meta‐Selective C−H Arylation of Fluoroarenes and Simple Arenes

Fluorine is known to promote ortho‐C?H metalation. Based upon this reactivity, we employed an activated norbornene that traps the ortho‐palladation intermediate and is then relayed to the meta position, leading to meta‐selective C?H arylation of fluoroarenes. Deuterium experiment suggests that this meta‐arylation is initiated by ortho C?H activation and the catalytic cycle is terminated by C‐2 protonation. A dual‐ligand system is crucial for the observed high reactivity and site selectivity. Applying this approach to simple benzene or other arenes also affords arylation products with good yield and site selectivity.     

Ruthenium‐Catalyzed meta‐Selective CH Bromination

The first example of a transition‐metal‐catalyzed, meta‐selective C? H bromination procedure is reported. In the presence of catalytic [{Ru(p‐cymene)Cl₂}₂], tetrabutylammonium tribromide can be used to functionalize the meta C? H bond of 2‐phenylpyridine derivatives, thus affording difficult to access products which are highly predisposed to further derivatization. We demonstrate this utility with one‐pot bromination/arylation and bromination/alkenylation procedures to deliver meta‐arylated and meta‐alkenylated products, respectively, in a single step.     

Visible‐Light‐Enabled Ruthenium‐Catalyzed meta‐C−H Alkylation at Room Temperature

Visible‐light‐induced ruthenium catalysis has enabled remote C?H alkylations with excellent levels of position control under exceedingly mild conditions at room temperature. The metallaphotocatalysis occurred under exogenous‐photosensitizer‐free conditions and features an ample substrate scope. The robust nature of the photo‐induced mild meta‐C?H functionalization is reflected by the broad functional group tolerance, and the reaction can be carried out in an operationally simple manner, setting the stage for challenging secondary and tertiary meta‐C?H alkylations by ruthenaphotoredox catalysis.     

Synthesis of meta‐Terphenyl‐2,2′′‐diols by Anodic C−C Cross‐Coupling Reactions

The anodic C?C cross‐coupling reaction is a versatile synthetic approach to symmetric and non‐symmetric biphenols and arylated phenols. We herein present a metal‐free electrosynthetic method that provides access to symmetric and non‐symmetric meta‐terphenyl‐2,2′′‐diols in good yields and high selectivity. Symmetric derivatives can be obtained by direct electrolysis in an undivided cell. The synthesis of non‐symmetric meta‐terphenyl‐2,2′′‐diols required two electrochemical steps. The reactions are easy to conduct and scalable. The method also features a broad substrate scope, and a large variety of functional groups are tolerated. The target molecules may serve as [OCO]^3? pincer ligands.     

Rational Development of Remote C−H Functionalization of Biphenyl: Experimental and Computational Studies

A simple and efficient nitrile‐directed meta‐C?H olefination, acetoxylation, and iodination of biaryl compounds is reported. Compared to the previous approach of installing a complex U‐shaped template to achieve a molecular U‐turn and assemble the large‐sized cyclophane transition state for the remote C?H activation, a synthetically useful phenyl nitrile functional group could also direct remote meta‐C?H activation. This reaction provides a useful method for the modification of biaryl compounds because the nitrile group can be readily converted to amines, acids, amides, or other heterocycles. Notably, the remote meta‐selectivity of biphenylnitriles could not be expected from previous results with a macrocyclophane nitrile template. DFT computational studies show that a ligand‐containing Pd–Ag heterodimeric transition state (TS) favors the desired remote meta‐selectivity. Control experiments demonstrate the directing effect of the nitrile group and exclude the possibility of non‐directed meta‐C?H activation. Substituted 2‐pyridone ligands were found to be key in assisting the cleavage of the meta‐C?H bond in the concerted metalation–deprotonation (CMD) process.     

Direct CH Amidation of Benzoic Acids to Introduce meta‐ and para‐Amino Groups by Tandem Decarboxylation

The Ir‐catalyzed mild C?H amidation of benzoic acids with sulfonyl azides was developed to give reactions with high efficiency and functional‐group compatibility. Subsequent protodecarboxylation of ortho‐amidated benzoic acid products afforded meta‐ or para‐substituted (N‐sulfonyl)aniline derivatives, the latter being inaccessible by other C?H functionalization approaches. The decarboxylation step was compatible with the amidation conditions, enabling a convenient one‐pot, two‐step process.     

Carboxy Group as a Remote and Selective Chelating Group for C−H Activation of Arenes

The first example of carboxy group assisted, remote‐selective C(sp²)?H activation with a Pd^II catalyst has been developed and proceeds through a possible κ² coordination of the carboxy group, thus suppressing the ortho‐C?H activation through κ¹ coordination. Besides meta‐C?H olefination, direct meta‐arylation of hydrocinnamic acid derivatives with low‐cost aryl iodides has been achieved for the first time. These findings may motivate the exploration of novel reactivities of the carboxy assisted C?H activation reactions with intriguing selectivities.     

Zinc‐Catalyzed Dual C–X and C–H Borylation of Aryl Halides

A zinc‐catalyzed combined C? X and C? H borylation of aryl halides using B₂pin₂ (pin=OCMe₂CMe₂O) to produce the corresponding 1,2‐diborylarenes under mild conditions was developed. Catalytic C? H bond activation occurs ortho to the halide groups if such a site is available or meta to the halide if the ortho position is already substituted. This method thus represents a novel use of a group XII catalyst for C? H borylation. This transformation does not proceed via a free aryne intermediate, but a radical process seems to be involved.     

Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Tandem [2+2+2] Annulation–Lactamization of Anilides with Two Alkynoates via Cleavage of Two Adjacent C−H or C−H/C−O bonds

An electron‐deficient Cp^E rhodium(III) complex bearing a cyclopentadienyl ligand with two ethyl ester substituents catalyzes the tandem [2+2+2] annulation–lactamization of acetanilides with two alkynoates via cleavage of adjacent two C?H bonds to give densely substituted benzo[cd]indolones. The reactions of meta‐methoxy‐substituted acetanilides with two alkynoates also provided benzo[cd]indolones via cleavage of adjacent C?H/C?O bonds. Furthermore, 3,5‐dimethoxyacetanilides reacted with two alkynoates to give dearomatized spiro compounds.     

Rhodium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Oxidative [3+2] Annulation of Arenes and Azabicyclic Olefins through Twofold C−H Activation

C?H bond activation is mostly limited to ortho selectivity. Activation of both ortho and meta C?H bonds constitutes a particularly important strategy for annulation, but has rarely been studied in enantioselective systems. Reported herein is rhodium(III)‐catalyzed asymmetric [3+2] transannulation of arenes with 7‐azabenzonorbornadienes. Two distinct classes of arenes have been identified as substrates, and the coupling proceeded with high enantioselectivity and excellent diastereoselectivity through sequential activation of ortho and meta C?H bonds.     

Diverse meta‐C−H Functionalization of Arenes across Different Linker Lengths

Arenes containing conformationally flexible long alkyl chains have been successfully functionalized at the meta‐position. Good to excellent meta selectivity is achieved for systems with up to 20 atoms between the target C?H bond and the coordinating heteroatom of the directing group. The palladium‐catalyzed functionalization reactions include alkylation, cyanation, olefination, and acetoxylation. The meta selectivity is exclusively governed by the design of flexible pyrimidine‐based scaffolds.     

Calcium‐Catalyzed Arene C−H Bond Activation by Low‐Valent AlI

The low‐valent ß‐diketiminate complex (^DIPPBDI)Al is stable in benzene but addition of catalytic quantities of [(^DIPPBDI)CaH]₂ at 20 °C led to (^DIPPBDI)Al(Ph)H (^DIPPBDI=CH[C(CH₃)N‐DIPP]₂, DIPP=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl). Similar Ca‐catalyzed C?H bond activation is demonstrated for toluene or p‐xylene. For toluene a remarkable selectivity for meta‐functionalization has been observed. Reaction of (^DIPPBDI)Al(m‐tolyl)H with I₂ gave m‐tolyl iodide, H₂ and (^DIPPBDI)AlI₂ which was recycled to (^DIPPBDI)Al. Attempts to catalyze this reaction with Mg or Zn hydride catalysts failed. Instead, the highly stable complexes (^DIPPBDI)Al(H)M(^DIPPBDI) (M=Mg, Zn) were formed. DFT calculations on the Ca hydride catalyzed arene alumination suggest that a similar but more loosely bound complex is formed: (^DIPPBDI)Al(H)Ca(^DIPPBDI). This is in equilibrium with the hydride bridged complex (^DIPPBDI)Al(μ‐H)Ca(^DIPPBDI) which shows strongly increased electron density at Al. The combination of Ca‐arene bonding and a highly nucleophilic Al center are key to facile C?H bond activation.     

Pd‐Catalyzed C−H Alkylation of Arenes Using PyrDipSi,a Transformable and Removable Silicon‐Tethered Directing Group

An efficient Pd‐catalyzed ortho‐C?H alkylation reaction of arenes using a transformable and removable Si‐tethered pyridyldiisopropylsilyl (PyrDipSi) directing group has been developed. In addition, the PyrDipSi directing group allows for an efficient sequential double‐fold C?H alkylation/oxygenation of arenes to produce meta‐alkylated phenols. This directing group can easily be removed or converted into valuable functionalities, such as aryl, iodo, boronic ester, or phenol.     

Rhodium‐Catalyzed Annulation of ortho‐Alkenyl Anilides with Alkynes: Formation of Unexpected Naphthalene Adducts

o‐Alkenyl N‐triflylanilides underwent rhodium(III)‐catalyzed oxidative annulations with alkynes to produce different types of naphthylamides in a process which involves the cleavage of two C?H bonds. Remarkably, besides formal dehydrogenative (4C+2C) cycloadducts, the reaction also produces variable amounts of isomeric naphthylamides, whose formation requires a formal migration of the alkenyl moiety from the ortho to the meta position of the anilide. The annulation reaction can be efficiently carried out in the absence of external oxidants, such as Cu(OAc)₂.     

meta‐ and para‐Phenylenediamine‐Fused Porphyrin Dimers: Synthesis and Magnetic Interactions of Their Dication Diradicals

meta‐ and para‐Phenylenediamine‐fused nickel(II) porphyrin dimers were synthesized by S_NAr reaction of meso,β,β‐trichloro nickel(II) porphyrin with meta‐ and para‐phenylenediamines and subsequent Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular C?H arylation. Their tetrachlorinated dication diradicals are very stable, allowing SQUID magnetometry and revealing clear open‐shell characters for both meta and para isomers with ferro‐ and anti‐ferromagnetic interactions, respectively. The nitrogen analogue of Thiele's hydrocarbon usually displays predominant closed‐shell nature but its hidden diradical characters increase either in a twisted conformation or upon insertion of an additional phenylene spacer. The observed distinct diradical nature of the para‐congener indicates that diradical properties can be enhanced also by efficient spin delocalization.     

A Convenient Synthesis of N‐Aryl Benzamides by Rhodium‐Catalyzed ortho‐Amidation and Decarboxylation of Benzoic Acids

The rhodium‐catalyzed amidation of substituted benzoic acids with isocyanates by directed C?H functionalization followed by decarboxylation to afford the corresponding N‐aryl benzamides is demonstrated, in which the carboxylate serves as a unique, removable directing group. Notably, less common meta‐substituted N‐aryl benzamides are generated readily from more accessible para‐ or ortho‐substituted groups by employing this strategy.     

Discrimination of pseudo‐meta and pseudo‐para diamino‐octafluoro[2.2]paracyclophanes by 1H, 19F,and 13C NMR

Pseudo‐meta and pseudo‐para diamino‐octafluoro[2.2]paracyclophanes are challenging to separate either by chromatography or recrystallization, but through the use of a mixture of the two isomers, the ¹H, ¹⁹F, and ¹³C NMR spectra of these compounds have been fully and unambiguously assigned using ¹H COSY, ¹H‐¹⁹F HOESY, ¹H‐¹³C HSQC, ¹H‐¹³C HMBC, and ¹⁹F‐¹³C HSQC techniques. This permits the easy identification of either of the individual isomers. In addition, the ¹³C spectrum of the pseudo‐ortho analogue is reported and assigned for the first time. The gem shift effect in this series of bridge‐fluorinated paracyclophanes serves to deshield ¹H resonances and shield ¹³C. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Oxidative β‐Csp3−H Functionalization of tBuOH: A Selective Radical/Radical Cross‐Coupling Access to β‐Hydroxy Thioethers

An oxidative β‐Csp³?H functionalization of tert‐butanol (tBuOH) for the construction of C?S bonds through an iodine‐catalyzed Csp³?H/S?H coupling was successfully achieved. Different kinds of mercaptans were shown to be good coupling partners, affording the desired products in good yields. This protocol not only offers a novel method for the synthesis of β‐hydroxy thioethers, but also provides an effective strategy for selective radical/radical cross‐coupling.     

Cobalt‐Catalyzed C8‐Dienylation of Quinoline‐N‐Oxides

An efficient Cp*Co^III‐catalyzed C8‐dienylation of quinoline‐N‐oxides was achieved by employing allenes bearing leaving groups at the α‐position as the dienylating agents. The reaction proceeds by Co^III‐catalyzed C?H activation of quinoline‐N‐oxides and regioselective migratory insertion of the allene followed by a β‐oxy elimination, leading to overall dienylation. Site‐selective C?H activation was achieved with excellent selectivity under mild reaction conditions, and 30 mol % of a NaF additive was found to be crucial for the efficient dienylation. The methodology features high stereoselectivity, mild reaction conditions, and good functional‐group tolerance. C8‐alkenylation of quinoline‐N‐oxides was achieved in the case of allenes devoid of leaving groups as coupling partners. Furthermore, gram‐scale preparation and preliminary mechanistic experiments were carried out to gain insights into the reaction mechanism.     

Ethyl 2‐{[2‐(3‐nitro­phenyl)‐5‐phenyl‐1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl]­sulfanyl}acetate: synthesis via a microwave‐mediated combinatorial chemistry approach

The orange title compound, C₁₉H₁₇N₃O₄S, can be synthesized either via microwave‐mediated combinatorial chemistry strategies or conventional synthetic procedures. The phenyl and meta‐nitro­phenyl C₆ rings are essentially coplanar with the central imidazolyl ring, with interplanar angles of 0.87 (5) and 0.97 (4)°, respectively, resulting in optimum conjugation (SCH₂ moiety included); λ_max = 281 nm in CH₃CN. The principal intermolecular interactions are N_imid—H?O_nitro and N_imid—H?O=C [N?O = 3.058 (2) and 3.432 (3) Å, and N—H?O = 128 and 153°, respectively]. The closest H?S distance is an intramolecular C—H?S contact, with H?S = 2.54 Å and C—H?S = 136°.