Ligand-Promoted Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation Reactions

Visible Light-Induced Pd-Catalyzed Alkyl-Heck Reaction of Oximes

A visible light-induced palladium-catalyzed oxidative C-H alkylation of oximes has been developed. This mild protocol allows for an efficient atom economical C-C bond construction of alkyl-substituted oximes. A broad range of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl bromides and iodides, as well as a range of different formaldoximes, can efficiently undergo this transformation. The method features visible light-induced generation of nucleophilic hybrid alkyl Pd radical intermediates, which upon radical addition at the imine moiety and a subsequent β-hydrogen elimination deliver substituted imines.

Formate-driven catalysis and mechanism of an iridium-copper complex for selective aerobic oxidation of aromatic olefins in water

A hetero-dinuclear IrIII-CuII complex with two adjacent sites was employed as a catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of aromatic olefins driven by formate in water. An IrIII-H intermediate, generated through formate dehydrogenation, was revealed to activate terminal aromatic olefins to afford an Ir-alkyl species, and the process was promoted by a hydrophobic [IrIII-H]-[substrate aromatic ring] interaction in water. The Ir-alkyl species subsequently reacted with dioxygen to yield corresponding methyl ketones and was promoted by the presence of the CuII moiety under acidic conditions. The IrIII-CuII complex exhibited cooperative catalysis in the selective aerobic oxidation of olefins to corresponding methyl ketones, as evidenced by no reactivities observed from the corresponding mononuclear IrIII and CuII complexes, as the individual components of the IrIII-CuII complex. The reaction mechanism afforded by the IrIII-CuII complex in the aerobic oxidation was disclosed by a combination of spectroscopic detection of reaction intermediates, kinetic analysis, and theoretical calculations.

Synthesis of 3-Carbonyl Trisubstituted Furans via Pd-Catalyzed Aerobic Cycloisomerization Reaction: Development and Mechanistic Studies

Herein, we report the synthesis of 3-carbonyl-trisubstituted furans via Pd-catalyzed oxidative cycloisomerization reactions of 2-alkenyl-1,3-dicarbonyl scaffolds, using molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant to regenerate active palladium catalytic species, featuring good functional tolerance and mild reaction conditions. Deep investigation of intermediates and transition states of the reaction mechanism were conducted via experimental and DFT studies, providing a detailed mechanistical profile. The new developed methodology presents a greener alternative to Wacker-type cycloisomerizations and avoids the use of stoichiometric amounts of oxidants and strong acid additives.

Sequential Insertion of Alkynes, Alkenes, and CO into the Pd–C Bond of ortho-Palladated Primary Phenethylamines: from η3-Allyl Complexes and Enlarged Palladacycles to Functionalized Arylalkylamines

The eight-membered metallacycles arising from the insertion of 1 equiv of alkyne into the Pd–C bond of ortho-metalated homoveratrylamine and phentermine can further react with alkenes to give two different types of mononuclear complexes depending on the nature of the olefin. When terminal alkenes (styrene and ethyl acrylate) are used, a mixture of the anti/syn η³-allyl Pd(II) complexes are isolated, which evolve slowly to the syn isomers by heating the mixtures appropriately. These η³-allyl Pd(II) complexes do not react with CO or weak bases, but when they are treated with a strong base, such as KO^tBu, they afford Pd(0) and the functionalized starting phenethylamines containing a 1,3-butadienyl substituent in an ortho position. When 2-norbornene was used instead of terminal alkenes, the strained olefin inserts into the alkenyl Pd(II) complex to afford a 10-membered norbornyl palladium(II) complex, in which the new C,N-chelate ligand is coordinated to the metal through an additional double bond, occupying three coordination positions. The reactivity of these norbornyl complexes depends on the substituents on the inserted alkenyl fragment, and thus they can further react with (1) KO^tBu, to give Pd(0) and a tetrahydroisoquinoline nucleus containing a tricyclo[3.2.1]octyl ring, or (2) CO and TlOTf, to afford Pd(0) and amino acid derivatives or the corresponding lactones arising from an intramolecular Michael addition of the CO₂H group to the α,β-unsaturated ester moiety. Crystal structures of every type of compound have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.

Pd(II)-Catalyzed Annulation Reactions of Epoxides with Benzamides to Synthesize Isoquinolones

Epoxides as alkylating reagents are unprecedentedly applied in Pd(II)-catalyzed C-H alkylation and oxidative annulation of substituted benzamides to synthesize isoquinolones rather than isochromans, which is accomplished through alerting the previously reported reaction mechanism by the addition of oxidant and TEA. Under these conditions, various isoquinolones have been prepared with yields up to 92%. In addition, this methodology has been successfully employed in the total syntheses of rupreschstyril, siamine, and cassiarin A in an expedient fashion.

Catalytic evaluation of biocompatible chitosan-stabilized gold nanoparticles on oxidation of morin

Herein, we present a study on the catalytic evaluation of biocompatible chitosan-stabilized gold nanoparticles (CH-AuNPs) on the oxidation of morin as a model reaction. Biocompatible CH-AuNPs have been characterized through several analytical methods such as TEM, UV-vis, DLS and zeta potential analyses. CH-AuNPs have a small size (10 ± 0.4 nm) with a narrow size distribution and high positive surface charge (+40.1 mV). CH-AuNPs has been demonstrated to be highly active nanocatalysts for the oxidation of morin with the assistance of H₂O₂ as an oxidant compared with control experiments. The oxidation reaction follows a pseudo-first-order reaction. The kinetic studies show that apparent rate constant (k_app) is positively correlated with the concentrations of CH-AuNPs and H₂O₂, while it is negatively correlated with morin concentration. Furthermore, the reusability tests have been performed and the results demonstrate the long-term stability and reusability of CH-AuNPs without any loss of catalytic activity. Cytotoxicity studies exhibit that CH-AuNPs have low toxicity and they are biocompatible with HeLa and MCF-7 cells.

The Three-Component Synthesis of 4-Sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles via a Sequential Aerobic Copper-Catalyzed Sulfonylation and Dimroth Cyclization

4-Sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazole scaffolds possess promising bioactivities and applications as anion binders. However, these structures remain relatively unexplored and efficient synthetic procedures for their synthesis remain desirable. A practical room-temperature, aerobic copper-catalyzed three-component reaction of aromatic ketones, sodium sulfinates, and azides is reported. This procedure allows for facile access to 4-sulfonyl-1,5-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles in yields ranging from 34 to 89%. The reaction proceeds via a sequential aerobic copper(II)chloride-catalyzed oxidative sulfonylation and the Dimroth azide–enolate cycloaddition.

Stabilization of the Pd–NHC framework with 1,2,4-triazol-5-ylidene ligands toward decomposition in alkaline media

New NHC ligands containing a base-ionizable RNH substituent at the C3 atom of the 1,2,4-triazole ring provide superior stability of the Pd–NHC bond against cleavage in strong alkaline media.

A comprehensive review of caged phosphines: synthesis, catalytic applications, and future perspectives

Caged phosphines are versatile ligands due to their rigid backbones, exhibiting a range of catalytic activities, as depicted through the given pictorial representation.

The dehydrogenative oxidation of aryl methanols using an oxygen bridged [Cu–O–Se] bimetallic catalyst

Herein, we report a new protocol for the dehydrogenative oxidation of aryl methanols using the cheap and commercially available catalyst CuSeO₃·2H₂O.

Recent advances in the application of tetrabromomethane in organic synthesis

This review article covers the use of tetrabromomethane as mediator, catalyst and reagents for organic synthesis for the period from 2007 to 2020.

Divergent synthesis of flavones and flavanones from 2′-hydroxydihydrochalcones via palladium(ii)-catalyzed oxidative cyclization

Divergent and versatile synthetic routes to flavones and flavanones via efficient Pd(ii) catalysis are disclosed. These Pd(ii) catalyses expediently provide a variety of flavones and flavanones from 2′-hydroxydihydrochalcones as common intermediates, depending on oxidants and additives, via discriminate oxidative cyclization sequences involving dehydrogenation, respectively, in a highly atom-economic manner.

Divergent and versatile synthetic routes to flavones and flavanones via efficient Pd(ii) catalysis are disclosed.

Bonding Energetics of Palladium Amido/Aryloxide Complexes in DMSO: Implications for Palladium-Mediated Aniline Activation

Thermodynamic knowledge of the metal-ligand (M-L) σ-bond strength is crucial to understanding metal-mediated transformations. Here, we developed a method for determining the Pd-X (X=OR and NHAr) bond heterolysis energies (ΔG_het (Pd-X)) in DMSO taking [(tmeda)PdArX] (tmeda=N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine) as the model complexes. The ΔG_het (Pd-X) scales span a range of 2.6-9.0 kcal mol^-1 for ΔG_het (Pd-O) values and of 14.5-19.5 kcal mol^-1 for ΔG_het (Pd-N) values, respectively, implying a facile heterolytic detachment of the Pd ligands. Structure-reactivity analyses of a modeling Pd-mediated X-H bond activation reveal that the M-X bond metathesis is dominated by differences of the X-H and Pd-X bond strengths, the former being more influential. The ΔG_het (Pd-X) and pK_a (X-H) parameters enable regulation of reaction thermodynamics and chemoselectivity and diagnosing the probability of aniline activation with Pd-X complexes.

Tailored quinones support high-turnover Pd catalysts for oxidative C-H arylation with O2

Palladium(II)-catalyzed carbon-hydrogen (C-H) oxidation reactions could streamline the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other complex organic molecules. Existing methods, however, commonly exhibit poor catalyst performance with high palladium (Pd) loading (e.g., 10 mole %) and a need for (super)stoichiometric quantities of undesirable oxidants, such as benzoquinone and silver(I) salts. The present study probes the mechanism of a representative Pd-catalyzed oxidative C-H arylation reaction and elucidates mechanistic features that undermine catalyst performance, including substrate-consuming side reactions and sequestration of the catalyst as an inactive species. Systematic tuning of the quinone cocatalyst overcomes these deleterious features. Use of 2,5-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone enables efficient use of molecular oxygen as the oxidant, high reaction yields, and >1900 turnovers by the Pd catalyst.

Sequential Connection of Mutually Exclusive Catalytic Reactions by a Method Controlling the Presence of an MOF Catalyst: One-Pot Oxidation of Alcohols to Carboxylic Acids

A functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst applied to the sequential one-pot oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids controls the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst. The conversion of alcohols to aldehydes was acquired through aerobic oxidation using a well-known amino-oxy radical-functionalized MOF. In the same flask, a simple filtration of the radical MOF with mild heating of the solution completely altered the reaction media, providing radical scavenger-free conditions suitable for the autoxidation of the aldehydes formed in the first step to carboxylic acids. The mutually exclusive radical-catalyzed aerobic oxidation (the first step with MOF) and radical-inhibited autoxidation (the second step without MOF) are sequentially achieved in a one-pot manner. Overall, we demonstrate a powerful and efficient method for the sequential oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids by employing a readily functionalizable heterogeneous MOF. In addition, our MOF in-and-out method can be utilized in an environmentally friendly way for the oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids of industrial and economic value with broad functional group tolerance, including 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, with good yield and reusability. Furthermore, MOF-TEMPO, as an antioxidative stabilizer, prevents the undesired oxidation of aldehydes, and the perfect "recoverability" of such a reactive MOF requires a re-evaluation of the advantages of MOFs from heterogeneity in catalytic and related applications.

Palladium-Catalyzed Stereoselective Aza-Wacker-Heck Cyclization: One-Pot Stepwise Strategy toward Tetracyclic Fused Heterocycles

Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular tandem cyclization reactions were conducted for the synthesis of densely cis/cis-fused aza-tetracyclic structures. The process involved a palladium(II)-catalyzed aerobic aza-Wacker reaction, followed by a palladium(0)-catalyzed Heck reaction. The effects of the solvent and benzene substitution pattern on the one-pot, two-step cascade reaction were studied systematically, and a probable mechanism was proposed. Strained pentahydrobenzo[f]cyclopenta[hi]indolizin-6-one and racemic γ-lycorane can also be synthesized rapidly using this palladium-catalyzed aza-Wacker-Heck cyclization reaction.

Efficient Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Carbocyclization to Seven-Membered Heterocycles

The use of molecular oxygen in palladium-catalyzed oxidation reactions is highly widespread in organic chemistry. However, the direct reoxidation of palladium by O2 is often kinetically unfavored, thus leading the deactivation of the palladium catalyst during the catalytic cycle. In the present work, we report a highly selective palladium-catalyzed carbocyclization of bisallenes to seven-membered heterocycles under atmospheric pressure of O2 . The use of a homogenous hybrid catalyst (Co(salophen)-HQ, HQ=hydroquinone) significantly promotes efficient electron transfer between the palladium catalyst and O2 through a low-energy pathway. This aerobic oxidative transformation shows broad substrate scope and functional group compatibility and allowed the preparation of O-containing seven-membered rings in good yields in most cases.

Catalytic O2 activation with synthetic models of α-ketoglutarate dependent oxygenases

An iron complex bearing the facially capping tridentate 1,4,7-triazacyclononane ligand mimics structural and functional features of alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) dependent enzymes, and engages in enzyme-like catalytic O2 activation coupled to α-ketoacid decarboxylation, oxygenating sulfides. This system constitutes a rare case of non-enzymatic catalytic O2 activation, cycling between FeII and FeIV(O).

Can Donor Ligands Make Pd(OAc)2 a Stronger Oxidant? Access to Elusive Palladium(II) Reduction Potentials and Effects of Ancillary Ligands via Palladium(II)/Hydroquinone Redox Equilibria

Palladium(II)-catalyzed oxidation reactions represent an important class of methods for selective modification and functionalization of organic molecules. This field has benefitted greatly from the discovery of ancillary ligands that expand the scope, reactivity, and selectivity in these reactions; however, ancillary ligands also commonly poison these reactions. The different influences of ligands in these reactions remain poorly understood. For example, over the 60-year history of this field, the Pd^II/0 redox potentials for catalytically relevant Pd complexes have never been determined. Here, we report the unexpected discovery of (L)Pd^II(OAc)₂-mediated oxidation of hydroquinones, the microscopic reverse of quinone-mediated oxidation of Pd⁰ commonly employed in Pd^II-catalyzed oxidation reactions. Analysis of redox equilibria arising from the reaction of (L)Pd(OAc)₂ and hydroquinones (L = bathocuproine, 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one), generating reduced (L)Pd species and benzoquinones, provides the basis for determination of (L)Pd^II(OAc)₂ reduction potentials. Experimental results are complemented by density functional theory calculations to show how a series of nitrogen-based ligands modulate the (L)Pd^II(OAc)₂ reduction potential, thereby tuning the ability of Pd^II to serve as an effective oxidant of organic molecules in catalytic reactions.

Pd-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Coupling of Thiophenes: Synergistic Benefits of Phenanthroline Dione and a Cu Cocatalyst

Substituted bithiophenes are prominent fragments in functional organic materials, and they are ideally prepared via direct oxidative C-H/C-H coupling. Here, we report a novel PdII catalyst system, employing 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phd) as the ancillary ligand, that enables aerobic oxidative homocoupling of 2-bromothiophenes and other related heterocycles. These observations represent the first use of phd to support Pd-catalyzed aerobic oxidation. The reaction also benefits from a Cu(OAc)2 cocatalyst, and mechanistic studies show that Cu promotes C-C coupling, implicating a role for CuII different from its conventional contribution to reoxidation of the Pd catalyst.

Development of Routes for the Stereoselective Preparation of β-Aryl-C-glycosides via C-1 Aryl Enones

A wide range of enones derived from d-glucal, d-galactal, l-rhamnal, d-rhamnal, and l-arabinal underwent Heck-coupling with various arylboronic acids bearing electron-donating and -withdrawing groups in the presence of palladium acetate and 1,10-phenanthroline. These reactions provided synthetically useful C-1 aryl enones in good yields. Many sensitive functional groups as well as protecting groups present in arylboronic acids and enones, respectively, remained intact under optimized conditions. The stereoselective hydrogenation of C-1 aryl enones with Pd-C/H₂ provides the β-isomer of 2-deoxy-aryl-C-glycosides in excellent yield. The C-1 aryl enones were also used as precursors for the synthesis of 2-hydroxy-β-aryl-C-glycosides. Regioselective C-2 halogenations and vinylations of C-1 aryl enones were achieved in excellent yields.

Regiocontrol in the oxidative Heck reaction of indole by ligand-enabled switch of the regioselectivity-determining step

Efficient control of regioselectivity is a key concern in transition-metal-catalyzed direct C-H functionalization reactions. Various strategies for regiocontrol have been established by tuning the selectivity of the C-H activation step as a common mode. Herein, we present our study on an alternative mode of regiocontrol, in which the selectivity of the C-H activation step is no longer a key concern. We found that, in a reaction where the C-H activation step exhibits a different regio-preference from the subsequent functionalization step, a ligand-enabled switch of the regioselectivity-determining step could provide efficient regiocontrol. This mode has been exemplified by the Pd(ii)-catalyzed aerobic oxidative Heck reaction of indoles, in which a ligand-controlled C3-/C2-selectivity was achieved for the first time by the development of sulfoxide-2-hydroxypyridine (SOHP) ligands.

Formal Aerobic Oxidative Cross-Coupling of Benzofuranones with Azo Compounds Using Pd-μ-hydroxo Complex

We have developed a catalytic aerobic oxidative dimerization reaction of benzofuranones using a Pd(II)-µ-hydroxo complex. Radical-radical cross-coupling of the resulting dimers with azo compounds enabled the one-pot synthesis of structurally congested benzofuranones having two distinct vicinal all-carbon quaternary centers.

Eosin Y-Catalyzed Visible-Light-Mediated Aerobic Transformation of Pyrazolidine-3-One Derivatives

By utilizing an underexplored reactivity of N1-substituted pyrazolidine-3-ones, we developed a visible-light-induced aerobic oxidation of N1-substituted pyrazolidine-3-one derivatives yielding the corresponding azomethine imines. The resulting azomethine imines can be further reacted with ynones in situ under copper catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction conditions yielding the corresponding pyrazolo[1,2-a]pyrazoles in good yields. The methodology can be extended to other 1-aryl-substituted pyrazolidinones which undergo endocyclic oxidation deriving the corresponding pyrazolones as single products.

Salient features of the aza-Wacker cyclization reaction

The intramolecular aza-Wacker reaction has unparalleled potential for the site-selective amination of olefins, but it is perhaps underappreciated relative to other alkene oxidations. The first part of this review makes the distinction between classical and tethered aza-Wacker cyclization reactions and summarizes examples of the latter. The second portion focuses on developments in asymmetric aza-Wacker cyclization technology. The final part of the review summarizes applications of all classes of aza-Wacker cyclization reactions to natural product assembly.

The key role of R-NHC coupling (R = C, H, heteroatom) and M-NHC bond cleavage in the evolution of M/NHC complexes and formation of catalytically active species

Complexes of metals with N-heterocyclic carbene ligands (M/NHC) are typically considered the systems of choice in homogeneous catalysis due to their stable metal-ligand framework. However, it becomes obvious that even metal species with a strong M-NHC bond can undergo evolution in catalytic systems, and processes of M-NHC bond cleavage are common for different metals and NHC ligands. This review is focused on the main types of the M-NHC bond cleavage reactions and their impact on activity and stability of M/NHC catalytic systems. For the first time, we consider these processes in terms of NHC-connected and NHC-disconnected active species derived from M/NHC precatalysts and classify them as fundamentally different types of catalysts. Problems of rational catalyst design and sustainability issues are discussed in the context of the two different types of M/NHC catalysis mechanisms.

Catalytic Behavior of Mono-N-Protected Amino-Acid Ligands in Ligand-Accelerated C-H Activation by Palladium(II)

Mono-N-protected amino acids (MPAAs) are increasingly common ligands in Pd-catalyzed C-H functionalization reactions. Previous studies have shown how these ligands accelerate catalytic turnover by facilitating the C-H activation step. Here, it is shown that MPAA ligands exhibit a second property commonly associated with ligand-accelerated catalysis: the ability to support catalytic turnover at substoichiometric ligand-to-metal ratios. This catalytic role of the MPAA ligand is characterized in stoichiometric C-H activation and catalytic C-H functionalization reactions. Palladacycle formation with substrates bearing carboxylate and pyridine directing groups exhibit a 50-100-fold increase in rate when only 0.05 equivalents of MPAA are present relative to PdII . These and other mechanistic data indicate that facile exchange between MPAAs and anionic ligands coordinated to PdII enables a single MPAA to support C-H activation at multiple PdII centers.

Dual-fixations of europium cations and TEMPO species on metal-organic frameworks for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols

The efficient and selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols has been investigated with judicious combinations of europium-incorporated and/or TEMPO ((2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl)-functionalized zirconium-based porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Although MOFs are well-known catalytic platforms for the aerobic oxidation with radical-functionalities and metal nanoparticles, these systematic approaches involving metal cations and/or radical species introduce numerous interesting aspects for cooperation between metals and TEMPO for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols. The role of TEMPO as the oxidant in the heterogeneous catalytic aerobic oxidation of alcohols was revealed through a series of comparisons between metal-anchored, TEMPO-anchored, and metal and TEMPO-anchored MOF catalysis. The fine tunability of the MOF allowed the homogeneously and doubly functionalized catalysts to undergo organic reactions in the heterogeneous media. In addition, the well-defined and carefully designed heterogeneous molecular catalysts displayed reusability along with better catalytic performance than the homogeneous systems using identical coordinating ligands. The role of metal-cation fixation should be carefully revised to control their coordination and maximize their catalytic activity. Lastly, the metal cation-fixed MOF displayed better substrate tolerance and reaction efficiencies than the TEMPO-anchored MOF or mixture MOF systems.

Catalytic C-H aerobic and oxidant-induced oxidation of alkylbenzenes (including toluene derivatives) over VO2+ immobilized on core-shell Fe3O4@SiO2 at room temperature in water

Direct C–H bond oxidation of organic materials, and producing the necessary oxygenated compounds under mild conditions, has attracted increasing interest. The selective oxidation of various alkylbenzenes was carried out by means of a new catalyst containing VO²⁺ species supported on silica-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles using t-butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant at room temperature in H₂O or solvent-free media. The chemical and structural characterization of the catalyst using several methods such as FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, FETEM, FESEM, SAED, EDX and XPS showed that VO²⁺ is covalently bonded to the silica surface. High selectivity and excellent conversion of various toluene derivatives, with less reactive aliphatic (sp³) C–H bonds, to related benzoic acids were quite noticeable. The aerobic oxygenation reaction of these alkylbenzenes was studied under the same conditions. All the results accompanied by sustainability of the inexpensive and simple magnetically separable heterogeneous catalyst proved the important criteria for commercial applications.

A highly efficient, recoverable, sustainable, economic and eco-friendly catalyst containing VO²⁺ species supported on SiO₂@Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles for selective oxidation of alkylbenzenes using TBHP or O₂ at room temperature in H₂O or solvent-free media.