N-allyl-N-sulfonyl ynamides as synthetic precursors to amidines and vinylogous amidines. An unexpected N-to-C 1,3-sulfonyl shift in nitrile synthesis

Radical Chain Isomerization of N-Sulfonyl Ynamides to Ketenimines and Its Application to Furan Dearomatization

A radical chain isomerization of N-sulfonyl ynamides to isolable ketenimines is developed, featuring mild reaction conditions, a high efficiency, ∼100% atom economy, a broad substrate scope, and column chromatography-free workup in most cases. Meanwhile, an unprecedented dearomatization of furans is achieved by the radical chain isomerization-triggered aza-Claisen rearrangement, providing highly chemo-, regio-, stereo-, and diastereoselective access to functionalized quaternary nitriles.

Copper-Catalyzed One-Pot Synthesis of N-Sulfonyl Amidines from Sulfonyl Hydrazine, Terminal Alkynes and Sulfonyl Azides

N-Sulfonyl amidines are developed from a Cu-catalyzed three-component reaction from sulfonyl hydrazines, terminal alkynes and sulfonyl azides in toluene at room temperature. Particularly, the intermediate N-sulfonylketenimines was generated via a CuAAC/ring-opening procedure and took a nucleophilic addition with the weak nucleophile sulfonyl hydrazines. In addition, the stability of the product was tested by a HNMR spectrometer.

Copper-catalyzed alkynylation/annulation cascades of N-allyl ynamides: regioselective access to medium-sized N-heterocycles

A synthetic strategy based on sequential application of aza-Claisen rearrangement, C–H functionalization, C–N coupling and cyclization as key steps has been developed for the synthesis of 6-, 7-, 8-, and 9-membered rings N-heterocycles.

Synthesis of polysubstituted azetidines via cascade trifluoromethylation/cyclization of N-allyl ynamides

A cascade trifluoromethylation/cyclization of N-allyl sulfonylynamides is developed, providing a direct access to azetidine-fused tricyclic compounds at room temperature.

Catalytic synthesis of functionalized amidines via cobalt-carbene radical coupling with isocyanides and amines

An atom- and step-economic multi-component cobalt-catalyzed synthesis of amidines has been reported by using amines, isocyanides, and diazo compounds as carbene sources.

Regioselective synthesis of heterocyclic N-sulfonyl amidines from heteroaromatic thioamides and sulfonyl azides

N-Sulfonyl amidines bearing 1,2,3-triazole, isoxazole, thiazole and pyridine substituents were successfully prepared for the first time by reactions of primary, secondary and tertiary heterocyclic thioamides with alkyl- and arylsulfonyl azides. For each type of thioamides a reliable procedure to prepare N-sulfonyl amidines in good yields was found. Reactions of 1-aryl-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbothioamides with azides were shown to be accompanied with a Dimroth rearrangement to form 1-unsubstituted 5-arylamino-1,2,3-triazole-4-N-sulfonylcarbimidamides. 2,5-Dithiocarbamoylpyridine reacts with sulfonyl azides to form a pyridine bearing two sulfonyl amidine groups.

C-H Sulfonylation via 1,3-Rearrangement of Sulfonyl Group in N-Protected 3-Bis-sulfonimidoindole Derivatives Using Fluorine Reagent

A C-H sulfonylation of N-protected 3-bis-sulfonimidoindole derivatives via a 1,3-rearrangement of a sulfonyl group on a bis-sulfonimide moiety using tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) was developed to provide 2-sulfonyl-3-sulfonamidoindole derivatives in high yields as a novel C_sp2-H functionalization of heterocycles. The rearrangement of the sulfonyl group proceeded through an intermolecular addition of the desorbed sulfinyl ion from the bis-sulfonimide moiety in the substrate.

Synthetic and mechanistic aspects of sulfonyl migrations

Sulfonyl migrations, frequently described as ‘unusual’ or ‘unexpected’, from the last 20 years, including 1,2-, 1,3-, 1,4-, 1,5-, 1,6- and 1,7-sulfonyl shifts, through either radical or polar processes, either inter- or intramolecularly are reviewed.

Three-Component Approach to Pyridine-Stabilized Ketenimines for the Synthesis of Diverse Heterocycles

Ketenimines are versatile synthetic intermediates capable of performing novel transformations in organic synthesis. They are normally generated in situ due to their inherent instability and high level of reactivity. Herein, we report pyridine-stabilized ketenimine zwitterionic salts, which are prepared through click chemistry from readily accessible alkynes and sulfonyl azides. To demonstrate their synonymous reactivity to ketenimines, these salts have been utilized in a cascade sequence to access highly functionalized quinolines including the core structures of an antiprotozoal agent and the potent topoisomerase inhibitor Tas-103.

Efficient Copper-Catalyzed Multicomponent Synthesis of N-Acyl Amidines via Acyl Nitrenes

Direct synthetic routes to amidines are desired, as they are widely present in many biologically active compounds and organometallic complexes. N-Acyl amidines in particular can be used as a starting material for the synthesis of heterocycles and have several other applications. Here, we describe a fast and practical copper-catalyzed three-component reaction of aryl acetylenes, amines, and easily accessible 1,4,2-dioxazol-5-ones to N-acyl amidines, generating CO₂ as the only byproduct. Transformation of the dioxazolones on the Cu catalyst generates acyl nitrenes that rapidly insert into the copper acetylide Cu–C bond rather than undergoing an undesired Curtius rearrangement. For nonaromatic dioxazolones, [Cu(OAc)(Xantphos)] is a superior catalyst for this transformation, leading to full substrate conversion within 10 min. For the direct synthesis of N-benzoyl amidine derivatives from aromatic dioxazolones, [Cu(OAc)(Xantphos)] proved to be inactive, but moderate to good yields were obtained when using simple copper(I) iodide (CuI) as the catalyst. Mechanistic studies revealed the aerobic instability of one of the intermediates at low catalyst loadings, but the reaction could still be performed in air for most substrates when using catalyst loadings of 5 mol %. The herein reported procedure not only provides a new, practical, and direct route to N-acyl amidines but also represents a new type of C–N bond formation.

Gold(iii)-catalyzed chemoselective annulations of anthranils with N-allylynamides for the synthesis of 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-imines

We herein report the gold(iii)-catalyzed selective annulation of anthranils with N-allylynamides under mild conditions. By trapping the in situ-generated α-imino gold carbenes, 3-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-imines were obtained in high synthetic efficiency. The reaction, which can be conducted in the gram scale, tolerates electron-rich and electron-deficient anthranils as well as a diverse set of functionalized ynamides (aryl- and alkyl-substituted terminal).

Terminal Alkyne-Assisted One-Pot Synthesis of Arylamidines: Carbon Source of the Amidine Group from Oxime Chlorides

A terminal alkyne-assisted protocol for the one-pot formation of a diverse range of arylamidines from a novel cascade reaction of in situ generated nitrile oxides, sulfonyl azides, terminal alkynes, and water by [3 + 2] cycloaddition and ring opening sequence was developed. The use of aryl oxime chlorides as the carbon source of the amidine group and the addition of water proved to be critical for the reaction. Moreover, terminal alkynes, which can lead to high yields of products by employing a less amount, may play a catalytic role in the reaction. A broader range of substrates was investigated.

Annulation Cascades of N-Allyl- N-((2-bromoaryl)ethynyl)amides Involving C-H Functionalization

An annulation cascades of N-allyl- N-((2-bromoaryl)ethynyl)amides with terminal alkynes or 1,3-dicarbonyls involving C-H functionalization for producing 2,3-functionalized indoles has been first developed by means of Cu catalysis. The method is enabled by the formation of the ketenimine intermediates to deliver 2,3-disubstituted indoles through a sequence of aza-Claisen rearrangement, C-H functionalization, Ullmann C-N coupling, and cyclization.

A Metal-Free Three-Component Reaction of trans-β-Nitrostyrene Derivatives, Dibromo Amides, and Amines Leading to Functionalized Amidines

A mild, metal-free, and multicomponent route for the preparation of N-acyl amidines from nitroalkene derivatives, dibromo amides, and amines has been developed that accesses an initial α,α-dibromonitroalkane intermediate that can undergo C-C bond cleavage. This protocol offers an alternative approach toward N-acyl amidines and features the rapid construction of amidine frameworks with high diversity and complexity. The procedure also accesses bisamidine and α,β-unsaturated amidines which are challenging targets by traditional methods.

Radical rearrangement of N-sulfonyl-N-aryl propynamides: proceeding with homolytic N–SO2 bond cleavage and 6-endo-dig cyclization toward 3-sulfonyl-2(1H)-quinolinones

A di-tert-butyl peroxide-promoted radical rearrangement of N-sulfonyl-N-aryl propynamides has been developed, giving 2-sulfonyl-3-aryl-2(1H)-quinolinones in moderate to good yields.

Intramolecular cascade rearrangements of enynamine derived ketenimines: access to acyclic and cyclic amidines

Copper-catalyzed reaction of enynamine with sulfonylazide generates a ketenimine intermediate which further undergoes rearrangements to form acyclic and cyclic amidines.

Copper iodide nanoparticles supported on magnetic aminomethylpyridine functionalized cellulose: a new heterogeneous and recyclable nanomagnetic catalyst for facile access to N-sulfonylamidines under solvent free conditions

A highly active catalyst based on CuI nanoparticles supported on magnetic aminomethylpyridine functionalized cellulose has been synthesized. It well catalyzes the multicomponent synthesis of N-sulfonylamidines under solvent free conditions.

Divergent C-H Insertion-Cyclization Cascades of N-Allyl Ynamides

Gold carbene reactivity patterns were accessed by ynamide insertion into a C(sp(3) )H bond. A substantial increase in molecular complexity occurred through the cascade polycyclization of N-allyl ynamides to form fused nitrogen-heterocycle scaffolds. Exquisite selectivity was observed despite several competing pathways in an efficient gold-catalyzed synthesis of densely functionalized C(sp(3) )-rich polycycles and a copper-catalyzed synthesis of fused pyridine derivatives. The respective gold-keteniminium and ketenimine activation pathways have been explored through a structure-reactivity study, and isotopic labeling identified turnover-limiting CH bond-cleavage in both processes.

C-terminal peptide extension via gas-phase ion/ion reactions

The formation of peptide bonds is of great importance from both a biological standpoint and in routine organic synthesis. Recent work from our group demonstrated the synthesis of peptides in the gas-phase via ion/ion reactions with sulfo-NHS reagents, which resulted in conjugation of individual amino acids or small peptides to the N-terminus of an existing 'anchor' peptide. Here, we demonstrate a complementary approach resulting in the C-terminal extension of peptides. Individual amino acids or short peptides can be prepared as reagents by incorporating gas phase-labile protecting groups to the reactive C-terminus and then converting the N-terminal amino groups to the active ketenimine reagent. Gas-phase ion/ion reactions between the anionic reagents and doubly protonated "anchor" peptide cations results in extension of the "anchor" peptide with new amide bond formation at the C-terminus. We have demonstrated that ion/ion reactions can be used as a fast, controlled, and efficient means for C-terminal peptide extension in the gas phase.

Cu-catalyzed aerobic oxidative three-component coupling route to N-sulfonyl amidines via an ynamine intermediate

Cu-catalyzed aerobic oxidative three-component coupling of a terminal alkyne, secondary amine, and sulfonamide enables efficient synthesis of amidines. The use of Cu(OTf)2 (5 mol %) produces amidines selectively without Glaser-Hay alkyne homocoupling products. Preliminary studies suggest that the reaction pathway involves initial oxidative coupling of the terminal alkyne with the secondary amine, followed by hydroamidation of the ynamine intermediate with the sulfonamide.

Synthesis of multi-substituted 4-aminopyridines via ring-opening and recyclization reactions of 2-iminopyridines

Synthesis of multi-substituted 4-aminopyridines is developed via a regioselective ring-opening reaction of 2-iminopyridines followed by a 6π-azaelectrocyclization and N-to-N 1,3-sulfonyl group migration process.

Amine-free approach toward N-toluenesulfonyl amidine construction: a phosphite-mediated Beckmann-like coupling of oximes and p-toluenesulfonyl azide

Atom hopping: A chlorophosphite-mediated Beckmann ligation of oximes and p-toluenesulfonyl azide gives access to N-sulfonyl phosphoramidines in good to excellent yields. The reaction proceeds under exceptionally mild conditions and constitutes a bioorthogonal approach toward amidines by avoiding the use of amines and transition-metal catalysts. dmp-ol=3,3-dimethylpropanediol.

Decarboxylative palladium(II)-catalyzed synthesis of aryl amidines from aryl carboxylic acids: development and mechanistic investigation

A fast and convenient synthesis of aryl amidines starting from carboxylic acids and cyanamides is reported. The reaction was achieved by palladium(II)-catalysis in a one-step microwave protocol using [Pd(O₂CCF₃)₂], 6-methyl-2,2′-bipyridyl and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP), providing the corresponding aryl amidines in moderate to excellent yields. The protocol is very robust with regards to the cyanamide coupling partner but requires electron-rich ortho-substituted aryl carboxylic acids. Mechanistic insight was provided by a DFT investigation and direct ESI-MS studies of the reaction. The results of the DFT study correlated well with the experimental findings and, together with the ESI-MS study, support the suggested mechanism. Furthermore, a scale-out (scale-up) was performed with a non-resonant microwave continuous-flow system, achieving a maximum throughput of 11 mmol h⁻¹ by using a glass reactor with an inner diameter of 3 mm at a flow rate of 1 mL min⁻¹.

A Convenient Synthesis of γ-Amino-Ynamides via Additions of Lithiated Ynamides to Aryl Imines. Observation of an Aza-Meyer-Schuster Rearrangement

Efforts in developing an expeditious and convenient method for synthesizing γ-amino-ynamides via nucleophilic addition of lithiated ynamides to aryl imines are described. This work also features an aza-variant of a Meyer-Schuster rearrangement of γ-amino-ynamides and the synthetic utility of γ-amino-ynamides in an intramolecular ketenimine-[2 + 2] cycloaddition.