External Reductant-Free Palladium-Catalyzed Reductive Insertion of Isocyanide: Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyrroles and Its Applications as a Cysteine Probe

Synthesis of pyrrole-fused dibenzoxazepine/dibenzothiazepine/triazolobenzodiazepine derivatives via isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions

An efficient and facile synthesis of pyrrole-fused dibenzoxazepine/dibenzothiazepine/triazolobenzodiazepine derivatives was developed through the isocyanide-based multicomponent reaction of isocyanides, gem-diactivated olefins, and cyclic imines such as dibenzoxazepine, dibenzothiazepine, and triazolobenzodiazepine under solvent- and catalyst-free conditions. Purposefully, this approach produced various bioactive scaffolds using environmentally friendly, mild, and simple conditions. Due to their bioactive moieties, these compounds with exclusive fluorescence properties may attract great attention in biomedical applications, clinical diagnostics, and conjugate materials.

Electrophile-Controlled Regiodivergent Palladium-Catalyzed Imidoylative Spirocyclization of Cyclic Alkenes

An intermolecular controllable Pd-catalyzed spirocyclization of isocyano cycloalkenes has been developed, offering efficient and selective approaches toward spirocyclic hydropyrrole scaffolds. 2-Azaspiro-1,7-dienes could be obtained through a "chain-walking" process with aryl/vinyl iodides as electrophiles, while the normal Heck product 2-azaspiro-1,6-dienes were selectively generated when aryl triflates were used as the coupling partner of isocyanides. Mechanistic studies suggested that the counteranion of the Pd(II) intermediate played a crucial role in the regioselectivity control. Dihydropyrrole-fused 5,6,7-membered spirocycles were switchably accessed under mild conditions with wide functional group tolerance.

Cyanation with isocyanides: recent advances and perspectives

Cyanation has attracted considerable attention in organic synthesis because nitriles are key structural motifs in numerous important dyes, agrochemicals, natural products and drug molecules. As the fourth generation of cyanating reagents, isocyanides occupy a prominent place in the synthesis of nitriles due to their favorable stability, easy operability and high reactivity. In recent years, three types of cyanation with isocyanides have been established: the cleavage of the C-NC bond of tertiary alkyl isocyanides (Type I), the rearrangement of aryl isocyanides with azides (Type II), and the reductive cyanation of ketones with α-acidic isocyanides (Type III). This review focuses on advances in cyanation with isocyanides with an emphasis on reaction scope, limitations and mechanisms, which could reveal their remarkable value and superiority for accessing various nitriles. In addition, the future development prospects of this specific field are also introduced. We believe that this feature article will serve as a comprehensive tool to navigate cyanation with isocyanides across the vast area of synthetic chemistry.

Using Triazolobenzodiazepine as the Cyclic Imine in Various Types of Joullié-Ugi Reactions

The triazolobenzodiazepine as a cyclic imine was employed in a variety of Joullié-Ugi reactions, and three new families of unique triazolobenzodiazepine connected to carboxamide and tetrazole products were synthesized via a three-component reaction of the cyclic imine and isocyanides with each species of a carboxylic acid/water/TMSN3 under mild conditions in high yields. Furthermore, triazolobenzodiazepine imine was used in an interesting strategy based on the modified Ugi reaction (pseudo-Joullié-Ugi reaction) of cyclic imines with an isocyanide and acetylenedicarboxylates under catalyst-free conditions for the synthesis of triazolobenzodiazepine-fused pyrroles. Mechanistic investigation reveals that triazolobenzodiazepine-fused pyrroles have been generated via a surprising route. Significantly, the use of triazolobenzodiazepine in the Joullié-Ugi, azido-Joullié-Ugi, and pseudo-Joullié-Ugi reactions of a broad scope of biological scaffolds occurred under mild, simple conditions without any catalyst.

Rapid Access to Fused Tetracyclic N-Heterocycles via Amino-to-Alkyl 1,5-Palladium Migration Coupled with Intramolecular C(sp3)-C(sp2) Coupling

An unprecedented route for the preparation of fused tetracyclic N-heterocycles is presented through the palladium-catalyzed cyclization of isocyanides with alkyne-tethered aryl iodides. In this transformation, a novel amino-to-alkyl 1,5-palladium migration/intramolecular C(sp3)-C(sp2) coupling sequence was observed first. More importantly, isocyanide exhibited three roles, serving simultaneously as a C1 synthon, a C1N1 synthon, and the donor of C(sp3) for C(sp3)-C(sp2) coupling, and the reaction was the sole successful example that achieved C(sp3)-H activation of isocyanide.

Accessing indole-isoindole derivatives via palladium-catalyzed [3+2] cyclization of isocyanides with alkynyl imines

A facile protocol for the preparation of indole-isoindole derivatives was developed and proceeds via a palladium-catalyzed [3+2] cyclization of isocyanides with alkynyl imines. In this transformation, the palladium catalyst has a triple role, serving simultaneously as a π acid, a transition-metal catalyst and a hydride ion donor, thus enabling the dual function of isocyanide both as a C1 synthon for cyanation and a C1N1 synthon for imidoylation. Significantly, the reaction is the sole successful example for accessing indole-isoindole derivatives, and will open up new avenues to assemble unique N-heterocycle frameworks. Furthermore, the synthetic value of this protocol is demonstrated in the late-stage modification of physiologically active molecules and in the construction of aggregation-induced emission compounds.

Halogen cation-promoted and solvent-regulated electrophilic cyclization for the regioselective synthesis of 3-haloquinolines and 3-halospirocyclohexadienones

A novel approach for the production of halogen cations through the reaction of halogens with silver ions is described in this paper. On this basis, the regioselective synthesis of 3-haloquinolines and 3-halospirocyclohexadienones is realized through solvent regulation. The gram-scale reaction and the compatibility of complex substrates demonstrate the synthetic potential of this protocol, which will be an appealing strategy in organic synthesis.

Triple-Consecutive Isocyanide Insertions with Aldehydes: Synthesis of 4-Cyanooxazoles

An efficient TMSOTf-promoted selective triple consecutive insertions of tert-butyl isocyanide into aldehydes has been developed, affording pharmacological interesting 4-cyanooxazoles in high yields in a one pot manner. The given method encompasses a wide range of substrates with tert-butyl isocyanide serving as sources of critical "CN" and "C-N═C" moieties. The versatile transformations of the resulting 4-cyanooxazoles were demonstrated. The key reaction intermediates for plausible mechanisms were determined.

Copper-Catalyzed Regio- and Stereoselective Sulfonylation of Alkynyl Imines with Sulfonyl Hydrazides: Access to (E)-β-Sulfonyl Enones

A copper-catalyzed sulfonylation of alkynyl imines with sulfonyl hydrazides has been developed, which exhibited excellent regio- and stereoselectivity and furnished a series of (E)-β-sulfonyl enones in moderate to good yields. Mechanistic studies suggest that this strategy goes through a radical process.

Palladium-Catalyzed Preparation of N-Substituted Benz[c,d]indol-2-imines and N-Substituted Amino-1-naphthylamides

Here, we report a novel and facile protocol for the synthesis of benz[c,d]indol-2-imines via palladium-catalyzed C-C and C-N coupling of 8-halo-1-naphthylamines with isocyanides in a single step. The reaction features broad substrate scopes and mild conditions, providing an efficient alternative for the construction of antiproliferative agents and BET bromodomain inhibitors. If 0.1 mL of H₂O was added to this reaction, the N-substituted amino-1-naphthylamides could be obtained easily.

Annulation of CF3-Imidoyl Sulfoxonium Ylides with 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds: Access to 1,2,3-Trisubstituted 5-Trifluoromethylpyrroles

A lithium-bromide-promoted nucleophilic substitution/annulation cascade reaction between CF₃-imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds has been established, and the corresponding 1,2,3-trisubstituted 5-trifluoromethylpyrroles have been obtained in 27-78% yield. This reaction features a broad substrate scope and generates dimethyl sulfoxide and H₂O as byproducts.

Direct synthesis of pentasubstituted pyrroles and hexasubstituted pyrrolines from propargyl sulfonylamides and allenamides

Multisubstituted pyrroles are important fragments that appear in many bioactive small molecule scaffolds. Efficient synthesis of multisubstituted pyrroles with different substituents from easily accessible starting materials is challenging. Herein, we describe a metal-free method for the preparation of pentasubstituted pyrroles and hexasubstituted pyrrolines with different substituents and a free amino group by a base-promoted cascade addition-cyclization of propargylamides or allenamides with trimethylsilyl cyanide. This method would complement previous methods and support expansion of the toolbox for the synthesis of valuable, but previously inaccessible, highly substituted pyrroles and pyrrolines. Mechanistic studies to elucidate the reaction pathway have been conducted.

Radical bromination-induced ipso cyclization-ortho cyclization sequence of N-hydroxylethyl-N-arylpropiolamides

A facile procedure is reported for the synthesis of various 2-bromo-1-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-3H,7aH-benzo[b]pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]oxazin-3-ones via a radical bromination-induced ipso cyclization-ortho cyclization sequence of N-arylpropiolamides in the presence of TBAB and oxone. The radical cyclization sequence involves a radical bromo α-addition into the alkyne, ipso-cyclization, and ortho-trapping of the spirocyclic intermediate.

Recent Advancements in Pyrrole Synthesis

This review article features selected examples on the synthesis of functionalized pyrroles that were reported between 2014 and 2019. Pyrrole is an important nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocycle that can be found in numerous compounds of biological and material significance. Given its vast importance, pyrrole continues to be an attractive target for the development of new synthetic reactions. The contents of this article are organized by the starting materials, which can be broadly classified into four different types: substrates bearing π-systems, substrates bearing carbonyl and other polar groups, and substrates bearing heterocyclic motifs. Brief discussions on plausible reaction mechanisms for most transformations are also presented.

Synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles via isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions as an efficient synthesis tool

The present review covers all synthetic methods based on isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions for the preparation of polysubstituted pyrroles as the parent cores of many essential drugs, biologically active compounds, and compounds with wide application in materials science.

Recent Advances in Palladium-Catalyzed Isocyanide Insertions

Isocyanides have long been known as versatile chemical reagents in organic synthesis. Their ambivalent nature also allows them to function as a CO-substitute in palladium-catalyzed cross couplings. Over the past decades, isocyanides have emerged as practical and versatile C1 building blocks, whose inherent N-substitution allows for the rapid incorporation of nitrogeneous fragments in a wide variety of products. Recent developments in palladium catalyzed isocyanide insertion reactions have significantly expanded the scope and applicability of these imidoylative cross-couplings. This review highlights the advances made in this field over the past eight years.

Palladium-catalyzed double coupling reaction of terminal alkynes with isocyanides: a direct approach to symmetrical N-aryl dialkynylimines

A novel and efficient one-pot synthesis of symmetrical N-aryl dialkynylimines via palladium-catalyzed and copper-promoted isocyanide insertion, cross-coupling and elimination has been developed. This method features readily available starting materials, mild reaction conditions and high atom efficiency as well as simple one-pot operation, which make this strategy highly attractive. Moreover, 2-iodobenzo[f]quinoline derivatives can be obtained via electrophilic cyclization of N-aryl dialkynylimines.

Palladium-Catalyzed Imidoylation-Triggered [2 + 2 + 1] Cyclization of Internal Alkyne with Isocyanides

In this work, a palladium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] cyclization of internal alkynes with double isocyanides is described. This facile procedure is efficient for synthesizing various pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinolin-2-amines. The reaction worked well with a broad reaction scope. In the process, it is believed that sequential double isocyanide insertion, 6-exo-dig cyclization of alkyne, and addition of an imino group are involved.

Copper-Catalyzed Preparation of Benzo[3,4]indolo[1,2-b]isoquinoline-8-ones and Photoluminescence Exploration

A facile synthesis of benzo[3,4]indolo[1,2-b]isoquinolin-8-ones is described. Under copper catalysis, the reaction proceeds with a high efficiency and a broad reaction scope. A deuteration experiment shows that the KIE value is 2.85. From the results on mechanism studies, copper-catalyzed C-H activation, intramolecular cis-addition of alkynes, and reductive elimination are involved. Moreover, this skeleton is indeed a new fluorophore, and its photophysical properties are also investigated.

Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of 5-amino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles via isocyanide insertion

A convenient and efficient palladium-catalyzed approach has been developed for the synthesis of 5-amino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles from amidoximes and isocyanides. Various 5-amino-1,2,4-oxadiazoles were obtained in moderate to high yields under mild conditions. The key to the success of this strategy involves new C-N bond and C-O bond formation via palladium-catalyzed isocyanide insertion.

NaH Promoted One-Pot Tandem Reactions of 3-(1-Alkynyl) Chromones to Form 2-Nitrogen-Substituted Xanthones

A silver-catalyzed dimerization of ethyl isocyanoacetates could trigger the tandem reaction of 3-(1-alkynyl) chromones under the basic condition in a one-pot reaction to afford xanthone skeletons with 2-imidazolyl substitution in an efficient manner. With the control experiment in hand, a mechanism including dimerization of isocyanoacetate/deprotonation/Michael addition/ring-opening/cyclization 1,2-elimination was deduced. Further investigation for the base was carried out, resulting in NaH as an optimal base to avoid the dimerization of 3-(1-alkynyl) chromones. The scope of this methodology was extended on the different substituents of 3-(1-alkynyl)-chromones and the potential of other N-heterocycle glycine ester anions to give the novel functional 2-nitrogen-derived xanthones.

Palladium-Catalyzed Cycloaddition of Alkynylimines, Double Isocyanides, and H2O/KOAc

In this work, a palladium-catalyzed cyclization of alkynylimines and double isocyanides is described. This facile procedure is efficient for synthesizing various 4-amidyl-2-aminopyrroles. Mechanism investigation indicates that a four-membered ring-fused pyrrole species is a key intermediate and the reaction involves [4 + 1] cycloaddition, protonation, nucleophilic addition, 1,4-addition of isocyanide, and rearomatization. Interestingly, the linear dipyrrole derivative is found to be an appropriate fluoride ion probe with a remarkable emission change, which could serve as a potential candidate for optoelectronic conjugated materials.

Synthesis of Sulfamate-Fused 2-Aminopyrroles via an Isocyanide-Based Three Component [1+2+2] Annulation

An efficient preparation of sulfamate-fused 2-aminopyrroles was achieved through an isocyanide-based three-component [1+2+2] annulation of isocyanides, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates, and sulfamate-derived cyclic imines in good to excellent yields (up to 99 %). This reaction proceeds smoothly without any activation or modification of substances under neutral and metal-free conditions. The reaction could also be conveniently performed on a gram scale.

[3+1+1] type cyclization of ClCF2COONa for the assembly of imidazoles and tetrazoles via in situ generated isocyanides

A facile synthesis of imidazoles and tetrazoles via [3+1+1] type cyclization of ClCF₂COONa is developed.

Recent advances in the direct β-C(sp2)–H functionalization of enamides

Recent advances in the direct β-C(sp²)–H functionalization of enamides, mainly including arylation, alkenylation, alkynylation, alkylation, acylation, sulfonylation, phosphorylation, and others, are reported.

Divergent oriented synthesis (DOS) of aza-heterocyclic amides through palladium-catalyzed ketenimination of 2-iodo-N-(propa-1,2-dien-1-yl)anilines

A palladium-catalyzed tandem reaction of N-(2-iodophenyl)-4-methyl-N-(propa-1,2-dien-1-yl)benzenesulfonamide with isocyanide is described to divergently produce aza-heterocyclic amides.

Recent Progress in the Development of Fluorescent Probes for Thiophenol

Thiophenol (PhSH) belongs to a class of highly reactive and toxic aromatic thiols with widespread applications in the chemical industry for preparing pesticides, polymers, and pharmaceuticals. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent progress in the development of fluorescent probes for detecting and imaging PhSH. These probes are classified according to recognition moieties and are detailed on the basis of their structures and sensing performances. In addition, prospects for future research are also discussed.

ZnBr2/Oxone-mediated ipso-cyclization of N-(3-phenylprop-2-yn-1-yl)aniline

In this work, a selective synthetic strategy towards 1-azaspiro[4.5]deca-3,6,9-trien-8-ones from N-tosyl-N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)aniline is developed. The transformation proceeds smoothly in a mixed solvent including acetonitrile and water when ZnBr2 and Oxone are employed. Mechanism studies show that the reaction proceeds in a regioselective manner via a radical ipso-cyclization pathway.

Combinatorial synthesis and biological evaluations of (E)-β-trifluoromethyl vinylsulfones as antitumor agents

Combinatorial synthesis of (E)-β-trifluoromethyl vinylsulfones is accomplished through a reaction of alkynes, Togni reagent, and sodium benzenesulfinates in DMSO under metal-free conditions at room temperature. These compounds are evaluated in several assays against different tumor cells. Some hits are identified against ES-2, HO-8910, and K562.