Sc(OTf)3-Mediated [4 + 2] Annulations of N-Carbonyl Aryldiazenes with Cyclopentadiene to Construct Cinnoline Derivatives: Azo-Povarov Reaction

We disclose the first accomplishment of the azo-Povarov reaction involving Sc(OTf)₃-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulations of N-carbonyl aryldiazenes with cyclopentadiene in chloroform, in which N-carbonyl aryldiazenes act as 4π-electron donors. Hence, this protocol offers a rapid access to an array of cinnoline derivatives in moderate to good yields for substrates over a wide scope. The synthetic potential of the protocol was achieved by the gram-scale reaction and further derivatization of the obtained polycyclic product.

Efficient method for the synthesis of novel methyl 4-cinnolinecarboxylate

A new method is designed for the synthesis of some novel methyl 3-aryl/alkyl-4-cinnolinecarboxylate with developed a general Richter cyclization through diazotization strategy of commercially available 2-aryl/alkyl ethynyl aniline and methyl acetate. Most substrates were achieved in moderate to excellent yields in one-pot procedures under mild reaction conditions.

Catalytic asymmetric amination of azlactones with azobenzenes

We reported an efficient asymmetric amination of azlactones with N-aryl-N-aroyldiazenes through a chiral N,N'-dioxide-based Lewis acid catalyst. The multicoordination ability of Nd(III) enabled it to simultaneously activate and to locate the two reactants for N-selective addition. Hydrazine-bearing azlactone derivatives were obtained in moderate to good yields with high enantioselectivity.

Recent developments in the green synthesis of biologically relevant cinnolines and phthalazines

Both cinnolines and phthalazines are heterocyclic compounds which have a wide range of biological activities and pharmacological profiles. This work represents the recent advances in the green synthesis of cinnolines and phthalazines as 1,2 and 2,3-diazanaphalenes were cited. The docking studies and mode of action for key scaffolds were also reported.

Intramolecular redox cyclization reaction access to cinnolines from 2-nitrobenzyl alcohol and benzylamine via intermediate 2-nitrosobenzaldehyde

An efficient base-promoted synthesis of cinnolines from 2-nitrobenzyl alcohol and benzylamine via an intramolecular redox cyclization reaction. The formation of intermediate 2-nitrosobenzaldehyde plays an important role in this transformation.

Transition-Metal-Catalyzed C-H Bond Functionalization of Arenes/Heteroarenes via Tandem C-H Activation and Subsequent Carbene Migratory Insertion Strategy

The past decade has witnessed tremendous developments in transition-metal-catalyzed C-H bond activation and subsequent carbene migratory insertion reactions, thus assisting in the construction of diverse arene/heteroarene scaffolds. Various transition-metal catalysts serve this purpose and provide efficient pathways for an easy access to substituted heterocycles. A brief introduction to metal-carbenes has been provided along with key mechanistic pathways underlying the coupling reactions. The purpose of this review is to provide a concise knowledge about diverse directing group-assisted coupling of varied arenes/heteroarenes and acceptor-acceptor/donor-acceptor diazo compounds. The review also highlights the synthesis of various carbocycles and fused heterocycles through diazo insertion pathways, via C-C, C-N and C-O bond forming reactions. The mechanism usually involves a C-H activation process, followed by diazo insertion leading to subsequent coupling.

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed unreactive C(sp3)-H alkenylation of N-alkyl-1H-pyrazoles with alkynes

The first example of pyrazole-directed rhodium(iii)-catalyzed unreactive C(sp³)-H alkenylation with alkynes has been described, which showed a relatively broad substrate scope with good functional group compatibility. Moreover, we demonstrated that the transitive coordinating center pyrazole could be easily removed under mild conditions.

Ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed synthesis of indazolone-fused cinnolines via C-H coupling with diazo compounds

A robust, efficient and scalable method for the synthesis of 12H-indazolo[2,1-a]cinnolin-12-ones was developed. Significantly, a less developed cationic complex [Ru(p-cymene)(MeCN)3(SbF6)2] was found to be effective for this transformation. In this reaction, a tandem pathway of C-H ruthenation, Ru(ii)-carbene formation, migratory insertion and condensation was involved. The results of a primary mechanistic study suggested that the C-H activation process might follow an electrophilic-type metalation/deprotonation mechanism.

Rh(iii)-Catalyzed synthesis of pyrazolo[1,2-a]cinnolines from pyrazolidinones and diazo compounds

Pyrazolo[1,2-a]cinnolines were achieved via a rhodium(iii)-catalyzed redox-neutral annulation procedure, exhibiting good regioselectivity and high functional group tolerability.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Activation/Intramolecular Cyclization: Access to N-Acyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-carbazol-4(9H)-ones from Cyclic 2-Diazo-1,3-diketones and N-Arylamides

A Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation/cyclization cascade reaction is described. The reaction involves cyclic 2-diazo-1,3-diketones and N-arylamides, and it proceeds via an intermolecular C-C bond formation and subsequent intramolecular C-N bond formation. A variety of N-acyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-carbazol-4(9H)-ones were obtained under mild conditions in good to excellent yields (65-90%). Key features of this strategy include high-efficiency, operational simplicity, scalability, and broad functional-group tolerance. In addition, H₂O and N₂ are the only byproducts. Carbazole derivatives with free NH groups can be easily obtained through N-deprotection reactions.

Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Cross-Couplings through Carbene Migratory Insertion

Transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions have been well-established as indispensable tools in modern organic synthesis. One of the major research goals in cross-coupling area is expanding the scope of the coupling partners. In the past decade, diazo compounds (or their precursors N-tosylhydrazones) have emerged as nucleophilic cross-coupling partners in C-C single bond or C═C double bond formations in transition-metal-catalyzed reactions. This type of coupling reaction involves the following general steps. First, the organometallic species is generated by various processes, including oxidative addition, transmetalation, cyclization, C-C bond cleavage, and C-H bond activation. Subsequently, the organometallic species reacts with the diazo substrate to generate metal carbene intermediate, which undergoes rapid migratory insertion to form a C-C bond. The new organometallic species generated from migratory insertion may undergo various transformations. This type of carbene-based coupling has proven to be general: various transition metals including Pd, Cu, Rh, Ni, Co, and Ir are effective catalysts; the scope of the reaction has also been extended to substrates other than diazo compounds; and various cascade processes have also been devised based on the carbene migratory insertion. This review will summarize the achievements made in this field since 2001.

Tuning the Stability and the Reactivity of Substituted [3]Dendralenes for Quick Access to Diverse Copiously Functionalized Fused Polycycles with Step and Atom Economy

This is the first comprehensive study that details the synthesis of stable acyclic trisubstituted [3]dendralenes and deciphers their structural requisite for a successful diene transmissive Diels-Alder (DTDA) reaction by employing two different dienophiles and eventually generating a small repository of complex molecules, thus exemplifying how substituted [3]dendralenes could be deployed in diversity-oriented synthesis with high selectivities. A balance of reactivity and stability was struck by prudent selection of the position and nature of functional groups on these [3]dendralenes. Upon tandem Diels-Alder reactions with several symmetrical as well as unsymmetrical dienophiles, these dendralenes afforded diversity-oriented quick access to many polycyclic complex motifs possessing several functional groups and multiple stereogenic centers. Thus, the full potential of the dendralenes could be harnessed. The reactions proceeded under mild conditions with step and atom economy and were highly regio- and stereoselective besides being excellent yielding. The DTDA sequence resulted in the generation of four new carbon-carbon bonds, two new rings, and 3-7 stereogenic centers. The key feature of the method is that we could rapidly generate complexity along with functional and structural diversity from a trivial acyclic substrate with no stereogenic centers.

Facile synthesis of 1-aminoindoles via Rh(iii)-catalysed intramolecular three-component annulation

A simple and efficient procedure to 1-aminoindoles starting from easily available aryl hydrazines, diazo compounds and ketones via a rhodium-catalyzed [3 + 2] annulative coupling reaction.

Cu/Pd cooperatively catalyzed tandem C–N and C–P bond formation: access to phosphorated 2H-indazoles

An unprecedented Cu/Pd cooperatively catalyzed tandem C–N/C–P bond formation reaction for the synthesis of phosphorated 2H-indazoles has been developed.

Fluoride-Mediated Dephosphonylation of α-Diazo-β-carbonyl Phosphonates

The possibility of fluoride-mediated selective dephosphonylation of α-diazo-β-carbonyl phosphonates such as the Ohira-Bestmann reagent has been proposed and executed. The resulting α-diazocarbonyl intermediates undergo a (3 + 2)-cycloaddition at room temperature with conjugated olefins and benzynes. Interestingly, under the current conditions, the resulting cycloaddition products underwent either N-acylation (with excess α-diazo-β-carbonyl phosphonates) or Michael addition (with conjugated olefins).

Amidines for Versatile Cobalt(III)-Catalyzed Synthesis of Isoquinolines through C-H Functionalization with Diazo Compounds

A cobalt(III)-catalyzed C-H/N-H bond functionalization for the synthesis of 1-aminoisoquinolines from aryl amidines and diazo compounds has been developed. The reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions, obviates the need for oxidants, produces only N2 and H2O as the byproducts, and features a broad substrate scope.

Synthesis of isoquinolines via Rh-catalyzed C–H activation/C–N cyclization with diazodiesters or diazoketoesters as a C2 source

Synthesis of isoquinolines based on efficient C–C and C–N bond formation through Rh(iii)-catalyzed C–H functionalization and subsequent intramolecular cyclization is reported. Diazodiesters serving as a C₂ source in the newly formed heterocycles are first demonstrated.

Rhodium-catalyzed C–H activation of 3-(indolin-1-yl)-3-oxopropanenitriles with diazo compounds and tandem cyclization leading to hydrogenated azepino[3,2,1-hi]indoles

Rh(iii)-Catalyzed C–H activation of 3-(indolin-1-yl)-3-oxopropanenitriles with diazo compounds and tandem cyclization leading to seven-membered ring scaffolds has been developed.

Metal-free C–N bond formations: one-pot synthesis of pyrido[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[4,5-c]cinnolines, benzo[4′,5']thiazolo- and thiazolo[2′,3′:2,3]imidazo[4,5-c]cinnolines

An efficient one-pot synthesis of novel pyrido[2′,1′:2,3]imidazo[4,5-c]cinnoline derivatives has been achieved with moderate to good yields, with two C–N bond formations through C–H functionalization of 2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines.