Asymmetric Mannich/Cyclization Reaction of 2-Benzothiazolimines and 2-Isothiocyano-1-indanones to Construct Chiral Spirocyclic Compounds.

An efficient and practical organocatalyzed asymmetric Mannich/cyclization tandem reaction strategy of 2-benzothiazolimines and 2-isothiocyanato-1-indanones was developed, and novel spirocyclic compounds containing benzothiazolimine and indanone scaffolds were obtained. This chiral thiourea-catalyzed Mannich/cyclization tandem reaction offers chiral spirocyclic compounds with continuous tertiary and quaternary stereocenters in good to high yields (up to 90%) with excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >20:1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee) at -18 °C. Additionally, the scaled-up synthesis was also performed with retained yield and stereoselectivity, and a reaction mechanism was also proposed.

Recent Advances in Organocatalyzed Asymmetric Sulfa-Michael Addition Triggered Cascade Reactions.

The sulfa-Michael addition reaction is a crucial subset of the Michael addition reaction, and aroused the interest of numerous synthetic biologists and chemists. In particular, sulfa-Michael addition triggered cascade reaction has developed quickly in recent years because it offers an efficient method to construct C-S bonds and other bonds in one approach, which is widely applicable for building chiral pharmaceuticals, their intermediates, and natural compounds. This review emphasizes the recent advancements in sulfa-Michael addition-triggered cascade reactions for the stereoselective synthesis of sulfur-containing compounds, including sulfa-Michael/aldol, sulfa-Michael/Henry, sulfa-Michael/Michael, sulfa-Michael/Mannich and some sulfa-Michael triggered multi-step processes. Moreover, some reaction mechanisms and derivatization experiments are introduced appropriately.

Enantioselective Michael/Hemiketalization Cascade Reactions between Hydroxymaleimides and 2-Hydroxynitrostyrenes for the Construction of Chiral Chroman-Fused Pyrrolidinediones.

In this paper, the organocatalytic asymmetric Michael addition/hemiketalization cascade reactions between hydroxymaleimides and 2-hydroxynitrostyrenes were developed, which provided a new protocol for building a chiral ring-fused chroman skeleton. This squaramide-catalyzed cascade reaction provided chiral chroman-fused pyrrolidinediones with three contiguous stereocenters in good to high yields (up to 88%), with excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >20:1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee) at −16 °C. Moreover, a scale-up synthesis was also carried out, and a possible reaction mechanism was proposed.

Enantioselective synthesis of isoxazole-containing spirooxindole tetrahydroquinolines via squaramide-catalysed cascade reactions.

A class of o-sulfonylaminostyryl isoxazole synthons were designed and demonstrated to be useful building blocks in asymmetric cascade aza-Michael/Michael reaction with 3-olefinic oxindoles. This squaramide-catalysed cascade reaction afforded structurally complex isoxazole-containing spirooxindole tetrahydroquinolines bearing three contiguous stereocenters in good to excellent yields (up to 99%) with high diastereoselectivities (up to >20 : 1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to 88% ee). Moreover, the gram-scale synthesis and synthetic transformations were also demonstrated.

Bifunctional thiourea-catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 2] annulation reactions of 2-isothiocyanato-1-indanones with barbiturate-based olefins.

Bifunctional thiourea-catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 2] annulation reactions of 2-isothiocyanato-1-indanones with barbiturate-based olefins have been developed to afford chiral dispiro[indene-pyrrolidine-pyrimidine]s. Through this strategy, the target products could be obtained in good to excellent yields with excellent stereoselectivities. In addition, the synthetic utility was verified through a gram-scale synthesis, one-pot three-component reactions and further transformation experiments of the products.

A squaramide-catalysed asymmetric cascade Michael addition/acyl transfer reaction between unsaturated benzothiophenones and α-nitroketones.

An efficient and practical organocatalytic asymmetric strategy was developed using unsaturated benzothiophenones and α-nitroketones catalysed by bifunctional squaramide via Michael addition and acyl transfer steps. A broad range of chiral acyloxybenzothiophene derivatives were obtained in good yields (up to 97%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee). What's more, employing different chiral squaramide catalysts and unsaturated benzothiophenones can deliver the acyloxy unit at the 2-position or 3-position of benzothiophene.

Asymmetric synthesis of isoxazole and trifluoromethyl-containing 3,2'-pyrrolidinyl dispirooxindoles via squaramide-catalysed [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions.

A highly efficient squaramide-catalysed asymmetric domino Michael/Mannich [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 3-methyl-4-nitro-5-isatylidenyl-isoxazoles and N-2,2,2-trifluoroethylisatin ketimines was developed. A new class of complex and diverse-skeleton isoxazole and trifluoromethyl-containing 3,2'-pyrrolidinyl dispirooxindoles bearing four contiguous stereogenic centers including two adjacent spiro quaternary stereocentres were obtained in good to excellent yields (up to 99%) with excellent diastereoselectivities (>20 : 1 dr, in all cases) and enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee). Moreover, the potential utilities of the protocol have been demonstrated by gram-scale synthesis and further transformation experiments.

A bifunctional squaramide-catalysed enantioselective vinylogous Michael addition/cyclization cascade reaction of 4-unsaturated isoxazol-5-ones and α,α-dicyanoalkenes.

An effective strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of spiro isoxazolone-cyclohexenimines was developed using a bifunctional squaramide-catalysed vinylogous Michael addition/cyclization cascade reaction of 4-unsaturated isoxazol-5-ones and α,α-dicyanoalkenes. The atom-economical cascade process can proceed smoothly under extremely low catalyst loading (1 mol%) and mild conditions, and the corresponding products were obtained in moderate to good yields (45% to 90%) and enantioselectivitites (51% to 96% ee). Meanwhile, the scale-up reaction and transformation of the products were also demonstrated.

Asymmetric 1,4-Michael Addition Reaction of Azadienes with α-Thiocyanoindanones Catalyzed by Bifunctional Chiral Squaramide.

In this paper, the organocatalytic asymmetric 1,4-Michael addition reaction of azadienes and α-thiocyanoindanones was investigated. A series of chiral benzofuran compounds containing thiocyano group and quaternary carbon center were synthesized in moderate yields with good enantioselectivities (up to 90:10 er) and high diastereoselectivities (up to >95:5 dr). This is the first case of 1,4-Michael addition reaction using α-thiocyanoindanones to obtain a series of chiral thiocyano compounds and further broaden the scope of application of azadiene substrates. In addition, a possible reaction mechanism is also described in the article.

Squaramide-catalysed asymmetric Michael addition/cyclization cascade reaction of 4-arylmethylidene-2,3-dioxopyrrolidines with 2-isothiocyanato-1-indanones.

A highly efficient cinchona alkaloid-derived squaramide catalysed asymmetric Michael/cyclization cascade reaction of 4-arylmethylidene-2,3-dioxopyrrolidines with 2-isothiocyanato-1-indanones was successfully developed. This protocol provides an efficient and mild access to indanone-derived spiropyrrolidone scaffolds containing three contiguous stereocenters with two spiroquaternary stereocenters in excellent yields (up to 99%) with high enantio- and diastereoselectivities (up to 99% ee and up to >20 : 1 dr). This method provides an economical and practical approach for the asymmetric synthesis of medicinally relevant molecules.

Highly Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of Isoxazolone-Spirooxindoles via Squaramide-Catalyzed Cascade Michael/Michael Addition Reactions.

A highly enantioselective [3+2] annulation of 3-((2-oxoindolin-3-yl)oxy)acrylates with isoxazol-5(4H)-ones has been accomplished by squaramide-catalyzed cascade Michael/Michael addition reactions under mild conditions. The corresponding isoxazolone-spirooxindoles with four continuous stereocenters were obtained in moderate to high yields with excellent stereoselectivities (up to >20:1 dr, 97% ee). The synthetic practicality of this methodology was illustrated by performing the reaction on a gram scale with the same efficiency and stereoselectivity. Meanwhile, the isoxazol-5(4H)-one ring could be opened by the reaction with iron powder and ammonium chloride, and the corresponding acyl derivative can be obtained with a maintained yield and stereoselectivity.

An organocatalytic domino Michael addition strategy: construction of bispiro[oxindole-thiazolidinone-hexahydroxanthone]s with five contiguous stereocenters.

We herein report a highly efficient strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of structurally complex bispiro[oxindole-thiazolidinone-hexahydroxanthone]s. This squaramide-catalyzed domino Michael addition afforded these products in good to excellent yields with excellent stereoselectivities bearing five contiguous stereocenters with two spiroquaternary stereocenters. Meanwhile, both gram-scale synthesis and further transformation experiments have been also demonstrated.

Recent advances in the catalytic asymmetric reactions of thiazolone derivatives.

Thiazolones as a class of five-membered heterocyclic compounds containing both nitrogen and sulfur, have been proved to possess important biological activities. Because thiazolone molecules have many reaction sites, they can carry out a series of modification reactions, which makes them good reaction substrates for various molecular syntheses. In recent years, research on the use of asymmetric organocatalysis to construct thiazolone derivatives has attracted a lot of attention. Among these, some breakthrough results have been achieved in the asymmetric synthesis of thiazolone derivatives. This review highlights recent developments in thiazolone derivatives in asymmetric reactions, including Michael additions, Mannich reactions as well as various cascade reactions.

WO3-Based Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces with Long-Term Stability.

Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) inspired by Nepenthes pitcher plants exhibit excellent hydrophobicity, antifouling and anti-icing properties, and long-term durability under pressure and temperature. SLIPS have potential applications including in biomedical devices, self-cleaning structures, and water-resistant coatings. A big challenge posed by SLIPS is the durability of the lubricant in the porous layer. Herein, uniform tungsten oxide nanofiber networks were synthesized on the surface of stainless steel through a simple one-step hydrothermal method. WO3 nanofiber networks on stainless steels were chemically modified, filled with a lubricant, and prepared as SLIPS with excellent liquid repellency and good anti-biofouling properties. The relationship of the nanostructures and the slippery properties of the obtained WO3-based SLIPS have been investigated in detail in this work. The liquid retention and long-term stability of the SLIPS were characterized using high shear force and water flow impact. We found that the long-term durability of the SLIPS is strongly related to the diameters and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface areas of the WO3 nanostructures. The durability of the SLIPS is better when the diameter of the WO3 nanostructures is smaller. The WO3-based SLIPS prepared in this work exhibit outstanding slippery property, anti-biofouling, and long-term stability under extreme conditions such as high shear rate and water washing and thus may have potential application for surface modification of medical devices in the future.

Squaramide-catalysed asymmetric cascade reactions of 2,3-dioxopyrrolidines with 3-chlorooxindoles.

A highly efficient method for the enantioselective construction of dispirocyclic compounds has been developed by the squaramide-catalysed asymmetric Michael addition/cyclization cascade reaction of 2,3-dioxopyrrolidines with 3-chlorooxindoles. The corresponding chiral dispiro[indoline-3,1'-cyclopropane-2',3''-pyrrolidine]-2,4'',5''-triones were obtained in high yields with excellent stereoselectivities (up to 94% yield, >25 : 1 dr and >99% ee). Furthermore, a gram-scale experiment confirmed the reliability of the current reaction and further effective transformation of the product has been realized.

NiSe2/CdS composite nanoflakes photocatalyst with enhanced activity under visible light.

Degrading organic pollutants using a photocatalyst under visible light is one of the effective ways to solve the increasingly serious environmental pollution problem. In this work, we have loaded a small amount of NiSe2 nanoflakes on the surface of CdS using a simple and low-cost solvothermal synthesis method. The samples were characterized with detailed X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), photocurrent, photoluminescence spectrometer (PL), photocatalytic properties, etc. The results show that a 2 mol% load of NiSe2 increases the rate of degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) to more than twice the original rate (0.01000 min-1 versus 0.00478 min-1). Meanwhile, the sample has excellent stability. The improved photocatalytic properties can be attributed to the face-to-face contact between the nanoflakes, accelerated separation and transfer of photon-generated carriers. This work provides a suitable co-catalyst that can be used to optimize the performance of other photocatalytic materials.

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Mannich Addition of 3-Fluorooxindoles to Dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepines: Highly Enantioselective Construction of Tetrasubstituted C-F Stereocenters.

3-Fluorooxindoles and the dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepane scaffolds are important pharmacophores that have important application in medicinal chemistry. An organocatalyzed asymmetric Mannich reaction of 3-fluorooxindoles with dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepines affording various seven-member cyclic amines containing chiral tetrasubstituted C-F stereocenters was developed. These reactions which were catalyzed by a bifunctional Cinchona alkaloid-derived thiourea catalyst afforded a wide range of substrates in moderate to high yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to 88% yield, >20:1 dr and >99% ee). A feasible reaction mechanism was also proposed.

Squaramide-catalyzed asymmetric Mannich reactions between 3-fluorooxindoles and pyrazolinone ketimines.

An enantioselective Mannich reaction between 3-fluorooxindoles and pyrazolinone ketimines has been developed for the construction of amino-pyrazolone-oxindoles containing stereogenic C-F units. Based on this new protocol that allows for the generation of two adjacent tetrasubstituted stereocenters, a variety of structurally diverse fluorinated amino-pyrazolone-oxindoles were obtained in good to excellent yields with excellent diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities (up to 98% yield, >20 : 1 dr and >99% ee). What's more, good yield and high stereoselectivities were obtained in the gram-scale reaction.

Bifunctional Squaramide-Catalyzed Asymmetric [3 + 2] Cyclization of 2-(1-Methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-yl)malononitriles with Unsaturated Pyrazolones To Construct Spirooxindole-Fused Spiropyrazolones.

The present paper reports a highly stereoselective synthesis of spirooxindole-fused spiropyrazolones through the asymmetric [3 + 2] cyclization reaction of 2-(1-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-yl)malononitriles with unsaturated pyrazolones under mild conditions. With only a 1 mol % bifunctional squaramide catalyst, a series of chiral dispirocyclic pyrazolone derivatives were attained in high yields (85-97%) with excellent stereoselectivities (up to >99% ee and in all cases >20:1 dr). Moreover, gram-scale synthesis and further transformation of the products were also demonstrated.

Asymmetric synthesis of spirooxindole-fused spirothiazolones via squaramide-catalysed reaction of 3-chlorooxindoles with 5-alkenyl thiazolones.

An efficient and practical organocatalyzed asymmetric formal [2 + 1] cycloaddition of 3-chlorooxindoles with 5-alkenyl thiazolones by using hydroquinine-derived squaramide as the catalyst has been developed. Under mild conditions, a broad range of spirooxindole-fused spirothiazolones bearing three adjacent stereogenic centers including two vicinal spiro quaternary chiral centers were obtained in high yields (up to 99% yield) with excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >99 : 1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).