Enantioselective Desymmetrization of Trifluoromethylated Tertiary Benzhydrols via Hydrogen-Acceptor-Free Ir-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative C-H Silylation: Decisive Role of the Trifluoromethyl Group.

Although the trifluoromethyl (CF3) group is one of the most important fluorinated groups owing to its significant ability to modulate pharmacological properties, constructing trifluoromethylated stereogenic centers in an enantioselective manner has been a formidable challenge. Herein, we report the development of the enantioselective desymmetrization of trifluoromethylated benzhydrols via intramolecular dehydrogenative silylation using Ir catalysts with chiral pyridine-oxazoline (PyOX) ligands. The produced benzoxasilol was transformed into several unsymmetrical benzhydrols via iododesilylation and subsequent transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Moreover, the same Ir catalyst system was used for the kinetic resolution of unsymmetrical trifluoromethylated benzhydrols.

Rh(iii)-catalyzed highly site- and regio-selective alkenyl C-H activation/annulation of 4-amino-2-quinolones with alkynes via reversible alkyne insertion.

3,4-Fused 2-quinolone frameworks are important structural motifs found in natural products and biologically active compounds. Intermolecular alkenyl C-H activation/annulation of 4-amino-2-quinolone substrates with alkynes is one of the most efficient methods for accessing such structural motifs. However, this is a formidable challenge because 4-amino-2-quinolones have two cleavable C-H bonds: an alkenyl C-H bond at the C3-position and an aromatic C-H bond at the C5-position. Herein, we report the Rh(iii)-catalyzed highly site-selective alkenyl C-H functionalization of 4-amino-2-quinolones to afford 3,4-fused 2-quinolones. This method has a wide substrate scope, including unsymmetrical internal alkynes, with complete regioselectivity. Several control experiments using an isolated key intermediate analog suggested that the annulation reaction proceeds via reversible alkyne insertion involving a binuclear Rh complex although alkyne insertion is generally recognized as an irreversible process due to the high activation barrier of the reverse process.

Trifluoromethylated Oxidopyridinium Betaines: Unique (5+2) Cycloaddition Selectivity Imposed by 2- or 6-Trifluoromethyl Groups.

Despite the significant advances in trifluoromethylation methods, the synthesis of complex trifluoromethylated molecules, bearing a natural-product-like three-dimensional framework, remains as a formidable challenge. Therefore, the cycloaddition of unprecedented CF3 -substituted oxidopyridinium betaines was investigated. After the methylation of trifluoromethylated pyridin-3-ols with methyl triflate, pyridinium ions generated in-situ were treated with triethylamine in the presence of N-methylmaleimide to produce trifluoromethylated 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives via (5+2) cycloaddition of the corresponding oxidopyridinium betaines. Exo/endo-selectivity varied depending on the positions of the CF3 substituents; endo-products were preferred in the reactions of oxidopyridinium betaines with the CF3 group at the 2- or 6-positions, whereas the 5-CF3 -substituted betaine exclusively produced an exo-product. Moreover, unique regio- and stereoselectivities have been observed in the reactions of 2- or 6-CF3 -substituted oxidopyridinium betaines with vinyl sulfones and trans-1,2-disubstituted alkenes. To gain insight into the reactivity of trifluoromethylated oxidopyridinium betaines, computational investigations were also conducted.

Oxidopyridinium Cycloadditions Revisited: A Combined Computational and Experimental Study on the Reactivity of 1-(2-Pyrimidyl)-3-oxidopyridinium Betaine.

To investigate the effect of N-substituents on their reactivity and selectivity of oxidopyridinium betaines, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations of model cycloadditions with N-methylmaleimide and acenaphthylene. The theoretically expected results were compared with the experimental results. Subsequently, we demonstrated that 1-(2-pyrimidyl)-3-oxidopyridinium can be used for (5 + 2) cycloadditions with various electron-deficient alkenes, dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, acenaphthylene, and styrene. In addition, a DFT analysis of the cycloaddition of 1-(2-pyrimidyl)-3-oxidopyridinium with 6,6-dimethylpentafulvene suggested the possibility of pathway bifurcations involving a (5 + 4)/(5 + 6) ambimodal transition state, although only (5 + 6) cycloadducts were experimentally observed. A related (5 + 4) cycloaddition was observed in the reaction of 1-(2-pyrimidyl)-3-oxidopyridinium with 2,3-dimethylbut-1,3-diene.

Combined Computational and Experimental Study on [5 + 2] Cycloaddition of 2-Trifluoromethylated Oxidopyrylium Species Leading to 1-(Trifluoromethyl)-8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-en-2-ones.

Trifluoromethylation of furfural using the Ruppert-Prakash reagent (TMSCF3) and subsequent photo-Achmatowicz reaction afforded 6-hydroxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-pyran-3(6H)-one. After acetylation, the resultant 6-acetoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-pyran-3(6H)-one was transformed into various 1-(trifluoromethyl)-8-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-en-2-one derivatives through a base-mediated oxidopyrylium [5 + 2] cycloaddition. The reactivity and selectivity of the 2-trifluoromethylated oxidopyrylium species toward [5 + 2] cycloaddition were analyzed using density functional theory calculations.

Tschimganine has different targets for chronological lifespan extension and growth inhibition in fission yeast.

Tschimganine inhibits growth and extends the chronological lifespan in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We synthesized a Tschimganine analog, Mochimganine, which extends the lifespan similar to Tschimganine but exhibits a significantly weaker growth inhibition effect. Based on the comparative analysis of these compounds, we propose that Tschimganine has at least 2 targets: one extends the lifespan and the other inhibits growth.

Co-Catalyzed atom transfer radical addition of bromodifluoroacetamides, expanding the scope of radical difluoroalkylation.

The atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) of bromodifluoroacetamides to arylalkynes and terminal alkenes was conducted using von Wangelin's Co catalyst system (CoBr2/1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene/Zn) in acetone/H2O at 30 °C to afford the corresponding functionalized difluoroacetamides in 33-89% yields. Moreover, the Co catalyst was successfully applied to the tandem addition/cyclization of 1,6-diene and -enyne substrates and intramolecular ATRA of N-allyl and N-propargyl bromodifluoroacetamides, significantly expanding the scope of radical difluoroalkylation.

Development of novel potent ligands for GPR85, an orphan G protein-coupled receptor expressed in the brain.

GPR85 is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor and is a super-conserved receptor expressed in the brain sub-family (Super Conserved Receptor Expressed in Brain; SREB) with GPR27 and GPR173. These three receptors are "orphan receptors"; however, their endogenous ligands have not been identified. SREB has garnered the interest of many scientists because it is expressed in the central nervous system and is evolutionarily conserved. In particular, brain mass is reported to be increased and learning and memory are improved in GPR85 knockout mice (Matsumoto et al. 2008). In this study, we characterized newly synthesized compounds using a GPR85-Gsα fusion protein and the [35 S]GTPγS binding assay and identified novel GPR85 inverse-agonists with IC50 values of approximately 1 µM. To analyze the neurochemical character of the compounds and investigate the physiological significance of GPR85, we used cerebellar Purkinje cells expressing GPR85 and an electrophysiological technique. Based on the results, the inverse-agonist compound for GPR85 modulated potassium channel opening. Together with the results of previous gene analysis of GPR85, we expect that the development of the GPR85 ligand will provide new insights into a few types of neurological disorders.

N-Hydroxyphthalimide-catalyzed chemoselective intermolecular benzylic C-H amination of unprotected arylalkanols.

N-Hydroxyphthalimide-catalyzed chemoselective benzylic C(sp3)-H amination of unprotected arylalkanols using bis(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)azodicarboxylate has been developed. The use of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-ol as a solvent plays a critical role in chemoselectivity. The conversion of an aminated product to the corresponding free amino alcohol was also demonstrated.

Synthesis of Benzo-Fused Cyclic Ketones via Metal-Free Ring Expansion of Cyclopropanols Enabled by Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer.

The metal-free ring expansion of cyclopropanols containing a pendant styrene moiety was successfully achieved using a proton-coupled electron transfer enabled by an organic photoredox catalyst. Through this, variants of 1-tetralone and 1-benzosuberone bearing a substituent at the benzylic position were selectively obtained through the regioselective ring closure of alkyl radical intermediates depending on the substitution pattern of the alkene moiety.

1,2-Carbopentafluorophenylation of Alkynes: The Metallomimetic Pull-Push Reactivity of Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane.

We report the novel single-step 1,2-dicarbofunctionalization of an arylacetylene with an allylsilane and tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane [B(C6 F5 )3 ] involving C-C bond formation with C-H bond scission at the ß-position to the silicon atom of an allylsilane and B→C migration of a C6 F5 group. The 1,2-carbopentafluorophenylation occurs smoothly without the requirement for a catalyst or heating. Mechanistic studies suggest that the metallomimetic "pull-push" reactivity of B(C6 F5 )3 imparts consecutive electrophilic and nucleophilic characteristics to the benzylic carbon of the arylacetylene. Subsequent photochemical 6π-electrocyclization affords tetrafluoronaphthalenes, which are important in the pharmaceutical and materials sciences. Owing to the unique reactivity of B(C6 F5 )3 , the 1,2-carbopentafluorophenylation using 2-substituted furan proceeded with ring opening, and the reaction using silyl enolates formed a C-C bond with C-O bond scission at the silyloxy-substituted carbon.

Synthesis of difluoromethylated diarylmethanes via Fe(OTf)3-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts reaction of 2,2-difluoro-1-arylethyl phosphates.

The Fe(OTf)3-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts reaction of 2,2-difluoro-1-arylethyl phosphates with electron-rich (hetero)arenes afforded difluoromethylated diarylmethanes. Control experiments showed that Fe(OTf)3 behaves as the Lewis acid, and that the phosphate leaving group and o- or p-alkoxy substituents on the substrates are necessary for the Fe(OTf)3-catalyzed reaction to proceed under mild conditions.

Synthesis of 1-(Difluoromethyl)alk-1-enes via Palladium-Catalyzed SN2'-Type Substitution Reaction of Difluoromethylated Allylic Phosphates with 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds and Imides.

Herein, we report the synthesis of 1-(difluoromethyl)alkenes via a palladium-catalyzed reaction of difluoromethyl-substituted allylic phosphates with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds using PdCl2(PPh3)2 as a precatalyst. 1,3-Dicarbonyl compounds attacked the γ-carbon with respect to the difluoromethyl group to afford their corresponding SN2'-type substitution products irrespective of the substitution pattern in the allylic phosphates. This regioselectivity has been ascribed to the electronic environment of the unsymmetrical π-allylpalladium intermediate using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The reaction of difluoromethyl-substituted allylic phosphates with imides was also carried out using a different catalyst system composed of [PdCl(η3-allyl)]2 and di(diphenylphosphino)butane (dppb).

Rhodium-catalyzed cycloisomerization of ester-tethered 1,6-diynes with cyclopropanol moiety leading to tetralone/exocyclic diene hybrid molecules.

The rhodium-catalyzed cycloisomerization of ester-tethered 1,6-diynes bearing a cyclopropanol moiety produced tetralone/exocyclic diene hybrid molecules with thermodynamically unfavorable alkene geometry. The results of control experiments and density functional theory calculations suggest that the ester tether plays an important role in the efficiency of E/Z isomerization processes.

Synthesis of Unprotected 2-Arylglycines by Transamination of Arylglyoxylic Acids with 2-(2-Chlorophenyl)glycine.

The transamination of α-keto acids with 2-phenylglycine is an effective methodology for directly synthesizing unprotected α-amino acids. However, the synthesis of 2-arylglycines by transamination is problematic because the corresponding products, 2-arylglycines, transaminate the starting arylglyoxylic acids. Herein, we demonstrate the use of commercially available l-2-(2-chlorophenyl)glycine as the nitrogen source in the transamination of arylglyoxylic acids, producing the corresponding 2-arylglycines without interference from the undesired self-transamination process.

Palladium-Catalyzed [3+2] and [2+2+2] Annulations of 4-Iodo-2-quinolones with Activated Alkynes through Selective C-H Activation.

The palladium-catalyzed reaction of 4-iodo-2-quinolones with activated alkynes was investigated. Cyclopenta[de]quinoline-2(1 H)-ones and/or phenanthridine-6(5 H)-ones were obtained through [3+2] annulation involving aromatic C-H activation or [2+2+2] annulation involving vinylic C-H activation, respectively. Reasonable mechanisms for the formation of these annulation products have been proposed based on density functional theory calculations.

One-pot, two-step synthesis of unnatural α-amino acids involving the exhaustive aerobic oxidation of 1,2-diols.

Herein, we report the nor-AZADO-catalyzed exhaustive aerobic oxidations of 1,2-diols to α-keto acids. Combining oxidation with transamination using dl-2-phenylglycine led to the synthesis of free α-amino acids (AAs) in one pot. This method enables the rapid and flexible preparation of a variety of valuable unnatural AAs, such as fluorescent AAs, photoactivatable AAs, and other functional AAs for bioorthogonal reactions.

Diastereoselective Methylation at the Congested ß-Position of a Butenolide Ring: Studies toward the Synthesis of seco-Prezizaane-Type Sesquiterpenes.

We established a method for installing a methyl group at the ß-position of a butenolide ring. The methylated position is located at the congested ring juncture of a 5,6,5-tricyclic lactone, which is common to neurotrophic seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes. The samarium(II)-mediated conjugate addition of the halomethylsilyl ethers tethered to the proximal hydroxy groups efficiently formed the desired C-C bond. Subsequent fluoride-free Tamao oxidation and Barton-McCombie deoxygenation converted the resultant cyclic silyl ether into the corresponding methyl group.

Direct Synthesis of Free α-Amino Acids by Telescoping Three-Step Process from 1,2-Diols.

A practical telescoping three-step process for the syntheses of α-amino acids from the corresponding 1,2-diols has been developed. This process enables the direct synthesis of free α-amino acids without any protection/deprotection step. This method was also effective for the preparation of a 15N-labeled α-amino acid. 1,2-Diols bearing α,ß-unsaturated ester moieties afforded bicyclic α-amino acids through intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloadditions. A preliminary study suggests that the resultant α-amino acids are resolvable by aminoacylases with almost complete selectivity.

Theoretical Study of the Copper-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of (Trifluoromethyl)alkyne with Phenylboronic Acid.

The copper-catalyzed hydroarylation of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-butyne with phenylboronic acid was investigated by performing density functional theory calculations, and a plausible mechanism was proposed. The initial transmetalation step was first examined to compare the feasibility of the catalytically active copper species. Subsequently, the carbocupration of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-butyne by the phenylcopper species was examined in terms of regioselectivity. The impacts of the alkyne terminal group and the para-substituents of phenylboronic acids on the carbocupration were also examined. Moreover, to shed light on the role of the electron-withdrawing groups on the alkyne substrates, the activation barrier for the carbocupration of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-butyne was compared to those for several alkyne substrates bearing ester, ketone, cyano, and pentafluorophenyl groups, as well as 2-butyne, which has no electron-withdrawing group. The final protodecupration step involving methanol, acetic acid, or phenylboronic acid was examined to determine possible proton donors.