Xiao-Hua Du

Fischer indole synthesis catalyzed by novel SO3H-functionalized ionic liquids in water

Novel SO3H-functionalized ionic liquids bearing two alkyl sulfonic acid groups in the imidazolium cations were designed and successfully applied as catalysts for the one-pot Fischer indole synthesis in water medium. The sequence of the catalytic activity observed in the transformation was in good agreement with the Bronsted acidity order determined by the Hammett method. Various types of indoles from single-carbonyl ketones/aldehydes and cyclohexandiones were provided in 68–96% yields using the catalytic system of [(HSO3-p)2im][HSO4]/H2O. The indole products could be conveniently separated from the reaction mixture by filtration and the dissolved catalyst could be regenerated by treatment with a strongly acidic cation exchange resin, which meant the whole process was performed in water without using any organic solvents.

Enantioselective synthesis of functionalized 3,4-disubstituted dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinones via Michael–hemiaminalization/oxidation reaction

A novel method is developed for the enantioselective synthesis of highly functionalized 3,4-disubstituted dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinones bearing two trans contiguous stereogenic centers with excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >99 : 1 dr) and high to excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee). The process combines an enantioselective organocatalytic Michael–hemiaminalization reaction and a highly efficient oxidation reaction sequence with good yields and stereoselectivity.