Synthesis 2023; 55(09): 1451-1459
DOI: 10.1055/a-1988-5764
paper

Palladium-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation and Acetylation of N-Heteroarenes with Sodium Hydride as the Reductant

Fan Luo
a   Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, and State Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Reactor, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
b   Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren’ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
,
Xiaobei Chen
a   Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, and State Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Reactor, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
,
Jing Yu
b   Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren’ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
,
Yuejia Yin
b   Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren’ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
,
b   Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren’ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
,
Ying Hu
c   Department of Pharmacy, Suzhou Vocational Health College, 28 Kehua Road, Suzhou 215009, P. R. China
,
Xuejun Liu
d   Shanghai Neutan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Building 26, No. 555 Huanqiao Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201315, P. R. China
,
Xiaodong Chen
d   Shanghai Neutan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Building 26, No. 555 Huanqiao Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201315, P. R. China
,
Shilei Zhang
b   Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren’ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
,
Yanwei Hu
b   Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, 199 Ren’ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
› Author Affiliations

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22271206 and 22071053), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism (Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, grant 2021 Sci & Tech 03-28), East China University of Science and Technology, the ‘111’ Project and PAPD (A Project Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu­ Higher Education Institutions).
 


Abstract

An efficient and convenient palladium-catalyzed reductive system by employing sodium hydride as the hydrogen donor and acetic anhydride as an activator has been developed for transfer hydrogenation and acetylation of a wide range of N-heteroarenes including quinoline, phthalazine, quinoxaline, phenazine, phenanthridine, and indole. Moreover, acridine substrates could be directly reduced without the use of acetic anhydride. This protocol provides a simple method for the preparation of various saturated N-heterocycles.


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Nitrogen heterocycles such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) and indoline are widely occurring privileged structures existing in many natural products, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fragrances;[1] for example, schistosomicide agent oxamniquine,[2] antibacterial agent flumequine,[3] alkaloid galipinine,[4] CETP inhibitor torcetrapib,[5] (+)-yatakemycin,[6] and others. Nowadays a great number of methods have been developed to prepare these saturated N-heterocycles.[7] [8] Among the strategies, direct reduction of the corresponding unsaturated N-heteroarenes provides an efficient and concise way to access this kind of compounds.[8] In this field, catalytic hydrogenation and transfer hydrogenation play equally important roles to achieve the chemoselective reduction processes. For catalytic hydrogenation, it has been well-established using molecular hydrogen under the catalysis of various transition metals such as Rh,[9] Ru,[10] Ir,[11] Pt,[12] Pd,[13] Co,[14] Ni,[15] Fe,[16] Mo,[17] and even the very recently reported Mn[18] by Beller group and Liu group. One of the disadvantages for catalytic hydrogenation lies in the use of flammable and high-pressure hydrogen gas. Alternatively, transfer hydrogenation could be operated under relatively milder and safer reaction conditions by employing suitable hydrogen donors as reductant. To this end, great efforts have been devoted to investigating and evaluating diverse reducing agents, with several of them identified to exhibit good reactivities in hydrogenation of a wide range of N-heteroaromatic structures. The successful reducers developed to date include formic acid,[19] hydrosilanes,[20] hydroboranes,[21] Hantzsch ester,[22] alcohols,[23] and ammonia borane[24] (Scheme [1a]). Nevertheless, the exploration of new hydrogen donors for facile, mild and selective reduction of various N-heteroarenes is still desirable.

Zoom Image
Scheme 1 Reduction of N-heteroarenes by transfer hydrogenation

Traditionally, sodium hydride (NaH) is employed as a Brønsted base for deprotonation of acidic substrates. Our group has revealed that NaH could be activated as a reductant under the catalysis of palladium salt, to achieve a series of reduction reactions including debenzylation and deallylation,[25a] 1,4-conjugate reductions of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds,[25b] and hydrodehalogenations of organic halides[25c] (Scheme [1b]). As our continuing work in this area, we report herein the reduction of several kinds of N-heteroarenes through transfer hydrogenation with the NaH/Pd reductive system. Particularly, the preparation of acetylated product could be achieved by this method (Scheme [1c]).

We began the initial investigation with quinoline (1a) as the model substrate. It should be noted that the addition of acetic anhydride was necessary to form reactive quinolinium species in situ, thus affording acetylated THQ 2a as the final product (Table [1]). The reaction was first performed with NaH (6.0 equiv) and Ac2O (2.0 equiv) in 1,4-dioxane at 60 °C in the presence of 10 mol% of various transition metal catalysts (Table [1], entries 1–7). Although ruthenium, rhodium, nickel, and iron were incapable of promoting the reaction (entries 1-4), to our delight, the use of three palladium catalysts could generate the desired product 2a in 38–60% yields (entries 5–7). The loading of Ac2O was then optimized (entries 7–11), giving the best yield (98%) when five equivalents of Ac2O was used (entry 11). A survey of the reaction medium indicated that 1,4-dioxane was still the choice of solvent (entries 11–14). Further optimization by adjusting the dosage of NaH failed to improve the efficiency of the reaction (entries 15–18). Eventually, screening of the catalyst loading (entries 19–21) and reaction temperature (entries 22, 23) could not provide better result than entry 11. Notably, scale-up of 1a to one gram level by using 5 mol% PdCl2 as the catalyst gave product 2a in 79% yield (entry 24).

Table 1 Optimization of the Reaction Conditions for the Reduction and Acetylation of Quinoline (1a)a

Entry

Catalyst

NaH (equiv)

Ac2O (equiv)

Solvent

Yield (%)b

 1

RuCl3·3H2O

6.0

2.0

1,4-dioxane

NR

 2

RhCl3·3H2O

6.0

2.0

1,4-dioxane

NR

 3

NiCl2·6H2O

6.0

2.0

1,4-dioxane

NR

 4

FeCl3

6.0

2.0

1,4-dioxane

NR

 5

Pd(dba)2

6.0

2.0

1,4-dioxane

38

 6

Pd(OAc)2

6.0

2.0

1,4-dioxane

57

 7

PdCl2

6.0

2.0

1,4-dioxane

60

 8

PdCl2

6.0

1.0

1,4-dioxane

50

 9

PdCl2

6.0

3.0

1,4-dioxane

85

10

PdCl2

6.0

4.0

1,4-dioxane

94

11

PdCl2

6.0

5.0

1,4-dioxane

98

12

PdCl2

6.0

5.0

toluene

75

13

PdCl2

6.0

5.0

THF

96

14

PdCl2

6.0

5.0

DME

81

15

PdCl2

4.0

5.0

1,4-dioxane

89

16

PdCl2

5.0

5.0

1,4-dioxane

94

17

PdCl2

7.0

5.0

1,4-dioxane

87

18

PdCl2

8.0

5.0

1,4-dioxane

80

19

none

6.0

5.0

1,4-dioxane

NR

20c

PdCl2

6.0

5.0

1,4-dioxane

70

21d

PdCl2

6.0

5.0

1,4-dioxane

98

22e

PdCl2

6.0

5.0

1,4-dioxane

73

23f

PdCl2

6.0

5.0

1,4-dioxane

76

24g

PdCl2

6.0

5.0

1,4-dioxane

79

a Reaction conditions, unless otherwise specified: NaH (4.0–8.0 equiv) and catalyst (10 mol%) in solvent (1.0 mL) was stirred at rt for 5 min before Ac2O and 1a (0.5 mmol) in solvent (0.5 mL) was added, and then the reaction was stirred at 60 °C for 12 h.

b NR: No reaction.

c PdCl2 (5 mol%) was used.

d PdCl2 (20 mol%) was used.

e The reaction was conducted at 40 °C.

f The reaction was conducted at 80 °C.

g Quinoline (1a; 8 mmol, 1.03 g) and PdCl2 (5 mol%) were used.

With the optimal reaction conditions in hand, we investigated the substrate scope of the transfer hydrogenation reaction (Scheme [2]). The scope of the N-heteroarenes was quite broad. Quinolines 1a1j, phthalazine (1k), quinoxaline (1l), phenazine (1m), phenanthridines 1np, and indoles 1qu are all suitable substrates for this reaction. The quinolines having different substituents at various positions were first surveyed. It was found that MeO, F, Ph, ArO, Me2N, and Me groups could survive under the reaction conditions to afford the desired products 2aj in moderate to excellent yields. Notably, sterically hindered 3-phenylquinoline reacted well to give the 3-phenyl Ac-THQ 2h in 35% yield. When phthalazine (1k) was subjected to the standard reaction conditions, only one C=N bond was selectively reduced to generate compound 2k as the single product. By comparison, treatment of quinoxaline (1l) with NaH/Ac2O/PdCl2 gave the diacetylated product 2l with both C=N moieties completely reduced. Interestingly, phenazine (1m) underwent the reaction smoothly to deliver a monoacetylated product 2m in high yield. In addition, three phenanthridine substrates 1n1p and five indole substrates 1qu were tested, providing the corresponding acetylated reduction products 2nu in low to high yields. The reason for low to moderate yields of 2pu was due to the incomplete conversion of the starting materials 1pu. Some N-heteroarenes could not match the reductive system. For example, when pyridine (1v), isoquinoline (1w), and 2-methylquinoline (1x) were used as the substrates, no desired product was detected under the reaction conditions, probably because it is difficult for dearomatization of these structures.

Zoom Image
Scheme 2 Substrate scope for reduction and acetylation of various N-heteroarenes. Reagents and conditions: NaH (3.0 mmol, 6.0 equiv) and PdCl2 (0.05 mmol, 10 mol%) in 1,4-dioxane (1.0 mL) was stirred at rt for 5 min before Ac2O (2.5 mmol, 5 equiv) and 1 (0.5 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (0.5 mL) were added, then the reaction was stirred at 60 °C for the specified time. a The reaction was conducted at 80 °C. b DMA was used as the solvent. c DME was used as the solvent

Table 2 Optimization of the Reaction Conditions for the Reduction of Acridine (3a)a

Entry

Catalyst

NaH (equiv)

Solvent

Yield (%)

 1

CoCl2·6H2O

4.0

DMF

10

 2

RhCl3·3H2O

4.0

DMF

58

 3

RuCl3·3H2O

4.0

DMF

57

 4

PdCl2

4.0

DMF

68

 5

Pd2(dba)3

4.0

DMF

63

 6

Pd(dppf)Cl2

4.0

DMF

73

 7

Pd(OAc)2

4.0

DMF

75

 8

Pd(OAc)2

4.0

THF

24

 9

Pd(OAc)2

4.0

1,4-dioxane

34

10

Pd(OAc)2

4.0

DMA

66

11

Pd(OAc)2

4.0

toluene

30

12

Pd(OAc)2

4.0

DME

29

13

Pd(OAc)2

2.2

DMF

96

14

Pd(OAc)2

2.6

DMF

89

15

Pd(OAc)2

3.0

DMF

70

a Reaction conditions: NaH (2.2–4.0 equiv) and catalyst (10 mol%) in solvent (1.0 mL) was stirred at rt for 5 min before 3a (0.3 mmol) was added, then the reaction was stirred at 60 °C for the specified time.

We found that acridine was easier to be reduced than N-heteroarenes listed in Scheme [2]. As a result, no acetic anhydride was required to promote the reduction of acridine. In order to establish the optimal reaction conditions, some experiments were carried out using NaH (4 equiv) in DMF (Table [2]). Different from the reduction of quinoline, several transition metals including palladium could catalyze the direct reduction of acridine, such as CoCl2·6H2O (10% yield, Table [2], entry 1), RhCl3·3H2O (58% yield, entry 2) and RuCl3·3H2O (57% yield, entry 3). Nevertheless, after screening several palladium salts, Pd(OAc)2 was identified as the best catalyst, producing 9,10-dihydroacridine 4a in 75% yield (entry 7). Further optimization of the solvent and loading of NaH improved the reaction yield to 96% (entry 13).

Next, the generality of the reaction was evaluated. As shown in Scheme [3, a] range of acridines bearing Me, MeO, and MeS substituents could participate in the process to afford products 4ai in 41–96% yields. The limitation of the method was also realized. That is, some reducible functional groups, such as Br, Cl, CN, CHO, and BnO, were not compatible with the reaction conditions, usually leading to the generation of a complex reaction mixture.

Zoom Image
Scheme 3 Substrate scope for reduction of acridines. Reagents and conditions: NaH (0.66 mmol, 2.2 equiv) and Pd(OAc)2 (10 mol%) in DMF (1.0 mL) was stirred at rt for 5 min before 3 (0.3 mmol ) was added, then the reaction was stirred at 60 °C for the specified time

Based on our experimental results and previous literature reports,[19] a proposed reaction mechanism is shown in Scheme [4]. First, quinoline 1a was acetylated by Ac2O to give quinolinium 5, which underwent the 1,4-addition reaction with Pd-H complex to afford the dihydroquinoline intermediate 6. Isomerization of the double bond in 6 and the following 1,2-addition generated the final product 2a. By comparison, in the case of acridine, the 1,4-reductive addition of 3a could directly provide 9,10-dihydroacridine 4a.

Zoom Image
Scheme 4 Proposed mechanism

In summary, we have developed a reductive system by employing NaH as hydrogen donor and palladium as catalyst, which was used here for transfer hydrogenation of a wide range of N-heteroarenes including quinoline, phthalazine, quinoxaline, phenazine, phenanthridine, indole, and acridine, generating the corresponding acetylated reduction products or direct reduction products in acceptable to excellent yields. All reagents used in the reaction are readily available in a chemical laboratory, therefore providing a simple method for the preparation of saturated N-heterocycles.

Unless otherwise indicated, all glassware was oven dried by a heat gun before use and all reactions were performed under an atmosphere of N2. All solvents were distilled from appropriate drying agents prior to use. All reagents were used as received from commercial suppliers, unless otherwise stated. Reaction progress was monitored by TLC performed on glass plates coated with silica gel GF254 with 0.2 mm thickness. Chromatograms were visualized by fluorescence quenching with UV light at 254 nm or by staining using aq KMnO. Flash column chromatography was performed using silica gel 60 (200–300 mesh). Mass spectra were obtained using a TOF MS instrument ESI source. All 1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on Bruker AV-400 or AV-600, and Agilent AV-400 spectrometers. Spectra were referenced using the residual solvent peaks of the respective solvent: CDCl3 (δ = 7.26 for 1H NMR and δ = 77.16 for 13C NMR), DMSO-d 6 (δ = 2.50 for 1H NMR and δ = 39.52 for 13C NMR). Coupling constants J were quoted in Hz. 1H NMR spectroscopy splitting patterns were designated as singlet (s), doublet (d), triplet (t). Splitting patterns that could not be interpreted or easily visualized were designated as multiplet (m).


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Reduction and Acetylation of Various N-Heteroarenes; General Procedure

A mixture of NaH (60% dispersion in mineral oil; 120.0 mg, 3.0 mmol,) and PdCl2 (9.0 mg, 0.05 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (1 mL) was stirred at rt for 5 min before Ac2O (237 μL, 2.5 mmol) and N-heteroarene 1 (0.5 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (0.5 mL) were added. After that, the mixture was warmed to 60 °C. After stirring for 12 h, to the mixture was added sat. aq NH4Cl (3 mL) at 0 °C. The resulting mixture was then extracted with EtOAc (3 × 3 mL). The combined extracts were dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated under vacuum. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography affording the desired hydrogenated Ac-N-heteroarene 2.


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1-(3,4-Dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2a)

Following the general procedure, the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 85.7 mg (98%).

Following the general procedure, when 1a (1.03 g, 8 mmol) was used in this reaction, 2a was obtained in 79% (1.11 g) yield.

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.23–7.09 (m, 4 H), 3.79 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, 2 H), 2.71 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2 H), 2.23 (s, 3 H), 2.02–1.86 (m, 2 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 170. 2, 139.4, 133.8, 128.5, 126.2, 125.3, 124.7, 43.0, 27.0, 24.2, 23.3.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 2a are consistent with the reported spectra.[26]


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1-(6-Methoxy-3,4-dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2b)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 80 °C for 24 h and the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 63.4 mg (62%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 6.99 (s, 1 H), 6.81–6.63 (m, 2 H), 3.84–3.73 (m, 2 H), 3.79 (s, 3 H), 2.67 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 1.98–1.88 (m, 2 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 170.1, 157.1, 135.3, 132.7, 125.5, 113.4, 111.5, 55.5, 42.5, 27.2, 24.0, 23.0.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C12H16NO2: 206.1181; found: 206.1185.


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1-(6-Fluoro-3,4-dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2c)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 24 h and the title compound was obtained as a colorless oil; yield: 58.3 mg (60%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.04 (s, 1 H), 6.93–6.78 (m, 2 H), 3.77 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2 H), 2.71 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 2.20 (s, 3 H), 2.05–1.84 (m, 2 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 169.9, 159.9 (d, J = 245.4 Hz), 135.5 126.0, 114.9 (d, J = 22.2 Hz), 112.8 (d, J = 22.5 Hz), 42.4, 27.0 (d, J = 1.1 Hz), 23.8, 23.0.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C11H13FNO: 194.0981; found: 194.0984.


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1-(5-Phenyl-3,4-dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2d)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 24 h and the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 105.7 mg (84%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.49–7.21 (m, 7 H), 7.13 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.79 (t, J = 6.5 Hz, 2 H), 2.59 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2 H), 2.26 (s, 3 H), 1.93–1.77 (m, 2 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 170.4, 141.5, 140.6, 139.8, 132.7, 129.4, 128.4, 127.3, 126.8, 125.8, 124.2, 42.8, 24.9, 24.6, 23.3.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C17H18NO: 252.1388; found: 252.1391.


#

1-(5-(3-Methoxyphenoxy)-3,4-dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2e)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 24 h and the title compound was obtained as a yellow solid; yield: 141.7 mg (95%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.21 (t, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.14 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2 H), 6.75 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.63 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.51 (s, 2 H), 3.83–3.73 (m, 2 H), 3.78 (s, 3 H), 2.73 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 2 H), 2.28 (s, 3 H), 2.01–1.87 (m, 2 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 170.1, 161.1, 158.7, 154.0, 140.9, 130.3, 126.3, 124.3, 120.4, 115.8, 109.9, 108.4, 104.0, 55.5, 43.5, 23.5, 23.4, 21.1.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C18H20NO3: 298.1443; found: 298.1357.


#

1-(6-(3-(Dimethylamino)phenyl)-3,4-dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2f)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 16 h and the title compound was obtained as a yellow solid; yield: 132.6 mg (90%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.47–7.35 (m, 2 H), 7.34–7.06 (m, 2 H), 6.95–6.86 (m, 2 H), 6.74 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.82 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.01 (s, 6 H), 2.79 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2 H), 2.28 (s, 3 H), 2.05–1.95 (m, 2 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 170.2, 151.0, 141.5, 139.2, 138.4, 133.7, 129.5, 127.3, 125.0, 124.8, 115.7, 111.8, 111.3, 43.0, 40.8, 27.2, 24.2, 23.4.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C19H23N2O: 295.1810; found: 295.1806.


#

1-(6-(2-Methoxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2g)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 16 h and the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 121.1 mg (86%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.42–7.08 (m, 5 H), 7.06–6.95 (m, 2 H), 3.88–3.78 (m, 2 H), 3.83 (s, 3 H), 2.77 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2 H), 2.29 (s, 3 H), 2.05–1.93 (m, 2 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 170.3, 156.5, 138.2, 135.5, 130.9, 129.9, 129.6, 128.8, 127.4, 124.1, 121.0, 111.3, 55.7, 43.0, 27.2, 24.2, 23.4.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C18H20NO2: 282.1494; found: 282.1495.


#

1-(3-Phenyl-3,4-dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2h)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 24 h and the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 44.3 mg (35%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.34 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.33–7.12 (m, 7 H), 4.31–4.10 (m, 1 H), 3.77–3.59 (m, 1 H), 3.20–3.02 (m, 2 H), 3.03–2.87 (m, 1 H), 2.21 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 170.2, 142.9, 139.1, 128.83, 128.82, 127.3, 127.1, 126.3, 125.3, 124.6, 49.7, 41.8, 34.8, 23.2.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C17H18NO: 252.1388; found: 252.1389.


#

1-(7-(p-Tolyl)-3,4-dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2i)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 24 h and the title compound was obtained as a colorless oil; yield: 128.2 mg (97%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.51–7.39 (m, 2 H), 7.38–7.33 (m, 1 H), 7.32–7.18 (m, 4 H), 3.83 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.76 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2 H), 2.40 (s, 3 H), 2.30 (s, 3 H), 2.05–1.94 (m, 2 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 170.2, 139.4, 137.7, 137.3, 129.7, 128.9, 128.1, 126.9, 123.8, 123.2, 114.4, 42.9, 26.7, 24.2, 23.4, 21.2.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C18H20NO: 266.1545; found: 266.1544.


#

1-(7-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2j)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 24 h and the title compound was obtained as a colorless oil; yield: 132.4 mg (94%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.56–7.39 (m, 2 H), 7.37–7.24 (m, 2 H), 7.19 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.12–6.78 (m, 2 H), 3.88–3.79 (m, 2 H), 3.85 (s, 3 H), 2.76 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 2.30 (s, 3 H), 2.04–1.93 (m, 2 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 170.2, 159.4, 139.8, 139.1, 133.2, 131.8, 128.9, 128.1, 123.6, 123.0, 114.4, 55.5, 42.9, 26.7, 24.2, 23.4.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C18H20NO2: 282.1494; found: 282.1497.


#

1-(Phthalazin-2(1H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2k)

Similar to the general procedure, DMA instead of 1,4-dioxane was used and the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 24 h. The title compound was obtained as a white solid; yield: 73.8 mg (85%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.46 (s, 1 H), 7.45 –7.31 (m, 1 H), 7.31–7.26 (m, 1 H), 7.23 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.15 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.97 (s, 2 H), 2.35 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 172.7, 141.1, 131.7, 130.1, 128.3, 126.2, 126.1, 124.1, 41.7, 21.2.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C10H11N2O: 175.0871; found: 175.0879.


#

1,1′-(2,3-Dihydroquinoxaline-1,4-diyl)bis(ethan-1-one) (2l)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 4 h and the title compound was obtained as a white solid; yield: 96.2 mg (88%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.48–7.02 (m, 4 H), 3.95 (s, 4 H), 2.26 (s, 6 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 169.4, 134.1, 125.8, 124.9, 44.9, 22.9.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C12H15N2O2: 219.1134; found: 219.1137.


#

1-(Phenazin-5(10H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2m)

Similar to the general procedure, DME instead of 1,4-dioxane was used and the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 24 h. The title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 101.3 mg (90%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d 6): δ = 8.93 (s, 1 H), 7.24–6.81(m, 2 H), 7.10 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2 H), 6.90 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 4 H), 2.10 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, DMSO-d 6): δ = 169.5, 140.5, 126.5, 126.2, 125.4, 119.9, 114.2, 22.3.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 2m are consistent with the reported spectra.[27]


#

1-(Phenanthridin-5(6H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2n)

Similar to the general procedure, DMA instead of 1,4-dioxane was used and the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 24 h. The title compound was obtained as a colorless oil; yield: 95.3 mg (85%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.82–7.76 (m, 2 H), 7.48–7.23 (m, 6 H), 4.94 (s, 2 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 169.6, 138.2, 135.3, 131.9, 129.9, 128.2, 127.9, 126.43, 126.35, 124.7, 124.6, 123.4, 45.1, 22.4.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 2n are consistent with the reported spectra.[28]


#

1-(2-Methylphenanthridin-5(6H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2o)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 22 h and the title compound was obtained as a colorless oil; yield: 87.8 mg (74%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.77 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.60 (s, 1 H), 7.41–7.27 (m, 1 H), 7.27–7.26 (m, 2 H), 7.24–7.12 (m, 2 H), 4.92 (s, 2 H), 2.44 (s, 3 H), 2.17 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 169.6, 136.1, 135.7, 135.3, 131.9, 129.6, 128.5, 128.03, 128.00, 126.3, 125.1, 124.4, 123.3, 45.1, 22.2, 21.3.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C16H16NO: 238.1232; found: 238.1237.


#

1-(2-Methoxyphenanthridin-5(6H)-yl)ethan-1-one (2p)

Similar to the general procedure, DMA instead of 1,4-dioxane was used and the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 32 h. The title compound was obtained as a colorless oil; yield: 63.7 mg (50%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.75 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.41–7.36 (m, 1 H), 7.36–7.26 (m, 3 H), 7.18 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.88 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.92 (s, 2 H), 3.90 (s, 3 H), 2.14 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 169.7, 158.0, 135.6, 131.9, 131.5, 131.1, 128.3, 128.1, 126.4, 125.7, 123.4, 113.3, 109.7, 55.7, 45.3, 22.2.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C16H16NO2: 254.1181; found: 254.1178.


#

1-(Indolin-1-yl)ethan-1-one (2q)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 36 h and the title compound was obtained as a colorless oil; yield: 55.1 mg (68%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 8.26–8.18 (m, 1 H), 7.25–7.14 (m, 2 H), 7.09–6.86 (m, 1 H), 4.04 (t, J = 8.5 Hz, 2 H), 3.19 (t, J = 8.4 Hz, 2 H), 2.22 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 168.8, 143.0, 131.2, 127.6, 124.6, 123.6, 117.0, 48.8, 28.1, 24.3.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 2q are consistent with the reported spectra.[29]


#

1-(6-Fluoroindolin-1-yl)ethan-1-one (2r)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 36 h and the title compound was obtained as a colorless oil; yield: 41.6 mg (46%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.96 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.11–6.99 (m, 1 H), 6.74–6.65 (m, 1 H), 4.09 (t, J = 8.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.15 (t, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 2.22 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 169.0, 162.4 (d, J = 242.4 Hz), 144.1 (d, J = 12.0 Hz), 126.4 (d, J = 3.0 Hz), 124.9 (d, J = 10.0 Hz), 110.0 (d, J = 23.0 Hz), 105.1 (d, J = 28.0 Hz), 49.7, 27.4, 24.2.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 2r are consistent with the reported spectra.[29]


#

1-(7-Methylindolin-1-yl)ethan-1-one (2s)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 36 h and the title compound was obtained as a colorless oil; yield: 29.3 mg (33%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.09–6.89 (m, 3 H), 4.08 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.02 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.27 (s, 6 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 168.6, 141.7, 134.5, 129.9, 128.8, 125.2, 121.8, 51.2, 30.1, 23.8, 20.7.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 2s are consistent with the reported spectra.[30]


#

1-(3-Methylindolin-1-yl)ethan-1-one (2t)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 36 h and the title compound was obtained as a colorless oil; yield: 38.8 mg (44%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 8.19 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.23–7.14 (m, 2 H), 7.04 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.26–4.16 (m, 1 H), 3.62–3.45 (m, 2 H), 2.22 (s, 3 H), 1.36 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, 3 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 168.7, 142.5, 136.4, 127.8, 123.8, 123.5, 117.0, 57.1, 34.9, 24.3, 20.4.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 2t are consistent with the reported spectra.[29]


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1-(2-Methylindolin-1-yl)ethan-1-one (2u)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 36 h and the title compound was obtained as a colorless oil; yield: 6.2 mg (7%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 8.15 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.21–7.14 (m, 2 H), 7.04–6.97 (m, 1 H), 4.53–4.33 (m, 1 H), 3.45–3.32 (m, 1 H), 2.70–2.58 (m, 1 H), 2.26 (s, 3 H), 1.30–1.22 (m, 3 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 168.3, 141.6, 130.3, 127.5, 124.9, 123.8, 117.9, 56.3, 36.4, 23.3, 21.7.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 2u are consistent with the reported spectra.[29]


#

Reduction of Acridines; General Procedure

A mixture of NaH (60% dispersion in mineral oil; 27 mg, 0.66 mmol) and Pd(OAc)2 (7.0 mg, 0.03 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was stirred at rt for 5 min before acridine 3 (0.3 mmol) was added. After that, the mixture was warmed to 60 °C. After stirring for 24 h, to the mixture was added sat. aq NH4Cl (3 mL) at 0 °C. The resulting mixture was then extracted with EtOAc (3 × 3 mL). The combined extracts were dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated under vacuum. The resulting residue was purified by silica gel chromatography affording the desired hydrogenated acridine 4.


#

9,10-Dihydroacridine (4a)

Following the general procedure, the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 51.8 mg (96%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.21–7.02 (m, 4 H), 6.86 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2 H), 6.68–6.56 (m, 2 H), 5.95 (s, 1 H), 4.06 (s, 2 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ 140.2, 128.7, 127.1, 120.8, 120.2, 113.6, 31.5.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 4a are consistent with the reported spectra.[31]


#

9-Methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine (4b)

Following the general procedure, the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 55.4 mg (95%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.17 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 2 H), 7.10 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2 H), 6.90 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2 H), 6.71 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 2 H), 6.04 (s, 1 H), 4.11 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 1 H), 1.36 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 3 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 139.2, 128.3, 127.0, 125.8, 120.9, 113.6, 36.9, 26.6.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 4b are consistent with the reported spectra.[32]


#

4-Methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine (4c)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 22 h and the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 52.5 mg (90%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.23–7.02 (m, 2 H), 7.01–6.90 (m, 2 H), 6.89–6.81 (m, 1 H), 6.82–6.71 (m, 2 H), 5.91 (s, 1 H), 4.07 (s, 2 H), 2.27 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 140.2, 138.4, 128.6, 128.4, 127.1, 126.6, 120.9, 120.5, 120.4, 120.2, 119.6, 114.0, 31.7, 17.0.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 4c are consistent with the reported spectra.[33]


#

3-Methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine (4d)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 23 h and the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 42.6 mg (73%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.24–7.03 (m, 2 H), 7.02–6.99 (m, 1 H), 6.87–6.79 (m, 1 H), 6.74–6.07 (m, 2 H), 6.50 (s, 1 H), 5.89 (s, 1 H), 4.03 (s, 2 H), 2.28 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 140.3, 140.1, 136.9, 128.8, 128.6, 127.0, 121.6, 120.6, 120.4, 117.2, 114.2, 113.6, 31.1, 21.3.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 4d are consistent with the reported spectra.[34]


#

1,3-Dimethyl-9,10-dihydroacridine (4e)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 26 h and the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 37.8 mg (60%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.23–7.01 (m, 2 H), 6.89–6.77 (m, 1 H), 6.64–6.53 (m, 1 H), 6.55 (s, 1 H), 6.32 (s, 1 H), 5.82 (s, 1 H), 3.98 (s, 2 H), 2.37–2.16 (m, 6 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 134.0, 139.7, 136.7, 136.4, 129.1, 127.1, 123.0, 120.3, 119.9, 115.6, 113.3, 112.1, 28.5, 21.1, 19.4.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C15H16N: 210.1283; found: 210.1285.


#

2-Methoxy-9,10-dihydroacridine (4f)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 6 h and the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 36.3 mg (57%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.16–7.05 (m, 2 H), 6.82–6.79 (m, 1 H), 6.73–6.58 (m, 4 H), 5.82 (s, 1 H), 4.04 (s, 2 H), 3.77 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 154.3, 140.7, 134.2, 128.7, 127.1, 121.2, 120.4, 119.4, 114.2, 114.1, 113.5, 112.8, 55.9, 31.9.

The 1H and 13C NMR of 4f are consistent with the reported spectra.[35]


#

1,3-Dimethoxy-9,10-dihydroacridine (4g)

Following the general procedure, the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 38.1 mg (53%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.13–7.00 (m, 2 H), 6.86–6.76 (m, 1 H), 6.59 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.02 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, 1 H), 5.85 (s, 2 H), 3.95 (s, 2 H), 3.82 (s, 3 H), 3.78 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 159.8, 158.5, 141.0, 139.6, 129.3, 127.0, 120.7, 120.2, 113.5, 100.8, 91.3, 90.6, 55.6, 55.4, 24.9.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C15H16NO2: 242.1181; found: 242.1188.


#

2-(Methylthio)-9,10-dihydroacridine (4h)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 36 h and the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 37.6 mg (55%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 7.15–7.03 (m, 4 H), 6.86 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.71–6.57 (m, 2 H), 5.95 (s, 1 H), 4.04 (s, 2 H), 2.44 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 139.9, 138.8, 129.8, 128.8, 128.3, 127.2, 120.9, 120.9, 119.8, 114.2, 113.6, 31.4, 18.5.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C14H14NS: 228.0847; found: 228.0843.


#

1,3-Dimethoxy-6-methyl-9,10-dihydroacridine (4i)

Similar to the general procedure, the reaction was performed at 60 °C for 36 h and the title compound was obtained as a yellow oil; yield: 31.6 mg (41%).

1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 6.98 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 6.64 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 6.42 (s, 1 H), 6.01 (d, J = 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 5.85–5.74 (m, 2 H), 3.91 (s, 2 H), 3.81 (s, 3 H), 3.77 (s, 3 H), 2.26 (s, 3 H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl3): δ = 159.7, 158.6, 141.1, 139.4, 136.7, 129.2, 121.5, 117.2, 114.1, 101.0, 91.3, 90.5, 55.5, 55.4, 24.6, 21.2.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + H]+ calcd for C16H18NO2: 256.1338; found: 256.1342.


#
#

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Supporting Information


Corresponding Authors

Ying Hu
Department of Pharmacy, Suzhou Vocational Health College
28 Kehua Road, Suzhou 215009
P. R. China   

Shilei Zhang
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University
199 Ren’ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123
P. R. China   

Yanwei Hu
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University
199 Ren’ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123
P. R. China   

Publication History

Received: 06 September 2022

Accepted after revision: 28 November 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
28 November 2022

Article published online:
03 January 2023

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany


Zoom Image
Scheme 1 Reduction of N-heteroarenes by transfer hydrogenation
Zoom Image
Scheme 2 Substrate scope for reduction and acetylation of various N-heteroarenes. Reagents and conditions: NaH (3.0 mmol, 6.0 equiv) and PdCl2 (0.05 mmol, 10 mol%) in 1,4-dioxane (1.0 mL) was stirred at rt for 5 min before Ac2O (2.5 mmol, 5 equiv) and 1 (0.5 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (0.5 mL) were added, then the reaction was stirred at 60 °C for the specified time. a The reaction was conducted at 80 °C. b DMA was used as the solvent. c DME was used as the solvent
Zoom Image
Scheme 3 Substrate scope for reduction of acridines. Reagents and conditions: NaH (0.66 mmol, 2.2 equiv) and Pd(OAc)2 (10 mol%) in DMF (1.0 mL) was stirred at rt for 5 min before 3 (0.3 mmol ) was added, then the reaction was stirred at 60 °C for the specified time
Zoom Image
Scheme 4 Proposed mechanism