Parts-per-Million-Level, Catalytic [3+2]-Annulations for the Asymmetric Synthesis of Methanobenzo[7]annulenes.

3-Alkyl-lawsones selectively reacted with α-alkyl-nitroethylenes under 500 parts-per-million (ppm) quinine-NH-thiourea-catalysis to furnish the chiral methanobenzo[7]annulenes in up to >99 % ee with >20 : 1 dr and TON up to 1820 through tandem Michael/Henry [3+2]-annulations. These asymmetric ppm-level, catalytic tandem [3+2]-annulations would be highly inspirational for the design of many more ppm-level organocatalytic reactions, and at the same time these final molecules are basic skeletons of antibiotics.

Organocatalytic Formal Intramolecular [3+2]-Cycloaddition to Acquire Biologically Important Methanodibenzo[a,f]azulenes and Methanobenzo[f]azulenes.

Lawsones were transformed into the functionally rich framework of methanodibenzo[a,f]azulenes and methanobenzo[f]azulenes in a single- or two-pot operation through five organocatalytic sequential reactions in very good yields with excellent selectivities. These resultant molecules are basic skeletons of important antibiotics, which highlights the value of this formal intramolecular [3+2]-cycloaddition as a key protocol.

Stereoselective Insertion of Benzynes into Lawsones: Synthesis of Biologically Important Benzannulated Bicyclo[3.3.0]octanes.

An ideal stereoselective insertion of in situ generated benzynes into lawsones through domino formal [2+2]-cycloaddition followed by rearrangement is disclosed. The reaction allowed for the preparation of biologically important benzannulated bicyclo[3.3.0]octanes in good yields and with excellent selectivities by using simple substrates and conditions.

Organocatalytic Asymmetric Formal [3+2] Cycloaddition as a Versatile Platform to Access Methanobenzo[7]annulenes.

Pharmaceutically and structurally important methanobenzo[7]annulenes were synthesized in very good yields with excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivities through an unprecedented organocatalytic formal [3+2] cycloaddition from readily available 2-alkyl-3-hydroxynaphthalene-1,4-diones and alkyl vinyl ketones.