Synlett

We explored the reactivity and substrate scope of the reactions among an alkyl isocyanide, an sp-hybridized reactant (i.e. alkyne or allene), and a carbon cage, as a new approach to functionalize fullerenes and metallofullerenes. This account summarizes the key findings in our recent published work, and some original data for the reaction involving an isocyanide, allenes, and metallofullerene Lu3N@C80.1 Introduction2 Isocyanide-Induced Fullerene/EMF Reactions with Substituted Alkynes3 Isocyanide-Induced Fullerene/EMF Reactions with Substituted Allenes4 Conclusion

Capitalizing on the propensity of 1,2-amino group migration in γ-aminocyclopentenone with a suitable promoter, gem-diaryl-equipped systems unfolded an unprecedented avenue for the Lewis acid promoted displacement of γ-aniline group with nucleophiles such as indole. Such transformation, besides providing a means for direct γ-functionalization of cyclopentenones, presented innumerable scope for β,γ-annulation. Various tailored indolo bisnucleophiles were explored in the current study that rendered an array of indole alkaloid-like compounds in excellent yields and selectivity through one-pot operation. Analysis of collective experimental observation along with designed control experiments strongly suggested the possibility of a retro aza-Piancatelli rearrangement, which is hitherto unknown in the context. Such repertoire could find potential applications in the synthesis of complex assemblies from the Piancatelli rearrangement and related processes.1 Introduction2 Aza-Piancatelli Rearrangement and Related Domino Processes3 An Unprecedented Aza-Piancatelli-Templated Strategy for Polycyclic Assemblies4 Summary and Outlook

Over the past two decades, catalytic alkyne alkoxylation-initiated Claisen rearrangement has proven to be a practical and powerful strategy for the rapid assembly of a diverse range of structurally complex molecules. The rapid development of Claisen rearrangements triggered by transition-metal-catalyzed alkyne alkoxylation has shown great potential in the formation of carbon–carbon bonds in an atom-economic and mild way. However, metal-free alkyne alkoxylation-triggered Claisen rearrangement has seldom been exploited. Recently, Brønsted acids such as HNTf2 and HOTf have been shown to be powerful activators that promote catalytic alkyne alkoxylation/Claisen rearrangement, leading to the concise and flexible synthesis of valuable compounds with high efficiency and atom economy. Recent advances on the Brønsted acid catalyzed alkyne alkoxylation/Claisen rearrangement are introduced in this Account, in which both intramolecular and intermolecular tandem reactions are discussed.

Quinolines, especially 2-aminoquinolines, are highly important heterocycles in medicinal chemistry. 2-Aminoquinolines can be synthesized by stepwise construction of the quinoline ring followed by additional amination; however, this protocol is cumbersome. Here, we describe a [5+1]-cyclization of 2-vinylanilines with tetraalkylthiuram disulfides in the presence of iodine and copper(II) triflate. This reaction directly employs readily available and low-cost thiuram as both a C1 synthon and a nitrogen source, providing a facile approach to one-step syntheses of a variety of 2-aminoquinolines in good to excellent yields.

Trivalent-phosphorus-containing molecules are widely used in fields ranging from catalysis to materials science. Efficient catalytic methods for their modifications, providing straightforward access to novel hybrid structures with superior catalytic activities, are highly desired to facilitate reaction improvement or discovery. We have recently developed new methods for synthesizing polyfunctional phosphines by C–C cross-couplings through rhodium-catalyzed C–H bond activation. These methods use a native P(III) atom as a directing group, and can be used in regioselective late-stage functionalization of phosphine ligands. Interestingly, some of the modified phosphines outperform their parents in Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.1 Introduction2 Early Examples of Transition-Metal-Catalyzed P(III)-Directed C–H Bond Activation/Functionalizations3 Synthesis of Polyfunctional Biarylphosphines by Late-Stage Alkylation: Application in Carboxylation Reactions4 Synthesis of Polyfunctional Biarylphosphines by Late-Stage Alkenylation: Application in Amidation Reactions5 Conclusion

Quantitative and real-time characterization of mechanically induced bond-scission events taken place in polymeric hydrogels is essential to uncover their fracture mechanics. Herein, a class of mechanochemiluminescent swelling hydrogels have been synthesized through a facile micellar copolymerization method using chemiluminescent bisacrylate-modified bis(adamantyl)-1,2-dioxetane (Ad) as a crosslinker. This design and synthetic strategy ensure intense mechanochemiluminescence from Ad located in a hydrophobic network inside micelles. Moreover, the mechanochemiluminescent colors can be tailored from blue to red by mixing variant acceptors. Taking advantages of the transient nature of dioxetane chemiluminescence, the damage distribution and crack evolution of the hydrogels can be visualized and analyzed with high spatial and temporal resolution. The results demonstrate the strengths of the Ad mechanophore and micellar copolymerization method in the study of damage
evolution and fracture mechanism of swelling hydrogels.

A mechanochemical synthesis of diarylethynes from aryl iodides and calcium carbide as acetylene source is reported. The reaction is catalyzed by a palladium catalyst in the presence of copper salt, base, and ethanol as liquid assisting grinding (LAG) additive. Various aryl and heteroaryl iodides have been converted in up to excellent yields.

Because of the versatility of chiral 1,5-dicarbonyl structural motifs, the development of stereoselective Michael additions of arylacetic acid derivatives to electron-deficient alkenes is an important challenge. Over recent decades, an array of enantio- and diastereoselective methods of this type have been developed through the use of chiral organocatalysts. In this article, three distinct strategies in this research area are highlighted. Catalytic generation of either a chiral iminium electrophile (iminium catalysis) or a chiral enolate nucleophile (Lewis­ base catalysis) has allowed the efficient construction of stereogenic C–C bonds. We also introduce a synergistic catalytic approach involving the merger of these two catalytic cycles that provides selective access to all four stereoisomers of products with vicinal stereocenters.1 Introduction2 Iminium Catalysis3 Lewis Base Catalysis4 Synergistic Organocatalysis5 Summary

A copper-catalyzed, three-component, one-pot, 1,3-dipole cycloaddition/oxidation has been developed to construct pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinoquinone derivatives, with environmentally friendly oxygen as the oxidant. The pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinoquinone products were obtained from naturally available tetrahydroisoquinolines, 1,4-naphthoquinones, and benzaldehydes in medium yields.

The synthesis of 1,3-selenazoles and related compounds, including 2,4,5-trisubstituted, 2,4-disubstituted, 4,5-disubstituted, 4-substituted 1,3-selenazoles, and parent unsubstituted 1,3-selenazole, is highlighted. Emphasis is also given on 2-benzoyl-1,3-selenazoles which can be functionalized by Knoevenagel reactions or by rearrangements via their corresponding oximes. Syntheses of bis-, tris-, and tetrakis(1,3-selenazoles) are discussed as well. 1,3,4-6H-Selenadiazines are available from selenosemicarbazides and can undergo ring-contraction or deselenation reactions. Most syntheses rely on the application of selenocarboxylic amides, selenourea and related building blocks which are conveniently available by reaction of the corresponding oxygen analogues with P4Se10.1 Introduction2 Selenocarboxylic Amides3 2,4,5-Tri- and 2,4-Disubstituted 1,3-Selenazoles4 Bis(1,3-selenazoles)5 2-Amino-1,3-selenazoles6 2-Unsubstituted 1,3-Selenazoles7 1,3,4-Selenadiazines8 Conclusions