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Saturated bicycles are becoming ever more important in the design and development of new pharmaceuticals. Here a new strategy for the synthesis of bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes is described. These bicycles are significant because they have defined exit vectors, yet many substitution patterns are underexplored as building blocks. The process involves sensitization of a bicyclo[1.1.0]butane followed by cycloaddition with an alkene. The scope and mechanistic details of the method are discussed.

A method to achieve the synthesis of highly substituted spirocyclic cyclobutanes is disclosed. The reaction involves the catalytic arylboration of cyclobutenes. Depending on the substitution pattern of the cyclobutene, either a Cu/Pd- or a Ni-catalyzed reaction was utilized. In the case of the Cu/Pd catalyzed reactions, the identification of a Cu-complex for arylboration was crucial to observe high selectivity. The synthetic utility of the products is demonstrated, and the mechanistic details are discussed.

A strategy for the photosensitized cycloaddition of alkenylboronates and allylic alcohols by a temporary coordination is presented. The process allows for the synthesis of a diverse range of cyclobutylboronates. Key to development of these reactions is the temporary coordination of the allylic alcohol to the Bpin unit. This not only allows for the reaction to proceed in an intramolecular manner but also allows for high levels of stereo and regiocontrol. A key aspect of these studies is the utility of the cycloadducts in the synthesis of complex natural products artochamin J and piperarborenine B.

Double-allylation reagents allow for the construction of highly complex molecules in an expedient fashion. We have developed an efficient, modular, and enantioselective approach towards accessing novel variants of these reagents through Cu/Pd-catalyzed alkenylboration of alkenylboron derivatives. Importantly, we demonstrate novel use of an allylBdan reagent directly in a stereocontrolled allylation without initial deprotection to the boronic ester. These allylation products are employed in a second intermolecular allylation to access complex diol motifs, which has yet to be shown with these types of double-allylation reagents. Overall, the modularity of this approach and the ease in which complex structural motifs can be accessed in a rapid manner signify the importance and utility of this method.

A process to achieve 1,2-metalate rearrangements of indole boronate as a way to access substituted indolines in high diastereoselectivities is presented. The reaction involves the generation of a Cu-allenylidene, which is sufficiently electrophilic to induce the 1,2-metalate rearrangement. The scope of the reaction is evaluated as well as further transformations of the product.

Photochemical dearomative cycloaddition has emerged as a useful strategy to rapidly generate molecular complexity. Within this context, stereo- and regiocontrolled intermolecular

Two catalytic systems have been developed for the arylboration of endocyclic enecarbamates to deliver synthetically versatile borylated saturated N-heterocycles in good regio- and diastereoselectivities. A Cu/Pd dual catalytic reaction enables the synthesis of borylated, α-arylated azetidines, while a Ni-catalysed arylboration reaction efficiently functionalizes 5-, 6-, and 7-membered enecarbamates. In the case of the Cu/Pd-system, a remarkable additive effect was identified that allowed for broader scope. The products are synthetically useful, as demonstrated by manipulations of the boronic ester to access biologically active compounds.

A method for amide-directed Ni-catalyzed diastereoselective arylboration of cyclopentenes is disclosed. The reaction allows for the synthesis of sterically congested cyclopentane scaffolds that contain an easily derivatized boronic ester and amide functional handles. The nature of the amide directing group and its influence on the reaction outcome are investigated and ultimately reflect a predictably selective reaction based on the solvent and base counterion.

Through the combination of a Ni-catalyzed alkene alkenylboration followed by hydrogenation, the synthesis of congested Csp3–Csp3-bonds can be achieved. Conditions have been identified that allow for the use of both alkenyl-bromides and -triflates. In addition, the hydrogenation creates another opportunity for stereocontrol, thus allowing access to multiple stereoisomers of the product. Finally, the method is demonstrated in the streamlined synthesis of a biologically relevant molecule.

A copper-based complex that contains a sulfonate N-heterocyclic carbene ligand was first reported 15 years ago. Since then, these organometallic entities have proven to be uniquely effective in catalyzing an assortment of enantioselective transformations, including allylic substitutions, conjugate additions, proto-boryl additions to alkenes, boryl and silyl substitutions, hydride-allyl additions to alkenyl boronates, and additions of boron-containing allyl moieties to N-H ketimines. In this review article, we detail the shortcomings in the state-of-the-art that fueled the development of this air stable ligand class, members of which can be prepared on multigram scale. For each reaction type, when relevant, the prior art at the time of the advance involving sulfonate NHC-Cu catalysts and/or subsequent key developments are briefly analyzed, and the relevance of the advance to efficient and enantioselective total or formal synthesis of biologically active molecules is underscored. Mechanistic analysis of the structural attributes of sulfonate NHC-Cu catalysts that are responsible for their ability to facilitate transformations with high efficiency as well as regio- and enantioselectivity are detailed. This review contains several formerly undisclosed methodological advances and mechanistic analyses, the latter of which constitute a revision of previously reported proposals.

A Ni-catalyzed silylacylation of alkenes is presented. The reaction combines alkenes, ClZnSiR(3), and acid chlorides to provide rapid access to β-silyl ketones. Importantly, the method involves a [Ni]-SiR(3) complex as a catalytic intermediate, which is rarely described for three-component alkene functionalization. Finally, the synthetic utility of the products is demonstrated, and the mechanistic details are described.

A new strategy for the synthesis of highly versatile cyclobutylboronates via the photosensitized [2+2]-cycloaddition of alkenylboronates and alkenes is presented. The process is mechanistically different from other processes in that energy transfer occurs with the alkenylboronate as opposed to the other alkene. This strategy allows for the synthesis of an array of diverse cyclobutylboronates. The conversion of these adducts to other compounds as well as their utility in the synthesis of melicodenine C is demonstrated.

A preeminent challenge in alkene difunctionalization is the control of regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivity. In this Perspective, a Pd/Cu-cooperative catalytic system for alkene arylboration is highlighted that allows for the controlled introduction of substituents. In particular, examples that allowed for divergent reactivity from a single substrate based on the tuning of catalysts and reaction conditions are emphasized.

The first enantioselective synthesis of (−)-cajanusine is presented. Key features of the route include a rapid synthesis of the [4.2.0] bicyclooctane core by an enantioselective isomerization/stereoselective [2+2]-cycloaddition strategy as well as prominent use of catalytic methods for bond construction. The evolution of the approach is also presented that highlights unexpected roadblocks and how novel solutions were developed.

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A method for the Ni-catalyzed arylboration of unactivated monosubstituted, 1,1-disubstituted, and trisubstituted alkenes is disclosed. The reaction is notable in that it converts highly substituted alkenes, aryl bromides, and diboron reagents to products that contain a quaternary carbon and a synthetically versatile carbon-boron bond with control of stereoselectivity and regioselectivity. In addition, the method is demonstrated to be useful for the synthesis of saturated nitrogen heterocycles, which are important motifs in pharmaceutical compounds. Finally, due to the unusual reactivity demonstrated, the mechanistic details of the reaction were studied with both computational and experimental techniques.

Indole dearomatization is an important strategy to access indolines: a motif present in a variety of natural products and biologically active molecules. Herein, a method for transition-metal catalyzed regioselective dearomative arylboration of indoles to generate diverse indolines is presented. The method accomplishes intermolecular dearomatization of simple indoles through a migratory insertion pathway on substrates that lack activating or directing groups on the C2- or C3-positions. Synthetically useful C2- and C3-borylated indolines can be accessed through a simple change in N-protecting group in high regio- and diastereoselectivities (up to >40:1 rr and >40:1 dr) from readily available starting materials. Additionally, the origin of regioselectivity was explored experimentally and computationally to uncover the remarkable interplay between carbonyl orientation of the N-protecting group on indole, electronics of the C2-C3 π-bond, and sterics. The method enabled the first enantioselective synthesis of (-)-azamedicarpin.

Heteroaromatics lured into cycloadditions The Diels-Alder reaction is widely used to produce six-membered carbon rings from alkenes and dienes. Heteroaromatics such as quinolines resemble dienes in principle, but in practice their pairs of double bonds are inert toward cycloadditions because of aromatic stabilization. Ma et al. report that by using an iridium photosensitizer, they could excite quinolines and related azaarenes to triplet states, thereby disrupting the aromaticity and enabling intermolecular, Diels-Alder–like reactivity toward alkenes (see the Perspective by Schmidt). The reactions proceeded exclusively at the flanking carbons outside the nitrogen-containing ring. Science , this issue p. 1338 ; see also p. 1313

Indole dearomatization is an important strategy to access indolines, a motif present in a variety of natural products and pharmaceuticals. Herein, a method for transition-metal catalyzed regiodivergent dearomative arylboration of indoles to generate diverse indolines is presented. The method accomplishes intermolecular dearomatization of simple indoles through a migratory insertion pathway on substrates that lack activating or directing groups on the C2- or C3-positions. Synthetically useful C2- and C3-borylated indolines can be accessed through a simple change in N-protecting group in high regio- and diastereoselectivities (up to >50:1 rr and >20:1 dr) from readily available starting materials. Additionally, the origin of regiodivergence was explored experimentally and computationally to uncover the remarkable interplay between carbonyl orientation of the N-protecting group on indole, electronics of the C2-C3 p-bond, and sterics. The method enabled the first enantioselective synthesis of (-)-azamedicarpin.

The application of thioallenoates to catalytic enantioselective [2+2]-cycloadditions with unactivated alkenes is reported.In many cases, the thioallenoates examined exhibit superior reactivity and selectivity compared to the alkoxy analogs generally used in these cycloadditions.

The ladderane family of natural products are well known for their linearly concatenated cyclobutane skeletal structure. Owing to their unique carbocyclic framework, several chemical syntheses have been reported since their discovery in 2002. The focus of this review is to showcase the novel tactics that have been used to generate the ladderane core and the challenges that are associated with the synthesis of these unusual and complex natural products.

A method for the 1,2-benzylboration of unactivated alkenes is presented. The reaction combines readily available alkenes, diboron reagents and benzylchlorides to generate synthetically versatile products with control of stereochemistry., Nickel-catalyzed 1,2-carboboration of alkenes is emerging as a useful method for chemical synthesis. Prior studies have been limited to only the incorporation of aryl groups. In this manuscript, a method for the 1,2-benzylboration of unactivated alkenes is presented. The reaction combines readily available alkenes, diboron reagents and benzylchlorides to generate synthetically versatile products with control of stereochemistry. The utility of the products as well as the mechanistic details of the process are also presented.

Identification of a novel catalyst–allenoate pair allows enantioselective [2+2] cycloaddition of α-methylstyrene. To understand the origin of selectivity, a detailed mechanistic investigation was conducted. Herein, two competing reaction pathways are proposed, which operate simultaneously and funnel the alkenes to the same axially chiral cyclobutanes. In agreement with the Woodward–Hoffmann rules, this mechanistic curiosity can be rationalized through a unique symmetry operation that was elucidated by deuteration experiments. In the case of 1,1-diarylalkenes, distal communication between the catalyst and alkene is achieved through subtle alteration of electronic properties and conformation. In this context, a Hammett study lends further credibility to a concerted mechanism. Thus, extended scope exploration, including β-substitution on the alkene to generate two adjacent stereocenters within the cyclobutane ring, is achieved in a highly stereospecific and enantioselective fashion (33 examples, up to >99:1 er).

A three-component coupling of aryl bromides, arylboron reagents, and alkenylarenes is presented. The method tolerates a variety of substitution patterns on all of the components. In particular, 1,2-disubstituted alkenylarenes are suitable and undergo highly diastereoselective diarylation.

A method for the heteroarylboration of 1,3-dienes is presented. The process involves an unusual cine substitution of 3-bromopyridine derivatives to deliver highly functionalized heterocyclic products. Mechanistic studies are included that clarify the details of this unusual process.

A method for the Cu-catalyzed cross-coupling of both aryl and alkylboranes with aryl bromides is described. The method employs an inexpensive Cu-catalyst and functions for a variety of heterocyclic as well as electron deficient aryl bromides. In addition, aryl iodides of varying substitution patterns and electronic properties work well.

Intramolecular chirality transfer [2 + 2] cyclo-addition of enantiomerically enriched allenoates and alkenes is presented. The use of a chiral catalyst was found to be critical to achieve high levels of diastereoselectivity compared to use of an achiral catalyst. The method developed leads to highly substituted cyclobutanes that would be difficult to prepare by alternative methods.

A method for the regioselective arylboration of isoprene and its derivatives is presented. These reactions allow for the synthesis of useful building blocks from simple components. Through these studies, an unusual additive effect with DMAP has been uncovered that allows for altered reactivity and the formation of quaternary carbon centers. The utility of this method is demonstrated toward the formal synthesis of mesembrine.

A method for the stereoselective [4+2]-cycloaddition of alkenylboranes and dienes is presented. This transformation was accomplished through the introduction of a new strategy that involves the use of chiral N-protonated alkenyl oxazaborolidines as dieneophiles. The reaction leads to the formation of products that can be readily derivatized to more complex structural motifs through stereospecific transformations of the C-B bond such as oxidation and homologation. Detailed computation evaluation of the reaction has uncovered a surprising role of the counterion on stereoselectivity.

The synthesis of structurally complex and highly strained natural products provides unique challenges and unexpected opportunities for the development of new reactions and strategies. Herein, the synthesis of (+)-[5]-ladderanoic acid is reported. En route to the target, unusual and unexpected strain release driven transformations were uncovered. This occurrence required a drastic revision of the synthetic design that ultimately led to the development of a novel stepwise cyclobutane assembly by an allylboration/Zweifel olefination sequence.

A method for the construction of boron-substituted quaternary carbons or diarylquaternary carbons by arylboration of highly substituted alkenylarenes is presented. A wide range of alkenes and arylbromides can participate in this reaction thus allowing for a diverse assortment of products to be prepared. In addition, a solvent dependent regiodivergent arylboration of 1,2-disubstituted alkenylarenes is presented, thus greatly increasing the scope of products that can be accessed.

The development of pyridylidene-Cu-complexes and their application in Cu/Pd-catalyzed heteroarylboration of alkenylheteroarenes is reported. The significance of 1,1'-heteroarylalkanes as building blocks for drug discovery, as well as the straightforward and modular sequence to prepare the pyridylidene-Cu-complexes, makes this catalyst and it applications attractive for chemical synthesis. Furthermore, chiral variants of the pyridylidene-Cu-complexes have been prepared and utilized in the enantioselective arylboration of E-alkenes, further demonstrating the value and potential of this class of catalysts.

Described herein are synthetic efforts toward the synthesis of hippolachnin A. Two independently devised routes from the Brown and Wood groups allowed for the synthesis of hippolachnin A from the unusual starting material, quadricyclane, by harnessing the power of late-stage C–H oxidation. Collaborative union of the best features of the two routes allowed for preparation of the molecule with improved efficiency.

Cyclobutanes and cyclobutenes are important structural motifs found in numerous biologically significant molecules, and they are useful intermediates for chemical synthesis. Consequently, [2+2] cycloadditions to access cyclobutanes and cyclobutenes have been established to be particularly useful transformations. Within the last 10 years, an increase in the frequency of publications for catalytic enantioselective [2+2] cycloadditions has occurred. These reactions provide access to a wide array of enantiomerically enriched chemical diversity that was not previously attainable. Described in this review are the advances made in catalytic enantioselective [2+2] cycloadditions to access cyclobutanes and cyclobutenes.

The first synthesis of hebelophyllene E is presented, along with assignment of its previously unknown relative configuration through synthesis of epi-ent-hebelophyllene E. Development of a catalytic enantioselective [2+2] cycloaddition of alkenes and allenoates provides access to the required chiral geminal dimethylcyclobutanes. Key to its success is the identification of a novel oxazaborolidine catalyst which promotes the cycloaddition in high enantioselectivities with good functional-group tolerance (9 examples, up to 97:3 e.r.). Thus, a late-stage cycloaddition using a fully functionalized alkene, followed by a diastereoselective reduction allows a concise entry to this class of natural products.

Catalytic enantioselective [2 + 2] cycloadditions between allenoates and alkenes is disclosed. The method functions well for a variety of alkenes, and the products are generated with excellent levels of enantioselectivity. One of the most significant aspects of the present method is that unactivated alkenes are suitable substrates for this method, which is distinctly different from nearly all other catalytic enantioselective [2 + 2] cycloaddition methods.

A method for the diastereoselective carboboration of 1,2-disubstituted styrenes with aryl/vinyl bromides and (Bpin)2 is reported. High diastereoselectivities and yields are observed for the formation of either diastereomer of the product from a single alkene isomer. These reactions provide access to a diverse range of structures from simple starting materials.

A Ni-catalyzed method for arylboration is disclosed. The method allows for highly stereoselective arylboration of unactivated alkenes. The reactions utilize a simple Ni-catalyst and work with a broad range of alkenes and aryl bromides. The products represent useful intermediates for chemical synthesis due to the versatility of the C–B bond. Preliminary mechanistic details of the method are also disclosed.

An enantioselective synthesis of ent-[3]-ladderanol is presented. The ladderanes are an interesting class of molecules for their unique structure of fused cyclobutane rings as well as their perceived biological function of organism protection. The route hinges on the development and application of a chirality transfer [2+2] cycloaddition of an allenic ketone and alkene. Further stereocontrolled transformations allowed for completion of the synthesis. The scope of the chirality transfer [2+2] cycloaddition is also presented.

A method for the copper-catalyzed borylacylation of activated alkenes is presented. The reaction involves borylcupration of the alkene, followed by capture of the generated alkyl-copper intermediate with an acid chloride. The reactions operated with low catalyst loading and generally occurre within 15 min at room temperature for a range of activated alkenes. In the case of vinyl arenes, enantioselective borylacylation was possible.

A method for the regiodivergent arylboration of dienes is presented. These reactions allow for the formation of a diverse range of synthetically versatile products from simple precursors. Through mechanistic studies, these reactions likely operate by initial addition of a Cu–Bpin complex across the diene followed by Pd-catalyzed cross coupling with an aryl halide or pseudohalide.

The first synthesis of gracilioether F, a polyketide natural product with an unusual tricyclic core and five contiguous stereocenters, is described. Key steps of the synthesis include a Lewis acid promoted ketene-alkene [2+2] cycloaddition and a late-stage carboxylic acid directed C(sp(3) )H oxidation. The synthesis requires only eight steps from norbornadiene.

A strategy for the catalytic diarylation of alkenes is presented. The method involves the migratory insertion of alkenes into an Ar-Cu complex to generate a new C(sp(3))-Cu complex, which subsequently undergoes reaction with an aryl iodide to constitute a vicinal diarylation of an alkene. The method provides access to benzofuran- and indoline-containing products. Furthermore, highly diastereoselective examples are presented, allowing access to complex, stereochemically rich structures from simple alkene starting materials.

A synergistic Pd/Cu system for the coupling of alkenes, (Bpin)2 (pin = pinacolate), and aryl/vinyl bromides is disclosed. This method allows for the catalytic generation of secondary Csp(3)-Cu nucleophiles in situ and subsequent Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling.

Described are the first examples of ketene-alkene [2 + 2] cycloadditions promoted by Lewis acids. Notable features of this method include (1) substantial rate acceleration relative to traditional thermal reactions, (2) good diastereoselectivities and yields for the formation of the cyclobutanone products, and (3) inverse diastereoselectivity compared with related thermal cycloadditions for many examples. These studies not only provide access to synthetically versatile cyclobutanones that cannot be prepared by traditional thermal cycloadditions but also address important mechanistic questions regarding ketene-alkene [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions.

A method for the catalytic enantioselective arylboration of alkenylarenes is disclosed. The reaction leads to the formation of 1,1-diarylalkanes that also incorporate an additional pinacol boronic ester which can be easily transformed to a variety of groups. The products are formed with excellent diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities.

An unexpected [4+2] cycloaddition of aryl allenes and simple acrylate derivatives is reported. This process functions well with a variety of allenes and acrylates to generate bi- and tricyclic dihydronaphthalene derivatives through a nonconventional bond disconnection.

A method for the catalytic enantioselective diarylation of alkenes is presented. The method allowed for the synthesis of highly enantioenriched 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans and indolines containing molecules from readily available substrates. Furthermore, this method allowed for the enantioselective synthesis of quaternary carbons. Based on mechanism studies, the process likely functions by enantioselective insertion of an alkene into an Ar-CuBenzP* complex to generate a Csp(3)-Cu complex. Capture of this intermediate with an ArX led to formation of the desired product.

The experiments described here clarify the mechanism and origin of the enantioselectivity of the oxidation of racemic secondary alcohols catalyzed by chiral Mn(III)-salen complexes using HOBr, Br(2)/H(2)O/KOAc or PhI(OAc)(2)/H(2)O/KBr as a stoichiometric oxidant. Key points of the proposed pathway include (1) the formation of a Mn(V)-salen dibromide, (2) its subsequent reaction with the alcohol to give an alkoxy-Mn(V) species, and (3) carbonyl-forming elimination to produce the ketone via a highly organized transition state with intramolecular transfer of hydrogen from carbon to an oxygen of the salen ligand.

This paper reports a method for highly enantioselective Diels-Alder reaction with an acetylene equivalent to produce chiral-bridged dienes. These dienes, by coordination to Rh(I), can serve as catalysts for the enantioselective addition of vinyl or aryl groups to alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones.