A Vicinal Electrophilic Diborylation Reaction Furnishes Doubly Boron-Doped Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Ten examples of unsymmetrically benzannulated, boron-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (B-PAHs) were prepared by a one-pot protocol using 4,5-dichloro-1,2-bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene ( 1 ), BBr₃, and selected PAHs—among them anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, biphenylene, and fluoranthene. After mesitylation at the boron centers, the resulting air- and water-stable products were investigated by ¹H/¹¹B{¹H}/¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, and UV/Vis absorption/emission spectroscopy. The experiments were augmented by DFT calculations. Most of the B-PAHs are brightly luminescent (Φ_PL up to 90 %) and undergo reversible reduction at moderate half-wave potentials. The two chloro substituents of 1 are not only mandatory for accomplishing efficient diborylation, but can subsequently be used for Stille-type coupling reactions to introduce 2-thienyl moieties. Alternatively, Cl/H exchange is achievable with HSiEt₃ in a quantitative, Pd-catalyzed transformation.     

Catalytic Electrophilic Alkylation of p‐Quinones through a Redox Chain Reaction

Allylation and benzylation of p ‐quinones was achieved through an unusual redox chain reaction. Mechanistic studies suggest that the existence of trace hydroquinone initiates a redox chain reaction that consists of a Lewis acid catalyzed Friedel–Crafts alkylation and a subsequent redox equilibrium that regenerates hydroquinone. The electrophiles could be various allylic and benzylic esters. The addition of Hantzsch ester as an initiator improves the efficiency of the reaction.     

Sulfone–Metal Exchange and Alkylation of Sulfonylnitriles

The first general sulfone–metal exchange is described. Treating substituted 2‐pyridylsulfonylacetonitriles with either BuLi or Bu₃MgLi generates metalated nitriles that efficiently intercept a variety of electrophiles to afford quaternary nitriles. The 2‐pyridylsulfone is critical for the sulfone–metal exchange because chelation anchors the organometallic proximal to the electrophilic, tetrasubstituted sulfone to override complex‐induced deprotonation. Alkylating commercial 2‐pyridinesulfonylacetonitrile with mild bases, either K₂CO₃ or DBU, and subsequent sulfone–metal exchange and alkylation rapidly assembles quaternary nitriles by three alkylations, only one of which requires an organometallic reagent.     

meta‐C−H Arylation and Alkylation of Benzylsulfonamide Enabled by a Palladium(II)/Isoquinoline Catalyst

Palladium(II)‐catalyzed meta ‐C−H arylation and alkylation of benzylsulfonamide using 2‐carbomethoxynorbornene (NBE‐CO₂Me) as a transient mediator are realized by using a newly developed electron‐deficient directing group and isoquinoline as a ligand. This protocol features broad substrate scope and excellent functional‐group tolerance. The meta ‐substituted benyzlsulfonamides can be readily transformed into sodium sulfonates, sulfonate esters, and sulfonamides, as well as styrenes by Julia‐type olefination. The unique impact of the isoquinoline ligand underscores the importance of subtle matching between ligands and the directing groups.