Highly Chemoselective Synthesis of Purino[3,2-c]oxazoles via the Asymmetric Dearomative [3+2] Cycloaddition of Purines with Donor-Acceptor Oxiranes.

A Ni(II)/bisoxazoline-catalyzed asymmetric dearomative [3+2] cycloaddition of substituted purines with donor-acceptor oxiranes was developed. This reaction, which proceeds via highly chemoselective C-C bond cleavage of the oxiranes, accesses chiral purino[3,2-c]oxazole compounds (≤99% ee after enrichment via crystallization). The electronic effects of the purine ring determine the reactivity of the substrate. The general applicability of this method was illustrated by gram-scale synthesis, the diverse transformations of the product, and the promising biological activities of selected derivatives.

Enantioselective Dearomative [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions of Benzothiazoles.

A highly enantioselective dearomative [3+2] cycloaddition of benzothiazole has been successfully developed. A wide range of benzothiazoles and cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylates are suitable substrates for this reaction. The desired hydropyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole compounds were obtained in excellent enantioselectivity and yields (up to 97 % ee and 97 % yield). With the same catalytic system, a highly efficient kinetic resolution of 2-substituted cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylates was also realized.