Zhi-Wen Zhou

Divergent Synthesis of Quinazolin-4(3H)-ones and Tryptanthrins Enabled by a tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide/K3PO4-Promoted Oxidative Cyclization of Isatins at Room Temperature

A synergetic tert-butyl hydroperoxide/K3PO4-promoted oxidative cyclization has been developed for the facile synthesis of various functionalized quinazolin-4(3H)-ones from commercially available isatins and amidine hydrochlorides at room temperature. The synthetic utility of this strategy was illustrated by the convenient synthesis of tryptanthrin derivatives via a self-dimerization of isatins under the same conditions.

Consecutive Cycloaddition/SNAr/Reduction/Cyclization/Oxidation Sequences: A Copper-Catalyzed Multicomponent Synthesis of Fused N-Heterocycles

A highly efficient multicomponent domino protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 5-phenyl-[1,2,3]triazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines from simple and readily available (E)-1-bromo-2-(2-nitrovinyl)benzenes, aldehydes, and sodium azide. This elegant domino process involved consecutive [3 + 2] cycloaddition, copper-catalyzed S(N)Ar, reduction, cyclization, and oxidation sequences. Notably, sodium azide acted as a dual nitrogen source in the construction of this novel fused N-heterocycle.

Copper-Catalyzed Multicomponent Domino Reaction of 2-Bromoaldehydes, Benzylamines, and Sodium Azide for the Assembly of Quinazoline Derivatives

An efficient three-component domino reaction of 2-bromoaldehydes, benzylamines, and sodium azide has been developed for the synthesis of quinazoline derivatives. This domino process involves copper-catalyzed SNAr, oxidation/cyclization, and denitrogenation sequences. The mild catalytic system enabled the effective construction of three C-N bonds in one operation.

Expeditious Synthesis of 2-Phenylquinazolin-4-amines via a Fe/Cu Relay-Catalyzed Domino Strategy

A highly efficient Fe/Cu relay-catalyzed domino protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 2-phenylquinazolin-4-amines from commercially available ortho-halogenated benzonitriles, aldehydes, and sodium azide. This elegant domino process involved consecutive iron-mediated [3 + 2] cycloaddition, copper-catalyzed SNAr, reduction, cyclization, oxidation, and copper-catalyzed denitrogenation sequences. The formed structure is the privileged core in drugs and bioactive molecules.

Substrates as Electron-Donor Precursors: Synthesis of Naphtho-Fused Oxindoles via Benzannulation of 2-Halobenzaldehydes and Indolin-2-ones

An unusual benzannulation reaction has been realized by integrating intermolecular adol condensation with subsequent intramolercular base-promoted homolytic aromatic substitution. This novel cascade reaction provides a straightforward approach toward various naphtho-fused oxindoles from 2-halobenzaldehydes and indolin-2-ones in the presence of Cs2CO3 in DMSO. The enolates of indolin-2-ones as new and internal electron donors have been demonstrated to initiate intramolecular radical dehalogenative coupling.

Switchable Access to 3-Carboxylate-4-quinolones and 1-Vinyl-3-carboxylate-4-quinolones via Oxidative Cyclization of Isatins and Alkynes

An efficient transition-metal-free oxidative cyclization reaction using isatins and alkynes for the facile synthesis of structurally diverse 4-quinolones has been developed. Intriguingly, switchable access to substituted 3-carboxylate-4-quinolones and 1-vinyl-3-carboxylate-4-quinolones could be achieved by choosing a different base in the reaction. The obtained products could undergo further transformations, increasing the application potential of the method in organic synthesis.