Regiodivergent sulfonylarylation of 1,3-enynes via nickel/photoredox dual catalysis

Catalytic difunctionalization of 1,3-enynes represents an efficient and versatile approach to rapidly assemble multifunctional propargylic compounds, allenes and 1,3-dienes. Controlling selectivity in such addition reactions has been a long-standing challenging task due to multiple reactive centers resulting from the conjugated structure of 1,3-enynes. Herein, we present a straightforward method for regiodivergent sulfonylarylation of 1,3-enynes via dual nickel and photoredox catalysis. Hinging on the nature of 1,3-enynes, diverse reaction pathways are feasible: synthesis of α-allenyl sulfones via 1,4-sulfonylarylation, or preparation of (E)-1,3-dienyl sulfones with high chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity through 3,4-sulfonylarylation. Notably, this is the first example that nickel and photoredox catalysis are merged to achieve efficient and versatile difunctionalization of 1,3-enynes.

A mild reaction protocol for regiodivergent sulfonylarylation of 1,3-enynes via dual nickel and photoredox catalysis has been developed, which led to efficient synthesis of α-allenyl sulfones or 1,3-dienyl sulfones.     

NHC and visible light-mediated photoredox co-catalyzed 1,4-sulfonylacylation of 1,3-enynes for tetrasubstituted allenyl ketones

The modulation of selectivity of highly reactive carbon radical cross-coupling for the construction of C–C bonds represents a challenging task in organic chemistry. N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed radical transformations have opened a new avenue for acyl radical cross-coupling chemistry. With this method, highly selective cross-coupling of an acyl radical with an alkyl radical for efficient construction of C–C bonds was successfully realized. However, the cross-coupling reaction of acyl radicals with vinyl radicals has been much less investigated. We herein describe NHC and visible light-mediated photoredox co-catalyzed radical 1,4-sulfonylacylation of 1,3-enynes, providing structurally diversified valuable tetrasubstituted allenyl ketones. Mechanistic studies indicated that ketyl radicals are formed from aroyl fluorides via the oxidative quenching of the photocatalyst excited state, allenyl radicals are generated from chemo-specific sulfonyl radical addition to the 1,3-enynes, and finally, the key allenyl and ketyl radical cross-coupling provides tetrasubstituted allenyl ketones.

Unprecedented NHC and photocatalysis co-catalyzed radical 1,4-sulfonylacylation of 1,3-enynes has been realized, providing structurally diversified tetrasubstituted allenyl ketones via allenyl and ketyl radical cross-coupling.     

Halogenated salt assisted Cu-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-borylstannation of 1,3-enynes: enantioselective synthesis of allenylstannes

An enantioselective 1,4-borylstannation of 1,3-enynes employed a chiral sulfoxide phosphine (SOP)/Cu complex as a catalyst, and the desired products, chiral allenylstannes, were first synthesized by asymmetric catalysis with satisfactory yields and enantioselectivies. In this protocol, a catalytic amount of additive, a halogenated salt, plays a crucial role in the success. Control experiments and theoretical studies disclosed that the four-membered ring transmetallation transition states which were stabilized by a halide anion are the key to yields and stereochemical outcomes.

An enantioselective 1,4-borylstannation of 1,3-enynes employed a chiral sulfoxide phosphine (SOP)/Cu complex as a catalyst, and the desired products, chiral allenylstannes, were first synthesized by asymmetric catalysis with satisfactory yields and enantioselectivies.     

Palladium-catalyzed selective C–C bond cleavage and stereoselective alkenylation between cyclopropanol and 1,3-diyne: one-step synthesis of diverse conjugated enynes

The stereoselective synthesis of 1,3-enynes from 1,3-diynes is demonstrated by palladium-catalyzed selective C–C bond cleavage of cyclopropanol. Exclusive formation of mono-alkenylated adducts was achieved by eliminating the possibility of di-functionalization with high stereoselectivity. Indeed, this protocol worked very well with electronically and sterically diverse substrates. Several studies, including deuterium labeling experiments and intermolecular competitive experiments, were carried out to understand the mechanistic details. The atomic-level mechanism followed in the catalytic process was also validated using DFT calculations, and the rate-controlling states in the catalytic cycle were identified. Furthermore, preliminary mechanistic investigations with radical scavengers revealed the non-involvement of the radical pathway in this transformation.

Palladium-catalyzed tandem activation and functionalization of readily accessible cyclopropanols have been demonstrated to access valuable conjugated enynes from 1,3-diynes with high stereo-selectivity.     

Generation of organo-alkaline earth metal complexes from non-polar unsaturated molecules and their synthetic applications

Organomagnesium compounds, represented by the Grignard reagents, are one of the most classical yet versatile carbanion species which have widely been utilized in synthetic chemistry. These reagents are typically prepared via oxidative addition of organic halides to magnesium metals, via halogen–magnesium exchange between halo(hetero)arenes and organomagnesium reagents or via deprotonative magnesiation of prefunctionalized (hetero)arenes. On the other hand, recent studies have demonstrated that the organo-alkaline earth metal complexes including those based on heavier alkaline earth metals such as calcium, strontium and barium could be generated from readily available non-polar unsaturated molecules such as alkenes, alkynes, 1,3-enynes and arenes through unique metallation processes. Nonetheless, the resulting organo-alkaline earth metal complexes could be further functionalized with a variety of electrophiles in various reaction modes. In particular, organocalcium, strontium and barium species have shown unprecedented reactivity in the downstream functionalization, which could not be observed in the reactivity of organomagnesium complexes. This perspective will focus on the newly emerging protocols for the generation of organo-alkaline earth metal complexes from non-polar unsaturated molecules and their applications in chemical synthesis and catalysis.

In this perspective, we highlight the recent development of metallation protocols of non-polar unsaturated molecules for the generation of organo-alkaline earth metal compounds and their applications in chemical synthesis and catalysis.     

The Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction for non-electron-deficient olefins enabled by photoredox catalysis

A strategy for overcoming the limitation of the Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) reaction, which is only applicable to electron-deficient olefins, has been achieved via visible-light induced photoredox catalysis in this report. A series of non-electron-deficient olefins underwent the MBH reaction smoothly via a novel photoredox-quinuclidine dual catalysis. The in situ formed key β-quinuclidinium radical intermediates, derived from the addition of olefins with quinuclidinium radical cations, are used to enable the MBH reaction of non-electron-deficient olefins. On the basis of previous reports, a plausible mechanism is suggested. Mechanistic studies, such as radical probe experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, were also conducted to support our proposed reaction pathways.

A strategy for overcoming the limitation of the Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) reaction, which is only applicable to electron-deficient olefins, has been achieved via visible-light induced photoredox catalysis in this report.     

An umpolung approach to the hydroboration of pyridines: a novel and efficient synthesis of N-H 1,4-dihydropyridines

The first inverse hydroboration of pyridine with a diboron(4) compound and a proton source has been realized under simple basic and catalyst-free conditions. This process consists of a formal boryl anion addition to pyridine, which produces an N-boryl pyridyl anion complex, and the subsequent protonation of the anion complex. This process enables a simple and efficient method for the synthesis of multi-substituted N-H 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) derivatives that are difficult to prepare using established methods. Furthermore, this method allows for facile preparation of 4-deuterated 1,4-DHPs from an easily accessible deuterium ion source. This inverse hydroboration reaction represents a new mode for pyridine functionalization.

Umpolung of pyridine hydroboration was achieved by the reaction between pyridine and diboron(4) with a base and a proton source.     

Excited-state palladium-catalysed reductive alkylation of imines: scope and mechanism

Palladium catalysis induced by visible-light irradiation is a promising tool for promoting unusual chemical transformations. We describe the development of excited-state palladium-catalyzed reductive alkylation of imines with alkyl bromides. The new methodology shows broad functional group tolerance and can additionally be applied in the direct three-component reaction of aldehydes, anilines, and alkyl bromides to give the alkyl amines under mild reaction conditions. Time-resolved photoluminescence experiments allowed the determination of the excited-state reaction kinetics and indicate that the reaction is proceeding via the inner-sphere electron transfer mechanism.

Palladium catalysis induced by visible-light irradiation is a promising tool for promoting unusual chemical reactivity. Here, the hybrid alkyl radical/Pd(i) species generated is used to promote the reductive alkylation of imines.     

Copper-catalyzed functionalization of enynes

The copper-catalyzed functionalization of enyne derivatives has recently emerged as a powerful approach in contemporary synthesis. Enynes are versatile and readily accessible substrates that can undergo a variety of reactions to yield densely functionalized, enantioenriched products. In this perspective, we review copper-catalyzed transformations of enynes, such as boro- and hydrofunctionalizations, copper-mediated radical difunctionalizations, and cyclizations. Particular attention is given to the regiodivergent functionalization of 1,3-enynes, and the current mechanistic understanding of such processes.

The copper-catalyzed functionalization of enynes is a powerful approach to yield densely functionalized products. This review covers various transformations, such as boro- and hydrofunctionalizations, copper-mediated radical difunctionalizations, and cyclizations.     

Fe-catalyzed Fukuyama-type indole synthesis triggered by hydrogen atom transfer

Fe, Co, and Mn hydride-initiated radical olefin additions have enjoyed great success in modern synthesis, yet the extension of other hydrogen radicalophiles instead of olefins remains largely elusive. Herein, we report an efficient Fe-catalyzed intramolecular isonitrile–olefin coupling reaction delivering 3-substituted indoles, in which isonitrile was firstly applied as the hydrogen atom acceptor in the radical generation step by MHAT. The protocol features low catalyst loading, mild reaction conditions, and excellent functional group tolerance.

A mild and efficient method has been developed to synthesize 3-substituted indoles via an Fe-catalyzed radical isonitrile–olefin coupling reaction initiated by MHAT to isonitriles.     

A visible-light mediated ring opening reaction of alkylidenecyclopropanes for the generation of homopropargyl radicals

Classical cyclopropylcarbinyl radical clock reactions have been widely applied to conduct mechanistic studies for probing radical processes for a long time; however, alkylidenecyclopropanes, which have a similar molecular structure to methylcyclopropanes, surprisingly have not yet attracted researcher''s attention for similar ring opening radical clock processes. In recent years, photocatalytic NHPI ester activation chemistry has witnessed significant blooming developments and provided new synthetic routes for cross-coupling reactions. Herein, we wish to report a non-classical ring opening radical clock reaction using innovative NHPI esters bearing alkylidenecyclopropanes upon photoredox catalysis, providing a brand-new synthetic approach for the direct preparation of a variety of alkynyl derivatives. The potential synthetic utility of this protocol is demonstrated in the diverse transformations and facile synthesis of bioactive molecules or their derivatives and medicinal substances.

A non-classical ring opening radical clock reaction using the innovative NHPI esters bearing alkylidenecyclopropanes upon photoredox catalysis has been demonstrated, providing a brand-new synthetic approach to access a variety of alkynyl derivatives.     

Overcoming peri- and ortho-selectivity in C–H methylation of 1-naphthaldehydes by a tunable transient ligand strategy

Methyl groups widely exist in bioactive molecules, and site-specific methylation has become a valuable strategy for their structural functionalization. Aiming to introduce this smallest alkyl handle, a highly regioselective peri- and ortho-C–H methylation of 1-naphthaldehyde by using a transient ligand strategy has been developed. A series of methyl-substituted naphthalene frameworks have been prepared in moderate to excellent yields. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that peri-methylation is controlled by the higher electronic density of the peri-position of 1-naphthaldehyde as well as the formation of intermediary 5,6-fused bicyclic palladacycles, whereas experimental studies and theoretical calculations inferred that a 5-membered iridacycle at the ortho-position of 1-naphthaldehyde leads to energetically favorable ortho-methylation via an interconversion between the peri-iridacycle and ortho-iridacycle. Importantly, to demonstrate the synthetic utility of this method, we show that this strategy can serve as a platform for the synthesis of multi-substituted naphthalene-based bioactive molecules and natural products.

This work provides a highly regioselective peri- and ortho-C–H methylation of 1-naphthaldehyde by using a transient ligand strategy, enabling practical synthesis of multi-substituted naphthalene-based bioactive molecules and natural products.     

Diastereoconvergent synthesis of anti-1,2-amino alcohols with N-containing quaternary stereocenters via selenium-catalyzed intermolecular C–H amination

We report a diastereoconvergent synthesis of anti-1,2-amino alcohols bearing N-containing quaternary stereocenters using an intermolecular direct C–H amination of homoallylic alcohol derivatives catalyzed by a phosphine selenide. Destruction of the allylic stereocenter during the selenium-catalyzed process allows selective formation of a single diastereomer of the product starting from any diastereomeric mixture of the starting homoallylic alcohol derivatives, eliminating the need for the often-challenging diastereoselective preparation of starting materials. Mechanistic studies show that the diastereoselectivity is controlled by a stereoelectronic effect (inside alkoxy effect) on the transition state of the final [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement, leading to the observed anti selectivity. The power of this protocol is further demonstrated on an extension to the synthesis of syn-1,4-amino alcohols from allylic alcohol derivatives, constituting a rare example of 1,4-stereoinduction.

We report a diastereoconvergent synthesis of anti-1,2-amino alcohols bearing N-containing quaternary stereocenters using an intermolecular direct C–H amination of homoallylic alcohol derivatives catalyzed by a phosphine selenide.     

Stereodivergent synthesis of enantioenriched azepino[3,4,5-cd]-indoles via cooperative Cu/Ir-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation and intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction

The development of enantioselective annulation reactions using readily available substrates for the construction of structurally and stereochemically diverse heterocycles is a compelling topic in diversity-oriented synthesis. Herein, we report efficient catalytic asymmetric formal 1,3-dipolar (3 + 4) cycloadditions of azomethine ylides with 4-indolyl allylic carbonates for the construction of azepino[3,4,5-cd]-indoles fused with a challenging seven-membered N-heterocycle, a frequently occurring tricyclic indole scaffold in bioactive compounds and pharmaceuticals. Through cooperative Cu/Ir-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation followed by intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction, an array of azepino[3,4,5-cd]-indoles were obtained in good yields with excellent diastereo-/enantioselective control. More importantly, the full stereodivergence of this transformation was established via synergistic catalysis followed by acid-promoted epimerization, and up to eight stereoisomers of the cycloadducts bearing three stereogenic centers could be predictably achieved from the same set of starting materials for the first time. Quantum mechanical computations established a plausible mechanism for the synergistic Cu/Ir catalysis to stereodivergently introduce two vicinal stereocenters whose stereochemical information is remotely delivered across the fused azepine ring to control the third chiral center. Epimerization of the last center involves protonation-enabled reversal of the thermodynamically controlled relative configuration.

A stereodivergent synthesis of azepino[3,4,5-cd]-indoles bearing three stereogenic centers was established via synergistic dual-metal catalysis followed by acid-promoted epimerization, and up to all eight stereoisomers could be predictably achieved.     

Catalytic intramolecular aminoarylation of unactivated alkenes with aryl sulfonamides

Arylethylamines are abundant motifs in myriad natural products and pharmaceuticals, so efficient methods to synthesize them are valuable in drug discovery. In this work, we disclose an intramolecular alkene aminoarylation cascade that exploits the electrophilicity of a nitrogen-centered radical to form a C–N bond, then repurposes the nitrogen atom''s sulfonyl activating group as a traceless linker to form a subsequent C–C bond. This photoredox catalysis protocol enables the preparation of densely substituted arylethylamines from commercially abundant aryl sulfonamides and unactivated alkenes under mild conditions. Reaction optimization, scope, mechanism, and synthetic applications are discussed.

A photochemical assembly of cyclic arylethylamines occurs by cascade radical annulation and desulfonylative rearrangement in N-acyl sulfonamides. This aminoarylation is made possible through judicious design intended to thwart undesired reactivity.     

Chirality memory of α-methylene-π-allyl iridium species

Chirality is one of the most important types of steric information in nature. In addition to central chirality, axial chirality has been catching more and more attention from scientists. However, although much attention has recently been paid to the creation of axial chirality and the chirality transfer of allenes, no study has been disclosed as to the memory of such an axial chirality. The reason is very obvious: the chiral information is stored over three carbon atoms. Here, the first example of the memory of chirality (MOC) of allenes has been recorded, which was realized via an optically active alkylidene-π-allyl iridium intermediate, leading to a highly stereoselective electrophilic allenylation with amines. Specifically, we have established the transition metal-mediated highly stereoselective 2,3-allenylation of amines by using optically active 2,3-allenyl carbonates under the catalysis of a nonchiral iridium(iii) complex. This method is compatible with sterically bulky and small substituents on both amines and 2,3-allenyl carbonates and furnishes the desired optically active products with a high efficiency of chirality transfer. Further mechanistic experiments reveal that the isomerization of the optically active alkylidene-π-allyl iridium intermediate is very slow.

Chirality is one of the most important types of steric information in nature.     

Allylic C(sp3)–H alkylation via synergistic organo- and photoredox catalyzed radical addition to imines

A new catalytic method for the direct alkylation of allylic C(sp³)–H bonds from unactivated alkenes via synergistic organo- and photoredox catalysis is described. The transformation achieves an efficient, redox-neutral synthesis of homoallylamines with broad functional group tolerance, under very mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic investigations indicate that the reaction proceeds through the N-centered radical intermediate which is generated by the allylic radical addition to the imine.

A new catalytic method for the direct alkylation of allylic C(sp³)–H bonds from unactivated alkenes via synergistic organo- and photoredox catalysis is described.     

Expanding organofluorine chemical space: the design of chiral fluorinated isosteres enabled by I(i)/I(iii) catalysis

Short aliphatic groups are prevalent in bioactive small molecules and play an essential role in regulating physicochemistry and molecular recognition phenomena. Delineating their biological origins and significance have resulted in landmark developments in synthetic organic chemistry: Arigoni''s venerable synthesis of the chiral methyl group is a personal favourite. Whilst radioisotopes allow the steric footprint of the native group to be preserved, this strategy was never intended for therapeutic chemotype development. In contrast, leveraging H → F bioisosterism provides scope to complement the chiral, radioactive bioisostere portfolio and to reach unexplored areas of chiral chemical space for small molecule drug discovery. Accelerated by advances in I(i)/I(iii) catalysis, the current arsenal of achiral 2D and 3D drug discovery modules is rapidly expanding to include chiral units with unprecedented topologies and van der Waals volumes. This Perspective surveys key developments in the design and synthesis of short multivicinal fluoroalkanes under the auspices of main group catalysis paradigms.

Short aliphatic groups are prevalent in bioactive small molecules and play an essential role in regulating physicochemistry and molecular recognition phenomena.     

Multicomponent formation route to a new class of oxygen-based 1,3-dipoles and the modular synthesis of furans

A new class of phosphorus-containing 1,3-dipoles can be generated by the multicomponent reaction of aldehydes, acid chlorides and the phosphonite PhP(catechyl). These 1,3-dipoles are formally cyclic tautomers of simple Wittig-type ylides, where the angle strain and moderate nucleophilicity in the catechyl-phosphonite favor their cyclization and also direct 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition to afford single regioisomers of substituted products. Coupling the generation of the dipoles with 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition offers a unique, modular route to furans from combinations of available aldehydes, acid chlorides and alkynes with independent control of all four substituents.

A new class of phosphorus-containing 1,3-dipoles has been developed, which, when coupled with cycloaddition, offers modular synthesis of furans with independent control of all four substituents.     

Catalysis with cycloruthenated complexes

Cycloruthenated complexes have been studied extensively over the last few decades. Many accounts of their synthesis, characterisation, and catalytic activity in a wide variety of transformations have been reported to date. Compared with their non-cyclometallated analogues, cycloruthenated complexes may display enhanced catalytic activities in known transformations or possess entirely new reactivity. In other instances, these complexes can be chiral, and capable of catalysing stereoselective reactions. In this review, we aim to highlight the catalytic applications of cycloruthenated complexes in organic synthesis, emphasising the recent advancements in this field.

We discuss recent advances in the applications of cycloruthenated complexes in organic synthesis, comprising C–H activation, chiral-at-metal catalysis, Z-selective olefin metathesis, transfer hydrogenation, enantioselective cyclopropanations and cycloadditions.