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Rhodium-catalyzed cycloaddition reactions are a powerful tool for the construction of polycyclic compounds. Combined experimental and DFT studies were used to investigate the temperature-controlled chemoselectivity of cationic rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular cycloaddition reactions of ene-vinylidenecyclopropanes. After a series of mechanistic studies, it was found that trace amounts of water in the reaction system play an important role in generating the product with endo double bond located on a five-membered ring and revealed that trace amounts of water in the reaction system, including the rhodium catalyst, substrate and solvent, were sufficient to promote the formation of the product with endo double bond located on a five-membered ring, and additional water could not further accelerate the reaction. DFT calculation results show that the addition of water indeed significantly lowers the energy barrier of the proton transfer step, making the formation of the product with endo double bond located on a five-membered ring more likely to occur and confirming the rationality of water-assisted proton transfer occurring in the selective access to the product with endo double bond located on a five-membered ring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkynes as unsaturated hydrocarbons have long been used for cyclization reactions. Various transition metal-catalyzed cyclizations of alkynes have been reported in the past decades. In this minireview, we mainly summarize the recent asymmetric cyclization of alkynes with other functional groups such as carbonyl-alkynes, cyano-alkynes, and enynes under the catalytic system of nickel and chiral ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: A copper‐catalyzed [5+1] cycloaddition reaction of terminal alkynes with diazo esters for the rapid construction of protected naphthalen‐1(2H)‐one derivatives in moderate to good yields has been disclosed along with good functional group compatibility and a broad substrate scope. The mechanistic investigations reveal that this tandem cyclization process proceeds through a Cu(I)‐catalyzed coupling of terminal alkyne with diazoacetate, a 1,5‐H shift process and a thermally induced pericyclic reaction via an allene intermediate. The synthetic utility and the further transformations of the obtained cycloadduct to naphthalenone, naphthol and dihydronaphthol have been also presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method was developed for the synthesis of spiro[azepane-4,3′-indol]-2′(1′ H)-ones in yields of up to 96% with a broad substrate scope by using oxotryptamines as dual-nucleophilic reagents to react with allenoates in the presence of cesium carbonate under mild conditions. In accord with previous works and a deprotonation-tracing experiment, a plausible reaction mechanism is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral tertiary phosphines are versatile Lewis base catalysts capable of promoting a wide range of asymmetric reactions. In particular, the recent designed chiral phosphines based on the concept of bi‐/multifunctionality have been demonstrated to be effective catalysts for many types of asymmetric reactions such as (aza)‐MBH reaction/RC reaction, cycloaddition reaction, domino reaction, nucleophilic addition reaction, etc. This review summarizes the recent advances in this field and highlights the selected significant achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel palladium-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of aniline-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes using molecular oxygen as the terminal oxidant through β-carbon elimination of aminopalladation intermediates is disclosed. The reaction opens up an effective way to obtain a series of 2- and 3-vinylindoles which are important synthetic intermediates in many natural indole derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cascade cyclization from Weinreb amide‐tethered methylenecyclopropanes and alkynes has been disclosed in this paper, which extends the umpolung ring opening of methylenecyclopropanes, giving a synthetic approach for the construction of polycyclic cyclopenta[b]naphthalenol framework. In the protocol, four carbon‐carbon bonds and two carbocycles are formed without the use of transition metals, providing a tool for constructing the structure‐related polycyclic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An efficient and practical method for construction of 2-arylbenzo[b]furans from 2-methoxychalcone epoxides has been reported. Catalyzed by 2 mol % of BF3·Et2O, 2-methoxychalcone epoxides went through the Meerwein rearrangement, followed by deformylation in one-pot to successfully afforded 2-methoxydeoxybenzoins. Afterward, 2-arylbenzo[b]furans were obtained in high yields (87%–100%) via intermolecular cyclodehydration of 2-methoxydeoxybenzoins with 48% HBr. By utilization of this approach, the natural product stemofuran A and the key intermediate of eupomatenoid 6 have been synthesized conveniently. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An interesting rhodium(I)-catalyzed [3+2] intramolecular cycloaddition of alkylidenecyclopropanes 1 containing propargylic esters has been described in this context. A variety of bicyclo[3.3.0]octene derivatives were obtained in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. The alkylidenecyclopropane-enynes 2 could be also converted to the corresponding cycloadducts 3 in good yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cinchona alkaloid derived catalyst cat. 5 prepared from β-isocupreidine (β-ICD) was found to be a fairly effective organocatalyst for the nucleophilic promoted asymmetric [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of salicyl N-tosylimines and allenic esters to give the corresponding adducts in up to 80% yield, 87% ee. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A convenient and efficient synthetic method for the construction of 2,3-disubstituted pyrrolamides in moderate to good yields is established. The in situ generated water significantly accelerates the reaction rate. A possible mechanism involving the cascade ring-opening and thermal-induced rearrangement to produce the five-membered ring is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chiral C 2-symmetric diphenylthiophosphoramide ligand L1 prepared from C 2-symmetric (1S,2S)-(−)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine was found to be a fairly effective chiral ligand for Cu(I)-promoted 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of imines and pyrrole-2,5-dione derivatives to give the corresponding adducts in moderate enantioselectivities and good yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A thermally‐induced intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of allylamino‐ or allyloxy‐tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes has been reported in this paper, giving a new protocol for the rapid construction of polycyclic skeleton molecules in moderate to excellent yields with a broad substrate scope. On the basis of control experiments and DFT calculations, we disclosed that the reaction proceeded through a [4+2] cycloaddition and trace of water assisted 1,3‐H shift process to give the target product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A palladium-catalyzed divergent synthesis of spirooxindoles fused with a five- or a six-membered ring by a cycloaddition reaction of vinylidenecyclopropane-diesters with methyleneindolinones was disclosed. This protocol features an in situ generated unprecedented zwitterionic π-propargyl palladium species in cycloaddition reactions and a switchable process between (3+2) and (4+2) cycloadditions by changing the phosphine ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary of main observation and conclusion: A RhIII/AgI relay‐catalyzed C(sp2)—H coupling of indoles with triarylhexahydrotriazine (THT) is reported in this context. Upon merging RhIII‐catalyzed C(sp2)—H bond activation and silver promoted THT dissociation, an efficient indole's C3 aminomethylation protocol is uncovered, providing C3 aminomethyl indoles in good yields and exhibiting potential applications for the synthesis of complicated bioactive compounds. We revealed the C3‐selectivity of this reaction through a detailed mechanistic investigation. Meanwhile, during the examination of the reaction conditions, we discovered another [4+2] cycloaddition pathway to afford tetrahydro‐indolo[3,2‐c]quinoline scaffold products via silver or Lewis acid catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spirooxindole unit is one of the most widely investigated compound skeletons existing in numerous natural and pharmaceutical molecules. Thus, a large number of synthetic methodologies have already been reported to construct such a core structure. The trifluoromethyl group is another privileged unit in organic chemistry. The introduction of a CF3 group to an organic framework can significantly improve the properties of the molecule. In this context, an efficient approach for the construction of trifluoromethyl‐containing spirooxindoles becomes a promising research direction among communities of industry and academia. In this Minireview, recent advances in the construction of trifluoromethyl‐containing spirooxindoles have been summarized and discussed. In addition, representative synthetic methodologies and the corresponding reaction mechanisms have been described as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report a gold(I)‐catalyzed cascade cyclization of N‐ or O‐nucleophile tethered‐vinylidenecyclopropanes (VDCPs), resulting in the synthesis of pyrrole, furan, pyrrolidine, and piperidine skeletons in 30%‐98% yields. Depending on the carbon chain length connecting the nucleophile and VDCPs, two reaction pathways are available, leading to different products. Both α‐amino VDCPs and α‐hydroxyl VDCPs, where nucleophiles and VDCPs are connected by a methylene group, undergo intramolecular nucleophilic addition and aromatization, followed by ring‐opening of the cyclopropane unit to produce substituted pyrroles and furans. By extending the chain length to three or four carbons, it becomes possible to form pyrrolidines and piperidines with a cyclobutene moiety via ring expansion of the cyclopropane unit, accompanied by gold carbene induced vinylogous nucleophilic addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A catalyst‐free self‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of 3‐isothiocyanato oxindoles with vinylpyridines has been established, affording the desired products in high yields (up to 97 %) with moderate to good diastereoselectivities (up to 11:1) under mild conditions. The reaction mechanism has been investigated by control experiments, DFT calculations of pKa values and the kinetic studies, revealing that this reaction featured the mutual activation between 3‐isothiocyanato oxindole and vinylpyridine to generate the reactive species. Furthermore, these products could be easily transformed into the corresponding methylated and hydroxylated products under basic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A facile synthesis of benzonitriles via a base‐promoted tandem cyclization reaction of α,β‐unsaturated enones having electron‐withdrawing group (EWG) and 2‐acyl‐acrylonitriles was developed. This new synthetic method to access benzonitriles is suitable for a wide range of substrates. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed on the basis of previous literature and our own investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel gold(i)-catalyzed intramolecular tandem cyclization reaction of ortho-(arylethynyl)arenemethylenecyclopropanes provided an efficient approach to prepare functionalized 11H-benzo[a]fluorene derivatives in moderate to good yields. Further transformations as well as applications of the products have been presented and a plausible reaction mechanism has also been proposed on the basis of deuterium labeling and control experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we disclose a novel strategy for the phosphine-catalyzed cycloaddition/SN2 substitution domino reaction, giving functionalized O-bridged benzoazepine and benzoxazepine derivatives in moderate to good yields. Changing the N-H protecting group of ortho-aminotrifluoroacetophenone derivatives gave different bridged-ring products in one step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper-catalyzed cascade cyclization of 1,5-enynes with two types of hypervalent reagents was developed via consecutive trifluoromethylazidation/diazidation and intramolecular click reaction (CUAAC), providing one-pot self-assembly of triazole fused isoindolines bearing a trifluoromethyl or an azide moiety. Moreover, the construction of a trifluoromethylcyclopropyl unit, which has been considered as a metabolically stable replacement for a tert-butyl moiety and was difficult to access, was also achieved under trifluoromethylazidation conditions. All these reactions exhibited excellent chemoselectivity, good to excellent yields and broad functional group tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a method that provides an array of benzocyclobutanol and benzocyclobutylamine derivatives with broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance under mild reaction conditions. The reaction proceeds by engaging triplet biradical atom transfer of olefinic compounds in the activation of remote C(sp3)−H bonds upon visible‐light irradiation. The reaction mechanism involves the generation of triplet excited state of diarylethylene derivative and subsequent HAT process, and then the further ring‐closing reaction affording the product via an electrocyclization process. The plausible mechanism is supported by control and deuterium labeling experiments, kinetic analysis, and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a method that provides an array of benzocyclobutanol and benzocyclobutylamine derivatives with broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance under mild reaction conditions. The reaction proceeds by engaging triplet biradical atom transfer of olefinic compounds in the activation of remote C(sp3)−H bonds upon visible‐light irradiation. The reaction mechanism involves the generation of triplet excited state of diarylethylene derivative and subsequent HAT process, and then the further ring‐closing reaction affording the product via an electrocyclization process. The plausible mechanism is supported by control and deuterium labeling experiments, kinetic analysis, and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epoxide opening with BF3·OEt2 followed by cleavage of the aldehyde group of the resulting β-ketoaldehyde furnishes deoxybenzoins which give the title furans after HBr-promoted ring closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel intramolecular cycloisomerizations of nitrogen-tethered cyclopropenes with indole in the presence of Brønsted acids have been developed. The reactions proceeded through the same pathway but stopped at different stages according to different substituent styles, affording azocino[5,4-b]indole 2 and (epiminoethano)cyclopenta[b]indole 4 in moderate to good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and highly regioselective synthetic method has been developed for the preparation of novel cyclobutene-containing spiro[2.3]hexenes fused with six or seven-membered carbo- or hetero-cycles in good to excellent yields following a thermal induced intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition of alkynone-vinylidenecyclopropanes or a sequential oxidation/thermal induced intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition process of propynol-vinylidenecyclopropanes under metal-free conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of medium-sized heterocycles possessing a trans double bond is still a challenge. Herein, gold(i)-catalyzed 1,2-acyloxy migration/intramolecular cyclopropanation/ring enlargement cascade reaction of furans has been developed, providing highly efficient access to ten- and eleven-membered heterocycles with a broad substrate scope under mild reaction conditions. The reaction outcome features high chemoselectivity at the C5-position of furan. Moreover, a trans-double bond was embodied in the medium ring system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ring-opening/cyclization cascade reaction of α-brominated amide-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes in the presence of photocatalyst 4CzIPN under visible-light irradiation was developed to afford polycyclic benzazepine derivatives in good yields with broad substrate scope and good functional tolerance. A plausible mechanism involving a halogen atom transfer (XAT) process and a radical chain process is proposed for this reaction. This study provides a concise and practical strategy for the synthesis of benzazepine derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly efficient palladium(0)-catalyzed asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition using 3-diazooxindoles serving as dipolarophiles affords functionalized pyrazolidine derivatives in an atom-economical way. In addition, by trapping the pyrazolidine derivatives with maleimides, the corresponding spiropyrazolidine oxindoles containing multiple stereogenic centers have been obtained in high yields along with moderate to good levels of diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity under mild conditions. Thus, a novel three-component one-pot tandem reaction has been developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An efficient method for preparation of 3-formyl-2-arylbenzo[b]furan derivatives 4 from 3-chloro-2-(2-methoxyaryl)-1-arylprop-2-en-1-one 2 was developed, and the desired product was obtained in good to excellent yields. By converting 2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-3-phenylpropanal 1 to 2, the regioselectivity problem occurring in the reaction when using 1 as the starting material was successfully avoided. Furthermore, a one-pot procedure for the successive demethylation, cyclization, and hydrolysis was evolved, although the intermediate 3-(dibromomethyl)-2-phenylbenzo[b]furan 3a could be isolated. A plausible mechanism was proposed based on some in situ investigations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The first highly enantioselective formal [4+2] tandem cyclizations between isatylidenemalononitriles and activated dienes catalyzed by bifunctional chiral phosphine catalysts have been developed, yielding multistereogenic spirocyclic oxindoles in high yields and excellent optical purity. This reaction is accomplished via a tandem Rauhut-Currier/Michael/Rauhut-Currier reaction sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diynes containing a cyclopropane group smoothly undergo a novel intramolecular and stereoselective cascade addition/cyclization reaction to produce the corresponding 1-methyleneindene derivatives in moderate to good yields. This interesting transformation is mediated by Grignard reagent/CuI with LiCl as an additive under mild conditions. The obtained product can easily be further functionalized through cyclopropyl ring opening. A plausible reaction mechanism has also been presented on the basis of deuterium labeling and control experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: One-pot thermal-induced [3+2] cycloaddition/silica gel-promoted fragmentation sequence between isatin ketonitrones and electron-deficient alkynes affords spiro[indoline]oxindoles in moderate to excellent yields along with good diastereoselectivities. The detailed mechanism of silica gel-promoted fragmentation has been clarified by experiment and DFT calculations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Employing silver/rhodium relay catalysis strategy, an intramolecular electrophilic cyclization and C−H activation followed by cascade hydrogenation and reductive amination has been developed. The acylmethylated isoquinoline derivatives could be afforded with broad substrate scope in 23–88% yields, which could be further transformed to the core skeleton of hexahydrodibenzo[a,g]quinolizine as drug‐candidates. Moreover, this reaction was achieved in a gram‐scale. A reasonable reaction mechanism has been proposed based on a series of control and KIE experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel Rh(I)-catalyzed Pauson–Khand-type[3 2 1] cycloaddition reaction of ene-vinylidenecyclopropanes(Ene-VDCPs) and carbon monoxide (CO) has been developed to furnisha series of aza- and oxa-bicyclic compounds in moderate to good yieldsin a highly regio- and diastereoselective manner, which provides analternative and efficient synthetic approach for the access of bicycliccyclohexanone frameworks. The substrate scope and limitations anda plausible mechanism are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cyclization reactions of ethyl 2-(2-hydroxyaryl)-2-oxoacetates with ethyl 2,3-butadienoate and allenylsulfone proceeded smoothly in the presence of tertiary phosphine and sodium p-toluenesulfinate (SPTS) to give the corresponding quaternary carbon centered chromans in moderate to good yields under mild conditions, which provides an alternative efficient approach for the synthesis of biologically active chroman products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we reported that phosphorus-containing Lewis bases catalyzed [4+2] cyclization of N-protected isatin derived electron-deficient alkenes with but-3-yn-2-one could proceed smoothly to give the corresponding dihydropyrano[2,3-b]indoles in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. The substrate scope has been carefully examined and the plausible reaction mechanism has been also proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A dimerization and cyclization cascade reaction of 2‐sulfonaminoacrylates catalyzed by K2CO3 provides dihydro‐2‐oxopyrrole (DPO) derivatives. This straightforward and atom‐economic transformation features a simple experimental operation with easily available starting materials, a broad substrate scope as well as good functional group tolerance. The desired DPO building blocks are obtained in moderate to good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phosphine‐catalyzed intermolecular annulation reaction of functionalized ortho‐aminoacetophenones with alkynones has been disclosed in this paper. A variety of 2‐alkynylquinolines and benzo‐fused indolizine were selectively afforded in moderate to good yields at different reaction temperatures and with different phosphine catalysts via the in situ generated zwitterionic intermediate derived from alkynone and phosphine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient temperature‐dependent organocatalyzed asymmetric formal [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of α‐substituted isocyanoacetates to β‐trifluoromethylated enones by cinchona alkaloid‐derived squaramide has been investigated, affording the optically active trifluoromethylated 2‐pyrrolines in excellent yields (up to 98 %) and high stereoselectivities (>20:1 dr, up to >99 % ee) under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A catalyst‐free self‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of isatin‐derived α‐(trifluoromethyl)imines with vinylpyridines is reported. The reaction offers a straightforward and atom‐economical procedure for the preparation of a series of 5′‐trifluoromethyl‐spiro[pyrrolidin‐3,2′‐oxindoles] in excellent yields and diastereoselectivities. The reaction mechanism has been investigated by control experiments, DFT calculation of pKa values and the kinetic profiles, revealing that this reaction featured the mutual activation between isatin‐derived α‐(trifluoromethyl)imines and vinylpyridine to generate the reactive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Pt(ii)-catalyzed cyclization of (hetero)aryl-allenes has been developed, providing controllable synthesis of substituted 2,3-dihydropyrroles and polyheterocyclic skeletons. Another notable feature of this method is the dual-role of the Pt(ii) catalyst: initiation of the migration of the (hetero)arylmethylene group and the subsequent Friedel–Crafts type annulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new zwitterion generated from different electron-deficient alkenes and phosphines has been designed and its reactivity was explored. We demonstrated that this new zwitterion directed a novel [2+1+2] cycloaddition reaction between vinylpyridines and isatin-derived electron-deficient alkenes, affording spirocyclopenteneoxindole derivatives containing three stereocenters in moderate to good yields with good diastereoselectivities. A plausible mechanism has been proposed relying on preliminary mechanistic investigations and supported by theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold(I)-catalyzed cycloisomerization of ortho-(propargyloxy)arenemethylenecyclopropanes afforded two different types of products, that is, products of methylenecyclopropane migration and cycloisomerization products of the methylenecyclopropane moiety, controlled jointly by electronic and steric effects of the adjacent substituents. Furthermore, the corresponding cycloisomerization products could be also produced in an enantiomerically enriched manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interesting silver(I)-catalyzed, one-pot intramolecular cyclization of epoxide-propargylic esters is described. A variety of 1,4-oxazine derivatives were obtained through a novel domino sequence, including three-membered ring-opening, 3,3-sigmatropic rearrangement, 6- exo-cycloisomerization and subsequent intramolecular elimination in moderate yields under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel cinchona-alkaloid-derived organocatalyst has been developed to catalyze the asymmetric regioselective [3+2] cycloaddition of 3-isothiocyanato oxindoles with dibenzylidene ketones. A series of spirooxindole enols could be obtained in high yields with good-to-excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective synthetic protocol for structurally diverse 4-acyloxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline compounds has been accomplished by a gold(i)-catalyzed tandem [3,3]-rearrangement and intramolecular hydroamination of propargylic esters, affording the desired products in good yields. Moreover, the asymmetric variant of this cyclization has also been achieved using a chiral nitrogen acyclic carbene (NAC) gold(i) complex. These products have application in the enantioselective synthesis of an aromatase inhibitor within three simple steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unprecedented palladium-catalyzed cascade cyclization of allylamine-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes with an ethyl difluoroiodoacetate or perfluoroalkylated reagent is developed, providing facile access to a variety of synthetically and medicinally valuable iodine/difluoromethylene- and perfluoroalkyl-containing 1-benzazepine frameworks. These reactions exhibited good yields and functional group tolerance via a radical mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a facile synthetic method to access furoquinoline and thienoquinoline derivatives via a thermally induced ring-opening and cyclization reaction from ortho-aminoaryl-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes with the in situ generation of isocyanates or isothiocyanates. These reactions exhibited excellent yields and functional group tolerance under metal-free conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]