Rhodium-Catalyzed meta-C-H Functionalization of Arenes

Accessing Remote meta- and para-C(sp2 )-H Bonds with Covalently Attached Directing Groups

Directing group assisted ortho-C-H activation has been known for the last few decades. In contrast, extending the same approach to achieve activation of the distal meta- and para-C-H bonds in aromatic molecules remained elusive for a long time. The main challenge is the conception of a macrocyclic transition state, which is needed to anchor the metal catalyst close to the target bond. Judicious modification of the chain length, the tether linkage, and the nature of the catalyst-coordinating donor atom has led to a number of successful studies in the last few years. This Review compiles the significant achievements made in this field of both meta- and para-selectivity using covalently attached directing groups, which are systematically classified on the basis of their mode of covalent attachment to the substrate as well as their chemical nature. This Review aims to create a more heuristic approach for recognizing the suitability of the directing groups for use in future organic transformations.

Acylsilane directed aromatic C-H alkenylations by ruthenium catalysis

A ruthenium-catalyzed C-H alkenylation of aroylsilanes with electron-deficient alkenes was developed, using acylsilane as the directing group. The mild reaction conditions enable the tolerance of a wide scope of functionalities such as OMe, F, Cl, Br and CF3, providing a convenient and highly effective method for the synthesis of styrene derivatives bearing acylsilane. Steroid and heterocycles such as furan and thiophene were also well tolerated. Furthermore, acylsilane was efficiently converted to the corresponding aldehyde or carboxylic acid.

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed regioselective distal ortho C–H alkenylation of N-benzyl/furanylmethylpyrazoles directed by N-coordinating heterocycles

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed C–H functionalization of challenging N-benzylpyrazoles, N-benzylindazoles, N-benzylbenzotriazoles and N-furanylmethylpyrazoles with acrylates, vinylsulfone or vinylphosphonate for ortho-alkenylated heterocycles is described.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed C-H Alkynylation of N-Methylsulfoximines

A rhodium(III)-catalyzed direct C-H alkynylation of a wide range of N-methylsulfoximines with (bromoethynyl)triisopropylsilane has been developed. This protocol is compatible with both (S,S)-diaryl sulfoximines and (S,S)-alkyl aryl sulfoximines, and shows mild conditions, and good functional group tolerance. The synthetic utility of this method has been demonstrated by subsequent various transformations of the products.

A comprehensive overview of directing groups applied in metal-catalysed C-H functionalisation chemistry

The present review is devoted to summarizing the recent advances (2015-2017) in the field of metal-catalysed group-directed C-H functionalisation. In order to clearly showcase the molecular diversity that can now be accessed by means of directed C-H functionalisation, the whole is organized following the directing groups installed on a substrate. Its aim is to be a comprehensive reference work, where a specific directing group can be easily found, together with the transformations which have been carried out with it. Hence, the primary format of this review is schemes accompanied with a concise explanatory text, in which the directing groups are ordered in sections according to their chemical structure. The schemes feature typical substrates used, the products obtained as well as the required reaction conditions. Importantly, each example is commented on with respect to the most important positive features and drawbacks, on aspects such as selectivity, substrate scope, reaction conditions, directing group removal, and greenness. The targeted readership are both experts in the field of C-H functionalisation chemistry (to provide a comprehensive overview of the progress made in the last years) and, even more so, all organic chemists who want to introduce the C-H functionalisation way of thinking for a design of straightforward, efficient and step-economic synthetic routes towards molecules of interest to them. Accordingly, this review should be of particular interest also for scientists from industrial R&D sector. Hence, the overall goal of this review is to promote the application of C-H functionalisation reactions outside the research groups dedicated to method development and establishing it as a valuable reaction archetype in contemporary R&D, comparable to the role cross-coupling reactions play to date.

Access to the meta position of arenes through transition metal catalysed C–H bond functionalisation: a focus on metals other than palladium

The elaboration of simple arenes in order to access more complex substitution patterns is a crucial endeavor for synthetic chemists, given the central role that aromatic rings play in all manner of important molecules.

Activation of Remote meta-C-H Bonds in Arenes with Tethered Alcohols: A Salicylonitrile Template

Palladium-catalyzed activation of remote meta-C-H bonds in arenes containing tethered alcohols was achieved with high regioselectivity by using a nitrile template. Computational studies on the macrocyclic transition state of the regioselectivity-determining C-H activation steps revealed that both the C-N-Ag angles and gauche comformations of phenyl ether play an extremely important role in the meta selectivity.