Catalytic Asymmetric [3+1]-Cycloaddition Reaction of Ylides with Electrophilic Metallo-enolcarbene Intermediates

Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Cyclobutenes Enabled by Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Isomerization of BCBs

Chiral cyclobutene units are commonly found in natural products and biologically active molecules. Transition-metal-catalysis has been extensively used in asymmetric synthesis of such structures, while organocatalytic approaches remain elusive. In this study, bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes are involved in enantioselective transformation for the first time to offer a highly efficient route toward cyclobutenes with good regio- and enantiocontrol. The utilization of N-triflyl phosphoramide as a chiral Brønsted acid promoter enables this isomerization process to proceed under mild conditions with low catalyst loading as well as good functional group compatibility. The resulting chiral cyclobutenes could serve as platform molecules for downstream manipulations with excellent reservation of stereochemical integrity, demonstrating the synthetic practicality of the developed method. Control experiments have also been performed to verify the formation of a key carbocation intermediate at the benzylic position.

Axis-Unfixed Biphenylphosphine-Oxazoline Ligands: Design and Applications in Asymmetric Catalytic Reactions

The design and synthesis of chiral ligands plays an important role in asymmetric catalytic reactions. Over the past decades, various types of chiral phosphine-oxazolines (PHOX ligands) have been developed and have greatly advanced the field of asymmetric catalysis. Novel chiral PHOX ligand with an axis-unfixed biphenyl backbone, developed by our group, have shown interesting coordination behavior and excellent chiral inducing ability in various transition-metal-catalyzed asymmetric reactions. This personal account focuses on our developed axis-unfixed biphenylphosphine-oxazoline ligand (BiphPHOX), including an overview of its design and applications, which will provide inspiration for the exploration of novel ligands and related reactions.

Recent Developments in Stereoselective Reactions of Sulfonium Ylides

This review describes advances in the literature since the mid-1990s in the area of reactions of sulfonium ylide chemistry, with particular attention paid to stereoselective examples. Although the chemistry of sulfonium ylides was first popularized and applied in a substantial way in the 1960s, there has been sustained interest in the chemistry of sulfonium ylides since then. Many new ways of exploiting sulfonium ylides in productive stereoselective methodologies have emerged, often taking advantage of advances in organocatalysis and transition metal catalysis, to access stereodefined structurally complex motifs. The development of many different chiral sulfides over the last 20–30 years has also played a role in accelerating their study in a variety of reaction settings. In general, formal cycloaddition reactions ([2 + 1] and [4 + 1]) of sulfonium ylides follow a similar mechanistic pathway: initial addition of the nucleophilic ylide carbanion to an electrophile to form a zwitterionic betaine intermediate, followed by cyclization of the zwitterionic intermediate to afford the desired three-membered cyclic product (e.g., epoxide, cyclopropane, or aziridine), five-membered monocyclic (e.g., oxazolidinone), or fused bicyclic product (e.g., benzofuran, indoline).

Enantioselective Synthesis of Azetidines through [3 + 1]-Cycloaddition of Donor-Acceptor Aziridines with Isocyanides

The enantioselective [3 + 1]-cycloaddition of racemic donor-acceptor (D-A) aziridines with isocyanides was first realized under mild reaction conditions using a chiral N,N'-dioxide/Mg^II complex as catalyst, providing a facile route to enantioenriched exo-imido azetidines with good to excellent yield (up to 99%) and enantioselectivity (up to 94% ee). An obvious chiral amplification effect was observed in this system, and an explanation was elucidated based on the experimental investigation and X-ray crystal structure of the enantiomerically pure catalyst.

Base-mediated unprecedented tandem cyclization reaction of nitrilimines and sulfur ylides: facile approaches to multifunctionalized pyrazolines

An interesting three-component tandem reaction between hydrazonoyl chlorides and α-keto-derived sulfonium salts is reported. Highly substituted pyrazolines were obtained in moderate to excellent yield under mild conditions. Moreover, α-keto-stabilised sulfur...

Synthesis of Cyclobutanones by Gold(I)-Catalyzed [2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Ynol Ethers with Alkenes

A broad scope synthesis of cyclobutanones by gold(I)-catalyzed [2 + 2] cycloaddition of ynol ethers with alkenes has been developed. We also found that internal aryl ynol ethers can undergo (4 + 2) cycloaddition reaction with alkenes leading to the corresponding chromanes.

Asymmetric [3 + 1]-Cycloaddition Reaction via Diazo Discrimination

The enantioselective [3 + 1]-cycloaddition of two structurally different diazo compounds has been achieved using chiral bisoxazoline copper(I) complexes as a catalyst, providing a novel route for the synthesis of cyclobutenes containing a quaternary stereocenter. Typically, this reaction represents the first example of asymmetric cross-electrophile coupling of two diazo substrates via carbene discrimination.

Enantioselective Cyclobutenylation of Olefins Using N-Sulfonyl-1,2,3-Triazoles as Vicinal Dicarbene Equivalents

Cyclobutenes are highly useful synthetic intermediates as well as important motifs in bioactive small molecules. Herein, we report a regio-, chemo-, and enantioselective synthesis of cyclobutenes from olefins using N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles as vicinal dicarbene equivalents or alkyne [2 + 2] cycloaddition surrogates. Terminal and cis-olefins can be transformed into enantioenriched cyclopropanes via rhodium catalysis. Then, in one pot, treatment of these intermediates with tosyl hydrazide and base effects diazo formation followed by rhodium-catalyzed ring expansion to yield enantioenriched cyclobutenes. These cyclobutenes can be transformed into highly substituted, enantioenriched cyclobutanes, including structures relevant to natural product scaffolds.

Challenges in the Highly Selective [3 + 1]-Cycloaddition of an Enoldiazoacetamide to Form a Donor-Acceptor Cis-Cyclobutenecarboxamide

A substituted donor-acceptor cyclobutenecarboxamide is synthesized with modest enantiocontrol through a chiral copper(I) complex catalyzed [3 + 1]-cycloaddition reaction of α-acyl diphenylsulfur ylides with 3-siloxy-2-diazo-3-butenamides. With a methyl substituent on the 4-position of the 3-butenamide, the cis-vicinal-3,4-disubstituted cyclobutenecarboxamide is formed with >20:1 diastereocontrol. Donor-acceptor 3-methyl-2-siloxycyclopropenecarboxamide is rapidly formed from the reactant enoldiazoamide and undergoes catalytic ring opening to give only the Z-γ-substituted metallo-enolcarbene. Elimination from 3-siloxy-2-diazo-3-pentenamide to form the conjugated 3-siloxy-2,4-pentadienamide is competitive but minimized at low temperature.

Formal [4 + 4]-, [4 + 3]-, and [4 + 2]-cycloaddition reactions of donor-acceptor cyclobutenes, cyclopropenes and siloxyalkynes induced by Brønsted acid catalysis

Brønsted acid catalyzed formal [4 + 4]-, [4 + 3]-, and [4 + 2]-cycloadditions of donor-acceptor cyclobutenes, cyclopropenes, and siloxyalkynes with benzopyrylium ions are reported. [4 + 2]-cyclization/deMayo-type ring-extension cascade processes produce highly functionalized benzocyclooctatrienes, benzocycloheptatrienes, and 2-naphthols in good to excellent yields and selectivities. Moreover, the optical purity of reactant donor-acceptor cyclobutenes is fully retained during the cascade. The 1,3-dicarbonyl product framework of the reaction products provides opportunities for salen-type ligand syntheses and the construction of fused pyrazoles and isoxazoles that reveal a novel rotamer-diastereoisomerism.

Base Promoted Three-Component Annulation of 4-Diazoisochroman-3-imines with Dimethylsulfonium Ylides: Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Isochromeno[4,3-c]pyridazines

A novel method has been developed to synthesize a unique class of highly functionalized isochromeno[4,3-c]pyridazines. This reaction features an intermolecular functionalization of terminal nitrogen atom of diazo group of 4-diazoisochoman-3-imine with two dimethylsulfonium ylide components, followed by a base promoted 6-exo-trig cyclization step. Readily available starting materials, a broad substrate scope, and operationally simple, mild, and catalyst-free reaction conditions are the prominent features of this method.

Access to substituted cyclobutenes by tandem [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement/[2 + 2] cycloaddition of dipropargylphosphonates under Ag/Co relay catalysis

We present herein an unconventional tandem [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement/[2 + 2] cycloaddition of simple dipropargylphosphonates to deliver a range of bicyclic polysubstituted cyclobutenes and cyclobutanes under Ag/Co relay catalysis. An interesting switch from allene–allene to allene–alkyne cycloaddition was observed based on the substitution of the substrates, which further diversified the range of compounds accessible from this practical method. Significantly, preliminary biological screening of these new compounds identified promising candidates as suppressors of cellular proliferation.

In situ generation of allenes through [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of propargylphosphonates. Divergent allene–allene or allene–alkyne cycloaddition by Ag/Co relay catalysis. Products as promising suppressors of cellular proliferation.

Chiral 3-Acylglutaric Acid Derivatives from Strain-Induced Nucleophilic Retro-Claisen Ring-Opening Reactions

A nucleophilic retro-Claisen ring-opening of donor-acceptor cyclobutenes, formed with high stereocontrol by [3 + 1]-cycloaddition of TIPS-protected enoldiazoacetates with α-acyl sulfur ylides, has been developed. Removal of the TIPS group to form the isolable β-keto ester precedes the strain-induced ring-opening. Various amines, alcohols, thiols, and amino acid derivatives are effective nucleophiles, and their products are formed in very high yields via stoichiometric reactions. The chirality of the reactant donor-acceptor cyclobutenes is fully retained in the ring-opening reactions. The 3-acylglutaric acid products are converted to various valuable structures, including amido-diols, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) derivatives, and heterocycles.

Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Reaction of Alkenyl Diynes with Styrenes by Formal [3 + 2] Cycloaddition via Cu-Containing All-Carbon 1,3-Dipoles: Access to Chiral Pyrrole-Fused Bridged [2.2.1] Skeletons

The generation of metal-containing 1,3-dipoles from metal carbenes represents a significant advance in 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions. However, these transformations have so far been limited to reactions based on diazo compounds or triazoles as precursors. Herein, we disclose a copper-catalyzed enantioselective reaction of alkenyl N-propargyl ynamides with styrene derivatives by formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition via Cu-containing all-carbon 1,3-dipoles, which constitutes a novel way for the generation of metal-containing 1,3-dipoles via metal carbenes. This protocol allows the practical and atom-economical synthesis of valuable chiral pyrrole-fused bridged [2.2.1] skeletons in moderate to good yields (up to 90% yield) with excellent diastereoselectivities (dr > 50/1) and generally excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee).

Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective [4+2] Cycloadditions of Vinylcarbenes with Dienes

The reaction of 2-siloxycyclo-1,3-dienes with E-vinyldiazoacetates in the presence of the bulky chiral dirhodium tetracarboxylate catalyst, Rh₂ (R-p-PhTPCP)₄ results in an enantioselective [4+2] cycloaddition, in which three new stereogenic centers are formed. The [4+2] cycloadducts are generated as single diastereomers with high enantiocontrol (95-98 % ee). When the diene contains an additional stereogenic center, effective kinetic resolution can be achieved.

Copper(i)-catalyzed highly enantioselective [3 + 3]-cycloaddition of γ-alkyl enoldiazoacetates with nitrones

Chiral copper(i) catalysts are preferred over chiral dirhodium(ii) catalysts for [3 + 3]-cycloaddition reactions of γ-alkyl-substituted enoldiazoacetates compounds with nitrones.

Recent developments in cyclopropene chemistry

As readily accessible strained carbocycles, cyclopropenes show a diverse range of reactivities, and a lot of novel and useful transformations have been developed.

(3 + 1) Annulation/Rearrangement Cascade of C,N-Cyclic Azomethine Imines and 3-Chlorooxindoles: Construction of Hexahydroindeno[2,1-c]pyrazole Spirooxindole Frameworks

The Brønsted base promoted (3 + 1) annulation reaction of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines and 3-chlorooxindoles was investigated, finally delivering complex hexahydroindeno[2,1-c] pyrazoles incorporating a spirocyclic oxindole motif after an unexpected rearrangement process. The asymmetric version of this new transformation could be accomplished, but slow racemization of the chiral product was observed at ambient temperature. Experiments and DFT calculations were further conducted to elucidate the reaction process and racemization mechanism.

Chiral donor-acceptor azetines as powerful reactants for synthesis of amino acid derivatives

Coupling reactions of amines and alcohols are of central importance for applications in chemistry and biology. These transformations typically involve the use of a reagent, activated as an electrophile, onto which nucleophile coupling results in the formation of a carbon-nitrogen or a carbon–oxygen bond. Several promising reagents and procedures have been developed to achieve these bond forming processes in high yields with excellent stereocontrol, but few offer direct coupling without the intervention of a catalyst. Herein, we report the synthesis of chiral donor–acceptor azetines by highly enantioselective [3 + 1]-cycloaddition of enoldiazoacetates with aza-ylides and their selective coupling with nitrogen and oxygen nucleophiles via 3-azetidinones to form amino acid derivatives, including those of peptides and natural products. The overall process is general for a broad spectrum of nucleophiles, has a high degree of electronic and steric selectivity, and retains the enantiopurity of the original azetine.

Chiral 3-azetidinones are structural analogues of medicinally relevant β-lactams, however their synthesis and reactivity are underexplored. Here, the authors show a highly enantioselective copper-catalyzed [3 + 1]-cycloaddition generating 2-azetidines, which react with nucleophiles yielding amino acids via 3-azetidinones.

Synthesis of Chiral Tetrasubstituted Azetidines from Donor-Acceptor Azetines via Asymmetric Copper(I)-Catalyzed Imido-Ylide [3+1]-Cycloaddition with Metallo-Enolcarbenes

The all-cis stereoisomers of tetrasubstituted azetidine-2-carboxylic acids and derivatives that possess three chiral centers have been prepared in high yield and stereocontrol from silyl-protected Z-γ-substituted enoldiazoacetates and imido-sulfur ylides by asymmetric [3+1]-cycloaddition using chiral sabox copper(I) catalysis followed by Pd/C catalytic hydrogenation. Hydrogenation of the chiral p-methoxybenzyl azetine-2-carboxylates occurs with both hydrogen addition to the C=C bond and hydrogenolysis of the ester.

Bond-Forming and -Breaking Reactions at Sulfur(IV): Sulfoxides, Sulfonium Salts, Sulfur Ylides, and Sulfinate Salts

Organosulfur compounds have long played a vital role in organic chemistry and in the development of novel chemical structures and architectures. Prominent among these organosulfur compounds are those involving a sulfur(IV) center, which have been the subject of countless investigations over more than a hundred years. In addition to a long list of textbook sulfur-based reactions, there has been a sustained interest in the chemistry of organosulfur(IV) compounds in recent years. Of particular interest within organosulfur chemistry is the ease with which the synthetic chemist can effect a wide range of transformations through either bond formation or bond cleavage at sulfur. This review aims to cover the developments of the past decade in the chemistry of organic sulfur(IV) molecules and provide insight into both the wide range of reactions which critically rely on this versatile element and the diverse scaffolds that can thereby be synthesized.

Catalytic asymmetric cycloaddition reactions of enoldiazo compounds

This review describes catalytic asymmetric cycloaddition reactions of silyl-protected enoldiazo compounds for the construction of highly functionalized carbo- and heterocycles which possess one or more chiral center(s). The enoldiazo compound or its derivative, donor-acceptor cyclopropene, form electrophilic vinylogous metal carbene intermediates that combine stepwise with nucleophilic dipolar reactants to form products from [3 + 1]-, [3 + 2]-, [3 + 3]-, [3 + 4]-, and [3 + 5]-cycloaddition, generally in high yield and with exceptional stereocontrol and regioselectivity.

Copper-Catalyzed Formal [4+2] Cycloaddition of Enoldiazoimides with Sulfur Ylides

Enoldiazoimides, a new subclass of enoldiazo compounds, generate enol-substituted carbonyl ylides whose reactions with sulfur ylides enable an unprecedented formal [4+2] cycloaddition. The resulting multifunctionalized indolizidinones, which incorporate sulfur, are formed in good yields under mild reaction conditions. The uniqueness of this transformation stems from the role of the silyl-protected enol, since the corresponding acetyldiazoimide failed to provide any cross-products in metal-catalyzed reactions with sulfur ylides. This copper-catalyzed cycloaddition is initiated with the generation of enol-substituted carbonyl ylides and sulfur ylides from enoldiazoimides and sulfonium salts, respectively, and proceeds through stepwise six-membered ring formation, C-O and C-S bond cleavage, and silyl and acetyl group migration.

Sulfur-Based Ylides in Transition-Metal-Catalysed Processes

Traditionally employed in the synthesis of small ring systems and rearrangement chemistry, sulfur-based ylides occupy a unique position in the toolbox of the synthetic organic chemist. In recent years a number of pioneering researchers have looked to expand the application of these unorthodox reagents through the use of transition metal catalysis. The strength and flexibility of such a combination have been shown to be of key importance in developing powerful novel methodologies. This chapter summarises recent developments in transition metal-catalysed sulfonium/sulfoxonium ylide reactions, as well as providing a historical perspective. In overviewing the successes in this area, the authors hope to encourage others into this growing field.

Catalytic Divergent [3+3]- and [3+2]-Cycloaddition by Discrimination Between Diazo Compounds

Highly selective divergent cycloaddition reactions of enoldiazo compounds and α-diazocarboximides catalyzed by copper(I) or dirhodium(II) have been developed. With tetrakis(acetonitrile)copper(I) tetrafluoroborate as the catalyst epoxypyrrolo[1,2-a]azepine derivatives were prepared in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities through the first reported [3+3]-cycloaddition of a carbonyl ylide. Use of Rh2 (pfb)4 or Rh2 (esp)2 directs the reactants to regioselective [3+2]-cycloaddition generating cyclopenta[2,3]pyrrolo[2,1-b]oxazoles with good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities.

Cycloaddition reactions of enoldiazo compounds

Enoldiazo esters and amides have proven to be versatile reagents for cycloaddition reactions that allow highly efficient construction of various carbocycles and heterocycles. Their versatility is exemplified by (1) [2+n]-cycloadditions (n = 3, 4) by the enol silyl ether units of enoldiazo compounds with retention of the diazo functionality to furnish α-cyclic-α-diazo compounds that are themselves subject to further transformations of the diazo functional group; (2) [3+n]-cycloadditions (n = 1-5) by metallo-enolcarbenes formed by catalytic dinitrogen extrusion from enoldiazo compounds; (3) [2+n]-cycloadditions (n = 3, 4) by donor-acceptor cyclopropenes generated in situ from enoldiazo compounds that produce cyclopropane-fused ring systems. The role of dirhodium(ii) and the emergence of copper(i) catalysts are described, as are the different outcomes of reactions initiated with these catalysts. This comprehensive review on cycloaddition reactions of enoldiazo compounds, with emphasis on methodology development, mechanistic insight, and catalyst-controlled chemodivergence, aims to provide inspiration for future discoveries in the field and to catalyze the application of enoldiazo reagents by the wider synthetic community.