Gold‐Catalyzed Benzylation of Arenes and Heteroarenes

Friedel–Crafts type benzylation of arenes and heteroarenes with benzylic acetates, alcohols, and carbonates is effectively promoted under mild reaction conditions using catalytic amounts of gold salts. The resulting 1,1‐diarylalkanes and 1‐aryl‐1‐heteroarylalkanes are obtained in high yields and with high selectivity. The utility of the method is demonstrated by a short synthesis of beclobrate {ethyl 2‐[4‐(4‐chlorobenzyl)‐phenoxy]‐2‐methylbutyrate ( 3 )}, a fibric acid derivative.     

Highly Efficient Molybdenum(II)‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Allylic Alkylation of Arenes

The Friedel–Crafts‐type intramolecular allylic alkylation of simple arenes is performed in the presence of a catalytic amount of [Mo(II) (CO)₄Br₂]₂ (2.5 mol%). The moisture‐tolerant protocol provided a mild and direct access to a large library of functionalized 4‐vinyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthalenes in high yields.     

A Copper(II) Triflate‐Catalyzed Tandem Friedel–Crafts Alkylation/Cyclization Process towards Dihydroindenes

A one‐pot synthesis of dihydroindenes from substituted benzenes and haloalkenes was developed. The reaction proceeded via a copper(II) triflate [Cu(OTf)₂]‐catalyzed tandem Friedel–Crafts alkylation/cyclization process with high efficiency under relatively mild conditions.     

Highly Enantioselective Zinc‐Catalyzed Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of Indoles with Ethyl Trifluoropyruvate

A highly enantioselective Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with ethyl trifluoropyruvate has been developed using N,N′‐dioxide‐zinc(II) complexes. Both enantiomers of the desired adducts were obtained by the use of enantiomeric ligands in excellent results (up to 99% yield and 98% ee) within 0.5 h under mild conditions. On the basis of the experimental results, a proposed working model was proposed to explain the origin of the asymmetric induction.     

An Efficient Bismuth(III) Chloride‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 1,1‐Diarylalkenes via Friedel–Crafts Reaction of Acyl Chloride or Vinyl Chloride with Arenes

In the presence of catalytic amount of bismuth(III) chloride, the reactions of acyl chlorides or vinyl chlorides with arenes afforded 1,1‐diarylalkenes in 25–82 % isolated yield. In the case of the reaction of acyl chlorides with arenes, the procedure includes an initial Friedel–Crafts acylation, subsequent formation of vinyl chlorides and final Friedel–Crafts‐type vinylation of another arene molecule with vinyl chloride. This paper reports the first Lewis acid‐catalyzed cleavage of the C Cl bond of vinyl chloride and its application in the synthesis of multiply subtituted alkenes.     

Tryptophan C5‐, C6‐ and C7‐Prenylating Enzymes Displaying a Preference for C‐6 of the Indole Ring in the Presence of Unnatural Dimethylallyl Diphosphate Analogues

The behavior of four dimethylallyltryptophan synthases (DMATSs) (5‐DMATS and 5‐DMATS_Sc as tryptophan C5‐prenyltransferases, and 6‐DMATS_Sa and 6‐DMATS_Sv as C6‐prenyltransferases) and one L ‐tyrosine prenyltransferase with a tryptophan C7‐prenyltransferase activity was investigated in the presence of two unnatural alkyl donors (methylallyl and 2‐pentenyl diphosphate) and one benzyl donor (benzyl diphosphate). Detailed biochemical investigations revealed the acceptance of these dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) analogues by all tested enzymes with different relative activities. Enzyme products with the allyl or benzyl moiety attached to different positions were identified in the reaction mixtures, whereby C‐6 alkylated or benzylated L ‐tryptophan was found as one of the main products. This observation demonstrates a preference of the five prenyltransferases toward C‐6 of the indole ring in the presence of unnatural DMAPP derivatives. Molecular dynamics simulation experiments with a homologous model of 5‐DMATS explained well its reactions with methylallyl and 2‐pentenyl diphosphate. Furthermore this study expands significantly the potential usage of tryptophan prenylating enzymes as biocatalysts for Friedel–Crafts alkylation.

     

One Substrate – Seven Products with Different Prenylation Positions in One‐Step Reactions: Prenyltransferases Make it Possible

Prenylated indole alkaloids derived from L ‐tryptophan are widely distributed in nature and show diverse biological and pharmacological activities, usually distinct from their non‐prenylated precursors. Prenyltransferases catalyze the transfer reactions of prenyl moieties onto the indole nucleus and contribute largely to the structural diversity of these compounds. In this study, we demonstrate the acceptance of cyclo‐L ‐homotryptophan‐D ‐valine, an unnatural cyclic dipeptide, by eight prenyltransferases of the dimethylallyltryptophan synthase superfamily. Seven products with one prenyl moiety at each position of the indole nucleus and one diprenylated derivative were isolated from enzyme assays of cyclo‐L ‐homotryptophan‐D ‐valine with dimethylallyl diphosphate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for production of seven monoprenylated products from one substrate by one‐step reactions.

     

Chiral Phosphoric Acid‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Aza‐Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of Indoles with γ‐Hydroxy‐γ‐lactams

An enantioselective aza‐Friedel–Crafts reaction of indoles with γ‐hydroxy‐γ‐lactams using a chiral phosphoric acid catalyst is reported. The approach described herein provides an efficient access to 5‐indolylpyrrolidinones in good to quantitative yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee). The results suggest that the reaction may proceed via N‐acyliminium intermediates associated with the chiral phosphoric acid anion.     

Development of Fe‐, Sb‐, Bi‐ and Al‐impregnated silica catalysts using rice husk silica as a support for Friedel–Crafts benzylation of arenes

The milling by‐product of rice, rice husk, constitutes a major waste of the agricultural industry. It is mainly used as a fuel additive for various purposes, leaving behind residual ash which is rich in silica (Biogenic silica). In the present project, rice husk silica was impregnated with Fe³⁺, Sb³⁺, Bi³⁺ and Al³⁺ from both their aqueous and organic solutions. The resultant catalysts were activated at 120 °C and 550 °C and used for the Friedel–Crafts benzylation of benzene using benzyl chloride. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Gold‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Reactions of (Z)‐Enynols with Indoles for the Construction of Dihydrocyclohepta[b]indole Skeletons through a Cascade Friedel–Crafts/Hydroarylation Sequence

An efficient domino approach for the synthesis of indole‐fused carbocycles and their analogues from the reactions of suitably substituted (Z)‐enynols with indoles or pyrroles under mild reaction conditions was developed. This methodology is realized by a tandem reaction using Au/Ag catalysts, which could catalyze both of the Friedel–Crafts and the hydroarylation reaction in the same vessel.     

Solid Acid‐Catalysed Michael‐Type Conjugate Addition of Indoles to Electron‐Poor CC Bonds: Towards High Atom Economical Semicontinuous Processes

In this paper a novel application of solid acid catalysts in the chemoselective Friedel–Crafts (FC) alkylation of indoles is reported. The optimal protocol allows highly functionalised indolyl compounds to be synthesised in excellent yields through conjugate addition of indoles with α,β‐unsaturated ketones and nitro compounds. Finally, the use of commercial Amberlyst‐15 as the heterogeneous catalyst for highly atom efficient continuous and semicontinuous Friedel–Crafts processes is described.     

Metal Triflate‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Stereoselective Friedel–Crafts Alkenylation of Arenes with Alkynes in an Ionic Liquid: Scope and Mechanism

In the metal triflate‐catalyzed hydroarylation of alkynes, employing an ionic liquid dramatically enhanced the catalytic activities, resulting in broadening the scope of substrates (arenes and alkynes). In some cases, even reactions that were not possible in conventional organic solvents proceeded smoothly in ionic liquids. Moreover, the ionic liquid phase containing catalyst could be readily recovered by simple decantation of the organic layer after reaction and reused for the following runs without any significant loss of activity. Mechanistic studies including ¹³C NMR analysis of reaction intermediates and isotope experiments confirmed for the first time that this type of reaction proceeds via vinyl cationic intermediates.     

Efficient Synthesis of 9‐Tosylaminofluorene Derivatives by Boron Trifluoride Etherate‐Catalyzed Aza‐Friedel–Crafts Reaction of in situ Generated N‐Tosylbenzaldimines

An efficient and expeditious boron trifluoride etherate (BF₃⋅Et₂O) catalyzed one‐pot reaction for the synthesis of N‐tosyl‐9‐aminofluorenes and anthracene derivatives from in situ generated N‐tosylbenzaldimines via an aza‐Friedal–Crafts reaction has been developed. The catalytic reaction shows high substrate tolerance with excellent yields.     

Highly Enantioselective Friedel–Crafts Reaction of Indole with Alkylidenemalonates Catalyzed by Heteroarylidene Malonate‐Derived Bis(oxazoline) Copper(II) Complexes

A series of cheap and easily accessible heteroarylidenemalonate‐derived bis(oxazoline) ligands 1 and 2 were synthesized and their copper(II) complexes were applied to the catalytic Friedel–Crafts reaction between indoles and diethyl alkylidenemalonates, Excellent asymmetric enantioselectivities were afforded for the S‐enantiomer (up to >99% ee) in isobutyl alcohol, and the R‐enantiomer (up to 96.5% ee) in dichloromethane.     

Site‐Selective Iron(III) Chloride‐Catalyzed Arylation of 4‐Aryl‐4‐methoxy‐2,5‐cyclohexadienones for the Synthesis of Polyarylated Phenols

The iron(III) chloride‐catalyzed Friedel–Crafts arylation of 4‐aryl‐4‐methoxy‐2,5‐cyclohexadienones, which were easily prepared by the phenyliodine(III) diacetate (PIDA)‐mediated oxidation of 4‐arylphenols in methanol, proceeded site‐selectively to form meta‐terphenyl (2,4‐diarylphenol) derivatives in good yields. The subsequent PIDA‐mediated oxidation and iron(III) chloride‐catalyzed Friedel–Crafts arylation of the resulting products gave the corresponding 2,4,6‐triarylphenol derivatives. The present method provides useful highly substituted polyarylated compounds.

     

Development of Diphenylamine‐Linked Bis(imidazoline) Ligands and Their Application in Asymmetric Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of Indole Derivatives with Nitroalkenes

The new diphenylamine‐linked bis(imidazoline) ligands were prepared through Kelly‐You’s imidazoline formation procedure mediated by Hendrickson’s reagent in good yields. The novel ligands were tested in the asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indole derivatives with nitroalkenes. In most cases, good yields (up to 97%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98%) can be achieved. The optimized bis(imidazoline) ligand with trans‐diphenyl substitution on the imidazoline ring gave better enantioselectivity than the corresponding bis(oxazoline) ligand.     

Synthesis of N‐Heteroaryl(trifluoromethyl)hydroxyalkanoic Acid Esters by Highly Efficient Solid Acid‐Catalyzed Hydroxyalkylation of Indoles and Pyrroles with Activated Trifluoromethyl Ketones

The synthesis of N‐heteroaryl(trifluoromethyl)hydroxyalkanoic acid esters by solid acid‐catalyzed Friedel–Crafts hydroxyalkylation of indoles and pyrroles with ethyl 3,3,3‐trifluoropyruvate and ethyl 4,4,4‐trifluoroacetoacetate is described. The inexpensive and readily available K‐10 montmorillonite is found to be an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of a wide variety of trifluoromethylated indol‐3‐yl‐ and pyrrol‐2‐yl‐hydroxypropionic and ‐butanoic acid esters. Using a series of substituted indoles and pyrroles the corresponding products were isolated in excellent yield (up to 98%) and 100% selectivity under mild experimental conditions, during very short reaction times. Beyond these, the ease of product isolation, catalyst stability and handling make this process an attractive, environmentally benign alternative for the synthesis of the target compounds.     

Novel Enantiocomplementary C2‐Symmetric Chiral Bis(imidazoline) Ligands: Highly Enantioselective Friedel–Crafts Alkylation of Indoles with Ethyl 3,3,3‐Trifluoropyruvate

Enantioselective Friedel–Crafts alkylations of a variety of indoles with ethyl 3,3,3‐trifluoropyruvate catalyzed by novel chiral m‐phenylenebis(imidazoline)‐copper(II) complexes or the bis(imidazoline)‐achiral acid combination afforded products with high enantioselectivity. Both enantiomers of indole derivatives can be prepared with high enantioselectivities by tuning the N‐substituents of the imidazoline.