Comparison of Iridium(I) Catalysts in Temperature Mediated Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Reactions

The reactivity and selectivity of iridium(I) catalysed hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) reactions can be varied by using wide range of reaction temperatures. Herein, we have done a detailed comparison study with common iridium(I) catalysts ( 1 – 6 ) which will help us to understand and optimize the approaches of either high selectivity or maximum deuterium incorporation. We have demonstrated that the temperature window for these studied iridium(I) catalysts is surprisingly very broad. This principle was further proven in some HIE reactions on complex drug molecules.     

Highly Selective Directed Iridium‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Reactions of Aliphatic Amides

For the first time, we describe highly selective homogeneous iridium‐catalyzed hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) of unactivated C(sp³) centers in aliphatic amides. When using the commercially available Kerr catalyst, the HIE with a series of common antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) linker side chains proceeds with high yields, high regioselectivity, and with deuterium incorporation up to 99 %. The method is fully translatable to the specific requirements of tritium chemistry and its effectiveness was demonstrated by direct tritium labelling of a maytansinoid. The scope of the method can be extended to simple amino acids, with high HIE activity observed for glycine and alanine. In di‐ and tripeptides, a very interesting protecting‐group‐dependent tunable selectivity was observed. DFT calculations gave insight into the energies of the transition states, thereby explaining the observed selectivity and the influence of the amino acid protecting groups.     

Photoredox-Mediated Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Reactions of Amino-Acids,Peptides, and Peptide-Derived Drugs

Hydrogen isotopically labelled compounds are essential diagnostic tools in drug research and development, as they provide vital information about the biological metabolism of drug candidates and their metabolites. Herein we report a photoredox-initiated hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) protocol which efficiently and selectively introduces deuterium or tritium at C(sp³)−H bonds, utilizing heavy water (D₂O or T₂O) as the hydrogen isotope source, and a guanidine base. This protocol has been successfully applied to the incorporation of deuterium in several amino acids (lysine, glycine and proline) and small peptides. Finally, the method has been applied to tritium, because tritium-labelled peptides are essential for application in biological experiments, such as ligand-binding assays, or absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies.     

NHC‐Stabilized Iridium Nanoparticles as Catalysts in Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Reactions of Anilines

The preparation of N‐heterocyclic carbene‐stabilized iridium nanoparticles and their application in hydrogen isotope exchange reactions is reported. These air‐stable and easy‐to‐handle iridium nanoparticles showed a unique catalytic activity, allowing selective and efficient hydrogen isotope incorporation on anilines using D₂ or T₂ as isotopic source. The usefulness of this transformation has been demonstrated by the deuterium and tritium labeling of diverse complex pharmaceuticals.     

Multiple Site Hydrogen Isotope Labelling of Pharmaceuticals

Radiolabelling is fundamental in drug discovery and development as it is mandatory for preclinical ADME studies and late-stage human clinical trials. Herein, a general, effective, and easy to implement method for the multiple site incorporation of deuterium and tritium atoms using the commercially available and air-stable iridium precatalyst [Ir(COD)(OMe)]₂ is described. A large scope of pharmaceutically relevant substructures can be labelled using this method including pyridine, pyrazine, indole, carbazole, aniline, oxa-/thia-zoles, thiophene, but also electron-rich phenyl groups. The high functional group tolerance of the reaction is highlighted by the labelling of a wide range of complex pharmaceuticals, containing notably halogen or sulfur atoms and nitrile groups. The multiple site hydrogen isotope incorporation has been explained by the in situ formation of complementary catalytically active species: monometallic iridium complexes and iridium nanoparticles.     

Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Catalyzed by Ru Nanocatalysts: Labelling of Complex Molecules Containing N-Heterocycles and Reaction Mechanism Insights

Ruthenium nanocatalysis can provide effective deuteration and tritiation of oxazole, imidazole, triazole and carbazole substructures in complex molecules using D₂ or T₂ gas as isotopic sources. Depending on the substructure considered, this approach does not only represent a significant step forward in practice, with notably higher isotope uptakes, a broader substrate scope and a higher solvent applicability compared to existing procedures, but also the unique way to label important heterocycles using hydrogen isotope exchange. In terms of applications, the high incorporation of deuterium atoms, allows the synthesis of internal standards for LC-MS quantification. Moreover, the efficacy of the catalyst permits, even under subatmospheric pressure of T₂ gas, the preparation of complex radiolabeled drugs owning high molar activities. From a fundamental point of view, a detailed DFT-based mechanistic study identifying undisclosed key intermediates, allowed a deeper understanding of C−H (and N−H) activation processes occurring at the surface of metallic nanoclusters.     

C−H Functionalization—Prediction of Selectivity in Iridium(I)‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Competition Reactions

An assessment of the C?H activation catalyst [(COD)Ir(IMes)(PPh₃)]PF₆ (COD=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, IMes=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene) in the deuteration of phenyl rings containing different functional directing groups is divulged. Competition experiments have revealed a clear order of the directing groups in the hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) with an iridium (I) catalyst. Through DFT calculations the iridium–substrate coordination complex has been identified to be the main trigger for reactivity and selectivity in the competition situation with two or more directing groups. We postulate that the competition concept found in this HIE reaction can be used to explain regioselectivities in other transition‐metal‐catalyzed functionalization reactions of complex drug‐type molecules as long as a C?H activation mechanism is involved.     

Hydrogen-Deuterium Isotope Exchange of Methane via Non-redox Palladium Catalysis

Under mild conditions, Pd(II) catalysts coordinated to tridentate NHC-amidate-ether ligand successfully activated the carbon-hydrogen bond to facilitate the hydrogen/deuterium isotope exchange on methane. The structural features and catalytic behavior suggested an intriguing non-redox catalytic system derived from the amidate nitrogen. As the amidate nitrogen acts as an internal base, the metal center was able to maintain the oxidation state throughout the reaction. Accordingly, the catalytic system demonstrated its reactivity and stability during the H/D exchange on methane resulting in a high degree of deuterium conversions (44 %) and turnover number (346) under low temperature conditions.     

Iridium-Catalyzed Formyl-Selective Deuteration of Aldehydes

We report the first direct catalytic method for formyl-selective deuterium labeling of aromatic aldehydes under mild conditions, using an iridium-based catalyst designed to favor formyl over aromatic C−H activation. A good range of aromatic aldehydes is selectively labeled, and a one-pot labeling/olefination method is also described. Computational studies support kinetic product control over competing aromatic labeling and decarbonylation pathways.     

C−H Functionalisation for Hydrogen Isotope Exchange

The various applications of hydrogen isotopes (deuterium, D, and tritium, T) in the physical and life sciences demand a range of methods for their installation in an array of molecular architectures. In this Review, we describe recent advances in synthetic C?H functionalisation for hydrogen isotope exchange.     

Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Reactions in an Electrical Discharge

Hydrogen isotope exchange reactions occurring in (H₂O, D₂)or (D₂O, H₂) reacting system under a DC electricaldischarge were investigated using spectroscopic methods such asFourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and plasma emission spectroscopy(PES). The progress of the reactions was determined by real-time measurementof the IR absorbance of HDO molecule, a major product of the reaction. Theprogress of the reaction was studied as a function of the temperature, thecurrent density, and the composition of the reactants, while the pressure ofthe system was maintained at approximately 67 mbar. The results revealedthat the discharge method was far more effective in facilating the exchangereaction than was the conventional catalytic method. The (H₂O, D₂)system also generated a significant amount of D₂O besides HDO andHD as the ratio of D₂ to H₂O was increased. Thetransient species of the system, such as H or D atoms, were monitored duringthe discharge using emission spectroscopy. The analysis of the final products by mass spectroscopy confirmed that neither H₂ nor O₂was among the major products of the system in the discharge.     

Cationic Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Decarbonylative Aryl Addition of Aromatic Aldehydes to Bicyclic Alkenes

We report an unprecedented catalytic protocol for the enantioselective decarbonylative transformation of aryl aldehydes. In this process, the decarbonylation of aldehydes catalyzed by chiral iridium complexes enabled the formation of asymmetric C−C bonds through the formation of an aryl−iridium intermediate. The decarbonylative aryl addition to bicyclic alkenes was fluidly performed without a stoichiometric aryl−metal reagent, such as aryl boronic acid, with a cationic iridium complex generated in situ from Ir(cod)₂(BAr^F₄) and the sulfur-linked bis(phosphoramidite) ligand ((R,R)-S−Me−BIPAM). This reaction has broad functional group compatibility, and no waste is generated, except carbon monoxide.     

Efficient Reduction of Esters to Aldehydes through Iridium-Catalyzed Hydrosilylation

Trumping DIBALH: A new method for reduction of esters to aldehydes through silyl acetal intermediates involves a single-step hydrosilylation catalyzed by a readily available iridium complex, [{Ir(coe)(2) Cl}(2) ] (see scheme; coe=cyclooctene). The low catalyst loading, mild reaction conditions, high conversions, and broad substrate scope make this method a superior alternative to ester reduction using DIBALH.     

A Vinyl Cyclopropane Ring Expansion and Iridium-Catalyzed Hydrogen Borrowing Cascade

A vinyl cyclopropane rearrangement embedded in an iridium-catalyzed hydrogen borrowing reaction enabled the formation of substituted stereo-defined cyclopentanes from Ph* methyl ketone and cyclopropyl alcohols. Mechanistic studies provide evidence for the ring-expansion reaction being the result of a cascade based on oxidation of the cyclopropyl alcohols, followed by aldol condensation with the pentamethyl phenyl-substituted ketone to form an enone containing the vinyl cyclopropane. Subsequent single electron transfer (SET) to this system initiates a rearrangement, and the catalytic cycle is completed by reduction of the new enone. This process allows for the efficient formation of diversely substituted cyclopentanes as well as the construction of complex bicyclic carbon skeletons containing up to four contiguous stereocentres, all with high diastereoselectivity.     

N-Boc-Amides in Cross-Coupling Reactions

Since 2015, the use of amides as electrophilic partners in cross-coupling reactions has experienced exponential growth. Diverse amide derivatives have been studied and among them N-Boc-amides have shown good activities towards various cross-coupling reactions and presents, in our view, an important synthetic usefulness. This review describes the recent developments of these chemical transformations involving N-Boc-amides.     

Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Reactions in an Atmospheric Pressure Discharge Utilizing Water as Carrier Gas

Allowing water/hydrogen or water/hydrogen/He gas mixture to flow through micro- hollow type of electrodes and applying 60 Hz AC power between the electrodes made it possible to sustain large area and atmospheric pressure discharge. The electrode assembly was constructed by sandwiching a dielectric spacer with two thin metal sheets and boring an array of micro holes through them. Another variation of the assembly was prepared by stacking thin metallic sheets so that the stack functions as an electrode through which the gas mixture flows for generating dielectric barrier discharge. A large volume of the gas mixture, while producing plasma, underwent instantaneous hydrogen isotope exchange reactions between H₂O and D₂O or between D₂O and H₂ gas molecules. The efficiency of the atmospheric pressure discharge was assessed by measuring the extent of the exchange reactions at a given flow rate of the gas mixture.     

Iridium(I)‐Catalyzed Regioselective CH Activation and Hydrogen‐Isotope Exchange of Non‐aromatic Unsaturated Functionality

Isotopic labelling is a key technology of increasing importance for the investigation of new C?H activation and functionalization techniques, as well as in the construction of labelled molecules for use within both organic synthesis and drug discovery. Herein, we report for the first time selective iridium‐catalyzed C?H activation and hydrogen‐isotope exchange at the β‐position of unsaturated organic compounds. The use of our highly active [Ir(cod)(IMes)(PPh₃)][PF₆] (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) catalyst, under mild reaction conditions, allows the regioselective β‐activation and labelling of a range of α,β‐unsaturated compounds with differing steric and electronic properties. This new process delivers high levels of isotope incorporation over short reaction times by using low levels of catalyst loading.     

Preparation of Butadienylpyridines by Iridium-NHC-Catalyzed Alkyne Hydroalkenylation and Quinolizine Rearrangement

Iridium(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes of formula Ir(κ²O,O’-BHetA)(IPr)(η²-coe) [BHetA=bis-heteroatomic acidato, acetylacetonate or acetate; IPr=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-carbene; coe=cyclooctene] have been prepared by treating Ir(κ²O,O’-BHetA)(η²-coe)₂ complexes with IPr. These complexes react with 2-vinylpyridine to afford the hydrido-iridium(III)-alkenyl cyclometalated derivatives IrH(κ²O,O’-BHetA)(κ²N,C-C₇H₆N)(IPr) through the iridium(I) intermediate Ir(κ²O,O’-BHetA)(IPr)(η²-C₇H₇N). The cyclometalated IrH(κ²O,O’-acac)(κ²N,C–C₇H₆N)(IPr) complex efficiently catalyzes the hydroalkenylation of aromatic and aliphatic terminal alkynes and enynes with 2-vinylpyridine to afford 2-(4R-butadienyl)pyridines with Z,E configuration as the major reaction products (yield up to 89 %). In addition, unprecedented (Z)-2-butadienyl-5R-pyridine derivatives have been obtained as minor reaction products (yield up to 21 %) from the elusive 1Z,3gem-butadienyl hydroalkenylation products. These compounds undergo a thermal 6π-electrocyclization to afford bicyclic 4H-quinolizine derivatives that, under catalytic reaction conditions, tautomerize to 6H-quinolizine to afford the (Z)-2-(butadienyl)-5R-pyridine by a retro-electrocyclization reaction.     

Iridium-Catalyzed ortho-Selective Borylation of Aromatic Amides Enabled by 5-Trifluoromethylated Bipyridine Ligands

Iridium-catalyzed borylations of aromatic C−H bonds are highly attractive transformations because of the diversification possibilities offered by the resulting boronates. These transformations are best carried out using bidentate bipyridine or phenanthroline ligands, and tend to be governed by steric factors, therefore resulting in the competitive functionalization of meta and/or para positions. We have now discovered that a subtle change in the bipyridine ligand, namely, the introduction of a CF₃ substituent at position 5, enables a complete change of regioselectivity in the borylation of aromatic amides, allowing the synthesis of a wide variety of ortho-borylated derivatives. Importantly, thorough computational studies suggest that the exquisite regio- and chemoselectivity stems from unusual outer-sphere interactions between the amide group of the substrate and the CF₃-substituted aryl ring of the bipyridine ligand.