Tertiary-Alcohol-Directed Functionalization of Remote C(sp3 )-H Bonds by Sequential Hydrogen Atom and Heteroaryl Migrations

Radical-Promoted Distal C-H Functionalization of C(sp3 ) Centers with Fluorinated Moieties

Due to their unique properties, fluorinated scaffolds are pivotal compounds in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials science. Over the last years, the development of versatile strategies for the selective synthesis of fluorinated molecules by direct C-H bond functionalization has attracted a lot of attention. In particular, the design of novel transformations based on a radical process was a bottleneck for distal C-H functionalization reactions, offering synthetic solutions for the selective introduction of fluorinated groups. This Minireview highlights the major contributions in this blossoming field. The development of new methodologies for the remote functionalization of aliphatic derivatives with various fluorinated groups based on a 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer process and a β-fragmentation reaction will be showcased and discussed.

Copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative radical alkoxycyclization of tryptamines to access 3-alkoxypyrroloindolines

We report a copper-catalyzed alkoxycyclization of tryptamine derivatives with O₂ as the sole oxidant, leading to a variety of C3a-alkoxypyrroloindolines in good yields with high diastereoselectivities. This reaction involves an interesting double catalytic cycle in which copper-catalyzed carboamination cyclization is favored to form the C-3 radical pyrrolidinoindoline intermediate, then a copper-catalytic radical alkoxylation reaction proceeds smoothly.

Tuning the reactivity of alkoxyl radicals from 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer to 1,2-silyl transfer

Controlling the reactivity of reactive intermediates is essential to achieve selective transformations. Due to the facile 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), alkoxyl radicals have been proven to be important synthetic intermediates for the δ-functionalization of alcohols. Herein, we disclose a strategy to inhibit 1,5-HAT by introducing a silyl group into the α-position of alkoxyl radicals. The efficient radical 1,2-silyl transfer (SiT) allows us to make various α-functionalized products from alcohol substrates. Compared with the direct generation of α-carbon radicals from oxidation of α-C-H bond of alcohols, the 1,2-SiT strategy distinguishes itself by the generation of alkoxyl radicals, the tolerance of many functional groups, such as intramolecular hydroxyl groups and C-H bonds next to oxygen atoms, and the use of silyl alcohols as limiting reagents.

Functionalization of α-C(sp3 )-H Bonds in Amides Using Radical Translocating Arylating Groups

α-C-H arylation of N-alkylamides using 2-iodoarylsulfonyl radical translocating arylating (RTA) groups is reported. The method allows the construction of α-quaternary carbon centers in amides. Various mono- and disubstituted RTA-groups are applied to the arylation of primary, secondary, and tertiary α-C(sp3 )-H-bonds. These radical transformations proceed in good to excellent yields and the cascades comprise a 1,6-hydrogen atom transfer, followed by a 1,4-aryl migration with subsequent SO2 extrusion.

Ag-Catalyzed Remote Unactivated C(sp3)-H Heteroarylation of Free Alcohols in Water

Catalyzed by silver salt, the unactivated C(sp³)-H heteroarylation of free alcohol at the δ position is realized under gentle thermal conditions in water through a radical procedure. Both protonic acids and Lewis acids are found to be efficient for activating pyridines for this Minisci-type reaction. The reaction enjoys a good functional group tolerance and substrate scope. Terminal secondary and tertiary alcohols are suitable substrates. With either electron-donating or -withdrawing groups, the electron-deficient heteroarene substrates generate the target products in moderate to good yields. A gram-scale experiment can be successfully operated. A radical blocking experiment and a radical clock experiment are studied to support the radical mechanism.

Photocatalytic Aerobic Oxidative Ring Expansion of Cyclic Ketones to Macrolactones by Cerium and Cyanoanthracene Catalysis

We describe a cerium-catalyzed aerobic oxidative ring expansion for the expedient construction of synthetically challenging macrolactones under visible-light conditions. Cyanoanthracene has been employed as co-catalyst to accelerate the turnover of the cerium cycle leading to a fast conversion within 20 min of irradiation. Taking advantage of the high efficiency and operationally simple conditions, a collection of over 100 macrolactones equipped with ring systems ranging from 9- to 19-membered macrocycles have been prepared from simple building blocks. Moreover, the enabling potential of this strategy to simplify the generation of molecular complexity has been demonstrated through the concise synthesis of sonnerlactone.

Visible light photoredox-catalysed remote C–H functionalisation enabled by 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (1,5-HAT)

The generation of heteroatom-centred radicals followed by intramolecular 1,5-HAT and functionalisation of the translocated carbon-centred radical is an efficient way to functionalize chemo- and regio-selectively the remote unactivated C(sp³)–H bond.

Recent advances in electrochemically driven radical fluorination and fluoroalkylation

Electrochemical fluorination (ECF) refers to the introduction of fluorine-containing moieties into organic molecules under electrochemical conditions.

Ligand-accelerated site-selective Csp2–H and Csp3–H alkynylations of alcohols via Pd(ii) catalysis

A ligand accelerated site-selective C–H alkynylation, including secondary and tertiary Csp3–H alkynylation of weakly coordinated yet synthetically promising alcohols, via putative 6, 7 and 8-membered palladacycle intermediates, was developed. 

Radical heteroarylation of unactivated remote C(sp3)–H bonds via intramolecular heteroaryl migration

Described herein is the radical-mediated heteroarylation of unactivated remote C(sp3)–H bonds via intramolecular heteroaryl migration.

Recent Advances on Synthetic Methodology Merging C-H Functionalization and C-C Cleavage

The functionalization of C-H bonds has become a major thread of research in organic synthesis that can be assessed from different angles, for instance depending on the type of catalyst employed or the overall transformation that is carried out. This review compiles recent progress in synthetic methodology that merges the functionalization of C-H bonds along with the cleavage of C-C bonds, either in intra- or intermolecular fashion. The manuscript is organized in two main sections according to the type of substrate in which the cleavage of the C-C bond takes place, basically attending to the scission of strained or unstrained C-C bonds. Furthermore, the related research works have been grouped on the basis of the mechanistic aspects of the different transformations that are carried out, i.e.,: (a) classic transition metal catalysis where organometallic intermediates are involved; (b) processes occurring via radical intermediates generated through the use of radical initiators or photochemically; and (c) reactions that are catalyzed or mediated by suitable Lewis or Brønsted acid or bases, where molecular rearrangements take place. Thus, throughout the review a wide range of synthetic approaches show that the combination of C-H and C-C cleavage in single synthetic operations can serve as a platform to achieve complex molecular skeletons in a straightforward manner, among them interesting carbo- and heterocyclic scaffolds.

Catalytic generation of alkoxy radicals from unfunctionalized alcohols

Alkoxy radicals have long been recognized as powerful synthetic intermediates with well-established reactivity patterns. Due to the high bond dissociation free energy of aliphatic alcohol O-H bonds, these radicals are difficult to access through direct homolysis, and conventional methods have instead relied on activation of O-functionalized precursors. Over the past decade, however, numerous catalytic methods for the direct generation of alkoxy radicals from simple alcohol starting materials have emerged and created opportunities for the development of new transformations. This minireview discusses recent advances in catalytic alkoxy radical generation, with particular emphasis on progress toward the direct activation of unfunctionalized alcohols enabled by transition metal and photoredox catalysis.

Alcohol Etherification via Alkoxy Radicals Generated by Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis

A mechanistically divergent method is described that, employing a commercially available hypervalent iodine(III) reagent, generates alkoxy radicals from 1°, 2°, and 3° alcohols and allows their use in the functionalization of C(sp³)–H and C(sp²)–H bonds. This visible-light photoredox catalysis produces alkyl ethers via 1,5/6-hydrogen atom transfer or aryl ethers via 1,5-addition. This mild methodology provides a practical strategy for the synthesis of acetals, orthoesters, tetrahydrofurans, and chromanes.

Anodic oxidation triggered divergent 1,2- and 1,4-group transfer reactions of β-hydroxycarboxylic acids enabled by electrochemical regulation

We report a set of electrochemically regulated protocols for the divergent synthesis of ketones and β-keto esters from the same β-hydroxycarboxylic acid starting materials. Enabled by electrochemical control, the anodic oxidation of carboxylic acids proceeded in either a one-electron or a two-electron pathway, leading to a 1,4-aryl transfer or a semipinacol-type 1,2-group transfer product with excellent chemoselectivity. The 1,4-aryl transfer represents an unprecedented example of carbon-to-oxygen group transfer proceeding via a radical mechanism. In contrast to previously reported radical group transfer reactions, this 1,4-group transfer process features the migration of electron-rich aryl substituents. Furthermore, with these chemoselective electrochemical oxidation protocols, a range of ketones and β-keto esters including those possessing a challenging-to-access medium-sized ring could be synthesized in excellent yields.

We report a set of electrochemically regulated protocols for the divergent synthesis of ketones and β-keto esters from the same β-hydroxycarboxylic acid starting materials.

DMSO-Enabled Selective Radical O-H Activation of 1,3(4)-Diols

Control of selectivity is one of the central topics in organic chemistry. Although unprecedented alkoxyl-radical-induced transformations have drawn a lot of attention, compared to selective C-H activation, selective radical O-H activation remains less explored. Herein, we report a novel selective radical O-H activation strategy of diols by combining spatial effects with proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET). It was found that DMSO is an essential reagent that enables the regioselective transformation of diols. Mechanistic studies indicated the existence of the alkoxyl radical and the selective interaction between DMSO and hydroxyl groups. Moreover, the distal C-C cleavage was realized by this selective alkoxyl-radical-initiation protocol.

Radical-Mediated Remote Functional Group Migration

Alkenes are ubiquitous in natural products and are extensively used as synthetic feedstocks in multiple fields including organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and materials science. Radical-mediated difunctionalization of alkenes provides a powerful tactic for alkene utilization. Despite the considerable progress made in the past several decades, state-of-the-art methods are highly dependent upon activated alkenes in which a proximal group with a π-electron system (e.g., aryl, carbonyl, and heteroatom) is requisite to stabilize the nascent alkyl radical intermediate via p-π conjugation or p orbitals of the heteroatom. In contrast, the transformation of unactivated alkenes, such as aliphatic alkenes, remains challenging.To overcome this obstacle, we have recently disclosed the strategy of intramolecular distal functional group migration (FGM), which has been efficiently applied in radical difunctionalization of unactivated alkenes. A portfolio of functional groups, such as cyano, heteroaryl, oximino, formyl, and alkynyl groups, showcase the excellent migratory aptitude. Mechanistically, after the addition of an extrinsic radical to the alkene, the newly formed active alkyl radical is rapidly captured by the intramolecular migratory group to generate a cyclic intermediate. Subsequent cleavage of the cyclic C-C bond of the intermediate leads to the functionalized product through the FGM process. Based on the strategy of FGM, a set of elusive difunctionalizations of unactivated alkenes have been accomplished (Part A).Alongside this research, an upgraded highly efficient synthetic strategy, "dock-migration," is created for intermolecular difunctionalization of alkenes. A diversity of sulfone-based dual-function reagents are developed. The intermolecular transformation is initiated by docking the dual-function reagent to the alkene, followed by intramolecular migration of the functional group. Compared to the original FGM protocol, the scope of alkenes is significantly extended from the strategically placed tertiary alcohol-substituted alkenes to general alkenes. Both activated and unactivated alkenes are well tolerated. By this approach, radical-mediated fluoroalkylheteroarylation, fluoroalkylalkynylation, and alkylation of alkenes have been achieved (Part B).Direct elaboration of C-H bonds into the targeted functional groups represents one of the most ideal and straightforward methods for molecular functionalization. The FGM strategy proves to be an ingenious tool for radical-mediated functionalization of remote unactivated C(sp³)-H bonds. Based on the FGM process, we have accomplished: (a) remote C(sp³)-H heteroarylation and cyanation of unprotected alcohols via the cascade of alkoxy radical-enabled hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and intramolecular functional group (e.g., heteroaryl, cyano) migration, and (b) distal C(sp³)-H vinylation of propargylic alcohols through consecutive alkenyl radical-promoted HAT process and subsequent alkenyl migration (Part C).

Photocatalytic radical defluoroalkylation of unactivated alkenes via distal heteroaryl ipso-migration

Currently, the selective activation of C(sp³)-F bonds and C-C bonds constitute one of the most widely used procedures for the synthesis of high-value products that range from pharmaceuticals to agrochemical applications. While numerous examples of these two methods have been reported in their respective fields, the processes which merge the activation of both single C(sp³)-F bonds and C-C bonds in one step still remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate the controllable defluoroalkylation-distal functionalization of trifluoromethylarenes with unactivated alkenes via distal heteroaryl migration. This is proposed to proceed via tandem C(sp³)-F and C-C bond cleavage using visible-light photoredox catalysis combined with Lewis acid activation. This strategy provides facile and flexible access to multiply functionalized α,α-difluorobenzylic ketones in useful yields (up to 88%) under mild conditions. The products can be further transformed into other valuable compounds, demonstrating the method's utility.

Cerium-Catalyzed C-H Functionalizations of Alkanes Utilizing Alcohols as Hydrogen Atom Transfer Agents

Modern photoredox catalysis has traditionally relied upon metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excitation of metal polypyridyl complexes for the utilization of light energy for the activation of organic substrates. Here, we demonstrate the catalytic application of ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (LMCT) excitation of cerium alkoxide complexes for the facile activation of alkanes utilizing abundant and inexpensive cerium trichloride as the catalyst. As demonstrated by cerium-catalyzed C-H amination and the alkylation of hydrocarbons, this reaction manifold has enabled the facile use of abundant alcohols as practical and selective hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) agents via the direct access of energetically challenging alkoxy radicals. Furthermore, the LMCT excitation event has been investigated through a series of spectroscopic experiments, revealing a rapid bond homolysis process and an effective production of alkoxy radicals, collectively ruling out the LMCT/homolysis event as the rate-determining step of this C-H functionalization.

C- to N-Center Remote Heteroaryl Migration via Electrochemical Initiation of N Radical by Organic Catalyst

Herein an exogenous oxidant- and metal-free electrochemical heteroaryl migration triggered by N radicals to construct new N-C bonds was developed. This methodology features a high atom economy and utilization rate of energy, and it is insensitive to water and air. Moreover, a user-friendly undivided cell was employed. The use of an organic catalyst makes it more efficient, green, and practical.

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.

Remote C(sp3)–H vinylation via radical-mediated consecutive fission of C–H and C–C bonds

Described herein is a radical-mediated vinylation of the remote C(sp³)–H bonds of propargylic alcohols.

Remote C–C bond formationviavisible light photoredox-catalyzed intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer

Visible light photoredox catalysis combined with intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) can serve as a unique tool for achieving remote C–C bond formation. Recent advances in photoredox-catalyzed remote C–C bond formation are summarized.

Aromatization-driven deconstruction/refunctionalization of unstrained rings

Aromatization-driven ring-opening/functionalization of common unstrained rings has been developed with the in situ generation of pre-aromatic fused spiro heterocycles as the key step.

Benzylic C–H heteroarylation of N-(benzyloxy)phthalimides with cyanopyridines enabled by photoredox 1,2-hydrogen atom transfer

Visible light initiated α-C(sp³)–H hetroarylation of N-(benzyloxy)phthalimides with cyanopyridines via 1,2-hydrogen atom transfer is depicted.

One-step assembly of alkoxypyrroloindolines via iodine-catalyzed alkoxycyclization of indole derivatives

Herein we report an iodine-catalyzed alkoxycyclization of tryptamine derivatives under mild reaction conditions. This method distinguished itself by providing a catalytic, one-step assembly of diversely functionalized C3a-alkoxypyrroloindolines as well as dihydrofuran and lactone fused indolines. Mechanistic studies suggest that an ionic pathway is operative and this probably accounts for the diastereospecificity of all isolated cycloadducts.

Visible-Light-Induced Alkoxyl Radicals Enable α-C(sp3)-H Bond Allylation

The alkoxyl radical is an essential reactive intermediate in mechanistic studies and organic synthesis with hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reactivity. However, compared with intramolecular 1,5-HAT or intermolecular HAT of alkoxyl radicals, the intramolecular 1,2-HAT reactivity has been limited to theoretical studies and rarely synthetically utilized. Here we report the first selective 1,2-HAT of alkoxyl radicals for α-C(sp³)-H bond allylation of α-carbonyl, α-cyano, α-trifluoromethyl, and benzylic N-alkoxylphthalimides. The mechanistic probing experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed the 1,2-HAT reactivity of alkoxyl radicals, and the use of protic solvents lowered the activation energy by up to 10.4 kcal/mol to facilitate the α-C(sp³)-H allylation reaction.

Manganese-Catalyzed Electrochemical Deconstructive Chlorination of Cycloalkanols via Alkoxy Radicals

A manganese-catalyzed electrochemical deconstructive chlorination of cycloalkanols has been developed. This electrochemical method provides access to alkoxy radicals from alcohols and exhibits a broad substrate scope, with various cyclopropanols and cyclobutanols converted into synthetically useful β- and γ-chlorinated ketones (40 examples). Furthermore, the combination of recirculating flow electrochemistry and continuous inline purification was employed to access products on a gram scale.

Remote C(sp3 )-H Arylation and Vinylation of N-Alkoxypyridinium Salts to δ-Aryl and δ-Vinyl Alcohols

The reaction of readily available and bench-stable N-alkoxypyridinium salts with arylboronic and vinylboronic acids afforded δ-aryl and δ-vinyl alcohols, respectively, in the presence of fac-Ir(ppy)₃ and Cu(OTf)₂ dual catalysts. The reaction takes place through a domino process involving the reductive generation of alkoxyl radicals, 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (1,5-HAT) and the copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of the resulting translocated carbon radicals with boronic acids. Complementary to the Minisci reaction, this method allows for the arylation of nucleophilic alkyl radicals with both electron-rich and electron-poor arenes under mild reaction conditions.