Amidate complexes of titanium and zirconium: a new class of tunable precatalysts for the hydroamination of alkynes

A series of bis(amidate)group 4-bis(amido) complexes have been prepared, characterized and have been shown to be highly tunable precatalysts for both the intra- and intermolecular hydroamination of alkynes.     

Yttrium (amidate) complexes for catalytic C-N bond formation. Rapid, room temperature amidation of aldehydes

Yttrium (amidate) precatalysts are highly active for the mild amidation of aldehydes with amines. Reactions occur at room temperature within 5 min in up to 98% isolated yield. These rare-earth systems are effective for this transformation in the absence of supplementary heat, light, base, or oxidants. The reaction proceeds with functionalized amines and/or aldehydes. A comparison of various amidate precatalysts in combination with reaction monitoring suggests that the targeted amide products formed during the reaction promote the formation of alternative catalytically active amidate species in situ.     

Intermolecular hydroamination of oxygen-substituted allenes. New routes for the synthesis of N,O-chelated zirconium and titanium amido complexes

Intermolecular hydroamination of heteroatom-substituted allenes with a bulky arylamine was carried out using a bis(amidate) bis(amido) titanium(IV) complex (1) as a precatalyst. The reaction of 2,6-dimethylaniline with oxygen-substituted allene 2c or 2d in the presence of complex 1 gives the ketimine regioisomer as the exclusive product. Reduction of such ketimine products resulted in the formation of amino ethers that were further employed as proligands for the formation of N,O-chelating five-membered titana- and zirconacycles. Such sterically demanding N,O-chelating ligands result in the high-yielding preparation of mono-ligated products. Solid-state molecular structures of all the complexes revealed distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry about the metal centers, with a dative bond between the metal and the oxygen donor atom. These new complexes obtained using hydroamination as the key-step in ligand preparation were also shown to be useful cyclohydroamination precatalysts in their own right.     

Structure, bonding, and reactivity of Ti and Zr amidate complexes: DFT and X-ray crystallographic studies

Easily prepared and highly modular organic amide proligands have been used to synthesize a series of new bis(amidate)-bis(amido) Ti and Zr complexes via protonolysis. These complexes have been structurally characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The solid-state molecular structures of these complexes indicate that the amidate ligands bind to the metal centers in an exclusively bidentate fashion, resulting in discrete monomeric species. Geometric isomerism in these species is highly dependent upon the steric characteristics of the proligands utilized in the synthesis. In solution, these complexes are observed to isomerize on the NMR time scale, with one isomer being predominant. Bonding in the bis(amidate)-bis(amido) complexes was investigated by DFT calculations. The geometric isomers predicted by theory matched the experimentally observed results, within experimental error. The orbitals associated with amidate-metal bonding are energetically well below the frontier orbitals. The HOMO in these complexes is a pi orbital associated with amido ligand-to-metal bonding character, while the LUMO in all cases is a vacant d orbital on the metal center.     

Homoleptic lanthanide amides as homogeneous catalysts for alkyne hydroamination and the Tishchenko reaction

The homoleptic bis(trimethylsilyl)amides of Group 3 metals and lanthanides of the general type [Ln[N(SiMe3)2]3] (1) (Ln=Y, lanthanide) represent a new class of Tishchenko precatalysts and, to a limited extent, precatalysts for the hydroamination/cyclization of aminoalkynes. It is shown that 1 is the most active catalyst for the Tishchenko reaction. This contribution presents investigations on the scope of the reaction, substrate selectivity, lanthanide-ion size-effect, and kinetic/mechanistic aspects of the Tishchenko reaction catalyzed by 1. The turnover frequency is increased by the use of large-center metals and electron-withdrawing substrates. The reaction rate is second order with respect to the substrate. While donor atoms, such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, on the substrate decrease the turnover frequency, 1 shows a tolerance for a large number of functional groups. For the hydroamination/cyclization of aminoalkynes, 1 is less active than the well-known metallocene catalysts. On the other hand, 1 is much more readily accessible (one-step synthesis or commercially available), than the metallocenes and might therefore be an attractive alternative catalyst.     

Amidate ligand design effects in zirconium-catalyzed enantioselective hydroamination of aminoalkenes

In situ generated axially chiral zirconium biphenyl amidate complexes are efficient precatalysts for the enantioselective intramolecular hydroamination of aminoalkenes, generating α-substituted pyrrolidines and piperidine with up to 74% ee. Five new chelating amide proligands and three new zirconium amidate complexes have been prepared and fully characterized in this investigation of ligand structure/catalyst function. Solid-state molecular structures of the complexes suggest that the observed moderate and highly variable enantioselectivities are a consequence of the multiple isomers accessible to this family of complexes, including a κ²-(O,O)-bonding motif. Thermal stability studies of the complexes further revealed the tendency of these complexes to undergo diastereoselective dimerization to afford homochiral dimers. These dimeric precatalysts are less efficient when used for the cyclization of aminoalkenes in comparison to their monomeric precursors. These results illustrate the variable coordination modes accessible to amidate ligands and suggest steric factors that must be considered in advanced ligand design.     

Trifluorosulfonylation Cascade in Allenols: Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Bis(triflyl)enones

Herein, we report investigations embodying the first example of reversal of the native regioselectivity in the reaction of allenols with electrophiles. The effortlessness of C−C bond formation, mild reaction conditions, neither catalysts nor light irradiation, and exquisite selectivity, both in terms of functional-group tolerance and chemo-, site-, and stereo-selectivity, converts this trifluorosulfonylation-rearrangement sequence into an appealing protocol for the preparation of novel functionalized enones. The synthetic utility of this method has been validated by the conversion of the initially prepared bis(triflyl)enones into a variety of bis(triflyl)-functionalized molecules such as 1,3-dienes, allylic alcohols, pyrroles, pyrazoles, and chromenes. Besides, DFT calculations have provided a reliable understanding of observed selectivity.     

Cu(I)/bis(azaferrocene)-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of beta-lactams via couplings of alkynes with nitrones

As a consequence of the wide-ranging significance of beta-lactams (e.g., use as drugs and as chiral building blocks), a great deal of effort has been dedicated to the development of methods for their stereoselective synthesis. Although considerable progress has been achieved, nearly all of the approaches that have been described are based on the use of chiral precursors; direct catalytic enantioselective routes to beta-lactams are rare as well as limited in scope. In this communication, we establish that, using a new C2-symmetric planar-chiral bis(azaferrocene) ligand, we can generate beta-lactams with very good enantiomeric excess and cis diastereoselection via catalytic enantioselective Kinugasa reactions (couplings of alkynes with nitrones). Appealing attributes of this process include the ready availability of the starting materials, the functional-group tolerance of the reaction, and the convergency of the approach.     

Photochemical Alkene Isomerization for the Synthesis of Polysubstituted Furans and Pyrroles under Neutral Conditions

A photochemical approach to polysubstituted heterocycles using UV-induced alkene isomerization is described. The method allows for the synthesis of disubstituted furans and pyrroles under mild and neutral conditions and also provides access to a class of trisubstituted furans pertinent to natural-product synthesis. The method has broad functional-group tolerance and many richly decorated heterocycles have been prepared incorporating functional groups that are unstable under Brønsted and Lewis acidic conditions.     

Photocatalytic Modification of Amino Acids,Peptides, and Proteins

In the last decade, visible-light photoredox catalysis has emerged as a powerful strategy to enable novel transformations in organic synthesis. Owing to mild reaction conditions (i.e., room temperature, use of visible light) and high functional-group tolerance, photoredox catalysis could represent an ideal strategy for chemoselective biomolecule modification. Indeed, a recent trend in photoredox catalysis is its application to the development of novel methodologies for amino acid modification. Herein, an up-to-date overview of photocatalytic methodologies for the modification of single amino acids, peptides, and proteins is provided. The advantages offered by photoredox catalysis and its suitability in the development of novel biocompatible methodologies are described. In addition, a brief consideration of the current limitations of photocatalytic approaches, as well as future challenges to be addressed, are discussed.     

Tandem Sulfonylation/Cyclization of Vinyl Azides with Aryldiazonium Tetrafluoroborates and SO2

An efficient and facile strategy for the synthesis of 6-(sulfonylmethyl)phenanthridines and its derivatives has been developed via tandem sulfonylation cyclization of vinyl azides under mild conditions in the absence of any catalysts and additives. The reaction simply utilizes easily accessible and cheap K₂S₂O₅ as the sulfur dioxide source, delivering functionalized phenanthridines in moderate to excellent yields with operational simplicity and gram-scale synthesis, as well as good functional-group tolerance.     

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Intramolecular Annulation through CH Activation: Total Synthesis of (±)-Antofine, (±)-Septicine, (±)-Tylophorine, and Rosettacin

Annulation: The efficient synthesis of 3-hydroxyalkyl isoquinolones and 6-hydroxyalkyl 2-pyridones is enabled through the intramolecular annulation of alkyne-tethered hydroxamic esters (see scheme, Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl). The reaction features high regioselectivity, broad substrate scope, and excellent functional-group tolerance, proceeds under mild reaction conditions with low catalyst loading, and obviates the need for an external oxidant.     

A Scalable Metal-, Azide-, and Halogen-Free Method for the Preparation of Triazoles

A scalable metal-, azide-, and halogen-free method for the synthesis of substituted 1,2,3-triazoles has been developed. The reaction proceeds through a 3-component coupling of α-ketoacetals, tosyl hydrazide, and a primary amine. The reaction shows outstanding functional-group tolerance with respect to both the α-ketoacetal and amine coupling partners, providing access to 4-, 1,4-, 1,5-, and 1,4,5-substituted triazoles in excellent yield. This robust method results in densely functionalised 1,2,3-triazoles that remain challenging to prepare by azide–alkyne cycloaddition (AAC, CuAAC, RuAAC) methods and can be scaled in either batch or flow reactors. Methods for the chemoselective reaction of either aliphatic amines or anilines are also described, revealing some of the potential of this novel and highly versatile transformation.     

A General Regioselective Synthesis of Alcohols by Cobalt-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Epoxides

A straightforward methodology for the synthesis of anti-Markovnikov-type alcohols is presented. By using a specific cobalt triphos complex in the presence of Zn(OTf)₂ as an additive, the hydrogenation of epoxides proceeds with high yields and selectivities. The described protocol shows a broad substrate scope, including multi-substituted internal and terminal epoxides, as well as a good functional-group tolerance. Various natural-product derivatives, including steroids, terpenoids, and sesquiterpenoids, gave access to the corresponding alcohols in moderate-to-excellent yields.     

Fluoroform-derived CuCF3 for low-cost, simple, efficient, and safe trifluoromethylation of aryl boronic acids in air

Easy does it: Aryl boronic acids undergo smooth and selective trifluoromethylation with low-cost fluoroform-derived CuCF(3) in DMF in non-dried air. The reaction occurs under mild conditions (1?atm, room temperature), exhibits unprecedented functional-group tolerance, and affords trifluoromethylated aromatic compounds in up to 99?% yield.     

Stereoselective Electro-2-deoxyglycosylation from Glycals

We report a novel and highly stereoselective electro-2-deoxyglycosylation from glycals. This method features excellent stereoselectivity, scope, and functional-group tolerance. This process can also be applied to the modification of a wide range of natural products and drugs. Furthermore, a scalable synthesis of glycosylated podophyllotoxin and a one-pot trisaccharide synthesis through iterative electroglycosylations were achieved.     

Cu(OAc)2-catalyzed direct radical C2 arylation of quinoline N-oxide with arylamines

A Cu(OAc)₂-catalyzed synthesis of 2-arylquinoline N-oxides with easily available arylamines is described. The main features of this reaction are mild reaction conditions, high functional-group tolerance, excellent regioselectivity, and good to excellent yields. This procedure is mild, operationally simple, and constitutes a greener approach to the arylation of quinoline N-oxides.     

Room-temperature Hiyama cross-couplings of arylsilanes with alkyl bromides and iodides

The first method for achieving Hiyama couplings of unactivated alkyl bromides and iodides is reported. The desired carbon-carbon bond formation proceeds under mild conditions (room temperature) with good functional-group tolerance.     

Hydride Transfer Enables the Nickel-Catalyzed ipso-Borylation and Silylation of Aldehydes

Nickel-catalyzed ipso-borylations and silylations of aldehydes are described for the first time. The new functional-group interconversion protocol is characterized by its scalability, functional-group tolerance and wide substrate scope, including examples of late-stage functionalization of complex molecules. The key for the successful reaction outcome is the use of a ketone as a hydride acceptor that intercepts the nickel hydride to undergo a reductive pathway, thus allowing formation of the desired C−B and C−Si bonds.     

Orthogonal Stability and Reactivity of Aryl Germanes Enables Rapid and Selective (Multi)Halogenations

While halogenation is of key importance in synthesis and radioimaging, the currently available repertoire is largely designed to introduce a single halogen per molecule. This report makes the selective introduction of several different halogens accessible. Showcased here is the privileged stability of nontoxic aryl germanes under harsh fluorination conditions (that allow selective fluorination in their presence), while displaying superior reactivity and functional-group tolerance in electrophilic iodinations and brominations, outcompeting silanes or boronic esters under rapid and additive-free conditions. Mechanistic experiments and computational studies suggest a concerted electrophilic aromatic substitution as the underlying mechanism.