Thesis advisor: Amir H. Hoveyda / Chapter 1. A Review of Sulfonate-Containing NHC Ligands in Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective Transformations—Maneuvering Selectivities in Tight Space. A comprehensive review of enantioselective copper-catalyzed transformations, which are promoted by a chiral N-heterocyclic carbene metal complex that features a unique sulfonate motif, is provided in this chapter. Reactions have been categorized into four sets: allylic substitutions conjugate additions, Cu-B additions alkenes and multicomponent reactions. The mechanistic scenarios provided by DFT calculations accounts for their uniquely reaction profile in enantioselective allylic substitutions (EAS), enantioselective conjugate additions (EAS) and enantioselective Cu-B additions to alkenes. Mechanistic investigations (density functional theory calculations and deuterium labeling) point to a bridging function for an alkali metal cation connecting the sulfonate anion and a substrate’ s phosphate group to form the branched addition products as the dominant isomers via Cu(III) π -allyl intermediate complexes in EAS reactions. Sulfonate-bearing NHC ligand with different substitution patterns promote EAS reactions with different reactivity and enantioselectivity. We also developed a guideline to follow to choose the proper sulfonate-based NHC ligands according to the combination of the substrates and the nucleophiles. Chapter 2. NHC–Cu-Catalyzed Enantioselective Allylic Substitutions with Silyl-protected Propargyl Boron Reagent to Generate Tertiary and Quaternary Carbon Stereogenic Centers. Catalytic allylic substitution reactions involving a propargylic nucleophilic component are presented; reactions are facilitated by 5.0 mol % of a catalyst derived from a chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and a copper chloride salt. A silyl-containing propargylic organoboron compound, easily prepared in multi-gram quantities, serves as the reagent. Aryl- and heteroaryl-substituted disubstituted alkenes within allylic phosphates and those with an alkyl or a silyl group can be used. Functional groups typically sensitive to hard nucleophilic reagents are tolerated, particularly in the additions to disubstituted alkenes. Reactions may be performed on the corresponding trisubstituted alkenes, affording quaternary carbon stereogenic centers. Incorporation of the propargylic group is generally favored (vs allenyl addition; 89:11 to >98:2 selectivity); 1,5-enynes can be isolated in 75−90% yield, 87:13 to >98:2 SN2′:SN2 (branched/linear) selectivity and 83:17−99:1 enantiomeric ratio. Utility is showcased by conversion of the alkynyl group to other useful functional units. Application to stereoselective synthesis of the acyclic portion of antifungal agent plakinic acid A, containing two remotely positioned stereogenic centers, by sequential use of two different NHC–Cu-catalyzed enantioselective allylic substitution (EAS) reactions further highlights utility. Chapter 3. NHC–Cu-Catalyzed Enantioselective Allylic Substitutions with Methylenediboron to Generate Tertiary and Quaternary Carbon Stereogenic Centers. A catalytic EAS method for the site- and enantioselective addition of commercially available di-B(pin)-methane to disubstituted allylic phosphates is introduced. Transformations are facilitated by a sulfonate-containing NHC–Cu complex and products are obtained in 63–95% yield, 88:12 to >98:2 SN2’/SN2 selectivity, and 85:15–99:1 enantiomeric ratio. The utility of the approach is highlighted by its application to the formal synthesis of the cytotoxic natural product rhopaloic acid A, in an all-catalytic-method synthesis route. Catalytic EAS methods of the di-B(pin) methane to Z-trisubstituted allylic phosphates are also disclosed and DFT calculations provide insights to the stereochemical models for those transformations and rationales for the choice of Z-trisubstituted allylic phosphates as the starting materials. Chapter 4. Enantioselective NHC–Cu-Catalyzed Prenyl Conjugate Additions to Enoates to Generate Tertiary Carbon Stereogenic Centers. An efficient catalytic protocol for generation of prenyl-bearing tertiary carbon stereogenic centers from aryl-substituted enoates was achieved in the presence of a chiral alkoxy-based NHC–Cu complex. A range of aryl and heteroaryl-substituted substrate were suitable substrates, the corresponding prenyl conjugate addition products were generated in up to 94% yield and 95:5 enantioselectivity. The utility of the current method has been shown in the application to the synthesis of a selective integrin antagonist. DFT calculations provided a stereochemical model for the ECA reaction employing alkoxy-containing NHC–Cu catalyst. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2017. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

<p> This thesis describes an attempt to develop a potentially useful route to seven-membered carbocycles. α-Diketones and their enol ether derivatives were proposed to be suitable three-carbon cycloaddition dienophiles when complexed with a Lewis acid. Reaction with 1,3-dienes should then lead to the desired cycloheptyl system.</p> <p> 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR studies were used to determine the stoichiometry and charge delocalization of complexes formed between 2,3-butanedione, 1,2-cyclohexanedione, 2-methoxy-cyclohex-2-en-1-one and the Lewis acids TiCl4 and SnCl4. Observations from these studies suggested that 1,2-cyclohexanedione and 2-methoxy-cyclohex-2-en-1one could behave as substituted allyl cations when complexed with TiCl4 or SnCl4.</p> <p> Reaction of the 1,2-cyclohexanedione/TiCl4 and 2-methoxy-cyclohex-2-en-1one/ TiCl4 complexes with 1 ,3-butadiene gave rise to six-membered carbocycles from [4C+2C] cycloadditions. The reaction of 2,3-butanedione-mono-trimethylsilyl enol ether/TiCl4 complex with 1,3-butadiene gave a mixture of the [4C+2C] and [4C+3C] cycloaddition products.</p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

The catalytic activation of enones in C-C bond forming processes represents a promising alternative to the prefabrication of chemically labile enols and enolates. Through the use of a (diketonato)cobalt/silane catalyst system, we have devised highly diastereoselective aldol and Michael cycloreductions (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 5112). Modulation of the catalyst system has enabled the first intramolecular metal-catalyzed alkene (2+2)cycloaddition (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 6716). Finally, the concept of catalytic nucleophilic enone activation embodied by the Morita-Baylis- Hillman and Rauhut Currier reactions has been utilized to develop an organic catalyst system for the cycloisomerization of bis-enones, i.e. an intramolecular Rauhut Currier reaction (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 2402). Notably, this protocol allowed for the selective "crossed" cyclization of unsymmetrical bis-enone substrates. / text

Thesis advisor: James P. Morken / Platinum-catalyzed enantioselective 1,4-diboration of cyclic 1,3-dienes is reported, providing enantioenriched 1,4-bis(boronic) esters in good yield and up to 96:4 er. The analogous diboration reaction of imines generated enantioenriched alpha-amino boronic esters, which are valuable therapeutic candidates and useful synthetic building blocks. Alpha-substituted allyl bis(boronic) esters, which are derived from 1,2-diboration of 1,3-dienes, undergo double allylation with 1,4-dicarbonyls to afford cyclic 1,4-diols bearing four contiguous stereocenters in a one-pot fashion with moderate to excellent diastereoselectivity. The development of a synthesis of geminal bis(boronic) esters is disclosed. These unique compounds were utilized in an alkoxide-promoted deborylative alkylation to access primary, secondary and tertiary boronic esters. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2015. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

Thesis advisor: Kian L. Tan / Thesis advisor: Dunwei Wang / Silicon nanowires are utilized to harvest the energy from visible light. The introduction of a nickel pre-catalyst, 1, allows for this energy to be stored in chemical bonds, which are subsequently used in the carboxylation of 4-octyne. / Thesis (MS) — Boston College, 2014. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

No description available.

We have described two important classes of palladium-catalyzed reactions for the synthesis of heterocycles and carbocycles: tandem Pd-catalyzed reactions of gem-dibromoolefins and domino Pd-catalyzed reactions via an ortho C−H functionalization. Chapter 1 describes the tandem Pd-catalyzed reaction of gem-dibromoolefins via an intramolecular direct arylation and an intermolecular Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling. A number of aromatic carbocycles were synthesized by this method. Chapter 2 describes the tandem Pd-catalyzed reactions of β,β-dibromoenamides via an intramolecular C−O bond formation and an intermolecular Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling. Depending on the substituent on the nitrogen of β,β-dibromoenamides, either aromatic heterocycles or acyclic compounds can be synthesized. Chapter 3 and 4 describe the domino Pd-catalyzed reactions via an ortho C−H functionalization of aryl iodides. 2-Pyrrole substituted phenyl iodides were coupled with alkyl bromides in the presence of norbornene to provide aromatic tetracyclic compounds through three C−C bond formations (Chapter 3). However, the reaction between 2-methyl substituted phenyl iodides and the alkyl bromides in the presence of norbornene provided tetrasubstituted helical alkenes with the norbornene incorporated in the final product through four C−C bond formations (chapter 4). In Chapter 5, detailed mechanistic studies including kinetic and NMR studies were described for the regioselective C−H functionalization of 2-pyrrole substituted phenyl iodides. The studies provided advanced and important understanding of the mechanism, and a rationale for the high regioselectivity.

We have described two important classes of palladium-catalyzed reactions for the synthesis of heterocycles and carbocycles: tandem Pd-catalyzed reactions of gem-dibromoolefins and domino Pd-catalyzed reactions via an ortho C−H functionalization. Chapter 1 describes the tandem Pd-catalyzed reaction of gem-dibromoolefins via an intramolecular direct arylation and an intermolecular Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling. A number of aromatic carbocycles were synthesized by this method. Chapter 2 describes the tandem Pd-catalyzed reactions of β,β-dibromoenamides via an intramolecular C−O bond formation and an intermolecular Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling. Depending on the substituent on the nitrogen of β,β-dibromoenamides, either aromatic heterocycles or acyclic compounds can be synthesized. Chapter 3 and 4 describe the domino Pd-catalyzed reactions via an ortho C−H functionalization of aryl iodides. 2-Pyrrole substituted phenyl iodides were coupled with alkyl bromides in the presence of norbornene to provide aromatic tetracyclic compounds through three C−C bond formations (Chapter 3). However, the reaction between 2-methyl substituted phenyl iodides and the alkyl bromides in the presence of norbornene provided tetrasubstituted helical alkenes with the norbornene incorporated in the final product through four C−C bond formations (chapter 4). In Chapter 5, detailed mechanistic studies including kinetic and NMR studies were described for the regioselective C−H functionalization of 2-pyrrole substituted phenyl iodides. The studies provided advanced and important understanding of the mechanism, and a rationale for the high regioselectivity.

Expanding the uses of the NCAL and finding the spectrum of substrates best suited for such a transformation has been the main effort of my research. Previous studies had focused on aldedydes as the requisite functionality that would provide the needed electrophilicity in order to complete the aldol; however, recent advancements have introduced ketones as a viable carbonyl. With an established protocol in hand, I set out to explore various substrates that could yield Beta-lactones in good to moderate yields such as amino acid derivatives, diones, and large cyclic formations as well as simple, straight chain acids with varying groups Alpha to the ketone. In general, I was able to establish a basic framework of substrates that are highly and/or moderately susceptible towards the NCAL and current studies continue to further expand the scope. In addition to making Beta-lactones, I investigated alkyl cuprates as soft nucleophiles to afford addition at the Beta carbon yielding a variety of acids. Substrates for cuprate additions have been expanded to bulkier and multi-cyclic Beta-lactones and applied to the synthesis of a Merck IND intermediate. Additions to bi- and tri-chloro Beta-lactones due to the presence of the resulting moity in natural products are currently being studied.

<p>The importance of nitrogen-containing compounds in human life has drawn us to focus on the preparation of amine derivatives, combined with the limitations associated with traditional methods for the formation of C-N bonds has prompted us to develop new and efficient syntheses, of amine and ether derivatives and explore the mechanisms of the gold(I)-catalyzed reactions.</p><p>A mixture of AuCl[P(t-Bu)2o-biphenyl] (5 mol %) and AgOTf (5 mol %) served as an effective catalyst for the intermolecular hydroamination of allenes with arylamines to form N-prenylaniline and N,N-diprenylaniline derivatives. This gold(I)-catalyzed protocol was effective for the formation of arylamines at non-forcing conditions with wide substrate scope in both allene and aniline, in high yields with good regioselectivity diastereoselectivity.</p><p>The mechanism of the gold(I)-catalyzed hydroalkoxylation and hydroamination of alcohols and carbamates with allenes, catalyzed by AuIPrCl (IPr= 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidine) and AgOTf was investigated. The experimental rate laws for both reactions indicate first-order behavior in nucleophile and catalyst and zero-order behavior in catalyst. We propose an outer-sphere mechanism with turnover limiting protonolysis for the gold(I)-catalyzed hydrofunctionalization of allenes with alcohols or carbamates based on kinetic isotope effect, saturation behavior, and stereochemical analysis of hydroalkoxylation.</p><p>The mechanism of gold(I)-catalyzed hydroamination of allenes with arylamines was examined. Specifically, we explored the hydroamination of 3-methy-1,2-butadiene with aniline catalyzed by AuCl[P(t-Bu)2o-biphenyl] (5 mol %) and AgOTf (5 mol %) in dioxane at 45 °C to form N-prenylaniline and N,N-diprenylaniline. The kinetics of this reaction were determined to be first-order in aniline, allene, and catalyst. We have concluded that the mechanism for the gold(I)-catalyzed intermolecular hydroamination of allenes with arylamines involves outer-sphere attack of aniline on the gold-&#61552;-allene complex based on stereochemical analysis of the hydroamination product from the reaction of an enantiomerically enriched allene, (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-butadiene, with 3-bromoaniline.</p> / Dissertation