One-Step Synthesis of Diaza Macrocycles by Rh(II)-Catalyzed [3 + 6 + 3 + 6] Condensations of Morpholines and α-Diazo-ß-ketoesters.

Selective formation of oxonium ylides from morpholines and α-diazo-ß-ketoesters was achieved. This was applied to the high-concentration (0.5 M) dirhodium-catalyzed (0.1 mol %) [3 + 6 + 3 + 6] synthesis of 18-membered ring diaza macrocycles (46%-72%). Late-stage functionalization of these derivatives is demonstrated. Mechanistic evidence for a novel (undesired) diazo decomposition pathway is also reported.

Formation of quaternary stereogenic centers by NHC-Cu-catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition reactions with Grignard reagents on polyconjugated cyclic enones.

The copper-catalyzed conjugate addition of various Grignard reagents to polyconjugated enones (dienone and enynone derivatives) is reported. The catalyst system, composed of copper triflate and an NHC ligand, led to the unusual selective formation of the 1,4-addition products. This reaction allows for the creation of all-carbon chiral quaternary centers with enantiomeric excesses up to 99%. The remaining unsaturation on the 1,4 adducts give access to valuable synthetic transformations.

Building large supramolecular nanocapsules with europium cations.

A new tripodal ligand has been designed by connecting pyridine-based coordination units to a rigid triptycene moiety. Its reaction with europium(III) provides three-dimensional tetranuclear edifices, whose structural and photophysical characteristics as well as host-guest interactions are discussed in this contribution.