Sequential Tandem Addition to a Tungsten-Trifluorotoluene Complex: A Versatile Method for the Preparation of Highly Functionalized Trifluoromethylated Cyclohexenes

The effects of an electron-withdrawing group on the organic chemistry of an eta(2)-bound benzene ring are explored using the complex TpW(NO)(PMe3)(eta(2)-PhCF3). This trifluorotoluene complex was found to undergo a highly regio- and stereo selective 1,2-addition reaction involving protonation of an ortho carbon followed by addition of a carbon nucleophile. The resulting 1,3-diene complexes can undergo a second protonation and nucleophilic addition with a range of nucleophiles including hydrides, amines, cyanide, and protected enolates. Interestingly, the addition of the second proton and nucleophile occurs in a 1,4-fashion, again with a high degree of regio- and stereocontrol. Oxidation of the metal allows for the isolation of highly substituted trifluoromethylcydohexenes with as many as four stereocenters set by the metal. The ability to synthesize enantio-enriched organics was also demonstrated for a diene and a trisubstituted cyclohexene. Substitution from an enantio-enriched eta(2)-dimethoxybenzene complex in neat trifluorotoluene yielded enantio-enriched trifluorotoluene complex, which was elaborated into cyclohexadienes and cyclohexenes with ee's ranging from 92 to 99%.