Re-Catalyzed Annulations of Weakly Coordinating N-Carbamoyl Indoles/Indolines with Alkynes via C−H/C−N Bond Cleavage

Described herein are rhenium-catalyzed [3+2] annulations of N-carbamoyl indoles with alkynes via C−H/C−N bond cleavage, which provide rapid access to fused-ring pyrroloindolone derivatives. For the first time, the weakly coordinating O-directing group was successfully employed in rhenium-catalyzed C−H activation reactions, enabled by the unique catalytic trio of Re₂(CO)₁₀, Me₂Zn and ZnCl₂. Mechanistic studies revealed that aminozinc species plays an important role in the reaction. Based on the mechanistic understanding, a more powerful catalytic trio of Re₂(CO)₁₀, [MeZnNPh₂]₂ and Zn(OTf)₂ was devised and applied successfully in the [4+2] annulations of indolines and alkynes affording pyrroloquinolinone derivatives.     

Catalytic C−H/C−F Coupling of Azoles and Acyl Fluorides

A method for the palladium/copper-catalyzed direct acylation of azoles with acyl fluorides is described. This study reports the first examples of acyl fluorides being used as acylation reagents in transition-metal-catalyzed aromatic C−H bond functionalization reactions. Depending on the reaction temperature, decarbonylative coupling may also occur. Mechanistic studies suggest that the cleavage of the aromatic C−H bond, promoted by a copper-phosphine species, is not the rate-limiting step of this acylation.     

Close-Shell Reductive Elimination versus Open-Shell Radical Coupling for Site-Selective Ruthenium-Catalyzed C−H Activations by Computation and Experiments

Ruthenium-catalyzed σ-bond activation-assisted meta-C−H functionalization has emerged as a useful tool to forge distal C−C bonds. However, given the limited number of mechanistic studies, a clear understanding of the origin of the site-selectivity and the complete reaction pattern is not available. Here, we present systematic computational studies on ruthenium-catalyzed C−H functionalization with primary, secondary, tertiary alkyl bromides and aryl bromides. The C−H scission and the C−C formation were carefully examined. Monocyclometalated ruthenium(II) complexes were identified as the active species, which then underwent inner-sphere single electron transfer (ISET) to activate the organic bromides. The site-selectivity results from the competition between the close-shell reductive elimination and the open-shell radical coupling. Based on this mechanistic understanding, a multilinear regression model was built to predict the site-selectivity, which was further validated by experiments.     

Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling Polymerization via C−H Activation for the Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers

Owing to their versatile (opto)electronic properties, conjugated polymers have found application in several organic electronic devices. Cross-coupling reactions such as Stille, Suzuki, Kumada couplings, and direct arylation reactions have proved to be effective for their synthesis. More atom-efficient oxidative direct arylation polymerization has also been reported for making homopolymers. However, growing interest toward donor-acceptor polymers has led to the recent emergence of cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) polymerization to synthesize alternating copolymers without any prefunctionalization of monomers. Metal-catalyzed cross-coupling of two simple arenes via double C−H activation, or of an arene with an alkene via oxidative Heck-type reaction have been used so far for CDC polymerization. In this article, we discuss the development of CDC polymerization protocols along with the relevant small molecule CDC reactions for an improved understanding of these reactions.     

Synthesis of Seven-Membered Benzolactones by Nickel-Catalyzed C−H Coupling of Benzamides with Oxetanes

A NiCl₂(PEt₃)₂-catalyzed regioselective C−H coupling of 8-aminoquinoline-derived benzamides with oxetanes has been developed. The reaction proceeds with concomitant removal of the 8-aminoquinoline auxiliary to directly form the corresponding seven-membered benzolactones, which frequently occur in natural products and bioactive molecules. Additionally, no stereochemical erosion is observed during the course of the reaction, and the use of enantioenriched and substituted oxetane thus provides a new avenue to the optically active benzolactone.     

Divergent Construction of Diverse Scaffolds through Catalyst-Controlled C−H Activation Cascades of Quinazolinones and Cyclopropenones

A transition-metal-catalyzed C−H activation cascade strategy to rapidly construct diverse quinazolinone derivatives in a one-pot manner is reported. The catalysts play an important role in the different transformations. Additionally, the procedure is scalable, proceeds with high efficiency and good chemo-/regio-selectivity, and tolerates a range of functional groups.     

On-Surface Synthesis of One-Dimensional Carbon-Based Nanostructures via C−X and C−H Activation Reactions

The past decades have witnessed the emergence of low-dimensional carbon-based nanostructures owing to their unique properties and various subsequent applications. It is of fundamental importance to explore ways to achieve atomically precise fabrication of these interesting structures. The newly developed on-surface synthesis approach provides an efficient strategy for this challenging issue, demonstrating the potential of atomically precise preparation of low-dimensional nanostructures. Up to now, the formation of various surface nanostructures, especially carbon-based ones, such as graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), kinds of organic (organometallic) chains and films, have been achieved via on-surface synthesis strategy, in which in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanism has also been explored. This review article will provide a general overview on the formation of one-dimensional carbon-based nanostructures via on-surface synthesis method. In this review, only a part of the on-surface chemical reactions (specifically, C−X (X=Cl, Br, I) and C−H activation reactions) under ultra-high vacuum conditions will be covered.     

Selective C−C Coupling of Vinyl Epoxides with Diborylmethide Lithium Salts

Vinyl epoxides and styrene oxide can react with diborylmethide lithium salts through an exclusive S_N2 borylmethylation/ring opening in a regio- and diastereoselective way, depending on the nature of the substrate. The ring-opening protocol provides homoallylboronates that can be transformed into challenging diastereomeric bishomoallylic alicyclic 1,3-diols. Unprecedented 3-borylated 1,2-oxaborolan-2-ol products were prepared by borylmethylation/ring opening of 2-methyl-2-vinyloxirane followed by intramolecular cyclization.     

Multiple C−H Bond Activations in Corannulene by a Dirhenium Complex

The reaction of Re₂(CO)₈(μ-C₆H₅)(μ-H), 1 with corannulene (C₂₀H₁₀) yielded the product Re₂(CO)₈(μ-H)(μ-η²-1,2-C₂₀H₉), 2 (65 % yield) containing a Re₂ metalated corannulene ligand formed by loss of benzene from 1 and the activation of one of the CH bonds of the nonplanar corannulene molecule by an oxidative-addition to 1 . The corannulenyl ligand has adopted a bridging η²-σ+π coordination to the Re₂(CO)₈ grouping. Compound 2 reacts with a second equivalent of 1 to yield three isomeric doubly metalated corannulene products: Re₂(CO)₈(μ-H)(μ-η²-1,2-μ-η²-10,11-C₂₀H₈)Re₂(CO)₈(μ-H), 3 (35 % yield), Re₂(CO)₈(μ-H)(μ-η²-2,1-μ-η²-10,11-C₂₀H₈)Re₂(CO)₈(μ-H), 4 (12 % yield), and Re₂(CO)₈(μ-H)(μ-η²-1,2-μ-η²-11,10-C₂₀H₈)Re₂(CO)₈(μ-H), 5 (12 % yield), by a second CH activation on a second rim double bond on the corannulene molecule. The isomers differ by the relative orientations of the coordinated Re₂(CO)₈(μ-H) groupings. All new products were characterized structurally by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Palladium-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzophenanthrosilines by C−H/C−H Coupling through 1,4-Palladium Migration/Alkene Stereoisomerization

A new and efficient synthesis of 8H-benzo[e]phenanthro[1,10-bc]silines from 2-((2-(arylethynyl)aryl)silyl)aryl triflates under palladium catalysis has been developed. The reaction mechanism was experimentally investigated and a catalytic cycle involving C−H/C−H coupling through a new mode of 1,4-palladium migration with concomitant alkene stereoisomerization is proposed.     

Propargyl Alcohols as Bifunctional Reagents for Divergent Annulations of Biphenylamines via Dual C−H Functionalization/Dual Oxidative Cyclization

The C−H functionalization strategy provides access to valuable molecules that previously required convoluted synthetic attempts. Dual C−H unsymmetrical functionalization, with a single bifunctional reagent, is an effective tactic. Propargyl alcohols (PAs), despite containing a reactive C≡C bond, have not been explored as building blocks via oxidative cleavage. Annulations via C−H activation are a versatile and synthetically attractive strategy. We disclose PA as a new bifunctional reagent for unsymmetrical dual C−H functionalization of biphenylamine for regioselectively annulated outcomes. On tuning the conditions, the annulation bifurcated towards an unusual dual oxidative cyclization. This method accommodates a wide range of PAs and showcases late-stage diversification of some natural products.     

RhIII-Catalyzed C6-Selective Oxidative C−H/C−H Crosscoupling of 2-Pyridones with Thiophenes

A rhodium(III)-catalyzed C6-selective dehydrogenative cross-coupling of 2-pyridones with thiophenes was developed for the synthesis of 6-thiophenyl pyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives. In this reaction, the excellent site selectivity was controlled by the 2-pyridyl directing group on the nitrogen of the pyridone ring. Control experiments indicated that the N-pyridyl was essential for the transformation. To the best of our knowledge, this procedure is the first successful example of the direct C6 heteroarylation of 2-pyridones with electron-rich thiophene derivatives. 4-Pyridone was also used as substrate to generate the corresponding C2 heteroarylated product. Moreover, this pyridyl directing group was readily removable to generate the biheteroaryl structures with a free N−H group.     

Electrochemical Reactors Enable Divergent Site Selectivity in the C−H Carboxylation of N-Heteroarenes

Catalytic and switchable C−H functionalization of N-heteroarenes under easily tunable conditions is a robust but challenging tool for the construction of biologically relevant compounds. Recently, a general electrochemical strategy has been developed for the direct C−H carboxylation of N-heteroarenes with CO₂, and by simply choosing different types of cell setups, carboxylated products are furnished with excellent and tunable site selectivity. This study also paves the way for regulating the reactivity modes in electrochemical synthesis.     

Vinylic Trifluoromethylselenolation via Pd-Catalyzed C−H Activation

Trifluorometylselenolation via C−H activation is barely described in literature. In particular, no such vinylic functionalization has been yet described. Herein, a palladium-catalyzed trifluoromethylselenolation of vinylic C−H bonds is described. The 5-methoxy-8-aminoquinoline has been used as auxiliary directing group to perform this reaction. The reaction gives excellent yields with α-substituted compounds whatever the substituents and a microwave activation can be used to accelerate the reaction. With β-substituted substrates lower yields, but still satisfactory, are obtained. This methodology was also successfully extended to other fluoroalkylselenyl groups.     

Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Allyl−Aryl Cross-Electrophile Coupling via Allylic C−F Bond Activation

Nickel-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling of allylic difluorides with aryl iodides was achieved via allylic C−F bond activation. Based on this protocol, a series of γ-arylated monofluoroalkenes were synthesized in moderate to high yields with high Z-selectivities. Mechanistic studies suggest that the C−I bonds of the aryl iodides and the C−F bonds of the allylic difluorides were cleaved via oxidative addition and β-fluorine elimination, respectively, where the oxidative addition of less reactive C−F bonds was avoided to permit their transformation.     

Aromatic Trifluoromethylselenolation via Pd-catalyzed C−H functionalization

The synthesis of trifluoromethylselenolated aromatic molecules via an auxiliary-assisted, palladium catalyzed, C−H bonds functionalization with trifluoromethyl tolueneselenosulfonate as reagent is described. The mono- or bis-products can be preferentially formed. Some mechanistic investigations were realized to better understand the reaction. This methodology was also extended to fluoroalkylselenyl groups.     

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Atroposelective Synthesis of Biaryls by C−H Activation and Intermolecular Coupling with Sterically Hindered Alkynes

Reported herein is the atroposelective synthesis of biaryl NH isoquinolones by Rh^III-catalyzed C−H activation of benzamides and intermolecular [4+2] annulation for a broad scope of 2-substituted 1-alkynylnaphthalenes, as well as sterically hindered, symmetric diarylacetylenes. The axial chirality is constructed based on dynamic kinetic transformation of the alkyne in redox-neutral annulation with benzamides, with alkyne insertion being stereodetermining. The reaction accommodates both benzamides and heteroaryl carboxamides and proceeds in excellent regioselectivity (if applicable) and enantioselectivities (average 91.8 % ee). An enantiomerically and diastereomerically pure rhodacyclic complex was prepared and offers insight into enantiomeric control of the coupling system, wherein the steric interactions between the amide directing group and the alkyne substrate dictate both the regio- and enantioselectivity.     

Rhoda-Electrocatalyzed C−H Methylation and Paired Electrocatalyzed C−H Ethylation and Propylation

The use of electricity over traditional stoichiometric oxidants is a promising strategy for sustainable molecular assembly. Herein, we describe the rhoda-electrocatalyzed C−H activation/alkylation of several N-heteroarenes. This catalytic approach has been successfully applied to several arenes, including biologically relevant purines, diazepam, and amino acids. The versatile C−H alkylation featured water as a co-solvent and user-friendly trifluoroborates as alkylating agents. Finally, the rhoda-electrocatalysis with unsaturated organotrifluoroborates proceeded by paired electrolysis.     

Enantio- and Regioselective Electrooxidative Cobalt-Catalyzed C−H/N−H Annulation with Alkenes

In recent years, the merging of electrosynthesis with 3d metal catalyzed C−H activation has emerged as a sustainable and powerful technique in organic synthesis. Despite the impressive advantages, the development of an enantioselective version remains elusive and poses a daunting challenge. Herein, we report the first electrooxidative cobalt-catalyzed enantio- and regioselective C−H/N−H annulation with olefins using an undivided cell at room temperature (up to 99 % ee). ^tBu-Salox, a rationally designed Salox ligand bearing a bulky tert-butyl group at the ortho-position of phenol, was found to be crucial for this asymmetric annulation reaction. A strong cooperative effect between ^tBu-Salox and 3,4,5-trichloropyridine enabled the highly enantio- and regioselective C−H annulation with the more challenging α-olefins without secondary bond interactions (up to 96 % ee and 97 : 3 rr). Cyclovoltametric studies, and the preparation, characterization, and transformation of cobaltacycle intermediates shed light on the mechanism of this reaction.     

Enantioselective Construction of C−SCF3 Stereocenters via Nickel Catalyzed Asymmetric Negishi Coupling Reaction

The construction of the SCF₃-containing 1,1-diaryl tertiary carbon stereocenters with high enantioselectivities is reported via a nickel-catalyzed asymmetric C−C coupling strategy. This method demonstrates simple operations, mild conditions and excellent functional group tolerance, with newly designed SCF₃-containing synthon, which can be easily obtained from commercially available benzyl bromide and trifluoromethylthio anion in a two-step manner. Further substrate exploration indicated that the reaction system could be extended to diverse perfluoroalkyl sulfide (SC₂F₅, SC₃F₇, SC₄F₉, SCF₂CO₂Et)-substituted 1,1-diaryl compounds with excellent enantioselectivities. The synthetic utility of this transformation was further demonstrated by convenient derivatization to optical SCF₃-containing analogues of bioactive compounds without an apparent decrease in enantioselectivity.