Ring expansion of alkynyl cyclopropanes to highly substituted cyclobutenes via a N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole intermediate

Annulation-Triggered Denitrogenative Transformations of 2-(5-Iodo-1,2,3-triazolyl)benzoic Acids

The ability of [1,2,3]triazolobenzoxazinones to act as a source of "hidden" diazo group was discovered. These diazo precursors can be easily prepared by the intramolecular cyclization of 2-(5-iodo-1,2,3-triazolyl)benzoic acids. The Cu-catalyzed capture of the hidden diazo group allows for further functionalization through the denitrogenative pathway. The transformations proceed via the formation of either diazoimine or diazoamide intermediates. Novel routes to various anthranilamides as well as thiolated benzoxazinones were developed using the one-pot cyclization/diazo capture procedure.

Access to tetrahydrocarbazoles and pyrrolo[3,4-b]carbazoles through sequential reactions of triazoles and indoles

Tetrahydrocarbazoles and pyrrolo[3,4-b]carbazoles could be synthesized conveniently through sequential reactions of ester-tethered 1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles and indoles. The reaction conditions were mild and the procedures were quite simple. Moreover, the key intermediate α,β-unsaturated imine acted as a [2C] synthon in the [4 + 2] cycloaddition reaction, and the imino group could be used as a nucleophile to construct the fourth ring.

1,2-Acyl migration with α-imino rhodium carbenoids leading to substituted 1-naphthols

A unique method for the synthesis of substituted 1-naphthols by a rhodium(II)-catalysed ring-expansion reaction of 2-triazolyl-1-indanone derivatives is reported. 1,2-Acyl migration occurs with an intermediate α-imino rhodium carbenoid generated from the triazolyl moiety.

Small rings in the bigger picture: ring expansion of three- and four-membered rings to access larger all-carbon cyclic systems

The release of the inherent ring strain of cyclobutane and cyclopropane derivatives allows a rapid build-up of molecular complexity. This review highlights the state-of-the-art of the ring expansions of three- and four-membered cycles and is organised by types of reactions with emphasis on the reaction mechanisms. Selected examples are discussed to illustrate the synthetic potential of this elegant synthetic tool.

Uncommon Four-Membered Building Blocks - Cyclobutenes, Azetines and Thietes

Strained ring systems have gained considerable importance over the last few years for their implication in natural product syntheses or in drug discovery programs. We present herein a recollection of our work on the construction and functionalization of unsaturated four-membered carbo- and heterocycles in the context of the literature, as well as their applications in further reactions.

Insights into the Mechanisms and Chemoselectivities of Carbamates and Amides in Reactions Involving Rh(II)-Azavinylcarbene: A Computational Study

Reactions involving Rh(II)-azavinylcarbenes (Rh(II)-AVCs) to synthesize nitrogen-containing compounds have attracted significant research interest. Despite the importance of these reactions, controlling the chemoselectivities in the reactions involving Rh(II)-AVC remains a challenge. To understand the mechanisms and factors controlling the chemoselectivities between N-H and C═O groups of carbamates and amides in reactions involving Rh(II)-AVC, computational studies were employed. The results reveal that not only the greater nucleophilicity of the N-H group than that of the carbonyl group, but also the presence of H-bonding interactions, could favor the addition of the N-H group of primary carbamates to Rh(II)-AVC. However, for secondary carbamates and amides, they could undergo either chemoselective N-H or C═O addition. Secondary carbamates with less steric hindrance, such as oxazolidinone, prefer the N-H addition mode. However, a switch in chemoselectivity (preference for the C═O addition) was revealed for the sterically hindered secondary carbamates/amides. In addition, a possible O-H addition pathway via the keto-enol tautomerization for isatin and isatoic anhydride was disregarded due to the energetically demanding barrier. Instead, a pathway involving the chemoselective C═O addition, formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition, followed by ring opening was proposed. The origins of the chemoselectivity and the factors responsible were addressed.

Rhodium(ii)-catalyzed annulation of N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles with 1,3,5-triazinanes to produce octahydro-1H-purine derivatives: a combined experimental and computational study

The Rh(ii)-catalyzed annulation of N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles with 1,3,5-triazinanes leading to the octahydro-1H-purine derivatives with moderate to good yields is described in this communication.

Dihalohydration of Alkynols: A Versatile Approach to Diverse Halogenated Molecules

In this paper we outline how dihalohydration reactions of propargylic alcohols can be used to access a wide variety of useful halogenated building blocks. A novel procedure for dibromohydration of alkynes has been developed, and a selection of dichloro and dibromo diols and cyclic ethers were synthesized. The dihalohydration of homo-propargylic alcohols provides a useful route to 3-halofurans, which were shown to readily undergo cycloaddition reactions under mild conditions. Finally, a novel ring expansion of propargylic alcohols containing a cyclopropylalkyne provides access to halogenated alkenylcyclobutanes.

Annulation-Induced Cascade Transformation of 5-Iodo-1,2,3-triazoles to 2-(1-Aminoalkyl)benzoxazoles

Base-mediated cyclization of (5-iodo-1,2,3-triazolyl)phenols was proposed as a new synthetic strategy for the in situ generation of diazoimines via electrocyclic ring opening of the fused heterocycle. Cu-catalyzed amination of the intermediate diazoalkanes was employed to develop an efficient cascade approach to functionalized benzoxazoles.

Metal-Free Synthesis of (E)-Monofluoroenamine from 1-Sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole and Et2O·BF3 via Stereospecific Fluorination of α-Diazoimine

A general, stereospecific, and straightforward method for the rapid preparation of functionalized (E)-monofluoroenamines is reported. Rather than transition metals (Rh, Ni, Pd, Cu, Ag, etc.), Et₂O·BF₃ was employed to promote the formation of α-diazoimine through the Dimroth equilibrium of common 1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole for the first time. An overall migration of fluoride from boron to the diazo-linked carbon of α-diazoimine was achieved. Derivations and late-stage modification of bioactive molecule were conducted. A plausible mechanism was also proposed.

Understanding the chemoselectivities between carbonyl and hydroxyl groups in the Rh(ii)–azavinyl carbene involved reactions

Computational studies were carried out to understand the chemoselectivities between carbonyl and hydroxyl groups in the Rh(ii)–AVC involved reactions.

Rh(II) Catalyzed High Order Cycloadditions of 8-Azaheptafulvenes with N-Sulfonyl 1,2,3-Triazloes or α-Oxo Diazocompounds

A novel strategy was developed for the application of Rh carbenes generated from readily accessible N-sulfonyl 1,2,3,-triazoles or diazocompouds in the high order cycloadditions, which offered an efficient route to a variety of N-containing medium-sized rings. The process provided a wide range of cyclohepta[b]pyrazine and cyclohepta[b]pyrrolone derivatives with high yields.

Rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of 1,2-dihydropyridine by a tandem reaction of 4-(1-acetoxyallyl)-1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole

A tandem reaction of 4-(1-acetoxyallyl)-1-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole involving α-imino rhodium carbene was reported and 1,6-dihydropyridin-3-yl acetate was obtained.

Rhodium(ii)-catalyzed intermolecular [3 + 2] annulation of N-vinyl indoles with N-tosyl-1,2,3-triazoles via an aza-vinyl Rh carbene

This study opens up a new synthetic approach for the construction of various functionalized indoles having a dihydropyrrole moiety from the Rh(ii)-catalyzed annulation of N-vinyl indoles with 4-aryl-N-tosyl-1,2,3-triazoles under mild conditions.

Copper-catalyzed three-component cascade reaction of alkynes, sulfonyl azides and simple aldehydes/ketones

A copper-catalyzed dimethylzinc-promoted three-component cascade reaction of alkynes, sulfonyl azides, and simple aldehydes or ketones is described, which delivers polysubstituted olefins expeditiously in one pot under mild conditions.

Tandem 1,2-sulfur migration and (aza)-Diels-Alder reaction of β-thio-α-diazoimines: rhodium catalyzed synthesis of (fused)-polyhydropyridines, and cyclohexenes

Rhodium catalyzed synthesis of substituted tetrahydropyridines was accomplished from readily accessible thio-tethered N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles. The reaction involves tandem rhodium catalyzed 1,2-sulfur migration in β-thio-α-diazoimines, generated from thio-tethered N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles, to thio-substituted 1-azadiene and subsequent self aza-Diels-Alder reaction. Interestingly, the methodology was effectively extended to the synthesis of fused tetrahydropyridines, dihydropyridines and cyclohexenes through the in situ trapping of the intermediate, 1-azadiene, with various dienophiles such as enol ether, enamine, ketene S,S-acetal, alkyne, alkene and diene. Furthermore, the direct conversion of propargyl sulfides to (fused)-tetrahydropyridines was also achieved through the successful integration of copper and rhodium catalysts in one-pot.

Synthesis of 2-Alkoxyaryl-2-aryl Enamines via Tandem Copper-Catalyzed Cycloaddition and Rhodium-Catalyzed Alkoxyarylation from Alkynes, N-Sulfonyl Azides, and Aryl Ethers

A synthetic route to a wide range of 2-alkoxyaryl-2-aryl enamines is developed from Rh-catalyzed alkoxyarylation of N-sulfonyl-4-aryl-1,2,3-triazoles with aryl ethers via the elimination of nitrogen molecule. In addition, 2-alkoxyaryl-2-aryl enamines are prepared via tandem Cu-catalyzed cycloaddition and Rh-catalyzed alkoxyarylation starting from alkynes, N-sulfonyl azides, and aryl ethers in one-pot.

Cu-Catalyzed Transannulation Reaction of Pyridotriazoles with Terminal Alkynes under Aerobic Conditions: Efficient Synthesis of Indolizines

The Cu(I)-catalyzed denitrogenative transannulation reaction of pyridotriazoles with terminal alkynes en route to indolizines was developed. Compared to the previously reported Rh-catalyzed transannulation reaction, this Cu-catalyzed method features aerobic conditions and much broader scope of pyridotriazoles and alkynes.

Rhodium(ii)-catalyzed intramolecular formal [4 + 3] cycloadditions of dienyltriazoles: rapid access to fused 2,5-dihydroazepines

Rh(ii)-catalyzed intramolecular formal [4 + 3] cycloadditions of dienyltriazoles have been developed, which enable the efficient synthesis of various fused 2,5-dihydroazepines.