Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Benzannulation of Amines, Benzaldehydes, and β-Dicarbonyls

Anilines Formation via Molybdenum-Catalyzed Intermolecular Reaction of Ynones with Allylic Amines

The multi-substituted anilines are widely found in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and material science. The quest for robust and efficient methods to construct a diverse array of these compounds using readily accessible starting materials under simple reaction conditions is of utmost importance. Here, we report an unprecedented and efficient approach for the synthesis of 2,4-di and 2,4,6-trisubstituted anilines. With a simple molybdenum(VI) catalyst, a wide range of 2,4-di and 2,4,6-trisubstituted anilines were efficiently prepared in generally good to excellent yields from readily accessible ynones and allylic amines. The synthetic potential of this methodology was further underscored by its applications in several synthetic transformations, gram-scale reactions, and derivatization of bioactive molecules. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that this aniline formation might involve a cascade of aza-Michael addition, [1,6]-proton shift, cyclization, dehydration, 6π-electrocyclization, and aromatization. This novel strategy provided a robust, simple, and modular approach for the syntheses of various valuable di- or trisubstituted anilines, some of which were otherwise challenging to access.

Molecular-Oxygen-Mediated Multicomponent Oxidative Cyclization: Synthesis of Tertiary-Alcohol-Unit-Bearing N-Heterocycles via Transforming C-H to C-OH Bonds

We developed a molecular-oxygen-mediated multicomponent oxidative cyclization strategy to synthesize N-heterocycles containing tertiary alcohol units via the formation of key C-OH bonds and quaternary carbon centers. This formal [3 + 2 + 1] annulation offers a green and sustainable alternative for the de novo C-OH bond formation, using O2 as both the oxidant and oxygen source under metal- and catalyst-free conditions. Notably, continuous [1,5]-hydrogen transfer together with excess alcohols promotes the formation of C-OH-bearing products. Additionally, the generation of quaternary carbon centers inhibits the conversion of C-OH bonds to C═O bonds, thus stabilizing the desired products.

Five-Component [2 + 2 + 1 + 1] Tandem Benzannulation Leading to Multifunctionalized Aromatic Amines

An unprecedented five-component [2 + 2 + 1 + 1] benzannulation strategy for regioselective assembly of densely functionalized aromatic amines from two ynals, two malononitriles, and sodium sulfinates is established. The benzannulation protocol enables the efficient installation of five substituents on a benzene ring via the formation of multiple chemical bonds in a single operation, providing various multifunctionalized aromatic primary amines in moderate to good yields. Additionally, three-component [3 + 2 + 1] cycloaddition of malononitriles, ynals, and NH4SCN was also achieved to produce 2-amnopyridine derivatives with NH4SCN serving as an ammonia surrogate.

Recent Advances in Palladium-Catalyzed Oxidative Couplings in the Synthesis/Functionalization of Cyclic Scaffolds Using Molecular Oxygen as the Sole Oxidant

Over the past years, Pd(II)-catalyzed oxidative couplings have enabled the construction of molecular scaffolds with high structural diversity via C–C, C–N and C–O bond-forming reactions. In contrast to the use of stoichiometric amounts of more common oxidants, such as metal salts (Cu and Ag) and benzoquinone derivatives, the use of molecular oxygen for the direct or indirect regeneration of Pd(II) species presents itself as a more viable alternative in terms of economy and sustainability. In this review, we describe recent advances on the development of Pd-catalyzed oxidative cyclizations/functionalizations, where molecular oxygen plays a pivotal role as the sole stoichiometric oxidant.

1 Introduction

2 Oxidative C–C and C–Nu Coupling

2.1 Intramolecular Oxidative C–Nu Heterocyclization Reactions

2.1.1 C–H Activation

2.1.2 Wacker/Aza-Wacker-Type Cyclization

2.1.3 Tandem Wacker/Aza-Wacker and Cyclization/Cross-Coupling Reactions

2.2 Intermolecular Oxidative C–Nu Heterocoupling Reactions

2.3 Intramolecular Oxidative (C–C) Carbocyclization Reactions

2.4 Intermolecular Oxidative C–C Coupling Reactions

2.4.1 Cyclization Reactions

2.4.2 Cross-Coupling Reactions

2.4.3 Homo-Coupling Reactions

3 Aerobic Dehydrogenative Coupling/Functionalization

4 Oxidative C–H Functionalization

5 Summary

Synthesis of Spiro Oxazolidinedione Analogues Based on Tandem Multicyclizations of 1,3-Dimethylalloxan and Enaminones in Water

A tandem double-annulation reaction of 1,3-dimethylalloxan with enaminones, generated in situ from alkyl amines and alkyl but-2-ynoates or pent-3-yn-2-ones to give functionalized oxazolidinedione spiro analogues is described. Three of the four carbonyl groups of alloxan have been engaged through a tandem Michael addition, aldol-type condensation, and double intramolecular annulation sequence.

Multicomponent benzannulation of allylic P-ylides with isocyanates or aldehydes for construction of anilines and biaryls

The reactivity of allylic phosphorus ylides generated in situ from alkoxycarbonylmethylenephosphoranes and propiolates is investigated toward isocyanates and aromatic aldehydes, which leads to one-pot multicomponent benzannulations for efficient synthesis of polysubstituted anilines and biaryls, respectively. The mechanism may involve a tandem [2+2] cycloaddition/fragmentation/Wittig/cyclization/elimination/aromatization sequence.

Humic acid as an efficient and reusable catalyst for one pot three-component green synthesis of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles in water

Humic acid is a non toxic, inexpensive, easily available high-molecular weight polymer. A simple and facile one pot three-component synthesis of 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles from aldehydes, hydroxyamine hydrochloride and sodium azide using humic acid as an efficient catalyst in water is described. The method reported has several advantages such as high to excellent yields, easy work-up, mild reaction conditions, use of water as a green solvent, and a commercially available, nontoxic and reusable catalyst.

Metal-free and solvent-free synthesis of m-terphenyls through tandem cyclocondensation of aryl methyl ketones with triethyl orthoformate

Reported here is a novel cyclocondensation of aryl methyl ketones and triethyl orthoformate for the simple synthesis of m-terphenyls. In the presence of a catalytic amount of TfOH, alkyl- and chloro-substituted acetophenones produced a series of terphenyls through a tandem reaction which merged six steps into a one-pot procedure. Moreover, the corresponding ester products were obtained when using other substituted acetophenones as the starting materials under the same reaction conditions.

A facile metal-free and solvent-free benzannulation was developed for the construction of m-terphenyl derivatives starting from aryl methyl ketones and triethyl orthoformate. This is a tandem reaction which merged six steps into one-pot procedure.

Three-component synthesis of 1,4-benzothiazines via iodide-catalyzed aerobic C–H sulfuration with elemental sulfur

Five to Six: Beyond the well-established thiazole formation from elemental sulfur, this method provides the first access to the corresponding six-membered N,S-heterocyclic products via direct functionalization of multiple C–H bonds.