Dearomative Cascade Photocatalysis: Divergent Synthesis through Catalyst Selective Energy Transfer

Photocatalysis in the Life Science Industry

In the pursuit of new pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, chemists in the life science industry require access to mild and robust synthetic methodologies to systematically modify chemical structures, explore novel chemical space, and enable efficient synthesis. In this context, photocatalysis has emerged as a powerful technology for the synthesis of complex and often highly functionalized molecules. This Review aims to summarize the published contributions to the field from the life science industry, including research from industrial-academic partnerships. An overview of the synthetic methodologies developed and strategic applications in chemical synthesis, including peptide functionalization, isotope labeling, and both DNA-encoded and traditional library synthesis, is provided, along with a summary of the state-of-the-art in photoreactor technology and the effective upscaling of photocatalytic reactions.

Solvent-controlled photocatalytic divergent cyclization of alkynyl aldehydes: access to cyclopentenones and dihydropyranols

Divergent synthesis is a powerful strategy for the fast assembly of different molecular scaffolds from identical starting materials. We describe here a solvent-controlled photocatalytic divergent cyclization of alkynyl aldehydes with sulfonyl chlorides for the direct construction of highly functionalized cyclopentenones and dihydropyranols that widely exist in bioactive molecules and natural products. Density functional theory calculations suggest that a unique N,N-dimethylacetamide-assisted 1,2-hydrogen transfer of alkoxy radicals is responsible for the cyclopentenone formation, whereas a C–C cleavage accounts for the selective production of dihydropyranols in acetonitrile and water at 50 °C. Given the simple and mild reaction conditions, excellent functional group compatibility, forming up to four chemical bonds, and tunable selectivity, it may find wide applications in synthetic chemistry.

A solvent-controlled photocatalytic divergent cyclization of alkynyl aldehydes is developed, providing a facile access to sulfonylated cyclopentenones and dihydropyranols under mild conditions.

Protonation-Enhanced Reactivity of Triplet State in Dearomative Photocycloaddition of Quinolines to Olefins

The intermolecular dearomative cycloaddition of acidified bicyclic azaarenes with olefins was recently reported. We report here the crucial role of the acid in the dearomative photocycloaddition of quinolines to olefins. Experimental and theoretical results show that the key role of the protonation of quinolines is not to promote the energy transfer but to enhance the reactivity of the triplet state of quinolines toward olefins.

Visible-Light-Induced Dearomatization of Indoles/Pyrroles with Vinylcyclopropanes: Expedient Synthesis of Structurally Diverse Polycyclic Indolines/Pyrrolines

Visible-light-induced cycloaddition reactions initiated via energy-transfer processes have recently evolved as powerful methods for the construction of strained cyclic molecules that are not easily accessed using known ground-state synthetic methods. Particularly, the reactions initiated by the excitation of aromatic rings provide an alternative solution to the direct transformations of aromatic feedstocks under the scheme of dearomatization. Vinylcyclopropanes (VCPs) are well-known reagents in radical clock experiments, working as a probe to detect transient radical intermediates. However, the synthetic applications in this regard still remain limited due to uncontrollable selectivities. Herein, we report visible-light-induced dearomatization of indole- or pyrrole-tethered VCPs, in which several competitive reaction pathways, including [5 + 2], [2 + 2], interrupted [5 + 2], and [5 + 4] cycloadditions, can be well regulated by engineering substrate structures and tuning reaction conditions. The reaction mechanism has been explored by combined experimental and computational investigations. These reactions provide a convenient method to synthesize structurally diverse polycyclic molecules with high efficiency and good selectivity.

Recent advances in visible light-activated radical coupling reactions triggered by (i) ruthenium, (ii) iridium and (iii) organic photoredox agents

Photoredox chemistry with organic or transition metal agents has been reviewed in earlier years, but such is the pace of progress that we will overlap very little with earlier comprehensive reviews. This review first presents an overview of the area of research and then examines recent examples of C-C, C-N, C-O and C-S bond formations via radical intermediates with transition metal and organic radical promoters. Recent successes with Birch reductions are also included. The transition metal chemistry will be restricted to photocatalysts based on the most widely used metals, Ru and Ir, but includes coupling chemistries that take advantage of low-valent nickel, or occasionally copper, complexes to process the radicals that are formed. Our focus is on developments in the past 10 years (2011-2021). This period has also seen great advances in the chemistry of organic photoredox reagents and the review covers this area. The review is intended to present highlights and is not comprehensive.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Cyclohepta[b]indoles by Visible-Light-Induced [2+2]-Cycloaddition/retro-Mannich-type Reactions

A novel method for the concise synthesis of cyclohepta[b]indoles in high yields was developed. The method involves a visible-light-induced, photocatalyzed [2+2]-cycloaddition/ retro-Mannich-type reaction of enaminones. Experimental and computational studies suggested that the reaction is a photoredox process initiated by single-electron oxidation of an enaminone moiety, which undergoes subsequent cyclobutane formation and rapidly fragmentation in a radical-cation state to form cyclohepta[b]indoles.

Total synthesis of natural products using photocycloaddition reactions of arenes

The photocycloaddition reaction of benzene with alkenes has become a significant approach for organic chemists and thus has been frequently utilized as a key step in the total synthesis of natural products. In this mini-review, the recent developments in [4 + 2] and [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reactions will be emphasized in constructing core scaffolds of complex natural products. By combining them together, we aim to demonstrate the utility and reinstate the importance of this methodology.

A Phosphine-Mediated Dearomative Skeletal Rearrangement of Dianiline Squaraine Dyes

A phosphorus(III)-mediated dearomatization of ortho-substituted dianiline squaraine dyes results in an unusual skeletal rearrangement to provide exotic, highly conjugated benzofuranone and oxindole scaffolds bearing a C3 side chain comprised of a linear conflagration of an enol, a phosphorus ylide, and 2,4-disubstituted aniline. Employing experimental and computational analysis, a mechanistic evaluation revealed a striking dependence on the acidity of the aniline ortho substituent. Notably, the rearrangement adducts underwent rapid and complete reversion to the parent squaraine in the presence of a Brønsted acid.

Visible Light-Induced Pericyclic Cascade Reaction for the Synthesis of Quinolinone Derivatives with an Oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octene Skeleton

A photoinduced pericyclic cascade reaction has been developed to afford oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octenes. Mechanistic studies show that this reaction undergoes [2 + 2]-photocycloaddition, base-promoted elimination, retro-4π-electrocyclization, [1,5]-H shift, and 4π-electrocyclization procedures. This reaction features wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and excellent diastereoselectivity.

Photochemical intermolecular dearomative cycloaddition of bicyclic azaarenes with alkenes

Dearomative cycloaddition reactions represent an ideal means of converting flat arenes into three-dimensional architectures of increasing interest in medicinal chemistry. Quinolines, isoquinolines, and quinazolines, despite containing latent diene and alkene subunits, are scarcely applied in cycloaddition reactions because of the inherent low reactivity of aromatic systems and selectivity challenges. Here, we disclose an energy transfer-mediated, highly regio- and diastereoselective intermolecular [4 + 2] dearomative cycloaddition reaction of these bicyclic azaarenes with a plethora of electronically diverse alkenes. This approach bypasses the general reactivity and selectivity issues, thereby providing various bridged polycycles that previously have been inaccessible or required elaborate synthetic efforts. Computational studies with density functional theory elucidate the mechanism and origins of the observed regio- and diastereoselectivities.

Photocatalytic Radical Ortho-Dearomative Cyclization: Access to Spiro[4.5]deca-1,7,9-trien-6-ones

A highly efficient ortho-dearomative cyclization reaction between alkynes and 2-bromo-2-(2-methoxybenzyl)malonate via visible light-induced photoredox catalysis has been reported. In the presence of 1 mol % fac-Ir(ppy)₃, a variety of spiro[4.5]deca-1,7,9-trien-6-ones were obtained in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions. Under the optimized reaction conditions, a sample reaction of 3 mmol scale proceeded smoothly to give the desired products in 84% yield with a low catalyst loading of 0.1 mol %.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of cytotoxic activities of arylnaphthalene lignans and aza-analogs

A concise and versatile synthetic strategy for the total synthesis of arylnaphthalene lignans and aza-analogs was developed. The main objective was to develop synthetic tactics for the creation of the lactone and lactam unit that would give access to an array of synthetic, natural, and/or bioactive compounds through rather simple chemical manipulation. The flexibility and potentiality of these new processes were further illustrated by the total synthesis of retrojusticidin B (13b), justicidin C (14b), and methoxy-vitedoamine A (22a). In this study, a series of novel aryl-naphthalene lignans and aza-analogs were synthesized, and the cytotoxic activities of all compounds on cancer cell growth were evaluated. The target compounds were structurally characterized by ¹ H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), ¹³ C NMR, infrared, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. The IC₅₀ values of these compounds on five tumor cell lines (A549, HS683, MCF-7, SK-MEL-28, and B16-F1) were obtained by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) colorimetric assay. Five of the compounds exhibited excellent activity compared to 5-fluorouracil and etoposide against the five cell lines tested, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1 to 10 μM.

Visible-light induced divergent dearomatization of indole derivatives: controlled access to cyclobutane-fused polycycles and 2-substituted indolines

A visible-light-induced catalytic, divergent dearomative functionalization of indole derivatives is achieved, thereby leading to the formation of cyclobutane-fused polycycles and 2-substituted indolines in a controllable fashion.

Organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) compounds used in photocatalysis

Organic compounds that show Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) have become wildly popular as next-generation emitters in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Since 2016, a subset of these have found increasing use as photocatalysts. This review comprehensively highlights their potential by documenting the diversity of the reactions where an organic TADF photocatalyst can be used in lieu of a noble metal complex photocatalyst. Beyond the small number of TADF photocatalysts that have been used to date, the analysis conducted within this review reveals the wider potential of organic donor-acceptor TADF compounds as photocatalysts. A discussion of the benefits of compounds showing TADF for photocatalysis is presented, which paints a picture of a very promising future for organic photocatalyst development.

Rapid Access to Dispirocyclic Scaffolds Enabled by Diastereoselective Intramolecular Double Functionalization of Benzene Rings

Here we describe the diastereoselective synthesis of (5r,8r)-1,9-diazadispiro[4.2.4⁸ .2⁵ ]tetradecatrienes via domino double spirocyclization of N-arylamide derivatives. This reaction can serve as a fast way to synthesize diazadispirocycles, which are found in the core structures of bioactive natural products. Product diversification via Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling and application to the synthesis of 1-oxa-9-azadispiro[4.2.4⁸ .2⁵ ]tetradecatrienes were also conducted.

Redox-regulated divergence in photocatalytic addition of α-nitro alkyl radicals to styrenes

A divergent photocatalytic system for the reaction of α-bromo nitroalkanes with styrene derivatives is established, wherein the generation of the persistent nitroxyl radical as a junctional intermediate and suitable tuning of the redox ability of the system constitute the crucial elements for achieving rigorous control over the possible reaction pathways.

Total Synthesis of (±)-Sceptrin

A four-step synthesis of the dimeric pyrrole-imidazole alkaloid sceptrin is reported. The brevity of the route is based on a simple solution developed for selective assembly of the cyclobutane core of the natural product. The photochemical intermolecular [2 + 2] dimerization of a useful hymenidin surrogate enables direct entry to this enigmatic class of biologically active marine secondary metabolites.

Rational Design of Triplet Sensitizers for the Transfer of Excited State Photochemistry from UV to Visible

Time Dependent Density Functional Theory has been used to assist the design and synthesis of a series thioxanthone triplet sensitizers. Calculated energies of the triplet excited state (E_T) informed both the type and position of auxochromes placed on the thioxanthone core, enabling fine-tuning of the UV-vis absorptions and associated triplet energies. The calculated results were highly consistent with experimental observation in both the order of the λ_max and E_T values. The synthesized compounds were then evaluated for their efficacies as triplet sensitizers in a variety of UV and visible light preparative photochemical reactions. The results of this study exceeded expectations; in particular [2 + 2] cycloaddition chemistry that had previously been sensitized in the UV was found to undergo cycloaddition at 455 nm (blue) with a 2- to 9-fold increase in productivity (g/h) relative to input power. This study demonstrates the ability of powerful modern computational methods to aid in the design of successful and productive triplet sensitized photochemical reactions.

Arene dearomatization through a catalytic N-centered radical cascade reaction

Arene dearomatization reactions are an important class of synthetic technologies for the rapid assembly of unique chemical architectures. Herein, we report a catalytic protocol to initiate a carboamination/dearomatization cascade that proceeds through transient sulfonamidyl radical intermediates formed from native sulfonamide N-H bonds leading to 1,4-cyclohexadiene-fused sultams. Importantly, this work demonstrates a facile approach to employ two-dimensional aromatic compounds as modular building blocks to generate richly substituted, three-dimensional compounds. These reactions occur at room temperature under visible light irradiation and are catalyzed by the combination of an iridium(III) photocatalyst and a dialkyl phosphate base. Reaction optimization, substrate scope, mechanistic features, and synthetic applications of this transformation are presented.

Alkyne-Alkene [2 + 2] cycloaddition based on visible light photocatalysis

UV-activated alkyne-alkene [2 + 2] cycloaddition has served as an important tool to access cyclobutenes. Although broadly adopted, the limitations with UV light as an energy source prompted us to explore an alternative method. Here we report alkyne-alkene [2 + 2] cycloaddition based on visible light photocatalysis allowing the synthesis of diverse cyclobutenes and 1,3-dienes via inter- and intramolecular reactions. Extensive mechanistic studies suggest that the localized spin densities at sp2 carbons of alkenes account for the productive sensitization of alkenes despite their similar triplet levels of alkenes and alkynes. Moreover, the efficient formation of 1,3-dienes via tandem triplet activation of the resulting cyclobutenes is observed when intramolecular enyne cycloaddition is performed, which may serve as a complementary means to the Ru(II)-catalyzed enyne metathesis. In addition, the utility of the [2 + 2] cycloaddition has been demonstrated by several synthetic transformations including synthesis of various extended π-systems.

A Direct S0 →Tn Transition in the Photoreaction of Heavy-Atom-Containing Molecules

According to the Grotthuss-Draper law, light must be absorbed by a substrate to initiate a photoreaction. There have been several reports, however, on the promotion of photoreactions using hypervalent iodine during irradiation with light from a non-absorbing region. This contradiction gave rise to a mystery regarding photoreactions involving hypervalent iodine. We demonstrated that the photoactivation of hypervalent iodine with light from the apparently non-absorbing region proceeds via a direct S₀ →T_n transition, which has been considered a forbidden process. Spectroscopic, computational, and synthetic experimental results support this conclusion. Moreover, the photoactivation mode could be extended to monovalent iodine and bromine, as well as bismuth(III)-containing molecules, providing new possibilities for studying photoreactions that involve heavy-atom-containing molecules.

Multi-Photon Excitation in Photoredox Catalysis: Concepts, Applications, Methods

The energy of visible photons and the accessible redox potentials of common photocatalysts set thermodynamic limits to photochemical reactions that can be driven by traditional visible-light irradiation. UV excitation can be damaging and induce side reactions, hence visible or even near-IR light is usually preferable. Thus, photochemistry currently faces two divergent challenges, namely the desire to perform ever more thermodynamically demanding reactions with increasingly lower photon energies. The pooling of two low-energy photons can address both challenges simultaneously, and whilst multi-photon spectroscopy is well established, synthetic photoredox chemistry has only recently started to exploit multi-photon processes on the preparative scale. Herein, we have a critical look at currently developed reactions and mechanistic concepts, discuss pertinent experimental methods, and provide an outlook into possible future developments of this rapidly emerging area.

Complex Carbocyclic Skeletons from Aryl Ketones through a Three-Photon Cascade Reaction

Starting from readily available 7-substituted 1-indanones, products with a tetracyclo[5.3.1.01,7 04,11 ]undec-2-ene skeleton were obtained upon irradiation at λ=350 nm (eight examples, 49-67 % yield). The assembly of the structurally complex carbon framework proceeds in a three-photon process comprising an ortho photocycloaddition, a disrotatory [4π] photocyclization, and a di-π-methane rearrangement. The flat aromatic core of the starting material is converted into a functionalized polycyclic hydrocarbon with exit vectors in three dimensions. Ring opening reactions at the central cyclopropane ring were explored, which enable the preparation of tricyclo[5.3.1.04,11 ]undec-2-enes and of tricyclo[6.2.1.01,5 ]undecanes.

Organic semiconductor photocatalyst can bifunctionalize arenes and heteroarenes

Photoexcited electron-hole pairs on a semiconductor surface can engage in redox reactions with two different substrates. Similar to conventional electrosynthesis, the primary redox intermediates afford only separate oxidized and reduced products or, more rarely, combine to one addition product. Here, we report that a stable organic semiconductor material, mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (mpg-CN), can act as a visible-light photoredox catalyst to orchestrate oxidative and reductive interfacial electron transfers to two different substrates in a two- or three-component system for direct twofold carbon-hydrogen functionalization of arenes and heteroarenes. The mpg-CN catalyst tolerates reactive radicals and strong nucleophiles, is straightforwardly recoverable by simple centrifugation of reaction mixtures, and is reusable for at least four catalytic transformations with conserved activity.

Synthesis of Cyclobutane-Fused Tetracyclic Scaffolds via Visible-Light Photocatalysis for Building Molecular Complexity

We describe the synthesis through visible-light photocatalysis of novel functionalized tetracyclic scaffolds that incorporate a fused azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-2-one motif, which are structurally interesting cores with potential in natural product synthesis and drug discovery. The synthetic approach involves an intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition with concomitant dearomatization of the heterocycle via an energy transfer process promoted by an iridium-based photosensitizer, to build a complex molecular architecture with at least three stereogenic centers from relatively simple, achiral precursors. These fused azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan-2-one-based tetracycles were obtained in high yield (generally >99%) and with excellent diastereoselectivity (>99:1). The late-stage derivatization of a bromine-substituted, tetracyclic indoline derivative with alkyl groups, employing a mild Negishi C-C bond forming protocol as a means of increasing structural diversity, provides additional modularity that will enable the delivery of valuable building blocks for medicinal chemistry. Density functional theory calculations were used to compute the T₁-S₀ free energy gap of the olefin-tethered precursors and also to predict their reactivities based on triplet state energy transfer and transition state energy feasibility.