C-H functionalization logic in total synthesis

Stereoselective intermolecular C-H amination reactions

A novel chiral N-mesyloxycarbamate to perform rhodium-catalyzed stereoselective C-H amination reactions is reported. Chiral benzylic and propargylic amines are produced in good yields and selectivities using ethyl acetate as solvent. The corresponding free amines are easily obtained by cleavage of the chiral reagent, which could also be recovered.

C-H activation: a complementary tool in the total synthesis of complex natural products

The recent advent of transition-metal mediated C-H activation is revolutionizing the synthetic field and gradually infusing a "C-H activation mind-set" in both students and practitioners of organic synthesis. As a powerful testament of this emerging synthetic tool, applications of C-H activation in the context of total synthesis of complex natural products are beginning to blossom. Herein, recently completed total syntheses showcasing creative and ingenious incorporation of C-H activation as a strategic manoeuver are compared with their "non-C-H activation" counterparts, illuminating a new paradigm in strategic synthetic design.

Innate and guided C-H functionalization logic

The combustion of organic matter is perhaps the oldest and most common chemical transformation utilized by mankind. The generation of a C-O bond at the expense of a C-H bond during this process may be considered the most basic form of C-H functionalization. This illustrates the extreme generality of the term "C-H functionalization", because it can describe the conversion of literally any C-H bond into a C-X bond (X being anything except H). Therefore, it may be of use to distinguish between what, in our view, are two distinct categories of C-H functionalization logic: "guided" and "innate". Guided C-H functionalizations, as the name implies, are guided by external reagents or directing groups (covalently or fleetingly bound) to install new functional groups at the expense of specifically targeted C-H bonds. Conversely, innate C-H functionalizations may be broadly defined as reactions that exchange C-H bonds for new functional groups based solely on natural reactivity patterns in the absence of other directing forces. Two substrates that illustrate this distinction are dihydrojunenol and isonicotinic acid. The C-H functionalization processes of hydroxylation or arylation, respectively, can take place at multiple locations on each molecule. Innate functionalizations lead to substitution patterns that are dictated by the inherent bias (steric or electronic) of the substrate undergoing C-H cleavage, whereas guided functionalizations lead to substitution patterns that are controlled by external directing forces such as metal complexation or steric bias of the reagent. Although the distinction between guided and innate C-H functionalizations may not always be clear in cases that do not fit neatly into a single category, it is a useful convention to consider when analyzing reactivity patterns and strategies for synthesis. We must emphasize that although a completely rigorous distinction between guided and innate C-H functionalization may not be practical, we have nonetheless found it to be a useful tool at the planning stage of synthesis. In this Account, we trace our own studies in the area of C-H functionalization in synthesis through the lens of "guided" and "innate" descriptors. We show how harnessing innate reactivity can be beneficial for achieving unique bond constructions between heterocycles and carbonyl compounds, enabling rapid and scalable total syntheses. Guided and innate functionalizations were used synergistically to create an entire family of terpenes in a controlled fashion. We continue with a discussion of the synthesis of complex alkaloids with high nitrogen content, which required the invention of a uniquely chemoselective innate C-H functionalization protocol. These findings led us to develop a series of innate C-H functionalization reactions for forging C-C bonds of interest to the largest body of practicing organic chemists: medicinal chemists. Strategic use of C-H functionalization logic can have a dramatically positive effect on the efficiency of synthesis, whether guided or innate.

The combined C-H functionalization/Cope rearrangement: discovery and applications in organic synthesis

The development of methods for the stereoselective functionalization of sp(3) C-H bonds is a challenging undertaking. This Account describes the scope of the combined C-H functionalization/Cope rearrangement (CHCR), a reaction that occurs between rhodium-stabilized vinylcarbenoids and substrates containing allylic C-H bonds. Computational studies have shown that the CHCR reaction is initiated by a hydride transfer to the carbenoid from an allyl site on the substrate, which is then rapidly followed by C-C bond formation between the developing rhodium-bound allyl anion and the allyl cation. In principle, the reaction can proceed through four distinct orientations of the vinylcarbenoid and the approaching substrate. The early examples of the CHCR reaction were all highly diastereoselective, consistent with a reaction proceeding via a chair transition state with the vinylcarbenoid adopting an s-cis conformation. Recent computational studies have revealed that other transition state orientations are energetically accessible, and these results have guided the development of highly stereoselective CHCR reactions that proceed through a boat transition state with the vinylcarbenoid in an s-cis configuration. The CHCR reaction has broad applications in organic synthesis. In some new protocols, the CHCR reaction acts as a surrogate to some of the classic synthetic strategies in organic chemistry. The CHCR reaction has served as a synthetic equivalent of the Michael reaction, the vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction, the tandem Claisen rearrangement/Cope rearrangement, and the tandem aldol reaction/siloxy-Cope rearrangement. In all of these cases, the products are generated with very high diastereocontrol. With a chiral dirhodium tetracarboxylate catalyst such as Rh(2)(S-DOSP)(4) or Rh(2)(S-PTAD)(4), researchers can achieve very high levels of asymmetric induction. Applications of the CHCR reaction include the effective enantiodifferentiation of racemic dihydronaphthalenes and the total synthesis of several natural products: (-)-colombiasin A, (-)-elisapterosin B, and (+)-erogorgiaene. By combining the CHCR reaction into a further cascade sequence, we and other researchers have achieved the asymmetric synthesis of 4-substituted indoles, a new class of monoamine reuptake inhibitors.

N-heterocyclic carbene gold(I) and copper(I) complexes in C-H bond activation

Environmental concerns have and will continue to have a significant role in determining how chemistry is carried out. Chemists will be challenged to develop new, efficient synthetic processes that have the fewest possible steps leading to a target molecule, the goal being to decrease the amount of waste generated and reduce energy use. Along this path, chemists will need to develop highly selective reactions with atom-economical pathways producing nontoxic byproduct. In this context, C-H bond activation and functionalization is an extremely attractive method. Indeed, for most organic transformations, the presence of a reactive functionality is required. In Total Synthesis, the "protection and deprotection" approach with such reactive groups limits the overall yield of the synthesis, involves the generation of significant chemical waste, costs energy, and in the end is not as green as one would hope. In turn, if a C-H bond functionalization were possible, instead of the use of a prefunctionalized version of the said C-H bond, the number of steps in a synthesis would obviously be reduced. In this case, the C-H bond can be viewed as a dormant functional group that can be activated when necessary during the synthetic strategy. One issue increasing the challenge of such a desired reaction is selectivity. The cleavage of a C-H bond (bond dissociation requires between 85 and 105 kcal/mol) necessitates a high-energy species, which could quickly become a drawback for the control of chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity. Transition metal catalysts are useful reagents for surmounting this problem; they can decrease the kinetic barrier of the reaction yet retain control over selectivity. Transition metal complexes also offer important versatility in having distinct pathways that can lead to activation of the C-H bond. An oxidative addition of the metal in the C-H bond, and a base-assisted metal-carbon bond formation in which the base can be coordinated (or not) to the metal complexes are possible. These different C-H bond activation modes provide chemists with several synthetic options. In this Account, we discuss recent discoveries involving the versatile NHC-gold(I) and NHC-copper(I) hydroxide complexes (where NHC is N-heterocyclic carbene) showing interesting Brønsted basic properties for C-H bond activation or C-H bond functionalization purposes. The simple and easy synthesis of these two complexes involves their halide-bearing relatives reacting with simple alkali metal hydroxides. These complexes can react cleanly with organic compounds bearing protons with compatible pK(a) values, producing only water as byproduct. It is a very simple protocol indeed and may be sold as a C-H bond activation, although the less flashy "metalation reaction" also accurately describes the process. The synthesis of these complexes has led us to develop new organometallic chemistry and catalysis involving C-H bond activation (metalation) and subsequent C-H bond functionalization. We further highlight applications with these reactions, in areas such as photoluminescence and biological activities of NHC-gold(I) and NHC-copper(I) complexes.

Palladium(II)-catalyzed direct alkenylation of nonaromatic enamides

A mild and efficient method for the direct alkenylation of nonaromatic enamides was achieved through a palladium(II)-catalyzed C-H functionalization. The reaction scope includes cyclic and acyclic enamides and a range of activated alkenes. This approach represents the first successful direct C(3)-functionalization of nonaromatic cyclic enamides.

Heterocycle Formation via Palladium-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization

Heterocyclic compounds are ubiquitous in natural products, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. Therefore, the design of novel protocols to construct heterocycles more efficiently is a major area of focus in the organic chemistry. In the past several years, cyclization reactions based upon palladium-catalyzed C-H activation have received substantial attention due to their capacity for expediting heterocycle synthesis. This review discusses strategies for heterocycle synthesis via palladium-catalyzed C-H bond activation and highlights recent examples from the literature.

Total synthesis of (±)-sorocenol B employing nanoparticle catalysis

The total synthesis of (±)-sorocenol B has been accomplished featuring key steps including silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-catalyzed Diels-Alder cycloaddition and late-stage Pd(II)-catalyzed oxidative cyclization. The synthetic natural product exhibited low micromolar cytotoxic activity against a number of human cancer cell lines.

Coordination and structural properties of encumbering 6-mesityl-2-picolinate complexes

In an effort to enforce a sterically hindered environment in transition-metal and main-group 2-picolinate complexes, the synthesis of the encumbering derivative 6-mesityl-2-picolinate ((Mes)pic) is presented. The coordination and structural properties of (Mes)pic are demonstrated with a range of transition-metal and main-group fragments. The 6-position mesityl group of (Mes)pic is shown to alter both the primary and secondary coordination spheres of metal centers relative to the ubiquitous and unencumbered parent 2-picolinate anion.

A new dirhodium catalyst with hemilabile tropolonato ligands for C-H bond functionalization

Don't hold on too tightly! In a new dirhodium catalyst for C-H functionalization reactions, two tropolonato ligands are introduced as hemilabile chelating ligands (see scheme). Only two bridges hold the Rh-Rh core together. The tropolonato ligands can liberate a binding site in the equatorial coordination sphere of the catalyst. This opens a doorway to new mechanistic channels in C-H functionalization.

A Highly Selective Vanadium Catalyst for Benzylic C-H Oxidation

Vanadium complexes have been used extensively to catalyze olefin and alcohol oxidation. However, their application in C-H oxidation has not been well-studied. We report herein that commercially available Cp(2)VCl(2) catalyzes benzylic C-H oxidation selectively and effectively, giving no aromatic oxidation products.

Amide-directed tandem C-C/C-N bond formation through C-H activation

The transformation of C-H bonds into other chemical bonds is of great significance in synthetic chemistry. C-H bond-activation processes provide a straightforward and atom-economic strategy for the construction of complex structures; as such, they have attracted widespread interest over the past decade. As a prevalent directing group in the field of C-H activation, the amide group not only offers excellent regiodirecting ability, but is also a potential C-N bond precursor. As a consequence, a variety of nitrogen-containing heterocycles have been obtained by using these reactions. This Focus Review addresses the recent research into the amide-directed tandem C-C/C-N bond-formation process through C-H activation. The large body of research in this field over the past three years has established it as one of the most-important topics in organic chemistry.

Palladium-catalyzed alkylation of 1,4-dienes by C-H activation

Activated: the title reaction proceeds with a broad range of nucleophiles and variously substituted 1,4-dienes under mild conditions, and provides direct access to the corresponding 1,3-diene-containing products with high regio- and stereocontrol (see scheme; 2,6-DMBQ=2,6-dimethylbenzoquinone, EWG=electron-withdrawing group). This is the first catalytic allylic C-H alkylation that proceeds in the absence of sulfoxide ligands.

Catalytic functionalization of unactivated primary C-H bonds directed by an alcohol

New synthetic methods for the catalytic functionalization of C-H bonds have the potential to revolutionize the synthesis of complex molecules. However, the realization of this synthetic potential requires the ability to functionalize selectively one C-H bond in a compound containing many such bonds and an array of functional groups. The site-selective functionalization of aliphatic C-H bonds is one of the greatest challenges that must be met for C-H bond functionalization to be used widely in complex-molecule synthesis, and processes catalysed by transition-metals provide the opportunity to control selectivity. Current methods for catalytic, aliphatic C-H bond functionalization typically rely on the presence of one inherently reactive C-H bond, or on installation and subsequent removal of directing groups that are not components of the desired molecule. To overcome these limitations, we sought catalysts and reagents that would facilitate aliphatic C-H bond functionalization at a single site, with chemoselectivity derived from the properties of the catalyst and site-selectivity directed by common functional groups contained in both the reactant and the desired product. Here we show that the combination of an iridium-phenanthroline catalyst and a dihydridosilane reagent leads to the site-selective γ-functionalization of primary C-H bonds controlled by a hydroxyl group, the most common functional group in natural products. The scope of the reaction encompasses alcohols and ketones bearing many substitution patterns and auxiliary functional groups; this broad scope suggests that this methodology will be suitable for the site-selective and diastereoselective functionalization of complex natural products.

Chemical synthesis of the cardiotonic steroid glycosides and related natural products

The active components from the extracts of Digitalis, cardiotonic steroid glycosides, have been ingested by humans for more than 200 years as a medicinal therapy for heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The positive inotropic activity of the cardiotonic steroids that mediates clinically useful physiological effects in patients has been attributed largely to a high affinity inhibitory interaction with the extracellular surface of the membrane-bound sodium pump (Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase). However, previously unrecognized intracellular signaling pathways continue to be uncovered. This Review examines both partial and de novo synthetic approaches to the medicinally important and structurally captivating cardenolide and bufadienolide steroid families, with an emphasis on the stereocontrolled construction of the pharmacophoric aglycone (genin) framework.

Computational elucidation of the internal oxidant-controlled reaction pathways in Rh(III)-catalyzed aromatic C-H functionalization

The Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H functionalizations of benzamide derivatives with olefin were studied by DFT calculations to elucidate the divergent pathways controlled by the N-OR internal oxidants. For substrates of N-OMe and N-OPiv internal oxidants, the energy profiles for consecutive N-H deprotonation/C-H activation/olefin insertion sequences were similar, and different properties and reactivities of the generated 7-membered rhodacycles were predicted. When N-OMe is involved, this intermediate is generally unstable, and the olefination occurs easily via a β-H elimination/reductive elimination (RE) sequence to generate the Rh(I) intermediate, which is then oxidized to the active Rh(III) via MeOH elimination from the N-OMe reduction in the presence of a HOAc. However, for a 7-membered rhodacycle containing a N-OPiv moiety, the coordination of the acyloxy carbonyl oxygen stabilizes this intermediate and increases the barrier of the olefination pathway. Instead, the migration of the acyloxy from N to Rh(III) via a 5-membered ring TS to form a cyclic Rh(V) nitrene intermediate is more kinetically favorable, then the facile RE of this Rh(V) species forms the heterocycle product and regenerates Rh(III). Notably, for both reactions, the direct C-N formation from intermediates containing a C(sp(3))-Rh(III)-N(sp(3)) unit would be very difficult with barriers over 40 kcal/mol.

Highly efficient syntheses of azetidines, pyrrolidines, and indolines via palladium catalyzed intramolecular amination of C(sp3)-H and C(sp2)-H bonds at γ and δ positions

Efficient methods have been developed to synthesize azetidine, pyrrolidine, and indoline compounds via palladium-catalyzed intramolecular amination of C-H bonds at the γ and δ positions of picolinamide (PA) protected amine substrates. These methods feature relatively a low catalyst loading, use of inexpensive reagents, and convenient operating conditions. Their selectivities are predictable. These methods highlight the use of unactivated C-H bond, especially the C(sp(3))-H bond of methyl groups, as functional groups in organic synthesis.

Nickel-Catalyzed Regiodivergent Approach to Macrolide Motifs

A strategy for regiochemical reversal of reductive macrocyclizations of aldehydes and terminal alkynes has been developed. Using an advanced synthetic intermediate directed towards the methymycin/neomethymycin class of macrolides, selective endocyclization provides the natural twelve-membered ring series, whereas ligand alteration enables selective exocyclization to provide access to the unnatural eleven-membered ring series. The twelve-membered ring adduct was converted to 10-deoxymethynolide, completing an efficient total synthesis of this natural product.

Total synthesis and structural revision of the piperarborenines via sequential cyclobutane C-H arylation

A strategy for the construction of unsymmetrical cyclobutanes using C-H functionalization logic is demonstrated in the total synthesis of piperarborenine B and piperarborenine D (reported structure). These syntheses feature a new preparation of cis-cyclobutane dicarboxylates from commercially available coumalate starting materials and a divergent approach to the controlled cis or trans installation of the two distinct aryl rings found in the natural products using the first example of cyclobutane C-H arylation. The structure of piperarborenine D is reassigned to a head-to-head dimer, which was synthesized using an intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition strategy.

Transition-metal-catalyzed aminations and aziridinations of C-H and C=C bonds with iminoiodinanes

Catalytic insertion or addition of a metal-imido/nitrene species, generated from reaction of a transition-metal catalyst with iminoiodanes, to C-H and C=C bonds offers a convenient and atom economical method for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds. Following this groundbreaking discovery during the second half of the last century, the field has received an immense amount of attention with a myriad of impressive metal-mediated methods for the synthesis of amines and aziridines having been developed. This review will cover the significant progress made in improving the efficiency, versatility and stereocontrol of this important reaction. This will include the various iminoiodanes, their in situ formation, and metal catalysts that could be employed and new ligands, both chiral and non-chiral, which have been designed, as well as the application of this functional group transformation to natural product synthesis and the preparation of bioactive compounds of current therapeutic interest.