Conjugate additions and organocatalytic sequential reactions - new approaches to old reactions

Abstract

This thesis consists in a collection of projects wherein the focus is the application of organocatalysts to accelerate the reactions, its primary function, as to induce asymmetry to the synthetic targets, within a perspective of sustainable chemistry. Thus, this thesis was arranged in four sections, the first two being about conjugate additions reactions; the third one related to 1,6-Friedel-Crafts/ 1,4-oxa-Michael cascade, and finally the fourth related to a formal [3 + 3] cycloaddition reaction. The first chapter describes the application of ionic liquids as basic catalysts in the conjugate addition of diketones to nitroolefins irradiated by ultrasound. Thus, the Michael adducts, which are important synthetic building blocks were synthesized efficiently under solvent free conditions. In the second chapter is presented the formal synthesis of Pregabalin Phenibut and Bacoflen. The synthetic intermediate of theses are obtained via a conjugate addition of aldehydes to nitroolefins, using an organocatalyst developed by our group in PEG-400, as recyclable solvent. In this regard, a collection of Michael adducts was synthesized within the principles of green chemistry in good yields and selectivities. The third section describes the first organocatalytic asymmetric cascate 1,6- Friedel-Crafts / 1,4- Oxa-Michael of hydroxyarenes to 2,4-dienal for the construction of chiral chromans, which are important bioactive compounds. A collection of chiral chromans was synthesized with high yields and selectivities (94-99% ee). Furthermore, several manipulations were made including the formation of a macrocyclic lactam. Finally, the fourth section dedicated to the formal [3 + 3] cycloaddition of azomethine imine with methyl isocyanoacetates leading to 1,2,4 triazines derivatives, which are relevant biological activity heterocyclic. We used either organocatalytic approach as cooperative catalysis (organocatalysis and metal catalysis). This work is still in the primary stages, however the product has been obtained with up to (42% ee, 69% yield), as just one diastereomer.