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Isomerisation reactions provide streamlined routes to organic compounds which are otherwise hard to directly synthesise. The most common forms are positional, geometrical or stereochemical isomerisations which involve the relocation of a double bond or a change in relative location of groups in space. In contrast, far fewer examples of structural (or constitutional) isomerisation exist where the connectivity between atoms is altered. The development of platforms capable of such rearrangement poses a unique set of challenges because chemical bonds must be selectively cleaved, and new ones formed without overall addition or removal of atoms. Here, we show that a dual catalytic system can enable the structural isomerisation of readily available allylic alcohols into more challenging‐to‐synthesise α‐arylated ketones via a H‐atom transfer initiated semi‐pinacol rearrangement. Key to our strategy is the combination of a cobalt catalyst and photocatalyst under reductive, protic conditions which allows intermediates to propagate catalytic turnover. By providing an unusual disconnection to structural motifs which are difficult to access through direct arylation, we anticipate inspiring other advanced catalytic isomerisation strategies that will further retrosynthetic logic for complex molecule synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present herein a catalytic enantioconvergent diamination of racemic allylic alcohols with the construction of two C−N bonds and 1,3‐nonadjacent stereocenters. This iridium/chiral phosphoric acid cooperative catalytic system operates through an atom‐economical borrowing hydrogen amination/aza‐Michael cascade, and converts readily available phenylenediamines and racemic allylic alcohols to 1,5‐tetrahydrobenzodiazepines in high enantioselectivity. An intriguing solvent‐dependent switch of diastereoselectivity was also observed. Mechanistic studies suggested a dynamic kinetic resolution process involving racemization through a reversible Michael addition, making the last step of asymmetric imine reduction the enantiodetermining step of this cascade process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral allylic alcohols are highly prized in synthetic chemistry due to their versatile reactivity stemming from both alkenyl and hydroxyl functionalities. While the Nozaki–Hiyama–Kishi (NHK) reaction is a widely used method for the synthesis of allylic alcohols, it suffers from drawbacks such as the use of toxic chromium salts, high amounts of metal reductants, and poor enantiocontrol. To address these limitations, we present a novel approach involving a metallaphotoredox‐catalyzed asymmetric NHK reaction for the production of chiral allylic alcohols. This method marries alkenyl (pseudo)halides with aldehydes, leveraging a synergistic blend of a chiral nickel catalyst and a photocatalyst. This innovative technique enables both oxidative addition and insertion just using nickel, diverging significantly from the conventional NHK reaction pathway mediated by nickel and chromium salts. The adoption of this methodology holds immense promise for crafting a spectrum of intricate compounds, particularly those of significance in pharmaceuticals. Detailed experimental investigations have shed light on the metallaphotoredox process, further enhancing our understanding and enabling further advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strasseriolide macrolides show promising in vitro and in vivo activities against P. falciparum and T. cruzi, the parasites causing malaria and Chagas disease, respectively. However, the as yet poor understanding of structure/activity relationships and the fact that one family member proved systemically toxic for unknown reasons render a more detailed assessment of these potential lead compounds difficult. To help overcome these issues, a collective total synthesis was devised. The key steps consisted of a ring closing alkyne metathesis (RCAM) reaction to forge a common macrocyclic intermediate followed by a hydroxy‐directed ruthenium catalyzed trans‐hydrostannation of the propargyl alcohol site thus formed. The resulting alkenyltin derivative served as the central node of the synthesis blueprint, which could be elaborated into the natural products themselves as well as into a set of non‐natural analogues according to the concept of diverted total synthesis. The recorded biological data confirmed the potency of the compounds and showed the lack of any noticeable cytotoxicity. The "northern" allylic alcohol subunit was recognized as an integral part of the pharmacophore, yet it provides opportunities for chemical modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a photochemical method for the semipinacol rearrangement of unactivated allylic alcohols. Aliphatic as well as aromatic groups participate as migrating groups, yielding a variety of α,α‐disubstituted ketones. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions and is compatible with ethers, esters, halides, nitriles, carbamates, and substituted arenes. The operationally simple and fully catalytic conditions prescribe 1 mol % benzothiazinoquinoxaline as organophotocatalyst, 0.5 mol % Co‐salen, and 10 mol % lutidinium triflate and, importantly, display reactivity complementary to procedures employing Brønsted acid. We showcase the utility of the protocol in late‐stage drug diversifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic enantioselective alkenylation of aldehydes with easily accessible alkenyl halides promoted by a chiral cobalt complex derived from a newly developed tridentate bisoxazolinephosphine is presented. Such processes represent an unprecedented reaction pathway for cobalt catalysis and a general approach that enable rapid construction of highly diversified enantioenriched allylic alcohols containing a 1,1‐, 1,2‐disubstituted and trisubstituted alkene as well as axial stereogenicity in up to 99 % yield and 99 : 1 er without the need of preformation of alkenyl–metal reagents. DFT calculations revealed the origin of enantioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic methods allowing for the reliable prediction and control of diverse regioselectivity along with the control of enantioselectivity to access different regio‐ and enantiomers by switching the least reaction parameters are one of the most attractive ways in organic synthesis, which provide access to diverse enantioenriched architectures from identical starting materials. Herein, a Co‐catalyzed regiodivergent and enantioselective reductive hydroalkylation of 1,3‐dienes with aldehydes has been achieved, furnishing different enantioenriched homoallylic alcohol architectures in good levels of enantioselectivity. The reaction features the switch of regioselectivity tuned by the selection of proton source. The use of an acid as proton source provided asymmetric 1,2‐hydroalkylation products under reductive conditions, yet asymmetric 4,3‐hydroalkylation products were obtained with silane as hydride source. This catalytic protocol allows for the access of homoallylic alcohols with two continuous saturated carbon centers in good levels of regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the well‐studied 1‐vinylcyclobutanols, the reactivity of 3‐vinylazetidin‐3‐ols 1 and 3‐vinyloxetan‐3‐ols 2 under transition metal catalysis remains largely unexplored. We report herein their unique reactivity under dual palladium and acid catalysis. In the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd(OAc)2(PPh3)2, AgTFA and triflic acid, the reaction of 1 or 2 with aryl iodides affords 2,3,4‐trisubstituted dihydrofurans, which are valuable heterocycles in organic synthesis. Mechanistic studies reveal that this arylative ring‐expansion reaction proceeds via a domino process involving Heck arylation of alkene, acid‐catalyzed transposition of allylic alcohol and ring opening of the azetidine/oxetane by an internal hydroxyl group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic enantioselective coupling of 1,1‐disubstituted allenes and aldehydes through regiodivergent oxidative cyclization followed by stereoselective protonation or reductive elimination promoted by chiral phosphine‐Co complexes is presented. Such processes represent unprecedented and unique reaction pathways for Co catalysis that enable catalytic enantioselective generation of metallacycles with divergent regioselectivity accurately controlled by chiral ligands, affording a wide range of allylic alcohols and homoallylic alcohols that are otherwise difficult to access without the need of pre‐formation of stoichiometric amounts of alkenyl‐ and allyl‐metal reagents in up to 92 % yield, >98 : 2 regioselectivity, >98 : 2 dr and >99.5 : 0.5 er. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report a highly chemo‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselective allyl‐allyl coupling between branched allyl alcohols and α‐silyl‐substituted allylboronate esters, catalyzed by a chiral iridium complex. The α‐silyl‐substituted allylboronate esters can be chemoselectively coupled with allyl electrophiles, affording a diverse set of enantioenriched (E)‐1‐boryl‐substituted 1,5‐dienes in good yields, with excellent stereoselectivity. By permuting the chiral iridium catalysts and the substrates, we efficiently and selectively obtained all four stereoisomers bearing two consecutive chiral centers. Mechanistic studies via density functional theory calculations revealed the origins of the diastereo‐ and chemoselectivities, indicating the pivotal roles of the steric interaction, the β‐silicon effect, and a rapid desilylation process. Additional synthetic modifications for preparing a variety of enantioenriched compounds containing contiguous chiral centers are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An iridium‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic benzylation of aryl vinyl carbinols under light irradiation is described. 2‐Methylbenzophenone derivatives are employed and activated to hydroxy‐o‐quinodimethanes by an ultraviolet (UV) light. This approach enables asymmetric allylic benzylation with high enantioselectivity (up to 99 % ee) from readily available 2‐methylbenzophenones without the utilization of strong bases, and pre‐activation or pre‐functionalization of the substrates. Moreover, deuterium experiments reveal the generation of nucleophilic benzyl species from 2‐methylbenzophenone under UV irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe cooperative bimetallic catalysis that enables regio‐/stereodivergent asymmetric α‐allylations of aldimine esters. By employing Et3B as the key activator, racemic allylic alcohols can be directly ionized to form Pd or Ir‐π‐allyl species in the presence of achiral Pd or chiral Ir complexes, respectively. The less or more substituted allylic termini of the metal‐π‐allyl species are amenable to nucleophilic attack by the chiral Cu‐azomethine ylide, the formation of which is simultaneously facilitated by Et3B, affording α‐quaternary α‐amino acids with high regioselectivity and excellent stereoselectivity. The use of readily available allylic alcohols as electrophilic precursors represents an improvement from an environmental and atom/step economy perspective. Computational mechanistic studies reveal the crucial role of the Et3B additive and the origins of stereo‐ and regioselectivities by analyzing steric effects, dispersion interactions, and frontier orbital population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report herein a rare example of enantiodivergent aldehyde addition with β‐alkenyl allylic boronates via chiral Brønsted acid catalysis. 2,6‐Di‐9‐anthracenyl‐substituted chiral phosphoric acid‐catalyzed asymmetric allylation using β‐vinyl substituted allylic boronate gave alcohols with R absolute configuration. The sense of asymmetric induction of the catalyst in these reactions is opposite to those in prior reports. Moreover, in the presence of the same acid catalyst, the reactions with β‐2‐propenyl substituted allylic boronate generated homoallylic alcohol products with S absolute configuration. Unusual substrate‐catalyst C−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions in the favoured reaction transition state were identified as the origins of observed enantiodivergence through DFT computational studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nickel‐catalyzed three‐component carbonylative cross‐coupling reaction of allylic alcohols and organoalanes with CO at atmospheric pressure is reported, enabling the expedient formation of β,γ‐unsaturated ketones with broad scope. Particularly, the chemoselective allylic carbonylation of diols further highlights the practicability of this protocol. The leverage of organoalanes as both the coupling components and the activators for the alcohol functionalization is crucial for this method, thus no extraneous activators are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unprecedented hydroalkylation of racemic allylic alcohols and racemic ketimine esters enabled by Cu/Ru relay catalysis has been developed via merging the ruthenium‐catalyzed asymmetric borrowing‐hydrogen reaction with a copper‐catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition in a one‐pot procedure. The current method enables the efficient preparation of highly functionalized δ‐hydroxyesters bearing 1,4‐nonadjacent stereocenters in good yields with high levels of diastereoselectivity and excellent enantioselectivity under mild reaction conditions. The full complement of the four stereoisomers of hydroalkylation products could be readily accessed by orthogonal permutations of two chiral metal catalysts. The current work highlights the power of relay catalysis for the stereodivergent construction of 1,4‐nonadjacent stereocenters that were otherwise inaccessible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Ti(Oi‐Pr)4 promoted 5‐ or 6‐endo‐trig cyclisation to make nitrogen heterocycles is presented. The utilisation of HFIP as a key solvent enables the stereoselective preparation of di‐ & tri‐substituted pyrrolidines and piperidines while forming a new C−C bond at the same time. The process is triggered by a cationic intermediate generated from an allylic or benzylic alcohol and leads to the simultaneous generation of both a C−C and a C−N bond in a single step. Notably, either 2,3‐trans‐ or 2,3‐cis‐substituted heterocycles can be obtained by using a nucleophilic amine bearing different substituents. Lastly, the stereoselective synthesis of enantiopure products was achieved by using readily available enantiopure acyclic starting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,3‐Allyl and 1,2‐allyl shifts through [3,3]‐ and [2,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangements are well‐established and widely used in organic synthesis. In contrast, 1,5‐allyl shift through related [3,5]‐sigmatropic rearrangement is unknown because [3,5]‐sigmatropic rearrangement is thermally Woodward–Hoffmann forbidden. Herein, we report an unexpected discovery of a formal 1,5‐allyl shift of allyl furfuryl alcohol through a 2‐step sequential rearrangement. Mechanistically, this formal 1,5‐allyl shift is achieved through a sequential ring expansion/contraction rearrangement: 1) Achmatowicz rearrangement (ring expansion), and 2) cascade oxonia‐Cope rearrangement/retro‐Achmatowicz rearrangement (ring contraction). This new 1,5‐allyl shift method is demonstrated with >20 examples and expected to find applications in organic synthesis and materials chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asymmetric catalytic addition of linear Grignard reagents to ketones has been a long‐standing challenge in organic synthesis. Herein, a novel family of PNP ligands (W‐Phos) was designed and applied in copper‐catalyzed asymmetric addition of linear Grignard reagents to aryl alkyl ketones, allowing facile access to versatile chiral tertiary alcohols in good to high yields with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 94 % yield, 96 % ee). The process can also be used to synthesize chiral allylic tertiary alcohols from more challenging α,β‐unsaturated ketones. Notably, the potential utility of this method is demonstrated in the gram‐scale synthesis and modification of various densely functionalized medicinally relevant molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique family of chiral peraza N6‐macrocyclic ligands, which are conformationally rigid and have a tunable saddle‐shaped cavity, is described. Utilizing their manganese(I) complexes, the first example of earth‐abundant transition metal‐catalyzed asymmetric formal anti‐Markovnikov hydroamination of allylic alcohols was realized, providing a practical access to synthetically important chiral γ‐amino alcohols in excellent yields and enantioselectivities (up to 99 % yield and 98 % ee). The single‐crystal structure of a MnI complex indicates that the manganese atom coordinates with the chiral dialkylamine moiety in a bidentate fashion. Further DFT calculations revealed that five of the six nitrogen atoms in the ligand were engaged in multiple noncovalent interactions with Mn, an isopropanol molecule, and a β‐amino ketone intermediate via coordination, hydrogen bonding, and/or CH⋅⋅⋅π interactions in the transition state, showing a remarkable role of the macrocyclic framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caryoynencin is a toxic and antifungal fatty acid derivative produced by a number of plant‐pathogenic and insect‐protective bacteria (Trinickia caryophylli and Burkholderia spp.). In addition to the reactive tetrayne unit, the presence of an allylic alcohol moiety is critical for antimicrobial activities. By a combination of mutational analyses, heterologous expression and in vitro reconstitution experiments we show that the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CayG catalyzes the complex transformation of a saturated carbon backbone into an allylic alcohol. Unexpectedly, CayG employs a ferritin‐like protein (CayK) or a rubredoxin (CayL) component for electron transport. A desaturation‐hydroxylation sequence was deduced from a time‐course study and in vitro biotransformations with pathway intermediates, substrate analogues, protegencin congeners from Pseudomonas protegens Pf‐5, and synthetic derivatives. This unusual multifunctional oxygenase may inspire future biocatalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asymmetric hydroalkylation of racemic allylic alcohols has been developed for the synthesis of chiral amino acid derivatives with two remote chiral centers by borrowing hydrogen catalysis. The stereoselectivities are controlled by a single chiral Ru catalyst via a dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation process and an interesting diastereoselectivity amplification process of the product. The method could be used for the synthesis of several types of biologically important molecules, including stereodivergent synthesis of chiral pyrrolidine derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation of chiral secondary allylic alcohols, one substrate enantiomer is predominantly converted to the anti‐epoxy alcohol. We herein report the first highly syn‐selective epoxidation of terminal allylic alcohols using a titanium salalen complex as catalyst, at room temperature, and aqueous hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. With enantiopure terminal allylic alcohols as substrates, the epoxy alcohols were obtained with up to 98 % yield and up to >99 : 1 dr (syn). Catalyst loadings as low as 1 mol % can be applied without eroding the syn‐diastereoselectivity. Modification of the allylic alcohol to an ether does not affect the diastereoselectivity either [>99 : 1 dr (syn)]. Inverting the catalyst configuration leads to the anti‐product, albeit at lower dr (ca. 20 : 1). The synthetic potential is demonstrated by a short, gram‐scale preparation of a tetrahydrofuran building block with three stereocenters, involving two titanium salalen catalyzed epoxidation steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α‐Oxygenated Z‐olefins are ubiquitous in biologically active molecules and serve as versatile handles for organic synthesis, but their syntheses are often tedious and less selective. Here we report the efficient Z‐selective metathesis of various terminal acrylates and allyl alcohols, which enables facile and selective construction of high value‐added α‐oxygenated Z‐olefins from readily available feedstock chemicals. These challenging metathesis transformations are enabled by novel cyclometalated Ru‐carbene‐nitrate complexes bearing bulky‐yet‐flexible side arms, whose assembly was unlocked by new organometallic syntheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanistic uniqueness and versatility of borrowing hydrogen catalysis provides an opportunity to investigate the controllability of a cascade reaction, and more importantly, to realize either one or both of chiral recognition and chiral induction simultaneously. Here we report that, in a borrowing hydrogen cascade starting from racemic allylic alcohols, one of the enantiomers could be kinetically resolved, while the other enantiomer could be purposely converted to various targeted products, including α,β‐unsaturated ketones, β‐functionalized ketones and γ‐functionalized alcohols. By employing a robust Ru‐catalyst, both kinetic resolution and asymmetric induction were achieved with remarkable levels of efficiency and enantioselectivity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that corresponding catalyst–substrate π–π interactions are pivotal to realize the observed stereochemical diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly enantioselective NiH‐catalyzed hydrocyclization of alkynones with unparalleled anti‐ and endocyclic selectivities is described. The choice of the precatalysts has significant influence in tuning the regio‐ and enantioselectivity. Using Ni(OTs)2/Phox as a precatalyst and (EtO)2MeSiH as a hydride source, an array of enantioenriched O‐, N‐, and S‐containing heterocyclic tertiary allylic alcohols are obtained in 24–81 % yields with 80:20–99:1 er. Mechanistic investigations and synthetic application are also carried out. This study represents an efficient access to a set of allylic alcohols that are unable to access by the state‐of‐the‐art coupling reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly enantioselective halogenation/semipinacol rearrangement of isatin‐derived allylic alcohols has been developed with a chiral N,N′‐dioxide/ScIII complex as catalyst. This strategy involved a pivotal stereodivergent kinetic resolution process and provided a facile and efficient entry to optically active halo‐substituted quinolone derivatives and quinoline alkaloids with a quaternary stereocenter simultaneously under mild reaction conditions. Based on the control experiments together with kinetic studies and DFT calculations, a possible catalytic cycle was proposed to illustrate the reaction process and enantiocontrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiophene‐based rings are one of the most widely used building blocks for the synthesis of sulfur‐containing molecules. Inspired by the redox diversity of these features in nature, we demonstrate herein a redox‐divergent construction of dihydrothiophenes, thiophenes, and bromothiophenes from the respective readily available allylic alcohols, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and HBr. The redox‐divergent selectivity could be manipulated mainly by controlling the dosage of DMSO and HBr. Mechanistic studies suggest that DMSO simultaneously acts as an oxidant and a sulfur donor. The synthetic potentials of the products as platform molecules were also demonstrated by various derivatizations, including the preparation of bioactive and functional molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report herein the development of stereodivergent syntheses of enantioenriched homoallylic alcohols using chiral nonracemic α‐CH2Bpin‐substituted crotylboronate. Chiral phosphoric acid (S)‐A‐catalyzed asymmetric allyl addition with the reagent gave Z‐anti‐homoallylic alcohols with excellent enantioselectivities and Z‐selectivities. When the enantiomeric acid catalyst (R)‐A was utilized, the stereoselectivity was completely reversed and E‐anti‐homoallylic alcohols were obtained with high E‐selectivities and excellent enantioselectivities. By pairing the chirality of the boron reagent with the catalyst, two complementary stereoisomers of chiral homoallylic alcohols can be obtained selectively from the same boron reagent. DFT computational studies were conducted to probe the origins of the observed stereoselectivity. These reactions generate highly enantioenriched homoallylic alcohol products that are valuable for rapid construction of polyketide structural frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymmetric allylic alkylation (AAA) is a powerful method for the formation of highly useful, non‐racemic allylic compounds. Here we present a complementary enantioselective process that generates allylic lactones via π‐acid catalysis. More specifically, a catalytic enantioselective dehydrative lactonization of allylic alcohols using a novel PdII‐catalyst containing the imidazole‐based P,N‐ligand (S)‐StackPhos is reported. The high‐yielding reactions are operationally simple to perform with enantioselectivities up to 99 % ee. This strategy facilitates the replacement of a poor leaving group with what would ostensibly be a better leaving group in the product avoiding complications arising from racemization by equilibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient protocol for kinetic resolution of tertiary alcohols has been developed through an unprecedented asymmetric enamide‐imine tautomerism process enabled by chiral phosphoric acid catalysis. A broad range of racemic 2‐arylsulfonamido tertiary allyl alcohols could be kinetically resolved with excellent kinetic resolution performances (with s‐factor up to >200). This method is particularly effective for a series of 1,1‐dialkyl substituted allyl alcohols, which produced chiral tertiary alcohols that would be difficult to access via other asymmetric methods. Facile and versatile transformations of the chiral α‐hydroxy imine and enamide products, especially the efficient stereodivergent synthesis of all four stereoisomers of β‐amino tertiary alcohols using one enantiomer of the catalyst, demonstrated the value of this kinetic resolution method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method is described for the isomerization of acyclic allylic alcohols into β‐functionalized ketones via 1,3‐alkyl transposition. This reaction proceeds via light‐driven proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) activation of the O−H bond in the allylic alcohol substrate, followed by C−C β‐scission of the resulting alkoxy radical. The transient alkyl radical and enone acceptor generated in the scission event subsequently recombine via radical conjugate addition to deliver β‐functionalized ketone products. A variety of allylic alcohol substrates bearing alkyl and acyl migratory groups were successfully accommodated. Insights from mechanistic studies led to a modified reaction protocol that improves reaction performance for challenging substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel isomerase NsrQ, from Aspergillus novofumigatus, is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of fungal tetrahydroxanthones and is responsible for dearomatizing cyclization to provide a tetrahydroxanthone scaffold. NsrQ catalyzes a two‐step isomerization reaction, involving the isomerization of allylic alcohol and subsequent inversion of configuration at the methyl group. We report on the biochemical and structural characterizations of NsrQ, and its homologue Dcr3, from Diaporthe longicolla. The crystal structures of NsrQ and Dcr3 revealed their similar overall structures, with a cone‐shaped α+β barrel fold, to those of the nuclear transport factor 2‐like superfamily enzymes. Furthermore, the structures of Dcr3 and NsrQ variants complexed with substrate analogues and the site‐directed mutagenesis studies identified the catalytic residues and the important hydrophobic residues in shaping the active site pocket for substrate binding. These enzymes thus utilize Glu and His residues as acid‐base catalysts. Based on these observations, we proposed a detailed reaction mechanism for NsrQ‐catalyzed isomerization reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement of allylic vinyl acetals, first investigated by Coates nearly four decades ago, is set apart from other variants of the Claisen rearrangement owing to the versatile monoprotected 1,5‐dicarbonyl motif featured in the products. Unfortunately, the synthetically elusive nature of the substrates has thus far precluded the widespread application of this attractive transformation. Herein, we show that the key allylic vinyl acetals can be efficiently generated through alkene isomerization of their readily available regioisomeric counterparts (derived from allylic alcohols and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes), thus enabling the first systematic study of the substrate scope of this rearrangement, as well as the discovery of exceptionally mild conditions for its mediation by Lewis and Brønsted acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a mechanistic study on the formation and dynamic changes of a ligand‐based heterogeneous Pd catalyst for chemoselective hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde acrolein. Deposition of allyl cyanide as a precursor of a ligand layer renders Pd highly active and close to 100 % selective toward propenol formation by promoting acrolein adsorption in a desired configuration via the C=O end. Employing a combination of real‐space microscopic and in‐operando spectroscopic surface‐sensitive techniques, we show that an ordered active ligand layer is formed under operational conditions, consisting of stable N‐butylimine species. In a competing process, unstable amine species evolve on the surface, which desorb in the course of the reaction. Obtained atomistic‐level insights into the formation and dynamic evolution of the active ligand layer under operational conditions provide important input required for controlling chemoselectivity by purposeful surface functionalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of gold(I) and enzyme catalysis is used in a two‐step approach, including Meyer–Schuster rearrangement of a series of readily available propargylic alcohols followed by stereoselective bioreduction of the corresponding allylic ketone intermediates, to provide optically pure β,β‐disubstituted allylic alcohols. This cascade involves a gold N‐heterocyclic carbene and an enzyme, demonstrating the compatibility of both catalyst types in aqueous medium under mild reaction conditions. The combination of [1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene][bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)‐imide]gold(I) (IPrAuNTf2) and a selective alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH‐A from Rhodococcus ruber, KRED‐P1‐A12 or KRED‐P3‐G09) led to the synthesis of a series of optically active (E)‐4‐arylpent‐3‐en‐2‐ols in good yields (65–86 %). The approach was also extended to various 2‐hetarylpent‐3‐yn‐2‐ol, hexynol, and butynol derivatives. The use of alcohol dehydrogenases of opposite selectivity led to the production of both allyl alcohol enantiomers (93‐>99 % ee) for a broad panel of substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total synthesis of haliclonin A was accomplished. Starting from 3,5‐dimethoxybenzoic acid, a functionalized cyclohexanone fused to a 17‐membered ring was prepared through a Birch reduction/alkylation sequence, ring‐closing metathesis, intramolecular cyclopropanation, and stereoselective 1,4‐addition of an organocopper reagent to an enone moiety. Reductive C−N bond formation via an N,O‐acetal forged the 3‐azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane core. The allyl alcohol moiety was constructed by a sequence involving stereoselective α‐selenylation of an aldehyde via an enamine, syn‐elimination of a selenoxide, and allylation of the aldehyde with an allylboronate. Formation of the 15‐membered ring containing a skipped diene was achieved by ring‐closing metathesis, and final transformations led to the synthesis of haliclonin A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intriguing strategy for copper‐catalyzed hydroxymethylation of alkynes with CO2 and hydrosilane was developed. Switched on/off a proton source, for example, tBuOH, direct hydroxymethylation and reductive hydroxymethylation could be triggered selectively, delivering a series of allylic alcohols and homobenzylic alcohols, respectively, with high levels of Z/E, regio‐ and enantioselectivity. Such a selective synthesis is attributed to the differences in response of vinylcopper intermediate to proton and CO2. The protonation of vinylcopper species is demonstrated to be prior to hydroxymethylation, thus allowing a diversion from direct alkyne hydroxymethylation to reductive hydroxymethylation in the presence of suitable proton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intriguing strategy for copper‐catalyzed hydroxymethylation of alkynes with CO2 and hydrosilane was developed. Switched on/off a proton source, for example, tBuOH, direct hydroxymethylation and reductive hydroxymethylation could be triggered selectively, delivering a series of allylic alcohols and homobenzylic alcohols, respectively, with high levels of Z/E, regio‐ and enantioselectivity. Such a selective synthesis is attributed to the differences in response of vinylcopper intermediate to proton and CO2. The protonation of vinylcopper species is demonstrated to be prior to hydroxymethylation, thus allowing a diversion from direct alkyne hydroxymethylation to reductive hydroxymethylation in the presence of suitable proton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ruthenium‐catalyzed formal anti‐Markovnikov hydroamination of allylic alcohols for the synthesis of chiral γ‐amino alcohols is presented. Proceeding via an asymmetric hydrogen‐borrowing process, the catalysis allows racemic secondary allylic alcohols to react with various amines, affording enantiomerically enriched chiral γ‐amino alcohols with broad substrate scope and excellent enantioselectivities (68 examples, up to >99 % ee). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general and direct synthesis of dicarboxylic acids including industrially important adipic acid by palladium‐catalyzed dicarbonylation of allylic alcohol is reported. Specifically, the combination of PdCl2 and a bisphosphine ligand (HeMaRaphos) promotes two different carbonylation reactions with high activity and excellent selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total synthesis of the potent new antibiotic disciformycin B (2) is described, which shows significant activity against methicillin‐ and vancomycin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA/VRSA) strains. The synthetic route is based on macrocyclization of a tetraene substrate to the 12‐membered macrolactone core by ring‐closing olefin metathesis (RCM). Although macrocyclization was accompanied by concomitant cyclopentene formation by an alternative RCM pathway, conditions were established to give the macrocycle as the major product. Key steps in the construction of the RCM substrate include a highly efficient Evans syn‐aldol reaction, the asymmetric Brown allylation of angelic aldehyde, and the stereoselective Zn(BH4)2‐mediated 1,2‐reduction of an enone. The synthesis was completed by late‐stage dehydrative glycosylation to introduce the d‐arabinofuranosyl moiety and final chemoselective allylic alcohol oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present herein an unprecedented allylative dicarbofunctionalization of alkynes with allylic alcohols. This simple catalytic procedure utilizes commercially available Ni(COD)2, triphenylphosphine, and inexpensive reagents, and delivers valuable skipped dienes and trienes with an all‐carbon tetrasubstituted alkene unit in a highly stereoselective fashion. Preliminary mechanistic studies support the reaction pathway of allylnickelation followed by transmetalation in this dicarbofunctionalization of alkynes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first example of an asymmetric Guerbet reaction has been developed. Using commercially available, classic Noyori RuII‐diamine‐diphosphine catalysts, well‐known in asymmetric hydrogenation, racemic secondary alcohols are shown to couple with primary alcohols in the presence of a base, affording new chiral alcohols with enantiomeric ratios of up to 99:1. Requiring no reducing agents, the protocol provides an easy, alternative route for the synthesis of chiral alcohols. Mechanistic studies reveal that the reaction proceeds via a Ru‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogen autotransfer process in concert with a base‐promoted allylic alcohol isomerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoredox‐catalyzed isomerization of γ‐carbonyl‐substituted allylic alcohols to their corresponding carbonyl compounds was achieved for the first time by C−H bond activation. This catalytic redox‐neutral process resulted in the synthesis of 1,4‐dicarbonyl compounds. Notably, allylic alcohols bearing tetrasubstituted olefins can also be transformed into their corresponding carbonyl compounds. Density functional theory calculations show that the carbonyl group at the γ‐position of allylic alcohols are beneficial to the formation of their corresponding allylic alcohol radicals with high vertical electron affinity, which contributes to the completion of the photoredox catalytic cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral acyclic tertiary allylic alcohols are very important synthetic building blocks, but their enantioselective synthesis is often challenging. A major limitation in catalytic asymmetric 1,2‐addition approaches to ketones is the enantioface differentiation by steric distinction of both ketone residues. Herein we report the development of a catalytic asymmetric Meisenheimer rearrangement to overcome this problem, as it proceeds in a stereospecific manner. This allows for high enantioselectivity also for the formation of products in which the residues at the generated tetrasubstituted stereocenter display a similar steric demand. Low catalyst loadings were found to be sufficient and the reaction conditions were mild enough to tolerate even highly reactive functional groups, such as an enolizable aldehyde, a primary tosylate, or an epoxide. Our investigations suggest an intramolecular rearrangement pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An enantioselective aldehyde α‐alkylation/semipinacol rearrangement was achieved through organo‐SOMO catalysis. The catalytically generated enamine radical cation serves as a carbon radical electrophile that can stereoselectively add to the alkene of an allylic alcohol and initiate ensuing ring‐expansion of cyclopropanol or cyclobutanol. This tandem reaction enables the production of a wide range of nonracemic functionalizable α‐quaternary‐δ‐carbonyl cycloketones in high yields and excellent enantioselectivity from simple aldehydes and allylic alcohols. As a key step, the intramolecular reaction was also successfully applied in the asymmetric total synthesis of (+)‐cerapicol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enantioselective auto‐tandem catalysis represents a challenging yet highlight attractive topic in the field of asymmetric catalysis. In this context, we describe a dual catalytic cycle that merges allylic cyanation and asymmetric hydrocyanation. The one‐pot conversion of a broad array of allylic alcohols into their corresponding 1,3‐dinitriles proceeds in good yield with high enantioselectivity. The products are densely functionalized and can be easily transformed to chiral diamines, dinitriles, diesters, and piperidines. Mechanistic studies clearly support a novel sequential cyanation/hydrocyanation pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation of polyethylenes containing hydroxy groups has been already industrialized through radical copolymerization under harsh conditions followed by alcoholysis. By contrast, hydroxy‐functionalized polypropylene has proven a rather challenging goal in polymer science. Propylene can't be polymerized through a radical mechanism, and its coordination copolymerization with polar monomers is frustrated by catalyst poisoning. Herein, we report a new strategy to reach this target. The coordination polymerization of allenes by rare‐earth‐metal precursors affords pure 1,2‐regulated polyallenes, which are facilely transformed into poly(allyl alcohol) analogues by subsequent hydroboration/oxidation. Strikingly, the copolymerization of allenes and propylene gives unprecedented hydroxy‐functionalized polypropylene after post‐polymerization modification. Mechanistic elucidation by DFT simulation suggests kinetic rather than thermodynamic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An enantioselective sulfenylation/semipinacol rearrangement of 1,1‐disubstituted and trisubstituted allylic alcohols was accomplished with a chiral Lewis base and a chiral Brønsted acid as cocatalysts, generating various β‐arylthio ketones bearing an all‐carbon quaternary center in moderate to excellent yields and excellent enantioselectivities. These chiral arylthio ketone products are common intermediates with many applications, for example, in the design of new chiral catalysts/ligands and the total synthesis of natural products. Computational studies (DFT calculations) were carried out to explain the enantioselectivity and the role of the chiral Brønsted acid. Additionally, the synthetic utility of this method was exemplified by an enantioselective total synthesis of (−)‐herbertene and a one‐pot synthesis of a chiral sulfoxide and sulfone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic epoxidation of tertiary allylic alcohols remains a significant challenge. Reported here is an efficient and highly chemoselective copper‐catalyzed epoxidation and semipinacol rearrangement reaction of tertiary allylic alcohols with molecular oxygen. The solvent 1,4‐dioxane activates dioxygen, thereby precluding the addition of a sacrificial reductant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]