Development of Multi-Component Reactions using Catalytically Generated Allyl Metal Reagents

This licentiate thesis is based on the development of catalytic reactions for the synthesis and application of organometallic reagents. By use of palladium pincer-complex catalysts, we have developed an efficient procedure for the synthesis of allylboronates starting from allylic alcohols. These reactions were further extended by including various one-pot multi-component reactions, using the in situ generated allylboronates. Furthermore, novel unsymmetrical palladium pincer-complexes were synthesized and studied in auto-tandem catalysis

Catalytic Functionalization of Allylic Substrates by Palladium Pincer Complexes

This thesis is based on the development of novel catalytic reactions for the synthesis and application of organometallic reagents. The main focus is directed towards organoboronate derivatives. We developed an efficient procedure for converting allylic alcohols to the corresponding allylboronates using palladium pincer complexes as catalysts. The reactions were performed under mild conditions with high selectivity, allowing further one-pot transformations. Using this approach, a variety of stereodefined homoallylic alcohols and amino acid derivatives were synthesized via trapping of the in situ generated allylboronate derivatives with an appropriate electrophile. The synthetic scope of these types of multi-component reactions is broad as many different substrate allylic alcohols may be used together with various electrophiles. Several aspects of these reactions were studied, including different reagents, catalysts and electrophiles. Furthermore, we studied the possibility to use oxidizing reagents as an essential component in the functionalization of olefins. Two main strategies were utilized for these catalytic methods using palladium pincer complexes. The functional group was either transferred from the oxidizing reagent, or introduced via an oxidation-transmetallation route. We propose that both methods involve palladium(IV) intermediates thus expanding both the coordination sphere of palladium and the synthetic scope of pincer complex catalysis.At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 11: In press

Para-Selective Halogenation of Nitrosoarenes with Copper(II) Halides

The para-selective direct bromination and chlorination of nitrosoarenes with copper(II) bromide and chloride is reported. Under mild reaction conditions, a rang of halogenated arylnitroso compounds are obtained in moderate to good yields with high regioselectivity. Additionally, the versatility of the method is demonstrated by the development of a One-pot procedure to obtain the corresponding para-halogenated aniline- and nitrobenzene derivatives

Stereoselective synthesis of bicyclo[3.n.1]alkenone frameworks by Lewis acid-catalysis

An intermolecular cyclization of alkynyl enones with cyclic ketones for the synthesis of bicyclo[3.n.1]alkenones is reported. This protocol exhibits a high functional group tolerance and provides access to a variety of bicyclic systems found as skeletons in many natural products

Rhodium(II)-Catalyzed Asymmetric Sulfur(VI) Reduction of Diazo Sulfonylamidines

Diazo sulfonylamidines readily undergo enantioselective oxygen transfer from sulfur to carbon atom in the presence of chiral rhodium­(II) carboxylates resulting in chiral sulfinylamidines. This unusual asymmetric atom transfer “reduction” occurs rapidly under mild conditions, and sulfinylamidines are obtained in excellent yield

Catalytic amide formation from non-activated carboxylic acids and amines

The amide functionality is found in a wide variety of biological and synthetic structures such as proteins, polymers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Due to the fact that synthetic amides are still mainly produced by the aid of coupling reagents with poor atom-economy, the direct catalytic formation of amides from carboxylic acids and amines has become a field of emerging importance. A general, efficient and selective catalytic method for this transformation would meet well with the increasing demands for green chemistry procedures. This review covers catalytic and synthetically relevant methods for direct condensation of carboxylic acids and amines. A comprehensive overview of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic methods is presented, covering biocatalysts, Lewis acid catalysts based on boron and metals as well an assortment of other types of catalysts.AuthorCount:4;</p

N-Trifluoromethylation of Nitrosoarenes with Sodium Triflinate

A highly efficient N-trifluoromethylation of nitro-soarenes is reported. The inexpensive and convenient Langlois reagent (sodium triflinate) is employed as a Ch(3)-radical source in combination with a copper catalyst and an oxidant. N-Trifluoromethylated hychoxylamines are obtained in high yields within 1 h at room temperature. The addition of hydroquinone was found to be instrumental to prevent the formation of side products. The method is high-yielding is scalable, and displays a high functional group tolerance

Lewis Acid Catalyzed Annulation of Nitrones with Oxiranes, Aziridines, and Thiiranes

A highly selective Lewis acid catalyzed annulation of three-membered heterocycles with nitrones has been developed. Oxiranes, aziridines, and thiiranes were used as substrates for the synthesis of various six-membered heterocycles using Al or In catalysts. This catalytic protocol demonstrates a broad substrate scope and provides access to new structural motifs in high yields and in excellent selectivity under mild reaction conditions