Photocatalytic C(sp3) radical generation via C–H,C–C,and C–X bond cleavage

C(sp³) radicals (R˙) are of broad research interest and synthetic utility. This review collects some of the most recent advancements in photocatalytic R˙ generation and highlights representative examples in this field. Based on the key bond cleavages that generate R˙, these contributions are divided into C–H, C–C, and C–X bond cleavages. A general mechanistic scenario and key R˙-forming steps are presented and discussed in each section.

C(sp³) radicals (R˙) are of broad research interest and synthetic utility.     

Si—H Functional Polysilanes via a Homogeneous Reductive Coupling Reaction

A polysilane copolymer with reactive Si—H side groups was obtained through a homogeneous coupling reaction of dichlorodiphenylsilane with dichloromethylsilane. The reaction was carried out in a tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution of a sodium‐potassium alloy complex with 18‐crown‐6 with a well defined composition of alkali metal ion pairs (Mt⁺/crown ether, Mt^–) at –75°C. The product was characterized using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FT‐IR and UV/Visible spectroscopies and gel permeation chromatography. The results were compared with those obtained by the heterogeneous coupling reaction of the same monomers.     

Theoretical study of the Si–H group as potential hydrogen bond donor

The ability of the Si–H group as hydrogen bond (HB) donor has been studied theoretically. Most of the selected molecules include the Si–H group in a polar environment that could produce an electron deficiency on the hydrogen atom. In addition, analogous derivatives where the silicon atom has been replaced by a carbon atom have been considered. In all cases, ammonia has been used as HB acceptor. The calculations have been carried out at the MP2/6‐311++G** computational level. The electron density of the complexes has been characterized within the atoms in molecules (AIM) framework. A search in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) has been carried out to verify the existence of this kind of interactions in solid phase. The results of the theoretical study on these HB complexes between ammonia and the silicon derivatives provides long HB distances (2.4 to 3.2 Å) and small interaction energies (?2.4 to ?0.2 kcal/mol). In all cases, the HBs of the corresponding carbon analogs show shorter interaction distances corresponding to stronger complexes. The CSD search provides a small number of short interactions between Si and other heavy atoms in agreement with the small stabilizing energy of the Si–H?N HB and the lack of SiH bond in polar environment within the database. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2001     

Metal-free tandem carbene N–H insertions and C–C bond cleavages

A metal-free C–H [5 + 1] annulation reaction of 2-arylanilines with diazo compounds has been achieved, giving rise to two types of prevalent phenanthridines via highly selective C–C cleavage. Compared to the simple N–H insertion manipulation of diazo, this method elegantly accomplishes a tandem N–H insertion/S_EAr/C–C cleavage/aromatization reaction, and the synthetic utility of this new transformation is exemplified by the succinct syntheses of trisphaeridine and bicolorine alkaloids.

A metal-free C–H [5 + 1] annulation reaction of 2-arylanilines with diazo compounds has been achieved, giving rise to two types of prevalent phenanthridines via highly selective C–C cleavage.     

Spontaneous S–Si bonding of alkanethiols to Si(111)–H: towards Si–molecule–Si circuits

We report the synthesis of covalently linked self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on silicon surfaces, using mild conditions, in a way that is compatible with silicon-electronics fabrication technologies. In molecular electronics, SAMs of functional molecules tethered to gold via sulfur linkages dominate, but these devices are not robust in design and not amenable to scalable manufacture. Whereas covalent bonding to silicon has long been recognized as an attractive alternative, only formation processes involving high temperature and/or pressure, strong chemicals, or irradiation are known. To make molecular devices on silicon under mild conditions with properties reminiscent of Au–S ones, we exploit the susceptibility of thiols to oxidation by dissolved O₂, initiating free-radical polymerization mechanisms without causing oxidative damage to the surface. Without thiols present, dissolved O₂ would normally oxidize the silicon and hence reaction conditions such as these have been strenuously avoided in the past. The surface coverage on Si(111)–H is measured to be very high, 75% of a full monolayer, with density-functional theory calculations used to profile spontaneous reaction mechanisms. The impact of the Si–S chemistry in single-molecule electronics is demonstrated using STM-junction approaches by forming Si–hexanedithiol–Si junctions. Si–S contacts result in single-molecule wires that are mechanically stable, with an average lifetime at room temperature of 2.7 s, which is five folds higher than that reported for conventional molecular junctions formed between gold electrodes. The enhanced “ON” lifetime of this single-molecule circuit enables previously inaccessible electrical measurements on single molecules.

Spontaneously formed Si–S bonds enable monolayer and single-molecule Si–molecule–Si circuits.     

Activation of Si–H and B–H bonds by Lewis acidic transition metals and p-block elements: same,but different

In this Perspective we discuss the ability of transition metal complexes to activate and cleave the Si–H and B–H bonds of hydrosilanes and hydroboranes (tri- and tetra-coordinated) in an electrophilic manner, avoiding the need for the metal centre to undergo two-electron processes (oxidative addition/reductive elimination). A formal polarization of E–H bonds (E = Si, B) upon their coordination to the metal centre to form σ-EH complexes (with coordination modes η¹ or η²) favors this type of bond activation that can lead to reactivities involving the formation of transient silylium and borenium/boronium cations similar to those proposed in silylation and borylation processes catalysed by boron and aluminium Lewis acids. We compare the reactivity of transition metal complexes and boron/aluminium Lewis acids through a series of catalytic reactions in which pieces of evidence suggest mechanisms involving electrophilic reaction pathways.

In this Perspective we compare the ability of transition metals and p-block Lewis acids to activate electrophilically hydrosilanes and hydroboranes. The mechanistic similarities and dissimilarities in different catalytic transformations are analyzed.     

Synthesis and hydrogenation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-substituted diborenes via uncatalysed hydrogenative B–C bond cleavage

The classical route to the PMe₃-stabilised polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-substituted diborenes B₂Ar₂(PMe₃)₂ (Ar = 9-phenanthryl 7-Phen; Ar = 1-pyrenyl 7-Pyr) via the corresponding 1,2-diaryl-1,2-dimethoxydiborane(4) precursors, B₂Ar₂(OMe)₂, is marred by the systematic decomposition of the latter to BAr(OMe)₂ during reaction workup. Calculations suggest this results from the absence of a second ortho-substituent on the boron-bound aryl rings, which enables their free rotation and exposes the B–B bond to nucleophilic attack. 7-Phen and 7-Pyr are obtained by the reduction of the corresponding 1,2-diaryl-1,2-dichlorodiborane precursors, B₂Ar₂Cl₂(PMe₃)₂, obtained from the SMe₂ adducts, which are synthesised by direct NMe₂–Cl exchange at B₂Ar₂(NMe₂)₂ with (Me₂S)BCl₃. The low-lying π* molecular orbitals (MOs) located on the PAH substituents of 7-Phen and 7-Pyr intercalate between the B–B-based π and π* MOs, leading to a relatively small HOMO–LUMO gap of 3.20 and 2.72 eV, respectively. Under vacuum or at high temperature 7-Phen and 7-Pyr undergo intramolecular hydroarylation of the B B bond to yield 1,2-dihydronaphtho[1,8-cd][1,2]diborole derivatives. Hydrogenation of 7-Phen, 7-Pyr and their 9-anthryl and mesityl analogues III and II, respectively, results in all cases in splitting of the B–B bond and isolation of the monoboranes (Me₃P)BArH₂. NMR-spectroscopic monitoring of the reactions, solid-state structures of isolated reaction intermediates and computational mechanistic analyses show that the hydrogenation of the three PAH-substituted diborenes proceeds via a different pathway to that of the dimesityldiborene. Rather than occurring exclusively at the B–B bond, hydrogenation of 7-Ar and III proceeds via a hydroarylated intermediate, which undergoes one B–B bond-centered H₂ addition, followed by hydrogenation of the endocyclic B–C bond resulting from hydroarylation, making the latter effectively reversible.

In contrast to classical B–B bond-centred diborene hydrogenation, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-substituted diborenes first undergo thermal intramolecular hydroarylation, followed by hydrogenation of the remaining B–B and endocyclic B–C bonds.     

Site-selective functionalization of remote aliphatic C–H bonds via C–H metallation

Directing group assistance provided a paradigm for controlling site-selectivity in transition metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization reactions. However, the kinetically and thermodynamically favored formation of 5-membered metallacycles has greatly hampered the selective activation of remote C(sp³)–H bonds via larger-membered metallacycles. Recent development to achieve remote C(sp³)–H functionalization via the C–H metallation process largely relies on employing specific substrates without accessible proximal C–H bonds. Encouragingly, recent advances in this field have enabled the selective functionalization of remote aliphatic C–H bonds in the presence of equally accessible proximal ones by taking advantage of the switch of the regiodetermining step, ring strain of metallacycles, multiple non-covalent interactions, and favourable reductive elimination from larger-membered metallacycles. In this review, we summarize these advancements according to the strategies used, hoping to facilitate further efforts to achieve site- and even enantioselective functionalization of remote C(sp³)–H bonds.

Recent advances in site-selective functionalization of remote aliphatic C–H bonds in organometallic pathways are summarized.     

Visible-light-induced indole synthesis via intramolecular C–N bond formation: desulfonylative C(sp2)–H functionalization

Despite significant advances made on the synthesis of indole derivatives through photochemical strategies during the past several years, the requirement of equivalent amounts of oxidants, bases or other additional additives has limited their practical applications in the synthesis of natural products and pharmaceuticals as environment-friendly processes. Herein, we report LED visible-light-induced redox neutral desulfonylative C(sp²)–H functionalization for the synthesis of N-substituted indoles with a broad scope through γ-fragmentation under mild conditions in the absence of any additional additive. The reaction mechanism paradigm has been investigated on the basis of deuterium labeling experiments, kinetic analysis, Hammett plotting analysis and DFT calculations.

LED visible-light-induced redox neutral desulfonylative C(sp²)–H functionalization for the synthesis of N-substituted indoles in the absence of any additional additive has been established on the basis of KIE, Hammett plotting and DFT calculations.     

Pushing the limits of the hydrogen bond enhanced halogen bond—the case of the C–H hydrogen bond

C–H hydrogen bonds have remarkable impacts on various chemical systems. Here we consider the influence of C–H hydrogen bonds to iodine atoms. Positioning a methyl group between two iodine halogen bond donors of the receptor engendered intramolecular C–H hydrogen bonding (HBing) to the electron-rich belt of both halogen bond donors. When coupled with control molecules, the role of the C–H hydrogen bond was evaluated. Gas-phase density functional theory studies indicated that methyl C–H hydrogen bonds help bias a bidentate binding conformation. Interaction energy analysis suggested that the charged C–H donors augment the halogen bond interaction—producing a >10 kcal mol⁻¹ enhancement over a control lacking the C–H⋯I–C interaction. X-ray crystallographic analysis demonstrated C–H hydrogen bonds and bidentate conformations with triflate and iodide anions, yet the steric bulk of the central functional group seems to impact the expected trends in halogen bond distance. In solution, anion titration data indicated elevated performance from the receptors that utilize C–H Hydrogen Bond enhanced Halogen Bonds (HBeXBs). Collectively, the results suggest that even modest hydrogen bonds between C–H donors and iodine acceptors can influence molecular structure and improve receptor performance.

C–H hydrogen bonds to iodine halogen bond donors are shown to improve halogen bonding and molecular preorganization.     

Functionalisation of ethereal-based saturated heterocycles with concomitant aerobic C–H activation and C–C bond formation

With an ever-growing emphasis on sustainable synthesis, aerobic C–H activation (the use of oxygen in air to activate C–H bonds) represents a highly attractive conduit for the development of novel synthetic methodologies. Herein, we report the air mediated functionalisation of various saturated heterocycles and ethers via aerobically generated radical intermediates to form new C–C bonds using acetylenic and vinyl triflones as radical acceptors. This enables access to a variety of acetylenic and vinyl substituted saturated heterocycles that are rich in synthetic value. Mechanistic studies and control reactions support an aerobic radical-based C–H activation mechanism.

Herein we disclose a novel method for the aerobic C–H activation of ethereal-based heterocycles to generate various α-functionalised building blocks.     

Benchmark calculations of 29Si–1H spin–spin coupling constants across double bond

Benchmark calculations of geminal and vicinal ²⁹Si–¹H spin–spin coupling constants across double bond in three reference alkenylsilanes have been carried out at both DFT and SOPPA levels in comparison with experiment. At the former, four density functionals, B3LYP, B3PW91, PBE0 and KT3, were tested in combination with five representative basis sets. At the latter, three main SOPPA‐based methods, SOPPA, SOPPA(CC2) and SOPPA(CCSD), were examined in combination with the same series of basis sets. On the whole, the wavefunction methods showed much better results as compared to DFT, with the most efficient combination of SOPPA/cc‐pVTZ‐su2 characterized by a mean absolute error of only 0.4 Hz calculated for a set of nine coupling constants in three compounds with a sample span of around 40 Hz. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Copper-Catalyzed Si-H Bond Insertion Polymerization for Synthesis of Optically Active Polyesters Containing Silicon

The synthesis and characterization of chiral polymers with diverse structure remain a long-term challenging research topic.Herein,a copper-catalyzed enantioselective insertion of carbene into Si-H bond was applied to polycondensation,giving a new type of optically active degradable polyesters containing Si-C bond in the main chain.The polymerization features mild condition,broad substrate scope,excellent yields and enantioselectivities.Chiral diols could be obtained via reduction of optically active polyesters.Thermogravimetric analysis indicated these chiral polyesters exhibit good thermal stability.     

Activation of perfluoroalkyl iodides by anions: extending the scope of halogen bond activation to C(sp3)–H amidation,C(sp2)–H iodination,and perfluoroalkylation reactions

A simple, efficient, and convenient activation of perfluoroalkyl iodides by tBuONa or KOH, without expensive photo- or transition metal catalysts, allows the promotion of versatile α-sp³ C–H amidation reactions of alkyl ethers and benzylic hydrocarbons, C–H iodination of heteroaryl compounds, and perfluoroalkylations of electron-rich π bonds. Mechanistic studies show that these novel protocols are based on the halogen bond interaction between perfluoroalkyl iodides and tBuONa or KOH, which promote homolysis of perfluoroalkyl iodides under mild conditions.

A simple activation of perfluoroalkyl iodides by tBuONa or KOH allows the promotion of α-sp³ C–H amidation reactions of alkyl ethers and benzylic hydrocarbons, C–H iodination of heteroaryl compounds, and perfluoroalkylations of electron-rich π bonds.     

An economical approach for peptide synthesis via regioselective C–N bond cleavage of lactams

An economical, solvent-free, and metal-free method for peptide synthesis via C–N bond cleavage using lactams has been developed. The method not only eliminates the need for condensation agents and their auxiliaries, which are essential for conventional peptide synthesis, but also exhibits high atom economy. The reaction is versatile because it can tolerate side chains bearing a range of functional groups, affording up to >99% yields of the corresponding peptides without racemisation or polymerisation. Moreover, the developed strategy enables peptide segment coupling, providing access to a hexapeptide that occurs as a repeat sequence in spider silk proteins.

An economical, solvent-free, and metal-free method for peptide synthesis via C–N bond cleavage using lactams has been developed.     

Intramolecular Csp3–H/C–C bond amination of alkyl azides for the selective synthesis of cyclic imines and tertiary amines

The intramolecular Csp³–H and/or C–C bond amination is very important in modern organic synthesis due to its efficiency in the construction of diversified N-heterocycles. Herein, we report a novel intramolecular cyclization of alkyl azides for the synthesis of cyclic imines and tertiary amines through selective Csp³–H and/or C–C bond cleavage. Two C–N single bonds or a C N double bond are efficiently constructed in these transformations. The carbocation mechanism differs from the reported metal nitrene intermediates and therefore enables metal-free and new transformation.

A novel intramolecular cyclization of alkyl azides for the synthesis of cyclic imines and tertiary amines has been developed. The aliphatic C–H or C–C bond was selectively cleaved with the efficient formation of two C–N single bonds or a C N double bond.     

A general method for site-selective Csp3–S bond formation via cooperative catalysis

Herein, we report a copper-catalysed site-selective thiolation of Csp³–H bonds of aliphatic amines. The method features a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. Primary, secondary, and tertiary C–H bonds can be converted into C–S bonds with a high efficiency. The late-stage modification of biologically active compounds by this method was also demonstrated. Furthermore, the one-pot preparation of pyrrolidine or piperidine compounds via a domino process was achieved.

A copper-catalyzed site-selective thiolation of Csp³–H bonds of aliphatic amines was developed. The method features a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance.     

Palladium-catalyzed direct asymmetric C–H bond functionalization enabled by the directing group strategy

In the past decade, selective C–C and C-heteroatom bond construction through palladium-catalyzed direct C–H bond functionalization has been extensively studied by employing a variety of directing groups. Within this category, direct asymmetric C(sp²)–H and C(sp³)–H activation for the construction of highly enantiomerically enriched skeletons still progressed at a slow pace. This minireview briefly introduces the major advances in the field for palladium-catalyzed direct asymmetric C–H bond functionalization via the directing group strategy.

This minireview introduces Pd-catalyzed direct asymmetric C–H functionalization reactions using a directing group strategy.     

Sequential C–O decarboxylative vinylation/C–H arylation of cyclic oxalates via a nickel-catalyzed multicomponent radical cascade

A selective, sequential C–O decarboxylative vinylation/C–H arylation of cyclic alcohol derivatives enabled by visible-light photoredox/nickel dual catalysis is described. This protocol utilizes a multicomponent radical cascade process, i.e. decarboxylative vinylation/1,5-HAT/aryl cross-coupling, to achieve efficient, site-selective dual-functionalization of saturated cyclic hydrocarbons in one single operation. This synergistic protocol provides straightforward access to sp³-enriched scaffolds and an alternative retrosynthetic disconnection to diversely functionalized saturated ring systems from the simple starting materials.

A selective, sequential C–O decarboxylative vinylation/C–H arylation of cyclic alcohol derivatives enabled by visible-light photoredox/nickel dual catalysis has been described.