Enantioselective Pd(II)-catalyzed aerobic oxidative amidation of alkenes and insights into the role of electronic asymmetry in pyridine-oxazoline ligands

Palladium Catalysis Enabled Sequential C(sp3)-H/C-C Activation: Access to Vinyl γ-Lactams

A Pd(II)-catalyzed tandem reaction of aliphatic amides with vinylcyclopropanes (VCPs) was accomplished by merging C(sp3)-H and C-C activation. The reaction of VCP revealed alkenylation/cyclization, followed by ring opening via C-C cleavage, delivering vinyl γ-lactams with (E)-selectivity. The role of ligands, site-selectivity, functional group diversity, mechanistic insight, and synthetic utilities are important practical features.

Synthesis of N-Tosyl Allylic Amines from Substituted Alkenes via Vanadoxaziridine Catalysis

Herein, we report the catalytic allylic amination of α-methylalkenes with V2O3Dipic2(HMPA)2 and chloramine T as the quantitative source of N. The reaction works with high yields and stereoselectivities for α-methylalkenes. A proposed tosylnitrene-free catalytic cycle involving the formation of vanadoxaziridine complex 1 as the active catalyst and aminovanadation across the substrate as the rate-determining step has been proposed. Initial kinetic and competition experiments provide evidence for the proposed mechanism.

Palladium-Catalyzed Intermolecular Asymmetric Dearomative Annulation of Phenols with Vinyl Cyclopropanes

Herein, we report the Pd(0)-catalyzed intermolecular asymmetric dearomative [3 + 2] annulation of phenols with vinyl cyclopropanes via in situ generated ortho-quinone methide intermediates. A series of highly functionalized spiro-[5,6] bicycles which bear three contiguous stereogenic centers including one all-carbon quaternary were obtained with excellent stereoselectivities. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the reactions were controlled by thermodynamics.

Synthesis and Applications of Asymmetric Catalysis Using Chiral Ligands Containing Quinoline Motifs

In the past decade, asymmetric synthesis of chiral ligands containing quinoline motifs, a family of natural products displaying a broad range of structural diversity and their metal complexes have become the most significant methodology for the generation of enantiomerically pure compounds of biological and pharmaceutical interest. This review provides comprehensive insight on the plethora of nitrogen-based chiral ligands containing quinoline motifs and organocatalysts used in asymmetric synthesis. However, it is circumscribed to the synthesis of quinoline-based chiral ligands and metal complexes, and their applications in asymmetric synthesis as a homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst.

A Bridge to Alkaloid Synthesis

The construction of a structurally rigid architecture with chiral complexity, necessary to enhance the interaction with binding sites of drug targets, has been adapted as an intriguing approach in drug development. In the past few years, we have been interested in the synthesis of biologically significant and bridged alkaloids via novel synthetic methods and strategies based on recognition of the privileged pattern. Therefore, nitroso-ene and aza-Wacker cyclizations were elevated for the first time to construct bridged alkaloids, such as hosieine A, kopsone, melinonine-E and strychnoxanthine. Mechanistic investigations, including computational calculations for nitroso-ene reaction and deuterated experiments for aza-Wacker reaction, enable us to gain more insights into the chemical reactivity and selectivity of specific functional groups in developing viable synthetic methods.

Salient features of the aza-Wacker cyclization reaction

The intramolecular aza-Wacker reaction has unparalleled potential for the site-selective amination of olefins, but it is perhaps underappreciated relative to other alkene oxidations. The first part of this review makes the distinction between classical and tethered aza-Wacker cyclization reactions and summarizes examples of the latter. The second portion focuses on developments in asymmetric aza-Wacker cyclization technology. The final part of the review summarizes applications of all classes of aza-Wacker cyclization reactions to natural product assembly.

Recent advances in Wacker oxidation: from conventional to modern variants and applications

Recent developments in the well-known Wacker oxidation process from conventional to modern variants and applications to natural products' synthesis are compiled in this review.

Enantioselective Markovnikov Addition of Carbamates to Allylic Alcohols for the Construction of α-Secondary and α-Tertiary Amines

Herein we describe the development of a Pd-catalyzed enantioselective Markovnikov addition of carbamates to allylic alcohols for the construction of α-tertiary and α-secondary amines. The reaction affords a range of β-amino alcohols, after reduction of the aldehyde in situ, which contain a variety of functional groups in moderate yields and moderate to good enantioselectivities. These products can be readily oxidized to β-amino acids, valuable building blocks for the synthesis of biologically active compounds. Mechanistic studies indicate that the C-N bond formation occurs via a syn amino-palladation mechanism, an insight which may guide future reaction development given the limited number of enantioselective syntheses of α-tertiary amines.

Enantioselective N-Alkylation of Indoles via an Intermolecular Aza-Wacker-Type Reaction

The development of an intermolecular and enantioselective aza-Wacker reaction is described. Using indoles as the N-source and a selection of alkenols as the coupling partners selective β-hydride elimination toward the alcohol was achieved. This strategy preserves the newly formed stereocenter by preventing the formation of traditionally observed enamine products. Allylic and homoallylic alcohols with a variety of functional groups are compatible with the reaction in high enantioselectivity. Isotopic-labeling experiments support a syn amino-palladation mechanism for this new class of aza-Wacker reactions.

Asymmetric Aza-Wacker-Type Cyclization of N-Ts Hydrazine-Tethered Tetrasubstituted Olefins: Synthesis of Pyrazolines Bearing One Quaternary or Two Vicinal Stereocenters

We have developed an asymmetric aza-Wacker-type cyclization of N-Ts hydrazine-tethered tetrasubstituted olefins, affording optically active pyrazolines bearing chiral tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenters. This reaction is tolerant to a broad range of substrates under mild reaction conditions, giving the desired chiral products with high enantioselectivities. Generation of two vicinal stereocenters on the C═C double bonds was also achieved with high selectivities, a process which has been rarely studied for Wacker-type reactions. A mechanistic study revealed that this aza-Wacker-type cyclization undergoes a syn-aminopalladation process. It was also found that for substrates bearing two linear alkyl substituents on the outer carbon atom of the olefin, both of which are larger than a methyl group, the alkyl substituent that is cis to the intranucleophilic group participates more readily in β-hydride elimination. When one of the two alkyl substituents on the outer carbon atom of the olefin is a methyl group, β-hydride elimination proceeds selectively at the methylene side, thus both diastereomers can be prepared via switching the configuration of the olefin. Furthermore, the product can be converted to a pharmaceutical compound in high yields over three steps.

Renaissance of pyridine-oxazolines as chiral ligands for asymmetric catalysis

Oxazoline-containing ligands have been widely employed in numerous asymmetric catalytic reactions. Pyridine-oxazoline-type ligands, a class of hybrid ligands, were designed earlier than bisoxazoline and phosphine-oxazoline ligands; however, their unique properties have only been discovered recently. Pyridine-oxazoline-type chiral ligands are rapidly becoming popular for use in asymmetric catalysis, especially for several new and efficient asymmetric methodologies. Several types of challenging asymmetric reactions have been discovered recently using pyridine-oxazoline-type ligands showing their special properties and potential for future application in a wide range of new catalytic methodologies. This review provides an overview of this field, with the aim of highlighting both ligand design and synthetic methodology development.

Palladium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Desymmetrizing Aza-Wacker Reaction: Development and Application to the Total Synthesis of (-)-Mesembrane and (+)-Crinane

Reported is an unprecedented catalytic enantioselective desymmetrizing aza-Wacker reaction. In the presence of a catalytic amount of a newly developed Pd(CPA)₂ (MeCN)₂ catalyst (CPA=chiral phosphoric acid), a pyrox ligand, and molecular oxygen, cyclization of properly functionalized prochiral 3,3-disubstituted cyclohexa-1,4-dienes afforded enantioenriched cis-3a-substituted tetrahydroindoles in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities. A cooperative effect between the phosphoric acid and the pyrox ligand ensured efficient transformation. This reaction was tailor-made for Amaryllidaceae and Sceletium alkaloids as illustrated by its application in the development of the concise and divergent total synthesis of (-)-mesembrane and (+)-crinane.

Mechanistic studies: enantioselective palladium(ii)-catalyzed intramolecular aminoarylation of alkenes by dual N–H and aryl C–H bond cleavage

The role of PGA and the origin of the enantioselectivity in the palladium(ii)-catalyzed intramolecular aminoarylation of alkenes.

Ligand-Promoted Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation Reactions

Palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions have been the focus of industrial application and extensive research efforts for nearly 60 years. A significant transition occurred in this field approximately 20 years ago, with the introduction of catalysts supported by ancillary ligands. The ligands play crucial roles in the reactions, including promotion of direct oxidation of palladium(0) by O₂, bypassing the typical requirement for Cu salts or related redox cocatalysts to facilitate oxidation of the reduced Pd catalyst; facilitation of key bond-breaking and bond-forming steps during substrate oxidation; and modulation of chemo-, regio-, or stereoselectivity of a reaction. The use of ligands has contributed to significant expansion of the scope of accessible aerobic oxidation reactions. Increased understanding of the role of ancillary ligands should promote the development of new synthetic transformations, enable improved control over the reaction selectivity, and improve catalyst activity and stability. This review surveys the different ligands that have been used to support palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions and, where possible, describes mechanistic insights into the role played by the ancillary ligand.

Recent developments in the use of aza-Heck cyclizations for the synthesis of chiral N-heterocycles

Aza-Heck cyclizations are an emerging method for the construction of chiral N-heterocyclic systems. In these processes, an activated N-O bond replaces the C-X bond (X = halide, OTf) used in conventional Heck reactions, with the associated aza-Pd(ii)-intermediate engaging pendant alkenes in a Heck-like manner. This perspective article commences with an historical overview of the area, which stems from Narasaka's seminal studies using oxime esters as the initiating motif. The scope and mechanism of associated chiral N-heterocyclic methodologies are then outlined, including cascade processes that enable diverse alkene 1,2-carboaminations. The recent emergence of new N-O donors and the realization of highly enantioselective aza-Heck cyclizations are then discussed. Collectively, these studies suggest that the aza-Heck approach can underpin a broad family of redox-neutral and enantioselective C-N bond forming processes.

Enantioselective Narasaka-Heck cyclizations: synthesis of tetrasubstituted nitrogen-bearing stereocenters

The first examples of highly enantioselective Narasaka-Heck cyclizations are described. A SPINOL-derived P,N-ligand system enables Pd-catalyzed 5-exo cyclization of a range of oxime esters with sterically diverse trisubstituted alkenes to generate dihydropyrroles containing tetrasubstituted nitrogen-bearing stereocenters in 56 to 86% yield and 90 : 10 to 95 : 5 e.r. These processes are rare examples of reactions that proceed via enantioselective migratory insertion of alkenes into Pd-N bonds, and the first where trisubstituted alkenes are used to generate tetrasubstituted stereocenters with high enantioselectivity.

Metal- and Reagent-Free Intramolecular Oxidative Amination of Tri- and Tetrasubstituted Alkenes

A metal- and reagent-free, electrochemical intramolecular oxidative amination reaction of tri- and tetrasubstituted alkenes has been developed. The electrosynthetic method proceeds through radical cyclization to form the key C-N bond, allowing a variety of hindered tri- and tetrasubstituted olefins to participate in the amination reaction. The result is the efficient synthesis of a host of alkene-bearing cyclic carbamates and ureas and lactams.

Mechanism and Selectivity in the Pd-Catalyzed Difunctionalization of Isoprene

The three-component coupling of isoprene, an alkenyl triflate, and styrenylboronic acid catalyzed by a palladium pyrox complex affords access to skipped dienes from simple chemical feedstocks. Unfortunately, the transformation proceeds with only moderate selectivity and yields. The reaction mechanism and factors responsible for the resulting regioselectivity were elucidated using M06/SDD/6-311++G(d,p) + SMD calculations. Distortion of the palladium coordination sphere in the transition structure of the migratory insertion step is found to control the 4,1- vs 1,x-selectivity. The calculated ΔΔG^⧧ of 1.0 kcal/mol for this step is in excellent agreement with the experimentally observed selectivity of 1:9.9 disfavoring the 4,1-product. The transmetalation was found to be the regioselectivity determining step for the formation of the 1,2- vs 1,4-addition products. Systematic conformational searches for the transmetalation transition structure revealed a series of steric interactions between the t-Bu substituent on the ligand and the substrates in the model system that are balanced by additional repulsive interactions between the substrates and the pyridyl portion of the ligand. The combination of these effects leads to the low to moderate 1,2- vs 1,4-selectivity in the experimentally studied system.

Diverse N-Heterocyclic Ring Systems via Aza-Heck Cyclizations of N-(Pentafluorobenzoyloxy)sulfonamides

Aza‐Heck cyclizations initiated by oxidative addition of Pd⁰‐catalysts into the N−O bond of N‐(pentafluoro‐benzoyloxy)sulfonamides are described. These studies, which encompass only the second class of aza‐Heck reaction developed to date, provide direct access to diverse N‐heterocyclic ring systems.

Diazafluorenone-Promoted Oxidation Catalysis: Insights into the Role of Bidentate Ligands in Pd-Catalyzed Aerobic Aza-Wacker Reactions

2,2'-Bipyridine (bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and related bidentate ligands often inhibit homogeneous Pd-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions; however, certain derivatives, such as 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one (DAF), can promote catalysis. In order to gain insight into this divergent ligand behavior, eight different bpy- and phen-derived chelating ligands have been evaluated in Pd(OAc)₂-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of (E)-4-hexenyltosylamide. Two of the ligands, DAF and 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (6,6'-Me₂bpy), support efficient catalytic turnover, while the others strongly inhibit the reaction. DAF is especially effective and is the only ligand that exhibits "ligand-accelerated catalysis". Evidence suggests that the utility of DAF and 6,6'-Me₂bpy originates from the ability of these ligands to access κ¹-coordination modes via dissociation of one of the pyridyl rings. This hemilabile character is directly observed by NMR spectroscopy upon adding one equivalent of pyridine to solutions of 1:1 L/Pd(OAc)₂ (L = DAF and 6,6'-Me₂bpy), and is further supported by an X-ray crystal structure of Pd(py)(κ¹-DAF)OAc₂. DFT computational studies illuminate the influence of three different chelating ligands [DAF, 6,6'-Me₂bpy, and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (2,9-Me₂phen)] on the energetics of the aza-Wacker reaction pathway. The results show that DAF and 6,6'-Me₂bpy destabilize the corresponding ground-state Pd(N~N)(OAc)₂ complexes, while stabilizing the rate-limiting transition state for alkene insertion into a Pd-N bond. Interconversion between κ²- and κ¹-coordination modes facilitate access to open coordination sites at the Pd^II center. The insights from these studies introduce new ligand concepts that could promote numerous other classes of Pd-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reaction.

Copper-Catalyzed Intramolecular Oxidative Amination of Unactivated Internal Alkenes

A copper-catalyzed oxidative amination of unactivated internal alkenes has been developed. The Wacker-type oxidative alkene amination reaction is traditionally catalyzed by a palladium through a mechanism involving aminopalladation and β-hydride elimination. Replacing the precious and scarce palladium with a cheap and abundant copper for this transformation has been challenging because of the difficulty associated with the aminocupration of internal alkenes. The combination of a simple copper salt, without additional ligand, as the catalyst and Dess-Martin periodinane as the oxidant, promotes efficiently the oxidative amination of allylic carbamates and ureas bearing di- and trisubstituted alkenes leading to oxazolidinones and imidazolidinones. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested a hybrid radical-organometallic mechanism involving an amidyl radical cyclization to form the key C-N bond.