Wen-Ming Shu

An efficient synthesis of hydantoins via sustainable integration of coupled domino processes.

A highly efficient synthesis of hydantoins has been developed from simple and commercially available 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, ureas, and methyl ketones or terminal aryl alkenes. This protocol involves a sustainable integration of two coupled domino processes: iodine-promoted synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,4-enediones (domino I) and the sequential transformation into hydantoins (domino II).

Stereoselective Synthesis of 2,8-Dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane Derivatives via a Sequential Michael Addition/Bicyclization Reaction

A highly efficient and stereoselective synthesis of coumarin-, 1,3-cyclohexanedione-, and 1,4-naphthoquinone-fused 2,8-dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes is described. This was achieved via a sequential Michael addition/bicyclization reaction from easily accessible 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one derivatives. Three chemical bonds (one C-C bond and two C-O bonds), two six-membered cycles, and two stereogenic centers were formed in a one-pot operation.

Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Unsymmetrical 1,4-Enediones via Copper-Promoted Autotandem Catalysis and Air As the Oxidant

An efficient procedure has been developed for the preparation of tetrasubstituted unsymmetrical 1,4-enediones via copper-promoted autotandem catalysis and air as the oxidant. Various N-nucleophiles are compatible with this reaction, such as morpholine, piperidine, pyrrolidine, arylamines, pyrazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, and benzotriazole. This reaction also has significant advantages in easily available substrates, atom economy, bond-forming efficiency, and environmental benignity.

Highly efficient synthesis of 3a,6a-dihydrofuro[2,3-b]furans via a novel bicyclization.

A highly efficient method for the construction of 3a,6a-dihydrofuro[2,3-b]furan derivatives has been developed via a novel bicyclization, which is very valuable for the synthesis of fused furofuran compounds since it is time-saving and catalyst-free. Based on the bicyclization, a coupled domino strategy has been developed to directly construct 3a,6a-dihydrofuro[2,3-b]furan derivatives from methyl ketones.

Acid-Mediated N–H/α,β-C(sp3)–H Trifunctionalization of Pyrrolidine: Intermolecular [3 + 2] Cycloaddition for the Construction of 2,3-Dihydro-1H-Pyrrolizine Derivatives

A one-pot acid-mediated reaction has been developed for the N-H/α,β-C(sp(3))-H trifunctionalization of pyrrolidine without any metallic reagents or external oxidants. This reaction involves the intermolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition of in situ-generated azomethine ylides with acrylic esters to provide facile access to 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine derivatives in high yields under mild conditions.

Convenient Access to Polyfunctional Pyrazoles via a Highly Efficient and Regioselective Multicomponent Reaction

A multicomponent reaction has been developed for the synthesis of polyfunctional pyrazole derivatives from readily available arylglyoxal monohydrates, tosylhydrazine, and aldehydes or ketones. This synthetic method has significant advantages in broad substrate scope, excellent regioselectivity, and simple operation.

Multicomponent Coupling Cyclization Access to Cinnolines via in Situ Generated Diazene with Arynes, and α-Bromo Ketones

A transition-metal-free multicomponent coupling cyclization reaction was explored involving arynes, tosylhydrazine, and α-bromo ketones. The reaction proceeds via a formal [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition, giving access to cinnoline derivatives in moderate yields under mild conditions. Three chemical bonds were formed-two C-N bonds and one C-C bond-in a single step.

Transition-Metal-Free Multicomponent Benzannulation Reactions for the Construction of Polysubstituted Benzene Derivatives

A transition-metal-free multicomponent benzannulation reaction was developed from readily available ketones, nitro-olefins, and diester acetylenedicarboxylate. This approach provides a straightforward and efficient way to construct polysubstituted benzene derivatives under mild conditions in high yields.

Acid-Catalyzed Multicomponent Tandem Cyclizations: Access to Polyfunctional Dihydroindolizino[8,7-b]indoles.

An acid-catalyzed multicomponent tandem cyclization protocol has been developed for the synthesis of polyfunctional dihydroindolizino[8,7-b]indoles from simple and readily available arylglyoxal monohydrates, tryptamines, and trans-β-nitrostyrenes or malononitrile. This reaction represents a highly efficient and convenient methodology for the synthesis of diversely substituted heteropolycyclic scaffolds under mild, metal-free conditions.

Acid-Mediated Intermolecular [3 + 2] Cycloaddition toward Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines: Total Synthesis of the Lamellarin Core and Lamellarin G Trimethyl Ether

A novel one-pot reaction has been developed for the efficient synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and 1-dearyllamellarin core from (E)-(2-nitrovinyl)benzenes and azomethine ylides generated in situ. This strategy provides a concise total synthesis of the lamellarin core and lamellarin G trimethyl ether using electrophilic substitution and palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions.