Brønsted base-catalyzed imino-ene-type allylation reactions of simple alkenes as unactivated allyl compounds

Catalytic imino-ene-type allylation reactions of unactivated allyl compounds were achieved. In the presence of a catalytic amount of a strongly basic KO^tBu-LiTMP or NaO^tBu-LiTMP mixed system, the desired reactions proceeded smoothly at low temperature. Notably, a gaseous alkene, propylene, could also be used in this reaction system.

Diradical Generation via Relayed Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer

Diradical generation followed by radical-radical cross-coupling is a powerful synthetic tool, but its detailed mechanism has yet to be established. Herein, we proposed and confirmed a new model named relayed proton-coupled electron transfer (relayed-PCET) for diradical generation, which could open a door for new radical-radical cross-coupling reactions. Quantum mechanics calculations were performed on a selected carbene-mediated diradical cross-coupling reaction model and a designed model, and the exact electronic structural changes during the radical processes have been observed for the first time.

Photoinduced Metal-Free Borylation of Aryl Halides Catalysed by in situ Formed Donor-Acceptor Complex

Organoboron compounds are very important building blocks which can be applied in medicinal, biological and industrial fields. However, direct borylation in a metal free manner has been very rarely reported. Herein, we described the successful direct borylation of haloarenes under mild, operationally simple, catalyst-free conditions, promoted by irradiation with visible light. Mechanistic experiments and computational investigations indicate the formation of an excited donor–acceptor complex with a −3.12 V reduction potential, which is a highly active reductant and can facilitate single-electron-transfer (SET) with aryl halides to produce aryl radical intermediates. A two-step one-pot method was developed for site selective aromatic C–H bond borylation. The protocol's good functional group tolerance enables the functionalization of a variety of biologically relevant compounds, representing a new application of aryl radicals merged with photochemistry.

We reported a facile metal-free conversion of aryl halides to the corresponding boronic esters catalysed by an in situ formed donor–acceptor complex. A two-step one-pot method was also developed for site selective aromatic C–H bond borylation.

Recent advances in visible-light mediated functionalization of olefins and alkynes using copper catalysts

Over the past decade, visible-light photoredox catalysis has blossomed as a powerful strategy and offers a discrete activation mode complementary to thermal controlled reactions. Visible-light-mediated photoredox catalysis also offers exciting...

Radical umpolung chemistry enabled by dual catalysis: concept and recent advances

We present a perspective on recent advances in radical umpolung chemistry; some selected examples in this area have been highlighted.

Photocatalytic selective 1,2-hydroxyacylmethylation of 1,3-dienes with sulfur ylides as source of alkyl radicals

Exploration of the zwitterionic property of sulfur ylides has long been known as a flexible strategy in a wide range of chemical transformations for different ring-sized construction. By contrast, their...

Nickel Mediated Enantioselective Photoredox Allylation of Aldehydes with Visible Light

Here we report a practical, highly enantioselective photoredox allylation of aldehydes mediated by chiral nickel complexes with commercially available allyl acetate as the allylating agent. The methodology allows the clean stereoselective allylation of aldehydes in good to excellent yields and up to 93% e.e. using a catalytic amount of NiCl 2 (glyme) in the presence of the chiral aminoindanol-derived bis(oxazoline) as the chiral ligand. The photoredox system is constituted by the organic dye 3DPAFIPN and a Hantzsch's ester as the sacrificial reductant. The reaction proceeds under visible light irradiation (blue LEDs, 456 nm) at 8-12 °C with excellent stereoselectivities. Compared to other published procedures, no metal reductants (such as Zn or Mn), additives (e.g. CuI) or air-sensitive Ni(COD) 2 are necessary for this reaction. Accurate DFT calculations and photophysical experiments have clarified the mechanistic picture of this stereoselective allylation reaction showing a key role played by Hantzsch's ester for the turnover of the catalyst.

Photochemical Organocatalytic Regio- and Enantioselective Conjugate Addition of Allyl Groups to Enals

We report the first catalytic enantioselective conjugate addition of allyl groups to α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. The chemistry exploits the visible‐light‐excitation of chiral iminium ions to activate allyl silanes towards the formation of allylic radicals, which are then intercepted stereoselectively. The underlying radical mechanism of this process overcomes the poor regio‐ and chemoselectivity that traditionally affects the conjugate allylation of enals proceeding via polar pathways. We also demonstrate how this organocatalytic strategy could selectively install a valuable prenyl fragment at the β‐carbon of enals.

Enantio- and regioselective asymmetric allylic substitution using a chiral aminophosphinite ruthenium complex: an experimental and theoretical investigation

The design and synthesis of a new chiral aminophosphinite-ligated ruthenium complex is described. The ruthenium complex, [Ru(AMP)₂(CH₃CN)₂][BPh₄]₂ {AMP = (S)-tert-butyl 1-(diphenylphosphinooxy)-3-methylbutan-2-ylcarbamate}, has been found to catalyze nucleophilic addition of phenol and carboxylic acid to allyl chloride in a highly regioselective fashion with enantiomeric excess ranging from 12 to 90.

Unveiling the boosting of metal organic cage leaching substance on the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction

Catalysts often undergo changes during the process of catalytic reactions, which makes the whole catalytic reaction system complicated and brings about much difficulty for the exploration of catalytic mechanism. Herein, we report that an octahedral metal organic cage (MOC) with stress was directionally transformed into two-dimensional nanoarrays maintaining the structure of precursor and new soluble low-nuclear complexes during the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The in-situ generated miscible electrocatalyst exhibits an overpotential as low as 197 mV at 10 mA cm^-2, with a high electrochemical stability up to 5 h. Notably, the miscible catalyst can be used as bifunctional electrocatalyst for OER and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and exhibits an ultra-low overpotential of 293 mV, even achieve overall water splitting under the voltage provided by a 1.5 V AA battery. As revealed by density functional theory simulations, the position of SO₄^2- in MOC heterogeneous catalyst is regulated by the soluble low-nuclear complexes to reduce the activation energy of the reaction, leading to an optimization of the OER activity for the reaction system. This work provides a new strategy for the rational design of high-efficiency electrocatalytic system.

Copper-Catalyzed Intermolecular Alkynylation and Allylation of Unactivated C(sp3)-H Bonds via Hydrogen Atom Transfer

We describe Cu-catalyzed intermolecular alkynylation and allylation of unactivated C(sp³)-H bonds with singly occupied molecular orbital-philes (SOMO-philes) via hydrogen atom transfer (HAT). Employing N-fluoro-sulfonamide as a HAT reagent, a set of substituted alkene and alkyne compounds were synthesized in high yields with good regioselectivity and functional-group compatibility. Late-stage functionalization of natural products and drug molecules is also demonstrated.

Electrochemically selective double C(sp2)-X (X = S/Se, N) bond formation of isocyanides

The construction of C(sp²)-X (X = B, N, O, Si, P, S, Se, etc.) bonds has drawn growing attention since heteroatomic compounds play a prominent role from biological to pharmaceutical sciences. The current study demonstrates the C(sp²)-S/Se and C(sp²)-N bond formation of one carbon of isocyanides with thiophenols or disulfides or diselenides and azazoles simultaneously. The reported findings could provide access to novel multiple isothioureas, especially hitherto rarely reported selenoureas. The protocol showed good atom-economy and step-economy with only hydrogen evolution and theoretical calculations accounted for the stereoselectivity of the products. Importantly, the electrochemical reaction could exclusively occur at the isocyano part regardless of the presence of susceptible radical acceptors, such as a broad range of arenes and alkynyl moieties, even alkenyl moieties.

Photoinduced Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Three-Component Coupling of 1,3-Dienes: An Alternative to Kharasch-Sosnovsky Reaction

Kharasch-Sosnovsky reaction is one of the most powerful methods for allylic oxidation of alkenes. However, the inherent radical mechanism and use of peroxides as both oxidants and oxygen nucleophiles render dearth of universal catalytic systems for highly enantioselective variants and limited scope. Herein, an alternative to the asymmetric Kharasch-Sosnovsky reaction that utilized a chiral copper catalyst and purple-LED irradiation to enable the three-component coupling of 1,3-dienes, oxime esters, and carboxylic acids is reported. This protocol features mild conditions, remarkable scope and functional group tolerance as evidenced by >80 examples and utility in the late-stage modification of pharmaceuticals and natural products. Detailed mechanistic studies provide evidences for the radical-based reaction pathway.

Enantioselective Reductive Homocoupling of Allylic Acetates Enabled by Dual Photoredox/Palladium Catalysis: Access to C2-Symmetrical 1,5-Dienes

Transition-metal-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions have emerged as powerful protocols to construct C-C bonds. However, the development of enantioselective C(sp³)-C(sp³) reductive coupling remains challenging. Herein, we report a highly regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective reductive homocoupling of allylic acetates through cooperative palladium and photoredox catalysis using diisopropylethylamine or Hantzsch ester as a homogeneous organic reductant. This straightforward protocol enables the stereoselective construction of C(sp³)-C(sp³) bonds under mild reaction conditions. A series of C₂-symmetrical chiral 1,5-dienes were easily prepared with excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee), diastereoselectivities (up to >95:5 dr), and regioselectivities (up to >95:5 rr). The resultant chiral 1,5-dienes can be directly used as chiral ligands in asymmetric synthesis, and they can be also transformed into other valuable chiral ligands.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Diastereo- and Enantioselective Reductive Allyl Additions to Aldehydes with Allylic Alcohol Derivatives via Allyl Radical Intermediates

Catalytic generation of ambiphilic π-allyl-metal complexes and their utility in enantioselective transformations constitutes a powerful approach for introduction of allyl groups to a molecule. Herein an unprecedented cobalt-catalyzed highly site-, diastereo-, and enantioselective protocol for stereoselective formation of nucleophilic allyl-Co(II) complexes followed by addition to aldehydes is presented. The reaction features diastereo- and enantioconvergent conversion of easily accessible allylic alcohol derivatives to diversified enantioenriched homoallylic alcohols with a remarkably broad scope of allyl groups that can be introduced. Mechanistic studies indicated that allyl radical intermediates were involved in this process. These new discoveries establish a new strategy for development of enantioselective transformations through capture of radicals by chiral Co complexes, pushing forward the frontier of Co complexes for enantioselective catalysis.

Photoinduced Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric C-O Cross-Coupling

The construction of carbon-heteroatom bonds is one of the most active areas of research in organic chemistry because the function of organic molecules is often derived from the presence of heteroatoms. Although considerable advances have recently been achieved in radical-involved catalytic asymmetric C-N bond formation, there has been little progress in the corresponding C-O bond-forming processes. Here, we describe a photoinduced copper-catalyzed cross-coupling of readily available oxime esters and 1,3-dienes to generate diversely substituted allylic esters with high regio- and enantioselectivity (>75 examples; up to 95% ee). The reaction proceeds at room temperature under excitation by purple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and features the use of a single, earth-abundant copper-based chiral catalyst as both the photoredox catalyst for radical generation and the source of asymmetric induction in C-O coupling. Combined experimental and density functional theory (DFT) computational studies suggest the formation of π-allylcopper complexes from redox-active oxime esters as bifunctional reagents and 1,3-dienes through a radical-polar crossover process.

Dirhodium(II)/Xantphos-Catalyzed Relay Carbene Insertion and Allylic Alkylation Process: Reaction Development and Mechanistic Insights

Although dirhodium-catalyzed multicomponent reactions of diazo compounds, nucleophiles and electrophiles have achieved great advance in organic synthesis, the introduction of allylic moiety as the third component via allylic metal intermediate remains a formidable challenge in this area. Herein, an attractive three-component reaction of readily accessible amines, diazo compounds, and allylic compounds enabled by a novel dirhodium(II)/Xantphos catalysis is disclosed, affording various architecturally complex and functionally diverse α-quaternary α-amino acid derivatives in good yields with high atom and step economy. Mechanistic studies indicate that the transformation is achieved through a relay dirhodium(II)-catalyzed carbene insertion and allylic alkylation process, in which the catalytic properties of dirhodium are effectively modified by the coordination with Xantphos, leading to good activity in the catalytic allylic alkylation process.

Expedient Dual Co/Organophotoredox Catalyzed Stereoselective Synthesis of All-Carbon Quaternary Centers

An efficient and attractive Co/organophotoredox dual catalysis protocol has been developed allowing the stereoselective access to a wide variety of syn-configured 1,3-diols featuring quaternary carbon centers. The synthesis of the target molecules is achieved under ambient reaction conditions using modular and accessible reagents, substituted vinyl cyclic carbonates and aldehydes, and in short reaction times. Mechanistic control experiments suggest that the stereoselectivity can be rationalized via a preferred Zimmerman-Traxler transition state comprising a Co(allyl) species and an activated aldehyde. This newly developed process thus expands the use of base metal catalysis in the construction of challenging quaternary carbon stereocenters.

Transition-metal-free allylation of 2-azaallyls with allyl ethers through polar and radical mechanisms

Allylation of nucleophiles with highly reactive electrophiles like allyl halides can be conducted without metal catalysts. Less reactive electrophiles, such as allyl esters and carbonates, usually require a transition metal catalyst to facilitate the allylation. Herein, we report a unique transition-metal-free allylation strategy with allyl ether electrophiles. Reaction of a host of allyl ethers with 2-azaallyl anions delivers valuable homoallylic amine derivatives (up to 92%), which are significant in the pharmaceutical industry. Interestingly, no deprotonative isomerization or cyclization of the products were observed. The potential synthetic utility and ease of operation is demonstrated by a gram scale telescoped preparation of a homoallylic amine. In addition, mechanistic studies provide insight into these C(sp3)-C(sp3) bond-forming reactions.

Tailored cobalt-salen complexes enable electrocatalytic intramolecular allylic C-H functionalizations

Oxidative allylic C–H functionalization is a powerful tool to streamline organic synthesis as it minimizes the need for functional group activation and generates alkenyl-substituted products amenable to further chemical modifications. The intramolecular variants can be used to construct functionalized ring structures but remain limited in scope and by their frequent requirement for noble metal catalysts and stoichiometric chemical oxidants. Here we report an oxidant-free, electrocatalytic approach to achieve intramolecular oxidative allylic C–H amination and alkylation by employing tailored cobalt-salen complexes as catalysts. These reactions proceed through a radical mechanism and display broad tolerance of functional groups and alkene substitution patterns, allowing efficient coupling of di-, tri- and even tetrasubstituted alkenes with N- and C-nucleophiles to furnish high-value heterocyclic and carbocyclic structures.

Oxidative allylic C–H functionalizations minimise the need for functional group activation and generate alkenyl-substituted products amenable to further chemical modifications. Here the authors report an oxidant-free, electrocatalytic approach to achieve intramolecular oxidative allylic C–H amination and alkylation by employing tailored cobalt-salen complexes as catalysts.

The Rich Legacy and Bright Future of Transition-Metal Catalyzed Peroxide Based Radical Reactions

This personal account is mainly focused on the author's involvement in the field of transition metal-catalyzed peroxide based radical reactions. Over the past decades, radical chemistry has flourished and become crucial in contemporary synthetic organic chemistry. Owing to the presence of a single electron in one orbital, radicals are very unstable and react very fast. To carry out desired transformations and to control the side reactions the stabilizations of these radicals is essential. Fortunately, the implementation of a suitable transition metal and peroxide combination into the radical reactions have proved beneficial. Transition metals not only stabilizes the radicals but also protects them from being quenched by undesired homo-coupling or fragmentation. Transition metal-catalyzed radical-radical reactions provide an innovative way for the construction and derivatization of carbocycles and heterocycles. The objective of this review is to give an overview of the construction and derivatization of heterocycles through the lens of radical chemistry, mainly focusing on research work done by our group.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Homoallylic Alcohols Featuring Vicinal Tetrasubstituted Carbon Centers via Dual Pd/Photoredox Catalysis

Dual palladium/photoredox-catalysis provides an effective method for the decarboxylative asymmetric synthesis of vicinal α,β-tri/tetra- or α,β-tetrasubstituted homoallylic alcohols using Hantzsch-type esters as radical precursors. This mild methodology capitalizes on vinyl cyclic carbonates as accessible reagents providing the target molecules in appreciable to good yields, high branch selectivity, and enantiomeric ratios of up to 94:6, making it a rare example of using prochiral electrophiles for the creation of vicinal congested carbon centers.

Photocatalytic Generation of π-Allyltitanium Complexes from Butadiene via a Radical Strategy

The direct conversion of industrial feedstock chemicals into highly valuable fine chemical intermediates is of great appeal to the synthetic community as well as industrial applications. This study reports a conceptually new radical strategy for the photocatalytic generation of π-allyltitanium complexes from butadiene. This novel and environmentally benign strategy enables the direct three-component allylation of carbonyls with 1,3-butadiene and α-bromocarboxylates, providing rapid access to valuable homoallylic alcohols with exceptional regio- and diastereoselectivity control.

Direct Allylic C(sp3 )-H and Vinylic C(sp2 )-H Thiolation with Hydrogen Evolution by Quantum Dots and Visible Light

Direct allylic C-H thiolation is straightforward for allylic C(sp³ )-S bond formation. However, strong interactions between thiol and transition metal catalysts lead to deactivation of the catalytic cycle or oxidation of sulfur atom under oxidative condition. Thus, direct allylic C(sp³ )-H thiolation has proved difficult. Represented herein is an exceptional for direct, efficient, atom- and step-economic thiolation of allylic C(sp³ )-H and thiol S-H under visible light irradiation. Radical trapping experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy identified the allylic radical and thiyl radical generated on the surface of photocatalyst quantum dots (QDs). The C-S bond formation does not require external oxidants and radical initiators, and hydrogen (H₂ ) is produced as byproduct. When vinylic C(sp² )-H was used instead of allylic C(sp³ )-H bond, the radical-radical cross-coupling of C(sp² )-H and S-H was achieved with liberation of H₂ . Such a unique transformation opens up a door toward direct C-H and S-H coupling for valuable organosulfur chemistry.

Recent Advances in Enantioselective Pd-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution: From Design to Applications

This Review compiles the evolution, mechanistic understanding, and more recent advances in enantioselective Pd-catalyzed allylic substitution and decarboxylative and oxidative allylic substitutions. For each reaction, the catalytic data, as well as examples of their application to the synthesis of more complex molecules, are collected. Sections in which we discuss key mechanistic aspects for high selectivity and a comparison with other metals (with advantages and disadvantages) are also included. For Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution, the catalytic data are grouped according to the type of nucleophile employed. Because of the prominent position of the use of stabilized carbon nucleophiles and heteronucleophiles, many chiral ligands have been developed. To better compare the results, they are presented grouped by ligand types. Pd-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative reactions are mainly promoted by PHOX or Trost ligands, which justifies organizing this section in chronological order. For asymmetric oxidative allylic substitution the results are grouped according to the type of nucleophile used.

Cu-Catalyzed Oxidative Allylic C-H Arylation of Inexpensive Alkenes with (Hetero)Aryl Boronic Acids

Herein, we present a regioselective Cu-catalyzed oxidative allylic C(sp³)-H arylation by radical relay using a broad range of heteroaryl boronic acids with inexpensive and readily available unactivated terminal and internal olefins. This C(sp²)-C(sp³) allyl coupling has the advantage of using cheap, abundant, and nontoxic Cu₂O without the need to use prefunctionalized alkenes, thus offering an alternative method to allylic arylation reactions that employ more traditional coupling partners with preinstalled leaving groups (LGs) at the allylic position.

Visible-Light-Promoted Metal-Free Synthesis of (Hetero)Aromatic Nitriles from C(sp3 )-H Bonds*

The metal-free activation of C(sp3 )-H bonds to value-added products is of paramount importance in organic synthesis. We report the use of the commercially available organic dye 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium tetrafluoroborate (TPP) for the conversion of methylarenes to the corresponding aryl nitriles via a photocatalytic process. Applying this methodology, a variety of cyanobenzenes have been synthesized in good to excellent yield under metal- and cyanide-free conditions. We demonstrate the scope of the method with over 50 examples including late-stage functionalization of drug molecules (celecoxib) and complex structures such as l-menthol, amino acids, and cholesterol derivatives. Furthermore, the presented synthetic protocol is applicable for gram-scale reactions. In addition to methylarenes, selected examples for the cyanation of aldehydes, alcohols and oximes are demonstrated as well. Detailed mechanistic investigations have been carried out using time-resolved luminescence quenching studies, control experiments, and NMR spectroscopy as well as kinetic studies, all supporting the proposed catalytic cycle.

Access to the C2 C–H olefination, alkylation and deuteration of indoles by rhodium(iii) catalysis: an opportunity for diverse syntheses

A concise approach for a diversity-oriented synthesis via regioselective C2 C–H olefination, alkylation, and deuteration of indoles by Rh(iii) catalysis is described.

Synthetic applications of α,α-difluoroarylacetic acids and salts via decarboxylative functionalization

α,α-Difluoroarylacetic acids are stable, inexpensive and readily available building blocks which can be used to access various difluoromethylated aryl motifs via decarboxylative functionalization for the formation of carbon–carbon and carbon-heteroatom (F, O, S) bonds.