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Published on: June 10, 2021
Recent Advances in Intramolecular C─N Bond Formation for Pyrrolidine Synthesis
Rasma Kroņkalne1, Māris Turks1
1Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia.
This review details advances in synthesizing pyrrolidines through intramolecular C─N bond formation, a key strategy for pharmaceuticals and materials. It covers various cyclization methods for efficient pyrrolidine framework construction.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Pyrrolidines are vital nitrogen heterocycles found in numerous pharmaceuticals, bioactive molecules, and functional materials.
- Efficient synthetic strategies for pyrrolidine construction are continuously sought after.
- Intramolecular C─N bond formation is a fundamental and versatile approach for building pyrrolidine frameworks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a systematic overview of pyrrolidine synthesis via intramolecular C─N bond formation.
- To summarize key advances in the field from 2013 to 2025.
- To focus on cyclization mechanisms involving a polar N: → C(+/δ+) step.
Main Methods:
- Review of transition-metal-catalyzed and metal-free cyclizations of alkenyl and alkynyl amines.
- Analysis of tandem annulation processes.
- Examination of intramolecular nucleophilic additions to carbonyls, nucleophilic substitutions, and C(sp³)-H activation.
Main Results:
- Comprehensive summary of recent (2013-2025) pyrrolidine synthesis methods.
- Detailed discussion of mechanistic features, substrate scope, and synthetic utility.
- Inclusion of Hofmann-Löffler-Freytag-type transformations.
Conclusions:
- The review offers a practical reference for designing novel pyrrolidine syntheses.
- It highlights the importance and versatility of intramolecular C─N bond formation.
- Advances discussed facilitate the creation of diverse pyrrolidine-containing compounds.
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