Homologation of Alkyl Acetates, Alkyl Ethers, Acetals and Ketals by Formal Insertion of Diazo Compounds into a Carbon-Carbon Bond

We have accomplished homologation of alkyl acetates, alkyl ethers, acetals, and ketals via formal insertion of diazo esters into carbon-carbon σ-bonds. The combined Lewis acid of InI3 with Me3SiBr catalyzed the homologation of alkyl acetates and alkyl ethers. That of acetals and ketals was catalyzed solely by the use of InBr3. The key point of the homologation mechanism is that the indium-based Lewis acids have the appropriate amount of Lewis acidity to achieve both the abstraction and release of leaving groups. The abstraction of a leaving group by an indium-based Lewis acid, the electrophilic addition of carbocation or oxonium intermediates to diazo esters followed by the rearrangement of carbon substituents provides the corresponding cation intermediates. Finally, the leaving group that is captured by the Lewis acid bonds with cation intermediates to furnish the homologated products.

Boron insertion into alkyl ether bonds via zinc/nickel tandem catalysis

Mild methods to cleave the carbon-oxygen (C−O) bond in alkyl ethers could simplify chemical syntheses through the elaboration of these robust, readily available precursors. Here we report that dibromoboranes react with alkyl ethers in the presence of a nickel catalyst and zinc reductant to insert boron into the C−O bond. Subsequent reactivity can effect oxygen-to-nitrogen substitution or one-carbon homologation of cyclic ethers and more broadly streamline preparation of bioactive compounds. Mechanistic studies reveal a cleavage-then-rebound pathway via zinc/nickel tandem catalysis.

Benzenetriol-Derived Compounds against Citrus Canker

In order to replace the huge amounts of copper salts used in citrus orchards, alternatives have been sought in the form of organic compounds of natural origin with activity against the causative agent of citrus canker, the phytopathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. Citri. We synthesized a series of 4-alkoxy-1,2-benzene diols (alkyl-BDOs) using 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BTO) as a starting material through a three-step synthesis route and evaluated their suitability as antibacterial compounds. Our results show that alkyl ethers derived from 1,2,4-benzenetriol have bactericidal activity against X. citri, disrupting the bacterial cell membrane within 15 min. Alkyl-BDOs were also shown to remain active against the bacteria while in solution, and presented low toxicity to (human) MRC-5 cells. Therefore, we have demonstrated that 1,2,4-benzenetriol—a molecule that can be obtained from agricultural residues—is an adequate precursor for the synthesis of new compounds with activity against X. citri.

Selective demethylation of O-aryl glycosides by iridium-catalyzed hydrosilylation

The cleavage of alkyl ethers by hydrosilylation is a powerful synthetic tool for the generation of silyl ethers. Previous attempts to apply this transformation to carbohydrate derivatives have been constrained...

Efficient demethylation of aromatic methyl ethers with HCl in water

A method for the cleavage of aryl alkyl ethers is presented, involving hot pressurized water and catalytic mineral acid. The protocol is applicable on a variety of (biorenewable) substrates, not requiring mass-intensive work-up.