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Currently, the world is facing climate change, environmental burden, and health aspects caused, among others, by chemical substances spread by humans. In order to preserve or even improve the Earth’s habitat for future generations, the development and use of sustainable technologies are necessary. Additionally, every individual must have knowledge and skills to be able to act in an informed sustainable and responsible way. Neither of these can be achieved without science education that provides appropriate learning opportunities. This paper gives insight into the project SpottingScience whose digital learning environments focus on green chemistry. The learning environments are accessible via QR-Codes in public space at the Campus of the University of Vienna. One can follow the content presented via texts and graphics in a linear way or use provided links to get further information. SpottingScience offers the opportunity for passers-by and secondary school students to get a general idea of green chemistry and its significance for everyday life. We use menthol, a well-known ingredient in several everyday products, as an example to unfold chemical backgrounds, to highlight the necessity to create new and environment-friendly production processes, and to provide an impetus to reflect on one’s own actions while using everyday products.

„Meine größte Leistung steht hoffentlich noch aus und resultiert dann aus einer unerwarteten Beobachtung. Ich verliere mein Zeitgefühl, wenn ich Musik von Johann Sebastian Bach spiele …︁“ Dies und mehr von und über Nuno Maulide finden Sie auf Seite 8118. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of enantioenriched α-substituted 1,3-dicarbonyls remains a contemporary challenge in synthesis due to their tendency to undergo racemization via keto-enol tautomerization. Herein, we report a method to access enantioenriched β-ketoamides by a chiral sulfinimine-mediated [3,3]-sigmatropic sulfonium rearrangement. The transformation displays good chirality transfer, as well as excellent chemoselectivity and functional group tolerance. Diastereoselective reduction of the ketone moiety, also achievable in one-pot fashion, affords enantioenriched β-hydroxyamides., (© 2024 The Author(s). Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

An enantioconvergent palladium-catalyzed Negishi cross-coupling with racemic secondary organozinc reagents has been developed, enabling access to enantioenriched 1,1-diarylalkane motifs in high yields and enantioselectivities. Computational data indicates that the racemization of organozinc compounds most likely occurs through a bridged bimolecular mechanism., (© 2024 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The reducing power of iodide anion is an underexplored property that can be used for the cross-electrophile coupling of organic molecules. Herein we harness this trait for the preparation of tertiary amines through the combination of two simple reagents: an electrophilic-carbon precursor and an iminium iodide in a dual role - both as nitrogen-containing building block and as reducing agent. The underlying mechanism of this new C-C bond-formation paradigm is explored through a combination of experiment and quantum chemical calculations., (© 2024 The Author(s). Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The creatine transporter-1 (CRT-1/SLC6A8) maintains the uphill transport of creatine into cells against a steep concentration gradient. Cellular creatine accumulation is required to support the ATP-buffering by phosphocreatine. More than 60 compounds have been explored in the past for their ability to inhibit cellular creatine uptake, but the number of active compounds is very limited. Here, we show that all currently known inhibitors are full alternative substrates. We analyzed their structure-activity relationship for inhibition of CRT-1 to guide a rational approach to the synthesis of novel creatine transporter ligands. Measurements of both inhibition of [ 3 H]creatine uptake and transport associated currents allowed for differentiating between full and partial substrates and true inhibitors. This combined approach led to a refined understanding of the structural requirements for binding to CRT-1, which translated into the identification of three novel compounds - i.e., compound 1 (2-( N -benzylcarbamimidamido)acetic acid), MIPA572 (=carbamimidoylphenylalanine), and MIPA573 (=carbamimidoyltryptophane) that blocked CRT-1 transport, albeit with low affinity. In addition, we found two new alternative full substrates, namely MIPA574 (carbamimidoylalanine) and GiDi1257 (1-carbamimidoylazetidine-3-carboxylic acid), which was superior in affinity to all known CTR-1 ligands, and one partial substrate, namely GiDi1254 (1-carbamimidoylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid). SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The creatine transporter-1 (CRT-1) is required to maintain intracellular creatine levels. Inhibition of CRT-1 has been recently proposed as a therapeutic strategy for cancer, but pharmacological tools are scarce. In fact, all available inhibitors are alternative substrates. We tested existing and newly synthesized guanidinocarboxylic acids for CRT-1 inhibition and identified three blockers, one partial and two full substrates of CRT-1. Our results support a refined structural understanding of ligand binding to CRT-1 and provide a proof-of-principle for blockage of CRT-1., (Copyright © 2024 by The Author(s).)

C-H functionalization of purely aliphatic substrates is a challenging endeavor, as the absence of directing groups generally thwarts attempts at regiocontrol. This is particularly true for difunctionalization reactions, where the control of relative stereochemistry poses an additional obstacle. The Baddeley reaction of decalins, despite suffering from strong limitations with regard to yield and generality, stands as one of only few known transformations capable of regio- and stereocontrol in aliphatic C-H functionalization. Herein, we report a regio- and diastereoselective method for the double functionalization of decalins enabling access to a novel, unreported regioisomer in synthetically useful yields. This method was also successfully applied to a range of other alkane substrates, enabling a straightforward synthesis of keto alcohols from the simplest alkane building blocks., (© 2024 The Author(s). Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Ureas stand out as potent pharmacophores in drug development, rendering them a prime focus for synthesis. Herein, we present an appealing entry point for urea synthesis from protected amines (Nms-amides) and relying on a Lossen-type rearrangement process as an elegant example of deprotective functionalisation. The method developed exhibits an exceptionally broad tolerance towards various protected amines, encompassing numerous drug derivatives, and delivers high reaction yields., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

The deployment of fluorinated functional groups has become a widespread tool in medicinal chemistry due to the impact of fluorine on lipophilicity and metabolic stability. Among these compounds, enantiopure secondary trifluoromethylcarbinols are recurrent features in bioactive compounds. Herein, we present a diastereoselective redox-neutral process allowing the stereospecific synthesis of 1,5-carboxamido-trifluoromethylcarbinols through the formal reduction of a trifluoromethylketone into a trifluoromethylcarbinol. A combined experimental and computational investigation unveiled a network of interconnected equilibria leading to a key hydride transfer event., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Hydride shuttle catalysis has emerged as a powerful synthetic platform, enabling the selective formation of C-C bonds to yield sp 3 -rich structures. By virtue of the compelling reactivity of sterically encumbered Lewis acids from the frustrated Lewis pair regime, hydride shuttle catalysis enables the regioselective functionalization of alkyl amines at either the α- or β-position. In contrast to classical Lewis acid reactivity, the increased steric hindrance prevents interaction with the Lewis basic amine itself, instead leading to reversible abstraction of a hydride from the amine α-carbon. The created positive charge facilitates the occurrence of transformations before hydride rebound or a similar capture event happen. In this Perspective, we outline a broad selection of transformations featuring hydride shuttle catalysis, as well as the recently developed approach of inverse hydride shuttle catalysis. Both strategies give rise to a wide array of functionalized amines and offer elegant approaches to otherwise elusive bond formations., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Dialkyldiazirines have emerged as a photo-reactive group of choice for interactome mapping in live cell experiments. Upon irradiation, 'linear' dialkyldiazirines produce dialkylcarbenes which are susceptible to both intramolecular reactions and unimolecular elimination processes, as well as diazoalkanes, which also participate in intermolecular labeling. Cyclobutylidene has a nonclassical bonding structure and is stable enough to be captured in bimolecular reactions. Cyclobutanediazirines have more recently been studied as photoaffinity probes based on cyclobutylidene, but the mechanism, especially with respect to the role of putative diazo intermediates, was not fully understood. Here, we show that photolysis (365 nm) of cyclobutanediazirines can produce cyclobutylidene intermediates as evidenced by formation of their expected bimolecular and unimolecular products, including methylenecyclopropane derivatives. Unlike linear diazirines, cyclobutanediazirine photolysis in the presence of tetramethylethylene produces a [2 + 1] cycloaddition adduct. By contrast, linear diazirines produce diazo compounds upon low temperature photolysis in THF, whereas diazo compounds are not detected in similar photolyses of cyclobutanediazirines. Diazocyclobutane, prepared by independent synthesis, is labile, reactive toward water and capable of protein alkylation. The rate of diazocyclobutane decomposition is not affected by 365 nm light, suggesting that the photochemical conversion of diazocyclobutane to cyclobutylidene is not an important pathway. Finally, chemical proteomic studies revealed that a likely consequence of this primary conversion to a highly reactive carbene is a marked decrease in labeling by cyclobutanediazirine-based probes relative to linear diazirine counterparts both at the individual protein and proteome-wide levels. Collectively, these observations are consistent with a mechanistic picture for cyclobutanediazirine photolysis that involves carbene chemistry with minimal formation of diazo intermediates, and contrasts with the photolyses of linear diazirines where alkylation by diazo intermediates plays a more significant role., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following competing financial interest(s): J. O’B., J. K. D. and C. W. a. E. are employees of Pfizer Inc; J. J. is an employee of BioDuro-Sundia., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Inverse hydride shuttle catalysis provides a multicomponent platform for the highly efficient synthesis of alkaloid frameworks with exquisite diastereoselectivity. However, a number of limitations hinder this method, primarily the strict requirement for highly electron-deficient acceptors. Herein, we present a general Lewis acid-driven approach to address this constraint, and have developed two broad strategies enabling the modular synthesis of complex azabicycles that were entirely unattainable using the previous method. The enhanced synthetic flexibility facilitates a streamlined asymmetric cyclization, leading to a concise total synthesis of the alkaloid (-)-tashiromine., (© 2024 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

A domino difunctionalization of sulfonyl(acryl)imides to form β-substituted α-aryl amides is reported. This transformation involves a 1,4-addition followed by a polar Truce-Smiles rearrangement process, entropically driven by release of SO 2 . A wide range of carbon- and heteroatom-based nucleophiles and sulfonyl imides were employed, allowing rapid access to highly functionalized amides. In contrast to related reactions with a radical pathway, unbiased substrates could be employed. Despite the usual requirement of an electron-poor migrating moiety for the S N Ar event, we herein report unique and unprecedented vinylogous migrations of electron-neutral arenes. Additionally, a one-pot process toward β-amido amides starting from acrylic acids has been developed., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

We describe the single-step formation of complex tetracyclic fused scaffolds enabled by (3 + 2) cycloaddition of azomethine ylides. Various indoles, N-protecting groups, and amino acids are well tolerated. The products are obtained in a catalyst-free manner with moderate to excellent yield and high diastereoselectivity. Representing a new scaffold that is not yet found in nature, the construction of pyrrolidine-fused cyclohepta-, azepino-, or oxepinoindoles could be found valuable in the synthesis of new pseudo-natural products.

Although simple γ-lactones and γ-lactams have received considerable attention from the synthetic community, particularly due to their relevance in biological and medicinal contexts, stereoselective synthetic approaches to more densely substituted derivatives remain scarce. The in-depth study presented herein, showcasing a straightforward method for the stereocontrolled synthesis of γ-lactones and γ-lactams, builds on and considerably expands the stereodivergent synthesis of 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds by a ynamide/vinyl sulfoxide coupling. A full mechanistic and computational study of the rearrangement was conducted, uncovering the role of all of the reaction components and providing a rationale for stereoselection. The broad applicability of the developed tools to streamlining synthesis is demonstrated by concise enantioselective total syntheses of (+)-nephrosteranic acid, (+)-rocellaric acid, and (+)-nephromopsinic acid.

Generally, the acidity of carbon-hydrogen bonds is most sensitive to functionality just one or two bonds away. Here, we present an approach to the formation of carbon-carbon σ bonds by remote proton elimination, a distinct mode of carbon-hydrogen activation enabled by distal acidification through five carbon-carbon bonds. Application of remote proton elimination to cyclodecyl cations unveiled an appealing method for the synthesis of decalins. The transformation is regioconvergent, proceeds without the need for a directing group or precious metal, and demonstrates exquisite site selectivity. An in-depth computational study illuminated the reaction mechanism. Additionally, we describe the complete stereoisomeric enrichment of the decalin products through epimerization mediated by hydrogen atom transfer.

The deployment of small-molecule fluorescent agents plays an ever-growing role in medicine and drug development. Herein, we complement the portfolio of powerful fluorophores, reporting the serendipitous discovery and development of a novel class with an imidazo[1,2-a]pyridinium triflate core, which we term PyrAtes. These fluorophores are synthesized in a single step from readily available materials (>60 examples) and display Stokes shifts as large as 240 nm, while also reaching NIR-I emissions at λ max as long as 720 nm. Computational studies allow the development of a platform for the prediction of λ max and λ Em . Furthermore, we demonstrate the compatibility of these novel fluorophores with live cell imaging in HEK293 cells, suggesting PyrAtes as potent intracellular markers., (© 2024 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The nature of protecting group chemistry necessitates a deprotection step to restore the initially blocked functionality prior to further transformation. As this aspect of protecting group manipulation inevitably adds to the step count of any synthetic sequence, the development of methods enabling simultaneous deprotection and functionalization ("deprotective functionalization"-distinct from "deprotection followed by functionalization") is appealing, as it has the potential to improve efficiency and streamline synthetic routes. Herein, we report a deprotective functionalization of the newly introduced Nms-amides guided by density functional theory (DFT) analysis, which exploits the inherent Nms reactivity. Mechanistic studies further substantiate and help rationalize the exquisite reactivity of Nms-amides, as other commonly used protecting groups are shown not to exhibit the same reactivity patterns. The practicality of this approach was ultimately demonstrated in selected case studies., (© 2024 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Cobalt complexes with multiproton- and multielectron-responsive ligands are of interest for challenging catalytic transformations. The chemical and redox noninnocence of pentane-2,4-dione bis( S -methylisothiosemicarbazone) (PBIT) in a series of cobalt complexes has been studied by a range of methods, including spectroscopy [UV-vis, NMR, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS)], cyclic voltammetry, X-ray diffraction, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Two complexes [Co III (H 2 L SMe )I]I and [Co III ( L SMe )I 2 ] were found to act as precatalysts in a Wacker-type oxidation of olefins using phenylsilane, the role of which was elucidated through isotopic labeling. Insights into the mechanism of the catalytic transformation as well as the substrate scope of this selective reaction are described, and the essential role of phenylsilane and the noninnocence of PBIT are disclosed. Among the several relevant species characterized was an unprecedented Co(III) complex with a dianionic diradical PBIT ligand ([Co III (L SMe•• )I])., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Sulfenyl imidinium salts are a virtually unexplored class of intermediates in organic chemistry. Herein, we demonstrate how sulfonium rearrangements can be deployed to access these versatile synthetic intermediates, bearing three contiguous (and congested) stereogenic centers, with high levels of selectivity. The synthetic value of the scaffold was unraveled by selective transformations into a range of building blocks, including 1,4-dicarbonyl derivatives and sulfonolactones., (© 2024 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Alkenes are indispensable feedstocks in chemistry. Functionalization at both carbons of the alkene-1,2-difunctionalization-is part of chemistry curricula worldwide 1 . Although difunctionalization at distal positions has been reported 2-4 , it typically relies on designer substrates featuring directing groups and/or stabilizing features, all of which determine the ultimate site of bond formation 5-7 . Here we introduce a method for the direct 1,3-difunctionalization of alkenes, based on a concept termed 'charge relocation', which enables stereodivergent access to 1,3-difunctionalized products of either syn- or anti-configuration from unactivated alkenes, without the need for directing groups or stabilizing features. The usefulness of the approach is demonstrated in the synthesis of the pulmonary toxin 4-ipomeanol and its derivatives., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

A nickel-catalyzed reductive dimerization of bromocyclobutenes to produce unusual and unprecedented cyclobutene dimers was developed. In a stereoconvergent procedure, various bromocyclobutenes were readily dimerized in good yields, with good diastereoselectivities and broad functional group tolerance. Notably, the presence of a carbonyl group in the starting material appears to dictate diastereoselectivity.

The combination of Lewis bases with α,β-unsaturated carbonyls allows the in-situ generation of enolates without the need for strong Brønsted bases. Recently developed synthetic methods employ this approach for arylation followed by elimination of the Lewis base, regenerating the alkene. This strategy has been deployed for formal α- or β-C-H arylation in different contexts, namely (a) transition metal catalysis, (b) rearrangement reactions utilizing hypervalent main group elements and (c) organocatalysis. This concept article provides an overview of the developed strategies, highlighting and contextualizing their features., (© 2023 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Spirocyclic butyrolactones and butenolides are widespread structural motifs in bioactive substances. Despite their prevalence, a simple method ensuring their direct preparation from exocyclic alkenes, ideally in a late-stage context, remains elusive. Herein, we report direct aminolactone formation using unactivated alkenes which addresses this gap, employing cheap and readily available reactants. The method relies on the hijacking of a cationic aminoalkylation pathway and affords (spiro)aminolactones with excellent functional group tolerance and chemoselectivity. The synthetic versatility of the products is demonstrated through a range of transformations, notably exploiting stereospecific rearrangement chemistry to produce sterically congested scaffolds., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

p-Toluenesulfonyl (Tosyl) and nitrobenzenesulfonyl (Nosyl) are two of the most common sulfonyl protecting groups for amines in contemporary organic synthesis. While p-toluenesulfonamides are known for their high stability/robustness, their use in multistep synthesis is plagued by difficult removal. Nitrobenzenesulfonamides, on the other hand, are easily cleaved but display limited stability to various reaction conditions. In an effort to resolve this predicament, we herein present a new sulfonamide protecting group, which we term Nms. Initially developed through in silico studies, Nms-amides overcome these previous limitations and leave no room for compromise. We have investigated the incorporation, robustness and cleavability of this group and found it to be superior to traditional sulfonamide protecting groups in a broad range of case studies., (© 2023 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Competing Interests: Die Autoren erklären, dass keine Interessenkonflikte vorliegen.

We report herein a straightforward transfer of a free amino group (NH 2 ) from a commercially available nitrogen source to unfunctionalized, native carbonyls (amides and ketones) resulting in direct α-amination. Primary α-amino carbonyls are readily produced under mild conditions, further enabling diverse in situ functionalization reactions-including peptide coupling and Pictet-Spengler cyclization-that capitalize on the presence of the unprotected primary amine., (© 2023 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The demand for new biomass-derived fine and commodity chemicals propels the discovery of new methodologies and synthons. Whereas furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural are cornerstones of sustainable chemistry, 3-acetamido-5-acetyl furan (3A5AF), an N-rich furan obtained from chitin biomass, remains unexplored, due to the poor reactivity of the acetyl group relative to previous furanic aldehydes. Here we developed a reactive 3-acetamido-5-furfuryl aldehyde (3A5F) and demonstrated the utility of this synthon as a source of bio-derived nitrogen-rich heteroaromatics, carbocycles, and as a bioconjugation reagent., (© 2023 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

ConspectusUmpolung, a term describing the reversal of innate polarity, has become an indispensable tool to unlock new chemical space by overcoming the limitations of natural polarity. Introduced by Dieter Seebach in 1979, this principle has had a tremendous impact on synthetic organic chemistry, offering previously inaccessible retrosynthetic disconnections. In contrast to the great progress made over the past decades for the generation of effective acyl anion synthons, the umpolung at the α-position of carbonyls (converting enolates into enolonium ions) has long proved challenging and only recently regained traction. Aiming to develop synthetic approaches to α-functionalization capable of complementing enolate chemistry, our group initiated, nearly 6 years ago, a program devoted to the α-umpolung of carbonyl derivatives. In this Account, following an overview of established methods, we will summarize our findings in this rapidly developing field. We focus on two distinct, yet related, topics of two carbonyl classes: (1) amides, where umpolung is enabled by electrophilic activation, and (2) ketones, where umpolung is enabled using hypervalent iodine reagents. Our group has developed several protocols to allow amide umpolung and subsequent α-functionalization, relying on electrophilic activation. Over the course of our investigations, transformations that are particularly challenging using enolate-based approaches, such as the direct α-oxygenation, α-fluorination, and α-amination of amides as well as the synthesis of 1,4-dicarbonyls from amide substrates, have been unlocked. Based on some of our most recent studies, this method has been shown to be so general that almost any nucleophile can be added to the α-position of the amide. In this Account, special emphasis will be placed on the discussion of mechanistic aspects. It is important to note that recent progress in this area has involved a shift in focus, moving even further away from the amide carbonyl, a development that shall also be detailed in a final subsection that highlights our latest investigations of umpolung-based remote functionalization of the β- and γ-positions of amides. The second section of this Account covers our more recent work dedicated to the exploration of the enolonium chemistry of ketones, unlocked through the use of hypervalent iodine reagents. By placing our work in the context of previous pioneering achievements, which mainly focused on the α-functionalization of carbonyls, we discuss new skeletal reorganizations of enolonium ions enabled by the unique properties of incipient positive charges α to electron-deficient moieties. Transformations such as intramolecular cyclopropanations and aryl migrations are covered and supplemented by detailed insight into the unusual nature of the intermediate species, including nonclassical carbocations.

Little is known about the critical metabolic changes that neural cells have to undergo during development and how temporary shifts in this program can influence brain circuitries and behavior. Inspired by the discovery that mutations in SLC7A5, a transporter of metabolically essential large neutral amino acids (LNAAs), lead to autism, we employed metabolomic profiling to study the metabolic states of the cerebral cortex across different developmental stages. We found that the forebrain undergoes significant metabolic remodeling throughout development, with certain groups of metabolites showing stage-specific changes, but what are the consequences of perturbing this metabolic program? By manipulating Slc7a5 expression in neural cells, we found that the metabolism of LNAAs and lipids are interconnected in the cortex. Deletion of Slc7a5 in neurons affects the postnatal metabolic state, leading to a shift in lipid metabolism. Additionally, it causes stage- and cell-type-specific alterations in neuronal activity patterns, resulting in a long-term circuit dysfunction., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests G.N. is a co-founder of Solgate., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We report the development of an isothiouronium salt as a reagent for the operationally simple synthesis of cyanomethyl thioesters with high functional group tolerance and avoiding the use of thiols. Additionally, we show that the products can be engaged in amide synthesis in either a two-step or one-pot fashion.

Cationic cyclopropanation involves the γ-elimination at carbocations to form a new σ-C-C bond through proton loss. While exceedingly rare in bulk solution, it is recognized as one of the main biosynthetic cyclopropanation pathways. Despite the rich history of bioinspired synthetic chemistry, cationic cyclopropanation has not been appropriated for the synthetic toolbox, likely due to the preference of carbocations to undergo competing E1 β-elimination pathways. Here, we present an in-depth synthetic and computational study of cationic cyclopropanation, focusing on the 6,8-cycloeudesmanes as a platform for this investigation. We were able to apply biomimetic cationic cyclopropanation to the synthesis of several 6,8-cycloeudesmanes and non-natural analogues─in doing so, we showcase the power of this transformation in the preparation of complex cyclopropanes.

Competing Interests: Die Autoren erklären, dass keine Interessenkonflikte vorliegen.

α-Amino acid derivatives are key components of the molecules of life. The synthesis of α-amino carbonyl/carboxyl compounds is a contemporary challenge in organic synthesis. Herein, we report a practical method for the preparation of α-amino acid derivatives via direct hydrative amination of activated alkynes under mild conditions, relying on sulfinamides as the nitrogen source. Computational studies suggest that the reaction is enabled by a new type of sulfonium [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement., (© 2022 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Keteniminium ions, the nitrogen analogues of ketenes, exhibit high reactivity toward olefins and π-systems. Previous results from the Maulide group demonstrated an unexpected propensity for an alternative intramolecular Belluš-Claisen-type rearrangement rather than an expected intramolecular (2 + 2) cycloaddition. We have conducted a cooperative density functional theory/experimental investigation of this process, seeking insights into the competition between the observed Claisen-type reaction and the historically expected (2 + 2) cyclization. Our calculations revealed a surprisingly small difference in the free energy barrier between these two intramolecular reactions. Further theoretical and experimental investigations probe the electronics of the substrate, rationalize a competing deallylation side reaction, and demonstrate the proof-of-concept for an enantioselective (2 + 2) variant.

In contrast to ketones and carboxylic esters, amides are classically seen as comparatively unreactive members of the carbonyl family, owing to their unique structural and electronic features. However, recent decades have seen the emergence of research programmes focused on the selective activation of amides under mild conditions. In the past four years, this area has continued to rapidly develop, with new advances coming in at a fast pace. Several novel activation strategies have been demonstrated as effective tools for selective amide activation, enabling transformations that are at once synthetically useful and mechanistically intriguing. This Minireview comprises recent advances in the field, highlighting new trends and breakthroughs in what could be called a new age of amide activation., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The rapid assembly of complex scaffolds in a single step from simple precursors identifies as an ideal reaction in terms of efficiency and sustainability. Indeed, the direct single-step synthesis of complex alkaloid frameworks remains an unresolved problem at the heart of organic chemistry in spite of the tremendous progress of the discipline. Herein, we present a broad strategy in which dynamically assembled ternary complexes are converted into valuable azabicyclic scaffolds based on the concept of inverse hydride shuttle catalysis. The ternary complexes are readily constructed in situ from three simple precursors and enable a highly modular installation of various substitution patterns. Upon subjection to a unique dual-catalytic system, the transient intermediates undergo an unusual hydride shuttle process that is initiated by a hydride donation event. Furthermore, we show that, in combination with asymmetric organocatalysis, the product alkaloid frameworks are obtained in excellent optical purity., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Herein we report a method for the synthesis of α-aryl acrylamides leveraging polar S-to-C aryl migrations induced by a Lewis basic organocatalyst. In contrast to previously reported radical aryl migrations of sulfonyl acrylimides, this polar process enables subsequent elimination, ultimately leading to a formal aryl/hydrogen exchange including SO 2 extrusion. This reaction is selective for electron-deficient aromatic groups, while tolerating a variety of substituents on nitrogen and in the β-position, and it delivers useful building blocks for further transformations, including cycloaddition and cyclisation reactions. The mechanism was investigated in detail using quantum chemical calculations, which unexpectedly revealed the Lewis base to be involved in several decisive steps., (© 2022 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Competing Interests: Die Autoren erklären, dass keine Interessenkonflikte vorliegen.

β-Amino acid derivatives are key structural elements in synthetic and biological chemistry. Despite being a hallmark method for their preparation, the direct Mannich reaction encounters significant challenges when carboxylic acid derivatives are employed. Indeed, not only is chemoselective enolate formation a pitfall (particularly with carboxamides), but most importantly the inability to reliably access α-tertiary amines through an enolate/ketimine coupling is an unsolved problem of this century-old reaction. Herein, we report a strategy enabling the first direct coupling of carboxamides with ketimines for the diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of β-amino amides. This conceptually novel approach hinges on the innovative deployment of enantiopure sulfinimines in sulfonium rearrangements, and at once solves the problems of chemoselectivity, reactivity, and (relative and absolute) stereoselectivity of the Mannich process. In-depth computational studies explain the observed, unexpected (dia)stereoselectivity and showcase the key role of intramolecular interactions, including London dispersion, for the accurate description of the reaction mechanism.

The reactivity of phosphorus and sulfur ylides toward carbonyl compounds constitutes a well-known dichotomy that is a common educational device in organic chemistry─the former gives olefins, while the latter gives epoxides. Herein, we report a stereodivergent carbonyl olefination that challenges this dichotomy, showcasing thiouronium ylides as valuable olefination reagents. With this method, aldehydes are converted to Z -alkenes with high stereoselectivity and broad substrate scope, while N- tosylimines provide a similarly proficient entry to E -alkenes. In-depth computational and experimental studies clarified the mechanistic details of this unusual reactivity.

Competing Interests: Die Autoren erklären, dass keine Interessenkonflikte vorliegen.

The development of reactions converting alkenes and alkynes into valuable building blocks remains one of the main goals of synthetic chemistry. Herein, we present the leveraging of highly electron-deficient iminium ions, rare and fleeting intermediates, into a general amine synthesis. This enables the preparation of amines bearing e.g. valuable α-trifluoromethyl moieties under mild conditions. This broad concept is highlighted by the late-stage amination of quinine into a biologically interesting new analogue., (© 2022 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

A direct C-C coupling process that merges Michael acceptors and Eschenmoser's salt is presented. Although reminiscent of the Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction, this process requires no Lewis base catalyst. The underlying mechanism was unveiled by a combination of kinetic, isotopic labelling experiments as well as computational investigations, which showcased the critical role of HFIP as a superior mediator for proton-transfer events as well as the decisive role of the halide counterion., (© 2021 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

We report an unexpected rearrangement of 3-hydroxyoxindoles into benzoxazinones using electrochemistry. Our reaction employs mild and environmentally friendly conditions, and the benzoxazinone products are obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Mechanistic experiments suggest that a peroxide intermediate is likely involved.