Cine substitution of arenes using the aryl carbamate as a removable directing group

An efficient and controlled means to achieve a rare cine substitution of arenes is reported. The methodology relies on the strategic use of aryl O-carbamates as readily removable directing groups for arene functionalization. The removal of aryl carbamates is achieved by employing an air-stable Ni(II) precatalyst, along with an inexpensive reducing agent, to give synthetically useful yields across a range of substrates. The net cine substitution process offers a new strategy for analogue synthesis, which complements the well-established logic for achieving arene functionalization by ipso substitution.     

Nickel-catalyzed amination of aryl sulfamates and carbamates using an air-stable precatalyst

A facile nickel-catalyzed method to achieve the amination of synthetically useful aryl sulfamates and carbamates is reported. Contrary to most Ni-catalyzed amination reactions, this user-friendly approach relies on an air-stable Ni(II) precatalyst, which, when employed with a mild reducing agent, efficiently delivers aminated products in good to excellent yields. The scope of the method is broad with respect to both coupling partners and includes heterocyclic substrates.     

Synthesis of ent‐Ketorfanol via a C–H Alkenylation/Torquoselective 6π Electrocyclization Cascade

The asymmetric synthesis of ent‐ketorfanol from simple and commercially available precursors is reported. A Rh^I‐catalyzed intramolecular C? H alkenylation/torquoselective 6π electrocyclization cascade provides a fused bicyclic 1,2‐dihydropyridine as a key intermediate. Computational studies were performed to understand the high torquoselectivity of the key 6π electrocyclization. The computational results demonstrate that a conformational effect is responsible for the observed selectivity. The ketone functionality and final ring are introduced in a single step by a redox‐neutral acid‐catalyzed rearrangement of a vicinal diol to give the requisite carbonyl, followed by intramolecular Friedel–Crafts alkylation.