Synthesis of Benzodihydrofurans by Asymmetric C−H Insertion Reactions of Donor/Donor Rhodium Carbenes

5 years ago

Synthesis of Benzodihydrofurans by Asymmetric C−H Insertion Reactions of Donor/Donor Rhodium Carbenes

Joseph M. Fox, Edward I. Balmond, Olga Dmitrenko, J. Bennett Addison, Jared T. Shaw, Cristian Soldi, Ada J. Kwong, Ryan Chung, Jason E. Hein, Marta Castiñeira Reis, Richard A. Squitieri, Dean J. Tantillo, James C. Fettinger, Srinivasa R. Chintala, Kellan N. Lamb

Metal carbenes appended with two electron-donating groups, known as “donor/donor” carbenes, undergo diastereo- and enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed C−H insertion reactions with ether substrates to form benzodihydrofurans. Unlike the reactions of metal carbenes with electron-withdrawing groups attached, the attenuated electrophilicity enables these reactions to be conducted in Lewis basic solvents (e.g., acetonitrile) and in the presence of water. The diazo precursors for these species are prepared in situ from hydrazone using a mild and chemoselective oxidant (MnO2). Although this sequence often can be performed in one-pot, control experiments have elucidated why a “two-pot” process is often more efficient. A thorough screening of achiral catalysts demonstrated that sterically encumbered catalysts are optimal for diastereoselective reactions. Although efficient insertion into allylic and propargylic C−H bonds is observed, competing dipolar cycloaddition processes are noted for some substrates. The full substrate scope of this useful method of benzodihydrofuran synthesis, mechanisms of side reactions, and computational support for the origins of stereoselectivity are described. Donor/donor metal carbenes undergo diastereo- and enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed C−H insertion reactions to form substituted benzodihydrofurans with high selectivity. Herein, an extensive substrate scope of this useful synthetic method is described, the mechanisms of side reactions is probed, and computational support for the origin of stereoselectivity is provided.

Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi

DOI: 10.1002/chem.201701630