Iron-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Alkyl Grignards with Aryl Chlorobenzenesulfonates

Aryl sulfonate esters are versatile synthetic intermediates in organic chemistry as well as attractive architectures due to their bioactive properties. Herein, we report the synthesis of alkyl-substituted benzenesulfonate esters by iron-catalyzed C(sp²)–C(sp³) cross-coupling of Grignard reagents with aryl chlorides. The method operates using an environmentally benign and sustainable iron catalytic system, employing benign urea ligands. A broad range of chlorobenzenesulfonates as well as challenging alkyl organometallics containing β-hydrogens are compatible with these conditions, affording alkylated products in high to excellent yields. The study reveals that aryl sulfonate esters are the most reactive activating groups for iron-catalyzed alkylative C(sp²)–C(sp³) cross-coupling of aryl chlorides with Grignard reagents.     

Lithium trihydroxy/triisopropoxy-2-pyridylborate salts (LTBS): synthesis, isolation, and use in modified Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions

We describe herein shelf-stable, isolable, and characterizable pyridyl lithium trihydroxy and triisopropoxy 2-borate salts (LTBS) for use in modified Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions that can be produced in quantities greater than one hundred grams. Pyridyl LTBS provide a viable cross-coupling alternative to unstable 2-pyridylboronic acids, boronates, and trifluoroborate salt derivatives. We also demonstrate the synthesis and cross-coupling of shelf-stable LTBS reagents of other sp²-hybridized nitrogen-containing heterocycles including thiazole, pyrazine, quinoline, and isoquinoline heterocycles.     

Photoredox Nickel-Catalysed Stille Cross-Coupling Reactions

The Stille cross-coupling reaction is one of the most common strategies for the construction of C−C bonds. Despite notable strides in the advancement of the Stille reaction, persistent challenges persist in hindering its greener evolution. These challenges encompass multiple facets, such as the high cost of precious metals and ligands, the demand for various additives, and the slow reaction rate. In comparison to the dominant palladium-catalysed Stille reactions, cost-effective nickel-catalysed systems lag behind, and enantioconvergent Stille reactions of racemic stannanes remain undeveloped. Herein, we present a pioneering instance of nickel-catalysed enantioconvergent Stille cross-coupling reactions of racemic stannane reagents, resulting in the formation of C−C bonds in good to high yields with excellent stereoselectivity. This strategy provides a practical, scalable, and operationally straightforward method for the synthesis of C(sp³)−C(sp³), C(sp³)−C(sp²), and C(sp³)−C(sp) bonds under exceptionally mild conditions (without additives and bases, ambient temperature). The innovative use of synergistic photoredox/nickel catalysis enables a novel single-electron transmetalation process of stannane reagents, providing a new research paradigm of Stille reactions.     

Photocatalytic Alkylation of C(sp3)−H Bonds Using Sulfonylhydrazones**

The ability to construct C(sp³)−C(sp³) bonds from easily accessible reagents is a crucial, yet challenging endeavor for synthetic organic chemists. Herein, we report the realization of such a cross-coupling reaction, which combines N-sulfonyl hydrazones and C(sp³)−H donors through a diarylketone-enabled photocatalytic hydrogen atom transfer and a subsequent fragmentation of the obtained alkylated hydrazide. This mild and metal-free protocol was employed to prepare a wide array of alkyl-alkyl cross-coupled products and is tolerant of a variety of functional groups. The application of this chemistry further provides a preparatively useful route to various medicinally-relevant compounds, such as homobenzylic ethers, aryl ethyl amines, β-amino acids and other moieties which are commonly encountered in approved pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and natural products.     

Stereoselective C(sp3)-C(sp2) Negishi coupling of (2-amido-1-phenylpropyl)zinc compounds through the steric control of β-amido group

A controllable diastereoselective C(sp2)-C(sp3) Negishi coupling reaction of secondary benzylic zinc reagents with aryl bromides has been demonstrated for the first time, forming medicinally important 1-arylphenylethylamines. In the presence of Pd(OAc) 2 and S-phos, open-chain (2-amido-1-phenylethyl)zinc reagents bearing a -NHAc or NHCHO group underwent cross-coupling reaction to give syn 1-arylphenylethylamine as the major products, whereas the zinc reagents bearing a sterically hindered-NHCOC(CH3)2 OTBS group specifically yielded anti 1-arylphenylethylamines.     

Electroreductive Desulfurative Transformations with Thioethers as Alkyl Radical Precursors**

Thioethers are highly prevalent functional groups in organic compounds of natural and synthetic origin but remain remarkably underexplored as starting materials in desulfurative transformations. As such, new synthetic methods are highly desirable to unlock the potential of the compound class. In this vein, electrochemistry is an ideal tool to enable new reactivity and selectivity under mild conditions. Herein, we demonstrate the efficient use of aryl alkyl thioethers as alkyl radical precursors in electroreductive transformations, along with mechanistic details. The transformations proceed with complete selectivity for C(sp³)−S bond cleavage, orthogonal to that of established transition metal-catalyzed two-electron routes. We showcase a hydrodesulfurization protocol with broad functional group tolerance, the first example of desulfurative C(sp³)−C(sp³) bond formation in Giese-type cross-coupling and the first protocol for electrocarboxylation of synthetic relevance with thioethers as starting materials. Finally, the compound class is shown to outcompete their well-established sulfone analogues as alkyl radical precursors, demonstrating their synthetic potential for future desulfurative transformations in a one-electron manifold.     

Synthesis of P-Stereogenic Phosphine Oxides via Nickel-Catalyzed Asymmetric Cross-Coupling of Secondary Phosphine Oxides with Alkenyl and Aryl Bromides

A general and mild nickel-catalyzed enantioselective C(sp²)−P cross-coupling for synthesizing P-stereogenic phosphine oxides has been developed. The asymmetric alkenylation/arylation of racemic secondary phosphine oxides with alkenyl/aryl bromides generated P-stereogenic phosphine oxides with high yields and enantioselectivities. Various functional groups were tolerated, and the applications of this method were demonstrated through late-stage functionalization and product transformations.     

Intra- and intermolecular Fe-catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization of vinyl cyclopropanes

Design and implementation of the first (asymmetric) Fe-catalyzed intra- and intermolecular difunctionalization of vinyl cyclopropanes (VCPs) with alkyl halides and aryl Grignard reagents has been realized via a mechanistically driven approach. Mechanistic studies support the diffusion of alkyl radical intermediates out of the solvent cage to participate in an intra- or intermolecular radical cascade with a range of VCPs followed by re-entering the Fe radical cross-coupling cycle to undergo (stereo)selective C(sp²)–C(sp³) bond formation. This work provides a proof-of-concept of the use of vinyl cyclopropanes as synthetically useful 1,5-synthons in Fe-catalyzed conjunctive cross-couplings with alkyl halides and aryl/vinyl Grignard reagents. Overall, we provide new design principles for Fe-mediated radical processes and underscore the potential of using combined computations and experiments to accelerate the development of challenging transformations.

Design and implementation of the first (asymmetric) Fe-catalyzed intra- and intermolecular difunctionalization of vinyl cyclopropanes (VCPs) with alkyl halides and aryl Grignard reagents has been realized via a mechanistically driven approach.     

Reductive C2‐Alkylation of Pyridine and Quinoline N‐Oxides Using Wittig Reagents

The ability to alkylate pyridines and quinolines is important for their further development as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, and for other purposes. Herein we describe the unprecedented reductive alkylation of pyridine and quinoline N‐oxides using Wittig reagents. A wide range of pyridine and quinoline N‐oxides were converted into C2‐alkylated pyridines and quinolines with excellent site selectivity and functional‐group compatibility. Sequential C?H functionalization reactions of pyridine and quinoline N‐oxides highlight the utility of the developed method. Detailed labeling experiments were performed to elucidate the mechanism of this process.     

Pyridyl Radical Cation for C−H Amination of Arenes

Electron‐transfer photocatalysis provides access to the elusive and unprecedented N‐pyridyl radical cation from selected N‐substituted pyridinium reagents. The resulting C(sp²)?H functionalization of (hetero)arenes furnishes versatile intermediates for the development of valuable aminated aryl scaffolds. Mechanistic studies that include the first spectroscopic evidence of a spin‐trapped N‐pyridyl radical adduct implicate SET‐triggered, pseudo‐mesolytic cleavage of the N?X pyridinium reagents mediated by visible light.     

Hypervalent Iodine Reagents Enable Chemoselective Deboronative/Decarboxylative Alkenylation by Photoredox Catalysis

Chemoselective C(sp³)? C(sp²) coupling reactions under mild reaction conditions are useful for synthesizing alkyl‐substituted alkenes having sensitive functional groups. Reported here is a visible‐light‐induced chemoselective alkenylation through a deboronation/decarboxylation sequence under neutral aqueous reaction conditions at room temperature. This reaction represents the first hypervalent‐iodine‐enabled radical decarboxylative alkenylation reaction, and a novel benziodoxole‐vinyl carboxylic acid reaction intermediate was isolated. This C(sp³)? C(sp²) coupling reaction leads to aryl‐and acyl‐substituted alkenes containing various sensitive functional groups. The excellent chemoselectivity, stable reactants, and neutral aqueous reaction conditions of the reaction suggest future biomolecule applications.     

Carboxylate‐Assisted Oxidative Addition to Aminoalkyl PdII Complexes: C(sp3)−H Arylation of Alkylamines by Distinct PdII/PdIV Pathway

Reported is the discovery of an approach to functionalize secondary alkylamines using 2‐halobenzoic acids as aryl‐transfer reagents. These reagents promote an unusually mild carboxylate‐assisted oxidative addition to alkylamine‐derived palladacycles. In the presence of Ag^I salts, a decarboxylative C(sp³)?C(sp²) bond reductive elimination leads to γ‐aryl secondary alkylamines and renders the carboxylate motif a traceless directing group. Stoichiometric mechanistic studies were effectively translated to a Pd‐catalyzed γ‐C(sp³)?H arylation process for secondary alkylamines.     

Dialkyl Ether Formation by Nickel‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Acetals and Aryl Iodides

A new substrate class for nickel‐catalyzed C(sp³) cross‐coupling reactions is reported. α‐Oxy radicals generated from benzylic acetals, TMSCl, and a mild reductant can participate in chemoselective cross‐coupling with aryl iodides using a 2,6‐bis(N‐pyrazolyl)pyridine (bpp)/Ni catalyst. The mild, base‐free conditions are tolerant of a variety of functional groups on both partners, thus representing an attractive C? C bond‐forming approach to dialkyl ether synthesis. Characterization of a [(bpp)NiCl] complex relevant to the proposed catalytic cycle is also described.     

Air‐Stable Solid Aryl and Heteroaryl Organozinc Pivalates: Syntheses and Applications in Organic Synthesis

A wide range of air‐stable, solid, polyfunctional aryl and heteroarylzinc pivalates were efficiently prepared by either magnesium insertion or Hal/Mg exchange followed by transmetalation with Zn(OPiv)₂ (OPiv=pivalate). By reducing the amount of LiCl the air stability could be significantly enhanced compared with previously prepared reagents. An alternative route is directed magnesiation using TMPMgCl ? LiCl (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidyl) followed by transmetalation with Zn(OPiv)₂ or, for very sensitive substrates, direct zincation by using TMPZnOPiv. These zinc reagents not only show excellent stability towards air, but they also undergo a broad range of C?C bond‐formation reactions, such as allylation and carbocupration reactions, as well as addition to aldehydes and 1,4‐addition reactions. Acylation reactions can be performed by using an excess of TMSCl to overcome side reactions of the omnipresent pivalate anion.     

Transition-Metal-Free Coupling of Polyfluorinated Arenes and Functionalized,Masked Aryl Nucleophiles

A chemoselective C(sp²)−C(sp²) coupling of sufficiently electron-deficient fluorinated arenes and functionalized N-aryl-N’-silyldiazenes as masked aryl nucleophiles is reported. The fluoride-promoted transformation involves the in situ generation of the aryl nucleophile decorated with various sensitive functional groups followed by a stepwise nucleophilic aromatic substitution (S_NAr). These reactions typically proceed at room temperature within minutes. This catalytic process allows for the functionalization of both coupling partners, furnishing highly fluorinated biaryls in good yields.     

Synthesis and Reactivity of Paramagnetic Nickel Polypyridyl Complexes Relevant to C(sp2)–C(sp3)Coupling Reactions

A number of new transition metal catalyzed methods for the formation of C(sp²)–C(sp³) bonds have recently been described. These reactions often utilize bidentate polypyridyl‐ligated Ni catalysts, and paramagnetic Ni^I halide or aryl species are proposed in the catalytic cycles. However, there is little knowledge about complexes of this type. Here, we report the synthesis of paramagnetic bidentate polypyridyl‐ligated Ni halide and aryl complexes through elementary reactions proposed in catalytic cycles for C(sp²)–C(sp³) bond formation. We investigate the ability of these complexes to undergo organometallic reactions that are relevant to C(sp²)–C(sp³) coupling through stoichiometric studies and also explore their catalytic activity.     

Ligand‐Promoted RhIII‐Catalyzed Thiolation of Benzamides with a Broad Disulfide Scope

A ligand‐promoted Rh^III‐catalyzed C(sp²)?H activation/thiolation of benzamides has been developed. Using bidentate mono‐N‐protected amino acid ligands led to the first example of Rh^III‐catalyzed aryl thiolation reactions directed by weakly coordinating directing amide groups. The reaction tolerates a broad range of amides and disulfide reagents.     

Synthesis of α-Quaternary β-Lactams via Copper-Catalyzed Enantioconvergent Radical C(sp3)−C(sp2) Cross-Coupling with Organoboronate Esters

The copper-catalyzed enantioconvergent radical C(sp³)−C(sp²) cross-coupling of tertiary α-bromo-β-lactams with organoboronate esters could provide the synthetically valuable α-quaternary β-lactams. The challenge arises mainly from the construction of sterically congested quaternary stereocenters between the tertiary alkyl radicals and chiral copper(II) species. Herein, we describe our success in achieving such transformations through the utilization of a copper/hemilabile N,N,N-ligand catalyst to forge the sterically congested chiral C(sp³)−C(sp²) bond via a single-electron reduction/transmetalation/bond formation catalytic cycle. The synthetic potential of this approach is shown in the straightforward conversion of the corresponding products into many valuable building blocks. We hope that the developed catalytic cycle would open up new vistas for more enantioconvergent cross-coupling reactions.     

Functionalization of Olefinic C−H Bonds by an Aryl-to-Vinyl 1,4-Nickel Migration/Reductive Coupling Sequence

An attractive approach to selective functionalization of remote C−H bonds is a metal/hydride shift/cross-coupling reaction sequence. Complimentary to the heavily exploited 1,2-nickel/hydride shift along an sp³ chain, a chain-walking process, the 1,4-nickel/hydride shift along an sp² chain is more complex. Here we report an unprecedented aryl-to-vinyl 1,4-nickel/hydride shift reaction, in which the migratory alkenylnickel species generated in situ is selectively trapped by one of various coupling partners, such as isocyanates, alkyl bromides, aryl chlorides or alkynyl bromides, allowing regio- and stereoselective access to trisubstituted alkenes. In contrast to the well-reported ipso-aryl coupling reactions, this strategy provides remote alkenyl C−H functionalized products with good yield and with excellent chemo-, regio- and E/Z-selectivity.     

Decarboxylative C(sp3)−O Cross‐Coupling

Alkyl aryl ethers are an important class of compounds in medicinal and agricultural chemistry. Catalytic C(sp³)?O cross‐coupling of alkyl electrophiles with phenols is an unexplored disconnection strategy to the synthesis of alkyl aryl ethers, with the potential to overcome some of the major limitations of existing methods such as C(sp²)?O cross‐coupling and S_N2 reactions. Reported here is a tandem photoredox and copper catalysis to achieve decarboxylative C(sp³)?O coupling of alkyl N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) esters with phenols under mild reaction conditions. This method was used to synthesize a diverse set of alkyl aryl ethers using readily available alkyl carboxylic acids, including many natural products and drug molecules. Complementarity in scope and functional‐group tolerance to existing methods was demonstrated.