructing 1,3-difunctionalized molecules.

Cooperativity within the catalyst: alkoxyamide as a catalyst for bromocyclization and bromination of (hetero)aromatics

Alkoxyamide has been reported as a catalyst for the activation of N-bromosuccinimide to perform bromocyclization and bromination of a wide range of substrates in a lipophilic solvent, where adequate suppression of the background reactions was observed. The key feature of the active site is the alkoxy group attached to the sulfonamide moiety, which facilitates the acceptance as well as the delivery of bromonium species from the bromine source to the substrates.

Boron tribromide as a reagent for anti-Markovnikov addition of HBr to cyclopropanes

Although radical formation from a trialkylborane is well documented, the analogous reaction mode is unknown for trihaloboranes. We have discovered the generation of bromine radicals from boron tribromide and simple proton sources, such as water or tert-butanol, under open-flask conditions. Cyclopropanes bearing a variety of substituents were hydro- and deuterio-brominated to furnish anti-Markovnikov products in a highly regioselective fashion. NMR mechanistic studies and DFT calculations point to a radical pathway instead of the conventional ionic mechanism expected for BBr3.

Complex Carbocyclic Skeletons from Aryl Ketones through a Three-Photon Cascade Reaction

Starting from readily available 7-substituted 1-indanones, products with a tetracyclo[5.3.1.01,7 04,11 ]undec-2-ene skeleton were obtained upon irradiation at λ=350 nm (eight examples, 49-67 % yield). The assembly of the structurally complex carbon framework proceeds in a three-photon process comprising an ortho photocycloaddition, a disrotatory [4π] photocyclization, and a di-π-methane rearrangement. The flat aromatic core of the starting material is converted into a functionalized polycyclic hydrocarbon with exit vectors in three dimensions. Ring opening reactions at the central cyclopropane ring were explored, which enable the preparation of tricyclo[5.3.1.04,11 ]undec-2-enes and of tricyclo[6.2.1.01,5 ]undecanes.

Ring-opening hydroarylation of monosubstituted cyclopropanes enabled by hexafluoroisopropanol

Ring-opening hydroarylation of cyclopropanes is typically limited to substrates bearing a donor-acceptor motif. Here, the transformation is achieved for monosubstituted cyclopropanes by using catalytic Brønsted acid in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) solvent, constituting a rare example where such cyclopropanes engage in intermolecular C-C bond formation. Branched products are obtained when electron-rich arylcyclopropanes react with a broad scope of arene nucleophiles in accord with a simple SN1-type ring-opening mechanism. In contrast, linear products are obtained when cyclopropylketones react with electron-rich arene nucleophiles. In the latter case, mechanistic experiments and DFT-calculations support a homo-conjugate addition pathway.

Activation of olefins via asymmetric Brønsted acid catalysis

The activation of olefins for asymmetric chemical synthesis traditionally relies on transition metal catalysts. In contrast, biological enzymes with Brønsted acidic sites of appropriate strength can protonate olefins and thereby generate carbocations that ultimately react to form natural products. Although chemists have recently designed chiral Brønsted acid catalysts to activate imines and carbonyl compounds, mimicking these enzymes to protonate simple olefins that then engage in asymmetric catalytic reactions has remained a substantial synthetic challenge. Here, we show that a class of confined and strong chiral Brønsted acids enables the catalytic asymmetric intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of unbiased olefins. The methodology gives rapid access to biologically active 1,1-disubstituted tetrahydrofurans, including (-)-Boivinianin A.

Indium Catalyzed Hydrofunctionalization of Styrene Derivatives Bearing a Hydroxy Group with Organosilicon Nucleophiles

Hydrofunctionalization is one of the most important transformation reactions of alkenes. Herein, we describe the development of an indium-triiodide-catalyzed hydrofunctionalization of alkenes bearing a hydroxy group using various types of organosilicon nucleophiles. Indium triiodide was the most effective catalyst, whereas typical Lewis acids such as TiCl₄, AlCl₃, and BF₃·OEt₂ were ineffective. Many functional groups were successfully introduced, and these resulted in yields of 31-86%. Various styrene derivatives were also applicable to this reaction. Mechanistic investigation revealed that the present hydrofunctionalization proceeded through Brønsted acid-catalyzed intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of alkenes followed by InI₃-catalyzed substitution reaction of cyclic ether intermediates.

Catalytic 1,3-Difunctionalization via Oxidative C-C Bond Activation

Electronegative substituents arrayed in 1,3-relationships along saturated carbon frameworks can exert strong influence over molecular conformation due to dipole minimization effects. Simple and general methods for incorporation of such functional group relationships could thus provide a valuable tool for modulating molecular shape. Here, we describe a general strategy for the 1,3-oxidation of cyclopropanes using aryl iodine(I-III) catalysis, with emphasis on 1,3-difluorination reactions. These reactions make use of practical, commercially available reagents and can engage a variety of substituted cyclopropane substrates. Analysis of crystal and solution structures of several of the products reveal the consistent effect of 1,3-difluorides in dictating molecular conformation. The generality of the 1,3-oxidation strategy is demonstrated through the catalytic oxidative ring-opening of cyclopropanes for the synthesis of 1,3-fluoroacetoxylated products, 1,3-diols, 1,3-amino alcohols, and 1,3-diamines.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of Spirocyclopropanes under Mild Conditions via Formal [2 + 1] Cycloadditions Using 2,3-Dioxo-4-benzylidene-pyrrolidines

A highly diastereoselective cyclopropanation of cyclic enones with sulfur ylides was developed under catalyst-free conditions, producing multifunctional spirocyclopropanes in generally excellent yields (up to 99% yield and >99:1 d.r.). The asymmetric version of this method was realized by using an easily available chiral sulfur ylide, affording products with moderate to good stereoselectivity.

Lewis Base Catalyzed Stereo- and Regioselective Bromocyclization

Oxygen- and nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds are widely recognized as key components in many natural products and biologically relevant molecules, but often the problem comes down to methodologies in synthesizing them. Halocyclization of olefinic substrates is a promising strategy in the construction of O- and N-heterocyclic compounds, which further signifies the development of their asymmetric variants. Over the past years, our group has been devoted to this particular area of asymmetric electrophilic halocyclization with chalcogen-containing molecules as catalysts. In this account, the main focus is on the development of our novel chiral catalysts and applications derived from the reaction products.

Use of Bromine and Bromo-Organic Compounds in Organic Synthesis

Bromination is one of the most important transformations in organic synthesis and can be carried out using bromine and many other bromo compounds. Use of molecular bromine in organic synthesis is well-known. However, due to the hazardous nature of bromine, enormous growth has been witnessed in the past several decades for the development of solid bromine carriers. This review outlines the use of bromine and different bromo-organic compounds in organic synthesis. The applications of bromine, a total of 107 bromo-organic compounds, 11 other brominating agents, and a few natural bromine sources were incorporated. The scope of these reagents for various organic transformations such as bromination, cohalogenation, oxidation, cyclization, ring-opening reactions, substitution, rearrangement, hydrolysis, catalysis, etc. has been described briefly to highlight important aspects of the bromo-organic compounds in organic synthesis.

Lewis Basic Sulfide Catalyzed Electrophilic Bromocyclization of Cyclopropylmethyl Amide

A Lewis basic sulfide catalyzed electrophilic bromocyclization of cyclopropylmethyl amide has been developed. The catalytic protocol is applicable to both 1,1- and 1,2-substituted cyclopropylmethyl amides, giving oxazolines and oxazines in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivity.