Cyclic Alkenylsulfonyl Fluorides: Palladium‐Catalyzed Synthesis and Functionalization of Compact Multifunctional Reagents

A series of low‐molecular‐weight, compact, and multifunctional cyclic alkenylsulfonyl fluorides were efficiently prepared from the corresponding alkenyl triflates. Palladium‐catalyzed sulfur dioxide insertion using the surrogate reagent DABSO effects sulfinate formation, before trapping with an F electrophile delivers the sulfonyl fluorides. A broad range of functional groups are tolerated, and a correspondingly large collection of derivatization reactions are possible on the products, including substitution at sulfur, conjugate addition, and N‐functionalization. Together, these attributes suggest that this method could find new applications in chemical biology.     

Nitrosoarenes as Nitrogen Source for Generation of Sulfonamides with the Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide under Metal‐Free Conditions†

A metal‐free reaction of nitrosoarenes, aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, and sulfur dioxide under mild conditions is developed, giving rise to sulfonamides in moderate to good yields. This transformation proceeds efficiently at room temperature in the presence of cyclohexa‐1,4‐diene with a broad reaction scope. Good functional group compatibility is observed, including cyano, halo, and ester. A plausible mechanism involving a radical process with the insertion of sulfur dioxide is proposed, and cyclohexa‐1,4‐diene serves as the reductant during the transformation.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed N‐Arylation of Iminodibenzyls and Iminostilbenes with Aryl‐ and Heteroaryl Halides

Compounds containing the iminodibenzyl and iminostilbene ring systems are prevalent in medicinal targets and functional materials. Herein, we report palladium‐catalyzed conditions for the N‐arylation of these ring systems. This protocol could be applied to a variety of (hetero)aryl chloride and bromide substrates, including ones, which are sterically hindered or those containing a variety of functional groups. Use of the fourth‐generation palladacycle precatalyst gave good to excellent yields by using low palladium‐catalyst loadings (0.1 to 1 mol %).     

Organophosphorus‐Catalyzed Deoxygenation of Sulfonyl Chlorides: Electrophilic (Fluoroalkyl)sulfenylation by PIII/PV=O Redox Cycling

A method for electrophilic sulfenylation by organophosphorus‐catalyzed deoxygenative O‐atom transfer from sulfonyl chlorides is reported. This C?S bond‐forming reaction is catalyzed by a readily available small‐ring phosphine (phosphetane) in conjunction with a hydrosilane terminal reductant to afford a general entry to sulfenyl electrophiles, including valuable trifluoromethyl, perfluoroalkyl, and heteroaryl derivatives that are otherwise difficult to access. Mechanistic investigations indicate that the twofold deoxygenation of the sulfonyl substrate proceeds by the intervention of an off‐cycle resting state thiophosphonium ion. The catalytic method represents an operationally simple protocol using a stable phosphine oxide as a precatalyst and exhibits broad functional‐group tolerance.     

Aerobic Palladium‐Catalyzed Dioxygenation of Alkenes Enabled by Catalytic Nitrite

Catalytic nitrite was found to enable carbon–oxygen bond‐forming reductive elimination from unstable alkyl palladium intermediates, providing dioxygenated products from alkenes. A variety of functional groups were tolerated, and high yields (up to 94 %) were observed with many substrates, also for a multigram‐scale reaction. Nitrogen dioxide, which could form from nitrite under the reaction conditions, was demonstrated to be a potential intermediate in the catalytic cycle. Furthermore, the reductive elimination event was probed with ¹⁸O‐labeling experiments, which demonstrated that both oxygen atoms in the difunctionalized products were derived from one molecule of acetic acid.     

Desulfinative palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of arylsulfonyl hydrazides with aryl bromides under air

A highly efficient and mild palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of arylsulfonyl hydrazides and aryl bromides for the selective synthesis of unsymmetrical biaryls has been developed. This methodology has the advantages of easily accessible starting materials, functional group tolerance and a wide range of substrates, which provide rapid access to biaryls derivatives. In this protocol, abundant and stable aryl bromides serve as the aryl sources by coupling reaction of the aryl group generated from arylsulfonyl hydrazides via in situ release of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide. No external oxidants or acids are needed for this kind of transformation.     

Sulfonylation from sodium dithionite or thiourea dioxide

The cheap and easily available sodium dithionite and thiourea dioxide have been used as the source of sulfonyl group in the synthesis of sulfones and sulfonamides recently.Compared with other methods for the sulfonylation reactions,the strategies using sodium dithionite or thiourea dioxide provide an alternative and complementary route to diverse sulfonyl compounds.During the reaction process,sulfur dioxide anion radical is the key intermediate,which is usually generated from a single electron transfer under suitable conditions.The advantages using sodium dithionite or thiourea dioxide in the sulfonylation reactions include mild conditions and broad substrate scope with excellent functional group compatibility.Further applications by using sodium dithionite and thiourea dioxide in organic transformations will be anticipated.     

Selective Palladium‐Catalyzed Allenic C−H Bond Oxidation for the Synthesis of [3]Dendralenes

A highly selective palladium‐catalyzed allenic C−H bond oxidation was developed, and it provides a novel and straightforward synthesis of [3]dendralene derivatives. A variety of [3]dendralenes with diverse substitution patterns are accessible with good efficiency and high stereoselectivity. The reaction tolerates a broad substrate scope containing various functional groups on the allene moiety, including ketone, aldehyde, ester, and phenyl groups. Also, a wide range of olefins with both electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing aryls, acrylate, sulfone, and phosphonate groups are tolerated.     

Photoredox‐Catalyzed Functionalization of Alkenes with Thiourea Dioxide: Construction of Alkyl Sulfones or Sulfonamides

Sulfonylation of alkenes through photoredox‐catalyzed functionalization of alkenes with thiourea dioxide under visible‐light irradiation is achieved. The reaction of alkenes, thiourea dioxide and electrophiles provides a green and efficient access to alkyl sulfones and sulfonamides. A broad reaction scope is presented with good functional group compatibility and excellent regioselectivity. A plausible mechanism involving a radical addition process with sulfur dioxide radical anion (SO₂^‐) derived from the oxidation of sulfur dioxide anion (SO₂^2–) is proposed, which is supported by fluorescence quenching experiments.     

Trifluoroacetic Anhydride Promoted Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Interrupted Click Reaction: From 1,2,3‐Triazoles to 3‐Trifluoromethyl‐Substituted 1,2,4‐Triazinones

A copper(I)‐catalyzed interrupted click reaction in the presence of trifluoroacetic anhydride has been developed, wherein an N‐trifluoroacetyl group is used to accelerate the ring‐opening of the putative 5‐copper(I) triazolide intermediate. Under the optimized reaction conditions, a broad range of azides and alkynes were found to participate in this transformation, thus affording 3‐trifluoromethyl‐substituted 1,2,4‐triazinones in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction has proven to be compatible with a variety of electron‐withdrawing and electron–donating groups, halogens, and nitrogen‐ and sulfur‐containing heterocycles, as well as pharmaceutically relevant molecules.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation of Aryl Iodides with Amides and N‐alkyl Anilines

A novel and efficient palladium‐catalyzed aminocarbonylation of aryl iodides with amides and N‐alkyl anilines has been developed. The reaction tolerates a wide range of functional groups and is a reliable method for the rapid synthesis of a variety of valuable imides and tertiary benzanilides under an atmospheric pressure of CO.     

Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Sulfinates from Boronic Acids and DABSO: A Redox‐Neutral,Phosphine‐Free Transformation

A redox‐neutral palladium(II)‐catalyzed conversion of aryl, heteroaryl, and alkenyl boronic acids into sulfinate intermediates, and onwards to sulfones and sulfonamides, has been realized. A simple Pd(OAc)₂ catalyst, in combination with the sulfur dioxide surrogate 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bis(sulfur dioxide) (DABSO), is sufficient to achieve rapid and high‐yielding conversion of the boronic acids into the corresponding sulfinates. Addition of C‐ or N‐based electrophiles then allows conversion into sulfones and sulfonamides, respectively, in a one‐pot, two‐step process.     

Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Sulfinates from Boronic Acids and DABSO: A Redox‐Neutral,Phosphine‐Free Transformation

A redox‐neutral palladium(II)‐catalyzed conversion of aryl, heteroaryl, and alkenyl boronic acids into sulfinate intermediates, and onwards to sulfones and sulfonamides, has been realized. A simple Pd(OAc)₂ catalyst, in combination with the sulfur dioxide surrogate 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bis(sulfur dioxide) (DABSO), is sufficient to achieve rapid and high‐yielding conversion of the boronic acids into the corresponding sulfinates. Addition of C‐ or N‐based electrophiles then allows conversion into sulfones and sulfonamides, respectively, in a one‐pot, two‐step process.     

Cesium carbonate‐catalyzed indium insertion into alkyl iodides and their synthetic utilities in cross‐coupling reactions

A catalytic amount of cesium carbonate (10 mol%) was found to be capable of effectively catalyzing the insertion of indium powder into alkyl iodides. The thus‐generated alkyl indium reagents could readily undergo palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions with a wide variety of aryl halides, showing compatibility to a range of important functional groups.     

Iron‐catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Propargyl Carboxylates and Grignard Reagents: Synthesis of Substituted Allenes

Presented herein is a mild, facile, and efficient iron‐catalyzed synthesis of substituted allenes from propargyl carboxylates and Grignard reagents. Only 1–5 mol % of the inexpensive and environmentally benign [Fe(acac)₃] at ?20 °C was sufficient to afford a broad range of substituted allenes in excellent yields. The method tolerates a variety of functional groups.     

Combining Organometallic Reagents,the Sulfur Dioxide Surrogate DABSO,and Amines: A One‐Pot Preparation of Sulfonamides,Amenable to Array Synthesis

We describe a method for the synthesis of sulfonamides through the combination of an organometallic reagent, a sulfur dioxide equivalent, and an aqueous solution of an amine under oxidative conditions (bleach). This simple reaction protocol avoids the need to employ sulfonyl chloride substrates, thus removing the limitation imposed by the commercial availability of these reagents. The resultant method allows access to new chemical space, and is also tolerant of the polar functional groups needed to impart favorable physiochemical properties required for medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry. The developed chemistry is employed in the synthesis of a targeted 70 compound array, prepared using automated methods. The array achieved a 93 % success rate for compounds prepared. Calculated molecular weights, lipophilicities, and polar surface areas are presented, demonstrating the utility of the method for delivering sulfonamides with drug‐like properties.     

Combining Organometallic Reagents,the Sulfur Dioxide Surrogate DABSO,and Amines: A One‐Pot Preparation of Sulfonamides,Amenable to Array Synthesis

We describe a method for the synthesis of sulfonamides through the combination of an organometallic reagent, a sulfur dioxide equivalent, and an aqueous solution of an amine under oxidative conditions (bleach). This simple reaction protocol avoids the need to employ sulfonyl chloride substrates, thus removing the limitation imposed by the commercial availability of these reagents. The resultant method allows access to new chemical space, and is also tolerant of the polar functional groups needed to impart favorable physiochemical properties required for medicinal chemistry and agrochemistry. The developed chemistry is employed in the synthesis of a targeted 70 compound array, prepared using automated methods. The array achieved a 93 % success rate for compounds prepared. Calculated molecular weights, lipophilicities, and polar surface areas are presented, demonstrating the utility of the method for delivering sulfonamides with drug‐like properties.     

Sulfur‐Limonene Polysulfide: A Material Synthesized Entirely from Industrial By‐Products and Its Use in Removing Toxic Metals from Water and Soil

A polysulfide material was synthesized by the direct reaction of sulfur and d ‐limonene, by‐products of the petroleum and citrus industries, respectively. The resulting material was processed into functional coatings or molded into solid devices for the removal of palladium and mercury salts from water and soil. The binding of mercury(II) to the sulfur‐limonene polysulfide resulted in a color change. These properties motivate application in next‐generation environmental remediation and mercury sensing.     

A Heck–Matsuda Process for the Synthesis of β‐Arylethenesulfonyl Fluorides: Selectively Addressable Bis‐electrophiles for SuFEx Click Chemistry

A Heck–Matsuda process for the synthesis of the otherwise difficult to access compounds, β‐arylethenesulfonyl fluorides, is described. Ethenesulfonyl fluoride (i.e., vinylsulfonyl fluoride, or ESF) undergoes β‐arylation with stable and readily prepared arenediazonium tetrafluoroborates in the presence of the catalyst palladium(II) acetate to afford the E‐isomer sulfonyl analogues of cinnamoyl fluoride in 43–97 % yield. The β‐arylethenesulfonyl fluorides are found to be selectively addressable bis‐electrophiles for sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) click chemistry, in which either the alkenyl moiety or the sulfonyl fluoride group can be the exclusive site of nucleophilic attack under defined conditions, making these rather simple cores attractive for covalent drug discovery.     

Reactions of 2‐Aryl‐1,3‐Dithianes and [1.1.1]Propellane

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) have sparked the interest of medicinal chemists due to their recent discovery as bioisosteres of aromatic rings. To study the biological activity of this relatively new class of bioisosteres, reliable methods to incorporate BCPs into target molecules are in high demand, as reflected by a flurry of methods for BCP synthesis in recent years. In this work, we disclose a general method for the synthesis of BCP‐containing dithianes which, upon deprotection, provide access to BCP analogues of medicinally abundant diarylketones. A broad scope of 2‐aryl‐1,3‐dithianes, including several heterocyclic derivatives, react with [1.1.1]propellane to afford 26 new derivatives in good to excellent yields. Further transformation of the dithiane portion into a variety of functional groups demonstrates the robustness of the products. A computational study indicates that the reaction of 2‐aryl‐1,3‐dithianes and [1.1.1]propellane proceeds via a two‐electron pathway.