A Unified Strategy to Fluorinated Nucleoside Analogues Via an Electrophilic Manifold.

Herein, we present a strategy for the preparation of 3'-fluorinated nucleoside analogues via the aminocatalytic, electrophilic fluorination of readily accessible and bench-stable 2'-ketonucleosides. Initially developed to facilitate the manufacture of 3'-fluoroguanosine (3'-FG)─a substructure of anticancer therapeutic MK-1454─this strategy has been extended to the synthesis of a variety of 3'-fluoronucleosides. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of the 2'-ketonucleoside synthon as a platform for further diversification and suggest that this methodology should be broadly applicable to the discovery of novel nucleoside analogues.

Oxidative Addition of Aryl and Alkyl Halides to a Reduced Iron Pincer Complex.

The two-electron oxidative addition of aryl and alkyl halides to a reduced iron dinitrogen complex with a strong-field tridentate pincer ligand has been demonstrated. Addition of iodobenzene or bromobenzene to (3,5-Me2MesCNC)Fe(N2)2 (3,5-Me2MesCNC = 2,6-(2,4,6-Me-C6H2-imidazol-2-ylidene)2-3,5-Me2-pyridine) resulted in rapid oxidative addition and formation of the diamagnetic, octahedral Fe(II) products (3,5-Me2MesCNC)Fe(Ph)(N2)(X), where X = I or Br. Competition experiments established the relative rate of oxidative addition of aryl halides as I > Br > Cl. A linear free energy of relative reaction rates of electronically differentiated aryl bromides (ρ = 1.5) was consistent with a concerted-type pathway. The oxidative addition of alkyl halides such as methyl-, isobutyl-, or neopentyl halides was also rapid at room temperature, but substrates with more accessible ß-hydrogen positions (e.g., 1-bromobutane) underwent subsequent ß-hydride elimination. Cyclization of an alkyl halide containing a radical clock and epimerization of neohexyl iodide-d2 upon oxidative addition to (3,5-Me2MesCNC)Fe(N2)2 are consistent with radical intermediates during C(sp3)-X bond cleavage. Importantly, while C(sp2)-X and C(sp3)-X oxidative addition produces net two-electron chemistry, the preferred pathway for obtaining the products is concerted and stepwise, respectively.

Direct Observation of Transmetalation from a Neutral Boronate Ester to a Pyridine(diimine) Iron Alkoxide.

Transmetallation of the neutral boronate esters, (2-benzofuranyl)BPin and (2-benzofuranyl)BNeo (Pin = pinacolato, Neo = neopentylglycolato) to a representative pyridine(diimine) iron alkoxide complex, (iPrPDI)FeOEt (iPrPDI = 2,6-(2,6-iPr2-C6H3N=CMe)2C5H3N; R = Me, Et, SiMe3), to yield the corresponding iron benzofuranyl derivative was studied. Synthesis of the requisite iron alkoxide complexes was accomplished either by salt metathesis between (iPrPDI)FeCl and NaOR (R = Me, Et, SiMe3) or by protonation of the iron alkyl, (iPrPDI)FeCH2SiMe3, by the free alcohol R'OH (R' = Me, Et). A combination of magnetic measurements, X-ray diffraction, NMR and Mössbauer spectroscopies and DFT calculations identified each (iPrPDI)FeOR compound as an essentially planar, high-spin, S = 3/2 compound engaged in antiferromagnetic coupling with a radical anion on the chelate (S Total = 3/2; S Fe = 2, S PDI = 1/2). The resulting iron benzofuranyl product, (iPrPDI)Fe(2-benzofuranyl) was characterized by X-ray diffraction and in combination with magnetic measurements, spectroscopic and computational data, was identified as an overall S = 1/2 compound, demonstrating that a net spin-state change accompanies transmetallation (S Fe = 1, S PDI = 1/2). These findings may be relevant to further development of iron-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling with neutral boronate esters and alkoxide bases.

Synthesis, Structure, and Hydrogenolysis of Pyridine Dicarbene Iron Dialkyl Complexes.

Two methods for the synthesis of bis(imidazol-2-ylidene)pyridine iron dialkyl complexes, (CNC)Fe(CH2SiMe3)2, have been developed. The first route consists of addition of two equivalents of LiCH2SiMe3 to the iron dihalide complex, (CNC)FeBr2, while the second relies on addition of the free CNC ligand to readily-prepared (py)2Fe(CH2SiMe3)2 (py = pyridine). With aryl-substituted CNC ligands, octahedral complexes of the type ( Ar CNC)Fe(CH2SiMe3)2(N2) ( Ar CNC = bis(arylimidazol-2-ylidene)pyridine) were isolated, where the dinitrogen ligand occupies the site trans to the pyridine of the CNC-chelate. In contrast, the alkyl-substituted variant, (tBuACNC)Fe(CH2SiMe3)2 (tBuACNC = 2,6-(tBu-imidazol-2-ylidene)2pyridine) was isolated as the five-coordinate compound lacking dinitrogen. Exposure of the ( Ar CNC)Fe(CH2SiMe3)2(N2) derivatives to an H2 atmosphere resulted in formation of the corresponding iron hydride complexes ( Ar CNC)FeH4. These compounds catalyzed hydrogen isotope exchange between the deuterated benzene solvent and H2, generating isotopologues and isotopomers of ( Ar CNC)Fe(H n )(D4-n ) (n = 0-4). When (3,5-Me2 MesCNC)Fe(CH2SiMe3)2(N2) (3,5-Me2 MesCNC = 2,6-(2,4,6-Me3-C6H2-imidazol-2-ylidene)2-3,5-Me2-pyridine) was treated successively with H2 and then N2, the corresponding reduced dinitrogen complex (3,5-Me2 MesCNC)Fe(N2)2 was isolated. The same product was also obtained following addition of pinacolborane to (3,5-Me2 MesCNC)Fe(CH2SiMe3)2(N2).

Oxidative Addition of Dihydrogen, Boron Compounds, and Aryl Halides to a Cobalt(I) Cation Supported by a Strong-Field Pincer Ligand.

Cationic cobalt(I) dinitrogen complexes with a strong-field tridentate pincer ligand were prepared and the oxidative addition of polar and non-polar bonds was studied. Addition of H2 to [(iPrPNP)Co(N2)]+ (iPrPNP = 2,6-bis((diisopropylphosphaneyl)methyl)pyridine) in THF-d8 resulted in rapid oxidative addition and formation of the cis-Co(III) dihydride complex, cis-[(iPrPNP)Co(H)2L]+ where L = THF or N2. The addition of H2 was reversible as evidenced by the dynamics observed by variable temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy and the regeneration of [(iPrPNP)Co(N2)]+ upon exposure to dinitrogen. In contrast, addition of HBPin, (Pin = pinacolato) B2Pin2 and aryl halides resulted in the formation of net one-electron oxidation products: cationic Co(II)-boryl and Co(II)-halide/aryl complexes, respectively. All products were structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography and the electronic structures were determined by a combination of magnetic moment measurements, EPR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Monitoring the addition of HBPin to [(iPrPNP)Co(N2)]+ provided evidence for a transient Co(III) oxidative addition product that likely undergoes comproportionation with the cobalt(I) starting material to generate the observed Co(II) products.

Iron-Mediated Coupling of Carbon Dioxide and Ethylene: Macrocyclic Metallalactones Enable Access to Various Carboxylates.

Treatment of (iPrPDI)Fe(N2)2 (iPrPDI, 2,6-(2,6-iPr2C6H3N═CMe)2C5H3N) with CO2 and ethylene resulted in the formation of a homologous series of saturated and unsaturated iron carboxylate products, (iPrPDI)Fe(O2CR), the distribution of which depends on the ratio of the reagents. The solid-state and electronic structures of a saturated product, (iPrPDI)Fe(O2CC2H5), were elucidated. Product distributions, deuterium labeling studies, and stoichiometric experiments support initial formation of a five-membered metallalactone intermediate, which undergoes subsequent ethylene insertions to generate macrocyclic metallalactones. Competitive ß-hydride elimination, CO2 insertion, or reaction with H2 determines the fate of the metallalactone, the latter accounting for formation of iron complexes with saturated carboxylates. Similar reactivity was observed upon addition of propiolactone and ethylene to (iPrPDI)Fe(N2)2, supporting C-O oxidative addition and C-C bond formation through metallacycle intermediates.

Half-Sandwich Ruthenium Carbene Complexes Link trans-Hydrogenation and gem-Hydrogenation of Internal Alkynes.

The hydrogenation of internal alkynes with [Cp*Ru]-based catalysts is distinguished by an unorthodox stereochemical course in that E-alkenes are formed by trans-delivery of the two H atoms of H2. A combined experimental and computational study now provides a comprehensive mechanistic picture: a metallacyclopropene (η2-vinyl complex) is primarily formed, which either evolves into the E-alkene via a concerted process or reacts to give a half-sandwich ruthenium carbene; in this case, one of the C atoms of the starting alkyne is converted into a methylene group. This transformation represents a formal gem-hydrogenation of a π-bond, which has hardly any precedent. The barriers for trans-hydrogenation and gem-hydrogenation are similar: whereas DFT predicts a preference for trans-hydrogenation, CCSD(T) finds gem-hydrogenation slightly more facile. The carbene, once formed, will bind a second H2 molecule and evolve to the desired E-alkene, a positional alkene isomer or the corresponding alkane; this associative pathway explains why double bond isomerization and over-reduction compete with trans-hydrogenation. The computed scenario concurs with para-hydrogen-induced polarization transfer (PHIP) NMR data, which confirm direct trans-delivery of H2, the formation of carbene intermediates by gem-hydrogenation, and their evolution into product and side products alike. Propargylic -OR (R = H, Me) groups exert a strong directing and stabilizing effect, such that several carbene intermediates could be isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The gathered information spurred significant preparative advances: specifically, highly selective trans-hydrogenations of propargylic alcohols are reported, which are compatible with many other reducible functional groups. Moreover, the ability to generate metal carbenes by gem-hydrogenation paved the way for noncanonical hydrogenative cyclopropanations, ring expansions, and cycloadditions.

Two Enabling Strategies for the Stereoselective Conversion of Internal Alkynes into Trisubstituted Alkenes.

An expedient method for the C-methylation of alkenylstannanes with formation of trisubstituted alkenes is described, which relies on the use of MeI in combination with copper thiophene-2-carboxylate (CuTC) as promotor and tetra-n-butylammonium diphenylphosphinate as an effective tin scavenger; in some cases, it proved beneficial to further supplement the mixture with catalytic amounts of Pd(PPh3 )4 . Under these conditions, the reaction is robust, high yielding, and compatible with many functional groups that might not subsist under more traditional conditions used to C-alkylate organotin derivatives. A qualitative analysis of the reaction profile suggested that the in situ formation of a reactive organocopper intermediate and its interception by MeI is only barely faster than O-methylation of the phosphinate additive by the same alkylating agent. To guarantee high yields and prevent net protodestannation from occurring, the reaction protocol had to be optimized such that these competing processes are properly decoupled. The new method is particularly well suited for the stereoselective preparation of the (E)-2-methylbut-2-en-1-ol motif that is present in numerous natural products. Alternatively, this particular target structure can be accessed starting from α-hydroxy alkenylsiloxane precursors, which get C-methylated upon exposure to CuI/LiOtBu and MeI by what is thought to be a Brook rearrangement/ alkylation sequence. The required substrates are best prepared by ruthenium-catalyzed trans-hydrosilylation or trans-hydrostannation of propargyl alcohols.

Enantioselective Iridium-Catalyzed Allylic Cyclizations.

A method for the enantioselective synthesis of carbo- and heterocyclic ring systems enabled through the combination of Lewis acid activation and iridium-catalyzed allylic substitution is described. The reaction proceeds with branched, allylic alcohols and carbon nucleophiles as well as heteronucleophiles to give a diverse set of ring systems in good yields and with high enantioselectivities. The utility of the method is highlighted by the asymmetric syntheses of erythrococcamides A and B.

Hydroxy-Directed Ruthenium-Catalyzed Alkene/Alkyne Coupling: Increased Scope, Stereochemical Implications, and Mechanistic Rationale.

The recognition of the dual binding mode of propargyl and allyl alcohols to [Cp*Ru] fragments fostered the development of a highly regioselective intermolecular Alder-ene-type reaction of alkynes with 1,2-disubstituted alkenes. The increased substrate scope opens new perspectives in stereochemical terms. As the loaded catalyst is chiral-at-metal, stereochemical information is efficiently relayed from the propargylic site to the emerging C-C bond. This interpretation is based on the X-ray structure of the first Cp*Ru complex carrying an intact enyne ligand, and provides valuable insights into bonding and activation of the substrates. Computational data draw a clear picture of the principles governing regio- and stereocontrol.

Selective Formation of a Trisubstituted Alkene Motif by trans-Hydrostannation/Stille Coupling: Application to the Total Synthesis and Late-Stage Modification of 5,6-Dihydrocineromycin†B.

Countless natural products of polyketide origin have an E-configured 2-methyl-but-2-en-1-ol substructure. An unconventional entry into this important motif was developed as part of a concise total synthesis of 5,6-dihydrocineromycin B. The choice of this particular target was inspired by a recent study, which suggested that the cineromycin family of antibiotics might have overlooked lead qualities, although our biodata do not necessarily support this view. The new approach consists of a sequence of alkyne metathesis followed by a hydroxy-directed trans-hydrostannation and a largely unprecedented methyl-Stille coupling. The excellent yield and remarkable selectivity with which the signature trisubstituted alkene site of the target was procured is noteworthy considering the rather poor outcome of a classical ring-closing metathesis reaction. Moreover, the unorthodox ruthenium-catalyzed trans-hydrostannation is shown to be a versatile handle for diversity-oriented synthesis.

Interligand Interactions Dictate the Regioselectivity of trans-Hydrometalations and Related Reactions Catalyzed by [Cp*RuCl]. Hydrogen Bonding to a Chloride Ligand as a Steering Principle in Catalysis.

Reactions of internal alkynes with R3M-H (M = Si, Ge, Sn) follow an unconventional trans-addition mode in the presence of [Cp*Ru(MeCN)3]PF6 (1) as the catalyst; however, the regioselectivity is often poor with unsymmetrical substrates. This problem can be solved upon switching to a catalyst comprising a [Ru-Cl] bond, provided that the acetylene derivative carries a protic functional group. The R3M unit is then delivered with high selectivity to the alkyne-C atom proximal to this steering substituent. This directing effect originates from the ability of the polarized [Ru-Cl] bond to engage in hydrogen bonding with the protic substituent, which helps upload, activate, and lock the alkyne within the coordination sphere. An additional interligand contact of the chloride with the -MR3 center positions the incoming reagent in a matching orientation that translates into high regioselectivity. The proposed secondary interactions within the loaded catalyst are in line with a host of preparative and spectral data and with the structures of the novel ruthenium π-complexes 10 and 11 in the solid state. Moreover, the first X-ray structure of a [Ru(σ-stannane)] complex (12a) is presented, which indeed features peripheral Ru-Cl···MR3 contacts; this adduct also corroborates that alkyne trans-addition chemistry likely involves σ-complexes as reactive intermediates. Finally, it is discussed that interligand cooperativity might constitute a more general principle that extends to mechanistically distinct transformations. The presented data therefore make an interesting case for organometallic chemistry that provides inherently better results when applied to substrates containing unprotected rather than protected -OH, -NHR, or -COOH groups.

Selective catalytic behavior of a phosphine-tagged metal-organic framework organocatalyst.

Steric hindrance by a metal-organic framework (MOF) is shown to influence the outcome of a catalytic reaction by controlling the orientation of its intermediates. This is demonstrated using an organocatalyst, phosphine MOF LSK-3, which is evaluated with the aid of molecular modeling and NMR spectroscopy techniques. This report is the first application of phosphine MOFs in organocatalysis and explores the potential of a framework steric hindrance to impose selectivity on a catalytic reaction. These findings expand the opportunities for control and design of the active site in the pocket of heterogeneous catalysts.

Ruthenium-catalyzed trans-selective hydrostannation of alkynes.

In contrast to all other transition-metal-catalyzed hydrostannation reactions documented in the literature, the addition of Bu3SnH across various types of alkynes proceeds with excellent trans selectivity, provided the reaction is catalyzed by [Cp*Ru]-based complexes. This method is distinguished by a broad substrate scope and a remarkable compatibility with functional groups, including various substituents that would neither survive under the conditions of established Lewis acid mediated trans hydrostannations nor withstand free-radical reactions. In case of unsymmetrical alkynes, a cooperative effect between the proper catalyst and protic functionality in the substrate allows outstanding levels of regioselectivity to be secured as well.

Synthesis of water-soluble phosphine oxides by Pd/C-catalyzed P-C coupling in water.

Cross-coupling between diphenylphosphine oxide and halogenated benzoic acids catalyzed by Pd/C in water is a green, simple, and fast protocol to obtain water-soluble tertiary phosphine oxides without the addition of ligands and additives. Low reaction times and microwave irradiation make this method general and excellent for laboratory and large-scale synthesis without the need to use organic solvents in reactions and workup.