Pd-catalyzed allylic alkylation of 2-aryl-1,3-dithianes at room temperature is described. A variety of cyclic and acyclic electrophiles successfully coupled with <i>in-situ</i> generated 2-sodio-1,3-dithiane nucleophiles to afford the allylated products in good to excellent yields (25 examples). Deprotection of these products leads to valuable β,γ-unsaturated ketones. Direct synthesis of such β,γ-unsaturated ketones via a one-pot allylation-oxidation protocol is also presented. Investigation into the stereochemistry of the allylation reaction revealed that the 2-sodio-1,3-dithiane nucleophile behaved as a “soft” nucleophile, which underwent external attack on the π-allyl palladium complex to provide retention of stereochemistry (double inversion pathway). Additionally, the utility of this methodology was demonstrated through a sequential one-pot allylation-Heck cyclization to produce asterogynin derivatives, which are important bioactive compounds in medicinal chemistry.

Palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation of 2-aryl-1,3-dithianes, an umpolung synthesis of β,γ-unsaturated ketones

256th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.