Alkyl Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation by Nickel/Photoredox Cross-Coupling

Decarboxylative 1,4-carbocyanation of 1,3-enynes to access tetra-substituted allenes via copper/photoredox dual catalysis

We disclose herein the first example of merging photoredox catalysis and copper catalysis for radical 1,4-carbocyanations of 1,3-enynes. Alkyl N-hydroxyphthalimide esters are utilized as radical precursors, and the reported mild and redox-neutral protocol has broad substrate scope and remarkable functional group tolerance. This strategy allows for the synthesis of diverse multi-substituted allenes with high chemo- and regio-selectivities, also permitting late stage allenylation of natural products and drug molecules.

Visible-Light-Induced Palladium-Catalyzed Selective Defluoroarylation of Trifluoromethylarenes with Arylboronic Acids

Selective functionalization of inactive C(sp³)-F bonds to prepare medicinally interesting aryldifluoromethylated compounds remains challenging. One promising route is the transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling through oxidative addition of the C(sp³)-F bond in trifluoromethylarenes (ArCF₃), which are ideal precursors for this process due to their ready availability and low cost. Here, we report an unprecedented excited-state palladium catalysis strategy for selective defluoroarylation of trifluoromethylarenes with arylboronic acids. This visible-light-induced palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling proceeds under mild reaction conditions and allows transformation of a variety of arylboronic acids and ArCF₃. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that the oxidative addition of the C(sp³)-F bond in ArCF₃ to excited-state palladium(0) via a single electron transfer pathway is responsible for the C(sp³)-F bond activation.

Photoredox catalysis in nickel-catalyzed C-H functionalization

Catalytic C‒H functionalization has become a powerful strategy in organic synthesis due to the improved atom-, step- and resource economy in comparison with cross-coupling or classical organic functional group transformations. Despite the significant advances in the metal-catalyzed C‒H activations, recent developments in the field of metallaphotoredox catalysis enabled C‒H functionalizations with unique reaction pathways under mild reaction conditions. Given the relative earth-abundance and cost-effective nature, nickel catalysts for photoredox C‒H functionalization have received significant attention. In this review, we highlight the developments in the field of photoredox nickel-catalyzed C‒H functionalization reactions with a range of applications until summer 2021.

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.

Generation of Functionalized Alkyl Radicals via the Direct Photoexcitation of 2,2'-(Pyridine-2,6-diyl)diphenol-Based Borates

A new type of alkylborate was developed for the purpose of generating radicals via direct photoexcitation. These borates were prepared using 2,2'-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)diphenol as a tridentate ligand together with organoboronic acids or potassium trifluoroborates. The ready availability of organoboron compounds is a significant advantage of this direct photoexcitation protocol. The excited states of these borates can also serve as strong reductants, enabling various transformations.

Photo-Induced ortho-C-H Borylation of Arenes through In Situ Generation of Rhodium(II) Ate Complexes

Photoinduced in situ "oxidation" of half-sandwich metal complexes to "high-valent" cationic metal complexes has been used to accelerate catalytic reactions. Here, we report the unprecedented photoinduced in situ "reduction" of half-sandwich metal [Rh(III)] complexes to "low-valent" anionic metal [Rh(II)] ate complexes, which facilitate ligand exchange with electron-deficient elements (diboron). This strategy was realized by using a functionalized cyclopentadienyl (Cp^A3) Rh(III) catalyst we developed, which enabled the basic group-directed room temperature ortho-C-H borylation of arenes.

Catalyst-Free Decarbonylative Trifluoromethylthiolation Enabled by Electron Donor-Acceptor Complex Photoactivation

A catalyst- and additive-free decarbonylative trifluoromethylthiolation of aldehyde feedstocks has been developed. This operationally simple, scalable, and open-to-air transformation is driven by the selective photoexcitation of electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes, stemming from the association of 1,4-dihydropyridines (donor) with N-(trifluoromethylthio)phthalimide (acceptor), to trigger intermolecular single-electron transfer events under ambient- and visible light-promoted conditions. Extension to other electron acceptors enables the synthesis of thiocyanates and thioesters, as well as the difunctionalization of [1.1.1] propellane. The mechanistic intricacies of this photochemical paradigm are elucidated through a combination of experimental efforts and high-level quantum mechanical calculations [dispersion-corrected (U)DFT, DLPNO-CCSD(T), and TD-DFT]. This comprehensive study highlights the necessity for EDA complexation for efficient alkyl radical generation. Computation of subsequent ground state pathways reveals that SH2 addition of the alkyl radical to the intermediate radical EDA complex is extremely exergonic and results in a charge transfer event from the dihydropyridine donor to the N-(trifluoromethylthio)phthalimide acceptor of the EDA complex. Experimental and computational results further suggest that product formation also occurs via SH2 reaction of alkyl radicals with 1,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)disulfane, generated in-situ through combination of thiyl radicals.

Late-stage C–H functionalization offers new opportunities in drug discovery

Over the past decade, the landscape of molecular synthesis has gained major impetus by the introduction of late-stage functionalization (LSF) methodologies. C-H functionalization approaches, particularly, set the stage for new retrosynthetic disconnections, while leading to improvements in resource economy. A variety of innovative techniques have been successfully applied to the C-H diversification of pharmaceuticals, and these key developments have enabled medicinal chemists to integrate LSF strategies in their drug discovery programmes. This Review highlights the significant advances achieved in the late-stage C-H functionalization of drugs and drug-like compounds, and showcases how the implementation of these modern strategies allows increased efficiency in the drug discovery process. Representative examples are examined and classified by mechanistic patterns involving directed or innate C-H functionalization, as well as emerging reaction manifolds, such as electrosynthesis and biocatalysis, among others. Structurally complex bioactive entities beyond small molecules are also covered, including diversification in the new modalities sphere. The challenges and limitations of current LSF methods are critically assessed, and avenues for future improvements of this rapidly expanding field are discussed. We, hereby, aim to provide a toolbox for chemists in academia as well as industrial practitioners, and introduce guiding principles for the application of LSF strategies to access new molecules of interest.

Photoinduced 1,2-dicarbofunctionalization of alkenes with organotrifluoroborate nucleophiles via radical/polar crossover

Alkene 1,2-dicarbofunctionalizations are highly sought-after transformations as they enable a rapid increase of molecular complexity in one synthetic step. Traditionally, these conjunctive couplings proceed through the intermediacy of alkylmetal species susceptible to deleterious pathways including β-hydride elimination and protodemetalation. Herein, an intermolecular 1,2-dicarbofunctionalization using alkyl N-(acyloxy)phthalimide redox-active esters as radical progenitors and organotrifluoroborates as carbon-centered nucleophiles is reported. This redox-neutral, multicomponent reaction is postulated to proceed through photochemical radical/polar crossover to afford a key carbocation species that undergoes subsequent trapping with organoboron nucleophiles to accomplish the carboallylation, carboalkenylation, carboalkynylation, and carboarylation of alkenes with regio- and chemoselective control. The mechanistic intricacies of this difunctionalization were elucidated through Stern-Volmer quenching studies, photochemical quantum yield measurements, and trapping experiments of radical and ionic intermediates.

Strategic Use of Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis in Natural Product Synthesis

Recent progress in the development of photocatalytic reactions promoted by visible light is leading to a renaissance in the use of photochemistry in the construction of structurally elaborate organic molecules. Because of the rich functionality found in natural products, studies in natural product total synthesis provide useful insights into functional group compatibility of these new photocatalytic methods as well as their impact on synthetic strategy. In this review, we examine total syntheses published through the end of 2020 that employ a visible-light photoredox catalytic step. To assist someone interested in employing the photocatalytic steps discussed, the review is organized largely by the nature of the bond formed in the photocatalytic step.

Cobalt Catalyst Determines Regioselectivity in Ring Opening of Epoxides with Aryl Halides

Ring-opening of epoxides furnishing either linear or branched products belongs to the group of classic transformations in organic synthesis. However, the regioselective cross-electrophile coupling of aryl epoxides with aryl halides still represents a key challenge. Herein, we report that the vitamin B₁₂/Ni dual-catalytic system allows for the selective synthesis of linear products under blue-light irradiation, thus complementing methodologies that give access to branched alcohols. Experimental and theoretical studies corroborate the proposed mechanism involving alkylcobalamin as an intermediate in this reaction.

The Application of Pulse Radiolysis to the Study of Ni(I) Intermediates in Ni-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions

Here we report the use of pulse radiolysis and spectroelectrochemistry to generate low-valent nickel intermediates relevant to synthetically important Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and interrogate their reactivities toward comproportionation and oxidative addition processes. Pulse radiolysis provided a direct means to generate singly reduced [(dtbbpy)NiBr], enabling the identification of a rapid Ni(0)/Ni(II) comproportionation process taking place under synthetically relevant electrolysis conditions. This approach also permitted the direct measurement of Ni(I) oxidative addition rates with electronically differentiated aryl iodide electrophiles (k_OA = 1.3 × 10⁴-2.4 × 10⁵ M^-1 s^-1), an elementary organometallic step often proposed in nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Together, these results hold implications for a number of Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling processes.

Ti(OiPr)4-Enabled Dual Photoredox and Nickel-Catalyzed Arylation and Alkenylation of Cyclopropanols

Readily available from esters or ketones, cyclopropanols are inclined to undergo diverse ring-opening transformations. Their one-electron oxidation is a conventional way to β-carbonyl radicals. However, despite this fact, their application as a coupling partner in dual photoredox and nickel-catalyzed reactions with organic halides remains underdeveloped. Here, we report that the Ti(OiPr)₄ additive enables this elusive cross-coupling with aryl and alkenyl bromides leading to β-substituted ketones.

Three-Component Aminoarylation of Electron-Rich Alkenes by Merging Photoredox with Nickel Catalysis

A three-component 1,2-aminoarylation of vinyl ethers, enamides, ene-carbamates and vinyl thioethers by synergistic photoredox and nickel catalysis is reported. 2,2,2-Trifluoroethoxy carbonyl protected α-amino-oxy acids are used as amidyl radical precursors. anti-Markovnikov addition of the amidyl radical to the alkene and Ni-mediated radical/transition metal cross over lead to the corresponding 1,2-aminoarylation product. The radical cascade, which can be conducted under practical and mild conditions, features high functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. Stereoselective 1,2-aminoarylation is achieved using a L-(+)-lactic acid derived vinyl ether as the substrate, offering a novel route for the preparation of protected enantiopure α-arylated β-amino alcohols. In addition, 1,2-aminoacylation of vinyl ethers is achieved by using an acyl succinimide as the electrophile for the Ni-mediated radical coupling.

Dual Nickel- and Photoredox-Catalyzed Reductive Cross-Coupling to Access Chiral Trifluoromethylated Alkanes

A dual nickel/photoredox-catalyzed enantioselective reductive cross-coupling of aryl halides with CF₃-substituted racemic alkyl electrophiles has been established. The approach accommodates a broad palette of aryl iodides and alkyl bromides to access a variety of chiral CF₃-containing compounds. The exceptionally mild conditions (visible light, ambient temperature, no strong base) and no need for Grignard reagents or stoichiometric metallic reductants provide this transformation huge potential in the application of the late-stage functionalization of complex molecules.

Nickel-Catalyzed Radical Migratory Coupling Enables C-2 Arylation of Carbohydrates

Nickel catalysis offers exciting opportunities to address unmet challenges in organic synthesis. Herein we report the first nickel-catalyzed radical migratory cross-coupling reaction for the direct preparation of 2-aryl-2-deoxyglycosides from readily available 1-bromosugars and arylboronic acids. The reaction features a broad substrate scope and tolerates a wide range of functional groups and complex molecular architectures. Preliminary experimental and computational studies suggest a concerted 1,2-acyloxy rearrangement via a cyclic five-membered-ring transition state followed by nickel-catalyzed carbon-carbon bond formation. The novel reactivity provides an efficient route to valuable C-2-arylated carbohydrate mimics and building blocks, allows for new strategic bond disconnections, and expands the reactivity profile of nickel catalysis.

Asymmetric benzylic C(sp3)-H acylation via dual nickel and photoredox catalysis

Asymmetric C(sp3)-H functionalization is a persistent challenge in organic synthesis. Here, we report an asymmetric benzylic C-H acylation of alkylarenes employing carboxylic acids as acyl surrogates for the synthesis of α-aryl ketones via nickel and photoredox dual catalysis. This mild yet straightforward protocol transforms a diverse array of feedstock carboxylic acids and simple alkyl benzenes into highly valuable α-aryl ketones with high enantioselectivities. The utility of this method is showcased in the gram-scale synthesis and late-stage modification of medicinally relevant molecules. Mechanistic studies suggest a photocatalytically generated bromine radical can perform benzylic C-H cleavage to activate alkylarenes as nucleophilic coupling partners which can then engage in a nickel-catalyzed asymmetric acyl cross-coupling reaction. This bromine-radical-mediated C-H activation strategy can be also applied to the enantioselective coupling of alkylarenes with chloroformate for the synthesis of chiral α-aryl esters.

Accessing Aliphatic Amines in C-C Cross-Couplings by Visible Light/Nickel Dual Catalysis

A general aminoalkylation of aryl halides was developed, overcoming intolerance of free amines in nickel-mediated C-C coupling. This transformation features broad functional group tolerance and high efficiency. Taking advantage of the fast desilylation of α-silylamines upon single-electron transfer (SET) facilitated by carbonate, α-amino radicals are generated regioselectively, which then engage in nickel-mediated C-C coupling. The reaction displays high chemoselectivity for C-C over C-N bond formation. Highly functionalized pharmacophores and peptides are also amenable.

Highly Regio- and Enantioselective Reductive Coupling of Alkynes and Aldehydes via Photoredox Cobalt Dual Catalysis

A Co-catalyzed highly regio- and enantioselective reductive coupling of alkynes and aldehydes has been developed under visible light photoredox dual catalysis. A variety of enantioenriched allylic alcohols have been obtained by using unsymmetrical internal alkynes and commercially available catalyst, chiral ligand, and reagents. It is noteworthy that this approach has considerable advantages, such as excellent regio- (>95:5 for >40 examples), stereo- (up to >95:5 E/Z), and enantioselectivity (92-99% ee, >35 examples) control, mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and good functional group compatibility, making it a great improvement to enantioselective alkyne-aldehyde reductive coupling reactions.

Manganese-Mediated Direct Functionalization of Hantzsch Esters with Alkyl Iodides via an Aromatization-Dearomatization Strategy

We report, for the first time, manganese-mediated direct functionalization of the Hantzsch esters with readily accessible alkyl iodides through an aromatization-dearomatization strategy. Applying this protocol, a library of valuable 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines were facilely afforded in good yields. This simple and practical reaction proceeds under visible-light irradiation at room temperature and displays high functional-group compatibility. Additionally, the method is applicable for gram-scale synthesis and late-stage functionalization of complex molecules.

Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalytic Cross-Coupling of Potassium Thiomethyltrifluoroborates with Aryl and Heteroaryl Bromides

The cross-coupling of S-aryl and S-alkyl potassium thiomethyltrifluoroborates with aryl and heteroaryl bromides is reported via photoredox/nickel dual catalysis. The transformation is achieved under mild conditions with commercially available or readily prepared, air stable reagents and affords benzylthioether products in moderate to good yields with good functional group tolerance. A practical and improved synthesis of potassium thiomethyltrifluoroborates is also reported that affords access to previously undescribed reagents.

Stereo- and Regioselective cis-Hydrophosphorylation of 1,3-Enynes Enabled by the Visible-Light Irradiation of NiCl2(PPh3)2

Described herein is a stereo- and regioselective cis-hydrophosphorylation reaction of the internal alkyne of 1,3-enynes that accesses various 1,3-dienes in good isolated yields. The visible-light irradiation of NiCl₂(PPh₃)₂ allows the generation of highly reactive nickel(II)-phosphorus species that subsequently migrate into the internal alkyne of the 1,3-enynes and protonate the resulting vinyl nickel species, leading to various phosphinoyl 1,3-butadienes under mild reaction conditions.

Visible-Light Promoted C-O Bond Formation with an Integrated Carbon Nitride-Nickel Heterogeneous Photocatalyst

Ni-deposited mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (Ni-mpg-CNx) is introduced as an inexpensive, robust, easily synthesizable and recyclable material that functions as an integrated dual photocatalytic system. This material overcomes the need of expensive photosensitizers, organic ligands and additives as well as limitations of catalyst deactivation in the existing photo/Ni dual catalytic cross-coupling reactions. The dual catalytic Ni-mpg-CNx is demonstrated for C-O coupling between aryl halides and aliphatic alcohols under mild condition. The reaction affords the ether product in good-to-excellent yields (60-92 %) with broad substrate scope, including heteroaryl and aryl halides bearing electron-withdrawing, -donating and neutral groups. The heterogeneous Ni-mpg-CNx can be easily recovered from the reaction mixture and reused over multiple cycles without loss of activity. The findings highlight exciting opportunities for dual catalysis promoted by a fully heterogeneous system.

Visible-Light Promoted C-O Bond Formation with an Integrated Carbon Nitride-Nickel Heterogeneous Photocatalyst

Ni-deposited mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (Ni-mpg-CNx ) is introduced as an inexpensive, robust, easily synthesizable and recyclable material that functions as an integrated dual photocatalytic system. This material overcomes the need of expensive photosensitizers, organic ligands and additives as well as limitations of catalyst deactivation in the existing photo/Ni dual catalytic cross-coupling reactions. The dual catalytic Ni-mpg-CNx is demonstrated for C-O coupling between aryl halides and aliphatic alcohols under mild condition. The reaction affords the ether product in good-to-excellent yields (60-92 %) with broad substrate scope, including heteroaryl and aryl halides bearing electron-withdrawing, -donating and neutral groups. The heterogeneous Ni-mpg-CNx can be easily recovered from the reaction mixture and reused over multiple cycles without loss of activity. The findings highlight exciting opportunities for dual catalysis promoted by a fully heterogeneous system.

Photocatalytic Dehydroxymethylative Arylation by Synergistic Cerium and Nickel Catalysis

Under mild reaction conditions with inexpensive cerium and nickel catalysts, easily accessible free alcohols can now be utilized as operationally simple and robust carbon pronucleophiles in selective C(sp³)-C(sp²) cross-couplings. Facilitated by automated high-throughput experimentation, sterically encumbered benzoate ligands have been identified for robust cerium complexes, enabling the synergistic cooperation of cerium catalysis in the emerging metallaphotoredox catalysis. A broad range of free alcohols and aromatic halides can be facilely employed in this transformation, representing a new paradigm for the C(sp³)-C(sp²) bond construction between free alcohols and aryl halides with the extrusion of formaldehyde. Moreover, mechanistic investigations have been conducted, leading to the identification of a tribenzoate cerium(III) complex as a viable intermediate.

Emerging concepts in photocatalytic organic synthesis

Visible light photocatalysis has become a powerful tool in organic synthesis that uses photons as traceless, sustainable reagents. Most of the activities in the field focus on the development of new reactions via common photoredox cycles, but recently a number of exciting new concepts and strategies entered less charted territories. We survey approaches that enable the use of longer wavelengths and show that the wavelength and intensity of photons are import parameters that enable tuning of the reactivity of a photocatalyst to control or change the selectivity of chemical reactions. In addition, we discuss recent efforts to substitute strong reductants, such as elemental lithium and sodium, by light and technological advances in the field.

Dual Ni/photoredox-catalyzed asymmetric cross-coupling to access chiral benzylic boronic esters

The flourishing Ni/photoredox-catalyzed asymmetric couplings typically rely on redox-neutral reactions. In this work, we report a reductive cross-coupling of aryl iodides and α-chloroboranes under a dual catalytic regime to further enrich the metallaphotoredox chemistry. This approach proceeds under mild conditions (visible light, ambient temperature, no strong base) to access the versatile benzylic boronic esters with good functional group tolerance and excellent enantioselectivities.

Metallaphototoredox catalysis has been rarely applied to reductive cross-couplings, in contrast to typical redox-neutral methods. Here, the authors report a mild Ni/photoredox-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling of aryl iodides and α-chloroboranes, further enriching the metallaphotoredox chemistry.

Photoactive electron donor-acceptor complex platform for Ni-mediated C(sp3)-C(sp2) bond formation

A dual photochemical/nickel-mediated decarboxylative strategy for the assembly of C(sp3)-C(sp2) linkages is disclosed. Under light irradiation at 390 nm, commercially available and inexpensive Hantzsch ester (HE) functions as a potent organic photoreductant to deliver catalytically active Ni(0) species through single-electron transfer (SET) manifolds. As part of its dual role, the Hantzsch ester effects a decarboxylative-based radical generation through electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex activation. This homogeneous, net-reductive platform bypasses the need for exogenous photocatalysts, stoichiometric metal reductants, and additives. Under this cross-electrophile paradigm, the coupling of diverse C(sp3)-centered radical architectures (including primary, secondary, stabilized benzylic, α-oxy, and α-amino systems) with (hetero)aryl bromides has been accomplished. The protocol proceeds under mild reaction conditions in the presence of sensitive functional groups and pharmaceutically relevant cores.

Developments in Photoredox-Mediated Alkylation for DNA-Encoded Libraries

Recently, DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology has emerged as an innovative screening modality for the rapid discovery of therapeutic candidates in pharmaceutical settings. This platform enables a cost-effective, time-efficient, and large-scale assembly and interrogation of billions of small organic ligands against a biological target in a single experiment. An outstanding challenge in DEL synthesis is the necessity for water-compatible transformations under ambient conditions. To access uncharted chemical space, the adoption of photoredox catalysis in DELs, including Ni-catalyzed manifolds and radical/polar crossover reactions, has enabled the construction of novel structural scaffolds through regulated odd-electron intermediates. Herein, a critical discussion of the validation of photoredox-mediated alkylation in DEL environments is presented. Current synthetic gaps are highlighted and opportunities for further development are speculated upon.

A General Approach to Intermolecular Olefin Hydroacylation through Light-Induced HAT Initiation: An Efficient Synthesis of Long-Chain Aliphatic Ketones and Functionalized Fatty Acids

Herein, an operationally simple, environmentally benign and effective method for intermolecular radical hydroacylation of unactivated substrates by employing photo-induced hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) initiation is described. The use of commercially available and inexpensive photoinitiators (Ph₂ CO and NHPI) makes the process attractive. The olefin hydroacylation protocol applies to a wide array of substrates bearing numerous functional groups and many complex structural units. The reaction proves to be scalable (up to 5 g). Different functionalized fatty acids, petrochemicals and naturally occurring alkanes can be synthesized with this protocol. A radical chain mechanism is implicated in the process.

Synthetic and Mechanistic Implications of Chlorine Photoelimination in Nickel/Photoredox C(sp3)-H Cross-Coupling

In recent years, the development of light-driven reactions has contributed numerous advances in synthetic organic chemistry. A particularly active research area combines photoredox catalysis with nickel catalysis to accomplish otherwise inaccessible cross-coupling reactions. In these reactions, the photoredox catalyst absorbs light to generate an electronically excited charge-transfer state that can engage in electron or energy transfer with a substrate and the nickel catalyst. Our group questioned whether photoinduced activation of the nickel catalyst itself could also contribute new approaches to cross-coupling. Over the past 5 years, we have sought to advance this hypothesis for the development of a suite of mild and site-selective C(sp³)-H cross-coupling reactions with chloride-containing coupling partners via photoelimination of a Ni-Cl bond.On the basis of a report from the Nocera laboratory, we reasoned that photolysis of a Ni(III) aryl chloride species, generated by single-electron oxidation of a typical Ni(II) intermediate in cross-coupling, might allow for the catalytic generation of chlorine atoms. Combining this with the ability of Ni(II) to accept alkyl radicals, we hypothesized that photocatalytically generated chlorine atoms could mediate hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) with C(sp³)-H bonds to generate a substrate-derived alkyl radical that is captured by the Ni center in cross-coupling. A photoredox catalyst was envisioned to promote the necessary single-electron oxidation and reduction of the Ni catalyst to facilitate an overall redox-neutral process. Overall, this strategy would offer a visible-light-driven mechanism for chlorine radical formation enabled by the sequential capture of two photons.As an initial demonstration, we developed a Ni/photoredox-catalyzed α-oxy C(sp³)-H arylation of cyclic and acyclic ethers. This method was extended to a mild formylation of abundant and complex aryl chlorides through selective 2-functionalization of 1,3-dioxolane. Seeking to develop a suite of reactions that introduce carbon at all different oxidation states, we explored C(sp³)-H cross-coupling with trimethyl orthoformate, a common laboratory solvent. We found that trimethyl orthoformate serves as a source of methyl radical for a methylation reaction via β-scission from a tertiary radical generated upon chlorine-mediated HAT. Since chlorine radical is capable of abstracting unactivated C(sp³)-H bonds, our efforts have also been directed at cross-coupling with a range of feedstock chemicals, such as alkanes and toluenes, along with late-stage intermediates, using chloroformates as coupling partners. Overall, this platform enables access to valuable synthetic transformations with (hetero)aryl chlorides, which despite being the most ubiquitous and inexpensive aryl halide coupling partners, are rarely reactive in Ni/photoredox catalysis.Little is known about the photophysics and photochemistry of organometallic Ni complexes relevant to cross-coupling. We have conducted mechanistic investigations, including computational, spectroscopic, emission quenching, and stoichiometric oxidation studies, of Ni(II) aryl halide complexes common to Ni/photoredox reactions. These studies indicate that chlorine radical generation from excited Ni(III) is operative in the described C(sp³)-H functionalization methods. More generally, the studies illustrate that the photochemistry of cross-coupling catalysts cannot be ignored in metallaphotoredox reactions. We anticipate that further mechanistic understanding should facilitate new catalyst design and lead to the development of new synthetic methods.

Visible-Light-Induced Direct Csp2-H Radical Trifluoroethylation of Coumarins with 1,1,1-Trifluoro-2-iodoethane (CF3CH2I)

Herein, we developed the first visible-light-induced direct Csp²-H radical 2,2,2-trifluoroethylation of coumarins with commercially available and cheap reagent CF₃CH₂I at room temperature. This transformation proceeded smoothly under mild conditions and showed excellent functional group compatibility. The synthetic value of the protocol was also demonstrated by the successful functionalization of several pharmaceuticals.

Dumbbell-Shaped 2,2'-Bipyridines: Controlled Metal Monochelation and Application to Ni-Catalyzed Cross-Couplings

2,2'-Bipyridine ligands (dsbpys) with dumbbell-like shapes and differently substituted triarylmethyl groups at the C5 and C5' positions showed high ligand performance in the Ni-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling and the Ni/photoredox-synergistically catalyzed decarboxylative coupling reactions. The superior ligand effects of dsbpys compared to the conventional bpy ligands were attributed to the monochelating nature of dsbpys.

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.

Reagent and Catalyst Capsules: A Chemical Delivery System for Reaction Screening and Parallel Synthesis

Commercially available hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules are employed as a fast, safe, and user-friendly chemical delivery system containing all reagents (catalyst, ligand, and base) for three important transition-metal-catalyzed reactions: Buchwald-Hartwig, Suzuki-Miyaura, and metallophotoredox C-N cross-coupling reactions. This encapsulation methodology simplifies the screening of reaction conditions and the preparation of compound libraries using parallel synthesis in organic solvents or aqueous media. These reagents-containing HPMC capsules are easy to prepare, come in different sizes, and can be stored on the bench under noninert conditions.