Accessing Remote meta- and para-C(sp2 )-H Bonds with Covalently Attached Directing Groups

Recent advances in the copper-catalyzed aerobic Csp3-H oxidation strategy

The interplay between copper catalysts and molecular oxygen provides the opportunity to control the promiscuous catalytic behaviors in aerobic Csp3-H bond oxidations without using stoichiometric amounts of oxidants. This mini-review aims to cover the Cu-catalyzed aerobic benzylic and α-carbonyl Csp3-H oxidations and that of the carbon next to an amine group in the past five years. The development of tandem multicomponent reactions employing aerobic Csp3-H bond oxidations will be discussed to highlight the controlled catalyst behaviors and the catalyst interactions between multiple reaction components.

Deaminative meta-C-H alkylation by ruthenium(ii) catalysis

Precise structural modifications of amino acids are of importance to tune biological properties or modify therapeutical capabilities relevant to drug discovery. Herein, we report a ruthenium-catalyzed meta-C–H deaminative alkylation with easily accessible amino acid-derived Katritzky pyridinium salts. Likewise, remote C–H benzylations were accomplished with high levels of chemoselectivity and remarkable functional group tolerance. The meta-C–H activation approach combined with our deaminative strategy represents a rare example of selectively converting C(sp³)–N bonds into C(sp³)–C(sp²) bonds.

Precise structural modifications of amino acids are of importance to tune biological properties or modify therapeutical capabilities relevant to drug discovery.

Imine as a linchpin approach for meta-C-H functionalization

Despite the widespread applications of C–H functionalization, controlling site selectivity remains a significant challenge. Covalently attached directing groups (DGs) served as ancillary ligands to ensure ortho-, meta- and para-C–H functionalization over the last two decades. These covalently linked DGs necessitate two extra steps for a single C–H functionalization: introduction of DG prior to C–H activation and removal of DG post-functionalization. Here we report a temporary directing group (TDG) for meta-C–H functionalization via reversible imine formation. By overruling facile ortho-C–H bond activation by imine-N atom, a suitably designed pyrimidine-based TDG successfully delivered selective meta-C–C bond formation. Application of this temporary directing group strategy for streamlining the synthesis of complex organic molecules without any necessary pre-functionalization at the meta position has been explored.

Site-selective C–H functionalization still faces some challenges, such as the introduction and removal of an appropriate directing group. Here, the authors introduce a temporary directing group for selective meta-C–H functionalization of 2-arylbenzaldehydes via reversible imine formation.

The ortho effect in directed C-H activation

The success of transition metal-catalysed ortho-directed C-H activation is often plagued by the effects of undesirable interactions between the directing group (DG) and other groups introduced into the aromatic core of the substrate. In particular, when these groups are in neighbouring positions, their interactions can affect profoundly the efficacy of the C-H activation by transition metals. In this work we introduce a simple substrate-only-based model to interpret the influence of steric hindrance of a group in ortho position to the DG in directed ortho-C-H bond activation reactions, and coined the term Ortho Effect (OE) for such situations. We consider simple descriptors such as torsion angle and torsional energy to predict and explain the reactivity of a given substrate in directed C-H activation reactions. More than 250 examples have been invoked for the model, and the nature of the ortho effect was demonstrated on a wide variety of structures. In order to guide organic chemists, we set structural and energetic criteria to evaluate a priori the efficiency of the metalation step which is usually the rate-determining event in C-H activations, i.e. we provide a simple and general protocol to estimate the reactivity of a potential substrate in C-H activation. For borderline cases these criteria help set the minimum reaction temperature to obtain reasonable reaction rates. As an example for the practical applicability of the model, we performed synthetic validations via palladium-catalysed 2,2,2-trifluoroethylation reactions in our lab. Furthermore, we give predictions for the necessary reaction conditions for several selected DGs.

The Emergence of Palladium-Catalyzed C(sp3 )-H Functionalization of Free Carboxylic Acids

Palladium-catalyzed directing group assisted C-H bond activation has emerged as a powerful tool in synthetic organic chemistry. However, only recently, among various directing groups, widely available carboxylate moiety is recognized as a versatile candidate for the regioselective transformations. Notably, palladium-catalyzed carboxylate directed C(sp³ )-H bond activation and diverse functionalization is highly challenging and has gained huge attention for its versatile applications. Mono- and bidentate ligands have proven to be useful for accelerating the C(sp³ )-H bond activation step, which helps to control reactivity and selectivity (including enantioselectivity). In this Minireview, we discuss the recent progress made in palladium-catalyzed C(sp³ )-H bond functionalization reactions for the construction of C-C and C-Heteroatom bonds with the direction of free carboxylic acid.

Cooperative Ligand-Promoted P(III)-Directed Ruthenium-Catalyzed Remote Meta-C-H Alkylation of Tertiary Phosphines

Herein, we disclose a ruthenium-catalyzed meta-selective C-H activation of phosphines by using intrinsic P^(III) as a directing group. 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylheptane-3,5-dione acts as the ligand and exhibits an excellent performance in boosting the meta-alkylation. The protocol allows an efficient and straightforward synthesis of meta-alkylated tertiary phosphines. Several meta-alkylated phosphines were evaluated for Pd-catalyzed Suzuki coupling and found to be superior to commercially available ortho-substituted phosphines. The practicability of this methodology is further demonstrated by the synthesis of difunctionalized phosphines.

Palladium-Catalyzed Silacyclization of (Hetero)Arenes with a Tetrasilane Reagent through Twofold C-H Activation

The use of an operationally convenient and stable silicon reagent (octamethyl-1,4-dioxacyclohexasilane, ODCS) for the selective silacyclization of (hetero)arenes via twofold C-H activation is reported. This method is compatible with N-containing heteroarenes such as indoles and carbazoles of varying complexity. The ODCS reagent can also be utilized for silacyclization of other types of substrates, including tertiary phosphines and aryl halides. A series of mechanistic experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to investigate the preferred pathway for this twofold C-H activation process.

Ruthenaelectro-Catalyzed Domino Three-Component Alkyne Annulation for Expedient Isoquinoline Assembly

The electrochemical three-component assembly of isoquinolines has been accomplished by ruthenaelectro-catalyzed C-H/N-H functionalization. The robustness of the electrocatalysis was reflected by an ample substrate scope, an efficient electrooxidation, and an operationally friendly procedure. The isolation of key intermediates and detailed mechanistic studies, including unprecedented cyclovoltammetric analysis of a seven-membered ruthenacycle, provided support for an unusual ruthenium(II/III/I) regime.

Palladium-catalyzed functionalizations of acidic and non-acidic C(sp3)-H bonds - recent advances

A tremendous upsurge has been seen in the recent decade for the proximal and remote functionalization of activated and unactivated substrates via palladium redox pathways. This feature article discusses some of the recent reports on direct as well as indirect C(sp3)-H functionalization via cross-coupling reactions under palladium catalysis. Activated substrates (possessing acidic C(sp3)-H) including enones, ketones, aldehydes, silylenol ethers, esters, silyl ketene acetals, amides, cyano, α-amino esters, and O-carbamates, capable of undergoing cross-coupling reactions at the α-, β-, γ-, δ- and ε-positions, will be discussed. To overcome the challenging task of achieving regioselectivity, a variety of innovative modifications have been reported. The reports of C-H activations based on directing group, and as native functionality have been illustrated at the β-, γ- and δ-positions. Substrates such as α-amino esters, carbonyls, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, afford site-selective C(sp3)-H functionalization via varied-sized reactive metallacycles and are a unique class of substrates whose C(sp3)-H functionalizations were earlier considered as very difficult.

Advances in Electrochemical Decarboxylative Transformation Reactions

Owing to their non-toxic, stable, inexpensive properties, carboxylic acids are considered as environmentally benign alternatives as coupling partners in various organic transformations. Electrochemical mediated decarboxylation of carboxylic acid has emerged as a new and efficient methodology for the construction of carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom bonds. Compared with transition-metal catalysis and photoredox catalysis, electro-organic decarboxylative transformations are considered as a green and sustainable protocol due to the absence of chemical oxidants and strong bases. Further, it exhibits good tolerance with various functional groups. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent advances and discoveries on the electrochemical decarboxylative transformations on C-C and C-heteroatoms bond formations.

Hexafluoroisopropanol: the magical solvent for Pd-catalyzed C-H activation

Among numerous solvents available for chemical transformations, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (popularly known as HFIP) has attracted enough attention of the scientific community in recent years. Several unique features of HFIP compared to its non-fluoro analogue isopropanol have helped this solvent to make a difference in various subdomains of organic chemistry. One such area is transition metal-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization reactions. While, on one side, HFIP is emerging as a green and sustainable deep eutectic solvent (DES), on the other side, a major proportion of Pd-catalyzed C-H functionalization is heavily relying on this solvent. In particular, for distal aromatic C-H functionalizations, the exceptional impact of HFIP to elevate the yield and selectivity has made this solvent irreplaceable. Recent research studies have also highlighted the H-bond-donating ability of HFIP to enhance the chiral induction in Pd-catalyzed atroposelective C-H activation. This perspective aims to portray different shades of HFIP as a magical solvent in Pd-catalyzed C-H functionalization reactions.

Regiodivergent C-H Arylation of Triphenylene Derivatives Controlled by Electronic Effects of Diaryliodonium Salts

A regiodivergent C-H arylation of triphenylene derivatives with diaryliodonium salts was developed. The regiodivergence was controlled by electronic effects of diaryliodonium salts. When the aryl(mesityl)iodonium salts bearing strong electron-donating groups at the para-position of aryl groups were used, the arylation reactions occurred ortho to amide groups. However, if the aryl(mesityl)iodonium salts bearing electron-withdrawing groups or weak electron-donating groups at the para-position of aryl groups were utilized, the arylation reactions occurred meta to amide groups.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed Switchable C-H Alkylation and Spirocyclization of 2-Arylquinoxalines with Maleimides via ortho-C-H Activation

A Ru(II)-catalyzed facile and controllable protocol for C-H alkylation and spirocyclization of 2-arylquinoxalines with maleimides has been achieved under ambient air in high yields. Sequential ortho-C-H activation and C-annulation results in the formation of diverse polyheterocycles containing spiro[indeno[1,2-b]quinoxaline-11,3'-pyrrolidine]-2',5'-diones, which are of potent interest in medicinal chemistry. Mechanistic investigations suggest a reversible cleavage of the ortho-C-H bond in the turnover-limiting step.

Ag-Catalyzed Remote Unactivated C(sp3)-H Heteroarylation of Free Alcohols in Water

Catalyzed by silver salt, the unactivated C(sp³)-H heteroarylation of free alcohol at the δ position is realized under gentle thermal conditions in water through a radical procedure. Both protonic acids and Lewis acids are found to be efficient for activating pyridines for this Minisci-type reaction. The reaction enjoys a good functional group tolerance and substrate scope. Terminal secondary and tertiary alcohols are suitable substrates. With either electron-donating or -withdrawing groups, the electron-deficient heteroarene substrates generate the target products in moderate to good yields. A gram-scale experiment can be successfully operated. A radical blocking experiment and a radical clock experiment are studied to support the radical mechanism.

Palladium-catalyzed remote para-C-H activation of arenes assisted by a recyclable pyridine-based template

Direct para-selective C-H functionalization of arenes remains a daunting challenge and is still significantly restricted to a few scaffolds. Herein, we report an unprecedented pyridine-based para-directing template (DT) assisted, Pd-catalyzed para-C-H alkenylation of three classes of arenes, i.e. phenylpropanoic acids, 2-phenyl benzoic acids and benzyl alcohols, with a series of alkenes including perfluoroalkenes. Notably, the pyridine-based para-DT could be easily synthesized and readily recycled under mild conditions. These results may find application in rapid construction of para-substituted arenes and stimulate the exploration of novel methods for para-C-H functionalization of arenes.

Recent development in transition metal-catalysed C-H olefination

Transition metal-catalysed functionalizations of inert C-H bonds to construct C-C bonds represent an ideal route in the synthesis of valuable organic molecules. Fine tuning of directing groups, catalysts and ligands has played a crucial role in selective C-H bond (sp2 or sp3) activation. Recent developments in these areas have assured a high level of regioselectivity in C-H olefination reactions. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress in the oxidative olefination of sp2 and sp3 C-H bonds with special emphasis on distal, atroposelective, non-directed sp2 and directed sp3 C-H olefination. The scope, limitation, and mechanism of various transition metal-catalysed olefination reactions have been described briefly.

Catalytic C-H Functionalization of Unreactive Furan Cores in Bio-Derived Platform Chemicals

C-H functionalization is one of the most convenient and powerful tools in the arsenal of modern chemistry, deservedly nominated as the "Holy Grail" of organic synthesis. A frequent disadvantage of this method is the need for harsh reaction conditions to carry out transformations of inert C-H bonds, which limits the possibility of its use for modifying less stable substrates. Biomass-derived furan platform chemicals, which have a relatively unstable aromatic furan core and highly reactive side chain substituents, are extremely promising and valuable organic molecules that are currently widely used in a variety of research and industrial fields. The high sensitivity of furan derivatives to acids, strong oxidants, and high temperatures significantly limits the use of classical methods of C-H functionalization for their modification. New methods of catalytic functionalization of non-reactive furan cores are urgently required to obtain a new generation of materials with controlled properties and potentially bioactive substances.

Directed Cobalt-Catalyzed C-H Activation to Form C-C and C-O Bonds in One Pot via Three-Component Coupling

Herein, we disclose an efficient cobalt-catalyzed three-component coupling of benzamides, diazo compounds, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide, which provides an efficient approach to construct C(sp²)-C(sp³) and C-O bonds in one-pot accompanied with C-H activation. This protocol features low catalyst loading (4 mol %), the avoidance of additives, and excellent functional group compatibility, providing three-component coupling adducts with high yields under mild conditions (up to 88%). Mechanism studies show that the reaction may involve a radical process.

Rhodium-catalyzed enone carbonyl directed C–H activation for the synthesis of indanones containing all-carbon quaternary centers

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed enone carbonyl directed C–H activation/annulation of α-aroyl ketene dithioacetals with diazo compounds has been realized for the synthesis of β-quaternary indanones.

Noncovalent interactions in Ir-catalyzed remote C–H borylation: a recent update

This highlight provides a recent update on noncovalent interaction enabled Ir-catalyzed remote C–H borylation, with a special emphasis on the corresponding enantioselective variant.

Green strategies for transition metal-catalyzed C–H activation in molecular syntheses

Sustainable strategies for the activation of inert C–H bonds towards improved resource-economy.

8-Aminoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine (AIP) directed Pd(ii) catalysis: site-selective ortho-C(sp2)–H arylation in aqueous medium

An efficient and facile Pd(ii) catalyzed selective ortho and β-C(sp²)–H arylation reaction employing the 8-AIP (aminoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine) auxiliary as a removable N,N-bidentate directing group in a green solvent (water) has been reported.

Faster palladium-catalyzed arylation of simple arenes in the presence of a methylketone: beneficial effect of an a priori interfering solvent in C–H activation

A methyl ketone accelerates the Pd-catalyzed C–H activation of simple arenes. A noninnocent solvent, it reacts in a reversible way without affecting the outcome of the reaction.

Recent advances in chelation-assisted site- and stereoselective alkenyl C–H functionalization

This review highlights recent advances in vicinal- and geminal-group-directed alkenyl C–H functionalizations which proceeded by endo- and exo-cyclometallation.

One-Pot Tandem ortho-Naphthoquinone-Catalyzed Aerobic Nitrosation of N-Alkylanilines and Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization Sequence to Indole and Aniline Derivatives

The nitroso group served as a traceless directing group for the C-H functionalization of N-alkylanilines, ultimately removed after functioning either as an internal oxidant or under subsequent reducing conditions. The unique ability of o-NQ catalysts to aerobically oxidize the N-alkylanilines without using solvents and stoichiometric amounts of oxidants has rendered the new opportunity to develop the telescoped catalyst systems without a need for directly handling the hazardous N-nitroso compounds.

A simple removable aliphatic nitrile template 2-cyano-2,2-di-isobutyl acetic acid for remote meta-selective C–H functionalization

The remote meta-selective C–H functionalization of arenes using first aliphatic nitrile template 2-cyano-2,2-di-isobutyl acetic acid under mild conditions is presented.

Directing group strategies in catalytic sp2 C–H cyanations: scope, mechanism and limitations

Directing group strategy in transition metal catalyzed sp² C–H bond cyanation has contributed to the direct conversion of hydrocarbons to cyano-containing compounds. Recent developments in transition metal-mediated sp² C–H bond cyanation using this strategy are reviewed.

Organic synthesis with the most abundant transition metal–iron: from rust to multitasking catalysts

The promising aspects of iron in synthetic chemistry are being explored for three-four decades as a green and eco-friendly alternative to late transition metals. This present review unveils these rich iron-chemistry towards different transformations.

Recent Advances on Synthetic Methodology Merging C-H Functionalization and C-C Cleavage

The functionalization of C-H bonds has become a major thread of research in organic synthesis that can be assessed from different angles, for instance depending on the type of catalyst employed or the overall transformation that is carried out. This review compiles recent progress in synthetic methodology that merges the functionalization of C-H bonds along with the cleavage of C-C bonds, either in intra- or intermolecular fashion. The manuscript is organized in two main sections according to the type of substrate in which the cleavage of the C-C bond takes place, basically attending to the scission of strained or unstrained C-C bonds. Furthermore, the related research works have been grouped on the basis of the mechanistic aspects of the different transformations that are carried out, i.e.,: (a) classic transition metal catalysis where organometallic intermediates are involved; (b) processes occurring via radical intermediates generated through the use of radical initiators or photochemically; and (c) reactions that are catalyzed or mediated by suitable Lewis or Brønsted acid or bases, where molecular rearrangements take place. Thus, throughout the review a wide range of synthetic approaches show that the combination of C-H and C-C cleavage in single synthetic operations can serve as a platform to achieve complex molecular skeletons in a straightforward manner, among them interesting carbo- and heterocyclic scaffolds.

Site-selective functionalization of remote aliphatic C-H bonds via C-H metallation

Directing group assistance provided a paradigm for controlling site-selectivity in transition metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization reactions. However, the kinetically and thermodynamically favored formation of 5-membered metallacycles has greatly hampered the selective activation of remote C(sp3)-H bonds via larger-membered metallacycles. Recent development to achieve remote C(sp3)-H functionalization via the C-H metallation process largely relies on employing specific substrates without accessible proximal C-H bonds. Encouragingly, recent advances in this field have enabled the selective functionalization of remote aliphatic C-H bonds in the presence of equally accessible proximal ones by taking advantage of the switch of the regiodetermining step, ring strain of metallacycles, multiple non-covalent interactions, and favourable reductive elimination from larger-membered metallacycles. In this review, we summarize these advancements according to the strategies used, hoping to facilitate further efforts to achieve site- and even enantioselective functionalization of remote C(sp3)-H bonds.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Directed C(sp2)-H Bond Addition of 2-Arylindazoles to N-Sulfonylformaldimines and Activated Aldehydes

Rhodium-catalyzed directed C-H functionalization of 2-arylindazoles with N-sulfonylformaldimines has been developed to provide a variety of N-benzylarylsulfonamide derivatives with good to excellent yields. Different activated aldehydes like ethyl glyoxalate and 2,2,2-trifluoroacetaldehyde also efficiently underwent nucleophilic addition with 2-arylindazoles. These selective transformations occur through the control of C3 nucleophilicity of indazole moiety. Mechanistic studies suggest that C-H activation step may be a rate-limiting step.

Mechanistic Study of Domino Rearrangement-Promoted Meta C-H Activation in 2-Methyl-N-methoxyaniline via Cu(NHC)+: Motivation and Selectivity

Here we report a detailed theoretical study of the mechanism of Cu⁺-catalyzed domino rearrangement of 2-methyl-N-methoxyaniline with a deep understanding of the unique motivation and selectivity of these migrations. We find that the Cu⁺ catalyst accelerates the [1,3]-methoxy migration to the methyl-bound ortho position of umpolung phenyl. The following domino transfer prefers methyl [1,2]-migration, and the rate-determining step for the whole reaction is the transfer of a proton from the phenyl ring to amine to finish the catalytic cycle.

Ruthenium-Catalyzed C(sp2)-H Bond Bisallylation with Imidazopyridines as Directing Groups

A Ru(II)-catalyzed bisallylation of imidazopyridines with vinylcyclopropanes or vinyl cyclic carbonate has been successfully realized. Notably, pharmacophore imidazopyridine was utilized as an intrinsic directing group, which gave access to value-added bisallylated products in high yields via double tandem C-H and C-C/C-O activation. The current methodology was featured with broad substrate scope, good functional group compatibility, and operational simplicity.

Pd-Catalyzed Directed Thiocyanation Reaction by C-H Bond Activation

The Pd-catalyzed directed thiocyanation reaction of arenes and heteroarenes by C-H bond activation was achieved. In the presence of an electrophilic SCN source, this original methodology offered an efficient tool to access a panel of functionalized thiocyanated compounds (21 examples, up to 78 % yield). Post-functionalization reactions further demonstrated the synthetic utility of the approach by converting the SCN-containing molecules into value-added scaffolds.

Combined Cyanoborylation, C-H Activation Strategy for Styrene Functionalization

A one-pot multicomponent copper-catalyzed protocol for borylation/ortho-cyanation of styrene derivatives followed by a Suzuki-Miyaura coupling provides a platform to explore the factors that control the selectivity between distal or proximal functionalization of arenes. The development of divergent nitrile-directed C-H functionalization (acetoxylation, pivalation, and methoxylation) offers an effective approach to rapidly increase synthetic complexity. Finally, the development of a mild reductive decyanation allows a traceless method to access functionalized biaryl motifs.