Challenge - versus -six-membered annulation: FeCl-catalyzed synthesis of heterocyclic ,-aminals.

A new class of heterocyclic ,-aminal and hemiaminal scaffolds was successfully obtained by means of a three-component reaction (3-CR) of 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes (DDs), α-aminoacetals and iso(thio)cyanates. These stable imine surrogates are generated from key-substituted (thio)hydantoin intermediates through selective FeCl-catalyzed intramolecular -annulation.

Useful Access to Uncommon Thiazolo[3,2-]indoles.

A practical and environmentally benign protocol for the assembly of poly substituted-thiazolo[3,2-]indoles from 3-alkylated indoline-2-thiones and 2-halo-ketones has been developed. This metal-free approach consists in a complete chemo/regioselective formal [3 + 2] annulation that occurs in air, at 60 °C, and in water as the sole reaction medium. The opportunity to vary the substitution pattern up to six different positions, odorless manipulation of sulfurylated compounds, very easy product isolation, and mild reaction conditions are the main synthetic features of this method.

A facile protocol for the preparation of 2-carboxylated thieno [2,3-] indoles: a access to alkaloid thienodolin.

A metal-free strategy, alternative to the known complex cycloaddition reactions, towards 2-carboxylated thieno [2,3-] indole derivatives has been successfully developed. The novel approach involves as starting materials easy accessible 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes and indoline 2-thione and requires mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, the easy work-up required makes this method amenable for a one-pot approach as demonstrated in the preparation of thienodolin, a natural product isolated from that exhibits valuable biological properties.

Synthesis of Azacarbolines via PhIO-Promoted Intramolecular Oxidative Cyclization of α-Indolylhydrazones.

An unprecedented synthesis of polysubstituted indole-fused pyridazines (azacarbolines) from α-indolylhydrazones under oxidative conditions using a combination of iodylbenzene (PhIO) and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) has been developed. This transformation is conducted without the need for transition metals, harsh conditions, or an inert atmosphere.

Experimental and Theoretical DFT Investigations in the [2,3]-Wittig-Type Rearrangement of Propargyl/Allyl-Oxy-Pyrazolones.

Here we report the synthesis of interesting 3-alkyl-4-hydroxy-1-aryl-4-(propa-1,2-dienyl)1-pyrazol-5(4)-ones and 9-alkyl-7-aryl-1-oxa-7,8-diazaspiro[4.4]nona-3,8-dien-6-ones, starting from 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes (DDs) and propargyl alcohol. The reaction proceeds through a sequence Michael-type nucleophilic attack/cyclization/[2,3]-Wittig rearrangement.

Construction of Unusual Indole-Based Heterocycles from Tetrahydro-1-pyridazino[3,4-]indoles.

Herein, we report the successful syntheses of scarcely represented indole-based heterocycles which have a structural connection with biologically active natural-like molecules. The selective oxidation of indoline nucleus to indole, hydrolysis of ester and carbamoyl residues followed by decarboxylation with concomitant aromatization of the pyridazine ring starting from tetrahydro-1-pyridazino[3,4-]indole derivatives lead to fused indole-pyridazine compounds. On the other hand, non-fused indole-pyrazol-5-one scaffolds are easily prepared by subjecting the same C2,C3-fused indoline tetrahydropyridazines to treatment with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).

Synthesis of new dihydroberberine and tetrahydroberberine analogues and evaluation of their antiproliferative activity on NCI-H1975 cells.

Dihydroberberine (DHBER), the partially reduced form of the alkaloid berberine (BER), is known to exhibit important biological activities. Despite this fact, there have been only few studies that concern the biological properties of functionalized DHBER. Attracted by the potentiality of this latter compound, we have realized the preparation of new arylhydrazono-functionalized DHBERs, starting from BER and some α-bromohydrazones.

Sequential MCR via Staudinger/Aza-Wittig versus Cycloaddition Reaction to Access Diversely Functionalized 1-Amino-1-Imidazole-2(3)-Thiones.

A multicomponent reaction (MCR) strategy, alternative to the known cycloaddition reaction, towards variously substituted 1-amino-1-imidazole-2(3)-thione derivatives has been successfully developed. The novel approach involves α-halohydrazones whose azidation process followed by tandem Staudinger/aza-Wittig reaction with CS in a sequential MCR regioselectively leads to the target compounds avoiding the formation of the regioisomer iminothiazoline heterocycle. The approach can be applied to a range of differently substituted α-halohydrazones bearing also electron-withdrawing groups confirming the wide scope and the substituent tolerance of the process for the synthesis of the target compounds.

Metal and Oxidant-Free Brønsted Acid-Mediated Cascade Reaction to Substituted Benzofurans.

Substituted hydroxy-benzofurans are easily accessible by treatment of resorcinols and 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes (DDs) under acidic conditions. The reaction happens through an uncommon Michael reaction between aromatic derivatives as aromatic C(sp)-H nucleophiles and DDs as acceptors. Also, the behavior of different phenols and 2-naphthol was investigated.

Zn(II)-Catalyzed Addition of Aromatic/Heteroaromatic C(sp)-H to Azoalkenes: A Polarity-Reversed Arylation of Carbonyl Compounds.

An umpolung α-(hetero)arylation strategy that involves the Michael-type reaction between electron-rich (hetero)aromatic substrates and azoalkenes is developed. The reaction proceeds under very mild conditions at room temperature and in the presence of inexpensive, nontoxic ZnCl catalyst to provide access to otherwise inaccessible hydrazone structures. Subsequent hydrolysis of these latter to ketones as well as other valuable synthetic transformations to a variety of heterocyclic scaffolds demonstrate the usefulness of this protocol.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel heteroring-annulated pyrrolino-tetrahydroberberine analogues as antioxidant agents.

Tetrahydroberberine (THB), otherwise known as canadine, is a natural alkaloid showing significant pharmacological properties and antioxidant protection against oxidative damage. Herein, we synthetized structurally complex THB analogues, namely pyrrolino-tetrahydroberberines (PTHBs) 4a-g, containing the pyrrolino[2,3-b]pyridine system, by means of the reactions of 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes and 7,8-dihydroberberine. Aim of the study was to explore the in vitro antioxidant properties of PTHBs in comparison to THB thus to identify the most effective against free radical-induced oxidative injury, by using three different antioxidant tests: the ORAC method, the DNA nicking assay, and the DCFH-DA cellular assay.

Divergent Approach to Thiazolylidene Derivatives: A Perspective on the Synthesis of a Heterocyclic Skeleton from β-Amidothioamides Reactivity.

Herein we report a domino protocol able to reach regioselectively thiazolylidene systems by combining the reactive peculiarities of both β-amidothioamides (ATAs) and 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes (DDs). Depending on the reaction conditions and/or the nature of the residue at C4 of the heterodiene system, ATAs can act as hetero-mononucleophiles or hetero-dinucleophiles in the diversified thiazolylidene ring assembly.

Highly diastereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of chiral non-racemic nitrones to 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes: an experimental and computational investigation.

Asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions between 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes and chiral non-racemic nitrones to give 3-substituted-5-diazenyl isoxazolidines were studied both experimentally and theoretically. Whereas cyclic nitrones provide complete selectivity for the cycloaddition reaction (only one isomer is obtained), acyclic nitrones derived from D-glyceraldehyde and D-galactose lead to 1 : 1 mixtures of two isomers. A DFT analysis based on reactivity indices correctly predicts the regiochemistry of the reaction in agreement with the high electron-withdrawing character of the diazenyl group.

Access to novel imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazine scaffolds by the combined use of a three-component reaction and a base-assisted intramolecular cyclization.

A novel and practical two-step approach to an intriguing class of imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazines with exocyclic C=X (X = CH2, O) bonds is described. The process utilizes a sequential three-component reaction of propargyl amine or aminoester, 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes and isothiocyanates to furnish functionalized 2-thiohydantoins which are transformed into thiohydantoin-fused tetrahydropyrazines by subsequent regioselective base-promoted cyclization.

Effect of hydrogenated cardanol on the structure of model membranes studied by EPR and NMR.

Hydrogenated cardanol (HC) is known to act as an antiobesity, promising antioxidant, and eco-friendly brominating agent. In this respect, it is important to find the way to transport and protect HC into the body; a micellar structure works as the simplest membrane model and may be considered a suitable biocarrier for HC. Therefore, it is useful to analyze the impact of HC in the micellar structure and properties.

Tandem aza-Wittig/carbodiimide-mediated annulation applicable to 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes for the one-pot synthesis of fully substituted 1,2-diaminoimidazoles.

One-pot sequential aza-Michael, Staudinger, and aza-Wittig reactions on 1,2-diaza-1,2-dienes (DDs) can afford fully substituted 1,2-diaminoimidazoles. A plausible mechanism for the imidazole core formation involving an intramolecular ring closure of the carbodiimide-derived phosphazene intermediate is given. The reported strategy has sufficient flexibility to allow substituted 1,2-diaminoimidazoles with orthogonal nitrogen-protective groups to be generated from a variety of heterocumulene moieties linked to the DDs skeleton.

Powerful approach to heterocyclic skeletal diversity by sequential three-component reaction of amines, isothiocyanates, and 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes.

By highly efficient, one-pot, three-component reactions, combining one set of 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes (DDs), primary amines, and isothiocyanates in a different sequential order of addition, heterocyclic skeletal diversity can be achieved. The key feature discriminating the different heterocyclic core formation is the availability of the N or S heteronucleophile to give the first Michael addition step affording regioselective substituted 2-thiohydantoins or 2-iminothiazolidinones. The hydrazone or enehydrazino side chain at the 5-position of both heterocycles represents a valuable functionality to reach novel 5-hydroxyethylidene derivatives difficult to obtain by other methods.

Synthesis of functionalized pyrroles via catalyst- and solvent-free sequential three-component enamine-azoene annulation.

A new and efficient synthesis of polysubstituted pyrroles by a sequential one-pot three-component reaction between primary aliphatic amines, active methylene compounds, and 1,2-diaza-1,3-dienes (DDs) is reported. The reactions were performed without catalyst and under solvent-free conditions with complete control of pathway selectivity. Notably, the ready availability of the starting materials and the high level of practicability of the reaction and work up make this approach an attractive complementary method for access to unknown polysubstituted pyrroles.

1,3,5-Trisubstituted and 5-acyl-1,3-disubstituted hydantoin derivatives via novel sequential three-component reaction.

1,2-Diaza-1,3-dienes (DDs) react as Michael acceptors with primary amines to afford α-aminohydrazone derivatives that were in situ coupled with isocyanates. Intramolecular ring closure of the asymmetric urea derivatives so formed allows for a selectively substituted hydantoin ring to be obtained. The hydrazone side chain introduced by the conjugated heterodiene system at the 5-position of the heterocycle represents a valuable functionality for accessing novel 5-acyl derivatives difficult to obtain by other methods.

A novel and convenient protocol for synthesis of pyridazines.

A new flexible strategy for the synthesis of diversely functionalized pyridazines from 4-chloro-1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes and active methylene compounds is reported. The high chemoselectivity of this approach offers access to structural precursors of GABA-A antagonist analogues.

Efficient synthesis and environmentally friendly reactions of PEG-supported 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadiene.

[reaction: see text] Here, we report the protocol for the preparation of new poly(ethylene glycol)-supported 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadiene. In addition, we discuss an application of this supported reagent in an efficient and environmentally friendly one-pot synthesis of 2-thiazol-4-one derivatives by reaction with thioamides.

Access to new 2-oxofuro[2,3-b]pyrroles and 2-methylenepyrroles through the reaction of 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes and gamma-ketoesters.

New and interesting 2-oxofuro[2,3-b]pyrroles and 19-methyl-15-oxa-20-azatricyclo[12.3.3.

Expeditious synthesis of new 1,2,3-thiadiazoles and 1,2,3-selenadiazoles from 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes via Hurd-Mori-type reactions.

Alpha-substituted hydrazones obtained from 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes and methylenic or methinic activated substrates gave rise to a wide range of cyclic compounds. In particular, in the presence of thionyl chloride as solvent-reagent, they were transformed into 1,2,3-thiadiazoles,(1) with selenium oxychloride in new 4-substituted 2,3-dihydro-1,2,3-selenadiazoles, while with selenium dioxide, they were transformed into 4-substituted 1,2,3-selenadiazoles. We have also examined the nucleophilic behavior of 1,2,3-thiadiazole 4a in the reaction with 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes that produced, under basic conditions, 4-hydrazono-1-(1,2,3-thiadiazolyl)pentane derivatives.

Straightforward entry into 5-hydroxy-1-aminopyrrolines and the corresponding pyrroles from 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes.

The synthesis of 5-hydroxy-1-aminopyrroline-3-carboxylic acid derivatives and 5-unsubstituted-1-aminopyrrole-3-carboxylic acid derivatives from 1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes and aldehydes is presented. These domino reactions offer the advantage of executing multistep transformation without intermediate workup procedures. The stereoselectivity of ring closure to 5-hydroxy-1-aminopyrroline-3-carboxylic acid derivatives and phenyl transposition to 2,3-diphenyl-1-aminopyrrole-3-carboxylic acid derivatives are also studied.

Mass spectrometric characterization of substituted 2-thiazolin-4-one derivatives.

Electron ionization mass spectrometry was used for the structural characterization of substituted 2-thiazolin-4-one derivatives in the gas phase. The compounds follow common fragmentation pathways, producing ions whose abundances are dependent on the chemical nature of the substituent at position 2. Collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometric experiments, carried out on both molecular ions and fragment ions produced in the source, allowed the elucidation of gas-phase decompositions.