Nickel- and Photoredox-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Aryl Halides with 4-Alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines as Formal Nucleophilic Alkylation Reagents

Late-Stage Alkylation of N-Containing Heteroarenes Enabled by Homolysis of Alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines under Blue LED Irradiation

Alkylated heteroarenes are widely found in bioactive molecules and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, there is great interest in developing a chemoselective alkylation of heteroarenes under mild conditions, particularly during a late-stage functionalization step for the purpose of rapid derivatization. Herein, we introduce an efficient visible-light-promoted C–H alkylation of nitrogen-containing heteroarenes by using C4-alkyl 1,4-dihydropyridines (DHPs) as radical precursors at ambient temperatures. A broad scope of heteroarenes, such as 4-hydroxyquinazoline and its derivatives, including those bearing electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups, can be successfully alkylated in good yields by using various C4-alkyl DHPs.

Mechanistic Insight into the Photoredox-Nickel-HAT Triple Catalyzed Arylation and Alkylation of α-Amino Csp3-H Bonds

We report here a comprehensive computational analysis of the mechanisms of the photoredox-nickel-HAT (HAT: hydrogen atom transfer) catalyzed arylation and alkylation of α-amino C_sp3-H bonds developed by MacMillan and co-workers. Different alternatives for the three catalytic cycles were tested to identify unambiguously the operative reaction mechanism. Our analysis indicated that the Ir^III photoredox catalyst, upon irradiation with visible light, can be either reduced or oxidized by the HAT and nickel catalysts, respectively, indicating that both reductive and oxidative quenching catalytic cycles can be operative, although the reductive cycle is favored. Our analysis of the HAT cycle indicated that activation of a α-amino C_sp3-H bond of the substrate is facile and selective relative to activation of a β-amino C_sp3-H bond. Finally, our analysis of the nickel cycle indicated that both arylation and alkylation of α-amino C_sp3-H bonds occurs via the sequence of nickel oxidation states Ni^I-Ni^II-Ni^I-Ni^III and of elementary steps: radical addition-SET-oxidative addition-reductive elimination.

Theoretical investigation on the nature of 4-substituted Hantzsch esters as alkylation agents

Recently, a variety of 4-substituted Hantzsch esters (XRH) with different structures have been widely researched as alkylation reagents in chemical reactions, and the key step of the chemical process is the elementary step of XRH˙⁺ releasing R˙. The purpose of this work is to investigate the essential factors which determine whether or not an XRH is a great alkylation reagent using density functional theory (DFT). This study shows that the ability of an XRH acting as an alkylation reagent can be reasonably estimated by its ΔG^≠_RD(XRH˙⁺) value, which can be conveniently obtained through DFT computations. Moreover, the data also show that ΔG^≠_RD(XRH˙⁺) has no simple correlation with the structural features of XRH, including the electronegativity of the R substituent group and the magnitude of steric resistance; therefore, it is difficult to judge whether an XRH can provide R˙ solely by experience. Thus, these results are helpful for chemists to design 4-substituted Hantzsch esters (XRH) with novel structures and to guide the application of XRH as a free radical precursor in organic synthesis.

This work presents a convenient computation method to estimate whether a 4-substituted Hantzsch ester can be a good alkyl radical donor.

Nickel-Catalyzed Synthesis of Dialkyl Ketones from the Coupling of N-Alkyl Pyridinium Salts with Activated Carboxylic Acids

While ketones are among the most versatile functional groups, their synthesis remains reliant upon reactive and low-abundance starting materials. In contrast, amide formation is the most-used bond-construction method in medicinal chemistry because the chemistry is reliable and draws upon large and diverse substrate pools. A new method for the synthesis of ketones is presented here that draws from the same substrates used for amide bond synthesis: amines and carboxylic acids. A nickel terpyridine catalyst couples N-alkyl pyridinium salts with in situ formed carboxylic acid fluorides or 2-pyridyl esters under reducing conditions (Mn metal). The reaction has a broad scope, as demonstrated by the synthesis of 35 different ketones bearing a wide variety of functional groups with an average yield of 60±16 %. This approach is capable of coupling diverse substrates, including pharmaceutical intermediates, to rapidly form complex ketones.

BI-OAc-Accelerated C3-H Alkylation of Quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones under Visible-Light Irradiation

An efficient, photoredox-catalyst-free radical alkylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones has been described. This reaction utilizes 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines (R-DHPs) as alkyl radical precursors and acetoxybenziodoxole (BI-OAc) as an electron acceptor to undergo single-electron transfer with photoexcited R-DHPs. The benign conditions allow for good compatibility in the scope of both quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones and R-DHPs. The synthetic value of the protocol was also demonstrated by the successful functionalization of natural products and drug-based complex molecules.

Development of tethered dual catalysts: synergy between photo- and transition metal catalysts for enhanced catalysis

While dual photocatalysis-transition metal catalysis strategies are extensively reported, the majority of systems feature two separate catalysts, limiting the potential for synergistic interactions between the catalytic centres. In this work we synthesised a series of tethered dual catalysts allowing us to investigate this underexplored area of dual catalysis. In particular, Ir(i) or Ir(iii) complexes were tethered to a BODIPY photocatalyst through different tethering modes. Extensive characterisation, including transient absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, suggest that there are synergistic interactions between the catalysts. The tethered dual catalysts were more effective at promoting photocatalytic oxidation and Ir-catalysed dihydroalkoxylation, relative to the un-tethered species, highlighting that increases in both photocatalysis and Ir catalysis can be achieved. The potential of these catalysts was further demonstrated through novel sequential reactivity, and through switchable reactivity that is controlled by external stimuli (heat or light).

Recent advances in photoredox and nickel dual-catalyzed cascade reactions: pushing the boundaries of complexity

Cascade reactions that produce multiple chemical bonds in one synthetic operation are important in the efficient construction of complex molecules. In addition, photoredox and nickel dual catalysis opens a new and powerful avenue for transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. By combining these two concepts, photoredox and nickel dual-catalyzed cascade reactions have been recently established, and they provide an efficient and mild method for accessing a series of valuable organic compounds.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Synthesis of Alkylaryldiazenes: Formal Deformylative C-N Bond Formation with Alkyl Radicals

Diazenes are valuable compounds that have found broad applicability because of their optical and biological properties. We report the synthesis of alkylaryldiazenes via formal, photoredox-catalyzed, deformylative C-N bond formation. The procedure employs dihydropyridines for the generation of alkyl radicals, which are then trapped by diazonium salts and reduced to the corresponding diazenes. Control experiments were performed to confirm the involvement of radicals in the mechanism. The reaction can be carried out at room temperature and employs readily available reagents; the mild conditions allowed the use of highly functionalized substrates. There was no observed tautomerization of the diazenes to the corresponding arylhydrazones.

Visible-light promoted regioselective amination and alkylation of remote C(sp3)-H bonds

The C-N cross coupling reaction has always been a fundamental task in organic synthesis. However, the direct use of N-H group of aryl amines to generate N-centered radicals which would couple with alkyl radicals to construct C-N bonds is still rare. Here we report a visible light-promoted C-N radical cross coupling for regioselective amination of remote C(sp³)-H bonds. Under visible light irradiation, the N-H groups of aryl amines are converted to N-centered radicals, and are then trapped by alkyl radicals, which are generated from Hofmann-Löffler-Freytag (HLF) type 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (1,5-HAT). With the same strategy, the regioselective C(sp³)-C(sp³) cross coupling is also realized by using alkyl Hantzsch esters (or nitrile) as radical alkylation reagents. Notably, the α-C(sp³)-H of tertiary amines can be directly alkylated to form the C(sp³)-C(sp³) bonds via C(sp³)-H − C(sp³)-H cross coupling through the same photoredox pathway.

C-N bond forming is an established strategy to form amines, which are quintessential in chemical synthesis and in nature. Here, the authors report three classes of photoredox reactions, involving C(sp³)-N coupling between N-centered radicals and alkyl radicals and C(sp³)- C(sp³) coupling via C(sp³)-H alkylation.

Cascade Cross-Coupling of Dienes: Photoredox and Nickel Dual Catalysis

Chemical transformations based on cascade reactions have the potential to simplify the preparation of diverse and architecturally complex molecules dramatically. Herein, we disclose an unprecedented and efficient method for the cross-coupling of radical precursors, dienes, and electrophilic coupling partners via a photoredox- and nickel-enabled cascade cross-coupling process. The cascade reaction furnishes a diverse array of saturated carbo- and heterocyclic scaffolds, thus providing access to a quick gain in C-C bond saturation.

Transition-metal-free radical relay cyclization of vinyl azides with 1,4-dihydropyridines involving a 1,5-hydrogen-atom transfer: access to α-tetralone scaffolds

The remote C(sp³)–H functionalization enabled by a radical-mediated 1,5-hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) process using vinyl azides and 1,4-dihydropyridines as precursors has been described.

Direct radical alkylation and acylation of 2H-indazoles using substituted Hantzsch esters as radical reservoirs

A platform approach for the direct synthesis of 3-substituted 2H-indazole derivatives has been developed using a Ag(i)/Na₂S₂O₈ system.

Visible-Light-Driven Intermolecular Reductive Ene-Yne Coupling by Iridium/Cobalt Dual Catalysis for C(sp3 )-C(sp2 ) Bond Formation

A new methodology to form C(sp3 )-C(sp2 ) bonds by visible-light-driven intermolecular reductive ene-yne coupling has been successfully developed. The process relies on the ability of the Hantzsch ester to contribute in both SET and HAT processes through a unified cobalt and iridium catalytic system. This procedure avoids the use of stoichiometric amounts of reducing metallic reagents, which is translated into high functional-group tolerance and atom economy.

Visible Light-Driven Cascade Carbon-Carbon Bond Scission for Organic Transformations and Plastics Recycling

Significant efforts are devoted to developing artificial photosynthetic systems to produce fuels and chemicals in order to cope with the exacerbating energy and environmental crises in the world now. Nonetheless, the large-scale reactions that are the focus of the artificial photosynthesis community, such as water splitting, are thus far not economically viable, owing to the existing, cheaper alternatives to the gaseous hydrogen and oxygen products. As a potential substitute for water oxidation, here, a unique, visible light-driven oxygenation of carbon-carbon bonds for the selective transformation of 32 unactivated alcohols, mediated by a vanadium photocatalyst under ambient, atmospheric conditions is presented. Furthermore, since the initial alcohol products remain as substrates, an unprecedented photodriven cascade carbon-carbon bond cleavage of macromolecules can be performed. Accordingly, hydroxyl-terminated polymers such as polyethylene glycol, its block co-polymer with polycaprolactone, and even the non-biodegradable polyethylene can be repurposed into fuels and chemical feedstocks, such as formic acid and methyl formate. Thus, a distinctive approach is presented to integrate the benefits of photoredox catalysis into environmental remediation and artificial photosynthesis.

Metal-Organic Layers as Multifunctional Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials for Enhanced Photoredox Catalysis

Metal-organic layers (MOLs) have recently emerged as a novel class of molecular two-dimensional (2D) materials with significant potential for catalytic applications. Herein we report the design of a new multifunctional MOL, Hf₁₂-Ir-Ni, by laterally linking Hf₁₂ secondary building units (SBUs) with photosensitizing Ir(DBB)[dF(CF₃)ppy]₂⁺ [DBB-Ir-F, DBB = 4,4'-di(4-benzoato)-2,2'-bipyridine; dF(CF₃)ppy = 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine] bridging ligands and vertically terminating the SBUs with catalytic Ni(MBA)Cl₂ [MBA = 2-(4'-methyl-[2,2'-bipyridin]-4-yl)acetate] capping agents. Hf₁₂-Ir-Ni was synthesized in a bottom-up approach and characterized by TEM, AFM, PXRD, TGA, NMR, ICP-MS, UV-vis, and luminescence spectroscopy. The proximity between photosensitizing Ir centers and catalytic Ni centers (∼0.85 nm) in Hf₁₂-Ir-Ni facilitates single electron transfer, leading to a 15-fold increase in photoredox reactivity. Hf₁₂-Ir-Ni was highly effective in catalytic C-S, C-O, and C-C cross-coupling reactions with broad substrate scopes and turnover numbers of ∼4500, ∼1900, and ∼450, respectively.

Alkylation Reactions of Azodicarboxylate Esters with 4-Alkyl-1,4-Dihydropyridines under Catalyst-Free Conditions

Introduction of alkyl groups on azodicarboxylate esters is an important method to prepare alkyl amine derivatives. Herein, we report reactions of 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines as alkylation reagents with di- tert-butyl azodicarboxylate to prepare alkyl amine derivatives under heating conditions. The alkylation reactions via C-C bond cleavage of the dihydropyridines are achieved in the absence of catalysts and additives.

Ni-catalyzed deaminative cross-electrophile coupling of Katritzky salts with halides via C─N bond activation

The reductive cross-coupling of sp³-hybridized carbon centers represents great synthetic values and insurmountable challenges. In this work, we report a nickel-catalyzed deaminative cross-electrophile coupling reaction to construct C(sp)─C(sp³), C(sp²)─C(sp³), and C(sp³)─C(sp³) bonds. A wide range of coupling partners including aryl iodides, bromoalkynes, or alkyl bromides are stitched with alkylpyridinium salts that derived from the corresponding primary amines. The advantages of this methodology are showcased in the two-step synthesis of the key lactonic moiety of (+)-compactin and (+)-mevinolin. The one-pot procedure without isolation of alkylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate salt is also proven to be successful. This cross-coupling strategy of two electrophiles provides a highly valuable vista for the convenient installation of alkyl substituents and late functionalizations of sp³ carbons.

Synthesis of Alkyl Halides from Aldehydes via Deformylative Halogenation

An unprecedented deformylative halogenation of aldehydes to alkyl halides is presented. Under oxidative conditions, 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP), derived from an aldehyde, generated a C(sp3)- radical that coupled with a halogen radical that was generated from inexpensive and atom-economical halogen sources (NaBr, NaI, or HCl), to yield an alkyl halide. Because of the mild conditions, a wide range of functional groups were tolerated, and excellent site selectivity was achieved.

Alkyl Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation by Nickel/Photoredox Cross-Coupling

The union of photoredox and nickel catalysis has resulted in a renaissance in radical chemistry as well as in the use of nickel-catalyzed transformations, specifically for carbon-carbon bond formation. Collectively, these advances address the longstanding challenge of late-stage cross-coupling of functionalized alkyl fragments. Empowered by the notion that photocatalytically generated alkyl radicals readily undergo capture by Ni complexes, wholly new feedstocks for cross-coupling have been realized. Herein, we highlight recent developments in several types of alkyl cross-couplings that are accessible exclusively through this approach.

Radical alkylation of para-quinone methides with 4-substituted Hantzsch esters/nitriles via organic photoredox catalysis

A novel photocatalytic protocol is herein described for the preparation of functionalized phenols via radical alkylation of para-quinone methides under transition-metal-free conditions. The reaction is external oxidant free and performed at ambient temperature upon visible light irradiation, allowing the access to various desired products in satisfactory yields. The readily available 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines serve as the effective alkyl radical precursors.