Chelation-assisted transformation: synthesis of 1,4-dicarboxylate esters by the Rh-catalyzed carbonylation of internal alkynes with pyridin-2-ylmethanol.

The reaction of internal alkynes 1 with CO and pyridin-2-ylmethanol (2) in the presence of Rh(4)(CO)(12) results in a double-hydroesterification leading to 1,4-dicarboxylate esters 3. The reaction does not proceed via two consecutive hydroesterifications of alkynes, but the intermediacy of ketene intermediates is proposed. The coordination of the pyridine nitrogen in 2 to rhodium is essential for the reaction to proceed. [reaction: see text]

Enantioselective rhodium enolate protonations. A new methodology for the synthesis of beta2-amino acids.

[reaction: see text] Rhodium-catalyzed conjugate addition of an aryl boronic acid to alpha-methylamino acrylates followed by enantioselective protonation of the oxa-pi-allylrhodium intermediate provides access to aryl-substituted beta(2)-amino acids. The impact of the different variables of the reaction on the levels of enantioselectivity has been assessed.

A new ketone synthesis by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of esters with organoboron compounds.

[reaction: see text] The palladium-catalyzed coupling reaction of 2-pyridyl esters with organoboron compounds is described. The reaction is compatible with various functional groups and proceeds under mild reaction conditions. The coordination of the nitrogen atom to Pd is a key step for efficient reaction.

Catalytic cross-coupling reaction of esters with organoboron compounds and decarbonylative reduction of esters with HCOONH4: a new route to acyl transition metal complexes through the cleavage of acyl-oxygen bonds in esters.

The Ru3(CO)12-catalyed cross-coupling reaction of esters with organoboron compounds leading to ketones is described. A wide variety of functional groups can be tolerated under the reaction conditions. Aromatic boronates function as a coupling partner to give aryl ketones. Acyl-alkyl coupling to dialkyl ketones is also achieved by the use of 9-alkyl-9-BBN in place of boronates. The Ru3(CO)12-catalyzed decarbonylative reduction of esters with ammonium formate (HCOONH4) leading to hydrocarbons is also described. No expected aldehydes are produced, and controlled experiments indicate that aldehydes are not intermediate for the transformation. A hydrosilane can also be used as a reducing reagent in place of HCOONH4. A wide variety of functional groups are compatible for both reactions. The key step for both catalytic reactions is the directing group-promoted cleavage of an acyl carbon-oxygen bond in esters, leading to the generation of acyl transition metal alkoxo complexes.

Chelation-assisted hydroesterification of alkenes catalyzed by rhodium complex.

[reaction: see text] The hydroesterification of alkenes with 2-pyridylmethanol (1) catalyzed by Rh(4)(CO)(12) is described. The reaction is accelerated by the presence of a pyridine ring in the alcohol 1. The reaction is applicable to various alkenes, both terminal and internal alkenes.