Atroposelective Synthesis of C-C Axially Chiral Compounds via Mono- and Dinuclear Vanadium Catalysis.

Axially chiral compounds with rotationally constrained σ-bonds that exhibit atropisomerism are lucrative synthetic targets because of their ubiquity in functional materials and natural products. The metal complex-catalyzed enantioselective fabrication of axially chiral scaffolds has been widely investigated, and thus far, considerable progress has been made. Over the past two decades, we have developed a highly efficient strategy for constructing axially chiral biarenol derivatives using chiral mono- and dinuclear vanadium complexes. These complexes are readily prepared from vanadium(IV) salts and Schiff base ligands (generated from the condensation of (S)-tert-leucine and di- or monoformyl-(R)-1,1'-bi-2-naphthol (BINOL) derivatives) under O2 and act as highly active catalysts for highly stereoselective C-C bond formation. In particular, the vanadium complex-catalyzed enantioselective oxidative coupling of 2-naphthols 1 under oxygen or in air, which is a green oxidant, affords the desired axially chiral molecules in high yields and high stereoselectivity (up to quantitative yield and 97% ee), along with water as the sole coproduct. This coupling reaction tolerated various functional groups (such as halogens, alkoxys, and boryls) and avoided overoxidation of coupling products.The key feature of dinuclear vanadium(V) catalysts such as (Ra,S,S)-5a is an outstanding mode of the homocoupling reaction, in which a single molecule of the catalyst activates two molecules of the starting material (e.g., 2-naphthols) simultaneously. With this "dual activation" mechanism, the oxidative coupling promoted by the dinuclear catalyst proceeds in an intramolecular manner. The homocoupling rate using 5 mol % of the dinuclear vanadium(V) complex (Ra,S,S)-5a was measured to be 111 times faster than that of the mononuclear vanadium(IV) complex (S)-4a bearing a half motif of the dinuclear vanadium complex.In the case of the heterocoupling reaction utilizing two different kinds of arenol derivatives, only a starting arenol having lower oxidation potential seems to be activated by the mononuclear vanadium complex. The reaction rate of the heterocoupling using either mono- or dinuclear vanadium complexes showed no difference to give the coupling product in high yields but with a different enantioselective manner; chiral mononuclear vanadium(V) complexes showed better enantioselectivites than that of the dinuclear vanadium(V) complexes. A competing heterocoupling study and a linear correlation between the ee of the mononucaler vanadium catalyst and ee of the heterocoupling suggested that the heterocoupling involves an intermolecular radical-anion coupling pathway.In this Account, we summarize the recent advances in vanadium-catalyzed coupling reactions that produced important chiral molecules, such as biresorcinols, polycyclic biphenols, oxa[9]helicenes, bihydroxycarbazoles, and C1-symmetrical biarenols, and their coupling reaction mechanisms. By pursuing vanadium catalysis, we believe numerous additional transformations as well as a renewed interest in catalytic and chemo-, regio-, and enantioselective aryl-aryl bond constructions will be manifested.

Photoswitchable Chiral Organocatalysts: Photocontrol of Enantioselective Reactions.

This study presents recent advances in photoswitchable chiral organocatalysts and their applications in the photomodulation of enantioselective reactions. Under irradiation with an appropriate wavelength of light, the E/Z-photoisomerization of the photoresponsive units on the catalysts leads to the control of the catalytic activity and/or selectivity of the enantioselective reactions. Additionally, this study elucidates the design, synthesis, and catalytic application of the fabricated azobenzene BINOL-based photoswitchable chiral phase-transfer catalysts. This account will provide insights into the appropriate design of a photoswitchable chiral organocatalyst that can achieve both good enantioselectivity and photocontrol.

Metal-Free Aerobic C-N Bond Formation of Styrene and Arylamines via Photoactivated Electron Donor-Acceptor Complexation.

This study processes a facile and green approach for the Markovnikov-selective hydroamination of styrene with naphthylamine through irradiation with UV LED light (365 nm) via an electron donor-acceptor complexation between naphthylamines and oxygen in situ. This protocol showcases the synthetic potential for aerobic C-N bond formation without using a metal catalyst and photosensitizer. Three naphthylamines were examined and afforded desired C-N bond formation product in moderate yield.

Bayesian Optimization-Assisted Screening to Identify Improved Reaction Conditions for Spiro-Dithiolane Synthesis.

Bayesian optimization (BO)-assisted screening was applied to identify improved reaction conditions toward a hundred-gram scale-up synthesis of 2,3,7,8-tetrathiaspiro[4.4]nonane (1), a key synthetic intermediate of 2,2-bis(mercaptomethyl)propane-1,3-dithiol [tetramercaptan pentaerythritol]. Starting from the initial training set (ITS) consisting of six trials sampled by random screening for BO, suitable parameters were predicted (78% conversion yield of spiro-dithiolane 1) within seven experiments. Moreover, BO-assisted screening with the ITS selected by Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) further improved the yield of 1 to 89% within the eight trials. The established conditions were confirmed to be satisfactory for a hundred grams scale-up synthesis of 1.

Using α- and ß-Epimerizations of cis-2,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-γ-butyrolactone for the Synthesis of Both Enantiomers of Enterolactone.

In the context of asymmetric synthesis, epimerization is usually problematic. Here, we describe the use of the epimerization of cis-2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-γ-butyrolactone for the synthesis of enterolactones with anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and antioxidant activity. Selective α- or ß-epimerization of a γ-butyrolactone was used to selectively synthesize both enantiomers of enterolactone. Theoretical and kinetic studies were performed to elucidate the epimerization mechanism.

Two-Step Synthesis, Structure, and Optical Features of a Double Hetero[7]helicene.

A novel double aza-oxa[7]helicene was synthesized from the commercially available N1,N4-di(naphthalen-2-yl)benzene-1,4-diamine and p-benzoquinone in two steps. Combining the acid-mediated annulation with the electrochemical sequential reaction (oxidative coupling and dehydrative cyclization) afforded this double hetero[7]helicene. Moreover, the structural and optical features of this molecule have been studied using X-ray crystallographic analysis, and the absorption and emission behaviors were rationalized based on DFT calculations.

Application of an Electrochemical Microflow Reactor for Cyanosilylation: Machine Learning-Assisted Exploration of Suitable Reaction Conditions for Semi-Large-Scale Synthesis.

Cyanosilylation of carbonyl compounds provides protected cyanohydrins, which can be converted into many kinds of compounds such as amino alcohols, amides, esters, and carboxylic acids. In particular, the use of trimethylsilyl cyanide as the sole carbon source can avoid the need for more toxic inorganic cyanides. In this paper, we describe an electrochemically initiated cyanosilylation of carbonyl compounds and its application to a microflow reactor. Furthermore, to identify suitable reaction conditions, which reflect considerations beyond simply a high yield, we demonstrate machine learning-assisted optimization. Machine learning can be used to adjust the current and flow rate at the same time and identify the conditions needed to achieve the best productivity.

Room-Temperature, Metal-Free, and One-Pot Preparation of 2H-Indazoles through a Mills Reaction and Cyclization Sequence.

The Mills reaction and cyclization of readily available 2-aminobenzyl alcohols and nitrosobenzenes using thionyl bromide provided 2H-indazoles in up to 88 % yields. In the metal-free process, acetic acid played a crucial role for the both Mills reaction and cyclization. A brominated 2H-indazole could also be obtained through the one-pot sequence.

Asymmetric Cyclizative Dimerization of (ortho-Alkynyl Phenyl) (Methoxymethyl) Sulfides with Palladium(II) Bisoxazoline Catalyst.

The first example of an asymmetric cyclization-dimerization of (ortho-alkynyl phenyl) (methoxymethyl) sulfides with a palladium(II) bisoxazoline (box) catalyst has been developed. The box ligand enhances the alkynophilicity of benzothienyl palladium(II) intermediate A and thus promotes coordination of the second alkyne substrate, leading to the dimerization. The characteristic properties of the box ligand were supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the intermediate. Axially chiral bibenzothiophenes were obtained in good yields with good enantioselectivities.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Graminin A Based on Asymmetric Cyclization Carbonylation of Propargyl Acetate.

The first total synthesis of (-)-graminin A is described. Key features of our synthetic approach involve a palladium-catalyzed asymmetric cyclization carbonylation of prochiral propargylic acetate, conversion of the orthoester product into methyl 4-oxo-3-furancarboxylate, and copper complex-mediated aldol condensation of (+)-gregatin B bearing a diene moiety. A new synthesis of (+)-gregatin B and the first synthesis of (-)-graminin A were achieved.

Chiral Dinuclear Vanadium Complex-Mediated Oxidative Coupling of Resorcinols.

A method for the highly regio- and enantioselective oxidative coupling of resorcinols has been established by using dibrominated dinuclear vanadium(V) catalyst 1c under air. When resorcinols bearing an aryl substituent were applied as substrates to the coupling, axially chiral biresorcinols were obtained as single regioisomers in high yield with up to 98% ee.

Studies on the Unusual 1ß-Hydroxylated Bile Acid Biosynthesis in Infants.

Unusual bile acids (1ß-hydroxylated bile acids), particularly 1ß-hydroxyl-cholic acid (CA-1ß-ol) and 1ß-hydroxyl-chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA-1ß-ol), have been detected in the urine of infants. These acids are conjugated with amino acids, such as taurine, and are then excreted mainly via the urine. CA-1ß-ol and CDCA-1ß-ol are the predominant bile acids during infancy and are present in relatively large amounts in the urine. However, the biosynthetic pathway of 1ß-hydroxylated bile acids in infants remains unclear. To investigate the biosynthetic pathway of 1ß-hydroxylated bile acids during infancy, we performed a metabolic reaction using infant hepatocytes at 3 months after delivery. Glyco- and tauro-CA-1ß-ol were identified by LC/tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis of the extracted culture medium incubated with cholic acids (CAs). Further, we identified that ketoconazole suppressed CA 1ß-hydroxylation and that the CYP3A subfamily was the primary group of enzymes responsible for CA-1ß-ol formation. The present study provides new information about the biosynthetic pathway of 1ß-hydroxylated bile acids during infancy.

Chiral Organocatalyzed Intermolecular Rauhut-Currier Reaction of Nitroalkenes with Ethyl Allenoate.

An enantioselective intermolecular Rauhut-Currier (RC) reaction of nitroalkenes with ethyl allenoate has been established with quinidine-derived ß-isocupreidine. The present RC reaction afforded α-functionalized allenoates 3 in up to 94% yield with 59% enantiomeric excess (ee).

Efficient Enantioselective Synthesis of Oxahelicenes Using Redox/Acid Cooperative Catalysts.

An efficient and enantioselective synthesis of oxa[9]helicenes has been established via vanadium(V)-catalyzed oxidative coupling/intramolecular cyclization of polycyclic phenols. A newly developed vanadium complex cooperatively functions as both a redox and Lewis acid catalyst to promote the present sequential reaction and afford oxa[9]helicenes in good yields with up to 94% ee.

Enantioselective organocatalytic oxidation of ketimine.

C3-Symmetric chiral trisimidazolines with m-chloroperbenzoic acid promoted the organocatalytic oxidation of N-sulfonyl ketimine. The present imidazoline catalysis produced oxaziridines bearing a tetrasubstituted carbon stereogenic center in high yields with up to 87% ee.

Asymmetric Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Substitution of Diaryl Methanols with Thiols and Alcohols for the Synthesis of Chiral Thioethers and Ethers.

An enantioselective addition of thiols and alcohols to aza-ortho-quinone methides, starting from diaryl methanols, was developed. The asymmetric additions occur under mild reaction conditions in the presence of chiral phosphoric acids and furnish the corresponding adducts with excellent yields and enantioselectivities.

Vanadium in asymmetric synthesis: emerging concepts in catalyst design and applications.

In recent years vanadium catalysis has been extended to a range of different and even complementary directions in asymmetric synthesis. Inspired by nature's way to activate both substrate and reagent in many cases, the design of efficient bifunctional and dinuclear vanadium catalysts has been achieved. Furthermore, vanadium catalysis has been an early field in which "hybrid catalysts" have been studied in detail by incorporation of oxovanadium complexes into proteins, thus giving artificial enzymes. In addition, a high compatibility of vanadium with proteins enabled the use of vanadium chemocatalysts for combinations with enzyme catalysis in one-pot, thus leading to dynamic kinetic resolutions. In this contribution, these three concepts of vanadium catalysis opening up new perspectives for asymmetric synthesis are reviewed.

Pd-catalyzed enantioselective intramolecular α-arylation of α-substituted cyclic ketones: facile synthesis of functionalized chiral spirobicycles.

Catalytic synthesis of chiral spirocyclic ketones was accomplished via the Pd-catalyzed intramolecular α-arylation of α-substituted cyclic ketones. The obtained spirocyclic ketone could be converted into a bifunctional organocatalyst.

An enantioselective organocatalyzed aza-Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction of isatin-derived ketimines with acrolein.

A highly enantioselective aza-Morita-Baylis-Hillman (aza-MBH) reaction of isatin-derived ketimines with acrolein was established using ß-isocupreidine (ß-ICD) or α-isocupreine (α-ICPN) as a chiral acid-base organocatalyst. The present protocol readily furnished (S) or (R)-aza-MBH adducts with a chiral tetrasubstituted carbon stereogenic center in up to 98% ee.

Palladium(II)-catalyzed intramolecular carboxypalladation-olefin insertion cascade: direct access to indeno[1,2-b]furan-2-ones.

A catalytic, atom-economical, domino 5-endo-dig cyclization-intramolecular olefin insertion sequence was developed under mild conditions. Aryl alkynoic acids bearing a tethered enone partner afforded the indeno[1,2-b]furan-2-ones, the core skeleton present in a number of biologically significant molecules including the natural product solanacol, under ligand-free, palladium-catalyzed reaction conditions in high yields. The competitive ß-hydride elimination in the final step leading to the conjugated analogs was avoided by the addition of lithium bromide. A plausible mechanism for this domino sequence is proposed involving intramolecular carboxypalladation and olefin insertion steps.