Synthesis of indene-fused spiro-dibenz(ox)azepines via Rh(III)-catalyzed cascade regioselective C-H activation/annulation

Site Selective Boron Directed Ortho Benzylation of N-Aryl Amides: Access to Structurally Diversified Dibenzoazepines

We present a highly selective protocol for the ortho benzylation of N-aryl amides. This method offers mild conditions, excellent site specificity, and scalability, enabling the synthesis of diarylmethane amides and dibenzoazepines. The protocol allows for one-pot diagonal dibenzylation of dianilides, creating valuable precursors for pharmaceutically active compounds and addressing limitations in current direct C-H activation methodologies.

Synergistic [4 + 1] Spiroannulation and Selective Ring-Opening Strategy toward γ-Spirolactams

A unique and propitious [4 + 1] spiroannulation of 2-aryl-4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazine with maleimide has been delineated, furnishing diversely embellished γ-spirolactams featuring pendant benzyl alcohol via Rh(III)-catalyzed consecutive ring closing/ring opening followed by regioselective cleavage of the C4-O bond of 1,3-benzoxazine promoted by an in situ generated water maneuver constructing new C-C, C-N, and C-O bonds at a go. A detailed mechanistic study, including a thorough analysis of the incorporation of an extra oxygen source, has been showcased to make this strategy for structurally orchestrated isoindoline-1-one spirosuccinimides.

Sustainable Synthesis through Catalyst-Free Photoinduced Cascaded Bond Formation

The beginning of photochemical reactions revolutionized synthetic chemistry through sustainable practices. This review explores cutting-edge developments in leveraging light-induced processes for generating cascaded C-C and C-hetero bonds without catalysts. Significantly, catalyst-free photoinduced methodologies have garnered considerable attention, especially in the creation of varied heterocyclic frameworks for drug design and the synthesis of natural products. The article delves into underlying mechanisms, addresses limitations, and evaluates various methodologies, emphasizing the potential of photocatalyst and transition metal-free photochemical reactions to enhance sustainability. Divided into two sections, it covers recent strides in C-C and C-heteroatom and multiple C-heteroatom bond formation reactions.

C-H activation-initiated spiroannulation reactions and their applications in the synthesis of spirocyclic compounds

Spirocyclic skeletons are prevalent in natural products, pharmaceuticals and organic functional materials. Meanwhile, transition-metal-catalyzed C-H activation reactions have demonstrated unparalleled advantages such as high efficiency, excellent atom-economy, good chemoselectivity and regioselectivity for the formation of target organic molecules. In recent years, C-H activation reactions have been creatively utilized in the synthesis of spirocyclic compounds. This review summarizes the most recent progress made in C-H activation-initiated spiroannulation reactions and their applications in the construction of structurally diverse and biologically valuable spirocyclic scaffolds by using alkynes, diazo compounds, maleimides, alkenes, quinones and cyclopropenones as the coupling partners.

Straightforward Access to Free β2,3,3 -Amino Acids through One Pot C-H Activation/C-C Cleavage

The first synthesis of unnatural β2,3,3 -amino acids with a spirocyclic backbone by one-pot protocol has been presented. This reaction features wide functional group tolerance and feasibility of post-functionalization of natural products and biologically important molecules. Novel dipeptide and tripeptide structures were assembled using this newly developed β2,3,3 -amino acid in high efficiency. The combination of C-H activation and C-C cleavage for the synthesis of β-amino acids would trigger more promising synthetic routes for this compound.

Access to a Diverse Array of Bridged Benzo[1,5]oxazocine and Benzo[1,4]diazepine Structures

The preparation of bridged benzo[1,5]oxazocines and benzo[1,4]diazepines is demonstrated from simple aniline and aldehyde starting materials. A one-pot condensation/6π electrocyclization is followed by an intramolecular trapping of the 2,3-dihydroquinoline intermediate by nitrogen or oxygen nucleophiles to give bridged seven- and eight-membered products. Using 3-hydroxypyridinecarboxaldehydes results in a stable zwitterionic structure that can undergo a diastereoselective reduction under hydrogenative conditions. A similar cyclization/hydrogenation pathway with excellent diastereoselectivity is also demonstrated from 2-pyridyl-substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines.