The Synthesis of Functionalized 3-Aryl- and 3-Heteroaryloxazolidin-2-ones and Tetrahydro-3-aryl-1,3-oxazin-2-ones via the Iodocyclocarbamation Reaction: Access to Privileged Chemical Structures and Scope and Limitations of the Method.

3-Aryl- and 3-heteroaryloxazolidin-2-ones, by virtue of the diverse pharmacologic activities exhibited by them after subtle changes to their appended substituents, are becoming increasingly important and should be considered privileged chemical structures. The iodocyclocarbamation reaction has been extensively used to make many 3-alkyl-5-(halomethyl)oxazolidin-2-ones, but the corresponding aromatic congeners have been relatively underexplored. We suggest that racemic 3-aryl- and 3-heteroaryl-5-(iodomethyl)oxazolidin-2-ones, readily prepared by the iodocyclocarbamation reaction of N-allylated N-aryl or N-heteroaryl carbamates, may be useful intermediates for the rapid preparation of potential lead compounds with biological activity. We exemplify this point by using this approach to prepare racemic linezolid, an antibacterial agent. Herein, we report the results of our systematic investigation into the scope and limitations of this process and have identified some distinguishing characteristics within the aryl/heteroaryl series. We also describe the first preparation of 3-aryloxazolidin-2-ones bearing new functionalized C-5 substituents derived from conjugated 1,3-dienyl and cumulated 1,2-dienyl carbamate precursors. Finally, we describe the utility of the iodocyclocarbamation reaction for making six-membered tetrahydro-3-aryl-1,3-oxazin-2-ones.

Photochemical synthesis of 3-alkynals from 1-alkynoxy-9,10-anthraquinones.

Photolysis of 1-(3-alkynoxy)-9,10-anthraquinones in deoxygenated methanol leads to moderate yields (35-45%) of 3-alkynals along with the unexpected formation of diacetals. Reaction of these 3-alkynals with Grignard and Wittig reagents occurs nearly quantitatively without rearrangement to their 2,3-dienal isomers.

Photochemical synthesis of aldehydes in the solid phase.

A substituted anthraquinone (AQ), previously shown to photochemically generate benzaldehyde in methanol solution, was attached to a commercially available resin via an 11 carbon tether and an amide bond. Photolysis of the polymer-bound AQ with visible or 350 nm UV light resulted in the formation of benzaldehyde in yields of 50-55% as determined by HPLC. The phenolic positions in the polymer were then alkylated using benzyl bromide and 1-iodo-3-(4-nitrophenyl)propane in a coupling reaction with K(2)CO(3) as a base and a solution-phase proton shuttle. Photolysis of these alkylated polymers resulted in the formation of benzaldehyde (54-89%) and 3-(4-nitrophenyl)-propanal (58-67%). The yields of both aldehydes dropped considerably with subsequent realkylation and photolysis, and the polymer beads began to show signs of deterioration. This is the first time that aldehydes have been made photochemically on a solid-supported phase.