Enantioselective Organocatalytic Synthesis of 2-Oxopiperazines from Aldehydes: Identification of the Elusive Epoxy Lactone Intermediate.

An organocatalytic linchpin catalysis approach was envisaged to convert simple aldehydes into enantioenriched 2-oxopiperazines. A four-step reaction sequence (chlorination, oxidation, substitution, and cyclization) was developed and led to different substitution patterns in high yields and selectivities. The reaction mechanism was studied, and the previously elusive epoxy lactone intermediate was identified by HRMS.

One-pot synthesis of ureas from Boc-protected amines.

A practical one-pot synthesis of ureas is described. Boc-protected amines can be transformed into nonsymmetrical and symmetrical disubstituted and trisubstituted ureas utilizing 2-chloropyridine and trifluoromethanesulfonyl anhydride for the in situ generation of an isocyanate, which reacts with an amine. A variety of amines can be employed successfully, leading to high yields of isolated ureas.