Coupling Reaction of Cu-Based Carbene and Nitroso Radical: A Tandem Reaction To Construct Isoxazolines

Recent advances in the application of the isoxazoline route to aldols in the synthesis of natural products

Covering: 2000 to 2024The cycloaddition of nitrile oxides with olefins (NOC), followed by reductive cleavage of the resulting isoxazolines, has been widely recognised as a convenient and powerful synthetic strategy for constructing the aldol motif in natural product synthesis. Different modes of NOC (intermolecular, fused and bridged intramolecular) enable the synthesis of diverse isoxazoline products, which can be converted into highly substituted cyclic and acyclic aldol frameworks. This review examines the advances in this field over the past 25 years. More than 50 total syntheses are discussed, encompassing various classes of natural compounds, including macrolides, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, pseudosugars, sulfolipids and some others. Moreover, the basic aspects of this methodology are outlined, including methods for the generation of nitrile oxides and isoxazoline ring cleavage, as well as stereochemical models for intramolecular nitrile oxide cycloaddition.

tert-Butyl Nitrite (TBN)-Enabled Tandem C-H Bond Oxidation/C-N Bond Cleavage/[3+2] Cycloaddition of 1-Nitromethyltetrahydroisoquinoline Derivatives: Construction of Multifunctionalized Isoxazole and Isoxazoline Skeletons

A TBN-enabled tandem C-H bond oxidation/C-N bond cleavage/[3+2] cycloaddition of 1-nitromethyltetrahydroisoquinolines was realized, constructing a series of multifunctionalized isoxazole and isoxazoline skeletons in the presence of alkynes and alkenes, respectively. Various functional groups were smoothly tolerated, and the mechanistic study revealed that the construction of isoxazole and isoxazoline rings is mediated by the in situ generated nitrile oxides.

One-Pot Synthesis of Isoxazole-Fused Tricyclic Quinazoline Alkaloid Derivatives via Intramolecular Cycloaddition of Propargyl-Substituted Methyl Azaarenes under Metal-Free Conditions

A practical method was developed for the convenient synthesis of isoxazole-fused tricyclic quinazoline alkaloids. This procedure accesses diverse isoxazole-fused tricyclic quinazoline alkaloids and their derivatives via intramolecular cycloaddition of methyl azaarenes with tert-butyl nitrite (TBN). In this method, TBN acts as the radical initiator and the source of N-O. Moreover, this protocol forms new C-N, C-C, and C-O bonds via sequence nitration and annulation in a one-pot process with broad substrate scope and functionalization of natural products.

Palladium-Catalyzed Oxidative Cyclization of α-Allenols in the Presence of TBN: Access to 3(2H)-Furanones

A new palladium-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of α-allenols is described. The readily accessible α-allenols participate in intra-molecular oxidative cyclization in the presence of TBN to grant access to multisubstituted 3(2H)-furanones, which are common motifs in several biologically important natural products and pharmaceuticals.

Photocatalytic Regioselective [2 + 2 + 1] Radical Annulation of Alkenes with tert-Butyl Nitrite and gem-Dihalides

A visible-light photocatalytic regioselective [2 + 2 + 1] radical annulation reaction of alkenes, tert-butyl nitrite, and gem-dihalides has been developed. The protocol provides an efficient and practical approach to obtain isoxazolines in good yields under mild conditions. Significantly, gem-dihalides serve as C1 synthons, while cheap tert-butyl nitrite acts as an ideal "N-O" synthon.

Photocatalytic Regioselective Difunctionalization of Alkenes with Diazo Compounds and tert-Butyl Nitrite: Access to γ-Oximino Esters

A visible-light photocatalytic regioselective difunctionalization of alkenes with diazo compounds and tert-butyl nitrite has been developed. The protocol provides an efficient approach to γ-oximino esters under mild conditions. Significantly, this transformation not only shows the good compatibility of nucleophilic diazo compounds and electrophilic tert-butyl nitrite but also displays diazo compounds generating alkyl radicals that preferred addition to alkenes over nitroso radicals.

TBAI-Catalyzed S-H and N-H Insertion Reactions of α-Diazoesters with Thiophenols and Amines under Metal-Free Conditions

Mild, convenient, and effective TBAI-catalyzed S-H and N-H insertion reactions of α-diazoesters with thiophenols and aromatic amines under metal-free conditions have been described, furnishing a straightforward and general platform for the synthesis of various thioethers and 2-amino-2-oxoacetates in moderate to excellent yields. Moreover, this strategy features simple operation, mild conditions, broad substrate scope, and easy scale-up.

Reductive Recyclization of sp3-Enriched Functionalized Isoxazolines into α-Hydroxy Lactams

An efficient synthesis (up to a 200 g scale) of 3-hydroxypyrrolidin-2-ones bearing alkyl substituents or functional groups at the C-5 position is described. The reaction sequence started from 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of in situ generated nitrile oxides with (meth-)acrylates into 3-substituted isoxazoline-5-carboxylates. The catalytic hydrogenolysis of the isoxazoline N-O bond was optimal upon using H₂ (1 atm) at rt, with the following order of the catalyst activity: Pd-C > Pd(OH)₂-C > Pt-C. The reactions with Pt-C were more selective for the synthesis of pyrrolidones, while Pd-C provided the fastest conversion rates. The stirring efficiency had a positive impact on conversion rather than elevated temperatures (up to 40 °C) or pressure (up to 50 atm). The diastereoselectivity was governed mainly by steric factors, with a dr of 1:1 to 3:1 (cis- and trans-isomers could be separated). Higher homologues (isoxazolinylacetates and -propanoates) were suitable for the synthesis of 6- or 7-substituted 4-hydroxypiperidones and 5-hydroxyazepanones, respectively. The proposed methods are tolerant to functional groups, including CF₃ (but not CHF₂ or CH₂Cl), ester, and most N-Boc-protected amines. The utility of hydroxyl groups in lactams was shown by functional group transformations. Hydrogenolysis of C(5)-functionalized isoxazolines, bearing trimethylsilyl, phosphonate, or sulfone groups, was also studied to demonstrate limitations.

Assembly of Furazan-Fused Quinolines via an Expeditious Metal-Free [2+2+1] Radical Tandem Cyclization Process

A [2+2+1]-NO-segment-incorporating heteroannulative cascade is described. This versatile method, particularly using modular cyanoarylated ketimine substrates, allows efficient access to structurally diversified quinolines embedded with an oxadiazole core. This metal-free protocol proceeds smoothly at 30 °C, offers easy manipulation of substituents on the quinoline moiety, and tolerates a spectrum of functional groups. Density functional theory calculation revealed that the cyano moiety is crucial to facilitate the early cyclization step in this heteroannulation process and is different from the previously established late cyclization mechanistic interpretation.

[2 + 2 + 1] Cycloaddition of N-tosylhydrazones, tert-butyl nitrite and alkenes: a general and practical access to isoxazolines

N-Tosylhydrazones have proven to be versatile synthons over the past several decades. However, to our knowledge, the construction of isoxazolines based on N-tosylhydrazones has not been examined. Herein, we report the first demonstrations of [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition reactions that allow the facile synthesis of isoxazolines, employing N-tosylhydrazones, tert-butyl nitrite (TBN) and alkenes as reactants. This process represents a new type of cycloaddition reaction with a distinct mechanism that does not involve the participation of nitrile oxides. This approach is both general and practical and exhibits a wide substrate scope, nearly universal functional group compatibility, tolerance of moisture and air, the potential for functionalization of complex bioactive molecules and is readily scaled up. Both control experiments and theoretical calculations indicate that this transformation proceeds via the in situ generation of a nitronate from the coupling of N-tosylhydrazone and TBN, followed by cycloaddition with an alkene and subsequent elimination of a tert-butyloxy group to give the desired isoxazoline.

Catalyst-Free Formation of Nitrile Oxides and Their Further Transformations to Diverse Heterocycles

The formation of nitrile oxides with diazocarbonyl compounds by nitrosyl transfer from tert-butyl nitrite under mild conditions and without the use of a catalyst or an additive is reported. This transformation is broadly applicable to the synthesis of furoxans by dimerization and isoxazoles and isoxazolines by cycloaddition. This methodology is also applied for the millimole-scale synthesis of two biologically active compounds. The formation of the nitrile oxide from a diazoacetamide is stable and confirmed experimentally.

Synthesis of (E)-Quinoxalinone Oximes through a Multicomponent Reaction under Mild Conditions

Herein, a novel method for the gram-scale synthesis of (E)-quinoxalinone oximes through a multicomponent reaction under mild conditions is described. Such a transformation was performed under transition-metal-free conditions, affording (E)-oximes in a moderate-to-good yield through recrystallization. Our methodology demonstrates a successful combination of a Mannich-type reaction and radical coupling, providing a green and practical approach for the synthesis of potentially bioactive quinoxalinone-containing molecules.

Oxidize Amines to Nitrile Oxides: One Type of Amine Oxidation and Its Application to Directly Construct Isoxazoles and Isoxazolines

A facile oxidative heterocyclization of commercially available amines and tert-butyl nitrite with alkynes or alkenes leading to isoxazoles or isoxazolines is described. The unprecedented strategy of the oxidation of an amine directly to a nitrile oxide was used in this cyclization process. This reaction is highly efficient, regiospecific, operationally simple, mild, and tolerant of a variety of functional groups. Control experiments support a nitrile oxide intermediate mechanism for this novel class of oxidative cyclization reactions. Moreover, synthetic applications toward bioactive molecular skeletons and the late-stage modification of drugs were realized.

Acyclic nitronate olefin cycloaddition (ANOC): regio- and stereospecific synthesis of isoxazolines

We report the first demonstrations of intra- and intermolecular acyclic nitronate olefin cycloaddition (ANOC) reactions that enable the highly efficient syntheses of isoxazolines bearing various functional groups. This general approach to accessing γ-lactone fused isoxazolines was hitherto unprecedented. The room temperature transformations reported herein exhibit wide substrate scopes, as evidenced by more than 70 examples, including the generation of five tricyclic isoxazolines. The robustness of this methodology was confirmed by a series of trials that afforded highly functionalized isoxazolines. Both experimental results and density functional theory calculations indicate that these transformations proceed via the in situ formation of acyclic nitronates together with concerted [3+2] cycloaddition and tert-butyloxy group elimination processes to give regio- and stereospecificity.

Recent advances in the oxime-participating synthesis of isoxazolines

Isoxazoline compounds are used as important intermediates for the synthesis of organic molecules, which are widely used in the chemical and life science industries. Oxime-participating cyclization has emerged as an efficient strategy for the construction of isoxazolines. This review is devoted to highlighting the main achievements (since 2010) in the development of methodologies for the synthesis of isoxazolines. According to the reaction mechanism, the oxime-participating synthesis of isoxazolines can be mainly classified into four reaction types: iminoxyl radical-initiated intramolecular cyclization, intermolecular radical addition-initiated cyclization, intramolecular nucleophilic cyclization, and [3 + 2] cycloaddition. Meanwhile, miscellaneous examples are also illustrated, such as [2 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition. Representative reactions will be discussed for each of the highlighted synthetic strategies. In addition, the enantioselective synthesis of isoxazolines is also illustrated in this review.

[2 + 2 + 1] Heteroannulation of Alkenes with Enynyl Benziodoxolones and Silver Nitrite Involving C≡C bond Oxidative Cleavage: Entry to 3-Aryl-Δ2-isoxazolines

A copper-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] heteroannulation of alkenes with enynyl benziodoxolones and AgNO₂ involving oxidative cleavage of the C≡C bond promoted by cooperative Zn(OTf)₂, KOAc, and 4 Å MS for producing 3-aryl Δ²-isoxazolines is reported. Mechanistic studies indicate that AgNO₂ serves as the N/O two-atom unit source, enabling the formation of three bonds through NO₂ addition across the C≡C bond, NO-transfer, C≡C bond cleavage, and annulation cascades.

Copper-Catalyzed Annulation Reaction of Alkenes and N-Alkyl(aryl)-1-(methylthio)-2-nitroethenamine: an Approach for the Synthesis of Isoxazole Derivatives

A copper-catalyzed annulation reaction to access a variety of isoxazoles from alkenes and oxazete in situ generated from N-alkyl(aryl)-1-(methylthio)-2-nitroethenamine was reported. A plausible mechanism underlying the formation of the product was proposed, which represented a new approach for the construction of isoxazolines. This reaction was capable of tolerating alkenes bearing various substituents, which showed a relatively broad substrate scope with good functional group compatibility.

Cross coupling of sulfonyl radicals with silver-based carbenes: a simple approach to β-carbonyl arylsulfones

A radical–carbene coupling reaction of sulfonyl radicals and silver-based carbenes has been well established, which provides an efficient approach to various β-carbonyl arylsulfones.

Copper-catalyzed carbene insertion and ester migration for the synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles

A mild synthetic protocol to access 2-ester pyrroles through Cu(OTf)₂-catalysed carbene insertion/ester migration/cyclization of enaminones and α-diazo compounds is reported.

Room temperature iron(ii)-catalyzed radical cyclization of unsaturated oximes with hypervalent iodine reagents

An iron(ii)-catalyzed radical cyclization of oximes with hypervalent iodine reagents was developed, which enabled the construction of the isoxazoline backbone.

Copper-Catalyzed Cascade Cyclization Reactions of Diazo Compounds with tert-Butyl Nitrite and Alkynes: One-Pot Synthesis of Isoxazoles

A novel copper-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of alkynes with nitrile oxides generated in situ from the coupling reaction of copper carbene and nitroso radical has been developed. The three-component reaction provides a simple and efficient method for the construction of isoxazoles in a highly regioselective manner in a single step. On the basis of the experimental results and density functional theory calculations, a catalytic cycle (Cu^I-Cu^II-Cu⁰-Cu^I) for this cascade cyclization reaction is proposed.

Synthesis of Isoxazolines and Oxazines by Electrochemical Intermolecular [2 + 1 + n] Annulation: Diazo Compounds Act as Radical Acceptors

Reported herein is an unprecedented synthesis of isoxazolines and oxazines through electrochemical intermolecular annulation of alkenes with tert-butyl nitrite, in which diazo compounds serve as radical acceptors. Notably, [2 + 1 + 2] and [2 + 1 + 3] annulations occur when styrenes and allylbenzenes are used as substrates, respectively. The latter reaction undergoes group migration to form more stable radical, manifesting radical route instead of conventional 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition occurs. Moreover, scale-up experiments suggest the potential application value of these transformations in industry.

K2S2O8-Mediated Hydroxyalkylation of Benzothiazoles with Alcohols in Aqueous Solution

The K2S2O8-mediated hydroxyalkylation of 2H-benzothiazoles with aliphatic alcohols in aqueous solution was described. The mild and convenient protocol generated a series of hydroxyalkylated benzothiazoles in moderate to good yields. Besides, benzimidazole and ethers were also compatible in this reaction, leading to corresponding C2 ether-substituted heteroarenes.

In situ generation of nitrile oxides from copper carbene and tert-butyl nitrite: synthesis of fully substituted isoxazoles

Herein, we present a novel [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of β-keto esters with nitrile oxides, which were generated in situ from copper carbene and tert-butyl nitrite. This three-component reaction provides new methodology for the direct synthesis of fully substituted isoxazole derivatives, featuring mild reaction conditions, readily accessible starting materials and simple operation. The experimental studies and DFT calculations suggest that the reaction starts with the generation of the key intermediate nitrile oxides, followed by a [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of β-keto esters to give the final isoxazole products.

Multicomponent reactions: a sustainable tool to 1,2- and 1,3-azoles

The present review outlines the recent advancements and pioneering efforts on the synthesis of 1,2/1,3-azoles employing a multicomponent strategy.

Understanding the chemoselectivities between carbonyl and hydroxyl groups in the Rh(ii)–azavinyl carbene involved reactions

Computational studies were carried out to understand the chemoselectivities between carbonyl and hydroxyl groups in the Rh(ii)–AVC involved reactions.