Leo A. Paquette

Bio: Leo A. Paquette is an academic researcher from Ohio State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ring (chemistry) & Total synthesis. The author has an hindex of 36, co-authored 484 publications receiving 6021 citations. Previous affiliations of Leo A. Paquette include Heidelberg University.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Conformationally Constrained 2‘-Deoxy-4‘-thia β-Anomeric Spirocyclic Nucleosides Featuring Either Hydroxyl Configuration at C5‘

Abstract: An enantioselective approach to 2‘-deoxy-4‘-thia spirocyclic nucleosides featuring an α- or β-hydroxyl substituent at C-5‘ of the carbocyclic ring is detailed. The starting point is the mandelate a...

Single Stereodifferentiation Associated with Carbon Atom Insertion during the Oxonium Ion-Initiated Pinacol Rearrangement of Dihydrofuranyl and Dihydropyranyl Carbinols

Abstract: The stereoselectivity of the acid-promoted rearrangement of dihydrofuranyl and dihydropyranyl carbinols to spirocyclic ketones has been examined. These kinetically controlled isomerizations result in the ring expansion of the hydroxyl-substituted ring with generation of a newly stereogenic spirocyclic carbon atom. All of the adducts formed from several 4,5-dihydrofurans and cyclobutanone, cyclopentanone, and 2,2-dimethylcyclopentanone proved to be reactive. Of the 5,6-dihydropyrans examined, only the cyclobutanone adducts were sufficiently reactive to warrant study. The product distributions arising from the furanoid systems were characterized by modest discrimination in most cases. The more stereodifferentiating pyranoid systems show product distributions as high as 30:1. These results are explained in terms of transition state geometries (conformationally more flexible in the five-membered examples) while also taking into account the principle of stereoelectronic control.

Synthesis of Enantiopure C2-Symmetric VERDI Disulfonamides and Their Application to the Catalytic Enantioselective Addition of Diethylzinc to Aromatic and Aliphatic Aldehydes

Abstract: The enantiopure disulfonamides 7a−c have been prepared from the C2-symmetric diketone 2, a starting material conveniently accessible from the “dimerization” of (+)-verbenone. These ligands, when treated with titanium isopropoxide and diethylzinc, function as catalysts for the enantioselective alkylation of aldehydes. Stereoselectivity levels ranging from 72 to 98% ee are seen depending on the structural characteristics of the aldehyde. In all cases, the absolute configuration of the carbinol product is R. A working mechanistic model is advanced for the purpose of rationalizing the high levels and direction of asymmetric induction exhibited by these VERDI catalysts.

The Squarate Ester−Polyquinane Connection. An Analysis of the Capacity of Achiral Divinyl Adducts To Rearrange Spontaneously to Polycyclic Networks Housing Multiple Stereogenic Centers

Abstract: The condensation of diisopropyl squarate and related cyclobutene-1,2-diones with 2 equiv of the same alkenyl anion or 1 equiv each of two different alkenyl anions can be a very effective method for...

C-H bond functionalization: emerging synthetic tools for natural products and pharmaceuticals

Abstract: The direct functionalization of C-H bonds in organic compounds has recently emerged as a powerful and ideal method for the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. This Review provides an overview of C-H bond functionalization strategies for the rapid synthesis of biologically active compounds such as natural products and pharmaceutical targets.

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions in total synthesis.

Abstract: In studying the evolution of organic chemistry and grasping its essence, one comes quickly to the conclusion that no other type of reaction plays as large a role in shaping this domain of science than carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions. The Grignard, Diels-Alder, and Wittig reactions are but three prominent examples of such processes, and are among those which have undeniably exercised decisive roles in the last century in the emergence of chemical synthesis as we know it today. In the last quarter of the 20th century, a new family of carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions based on transition-metal catalysts evolved as powerful tools in synthesis. Among them, the palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions are the most prominent. In this Review, highlights of a number of selected syntheses are discussed. The examples chosen demonstrate the enormous power of these processes in the art of total synthesis and underscore their future potential in chemical synthesis.

Organic Reactions in Aqueous Media with a Focus on Carbon−Carbon Bond Formations: A Decade Update

Abstract: 4.2.8. Reductive Coupling 3109 5. Reaction of Aromatic Compounds 3110 5.1. Electrophilic Substitutions 3110 5.2. Radical Substitution 3111 5.3. Oxidative Coupling 3111 5.4. Photochemical Reactions 3111 6. Reaction of Carbonyl Compounds 3111 6.1. Nucleophilic Additions 3111 6.1.1. Allylation 3111 6.1.2. Propargylation 3120 6.1.3. Benzylation 3121 6.1.4. Arylation/Vinylation 3121 6.1.5. Alkynylation 3121 6.1.6. Alkylation 3121 6.1.7. Reformatsky-Type Reaction 3122 6.1.8. Direct Aldol Reaction 3122 6.1.9. Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction 3124 6.1.10. Hydrogen Cyanide Addition 3125 6.2. Pinacol Coupling 3126 6.3. Wittig Reactions 3126 7. Reaction of R,â-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds 3127

Cascade reactions in total synthesis.

Abstract: The design and implementation of cascade reactions is a challenging facet of organic chemistry, yet one that can impart striking novelty, elegance, and efficiency to synthetic strategies. The application of cascade reactions to natural products synthesis represents a particularly demanding task, but the results can be both stunning and instructive. This Review highlights selected examples of cascade reactions in total synthesis, with particular emphasis on recent applications therein. The examples discussed herein illustrate the power of these processes in the construction of complex molecules and underscore their future potential in chemical synthesis.