Easy synthesis of imidazo[1,5-a]indol-3-ones through Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H allenylation/annulation

Rh(III)-Catalyzed Chemoselective [4 + 2] Annulations for the Synthesis of [1,3]Oxazinoindolones: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study

The interaction of N-alkoxy-1H-indole-1-carboxamides with transition metals leads to indole-fused heterocyclic scaffolds through directing group leaving/migration, [3 + 2], N-C2 [4 + 1], and [4 + 2] annulations. However, the corresponding O-C2 [4 + 2] annulation reactions have never been reported. Herein, we report the chemoselective annulation of N-alkoxy-1H-indole-1-carboxamides catalyzed by Rh(III), affording [1,3]oxazinoindolones through a hitherto unknown reaction pathway. This unprecedented C2 oxygen cyclization, rather than the known C2 nitrogen cyclization to form oxazinoindolones via five key steps, has been explained using density functional theory.

Recent development in the synthesis of imidazo[1,5-a]indole derivatives: an in-depth overview

In the realm of nitrogen-fused heterocycles, imidazo[1,5-a]indole and its derivatives are recognized as privileged structural patterns in various pharmaceutical drugs and biologically active natural products, emphasizing their significance. This review comprehensively explores the synthetic strategies for constructing imidazo[1,5-a]indole scaffolds, with a particular focus on transition metal-catalyzed methodologies. The primary highlighted method is [4 + 1] annulation, along with other notable approaches such as C-H activation/cyclization, enantioselective C-H annulation, intramolecular hydroamination, and double cyclization processes.

Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of Indole-Fused Polycyclic Scaffolds via Rhodium-Catalyzed NH-Indole-Directed C-H Coupling of 2-Phenyl-1H-indoles with Propargylic Alcohol Derivatives

Diversity-oriented synthesis strategy for the efficient assembly of indole-fused polycyclic scaffolds via rhodium-catalyzed NH-indole-directed C-H coupling with propargylic alcohol derivatives in a regioselective manner was developed. Five 2-phenyl-1H-indole-embedded core skeletons were synthesized. In particular, three different indole-fused exo-olefin-containing polycycles were realized, which may be manipulated for further chemistry.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed C-H/N-H Activation for Direct Synthesis of Pyrimidoindolones under Mild Conditions

Pyrimidoindolones are an important structural motif found in many natural products and are essential to the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry. Direct synthesis of 3,4-unsubstituted pyrimidoindolones is not easily accessible. Here we report a rhodium(III)-catalyzed C-H/N-H activation and annulation approach for obtaining pyrimidoindolones from N-carbamoylindoles and vinylene carbonate. The reaction occurs at room temperature and does not require any external oxidants. A diverse spectrum of indoles were demonstrated to be viable substrates capable of producing the desired pyrimidoindolones in high yields. In addition, the reaction scope has been expanded to include pyrrole substrate. Furthermore, detailed mechanistic studies have been performed to delineate the working mode of the reaction.

Photocatalytic Intramolecular Alkene Hydroamination of N-Alkoxy Ureas: An Approach to Imidazolinones

Imidazolinones were obtained in good yields by intramolecular hydroamination of N-alkoxy ureas in the presence of an organic photocatalyst and an inorganic base. In this reaction, the N-alkoxy urea anion generated by deprotonation undergoes photocatalyzed single-electron-transfer oxidation to generate the corresponding radical, which cyclizes to afford the imidazolinone ring. This new protocol grants access to an array of complex molecules containing a privileged imidazolinone core.

Rhodium-Catalyzed [4 + 2] Cascade Annulation to Easy Access N-Substituted Indenoisoquinolinones

An efficient approach for the synthesis of N-substituted indenoisoquinolinones via rhodium(III)-catalyzed C-H bond activation/subsequent [4 + 2] cyclization starting from easily available 2-phenyloxazolines and 2-diazo-1,3-indandiones has been developed. A series of indeno[1,2-c]isoquinolinones were obtained in up to 93% yield through C-H functionalization, followed by intramolecular annulation, elimination, and ring-opening in a "one pot manner" under mild reaction conditions. This protocol features excellent atom- and step-economy and provides a novel strategy for the synthesis of N-substituted indenoisoquinolinones and a chance to study their biological activities.

Propargyl Alcohols as Bifunctional Reagents for Divergent Annulations of Biphenylamines via Dual C-H Functionalization/Dual Oxidative Cyclization

The C-H functionalization strategy provides access to valuable molecules that previously required convoluted synthetic attempts. Dual C-H unsymmetrical functionalization, with a single bifunctional reagent, is an effective tactic. Propargyl alcohols (PAs), despite containing a reactive C≡C bond, have not been explored as building blocks via oxidative cleavage. Annulations via C-H activation are a versatile and synthetically attractive strategy. We disclose PA as a new bifunctional reagent for unsymmetrical dual C-H functionalization of biphenylamine for regioselectively annulated outcomes. On tuning the conditions, the annulation bifurcated towards an unusual dual oxidative cyclization. This method accommodates a wide range of PAs and showcases late-stage diversification of some natural products.

Tandem C-C/C-N Bond Formation via Rh(III)-Catalyzed α-Fluoroalkenylation and Sequential Annulation of 2-Arylquinazolinones and gem-Difluorostyrenes

An efficient method of Rh(III)-catalyzed coupling reaction between 2-arylquinazolinones and gem-difluorostyrenes has been developed. In this work, two diverse structures of monofluoroalkenes and isoindolo[1,2-b]quinazolin-10(12H)-one derivatives were respectively synthesized by controlling the amount of additives (Ca(OH)₂ and AgNTf₂) to achieve controlled stepwise breaking of the C-F bonds of gem-difluorostyrenes. This reaction has the characteristics of a wide range of substrates and good functional group tolerance. Meanwhile, several control experiments were conducted and a plausible mechanism was proposed.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Coordination-Assisted Regioselective and Migratory Three-Point Double Annulation of o-Alkenyl Phenols with Tertiary Propargyl Alcohols

We disclose herein a Rh(III)-catalyzed migratory three-point double annulation of o-alkenyl phenols with propargyl alcohols for de novo construction of naphtho furan derivatives in a regio- and chemoselective manner. The protocol orchestrates two new rings with four new bonds in one operation without the need for any additive. Necessary labeled and control experiments are conducted to elucidate the reaction mechanism. A tertiary hydroxyl group is found to be crucial both for controlling the regioselective insertion of alkyne through chelation with rhodium to form a key spiro cyclic intermediate and for forcing ring expansion via unusual and selective olefin reshuffling, apart from forming an extra (furan) ring. The protocol is scalable and shows tolerance for late stage functionalization of natural products.

Rhodium-Catalysed Regioselective [4+2]-type Annulation of 1-H-Indazoles with Propargyl Alcohols: A direct entry to 6-alkenylindazolo[3,2-a]isoquinolines

An efficient method for the synthesis of 6-vinylindazolo[3,2-a]isoquinolines via rhodium(III)-catalysed C-H bond activation/subsequent [4+2] cyclization starting from easily available 3-aryl-1-H-indazoles and propargyl alcohols has been developed. A series of vinyl-annulated...

Base-promoted Cyclization Reaction of o-Isothiocyanato Arylacetylenes and Aroylacetonitriles: Easy Access to Benzo[d][1,3]thiazines

A green and efficient synthesis of benzo[d][1,3]thiazines through base-promoted cyclization reaction of o-isothiocyanato arylacetylenes with aroylacetonitriles has been developed. This protocol displays high step economy and efficiency, and tolerates various...