Stereoselective Synthesis of the Core Structures of Pyrrocidines and Wortmannines through the Excited-State Nazarov Reactions.

The reaction conditions and scope of the excited-state Nazarov reaction of dicyclicvinyl ketones were studied. The stereochemistry of this electrocyclization is consistent with the mechanism of the pericyclic reaction and Woodward-Hoffmann rule. UV-light-promoted excited-state Nazarov reactions gave hydrofluorenones bearing a syn-cis configuration via a disrotatory cyclization. The core tricyclic hydrofluorenones of pyrrocidines and wortmannines were constructed via the excited-state Nazarov reactions, which demonstrated their synthetic potential in complex natural product total synthesis.

Total Synthesis of Farnesin through an Excited-State Nazarov Reaction.

The asymmetric total synthesis of farnesin, a rearranged ent-kaurenoid, was achieved through a convergent approach involving photo-Nazarov and intramolecular aldol cyclizations to build the syn-syn-syn hydrofluorenol ABC ring system and bicyclo[3.2.1]octane CD ring system in the first application of a UV-light-induced excited-state Nazarov cyclization of a non-aromatic dicyclic divinyl ketone in a total synthesis. Unlike the conventional acid-promoted ground-state Nazarov reaction, the excited-state Nazarov reaction enables stereospecific formation of the highly strained syn-syn-syn-fused hydrofluorenone scaffold through a disrotatory cyclization.

N-Heterocyclic carbene-triggered transition-metal-free synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted benzofuran derivatives.

An NHC-triggered, transition-metal-free strategy for the efficient synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted benzofuran derivatives in moderate to excellent yields from aryl or alkyl aldehydes and o-quinone methides has been developed. This method features mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity, broad substrate scope and convergent assembly.

An Enantioselective Assembly of Dihydropyranones through an NHC/LiCl-Mediated in situ Activation of α,ß-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids.

A straightforward N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)/LiCl-mediated synthesis of dihydropyranones from α,ß-unsaturated carboxylic acids and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds was realized through the in situ activation strategy. The key advantages of this protocol include ready availability and high stability of starting materials, good yields, and excellent enantioselectivity.

An N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Oxidative γ-Aminoalkylation of Saturated Carboxylic Acids through in Situ Activation Strategy: Access to δ-Lactam.

An N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)-catalyzed oxidative formal [4 + 2] annulation of acylhydrazones with saturated carboxylic acids bearing γ-H to assemble δ-lactams featuring a chiral carbon stereogenic center was developed through an in situ activation strategy. The ready availability of the starting materials, excellent enantioselectivity, facile assembly, high yields, and potential biological significance of the final products make this protocol an attractive alternative for the construction of the pyridinone scaffold.

Enantioselective assembly of spirocyclic oxindole-dihydropyranones through NHC-catalyzed cascade reaction of isatins with N-hydroxybenzotriazole esters of α,ß-unsaturated carboxylic acid.

An NHC-catalyzed formal [4 + 2] reaction of isatins with N-hydroxybenzotriazole ester of α,ß-unsaturated carboxylic acids bearing γ-H to construct spirocyclic oxindole-dihydropyranones featuring a chiral tetrasubstituted carbon stereogenic center was developed. The high enantioselectivity, the ready availability of the raw materials, the facile assembly, and the potential biological significance of the final products make this protocol an attractive alternative for the synthesis of spirocyclic heterocycles.

N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [4 + 2] cyclization of 2-bromo-2-enal with 3-alkylenyloxindoles: efficient assembly of spirocarbocyclic oxindole.

A NHC-catalyzed [4 + 2] cyclization of 2-bromo-2-enal bearing γ-H with 3-alkylenyloxindoles under mild reaction conditions gives spirocarbocyclic oxindoles containing one quaternary carbon in moderate to good yields with high diastereoselectivities. The easy availability of the starting materials, the concise assembly and the potential utilization value of the products make this strategy attractive in molecular biology and pharmacy.