Highly enantioselective synthesis of functionalized azepino[1,2-a]indoles via NHC-catalyzed [3+4] annulation.

The enantioselective [3+4] annulation of 3-formylindol-2-methyl-malonates with 2-bromoenals catalyzed by NHCs is described to afford functionalized azepino[1,2-a]indoles in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities. This method, in which the 3-formyl group in indoles acts as a necessary mediating group, provided cycloaddition products under mild conditions.

Oxidative NHC catalysis: direct activation of ß sp3 carbons of saturated acid chlorides.

The first activation of saturated acid chlorides by oxidative N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis has been successfully utilized to synthesize enantio-enriched spirooxindole lactones and δ-lactones. The reaction involves the transformation of the ß sp3 carbon of saturated acid chlorides into an electrophilic carbon as a key step. The product was obtained in excellent yield and stereoselectivity.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Functionalized Tetrahydro-1H-1,2-diazepines by N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed [3 + 4] Annulation.

An efficient N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 4] annulation reaction of N-Ts hydrazones with 2-bromoenals has been developed. A series of functionalized tetrahydro-1H-1,2-diazepines with two consecutive stereocenters was obtained using NHCs as the catalyst in good yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities.

Highly stereoselective synthesis of functionalized pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinolines via N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed cascade sequence.

An N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed stereoselective Michael-Mannich-lactamization cascade reaction of tosyl-protected o-amino aromatic aldimines and 2-bromoenals for the construction of functionalized pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinolines with three consecutive stereocenters was achieved in good yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities.