Transition Metal-Catalyzed Enantioselective C−H Functionalization via Chiral Transient Directing Group Strategies

Transition metal-catalyzed enantioselective functionalization of C−H bond, the most abundant functionality in organic molecules, has emerged as an expedient synthetic approach to streamline the synthesis of complex chiral molecules. Despite significant progress, traditional directing group-enabled strategies require additional steps for the installation and removal of directing groups from the target molecule. The recently developed asymmetric C−H functionalization using chiral transient directing groups (cTDGs) offers a promising alternative that can circumvent this obstacle and therefore simplify the process. In this Minireview, we briefly discuss the advent and recent advances of this emerging concept, with an emphasis on discussing the creation of various stereogenic centers and the developments of cTDGs. Applications in natural product synthesis and ligand derivatizations are also discussed. We hope this Minireview will highlight the great potential of this strategy and help to inspire further endeavors.     

Synthesis of Amides and Esters by Palladium(0)-Catalyzed Carbonylative C(sp3)−H Activation

The 1,4-palladium shift strategy allows the functionalization of remote C−H bonds that are difficult to reach directly. Reported here is a domino reaction proceeding by C(sp³)−H activation, 1,4-palladium shift, and amino- or alkoxycarbonylation, which generates a variety of amides and esters bearing a quaternary β-carbon atom. Mechanistic studies showed that the aminocarbonylation of the σ-alkylpalladium intermediate arising from the palladium shift is fast using PPh₃ as the ligand, and leads to the amide rather than the previously reported indanone product.     

Biomimetic Approach for Highly Selective Artificial Water Channels Based on Tubular Pillar[5]arene Dimers

Artificial water channels mimicking natural aquaporins (AQPs) can be used for selective and fast transport of water. Here, we quantify the transport performances of peralkyl-carboxylate-pillar[5]arenes dimers in bilayer membranes. They can transport ≈10⁷ water molecules/channel/second, within one order of magnitude of the transport rates of AQPs, rejecting Na⁺ and K⁺ cations. The dimers have a tubular structure, superposing pillar[5]arene pores of 5 Å diameter with twisted carboxy-phenyl pores of 2.8 Å diameter. This biomimetic platform, with variable pore dimensions within the same structure, offers size restriction reminiscent of natural proteins. It allows water molecules to selectively transit and prevents bigger hydrated cations from passing through the 2.8 Å pore. Molecular simulations prove that dimeric or multimeric honeycomb aggregates are stable in the membrane and form water pathways through the bilayer. Over time, a significant shift of the upper vs. lower layer occurs initiating new unexpected water permeation events through toroidal pores.     

Visible-Light-Induced Vicinal Dichlorination of Alkenes through LMCT Excitation of CuCl2

This work demonstrates photoredox vicinal dichlorination of alkenes, based on the homolysis of CuCl₂ in response to irradiation with visible light. This catalysis proceeds via a ligand to metal charge transfer process and provides an exciting opportunity for the synthesis of 1,2-dichloride compounds using an inexpensive, low-molecular-weight chlorine source. This new process exhibits a wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, extraordinarily mild conditions and does not require external ligands. Mechanistic studies show that the ready formation of chlorine atom radicals is responsible for the facile formation of C−Cl bonds in this synthetic process.     

Face-Directed Assembly of Molecular Cubes: In Situ Substitution of a Predetermined Concave Cluster

Systematic design and self-assembly of metal–organic polyhedra with predictable configurations has been a long-standing challenge in crystal engineering. Herein a concave polyoxovanadate cluster, [V₆O₆(OCH₃)₉(SO₄)₄]⁵⁻, which can be generated in situ under specific reaction conditions, is reported. Based on this cluster, a potential trivalent molecular building block, [V₆O₆(OCH₃)₉(SO₄)(CO₂)₃]²⁻, can be obtained by the bridging-ligand-substitution strategy and it possesses appropriate angle information for the design of molecular cubes. Utilizing the face-directed assembly of the trivalent molecular building block and a diverse set of tetratopic carboxylate linkers, a series of metal–organic cubes ( VMOC-1 – VMOC-5 ) with the same topology but different functionalities and dimensions were designed and constructed. An inclusion study using VMOC-3 shows that they are potential molecular receptors for selective capture of size-matching polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon guest molecules.     

A Robust Mixed-Lanthanide PolyMOF Membrane for Ratiometric Temperature Sensing

Temperature sensors play a significant role in biology, chemistry, and engineering, especially those that can work accurately in a noninvasive manner. We adopted a photoinduced post-synthetic copolymerization strategy to realize a membranous ratiometric luminescent thermometer based on the emissions of two lanthanide ions. This novel mixed-lanthanide polyMOF membrane exhibits not only the integrity and temperature sensing behaviour of the Ln-MOF powder but also excellent mechanical properties, such as flexibility, elasticity, and processability. Moreover, the polyMOF membrane shows remarkable stability under harsh conditions, including high humidity, strong acid and alkali (pH 0–14), which allowed the mapping of temperature distributions in extreme circumstances. This work highlights a simple strategy for polyMOF membrane formation and pushes forward the further practical application of Ln-MOF-based luminescent thermometers in various fields and conditions.     

Ligand Control of Palladium-Catalyzed Site-Selective α- and γ-Arylation of α,β-Unsaturated Ketones with (Hetero)aryl Halides

This study describes the first palladium-catalyzed, site-selective α- and γ-arylation of α,β-unsaturated ketones with (hetero)aryl halides. A wide range of hetero(aryl)halides coupled with α,β-unsaturated ketones, and transformation into the arylated products proceeded with excellent to good yields. The site selectivity of the reaction is switchable by simply changing the phosphine ligand to access either α-arylated or γ-arylated products in good to excellent yields by using a low catalyst loading, and the method demonstrates good functional-group compatibility.