Anionic domino reactions rearrangement

Leaving the (retro-)aldol addition-initiated threefold anionic domino processes, we are now describing sequences which are initiated by a SN-type transformation. In particular, domino reactions based on SN/1,4-Brook rearrangement/SN reactions are well known. For example, the group of Schaumann obtained functionalized cyclopentanols of type 2-461 by addition of lithiated silyldithioacetals 2-458 to epoxy-homoallyl tosylates 2-459 in 41-75% yield (Scheme 2.106) [248]. 

Nucleophilic addition of a-halo-4-tolylsulfonyl methyl anions to quinone methides has been reported to afford three kinds of products as a result of domino reactions. Two of them were identified as rearrangement products and one as the vicarious nucleophilic substitution (VNS) product. An unexpected 1,2-migration of the tosyl group was observed.180... 

As expected, some sequences also occur where a domino anionic/pericyclic process is followed by another bond-forming reaction. An example of this is an anionic/per-icyclic/anionic sequence such as the domino iminium ion formation/aza-Cope/ imino aldol (Mannich) process, which has often been used in organic synthesis, especially to construct the pyrrolidine framework. The group of Brummond [450] has recently used this approach to synthesize the core structure 2-885 of the immunosuppressant FR 901483 (2-886) [451] (Scheme 2.197). The process is most likely initiated by the acid-catalyzed formation of the iminium ion 2-882. There follows an aza-Cope rearrangement to produce 2-883, which cyclizes under formation of the aldehyde 2-884. As this compound is rather unstable, it was transformed into the stable acetal 2-885. The proposed intermediate 2-880 is quite unusual as it does not obey Bredf s rule. Recently, this approach was used successfully for a formal total synthesis of FR 901483 2-886 [452]. 

A domino process based on the twofold addition of alkenyl anions to a squarate ester was used by Paquette and coworkers [96] for the total synthesis of the triqui-nane sesquiterpene hypnophilin (4-284). The three-component reaction of 4-281,4-282 and vinyl lithium gave primarily the trans- and cis-adducts A and B, which furnished D either by an electrocyclic ring opening/ring closure via C or a dianionic oxy-Cope rearrangement (Scheme 4.60). Further transformations led to E and F, which resulted in the formation of 4-283 on treatment with acid. 

The third section of the chapter describes recently developed anion relay chemistry (ARC) involving threefold domino Sj -Brook rearrangement/ reactions, discovered by Tietze and extensively explored by Amos Smith 111 and his group. These reactions are also initiated by nucleophihc ring opening of epoxides, usually by silyl-substituted dithiane anions, and find useful apphcation in natural product synthesis. 

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