Efficient Pd-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Coupling of P(O)H with RSH: A Precise Construction of P(O)–S Bonds

An update on the use of sulfinate derivatives as versatile coupling partners in organic chemistry

The use of sulfinic acids and their salts continues to be extensively developed in organic chemistry. This is attributable to their dual capacity for acting as nucleophilic or electrophilic reagents, as well as their ease of preparation and stability on storage. This report highlights the research accomplished since 2015 on this topic, updating a previous review published by our team in 2014.

A phosphoryl radical-initiated Atherton–Todd-type reaction under open air

A phosphoryl radical-initiated Atherton–Todd-type reaction enables the phosphorylation of alcohols, phenols, and amines under mild reaction conditions.

Highly atom-economical, catalyst-free, and solvent-free phosphorylation of chalcogenides

Silica gel promoted, catalyst-free and solvent-free S-P, Se-P and Te-P bond formations are described. A variety of disulfides coupled with diarylphosphine oxides provide the corresponding phosphinothioates in excellent yields. For the first time, diselenides and ditellurides reacted with dialkyl phosphites under catalyst-free conditions to provide the corresponding phosphoroselenoates and phosphorotelluroates, respectively, in good to excellent yields.

Arylation of Axially Chiral Phosphorothioate Salts by Dinuclear PdI Catalysis

S-aryl phosphorothioates are privileged motifs in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and catalysts; yet, the challenge of devising a straightforward synthetic route to enantioenriched S-aryl phosphorothioates has remained unsolved to date. We demonstrate herein the first direct C-SP(=O)(OR')(OR'') coupling of diverse and chiral phosphorothioate salts with aryl iodides, enabled by an air- and moisture-stable PdI dimer. Our mechanistic and computational data suggest distinct dinuclear PdI catalysis to be operative, which allows for operationally simple couplings with broad scope and full retention of stereochemistry.

A scalable electrochemical dehydrogenative cross-coupling of P(O)H compounds with RSH/ROH

A practical, scalable electrochemical dehydrogenative cross-coupling of P(O)H compounds with thiols, phenols and alcohols in both an undivided cell and a continuous-flow setup is disclosed. Its broad substrate scope (>50 examples), good functional-group tolerance and scalability (>10 g) show potential for practical synthesis. A preliminary mechanistic study suggests that the phosphorus radicals are involved in the catalytic cycle.

Enantiodivergent synthesis of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethanes via asymmetric [3 + 2]-cycloaddition

The present work provides efficient access to chiral 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethanes (DPPEs) directly from diphosphine oxide alkenes and azomethine ylides via asymmetric [3 + 2] cycloaddition. Both enantiomers of the products can be obtained in good to excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to >20 : 1 dr and 99% ee).

Visible-light-mediated direct synthesis of phosphorotrithioates as potent anti-inflammatory agents from white phosphorus

The reaction of P₄ with arylthiols in the presence of Na₂–eosin Y under visible light gave phosphorotrithioites. Subsequent oxidation of phosphorotrithioites produced phosphorotrithioates. The phosphorotrithioate 3f presents good inflammation reducing characteristics.

Metal- and chloride reagent-free synthesis of mixed thiophosphates

Systematic synthesis of mixed thiophosphates from thiophosphates was developed.

Efficient and practical synthesis of unsymmetrical disulfides via base-catalyzed aerobic oxidative dehydrogenative coupling of thiols

A novel M₂CO₃-catalyzed aerobic oxidative heterocoupling of thiols with air as the oxidant was described for the synthesis of unsymmetrical disulfides. High atom economy, green catalyst and oxidant, mild reaction conditions, and broad substrate scope make this strategy extremely attractive.

Applications of H-phosphonates for C element bond formation

The readily accessible and inexpensive dialkyl H-phosphonates are important building blocks for organic synthesis. This review specifically covers our recent work on the application of H-phosphonates as reactants for C–P bond formation, and as promoters for quinoline N-oxides to synthesize 2-functionalized quinolines.

Metal- and base-free reductive coupling reaction of P(O)-H with aryl/alkyl sulfonyl chlorides: a novel protocol for the construction of P-S-C bonds

Novel and efficient synthesis of S-aryl/alkyl phosphinothioates from P(O)-H and aryl/alkyl sulfonyl chlorides under metal- and base-free conditions is described. This reaction provides an alternative strategy for the construction of P-S-C bonds in moderate to excellent yields. Moreover, this method can be readily applied to gram-scale preparation.

Cu(II)/Proline-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Sulfuryl Chloride and P(O)-H for P-S-C Bond Formation

A considerably improved method for the Cu-catalyzed coupling of sulfuryl chloride with P(O)-H was described. Using commercially available l-proline as the ligand decreased the precatalyst loading, broadened the substrate scope and greatly promoted the efficiency of the coupling reaction. Moreover, gram-scale preparation, easy-to handle and recyclable catalyst featured this transformation.

Base-controlled Fe(Pc)-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of thiols for the synthesis of S–S and S–P(O) bonds

Base-controlled Fe(Pc)-catalyzed S–S/S–P(O) bond formation.

Visible light photoredox catalyzed thiophosphate synthesis using methylene blue as a promoter

A novel efficient method for the synthesis of thiophosphate derivatives catalyzed by methylene blue with blue light irradiation under an air atmosphere is described.

Metal-free electrophilic phosphination of electron-rich arenes, arenols and aromatic thiols with diarylphosphine oxides

A metal-free and mild route to aromatic organophosphorus compounds from stable phosphines.

Conversion of Alcohols to Phosphorothiolates Using a Thioiminium Salt as Coupling Agent

We report a method for the direct and rapid conversion of primary and secondary alcohols to the corresponding phosphorothiolates in yields ranging from 64% to 97%, using as a coupling agent the iminium salt prepared from N,N-dimethylthioformamide and Meerwein's salt. Selective reaction of primary alcohols in the presence of secondary alcohols is possible. The reaction of secondary alcohols proceeds stereospecifically with inversion of configuration.

Cs2 CO3 -Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling of Thiols with Phosphonates and Arenes

An efficient Cs₂ CO₃ -catalyzed oxidative coupling of thiols with phosphonates and arenes that uses molecular oxygen as the oxidant is described. These reactions provide not only a novel alkali metal salt catalyzed aerobic oxidation, but also an efficient approach to thiophosphates and sulfenylarenes, which are ubiquitously found in pharmaceuticals and pesticides. The reaction proceeds under simple and mild reaction conditions, tolerates a wide range of functional groups, and is applicable to the late-stage synthesis and modification of bioactive molecules.

Cs2CO3-promoted cross-dehydrogenative coupling of thiophenols with active methylene compounds

α-Sulfenylation of carbonyl compounds has been achieved via Cs₂CO₃-promoted aerobic cross-dehydrogenative coupling of thiophenols with active methylene compounds.

K2CO3-promoted aerobic oxidative cross-coupling of trialkyl phosphites with thiophenols

Phosphorylation of thiols has been achieved via K₂CO₃-promoted aerobic oxidative cross-coupling of trialkyl phosphites with thiophenols.

t-BuOK-mediated reductive addition of P(O)–H compounds to terminal alkynes forming β-arylphosphine oxides

A novel and efficient t-BuOK-mediated reductive addition of P(O)–H compounds to terminal alkynes forming β-arylphosphine oxides was developed. This reaction may proceed via a tandem process involving regio-selective addition and subsequent transfer hydrogenation.

Visible-Light-Induced Cascade Reaction of Isocyanides and N-Arylacrylamides with Diphenylphosphine Oxide via Radical C-P and C-C Bond Formation

An effective photoredox-mediated tandem phosphorylation/cyclization reaction of diphenylphosphine oxide with three types of radical acceptors leads to P(O)Ph₂-containing phenanthridines, isoquinolines, and indolin-2-ones by formation of both C-P and C-C bonds. [Ir(ppy)₂(dtbpy)]PF₆ (1 mol %) was used as the catalyst, CsF or Cs₂CO₃ as the base, and K₂S₂O₈ as the oxidant. A series of functional groups can be tolerated at room temperature. Moderate to good yields were generated.