Copper-mediated direct arylation of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles and 1,2,4-triazoles with aryl iodides

C-H bonds as ubiquitous functionality: preparation of multiple regioisomers of arylated 1,2,4-triazoles via C-H arylation

We describe a general approach for the synthesis of complex aryl 1,2,4-triazoles. The electronic character of the C-H bonds and the triazole ring allows for the regioselective C-H arylation of 1-alkyl- and 4-alkyltriazoles under catalytic conditions. We have also developed the SEM and THP switch as well as trans-N-alkylation, which enable sequential arylation of the triazole ring to prepare 3,5-diaryltriazoles. This new strategy provides rapid access to a variety of arylated 1,2,4-triazoles and well complements existing cyclization methods.

Copper-catalyzed CuAAC/intramolecular C-H arylation sequence: Synthesis of annulated 1,2,3-triazoles

Step-economical syntheses of annulated 1,2,3-triazoles were accomplished through copper-catalyzed intramolecular direct arylations in sustainable one-pot reactions. Thus, catalyzed cascade reactions involving [3 + 2]-azide-alkyne cycloadditions (CuAAC) and C-H bond functionalizations provided direct access to fully substituted 1,2,3-triazoles with excellent chemo- and regioselectivities. Likewise, the optimized catalytic system proved applicable to the direct preparation of 1,2-diarylated azoles through a one-pot C-H/N-H arylation reaction.

Copper-mediated and copper-catalyzed cross-coupling of indoles and 1,3-azoles: double C-H activation

A new bronze age: the described copper-mediated cross-coupling with double C-H activation can provide a convergent access to indole-containing biheteroaryls that are of high interest in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry. In this strategy an easily attachable and detachable 2-pyrimidyl directing group is used. Moreover, a variant that is catalytic in copper is achieved by using atmospheric oxygen as an ideal co-oxidant.

Cu(II) catalyzed imine C-H functionalization leading to synthesis of 2,5-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles

A direct access to symmetrical and unsymmetrical 2,5-disubstituted [1,3,4]-oxadiazoles has been accomplished through an imine C-H functionalization of N-arylidenearoylhydrazide using a catalytic quantity of Cu(OTf)(2). This is the first example of amidic oxygen functioning as a nucleophile in a Cu-catalyzed oxidative coupling of an imine C-H bond. These reactions can be performed in air atmosphere and moisture making it exceptionally practical for application in organic synthesis.

Regioselective syntheses of fully-substituted 1,2,3-triazoles: the CuAAC/C-H bond functionalization nexus

Regioselective syntheses of 1,4,5-trisubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles were accomplished by three different strategies, relying on (i) the interception of stoichiometrically formed 5-cuprated-1,2,3-triazoles, (ii) the use of stoichiometrically functionalized alkynes or (iii) catalytic C-H bond functionalizations. This perspective article summarizes progress in this research area until June 2010.

Modulating reactivity and diverting selectivity in palladium-catalyzed heteroaromatic direct arylation through the use of a chloride activating/blocking group

Through the introduction of an aryl chloride substituent, the selectivity of palladium-catalyzed direct arylation may be diverted to provide alternative regioisomeric products in high yields. In cases where low reactivity is typically observed, the presence of the carbon-chlorine bond can serve to enhance reactivity and provide superior outcomes. From a strategic perspective, the C-Cl bond is easily introduced and can be employed in a variety of subsequent transformations to provide a wealth of highly functionalized heterocycles with minimal substrate preactivation. The impact of the C-Cl functional group on direct arylation reactivity has also been evaluated mechanistically, and the observed reactivity profiles correlate very well with that predicted by a concerted metalation-deprotonation pathway.