Highly modulated bisindoles: ligands for copper‐catalyzed Sonogashira reaction

Bisindoles (BIMs) were modulated as powerful N,N′ donor ligands for the copper‐catalyzed Sonogashira reaction. Ligand screening experiments on 11 BIM compounds found that 3,3′‐(4‐chlorophenyl)methylenebis(1‐methyl‐1H‐indole) (10%) efficiently accelerated CuCl (5%)‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of aryl iodides with terminal alkynes. A wide range of substituted aryl iodides and/or alkyl‐ and aryl‐substituted terminal alkynes were examined, leading to the corresponding coupling products with yields up to 99%. An efficient and scalable protocol for the synthesis of BIM ligands on a gram scale, with extremely low catalyst loading of o‐ClC₆H₄NH₃⁺Cl^?, was also developed with a reaction time of 20 min with yields up to 93%. This novel N,N′ ligand was air‐stable, easily available and highly modulated with low copper loading. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nickel‐Catalyzed Amination of Silyloxyarenes through C–O Bond Activation

Silyloxyarenes were utilized as electrophilic coupling partners with amines in the synthesis of aniline derivatives. A diverse range of amine substrates were used, including cyclic or acyclic secondary amines, secondary anilines, and sterically hindered primary anilines. Additionally, a range of sterically hindered and unhindered primary aliphatic amines were employed, which have previously been challenging with other classes of aryl ether electrophiles. Orthogonal couplings of silyloxyarenes with aryl methyl ethers are illustrated, where selectivity between the two C?O electrophiles is determined by ligand control, thereby allowing complementary and selective late‐stage diversification of either electrophile. Finally, a sequential coupling displays the utility of this amination method along with the reversal in intrinsic reactivity between aryl methyl ethers and silyloxyarenes.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative [3+2+1] Annulation of N‐Aryl‐Pyridine‐2‐Amines with Internal Alkynes by CH Activation: Facile Synthesis of 2‐Quinolinones

We describe here a novel procedure for the synthesis of highly substituted 2‐quinolinones. By this newly developed approach, 2‐quinolinone derivatives were prepared in moderate to good yields by carbonylative cyclization of N‐aryl‐pyridine‐2‐amines and internal alkynes by C?H activation. Remarkably, [Mo(CO)₆] was applied as a solid CO source and the reaction proceeded in an atom economic manner.     

Highly reusable support‐free copper(II) complex of para‐hydroxy‐substituted salen: Novel,efficient and versatile catalyst for C─N bond forming reactions

An air‐stable, highly active and versatile method for C─N bond forming reactions is reported. Under mild conditions using a highly reusable support‐free Cu(II)–salen complex, structurally diverse N ‐aryl‐substituted compounds were obtained via direct C─N bond forming reaction of HN‐heterocycles with aryl iodides or three‐component C─N bond forming reaction of 2‐bromobenzaldehyde, aniline derivatives and sodium azide in good to excellent yields. C─N bond forming reaction for benzimidazole derivatives was also performed in the presence of the catalyst under ambient conditions. A series of hybrid benzimidazoles bearing morpholine, tetrazole and quinoxaline backbones were produced using this method. All reactions were performed in short times under air. The Cu(II) catalyst could be reused up to eight times in the direct cross‐coupling reaction of 9H –carbazole with iodobenzene without any decrease in its catalytic activity.     

Rhodium‐Catalyzed CH Annulation of Nitrones with Alkynes: A Regiospecific Route to Unsymmetrical 2,3‐Diaryl‐Substituted Indoles

The direct C? H annulation of anilines or related compounds with internal alkynes provides straightforward access to 2,3‐disubstituted indole products. However, this transformation proceeds with poor regioselectivity in the synthesis of unsymmetrically 2,3‐diaryl substituted indoles. Herein, we report the rhodium(III)‐catalyzed C? H annulation of nitrones with symmetrical diaryl alkynes as an alternative method to prepare 2,3‐diaryl‐substituted N‐unprotected indoles with two different aryl groups. One of the aryl substituents is derived from N?C‐aryl ring of the nitrone and the other from the alkyne substrate, thus providing the indole products with exclusive regioselectivity.     

Synthesis of All‐Carbon Disubstituted Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes by Iron‐Catalyzed Kumada Cross‐Coupling

1,3‐Disubstituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are important motifs in drug design as surrogates for p‐substituted arenes and alkynes. Access to all‐carbon disubstituted BCPs via cross‐coupling has to date been limited to use of the BCP as the organometallic component, which restricts scope due to the harsh conditions typically required for the synthesis of metallated BCPs. Here we report a general method to access 1,3‐C‐disubstituted BCPs from 1‐iodo‐bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (iodo‐BCPs) by direct iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling with aryl and heteroaryl Grignard reagents. This chemistry represents the first general use of iodo‐BCPs as electrophiles in cross‐coupling, and the first Kumada coupling of tertiary iodides. Benefiting from short reaction times, mild conditions, and broad scope of the coupling partners, it enables the synthesis of a wide range of 1,3‐C‐disubstituted BCPs including various drug analogues.     

Well‐Defined N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Palladium Complexes as Efficient Catalysts for Domino Sonogashira Coupling/Cyclization Reaction and C‐H bond Arylation of Benzothiazole

Well‐defined and air‐stable PEPPSI (Pyridine Enhanced Precatalyst Preparation Stabilization and Initiation) themed palladium bis‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes have been developed for the domino Sonogashira coupling/cyclization reaction of 2‐iodophenol with a variety of terminal alkynes and C‐H bond arylation of benzothiazole with aryl iodides. The PEPPSI themed palladium complexes, 2a and 2b were synthesized in good yields from the reaction of corresponding imidazolium salts with PdCl₂ and K₂CO₃ in pyridine. The new air‐stable palladium‐NHC complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, elemental analysis, and mass spectroscopy studies. The PEPPSI themed palladium(II) bis‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes 2a and 2b exhibited excellent catalytic activities for domino Sonogashira coupling/cyclization reaction of 2‐iodophenol with terminal alkynes yielding benzofuran derivatives. In addition, the palladium complexes, 2a and 2b successfully catalyzed the direct C‐H bond arylation of benzothiazole with aryl iodides as coupling partners in presence of CuI as co‐catalyst.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Boronic Esters with Aryl Iodides and Application to the Carboboration of Alkynes and Allenes

Copper‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura‐type cross‐coupling and carboboration processes are reported. The cross‐couplings function well with a variety of substituted aryl iodides and aryl boronic esters and allows for orthogonal reactivity compared to palladium‐catalyzed processes. The carboboration method includes both alkynes and allenes and provides access to highly substituted and stereodefined vinyl boronic esters. The alkyne carboboration method is highlighted in the simple one‐pot synthesis of Tamoxifen.     

Selective 1,2‐Aryl‐Aminoalkylation of Alkenes Enabled by Metallaphotoredox Catalysis

A highly chemo‐ and regioselective intermolecular 1,2‐aryl‐aminoalkylation of alkenes by photoredox/nickel dual catalysis is described here. This three‐component conjunctive cross‐coupling is highlighted by its first application of primary alkyl radicals, which were not compatible in previous reports. The readily prepared α‐silyl amines could be transferred to α‐amino radicals by photo‐induced single electron transfer step. The radical addition/cross‐coupling cascade reaction proceeds under mild, base‐free and redox‐neutral conditions with good functional group tolerance, and importantly, provides an efficient and concise method for the synthesis of structurally valuable α‐aryl substituted γ‐amino acid derivatives motifs.     

Cu(I)‐catalyzed Green Synthesis of Propargyl Amines Decorated with Carbazole Moiety by A3 ‐Coupling

A series of novel N ‐alkylcarbazol–propargylamine hybrids were designed and synthesized by Cu^IBr ‐catalyzed A³ ‐coupling of N ‐octylcarbazol‐3‐carbaldehyde, amines, and alkynes. The tri‐substituted propargyl amines decorated with carbazole moiety were obtained under solvent‐free conditions in good to moderate yields. Furthermore, the scope of the method was studied, which was found to be applicable to primary aliphatic and aromatic amines. Also, a large variety of substituents both on alkynes and anilines are well tolerated.     

CuI/8‐Hydroxyquinalidine Promoted N‐Arylation of Indole and Azoles

An efficient catalytic system of CuI/8‐hydroxyquinalidine was developed for the coupling of aryl iodides and indole as well as some azoles. The reaction could be carried out at 90°C under the condition of relatively low catalyst loading, affording various N‐arylindoles and N‐aryl azoles in good yields. The functionalized and hindered aryl iodides were suitable substrates for this transformation.     

Domino‐Heck Reactions of Carba‐ and Oxabicyclic,Unsaturated Dicarboximides: Synthesis of Aryl‐Substituted,Bridged Perhydroisoindole Derivatives

The C? C coupling of the two bicyclic, unsaturated dicarboximides 5 and 6 with aryl and heteroaryl halides gave, under reductive Heck conditions, the C‐aryl‐N‐phenyl‐substituted oxabicyclic imides 7a – c and 8a – c (Scheme 3). Domino‐Heck C? C coupling reactions of 5, 6 , and 1b with aryl or heteroaryl iodides and phenyl‐ or (trimethylsilyl)acetylene also proved feasible giving 8, 9 , and 10a – c , respectively (Scheme 4). Reduction of 1b with LiAlH₄ (→ 11 ) followed by Heck arylation and reduction of 5 with NaBH₄ (→ 13 ) followed by Heck arylation open a new access to the bridged perhydroisoindole derivatives 12a , b and 14a , b with prospective pharmaceutical activity (Schemes 5 and 6).     

Direct N‐Arylation of Azaheterocycles with Aryl Halides under Ligand‐free Condition

A simple and efficient C? N cross‐coupling method of aryl halides with various heterocycles was reported, by using 10 mol% of CuI as catalyst and 1.2 equiv. NaH as base. Aryl iodides, aryl bromides and many substituted aryl chlorides could efficiently react with heterocycles, providing variety of N‐arylated products in good to excellent yields. The ligand‐free catalyst system was stable in air and could be readily reused.     

CuI heterogenized on thiosemicarbazide modified‐multi walled carbon nanotubes (thiosemicarbazide‐MWCNTs‐CuI): Novel heterogeneous and reusable nanocatalyst in the C‐N Ullmann coupling reactions

Herein we described the synthesis of novel thiosemicarbazide‐MWCNTs‐CuI nanocatalyst by covalent grafting of thiosemicarbazide on carbon nanotubes surface and subsequent coordination with CuI catalyst. The formation of nanocatalyst was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (WDX) and ICP analysis. The morphology of the nanocatalyst was characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopes (SEM and TEM). Additionally, the (thiosemicarbazide‐MWCNTs‐CuI) nanocatalyst was successfully employed in the N ‐arylation of indole, amines and imidazoles through intermolecular C(aryl)‐N bond formation from the corresponding aryl halides (Ar–I, Ar–Br, Ar–Cl) with amines through Ullmann‐type coupling reactions. Interestingly, the novel catalyst could be recovered and recycled five times.     

Decarboxylative Conjunctive Cross‐coupling of Vinyl Boronic Esters using Metallaphotoredox Catalysis

The synthesis of complex alkyl boronic esters through conjunctive cross‐coupling of vinyl boronic esters with carboxylic acids and aryl iodides is described. The reaction proceeds under mild metallaphotoredox conditions and involves an unprecedented decarboxylative radical addition/cross‐coupling cascade of vinyl boronic esters. Excellent functional‐group tolerance is displayed, and application of a range of carboxylic acids, including secondary α‐amino acids, and aryl iodides provides efficient access to highly functionalized alkyl boronic esters. The decarboxylative conjunctive cross‐coupling was also applied to the synthesis of sedum alkaloids.     

Highly Chemoselective Iridium Photoredox and Nickel Catalysis for the Cross‐Coupling of Primary Aryl Amines with Aryl Halides

A visible‐light‐promoted iridium photoredox and nickel dual‐catalyzed cross‐coupling procedure for the formation C?N bonds has been developed. With this method, various aryl amines were chemoselectively cross‐coupled with electronically and sterically diverse aryl iodides and bromides to forge the corresponding C?N bonds, which are of high interest to the pharmaceutical industries. Aryl iodides were found to be a more efficient electrophilic coupling partner. The coupling reactions were carried out at room temperature without the rigorous exclusion of molecular oxygen, thus making this newly developed Ir‐photoredox/Ni dual‐catalyzed procedure very mild and operationally simple.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Radical Silylation of Redox‐Active Aliphatic Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

A decarboxylative silylation of aliphatic N ‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) esters using Si−B reagents as silicon pronucleophiles is reported. This C(sp³)−Si cross‐coupling is catalyzed by copper(I) and follows a radical mechanism, even with exclusion of light. Both primary and secondary alkyl groups couple effectively, whereas tertiary alkyl groups are probably too sterically hindered. The functional‐group tolerance is generally excellent, and α‐heteroatom‐substituted substrates also participate well. This enables, for example, the synthesis of α‐silylated amines starting from NHPI esters derived from α‐amino acids. The new method extends the still limited number of C(sp³)−Si cross‐couplings of unactivated alkyl electrophiles.     

Multicomponent Reactions for Diverse Synthesis of N‐Substituted and NH 1,4‐Dihydropyridines

The multicomponent reactions of aldehydes, electron deficient alkynes and amines have been successfully performed to yield a number of symmetrical 2,6‐unsubstituted 1,4‐dihydropyridines (1,4‐DHPs). This method has been found generally applicable for the synthesis of both N‐substituted and N‐unsubstituted 1,4‐DHPs by employing secondary amine to activate the alkyne component via enaminoester intermediates. The present method runs through an enamine type activation, which is different from the known approach employing AcOH as solvent.     

Regiospecific N‐Arylation of Aliphatic Amines under Mild and Metal‐Free Reaction Conditions

A transition metal‐free N‐arylation of primary and secondary amines with diaryliodonium salts is presented. Both acyclic and cyclic amines are well tolerated, providing a large set of N‐alkyl anilines. The methodology is unprecedented among metal‐free methods in terms of amine scope, the ability to transfer both electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating aryl groups, and efficient use of resources, as excess substrate or reagents are not required.     

Amino acid promoted CuI-catalyzed C-N bond formation between aryl halides and amines or N-containing heterocycles

CuI-catalyzed coupling reaction of electron-deficient aryl iodides with aliphatic primary amines occurs at 40 degrees C under the promotion of N-methylglycine. Using l-proline as the promoter, coupling reaction of aryl iodides or aryl bromides with aliphatic primary amines, aliphatic cyclic secondary amines, or electron-rich primary arylamines proceeds at 60-90 degrees C; an intramolecular coupling reaction between aryl chloride and primary amine moieties gives indoline at 70 degrees C; coupling reaction of aryl iodides with indole, pyrrole, carbazole, imidazole, or pyrazole can be carried out at 75-90 degrees C; and coupling reaction of electron-deficient aryl bromides with imidazole or pyrazole occurs at 60-90 degrees C to provide the corresponding N-aryl products in good to excellent yields. In addition, N,N-dimethylglycine promotes the coupling reaction of electron-rich aryl bromides with imidazole or pyrazole to afford the corresponding N-aryl imidazoles or pyrazoles at 110 degrees C. The possible action of amino acids in these coupling reactions is discussed.