Current Organic Synthesis - Volume 16, Issue 2, 2019

Cross-metathesis (CM), a carbon-carbon bond transformation that features exceptional selectivity, reactivity and tolerance to functionalities, has been extensively investigated in organic chemistry. On the other hand, the use of CM in polymer synthesis is also growing in both scope and breadth, thus offering a wealth of opportunities for introducing a vast range of functionalities into polymer backbone so as to manipulate properties and expand applications. In this review, we propose the concept of “cross-metathesis polymerization” (CMP) referring to polymer synthesis via repetitive CM reaction and summarize emerging strategies for the precision synthesis of aliphatic polyesters via CMP based on the high CM tendency between acrylates and α- olefins. Due to the carbon-carbon bond-forming step-growth polymerization nature, CMP brings a new concept to polyester synthesis. This remarkable polymerization method possesses unique advantages such as mild condition, full conversion, fast kinetics, almost quantitative yield and extraordinary tolerance to functionalities. In particular, CMP provides the ability to regulate macromolecular architectures including linear, block, cyclic, star, graft, dendron, hyperbranched and dendrimer topologies. Ultimately, advanced polymeric materials with outstanding performances can be facially constructed based on these sophisticated macromolecular architectures.

Background: Alkynes are actually basic chemicals, serving as privileged synthons for planning new organic reactions for assemblage of a reactive motif, which easily undergoes a further desirable transformation. Name reactions, in organic chemistry are referred to those reactions which are well-recognized and reached to such status for being called as their explorers, discoverers or developers. Alkynes have been used in various name reactions. In this review, we try to underscore the applications of alkynes as privileged synthons in prevalent name reactions such as Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddtion via Click reaction, Sonogashira reaction, and Hetero Diels-Alder reaction. Objective: In this review, we try to underscore the applications of alkynes as privileged synthons in the formation of heterocycles, focused on the selected reactions of alkynes as a synthon or impending utilization in synthetic organic chemistry, which have reached such high status for being included in the list of name reactions in organic chemistry. Conclusion: Alkynes (including acetylene) are an unsaturated hydrocarbon bearing one or more triple C-C bond. Remarkably, alkynes and their derivatives are frequently being used as molecular scaffolds for planning new organic reactions and installing reactive functional group for further reaction. It is worth mentioning that in general, the terminal alkynes are more useful and more frequently being used in the art of organic synthesis. Remarkably, alkynes have found different applications in pharmacology, nanotechnology, as well as being known as appropriate starting precursors for the total synthesis of natural products and biologically active complex compounds. They are predominantly applied in various name reactions such as Sonogashira, Glaser reaction, Friedel-crafts reaction, Castro-Stephens coupling, Huisgen 1.3-dipolar cycloaddtion reaction via Click reaction, Sonogashira reaction, hetero-Diels-Alder reaction. In this review, we tried to impress the readers by presenting selected name reactions, which use the alkynes as either stating materials or precursors. We disclosed the applications of alkynes as a privileged synthons in several popular reactions, which reached to such high status being classified as name reactions. They are thriving and well known and established name reactions in organic chemistry such as Regioselective, 1,3-dipolar Huisgen cycloaddtion reaction via Click reaction, Sonogashira reaction and Diels-Alder reaction.

Background: 1,2,3-triazoles are an important class of organic compounds and because of their aromatic stability, they are not easily reduced, oxidized or hydrolyzed in acidic and basic environments. Moreover, 1,2,3-triazole derivatives are known by their important biological activities and have drawn considerable attention due to their variety of properties. The synthesis of this nucleus, based on the click chemistry concept, through the 1,3-dipolar addition reaction between azides and alkynes is a well-known procedure. This reaction has a wide range of applications, especially on the development of new drugs. Methods: The most prominent eco-friendly methods for the synthesis of triazoles under microwave irradiation published in articles from 2012-2018 were reviewed. Results: In this review, we cover some of the recent eco-friendly CuAAC procedures for the click synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles with remarks to new and easily recoverable catalysts, such as rhizobial cyclic β-1,2 glucan; WEB (water extract of banana); biosourced cyclosophoraose (CyS); egg shell powder (ESP); cyclodextrin (β- CD); fish bone powder; nanoparticle-based catalyst, among others. Conclusion: These eco-friendly procedures are a useful tool for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles, providing many advantages on the synthesis of this class, such as shorter reaction times, easier work-up and higher yields when compared to classical procedures. Moreover, these methodologies can be applied to the industrial synthesis of drugs and to other areas.

Background: A wide variety of biological activities are exhibited by N, O and S containing heterocycles and recently, many reports appeared for the synthesis of these heterocycles. The synthesis of heterocycles with the help of metal and non-metal catalyst has become a highly rewarding and important method in organic synthesis. This review article concentrated on the synthesis of S-heterocylces in the presence of metal and non-metal catalyst. The synthesis of five-membered S-heterocycles is described here. Objective: There is a need for the development of rapid, efficient and versatile strategy for the synthesis of heterocyclic rings. Metal, non-metal and organocatalysis involving methods have gained prominence because traditional conditions have disadvantages such as long reaction times, harsh conditions and limited substrate scope. Conclusion: The metal-, non-metal-, and organocatalyst assisted organic synthesis is a highly dynamic research field. For ßthe chemoselective and efficient synthesis of heterocyclic molecules, this protocol has emerged as a powerful route. Various methodologies in the past few years have been pointed out to pursue more sustainable, efficient and environmentally benign procedures and products. Among these processes, the development of new protocols (catalysis), which avoided the use of toxic reagents, are the focus of intense research.

Aim and Objective: The hydrosilylation reaction of carbonyl compounds has emerged as a powerful method in organic synthesis. The catalytic hydrosilylation of ketones is a valuable transformation because it generates protected cyanosilylation reaction of carbonyl compounds is an efficient procedure for the synthesis of silylated cyanohydrins, which are readily converted into useful functionalized compounds, such as cyanohydrins, α-hydroxy acids, β-amino alcohols and other biologically active compounds. Materials and Methods: A facile, economic and efficient method has been developed for the hydrosilylation and cyanosilylation of ketones using metal borohydrides. A series of silylated ethers and silylated cyanohydrins can be isolated via direct distillation. Results: The catalytic properties of a range of metal borohydrides in the hydrosilylation reaction of acetophenone with diphenylsilane were investigated. The relative catalytic activity of the borohydride catalyst studied was as follows: (CH3)4NBH4> (PhCH2)(CH3)3NBH4> (CH2CH3)4NBH4> (CH3CH2CH2CH3)4NBH4> NaBH4> KBH4> LiBH4. The cyanosilylation of acetophenone using trimethylsilyl cyanide (TMSCN) in the presence of NaBH4 occurred under similar reaction conditions. An excellent reaction rate and high conversion were obtained. Conclusion: The metal borohydride-catalyzed hydrosilylation alcohols in one step. The and cyanosilylation of ketones could be carried out smoothly under mild reaction conditions. Among the metal borohydrides studied, an excellent reaction rate and high conversion were obtained using NaBH4, NaBH (CH2CH3)3 or (alkyl)4 NBH4 as the reaction catalyst.

Aim and Objective: Phenazines are substances with an extensive range of important applications. Recently, the synthesis of N-arylation has been made more feasible owing to the advent of a new methodology. But because the toxicity of the used oxidant and the low yield, it is necessary to find a nonpoisonous or less toxic oxidant. We report on the use of potassium permanganate as an oxidant to synthesize phenylphenazin-5- ium chlorides via sequential aniline arylation. Materials and Methods: The corresponding 2-substituted-3-amino-5-phenyl-7-N,N-dimethylamino phenazinium chlorides were obtained via various o-substituted toluidines reacted with 4-amino-N,N-dimethyamine and aniline using potassium permanganate as an oxidant under different conditions such as temperature, pH, reaction time and the ratio of raw materials. Infrared (IR) absorption data were acquired on a Thermo Nicolet Nexus 670 FT-IR spectrometer with DTGS KBr detector. All the products were characterized by Mass, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The total C, H, N, content was measured by the elemental analyzer. Results: The yields of 3-amino-7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-2-substituted-5-phenylphenazin-5-ium chlorides are from 42.5% to 75.8% based on the electrophilic ability of different substituted groups under the temperature of 95°C, pH 4.5 and the reaction time of 8hrs. Conclusion: 3-Amino-7-(N,N-dimethylamino)-2-substituted-5-phenylphenazin-5-ium chlorides have been synthesized in high yields via the oxidative cyclization with potassium permanganate. This route is a simple, economic, efficient and environmentally friendly.

Aim and Objective: The present study was performed with the aim to develop an efficient and environmentally benign protocol for the synthesis of biologically siginifcant 3, 4-dihydropyrano[c]chromenes using a new catalytic material. The protocol involves the use of a reusable, environment friendly materials and solvents with operational simplicity. Materials and Methods: Carbon microsphere supported copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP/C) prepared from loaded cation exchange resin were synthesized, characterized with well versed analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM and Raman spectroscopy and the synthesized material was used as a catalyst for the environmentally benign synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrano[c]chromenes. Results: The formation of carbon microsphere supported copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP/C) prepared from loaded cation exchange resin was confirmed by XRD, SEM and Raman spectroscopy which was employed as a heterogeneous material for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrano[c]chromenes. The products formed were characterized by the analysis of spectroscopic data - NMR, IR and mass. The safe catalytic system offers several advantages including operational simplicity, environmental friendliness, high yield, and reusability of catalyst and green chemical transformation. Conclusion: Herein we report an easy and efficient protocol for the one-pot synthesis of dihydropyrano[ c]chromenes using environmentally benign MCR approach in ethanol as the green solvent. The method developed herein constitutes a valuable addition to the existing methods for the synthesis of titled compounds.

Aim and Objective: Isoxazolines are an important class of nitrogen and oxygen-containing heterocycles, which have gained much importance as the potential biological agents. In order to study structureactivity relationships of isoxazolines, this work has been conducted. Materials and Methods: A series of new piperazine substituted 3, 5-diarylisoxazoline derivatives (6-31) were designed and synthesized, and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW-264.7 macrophages and anticancer effect against a panel of human tumor cell lines (Hela, A549 and SGC7901) by MTT assay were evaluated. Results: The substituents of the NH group of piperazine ring had an obvious influence on biological activities. Especially, compounds 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 27-showed good inhibitory effect on the generation of NO compared to dexamethasone. Furthermore, derivatives 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13 and 26 were found to be potential selectively anticancer activity on human tumor cell lines, which displayed better cytotoxic activity to positive control 5- FU. Conclusion: Piperazine substituted 3, 5-diarylisoxazoline derivatives could be considered as new antiinflammatory and anticancer agents.

Aim and Objective: Potassium 2-oxoimidazolidine-1,3-diide (POImD) as a novel and reusable catalyst was used for the synthesis of pyrazolyl-bis coumarinyl methanes by a nucleophilic addition reaction of synthetized pyrazolecarbaldehyde and two equivalents of 4-hydroxycoumarin under grinding. The catalyst can be reused and recovered several times without loss of activity. This method provides several advantages such as eco-friendliness, simple work-up and shorter reaction time as well as excellent yields. All of the synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. Material and Method: Synthetized pyrazole carbaldehyde 1a (1 mmol), 4-hydroxycoumarin 2 (2 mmol), 1 mmol of POImD and 10mL of H2O were ground in a mortar by a pestle for 30-90 minutes. After the completion of the reaction, as monitored by TLC on silica gel using ethyl acetate/n-hexane (1:2), the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature. After completion of the reaction, we extracted the product with CH2Cl2/H2O. This was followed by separation of phases, evaporation of the organic phase and recrystallization of the residue with 50 mL of ethanol/H2O (1:1). The pure product was then obtained in 87 to 96% yield. The aqueous phase was concentrated under reduced pressure to recover the catalyst for subsequent use. Results: To continue our ongoing studies to synthesize heterocyclic and pharmaceutical compounds by mild, facile and efficient protocols, herein we wish to report our experimental results on the synthesis of pyrazolylbis coumarinyl methanes, using various synthetized pyrazole carbaldehydes and 4-hydroxycoumarin in the presence of POImD in aqueous media at room temperature. Conclusion: Finally, we developed an efficient, fast and convenient procedure for the three-component synthesis of pyrazolyl-bis coumarinyl methanes through the reaction of pyrazole carbaldehydes and 4- hydroxycoumarin, using POImD as a novel and reusable catalyst. The remarkable advantage offered by this method is that the catalyst is non-toxic, inexpensive, easy to handle and reusable. A short reaction time, simple work-up procedure, high yields of product with better purity and the green aspect by avoiding a hazardous solvent and a toxic catalyst are the other advantages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the synthesis of pyrazolyl-bis coumarinylmethane derivatives using potassium 2-oxoimidazolidine-1,3-diide (POImD).

Aim and Objective: In this work, water was used as solvent for the eco-friendly synthesis of imines under microwave irradiation. In the first step of the study, 5-pyridinyl-3-amino-1,2,4-triazole hydrochlorides were synthesized in the reaction of amino guanidine hydrochloride with different pyridine carboxylic acids under acid catalysis. A green method for 5-pyridinyl-3-amino-1,2,4-triazoles was developed with the assistance of microwave synthesis. In the second step, the eco-friendly synthesis of imines was achieved by reacting 5- pyridinyl-2H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amine hydrochlorides with salicylic aldehyde derivatives to produce 2-(5- pyridinyl-2H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylimino)methyl)phenol imines. Materials and Methods: Microwave experiments were done using a monomode Anton Paar Monowave 300 microwave reactor (2.45 GHz). Reaction temperatures were monitored by an IR sensor. Microwave experiments were carried out in sealed microwave process vials G10 with maximum reaction volume of 10 mL. Results: When alternative methods were used, it was impossible to obtain good yields from ethanol. Nevertheless, the use of water was successful for this reaction. After 1-h microwave irritation, a yellow solid was obtained in 82% yield. Conclusion: In this work an eco-friendly protocol for the synthesis of Schiff bases from 5-(pyridin-2-, 3- or 4- yl)-3-amino-1,2,4-triazoles and substituted salicylic aldehydes in water under microwave irradiation was developed. Under the found conditions the high yields for the products were achieved at short reaction time and with an easy isolation procedure.

Aim and Objective: Reactive dye molecules are commonly employed to dye or modify colour characteristics of wool fibres. Yellowness of wool fibres poses a challenge and here, we report synthesis of a reactive fluorescent molecule and its application to wool fibres to reduce yellowness of the wool fibre and improve its colour features. Material and Methods: The new molecule was based upon 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC) and 2,4,6- trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TZT). The synthesis involved a two-step chemical reaction, initiated by the nucleophilic substitution of a chloro group on the triazine ring with the hydroxyl group of 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid. The substitution of 2nd chloro group at triazine ring with the amino group of 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin resulted in a novel molecule with a monofunctional reactive chloro group (AMC-MCT molecule). Results: The new molecule was applied to the wool fibres using exhaust dyeing method. This exhibited a high exhaustion value; however low fixation and total efficiency values were observed for the new molecule. The resultant wool fibres exhibited fluorescence which shows that aminocoumarin fluorophore retained its fluorescence when incorporated in the new molecule. An assessment of the molecule for yellowness index in a controlled exposure to UV radiation suggested an improvement in whiteness of wool fibre. Conclusion: A novel aminocoumarin based fluorescent whitening molecule 2 has been synthesised and applied to the wool fibres. The new molecule continued to exhibit fluorescence after its application to the wool fibres. These results will encourage researchers to explore further possibilities for reactive whitening agent for wool fibres.

Background: The conjugation of small organic molecules to self-assembling peptides is a versatile tool to decorate nanostructures with original functionalities. Labeling with chromophores or fluorophores, for example, creates optically active fibers with potential interest in photonic devices. Aim and Objective: In this work, we present a rapid and effective labeling procedure for a self-assembling peptide able to form nanofibers. Rapid periodate oxidation of the N-terminal serine residue of the peptide and subsequent conjugation with dansyl moiety generated fluorophore-decorated peptides. Results: Three dansyl-conjugated self-assembling peptides with variable spacer-length were synthesized and characterized and the role of the size of the linker between fluorophore and peptide in self-assembling was investigated. Our results show that a short linker can alter the self-assembly in nanofibers of the peptide. Conclusions: Herein we report on an alternative strategy for creating functionalized nanofibrils, able to expand the toolkit of chemoselective bioconjugation strategies to be used in site-specific decoration of self-assembling peptides.