Aldehydes as Photoremovable Directing Groups: Synthesis of Pyrazoles by a Photocatalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition/Norrish Type Fragmentation Sequence.

A straightforward methodology for the regioselective synthesis of pyrazoles has been developed by a domino sequence based on a photoclick cycloaddition followed by a photocatalyzed oxidative deformylation reaction. Distinguishing features of this protocol include an unprecedented photoredox-catalyzed Norrish type fragmentation under green-light irradiation and the use of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes as synthetic equivalents of alkynes, where the aldehyde is acting as a novel photoremovable directing group.

Transition-Metal-Free Radical C(sp)-C(sp) and C(sp)-C(sp) Coupling Enabled by 2-Azaallyls as Super-Electron-Donors and Coupling-Partners.

The past decade has witnessed the rapid development of radical generation strategies and their applications in C-C bond-forming reactions. Most of these processes require initiators, transition metal catalysts, or organometallic reagents. Herein, we report the discovery of a simple organic system (2-azaallyl anions) that enables radical coupling reactions under transition-metal-free conditions.

Transition-metal-free chemo- and regioselective vinylation of azaallyls.

Direct C(sp)-C(sp) bond formation under transition-metal-free conditions offers an atom-economical, inexpensive and environmentally benign alternative to traditional transition-metal-catalysed cross-coupling reactions. A new chemo- and regioselective coupling protocol between 3-aryl-substituted-1,1-diphenyl-2-azaallyl derivatives and vinyl bromides has been developed. This is the first transition-metal-free cross-coupling of azaallyls with vinyl bromide electrophiles and delivers allylic amines in excellent yields (up to 99%).

Catalytic Asymmetric 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition/Hydroamination Sequence: Expeditious Access to Enantioenriched Pyrroloisoquinoline Derivatives.

A three-step reaction sequence has been developed to prepare a variety of enantioenriched pyrroloisoquinoline derivatives. The process involves a catalytic asymmetric azomethine ylide 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition followed by an intramolecular Au-catalyzed alkyne hydroamination and enamine reduction.

Alkenyl Arenes as Dipolarophiles in Catalytic Asymmetric 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of Azomethine Ylides.

The use of alkenyl arenes as dipolarophiles in the catalytic asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides is reported. Under appropriate reaction conditions with a Cu or Ag catalyst either the exo or the endo adduct was obtained with high stereoselectivity. This process provides efficient access to highly enantiomerically enriched 4-aryl proline derivatives.

Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Bicycloprolines by a 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition/Intramolecular Alkylation Strategy.

The diastereoselective one-pot synthesis of hexahydrocyclopenta[b]pyrrole derivatives (bicycloprolines) has been achieved by base-mediated reactions of (E)-tert-butyl 6-bromo-2-hexenoate with α-imino esters. The catalytic asymmetric version of this process has been efficiently achieved using the Cu(I)/(R)-DTBM-Segphos complex as a catalyst following a two-step 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition/intramolecular alkylation sequence.

Highly selective copper-catalyzed asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with acyclic 1,3-dienes.

The first examples of the catalytic asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with acyclic activated 1,3-dienes (and 1,3-enynes) are described. Under copper catalysis, a selective cycloaddition at the terminal γ,δ-C=C bond is observed. In addition, depending on the ligand used, either the exo or the endo adduct can be obtained with high selectivity.

Enantioselective synthesis of α-heteroarylpyrrolidines by copper-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of α-silylimines.

α-Heteroarylpyrrolidines have been efficiently prepared via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between silylimines and activated olefins. In the presence of Cu(CH3CN)4PF6/Walphos as catalytic system, high levels of enantioselectivity (up to ≥99% ee) and diastereoselectivity were achieved (major formation of C-2/C-4 trans-substituted pyrrolidines). The reaction is compatible with a broad variety of dipolarophiles including maleimides, maleates, fumarates, nitroalkenes, and vinylsulfones.