Efficient 1,3-Oxazolidin-2-one Synthesis through Heterogeneous Pd -Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroamination of Propargylic Carbamates.

Herein, we present an operationally simple protocol for the cycloisomerization of propargylic carbamates in which a heterogeneous catalyst consisting of Pd species immobilized on amino-functionalized siliceous mesocellular foam (Pd -AmP-MCF) is used. This Pd nanocatalyst displayed high efficiency at low catalyst loading and reaction temperatures, which allowed for the efficient and mild synthesis of a wide range of 1,3-oxazolidin-2-one derivatives and related compounds. Moreover, it proved possible to re-use the Pd nanocatalyst for several reactions, although a gradual decrease in activity was observed in the subsequent cycles.

Mild and Selective Catalytic Hydrogenation of the C=C Bond in α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds Using Supported Palladium Nanoparticles.

Chemoselective reduction of the C=C bond in a variety of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds using supported palladium nanoparticles is reported. Three different heterogeneous catalysts were compared using 1 atm of H2 : 1) nano-Pd on a metal-organic framework (MOF: Pd(0) -MIL-101-NH2 (Cr)), 2) nano-Pd on a siliceous mesocellular foam (MCF: Pd(0) -AmP-MCF), and 3) commercially available palladium on carbon (Pd/C). Initial studies showed that the Pd@MOF and Pd@MCF nanocatalysts were superior in activity and selectivity compared to commercial Pd/C.

C-2 selective arylation of indoles with heterogeneous nanopalladium and diaryliodonium salts.

A simple and efficient method to prepare synthetically useful 2-arylindoles is presented, using a heterogeneous Pd catalyst and diaryliodonium salts in water under mild conditions. A remarkably low leaching of metal catalyst was observed under the applied conditions. The developed protocol is highly C-2 selective and tolerates structural variations both in the indole and in the diaryliodonium salt.

Cycloisomerization of acetylenic acids to γ-alkylidene lactones using a palladium(II) catalyst supported on amino-functionalized siliceous mesocellular foam.

Cycloisomerization of various γ-acetylenic acids to their corresponding γ-alkylidene lactones by the use of a heterogeneous Pd(II) catalyst supported on amino-functionalized siliceous mesocellular foam is described. Substrates containing terminal as well as internal alkynes were cyclized in high to excellent yields within 2–24 h under mild reaction conditions. The protocol exhibited high regio- and stereoselectivity, favoring the exo-dig product with high Z selectivity.

Enantioselective route to ketones and lactones from exocyclic allylic alcohols via metal and enzyme catalysis.

A general and efficient route for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure α-substituted ketones and the corresponding lactones has been developed. Ruthenium- and enzyme-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) with a subsequent Cu-catalyzed α-allylic substitution are the key steps of the route. The α-substituted ketones were obtained in high yields and with excellent enantiomeric excess.