The nitro-Mannich reaction (or aza-Henry reaction) is the nucleophilic addition of a nitroalkane (or the corresponding nitronate anion) to an imine, resulting in the formation of a beta-nitroamine. [1] With the reaction involving the addition of an acidic carbon nucleophile to a carbon-heteroatom double bond, the nitro-Mannich reaction is related to some of the most fundamental carbon-carbon bond forming reactions in organic chemistry, including the aldol reaction, [2] Henry reaction (nitro-aldol reaction) [3] and Mannich reaction. [4]
Although extensive research has been conducted into the aforementioned reactions, the nitro-Mannich reaction has been studied to a far lesser extent even though it has been known for well over 100 years. [5] Significant attention only started to develop after the report of Anderson and co-workers at the turn of the century, [6] and has since resulted in a wide range of novel methodologies. The interest into the nitro-Mannich reaction stems from the synthetic utility of the beta-nitroamine products. They can be further manipulated by various methods, including reductive removal of the nitro group allowing access to monoamines, reduction of the nitro group affords 1,2-diamines and conversion of the nitro group into a carbonyl functionality furnishes beta-aminocarbonyl compounds.
The first nitro-Mannich reaction was reported by Henry in 1896. [5] In this report, Henry described the addition of nitroalkanes to an imine derived from hemiaminal. Elimination of water forms in-situ an imine, which then reacts with the nitro group (as a nitronate ion) to form a beta-nitroamine that can subsequently react further forming one of the two adducts. Although this is the first report of the nitro-Mannich reaction, no yields of the products were given.
After Henry’s seminal report, Mousset [7] and Duden [8] made contributions to the field by studying the addition of branched nitroalkanes to hemiaminals using the same procedures reported by Henry. An example of nitro group reduction to an amine using SnCl2 and HCl was also disclosed by Duden and co-workers, thus representing the first use of the nitro-Mannich reaction to prepare polyamines. The next report did not appear until 1931, [9] when Cerf de Mauny conducted a thorough study of Henry’s original work using hemiaminals. The scope of the reaction was extended to higher order nitroalkanes affording a beta-nitroamine in excellent yields.
The next contributions appeared in 1946, when Senkus and Johnson independently reported their studies into the nitro-Mannich reaction. Senkus and co-workers [10] illustrated that nitroalkanes may react with methanal (formaldehyde) and substituted primary amines in the presence of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) to afford a variety of substituted beta-nitroamines in moderate to good yields. When using primary nitroalkane substrates, double addition of the nitroalkane to the imine was observed, but this could be avoided by employing secondary nitroalkanes. The study reported by Johnson and co-workers [11] also employed formaldehyde, but this was used in conjunction with a selection of secondary amines, furnishing the corresponding beta-nitroamines in moderate to good yields. Both authors also reduced the nitro group to an amine functionality using Raney Nickel.
Up until this point, all of the nitro-Mannich methodologies reported had used imines that were formed in situ from an aldehyde and an amine. In 1950, Hurd and Strong reported [12] the first nitro-Mannich reaction using a preformed imine. Exposing an imine to a nitroalkane afforded a substituted beta-nitroamines in moderate yields. The moderate yields obtained when using the preformed imine could possibly be attributed to a competing decomposition pathway of the imine or the product.
These early nitro-Mannich methodologies have been used by a number of groups for the synthesis of a variety of heterocyclic products, conjugated nitroalkenes (via elimination of the amino group) [13] [14] and dinitroamines. [15]
Although the nitro-Mannich reaction enables access to synthetically useful beta-nitroamine motifs, the lack of selectivity in their synthesis remained a significant problem. Interest in the field started to increase considerably after Anderson and co-workers reported the first diastereoselective acyclic nitro-Mannich reaction. [6] A nitroalkane and n-butyllithium (nBuLi) were combined at -78 °C to give the corresponding nitronate ions. A selection of N-PMB imines were then added to the reaction mixture and after quenching with acetic acid, the beta-nitroamine products were afforded in good yields with moderate to good diastereoselectivities.
The authors then converted the beta-nitroamines into unprotected 1,2-diamines via a two step procedure. Firstly, the nitro group was reduced to amines using samarium iodide, followed by PMB removal in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN). The same group later reported improvements to this methodology and expanded these preliminary results in further publications. [16] [17]
In 2000, Anderson and co-workers reported the racemic nitro-Mannich reaction of TMS-protected nitronate with N-PMB or N-PMP imines catalysed by Sc(OTf)3. [18] The authors first attempted the nitro-Mannich reaction using lithium-nitronates, however no product was formed using these conditions. As a result, the TMS-protected nitronate was used in conjunction with Scandium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate [Sc(OTf)3] (4 mol%) to afford the beta-nitroamine products in moderate to excellent yields for a range of alkyl and aryl N-PMB and N-PMP protected imines.
Following Anderson’s report, Qian and co-workers described the Ytterbium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate [Yb(OiPr)3] catalysed nitro-Mannich reaction of N-sulfonyl imines and nitromethane. [19] Using mild reactions conditions, the β-nitroamines bearing electron-rich and electron-poor aryl substituents were furnished in excellent yields after short reaction times.
The first enantioselective metal catalysed nitro-Mannich reaction was reported by Shibasaki and co-workers in 1999. [20] The authors used a binaphthol ligated Yb/K heterobimetallic complex to induce enantiocontrol in the reaction, furnishing β-nitroamines in moderate to good yields with good enantioselectivities. However, nitromethane was the only nitroalkane that could be used with the heterobimetallic complex and the reactions were very slow (2.5–7 days) even when using a relatively high catalyst loading of 20 mol%.
Building on the work of Shibasaki, Jørgensen and co-workers reported the asymmetric nitro-Mannich reaction of nitroalkanes and a N-PMP-α-iminoesters. [21] Catalysed by Cu(II)-BOX 52 and triethylamine (Et3N), the reaction afforded β-nitro-α-aminoesters in good yields with excellent enantiocontrol (up to 99% ee). The reaction tolerates a selection of nitroalkanes but is limited exclusively to N-PMP-α-iminoesters. The authors propose that the reaction proceeds via the chair-like transition structure, where both the N-PMP-α-iminoester and the nitronate anion bind to the Cu(II)-BOX complex.
In 2007, Feng and co-workers reported that CuOTf used in conjunction with the shown chiral N-oxide ligand and DIPEA is an efficient catalytic system for the enantioselective nitro-Mannich reaction of nitromethane with N-sulfonyl imines. [22] Combining all of the reagents in THF at –40 °C resulted in the formation of β-nitroamines in excellent yields (up to 99%) and good enantioselectivities for a variety of substituted aryls groups. The postulated intermediate complex is similar to the transition structure proposed by Jørgensen and co-workers, where the ligated copper species binds to the N-sulfonyl imine. A hydrogen bonding interaction is proposed to exist between the amide NH and the nitronate species.
Around the same time as the report of Feng, Shibasaki and co-workers reported one of the most successful enantioselective nitro-Mannich reactions, catalysed by the shown Cu/Sm heterobimetallic complex. [23] Combining N-Boc protected imines and nitroalkanes resulted in moderate to excellent yields and good to excellent enantioselectivities of the products. Interestingly, the nitro-Mannich reaction catalysed by complex affords syn-β-nitroamines, whereas most other enantioselective methodologies favour anti-β-nitroamines. The authors later reported an improved version of the protocol and proposed a mechanistic rational to account for the observed syn diastereoselectivity. [24]
Since the inception of organocatalysis, numerous accounts of organocatalysed enantioselective nitro-Mannich reactions have been reported. [1] These include examples using Brønsted base catalysts, Brønsted acid catalysts, bifunctional Brønsted base/H-bond donor catalysts and phase-transfer catalysts.
Small chiral molecule H-bond donors can be used as a powerful tool for enantioselective synthesis. [25] These low molecular weight entities containing structural frameworks with distinct H-bond donor motifs can catalyse a wide range of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bond-forming reactions, occurring via H-bond donor activation of the reaction partners as well as through organisation of their spatial arrangement. This area of organic chemistry received limited attention until the seminal work of Jacobsen and Sigman [26] in which they reported a highly enantioselective Strecker reaction using a H-bond donor organocatalyst:
Building on the work of Jacobsen, it was recognised that H-bond donor motifs can be linked via a chiral scaffold to Brønsted basic moieties, creating a new class of bifunctional organocatalysts (see concept figure below). The incorporation of these two functionalities allows the simultaneous activation of the nucleophile (via deprotonation by the Brønsted base) and electrophile (via H-bond donation), thus allowing the development of novel enantioselective reactions through new activation modes.
Based on this concept, Takemoto and co-workers reported the first bifunctional Brønsted base/H-bond donor thiourea organocatalyst 62 (see below) in 2003. [27] This organocatalyst, based on the 1,2-trans-cyclohexanediamine scaffold, imparts high levels of enantiocontrol in the Michael addition of dimethylmalonate to a variety of nitrostyrenes. After this seminal report, numerous other bifunctional organocatalysts were developed derived from the readily available cinchona alkaloid scaffold. The quinidine-derived bifunctional organocatalyst 63 (first reported by Deng and co-workers) acts as a proficient catalyst for Michael addition reactions. [28] In this organocatalytic system, the H-bonding interaction arising from the quinoline alcohol is thought to be crucial for achieving high enantioselectivities.
Also the bifunctional thioureas 64 and 65, again derived from the cinchona alkaloids, are very effective catalysts in Michael addition reactions. [29] [30] [31] [32] The bifunctional thiourea 66 is able to impart high levels of enantiocontrol in the nitro-aldol (Henry) reaction. [33] Bifunctional thiourea 66 differs structurally from bifunctional thioureas 64 and 65, as the thiourea moiety is attached to the quinoline ring of the cinchona scaffold instead of the central stereocentre. Also numerous other bifunctional organocatalyst systems are described, which further expand the range of reactions that can be conducted using bifunctional (thio)urea organocatalysis. [25]
In organic chemistry, the Michael reaction or Michael 1,4 addition is a reaction between a Michael donor and a Michael acceptor to produce a Michael adduct by creating a carbon-carbon bond at the acceptor's β-carbon. It belongs to the larger class of conjugate additions and is widely used for the mild formation of carbon-carbon bonds.
In organic chemistry, the Mannich reaction is a three-component organic reaction that involves the amino alkylation of an acidic proton next to a carbonyl functional group by formaldehyde and a primary or secondary amine or ammonia. The final product is a β-amino-carbonyl compound also known as a Mannich base. Reactions between aldimines and α-methylene carbonyls are also considered Mannich reactions because these imines form between amines and aldehydes. The reaction is named after Carl Mannich.
The Henry reaction is a classic carbon–carbon bond formation reaction in organic chemistry. Discovered in 1895 by the Belgian chemist Louis Henry (1834–1913), it is the combination of a nitroalkane and an aldehyde or ketone in the presence of a base to form β-nitro alcohols. This type of reaction is also referred to as a nitroaldol reaction. It is nearly analogous to the aldol reaction that had been discovered 23 years prior that couples two carbonyl compounds to form β-hydroxy carbonyl compounds known as "aldols". The Henry reaction is a useful technique in the area of organic chemistry due to the synthetic utility of its corresponding products, as they can be easily converted to other useful synthetic intermediates. These conversions include subsequent dehydration to yield nitroalkenes, oxidation of the secondary alcohol to yield α-nitro ketones, or reduction of the nitro group to yield β-amino alcohols.
The aza-Baylis–Hillman reaction or aza-BH reaction in organic chemistry is a variation of the Baylis–Hillman reaction and describes the reaction of an electron deficient alkene, usually an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound, with an imine in the presence of a nucleophile. The reaction product is an allylic amine. The reaction can be carried out in enantiomeric excess of up to 90% with the aid of bifunctional chiral BINOL and phosphinyl BINOL compounds, for example in the reaction of n-(4-chloro-benzylidene)-benzenesulfonamide with methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) in cyclopentyl methyl ether and toluene at -15°C.
The Petasis reaction is the multi-component reaction of an amine, a carbonyl, and a vinyl- or aryl-boronic acid to form substituted amines.
In chemistry, transfer hydrogenation is a chemical reaction involving the addition of hydrogen to a compound from a source other than molecular H2. It is applied in laboratory and industrial organic synthesis to saturate organic compounds and reduce ketones to alcohols, and imines to amines. It avoids the need for high-pressure molecular H2 used in conventional hydrogenation. Transfer hydrogenation usually occurs at mild temperature and pressure conditions using organic or organometallic catalysts, many of which are chiral, allowing efficient asymmetric synthesis. It uses hydrogen donor compounds such as formic acid, isopropanol or dihydroanthracene, dehydrogenating them to CO2, acetone, or anthracene respectively. Often, the donor molecules also function as solvents for the reaction. A large scale application of transfer hydrogenation is coal liquefaction using "donor solvents" such as tetralin.
In organic chemistry, organocatalysis is a form of catalysis in which the rate of a chemical reaction is increased by an organic catalyst. This "organocatalyst" consists of carbon, hydrogen, sulfur and other nonmetal elements found in organic compounds. Because of their similarity in composition and description, they are often mistaken as a misnomer for enzymes due to their comparable effects on reaction rates and forms of catalysis involved.
The Hajos–Parrish–Eder–Sauer–Wiechert and Barbas-List reactions in organic chemistry are a family of proline-catalysed asymmetric aldol reactions.
Within the area of organocatalysis, (thio)urea organocatalysis describes the use of ureas and thioureas to accelerate and stereochemically alter organic transformations. The effects arise through hydrogen-bonding interactions between the substrate and the (thio)urea. Unlike classical catalysts, these organocatalysts interact by non-covalent interactions, especially hydrogen bonding. The scope of these small-molecule H-bond donors termed (thio)urea organocatalysis covers both non-stereoselective and stereoselective reactions.
Lectka and co-workers developed a catalytic, asymmetric method to synthesize β-lactams.
In organic chemistry, the Baylis–Hillman, Morita–Baylis–Hillman, or MBH reaction is a carbon-carbon bond-forming reaction between an activated alkene and a carbon electrophile in the presence of a nucleophilic catalyst, such as a tertiary amine or phosphine. The product is densely functionalized, joining the alkene at the α-position to a reduced form of the electrophile.
Hydrogen-bond catalysis is a type of organocatalysis that relies on use of hydrogen bonding interactions to accelerate and control organic reactions. In biological systems, hydrogen bonding plays a key role in many enzymatic reactions, both in orienting the substrate molecules and lowering barriers to reaction. The field is relatively undeveloped compared to research in Lewis acid catalysis.
Synergistic catalysis is a specialized approach to catalysis whereby at least two different catalysts act on two different substrates simultaneously to allow reaction between the two activated materials. While a catalyst works to lower the energy of reaction overall, a reaction using synergistic catalysts work together to increase the energy level of HOMO of one of the molecules and lower the LUMO of another. While this concept has come to be important in developing synthetic pathways, this strategy is commonly found in biological systems as well.
Proline organocatalysis is the use of proline as an organocatalyst in organic chemistry. This theme is often considered the starting point for the area of organocatalysis, even though early discoveries went unappreciated. Modifications, such as MacMillan’s catalyst and Jorgensen's catalysts, proceed with excellent stereocontrol.
In organic chemistry, carbonyl allylation describes methods for adding an allyl anion to an aldehyde or ketone to produce a homoallylic alcohol. The carbonyl allylation was first reported in 1876 by Alexander Zaitsev and employed an allylzinc reagent.
In organic chemistry, the Roskamp reaction is a name reaction describing the reaction between α-diazoesters (such as ethyl diazoacetate) and aldehydes to form β-ketoesters, often utilizing various Lewis acids (such as BF3, SnCl2, and GeCl2) as catalysts. The reaction is notable for its mild reaction conditions and selectivity.
The Crabbé reaction is an organic reaction that converts a terminal alkyne and aldehyde into an allene in the presence of a soft Lewis acid catalyst and secondary amine. Given continued developments in scope and generality, it is a convenient and increasingly important method for the preparation of allenes, a class of compounds often viewed as exotic and synthetically challenging to access.
The ketimine Mannich reaction is an asymmetric synthetic technique using differences in starting material to push a Mannich reaction to create an enantiomeric product with steric and electronic effects, through the creation of a ketimine group. Typically, this is done with a reaction with proline or another nitrogen-containing heterocycle, which control chirality with that of the catalyst. This has been theorized to be caused by the restriction of undesired (E)-isomer by preventing the ketone from accessing non-reactive tautomers. Generally, a Mannich reaction is the combination of an amine, a ketone with a β-acidic proton and aldehyde to create a condensed product in a β-addition to the ketone. This occurs through an attack on the ketone with a suitable catalytic-amine unto its electron-starved carbon, from which an imine is created. This then undergoes electrophilic addition with a compound containing an acidic proton. It is theoretically possible for either of the carbonyl-containing molecules to create diastereomers, but with the addition of catalysts which restrict addition as of the enamine creation, it is possible to extract a single product with limited purification steps and in some cases as reported by List et al.; practical one-pot syntheses are possible. The process of selecting a carbonyl-group gives the reaction a direct versus indirect distinction, wherein the latter case represents pre-formed products restricting the reaction's pathway and the other does not. Ketimines selects a reaction group, and circumvent a requirement for indirect pathways.
René Peters is a German chemist and since 2008 Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Stuttgart.
Within the area of organocatalysis, squaramidecatalysis describes the use of squaramides to accelerate and stereochemically alter organic transformations. The effects arise through hydrogen-bonding interactions between the substrate and the squaramide, unlike classic catalysts, and is thus a type of hydrogen-bond catalyst. The scope of these small-molecule H-bond donors termed squaramide organocatalysis covers both non-stereoselective and stereoselective applications.
This article incorporates text by David Michael Barber available under the CC BY 2.5 license.