Rh(III)-Catalyzed [3 + 2] Annulation via C–H Activation: Direct Access to Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Indenamines and Aminoindanes

Photoredox-Catalyzed Acylchlorination of α-CF3 Alkenes with Acyl Chloride and Application as Masked Access to β-CF3-enones

We disclose a photocatalytic strategy that simultaneously addresses the construction of trifluoromethylated quaternary carbon centers and the preparation of β-CF3-enones through radical difunctionalization of α-CF3 alkenes with acyl chlorides. This method is characterized by its broad functional group compatibility, high efficiency, and atom economy. The versatility of this transformation is poised to broaden the applications of α-CF3 alkenes, providing new pathways for the rapid assembly of structurally diverse fluorinated compounds.

Glucose regulation by newly synthesized boronic acid functionalized molecules as dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor: a potential compound for therapeutic intervention in hyperglycaemia

Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) inhibitors is gaining precedence as this enzyme plays an indispensable role in cleaving and inactivating peptides, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), incretin hormones, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). There are several DPP IV inhibitors used to treat T2DM, but limited by side effects such as disturbed GIT, flu-like symptoms, etc. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of novel and better DPP IV inhibitors for the management of the same. In the present study, we investigated the effect of new boronic acid-based thiazole compounds as DPP IV inhibitors. We used substituted anilines that were progressively modified through a multi-step synthesis and then chemically characterised. These molecules have good binding affinity and molecular interactions at the active site of the DPP IV enzyme. Two boronic acid-based molecules, i.e. PC06R58 and PC06R108, were used for the assessment of their in-vitro enzymatic activities. Both molecules (PC06108 and PC06R58) exhibited potent uncompetitive DPP IV enzyme inhibition at two different concentrations of 90.9 and 15.6 nM, respectively, compared to sitagliptin having an IC50 of 17.3 nM. Furthermore, the oral glucose tolerance test suggested significantly reduced blood glucose levels at 20 mg/kg of the body weight upon administration of PC06R58 and PC06R108 molecules in rats after glucose ingestion (2 g/kg of the body weight). The compounds showed satisfactory DPP IV inhibition. Furthermore, DPP IV inhibitory activity and acceptable pre-ADME/Tox profile indicate it is a lead compound in this novel class of DPP IV inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Divergent Synthesis of Multi-Substituted Aminotetralins via [4+2] Annulation of Aldimines with Alkenes by Rare-Earth-Catalyzed Benzylic C(sp3 )-H Activation

The search for efficient and selective methods for the divergent synthesis of multi-substituted aminotetralins is of much interest and importance. We report herein for the first time the diastereoselective [4+2] annulation of 2-methyl aromatic aldimines with alkenes via benzylic C(sp3 )-H activation by half-sandwich rare-earth catalysts, which constitutes an efficient route for the divergent synthesis of both trans and cis diastereoisomers of multi-substituted 1-aminotetralin derivatives from readily accessible aldimines and alkenes. The use of a scandium catalyst bearing a sterically demanding cyclopentadienyl ligand such as C5 Me4 SiMe3 or C5 Me5 exclusively afforded the trans-selective annulation products in the reaction of aldimines with styrenes and aliphatic alkenes. In contrast, the analogous yttrium catalyst, whose metal ion size is larger than that of scandium, yielded the cis-selective annulation products. This protocol features 100 % atom-efficiency, excellent diastereoselectivity, broad substrate scope, and good functional group compatibility. The reaction mechanisms have been elucidated by kinetic isotope effect (KIE) experiments and the isolation and transformations of some key reaction intermediates.

Iridium(III)-catalyzed β-trifluoromethyl enone carbonyl-directed regioselective ortho-C(sp2)-H olefination

Due to the lower LUMO energy level at the β-position of α,β-unsaturated-β-trifluoromethyl enone than that of its non-fluorinated counterpart, there is a challenge to activate the sp2 C-H bond of aromatic rings. Herein, we have reported iridium(III)-catalyzed β-trifluoromethyl enone carbonyl-directed regioselective aromatic C(sp2)-H olefination with acrylates under oxidative conditions. Furthermore, coupling with natural product-derived acrylates, scale-up and product diversification have also been performed.

Synthesis of 3-aminoindenes and cis-1-aminoindanes by Zn(OTf)2-catalyzed cyclization of o-alkynylbenzaldehydes with tertiary alkyl primary amines

Using Zn(OTf)2 as catalyst, a highly regio- and chemo-selective cyclocarboamination of o-alkynylbenzaldehydes with tertiary alkyl primary amines was realized to access 3-aminoindenes with different substitution patterns from previously reported methods. The full reduction of the iminoindenone intermediates affords cis-1-amino-2-arylindanes with excellent diastereoselectivity. Mechanistically, the reaction involves the rearrangement of 1-amino-3-arylidene-isoindolines and isomerization of 1-aminoindenes to 3-aminoindenes.

Mechanistic Study on CpRh(III)-Catalyzed [3 + 2] Annulation of Aniline Derivatives with Vinylsilanes: A DFT Study

The rhodium(III)-catalyzed reaction of aniline derivatives that contain a pyrimidine-directing group with vinylsilanes results in the formation of C3-substituted indoline derivatives. The reaction path and formation of the indoline product with density functional theory calculations were analyzed. This study reveals that the whole catalysis can be characterized in the following stages: (I) C-H activation via concerted metalation deprotonation, (II) 2,1-vinylsilane insertion, (III) deprotonation of the NH amide proton, (IV) the oxidation of Ag⁺, and (V) reductive elimination. These steps are kinetically and thermodynamically feasible for experimental realization under mild conditions, and the insertion step with a barrier of 22.0 kcal/mol should not only be the critical step of regioselectivity but also the rate-determining step during the whole catalysis. Computations reveal that the Ag⁺ oxidation can accelerate the reductive elimination step after the formation of natural intermediate, thus highlighting the role of Ag⁺ as a catalytic promoter for the oxidatively induced reactivity of the Rh catalyst in C3-substituted indoline synthesis.

Catalytic and Chemodivergent Synthesis of 1-Substituted 9H-Pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles via Annulation of β-CF3 Enones with 3-Substituted Indoles

Chemodivergent reactions are more advantageous in organic synthesis that yield diversely functionalized scaffolds from common starting materials. Herein, we report an efficient metal-free chemodivergent protocol for the synthesis of 1-substituted 9H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indole derivatives in the presence of catalytic amounts of Lewis acid/Brønsted acid conditions using 3-substituted indoles and β-trifluoromethyl-α,β-unsaturated ketones. Fine-tuning of the catalyst and solvent system in the reaction conditions deliver the trifluoromethyl, trifluoroethylcarboxylate, or carboxylic acid substituents on the C1-position of 9H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indole derivatives in situ. It is postulated that the solvent and LA/BA catalyst interaction was found to be crucial for the catalytic C-F activation in these transformations.

Recent advances in transition-metal catalyzed directed C–H functionalization with fluorinated building blocks

This review focuses on the advances in transition-metal catalyzed reactions with fluorinated building blocks via directed C–H bond activation for the construction of diverse organic molecules with an insight into the probable mechanistic pathway.

Regio- and Diastereoselective [3+2] Annulation of Aliphatic Aldimines with Alkenes by Scandium-Catalyzed β-C(sp3 )-H Activation

Here we report for the first time the regio- and diastereoselective [3+2] annulation of a wide range of aliphatic aldimines with alkenes via the activation of an unactivated β-C(sp³ )-H bond by half-sandwich scandium catalysts. This protocol offers a straightforward and atom-efficient route for the synthesis of a new family of multi-substituted aminocyclopentane derivatives from easily accessible aliphatic aldimines and alkenes. The annulation of aldimines with styrenes exclusively afforded the 5-aryl-trans-substituted 1-aminocyclopentane derivatives with excellent diastereoselectivity through the 2,1-insertion of a styrene unit. The annulation of aldimines with aliphatic alkenes selectively gave the 4-alkyl-trans-substituted 1-aminocyclopentane products in a 1,2-insertion fashion. A catalytic amount of an appropriate amine such as adamantylamine (AdNH₂ ) or dibenzylamine (Bn₂ NH) showed significant effects on the catalyst activity and stereoselectivity.

Synthesis of 1-Trifluorometylindanes and Close Structures: A Mini Review

This review describes methods for the synthesis of 1-trifluomethylindanes and close structures, which are still quite rare and scarcely available compounds. There are two main approaches to obtain 1-CF3-indanes. The first one is the construction of an indane system from CF3 precursors; the main methods are acid-mediated Friedel–Crafts cyclization, transition metal-catalyzed [3+2] annulation, and free-radical transformations. The second approach is the trifluoromethylation of a ready-made indane core by various CF3 sources, such as Ruppert–Prakash or Togni reagents. Many of these synthetic procedures possess high regio- and stereo-selectivity, allowing the preparation of unique 1-CF3-indane structures. In recent years, great attention has been paid to the synthesis of 1-CF3-indanes, due to the discovery of important biologically active properties for these compounds.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed Annulation of 2-Biphenylboronic Acid with Diverse Activated Alkenes

Rhodium(III)-catalyzed annulation of 2-biphenylboronic acids with three classes of activated alkenes has been realized, leading to the synthesis of fused or bridged cyclic skeletons via transmetalation-initiated C-H activation. In the annulative coupling of 2-biphenylboronic acid with a CF₃-substituted enone, the bulky cyclopentadienyl ligand (Cp^tBu) in the catalyst proved effective to promote the reductive elimination process prior to protonolysis, affording the [4 + 2] annulated products instead of the simple 1,4-addition product. Seven-membered rings were obtained when disubstituted cyclopropenones were employed. Bridged cycles were isolated from the coupling of 2-biphenylboronic acid with benzoquinones as a result of 2-fold Michael additions. The substrate scopes were found to be broad with up to 99% yield under air-tolerant conditions.

Redox-Neutral Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Chemospecific and Regiospecific [4+1] Annulation between Indoles and Alkenes for the Synthesis of Functionalized Imidazo[1,5-a]indoles

Exploiting internal alkenes embedded with an oxidizing function/leaving group as a rare and unconventional one-carbon unit, a redox-neutral rhodium(III)-catalyzed chemo- and regiospecific [4+1] annulation between indoles and alkenes for the synthesis of functionalized imidazo[1,5-a]indoles has been achieved. Internal alkenes employed here can fulfill an unusual [4+1] annulation rather than normal [4+2] annulation/C-H alkenylation. This method is characterized by excellent chemo- and regioselectivity, broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, good to high yields, and redox-neutral conditions.

Regioselective Synthesis of 2,4-Diaryl-6-trifluoromethylated Pyridines through Copper-Catalyzed Cyclization of CF3-Ynones and Vinyl Azides

A novel copper-catalyzed cyclization of readily available vinyl azides with CF₃-ynones is steadily achieved under mild conditions to furnish the versatile 2,4-diaryl-6-trifluoromethylated pyridine products, which are of great interest in medicinal chemistry. The generation of the vinyl iminophosphorane intermediates from vinyl azides through the Staudinger-Meyer reaction ensures the subsequent 1,4-addition process with CF₃-ynones in this transformation.

Theoretical Studies of Rare-Earth-Catalyzed [3 + 2] Annulation of Aromatic Aldimine with Styrene: Mechanism and Origin of Diastereoselectivity

The synthesis of multisubstituted 1-aminoindanes through catalyst-controlled diastereodivergent [3 + 2] annulation of aromatic imines with alkenes is of great interest and importance. An understanding of the exact reaction mechanism, especially for the origin of diastereoselectivity, is an essential aspect for further development of such reactions. In this study, density functional theory calculations have been carried out on the rare-earth-catalyzed diastereodivergent [3 + 2] annulation of benzaldimine with styrene. The results show that the reaction mainly involves generation of active species, olefin insertion, cyclization, and protonation steps. The noncovalent interactions, such as C-H···π and metal···π interactions, play an important role in stabilizing the key transition state or intermediate. Both steric and electronic factors account for the diastereoselectivity. The preferred cis-diastereoselectivity could be ascribed to more efficient orbital interaction, while the crowded space will induce the formation of a C-H···π interaction between the N^tBu group and benzene ring in a trans-diastereoselectivity manner, thus stabilizing the trans-selective transition state. Therefore, the stereospecific product could be obtained by fine-tuning the ligand/metal combination of the catalysts.

Access to [4,3,1]-Bridged Carbocycles via Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed C-H Activation of 2-Arylindoles and Annulation with Quinone Monoacetals

Reported herein is the Rh(III)-catalyzed annulation of N-unprotected 2-arylindoles with quinone monoacetals for the straightforward synthesis of [4,3,1]-bridged carbocycles with exclusive C(3) selectivity. Mechanistic studies, particularly deuterium-labeling experiments, suggest that the coupling likely proceeds via two-fold C-H activation with two-fold migratory insertion into the enone moieties.

Diastereodivergent [3 + 2] Annulation of Aromatic Aldimines with Alkenes via C-H Activation by Half-Sandwich Rare-Earth Catalysts

Stereodivergent catalysis is of great importance, as it can allow efficient access to all possible stereoisomers of a given product with multiple stereocenters from the same set of starting materials. We report herein the first diastereodivergent [3 + 2] annulation of aromatic aldimines with alkenes via C-H activation by half-sandwich rare-earth catalysts. This protocol provides an efficient and general route for the selective synthesis of both trans and cis diastereoisomers of multisubstituted 1-aminoindanes from the same set of aldimines and alkenes, featuring 100% atom efficiency, excellent diastereoselectivity, broad substrate scope, and good functional group compatibility. The diastereodivergence is achieved by fine-tuning the sterics or ligand/metal combination of the half-sandwich rare-earth metal complexes.

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed synthesis of 3-trifluoromethylindanones from N-methoxybenzamides via C–H activation and Claisen/retro-Claisen reaction

An efficient synthesis of 3-trifluoromethylindanones via C–H annulation of N-methoxybenzamides with β-trifluoromethyl-α,β-unsaturated ketones under Rh(iii)-catalysis is described.

Spiro[indene-1,4'-oxa-zolidinones] Synthesis via Rh(III)-Catalyzed Coupling of 4-Phenyl-1,3-oxazol-2(3H)-ones with Alkynes: A Redox-Neutral Approach

Transition-metal-catalyzed C-H activation synthesis of heterocyclic spiro[4,4]nonanes has persistently witnessed the use of additional stoichiometric transition-metal oxidant when employing C═C bond as the spiro ring closure site. Herein, we have addressed the issue by reporting a redox-neutral strategy for spiro[indene-1,4'-oxa-zolidinones] synthesis via Rh(III)-catalyzed coupling of 4-phenyl-1,3-oxazol-2(3H)-ones with alkynes. The synthesis features a broad substrate scope and high regiospecificity.