Jeffrey D. St. Denis

Boroalkyl Group Migration Provides a Versatile Entry into α-Aminoboronic Acid Derivatives

A reaction exemplifying migration of boron-substituted carbon is described. We show that α-boroalkyl groups of transient boroalkyl acyl azide intermediates readily migrate from carbon to nitrogen. This process allows access to a new class of stable molecules, α-boryl isocyanates, from α-borylcarboxylic acid precursors. The methodology facilitates synthesis of a wide range of α-aminoboronic acid derivatives, including α,α-disubstituted analogues.

Development of the Direct Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling of Primary B-Alkyl MIDA-boronates and Aryl Bromides

The development of a palladium-catalyzed sp(3)-sp(2) Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of B-alkyl-N-methyliminodiacetyl (B-alkyl MIDA) boronates and (hetero)aryl bromides is reported. This transformation is tolerant of a variety of functional groups (F, NO2, CN, Cl, COCH3, and CHO). B-Alkyl MIDA boronates allow an efficient cross-coupling reaction directed toward the synthesis of unsymmetrical methylene diaryls as well as alkylated arenes in good to excellent yields.

Oxidative Geminal Functionalization of Organoboron Compounds

Excellent tolerance: Stable acylboronates equipped with N-methyliminodiacetyl (MIDA) boryl groups ([B]) were prepared by using a sequence of oxidative manipulations at the boron-bound carbon center (green in scheme). Chemoselective transformations of these acylated organoboron building blocks yielded a range of multifunctionalized boron derivatives and supplied access to valuable borylated heterocycles (see scheme).

Boron-Containing Enamine and Enamide Linchpins in the Synthesis of Nitrogen Heterocycles

The use of α-boryl enamine and enamide linchpins in the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles has been demonstrated. Boryl enamines provide ready access to the corresponding α-halo aldehydes, which undergo regioselective annulation to form borylated thiazoles. A condensation/amidation sequence converts α-boryl aldehydes into stable α-boryl enamides without concomitant C → N migration. We also show that palladium-catalyzed cyclization of α-boryl enamides leads to synthetically versatile isoindolones. These molecules can be subsequently used to access polycyclic scaffolds.

Stereocontrolled Synthesis of 1,2- and 1,3-Diamine Building Blocks from Aziridine Aldehyde Dimers

Vicinal aziridine-containing diamines have been obtained with high syn-stereoselectivity from readily available aziridine aldehyde dimers in the Petasis borono-Mannich reaction. Subsequent solvent- and/or nucleophile-dependent ring-opening of the aziridine ring yields functionalized 1,2- and 1,3-diamines with high regioselectivity. The ring opening is also influenced by the substitution at the C3 position of the aziridine. A mechanistic rationale for the highly syn-selective three-component reaction is proposed.

Condensation-Driven Assembly of Boron-Containing Bis(Heteroaryl) Motifs Using a Linchpin Approach

Herein, we describe the bromomethyl acyl boronate linchpin--an enabling reagent for the condensation-driven assembly of novel bis(heteroaryl) motifs. This building block is readily accessible from commercially available starting materials. A variety of 2-amino- and 2-methylpyridines were reacted with MIDA-protected bromomethyl acylboronate to afford 2-boryl imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine and 2-boryl indolizine derivatives, respectively, in excellent yields. Subsequent condensation with hydroxyamidines and hydrazonamides converted the intermediate heterocycles into novel boron-containing bis(heteroaryl) units characterized by high thermal stability.

Synthesis of Aminoboronic Acid Derivatives from Amines and Amphoteric Boryl Carbonyl Compounds

Herein, we demonstrate the use of α-boryl aldehydes and acyl boronates in the synthesis of aminoboronic acid derivatives. This work highlights the untapped potential of boron-substituted iminium ions and offers insights into the behavior of N-methyliminodiacetyl (MIDA) boronates during condensation and tautomerization processes. The preparative value of this contribution lies in the demonstration that various amines, including linear and cyclic peptides, can be readily conjugated with boron-containing fragments. A mild deprotection of amino MIDA-boronates enables access to α- and β-aminoboronic acids in high chemical yields. This simple process should be applicable to the synthesis of a wide range of bioactive molecules as well as precursors for cross-coupling reactions.

Oxalyl Boronates Enable Modular Synthesis of Bioactive Imidazoles

Described herein is the preparation of oxalyl boronate building blocks and their application for the construction of heterocycles. The oxalyl unit, readily accessible through commercially available starting materials, enables a modular approach for the synthesis of imidazoles. A variety of aromatic, heteroaromatic, and alkyl carboxaldehydes were condensed with oxalyl boronates to afford substituted boryl imidazoles in a regiocontrolled fashion. Subsequent palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling with haloarenes furnished the desired trisubstituted imidazole scaffolds. To demonstrate the utility of these scaffolds, potent inhibitors of the serine/threonine-protein kinase STK10 were synthesized.

Chemoselective palladium-catalyzed α-allylation of α-boryl aldehydes

Herein we report the development of an α-allylation reaction of α-boryl aldehydes that preserves the carbon-boron bond under Pd(0)/Pd(II) catalysis. A variety of α-boryl aldehydes and allylic alcohols participate in this chemoselective transformation. The α-allylated products were obtained as single regioisomers.

Access to Cyclic Amino Boronates via Rhodium-Catalyzed Functionalization of Alkyl MIDA Boronates

Herein, we describe the rhodium-catalyzed C-H amination reaction of 1,2-boryl sulfamate esters derived from amphoteric α-boryl aldehydes. Depending on the substitution pattern of the boryl sulfamate ester, a diverse range of five- or six-membered ring heterocycles are accessible using this transformation. The highly chemoselective nature of the C-H functionalization reaction preserves the alkyl boronate functional group, which enables the synthesis of B-C-N and B-C-C-N motifs that are present in a number of hydrolase inhibitors.