Copper-Catalyzed Coupling of Thioamides and Donor/Acceptor-Substituted Carbenoids: Synthesis of Enamino Esters and Enaminones.

The coupling of thioamides and donor/acceptor-substituted diazocarbonyl compounds is reported for the first time. The present report provides a mild, catalytic method that couples thioamides and donor/acceptor-substituted diazocarbonyl compounds to form enamino esters and enaminones. Unlike traditional methods for the synthesis of enamino esters and enaminones from thioamides, both N-alkyl thioamides and thiocarbamates are suitable substrates in this coupling reaction. Copper(I) bromide catalyzes the reaction and provides enamino esters and enaminones chemo- and diastereoselectively in less time than Rh2(OAc)4 or Ru(PPh3)3Cl2 catalysts.

Introduction

Enamino esters and enaminones are important synthetic intermediates.[1−6] They have been used in the synthesis of a number of natural products and pharmaceutically active compounds.[3,7,8] Because of this importance, various methods are available for enamino ester and enaminone synthesis[2,9−19] and new methods are constantly pursued.[20−27] Exocyclic enamino esters and enaminones are generally prepared by the Eschenmoser sulfide contraction reaction (ESR)[7,28−30] or the imino ester (imidate) approach.[28,31−33] Both methods complement each other. In the ESR, a thioamide is the nucleophile, while in the imidate approach, an amide is converted into an electrophile. However, both methods are sensitive to steric hindrance,[7,28] and neither of them is shown to be suitable when the nitrogen of a thioamide or an amide is protected as a carbamate[34]—one of the most common nitrogen atom protection strategies. A thio-Reformatsky-type reaction does exist that couples thiocarbamates and bromocarbonyl compounds to prepare enamino esters. However, the reaction has limited substrate scope, is noncatalytic, and only provides trisubstituted enamino esters.[34] The reaction of thioamides with diazo electrophiles to form enamino esters, and enaminones is a modified version of the ESR reaction. The modified version overcomes steric issues associated with the ESR reaction.[7] So far, this modified version of the ESR has not been achieved for the cross-coupling of thioamides with the donor/acceptor-substituted carbenoids. The reactivity profile of a carbenoid is dependent upon the structure of a carbenoid.[35] Thus, donor/acceptor-substituted carbenoids are expected to have a different reactivity profile than other carbenoids that have been reported previously in the formation of enamino esters and enaminones (Figure ). Furthermore, there are no reports of the modified ESR in which the starting thioamide’s nitrogen is protected as a carbamate.[7] N-Alkyl and N-Boc thioamides are electronically very different from each other and tend to reflect this in their reactivity toward electrophiles.[34] In this report, a method is described which overcomes these deficiencies of the coupling reaction between thioamides and diazo compounds (Figure ). The reaction uses a catalytic amount of copper(I) bromide and provides products stereoselectively.

Figure 1

Strategies for the synthesis of exocyclic enaminoesters and enaminones.

Results and Discussion

The catalyst screening was conducted on thioamide 1a and diazo compound 2a (Table ). Dichloroethane was chosen as the solvent as it provides good yields of enamino esters and enaminones in the related copper-catalyzed coupling of thioamides and acceptor/acceptor-substituted carbenoids.[36,37] No reaction was observed with selected copper salts at room temperature (entries 1–3, Table ). The reaction initiated at 40 °C and provided enamino ester 3 (entries 4–12, Table ). A full consumption of thioamide 1 was observed with various copper(I) catalysts (entries 4–9 and 12, Table ). Copper(I) chloride consumed 1 the fastest, but did not provide a good yield of the isolated enamino ester (entry 5, Table ). Copper(I) triflate, which is the best commercial copper catalyst for the coupling of thioamides and acceptor/acceptor-substituted carbenes,[37] was also a successful catalyst in this transformation (entry 12, Table ). However, both CuBr and CuI provided 100% conversion of the enamino ester 3 in the shortest period of time. Copper(I) bromide is more economical than CuI, and thus it was chosen to study the substrate scope. No reaction was observed in the absence of a catalyst (entry 13, Table ). Greener solvent (EtOH) gave low percent conversion (entry 18, Table ).

Table 1

Effect of Reaction Parameters on the Metal-Catalyzed Coupling of 1 and 2a

entry	catalyst	temp (°C)b	time (h)	yield (%)
1	Cu(CH3CN)4PF6	rt	12	0c
2	CuCl	rt	6	0c
3	CuBr	rt	6	0c
4	Cu(CH3CN)4PF6	40	24	100d
5	CuCl	40	2	63e
6	CuBr	40	10	100d
				(92)e,f
7	CuI	40	10	100d
8	Cu(CH3CN)4BF4	40	20	100d
9	Cu(CH3CN)4OTf	40	19	100d
10	CuTc	40	26	39d
11	(IPr)CuCl	40	26	68d
12	(CuOTf)2·Tol	40	16	100d
13	no catalyst	40	10	0d
14g	Rh2(OAc)4	40	16	68d
15	Rh2(OAc)4	40	17	73d
16	Ru(PPh)3	40	18	17d
17	BF3·OEt	rt	10 min	0d
18	CuBr	40	24	36h

Reaction conditions: 1a (0.20 mmol), 2a (0.26 mmol), catalyst [5 mol % in 2.0 mL dichloroethane (DCE)]. Reactions were either stopped after all of 1a or 2a were consumed, or until the time mentioned in table.

The temperature indicates the temperature of the oil bath.

Percent conversion of 1 into 3 as observed by TLC analysis.

NMR yield using 4-nitrobenzaldehyde as the internal standard.

Isolated yield.

With 1.0 mmol scale the reaction completed in 9 h.

2.5 mol % of the catalyst was used.

Reaction was conducted with EtOH as the solvent.

Dirhodium(II) catalysts are considered the most effective in diazo decomposition.[38] However, 2.5 mol % of Rh2(OAc)4 did not give a quantitative yield of 3, and both 1 and 2 remained (entry 14, Table ) in the reaction mixture even after 16 h. Some dimer formation of 2 was also observed in this reaction. Increasing the catalyst loading (5 mol %) also gave similar results (entry 15, Table ) and starting materials 1 and 2 were not consumed completely even after 17 h. Ruthenium(II) catalysts are successful in the coupling of thioamides and acceptor/acceptor-substituted diazo compound.[39] For the synthesis of 3a though, Ru(PPh3)3Cl2 gave a low yield of 3a (entry 16, Table ). These results conclude that CuBr and CuI are not only more economical catalysts in this transformation, but they are also more efficient than the studied rhodium(II) and ruthenium(II) catalysts. Finally, BF3·OEt was attempted in the reaction (entry 17) as it has shown to be one of the best Lewis acids in many Lewis-acid promoted reactions of diazo compounds[40−46] and has been used to promote sulfur extrusions in the ESR reaction.[7,28,29] The reaction failed to give the enamino ester and within 10 min. all 2a dimerized at room temperature. This result suggests that the formation of 3a in the presence of copper catalysts is not a Lewis-acid catalyzed reaction.

The scope of thioamides was evaluated in this reaction. The N-alkyl and N-Boc thioamides were tested (Table ). Both cyclic- and acyclic-positioned thioamides gave coupled products (3a, 3b, and 3c–3i) in good yield and gave predominantly the E isomer. The stereochemistry was assigned using 2D-NOESY experiments. The diastereomeric ratios observed (except for 3b) are likely due to the low energy barrier to C=C rotation which precludes the isolation of any one isomer at room temperature. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that the variable-temperature 1H NMR spectra of 3d show a change in the ratio of E/Z isomers with decreasing temperatures (Supporting Information). The 1H NMR spectra of 3d also show typical broadening of resonances with decreasing temperatures which are indicative of temperatures approaching the coalescence point (Supporting Information). A similar E/Z isomerism has been reported previously.[47−50] In the case of 3b, in addition to the 2D-NOESY, the 1D NOESY technique was used to confirm the stereochemistry and differentiate rotamers from diastereomers.[51] Enamino ester 3b is the first example of the metal-catalyzed coupling reaction of thioamides and diazo compounds where the nitrogen atom is protected as a carbamate. As 3b is electronically different than 3a, we tested the formation of 3b against Ru(II) and Rh(II) catalysts. At room temperature, 1b and 2a failed to react in the presence of 2.5 mol % Rh2(OAc)4 and upon heating at 40 °C, 2a dimerized completely. In the presence of 5 mol % Ru(PPh)3Cl2, at 40 °C, no reaction was observed. FeCl3 (10 mol %) was used to check the possibility of a Lewis acid-catalyzed formation of 3b at 40 °C. FeCl3 was attempted instead of BF3·OEt as BF3·OEt is expected to N-deprotect the Boc group.[52] The N-Boc deprotection of 1b is unlikely in the presence of FeCl3.[53] However, the coupling of 1b and 2a again failed to provide 3b. These results clearly show that Cu(I)Br is a superior catalyst in this transformation.

Table 2

Scope of Thioamidesa,b

Reaction conditions: 1 (0.20 mmol), 2a (0.26 mmol), catalyst (5 mol %) in 2.0 mL dichloroethane (DCE). Reaction was stirred until all of 1 was consumed.

The temperature indicates the temperature of the oil bath.

Next, the scope of diazo compounds was studied (Table ). Both N-Me and N-Boc thioamides 1 gave good yields of enamino esters and an enaminone with a variety of donor/acceptor-substituted diazo compounds 2. Formation of N-Boc-protected enaminones consistently required less time than N-Me counterparts. Benzyl ester containing diazo compounds reacted faster than methyl or ethyl ester containing diazo compounds (compare 3k vs 3a and 3o vs 3b and 3n). Electron-donating groups on the donor side of diazo compounds gave enaminones in higher yields and in less time (compare 3j vs 3m and 3q vs 3r). Higher temperature (60 °C) was required with α-unsubstituted diazoketone and the reaction remained incomplete even after 24 h (3s). Although α-diazocarbonyl compounds are known to undergo C–H insertion and Buchner reactions,[38,54] in all reactions reported here, except for the formation of 3, and a negligible dimerization of 2, no other products were observed. The stereochemistry of products 3j–3s (except 3l) was assigned using 1D- and 2D-NOESY experiments (Supporting Information). 3l did not show any diagnostic NOE enhancements. Its stereochemistry was assigned as E after comparing with the chemical shift values of related compounds (Supporting Information). In the case of carbamates, the 1D NOESY technique was also used to confirm the stereochemistry and/or to differentiate diastereomers from rotamers (Supporting Information).[51] Unlike the N-alkyl series, with the N-Boc-protected enamino esters, we suspected no E/Z equilibration because the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom is expected to be delocalized on the carbamate carbonyl. Indeed, variable-temperature 1H NMR spectra of 3q showed no change in the ratio of E/Z isomers with decreasing temperatures (Supporting Information). The reaction of vinyl diazoacetate with 2g gave enamino ester 3t as a mixture of isomers. The complex 1H NMR spectrum suggests that 3t is under an E/Z equilibration due to conjugation.

Table 3

Scope of Diazo Compoundsa,b

Reaction conditions: 1 (0.20 mmol), 2a (0.26 mmol), catalyst (5 mol %) in 2.0 mL DCE. Reaction was stirred at 40 °C until all of 1 was consumed.

The temperature indicates the temperature of the oil bath.

The reaction required 10 mol % of CuBr.

The reaction heated at 60 °C. 2-Nap = 2-naphthyl.

In order to determine if the reaction is chemoselective, 1b was reacted with 2b (Scheme ). Diazocarbonyl 2b is known to undergo an intramolecular cyclopropanation reaction with Rh(II) and Cu(I) catalysts.[55−57] Under the reaction conditions, 3u was obtained selectively without any formation of 4. In the absence of thioamide 1a, 2b produced 4 upon reaction with CuBr, albeit in a low yield. These results again show that CuBr is a selective and superior catalyst in this transformation.

Scheme 1

Competition Experiments: Enamino Ester Formation vs Cyclopropanation Reaction

The abovementioned results can be explained via the mechanism that we have proposed (Scheme ) previously for the reaction between thioamides and acceptor/acceptor-substituted diazo compounds.[37] Formation of carbenoids is supported by literature[38,58] and by the fact that the replacement of CuBr with Lewis acids fails to provide enamino esters. Nucleophilic attack of thioamide on the carbenoid gives metal-associated ylide 5. Copper dissociates from ylide 5 giving metal-free ylide 6, which is under an equilibrium with the thioether[59] when the thioamide is a primary or secondary thioamide [as expected, the coupling reaction between 2a and a secondary thioamide (1k, Supporting Information), provided a thioether (9, Supporting Information)]. Ylides 5 or 6 can cyclize to give episulfide 7, which upon sulfur extrusion provides enamino ester 8. Formation of 5 is based on the observation that thioamide 1b, which is more nucleophilic than an alkene, tends to give enamino ester 3u, and in the absence of a thioamide a less nucleophilic alkene can react with the carbenoid giving 4 (Scheme ). Formation of thioether suggests the formation of metal-free ylide 6. Less time for the formation of N-Boc enamino esters versus N-alkyl enamino ester [Table (3b vs 3a), and Table ] is perhaps due to a slow sulfide contraction process (5 → 7) in the case of amines compared with carbamates. This is because, in N-Boc 5, the iminium carbon is more electrophilic than it is in N-alkyl 5 iminium carbon, which makes N-Boc 5 more reactive. Electron-donating substituents on diazo compounds (3b vs 3o and 3a vs 3k and Table ) accelerate the formation of enamino esters as 5 is expected to be more reactive with electronically rich R4. Sulfur extrusion (7 → 8) happens with[37] or without the aid of CuBr.[7]

Scheme 2

Proposed Mechanism for Copper-Catalyzed Coupling Reaction between Thioamides and Donor/Acceptor-Substituted Diazo Compounds

Conclusions

In summary, coupling reactions between donor/acceptor-substituted diazo compounds and tertiary thioamides have been realized for the first time. Unlike the traditional ESR reaction,[7] both N-alkyl thioamides and thiocarbamates can undergo this reaction to provide corresponding enamino esters. The reaction also gives enaminones. Copper(I) bromide is a more efficient catalyst in this transformation than Rh(II) or Ru(II) catalysts that have been previously reported with other classes of diazo compounds.[7] Copper(I) bromide is also the most inexpensive catalyst reported so far in the coupling reaction of thioamides and diazo compounds.

Experimental Section

General Experimental

1H and 13C NMR and 1D- and 2D-NOESY experiments were performed on a Varian 400/50 (400 MHz) spectrometer. Dr. Margaret Eastman performed variable-temperature 1H NMR experiments on a Varian Inova 400 MHz instrument at the Oklahoma State University’s Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility. All NMR spectra were measured in parts per million (ppm) relative to the residual solvent signals (CDCl3 for 1H NMR δ = 7.27 ppm and 13C NMR δ = 77.0 ppm). Infrared spectroscopy was performed on a Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS50 spectrometer. Absorption maxima of selected peaks are reported in wave numbers (cm–1). High-resolution mass spectrometric measurements were conducted on a Thermo Scientific Exactive or Fusion spectrometer operating in a positive ion electrospray mode using an orbitrap analyzer at a normal resolution of 500 000. Thin-layer chromatography was performed on 250 μm glass silica gel plates. Plates were visualized with UV and/or a basic aqueous potassium permanganate stain. Retention factor (Rf) values are reported along with the solvent system in parenthesis. Flash chromatography was performed on a sorbent silica gel 60 Å (40–63 μm). Petroleum ether refers to the fraction of the mixture that distills between 30 and 60 °C. Anhydrous dichloroethane was obtained by distilling it from calcium hydride and onto activated 4 Å molecular sieves. All other reagents were obtained from commercial sources and used without further purification. Unless specified, all reactions were carried out under an inert atmosphere (argon) with oven-dried glassware.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of Thioamides

All thioamide synthesis was conducted under noninert conditions.

(S)-1-tert-Butyl 2-Ethyl 5-Thioxopyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate (1b)

Compound 1b was prepared by modifying a procedure used for the preparation of 1-tert-butyl 3-methyl-5-thioxopyrrolidine-1,3-dicarboxylate.[60] (S)-Ethyl 5-thioxypyrrolidine-2-carboxylate (1.24 g, 7.14 mmol),[61] 4-DMAP (872 mg, 7.14 mmol), and Et3N (1.00 mL, 7.14 mmol) were transferred into a 100 mL round-bottom flask. Then, 25.0 mL anhydrous dichloromethane was added to the mixture under an inert atmosphere. The solution was stirred and cooled to −80 °C. Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (Boc)2O (1.56 g, 7.14 mmol) was dissolved in 15.0 mL anhydrous dichloromethane and added dropwise to the reaction mixture. The flask containing the (Boc)2O was rinsed twice with 5.00 mL anhydrous DCM and the contents were transferred to the reaction mixture. It was stirred for an additional 48 h at −80 °C, allowed to come to room temperature, and the solvent was evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was charged into a silica gel column using minimum volume of DCM. Flash column chromatography (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 20% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) afforded pure 1b (1.77 g, 6.47 mmol, 91%) as a solid yellow compound. Rf = 0.43 (20% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2989, 2975, 1742, 1476, 1371, 1341, 1256, 1194, 1044, 1024; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 4.92 (dd, J = 3.2, 9.2 Hz, 1H), 4.26 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.18–3.04 (m, 2H), 2.45–2.34 (m, 1H), 2.10 (dddd, J = 2.8, 3.2, 7.8, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 1.53 (s, 9H), 1.31 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 207.0, 170.5, 149.6, 84.7, 65.9, 61.8, 47.0, 27.8, 24.3, 14.2; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M – Boc + H)+ calcd for C7H1N2O2S, 174.0583; measured, 174.0580.

2-Chlorophenyl(piperidin-1-yl)methanethione (1f)[62]

2-Chlorobenzaldehyde (281 mg, 2.00 mmol), elemental sulfur (64.0 mg, 2.00 mmol), and piperidine (0.400 mL, 4.00 mmol) were heated at 120 °C for 4 h in the presence of a catalytic amount of p-toluene sulfonic acid (17.2 mg, 0.100 mmol). Flash column chromatography (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 1f as a yellow solid (120 mg, 0.50 mmol, 25%). Rf = 0.49 (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 3057, 3009, 2938, 2852, 1589, 1498, 1437, 1293, 1243, 1202, 1057, 1012; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.34–7.07 (m, 4H), 4.47 (ddd, J = 4.4, 6.4, 10.8 Hz, 1H), 4.21 (ddd, J = 4.4, 7.2, 12.0 Hz, 1H), 3.44–3.34 (m, 2H), 1.85–1.77 (m, 2H), 1.87–1.44 (m, 6H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 194.6, 141.7, 129.6, 129.0, 128.0, 127.3, 127.2, 52.4, 49.5, 26.4, 25.3, 24.0.

N,N-Diethylbenzothioamide (1g)[63,64]

Benzaldehyde (535 mg, 5.00 mmol), elemental sulfur (160 mg, 5.00 mmol) and diethyl amine (731 mg, 10.0 mmol) were heated at 120 °C for 4 h. Flash column chromatography (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) of the reaction mixture gave pure 1g as a brownish yellow solid (580 mg, 3.00 mmol, 60%). Rf = 0.54 (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 3001, 2977, 2936, 1506, 1486, 1443, 1424, 1378, 1311, 1250, 1191, 1140, 1069, 915; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.34–7.27 (m, 3H), 7.22–7.20 (m, 2H), 4.11 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.42 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 1.37 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H), 1.12 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 200.3, 143.8, 128.3, 128.0, 124.9, 47.8, 46.0, 13.8, 11.3.

N,N-Dimethylmethanethioamide (1h)[65]

A solution of N,N-dimethyl formamide (731 mg, 10.0 mmol) in dichloromethane was added to the suspension of Lawesson’s reagent (2.09 g, 5.00 mmol) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for an additional 2 h. The solvent was evaporated using a rotary evaporator and the crude reaction mixture was charged onto a silica gel column. Flash column chromatography (40% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 1h as a colorless liquid (673 mg, 7.55 mmol, 75%). Rf = 0.44 (40% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2935, 1733, 1532, 1464, 1395, 1254, 1050, 967; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 9.20 (s, 1H), 3.30 (s, 3H), 3.27 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 188.1, 45.3, 37.2.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of Diazo Compounds

Ethyl 2-Diazo-2-phenylacetate (2a)[66]

Ethyl 2-phenylacetate (1.63 g, 10.0 mmol) was dissolved in 15.0 mL anhydrous acetonitrile. Tosyl azide (2.37 g, 12.0 mmol) was dissolved in 10.0 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and added to the above solution. The vial containing tosyl azide was washed once with 5.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and the contents were transferred to the reaction mixture. The reaction vessel was cooled to 0 °C and DBU (2.25 mL, 15.0 mmol) was added dropwise to the stirred solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to come to room temperature overnight. The mixture was concentrated and the crude was purified by column chromatography using a short column (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether). It afforded pure 2a (1.56 g, 8.20 mmol, 82%) as a red oil. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.49–7.46 (m, 2H), 7.39–7.35 (m, 2H), 7.19–7.15 (m, 1H), 4.33 (q, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.33 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 171.6, 165.2, 134.1, 128.9, 125.7, 123.9, 60.9, 14.4.

Allyl 2-Diazo-2-phenylacetate (2b)[66]

Allyl 2-phenylacetate (176 mg, 1.00 mmol) was dissolved in 1.50 mL anhydrous acetonitrile. Tosyl azide (237 mg, 1.20 mmol) was dissolved in 1.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and added to the above solution. The vial containing tosyl azide was washed once with 0.50 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and the contents were transferred to the reaction mixture. The reaction vessel was cooled to 0 °C and DBU (0.20 mL, 1.50 mmol) was added dropwise to the stirred solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to come to room temperature overnight. The mixture was concentrated and the crude was purified by column chromatography using a short column (5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether). It afforded pure 2b (181 mg, 0.90 mmol, 90%) as a red oil. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.52–7.49 (m, 2H), 7.42–7.38 (m, 2H), 7.22–7.18 (m, 1H), 5.99 (ddt, J = 5.2, 10.0, 17.2 Hz, 1H), 5.38 (ddt, J = 1.2, 1.2, 17.2 Hz, 1H), 5.29 (ddt, J = 1.2, 1.2, 10.0 Hz, 1H), 4.79 (ddd, J = 1.2, 1.2, 5.2 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 164.8, 132.1, 128.9, 125.8, 125.4, 124.0, 118.3, 65.4.

Methyl 2-Diazo-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetate (2c)[66]

Methyl 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetate (530 mg, 3.00 mmol) was dissolved in 4.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile. Tosyl azide (708 mg, 3.60 mmol) was dissolved in 3.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and added to the above solution. The vial containing tosyl azide was washed once with 1.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and the contents were transferred to the reaction mixture. The reaction vessel was cooled to 0 °C and DBU (0.70 mL, 4.50 mmol) was added to the stirred solution and the reaction mixture was allowed to come to room temperature overnight. The mixture was concentrated and the crude was purified by column chromatography using a short column (5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether). It afforded pure 2c (407 mg, 2.00 mmol, 66%) as a red solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.37 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.79 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 172.3, 166.1, 158.0, 125.9, 116.8, 114.6, 55.3, 51.9.

Benzyl 2-Diazo-2-phenylacetate (2d)[67]

Benzyl 2-phenylacetate (226 mg, 1.00 mmol) was dissolved in 1.50 mL anhydrous acetonitrile. Tosyl azide (237 mg, 1.20 mmol) was dissolved in 1.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and added to the above solution. The vial containing tosyl azide was washed once with 0.50 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and the contents were transferred to the reaction mixture. The reaction vessel was cooled to 0 °C and DBU (0.20 mL, 1.50 mmol) was added dropwise to the stirred solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to come to room temperature overnight. The mixture was concentrated and the crude was purified by column chromatography using a short column (5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether). It afforded pure 2d (222 mg, 0.88 mmol, 88%) as an orange solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.52–7.49 (m, 2H), 7.43–7.33 (m, 7H), 7.22–7.18 (m, 1H), 5.33 (s, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 165.0, 135.8, 128.9, 128.6, 128.3, 128.1, 125.9, 125.4, 124.0, 66.5.

Methyl 2-Diazo-2-(napthalen-2-yl)acetate (2e)[68]

Methyl 2-(napthalen-2-yl)acetate (362 mg, 1.80 mmol) was dissolved in 2.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile. Tosyl azide (426 mg, 2.16 mmol) was dissolved in 2.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and added to the above solution. The vial containing tosyl azide was washed once with 1.0 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and the contents were transferred to the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0 °C and DBU (0.40 mL, 2.70 mmol) was added dropwise to the stirred solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to come to room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated under a rotary evaporator. Purification of the crude reaction mixture by a short silica gel column chromatography (5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) afforded pure 2e (351 mg, 1.55 mmol, 86%) as an orange solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 8.03 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.83–7.80 (m, 2H), 7.55 (dd, J = 1.2, 9.2 Hz, 1H), 7.52–7.43 (m, 2H), 3.92 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 165.7, 133.6, 131.4, 128.6, 127.61, 127.58, 126.6, 125.7, 122.6, 122.5, 121.8, 52.0.

Methyl 2-(4-Bromophenyl)-2-diazoacetate (2f)[66]

Methyl 2-(4-bromophenyl)acetate (589 mg, 2.60 mmol) was dissolved in 4.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile. Tosyl azide (609 mg, 3.10 mmol) was dissolved in 3.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and added to the above solution. The vial containing tosyl azide was washed once with 1.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and the contents were transferred to the reaction mixture. The reaction vessel was cooled to 0 °C and DBU (0.60 mL, 3.90 mmol) was added dropwise to the stirred solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to come to room temperature overnight. The mixture was concentrated and the crude was purified by column chromatography using a short column (5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether). It afforded pure 2f (605 mg, 2.40 mmol, 92%) as an orange solid. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.52–7.49 (m, 2H), 7.38–7.36 (m, 2H), 3.89 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 165.2, 132.0, 125.3, 124.6, 119.3, 52.1.

Methyl 2-Diazo-2-phenylacetate (2g)[66]

Methyl 2-phenylacetate (300 mg, 2.00 mmol) was dissolved in 3.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile. Tosyl azide (473 mg, 2.40 mmol) was dissolved in 2.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and added to the above solution. The vial containing tosyl azide was washed once with 1.00 mL anhydrous acetonitrile and the contents were transferred to the reaction mixture. The reaction vessel was cooled to 0 °C and DBU (0.45 mL, 3.00 mmol) was added dropwise to the stirred solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to come to room temperature overnight. The mixture was concentrated and the crude was purified by column chromatography using a short column (5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether). It afforded pure 2g (286 mg, 1.60 mmol, 80%) as red oil. 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.51–7.48 (m, 2H), 7.42–7.38 (m, 2H), 7.22–7.18 (m, 1H), 3.88 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 165.6, 128.9, 125.8, 125.4, 123.9, 52.0.

General Procedure for the Synthesis of Enamino Esters and Enaminones

Thioamide 1 (0.20 mmol) was dissolved in 1.00 mL dry dichloroethane and transferred to a vial containing a diazo compound 2 (0.26 mmol). The reaction mixture was added to a reaction vessel containing CuBr (5 mol %). The vials containing 1 and 2 were washed twice with 0.50 mL of dry 1,2-dichloroethane and the contents were transferred to the reaction vessel. The reaction was placed in a preheated oil bath (40 °C) and stirred until all of 1 was consumed as judged by the thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis. The reaction mixture was concentrated and chromatographed to give pure 3.

(E)-Ethyl 2-(1-Methylpyrrolidin-2-ylidene)-2-phenylacetate (3a)[49]

Compound 3a was synthesized using thioamide 1a and diazo compound 2a following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 40% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3a as viscous colorless oil (45.0 mg, 0.183 mmol, 92%). 1.00 mmol scale: thioamide 1a (115 mg, 1.00 mmol) was dissolved in 5.00 mL dry dichloroethane and transferred to a vial containing a diazo compound 2a (247 mg, 1.30 mmol). The reaction mixture was added to a reaction vessel containing CuBr (8.00 mg, 0.05 mmol). The vials containing 1a and 2a were washed twice with 2.50 mL of dry 1,2-dichloroethane and the contents were transferred to the reaction vessel. The reaction was placed in a preheated oil bath (40 °C) and stirred for 9 h. Purification was carried out as above and gave pure 3a (226 mg, 0.92 mmol, 92%). Rf = 0.53 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2974, 1735, 1672, 1570, 1482, 1442, 1401, 1285, 1208, 1167, 1094, 1050; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.25–7.21 (m, 2H), 7.15–7.12 (m, 3H), 4.05 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.29 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 3.22 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 1.93 (tt, J = 6.8, 7.6 Hz, 2H), 1.12 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 169.8, 163.2, 139.1, 132.4, 127.3, 125.5, 95.4, 58.9, 56.7, 37.5, 35.4, 21.5, 14.6; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C1H52N0O2, 246.1489; measured, 246.1498.

(S,E/Z)-1-tert-Butyl 2-Ethyl 5-(2-Ethoxy-2-oxo-1-phenylethylidene)pyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate (3b)

Compound 3b was synthesized using thioamide 1b and diazo compound 2a following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 40% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3b as viscous colorless oil (inseparable mixture of two diastereomers, E/Z 4.5:1, 76.0 mg, 0.188 mmol, 94%). Rf = 0.50 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2980, 1737, 1695, 1616, 1445, 1393, 1343, 1265, 1191, 1093, 1054, 1028; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.40–7.35 (m, 2H, major), 7.32–7.24 (m, 3H), 7.23–7.18 (m, 2H, minor), 7.16–7.11 (m, 3H, minor), 4.53 (dd, J = 4.0, 8.8 Hz, 1H (minor)), 4.49 (dd, J = 6.8, 8.8 Hz, 1H (major)), 4.33–4.09 (m, 4H) 3.07 (ddd, J = 4.8, 8.4, 15.6 Hz, 1H, (major)), 2.98–2.99 (m, 1H, major), 2.68–2.52 (m, 1H, minor), 2.44–2.32 (m, 1H), 2.26–2.14 (m, 1H, minor), 2.02–1.85 (m, 1H), 1.43 (s, 9H, minor), 1.34–1.29 (m, 3H), 1.24–1.19 (m, 3H), 1.06 (s, 9H, major); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 172.5 (major), 172.1 (minor), 169.0 (major), 168.4 (minor), 149.3, 138.0 (major), 137.9 (minor), 129.7, 129.4, 127.9, 126.4 (major), 116.9 (major), 116.5 (minor), 82.0 (minor), 81.9 (major), 61.9 (minor), 61.7 (major), 61.23 (major), 61.19 (minor), 60.5 (major), 60.4 (minor), 31.8 (major), 30.4 (minor), 28.0 (minor), 27.5 (major), 26.7 (minor), 26.1 (major), 14.23, 14.19; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H23N0O6, 404.2068; measured, 404.2070.

Ethyl 2,3-Diphenyl-3-(piperidin-1-yl)acrylate (3c)

Compound 3c was synthesized using thioamide 1c and diazo compound 2a following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3c as highly viscous yellow oil (inseparable mixture of two diastereomers, E/Z 2:1, 66.0 mg, 0.196 mmol, 98%). Rf = 0.64 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2934, 2853, 1676, 1596, 1532, 1487, 1443, 1409, 1363, 1289, 1254, 1150, 1103, 1073, 1046, 1027; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ (major) 7.52–7.50 (m, 2H), 7.45–7.39 (m, 3H), 7.34–7.33 (m, 2H), 7.17–7.14 (m, 3H), 3.81 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.68–2.66 (m, 4H), 1.50–1.47 (m, 6H), 0.76 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); (minor) 7.39–7.36 (m, 2H), 7.30–7.26 (m, 2H), 7.21–7.19 (m, 3H), 7.01–6.97 (m, 1H), 6.93–6.90 (m, 2H), 4.26 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.07 (t, J = 4.8 Hz, 4H), 1.73–1.66 (m, 6H), 1.28 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ (major) 171.4, 161.8, 140.2, 131.8, 130.7, 129.6, 128.1, 127.9, 127.1, 125.5, 108.3, 59.4, 52.2, 26.7, 23.9, 13.5; (minor) 168.8, 161.4, 140.3, 131.5, 130.1, 129.3, 128.8, 127.7, 127.3, 124.5, 107.3, 59.8, 51.8, 26.9, 24.1, 14.5; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H22N6O2, 336.1958; measured, 336.1969.

Ethyl 3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-phenyl-3-(piperidin-1-yl)acrylate (3d)

Compound 3d was synthesized using thioamide 1d and diazo compound 2a following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3d as highly viscous yellow oil (inseparable mixture of two diastereomers, E/Z 3:1, 64.0 mg, 0.175 mmol, 88%). Rf = 0.59 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2933, 2852, 1674, 1605, 1577, 1506, 1443, 1409, 1288, 1215, 1171, 1149, 1046, 1029; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ (major) 7.44–7.42 (m, 2H), 7.35–7.31 (m, 2H), 7.13–7.10 (m, 2H), 6.94–6.90 (m, 3H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.85 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.67–2.66 (m, 4H), 1.49–1.47 (m, 6H), 0.84 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); (minor) 7.22–7.15 (m, 5H), 7.03–6.99 (m, 2H), 6.68 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 4.25 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.06 (m, J = 5.2 Hz, 4H), 1.74–1.63 (m, 6H), 1.27 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 171.5 (major), 169.0 (minor), 161.9 (major), 161.6 (minor), 160.8 (major), 160.0 (minor), 140.7 (minor), 140.4 (major), 133.2 (minor), 132.9, 132.4, 131.8, 130.9 (major), 130.8 (major), 127.8 (major), 127.1 (minor), 126.4 (minor), 125.3 (major), 124.3 (minor), 113.6 (major), 113.2 (minor), 107.6, 106.6 (minor), 59.7 (minor), 59.4 (major), 55.3 (major), 55.1 (minor), 52.2 (major), 51.8 (minor), 27.0 (minor), 26.7 (major), 24.2 (minor), 24.0 (major), 14.6 (minor), 13.8 (major); HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H32N8O3, 366.2063; measured, 366.2076.

Ethyl 3-(4-Nitrophenyl)-2-phenyl-3-(piperidin-1-yl)acrylate (3e)

Compound 3e was synthesized using thioamide 1e and diazo compound 2a following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (20% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3e as a red solid (inseparable mixture of two diastereomers, E/Z 3:1, 56.0 mg, 0.147 mmol, 74%). Rf = 0.68 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2937, 2853, 1683, 1596, 1521, 1444, 1410, 1345, 1289, 1214, 1151, 1103,1045; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ (major) 8.25 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.65 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.13–7.10 (m, 2H), 3.83 (q, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.61–2.58 (m, 4H), 1.49–1.43 (m, 6H), 0.83 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H); (minor) 7.98–7.96 (m, 2H), 7.44–7.42 (m, 2H), 7.01–6.92 (m, 3H), 6.86–6.83 (m, 2H), 4.25 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.00–2.97 (m, 4H), 1.70–1.63 (m, 6H), 1.25 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ (major) 170.3, 158.6, 148.2, 147.0, 139.1, 132.2, 130.3, 128.0, 126.2, 123.4, 110.7, 59.8, 52.2, 26.6, 23.6, 13.7; (minor) 168.5, 157.4, 147.6, 145.3, 139.0, 131.6, 130.8, 127.6, 125.5, 123.0, 110.5, 60.2, 51.8, 26.8, 23.8, 14.4; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H22N52O4, 381.1809; measured, 381.1818.

Ethyl 3-(2-Chlorophenyl)-2-phenyl-3-(piperidin-1-yl)acrylate (3f)

Compound 3f was synthesized using thioamide 1f and diazo compound 2a following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3f as viscous yellow oil (inseparable mixture of two diastereomers, E/Z 4:1, 61.0 mg, 0.165 mmol, 82%). Rf = 0.58 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2977, 2935, 2853, 1682, 1540, 1489, 1471, 1443, 1412, 1289, 1211, 1165, 1107, 1058, 1043; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.35–7.00 (m, 9H), 4.33–4.18 (m, 2H, minor), 3.89–3.75 (m, 2H, major), 3.15–3.05 (m, 4H, minor), 2.80–2.66 (m, 4H, major), 1.73–1.58 (m, 6H, minor), 1.47–1.36 (m, 6H, major), 1.27 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H, minor), 0.80 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H, major); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 170.0 (minor), 168.4 (major), 158.1 (major), 157.2 (minor), 139.9 (major), 138.7 (minor), 134.2 (major), 133.2 (minor), 131.4, 131.0 (major), 130.9 (minor), 129.8 (major), 129.7 (minor), 129.6, 127.9, 127.3 (minor), 127.1 (major), 126.5 (major), 126.2 (minor), 125.8 (major), 125.1 (minor), 108.5 (major), 107.4 (minor), 59.8 (minor), 59.4 (major), 51.6 (minor), 51.4 (major), 25.7, 24.2 (minor), 24.0 (major), 14.5 (minor), 13.7 (major); HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H22N5O2Cl, 370.1568; measured, 370.1570.

(E)-Ethyl 3-(Diethylamino)-2,3-diphenylacrylate (3g)

Compound 3g was synthesized using thioamide 1g and diazo compound 2a following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3g as viscous yellow oil (inseparable mixture of two diastereomers, E/Z 1.4:1, 63.0 mg, 0.194 mmol, 97%). Rf = 0.71 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2973, 2930, 1731, 1678, 1530, 1490, 1443, 1409, 1362, 1292, 1228, 1169, 1095, 1070; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.43–6.86 (m, 10H), 4.30–4.18 (m, 2H, minor), 3.75 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H, major), 3.17 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 4H, minor), 2.79 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 4H, major), 1.31–1.23 (m, 6H, minor), 1.15 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, minor), 0.97 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 6H, major), 0.72 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, major); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 171.2, 160.3 (minor), 159.8 (major), 140.4 (minor), 140.1 (major), 131.9 (minor), 131.6 (major), 130.6 (major), 130.1 (minor), 129.6 (major), 128.9 (major), 128.6 (minor), 128.0, 127.7, 127.3 (minor), 127.0 (major), 125.7 (major), 124.5 (minor), 109.0 (major), 108.9 (minor), 59.7 (minor), 59.4 (major), 45.5 (minor), 45.1 (major), 13.8 (minor), 13.6 (major), 13.3 (minor), 13.1 (minor); HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H12N6O2, 324.1958; measured, 324.1969.

(E)-Ethyl 3-(Dimethylamino)-2-phenylacrylate (3h)[69]

Compound 3h was synthesized using thioamide 1h and diazo compound 2a following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (triethyl amine/ethyl acetate/petroleum ether 3:37:60) gave pure 3h as a viscous yellow oil (32.0 mg, 0.146 mmol, 73%). Rf = 0.53 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.27–7.23 (m, 2H), 7.20–7.16 (m, 3H), 4.11 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.65 (s, 6H), 1.17 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 170.0, 149.0, 136.6, 132.0, 127.2, 126.0, 99.3, 59.4, 43.0, 14.5.

(E)-Ethyl 3-Morpholino-2-phenylacrylate (3i)

Compound 3i was synthesized using thioamide 1i and diazo compound 2a following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (triethyl amine/ethyl acetate/petroleum ether 3:37:60) gave pure 3i as a viscous yellow oil (37.0 mg, 0.142 mmol, 71%). Rf = 0.25 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2973, 2855, 1677, 1586, 1443, 1362, 1281, 1238, 1108, 1049, 1023; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.30 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.24 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 4.13 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.53 (t, J = 5.0 Hz, 4H), 3.02 (t, J = 5.0 Hz, 4H), 1.20 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 169.7, 147.4, 136.4, 131.4, 127.8, 126.6, 100.4, 66.4, 59.7, 50.5, 14.5; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C1H52N0O3, 262.1438; measured, 262.1441.

(E)-Methyl 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-ylidene)acetate (3j)

Compound 3j was synthesized using thioamide 1a and diazo compound 2c following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (20% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 50% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3j as viscous colorless oil (49.0 mg, 0.188 mmol, 94%) which solidified upon cooling. Rf = 0.38 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); mp 76–78 °C; IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2942, 2835, 1737, 1673, 1607, 1530, 1509, 1432, 1274, 1239, 1190, 1034; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.07 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.80 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.55 (s, 3H), 3.29 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 3.23 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 1.92 (tt, J = 7.2, 7.6 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 170.3, 163.3, 157.5, 133.2, 131.0, 112.8, 94.2, 56.7, 55.0, 50.6, 37.2, 35.3, 21.4; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C1H52N0O3, 262.1438; measured, 262.1439.

(E)-Benzyl 2-(1-Methylpyrrolidin-2-ylidene)-2-phenylacetate (3k)

Compound 3k was synthesized using thioamide 1a and diazo compound 2d following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 40% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3k as a highly viscous brown oil (57.0 mg, 0.185 mmol, 93%) which solidified upon cooling. Rf = 0.59 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); mp 59–61 °C; IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2920, 2870, 1666, 1552, 1479, 1408, 1371, 1288, 1208, 1162, 1052; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.28–7.15 (m, 10H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 3.30 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 3.25 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.93 (tt, J = 7.6, 7.6 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 169.3, 163.4, 138.9, 137.9, 132.5, 128.1, 127.3, 127.0, 125.6, 94.9, 64.5, 56.8, 37.4, 35.4, 21.4; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H02N2O2, 308.1645; measured, 308.1654.

(E)-Methyl 2-(1-Methylpyrrolidin-2-ylidene)-2-(naphthalene-2-yl)acetate (3l)

Compound 3l was synthesized using thioamide 1a and diazo compound 2e following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 40% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3l as a brown solid (41.0 mg, 0.146 mmol, 73%). Rf = 0.46 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); mp 175–177 °C; IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2942, 1677, 1561, 1430, 1401, 1278, 1233, 1209, 1182, 1062; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.82–7.73 (m, 3H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.46–7.36 (m, 3H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.40–3.28 (m, 4H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.05–1.96 (m, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 170.1, 163.9, 136.6, 133.0, 131.8, 131.3, 130.0, 127.7, 127.5, 126.5, 125.6, 125.2, 94.6, 56.7, 50.6, 37.7, 35.5, 21.4; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C1H82N0O2, 282.1489; measured, 282.1497.

(E)-Methyl 2-(4-Bromophenyl)-2-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-ylidene)acetate (3m)

Compound 3m was synthesized using thioamide 1a and diazo compound 2f following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 40% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3m as viscous colorless oil (38.0 mg, 0.123 mmol, 61%) which solidified upon cooling. Rf = 0.46 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); mp 109–111 °C; IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2923, 2851, 1674, 1556, 1487, 1430, 1401, 1319, 1297, 1280,1208, 1164, 1105, 1010; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.40–7.36 (m, 2H), 7.05–7.02 (m, 2H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 3.32 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 3.24 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.95 (tt, J = 6.8, 7.2 Hz, 2H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 169.7, 163.8, 138.0, 134.0, 130.5, 119.5, 93.5, 56.8, 50.7, 37.8, 35.5, 21.4; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C1H41N7O2Br, 310.0437; measured, 310.0445.

(S,E/Z)-1-tert-Butyl 2-Ethyl 5-(2-Methoxy-2-oxo-1-phenylethylidene)pyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate (3n)

Compound 3n was synthesized using thioamide 1b and diazo compound 2g following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 50% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3n as viscous colorless oil (inseparable mixture of two diastereomers, E/Z 4.4:1, 77.0 mg, 0.197 mmol, 98%). Rf = 0.52 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2980, 1735, 1697, 1616, 1367, 1256, 1243, 1191, 1055, 1032; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.40 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.33–7.29 (m, 2H), 7.26–7.16 (m, 1H), 4.57 (dd, J = 4.0, 8.8 Hz, 1 H, minor), 4.53 (dd, J = 6.8, 8.8 Hz, 1H, major), 4.33–4.20 (m, 2H), 3.75 (s, 3H, minor), 3.71 (s, 3H, major), 3.12–3.08 (m, 1H, major), 3.03–2.95 (m, 1H, major), 2.6 (ddd, J = 8.8, 8.8, 14.4 Hz, 1H, minor), 2.42 (dddd, J = 4.8, 8.8, 8.8, 13.2, 1H), 2.29–2.19 (m, 1H, minor), 2.02–1.88 (m, 1H), 1.47 (s, 9H, minor), 1.37–1.31 (m, 3H), 1.09 (s, 9H, major); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 172.4 (major), 172.0 (minor), 169.3 (major), 168.8 (minor), 150.5 (major), 149.7 (minor), 137.9 (major), 137.7 (minor), 130.0 (minor), 129.6 (major), 129.4, 127.9, 126.9 (minor), 126.4 (major), 116.3 (major), 116.0 (minor), 81.9, 61.9 (minor), 61.7 (major), 61.2, 51.7, 31.8 (major), 30.3 (minor), 27.9 (minor), 27.4 (major), 26.6 (minor), 26.0 (major), 14.2; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H12N8O6, 390.1911; measured, 390.1910.

(S,E/Z)-1-tert-Butyl 2-Ethyl 5-(2-(Benzyloxy)-2-oxo-1-phenylethylidene)pyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate (3o)

Compound 3o was synthesized using thioamide 1b and diazo compound 2d following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (20% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 40% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3o as viscous colorless oil (inseparable mixture of two diastereomers, E/Z 7.5:1, 87.0 mg, 0.187 mmol, 93%). Rf = 0.53 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2979, 1736, 1695, 1613, 1455, 1342, 1238, 1190, 1137, 1048; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.41–7.15 (m, 10H), 5.29–5.13 (m, 2H), 4.57 (dd, J = 3.4, 9.0 Hz, 1H, minor), 4.52 (dd, J = 6.4, 8.8 Hz, 1H, major), 4.32–4.17 (m, 2H), 3.10 (ddd, J = 4.8, 7.6, 15.6 Hz, 1H, major), 2.97 (ddd, J = 8.8, 8.8, 15.6 Hz, 1H, major), 2.68 (ddd, J = 8.0, 9.2, 14.6 Hz, 1H, minor), 2.47–2.35 (m, 1H), 2.82–2.18 (m, 1H, minor), 2.01–1.89 (m, 1H), 1.43 (s, 9H, minor), 1.35 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H, major), 1.30 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, minor), 1.09 (s, 9H, major); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 172.4 (major), 172.0 (minor), 168.7 (major), 168.1 (minor), 150.6 (major), 149.7 (minor), 137.9 (major), 137.8 (minor), 136.5 (minor), 136.3 (major), 129.8 (minor), 129.5 (major), 128.3 (minor), 128.2 (minor), 127.94 (major), 127.86 (major), 127.6 (minor), 126.9 (minor), 126.4 (major), 116.4 (major), 116.0 (minor), 82.1 (minor), 82.0 (major), 66.2 (major), 66.1 (minor), 62.1 (minor), 61.7 (major), 61.3, 31.9 (major), 30.4 (rotamer), 30.3 (rotamer), 29.6 (minor), 28.0 (minor), 27.4 (major), 26.7 (minor), 26.0 (major), 14.2; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H73N2O6, 466.2224; measured, 466.2225.

(S,E/Z)-1-tert-Butyl 2-Ethyl 5-(2-(Methoxy)-1-(naphthalene-2-yl)-2-oxoethylidene)pyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate (3p)

Compound 3p was synthesized using thioamide 1b and diazo compound 2e following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 50% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3p as viscous colorless oil (inseparable mixture of two diastereomers, E/Z 4:1, 85.0 mg, 0.193 mmol, 97%). Rf = 0.57 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2979, 1736, 1697, 1615, 1434, 1367, 1341, 1242, 1189, 1140, 1034; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.88–7.72 (m, 4H), 7.57–7.32 (m, 3H), 4.61(dd, J = 4.0, 8.8 Hz, 1H (minor)), 4.56 (dd, J = 6.4, 8.0 Hz, 1H (major)), 4.34–4.22 (m, 2H), 3.78 (s, 3H, minor), 3.73 (s, 3H, major), 3.18 (ddd, J = 5.0, 8.4, 13.6 Hz, 1H, major), 3.10–3.02 (m, 1H, major), 2.74 (ddd, J = 8.4, 8.4, 14.4 Hz, 1H, minor), 2.51–2.41 (m, 1H), 2.30–2.20 (m, 1H, minor), 2.08–1.89 (m, 1H), 1.49 (s, 9H, minor), 1.40–1.26 (m, 3H), 0.88 (s, 9H, major); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 172.4 (major), 172.0 (minor), 169.3 (major), 168.8 (minor), 151.4 (rotamer), 151.1 (major), 149.6 (minor), 135.5 (major), 135.2 (minor), 133.4 (major), 133.0 (minor), 132.3 (minor), 132.1 (major), 128.8, 128.0 (major), 127.9 (major), 127.8 (minor), 127.64 (major), 127.58 (minor), 127.5 (minor), 127.4 (minor), 127.3 (major), 127.2 (major), 125.9 (minor), 125.8 (minor), 125.4, 116.0, 82.0 (minor), 81.9 (major), 61.9 (minor), 61.7 (major), 61.2, 51.74 (minor), 51.69 (major), 31.8 (major), 30.5 (minor), 27.9 (minor), 27.1 (major), 26.6 (minor), 26.0 (major), 14.2 (major), 14.1 (minor); HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H53N0O6, 440.2068; measured, 440.2070.

(S,E/Z)-1-tert-Butyl 2-Ethyl 5-(2-(Methoxy)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethylidene)pyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate (3q)

Compound 3q was synthesized using thioamide 1b and diazo compound 2c following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 50% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3q as a highly viscous yellow oil (inseparable mixture of two diastereomers, E/Z 2.4:1, 82.0 mg, 0.195 mmol, 97%). Rf = 0.42 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2980, 1734, 1696, 1608, 1512, 1457, 1434, 1244, 1177, 1032; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.34 (d, J = 8.8, 2H, major), 7.14 (d, J = 8.4, 2H, minor), 6.86 (d, J = 8.8, 2H, major), 6.84 (d, J = 8.4, 2H, minor), 6.62 (d, J = 8.4, 2H, rotamer), 4.56 (dd, J = 4.4, 9.2 Hz, 1H, minor), 4.52 (dd, J = 7.2, 8.8 Hz, 1H, major), 4.32–4.19 (m, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H, rotamer), 3.80 (s, 3H, minor), 3.78 (s, 3H, major), 3.77 (s, 3H, rotamer), 3.74 (s, 3H, minor), 3.72 (s, 3H, major), 3.70 (s, 3H, rotamer), 3.10 (ddd, J = 4.8, 8.4, 15.6 Hz, 1H, major), 3.00–2.91 (m, 1H, major), 2.65 (ddd, J = 8.8, 8.8, 14.4 Hz, 1H, minor), 2.45–2.36 (m, 1H), 2.23 (ddd, J = 8.8, 12.8, 16.8 Hz, 1H, minor), 2.00–1.87 (m, 1H), 1.46 (s, 9H, minor), 1.34 (t, J = 7.2, 3H, major), 1.32 (t, J = 7.2, 3H, minor), 1.11 (s, 9H, major); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 172.5 (major), 172.1 (minor), 169.5 (major), 169.0 (minor), 158.5 (minor), 158.1(major), 150.0 (major), 149.7 (minor), 131.6 (minor), 131.3 (major), 130.8 (minor), 130.5 (major), 130.4 (rotamer), 130.2 (rotamer), 116.1 (minor), 115.6 (major), 113.5 (major), 113.4 (minor), 113.0 (minor), 112.8 (major), 81.92 (minor), 81.86 (major), 61.9 (rotamer), 61.6 (major), 61.25 (minor), 61.20 (rotamer), 55.2, 51.7, 31.8 (major), 30.4 (minor), 28.0 (minor), 27.5 (major), 26.7 (minor), 26.1 (major), 14.2; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H23N0O7, 420.2017; measured, 420.2013.

(S,E/Z)-1-tert-Butyl 2-Ethyl 5-(1-(4-Bromophenyl)-2-metoxy-2-oxoethylidene)pyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate (3r)

Compound 3r was synthesized using thioamide 1b and diazo compound 2f following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 40% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3r as a highly viscous colorless oil (inseparable mixture of two diastereomers, E/Z 8.2:1, 85.0 mg, 0.182 mmol, 91%). Rf = 0.52 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2980, 1736, 1698, 1612, 1487, 1434, 1367, 1342, 1191, 1072, 1055, 1010; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.47 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H, minor), 7.43 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H, major), 7.09 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H, minor), 4.56 (dd, J = 4.0, 8.8 Hz, 1H, minor), 4.52 (dd, J = 6.4, 8.8 Hz, 1H, major), 4.30–4.19 (m, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H, minor), 3.71 (s, 3H, major), 3.19–3.11 (m, 1H, major), 3.04–2.96 (m, 1H, major), 2.69–2.61 (m, 1H, minor), 2.42 (dddd, J = 4.8, 8.8, 8.8, 13.2 Hz, 1H), 2.30–2.20 (m, 1H, minor), 2.01–1.92 (m, 1H), 1.46 (s, 9H, minor), 1.34 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, major), 1.26 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, minor), 1.14 (s, 9H, major); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 172.4 (major), 171.9 (minor), 168.6 (major), 168.4 (minor), 151.6 (major), 149.3 (minor), 137.1 (major), 136.7 (minor), 131.4 (minor), 131.2 (major), 131.1 (minor), 131.0 (major), 121.0 (minor), 120.3 (major), 115.0, 82.3 (major), 82.2 (minor), 62.0 (minor), 61.7 (major), 61.3, 51.8 (minor), 51.7 (major), 31.8, 27.9 (minor), 27.4 (major), 25.9, 14.2 (major), 14.1 (minor); HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H12N7O6Br, 468.1016; measured, 468.1019.

(E)-2-(1-Benzylpyrrolidin-2-ylidene)-1-phenylethanone (3s)[39,70]

Compound 3s was synthesized using thioamide 1j(71) and diazo compound 2h(39) following the modified general procedure. In this case, the reaction was heated at (60 °C) for 24 h. Purification by flash column chromatography (40% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 70% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3s as a brown oil (34.0 mg, 0.123 mmol, 61%). The 1H and 13C NMR matched the literature reports.[39,70]

(S,E/Z)-1-tert-Butyl 2-Ethyl 5-((E/Z)-1-(Methoxy)-1-oxo-4-phenylbut-3-en-2-ylidene)pyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate (3t)

Compound 3t was synthesized using thioamide 1b and diazo compound 2g(72) following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (20% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3t as red oil (inseparable mixture of diastereomers, 22.0 mg, 0.053 mmol, 26%). Rf = 0.41 (20% EtOAc in petroleum ether);1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.41–7.03 (m, 6H), 6.82–6.62 (m, 1H, major), 6.27–6.16 (m, 1H, minor), 4.82 (dd, J = 2.4, 10.8 Hz, 1H, minor),4.60–4.57 (m, 1H, major), 4.53–4.46 (m, 1H, rotamer), 4.28–4.09 (m, 2H), 3.85–3.73 (m, 3H), 3.61–3.2.78 (m, 2H), 2.56–1.76 (m, 2H), 1.63–1.40 (m, 9H), 1.37–1.30 (m, 3H), 1.33–1.23 (s, 3H); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 172.1, 171.9 (isomer), 170.8 (isomer), 168.5, 167.5 (isomer), 166.8 (isomer), 151.4, 150.6 (isomer), 150.2 (isomer), 149.6 (isomer), 149.2 (isomer), 148.7 (isomer), 143.9, 140.9 (isomer), 138.0 (isomer), 129.5, 129.2 (isomer), 129.0 (isomer), 128.9 (isomer), 128.5 (isomer), 128.4 (isomer), 127.1, 126.7 (isomer), 126.6 (isomer), 126.3 (isomer), 125.0, 124.3 (isomer), 123.6 (isomer), 119.8, 113.6 (isomer), 83.7, 82.6 (isomer), 82.5 (isomer), 82.3 (isomer), 73.5, 62.5, 62.4 (isomer), 61.7 (isomer), 61.5 (isomer), 61.3 (isomer), 61.2 (isomer), 51.7, 51.4 (isomer), 32.8, 31.6 (isomer), 30.9 (isomer), 29.7 (isomer), 29.5 (isomer), 28.0, 27.8 (isomer), 26.1, 26.0 (isomer), 14.2, 14.1 (isomer); HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H32N9O6, 416.2073; measured, 416.2062.

(S,E/Z)-1-tert-Butyl 2-Ethyl 5-(2-(Allyoxy)-2-oxo-1-phenylethylidene)pyrrolidine-1,2-dicarboxylate (3u)

Compound 3u was synthesized using thioamide 1b and diazo compound 2b following the general procedure. Purification by flash column chromatography (10% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether to 40% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether) gave pure 3u as viscous colorless oil (inseparable mixture of two diastereomers, E/Z 5:1, 78.0 mg, 0.188 mmol, 94%). Rf = 0.56 (30% EtOAc in petroleum ether); IR (neat) νmax/cm–1: 2980, 1737, 1696, 1614, 1445, 1368, 1344, 1192, 1052, 1036; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ 7.42 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.31–7.28 (m, 2H), 7.24 (t, J = 6.8, 2H, minor), 7.17 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 6.03–5.86 (m, 1H), 5.32–5.27 (m, 1H) (minor), 5.29–5.25 (m, 1H) (major), 5.21–5.16 (m, 1H), 4.71–4.51 (m, 3H), 4.33–4.20 (m, 2H), 3.16–3.09 (m, 1H, major), 3.04–2.95 (m, 1H, major), 2.71–2.63 (m, 1H, minor), 2.42 (dddd, J = 4.8, 8.8, 8.8, 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.29–2.19 (m, 1H, minor), 2.03–1.89 (m, 1H), 1.46 (s, 9H, minor), 1.37–1.30 (m, 3H), 1.10 (s, 9H, major); 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3): δ 172.4 (major), 172.0 (minor), 168.5 (major), 168.0 (minor), 150.5 (major), 149.7 (minor), 137.9 (major), 137.8 (minor), 132.7 (minor), 132.3 (major), 129.7 (minor), 129.4 (major), 127.9 (minor), 127.8 (major), 126.9 (minor), 126.4 (major), 117.7 (major), 117.4 (minor), 116.4 (major), 116.0 (minor), 82.0 (minor), 81.9 (major), 65.2 (minor), 65.1 (major), 62.0 (minor), 61.7 (major), 61.21 (major), 61.17 (minor), 31.8 (major), 30.4 (minor), 27.9 (minor), 27.4 (major), 26.6 (minor), 26.0 (major), 14.2; HRMS (ESI+) m/z: (M + H)+ calcd for C2H33N0O6, 416.2068; measured, 416.2069.

Synthesis of 4

1-Phenyl-3-oxabicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-one (4)[56]

Compound 4 was synthesized using diazo compound 2b following the general procedure. The 1H NMR of the compound matched the literature reports (23% conversion with respect to 2b).[56]