Novel spiropseudoindoxyls were synthesized in high yields via a fully regioselective Au(III)-catalyzed cycloisomerization of easily obtainable o-nitrophenylpropiolamides, followed by an intramolecular dipolar cycloaddition as key steps. This one-pot cascade reaction resulted in new tetracyclic pseudoindoxyls, which were hydrogenated toward the title compounds as single diastereomers via N-O cleavage. The mechanism of the gold catalyzed cycloisomerization was studied by DFT and suggests a reaction path without the intermediacy of gold carbenoid species in these cases.

An efficient metal-free cascade reaction between 1-dibromovinyl-2-nitro-substituted arenes and secondary amines results in the formation of polycyclic pseudoindoxyls in a single step. The reaction mechanism leading to these fused ring systems was investigated, and is believed to involve the initial formation of nitroarylated ynamines/ynamides. These intermediates cycloisomerize towards N-alkenyl-tethered 2-aminoisatogens via a carbene intermediate as demonstrated by QTAIM (quantum theory of atoms in molecules) and ELF (electron localization function) analysis. A subsequent intramolecular dipolar cycloaddition afforded the title compounds.

An efficient metal‐free cascade reaction between 1‐dibromovinyl‐2‐nitro‐substituted arenes and secondary amines results in the formation of polycyclic pseudoindoxyls in a single step. The reaction mechanism leading to these fused ring systems was investigated, and is believed to involve the initial formation of nitroarylated ynamines/ynamides. These intermediates cycloisomerize towards N‐alkenyl‐tethered 2‐aminoisatogens via a carbene intermediate as demonstrated by QTAIM (quantum theory of atoms in molecules) and ELF (electron localization function) analysis. A subsequent intramolecular dipolar cycloaddition afforded the title compounds.

A gold‐catalyzed cyclization of 1‐alkynyl‐2‐aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines is described for the synthesis of novel dihydrodibenzoquinolizinium salts. The reaction mechanism is likely to involve a 6‐endo‐dig cyclization and subsequent oxidation by air to give a relatively stable arylgold intermediate. This gold species undergoes protodeauration under acidic conditions to afford the title compounds. An NMR study was performed to gain further evidence and insight on the presence of the arylgold intermediate and the reaction mechanism.magnified image

Spiropseudoindoxyls were synthesized by using a gold(III)catalyzed intramolecular nitroalkyne redox-dipolar cycloaddition cascade. These compounds were then transformed into novel piperidinone and azepanone fused indoles via a straightforward hydrogenation. The reaction mechanism of this ring expansion is believed to proceed through a rare Wagner-Meerwein type 1,2-amide migration.