Magnesium-mediated benzothiazole activation: a room-temperature cascade of ch deprotonation, cc coupling, ring-opening, and nucleophilic addition reactions

Ligand domin(o)ated: In contrast to the straightforward deprotonation of benzothiazole using Grignard reagents, treatment of benzothiazole with 1 leads to a novel type of activation. The initial magnesiation initiates an unstoppable domino reaction of C?C coupling, ring opening, nucleophilic addition, and deprotonation to give 2. THF=tetrahydrofuran.     

Copper-catalyzed oxidative CH bond functionalization of N-allylbenzamide for CN and CC bond formation

CH bond functionalization for CN and CC bond formations via cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) of N-allylbenzamides with indole as amine source has been developed under a copper-catalyzed condition. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first examples in which different classes of N-containing compounds were directly prepared from the readily available N-allylbenzamides using an inexpensive catalyst-oxidant (CuSO₄/TBHP) system. Further, it was applied for the synthesis of α-substituted N-allylbenzamides by using Grignard reagent as nucleophiles.     

The Origin of Solvent Deprotonation in LiI-added Aprotic Electrolytes for Li-O2 Batteries

LiI and LiBr have been employed as soluble redox mediators (RMs) in electrolytes to address the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction kinetics during charging in aprotic Li-O₂ batteries. Compared to LiBr, LiI exhibits a redox potential closer to the theoretical one of discharge products, indicating a higher energy efficiency. However, the reason for the occurrence of solvent deprotonation in LiI-added electrolytes remains unclear. Here, by combining ab initio calculations and experimental validation, we find that it is the nucleophile that triggers the solvent deprotonation and LiOH formation via nucleophilic attack, rather than the increased solvent acidity or the elongated C−H bond as previously suggested. As a comparison, the formation of in LiBr-added electrolytes is found to be thermodynamically unfavorable, explaining the absence of LiOH formation. These findings provide important insight into the solvent deprotonation and pave the way for the practical application of LiI RM in aprotic Li-O₂ batteries.     

Siliciumorganische verbindungen : LIX. 1,5-Bis(trimethylsilyl)-naphthalin

The addition vs. deprotonation ratio in the reaction of nitriles with n-PrMgBr is increased by complexation of the Grignard reagent with LiClO₄. For nitriles having moderately labile α-hydrogen atoms the deprotonation reaction is almost completely suppressed; but for nitriles having very labile α-hydrogen atoms (CH₃ CN, PhCH₂CN) yields in ketones are increased from 2 to 10–20%.     

Fe-catalyzed three-component dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated alkenes with alkyl halides and Grignard reagents

A highly chemoselective iron-catalyzed three-component dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated olefins with alkyl halides (iodides and bromides) and sp²-hybridized Grignard reagents is reported. The reaction operates under fast turnover frequency and tolerates a diverse range of sp²-hybridized nucleophiles (electron-rich and electron-deficient (hetero)aryl and alkenyl Grignard reagents), alkyl halides (tertiary alkyl iodides/bromides and perfluorinated bromides), and unactivated olefins bearing diverse functional groups including tethered alkenes, ethers, protected alcohols, aldehydes, and amines to yield the desired 1,2-alkylarylated products with high regiocontrol. Further, we demonstrate that this protocol is amenable for the synthesis of new (hetero)carbocycles including tetrahydrofurans and pyrrolidines via a three-component radical cascade cyclization/arylation that forges three new C–C bonds.

A highly selective iron-catalyzed three-component dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated alkenes with alkyl halides and sp²-hybridized Grignard reagents is reported.     

First Cp*Co(III)-catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck coupling reactions of alkenes and aryl bromide/iodide

A Cp*Co(CO)I₂ catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck coupling of alkenes and aryl halide is established at feasible reaction conditions. The Cp*Co(III) catalyst excellently work to couple the aryl iodide and alkene, and produce up to 94% yield of the coupling product. In case of the coupling of aryl bromide and alkene, slightly reduced activity of the catalyst was observed, and moderate to good yield of the product was obtained. Apart from functionally different styrene, the catalyst was also able to activate the acrylates, which seems difficult to be activated by other reported metal complexes. The coupling proposed herein is tolerant a wide variety of aryl halides, stryenes, and acrylates enable to form CC bond using inexpensive metal in catalysis. Hence, the present catalyst is highly economical, consists a non-endangered metal and is highly efficient for Heck coupling reaction. Moreover, the cobalt metal in high oxidation state (+3) is not much explored for the CC cross-coupling reactions.     

Synthesis of PI3K inhibitor GDC-0077 via a stereocontrolled N-arylation of α-amino acids

An efficient synthesis of PI3K inhibitor GDC-0077, featuring two consecutive Cu-catalyzed CN coupling reactions, is reported. The described synthetic route involves a chemoselective Ullmann-type coupling of a chiral difluoromethyl-substituted oxazolidinone, a Cu-catalyzed N-arylation of l-alanine with high stereochemical integrity, and a high-yielding final amide bond formation step to produce GDC-0077 in >99.5 area % HPLC purity.     

Iron-catalyzed α-C–H functionalization of π-bonds: cross-dehydrogenative coupling and mechanistic insights

The deprotonation of propargylic C–H bonds for subsequent functionalization typically requires stoichiometric metal alkyl or amide reagents. In addition to the undesirable generation of stoichiometric metallic waste, these conditions limit the functional group compatibility and versatility of this functionalization strategy and often result in regioisomeric mixtures. In this article, we report the use of dicarbonyl cyclopentadienyliron(ii) complexes for the generation of propargylic anion equivalents toward the direct electrophilic functionalization of propargylic C–H bonds under mild, catalytic conditions. This technology was applied to the direct conversion of C–H bonds to C–C bonds for the synthesis of several functionalized scaffolds through a one-pot cross dehydrogenative coupling reaction with tetrahydroisoquinoline and related privileged heterocyclic scaffolds. A series of NMR studies and deuterium-labelling experiments indicated that the deprotonation of the propargylic C–H bond was the rate-determining step when a Cp*Fe(CO)₂-based catalyst system was employed.

[Cp*Fe(CO)₂]⁺ facilitates the α-deprotonation of unsaturated C–C bond for propargylic and allylic C–H functionalization. Mechanistic studies reveal insights into the superior performance of the electron-rich and hindered ligand on iron.     

gamma-hydroxy unsaturated nitriles: chelation-controlled conjugate additions

[reaction--see text] Chelation between gamma-hydroxy unsaturated nitriles and Grignard reagents promotes an otherwise difficult anionic conjugate addition reaction. The intermediate chelate is readily generated by deprotonation with t-BuMgCl followed by the addition of a second Grignard reagent that triggers an intramolecular conjugate addition. Structurally diverse Grignard reagents add with equal efficiency, providing an intermediate anion that stereoselectively alkylates BnBr in an overall addition-alkylation reaction.     

UV-induced catalyst-free intramolecular formal Heck reaction

A catalyst-free intramolecular formal Heck reaction has been developed, affording 9-benzylidene-9H-fluorene derivatives under UV irradiation. This reaction probably proceeds via UV-induced homolytic cleavage of CI bond, addition of the aryl radical to the alkene moiety, single electron oxidation of alkyl radical intermediate into carbocation species, and deprotonation.     

Intra- and intermolecular Fe-catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization of vinyl cyclopropanes

Design and implementation of the first (asymmetric) Fe-catalyzed intra- and intermolecular difunctionalization of vinyl cyclopropanes (VCPs) with alkyl halides and aryl Grignard reagents has been realized via a mechanistically driven approach. Mechanistic studies support the diffusion of alkyl radical intermediates out of the solvent cage to participate in an intra- or intermolecular radical cascade with a range of VCPs followed by re-entering the Fe radical cross-coupling cycle to undergo (stereo)selective C(sp²)–C(sp³) bond formation. This work provides a proof-of-concept of the use of vinyl cyclopropanes as synthetically useful 1,5-synthons in Fe-catalyzed conjunctive cross-couplings with alkyl halides and aryl/vinyl Grignard reagents. Overall, we provide new design principles for Fe-mediated radical processes and underscore the potential of using combined computations and experiments to accelerate the development of challenging transformations.

Design and implementation of the first (asymmetric) Fe-catalyzed intra- and intermolecular difunctionalization of vinyl cyclopropanes (VCPs) with alkyl halides and aryl Grignard reagents has been realized via a mechanistically driven approach.     

Ligand exchange reactions of aryl pyridyl sulfoxides with grignard reagents: Convenient preparation of 3- and 4-pyridyl grignard reagents and examination of the leaving abilities of pyridyl anions

Aryl 3- and 4-pyridyl sulfoxides undergo ligand exchange in reactions with aryl Grignard reagents to generate 3- and 4-pyridyl Grignard reagents, which, upon treatment with aldehydes or ketones, give the corresponding addition products in moderate-to-good yields. The mechanism for the exchange reaction was investigated by treating optically active 3- and 4-pyridyl p-tolyl sulfoxides with a phenyl Grignard reagent. Inversion of the configuration of the sulfur atom was the stereochemical result of the reactions. In the reactions of phenyl 2-pyridyl sulfoxide with Grignard reagents, the leaving ability of the 2-pyridyl group competes with that of the phenyl group. Both the experimental and MO calculated enthalpy values for deprotonation of α-, β-, and γ-protons of pyridine in the gas phase [1] are in accordance with the following order of the leaving abilities of aryl and pyridyl Grignard reagents: 4-PyMgBr > 3-PyMgBr » PhMgBr > p-TolMgBr > 2-PyMgBr.     

Application of ring-rearrangement metathesis in organic synthesis: A grand design

In this report, we compiled various strategies involving a ring-rearrangement metathesis as a key step to assemble diverse molecules. Popular name reactions such as Grignard reaction, Overman rearrangement, Fischer indolization, Beckmann rearrangement and Diels–Alder reaction were used in combination with ring-rearrangement metathesis to construct complex targets. Additionally, CH activation and RRM strategy has been used to assemble azacycles. In some instances, the ring-rearrangement metathesis was expected to occur; however, ring-opening metathesis products were realized. These methods were included in the miscellaneous section. We anticipate that the lessons learned here are useful in designing complex polycyclic and heterocyclic targets suitable for biological and material science applications. Beside our work, we have also included others work as a background information.     

How does the pH influences the Ru-NO coordination compounds?

The pH influence has important role in the bioavailability of coordination compounds. fac-[Ru(NO)Cl₂(κ³N⁴,N⁸,N¹¹[1-carboxypropyl]cyclam)]⁺, 1 , and the species found at different pHs, 2 - 4 , were investigated. One series of computational methodologies has been used to investigate these compounds. One special highlight is to interacting quantum atoms method, where the total interaction energy, , between two atoms has been used as base to estimate the chemical bonds strength. The deprotonation of -CO₂H, 1 ➔ 2 (pK_a = 3.3), creates a hydrogen bond in the complex 2 , N( 3 )-H⋯ ·OCO⁻, with a more favorable than the presents in 1 , N( 3 )-H⋯ ·OCOH. There are no changes in in Ru-NO bond. The second deprotonation occurs in the N(2) atom of the cyclam group, 2 ➔ 3 (pK_a = 8.0). It promotes an increase in the covalent character of Ru-N( 2 ). In contrast, there is no changes in Ru-N( 5 )O bond. For higher pHs, there is a 3 ➔ 4 equilibrium (pK_a = 11.5) and the conversion of Ru-N( 5 )O for Ru-N( 5 )O₂. The Ru-N( 5 ) of 4 shows a larger ionic character than 3 . Thus, Ru-NO in 1 - 4 has worthy stability about a large pH range, showing potential application as NO scavengers.     

In Situ Generated Gold Nanoparticles on Active Carbon as Reusable Highly Efficient Catalysts for a C −C Stille Coupling

Gold nanoparticle catalysts are important in many industrial production processes. Nevertheless, for traditional C ?C cross‐coupling reactions they have been rarely used and Pd catalysts usually give a superior performance. Herein we report that in situ formed gold metal nanoparticles are highly active catalysts for the cross coupling of allylstannanes and activated alkylbromides to form C ?C bonds. Turnover numbers up to 29 000 could be achieved in the presence of active carbon as solid support, which allowed for convenient catalyst recovery and reuse. The present study is a rare case where a gold metal catalyst is superior to Pd catalysts in a cross‐coupling reaction of an organic halide and an organometallic reagent.     

DDQ-promoted C(sp3)H phosphorylation of cycloheptatriene

An efficient and convenient C(sp³)H phosphorylation has been achieved via the DDQ-promoted cross-dehydrogenative coupling between cycloheptatriene and P(O)H compounds at room temperature. This transformation provides a direct synthetic route to the construction of C(sp³)P bonds with good functional group compatibility, leading to the formation of cyclohepta-2,4,6-trien-1-ylphosphonates in up to 99% yield.     

Coordination Dynamics of Zinc Triggers the Rate Determining Proton Transfer in Human Carbonic Anhydrase II

We present, for the first time, how transient changes in the coordination number of zinc ion affects the rate determining step in the enzyme human carbonic anhydrase (HCA) II. The latter involves an intramolecular proton transfer between a zinc-bound water and a distant histidine residue (His-64). In the absence of time-resolved experiments, results from classical and QM-MM molecular dynamics and transition path sampling simulations are presented. The catalytic zinc ion is found to be present in two possible coordination states; viz. a stable tetra-coordinated state, T and a less stable penta-coordinated state, P with tetrahedral and trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometries, respectively. A fast dynamical inter-conversion occurs between T and P due to reorganization of active site water molecules making the zinc ion more positively charged in state P. When initiated from different coordination environments, the most probable mechanism of proton transfer is found to be deprotonation of the equatorial water molecule from state P and transfer of the excess proton via a short path formed by hydrogen bonded network of active site water molecules. We estimate the rate constant of proton transfer as from P and from T. A quantitative match of estimated k_P with the experimental value, ( ) suggests that dynamics of Zn coordination triggers the rate determining proton transfer step in HCA II.     

Hydroxy alkenenitriles: diastereoselective conjugate addition-alkylations

Chelation-controlled conjugate addition of Grignard reagents to cyclic and acyclic gamma-hydroxyalkenenitriles stereoselectively generates beta-substituted hydroxynitriles. t-BuMgCl-induced deprotonation of gamma-hydroxyalkenenitriles followed by chloride-alkyl exchange from a second Grignard reagent, generates an alkylmagnesium alkoxide that triggers conjugate addition. Alkylation of the resulting magnesiated nitrile with alkyl halide and carbonyl electrophiles efficiently installs two new bonds and up to three stereocenters in a single synthetic operation.     

Alkynenitriles: stereoselective chelation controlled conjugate addition-alkylations

Chelation-controlled conjugate addition of Grignard reagents to γ-hydroxyalkynenitriles stereoselectively generates tri- and tetra-substituted alkenenitriles. t-BuMgCl-initiated deprotonation of hydroxyalkynenitriles followed by addition of a second Grignard reagents triggers a facile conjugate addition leading to a cyclic magnesium chelate. Protonation of the chelate stereoselectively generates trisubstituted nitriles whereas the addition of t-BuLi causes conversion to an ‘ate’ complex that allows alkylation with aldehyde electrophiles. The chelation-controlled conjugate addition-alkylation generates tri- and tetra-substituted alkenenitriles that are otherwise difficult to synthesize.