Ring-Opening Polymerization of Cyclohexene Oxide and Cycloaddition with CO2 Catalyzed by Amine Triphenolate Iron(III) Complexes

A series of novel amine triphenolate iron complexes were synthesized and characterized using UV, IR, elemental analysis, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. These complexes were applied to the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclohexene oxide (CHO), demonstrating excellent activity (TOF > 11050 h-1) in the absence of a co-catalyst. In addition, complex C1 maintained the dimer in the presence of the reaction substrate CHO, catalyzing the ring-opening polymerization of CHO to PCHO through bimetallic synergy. Furthermore, a two-component system consisting of iron complexes and TBAB displayed the ability to catalyze the reaction of CHO with CO2, resulting in the formation of cis-cyclic carbonate with high selectivity. Complex C4 exhibited the highest catalytic activity, achieving 80% conversion of CHO at a CHO/C4/TBAB molar ratio of 2000/1/8 and a CO2 pressure of 3 MPa for 16 h at 100 °C, while maintaining >99% selectivity of cis-cyclic carbonates, which demonstrated good conversion and selectivity.

Palladium-Catalyzed Enantioselective [4+2] Cycloaddition of 4-Vinylbenzodioxinones with Barbiturate-Derived Alkenes: Con-struction of Chiral Spirobarbiturate-Chromanes

In this paper, Pd-catalyzed [4+2] decarboxylative cycloaddition of 4-vinylbenzodioxinones with barbiturate-derived alkenes has been developed, leading to various spirobarbiturate-chromane derivatives in high yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities. The scale-up reaction and further derivation of the product were demonstrated. A plausible reaction mechanism was also proposed.

Room Temperature Diels-Alder Reactions of 4-Vinylimidazoles

In the course of studying Diels-Alder reactions of 4-vinylimidazoles with N-phenylmaleimide, it was discovered that they engage in cycloaddition at room temperature to give high yields of the initial cycloadduct as a single stereoisomer. In certain cases, the product precipitated out of the reaction mixture and could be isolated by simple filtration, thereby avoiding issues with aromatization observed during chromatographic purification. Given these results, intramolecular variants using doubly activated dienophiles were also investigated at room temperature. Amides underwent cycloaddition at room temperature in modest yields, but the initial adducts were not isolable with Nimid-benzyl-protected systems. Attempts to extend these results to the corresponding esters and hydroxamate were less successful with these substrates only undergoing cycloaddition at elevated temperatures in lower yields. Density functional theory calculations were performed to evaluate the putative transition states for both the inter- and intramolecular variants to rationalize experimental observations.

(Diazomethyl)dimethylphosphine Oxide - A Diazoalkane Reagent for [3+2] Cycloadditions

A safe and efficient method for the in-situ preparation of (diazomethyl)dimethylphosphine oxide - a hereto unexplored diazoalkane reagent - is developed. The method is based on the diazotization of the corresponding P(O)Me2-substituted amine (readily available in multigram quantities) in non-aqueous media. The protocol provides the target product as ca. 1.5 M CHCl3 solution which is stable at -18 °C. The utility of the synthesized diazoalkane is illustrated by its [3+2] cycloaddition with electron-poor alkynes and alkenes providing the corresponding P(O)Me2-substituted pyrazoles and pyrazolines with moderate to good efficiency. In this view, the title compound represents and an important extension of medicinally relevant phosphine oxide reagents.

3-Oxidopyridinium Ions Are Versatile Bioorthogonal Dipoles for Use in Cycloadditions with Cyclooctynes

3-oxidopyridinium ions are water stable and soluble heteroaromatic betaines that behave as latent dipoles and undergo a wide variety of cycloadditions. Research into the cycloaddition reactions of 3-oxidopyridiniums was spearheaded by Alan R. Katritzky and collaborators from the early 1970s until the late 1980s, but they have yet to be used for bioorthogonal applications. Herein we report that 3-oxidopyridiniums can readily react with 4-dibenzocyclooctynol (DIBO), a common bioorthogonal handle, in a [3+2] cycloaddition. The mechanism was investigated by altering the electronics of the reaction by changing the substituent on the 5 position of the pyridinium. Electron-donating 5-substituents have been shown to significantly increase the rate of the reaction, with bimolecular rate constants ranging from 3.3×10-4 s-1 with 5-trifluoromethyl-N-methyl-3-oxidopyridinium to 1.07 M-1 s-1 with 5-amino-N-methyl-3-oxidopyridinium. 3-oxidopyridiniums' appreciable cycloaddition rates and compatibility with bioorthogonally relevant environments give them the potential to be used in a variety of bioconjugation applications.

Divergent Reactivity of a Cyclic Bis-Hydridostannylene: A Masked Sn(I) Diradicaloid

Herein, reactivity studies of a cyclic bis-hydridostannylene [(ADC)SnH]2 (1-H2) (ADC=PhC{(NDipp)C}2; Dipp=2,6-iPr2C6H3) with various unsaturated organic substrates are reported. Reactions of terminal alkynes (RC≡CH) with 1-H2 afford mixed acetylide-vinyl-functionalized bis-stannylenes via dehydrogenation and hydrostannylation. Treatment of 1-H2 with PhC≡CCH3 gives a unique distannabarrelene via dehydrogenative C(sp3)-H stannylation and hydrostannylation of the C≡CCH3 moiety. 1-H2 undergoes dehydrogenative [2+2]-cycloaddition reactions with diphenylacetylene, azobenzene, acetone, benzophenone, and benzaldehyde to form the 1,4-distannabarrelene derivatives. The elimination of H2 in these reactions suggests the masked-diradical property of 1-H2. In fact, these [2+2]-cycloaddition products are also accessible on treatments of the Sn(I) diradicaloid [(ADC)Sn]2 (1) with appropriate reagents. All compounds have been characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Moreover, the catalytic activity of 1-H2 has been shown for the hydroboration of unsaturated substrates.

The Heptazine-Based Materials through Intrinsically Modification for the Cycloaddition of CO2 and Bisepoxides

For the efficient utilization of CO2 into valuable product, the attractive carbon nitride catalysts have been widely studied. In this work, heptazine-related materials with varying degree of polymerization were designed by an intrinsically modification strategy and employed in the cycloaddition of CO2 with the bisepoxide 1, 4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDODGE). We initially figured out that the sample prepared at 450 °C contained more melem hydrate, exhibiting the best performance. The epoxides conversion and corresponding cyclic carbonates selectivity could achieve 93.1 % and 99.3 % at 140 °C for 20 h without any cocatalyst and solvent, respectively. Results of the catalytic tests suggested that the high catalytic activity was dependent on big size porous structure and the synergetic effect of active amino groups and -OH groups. The role of water in maintaining the specific structure and providing active site has been proved. Moreover, the CN-450-W catalyst exhibited outstanding recycling stability. And finally, a plausible reaction mechanism was proposed.

Novel and highly efficient transformation of carbon dioxide into 2-oxazolidinones over Al-MCM-41 mesoporous-supported ionic liquids

A type of Al-MCM-41 supported dual imidazolium ionic liquids were constructed and efficiently used as catalysts for the synthesis of 2-oxazolidinones from epoxides, amines, and CO2. The influence of the different catalysts and reaction parameters on the catalytic behaviours was investigated. Al-MCM-41@ILTiCl5 was identified as the most excellent catalyst because it could efficiently promote the three-component cycloaddition of CO2, epoxide, and amines to form the corresponding 2-oxazolidinones in high to excellent yields (84∼96%) with excellent selectivities (98∼99.7%). In addition, the recovery and reuse performances of Al-MCM-41@ILTiCl5 were examined. The catalyst could be recovered by simple filtration and reused six times without a change in the catalytic activity. Green reaction conditions, operational simplicity, feasibility, and sustainability of the functionalized catalyst are the main highlights of the present protocol.

Developments in the chemistry and biology of 1,2,3-triazolyl-C-nucleosides

In the last 50 years, nucleoside analogs have been introduced to drug therapy as antivirals for different types of cancer due to their interference in cellular proliferation. Among the first line of nucleoside treatment drugs, ribavirin (RBV) is a synthetic N-nucleoside with a 1,2,4-triazole moiety that acts as a broad-spectrum antiviral. It is on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines. However, this important drug therapy causes several side effects due to its nonspecific mechanism of action. There is thus a need for a continuous study of its scaffold. A particular approach consists of connecting  d-ribose to the nitrogen-containing base with a C-C bond. It provides more stability against enzymatic action and a better pharmacologic profile. The coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic has increased the need for more solutions for the treatment of viral infections. Among these solutions, remdesivir, the first C-nucleoside, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It drew attention to the study of the C-nucleoside scaffold. Different C-nucleoside patterns have been synthesized over the years. They show many important activities against viruses and cancer cell lines. 1,2,3-Triazolyl-C-nucleoside derivatives are a prolific and efficient subclass of RBV analogs close to the already-known RBV with a C-C bond modification. These compounds are often prepared by alkynylation of the  d-ribose ring followed by azide-alkyne cycloaddition. They are reported to be active against the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and several tumoral cell lines, showing promising biological potential. In this review, we explore such approaches to 1,2,3-triazolyl-C-nucleosides and their evolution over the years.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Tandem Asymmetric Allylic Decarboxylative Addition and Cyclization of Vinylethylene Carbonates with N-Nosylimines

A enantioselective tandem transformation, concerning asymmetric allylic decarboxylative addition and cyclization of N-nosylimines with vinylethylene carbonates (VECs), in the presence of [Rh(C2H4)2Cl]2, chiral sulfoxide-N-olefin tridentate ligand has been developed. The reaction of VECs with various substituted N-nosylimines proceeded smoothly under mild conditions, providing highly functionalized oxazolidine frameworks in good to high yields with good to excellent enantioselectivity.

[3+2] Cycloaddition of Alkynyl Boronates and in situ Generated Azomethine Ylide

Scalable [3+2] cycloaddition of alkynyl boronates and in situ generated unstabilized azomethine ylide is reported for the first time. The selective formation of either 1 : 1 or 1 : 2 cycloaddition products was achieved by carefully optimizing the reaction conditions, mainly by controlling the reactant stoichiometry, catalyst loading, and internal temperature. The developed protocol tolerated many valuable functional groups, including TMS, protected alcohol (as ether or THP derivatives), or aldehyde (as acetal). Further common C-C and C-heteroatom bond-forming reactions, as well as scaled-up procedures demonstrate the utility of the prepared compounds as building blocks for organic synthesis and drug discovery.

Functionalized 2,3'-Bipyrroles and Pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazoles from Acylethynylpyrroles and Tosylmethylisocyanide

An efficient method for the synthesis of pharmaceutically prospective but still rare functionalized 2,3'-bipyrroles (in up to 80% yield) by the cycloaddition of easily available acylethynylpyrroles with tosylmethylisocyanide (TosMIC) has been developed. The reaction proceeds under reflux (1 h) in the KOH/THF system. In the t-BuONa/THF system, TosMIC acts in two directions: along with 2,3'-bipyrroles, the unexpected formation of pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazoles is also observed (products ratio~1:1).

Evolution and diversification of carboxylesterase-like [4+2] cyclases in aspidosperma and iboga alkaloid biosynthesis

Monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) are a large and diverse class of plant natural products, and their biosynthetic construction has been a subject of intensive study for many years. The enzymatic basis for the production of aspidosperma and iboga alkaloids, which are produced exclusively by members of the Apocynaceae plant family, has recently been discovered. Three carboxylesterase (CXE)-like enzymes from Catharanthus roseus and Tabernanthe iboga catalyze regio- and enantiodivergent [4+2] cycloaddition reactions to generate the aspidosperma (tabersonine synthase, TS) and iboga (coronaridine synthase, CorS; catharanthine synthase, CS) scaffolds from a common biosynthetic intermediate. Here, we use a combined phylogenetic and biochemical approach to investigate the evolution and functional diversification of these cyclase enzymes. Through ancestral sequence reconstruction, we provide evidence for initial evolution of TS from an ancestral CXE followed by emergence of CorS in two separate lineages, leading in turn to CS exclusively in the Catharanthus genus. This progression from aspidosperma to iboga alkaloid biosynthesis is consistent with the chemotaxonomic distribution of these MIAs. We subsequently generate and test a panel of chimeras based on the ancestral cyclases to probe the molecular basis for differential cyclization activity. Finally, we show through partial heterologous reconstitution of tabersonine biosynthesis using non-pathway enzymes how aspidosperma alkaloids could have first appeared as "underground metabolites" via recruitment of promiscuous enzymes from common protein families. Our results provide insight into the evolution of biosynthetic enzymes and how new secondary metabolic pathways can emerge through small but important sequence changes following co-option of preexisting enzymatic functions.

Modular Synthesis of Complex Benzoxaboraheterocycles through Chelation-Assisted Rh-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition

Benzoxaboraheterocycles (BOBs) are moieties of increasing interest in the pharmaceutical industry; however, the synthesis of these compounds is often difficult or impractical due to the sensitivity of the boron moiety, the requirement for metalation-borylation protocols, and lengthy syntheses. We report a straightforward, modular approach that enables access to complex examples of the BOB framework through a Rh-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition using MIDA-protected alkyne boronic acids. The key to the development of this methodology was overcoming the steric barrier to catalysis by leveraging chelation assistance. We show the utility of the method through synthesis of a broad range of BOB scaffolds, mechanistic information on the chelation effect, intramolecular alcohol-assisted BMIDA hydrolysis, and linear/cyclic BOB limits as well as comparative binding affinities of the product BOB frameworks for ribose-derived biomolecules.

Synthesis and Antiproliferative Evaluation of d-Glucuronamide-Based Nucleosides and (Triazolyl)methyl Amide-Linked Pseudodisaccharide Nucleosides

The synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of novel d-glucopyranuronamide-containing nucleosides is described. Based on our previously reported anticancer d-glucuronamide-based nucleosides, new analogues comprising N/O-dodecyl or N-propargyl substituents at the glucuronamide unit and anomerically-N-linked 2-acetamido-6-chloropurine, 6-chloropurine or 4-(6-chloropurinyl)methyl triazole motifs were synthesized in 4-6 steps starting from acetonide-protected glucofuranurono-6,3-lactone. The methodologies were based on the access to N-substituted glycopyranuronamide precursors, namely 1,2-O-acetyl derivatives or glucuronoamidyl azides for further nucleobase N-glycosylation or 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with N9 - and N7 -propargyl-6-chloropurines, respectively. N-Propargyl glucuronamide-based N9 -purine nucleosides were converted into (triazolyl)methyl amide-6,6-linked pseudodisaccharide nucleosides via cycloaddition with methyl 6-azido-glucopyranoside. A CuI/Amberlyst A-21 catalytic system employed in the cycloaddition reactions also effected conversion into 6-dimethylaminopurine nucleosides. Antiproliferative evaluation in chronic myeloid leukemia (K562) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells revealed significant effects exhibited by the synthesized monododecylated purine-containing nucleosides. A N-propargyl 3-O-dodecyl glucuronamide derivative comprising a N9 -β-linked 6-chloropurine moiety was the most active compound against MCF-7 cells (GI50 =11.9 μM) while a related α-(purinyl)methyltriazole nucleoside comprising a N7 -linked 6-chloropurine moiety exhibited the highest activity against K562 cells (GI50 =8.0 μM). Flow cytometry and immunoblotting analysis of apoptosis-related proteins in K562 cells treated with the N-propargyl 3-O-dodecyl glucuronamide-based N9 -linked 6-chloropurine nucleoside indicated that it acts via apoptosis induction.

Metal Influence on Cyaphide-Azide 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions: Aromaticity and Activation Strain

The factors governing 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions involving C≡P-containing compounds are computationally explored in detail using quantum chemical tools. To this end, the parent process involving tBuN3 and tBuCP is analyzed and compared to the analogous reaction involving organometallic cyaphide complexes (metal=Au, Pt, Ge, Mg), in order to understand the role of the metal fragment in such transformations. It is found that while the metal fragment does not significantly influence the aromaticity of the corresponding concerted transition states or the regioselectivity of the transformation, it may modify the reactivity of the cyaphide complexes (i. e. Ge and Mg cyaphide complexes are comparatively more reactive). The computed reactivity trends and the factors behind the regioselectivity of the cycloaddition reaction are quantitatively analyzed with the help of the activation strain model in combination with the energy decomposition analysis method.

Generation and Application of Homoallylic α,α-Diboryl Radicals via Diboron-Promoted Ring-Opening of Vinyl Cyclopropanes: cis-Diastereoselective Borylative Cycloaddition

Carbon-centered radicals stabilized by adjacent boron atoms are underexplored reaction intermediates in organic synthesis. This study reports the development of vinyl cyclopropyl diborons (VCPDBs) as a versatile source of previously unknown homoallylic α,α-diboryl radicals via thiyl radical catalyzed diboron-directed ring opening. These diboryl stabilized radicals underwent smooth [3+2] cycloaddition with a variety of olefins to provide diboryl cyclopentanes in good to excellent diastereoselectivity. In contrast to the trans-diastereoselectivity observed with most of the dicarbonyl activated VCPs, the cycloaddition of VCPDBs showed a remarkable preference for formation of cis-cyclopentane diastereomer which was confirmed by quantitative NOE and 2D NOESY studies. The cis-stereochemistry of cyclopentane products enabled a concise intramolecular Heck reaction approach to rare tricyclic cyclopentanoid framework containing the diboron group. The mild reaction conditions also allowed a one-pot VCP ring-opening, cycloaddition-oxidation sequence to afford disubstituted cyclopentanones. Control experiments and DFT analysis of reaction mechanism support a radical mediated pathway and provide a rationale for the observed diastereoselectivity. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first examples of the use of geminal diboryl group as an activator of VCP ring opening and cycloaddition reaction of α-boryl radicals.

Intramolecular Click Cycloaddition Reactions: Synthesis of 1,2,3-Triazoles

Click Chemistry, as a powerful tool, has been used for the synthesis of a variety of 1,2,3-triazoles. Among click cycloaddition reactions, intramolecular click reactions carried out in azido-alkyne precursors has not been thoroughly reviewed. Hence, in this review, we have summarized and categorised the recent literature (from 2012 on) based on the azidoalkynyl precursor's type and a brief and concise description of the involved mechanisms is presented. Accordingly, we have classified the relevant literature into three categories: (1) substitution precursors (2) addition and (3) multi-component reaction (MCR) products.

On the Number of π-Electrons Involved in Stepwise Cycloaddition Reactions

The development of higher-order cycloadditions has mainly been restricted by the requisite usage of highly conjugated and reactive π-systems. Recent years have witnessed organocatalysis as a potent mediator for several of the challenges associated herein, rendering higher-order cycloadditions a legitimate option for achieving the selective construction of specific molecular scaffolds. These developments reinvigorate the efforts to try to understand the underlying principles for cycloadditions involving a higher number of π-electrons than the "classical" cycloadditions; how do we properly address the impact which the addition of further π-electrons have on the reactivity of a system? Herein, computational investigations of two model higher-order cycloaddition systems have been performed to try to provide insights on changes in energetic barriers induced by the presence of benzofusions in a position which is unobstructive to the reactivity. With experimental substantiation as support, these studies might open up for a discussion on whether the π-electrons of benzofused systems simply act as spectator electrons, or play a tangible role on the observed reactivity to an extent where a distinct nomenclature is meritable.

Intermolecular 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction of N-Carbamoyl Nitrones Generated by N-Selective Carbamoylation of Oximes with Isocyanates

N-Selective carbamoylation reaction of oximes with isocyanates generates nitrones, which undergo 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with various dipolarophiles to afford diverse isoxazolidines. Notably, combinations of highly electron-rich oxime and highly electron-deficient dipolarophile exhibited high reactivity, with product yields of up to 94 %. The substituent on the isoxazolidine-nitrogen atom could be successfully removed without loss of the cyclic structure. Computational studies have also elucidated the mechanism of the reaction and origin of stereoselectivity.

1,2,4-Triazines and Calcium Carbide in the Catalyst-Free Synthesis of 2,3,6-Trisubstituted Pyridines and Their D-, 13 C-, and Doubly D2 -13 C2 -Labeled Analogues

A novel synthetic approach to 2,3,6-trisubstituted pyridines, their 4,5-dideuterated derivatives, 4,5-13 C2 - and doubly-labeled D2 -13 C2 -pyridines has been developed using catalyst-free [4+2] cycloaddition of 1,2,4-triazines and in situ generated acetylene or labeled acetylene. Calcium carbide and water or deuterium oxide were used for the in situ generation of acetylene and dideuteroacetylene. Calcium carbide-13 C2 in the mixture with water or deuterium oxide was applied as 13 C2 -acetylene and D2 -13 C2 -acetylene source.

One-Pot Access to Boron-Doped Fused Heterocycles via Domino Cyclization of Bis-Diazidoboranes with Isonitrile

Boron-doped fused heterocycles have shown great potential in the field of functional materials. This study reports on the synthesis of a new class of bis-diazidoboranes and the discovery of their cycloaddition reaction with isonitriles. Triply fused boron-doped heterocyclic compounds were constructed in a one-pot process through a domino cycloaddition, providing an effective route for constructing complex boron-doped heterocyclic systems.

Solid-State [4+4] Cycloaddition and Cycloreversion with Use of Unpaired Hydrogen-Bond Donors to Achieve Solvatomorphism and Stabilization

The crystal structure of a commercially available anthracene derivative, anthracene-9-thiocarboxamide, is reported here for the first time. The compound undergoes a [4+4] cycloaddition in the solid state to afford facile synthesis of the cycloadduct (CA). The cycloaddition is also reversible in the solid state using heat or mechanical force. Due to the presence of unpaired, strong hydrogen-bond donor atoms on the CA, significant solvatomorphism is achieved, and components of the solvatomorphs self-assemble into four different classes of supramolecular structures. The CA readily crystallizes with a variety of structurally-diverse solvents including those containing oxygen-, nitrogen-, or pi-acceptors. Some of the solvents the CA crystallized with include thiophene, benzene, and the three xylene isomers; thus, the CA was employed in industrially-relevant solvent separation. However, in competition studies, the CA did not exhibit selectivity. Lastly, it is demonstrated that the CA crystallizes with vinyl-containing monomers and is currently the only compound that crystallizes with both widely used monomers 4-vinylpyridine and styrene. Solid-state complexation of the CA with the monomers affords over a 50 °C increase in the monomer's thermal stabilities. The strategy of designing molecules with unused donors can be applied to achieve separations or volatile liquid stabilization.

Computational study of an oxetane 4H-pyrazole as a Diels-Alder diene

We combine the effects of spirocyclization and hyperconjugation to increase the Diels-Alder reactivity of the 4H-pyrazole scaffold. A density functional theory (DFT) investigation predicts that 4H-pyrazoles containing an oxetane functionality at the saturated center are extremely reactive despite having a relatively high-lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy.

Total Synthesis of Altemicidin: A Surprise Ending for a Monoterpene Alkaloid

Monoterpene alkaloids encompass distinct chemical diversity and wide-ranging bioactivity. Their compact complexity has made them popular as synthetic targets and has inspired many distinct strategies and tactics in the field of heterocyclic chemistry. This article documents the evolution of a synthetic program aimed at accessing the unusual sulfonamide-containing natural product altemicidin, which was generally believed to be a monoterpene alkaloid throughout our entire synthetic investigations but has recently been found to originate through an unexpected and quite disparate biosynthetic pathway. By leveraging a pyridine dearomatization/cycloaddition strategy, we developed a concise pathway to the 5,6-fused bicyclic azaindane core and, after significant experimentation, an ultimate synthesis of altemicidin itself. Tactics to productively manipulate the multiple functional groups present on this highly polar scaffold proved challenging but were eventually realized via several carefully orchestrated and chemoselective transformations-investments that paid dividends in the form of significantly shorter chemical synthesis. Surprisingly, the bond-forming logic between our presumed abiotic synthetic strategy to this alkaloid class and its subsequently identified biosynthetic pathway is eerily similar.

Dearomatization of C6 Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Main Group Complexes

The dearomatization reaction is a powerful method for transformation of simple aromatic compounds to unique chemical architectures rapidly in synthetic chemistry. Over the past decades, the chemistry in this field has evolved significantly and various important organic compounds such as crucial bioactive molecules have been synthesized through dearomatization. In general, photochemical conditions or assistance by transition metals are required for dearomatization of rigid arenes. Recently, main-group elements, especially naturally abundant elements in the Earth's crust, have attracted attention as they have low toxicity and are cost-effective compared to the late transition metals. In recent decades, a variety of low-valent main-group molecules, which enable the activation of stable aromatic compounds under mild conditions, have been developed. This minireview highlights the developments in the chemistry of dearomatization of C6 aromatic hydrocarbons by main-group compounds leading to the formation of seven-membered EC6 (E=main-group elements) ring or cycloaddition products.

Regioselective Synthesis of NO-Donor (4-Nitro-1,2,3-triazolyl)furoxans via Eliminative Azide-Olefin Cycloaddition

A facile and efficient method for the regioselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 4-azidofuroxans to 1-dimethylamino-2-nitroethylene under p-TSA catalysis affording (4-nitro-1,2,3-triazolyl)furoxans was developed. This transformation is believed to proceed via eliminative azide-olefin cycloaddition resulting in its complete regioselectivity. The developed protocol has a broad substrate scope and enables a straightforward assembly of the 4-nitro-1,2,3-triazole motif. Moreover, synthesized (4-nitro-1,2,3-triazolyl)furoxans were found to be capable of NO release in a broad range of concentrations, thus providing a novel platform for future drug design and related biomedical applications of heterocyclic NO donors.

Synthetic approaches and applications of an underprivileged 1,2,5-oxadiazole moiety: A review

1,2,5-oxadiazole belongs to five-membered heterocyclic compounds with two nitrogen and one oxygen atom. In comparison with other heterocyclic moieties, 1,2,5-oxadiazoles moiety is considered as underprivileged as it attracted little attention of the researchers although lot of scopes and possible applications in medicinal, material and agriculture science. 1,2,5-oxadiazole and its derivatives have been reported as good pharmacophores as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, antibacterial, vasodilating agents, antimalarial, anticancer, etc. In the presented manuscript, we reviewed granted patents and different synthetic strategies which have been reported for the synthesis of 1,2,5-oxadiazoles such as cycloaddition, dimerization, cyclodehydration, condensation, thermolysis, nitration, oxidation and ring-conversion. These synthetic methods have also been analysed for their merits and demerits. The manuscript also highlighted various applications of 1,2,5-oxadiazole and its derivatives. We hope that researchers across the scientific streams will be benefitted from the presented review articles for designing their work related to 1,2,5-oxadiazoles.

2H-Phosphindole-Enabled Dearomatization and [4+2] Cycloaddition of (Hetero)Arenes

The heavier main group multiple bonds offer an effective tool for small molecule activation. Transient 2H-phosphinidole working as a reactive phosphadiene system undergoes phospha-Diels-Alder reaction with a wide range of non-activated aromatic carbocycles and heterocycles, including naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, furan, thiophene, pyrrole, pyridine, and benzo-fused heterocycles, affording concise access to a range of polycyclic fused rings feature with phosphorus at the bridgehead. These results demonstrate that non-activated (hetero)arenes are capable of acting as 2π systems in [4+2] cycloaddition with highly reactive 2H-phosphindole complex.

Substrate-Controlled Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of Novel Polycyclic Frameworks via [4 + 2] and [3 + 2] Annulations of Ninhydrin-Derived MBH Adducts with 3,4-Dihydroisoquinolines

Substrate-controlled diversity-oriented synthesis of polycyclic frameworks via [4 + 2] and [3 + 2] annulations between ninhydrin-derived Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) adducts and 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines under similar reaction conditions have been developed. The reaction provides diversity-oriented synthesis of a series of novel and structurally complex spiro multi heterocyclic skeletons in good yields (up to 87% and 90%, respectively) with excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >25:1 dr). In particular, the switchable [4 + 2] and [3 + 2] annulation reactions are controlled by tuning the hydroxyl protecting group on the ninhydrin-derived MBH adduct to deliver structural diverse spiro[indene-2,2'-[1,3]oxazino[2,3-a]isoquinoline] and spiro[indene-2,1'-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline], respectively. Furthermore, the relative configuration and chemical structure of two kinds of cycloadducts were confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis.

Diastereoselective Pd-catalyzed Decarboxylative (4+2) Cycloaddition Reactions of 4-Vinylbenzoxazinanones and 2-Nitro-1,3-enynes

A formal palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative (4+2) cycloaddition reaction between 4-vinylbenzoxazinanones and 2-nitro-1,3-enynes has been developed to produce highly valuable, densely functionalized tetrahydroquinolines in moderate to excellent yields with high diastereoselectivity under mild reaction conditions. The optimised protocol tolerates a range of substituted 2-nitro-1,3-enynes, which represent an under-utilized class of dipolarophile for transition-metal catalyzed cycloadditions. The employed reaction methodology facilitates efficient cycloaddition with both N-H- and N-Ts-4-vinylbenzoxazinanone dipole precursors. The stereochemistry of the major and minor diastereomeric (4+2) cycloadducts was determined by single crystal X-ray analyses. A mechanistic rationale for the high intrinsic diastereoselectivity and preliminary enantioselective experiments are also presented. The tetrahydroquinoline cycloadduct products feature numerous pendant functionalities, including a vinyl handle, an internal alkyne motif and a nitro functionality (which functions as a latent C-3 nitrogen substituent) for further synthetic manipulations.

Enantioselective Dearomative [4+2] Cycloaddition Reaction of 1-Naphthols with In-Situ Generated ortho-Quinone Methides

We disclose a catalytic, enantioselective dearomative reaction of non-functionalized 1-naphthols, which poses a synthetic challenge to organic chemists because of the relative ease of rearomatization via the elimination of a proton. In this work, the direct dearomatization of non-functionalized 1-naphthols was achieved through a chiral phosphoric acid (CPA) catalyzed enantioselective dearomative [4+2] cycloaddition reaction with in-situ generated ortho-quinone methides (o-QMs). The reported convergent method allows the use of readily available simple 1-naphthols without pre-functionalization, furnishing a variety of naphthopyran derivatives in good yields (up to 96 %) and moderate to excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99 % ee) under mild reaction conditions. The observed regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivities are the keys to the success of the current strategy utilizing o-QM as a diene surrogates, in combination with CPA catalysis.

Recent progress in metal assisted multicomponent reactions in organic synthesis

To prepare complicated organic molecules, straightforward, sustainable, and clean methodologies are urgently required. Thus, researchers are attempting to develop imaginative approaches. Metal-catalyzed multicomponent reactions (MCRs) offer optimal molecular diversity, high atomic efficiency, and energy savings in a single reaction step. These versatile protocols are often used to synthesize numerous natural compounds, heterocyclic molecules, and medications. Thus far, the majority of metal-catalyzed MCRs under investigation are based on metal catalysts such as copper and palladium; however, current research is focused on developing novel, environmentally friendly catalytic systems. In this regard, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of metal catalysts in MCRs. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of metal catalysts for safe application in MCRs.

Fluorinated Imines in Tandem and Cycloaddition Reactions

The chemistry of fluorinated compounds has experienced extraordinary growth in recent decades due to the many and varied properties which many of the compounds that contain fluorinated groups possess. Among all of them, fluorinated chiral imines, in particular the Ellman's imines, are of great importance since they are some of the most interesting building blocks for the synthesis of a large number of enantioenriched carbocycles and heterocycles with extraordinary biological and synthetic properties. This personal account covers the most significant results obtained in our research group in the last two decades concerning asymmetric tandem reactions, paying special attention to the intramolecular aza-Michael reaction (IMAMR), diversity oriented synthesis (DOS), asymmetric tandem reactions involving a p-tolylsulfinyl group as chiral inducer and cycloaddition processes, in particular, the Pauson-Khand reaction, [2+2+2]-cycloadditions and metathesis reactions, starting mainly from enyne compounds and through the use of fluorinated chiral N-sulfinyl imines and their derivatives as starting materials.

Thioalkynes in Ring Forming Reactions

Organic cycles play an important role in chemistry, pharmacology and material science for their unique properties. Construction of organic cycles from thioalkynes attracted increasing attention due to the facile access of thioalkynes. 2H-Azirines were synthesized successfully from thioalkynyl oxime ethers. Cyclobutanes were formed through chiral titanium catalyzed cycloaddition of thioalkynes. Cyclopentenes were afforded by annulation of thioalkynes. Thioalkynes could be also applied to synthesize thiophenes, oxazoles, benzo[b]thiophenes, 2H-chromenes, 2-phenylbenzothiazoles, diazacyclobutene, etc. In this review, construction of organic cycles from thioalkynes were highlighted. Firstly, the property and application of organic cyclic compounds were simply introduced. After presenting the general methods to access organic cycles, applications of thioalkynes as synthons to prepare organic cycles were classified and presented in detail. Based on different kinds of organic cycles obtained from thioalkynes, organic reactions for synthesis of three-, four-, five-, six-membered as well as fused cycles would be summarized and the plausible reaction mechanisms could be presented if available.

Synthesis of Guaipyridine Alkaloids Rupestine M and L by Cycloaddition/Cycloreversion of an Intermediate 1,4-Oxazinone

A new method to prepare 1,4-oxazinone intermediates was developed based on aza-conjugate addition of β-amino alcohols to electron-deficient alkyne precursors. A tandem intramolecular cycloaddition/cycloreversion reaction sequence was evaluated, leading to the synthesis of the guaipyridine alkaloid natural products rupestine M and L. Starting from (-)-citronellal and thus a known configuration of the C5 stereocenter, a revised absolute configuration of natural rupestine L is suggested based on optical rotation.

CS-Symmetric Pyridine(diimine) Iron Methyl Complexes for Catalytic [2+2] Cycloaddition and Hydrovinylation: Metallacycle Geometry Determines Selectivity

A series of C_S-symmetric (aryl,alkyl)-substituted pyridine(dimine) iron methyl (^CyA^RPDI)FeCH₃ complexes have been prepared, characterized, and evaluated as precatalysts for the [2+2]-cycloaddition of butadiene and ethylene. Mixtures of vinylcyclobutane and (Z)-hexa-1,4-diene were observed in each case. By comparison, C_2v-symmetric, arylated (PDI) iron catalysts are exclusively selective for reversible [2+2]-cycloaddition to yield vinylcyclobutane. The alteration in the chemoselectivity of the catalytic reaction was investigated through a combination of precatalyst stability studies, identification of catalytic resting state(s), and ²H and ¹³C isotopic labeling experiments. While replacement of an aryl-imine substituent with an N-alkyl group decreases the stability of the formally iron(0) dinitrogen and butadiene complexes, two diamagnetic metallacycles were identified as catalyst resting states. Deuterium labeling and NOESY/EXSY NMR experiments support 1,4-hexadiene arising from catalytic hydrovinylation involving reversible oxidative cyclization leading to accessible cis-metallacycle. Cyclobutane formation proceeds by irreversible C(sp³)-C(sp³) bond-forming reductive elimination from a trans-metallacycle. These studies provide key mechanistic understanding into the high selectivity of bis(arylated) pyridine(diimine) iron catalysts for [2+2]-cycloaddition, unique, thus far, to this class of iron catalysts.

Approach to Pyrido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazol-1-ones via In Situ Generation of Acyl(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)ketenes by Thermolysis of Pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzothiazine-1,2,4-triones

Acyl(imidoyl)ketenes are highly reactive heterocumulenes that enable diversity-oriented synthesis of various drug-like heterocycles. Such ketenes, bearing heterocyclic substituents, afford angularly fused pyridin-2(1H)-ones in their [4+2]-cyclodimerization reactions. We have utilized this property for the development of a new synthetic approach to pharmaceutically interesting pyrido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazol-1-ones via the [4+2]-cyclodimerization of acyl(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)ketenes generated in situ. The thermal behaviors of 3-aroylpyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzothiazine-1,2,4-triones and 3-benzoylpyrrolo[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole-1,2-dione (two new types of [e]-fused 1H-pyrrole-2,3-diones reported by us recently) have been studied by thermal analysis and HPLC to elucidate their capability to be a source of acyl(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)ketenes. As a result, we have found that only 3-aroylpyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzothiazine-1,2,4-triones are suitable for this. The experimental results are supplemented with computational studies that demonstrate that thermolysis of 3-aroylpyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzothiazine-1,2,4-triones proceeds through an unprecedented cascade of two thermal decarbonylations. Based on these studies, we discovered a novel mode of thermal transformation of [e]-fused 1H-pyrrole-2,3-diones and developed a new pot, atom, and step economic synthetic approach to pyrido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazol-1-ones. The synthesized drug-like pyrido[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazol-1-ones are of interest to pharmaceutics, since their close analogs show significant antiviral activity.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Regio- and Diastereoselective [3+2] Cycloaddition of gem-Difluorinated Cyclopropanes with Internal Olefins

Direct synthesis of gem-difluorinated carbocyclic molecules represents a longstanding challenge in organic chemistry. Herein, a Rh-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition reaction between readily available gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes (gem-DFCPs) and internal olefins has been developed, enabling the efficient synthesis of gem-difluorinated cyclopentanes with good functional group compatibility, excellent regioselectivity and good diastereoselectivity. The resulting gem-difluorinated products can undergo downstream transformations to access various mono-fluorinated cyclopentenes and cyclopentanes. This reaction demonstrates the use of gem-DFCPs as a type of "CF2" C3 synthon for cycloaddition under transition metal catalysis, which provides potential strategy for synthesizing other gem-difluorinated carbocyclic molecules.

Exploring Pyrrolo-Fused Heterocycles as Promising Anticancer Agents: An Integrated Synthetic, Biological, and Computational Approach

Five new series of pyrrolo-fused heterocycles were designed through a scaffold hybridization strategy as analogs of the well-known microtubule inhibitor phenstatin. Compounds were synthesized using the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of cycloimmonium N-ylides to ethyl propiolate as a key step. Selected compounds were then evaluated for anticancer activity and ability to inhibit tubulin polymerization in vitro. Notably, pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline 10a was active on most tested cell lines, performing better than control phenstatin in several cases, most notably on renal cancer cell line A498 (GI₅₀ 27 nM), while inhibiting tubulin polymerization in vitro. In addition, this compound was predicted to have a promising ADMET profile. The molecular details of the interaction between compound 10a and tubulin were investigated through in silico docking experiments, followed by molecular dynamics simulations and configurational entropy calculations. Of note, we found that some of the initially predicted interactions from docking experiments were not stable during molecular dynamics simulations, but that configurational entropy loss was similar in all three cases. Our results suggest that for compound 10a, docking experiments alone are not sufficient for the adequate description of interaction details in terms of target binding, which makes subsequent scaffold optimization more difficult and ultimately hinders drug design. Taken together, these results could help shape novel potent antiproliferative compounds with pyrrolo-fused heterocyclic cores, especially from an in silico methodological perspective.

Novel class of photochromic molecules exhibiting photo-switching in the solid state

Photo-switching compounds are widely used as super-resolution imaging agents, anti-counterfeiting dyes, and molecules that are able to control drug-receptor interactions. However, advancement of this field has been limited by the number of classes of molecules that exhibit this phenomenon, and thus there are growing activities to discover new photo-switching compounds that diversify and improve current applications and include the so-called donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts. Herein, a new class of compounds, phenylindole alkene dimers, are presented as a novel class of photochromic molecules that exhibit photo-switching in the solid state. The synthesis of a small library of these compounds allowed the tuning of their optical properties. Surfaces coated with these photo-switches can be used as writable materials in a variety of applications.

Skeletal Editing of (Hetero)Arenes Using Carbenes

(Hetero)arenes continue to prove their indispensability in pharmaceutical engineering, materials science, and synthetic chemistry. As such, the controllable modification of biologically significant (hetero)arenes towards diverse more-potent complex molecular scaffolds through peripheral and skeletal editing has been considered a challenging goal in synthetic organic chemistry. Despite many excellent reviews that have discussed peripheral editing (i.e., C-H functionalization) of (hetero)arenes, their skeletal editing via single atom insertion, deletion, or transmutations has so far been less discussed. In this review, we tried to summarize and depict the state-of-the-art skeletal editing reactions on heteroarenes using carbenes, with a focus on general mechanistic considerations and the potential application of this transformation for the synthesis of natural products. The potential opportunities and inherent challenges encountered while developing these strategies have also been highlighted.

Formal [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of α-Imino Esters with Azo Compounds: Facile Construction of Pentasubstituted 1,2,4-Triazoline Skeletons

1,2,4-Triazole and 1,2,4-triazoline are important components of bioactive molecules and catalysts employed in organic synthesis. Therefore, the efficient synthesis of these components has received significant research attention. However, studies on their structural diversity remain lacking. Previously, we developed chiral phase-transfer-catalyzed asymmetric reactions of α-imino carbonyl compounds with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and haloalkanes. In this study, we demonstrate the formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of α-imino esters with azo compounds under Brønsted base catalysis, resulting in the corresponding 1,2,4-triazolines in high yields. The results revealed that a wide range of substrates and reactants can be applied, irrespective of their steric and electronic characteristics. The present reaction made the general preparation of 3-aryl pentasubstituted 1,2,4-triazolines possible for the first time. Furthermore, a mechanistic study suggested that the reaction proceeds without isomerization into the aldimine form.

Triethylamine-Promoted Oxidative Cyclodimerization of 2H-Azirine-2-carboxylates to Pyrimidine-4,6-dicarboxylates: Experimental and DFT Study

An unprecedented oxidative cyclodimerization reaction of 2H-azirine-2-carboxylates to pyrimidine-4,6-dicarboxylates under heating with triethylamine in air is described. In this reaction, one azirine molecule undergoes formal cleavage across the C-C bond and another across the C=N bond. According to the experimental study and DFT calculations, the key steps of the reaction mechanism include nucleophilic addition of N,N-diethylhydroxylamine to an azirine to form an (aminooxy)aziridine, generation of an azomethine ylide, and its 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to the second azirine molecule. The crucial condition for the synthesis of pyrimidines is generation of N,N-diethylhydroxylamine in the reaction mixture in a very low concentration, which is ensured by the slow oxidation of triethylamine with air oxygen. Addition of a radical initiator accelerated the reaction and resulted in higher yields of the pyrimidines. Under these conditions, the scope of the pyrimidine formation was elucidated, and a series of pyrimidines was synthesized.

Substituent Effects in Bioorthogonal Diels-Alder Reactions of 1,2,4,5-Tetrazines

1,2,4,5-Tetrazines are increasingly used as reactants in bioorthogonal chemistry due to their high reactivity in Diels-Alder reactions with various dienophiles. Substituents in the 3- and 6-positions of the tetrazine scaffold are known to have a significant impact on the rate of cycloadditions; this is commonly explained on the basis of frontier molecular orbital theory. In contrast, we show that reactivity differences between commonly used classes of tetrazines are not controlled by frontier molecular orbital interactions. In particular, we demonstrate that mono-substituted tetrazines show high reactivity due to decreased Pauli repulsion, which leads to a more asynchronous approach associated with reduced distortion energy. This follows the recent Vermeeren-Hamlin-Bickelhaupt model of reactivity increase in asymmetric Diels-Alder reactions. In addition, we reveal that ethylene is not a good model compound for other alkenes in Diels-Alder reactions.

[2+4]-Cycloaddition Product of an Amidinate Substituted Dialumene with Toluene

Reduction of LAlI2 (L= PhC(NiPr2C6H3)2) with two equivalents of KC8 in toluene affords the [2+4]- cycloaddition product of a dialumene with toluene. The mechanism for the formation of product complex was investigated using Density functional theory (DFT) methods.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyran-2-Ones Organocatalyzed by N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

In recent years, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) have gained recognition as versatile molecules capable of acting as organocatalysts in various reactions, particularly through the activation of aldehydes via Breslow-type adducts. This organocatalytic activation has enabled the production of numerous 3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones and related derivatives. In this review, we provide an overview of the production of 3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones and derivatives via organocatalytic processes involving NHCs over the past eight years. These processes involve the use of a diverse range of substrates, catalysts, and reaction conditions, which can be classified into [4+2]-and [3+3]-type cycloadditions, primarily aimed at synthesizing this skeleton due to its biological activity and multiple stereocenters. These processes are scaled up to the gram scale, and the resulting products are often directed towards epimerization and functionalization to produce more complex molecules with potential applications in the biological field. Finally, we provide a perspective and the future directions of this topic in organic synthesis.

Synthesis of 5,6-Dihydropyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines through Tandem Reaction of C,N-Cyclic Azomethine Imines with α,β-Unsaturated Ketones

An innovative and efficient approach has been developed for the synthesis of 5,6-dihydropyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines. This one-pot tandem reaction involves the reaction of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines with α,β-unsaturated ketones, using K₂CO₃ as the base and DDQ as the oxidant. The process results in functionalized 5,6-dihydropyrazolo[5,1-a]isoquinolines with good yields. This convenient one-step method encompasses a tandem [3 + 2]-cycloaddition, detosylation, and oxidative aromatization.

Head-to-Tail Dimerization of N-Heterocyclic Diazoolefins

The head-to-tail dimerization of N-heterocyclic diazoolefins is described. The products of these formal (3+3) cycloaddition reactions are strongly reducing quinoidal tetrazines. Oxidation of the tetrazines occurs in a stepwise fashion, and we were able to isolate a stable radical cation and diamagnetic dications. The latter are also accessible by oxidative dimerization of diazoolefins.

Cycloadditions of Trifluoromethylated Oxidopyridinium Betaines: Unique (5 + 2) Cycloaddition Selectivity Imposed by 2- or 6-Trifluoromethyl Group

Despite the significant advances in trifluoromethylation methods, the synthesis of complex trifluoromethylated molecules, bearing a natural-product-like three-dimensional framework, remains as a formidable challenge. Therefore, the cycloaddition of unprecedented CF3-substituted oxidopyridinium betaines was investigated. After the methylation of trifluoromethylated pyridine-3-ols with methyl triflate, pyridinium ions generated in-situ were treated with triethylamine in the presence of N-methylmaleimide to produce trifluoromethylated 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives via (5 + 2) cycloaddition of the corresponding oxidopyridinium betaines. Exo/endo-selectivity varied depending on the positions of the CF3 substituents; endo-products were preferred in the reactions of oxidopyridinium betaines with the CF3 group at the 2- or 6-positions, whereas the 5-CF3-substituted betaine exclusively produced an exo-product. Moreover, unique regio- and stereoselectivities have been observed in the reactions of 2- or 6-CF3-substituted oxidopyridinium betaines with vinyl sulfones and trans-1,2-disubstituted alkenes. To gain insight into the reactivity of trifluoromethylated oxidopyridinium betaines, computational investigations were also conducted.