A Continuum of Progress: Applications of N‐Hetereocyclic Carbene Catalysis in Total Synthesis

N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed transformations have emerged as powerful tactics for the construction of complex molecules. Since Stetter’s report in 1975 of the total synthesis of cis‐jasmon and dihydrojasmon by using carbene catalysis, the use of NHCs in total synthesis has grown rapidly, particularly over the last decade. This renaissance is undoubtedly due to the recent developments in NHC‐catalyzed reactions, including new benzoin, Stetter, homoenolate, and aroylation processes. These transformations employ typical as well as Umpolung types of bond disconnections and have served as the key step in several new total syntheses. This Minireview highlights these reports and captures the excitement and emerging synthetic utility of carbene catalysis in total synthesis.     

Merging organocatalysis and gold catalysis-a critical evaluation of the underlying concepts

While both organocatalysis and gold catalysis have their roots deeply entrenched in the landscape of modern organic chemistry, an exciting trend in the complementary merging of organocatalysis and especially Au(I) catalysis has emerged in the last four years. This niche area has been developing rapidly and this minireview serves to pin-point the fundamental concepts guiding reaction design in these binary catalytic systems. Moreover, the proven synthetic utility of organo/Au(I) multicatalytic systems in accessing molecular frameworks, previously a challenge to single catalytic systems, has resulted in this new concept permeating numerous areas of organocatalysis, such as primary/secondary amine, Br?nsted acid, hydrogen-bonding as well as N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis. The first detailed account of these recent developments is systematically presented.     

N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis via Azolium Dienolates: An Efficient Strategy for Remote Enantioselective Functionalizations

N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis has emerged as a powerful strategy in organic synthesis. In recent years a number of reviews have been published on NHC‐catalyzed transformations involving Breslow intermediates, acyl azoliums, α,β‐unsaturated acyl azoliums, homoenolate equivalents, and azolium enolates. However, the azolium dienolate intermediates generated by NHCs have been employed in asymmetric synthesis only very recently, especially in cycloadditions dealing with remote functionalization. This Minireview highlights all the developments and the new advances in NHC‐catalyzed asymmetric cycloaddition reactions involving azolium dienolate intermediates.     

N-杂环卡宾及其金属络合物的合成*

由于其强给电子能力、结构易修饰性和拓扑学特性,N-杂环卡宾成为继有机膦配体之后又一类重要的配体。其金属络合物在均相及不对称催化领域的催化性能是近期研究的热点,已有许多成功的结果。本文综述了近年来N-杂环卡宾及其金属络合物以及N-杂环卡宾的重要前体咪唑盐的合成方法。金属-N-杂环卡宾络合物的合成方法包括：(a)游离卡宾与金属化合物直接络合;(b)咪唑盐与金属化合物在强碱作用下络合;(c)利用Ag-NHC通过卡宾配体转移方法制备新的金属络合物。关于N-杂环卡宾前体的合成途径主要有：(a)乙二醛、伯胺和多聚甲醛的缩合反应;(b)卤代烷与咪唑及其取代咪唑的烷基化反应;(c)原甲酸酯与1,2-二胺的成环反应;(d)肼或酰胺与酸酐的环化反应;(e)用Na/K对环硫脲化合物的还原反应。     

Pd-N-杂环卡宾化合物催化的Heck反应、Suzuki反应进展

Pd催化的C—C键偶联反应是形成碳—碳单键的重要反应之一.传统上,使用膦化合物为配体来调整催化活性及选择性.但大多数Pd-膦化合物对空气稳定性差,容易被氧化;在溶液中易于解离出膦配体而降低催化剂稳定性,通常需要给反应体系中加入较多的膦配体以保持催化剂的稳定性和活性.1991年发现的稳定N-杂环卡宾(NHC)类配体具有富含电子、给电子能力强,对金属配位能力强,结构易修饰等特点,使得金属-NHC化合物成为金属有机化学、催化等领域研究新的焦点.Pd-NHC化合物已经可催化多类有机反应,是继传统Pd-膦催化剂外的又一类高效催化剂.综述了近年来不同结构的NHC如单齿简单NHC、双齿NHC、含其它配位原子的NHC等配体与Pd的配合物在Heck反应、Suzuki反应等偶联反应中的应用.     

The first N-heterocyclic carbene-based nickel catalyst for C-S coupling

We have developed the first N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-based transition metal catalysts for C-S coupling reactions. Ni-NHC catalysts showed good to excellent activities toward various aryl halides in C-S coupling reactions. The catalytic activities were greatly affected by the electronic and steric properties of the NHC ligands. The new catalysts were inexpensive, easy to synthesize, and environmentally friendly. They could be excellent candidates to replace Pd-organophosphanes for C-S coupling catalysis.     

Oxidative γ-addition of enals to trifluoromethyl ketones: enantioselectivity control via Lewis acid/N-heterocyclic carbene cooperative catalysis

An oxidative γ-functionalization of enals under N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis to give unsaturated δ-lactones is disclosed. Enantioselectivity control involving the relatively remote enal γ-carbon was achieved via Lewis acid [Sc(OTf)(3) or combined Sc(OTf)(3)/Mg(OTf)(2)] and NHC cooperative catalysis.     

Single-Electron Transfer Reactions Enabled by N-Heterocyclic Carbene Organocatalysis

Over the past decades, N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis has undergone a flourish of development on the basis of closed-shell reaction paths. By contrast, the emerging area of single-electron transfer (SET) reactions enabled by NHC catalysis still remain underdeveloped, but offer plenty of opportunities to develop new catalytic modes and useful synthetic methods. A number of interesting transformations were triggered by the SET process from the electron-rich Breslow intermediates to various single-electron acceptors. In additions, recent studies revealed that the Breslow radical cations could also be generated by single-electron reduction of the electron-deficient acyl azolium intermediates. These discoveries open a new avenue for NHC organocatalysis to harness radical reactions. The present review will focus on the exciting advancements in the dynamic area of radical NHC organocatalysis.     

Synergistic Photoredox Catalysis and Organocatalysis for Inverse Hydroboration of Imines

The first catalytic inverse hydroboration of imines with N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) boranes has been realized by means of cooperative organocatalysis and photocatalysis. This catalytic combination provides a promising platform for promoting NHC‐boryl radical chemistry under sustainable and radical‐initiator‐free conditions. The highly important functional‐group compatibility and possible application in late‐stage hydroborations represent an important step forward to an enhanced α‐amino organoboron library.     

Exploring Molecular Complexity by N-Heterocyclic Carbene Organocatalysis: New Activation and Reaction Diversity

The development of catalytic synthetic approaches towards molecular complexity from simple materials continues to be an ultimate goal in synthetic chemistry. Over the past decades, N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis has been extensively investigated to provide opportunities for a vast number of novel chemical transformations. Various activation modes and reactive intermediates enabled by NHC small-molecule catalysts, such as Breslow intermediates, (homo)enolates, acyl azoliums and their derived unsaturated azoliums exhibit great potential in the construction of complicated skeletons. This personal account will summarize our group's recent work in the exploration of new activation modes of NHC catalysis towards molecular complexity with a focus on the development and applications of NHC to achieve diversity and enantioselectivity in the preparation of functional molecules.     

An N-heterocyclic carbene/Lewis acid strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of spirooxindole lactones

A cooperative catalysis approach for the enantioselective formal [3+2] addition of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes to isatins has been developed. Homoenolate annulations of β-aryl enals catalyzed by an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) require the addition of lithium chloride for high levels of enantioselectivity. This NHC-catalyzed annulation has been used for the total synthesis of maremycin B.     

L-Shaped Heterobidentate Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-3-ylidene (N,C)-Ligands for Oxidant-Free AuI/AuIII Catalysis

In the last decade, major advances have been made in homogeneous gold catalysis. However, Au^I/Au^III catalytic cycle remains much less explored due to the reluctance of Au^I to undergo oxidative addition and the stability of the Au^III intermediate. Herein, we report activation of aryl halides at gold(I) enabled by NHC (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) ligands through the development of a new class of L-shaped heterobidentate ImPy (ImPy=imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-3-ylidene) N,C ligands that feature hemilabile character of the amino group in combination with strong σ-donation of the carbene center in a rigid conformation, imposed by the ligand architecture. Detailed characterization and control studies reveal key ligand features for Au^I/Au^III redox cycle, wherein the hemilabile nitrogen is placed at the coordinating position of a rigid framework. Given the tremendous significance of homogeneous gold catalysis, we anticipate that this ligand platform will find widespread application.     

氮杂环卡宾双核金络合物催化的胺芳基化反应

联萘胺出发合成了氮杂环卡宾双核和单核金络合物, 通过X射线的单晶衍射确定了它们的结构, 并将其应用于催化胺芳基化反应中, 以高达95%的收率得到吡咯烷类化合物. 综合上述实验结果, 发现氮杂环卡宾双核金络合物4b中存在着Au(I)-Au(I)间相互弱作用力, 而且这种弱相互作用可能对该催化反应起重要的作用, 以高收率得到吡咯烷类化合物.     

Chiral iridium(I) bis(NHC) complexes as catalysts for asymmetric transfer hydrogenation

The common use of NHC complexes in transition‐metal mediated C–C coupling and metathesis reactions in recent decades has established N‐heterocyclic carbenes as a new class of ligand for catalysis. The field of asymmetric catalysis with complexes bearing NHC‐containing chiral ligands is dominated by mixed carbene/oxazoline or carbene/phosphane chelating ligands. In contrast, applications of complexes with chiral, chelating bis(NHC) ligands are rare. In the present work new chiral iridium(I) bis(NHC) complexes and their application in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of ketones are described. A series of chiral bis(azolium) salts have been prepared following a synthetic pathway, starting from L ‐valinol and the modular buildup allows the structural variation of the ligand precursors. The iridium complexes were formed via a one‐pot transmetallation procedure. The prepared complexes were applied as catalysts in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of various prochiral ketones, affording the corresponding chiral alcohols in high yields and moderate to good enantioselectivities of up to 68%. The enantioselectivities of the catalysts were strongly affected by the various, terminal N‐substituents of the chelating bis(NHC) ligands. The results presented in this work indicate the potential of bis‐carbenes as stereodirecting ligands for asymmetric catalysis and are offering a base for further developments. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Isolable Silylene Ligands Can Boost Efficiencies and Selectivities in Metal‐Mediated Catalysis

A significant number of isolable silylenes are currently known. They have quickly developed from laboratory curiosities to useful ligands in metal‐mediated homogeneous catalysis. This includes their utilization in various catalytic transformations, such as C?C cross‐coupling, cyclotrimerization, hydroformylation, borylation, deuteration, hydrosilylation, amination, hydrogenation, and transfer semi‐hydrogenation reactions. Recent studies suggest that the silylene ligands surpass the steering properties of their phosphine and N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) analogues and provide excellent chemo‐, regio‐, and stereoselectivites. Mechanistic studies suggest that their promoted performance of metal‐mediated catalytic transformations results from a strong σ‐donor character along with cooperative effects of their Si^II centers. This Minireview covers the most recent advances in the field.     

NHC Effects on Reduction Dynamics in Iron-Catalyzed Organic Transformations**

The high abundance, low toxicity and rich redox chemistry of iron has resulted in a surge of iron-catalyzed organic transformations over the last two decades. Within this area, N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been widely utilized to achieve high yields across reactions including cross-coupling and C−H alkylation, amongst others. Central to the development of iron-NHC catalytic methods is the understanding of iron speciation and the propensity of these species to undergo reduction events, as low-valent iron species can be advantageous or undesirable from one system to the next. This study highlights the importance of the identity of the NHC on iron speciation upon reaction with EtMgBr, where reactions with SIMes and IMes NHCs were shown to undergo β-hydride elimination more readily than those with SIPr and IPr NHCs. This insight is vital to developing new iron-NHC catalyzed transformations as understanding how to control this reduction by simply changing the NHC is central to improving the reactivity in iron-NHC catalysis.     

二茂铁基功能化的氮杂环卡宾银配合物的合成及催化活性

通过N-二茂铁基甲基-N-吡啶基甲基咪唑盐与氧化银在相转移催化条件下反应, 合成了4个二茂铁基功能化的氮杂环卡宾银配合物(NHC)₂AgX(X=PF₆或BF₄), 并利用NMR及X-射线单晶衍射对其结构进行了表征. 在这4个化合物中, 银为二配位结构, 吡啶氮原子并未参与配位. 催化活性测试结果表明, 合成的4个化合物具有高的催化炔、 醛和胺三组分偶联反应活性.     

Cooperative Photoredox and N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Fluoroaroylation for the Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Ketones

α-Trifluoromethylated ketones have attracted significant attention as valuable building blocks in organic synthesis. Such compounds are generally accessed through trifluoromethylation of ketones. Here we report an alternative disconnection approach for the construction of α-CF₃ carbonyl compounds by using aroyl fluorides as bifunctional reagents for fluoroaroylation of gem-difluoroalkenes through cooperative photoredox and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis. This strategy bypasses the use of expensive or sensitive trifluoromethylation reagents and/or the requirement for ketone pre-functionalization, thus enabling an efficient and general synthetic method to access α-CF₃-substituted ketones. A wide variety of gem-difluoroalkenes and aroyl fluorides bearing a diverse set of functional groups are eligible substrates. Notably, the developed methodology also provides rapid access to mono- or difluoroalkyl ketones. Mechanistic studies reveal that merging photoredox catalysis with NHC catalysis is essential for the reaction.     

Amine-Responsive Disassembly of AuI–CuI Double Salts for Oxidative Carbonylation

A sensitive amine-responsive disassembly of self-assembled Au^I-Cu^I double salts was observed and its utilization for the synergistic catalysis was enlightened. Investigation of the disassembly of [Au(NHC)₂][CuI₂] revealed the contribution of Cu-assisted ligand exchange of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) by amine in [Au(NHC)₂]⁺ and the capacity of [CuI₂]⁻ on the oxidative step. By integrating the implicative information coded in the responsive behavior and inherent catalytic functions of d¹⁰ metal complexes, a catalyst for the oxidative carbonylation of amines was developed. The advantages of this method were clearly reflected on mild reaction conditions and the significantly expanded scope (51 examples); both primary and steric secondary amines can be employed as substrates. The cooperative reactivity from Au and Cu centers, as an indispensable prerequisite for the excellent catalytic performance, was validated in the synthesis of (un)symmetric ureas and carbamates.     

Amine‐Responsive Disassembly of AuI–CuI Double Salts for Oxidative Carbonylation

A sensitive amine‐responsive disassembly of self‐assembled Au^I‐Cu^I double salts was observed and its utilization for the synergistic catalysis was enlightened. Investigation of the disassembly of [Au(NHC)₂][CuI₂] revealed the contribution of Cu‐assisted ligand exchange of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) by amine in [Au(NHC)₂]⁺ and the capacity of [CuI₂]^? on the oxidative step. By integrating the implicative information coded in the responsive behavior and inherent catalytic functions of d¹⁰ metal complexes, a catalyst for the oxidative carbonylation of amines was developed. The advantages of this method were clearly reflected on mild reaction conditions and the significantly expanded scope (51 examples); both primary and steric secondary amines can be employed as substrates. The cooperative reactivity from Au and Cu centers, as an indispensable prerequisite for the excellent catalytic performance, was validated in the synthesis of (un)symmetric ureas and carbamates.