Enantioselective Synthesis of α-Alkyl-β-ketoesters: Asymmetric Roskamp Reaction Catalyzed by an Oxazaborolidinium Ion

A Boron Scan of Ethyl Acetoacetate Leads to Versatile Building Blocks

Discovered in the 19th century, ethyl acetoacetate has been central to the development of organic chemistry, including its pedagogy and applications. In this study, we present borylated derivatives of this venerable molecule. A boron handle has been installed at either α ${{\rm \alpha }}$ - or β ${\beta }$ -position of acetoacetate by homologation of acyl-MIDA (N-methyliminodiacetic acid) boronates with diazoacetates. Either alkyl or boryl groups were found to migrate with regiochemistry being a function of the steric bulk of the diazo species. Boryl β ${{\rm \beta }}$ -ketoesters can be further modified into borylated pyrazolones and oximes, thereby expanding the synthetic toolkit and offering opportunities for additional modifications.

Asymmetric formal C-C bond insertion into aldehydes via copper-catalyzed diyne cyclization

The formal C-C bond insertion into aldehydes is an attractive methodology for the assembly of homologated carbonyl compounds. However, the homologation of aldehydes has been limited to diazo approach and the enantioselective reaction was rarely developed. Herein, we report an asymmetric formal C-C bond insertion into aldehydes through diyne cyclization strategy. In the presence of Cu(I)/SaBOX catalyst, this method leads to the efficient construction of versatile axially chiral naphthylpyrroles in moderate to excellent yields with good to excellent enantioselectivities. This protocol represents a rare example of asymmetric formal C-C bond insertion into aldehydes using non-diazo approach. The combined experimental and computational mechanistic studies reveal the reaction mechanism, origin of regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. Notably, the chiral phosphine ligand derived from synthesized axially chiral skeleton was proven to be applicable to asymmetric catalysis.

Enantio- and Diastereoselective Mannich Reactions of ß-Dicarbonyls by Second Stage Diastereoconvergent Crystallization

The synthesis of chiral α-monosubstituted-ß-dicarbonyls is a challenging task in asymmetric catalysis due to the rapid, typically uncontrolled, product racemization or epimerization under most reaction conditions. For this reason, diastereoselective additions of unsubstituted ß-dicarbonyls to π-electrophiles are unusual. Herein, we disclose a simple catalytic crystallization-driven enantio- and diastereoselective Mannich reaction for the synthesis of stereodefined α-monosubstituted-ß-keto esters, dissymmetric ß-diesters, dissymmetric ß-diketones, and ß-keto amides that productively leverages product epimerization in solution. Mechanistic studies suggest a scenario where the initial enantioselective, diastereodivergent skeletal assembly is catalyzed by a chiral tertiary amine organocatalyst, which then facilitates second stage crystallization-induced diastereoconvergence to provide the challenging α-stereocenter in excellent stereoselectivity.

Total synthesis of proposed elgonene C and its (4R,5R)-diastereomer

The total synthesis of the proposed elgonene C (1) and its (4R,5R)-diastereomer (1a) has been achieved using a second-generation oxazaborolidinium ion-catalysed Diels-Alder reaction, Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation, and a Ni-catalysed cross-carboxyl coupling reaction via redox-active ester (RAE) formation as key reactions. The spectral and analytical data for our synthetic compounds 1 and 1a do not match the isolation data provided by Stadler et al. which indicates that structural revision is required for the proposed elgonene C.

Catalytic Asymmetric Homologation of 4-Substituted Cyclohexanones with CF3 CHN2 : Enantioselective Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethyl Cycloheptanones

Introduction of the trifluoromethyl group (CF₃ ) into organic molecules in an enantioselective manner has attracted significant attention, but still remains a challenging problem. We herein report a catalytic asymmetric trifluoromethylation of cyclic ketones via a Sc^III /chiral bisoxazoline-catalyzed homologation reaction by employing 2,2,2-trifluorodiazoethane (CF₃ CHN₂ ) as the CF₃ source. This desymmetrization process is highly efficient and generates two chiral centers with excellent diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity, affording chiral α-trifluoromethyl cyclic ketones in a straightforward manner.

[B-Cl-B]+ Cations: Chloroborane Masked Chiral Borenium Ions

A tricoordinate borenium ion has received considerable attention in recent years for its applications in Lewis acid catalysis. Over the years, asymmetric catalysis mediated by a chiral borenium ion has also been developed. To stabilize the electron-deficient boron atom, a series of chloroborane masked borenium ions featuring the symmetrical [B-Cl-B]⁺ linkage are prepared and utilized as the catalyst for the enantioselective Diels-Alder cycloaddition of cyclopentadiene and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate. The presence of a Cp* ligand is critical in realizing the cyclic diboron compounds, and the stability of the resulting [B-Cl-B]⁺ cation is dependent on the steric bulkiness of the oxazolidinone moiety. The stereoselectivity of the Diels-Alder cycloaddition is controlled by the substituents of the chiral oxazolidinone ligand and could be further improved via the coordination of SnCl₄ at the bridging chloride of the [B-Cl-B]⁺ cation.

Catalytic Asymmetric Darzens-Type Epoxidation of Diazoesters: Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Epoxides

Highly enantioselective Darzens-type epoxidation of diazoesters with glyoxal derivatives was accomplished using a chiral boron-Lewis acid catalyst, which facilitated asymmetric synthesis of trisubstituted α,β-epoxy esters. In the presence of a chiral oxazaborolidinium ion catalyst, the reaction proceeded in high yield (up to 99 %) with excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivity (up to >99 % ee and >20:1 dr, respectively). The synthetic potential of this method was illustrated by conversion of the products to various compounds such as epoxy γ-butyrolactone, tertiary β-hydroxy ketone and epoxy diester.

B(C6F5)3-catalyzed O-H insertion reactions of diazoalkanes with phosphinic acids

A highly efficient base-, metal-, and oxidant-free catalytic O-H insertion reaction of diazoalkanes and phosphinic acids in the presence of B(C6F5)3 has been developed. This powerful methodology provides a green approach towards the synthesis of a broad spectrum of α-phosphoryloxy carbonyl compounds with good to excellent yields (up to 99% yield). The protocol features the advantages of operational simplicity, high atom economy, practicality, easy scalability and environmental friendliness.

Catalytic Asymmetric Homologation of Ketones with α-Alkyl α-Diazo Esters

The homologation of ketones with diazo compounds is a useful strategy to synthesize one-carbon chain-extended acyclic ketones or ring-expanded cyclic ketones. However, the asymmetric homologation of acyclic ketones with α-diazo esters remains a challenge due to the lower reactivity and complicated selectivity. Herein, we report the enantioselective catalytic homologation of acetophenone and related derivatives with α-alkyl α-diazo esters utilizing a chiral scandium(III) N,N'-dioxide as the Lewis acid catalyst. This reaction supplies a highly chemo-, regio-, and enantioselective pathway for the synthesis of optically active β-keto esters with an all-carbon quaternary center through highly selective alkyl-group migration of the ketones. Moreover, the ring expansion of cyclic ketones was accomplished under slightly modified conditions, affording a series of enantioenriched cyclic β-keto esters. Density functional theory calculations have been carried out to elucidate the reaction pathway and possible working models that can explain the observed regio- and enantioselectivity.

Enantioselective Strecker and Allylation Reactions with Aldimines Catalyzed by Chiral Oxazaborolidinium Ions

Chiral oxazaborolidinium ion (COBI)-catalyzed enantioselective nucleophilic addition reactions of aldimines using tributyltin cyanide and allyltributylstannane have been developed. Various α-aminonitriles and homoallylic amines were synthesized in high yield (up to 98%) with high to excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee). A rational mechanistic model for the complex of COBI and aldimine is provided to account for these enantioselective reactions.

Enantioselective Carbonyl 1,2- or 1,4-Addition Reactions of Nucleophilic Silyl and Diazo Compounds Catalyzed by the Chiral Oxazaborolidinium Ion

Boron Lewis acid catalysis has a long history and has become one of the most powerful methods for organic synthesis. In addition to achiral boron catalysts such as BX₃ (X = F, Cl, Br) and B(C₆F₅)₃, chiral boron catalysts are also significant synthetic tools used by organic chemists in academic laboratories and industry. Since first reported by Corey et al. in 2002 ( Corey et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002 , 124 , 3808 ), the chiral oxazaborolidinium ion (COBI), an activated form of proline-derived oxazaborolidine, has been used as a strong Lewis acid catalyst. Although the early examples of asymmetric synthesis through COBI-catalyzed nucleophilic 1,2- or 1,4-carbonyl additions were reported in 2004-2006, Diels-Alder and cycloaddition reactions of various carbonyl compounds were mostly developed over the next several years to afford enantioenriched cyclized products. The power of COBI in catalyzing carbonyl 1,2- or 1,4-addition reactions triggered our interest in developing asymmetric synthetic methodologies to generate versatile enantiomerically enriched compounds. In this Account, we summarize our recent studies on COBI-catalyzed asymmetric nucleophilic carbonyl addition and tandem reactions. Logical mechanistic explanations of asymmetric COBI catalysis are also discussed. The proton-activated COBI catalyst, which can activate various carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes, ketones, acroleins, and enones through Lewis acid-base interactions and synergistic hydrogen bonds, facilitates asymmetric 1,2- or 1,4-carbonyl additions of nucleophiles. Nucleophiles bearing trialkylsilyl groups successfully reacted with aromatic, aliphatic, and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes through 1,2-addition reactions resulting in chiral β-hydroxy esters. In addition, efficient asymmetric hydrosilylation of ketones was achieved with a TfOH-activated COBI catalyst. Optically active β-keto esters and all-carbon quaternary aldehydes were synthesized successfully through asymmetric 1,2-addition of diazo compounds and tandem H- or C-migration, respectively. In some cases, epoxide products were obtained as side products via the Darzens reaction pathway. Solvent and π-π interactions played important roles in favoring C-migration over H-migration. Nucleophilic 1,4-addition of diazo compounds and chemoselective ring-closure afforded an efficient approach to cyclopropanes, and their tandem rearrangements provided four- and seven-membered cyclic compounds with excellent stereoselectivity. After a Michael addition of diazo compounds, the selective β-hydride shift pathway afforded the β-substituted cyclic enones with high diastereo- and enantioselectivity. The presence of π-bond(s) in the substituents at the α-position of the diazo compound hindered the β-hydride shift pathway and, as a result, favored the cyclopropanation pathway. While there still remain challenges to be overcome, these results further understanding of COBI catalysis and open a window for future development of new asymmetric synthetic methods using carbonyl addition and tandem reactions.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Enantioenriched 2-Aryl-2,3-Dihydrobenzofurans by a Lewis Acid Catalyzed Cyclopropanation/Intramolecular Rearrangement Sequence

A cyclopropanation/intramolecular rearrangement initiated by the Michael addition of in situ generated ortho-quinone methides (o-QMs) has been developed for the enantioselective synthesis of 2-aryl-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans containing two consecutive stereogenic centers, including a quaternary carbon atom. In the presence of a chiral oxazaborolidinium ion catalyst, the reaction proceeded in excellent yields (up to 95 %) with excellent stereoselectivity (up to >99 ee, up to >20:1 d.r.).

Asymmetric Synthesis of Cyclobutanone via Lewis Acid Catalyzed Tandem Cyclopropanation/Semipinacol Rearrangement

Chiral Lewis acid catalyzed asymmetric formation of cyclobutanones from α-silyloxyacroleins and α-alkyl or α-aryl diazoesters has been developed. In the presence of a chiral oxazaborolidinium ion catalyst, various α-silyloxycyclobutanones possessing a chiral β-quaternary center were synthesized in high yield (up to 91%) with excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivity (up to 98% ee and up to >20:1 dr) through tandem cyclopropanation/semipinacol rearrangement. The synthetic potential of this method was illustrated by conversion of the product to various cyclic compounds such as γ-lactone, cyclobutanol, and cyclopentanone.

Highly Enantioselective Hydrosilylation of Ketones Catalyzed by a Chiral Oxazaborolidinium Ion

A highly enantioselective hydrosilylation of ketones was developed for the synthesis of a variety of chiral secondary alcohols. In the presence of a chiral oxazaborolidinium ion (COBI) catalyst, the reaction proceeded with good yields (up to 99%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).

Catalytic Asymmetric Roskamp Reaction of Silyl Diazoalkane: Synthesis of Enantioenriched α-Silyl Ketone

A catalytic enantioselective Roskamp reaction of silyl diazoalkane to synthesize a highly optically active α-silyl ketone from aldehydes is described. In the presence of a chiral oxazaborolidinium ion catalyst, the reaction provides α-chiral silyl ketones with good yields (up to 97%) and high enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee). In addition, a one-pot procedure using an asymmetric Roskamp/reduction strategy gives highly optically active syn-β-hydroxysilane in good yields (up to 94%) with high enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) and syn stereoselectivities (>20:1).

Catalyst-Free Halogenation of α-Diazocarbonyl Compounds with N-Halosuccinimides: Synthesis of 3-Halooxindoles or Vinyl Halides

A novel catalyst-free halogenative cyclization of N-aryl diazoamides with N-halosuccinimides (NXS) is reported for the synthesis of 3-halooxindoles through a carbene-free mechanism. N-Aryl diazoamides reacted with NXS under mild and catalyst-free conditions to afford the corresponding 3-halooxindoles in good yields. This transformation is proposed to proceed through diazonium ion formation followed by intramolecular Friedel-Crafts alkylation.

Chiral methyl-branched pheromones

Insect pheromones are some of the most interesting natural products because they are utilized for interspecific communication between various insects, such as beetles, moths, ants, and cockroaches. A large number of compounds of many kinds have been identified as pheromone components, reflecting the diversity of insect species. While this review deals only with chiral methyl-branched pheromones, the chemical structures of more than one hundred non-terpene compounds have been determined by applying excellent analytical techniques. Furthermore, their stereoselective syntheses have been achieved by employing trustworthy chiral sources and ingenious enantioselective reactions. The information has been reviewed here not only to make them available for new research but also to understand the characteristic chemical structures of the chiral pheromones. Since biosynthetic studies are still limited, it might be meaningful to examine whether the structures, particularly the positions and configurations of the branched methyl groups, are correlated with the taxonomy of the pheromone producers and also with the function of the pheromones in communication systems.

Highly enantioselective catalytic 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of α-alkyl diazoacetates: efficient synthesis of functionalized 2-pyrazolines

Chiral oxazaborolidinium ion catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of α-substituted diazoacetates gives functionalized 2-pyrazolines in high to excellent enantiomeric ratios.