Stereoselective Synthesis of Tetrahydroindolizines through the Catalytic Formation of Pyridinium Ylides from Diazo Compounds.

Commercially available iron(III) and copper(I) complexes catalyzed multicomponent cycloaddition reactions between diazo compounds, pyridines, and electrophilic alkenes to give alkaloid-inspired tetrahydroindolizidines in high yield with high diastereoselectivity. Hitherto, the catalytic formation of versatile pyridinium ylides from metal carbenes has been poorly developed; the broad utility demonstrated herein sets the stage for the invention of further multicomponent reactions in future.

Alkaloid inspired spirocyclic oxindoles from 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of pyridinium ylides.

Cycloaddition reactions between pyridinium ylides and 3-alkenyl oxindoles that proceed in high yield and with very good regio- and diastereoselectivity are reported. The resulting cycloadducts have the same stereochemistry of biologically active oxindole alkaloids, such as strychnofoline.

Catalytic aza-Wittig cyclizations for heteroaromatic synthesis.

The first examples of heterocycle synthesis by iminophosphorane formation/intramolecular aza-Wittig cyclizations that are catalytic in the organophosphorus component are reported. The reaction has been demonstrated in the synthesis of both azine (phenanthridine) and azole (benzoxazole) heterocycles. Catalyst loadings down to 1 mol % have been used with little or no loss in reaction efficiency.