Enantioenriched α-Vinyl 1,4-Benzodiazepines and 1,4-Benzoxazepines via Enantioselective Rhodium-Catalyzed Hydrofunctionalizations of Alkynes and Allenes

Benzofused seven-membered heterocycles such as 1,4-benzo[e]diazepines (1,4-BZDs) and 1,4-benzo[e]oxazepines (1,4-BZOs) were efficiently synthesized by Rh-catalyzed hydrofunctionalization of internal alkynes and allenes in good to excellent yields. The asymmetric hydroamination of (aminomethyl)anilines gave rise to 3-vinyl-1,4-BZDs with excellent enantioselectivities. Orthogonal N-deprotection of 1,4-BZDs allowed an easy entry to an advanced pyrrolobenzodiazepine metabolite of the V₂-receptor antagonist Lixivaptan.

Synthesis of 2H-chromenes and 1,2-dihydroquinolines from aryl aldehydes, amines, and alkenylboron compounds

The one-step reaction of salicylaldehydes with amines and alkenyl boronic acids or alkenyl trifluoroborates to form 2H-chromenes (2H-1-benzopyrans) has been investigated in more detail and new suitable conditions have been identified, including the use of tertiary amines and protic solvents including water. This process was applied to a concise synthesis of a tocopherol analog. The analogous condensation reaction between 2-sulfamidobenzaldehydes and alkenyl trifluoroborates provides an efficient synthesis of 1,2-dihydroquinoline derivatives.