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DOI: 10.1039/D2GC02896D (Paper) Green Chem., 2022, 24, 7988-7995

Base-selective access to highly functionalized heterocycles from multicomponent Ugi adducts†

Beatriz González-Saiz a, Pablo Pertejo a, Pablo Peña-Calleja a, Marcin Mielczarek a, Tomás Hermosilla a, Israel Carreira-Barral a, Olivia de Miguel a, Francisco Rodríguez-Vidal b, Roberto Quesada a and María García-Valverde *a
aUniversidad de Burgos, Facultad de Ciencias, Burgos, Castilla y León, Spain
bUniversidad de Burgos, Higher Polytechnic School, Av. Cantabria s/n, Burgos, Spain

Received 3rd August 2022 , Accepted 23rd September 2022

First published on 28th September 2022

Abstract

Selection of the appropriate base in Ugi/post-condensation sequences allows the selective syntheses of different ring-size functionalized lactams. The developed methodology uses inexpensive bases under mild and non-sensitive conditions leading to the facile generation of molecular diversity from simple synthons.

1. Introduction

The increasing demand for the development of new and efficient syntheses of N-heterocycles is explained mainly by their importance in the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals industries.1 The synthesis of highly functionalized heterocycles remains a major challenge and continues to drive an intense research effort.2 Different selective methodologies have been described, although many of them present drawbacks such as the need for expensive reagents, specific substrates, harsh or sensitive conditions or long synthetic sequences.3 Furthermore, some substitution patterns have not been described yet despite their promising applications as bioactive compounds or as intermediates in the synthesis of other compounds, mainly due to limitations of synthetic methodologies.4

The ring expansion of β-lactams is one of the various approaches to the synthesis of γ-lactam skeletons,5 favored due to the β-lactam ring strain.6 Single-step synthetic methodologies illustrating this reaction can be classified into three main categories: (a) intramolecular transamidation from the proper amino-substituted azetidinone, as 4-(1-aminoalkyl)7 or 3-(2-aminoalkyl)-2-azetidinone derivatives,8 which takes place through the N1–C2 cleavage and is the most common one, (b) the rearrangement favored by an electron-deficient position through the C3–C4 cleavage, as the expansion of 4-(1-haloalkyl)-2-azetidinones to γ-lactams via N-acyliminium intermediates,9 and (c) the rearrangement resulting from an anionic position generated by strong bases, as the benzylic anions generated by LDA in N-benzyl-4-arylazetidinones which rearrange to a γ-lactam through a proposed imine anion intermediate originated in the C4–N1 cleavage.10 The examples within this latter methodology are very scarce,11 probably due to the specificity of the substrates needed as well as the reaction conditions (LDA or n-BuLi in anhydrous THF) employed to achieve the expansion (Scheme 1a).


image file: d2gc02896d-s1.tif
Scheme 1 (a) Previous work on ring expansion of β-lactams through an anionic rearrangement and (b) summary of N-heterocycles synthesized from common Ugi adducts.

We envisaged the possibility of expanding the scope of this reaction to other substrates, and we planned to use Ugi/post-condensation sequences, seizing their huge potential to yield structurally complex molecules in expedited syntheses from a reduced number of steps.12 Surprisingly, in addition to the applicability of this strategy to a broad spectrum of substrates, we have found that a rational design of β-lactams, selectively synthesized from Ugi adducts, enables the expansion to highly functionalized γ-lactams using weak bases, under mild and non-moisture-sensitive conditions (box in Scheme 1b). Thus, we have found that variation of the nature of the base employed leads to the selective synthesis of differently functionalized N-heterocyclic systems, some of them with unprecedented functionalization patterns, from common multicomponent Ugi adducts (Scheme 1b).

2. Results and discussion

2.1. Synthesis of azetidinones through Ugi/cyclization sequences

2.1.1. Synthesis of Ugi adducts. Initially, we decided to employ the methodology described for the synthesis of azetidinones through an Ugi/cyclization sequence13 implementing a crucial change for our purposes, the use of α-CH activated amines to favor their ulterior deprotonation.

In this way, we prepared different Ugi adducts 5 using 2-nitrobenzylamine 4a, benzylamine 4b and α-amino acid methyl esters 4c–g as amines, along with chloroacetic acids 1a–b, glyoxals 2a–f and different isocyanides 3a–c (Table 1). As we expected, in all cases the enol tautomer was the only one observed, but the spontaneous cyclization never took place.14

Table 1 Synthesis of Ugi adducts 5

image file: d2gc02896d-u1.tif
Entry 1 (R1) 2 (R2) 3 (R3) 4 (R4, EWG) 5 (%)
a Yield after purification.
1 1a (H) 2a (C6H5) 3a (cC6H11) 4a (H, 2-NO2C6H4) 5a (89)
2 1a (H) 2a (C6H5) 3b (CH2C6H5) 4a (H, 2-NO2C6H4) 5b (67)
3 1a (H) 2a (C6H5) 3c (C(CH3)3) 4a (H, 2-NO2C6H4) 5c (59)
4 1a (H) 2b (4-CH3C6H4) 3a (cC6H11) 4a (H, 2-NO2C6H4) 5d (86)
5 1a (H) 2c (4-ClC6H4) 3a (cC6H11) 4a (H, 2-NO2C6H4) 5e (85)
6 1a (H) 2d (4-FC6H4) 3a (cC6H11) 4a (H, 2-NO2C6H4) 5f (86)
7 1a (H) 2e (4-CH3OC6H4) 3a (cC6H11) 4a (H, 2-NO2C6H4) 5g (54)
8 1a (H) 2f (CH3) 3a (cC6H11) 4a (H, 2-NO2C6H4) 5h (39)
9 1b (C6H5) 2a (C6H5) 3a (cC6H11) 4a (H, 2-NO2C6H4) 5i (93)
10 1b (C6H5) 2d (4-FC6H4) 3a (cC6H11) 4a (H, 2-NO2C6H4) 5j (86)
11 1a (H) 2a (C6H5) 3a (cC6H11) 4b (H, C6H5) 5k (78)
12 1a (H) 2a (C6H5) 3a (cC6H11) 4c (H, CO2CH3) 5l (52)
13 1a (H) 2a (C6H5) 3a (cC6H11) 4d (C6H5, CO2CH3) 5m (70)
14 1a (H) 2a (C6H5) 3a (cC6H11) 4e (CH3, CO2CH3) 5n (65)
15 1a (H) 2a (C6H5) 3a (cC6H11) 4f (CH2C6H5, CO2CH3) 5o (55)
16 1a (H) 2a (C6H5) 3a (cC6H11) 4g (CH(CH3)2, CO2CH3) 5p (78)
17 1b (C6H5) 2a (C6H5) 3a (cC6H11) 4c (H, CO2CH3) 5q (83)
18 1b (C6H5) 2a (C6H5) 3a (cC6H11) 4d (C6H5, CO2CH3) 5r (76)
19 1b (C6H5) 2a (C6H5) 3a (cC6H11) 4e (CH3, CO2CH3) 5s (81)
20 1b (C6H5) 2a (C6H5) 3a (cC6H11) 4f (CH2C6H5, CO2CH3) 5t (82)

2.1.2. Synthesis of azetidinones from Ugi adducts. For the next stage, we observed that the cyclization to azetidinone strongly depended on several factors such as the substituents on the Ugi adduct coming from the halocarboxylic acid and the amine and the base employed. As this step was decisive for our purposes, we looked for the most general optimal conditions.

In this way, different bases were employed in order to achieve the selective cyclization of Ugi adduct 5a to the corresponding azetidinone 6a. Initially, we tried triethylamine under different conditions. It turned out that the use of three equivalents of this base in ethanol and ultrasonication for 1 hour afforded azetidinone 6a with a moderate yield (entry 1, Table 2). Then, we tried potassium and sodium carbonates but the obtained yield was low, because the O-alkylation product was obtained along with the desired C-alkylation compound. Despite this result we observed the influence of cation size, as the smaller sodium cation favors C-alkylation15 (entry 2 vs. 4, Table 2). However, when cyclization with lithium carbonate was attempted, the Ugi adduct was recovered (entry 5, Table 2), probably due to the low solubility of this salt in organic solvents.

Table 2 Synthesis of β-lactams 6a–k from Ugi adducts 5a–k, all of them derived from benzyl amines, and X-Ray molecular structure of azetidinone 6a. The ORTEP plot is at the 30% probability level

image file: d2gc02896d-u2.tif
Entry 5 (R1, R2, R3, X) Base Equiv. 6 (%) d.r.b
a Yield after purification. b Diastereomeric ratio determined by 1H NMR. c In ethanol at room temperature and ultrasonication, 2 h. d In acetone at reflux, 12 h. e In acetonitrile at reflux, 12 h. f O-Alkylation by-product. g Mixture of O-alkylation and a new compound identified as γ-lactam 7a. h The Ugi adduct was recovered. i Relative configuration (3R*,4R*)/(3R*,4S*). j Diastereoisomers were not separated, characterized as a mixture.
1 5a (H, C6H5, cC6H11, NO2) NEt3c 3 6a (58) —
2 5a (H, C6H5, cC6H11, NO2) K2CO3d 1.1 6a (14)f —
3 5a (H, C6H5, cC6H11, NO2) K2CO3d 2 6a (—)g —
4 5a (H, C6H5, cC6H11, NO2) Na2CO3d 1.1 6a (40)f —
5 5a (H, C6H5, cC6H11, NO2) Li2CO3d 1.1 6a (—)h —
6 5a (H, C6H5, cC6H11, NO2) Cs2CO3/LiCle 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]10 6a (65)f —
7 5a (H, C6H5, cC6H11, NO2) Cs2CO3/LiIe 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]10 6a (92) —
8 5a (H, C6H5, cC6H11, NO2) Cs2CO3/LiIe 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6a (88)f —
9 5b (H, C6H5, CH2C6H5, NO2) Cs2CO3/LiIe 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6b (79) —
10 5c (H, C6H5, C(CH3)3, NO2) Cs2CO3/LiIe 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6c (67) —
11 5d (H, 4-CH3C6H4, cC6H11, NO2) Cs2CO3/LiIe 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6d (73) —
12 5e (H, 4-ClC6H4, cC6H11, NO2) Cs2CO3/LiIe 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6e (72) —
13 5f (H, 4-FC6H4, cC6H11, NO2) Cs2CO3/LiIe 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6f (68) —
14 5g (H, 4-CH3OC6H4, cC6H11, NO2) Cs2CO3/LiIe 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6g (76) —
15 5h (H, CH3, cC6H11, NO2)b Cs2CO3/LiIe 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6h (90) —
16 5i (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, NO2) Cs2CO3/LiIe 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6i (84) 24[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]76i,j
17 5i (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, NO2) NEt3c 3 6i (93) 87[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]13i,j
18 5j (C6H5, 4-FC6H4, cC6H11, NO2) NEt3c 3 6j (86) 86[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]14i,j
19 5k (H, C6H5, cC6H11, H) Cs2CO3/LiIe 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6k (87) —

To overcome this limitation, we decided to work with the more soluble cesium carbonate in the presence of an excess of lithium halides to exchange the counter cation. The use of lithium chloride (10 equiv.) improved the C-alkylation yield although the O-alkylation product was still observed (entry 6, Table 2) but, fortunately, the use of lithium iodide yielded β-lactam 6a as a single compound (entry 7, Table 2); furthermore, the amount of this salt may be reduced to 2 equivalents without a significant decrease in chemical yield (entry 8, Table 2), except for the phenylglycine derivative 6m (entries 2 vs. 4, Table 3). These findings could be explained not only by the smaller counter cation, lithium, which binds tightly to oxygen, but also by the Finkelstein transhalogenation reaction.16 Gratefully, this cyclization strategy proved to be general. Thus, simple refluxing of solutions of Ugi adducts 5 with a combination of cesium carbonate and lithium iodide (1.1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 equiv.) in acetonitrile for 12 hours afforded in almost all cases the corresponding 2-azetidinones 6. However, triethylamine (3 equiv.) in ethanol and ultrasonication for 2 hours proved to be most often the best choice for the cyclization of 2-chloro-2-phenylacetic derivatives (entries 16 vs. 17, Table 2) as a more efficient strategy. Therefore, this last methodology was chosen as the cyclization strategy for the synthesis of 6i–j and 6q–t. In this way, we achieved chemoselective C-alkylation in the cyclization step from Ugi adducts 5, crucial for our purposes in the subsequent synthesis of γ-lactams.

Table 3 Synthesis of β-lactams 6l–t from Ugi adducts 5l–t, all of them derived from α-aminoesters

image file: d2gc02896d-u3.tif
Entry 5 (R1, R2, R3, R4) Base Equiv. 6 (%) d.r.b
a Yield after purification. b Diastereomeric ratio determined by 1H NMR. c In acetonitrile at reflux, 12 h. d In ethanol at room temperature and ultrasonication, 2 h. e In acetone at reflux, 12 h. f Complex reaction mixture. g Mixture of O-alkylation and a new compound identified as a fused pyrrolidinone-imide 8 obtained as the major product. h Mixture of O-alkylation and a new compound identified as γ-lactam 7a. i The Ugi adduct was recovered. j Relative configuration (3R*,4R*)/(3R*,4S*). k Both diastereoisomers were separated and fully characterized. l Only the major diastereoisomer was isolated and fully characterized (n.d.: not detected).
1 5l (H, C6H5, cC6H11, H) Cs2CO3/LiIc 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6l (78) —
2 5m (H, C6H5, cC6H11, C6H5) Cs2CO3/LiIc 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6m (—)f —
3 5m (H, C6H5, cC6H11, C6H5) NEt3d 3 6m (—)f —
4 5m (H, C6H5, cC6H11, C6H5) Cs2CO3/LiIc 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]10 6m (81) —
5 5m (H, C6H5, cC6H11, C6H5) K2CO3e 1.1 6m (—)g —
6 5n (H, C6H5, cC6H11, CH3) Cs2CO3/LiIc 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6n (90) >98[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2
7 5n (H, C6H5, cC6H11, CH3) NEt3d 3 6n (—)h —
8 5o (H, C6H5, cC6H11, CH2C6H5) Cs2CO3/LiIc 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6o (81) >98[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2
9 5o (H, C6H5, cC6H11, CH2C6H5) NEt3d 3 6o (—)i —
10 5p (H, C6H5, cC6H11, CH(CH3)2) Cs2CO3/LiIc 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6p (73) >98[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2
11 5q (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, H) Cs2CO3/LiIc 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6q (71) 55[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]45j,k
12 5q (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, H) NEt3d 3 6q (77) 54[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]46j,k
13 5r (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, C6H5) NEt3d 3 6r (45) 84[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]16[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]n.d.[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]n.d.l
14 5r (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, C6H5) K2CO3e 1.1 6r (—)g —
15 5s (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, CH3) Cs2CO3/LiIc 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2 6s (90) 53[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]24[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]18[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]11l
16 5s (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, CH3) NEt3d 3 6s (93) 30[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]26[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]26[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]18l
17 5t (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, CH2C6H5) NEt3d 3 6t (75) 58[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]35[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]7[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]n.d.l

The stereochemical outcome in these reactions was also quite remarkable as the diastereoselectivity observed was fairly good when only one reactant incorporated a stereogenic center, but not when 2-chloro-2-phenylacetic acid (used as a racemate) was combined with α-aminoesters (entries 11–17, Table 3). In addition, the stereochemical results for the 2-chloro-2-phenylacetic acid derivatives were strongly dependent on the cyclization methodology (entry 16 vs. 17, Table 2). Nevertheless, given that the relative configuration of these lactams was not important in the next step, as it will be shown below, the isolation of diastereomers of these β-lactams was not necessary.

2.2. Synthesis of γ-lactams through expansion reactions

During the optimization studies for the synthesis of β-lactams, we gathered some valuable data about the expansion reaction. On one hand, we observed that the treatment of Ugi adduct 5a with two equivalents of potassium carbonate (entry 3, Table 2) afforded γ-lactam 7a as a by-product. On the other hand, the treatment of phenylglycine derivatives 5m and 5r with potassium carbonate (1.1 equiv.) afforded fused pyrrolidinone-imides 8 as the major product (entries 5 and 14, Table 3). We proposed that the syntheses of these γ-lactams probably proceeded through the expansion of the corresponding β-lactam acting as intermediate.
2.2.1. Expansion reactions on azetidines derived from activated benzyl amines. In order to demonstrate this fact, we tried the expansion to γ-lactam 7a from the isolated β-lactam 6a. As we expected, the treatment of this azetidinone with potassium carbonate in refluxing acetone for 12 hours afforded γ-lactam 7a almost quantitatively and, furthermore, with complete diastereoselectivity (entry 1, Table 4).
Table 4 Expansion products resulting from the basic treatment of β-lactams 6a–k derived from benzyl amines and X-Ray molecular structures of pyrrolidinones 7d and 7jdiast2. The ORTEP plot is at the 30% probability level

image file: d2gc02896d-u4.tif
Entry 6 (R1, R2, R3, X) 7 (%)a d.r.b
a Yield after purification. b Diastereomeric ratio determined by 1H NMR in the reaction mixture. c Relative configuration (4R*,5R*) in the major diastereomer, determined by NOESY and X-ray diffraction experiments. d Yield as mixture of diastereomers. e Relative configuration (3R*,4R*,5S*) and (3R*,4R*,5R*) in the observed diastereomers, determined by NOESY and X-ray diffraction experiments. f Azetidinone 6k was recovered. Treatment of azetidinone 6k with different bases has been further investigated (see Scheme 3).
1 6a (H, C6H5, cC6H11, NO2) 7a (90) >98[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2c
2 6b (H, C6H5, CH2C6H5, NO2) 7b (79) 97[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]3c
3 6c (H, C6H5, C(CH3)3, NO2) 7c (67) >98[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2c
4 6d (H, 4-CH3C6H4, cC6H11, NO2) 7d (71) 92[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]8c
5 6e (H, 4-ClC6H4, cC6H11, NO2) 7e (44) >98[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2c
6 6f (H, 4-FC6H4, cC6H11, NO2) 7f (42) >98[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2c
7 6g (H, 4-CH3OC6H4, cC6H11, NO2) 7g (71) >98[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2c
8 6h (H, CH3, cC6H11, NO2) 7h (76) >98[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2c
9 6i (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, NO2) 7i (92)d 64[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]36[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]n.d.[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]n.d.e
10 6j (C6H5, 4-FC6H4, cC6H11, NO2) 7j (91)d 57[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]43[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]n.d.[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]n.d.e
11 6k (H, C6H5, cC6H11, H) 7k (—)f —

The possibility of synthesizing new, complex, and highly functionalized γ-lactams through a new and simple methodology prompted us to explore the potential of this reaction. Thankfully, all azetidin-2-ones 6 treated with carbonate afforded expansion products, although the results depended on the nature of the electron-withdrawing group (EWG) on the N-substituent of the β-lactam (Tables 4 and 5). Thus, for 2-nitrobenzylamine derivatives, the treatment of azetidin-2-ones 6a–k with potassium carbonate (1.1 equiv.) in boiling acetone for 12 hours afforded the corresponding 4-acyl-4-alkylaminocarbamoyl-5-(2-nitrophenyl)pyrrolidin-2-ones 7a–k (Table 4). Moreover, these reactions proceeded with high diastereoselectivities. Hence, for 2-chloroacetic acid derivatives 7a–h the observed diastereoselectivities were excellent (entries 1–8, Table 4), while for 2-chloro-2-phenylacetic acid derivatives 7i–j only two of the four possible diastereomers were observed. We also tried the expansion on lactam 6k, derived from benzylamine, a non-activated amine, in order to explore the influence of acidity in the benzylic position. As it was expected, azetidinone 6k was recovered after the treatment with potassium carbonate (entry 11, Table 4). However, in an attempt to achieve expansion from this lactam we tried different bases and conditions, as it will be discussed later.

Table 5 Expansion products resulting from the basic treatment of β-lactams 6l–t derived from α-aminoesters and X-Ray molecular structures of fused pyrrolidinone-imides 8m and 9n. The ORTEP plot is at the 30% probability level

image file: d2gc02896d-u5.tif
Entry 6 (R1, R2, R3, R4) Carbonate Equiv. t (h) 7 (%)a 8 (%)a 9 (%)a
a Yield after purification. b Synthesis carried out from the Ugi adduct. c Mixture of O-alkylation and expansion products. d After 12 h most of the azetidine was recovered. e After 72 h some azetidine was recovered. f Two diastereomers were observed (d.r. 68[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]32). g Yield referred to the major diastereomer after purification. h Complex reaction mixture. i A single diastereomer was observed.
1 6l (H, C6H5, cC6H11, H) Cs2CO3 1.2 1 — — 9l (73)
2 6l (H, C6H5, cC6H11, H) K2CO3 1.2 12 7l (18) — 9l (58)
3 6m (H, C6H5, cC6H11, C6H5) Cs2CO3b,c 2.2 1 — — 9m (65)
4 6m (H, C6H5, cC6H11, C6H5) K2CO3b,c 1.1 12 — 8m (83) —
5 6m (H, C6H5, cC6H11, C6H5) Cs2CO3 1.2 1 — 8m (30) 9m (52)
6 6m (H, C6H5, cC6H11, C6H5) K2CO3 1.2 12 — 8m (68) 9m (12)
7 6n (H, C6H5, cC6H11, CH3) Cs2CO3 1.2 1 — — 9n (75)
8 6n (H, C6H5, cC6H11, CH3) K2CO3 1.2 12 7n (58) 8n (9) 9n (10)
9 6o (H, C6H5, cC6H11, CH2C6H5) Cs2CO3 1.2 1 — — 9o (57)
10 6o (H, C6H5, cC6H11, CH2C6H5) K2CO3 1.2 12 7o (38) 8o (36) 9o (10)
11 6p (H, C6H5, cC6H11, CH(CH3)2) Cs2CO3 1.2 1 — — 9p (65)
12 6p (H, C6H5, cC6H11, CH(CH3)2) K2CO3 1.2 12d — 8p (5) —
13 6p (H, C6H5, cC6H11, CH(CH3)2) K2CO3 1.2 72 — 8p (78) 9p (8)
14 6q (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, H) Cs2CO3 1.2 72e 7q (32)g — —
15 6q (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, H) Cs2CO3 2.0 12 —h — —
16 6r (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, C6H5) K2CO3b,c 1.2 5 — 8r (70) —
17 6r (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, C6H5) Cs2CO3 1.2 1 — 8r (72) —
18 6s (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, CH3) K2CO3 1.2 12 7s (75) — —
19 6s (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, CH3) Cs2CO3 1.2 1 7s (80) — —
20 6t (C6H5, C6H5, cC6H11, CH2C6H5) Cs2CO3 1.2 1 7t (67) — —

2.2.2. Expansion reactions on azetidines derived from α-aminoesters. Expansion reactions for aminoester derivatives also took place, but the results were highly dependent on the nature of the aminoester and chloroacetic acid derivatives, as well as on the base used (Table 5). In this way, lactams derived from 2-chloro-2-phenylacetic acid 1b and aminoesters afforded a major expansion product, although the chemical result depended on the relative configuration on C4/C5, which in turn was controlled by the size of the substituent on the aminoester (R4). Thus, the expansion of azetidinones derived from glycine 6q (R4: H), alanine 6s (R4: CH3) and phenylalanine 6t (R4: CH2Ph) afforded the corresponding γ-lactam (7q, 7s and 7t), with a relative trans disposition of methoxycarbonyl substituents on C5 and cyclohexylaminocarbamoyl groups on C4, which prevented the intramolecular N-acylation (entries 14 and 18–20, Table 5). However, phenylglycine derivative 6r (R4: Ph) yielded γ-lactam 8r fused with an imide ring resulting from the intramolecular N-acylation, which is explained by the relative cis disposition of the aforesaid substituents (entries 16 and 17, Table 5). These results were similar when cesium or potassium carbonate were employed as bases, although the use of cesium carbonate was more efficient as the reaction time was notably reduced (entry 18 vs. 19, Table 5). Moreover, the phenylglycine derivative was obtained directly from the Ugi adduct, as the higher acidity of the α-CH substituent on the nitrogen of the azetidinone favored its deprotonation (entry 16, Table 5). Furthermore, a single diastereomer was observed, except for glycine derivative 7q (R4: H). Nevertheless, expansion of azetidinones 6l–p, derived from aminoesters and 2-chloroacetic acid 1a, was highly dependent on the nature of the carbonate employed. Thus, the use of cesium carbonate gave cleaner results, yielding new bicyclic compounds 9 which resulted from expansion followed by spontaneous intramolecular N-acylation and debenzoylation reactions. Meanwhile, when potassium carbonate was employed, up to three different compounds were observed, γ-lactam 7, the fused imide-lactam 8 and the debenzoylated fused imide-lactam 9 (entries 8 and 10, Table 5). Again, the phenylglycine derivative was the only one which gave the fused γ-lactam 8m selectively (entry 4, Table 5) starting from the corresponding Ugi adduct.

Thus, the chemical results for the aminoester series were controlled mainly by the substituents size, firstly by the C3 substitution on the γ-lactam (R1) (entries 1–13 vs. 14–20, Table 5) and secondly by the C5 substitution (R4) (entries 8, 10 and 13, Table 5), which is explained by the steric hindrance exerted by the different substituents, and additionally by the nature of the carbonate employed. This shows the importance of the counter cation on the stereoselectivity of enolate reactions,17 which is reflected on the chemical result (entries 7, 9 vs. 8, 10, Table 5). These results are remarkable taking into account that ring expansion is promoted by a weak base in a wet solvent under an air atmosphere, in contrast to the strong bases and dry atmosphere needed for the ring expansion previously reported;10,11 moreover, high diastereoselectivities are observed in these syntheses.

2.3. Mechanism proposal for the expansion reaction

In order to understand the mechanism of expansion reactions, it is important to emphasize two significant points in their stereochemical outcome: (1) the results were independent of the diastereomeric purity of the β-lactam employed, which simplifies the experimental work to a great extent, and (2) the use of enantiomerically pure α-aminoesters leads to γ-lactams as racemates. In this way, an anionic rearrangement can be proposed starting from the deprotonation of the acidic position in the N-substituent of the azetidinone favoring its opening, which would destroy the chiral centers on C4 and the N-substituent on azetidinone 6, affording an intermediate containing an imine and an enolate, which would react intramolecularly yielding the corresponding pyrrolidinone (Scheme 2).
image file: d2gc02896d-s2.tif
Scheme 2 Proposed mechanism for the anionic rearrangement from azetidinones 6 to pyrrolidinones 7.

2.4. Synthesis of debenzoylated γ-lactams

As γ-lactams fused with an imide ring 8 were debenzoylated under some of the conditions tried (entries 1–3, 5–11 and 13, Table 5), we tried the debenzoylation for the different γ-lactams synthesized, in order to obtain a new family of pyrrolidine-2-ones. Thus, the treatment of pyrrolidin-2-ones 7a–c with a catalytic amount of potassium hydroxide in ethanol at room temperature afforded the corresponding deacylated pyrrolidin-2-one 10 as the result of a retro-Claisen reaction; moreover, only the cis diastereoisomer was observed by 1H NMR in the reaction mixture (entries 1–3, Table 6). However, when we tried debenzoylation on lactams derived from 2-chloro-2-phenylacetic acid and/or α-aminoester derivatives, it was unsuccessful, probably due to steric hindrance for the former and saponification of the ester group for the latter (entries 4 and 5, Table 6).
Table 6 Debenzoylation of pyrrolidine-2-ones 7

image file: d2gc02896d-u6.tif
Entry 4 (R1, R3, EWG) 10 (%)a d.r.b,c
a Yield after purification. b Diastereomeric ratio determined by 1H NMR. c Relative configuration (4R*,5S*) in the major diastereomer, determined by NOESY experiments. d The γ-lactam was recovered. e Complex reaction mixture.
1 7a (H, cC6H11, 2-NO2C6H4) 10a (76) >98[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2
2 7b (H, CH2C6H5, 2-NO2C6H4) 10b (58) >98[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2
3 7c (H, C(CH3)3, 2-NO2C6H4) 10c (72) >98[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]2
4 7i (C6H5, cC6H11, 2-NO2C6H4) 10i (—)d —
5 7l (H, cC6H11, CO2CH3) 10l (—)e —

2.5. Study of the expansion reaction on azetidine 6k, derived from a non-activated benzyl amine

Finally, we studied the expansion on azetidinone 6k, derived from a non-activated amine. As noted above, the azetidinone was recovered when it was treated with potassium carbonate (entry 11, Table 4). This proves the key role of acidity of the α-CH substituent on the nitrogen, so we tested stronger bases. When we tried potassium hydroxide debenzoylated azetidinone 11 was the only product observed (entry 2, Table 7). Therefore, we tried LDA in dry THF, which afforded γ-lactam 7k but in low yield, with the result depending on the amount of base employed. Thus, when 1.2 equivalents were used, γ-lactam 7k was obtained together with debenzoylated azetidinone 11 (entry 3, Table 7) because of the presence of traces of water in the medium. In order to reduce the formation of this compound we increased the amount of LDA employed (3.0 equiv.). In this way, the formation of azetidinone 11 was not observed, but a new compound identified as succinimide 12 was generated (entry 4, Table 7). These results highlight the importance of the nature of the N-substituent on the azetidine system.
Table 7 Products resulting from the basic treatment of γ-lactam 6k derived from benzylamine

image file: d2gc02896d-u7.tif
Entry Base Solvent Equiv. 11 (%) 7k (%) 12 (%)
a Reflux, 12 h. Azetidinone 6k was recovered. b Ultrasonication, 30 min. c Room temperature, 5 h. d Diastereomeric ratio determined by 1H NMR as 1[thin space (1/6-em)]:[thin space (1/6-em)]1. e Diastereoisomers were not separated.
1 K2CO3a Acetone 1.1 — — —
2 KOHb EtOH Cat. 94 — —
3 LDAc THF 1.2 21 23d,e —
4 LDAc THF 3.0 — 27d,e 14

This succinimide was probably generated through the competing formation of a C-anion on the azetidine ring. Thus, the new C-anion would favor the ring opening to a diamide anion, which after an intramolecular cyclization to a five-member ring followed by an intramolecular Cannizaro-type reaction, would afford imide 12 (Scheme 3).


image file: d2gc02896d-s3.tif
Scheme 3 Results for the treatment of azetidinone 6l with base and proposed mechanism for the synthesis of succinimide 12 (Cy = cyclohexyl).

3. Conclusions

These results show the versatility of Ugi adducts in the synthesis of highly functionalized N-heterocycles through post-condensation reactions. Different ring-size lactams with different substituents have been synthesized using simple protocols, in many cases with a high diastereoselectivity. Moreover, the rational design of Ugi adducts allows the synthesis of β-lactams which rearrange to γ-lactams using simple, economical and low moisture-sensitive bases, in an air atmosphere and in a robust manner. Interestingly, the substitution patterns achieved in some structures have not been reported before.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts to declare.

Acknowledgements

Funding from Consejería de Educación de la Junta de Castilla y León and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (project BU075G19 and project BU067P20) and MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 [grant PID2020-117610RB-I00] is gratefully acknowledged. B. G.-S. and I. C.-B. thank Consejería de Educación de la Junta de Castilla y León, European Social Fund (ESF) and ERDF for their predoctoral (B. G.-S) and postdoctoral (I. C.-B.) contracts.

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Footnote

† Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. CCDC 2193426, 2193428–2193430 and 2193435. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d2gc02896d
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