Enantioselective Three-Step Synthesis of Homo-β-proline: A Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropane as Key Intermediate

Intramolecular Cyclopropanation of Alkene-Tethered CF3-Imidoyl Sulfoxonium Ylides: Synthesis of Cyclopropane-Fused Quinolines

A metal-free intramolecular cyclopropanation of CF3-imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides with styrenes was developed, affording cyclopropane-fused quinolines. This strategy provides efficient access to diverse trifluoromethyl-substituted dihydro-1H-cyclopropa[c]quinolines under mild, transition-metal-free conditions. Notably, the sulfoxonium ylide generation and subsequent cyclopropanation could proceed in a one-pot fashion, affording the products in good yields.

Advances in the Synthesis of Cyclopropylamines

Cyclopropylamines are an important subclass of substituted cyclopropanes that combine the unique electronic and steric properties of cyclopropanes with the presence of a donor nitrogen atom. In addition to their presence in a diverse array of biologically active compounds, cyclopropylamines are utilized as important synthetic intermediates, particularly in ring-opening or cycloaddition reactions. Consequently, the synthesis of these compounds has constituted a significant research topic, as evidenced by the abundant published synthetic methods. In addition to the widely used Curtius rearrangement, classical cyclopropanation methods have been adapted to integrate a nitrogen function (Simmons-Smith reaction, metal-catalyzed reaction of diazo compounds on olefins, Michael-initiated ring-closure reactions) with significant advances in enantioselective synthesis. More recently, specific methods have been developed for the preparation of the aminocyclopropane moiety (Kulinkovich reactions applied to amides and nitriles, addition to cyclopropenes, metal-catalyzed reactions involving C-H functionalization, ...). The topic of this review is to present the different methods for the preparation of cyclopropylamine derivatives, with the aim of covering the methodological advances as best as possible, highlighting their scope, their stereochemical aspects and future trends.

Pyrrolidine synthesis via ring contraction of pyridines

A ring contraction of easily available cyclic compounds to smaller cycles that are valuable but difficult to synthetically access is one of important skeletal editing strategies. Pyrrolidine synthesis via a ring contraction of pyridines, which are abundant, cheap, and readily available bulk chemicals in chemical industry, is highly promising to accelerate drug discovery and development research due to the great demand of pyrrolidine skeletons in medicinal molecules. Herein we report a photo-promoted ring contraction of pyridines with silylborane to afford pyrrolidine derivatives bearing a 2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-ene skeleton. The reaction demonstrates broad substrate scope with high functional group compatibility, realizing facile access to 6-silyl-2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-ene derivatives that work as powerful synthons for the synthesis of functionalized pyrrolidines and nitrogen-containing compounds. The reaction mechanism is clarified to proceed via 2-silyl-1,2-dihydropyridine and vinylazomethine ylide as intermediates, which are connected via photochemical or thermal silyl migration.

4-Azaspiro[2.3]hexane, an Overlooked Piperidine Isostere: Multigram Synthesis and Physicochemical and Structural Evaluation

An expedient approach to the synthesis of 4-azaspiro[2.3]hexane derivatives is described. The synthetic scheme consists of Tebbe olefination of N-Boc-protected 2-azetidinone (including the first use of the deuterated Petasis reagent Cp2Ti(CD3)2 in the building block preparation) and cyclopropanation of the resulting intermediate. The developed protocols allowed for the preparation of target building blocks on a multigram scale (up to 52 g). To illustrate the potential of the obtained 4-azaspiro[2.3]hexane derivatives for isosteric replacements in drug discovery, their physicochemical and structural characterization was performed, i.e., basicity (pKa) and lipophilicity (Log P) measurements, X-ray diffraction studies, and exit vector plot (EVP) analysis.

Chiral amido-oxazoline functionalized MCM-41: A sustainable heterogeneous catalyst for enantioselective Kharasch-Sosnovsky and Henry reactions

In this study, a series of chiral amido-oxazoline ligands was synthesized with a primary focus on immobilizing the most effective ligands on MCM-41 mesoporous material. Following several attempts, the para-nitro group of the chiral amido-oxazoline ligands was successfully reduced to amino group, enabling their immobilization on MCM-41. The resulting chiral heterogeneous amido-oxazoline ligands were characterized using various techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, TGA, SEM, TEM, EDX, and BET-BJH, confirming the successful immobilization of the amido-oxazoline ligands. A comparison of the efficiency of the homogeneous and heterogeneous amido-oxazoline-based ligands in the Kharasch-Sosnovsky and Henry reactions revealed better performance of the heterogeneous ligand. The immobilized amido-oxazoline-copper complexes exhibited remarkable catalytic activity, achieving excellent yields and enantioselectivities (up to 88 % ee) in the Kharasch-Sosnovsky reaction, and delivering excellent yields with moderate enantioselectivities in the Henry reaction. Notably, the Henry reaction proceeded with moderate diastereoselectivity, favoring the syn diastereomer, under solvent-free conditions, highlighting the sustainability of the process. The heterogeneous nature of the catalysts facilitated effortless recovery and efficient reusability.

Dearomative pyrrole (3+2) reaction with geminal bromonitroalkane: synthesis of 2,3-dihydropyrroles

Dearomative 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of 1-Boc-pyrroles with in situ generated silver α-bromo alkylidenenitronates delivered a series of 3a,6a-dihydro-4-Boc-pyrrolo[2,3-d]isoxazole-2-oxides (17-91% yields) under very mild conditions. N-Deoxygenation of the cycloaddition product gave a dihydro-pyrrolo[2,3-d]isoxazole, elaborations of which produced various functionalized 2,3-dihydropyrroles and pyrrolidines, showcasing the potential utilities of our new strategy of pyrrole dearomatization.

Copper/Chiral Phosphoric-Acid-Catalyzed Intramolecular Reductive Isocyanide-Alkene (1 + 2) Cycloaddition: Enantioselective Construction of 2-Azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes

Enantioenriched 2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes are accessed from readily available allyl substituted α-isocyanoesters by intramolecular (1 + 2) cycloaddition with the olefinic moiety and isocyano carbon as the respective C2 and C1 units. Cyclopropanation is initiated by 1,1-hydrocupration of isocyanide followed by formimidoylcopper to copper α-aminocarbenoid equilibration and subsequent (1 + 2) cycloaddition. The unprecedented copper/chiral phosphoric acid (CPA) catalytic system can be operated in the presence of water under air, delivering a variety of 2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexanes containing an angular all-carbon quaternary stereocenter in good to excellent yields and enantioselectivity.

Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular asymmetric hydrocyclopropanylation of alkynes: synthesis of cyclopropane-fused γ-lactams

A palladium-catalyzed intramolecular asymmetric hydrocyclopropanylation of alkynes via C(sp³)-H activation has been developed for the synthesis of cyclopropane-fused γ-lactams. The presented strategy proceeds in a selective and 100% atom-economical manner. A range of cyclopropane-fused γ-lactams were prepared from readily available substrates in good yields and enantioselectivities with a chiral phosphoramidite ligand.

The Labile Nature of Air Stable Ni(II)/Ni(0)-phosphine/Olefin Catalysts/Intermediates: EDA-NOCV Analysis

Metal ions-based inorganic-organic hybrid composites are often reported acting as good to excellent catalysts with various substrate scopes under milder reaction conditions. The active catalyst of a catalytic cycle is sometimes proposed to be a short-lived reactive intermediate species. A three coordinate (L-Me)Ni(II) intermediate species [L-Me = O 2 N donor dianionic ligand] can bind with short-lived carbene-ester ligands to produce four coordinate Ni(II) species which can act as carbene transfer intermediates under suitable reaction conditions for C-H functionalization or cyclopropanation reactions. The dissociation of phosphine (PPh 3 ) from the Ni(II) centre of (L-Me)Ni(II)(PPh 3 ) ( 1a ) and binding of short lived carbene esters (:CR 1 -CO 2 R 2 ; R 1 = H, Ph; R 2 = aliphatic group; 2-4 and other carbenes; 5-10 ) to Ni(II) rationalize the phenomenon in solution. Air stable Ni(0)-olefin complexes/intermediates ( 12-18 ) have recently been shown to mediate a variety of organic transformations. This analysis will further help organic/organometallic chemists to rationalize the design and synthesis of future catalysts for organic transformation. EDA-NOCV calculations have been performed to shed light on the stability and bonding of those species. Additionally, our analysis provides a proper reason why the analogous (L-Me)Pd-PPh 3 complex ( 1b ) does not dissociate in solution and hence, a similar catalytic product has not been isolated from identical reaction conditions. The stability and the labile nature of Ni(II/0) complexes has been investigated by state-of-the-art EDA-NOCV analyses.

Enantioselective Allylic C-H Bond Oxidation of Olefins Using Copper Complexes of Chiral Oxazoline Based Ligands

This review article discusses historical and contemporary research studies of asymmetric allylic oxidation of olefins using homogeneous and heterogeneous copper complexes of various kinds of oxazoline-based ligands, until the end of 2021. It is revealed that this strategy is a powerful method to form a new stereogenic center bearing an oxygen substituent adjacent to an unchanged C=C bond. Enantioselectivities as well as chemical yields, and also the reactivity, are strongly dependent on the type of substrate, oxidant, the copper salt and its oxidation state, ligand structure, temperature, nature of the solvent, and additives such as phenylhydrazine and porous materials.

Catalytic Transformations of 2-Pyridones by Rhodium-Mediated Carbene Transfer

An enantioselective cyclopropanation reaction of N-substituted 2-pyridones with diazo compounds has been realized by using a chiral rhodium complex as the catalyst, and the corresponding chiral cyclopropanes could be formed in good yields with high enantioselectivities. Moreover, using acceptor-acceptor dimethyl 2-diazomalonate as the carbene precursor, a novel 1,4-rearrangement of a Boc group from N to C has also been discovered under rhodium catalysis.

Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalysis Enables the Synthesis of Alkyl Cyclopropanes via C(sp3)-C(sp3) Cross Electrophile Coupling of Unactivated Alkyl Electrophiles

A facile synthesis of mono-, 1,1- and 1,2-disubstituted cyclopropanes via visible light-mediated photoredox/nickel dual catalysis is demonstrated. The challenging intramolecular C(sp³)-C(sp³) cross-electrophile coupling of readily available unactivated 1,3-dialkyl electrophiles was performed under mild conditions that allowed traditionally reactive functional groups to be included. Mechanistic inspection and control experiments revealed the importance of dual catalysis and that the reaction proceeds via a stepwise oxidative addition followed by an intramolecular S_N2 reaction.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Biologically Relevant Tetrahydropyridines and Dihydro-2H-pyrans via Ring-Expansion of Monocyclopropanated Heterocycles

A stereoselective, scalable, and metal-free ring-expansion of monocyclopropanated pyrroles and furans has been developed, leading to value-added highly functionalized tetrahydropyridine and dihydro-2H-pyran derivatives. Featuring a cyclopropylcarbinyl cation rearrangement as the key step, the selective cleavage of the unactivated endocyclic cyclopropane C-C bond is achieved. Targeted transformations of the thus obtained six-membered heterocycles give access to versatile building blocks with relevance for drug synthesis.

Further Developments and Applications of Oxazoline-Containing Ligands in Asymmetric Catalysis

The chiral oxazoline motif is present in many ligands that have been extensively applied in a series of important metal-catalyzed enantioselective reactions. This Review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the most significant applications of oxazoline-containing ligands reported in the literature starting from 2009 until the end of 2018. The ligands are classified not by the reaction to which their metal complexes have been applied but by the nature of the denticity, chirality, and donor atoms involved. As a result, the continued development of ligand architectural design from mono(oxazolines), to bis(oxazolines), to tris(oxazolines) and tetra(oxazolines) and variations thereof can be more easily monitored by the reader. In addition, the key transition states of selected asymmetric transformations will be given to illustrate the features that give rise to high levels of asymmetric induction. As a further aid to the reader, we summarize the majority of schemes with representative examples that highlight the variation in % yields and % ees for carefully selected substrates. This Review should be of particular interest to the experts in the field but also serve as a useful starting point to new researchers in this area. It is hoped that this Review will stimulate both the development/design of new ligands and their applications in novel metal-catalyzed asymmetric transformations.

Recent Advances in Functionalization of Pyrroles and their Translational Potential

Among the known aromatic nitrogen heterocycles, pyrrole represents a privileged aromatic heterocycle ranging its occurrence in the key component of "pigments of life" to biologically active natural products to active pharmaceuticals. Pyrrole being an electron-rich heteroaromatic compound, its predominant functionalization is legendary to aromatic electrophilic substitution reactions. Although a few excellent reviews on the functionalization of pyrroles including the reports by Baltazzi in 1963, Casiraghi and Rassu in 1995, and Banwell in 2006 are available, they are fragmentary and over fifteen years old, and do not cover the modern aspects of catalysis. A review covering a comprehensive package of direct functionalization on pyrroles via catalytic and non-catalytic methods including their translational potential is described. Subsequent to statutory yet concise introduction, the classical functionalization on pyrroles using Lewis acids largely following an ionic mechanism is discussed. The subsequent discussion follows the various metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization on pyrroles, which are otherwise difficult to implement by Lewis acids. A major emphasize is given on the radical based pyrrole functionalization under metal-free oxidative conditions, which is otherwise poorly highlighted in the literature. Towards the end, the current development of pyrrole functionalization under photocatalyzed and electrochemical conditions is appended. Only a selected examples of substrates and important mechanisms are discussed for different methods highlighting their scopes and limitations. The aromatic nucleophillic substitution on pyrroles (being an electron-rich heterocycle) happened to be the subject of recent investigations, which has also been covered accentuating their underlying conceptual development. Despite great achievements over the past several years in these areas, many challenges and problems are yet to be solved, which are all discussed in summary and outlook.

Synthesis, oligomerization and catalytic studies of a redox-active Ni4-cubane: a detailed mechanistic investigation

A robust tetrameric nickel complex [Ni₄((O_al⁻)₂L-Me)₄(s)₄] (3) (s = solvent) with cubane-like Ni₄O₄ core topology was isolated as a light greenish-orange crystalline solid in excellent yield. The mechanism of formation of 3 involving the two chloride-containing precursors [Ni₄((O_al⁻)₂L-Me)₄(s)₄]·2MeOH (1) and [Ni₄((O⁻)₂L-Me)₃((O_al⁻)(OH)L-Me)Cl] (2) was studied by ESI mass spectrometry and confirmed by the solid state isolation and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The challenging ligand fields containing mono/di-anionic O₂N donating atoms and/or chloride ions stabilized the pentacoordinate Ni(ii) ions in 1–2 upon controlling the experimental conditions. Complexes 1–3 have been characterized by NMR, UV-Vis and mass spectrometric analysis. Complex 3 was found to be redox active by cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies. Theoretical calculations were carried out to shed light on the effects of ligand fields on the stability of complexes 1–3. Complex 3 was found to be a potential catalyst for the diastereoselective cyclopropanation of heteroarenes with good to excellent yields. The ESI mass spectrometric analysis revealed the existence of solution dynamics and oligomerization of 3 in solution. Mechanistic investigation of the catalytic cycle revealed that complex 3 and its various oligomers bind to the diazoester employed, followed by dissociative insertion of the respective carbene moieties to the C2–C3 double bond of the involved aromatic heterocycle, leading to the diastereoselective cyclopropanation.

A robust tetrameric nickel complex [Ni₄((O_al⁻)₂L-Me)₄(s)₄] (s = solvent) with cubane-like Ni₄O₄ core topology identified as the efficient catalyst for the diastereoselective cyclopropanation of aromatic heterocycles.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Tropanes via a 6π-Electrocyclic Ring-Opening/ Huisgen [3+2]-Cycloaddition Cascade of Monocyclopropanated Heterocycles

The synthesis of tropanes via a microwave-assisted, stereoselective 6π-electrocyclic ring-opening/ Huisgen [3+2]-cycloaddition cascade of cyclopropanated pyrrole and furan derivatives with electron-deficient dipolarophiles is demonstrated. Starting from furans or pyrroles, 8-aza- and 8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes are accessible in two steps in dia- and enantioselective pure form, being versatile building blocks for the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant targets, especially for new cocaine analogues bearing various substituents at the C-6/C-7 positions of the tropane ring system. Moreover, the 2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane core (isoquinuclidines), being prominently represented in many natural and pharmaceutical products, is accessible via this approach.

Synthesis of Chiral Allylic Esters by Using the New Recyclable Chiral Heterogeneous Oxazoline-Based Catalysts

A new class of recyclable supported chiral heterogeneous ligands has been synthesized by the reaction of functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 with aliphatic- and aromatic-substituted chiral amino oxazoline ligands. The obtained chiral heterogeneous ligands were characterized by several techniques such as Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and BET-BJH. The application of these new heterogeneous ligands in copper-catalyzed asymmetric allylic oxidation of olefins by using perester showed better yields up to 95% and better enantioselectivities up to 96% compared to the corresponding homogeneous catalysts. These findings can be considered as an important step in the advancement of green chemistry. Investigation of the recyclability of the catalysts confirmed that they were easily recovered and reused eight times without significant losses in reactivity, yield, and enantioselectivity.

Tridentate Nickel(II)-Catalyzed Chemodivergent C-H Functionalization and Cyclopropanation: Regioselective and Diastereoselective Access to Substituted Aromatic Heterocycles

A Schiff-base nickel(II)-phosphene-catalyzed chemodivergent C-H functionalization and cyclopropanation of aromatic heterocycles is reported in moderate to excellent yields and very good regioselectivity and diastereoselectivity. The weak, noncovalent interaction between the phosphene ligand and Ni center facilitates the ligand dissociation, generating the electronically and coordinatively unsaturated active catalyst. The proposed mechanisms for the reported reactions are in good accord with the experimental results and theoretical calculations, providing a suitable model of stereocontrol for the cyclopropanation reaction.

Functionalization of Piperidine Derivatives for the Site-Selective and Stereoselective Synthesis of Positional Analogues of Methylphenidate

Rhodium‐catalyzed C−H insertions and cyclopropanations of donor/acceptor carbenes have been used for the synthesis of positional analogues of methylphenidate. The site selectivity is controlled by the catalyst and the amine protecting group. C−H functionalization of N‐Boc‐piperidine using Rh₂(R‐TCPTAD)₄, or N‐brosyl‐piperidine using Rh₂(R‐TPPTTL)₄ generated 2‐substitited analogues. In contrast, when N‐α‐oxoarylacetyl‐piperidines were used in combination with Rh₂(S‐2‐Cl‐5‐BrTPCP)₄, the C−H functionalization produced 4‐susbstiuted analogues. Finally, the 3‐substituted analogues were prepared indirectly by cyclopropanation of N‐Boc‐tetrahydropyridine followed by reductive regio‐ and stereoselective ring‐opening of the cyclopropanes.

Uncovering the Neglected Similarities of Arynes and Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes

Arynes and donor-acceptor (D-A) cyclopropanes are two classes of strained systems having the potential for numerous applications in organic synthesis. The last two decades have witnessed a renaissance of interest in the chemistry of these species primarily because of the mild and robust methods for their generation or activation. Commonly, arynes as easily polarizable systems result in 1,2-disubstitution, whereas D-A cyclopropanes as polarized systems lead to 1,3-bisfunctionalization thereby showing striking similarities. Transformations with 1,2- and 1,3-dipoles afford cyclic structures. With arynes, emerging four-membered rings as intermediates might react further, whereas the analogous five-membered rings obtained from D-A cyclopropanes are most often the final products. However, there are a few cases where these intermediates behave surprisingly differently. This Minireview highlights the parallels in reactivity between arynes and D-A cyclopropanes thereby shedding light on the neglected similarities of these two reactive species.

Stereospecific Copper(II)-Catalyzed Tandem Ring Opening/Oxidative Alkylation of Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes with Hydrazones: Synthesis of Tetrahydropyridazines

Aerobic copper(II)-catalyzed tandem ring opening and oxidative C-H alkylation of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes with bisaryl hydrazones is accomplished to produce tetrahydropyridazines, in which copper(II) plays dual role as a Lewis acid as well as redox catalyst. The reaction is stereospecific, and optically active cyclopropanes can be reacted with high optical purities (89-98% enantiomeric excess). The substrate scope, functional group tolerance, dual role of the copper(II) catalyst, and the use of air as an oxidant are the important practical features. A product bearing a 3-bromoaryl group can be subjected to Pd-catalyzed Suzuki coupling with boronic acid in high yield.

Ring-Opening Reactions of Donor-Acceptor Cyclobutanes with Electron-Rich Arenes, Thiols, and Selenols

Donor-acceptor (D-A) cyclobutanes with two geminal ester groups as acceptors are reacted with electron-rich arenes as nucleophiles to afford ring-opened products. AlCl₃ mediates this Friedel-Crafts-type reaction. A variety of donors and electron-rich arenes are used. Nucleophilic thiols and selenols also trigger this ring-opening reaction. Furthermore, a comparison of various physical parameters has been carried out for several D-A cyclobutanes.

Recent advances in the synthesis of cyclopropanes

Cyclopropanes, one of the most important strained rings, have gained much attention for more than a century because of their interesting and unique reactivity. They not only exist in many natural products, but have also been widely used in the fields of organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and materials science as versatile building blocks. Based on the sustainable development in this area, this review mainly focuses on the recent advances in the synthesis of cyclopropanes classified by the type of catalytic system, including regio-, diastereo-, and enantio-selective reactions.

Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of Functionalized Dihydropyridines, Pyridines, and 2H-Pyrans: Heck Coupling of Monocyclopropanated Heterocycles

A palladium-catalyzed coupling between aryl halides and monocyclopropanated pyrroles or furans has been developed, leading to valuable six-membered N- and O-heterocycles. As the key step, a selective cleavage of the non-activated endocyclic C-C bond of the 2-heterobicyclo-[3.1.0]hexane framework is achieved. The developed method offers access to highly functionalized piperidines, pyridines, and pyrans that are challenging to access by traditional methods.

Triplet-sensitised di-π-methane rearrangement of N-substituted 2-azabarrelenones

When irradiated at λ = 366 nm or at λ = 420 nm in the presence of an appropriate sensitiser the title compounds underwent a di-π-methane rearrangement which led to the formation of tricyclic azasemibullvalenones (2a,2a1,2b,4a-tetrahydroazacyclopropa[cd]pentalenones) in yields of 63-87%.

Recent advances in the synthesis of cyclopropanes

Cyclopropanes have gained much attention by virtue of their interesting structure and unique reactivity. This review discusses the recent advances in the synthesis of cyclopropanes, and some of the related applications will be discussed.

Enantioselective palladium-catalyzed C–H functionalization of pyrroles using an axially chiral 2,2′-bipyridine ligand

An enantioselective palladium-catalyzed C–H functionalization of pyrroles with diazoacetates has been developed with up to 90% of enantioselectivity.