Tetronamides as latent acyclic vinylogous amides in formal aza-[3 + 3] cycloaddition reactions with alpha,beta-unsaturated iminium salts. An unexpected rearrangement and an approach to synthesis of substituted piperidines.

A detailed account regarding formal aza-[3 + 3] cycloaddition reactions of tetronamides with alpha,beta-unsaturated iminium salts is described here. This investigation uncovers regioisomeric cycloadducts that were not found in previous studies involving this formal cycloaddition and an unexpected rearrangement that led to pyridines and dihydropyridines. Both stereochemical and regiochemical issues raised in this study provide further mechanistic insights into this cycloaddition. With careful control of reaction temperatures, the desired formal cycloadducts are obtained. Ensuing transformation of these cycloadducts into functionalized piperidines establishes the concept of employing tetronamides as latent acyclic vinylogous amides for the formal aza-[3 + 3] cycloaddition.

A formal [3 + 3] cycloaddition reaction. Improved reactivity using alpha,beta-unsaturated iminium salts and evidence for reversibility of 6pi-electron electrocyclic ring closure of 1-oxatrienes.

A detailed account regarding a formal [3 + 3] cycloaddition method using 4-hydroxy-2-pyrones and 1,3-diketones is described here. This formal cycloaddition reaction or annulation reaction is synthetically useful for constructing 2H-pyranyl heterocycles. The usage of alpha,beta-unsaturated iminium salts is significant in controlling competing reaction pathways to give exclusively 2H-pyrans. Most significantly, experimental evidence is provided to support the mechanism of this reaction that involves a sequential Knoevenagel condensation and a reversible 6pi-electron electrocyclic ring-closure of 1-oxatrienes.

A novel and highly stereoselective approach to aza-spirocycles. A short total synthesis of 2-epi-(+/-)-perhydrohistrionicotoxin and an unprecedented decarboxylation of 2-pyrones.

[reaction: see text] A novel and highly stereoselective synthesis of aza-spirocycles is described. An application of this methodology is illustrated as a short and concise total synthesis of 2-epi-(+/-)-perhydrohistrionicotoxin with high diastereomeric control at the aza-spirocenter. An unprecedented decarboxylation of the 2-pyrone ring is observed in this total synthesis effort.