Catalytic Intramolecular Cycloaddition Reactions by Using a Discrete Molecular Architecture

Abstract

A discrete tetragonal tube-shaped complex (MT-1) has been synthesised by coordination-driven self-assembly of a carbazole-based tetraimidazole donor L and a Pd(II) 90° acceptor, that is, [cis-(dppf)Pd(OTf)2] (dppf=diphenylphosphinoferrocene, OTf=CF3SO3−). Complex MT-1 was characterised by multinuclear NMR, ESI-MS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (SCXRD), which showed its symmetrical tetrafacial tube-shaped architecture possessing a large cavity described by four aromatic walls. This coordination cage was successfully utilised as a molecular vessel to perform intramolecular cycloaddition reactions of O-allylated benzylidinebarbituric acid derivatives inside its confined nanospace. The presence of a catalytic amount of MT-1 promoted [4+2] cycloaddition reactions in a regio- and stereoselective manner, yielding the corresponding penta/tetracyclouracil derivatives in good yields under mild reaction conditions. This protocol is interesting compared with the literature reports for the synthesis of similar chromenopyran pyrimidinedione derivatives under high-temperature reflux conditions or solid-state melt reactions (SSMRs).