Three-component carboacylation of alkenes via cooperative nickelaphotoredox catalysis

Various commercially available acyl chlorides, aldehydes, and alkanes were exploited for versatile three-component 1,2-carboacylations of alkenes to forge two vicinal C–C bonds through the cooperative action of nickel and sodium decatungstate catalysis. A wealth of ketones with high levels of structural complexity was rapidly obtained via direct functionalization of C(sp²)/C(sp³)–H bonds in a modular manner. Furthermore, a regioselective late-stage modification of natural products showcased the practical utility of the strategy, generally featuring high resource economy and ample substrate scope.

Various commercially available acyl chlorides, aldehydes, and alkanes were exploited for versatile three-component 1,2-carboacylations of alkenes to forge two vicinal C–C bonds through the cooperative action of nickel and sodium decatungstate catalysis.     

Fe-catalyzed three-component dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated alkenes with alkyl halides and Grignard reagents

A highly chemoselective iron-catalyzed three-component dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated olefins with alkyl halides (iodides and bromides) and sp²-hybridized Grignard reagents is reported. The reaction operates under fast turnover frequency and tolerates a diverse range of sp²-hybridized nucleophiles (electron-rich and electron-deficient (hetero)aryl and alkenyl Grignard reagents), alkyl halides (tertiary alkyl iodides/bromides and perfluorinated bromides), and unactivated olefins bearing diverse functional groups including tethered alkenes, ethers, protected alcohols, aldehydes, and amines to yield the desired 1,2-alkylarylated products with high regiocontrol. Further, we demonstrate that this protocol is amenable for the synthesis of new (hetero)carbocycles including tetrahydrofurans and pyrrolidines via a three-component radical cascade cyclization/arylation that forges three new C–C bonds.

A highly selective iron-catalyzed three-component dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated alkenes with alkyl halides and sp²-hybridized Grignard reagents is reported.     

Synthesis of hydrosilylboronates via the monoborylation of a dihydrosilane Si–H bond and their application for the generation of dialkylhydrosilyl anions

The synthesis of a series of hydrosilylboronates via the selective iridium- or nickel-catalyzed monoborylation of dihydrosilane Si–H bonds is described. The synthesized silylboronates, which bear a single Si–H bond, can be used as novel silicon nucleophiles in the presence of transition-metal catalysts or bases. The first ²⁹Si{¹H} NMR spectroscopic evidence for the formation of (t-Bu)₂HSiLi, generated by the reaction of (t-Bu)₂HSi–B(pin) with MeLi, is reported as the first example of a dialkylhydorosilyl lithium species.

Monoborylation of a dihydrosilane Si–H bond can be achieved in the presence of iridium- or nickel-based catalysts, yielding novel hydrosilylboronates that bear a hydrogen atom at the silicon center.     

Mechanistic study on the reaction of pinB-BMes2 with alkynes based on experimental investigation and DFT calculations: gradual change of mechanism depending on the substituent

Transition metal-free direct and base-catalyzed 1,2-diborations of arylacetylenes using pinB-BMes₂ provided a syn/anti-isomeric mixture of diborylalkenes. The kinetic analysis showed that the reaction rate and isomer ratio were affected by reaction conditions and substituents on the aryl ring. DFT calculations indicated that direct addition proceeded via the interaction of acetylene-π with the BMes₂ fragment. In contrast, for the base-catalyzed diboration, the previously isolated sp²–sp³ diborane and borataallene were confirmed as stable intermediates by calculations. The whole reaction pathways can be divided into the Bpin-migration and deprotonation steps, where the borataallene should be considered as a common intermediate. It should be noted that the deprotonation step is reversible and affords the kinetically less favoured isomer under the thermodynamic conditions. As a result, the composition of isomeric products, in the base-catalyzed diboration, is attributed to the small difference of activation barriers between direct and base-catalyzed systems.

Combination of kinetic and DFT studies revealed a subtle balance for substituent effect toward the regioselectivity of the product in metal-free and base-catalyzed diboration of arylacetylenes.     

Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Directed syn‐1,2‐Carboboration and ‐Silylation: Alkene Scope,Applications in Dearomatization,and Stereocontrol by a Chiral Auxiliary

We report the development of palladium(0)‐catalyzed syn‐selective 1,2‐carboboration and ‐silylation reactions of alkenes containing cleavable directing groups. With B₂pin₂ or PhMe₂Si‐Bpin as nucleophiles and aryl/alkenyl triflates as electrophiles, a broad range of mono‐, di‐, tri‐ and tetrasubstituted alkenes are compatible in these transformations. We further describe a directed dearomative 1,2‐carboboration of electron‐rich heteroarenes by employing this approach. Through use of a removable chiral directing group, we demonstrate the viability of achieving stereoinduction in Heck‐type alkene 1,2‐difunctionalization. This work introduces new avenues to access highly functionalized boronates and silanes with precise regio‐ and stereocontrol.     

Palladium(0)‐Catalyzed Directed syn‐1,2‐Carboboration and ‐Silylation: Alkene Scope,Applications in Dearomatization,and Stereocontrol by a Chiral Auxiliary

We report the development of palladium(0)‐catalyzed syn‐selective 1,2‐carboboration and ‐silylation reactions of alkenes containing cleavable directing groups. With B₂pin₂ or PhMe₂Si‐Bpin as nucleophiles and aryl/alkenyl triflates as electrophiles, a broad range of mono‐, di‐, tri‐ and tetrasubstituted alkenes are compatible in these transformations. We further describe a directed dearomative 1,2‐carboboration of electron‐rich heteroarenes by employing this approach. Through use of a removable chiral directing group, we demonstrate the viability of achieving stereoinduction in Heck‐type alkene 1,2‐difunctionalization. This work introduces new avenues to access highly functionalized boronates and silanes with precise regio‐ and stereocontrol.     

Directed Markovnikov hydroarylation and hydroalkenylation of alkenes under nickel catalysis

We report a full account of our research on nickel-catalyzed Markovnikov-selective hydroarylation and hydroalkenylation of non-conjugated alkenes, which has yielded a toolkit of methods that proceed under mild conditions with alkenyl sulfonamide, ketone, and amide substrates. Regioselectivity is controlled through catalyst coordination to the native Lewis basic functional groups contained within these substrates. To maximize product yield, reaction conditions were fine-tuned for each substrate class, reflecting the different coordination properties of the directing functionality. Detailed kinetic and computational studies shed light on the mechanism of this family of transformations, pointing to transmetalation as the turnover-limiting step.

Native Lewis basic functional groups enable the nickel-catalyzed Markovnikov-selective hydroarylation and hydroalkenylation of unactivated alkenes with organoboron reagents.     

C(sp3)–H oxygenation via alkoxypalladium(ii) species: an update for the mechanism

Pd-catalyzed C(sp³)–H oxygenation has emerged as an attractive strategy for organic synthesis. The most commonly proposed mechanism involves C(sp³)–H activation followed by oxidative addition of an oxygen electrophile to give an alkylpalladium(iv) species and further C(sp³)–O reductive elimination. In the present study of γ-C(sp³)–H acyloxylation of amine derivatives, we show a different mechanism when tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) is used as an oxidant—namely, a bimetallic oxidative addition-oxo-insertion process. This catalytic model results in an alkoxypalladium(ii) intermediate from which acyloxylation and alkoxylation products are formed. Experimental and computational studies, including isolation of the putative post-oxo-insertion alkoxypalladium(ii) intermediates, support this mechanistic model. Density functional theory reveals that the classical alkylpalladium(iv) oxidative addition pathway is higher in energy than the bimetallic oxo-insertion pathway. Further kinetic studies revealed second-order dependence on [Pd] and first-order on [TBHP], which is consistent with DFT analysis. This procedure is compatible with a wide range of acids and alcohols for γ-C(sp³)–H oxygenation. Preliminary functional group transformations of the products underscore the great potential of this protocol for structural manipulation.

Alkoxypalladium(ii) species lead to γ-C(sp³)–H acyloxylation and alkoxylation products using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant.     

Silacyclization through palladium-catalyzed intermolecular silicon-based C(sp2)–C(sp3) cross-coupling

Silicon-based cross-coupling has been recognized as one of the most reliable alternatives for constructing carbon–carbon bonds. However, the employment of such reaction as an efficient ring expansion strategy for silacycle synthesis is comparatively little known. Herein, we develop the first intermolecular silacyclization strategy involving Pd-catalyzed silicon-based C(sp²)–C(sp³) cross-coupling. This method allows the modular assembly of a vast array of structurally novel and interesting sila-benzo[b]oxepines with good functional group tolerance. The key to success for this reaction is that silicon atoms have a stronger affinity for oxygen nucleophiles than carbon nucleophiles, and silacyclobutanes (SCBs) have inherent ring-strain-release Lewis acidity.

Herein, we develop the first silacyclization between 2-halophenols and SCBs, which allows the modular assembly of sila-benzo[b]oxepines with good functional group tolerance and can be applied for the late-stage modification of biologically active molecules.     

Catalytic alkene skeletal modification for the construction of fluorinated tertiary stereocenters

Herein we describe the first construction of fluorinated tertiary stereocenters based on an alkene C(sp²)–C(sp²) bond cleavage. The new process, that takes advantage of a Rh-catalyzed carbyne transfer, relies on a branched-selective fluorination of tertiary allyl cations and is distinguished by a wide scope including natural products and drug molecule derivatives as well as adaptability to radiofluorination.

We report a previously unknown disconnection approach to valuable fluorinated tertiary stereocenters based on the skeletal modification of 1,1-disubstituted alkenes by a Rh-catalyzed carbyne transfer.     

Site-selective amination and/or nitrilation via metal-free C(sp2)–C(sp3) cleavage of benzylic and allylic alcohols

Benzylic/allylic alcohols are converted via site-selective C(sp²)–C(sp³) cleavage to value-added nitrogenous motifs, viz., anilines and/or nitriles as well as N-heterocycles, utilizing commercial hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (HOSA) and Et₃N in an operationally simple, one-pot process. Notably, cyclic benzylic/allylic alcohols undergo bis-functionalization with attendant increases in architectural complexity and step-economy.

Benzylic/allylic alcohols are converted via site-selective C(sp²)–C(sp³) cleavage to value-added nitrogenous motifs, viz., anilines and/or nitriles as well as N-heterocycles, utilizing commercial hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid (HOSA) and Et₃N in an operationally simple, one-pot process.     

Ligand-controlled regioselective and chemodivergent defluorinative functionalization of gem-difluorocyclopropanes with simple ketones

Modulating the reaction selectivity is highly attractive and pivotal to the rational design of synthetic regimes. The defluorinative functionalization of gem-difluorocyclopropanes constitutes a promising route to construct β-vinyl fluorine scaffolds, whereas chemo- and regioselective access to α-substitution patterns remains a formidable challenge. Presented herein is a robust Pd/NHC ligand synergistic strategy that could enable the C–F bond functionalization with exclusive α-regioselectivity with simple ketones. The key design adopted enolates as π-conjugated ambident nucleophiles that undergo inner-sphere 3,3′-reductive elimination warranted by the sterically hindered-yet-flexible Pd-PEPPSI complex. The excellent branched mono-defluorinative alkylation was achieved with a sterically highly demanding IHept ligand, while subtly less bulky SIPr acted as a bifunctional ligand that not only facilitated α-selective C(sp³)–F cleavage, but also rendered the newly-formed C(sp²)–F bond as the linchpin for subsequent C–O bond formation. These examples represented an unprecedented ligand-controlled regioselective and chemodivergent approach to various mono-fluorinated terminal alkenes and/or furans from the same readily available starting materials.

A robust Pd/NHC ligand synergistic strategy that enables the exquisite regioselective and chemodivergent C–F bond functionalization of gem-difluorocyclopropanes with simple ketones, is reported.     

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.     

Palladium-catalyzed 1,1-alkynylbromination of alkenes with alkynyl bromides

The palladium-catalyzed 1,1-alkynylbromination of terminal alkenes with a silyl-protected alkynyl bromide is reported. The method tolerates a diverse range of alkenes including vinylarenes, acrylates, and even electronically unbiased alkene derivatives to afford propargylic bromides regioselectively. Mechanistic studies and DFT calculations indicate that the 1,1-alkynylbromination reaction proceeds via the migration of the Pd center followed by the formation of a π-allenyl Pd intermediate, leading to the stereoselective reductive elimination of the C(sp³)–Br bond at the propargylic positon.

The first Pd-catalyzed 1,1-alkynylbromination of terminal alkenes using alkynyl bromides, which provides direct access to a variety of functionalized propargylic bromides without the need for an external brominating reagent, is reported.     

Organophotoredox/palladium dual catalytic decarboxylative Csp3–Csp3 coupling of carboxylic acids and π-electrophiles

A dual catalytic decarboxylative allylation and benzylation method for the construction of new C(sp³)–C(sp³) bonds between readily available carboxylic acids and functionally diverse carbonate electrophiles has been developed. The new process is mild, operationally simple, and has greatly improved upon the efficiency and generality of previous methodology. In addition, new insights into the reaction mechanism have been realized and provide further understanding of the harnessed reactivity.

A dual catalytic decarboxylative allylation and benzylation method for the construction of new C(sp³)–C(sp³) bonds between readily available carboxylic acids and functionally diverse carbonate electrophiles has been developed.     

Electrochemically selective double C(sp2)–X (X = S/Se,N) bond formation of isocyanides

The construction of C(sp²)–X (X = B, N, O, Si, P, S, Se, etc.) bonds has drawn growing attention since heteroatomic compounds play a prominent role from biological to pharmaceutical sciences. The current study demonstrates the C(sp²)–S/Se and C(sp²)–N bond formation of one carbon of isocyanides with thiophenols or disulfides or diselenides and azazoles simultaneously. The reported findings could provide access to novel multiple isothioureas, especially hitherto rarely reported selenoureas. The protocol showed good atom-economy and step-economy with only hydrogen evolution and theoretical calculations accounted for the stereoselectivity of the products. Importantly, the electrochemical reaction could exclusively occur at the isocyano part regardless of the presence of susceptible radical acceptors, such as a broad range of arenes and alkynyl moieties, even alkenyl moieties.

We have developed an efficient and sustainable electrochemical strategy for the double C(sp²)–X (S/Se, N) bond formation of isocyanides simultaneously. A series of novel isothio/selenoureas were obtained via a three-component cross-coupling.

The construction of C(sp²)–X (X = B, N, O, Si, P, S, Se, etc.) bonds has drawn increased attention from researchers since heteroatomic compounds play a prominent role in various fields.¹ Traditionally, the transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling of a nucleophile and an electrophile is an important method for the formation of C(sp²)–X bonds.² Obviously, the direct cross-coupling of C(sp²)–H/X–H is a time-, effort-, and resource-economical process to construct C(sp²)–X bonds as it avoids the pre-functionalization of substrates.³ Alternatively, radical chemistry provides greener and more mild strategies for the formation of C(sp²)–X bonds, and a variety of high added-value compounds can be afforded successfully.⁴ Despite the numerous advances, these reported reactions are limited as they involve only single C(sp²)–X bond formation. Access to double C(sp²)–X bonds formation of one carbon remains still a room for improvement stimultaneously.As an ideal connector, isocyanides could be inserted into metal–carbon and metal–heteroatom bonds to construct double C(sp²)–X bonds.⁵ On the other hand, isocyanides could transform into heteroatomic molecules with electrophiles, nucleophiles and radicals.⁶ Although many elegant studies have been reported, the above methods are largely limited by the pre-functionalization of the substrate, the toxicity of metals or tedious synthesis steps. From the point of synthetic efficiency and economy, exploiting a novel, efficient, and diverse radical strategy to access double C(sp²)–X bonds under mild conditions and with broad functional group tolerance is of paramount importance and in urgent demand.Radical transformation processes are ubiquitous throughout synthesis chemistry and provide new ideas for forging new bonds and novel molecules, especially valuable product motifs.⁷ As a complementary strategy to conventional radical-based reactions, electrochemistry, effectively transferring electrons from the electrode surface to the substance, has been developed into a powerful synthetic technique toward radical chemistry.⁸ This electrochemical strategy further stimulated a resurgence of interest in radical chemistry with good atom-economy and step-economy.⁹ Myriad electrochemical-induced radical reactions have been reported via single-electron oxidation/reduction with a plethora of radicals and radical acceptors. As reported, alkenes, alkynes, and cyano and aromatic compounds could be considered to be favorable radical acceptors in diverse transformations, such as cross-coupling, cyclization and difunctionalization reactions.¹⁰ However, the application of isocyanides as radical acceptors is limited in utility due to electrochemical tandem cyclization.¹¹ Therefore, on the basis of our research on electrochemical oxidative functionalization of isocyanides,¹² we continued to explore the properties of isocyanides as radical acceptors under electrochemical conditions.Initially, we commenced our investigations by using abundant and inexpensive phenyl disulfide (1), ethyl 2-isocyanoacetate (2) and 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole (3) as model substrates in a single operation via a three-component cross-coupling. After systematic optimization, the isothiourea 21 could been obtained in 90% isolated yield. To gain insights into the reaction process, we continued to carry out a series of control experiments as shown in Scheme 1. The control experiment demonstrated that electricity is indispensable. Under standard conditions, addition of 2.0 equivalents of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) showed no traces of product. Similarly, the reaction was suppressed in the presence of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The P(OEt)₃-trapping product could be detected by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). Simultaneously, a S-centred radical signal (g = 2.0070, AN = 13.40 G, AH = 14.88 G) was quickly trapped by 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments. The reported results revealed that this reaction might proceed via S-radical pathways.Open in a separate windowScheme 1Control experiments.For deeper research of the priority of interaction for isocyanides vs. other radical acceptors with radicals, we sought to conduct robustness screening of a wide range of radical acceptors as shown in Scheme 2.¹³ The addition of an aryl olefin led to the complete shutdown of product formation (21) and the products of difunctionalization of alkenes were also not detected. To our delight, the alkenyl moiety did not affect the reaction efficiency under the electrochemical conditions. Unlike the aryl olefin, the addition of phenylacetylene did not inhibit product formation (21), delivering a yield of 93%. Similarly, ethyl 2-isocyanoacetate could be transformed into product (21) smoothly with 1-heptyne. The addition of mesitylene preserved the yield, while the yield decreased slightly with anisole. With the addition of furan and thiophene, an excellent yield of product (21) could still be obtained. Beside electron-donating arenes, we continued to add electron-withdrawing arenes to the reaction system. As expected, a satisfactory yield was obtained with 4-cyanopyridine. The results revealed that the electrochemical reaction exclusively occurred at the isocyano part regardless of the presence of electron-withdrawing arenes, electron-donating arenes and the alkynyl moiety, even the alkenyl moiety, which are also susceptible to radical conditions.Open in a separate windowScheme 2Competitive experiments of isocyanides vs. other radical acceptors with radicals. Conditions: 1 (0.15 mmol), 2 (0.6 mmol), 3 (0.5 mmol), R. A. = radical acceptors (0.6 mmol), ⁿBu₄NBF₄ (0.5 mmol), MeCN (6 mL), cloth anode, Pt cathode, undivided cell, constant current = 10 mA, room temperature, N₂, 2.25 h. ¹HNMR yield, dibromomethane as an internal standard.In order to further investigate the compatibility, we firstly examined the substrate scope of alkyl disulfides for the synthesis of isothioureas with ethyl 2-isocyanoacetate (2) and 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole (3) as shown in Scheme 3. To our delight, the yields did not decrease significantly with the increase of the carbon chain from methyl to decyl in this transformation (4–7). Isopropyl, isobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl were well tolerated with good to excellent yields (8–11). Substances, containing sensitive benzylic C–H bonds, were tolerated to access novel isothioureas in this electrochemical induced-radical process (12–14, 34). Afterwards, we continued to explore the applicability from alkyl disulfides to thiophenol and a series of molecule isothioureas were obtained successfully with satisfactory yield. Thiophenol, containing electron-neutral (F, Cl, Br, H), electron-withdrawing (OCF₃, CF₃, and CO₂Me) and electron-donating (Me, Et, ^tBu, OMe, and SMe) groups, could smoothly transform to realize this process with high stereoselectivity under mild conditions (15–26). The structure of Z-conformer (16) was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. In addition, this protocol was successfully applied to thiophenols bearing diverse groups at different positions with good yields, indicating that steric hindrance has no obvious effect (20, 27–31). With curiosity, we tried to evaluate the tolerance of diselenides to construct novel Se–C–N bonds simultaneously. Unexpectedly, regardless of alkyl diselenides (32–33), benzyl diselenide (34) or aryl diselenide (35), all were well tolerated under electrochemical conditions, providing a series of unprecedented isoselenoureas, which were inaccessible by conventional methods. The compatibility of sensitive functional groups provides an opportunity for further molecular modification. The sensitive functional architectures including but not limited to ester (36), benzyloxy (37), allyl and allyloxy as well as endene (38, 41–44), labile alkyl chloride (39) and alkyl bromide (40), propargyl (44), and thiophene (45), all remained intact, enriching the diversity of heteroatom compounds. The merit of this methodology was further demonstrated by elaboration of a wide gamut of functional molecules and drug molecules to diverse isothioureas. Natural products including l-menthol and geraniol (46–47), food additives including isopulegol and furfuryl alcohol (48–49), and pharmaceuticals including ibuprofen (50) were apt to give rise to the corresponding isothioureas in 50–78% yields.Open in a separate windowScheme 3Scope of thiophenols/disulfides/diselenides. Conditions: ^a disulfides/diselenides (0.15 mmol) or ^b thiophenols (0.3 mmol), isocyanides (0.6 mmol), 1H-benzotriazole (0.5 mmol), ⁿBu₄NBF₄ (0.5 mmol), MeCN (6 mL), cloth anode, Pt cathode, undivided cell, constant current = 10 mA, room temperature, N₂, 2.25 h. Isolated yield.After defining the scope of thiophenols and disulfides, we turned our attention to explore the substrate scope with respect to nucleophiles in Scheme 4. Benzotriazole, with mono-substitution or multi-substitution, could be efficiently converted to the corresponding skeletons in 55–75% yields (51–54). Under standard conditions, pyrazole also showed great reactivity with phenyl disulfide or ethyl disulfide (55–56). The introduction of a halogen group in pyrazolylcycle, especially a subtle C–I bond, was compatible with satisfactory results (57–59, 64–65). 4-Methyl-1H-pyrazole as a coupling partner also realized the aminosulfenylation of isocyanide, albeit less efficiently (62). Of note is that the yield was increased to 70% from 40% by replacing methyl with phenyl (63). In addition to benzotriazole and pyrazole derivatives, other triazoles and tetrazole were proved to be viable coupling partners as well, enabling access to the target products in synthetically useful yields (66–70). Subsequently, with this established-optimized condition, we set out to investigate substrates for isocyanide coupling partners. With methyl isocyanoacetate (71), a similar effect was observed in an electrochemical difunctionalization reaction. As expected, both tosylmethyl isocyanide and benzyl isocyanide were demonstrated to be competent substrates (72–73). Cyclohexyl isocyanide, as a representative of secondary isocyanides, converted into the corresponding product (74). Gratifyingly, isocyanides, regardless of the steric effect, could engage with thiophenols to give the corresponding adducts in good yields (75–76). Aryl isocyanides however afforded the desired products in low yields under standard reaction conditions (77–78).Open in a separate windowScheme 4Scope of azazoles. Conditions: ^a disulfides/diselenides (0.15 mmol) or ^b thiophenols (0.3 mmol), isocyanides (0.6 mmol), azazoles (0.5 mmol), ⁿBu₄NBF₄ (0.5 mmol), MeCN (6 mL), cloth anode, Pt cathode, undivided cell, constant current = 10 mA, room temperature, N₂, 2.25 h. Isolated yield.To evaluate the feasibility of this electrochemical protocol, we monitored the reaction on a 4.5 mmol scale as shown in Scheme 5. Under similar conditions, by prolonging the reaction time to 34 h, a good isolated yield of 72% was obtained, which provided an opportunity for further synthetic manipulations.Open in a separate windowScheme 5Gram-scale synthesis.In order to account for the stereoselectivity of products, theoretical calculations were performed. The result demonstrated that the free energy of the Z-conformer of the product 16 is 2.3 kcal mol⁻¹ smaller than that of the E-conformer.Based on a previously reported mechanistic study¹⁴ and these above observations, a synthetically possible mechanism for the electrochemical intermolecular difunctionalization reaction is depicted in Scheme 6. A sulfur radical was formed via single-electron-transfer (SET) reduction of the disulfide or SET oxidation of the thiophenol. Subsequently, the exclusive capture of the S-radical by the isocyano part yields the imine C-radical I. Further SET oxidation of this radical intermediate to the corresponding imine carbocation II, followed by nucleophilic trapping intermolecularly, affords the final isothioureas.Open in a separate windowScheme 6Proposed reaction mechanism.     

Photoinduced 1,2-dicarbofunctionalization of alkenes with organotrifluoroborate nucleophiles via radical/polar crossover

Alkene 1,2-dicarbofunctionalizations are highly sought-after transformations as they enable a rapid increase of molecular complexity in one synthetic step. Traditionally, these conjunctive couplings proceed through the intermediacy of alkylmetal species susceptible to deleterious pathways including β-hydride elimination and protodemetalation. Herein, an intermolecular 1,2-dicarbofunctionalization using alkyl N-(acyloxy)phthalimide redox-active esters as radical progenitors and organotrifluoroborates as carbon-centered nucleophiles is reported. This redox-neutral, multicomponent reaction is postulated to proceed through photochemical radical/polar crossover to afford a key carbocation species that undergoes subsequent trapping with organoboron nucleophiles to accomplish the carboallylation, carboalkenylation, carboalkynylation, and carboarylation of alkenes with regio- and chemoselective control. The mechanistic intricacies of this difunctionalization were elucidated through Stern–Volmer quenching studies, photochemical quantum yield measurements, and trapping experiments of radical and ionic intermediates.

Alkene 1,2-dicarbofunctionalizations increase molecular complexity. Herein, the carboallylation, carboalkenylation, carboalkynylation, and carboarylation of olefins is accomplished through radical/polar crossover with organotrifluoroborates.     

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.     

Photoredox-mediated hydroalkylation and hydroarylation of functionalized olefins for DNA-encoded library synthesis

DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology features a time- and cost-effective interrogation format for the discovery of therapeutic candidates in the pharmaceutical industry. To develop DEL platforms, the implementation of water-compatible transformations that facilitate the incorporation of multifunctional building blocks (BBs) with high C(sp³) carbon counts is integral for success. In this report, a decarboxylative-based hydroalkylation of DNA-conjugated trifluoromethyl-substituted alkenes enabled by single-electron transfer (SET) and subsequent hydrogen atom termination through electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complex activation is detailed. In a further photoredox-catalyzed hydroarylation protocol, the coupling of functionalized, electronically unbiased olefins is achieved under air and within minutes of blue light irradiation through the intermediacy of reactive (hetero)aryl radical species with full retention of the DNA tag integrity. Notably, these processes operate under mild reaction conditions, furnishing complex structural scaffolds with a high density of pendant functional groups.

DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology facilitates the rapid identification of therapeutic candidates in pharmaceutical settings. Herein, the development of photoredox-mediated hydrocarbofunctionalization protocols of olefins is described.     

Selective functionalization of the 1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole scaffold. A new potential non-classical isostere of indole and a precursor of push–pull dyes

We report the selective functionalization of the 1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole scaffold using a Br/Mg-exchange, as well as regioselective magnesiations and zincations with TMP-bases (TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl), followed by trapping reactions with various electrophiles. In addition, we report a fragmentation of the pyrazole ring, giving access to push–pull dyes with a proaromatic (1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazol-2-ylidene)malononitrile core. These functionalization methods were used in the synthesis of an isostere of the indolyl drug pruvanserin. Comparative assays between the original drug and the isostere showed that a substitution of the indole ring with a 1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole results in a significantly improved solubility in aqueous media.

A methodology for the selective functionalization of the 1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole scaffold has been developed and used in the synthesis of novel push–pull dyes and a non-classical isostere of the indolyl drug pruvanserin.