10.1021/acs.orglett.0c02635
The study presents the development of a catalytic system for the C-alkylation of N-heterocyclic compounds, such as pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, quinoline, quinoxaline, and isoquinoline, using alcohols. The process is based on a hydrogen-borrowing approach and utilizes [Cp*IrCl2]2 as the catalyst precursor, combined with potassium t-butoxide and 18-crown-6-ether. This method is environmentally friendly as it only produces water as a byproduct. The researchers optimized the reaction conditions and demonstrated the system's versatility by applying it to various substrates, achieving good to excellent yields. The study also proposed a possible reaction mechanism involving three steps: hydrogen transfer from alcohol to iridium catalyst, cross-aldol-type condensation, and transfer hydrogenation. The developed catalytic system is expected to contribute to the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and functional materials.
10.1021/jo00048a038
The research focuses on the synthesis of highly substituted alkylpyrazines using a zirconium-mediated reaction. The key chemicals involved include Cp2Zr(Me)(THF)+ (1), various alkylpyrazines such as 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, and different alkynes like 1-pentyne, (trimethylsilyl)acetylene, and 1-(trimethylsilyl)propyne. The process involves a sequential one-pot addition of alkylpyrazines, alkynes, and a proton source to a solution of Cp2Zr(Me)(THF)+ in CH2Cl2, yielding (E)-alkenyl-substituted alkylpyrazines in excellent yields. The regio- and stereoselectivity observed in these reactions are attributed to steric and electronic effects. The resulting alkenylpyrazines can be further manipulated using conventional synthetic techniques to produce a variety of highly substituted alkylpyrazines, including tri- and tetrasubstituted alkylpyrazines, bromoalkylpyrazines, and epoxyalkylpyrazines.