Direct Catalytic Trifluoromethylthiolation of Boronic Acids and Alkynes Employing Electrophilic Shelf‐Stable N‐(trifluoromethylthio)phthalimide

A new and safe method for the synthesis of N‐(trifluoromethylthio)phthalimide, a convenient and shelf‐stable reagent for the direct trifluoromethylthiolation, has been developed. N‐(Trifluoromethylthio)phthalimide can be used as an electrophilic source of F₃CS⁺ and reacts readily with boronic acids and alkynes under copper catalysis. The utility of CF₃S‐containing molecules as biologically active agents, the mild reaction conditions employed, and the high tolerance of functional groups demonstrate the potential of this new methodology to be widely applied in organic synthesis as well as industrial pharmaceutical and agrochemical research and development.     

(Perhalomethylthio)heterocycles. XX [1]. N-Funktionalisierung des Tetrakis(trifluormethylthio)pyrrols

(Perhalomethylthio)heterocycles. XX. N-Functionalization of Tetrakis(trifluoromethylthio)pyrrol The acidic properties of Tetrakis(trifluoromethylthio)pyrrol 1 have been established by the preparation of Cu^I 5a , (C₆H₅)₃P · Au¹ 5b and Zn^II 5c salts. Additional evidence for the halogen like behaviour of the tetrakis(trifluoromethylthio)pyrroly radical are provided with the preparation of organomercury 3 and organoonium salts 6 of 1 . By reacting 2b with FC(O)Cl or 1 with CH₂I₂ in the presence of conc. NaOH 7 or 8 are obtained. Physical data for the newly synthesized substances are given. A group electronegativity value for the radical of 1 has been calculated.     

Recent Applications of Trifluoromethanesulfonic Anhydride in Organic Synthesis

Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride has been widely used in synthetic organic chemistry, not only for the conversion of various oxygen-containing compounds to the triflates, but also for the electrophilic activation and further conversion of amides, sulfoxides, and phosphorus oxides. In recent years, the utilization of Tf₂O as an activator for nitrogen-containing heterocycles, nitriles and nitro groups has become a promising tool for the development of new valuable methods with considerable success. In addition, Tf₂O has been used as an efficient radical trifluoromethylation and trifluoromethylthiolation reagent due to the contained SO₂CF₃ fragment, and significant progress has been made in this area. This review summarizes the recent progress in the applications of Tf₂O in the above two aspects, and aims to illustrate the role and potential application of this reagent in organic synthesis.     

Visible‐Light‐Promoted Trifluoromethylthiolation of Styrenes by Dual Photoredox/Halide Catalysis

Herein, we report a new visible‐light‐promoted strategy to access radical trifluoromethylthiolation reactions by combining halide and photoredox catalysis. This approach allows for the synthesis of vinyl–SCF₃ compounds of relevance in pharmaceutical chemistry directly from alkenes under mild conditions with irradiation from household light sources. Furthermore, alkyl–SCF₃‐containing cyclic ketone and oxindole derivatives can be accessed by radical‐polar crossover semi‐pinacol and cyclization processes. Inexpensive halide salts play a crucial role in activating the trifluoromethylthiolating reagent towards photoredox catalysis and aid the formation of the SCF₃ radical.     

Speciation of Rare‐Earth Metal Complexes in Ionic Liquids: A Multiple‐Technique Approach

The dissolution process of metal complexes in ionic liquids was investigated by a multiple‐technique approach to reveal the solvate species of the metal in solution. The task‐specific ionic liquid betainium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Hbet][Tf₂N]) is able to dissolve stoichiometric amounts of the oxides of the rare‐earth elements. The crystal structures of the compounds [Eu₂(bet)₈(H₂O)₄][Tf₂N]₆, [Eu₂(bet)₈(H₂O)₂][Tf₂N]₆?2H₂O, and [Y₂(bet)₆(H₂O)₄][Tf₂N]₆ were found to consist of dimers. These rare‐earth complexes are well soluble in the ionic liquids [Hbet][Tf₂N] and [C₄mim][Tf₂N] (C₄mim=1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium). The speciation of the metal complexes after dissolution in these ionic liquids was investigated by luminescence spectroscopy, ¹H, ¹³C, and ⁸⁹Y NMR spectroscopy, and by the synchrotron techniques EXAFS (extended X‐ray absorption fine structure) and HEXS (high‐energy X‐ray scattering). The combination of these complementary analytical techniques reveals that the cationic dimers decompose into monomers after dissolution of the complexes in the ionic liquids. Deeper insight into the solution processes of metal compounds is desirable for applications of ionic liquids in the field of electrochemistry, catalysis, and materials chemistry.     

Visible‐Light‐Promoted Photocatalytic B−C Coupling via a Boron‐Centered Carboranyl Radical: Facile Synthesis of B(3)‐Arylated o‐Carboranes

A visible‐light‐mediated in situ generation of a boron‐centered carboranyl radical (o‐C₂B₁₀H₁₁ ^. ) has been described. With eosin Y as a photoredox catalyst, 3‐diazonium‐o‐carborane tetrafluoroborate [3‐N₂‐o‐C₂B₁₀H₁₁][BF₄] was converted into the corresponding boron‐centered carboranyl radical intermediate, which can undergo efficient electrophilic substitution reaction with a wide range of (hetero)arenes. This general and simple procedure provides a metal‐free alternative for the synthesis of 3‐(hetero)arylated‐o‐carboranes.     

Visible‐Light‐Enabled Trifluoromethylative Pyridylation of Alkenes from Pyridines and Triflic Anhydride

A general strategy for visible‐light‐enabled site‐selective trifluoromethylative pyridylation of unactivated alkenes has been developed using pyridines and triflic anhydride (Tf₂O). Intriguingly, the N‐triflylpyridinium salts, generated in situ from pyridines and Tf₂O, serve as effective modular bifunctional reagents to install both CF₃ and pyridyl groups to various olefins while controlling C4‐selectivity in radical addition to the pyridine core. This synthetic route exhibited broad substrate scope under metal‐free and mild photocatalytic conditions, granting efficient access to valuable C4‐alkylated pyridines and quinolines without requiring prefunctionalization of the reaction site.     

trans‐(Methanol)(methyl­di­phenyl­phosphine)­bis­(pentane‐2,4‐dionato)­cobalt(III) hexa­fluoro­phosphate hydrate

The title compound [Co(C₅H₇O₂)₂(C₁₃H₁₃P)(CH₄O)]PF₆·H₂O, (I), which was converted from trans‐[Co(acac)₂(PMePh₂)(H₂O)]PF₆ (acac is pentane‐2,4‐dionato) by recrystallization from aqueous methanol, has been confirmed as have a coordinated methanol ligand. The molecular structure of the complex cation, trans‐[Co(acac)₂(PMePh₂)(MeOH)]⁺, is similar to that of the above aqua complex found in the ClO₄ salt [Kashiwabara et al. (1995). Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn, 68 , 883–888]. The Co—O bond length for the coordinated methanol is 2.059 (3) Å. There is an intermolecular hydrogen bond between the OH group of the coordinated methanol and one of the O atoms of the acac ligands in an adjacent complex cation [O5?O3′ = 2.914 (4) Å], giving a centrosymmetric dimeric dicationic complex.     

Density Functional Studies on Thromboxane Biosynthesis: Mechanism and Role of the Heme‐Thiolate System

Reaction mechanisms for the isomerization of prostaglandin H₂ to thromboxane A₂, and degradation to 12‐L‐hydroxy‐5,8,10‐heptadecatrienoic acid (HHT) and malondialdehyde (MDA), catalyzed by thromboxane synthase, were investigated using the unrestricted Becke‐three‐parameter plus Lee–Yang–Parr (UB3LYP) density functional level theory. In addition to the reaction pathway through Fe^IV‐porphyrin intermediates, a new reaction pathway through Fe^III‐porphyrin π‐cation radical intermediates was found. Both reactions proceed with the homolytic cleavage of endoperoxide O? O to give an alkoxy radical. This intermediate converts into an allyl radical intermediate by a C? C homolytic cleavage, followed by the formation of thromboxane A₂ having a 6‐membered ring through a one electron transfer, or the degradation into HHT and MDA. The proposed mechanism shows that an iron(III)‐containing system having electron acceptor ability is essential for the 6‐membered ring formation leading to thromboxane A₂. Our results suggest that the step of the endoperoxide O? O homolytic bond cleavage has the highest activation energy following the binding of prostaglandin H₂ to thromboxane synthase.     

Manganese‐Mediated Intermolecular Arylation of H‐Phosphinates and Related Compounds

The intermolecular radical functionalization of arenes with aryl and alkyl H‐phosphinate esters, as well as diphenylphosphine oxide and H‐phosphonate diesters, is described. The novel catalytic Mn^II/excess Mn^IV system is a convenient and inexpensive solution to directly convert C_sp2?H into C?P bonds. The reaction can be employed to functionalize P‐stereogenic H‐phosphinates since it is stereospecific. With monosubstituted aromatics, the selectivity for para‐substitution increases in the order (RO)₂P(O)H<R¹P(O)(OR)H<Ph₂P(O)H, a trend that may be explained by steric effects.     

Direct Trifluoromethylthiolation of Unactivated C(sp3)H Using Silver(I) Trifluoromethanethiolate and Potassium Persulfate

A practical and efficient method for the direct trifluoromethylthiolation of unactivated C(sp³)? H bonds by AgSCF₃/K₂S₂O₈ under mild conditions is described. The reaction has a good functional‐group tolerance and good selectivity. Initial mechanistic investigations indicate that the reaction may involve a radical process in which K₂S₂O₈ plays key roles in both the activation of the C(sp³)? H bond and the oxidation of AgSCF₃.     

Photoredox‐Catalyzed Functionalization of Alkenes with Thiourea Dioxide: Construction of Alkyl Sulfones or Sulfonamides

Sulfonylation of alkenes through photoredox‐catalyzed functionalization of alkenes with thiourea dioxide under visible‐light irradiation is achieved. The reaction of alkenes, thiourea dioxide and electrophiles provides a green and efficient access to alkyl sulfones and sulfonamides. A broad reaction scope is presented with good functional group compatibility and excellent regioselectivity. A plausible mechanism involving a radical addition process with sulfur dioxide radical anion (SO₂^‐) derived from the oxidation of sulfur dioxide anion (SO₂^2–) is proposed, which is supported by fluorescence quenching experiments.     

Metal dimers as catalysts: IX. The catalysed reaction between [η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2I] and group 15 donor ligands

The reaction between [η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂I] (I) and 1 equivalent of L (group 15 donor ligand) in the presence of catalysts (e.g. Pd/CaCO₃, PdO, [η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂]₂ (II)) yields [η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)(L)I] (phosphines, diphosphines, phosphite), [η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂L]I (phosphines) and [η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)(LL)]I (diphosphines). [η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂L]I can be converted into [η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)(L)I] in the presence of II. The reaction between [η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)(PMePh₂)I] or [η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)₂(PMePh₂)]I and PMePh₂ is also catalysed by II and yields in both instances [η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe(CO)(PMePh₂)₂]I. In the series of catalysed reactions the displacement sequence was found to be PMePh₂ > I⁻ > CO.     

Catalytic Hydroxylation of Benzene to Phenol by Dioxygen with an NADH Analogue

Hydroxylation of benzene by molecular oxygen (O₂) occurs efficiently with 10‐methyl‐9,10‐dihydroacridine (AcrH₂) as an NADH analogue in the presence of a catalytic amount of Fe(ClO₄)₃ or Fe(ClO₄)₂ with excess trifluoroacetic acid in a solvent mixture of benzene and acetonitrile (1:1 v/v) to produce phenol, 10‐methylacridinium ion and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at 298 K. The catalytic oxidation of benzene by O₂ with AcrH₂ in the presence of a catalytic amount of Fe(ClO₄)₃ is started by the formation of H₂O₂ from AcrH₂, O₂, and H⁺. Hydroperoxyl radical (HO₂^.) is produced from H₂O₂ with the redox pair of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ by a Fenton type reaction. The rate‐determining step in the initiation is the proton‐coupled electron transfer from Fe²⁺ to H₂O₂ to produce HO^. and H₂O. HO^. abstracts hydrogen rapidly from H₂O₂ to produce HO₂^. and H₂O. The Fe³⁺ produced was reduced back to Fe²⁺ by H₂O₂. HO₂^. reacts with benzene to produce the radical adduct, which abstracts hydrogen from AcrH₂ to give the corresponding hydroperoxide, accompanied by generation of acridinyl radical (AcrH^.) to constitute the radical chain reaction. Hydroperoxyl radical (HO₂^.), which was detected by using the spin trap method with EPR analysis, acts as a chain carrier for the two radical chain pathways: one is the benzene hydroxylation with O₂ and the second is oxidation of an NADH analogue with O₂ to produce H₂O₂.     

Mechanism of the Cycloaddition of Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides Catalyzed by Cobalt‐Substituted 12‐Tungstenphosphate

Co^II‐substituted α‐Keggin‐type 12‐tungstenphosphate [(n‐ C₄H₉)₄N]₄H[PW₁₁Co(H₂O)O₃₉]‐ (PW₁₁Co) is synthesized and used as a single‐component, solvent‐free catalyst in the cycloaddition reaction of CO₂ and epoxides to form cyclic carbonates. The mechanism of the cycloaddition reaction is investigated using DFT calculations, which provides the first computational study of the catalytic cycle of polyoxometalate‐catalyzed CO₂ coupling reactions. The reaction occurs through a single‐electron transfer from the doublet Co^II catalyst to the epoxide and forms a doublet Co^III–carbon radical intermediate. Subsequent CO₂ addition forms the cyclic carbonate product. The existence of radical intermediates is supported by free‐radical termination experiments. Finally, it is exhilarating to observe that the calculated overall reaction barrier (30.5 kcal mol^?1) is in good agreement with the real reaction rate (83 h^?1) determined in the present experiments (at 150 °C).     

Visible‐Light‐Mediated Decarboxylation/Oxidative Amidation of α‐Keto Acids with Amines under Mild Reaction Conditions Using O2

Photochemistry has ushered in a new era in the development of chemistry, and photoredox catalysis has become a hot topic, especially over the last five years, with the combination of visible‐light photoredox catalysis and radical reactions. A novel, simple, and efficient radical oxidative decarboxylative coupling with the assistant of the photocatalyst [Ru(phen)₃]Cl₂ is described. Various functional groups are well‐tolerated in this reaction and thus provides a new approach to developing advanced methods for aerobic oxidative decarboxylation. The preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that: 1) an SET process between [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺* and aniline play an important role; 2) O₂ activation might be the rate‐determining step; and 3) the decarboxylation step is an irreversible and fast process.     

Direct Trifluoromethylthiolation of Unactivated C(sp3)?H Using Silver(I) Trifluoromethanethiolate and Potassium Persulfate

A practical and efficient method for the direct trifluoromethylthiolation of unactivated C(sp³) H bonds by AgSCF₃/K₂S₂O₈ under mild conditions is described. The reaction has a good functional‐group tolerance and good selectivity. Initial mechanistic investigations indicate that the reaction may involve a radical process in which K₂S₂O₈ plays key roles in both the activation of the C(sp³) H bond and the oxidation of AgSCF₃.     

Three-dimensional porous metal-radical frameworks based on triphenylmethyl radicals

Lanthanide coordination polymers {[Ln(PTMTC)(EtOH)₂H₂O] ? x H₂O, y EtOH} [Ln=Tb ( 1 ), Gd ( 2 ), and Eu ( 3 )] and {[Ln(αH? PTMTC)(EtOH)₂H₂O] ? x H₂O, y EtOH} [Ln=Tb ( 1′ ), Gd ( 2′ ), and Eu ( 3′ )] have been prepared by reacting Ln^III ions with tricarboxylate‐perchlorotriphenylmethyl/methane ligands that have a radical (PTMTC^3?) or closed‐shell (αH? PTMTC^3?) character, respectively. X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal 3D architectures that combine helical 1D channels and a fairly rare (6,3) connectivity described with the (4².8)?(4⁴.6².8⁵.10⁴) Schäfli symbol. Such 3D architectures make these polymers porous solids upon departure of the non‐coordinated guest‐solvent molecules as confirmed by the XRD structure of the guest‐free [Tb(PTMTC)(EtOH)₂H₂O] and [Tb(αH? PTMTC)(EtOH)₂H₂O] materials. Accessible voids represent 40 % of the cell volume. Metal‐centered luminescence was observed in Tb^III and Eu^III coordination polymers 1′ and 3′ , although the Ln^III‐ion luminescence was quenched when radical ligands were involved. The magnetic properties of all these compounds were investigated, and the nature of the {Ln–radical} (in 1 and 2 ) and the {radical–radical} exchange interactions (in 3 ) were assessed by comparing the behaviors for the radical‐based coordination polymers 1 – 3 with those of the compounds with the diamagnetic ligand set. Whilst antiferromagnetic {radical–radical} interactions were found in 3 , ferromagnetic {Ln–radical} interactions propagated in the 3D architectures of 1 and 2 .     

Polymerized ionic liquids: Effects of counter‐anions on ion conduction and polymerization kinetics

A novel imidazolium‐containing monomer, 1‐[ω‐methacryloyloxydecyl]‐3‐(n‐butyl)‐imidazolium (1BDIMA), was synthesized and polymerized using free radical and controlled free radical polymerization followed by post‐polymerization ion exchange with bromide (Br), tetrafluoroborate (BF₄), hexafluorophosphate (PF₆), or bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Tf₂N). The thermal properties and ionic conductivity of the polymers showed a strong dependence on the counter‐ions and had glass transition temperatures (T_g) and ion conductivities at room temperature ranging from 10 °C to −42 °C and 2.09 × 10⁻⁷ S cm⁻¹ to 2.45 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹. In particular, PILs with Tf₂N counter‐ions showed excellent ion conductivity of 2.45 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature without additional ionic liquids (ILs) being added to the system, making them suitable for further study as electro‐responsive materials. In addition to the counter‐ions, solvent was found to have a significant effect on the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization (RAFT) for 1BDIMA with different counter‐ions. For example, 1BDIMATf₂N would not polymerize in acetonitrile (MeCN) at 65 °C and only achieved low monomer conversion (< 5%) at 75 °C. However, 1BDIMA‐Tf₂N proceeded to high conversion in dimethylformamide (DMF) at 65 °C and 1BDIMABr polymerized significantly faster in DMF compared to MeCN. NMR diffusometry was used to investigate the kinetic differences by probing the diffusion coefficients for each monomer and counter‐ion in MeCN and DMF. These results indicate that the reaction rates are not diffusion limited, and point to a need for deeper understanding of the role electrostatics plays in the kinetics of free radical polymerizations. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018 , 56, 1346–1357     

Regioselective Synthesis of SCF3‐Substituted 2,4‐Diarylquinazoline Using AgSCF3 as Trifluoromethylthiolation Reagent

A facile and efficient route to 4‐aryl‐2‐[2‐(trifluoromethylthio) aryl]quinazoline derivatives through a tandem directed Rh‐catalyzed C‐H iodination and trifluoromethylthiolation is described. The reaction proceeded under mild reaction conditions, exhibited good functional group tolerance with a broad scope of substrate and excellent regioselectivity in good to excellent yields.