Mechanistic Aspects on [3+2] Cycloaddition (32CA) Reactions of Azides to Nitroolefins: A Computational and Kinetic Study.

[3+2] cycloadditions of nitroolefins have emerged as a selective and catalyst-free alternative for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles from azides. We describe mechanistic studies into the cycloaddition/rearomatization reaction sequence. DFT calculations revealed a rate-limiting cycloaddition step proceeding via an asynchronous TS with high kinetic selectivity for the 1,5-triazole.

A green metal-free "one-pot" microwave assisted synthesis of 1,4-dihydrochromene triazoles.

The synthesis of several 4-aryl-1,4-dihydrochromene-triazoles was achieved a metal-free "one-pot" procedure using PEG400 as the sole solvent in an eco-friendly process. Using microwave irradiation, the triazole derivatives were obtained in good yields and short reaction times starting from readily accessible building blocks.

Mechanistic investigation of enolate/stabilized vinylogous carbanion-mediated organocatalytic azide (3 + 2) cycloaddition reactions for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles.

Herein, we report a fully detailed mechanistic study involving an organocatalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition enolate or stabilized vinylogous carbanion intermediates and azide for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles. A detailed investigation of the elementary steps, intermediates, and transition states of the two organocatalyzed metal-free click reactions is supported by DFT calculations and H NMR monitoring experiments, providing detailed profiles for both reaction mechanisms. Distortion-interaction activation-strain (DIAS) analysis was also employed to further elucidate the regioselectivity in both reactions.

Direct access to tetrasubstituted cyclopentenyl scaffolds through a diastereoselective isocyanide-based multicomponent reaction.

An efficient strategy combining the stereocontrol of organocatalysis with the diversity-generating character of multicomponent reactions is described to produce structurally unique, tetrasubstituted cyclopentenyl frameworks. An asymmetric Michael addition-hemiacetalization between α-cyanoketones and α,β-unsaturated aliphatic aldehydes was performed for constructing cyclic hemiacetals, which were next employed as chiral bifunctional substrates in a new diastereoselective intramolecular isocyanide-based multicomponent reaction. This approach furnished a diversity of structurally complex compounds - including peptidomimetics and natural product hybrids in high stereoselectivity (up to >99% ee and up to >99 : 1 dr) and in moderate to high yields.

Synthesis of 3-Carbonyl Trisubstituted Furans via Pd-Catalyzed Aerobic Cycloisomerization Reaction: Development and Mechanistic Studies.

Herein, we report the synthesis of 3-carbonyl-trisubstituted furans via Pd-catalyzed oxidative cycloisomerization reactions of 2-alkenyl-1,3-dicarbonyl scaffolds, using molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant to regenerate active palladium catalytic species, featuring good functional tolerance and mild reaction conditions. Deep investigation of intermediates and transition states of the reaction mechanism were conducted via experimental and DFT studies, providing a detailed mechanistical profile. The new developed methodology presents a greener alternative to Wacker-type cycloisomerizations and avoids the use of stoichiometric amounts of oxidants and strong acid additives.

Molecular-level insight in supported olefin metathesis catalysts by combining surface organometallic chemistry, high throughput experimentation, and data analysis.

A combination of high-throughput experimentation (HTE), surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC) and statistical data analysis provided the platform to analyze silica-grafted Mo imido alkylidene catalysts based on a library of 35 phenols. Overall, these tools allowed for the identification of σ-donor electronic effects and dispersive interactions and as key drivers in a prototypical metathesis reaction, homodimerization of 1-nonene. Univariate and multivariate correlation analysis confirmed the categorization of the catalytic data into two groups, depending on the presence of aryl groups in position of the phenol ligand.

Green Approach for Visible-Light-Induced Direct Functionalization of 2-Methylquinolines.

A transition metal- and oxidant-free visible light-photoinduced protocol for direct functionalization of 2-methylquinolines has been developed. This protocol enabled the C-H functionalization of substituted 2-methylquinolines with diacetyl or ethyl pyruvate, under environmentally friendly conditions. A mechanistic investigation based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided details about the origins of reactivity and selectivity.

Noncovalent Interactions Drive the Efficiency of Molybdenum Imido Alkylidene Catalysts for Olefin Metathesis.

High-throughput experimentation and multivariate modeling allow identification of noncovalent interactions (NCIs) in monoaryloxy-pyrrolide Mo imido alkylidene metathesis catalysts prepared as a key driver for high activity in a representative metathesis reaction (homodimerization of 1-nonene). Statistical univariate and multivariate modeling categorizes catalytic data from 35 phenolic ligands into two groups, depending on the substitution in the position of the phenol ligand. The catalytic activity descriptor TON correlates predominantly with attractive NCIs when phenols bear aryl substituents and, conversely, with repulsive NCIs when the phenol has no aryl substituents.

Diastereoselectivity in the boron aldol reaction of α-alkoxy and α,β-bis-alkoxy methyl ketones.

In this work, using DFT calculations, we investigated the 1,4 and 1,5 asymmetric induction in boron enolate aldol reactions of α-alkoxy and α,β-bisalkoxy methyl ketones. We evaluated the steric influence of alkyl substituents at the α position and the stereoelectronic influence of the oxygen protecting groups at the α and β positions. Theoretical calculations revealed the origins of the 1,4 asymmetric induction in terms of the nature of the β-substituent.

A stereoselective sequential organocascade and multicomponent approach for the preparation of tetrahydropyridines and chimeric derivatives.

A stereoselective multicomponent approach leading to a novel class of pentasubstituted tetrahydropyridines is described. Variation of the components enabled the incorporation of peptide, sugar and steroid moieties to access chimeric derivatives. DFT calculations provide insights about the unprecedented high diastereoselectivity of the MCR.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Stereoselective Synthesis of 2,5- trans-THF Nitrile Derivatives as a Platform for Diversification: Development and Mechanistic Studies.

A straightforward protocol integrating a sustainable approach for the synthesis of new 2,5- trans-THF nitrile derivatives enabling an easy diversification of its side chain scaffolds is described. The reaction tolerated different aromatic and alkyl substituents, affording the corresponding 2,5- trans-THFs in high diastereoselectivity. A detailed mechanistic study using DFT calculation reveals details of the ligand-exchange step, suggesting an inner-sphere syn attack to form the 2,5- trans stereochemistry as the most likely pathway, excluding the previous cation radical intermediate.

Organocatalyzed Asymmetric Vinylogous Addition of Oxazole-2(3H)-thiones to α,β-Unsaturated Ketones: An Additive-Free Approach for Diversification of Heterocyclic Scaffold.

A straightforward organocatalyzed asymmetric addition of oxazole-2(3H)-thiones to α,β-unsaturated ketones is described. This additive-free Michael reaction in the presence of chiral cinchonine-derived primary amines as catalysts has proven to be highly effective for a wide range of cyclic and acyclic enones, leading to the Michael adducts in very good yields and excellent enantioselectivities. The absolute configuration (R) of compound 5j was unambiguously assigned by X-ray diffraction analysis.

NIR bacteriochlorin chromophores accessed by Heck and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions on a tetrabromobacteriochlorin derivative.

The synthesis of a new tetrabromobacteriochlorin BCBr4 is reported having the 3,4-dibromo-1H-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde (10) as the major precursor. The BCBr4 was successfully employed in Pd cross-coupling reactions with methyl acrylate, phenyl acetylene and 4-ethynylanisole. In all three cases, the desired tetra-coupled products were obtained in good to excellent yields, and present a significant red shift in the UV-Vis bands above 800 nm.

Chiral Platinum(II) Complexes Featuring Phosphine and Chloroquine Ligands as Cytotoxic and Monofunctional DNA-Binding Agents.

Chiral molecules in nature are involved in many biological events; their selectivity and specificity make them of great interest for understanding the behavior of bioactive molecules, by providing information about the chiral discrimination. Inspired by these conformational properties, we present the design and synthesis of novel chiral platinum(II) complexes featuring phosphine and chloroquine ligands with the general formula [PtCl(P)2(CQ)]PF6 (where (P)2 = triphenylphosphine (PPh3) (5), 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphine)propane (dppp) (6), 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphine)butane (dppb) (7), 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphine)ferrocene (dppf) (8), and CQ = chloroquine] and their precursors of the type [PtCl2(P)2] are described. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, absorption spectroscopy in the infrared and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) regions, multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, (31)P, (15)N, and (195)Pt) NMR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and mass spectrometry (in the case of chloroquine complexes).

(1)H chemical shift differences of Prelog-Djerassi lactone derivatives: DFT and NMR conformational studies.

This work reports an experimental and theoretical study of the conformational preferences of several Prelog-Djerassi lactone derivatives, to elucidate the (1)H NMR chemical shift differences in the lactonic core that are associated with the relative stereochemistry of these derivatives. The boat-like conformation of explains the anomalous (1)H chemical shift between H-5a and H-5b, in which the two methyl groups (C-8 and C-9) face H-5b, leading to its higher shielding effect.

An efficient one-pot strategy for the highly regioselective metal-free synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles.

A simple and efficient metal-free methodology for the regioselective synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles has been developed by applying a novel inverse electron-demand-1,3-dipolar cycloaddition approach. The practical one-pot metal-free strategy can be accomplished with various alkylidene malononitriles and aromatic azides in the presence of base.

Investigation of putative arene-C-H···π(quasi-chelate ring) interactions in copper(I) crystal structures.

Evidence for C-H···π(CuCl···HNCS) interactions, i.e. C-H···π(quasi-chelate ring) where a six-membered quasi-chelate ring is closed by an N-H···Cl hydrogen bond, is presented based on crystal structure analyses of (Ph3P)2Cu[ROC(=S)N(H)Ph]Cl.

Multicomponent combinatorial development and conformational analysis of prolyl peptide-peptoid hybrid catalysts: application in the direct asymmetric Michael addition.

A solution-phase combinatorial approach based on the Ugi four-component reaction was implemented for the development of new prolyl peptide-peptoid hybrid catalysts. Three different elements of diversity were varied during the creation of the set of catalysts: the amine, oxo, and isocyano components. The multicomponent nature of this process enabled the straightforward generation of a series of peptide-peptoid hybrids having the generic sequence Pro-N-R(1)-Xaa-NHR(3), with Xaa being either Gly (R(2) = H) or Aib (R(2) = gem-Me) and R(1) and R(3) either alkyl or amino acid substituents.

1,5-Stereoinduction in boron-mediated aldol reactions of β,δ-bisalkoxy methylketones containing cyclic protecting groups.

A study of the aldol reactions of boron enolates from methylketones that are protected with dimethylacetonide or di-tert-butylsilyl groups and that possess a trans or cis relationship between the chiral centers is presented. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the relative stereochemistry between the chiral centers and the steric and electronic influences of the cyclic protecting groups on the aldol reactions. The aldol adducts were obtained with moderate to high 1,5-anti stereoselectivity that was dependent on both the identity of the protecting group on the β,δ-oxygen stereocenters and the relative stereochemistry between the β and δ chiral centers.

Total synthesis of (-)-goniotrionin.

A stereoselective total synthesis of the reported structure of goniotrionin (4) has been accomplished. The key steps involved the opening of a chiral epoxide, a highly diastereoselective Mukaiyama aerobic oxidative cyclization, a selective 1,2-syn Mukaiyama aldol reaction, and a Noyori reduction.

The role of β-bulky substituents in aldol reactions of boron enolates of methylketones with aldehydes: experimental and theoretical studies by DFT analysis.

In this work, we show the influence of the volume of the β-substituents on the levels of 1,5-stereoselectivities of aldol reactions of boron enolates generated from β-alkoxy methylketones with aldehydes. Excellent levels of 1,5-syn stereoinduction were obtained when the β-protecting group is a silicon ether. This remarkable selectivity is attributed to the volume of the β-bulky substituent of the corresponding boron enolate.

Influence of β-substituents in aldol reactions of boron enolates of β-alkoxy methylketones.

Moderate to good levels of substrate-based 1,5-syn-stereocontrol could be achieved in the boron-mediated aldol reactions of β-tert-butyl methylketones with achiral aldehydes, independent of the nature of the β-alkoxy protecting group (P = PMB or TBS). The analysis of the relative energies of the transition structures by theoretical calculations using the density functional B3LYP shows relative energies favoring the corresponding OUT-1,5-SYN transition structures, explaining the observed 1,5-syn stereoinduction.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitory activities of indolylalkaloid toxins from the venom of the colonial spider Parawixia bistriata: functional characterization of PwTX-I.

Colonial spiders evolved a differential prey-capture behaviour in concert with their venom chemistry, which may be a source of novel drugs. Some highly active tetrahydro-beta-carboline (THbetaC) toxins were recently isolated from the venom of the colonial spider Parawixia bistriata; the spiders use these toxins as part of their chemical arsenal to kill and/or paralyze preys. The major THbetaC compound isolated from this venom was identified as 6-hydroxytrypargine, also known as PwTX-I.

1,5-Asymmetric induction in boron-mediated aldol reactions of beta-alkoxy methylketones.

Good levels of substrate-controlled, 1,5- syn-stereoinduction are obtained in boron-mediated aldol reactions of beta-trichloromethyl-beta-alkoxy and beta-trifluoromethyl-beta-alkoxy methylketones with achiral aldehydes, independent of the nature of the beta-alkoxy protecting group (TBS or PMB). In the case of boron aldol reactions of beta-aryl-beta-alkoxy methylketones, the 1,5- anti-adducts were obtained with high levels of diastereoselectivity only with a beta-OPMB group.

Intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in alkyl and silyl ethers: experimental and theoretical analysis.

We have investigated the electronic impact of the R protecting group (TBS or PMB) in the conformational equilibrium of alpha-methyl substituted alcohols 1 (R = TBS) and 2 (R = PMB). The conformational analysis and (1)H NMR experiments for alcohols 1 and 2 reflect the tendency for the existence of hydrogen-bonded conformations. The intrinsic low basicity of silyl ethers does not affect the capacity of the oxygen attached to the silicon atom in forming intramolecular hydrogen bonds.