Recent advances in radical-mediated fluorination through C–H and C–C bond cleavage

The C–H and C–C bonds are abundant in organic compounds, yet generally inert in chemical transformations. Therefore, direct functionalization of inert chemical bonds remains challenging. The fluorine-containing compounds are of special interest for their uses in medicinal chemistry. Direct fluorination of C–H and C–C bonds undoubtedly represents one of the most ideal and attractive approaches to incorporate fluorine atom into complex molecules. Herein, we summarize the recent advances in radical-mediated C–H and C–C bond fluorination. Three types of transformations are discussed: (1) direct C–H abstraction/fluorination of alkanes; (2) decarboxylative fluorination of alkyl carboxylic acids; (3) ring-opening fluorination.     

Carbon–hydrogen (C–H) bond activation at PdIV: a Frontier in C–H functionalization catalysis

The direct functionalization of carbon–hydrogen (C–H) bonds has emerged as a versatile strategy for the synthesis and derivatization of organic molecules. Among the methods for C–H bond activation, catalytic processes that utilize a Pd^II/Pd^IV redox cycle are increasingly common. The C–H activation step in most of these catalytic cycles is thought to occur at a Pd^II centre. However, a number of recent reports have suggested the feasibility of C–H cleavage occurring at Pd^IV complexes. Importantly, these latter processes often result in complementary reactivity and selectivity relative to analogous transformations at Pd^II. This mini review highlights proposed examples of C–H activation at Pd^IV centres. Applications of this transformation in catalysis as well as mechanistic details obtained from stoichiometric model studies are discussed. Furthermore, challenges and future perspectives for the field are reviewed.     

Hydrocarbons as proton donors in C–H⋯N and C–H⋯S hydrogen bonds

C–H?N and C–H?S hydrogen bonds were analyzed in complexes where acetylene, ethylene, methane and their derivatives are proton donors while ammonia and hydrogen sulfide are proton acceptors. Ab initio calculations were performed to analyze those interactions; MP2 method was applied and the following basis sets were used: 6-311++G(d,p), aug-cc-pVDZ and aug-cc-pVTZ. The results showed that hydrogen bonds for complexes with ammonia are systematically stronger than such interactions in complexes with hydrogen sulfide. If the fluorine substituted hydrocarbons are considered then F-substituents enhance the strength of hydrogen bonding. For a few complexes, mainly those where carbon atom in proton donating C–H bond possesses sp³ hybridization, the blue-shifting hydrogen bonds were detected. Additionally, Quantum Theory of ‘Atoms in Molecules’ and Natural Bond Orbitals method were applied to analyze H-bond interactions.     

Critical temperatures,pressures, and densities for the mixtures CO2–C3H8, CO2–nC4H10, C2H6–C3H8, and C3H8–nC4H10

A simple method is developed to estimate mixture critical temperatures (T_c), pressures (P_c), and densities (ρ_c) as a function of overall composition (X) from near critical region experimental coexistence data. This three-step method is applied to four mixtures, CO₂–C₃H₈, CO₂–nC₄H₁₀, C₂H₆–C₃H₈, and C₃H₈–nC₄H₁₀. Isothermal liquid–vapor coexistence data, which includes temperature, vapor pressure, coexisting densities (ρ^ℓ and ρ^v), and coexisting compositions for the more volatile component (x₁^v and x₁^ℓ) are used. In the first step, the difference of the saturated liquid and vapor densities (ρ^ℓ−ρ^v) is fitted to an empirical function in ((P_c−P)/P_c) to obtain P_c. Then P/P_c and ((ρ^ℓ+ρ^v)/2ρ_c) are simultaneously fitted to functions of a polynomial in (X₁−(x₁^v+x₁^ℓ)/2) yielding estimates of ρ_c and X₁. Finally, the discrete estimated critical data points are fitted with an equation to provide a continuous representation of the critical lines. The method is successfully tested for the mixtures, CO₂–C₃H₈ and CO₂–nC₄H₁₀, for which there is a reasonable amount of isothermal data. The procedure is then applied to the mixtures, C₂H₆–C₃H₈ and C₃H₈–nC₄H₁₀, for which there are sparse data. For all four mixtures, the critical temperature line, T_c vs. X₁, matches literature values within ±0.5%. The critical pressure line, P_c vs. X₁, and critical density line, ρ_c vs. X₁, match literature values, in general, within ±2%.     

FTIR study of the sol–gel synthesis of cementitious gels: C–S–H and N–A–S–H

The study explored the compatibility between the main product of Portland cement hydration and the main product of the alkali activation of fly ash: C–S–H and N–A–S–H gels, respectively. Both gels were synthesized with laboratory reagents at different pH values. Blends of the two were synthesized as well, using the sol–gel procedure. All the gels were characterized with Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR). The gels synthesized with this procedure were shown to precipitate together with a silica-rich gel. In addition, the pH level was found to play a determinant role in both C–S–H and N–A–S–H gel synthesis. The C–S–H gel is the major phase formed at pH > 11 and N–A–S–H gel for pH > 12. The results relating to the joint synthesis of the two (C–S–H and N–A–S–H) gels were not conclusive. Technique used for the characterization failed to differentiate between them in the blended material.

Recent advances in mechanochemical C–H functionalization reactions

The mechanochemical synthesis has provided a greener alternative to solution-based approaches by eliminating the use of organic solvents and reducing the energy consumption. The C–H functionalization is among the most concise and economical synthetic strategies. The combination of the benefits from these two methods provides new opportunities to further increase the efficiency and sustainability of organic synthesis. In this digest, we aim to provide a brief overview of the recent advances in mechanochemical C–H functionalization reactions.     

Recent strategic advances for the activation of benzylic C–H bonds for the formation of C–C bonds

Alkylarenes, obtained from abundant hydrocarbon feedstock sources, are an attractive starting material for the formation of complex molecular architectures. Conventional activation strategies of the relatively inert sp³-hybridized benzylic C–H bonds usually require relatively harsh conditions and are difficult to apply to the synthesis of fine chemicals. The present review describes recent strategic advances for the activation of benzylic C–H bonds for the catalytic formation of C–C bonds. In particular, two activation methods, i.e., strategies that generate benzylic radicals or benzyl anions, are discussed.     

Interaction parameters and (solid + liquid) equilibria calculation for KCl–H2O–HCl–C2H5OH,K2SO4–H2O–H2SO4 and K2SO4–H2O–C2H5OH mixed solvent-electrolyte systems

This work deals with the prediction and experimental measurements of the (solid + liquid) equilibrium (SLE) in acid medium for industrial purposes. Specific systems including KCl–ethanol–water–HCl and K₂SO₄–water–H₂SO₄ were analyzed. At first, a critical discussion of SLE calculations was given, based on the well-known UNIQUAC extended and LIQUAC models. Two new proposals were derived, considering the explicit necessity of a new reference state for SLE calculations for the studied (solvents + acid) mixtures. The solubility of KCl in water–ethanol–HCl mixed solvents was measured in the temperature range of 300.15 to 315.15 K using an analytical gravimetric method. These results combined with some other experimental data reported in the open literature let us to propose a set of parameters for the new models. They included the interaction parameters between ethanol and the H⁺ ion. The prediction capability of the new models, for calculations in acid medium, was illustrated. Experimentally, it was observed that the (K₂SO₄ + water + H₂SO₄) system presented the unusual behavior of increasing K₂SO₄ solubility with an increase in the sulfuric acid concentration. This was accurately predicted by the newly proposed models.     

Exploring the C–H…O Interactions in Glycoproteins

Glycoproteins are an important class of proteins that play a significant role in many cellular events. In the present study, we analyze the influence of C–H…O interactions in relation to other environmental preferences in glycoproteins. CH…O interactions are now accepted as a genuine hydrogen bond. Main chain–main chain interactions are predominant. Proline residues stabilize strands by C–H…O interactions in glycoproteins. Majority of the C–H…O interacting residues were conserved and had one or more stabilization centers. CH…O interactions might be responsible for the global conformational stability, since long-range CH…O contacts were predominant. The results presented in this study might be useful for structural stability studies in glycoproteins.     

When C–H bond functionalization meets visible-light photoredox catalysis

In recent years, visible-light-mediated C–H bond functionalization has become an emerging field at the forefront of organic synthesis. It is of considerable interest to academic and industrial chemists owing to the atom/step economical features as well as the overall sustainability. In this Letter, we mainly discussed the recent typical examples in sp² and sp³ C–H bond functionalization by means of visible-light photoredox catalysis.     

Palladium-catalyzed ortho-selective C–H bond chlorination of aromatic ketones

A palladium-catalyzed ortho-selective C–H bond chlorination reaction for the preparation of 2-chloro aromatic ketones was described. Both electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups on the aromatic rings are well tolerated under the optimized conditions. The 2-chloro aromatic ketones obtained by our method could be applied to synthesize the derivatives of 1H-indazole or benzo[d]isoxazole.     

Oxygen as an oxidant in rhodium(III) catalyzed oxidative C–H/C–H cross-coupling between indoles and oxazoles

A Rh(III)-catalyzed oxidative C–H/C–H cross-coupling between indoles and oxazoles with molecular oxygen as an oxidant has been developed to construct a variety of 2-(indol-2-yl)oxazoles. The chelation-assisted strategy endows this catalytic system with an excellent C2-site selectivity by introducing a pyrimidyl directing group. In addition, polycyclic pyridinium salts are also obtained via Rh(III)-catalyzed C–H activation/cyclization of 2-(indol-2-yl)oxazoles with alkynes.     

Redox-neutral C–H cyanation of tetrahydroisoquinolines under photoredox catalysis

Redox-neutral cyanation of C–H bond adjacent to a nitrogen atom was achieved by using the combination of a photoredox catalyst and p-toluenesulfonyl cyanide. The reaction of tetrahydroisoquinolines proceeded smoothly, affording the corresponding cyanated products selectively in good to high yield. Although the reaction rate became slower in the case of the substrates having electron-withdrawing groups, high yields were achieved by elongating the reaction time. Although the yields were only moderate, the reaction conditions were also applicable to N,N-dialkylanilines.     

Activation of propane C–H and C–C bonds by a diplatinum cluster: potential energy surfaces and reaction mechanisms

The activation mechanism of C₃H₈ catalyzed by the homonuclear bimetallic Pt₂ cluster has been detailedly explored on the singlet and triplet potential energy surfaces at BPW91/aug-cc-pvtz, Lanl2tz level. The C–H bond cleavage channel (dehydrogenation and the release of propylene) is kinetically predominant, whereas the C–C bond cleavage channel (demethanation and the release of ethane) should be ruled out. Furthermore, the release of propylene channel is kinetically favorable, while the dehydrogenation channel is thermodynamically preferable. Besides, both the C–H cleavage intermediate (Pt₂H₂C₃H₆b) and the C–C cleavage intermediates (CH₃HPt₂CHCH₃ and CH₃PtPtHC₂H₄) are thermodynamically preferred. The C–H cleavage intermediate (Pt₂H₂C₃H₆b) is kinetically favored, while the C–C cleavage intermediates (CH₃HPt₂CHCH₃ and CH₃PtPtHC₂H₄) are kinetically hindered. The homonuclear bimetallic Pt₂ cluster toward propane exhibits higher reactivity than the Pt atom, which is in good agreement with the experimental observation.     

Selective nickel-electrocatalyzed benzylic C–H oxygenation of functionalized alkyl arenes

Herein, a site-selective paired electrochemical C–H oxidation of functionalized alkyl arenes promoted by nickel catalyst is disclosed. A Ni(Ⅱ)-dioxygen species formed in situ efficiently enable the oxidation process under mild conditions with a broad substrate scope with excellent functional group compatibilities,such as free carboxylic acid, aldehyde, halogen(including aryl iodide), amide and amino acid. The use of the nickel catalyst in combination with water provides a safe, green and economi...     

Catalytic borylation of o-xylene and heteroarenes via C–H activation

Iridium and rhodium complexes catalyze the borylation of xylene and different heteroarenes using pinacolborane via C–H activation. Various five-membered heterocycles such as thiophene, pyrrole, thionaphthene, and indole derivatives yield the borylated products in moderate to good yields. In general, the reactions proceed with high selectivity to give borylation ortho to the heteroatom.     

光/电化学氧化诱导C–H键官能团化

C–H键活化及其官能团化一直被认为是合成化学的圣杯,光/电氧化诱导C–H键官能团化反应为追求更为绿色、原子经济性、步骤经济性更高的现代合成化学提供了新思路.我们借助可见光或电化学氧化诱导策略实现了直接C–H键官能团化,即底物无需预官能团化,无需外加氧化剂,可直接实现碳–碳以及碳–杂键的构建.通过光/电化学氧化诱导策略使得反应在更为温和的条件下进行,能够兼容更多官能团,并且为合成化学提供一条新的途径.近些年,该策略已经应用于不同化学环境C–H官能团化构建多种化学键.本文结合该领域的代表性工作,重点介绍本课题组近些年在光/电氧化诱导C–H键官能团化反应上的研究进展,并对这一领域的前景进行了展望.     

Oxidation-induced ortho-selective C–H bond functionalization of 2-naphthylamine derivative

Selective C–H bond functionalization has been emerged as a versatile strategy for the construction of new chemical bonds. In the past decades, the directing group(DG)-assisted C–H bond activation has been developed as one of the most efficient methods for selective C–H functionalization. Although a great progress has been made by utilizing this traditional method, developing new strategy for selective C–H bond functionalization is still highly demanded. Hence, a novel oxidation-induced C–H bond functionalization method was demonstrated in this work. By this new method, ortho-C(sp2)–H chlorination of N-substituted 2-naphthylamine was realized in a highly selective manner.     

Synthesis of PhTAD-substituted dihydropyrrole derivatives via stereospecific C–H amination

Research on Chemical Intermediates - Stereospecific α-amination has been accomplished via addition of N-phenyltriazolinedione (PhTAD) to the allylic position of dihydropyrroles. The aim of...     

Importance of aliphatic C–H hydrogen bonding on anion recognition

We have designed and synthesised new anion receptors 1 and 2, both of their C–H groups were at the α positions to carbonyl groups and further polarised by the attached polarising substituents. This enabled us to study hydrogen bonding donor ability of C–H bonds. The polarising substituents are electron withdrawing cyano group for host 1, while charged pyridinium group for host 2. As expected from charge effects, host 2 shows roughly an order of magnitude higher binding constants against various anion guests than those of receptor 1. Since the magnitude of polarisation change should be greatest for C–H group among various hydrogen bonding groups, this indicates the importance of C–H hydrogen bonding. In contrast, the relative order of binding constants was the same for both host 1 and 2. The order of association constants was found to be (CH₃)₂POO^? > CH₃COO^? > C₆H₅COO^? > Cl^? > Br^?. DFT calculation results were in good agreement with experimental binding constants and confirmed the importance of charged group substitution. In addition, receptor 1 showed the highest association constant for dimethyl phosphinate, which is implicated in many metabolic diseases.