Directed meta‐Selective Bromination of Arenes with Ruthenium Catalysts

A Ru‐catalyzed direct C? H activation/meta‐bromination of arenes bearing pyridyl, pyrimidyl, and pyrazolyl directing groups has been developed. A series of bromo aryl pyridines and pyrimidines have been synthesized, and further coupling reactions have also been demonstrated for a number of representative functionalized arenes. Preliminary mechanistic studies have revealed that this reaction may proceed through radical‐mediated bromination when NBS is utilized as the bromine source. This type of transformation has opened up a new direction for the radical non‐ipso functionalization of metal with regard to future C? H activation development that would allow the remote functionalization of aromatic systems.     

Dehydrogenative Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation Using Alkynyloxy Moieties as Hydrogen‐Accepting Directing Groups

In the presence of a catalyst system consisting of Pd(OAc)₂, PCy₃, and Zn(OAc)₂, the reaction of alkynyl aryl ethers with bicycloalkenes, α,ß‐unsaturated esters, or heteroarenes results in the site‐selective cleavage of two C? H bonds followed by the formation of C? C bonds. In all cases, the alkynyloxy group acts as a directing group for the activation of an ortho C? H bond and as a hydrogen acceptor, thus rendering the use of additives such as an oxidant or base unnecessary.     

Fujiwara–Moritani Reaction of Weinreb Amides using a Ruthenium‐Catalyzed C−H Functionalization Reaction

The ruthenium‐catalyzed Fujiwara–Moritani reaction (oxidative‐Heck reaction) of Weinreb amides is reported herein. The reaction affords exclusively ortho‐C?H olefination products, has excellent substrate scope and tolerates halogen functionalities, which increase the synthetic utility of the method. A variety of activated olefins as well as styrenes can be employed as coupling partners.     

Modular Synthesis of Phenanthro[9,10‐c]thiophenes by a Sequence of CH Activation,Suzuki Cross‐Coupling and Photocyclization Reactions

A total number of 15 different 3,4‐diarylthiophenes were synthesized, which bear a chlorine atom in ortho‐position of one of the aryl substituents. One aryl group was introduced by an oxidative cross‐coupling reaction, involving a C?H activation at C4(3) of the thiophene core. The other aryl group was in most cases introduced by a Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction, which succeeded the oxidative cross‐coupling step. Photocyclization reactions of the 3,4‐diarylthiophenes were performed in a solvent mixture of benzene and acetonitrile (50:50 v/v) at λ=254 nm and proceeded to the title compounds in yields of 60–82 %. The selectivity of the photocyclization was determined at the ortho‐chloro‐substituted aryl ring by the position of the chlorine substituent. At the other ring, a single regioisomer was observed for phenyl and para‐substituted phenyl groups. For 2‐naphthyl and ortho‐substituted phenyl rings a clear preference was observed in favor of a major regioisomer, while meta‐substitution in the phenyl ring led to a about 1:1 mixture of 5‐ and 7‐substituted phenanthro[9,10‐c]thiophenes. Mechanistically, the photocyclization is likely to occur as a photochemically allowed, conrotatory [(4n+2)π] process accompanied by elimination of HCl. It was shown for two phenanthro[9,10‐c]thiophene products that they can be readily brominated in positions C1 and C3 (74–77 %), which in turn allows for further functionalization at these positions, for example, in the course of halogen–metal exchange and polymerization reactions.     

Diaryliodoniums by Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed CH Activation: Mild Synthesis and Diversified Functionalizations

Diaryliodonium salts play an increasingly important role as an aryl source. Reported is the first synthesis of diaryliodoniums by rhodium(III)‐catalyzed C? H hyperiodination of electron‐poor arenes under chelation assistance. This C? I coupling reaction occurred at room temperature with high regio‐selectivity and functional‐group compatibility. Subsequent diversified nucleophilic functionalization of a diaryliodonium allowed facile construction of C? C, C? N, C? O, C? S, C? P and C? Br bonds, and in all cases the initial functionalization occurred at the arene containing the chelating‐group.     

Through‐Space 1,4‐Palladium Migration and 1,2‐Aryl Shift: Direct Access to Dibenzo[a,c]carbazoles through a Triple CH Functionalization Cascade

A palladium‐catalyzed expeditious synthesis of dibenzofused carbazoles from readily available 2‐arylindoles and diaryliodonium salts is reported. Interestingly, after the electrophilic C3 palladation of indole, an unexpected “through‐space” 1,4‐palladium migration to the 2‐aryl moiety, by remote C?H bond activation followed by C?H arylation with diaryliodonium salt, and an unprecedented 1,2‐aryl shift take place. Finally, an intramolecular cross‐dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) at the C2 position affords dibenzo[a,c]carbazoles in high yields. Remarkably, the present migratory annulation occurs through three C?H bond activation one C?C bond cleavage, and the simultaneous construction of three new C?C bonds in a single operation.     

Regioselective Conversion of Arenes to N‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles Using CH Borylation

A one‐pot protocol for the synthesis of N‐aryl 1,2,3‐triazoles from arenes by an iridium‐catalyzed C?H borylation/copper catalyzed azidation/click sequence is described. 1 mol % of Cu(OTf)₂ was found to efficiently catalyze both the azidation and the click reaction. The applicability of this method is demonstrated by the late‐stage chemoselective installation of 1,2,3‐triazole moiety into unactivated molecules of pharmaceutical importance.     

Room‐Temperature ortho‐Alkoxylation and ‐Halogenation of N‐Tosylbenzamides by Using Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed CH Activation

The N‐tosylcarboxamide group can direct the room‐temperature palladium‐catalyzed C?H alkoxylation and halogenation of substituted arenes in a simple and mild procedure. The room‐temperature stoichiometric cyclopalladation of N‐tosylbenzamide was first studied, and the ability of the palladacycle to react with oxidants to form C?X and C?O bonds under mild conditions was demonstrated. The reaction conditions were then adapted to promote room‐temperature ortho‐alkoxylations and ortho‐halogenations of N‐tosylbenzamides using palladium as catalyst. The scope and limitation of both alkoxylations and halogenations was studied and the subsequent functional transformation of the N‐tosylcarboxamide group through nucleophilic additions was evaluated. This methodology offers a simple and mild route to diversely functionalized arenes.     

CuBr/proline‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of unactivated benzene with aryl halides

Direct C? H arylation of unactivated benzene with aryl halides was achieved using a readily available copper catalyst. The reaction was carried out at 80 °C, using CuBr as catalyst, proline as ligand and t‐BuOK as base. This radical cross‐coupling reaction between unactivated benzene and aryl iodides proceeds via homolytic aromatic substitution and offers an efficient method for the synthesis of various biaryls in good to excellent yields. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed CC and CO Coupling of Quinoline N‐Oxides with Alkynes: Combination of CH Activation with O‐Atom Transfer

[Cp*Rh^III]‐catalyzed C? H activation of arenes assisted by an oxidizing N? O or N? N directing group has allowed the construction of a number of hetercycles. In contrast, a polar N? O bond is well‐known to undergo O‐atom transfer (OAT) to alkynes. Despite the liability of N? O bonds in both C? H activation and OAT, these two important areas evolved separately. In this report, [Cp*Rh^III] catalysts integrate both areas in an efficient redox‐neutral coupling of quinoline N‐oxides with alkynes to afford α‐(8‐quinolyl)acetophenones. In this process the N? O bond acts as both a directing group for C? H activation and as an O‐atom donor.     

Silver‐Catalyzed Oxidative Activation of Benzylic CH Bonds for the Synthesis of Difluoromethylated Arenes

A mild and catalytic method to form difluoromethylated arenes through the activation of benzylic C? H bonds has been developed. Utilizing AgNO₃ as the catalyst, various arenes with diverse functional groups undergo activation/fluorination of benzylic C? H bonds with commercially available Selectfluor reagent as a source of fluorine in aqueous solution. The reaction is operationally simple and amenable to gram‐scale synthesis.     

Dual Ligand‐Enabled Nondirected C−H Olefination of Arenes

The application of the Pd‐catalyzed oxidative C?H olefination of arenes, also known as the Fujiwara–Moritani reaction, has traditionally been limited by the requirement for directing groups on the substrate or the need to use the arene in large excess, typically as a (co)solvent. Herein the development of a catalytic system is described that, through the combined action of two complementary ligands, makes it possible to use directing‐group‐free arenes as limiting reagents for the first time. The reactions proceed under a combination of both steric and electronic control and enable the application of this powerful reaction to valuable arenes, which cannot be utilized in excess.     

Cobalt‐Catalyzed Intermolecular C(sp2)O Cross‐Coupling

Cobalt(II)‐catalyzed C(sp²)?O cross‐coupling between aryl/heteroaryl alcohols and vinyl/aryl halides in the presence of Cu^I has been achieved under ligand‐free conditions. In this reaction, copper plays a significant role in transmetalation rather than being directly involved in the C?O coupling. This unique Co/Cu‐dual catalyst system provides an easy access to a library of aryl–vinyl, heteroaryl–styryl, aryl–aryl, and heteroaryl–heteroaryl ethers in the absence of any ligand or additive.     

Iridium‐Catalyzed Regioselective Silylation of Aromatic and Benzylic CH Bonds Directed by a Secondary Amine

Reported herein is an iridium‐catalyzed, regioselective silylation of the aromatic C? H bonds of benzylamines and the benzylic C? H bonds of 2,N‐dialkylanilines. In this process, (hydrido)silyl amines, generated in situ by dehydrogenative coupling of benzylamine or aniline with diethylsilane, undergo selective silylation at the C? H bond γ to the amino group. The products of this silylation are suitable for subsequent oxidation, halogenation, and cross‐coupling reactions to deliver benzylamine and arylamine derivatives.     

Copper/Silver‐Mediated Direct ortho‐Ethynylation of Unactivated (Hetero)aryl CH Bonds with Terminal Alkyne

A copper/silver‐mediated oxidative ortho‐ethynylation of unactivated aryl C?H bonds with terminal alkyne has been developed. The reaction uses the removable PIP directing group and features broad substrate scope, high functional‐group tolerance, and compatibility with a wide range of heterocycles, providing an efficient synthesis of aryl alkynes. This procedure highlights the potential of copper catalysts to promote unique, synthetically enabling C?H functionalization reactions that lie outside of the current scope of precious metal catalysis.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Reductive Cross‐Coupling of Nonactivated Alkyl Tosylates and Mesylates with Alkyl and Aryl Bromides

A copper‐catalyzed reductive cross‐coupling reaction of nonactivated alkyl tosylates and mesylates with alkyl and aryl bromides was developed. It provides a practical method for efficient and cost‐effective construction of aryl–alkyl and alkyl–alkyl C?C bonds with stereocontrol from readily available substrates. When used in an intramolecular fashion, the reaction enables convenient access to various substituted carbo‐ or heterocycles, such as 2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran and benzochromene derivatives.     

Rhodium‐Catalyzed Directed Sulfenylation of Arene CH Bonds

The rhodium‐catalyzed intermolecular direct C?H thiolation of arenes with aryl and alkyl disulfides was developed for the first time to provide a convenient route to aryl thioethers. This strategy is compatible with many different directing groups and exhibits excellent functional group tolerance. More significantly, mono‐ or dithiolation can be selectively achieved, thus providing a straightforward way for selective preparation of aryl thioethers and dithioethers.     

Light‐Induced CH Arylation of (Hetero)arenes by In Situ Generated Diazo Anhydrides

Diazo anhydrides (Ar?N?N?O?N?N?Ar) have been known since 1896 but have rarely been used in synthesis. This communication describes the development of a photochemical catalyst‐free C?H arylation methodology for the preparation of bi(hetero)aryls by the one‐pot reaction of anilines with tert‐butyl nitrite and (hetero)arenes under neutral conditions. The key step in this procedure is the in situ formation and subsequent photochemical (>300 nm) homolytic cleavage of a transient diazo anhydride intermediate. The generated aryl radical then efficiently reacts with a (hetero)arene to form the desired bi(hetero)aryls producing only nitrogen, water, and tert‐butanol as byproducts. The scope of the reaction for several substituted anilines and (hetero)arenes was investigated. A continuous‐flow protocol increasing selectivity and safety has been developed enabling the experimentally straightforward preparation of a variety of substituted bi(hetero)aryls within 45 min of reaction time.     

Amine‐Catalyzed Direct Photoarylation of Unactivated Arenes

Constructing biaryls through direct aromatic C? H functionalization of unactivated arenes has become a popular topic in organic chemistry. Many efficient methods have been developed. In this Communication, a direct arylation of unactivated arenes with a broad range of aryl iodides is reported. This reaction proceeds through a new type of amine‐catalyzed single electron transfer initiated radical coupling procedure to form biaryls in high yields under UV irradiation at room temperature. Only 20 mol% of TMEDA is used as the catalyst. No other additives are required for this transformation, thus avoiding the use of toxic transition metal catalysts, strong bases, or large amounts of other organic additives. This greener protocol provides a new strategy to achieve direct aromatic C? H functionalization and offers a new example of cost‐effective and environmentally benign access to biaryls.     

Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,3‐Diaminotruxillic Acid Derivatives: An Advantageous Combination of CH‐ortho‐Palladation and On‐Flow [2+2]‐Photocycloaddition in Microreactors

The stereoselective synthesis of ε‐isomers of dimethyl esters of 1,3‐diaminotruxillic acid in three steps is reported. The first step is the ortho‐palladation of (Z)‐2‐aryl‐4‐aryliden‐5(4H)‐oxazolones 1 to give dinuclear complexes 2 with bridging carboxylates. The reaction occurs through regioselective activation of the ortho‐C?H bond of the 4‐arylidene ring in carboxylic acids. The second step is the [2+2]‐photocycloaddition of the C?C exocyclic bonds of the oxazolone skeleton in 2 to afford the corresponding dinuclear ortho‐palladated cyclobutanes 3 . This key step was performed very efficiently by using LED light sources with different wavelengths (465, 525 or 625 nm) in flow microreactors. The final step involved the depalladation of 3 by hydrogenation in methanol to afford the ε‐1,3‐diaminotruxillic acid derivatives as single isomers.