A Zincke-Inspired Cycloreversion/Cyclization Sequence with Arrested Rearomatization: Synthesis of 2-Aminodihydropyridinium Complexes

Dabbs, J. D.; Taylor, C. C.; Livaudais, B. F.; Meng, A. Q.; Quillin, B. T.; Dickie, D. A.; Harman, W. D. A Zincke-Inspired Cycloreversion/Cyclization Sequence with Arrested Rearomatization: Synthesis of 2-Aminodihydropyridinium Complexes. Organometallics 2025, 44, 1920–1925.

Abstract

The Zincke reaction combines a pyridinium salt bearing an N-withdrawing group and a primary aliphatic amine to form an alkylated pyridinium salt through a ring-opening/ring-closing sequence. Herein, we explore the analogous reaction sequence for a pyridinium salt η2-bound to a transition metal. We find that the N-sulfonylated pyridinium ligand (pyR1, where R1 = mesyl or tosyl) of [WTp(NO)(PMe3)(η2-pyR1)]OTf selectively reacts with a primary amine, and the resulting 2-aminodihydropyridine complex then undergoes a tungsten-stabilized ring-scission to form the corresponding η2-azatriene complex. Subsequent ring-closure between the newly installed amine and the sulfonylated imine results in a new aminodihydropyridinium species. This dihydropyridinium resists rearomatization due to a stabilizing influence of the tungsten fragment. Subsequent displacement of the sulfonamide by pendent heteroatoms leads to the formation of new heterocyclic frameworks. Herein the syntheses of 30 heterocyclic complexes are described (3 characterized by SC-XRD) including 7 examples of multicyclic systems.

Last updated on 09/08/2025