Stéphane Sengmany

Three-Component Synthesis of α-Branched Amines under Barbier-like Conditions

An array of alpha-branched amines has been prepared by using an expedient three-component Mannich-type reaction among organic halides, aldehyde derivatives, and amines. The experimental procedure, which is characterized by its simplicity, employs zinc dust for the in situ generation of organozinc reagents. We show that this Barbier-like protocol constitutes a useful entry to diarylmethylamines, 1,2-diarylethylamines, alpha- or beta-amino esters, benzylamines, and beta-arylethylamines.

A straightforward three-component synthesis of alpha-amino esters containing a phenylalanine or a phenylglycine scaffold.

A range of alpha-amino esters has been synthesized in good to high yields using a straightforward three-component reaction among preformed or in situ generated aromatic or benzylic organozinc reagents, primary or secondary amines, and ethyl glyoxylate. The procedure, which is characterized by its simplicity, allows the concise synthesis of esters bearing a phenylglycine or a phenylalanine scaffold.

An Electrochemical Nickel-Catalyzed Arylation of 3-Amino-6-Chloropyridazines

3-Amino-6-aryl- and 3-amino-6-heteroarylpyridazines have been obtained in generally good yield using a nickel-catalyzed electrochemical cross-coupling between 3-amino-6-chloropyridazines and aryl or heteroaryl halides at room temperature. Comparative experiments involving classical palladium-catalyzed reactions, such as Suzuki, Stille, or Negishi cross-couplings, reveal that the electrochemical method can constitute a reliable alternative tool for biaryl formation. A possible reaction mechanism is proposed on the basis of electrochemical analyses.

Cyclopropane formation by nickel-catalysed electroreductive coupling of activated olefins and unactivated gem-dibromo compounds

Abstract Cyclopropyl derivatives have been prepared with good yields by transition-metal catalysed electroreductive coupling of activated olefins and unactivated gem-dibromo compounds. This electrolysis is characterized by the use of a Fe/Ni catalyst system, acetonitrile as the solvent and a catalytic amount of triphenylphosphine as ligand. This procedure is a good alternative to the classical preparations of cyclopropyl derivatives from activated olefins (Simmons–Smith reaction, 1,3-dipolar addition of diazomethane, 1,4-addition of phosphorus and sulfur ylides).

An Electrochemical Synthesis of Functionalized Arylpyrimidines from 4-Amino-6-Chloropyrimidines and Aryl Halides

A range of novel 4-amino-6-arylpyrimidines has been prepared under mild conditions by an electrochemical reductive cross-coupling between 4-amino-6-chloro-pyrimidines and functionalized aryl halides. The process, which employs a sacrificial iron anode in conjunction with a nickel(II) catalyst, allows the formation of coupling products in moderate to high yields.

Synthesis of 2,3-di- and 2,2,3-trisubstituted-3-methoxycarbonyl-γ-butyrolactones as potent antitumor agents

Various 2,3-substituted γ-butyrolactones have been synthesized by three-component reaction of aryl bromides, dimethyl itaconate and carbonyl compounds. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of these products was evaluated against a representative panel of cancer cell lines (KB, HCT116, MCF7, MCF7R, PC3, SK-OV3, HL60 and HL60R). One compound (4x) displays a good anti-proliferative activity with IC50 in the sub-micromolar range. The mechanism of action has been investigated using flow cytometry.