Ligand-enabled cross-coupling of C(sp3)-H bonds with arylboron reagents via Pd(II)/Pd(0) catalysis

Primary α-tertiary amine synthesis via α-C-H functionalization

A quinone-mediated general synthetic platform for the construction of primary α-tertiary amines from abundant primary α-branched amine starting materials is described. This procedure pivots on the efficient in situ generation of reactive ketimine intermediates and subsequent reaction with carbon-centered nucleophiles such as organomagnesium and organolithium reagents, and TMSCN, creating quaternary centers. Furthermore, extension to reverse polarity photoredox catalysis enables reactivity with electrophiles, via a nucleophilic α-amino radical intermediate. This efficient, broadly applicable and scalable amine-to-amine synthetic platform was successfully applied to library and API synthesis and in the functionalization of drug molecules.

Iridium-Catalyzed, β-Selective C(sp3)-H Silylation of Aliphatic Amines To Form Silapyrrolidines and 1,2-Amino Alcohols

The functionalization of unactivated C(sp³)-H bonds of aliphatic amines catalyzed by transition-metal complexes is important because amine-based functionality is present in a majority of biologically active molecules and commercial pharmaceuticals. However, such reactions are underdeveloped and challenging to achieve in general because the basicity and reducing properties of alkylamines tends to interfere with potential reagents and catalysts. The functionalization of C-H bonds β to the nitrogen of aliphatic amines to form prevalent 1,2-amino functionalized structures is particularly challenging because the C-H bond β to nitrogen is stronger than the C-H bond α to nitrogen, and the nitrogen in the amine or its derivatives usually directs a catalyst to react at more distal γ- and δ-C-H bonds to form 5- or 6-membered metallacyclic intermediate. The enantioselective functionalization of a C-H bond at any position in amines also has been vexing and is currently limited to reactions of specific, sterically hindered, cyclic structures. We report iridium-catalyzed, β-selective silylations of unactivated C(sp³)-H bonds of aliphatic amines to form silapyrrolidines that are both silicon-containing analogs of common saturated nitrogen heterocycles and precursors to 1,2-amino alcohols by Tamao-Fleming oxidation. These silylations of amines are accomplished by introducing a simple methylene linker between the heteroatom and silicon that has not been used previously for the silylation of C-H bonds. The reactions occur with high enantioselectivity when catalyzed by complexes of new chiral, pyridyl imidazoline ligands, and the rates of reactions with catalysts of these highly basic ligands are particularly fast, occuring in some cases at or even below room temperature.

Palladium-Catalyzed C(sp3 )-H Arylation of Primary Amines Using a Catalytic Alkyl Acetal to Form a Transient Directing Group

C-H Functionalization of amines is a prominent challenge due to the strong complexation of amines to transition metal catalysts, and therefore typically requires derivatization at nitrogen with a directing group. Transient directing groups (TDGs) permit C-H functionalization in a single operation, without needing these additional steps for directing group installation and removal. Here we report a palladium catalyzed γ-C-H arylation of amines using catalytic amounts of alkyl acetals as transient activators (e.g. commercially available (2,2-dimethoxyethoxy)benzene). This simple additive enables arylation of amines with a wide range of aryl iodides. Key structural features of the novel TDG are examined, demonstrating an important role for the masked carbonyl and ether functionalities. Detailed kinetic (RPKA) and mechanistic investigations determine the order in all reagents, and identify cyclopalladation as the turnover limiting step. Finally, the discovery of an unprecedented off-cycle free-amine directed ϵ-cyclopalladation of the arylation product is reported.

Recent applications of C-H functionalization in complex natural product synthesis

In this review, recent examples featuring C-H functionalization in the synthesis of complex natural products are discussed. A focus is given to the way in which C-H functionalization can influence the logical process of retrosynthesis, and the review is organized by the type and method of C-H functionalization.

δ C-H (hetero)arylation via Cu-catalyzed radical relay

A radical relay strategy has been developed to enable selective δ C–H arylation. The approach employs a chiral copper catalyst, which serves the dual roles of generating an N-centered radical to promote intramolecular H-atom transfer, and then intercepting a distal C-centered radical for C–C bond formation with (hetero)aryl boronic acids.

A Cu-catalyzed strategy has been developed that harnesses a radical relay mechanism to intercept a distal C-centered radical for C–C bond formation. This approach enables selective δ C–H (hetero)arylation of sulfonamides via intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) by an N-centered radical. The radical relay is both initiated and terminated by a Cu catalyst, which enables incorporation of arenes and heteroarenes by cross-coupling with boronic acids. The broad scope and utility of this catalytic method for δ C–H arylation is shown, along with mechanistic probes for selectivity of the HAT mechanism. A catalytic, asymmetric variant is also presented, as well as a method for accessing 1,1-diaryl-pyrrolidines via iterative δ C–H functionalizations.

Carbon Dioxide-Mediated C(sp3)-H Arylation of Amine Substrates

Elaborating amines via C-H functionalization has been an important area of research over the past decade but has generally relied on an added directing group or sterically hindered amine approach. Since free-amine-directed C(sp³)-H activation is still primarily limited to cyclization reactions and to improve the sustainability and reaction scope of amine-based C-H activation, we present a strategy using CO₂ in the form of dry ice that facilitates intermolecular C-H arylation. This methodology has been used to enable an operationally simple procedure whereby 1° and 2° aliphatic amines can be arylated selectively at their γ-C-H positions. In addition to potentially serving as a directing group, CO₂ has also been demonstrated to curtail the oxidation of sensitive amine substrates.

Second-Generation Palladium Catalyst System for Transannular C-H Functionalization of Azabicycloalkanes

This article describes the development of a second-generation catalyst system for the transannular C-H functionalization of alicyclic amines. Pyridine- and quinoline-carboxylate ligands are shown to be highly effective for increasing the reaction rate, yield, and scope of Pd-catalyzed transannular C-H arylation reactions of azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, and piperidine derivatives. Mechanistic studies reveal that the pyridine/quinoline-carboxylates play a role in impeding both reversible and irreversible catalyst decomposition pathways. These ligands enable the first reported examples of the transannular C-H arylation of the ubiquitous tropane, 7-azanorbornane, and homotropane cores. Finally, the pyridine/quinoline-carboxylates are shown to promote both transannular C-H arylation and transannular C-H dehydrogenation on a homotropane substrate.

Direct ortho-Selective C-H Functionalization of Carboxybenzyl-Protected Arylalkylamines via Ir(III)-Catalyzed C-H Activation

A convenient and practical approach to synthesize ortho-alkynylated arylalkylamines through ortho-selective C-H functionalization has been developed using Cbz-amide as the directing group and Ir(III) as the catalyst. Various substrates were well tolerated, affording the corresponding products in moderate to good yields. Moreover, preliminary mechanistic study revealed the role of the amide as the coordination center to cooperate with the Ir(III) complex during C-H activation. Development of this Cbz-amide-promoted C_Ar-H functionalization offers a practical approach with potential applications in organic synthesis.

A computational mechanistic study of Pd(ii)-catalyzed γ-C(sp3)-H olefination/cyclization of amines: the roles of bicarbonate and ligand effect

The detailed mechanism of palladium-catalyzed γ-C(sp3)-H olefination/cyclization of triflyl-protected amines was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The olefinated intermediate was initially formed in the first catalytic cycle involving ligand exchange, bicarbonate-assisted C(sp3)-H bond cleavage, alkene insertion and 'reductive β-hydride elimination'. The following syn-addition and reductive elimination furnish the aza-Wacker product. The first step of reductive elimination is the rate-determining step. The mechanism unveils the important roles of bicarbonate: aiding the C-H activation and abstracting the β-proton in the second step of reductive elimination. The parallel bridging mode in the metal-olefin intermediate facilitates the syn-addition, explaining the experimentally observed stereoselectivity. The effect of the monodentate pyridine-based ligands is also discussed.

Ligand-Enabled γ-C(sp3)-H Activation of Ketones

We report the first example of Pd(II)-catalyzed γ-C(sp3)-H activation of ketones directed by a practical 2,2-dimethyl aminooxyacetic acid auxiliary. 2-Pyridone ligands are identified to enable C(sp3)-H activation for the first time. A rare six-membered palladacycle intermediate is isolated and characterized to elucidate the reaction mechanism. Both (hetero)arylation and vinylation of γ-C(sp3)-H bonds are demonstrated. Sequential β- and γ-C(sp3)-H (hetero)arylation of muscone showcases the utility of this method for late-stage diversification. A convenient Mn(II)-catalyzed auxiliary removal is also developed to further underscore the practicality of this transformation.

sp3 C-H activation via exo-type directing groups

The application of exo-type directing groups (DGs) has led to the discovery of a wide range of novel C(sp3)-H activation methods, which allow efficient and site-selective functionalization of alcohol and amide derivatives. In this mini-review we discuss the challenges of this field and summarize the achievements, including DG designs, reaction discoveries and mechanistic studies.

Complementary Strategies for Directed C(sp3 )-H Functionalization: A Comparison of Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Activation, Hydrogen Atom Transfer, and Carbene/Nitrene Transfer

The functionalization of C(sp3 )-H bonds streamlines chemical synthesis by allowing the use of simple molecules and providing novel synthetic disconnections. Intensive recent efforts in the development of new reactions based on C-H functionalization have led to its wider adoption across a range of research areas. This Review discusses the strengths and weaknesses of three main approaches: transition-metal-catalyzed C-H activation, 1,n-hydrogen atom transfer, and transition-metal-catalyzed carbene/nitrene transfer, for the directed functionalization of unactivated C(sp3 )-H bonds. For each strategy, the scope, the reactivity of different C-H bonds, the position of the reacting C-H bonds relative to the directing group, and stereochemical outcomes are illustrated with examples in the literature. The aim of this Review is to provide guidance for the use of C-H functionalization reactions and inspire future research in this area.

Weak, bidentate chelating group assisted cross-coupling of C(sp3)–H bonds in aliphatic acid derivatives with aryltrifluoroborates

A novel weak, bidentate directing group enabled β-C(sp³)–H cross-coupling of aliphatic acids that contain α-hydrogen atoms with organoboron reagents.

The α-tertiary amine motif drives remarkable selectivity for Pd-catalyzed carbonylation of β-methylene C-H bonds

The selective C-H carbonylation of methylene bonds in the presence of traditionally more reactive methyl C-H and C(sp2)-H bonds in α-tertiary amines is reported. The exceptional selectivity is driven by the bulky α-tertiary amine motif, which we hypothesise orientates the activating C-H bond proximal to Pd in order to avoid an unfavourable steric clash with a second α-tertiary amine on the Pd centre, promoting preferential cyclopalladation at the methylene position. The reaction tolerates a range of structurally interesting and synthetically versatile functional groups, delivering the corresponding β-lactam products in good to excellent yields.

Ligand-accelerated enantioselective methylene C(sp3)-H bond activation

Effective differentiation of prochiral carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds on a single methylene carbon via asymmetric metal insertion remains a challenge. Here, we report the discovery of chiral acetyl-protected aminoethyl quinoline ligands that enable asymmetric palladium insertion into prochiral C-H bonds on a single methylene carbon center. We apply these palladium complexes to catalytic enantioselective functionalization of β-methylene C-H bonds in aliphatic amides. Using bidentate ligands to accelerate C-H activation of otherwise unreactive monodentate substrates is crucial for outcompeting the background reaction driven by substrate-directed cyclopalladation, thereby avoiding erosion of enantioselectivity. The potential of ligand acceleration in C-H activation is also demonstrated by enantioselective β-C-H arylation of simple carboxylic acids without installing directing groups.

Ligand-assisted palladium-catalyzed C-H alkenylation of aliphatic amines for the synthesis of functionalized pyrrolidines

The development of a ligand-assisted Pd-catalyzed C-H alkenylation of aliphatic amines is reported. Our studies indicated that an amino-acid-derived ligand renders the C-H bond activation step reversible and promotes the traditionally difficult alkenylation process. The C(sp³)-H alkenylation proceeds through a 5-membered-ring cyclopalladation pathway that allows access to complex aliphatic heterocycles that could be useful to practioners of synthetic and medicinal chemistry.

Remote C(sp3)-H Oxygenation of Protonated Aliphatic Amines with Potassium Persulfate

This letter describes the development of a method for selective remote C(sp3)-H oxygenation of protonated aliphatic amines using aqueous potassium persulfate. Protonation serves to deactivate the proximal C(sp3)-H bonds of the amine substrates and also renders the amines soluble in the aqueous medium. These reactions proceed under relatively mild conditions (within 2 h at 80 °C with amine as limiting reagent) and do not require a transition metal catalyst. This method is applicable to a variety of types of C(sp3)-H bonds, including 3°, 2°, and benzylic C-H sites in primary, secondary, and tertiary amine substrates.

Ligand-Enabled meta-Selective C-H Arylation of Nosyl-Protected Phenethylamines, Benzylamines, and 2-Aryl Anilines

A Pd-catalyzed, meta-selective C-H arylation of nosyl-protected phenethylamines and benzylamines is disclosed using a combination of norbornene and pyridine-based ligands. Subjecting nosyl protected 2-aryl anilines to this protocol led to meta-C-H arylation at the remote aryl ring. A diverse range of aryl iodides are tolerated in this reaction, along with select heteroaryl iodides. Select aryl bromides bearing ortho-coordinating groups can also be utilized as effective coupling partners in this reaction. The use of pyridine ligands has allowed the palladium loading to be reduced to 2.5 mol %. Furthermore, a catalytic amount of 2-norbornene (20 mol %) to mediate this meta-C-H activation process is demonstrated for the first time. Utilization of a common protecting group as the directing group for meta-C-H activation of amines is an important feature of this reaction in terms of practical applications.

Palladium catalyzed C(sp3)–H acetoxylation of aliphatic primary amines to γ-amino alcohol derivatives

It still remains a major challenge to apply free primary amino groups as the directing group for aliphatic C–H functionalization.

Palladium-Catalyzed Transformations of Alkyl C-H Bonds

This Review summarizes the advancements in Pd-catalyzed C(sp³)-H activation via various redox manifolds, including Pd(0)/Pd(II), Pd(II)/Pd(IV), and Pd(II)/Pd(0). While few examples have been reported in the activation of alkane C-H bonds, many C(sp³)-H activation/C-C and C-heteroatom bond forming reactions have been developed by the use of directing group strategies to control regioselectivity and build structural patterns for synthetic chemistry. A number of mono- and bidentate ligands have also proven to be effective for accelerating C(sp³)-H activation directed by weakly coordinating auxiliaries, which provides great opportunities to control reactivity and selectivity (including enantioselectivity) in Pd-catalyzed C-H functionalization reactions.