Enantioselective Desymmetrization of <i>para</i>-Quinamines through an Aminocatalyzed Aza-Michael/Cyclization Cascade Reaction

An unprecedented organocatalytic asymmetric desymmetrization of <i>para</i>-quinamines leading to functionalized hydroindoles, a common motif in many alkaloids, has been reported. The ability of diarylprolinol silyl ethers to promote iminium and enamine activation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in one catalytic cycle is the centerpiece of the strategy involving a challenging aza-Michael/intramolecular cyclization cascade reaction. A range of prochiral <i>para</i>-quinamines and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes were investigated to afford 16 examples of hydroindoles possessing four contiguous stereocenters including one quaternary carbon. The hydroindole structures include multiple orthogonal functionalities, which underwent various transformations

Solvent- and Catalyst-Free Synthesis of Nitrogen-Containing Bicycles through Hemiaminal Formation/Diastereoselective Hetero-Diels–Alder Reaction with Diazenes

A solvent- and catalyst-free synthesis of nitrogen-containing bicyclic derivatives through a three-bond forming process is reported. Starting from dienals and readily available diazenes, the strategy involving the hemiaminal formation/hetero-Diels–Alder reaction affords the bicyclic products in a highly diastereoselective manner. This simple and green procedure has been applied to a selection of substrates, giving rise to 12 examples of nitrogen-containing bicyclic architectures. These products underwent various synthetic transformations. A sequence involving the cleavage of the hydrazine allowed the preparation of a hydantoin motif bearing an aminopropyl side chain, which is a structure found in natural products. A mechanism has also been suggested to explain the observed selectivities