Overlooked aza-S(IV) motifs: synthesis and transformations of sulfinamidines and sulfinimidate esters.

Significant advancements have been made in the synthesis of overlooked aza-S(IV) motifs. The accessibility of sulfinamidines and sulfinimidate esters has greatly improved through the recent development of efficient and complementary synthetic strategies. Intriguingly, new discoveries have emerged regarding the reactivity of these substances, highlighting the electrophilic nature of sulfinimidate esters and the nucleophilic character of sulfinamidines. Moreover, sulfinamidines have been found to be prone to oxidation, leading to the formation of important aza-S(VI) derivatives. In this review, our aim is to present an almost comprehensive overview of the most relevant achievements in the preparation and structural characterization of these overlooked compounds.

Multistep Continuous Flow Synthesis of Isolable NH2 -Sulfinamidines via Nucleophilic Addition to Transient Sulfurdiimide.

The growing interest in novel sulfur pharmacophores led to recent advances in the synthesis of some S(IV) and S(VI) motifs. However, preparation and isolation of uncommon primary sulfinamidines, the aza-analogues of sulfinamides, is highly desirable. Here we report a multistep continuous flow synthesis of poorly explored NH2 -sulfinamidines by nucleophilic attack of organometallic reagents to in situ prepared N-(trimethylsilyl)-N-trityl-λ4 -sulfanediimine (Tr-N=S=N-TMS). The transformation can additionally be realized under mild conditions, at room temperature, via a highly chemoselective halogen-lithium exchange of aryl bromides and iodides with n-butyllithium. Moreover, the synthetic potential of the methodology was assessed by exploring further manipulations of the products and accessing novel S(IV) analogues of celecoxib, tasisulam, and relevant sulfinimidoylureas.

The synthetic versatility of fluoroiodomethane: recent applications as monofluoromethylation platform.

In recent years, fluoroiodomethane (CH2FI) has emerged as an easy-to-handle, non-ozone depleting agent and readily available platform for monofluoromethylation strategies. Recent applications in nucleophilic substitutions, lithiation reactions, transition-metal catalyzed transformations, radical processes, and 18F-radiolabelling chemistry showcase the potential of this reagent for the preparation of organofluorine compounds. In this minireview, we provide an update to the field covering the recent relevant literature on the use of CH2FI.

Dynamic Phenomena and Complexation Effects in the α-Lithiation and Asymmetric Functionalization of Azetidines.

In this work it is demonstrated that enantiomerically enriched N-alkyl 2-oxazolinylazetidines undergo exclusive α-lithiation, and that the resulting lithiated intermediate is chemically stable but configurationally labile under the given experimental conditions that afford enantioenriched N-alkyl-2,2-disubstituted azetidines. Although this study reveals the configurational instability of the diastereomeric lithiated azetidines, it points out an interesting stereoconvergence of such lithiated intermediates towards the thermodynamically stable species, making the overall process highly stereoselective (er > 95:5, dr > 85:15) after trapping with electrophiles. This peculiar behavior has been rationalized by considering the dynamics at the azetidine nitrogen atom, the inversion at the C-Li center supported by in situ FT-IR experiments, and DFT calculations that suggested the presence of η3-coordinated species for diastereomeric lithiated azetidines. The described situation contrasted with the demonstrated stability of the smaller lithiated aziridine analogue. The capability of oxazolinylazetidines to undergo different reaction patterns with organolithium bases supports the model termed "dynamic control of reactivity" of relevance in organolithium chemistry. It has been demonstrated that only 2,2-substituted oxazolinylazetidines with suitable stereochemical requirements could undergo C=N addition of organolithiums in non-coordinating solvents, leading to useful precursors of chiral (er > 95:5) ketoazetidines.

Synthesis and Transformations of NH-Sulfoximines.

Recent years have seen a marked increase in the occurrence of sulfoximines in the chemical sciences, often presented as valuable motifs for medicinal chemistry. This has been prompted by both pioneering works taking sulfoximine containing compounds into clinical trials and the concurrent development of powerful synthetic methods. This review covers recent developments in the synthesis of sulfoximines concentrating on developments since 2015. This includes extensive developments in both S-N and S-C bond formations. Flow chemistry processes for sulfoximine synthesis are also covered. Finally, subsequent transformations of sulfoximines, particularly in N-functionalization are reviewed, including N-S, N-P, N-C bond forming processes and cyclization reactions.

Development of a Continuous Flow Synthesis of 2-Substituted Azetines and 3-Substituted Azetidines by Using a Common Synthetic Precursor.

The generation and functionalization, under continuous flow conditions, of two different lithiated four-membered aza-heterocycles is reported. N-Boc-3-iodoazetidine acts as a common synthetic platform for the genesis of C3-lithiated azetidine and C2-lithiated azetine depending on the lithiation agent. Flow technology enables easy handling of such lithiated intermediates at much higher temperatures compared to batch processing. Flow technology combined with cyclopentylmethyl ether as an environmentally responsible solvent allows us to address sustainability concerns.

Lithiated three-membered heterocycles as chiral nucleophiles in the enantioselective synthesis of 1-oxaspiro[2,3]hexanes.

The reaction between configurably stable α-lithiated oxiranes and 3-substituted cyclobutanones allows obtaining enantiomerically enriched cyclobutanols (er > 98 : 2). These adducts, subjected to base-mediated Payne rearrangement, lead to the synthesis of a new class of oxaspirohexanes, useful precursors of 2,4-disubstituted cyclopentanones.

Flow Technology for Telescoped Generation, Lithiation and Electrophilic (C3 ) Functionalization of Highly Strained 1-Azabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes.

Strained compounds are privileged moieties in modern synthesis. In this context, 1-azabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes are appealing structural motifs that can be employed as click reagents or precursors to azetidines. We herein report the first telescoped continuous flow protocol for the generation, lithiation, and electrophilic trapping of 1-azabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes. The flow method allows for exquisite control of the reaction parameters, and the process operates at higher temperatures and safer conditions with respect to batch mode. The efficiency of this intramolecular cyclization/C3-lithiation/electrophilic quenching flow sequence is documented with more than 20 examples.

The renaissance of strained 1-azabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes as useful reagents for the synthesis of functionalized azetidines.

Since their discovery in the late 1960s, 1-azabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes have demonstrated to be interesting precursors of azetidines, because of the peculiar reactivity of the C3-N bond that allows double functionalization in the 1,3 positions. In particular, the recent advances reported by Baran, Lopchuk, Aggarwal, and others witness the synthetic relevance of such strained azabicycles in the synthesis of highly functionalized azetidines. However, the synthesis and reactivity of 1-azabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes remains a poorly explored topic in organic chemistry. This review aims to furnish a comprehensive knowledge on the preparation of 1-azabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes and the transformation into functionalized saturated four-membered azacycles.

Synthesis of glycosyl sulfoximines by a highly chemo- and stereoselective NH- and O-transfer to thioglycosides.

A synthesis of unprecedented and stable glycosyl sulfoximines is reported. The developed strategies represent the first example of highly stereoselective sulfoximine formation directly from thioglycosides. This synthetic protocol has been tested on several ß-thioglycosides bearing different aromatics and alkyls as S-substituents, and bearing glucose, mannose and galactose as glycosyl units. The process has been extended to a lactose derived thioglycoside and to a glucose derived sulfenamide. The process was chemo- and stereoselective, and X-ray analysis confirmed the structure and provided stereochemical information on the configuration at the sulfur atom. A model for the stereochemical outcome is proposed based on the steric environment of the sulfide.

Continuous Flow Synthesis of Heterocycles: A Recent Update on the Flow Synthesis of Indoles.

Indole derivatives are among the most useful and interesting heterocycles employed in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. In addition, flow chemistry and flow technology are changing the synthetic paradigm in the field of modern synthesis. In this review, the role of flow technology in the preparation of indole derivatives is showcased. Selected examples have been described with the aim to provide readers with an overview on the tactics and technologies used for targeting indole scaffolds.

Fluoro-Substituted Methyllithium Chemistry: External Quenching Method Using Flow Microreactors.

The external quenching method based on flow microreactors allows the generation and use of short-lived fluoro-substituted methyllithium reagents, such as fluoromethyllithium, fluoroiodomethyllithium, and fluoroiodostannylmethyllithium. Highly chemoselective reactions have been developed, opening new opportunities in the synthesis of fluorinated molecules using fluorinated organometallics.

Synthesis of Sulfonimidamides from Sulfenamides via an Alkoxy-amino-λ6 -sulfanenitrile Intermediate.

Sulfonimidamides are intriguing new motifs for medicinal and agrochemistry, and provide attractive bioisosteres for sulfonamides. However, there remain few operationally simple methods for their preparation. Here, the synthesis of NH-sulfonimidamides is achieved directly from sulfenamides, themselves readily formed in one step from amines and disulfides. A highly chemoselective and one-pot NH and O transfer is developed, mediated by PhIO in iPrOH, using ammonium carbamate as the NH source, and in the presence of 1 equivalent of acetic acid. A wide range of functional groups are tolerated under the developed reaction conditions, which also enables the functionalization of the antidepressants desipramine and fluoxetine and the preparation of an aza analogue of the drug probenecid. The reaction is shown to proceed via different and concurrent mechanistic pathways, including the formation of novel S≡N sulfanenitrile species as intermediates. Several alkoxy-amino-λ6 -sulfanenitriles are prepared with different alcohols, and shown to be alkylating agents to a range of nucleophiles.

Azetidine-Borane Complexes: Synthesis, Reactivity, and Stereoselective Functionalization.

The present study reports, for the first time, the synthesis and structural features of azetidine-borane complexes, as well as their reactivity in lithiation reactions. A temperature-dependent stereoselectivity has been disclosed in the reaction of borane with N-alkyl-2-arylazetidines, allowing for a stereoselective preparation of azetidine-borane complexes 2 and 3. A regioselective hydrogen/lithium permutation, at the benzylic position, was observed in lithiation reactions of complexes possessing a syn relationship, between the ring proton and the BH3 group. In contrast, scarce or no reactivity was noticed in complexes lacking such a stereochemical requirement. The configurational stability of the lithiated intermediates has also been investigated, in order to shed some light on the stereoselectivity of the lithiation/electrophile trapping sequence. Calculations helped in supporting experimental observations, concerning structure and reactivity of these azetidine-borane complexes. Data suggest that the BH3 group could promote the lithiation reaction likely by an electrostatic complex induced proximity effect. Interestingly, a new synthetic strategy for the synthesis of N-alkyl-2,2-disubstituted azetidines has been developed.

Exploiting a "Beast" in Carbenoid Chemistry: Development of a Straightforward Direct Nucleophilic Fluoromethylation Strategy.

The first direct and straightforward nucleophilic fluoromethylation of organic compounds is reported. The tactic employs a "fleeting" lithium fluorocarbenoid (LiCH2F) generated from commercially available fluoroiodomethane. Precise reaction conditions were developed for the generation and synthetic exploitation of such a labile species. The versatility of the strategy is showcased in ca. 50 examples involving a plethora of electrophiles. Highly valuable chemicals such as fluoroalcohols, fluoroamines, and fluoromethylated oxygenated heterocycles could be prepared in very good yields through a single synthetic operation. The scalability of the reaction and its application to complex molecular architectures (e.g., steroids) are documented.

A greener and efficient access to substituted four- and six-membered sulfur-bearing heterocycles.

The regioselective functionalization of four- and six-membered cyclic sulfones was investigated using a lithiation/electrophile trapping strategy. The protocol features an interesting eco-compatibility profile because of the use of 2-MeTHF as a solvent (more eco-friendly than other organic solvents) and n-hexyllithium as a lithiating agent safer than other alkyllithium compounds. Several derivatives were prepared with different stereochemistry and substitution patterns. A number of selected derivatives, spanning a range of 5 log P units, were characterized for their lipophilicity through RP-HPLC. A good linear correlation, with a slope close to 1.0, was observed between the experimentally determined RP-HPLC lipophilicity parameters (log k'w) and calculated log P (clog P) values, whereas a systematic difference in absolute values between the chromatographic parameters and in silico lipophilicity descriptors can be attributed mainly to silanophilic interactions between the H-bond acceptor SO2 group and free silanol groups on silica-based C18 columns, which results in increased retention times.

Contribution of microreactor technology and flow chemistry to the development of green and sustainable synthesis.

Microreactor technology and flow chemistry could play an important role in the development of green and sustainable synthetic processes. In this review, some recent relevant examples in the field of flash chemistry, catalysis, hazardous chemistry and continuous flow processing are described. Selected examples highlight the role that flow chemistry could play in the near future for a sustainable development.

Recent advances in the chemistry of metallated azetidines.

The almost unexplored four-membered heterocycles azetidines, represent a particularly interesting class of molecules, among the family of saturated nitrogen heterocycles. Although often challenging to synthesize, substituted azetidines strongly attract chemists because of their importance in catalysis, stereoselective synthesis and medicinal chemistry. This review aims to give a brief summary of modern developments in direct metal-based functionalization of the azetidine ring, focusing on the regio- and stereoselectivity of these reactions, as well as on some useful synthetic applications. It will be highlighted, in particular, how an interplay of factors such as structure, substitutions at both nitrogen and carbon atoms and coordinative phenomena deeply influence the reactivity of the corresponding metallated species, paving the way for easy planning a site-selective functionalization of azetidines.

A convenient enantioselective CBS-reduction of arylketones in flow-microreactor systems.

A convenient, versatile, and green CBS-asymmetric reduction of aryl and heteroaryl ketones has been developed by using the microreactor technology. The study demonstrates that it is possible to handle borane solution safely within microreactors and that the reaction performs well using 2-MeTHF as a greener solvent.

Transfer of Electrophilic NH Using Convenient Sources of Ammonia: Direct Synthesis of NH Sulfoximines from Sulfoxides.

A new system for NH transfer is developed for the preparation of sulfoximines, which are emerging as valuable motifs for drug discovery. The protocol employs readily available sources of nitrogen without the requirement for either preactivation or for metal catalysts. Mixing ammonium salts with diacetoxyiodobenzene directly converts sulfoxides into sulfoximines. This report describes the first example of using of ammonia sources with diacetoxyiodobenzene to generate an electrophilic nitrogen center. Control and mechanistic studies suggest a short-lived electrophilic intermediate, which is likely to be PhINH or PhIN(+) .