Divergent synthesis of chiral cyclic azides via asymmetric cycloaddition reactions of vinyl azides

Vinyl azides, bearing conjugated azide and alkene functional groups, have been recognized as versatile building blocks in organic synthesis. In general vinyl azides act as 3-atom (CCN) synthons through the fast release of molecular nitrogen and have been extensively utilized in the construction of structurally diverse N-heterocycles. Keeping the azide moiety intact in organic transformations to synthesis chiral azides is an important but challenging task. Herein, we report an enantioselective copper(II)/BOX-catalyzed cycloaddition of vinyl azides, generating diverse chiral cyclic azides. α-Aryl substituted vinyl azides react with unsaturated keto esters through an inverse-electron-demand hetero-Diels-Alder reaction to afford chiral azido dihydropyrans with excellent enatioselectivities. In contrast, cyclohexenyl azides undergo a diastereo- and enantio-selective Diels-Alder reaction giving important azido octahydronaphthalenes with three continuous stereogenic centers. Notable features of these reactions include a very broad scope, mild reaction conditions and 100% atom economy.

Vinyl azides generally act as 3-atom synthon through the fast release of molecular nitrogen, whereas keeping the azide group intact is more challenging. Here, the authors show a copper-catalyzed enantioselective cycloaddition of two types of vinyl azides generating a diverse pool of valuable chiral cyclic azides.

Hydroalkynylative cyclization of 1,6-enynes with terminal alkynes

A rhodium-catalyzed highly regio- and enantioselective hydroalkynylation generating cis-hydrobenzofuranone-tethered enynes has been developed. The reaction proceeds with a dynamic kinetic head-to-head insertion and symmetry breaking Michael addition cascade.

A rhodium-catalyzed highly regio- and enantioselective hydroalkynylation, generating cis-hydrobenzofuranone-tethered enynes has been developed. The reaction proceeds with a selective head-to-head insertion and symmetry breaking Michael addition cascade. One product was produced from tens of possible isomers through precise control of chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivities using a single rhodium catalyst. Notable features of this method include 100% atom-economy, mild reaction conditions and a very broad substrate scope.

Tandem aldehyde-alkyne-amine coupling/cycloisomerization: A new synthesis of coumarins

Cu-catalyzed A(3) coupling of ethoxyacetylene, pyrrolidine and salicylaldehydes led to a concomitant cycloisomerization followed by hydrolysis of the resultant vinyl ether to afford coumarins in a cascade process. The reaction proceeded through exclusive 6-endo-dig cyclization and is compatible with halo and keto groups giving coumarins in good to moderate yields.