10.1021/jacs.7b04813
The research focuses on the chemoselective asymmetric intramolecular dearomatization of phenols using silver phosphate-catalyzed α-diazoacetamides. The study explores the unique reactivity of silver carbenoids, which preferentially promote dearomatization over other reactions like C–H insertion and Büchner reaction, typically catalyzed by Rh or Cu. Through experimental and computational analysis, the researchers demonstrate that silver carbenoids exhibit carbocation-like character, leading to highly enantioselective transformations. The reaction conditions were optimized using various catalysts, additives, and solvents, with benzoic acid being identified as a particularly effective additive. The substrate scope was also investigated, revealing that the method is broadly applicable to phenols with ortho-substituents, and the research provides a facile access to chiral spirolactams with all-carbon quaternary stereogenic centers. The study utilized a range of analytical techniques, including H-NMR analysis for product determination and Mosher’s ester analysis for absolute configuration determination. Computational studies involved DFT calculations to elucidate the chemoselectivity and reaction mechanisms, with a focus on the LUMO maps of Rh and Ag carbenoids.
10.1021/acs.orglett.6b01171
The study presents a highly chemoselective palladium-catalyzed intramolecular C?H aminocarbonylation of Br-functionalized phenethylamines to synthesize six-membered benzolactams with good to high yields. The process involves the use of carbon monoxide (CO) and a palladium-based catalytic system, which includes Pd(TFA)2, BINOL, and Ag3PO4. These chemicals serve to facilitate the selective cyclization of phenethylamines via C?H functionalization, leaving the C?Br bond intact for further functionalization through various palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions. The study demonstrates the versatility of the method by successfully synthesizing a range of benzolactams with different substituents and further functionalizing the remaining C?Br bond in the cyclized products.