Catalytic asymmetric dearomative azo-Diels–Alder reaction of 2-vinlyindoles

Due to the high electrophilic nature of azo-dienophiles, azo-Diels–Alder proceeds rapidly even without the need of a catalyst and is therefore regarded as the “click reaction”. This spontaneity causes strong background reaction and poses a daunting challenge to chemists for developing the catalytic asymmetric version. Reported herein is the first catalytic asymmetric dearomative azo-Diels–Alder reaction between2-vinylindoles and triazoledione. This protocol makes use of the high energy barrier of dearomatization to avert the strong background reaction of azo-Diels–Alder reaction, allowing the implementation of the projected reaction at ambient temperature. Density functional theory calculations have been performed to gain insights into the reaction mechanism and the origins of the enantioselectivity. By using this method,a variety of tetracyclic indole derivatives have been readily prepared in good to excellent yields and with excellent diastereo-and enantio–selectivities(33 examples, up to 97% yield and >99% ee, >20:1 dr).

Diastereodivergent formal[4+1]cycloaddition of azoalkenes as one-carbon synthons

The first diastereodivergent formal[4+1]cycloaddition reactions of azoalkenes with p-quinone methides(pQMs)have been accomplished.The reported reaction occurred via a domino oxa-1,4-addition/1,6-addition process,allowing the use of common azoalkenes as C1 synthons.A broad range of 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans was smoothly prepared in good yields and with reversible diastereoselectivities.The steric hindrance and hydrogenbonding interaction were proposed to account for the two different modes of diastereo-control.The projected reaction features the employment of azoalkene as carbene-like C1 synthon,mild conditions,broad substrate scope and tunable diastereoselectivity.

Azo group-enabled metal-and oxidant-free alkenyl C-H thiolation:Access to stereodefined tetrasubstituted acyclic olefins

Metal-and oxidant-free alkenyl C–H thiolation enabled by the azo group had been established for the modular synthesis of tetrasubstituted acyclic olefins.The reaction was performed under mild reaction conditions with a broad substrate scope.The intramolecular 6-membered hydrogen-bonding network accounts for the observed excellent stereo-control.

Enantioselective trapping of oxonium ylide intermediates by N-benzhydryl-α-imino ester：Synthesis of β-tetrasubstituted α-amino acids

A synergistic rhodium（Ⅱ）/phosphoric acid catalyzed three component reaction of 3-diazooxindoles,alcohols and N-benzhydryl-α-imino ester is developed for the efficient construction of chiral β-alkoxy C-β-tetrasubstituted α-amino acid derivatives in good yields and with excellent diastereoselectivities and high enantioselectivities.The synthetic application of the resulting products was illustrated by reducing with Pd/C under H_2 atmosphere followed reacting with CSCl_2 at room temperature to rapid afford 3-spirocyclic oxindole in a good yield with a chirality retainment.The three-component reaction is proposed to proceed through an electrophilic trapping of the oxonium ylides by N-benzhydryl-α-imino ester.