Phase-Transfer-Catalyzed Alkylation of Hydantoins

A highly efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly protocol is reported for the C5-selective alkylation of hydantoins under phase-transfer catalysis. The reactions are scalable and only require a catalytic amount of tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) to achieve high yields under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the method is applicable to a wide range of electrophiles, including alkyl-, allyl-, propargyl-, and benzyl halides, as well as acrylates and dibromoalkanes, but also to virtually any hydantoin precursor. We also highlight the potential for an enantioselective adaptation using a chiral phase-transfer catalyst.

Synthetic Studies on the Incorporation of N-Acetylallosamine in Hyaluronic Acid-Inspired Thiodisaccharides

Two approaches for the synthesis of the thiodisaccharide β-S-GlcA(1→3)β-S-AllNAc are described here. The target disaccharide was a C-3 epimer and thio-analogue of the hyaluronic acid repetitive unit, tuned with a thiopropargyl anomeric group for further click conjugation. Thus, we analysed and tested two convenient sequences, combining the two key steps required to introduce the thioglycosidic bonds and consequently reach the target molecule: the SN2 substitution of a good leaving group (triflate) present at C-3 of a GlcNAc derivative and the introduction of the anomeric thiopropargyl substituent. The use of a 2-azido precursor showed to be a convenient substrate for the SN2 step. Nevertheless, further protecting group manipulation and the introduction of the thiopropargyl anomeric residue were then required. This approach showed to provide access to a variety of thiodisaccharide derivatives as interesting building blocks for the construction of neoglycoconjugates.

Radical Carbonyl Propargylation by Dual Catalysis

Carbonyl propargylation has been established as a valuable tool in the realm of carbon-carbon bond forming reactions. The 1,3-enyne moiety has been recognized as an alternative pronucleophile in the above transformation through an ionic mechanism. Herein, we report for the first time, the radical carbonyl propargylation through dual chromium/photoredox catalysis. A library of valuable homopropargylic alcohols bearing all-carbon quaternary centers could be obtained by a catalytic radical three-component coupling of 1,3-enynes, aldehydes and suitable radical precursors (41 examples). This redox-neutral multi-component reaction occurs under very mild conditions and shows high functional group tolerance. Remarkably, bench-stable, non-toxic, and inexpensive CrCl₃ could be employed as a chromium source. Preliminary mechanistic investigations suggest a radical-polar crossover mechanism, which offers a complementary and novel approach towards the preparation of valuable synthetic architectures from simple chemicals.

Efficient method for propargylation of aldehydes promoted by allenylboron compounds under microwave irradiation

The propargylation of aldehydes promoted by microwave irradiation using allenylboron compounds in a chemo- and regioselective way is described. The corresponding products were obtained in short reaction time, high yield and purity without the need of any solvent when allenylboronic acid pinacol ester was used, or using a minimal amount of acetone when potassium allenyltrifluoroborate was used.

Efficient Synthesis of N-Alkylated 4-Pyridones by Copper-Catalyzed Intermolecular Asymmetric Propargylic Amination

Copper-catalyzed intermolecular asymmetric propargylic amination with 4-hydroxypyridines has been realized for the first time. In the presence of Cu complex derived from Pybox ligand, the N-propargylated 4-pyridones were obtained under mild reaction conditions with up to 99 % yield and 95 % ee. The Pybox ligand bearing a 4-F-phenyl substituent plays a key role for the high enantioselectivity. The products can be easily transformed to the core structure of quinolizidine alkaloids.

Catalytic carbonyl addition through transfer hydrogenation: a departure from preformed organometallic reagents

Classical protocols for carbonyl allylation, propargylation and vinylation typically rely upon the use of preformed allyl metal, allenyl metal and vinyl metal reagents, respectively, mandating stoichiometric generation of metallic byproducts. Through transfer hydrogenative C-C coupling, however, carbonyl addition may be achieved from the aldehyde or alcohol oxidation level in the absence of stoichiometric organometallic reagents or metallic reductants. Here, we review transfer hydrogenative methods for carbonyl addition, which encompass the first catalytic protocols enabling direct C-H functionalization of alcohols.