Recent Methodologies That Exploit C-C Single-Bond Cleavage of Strained Ring Systems by Transition Metal Complexes

Carbon-carbon bond activation by B(OMe)3/B2pin2-mediated fragmentation borylation

Selective carbon–carbon bond activation is important in chemical industry and fundamental organic synthesis, but remains challenging. In this study, non-polar unstrained Csp²–Csp³ and Csp²–Csp² bond activation was achieved by B(OMe)₃/B₂pin₂-mediated fragmentation borylation. Various indole derivatives underwent C2-regioselective C–C bond activation to afford two C–B bonds under transition-metal-free conditions. Preliminary mechanistic investigations suggested that C–B bond formation and C–C bond cleavage probably occurred in a concerted process. This new reaction mode will stimulate the development of reactions based on inert C–C bond activation.

Non-polar unstrained Csp²–Csp³ and Csp²–Csp² bond activation was achieved via B(OMe)₃/B₂pin₂-mediated fragmentation borylation, in which C–C bond activation occurred regioselectively at the C2-position in various substituted indoles.

Cooperative NHC/Photoredox Catalyzed Ring-Opening of Aryl Cyclopropanes to 1-Aroyloxylated-3-Acylated Alkanes

Cyclopropanes are an important class of building blocks in organic synthesis. Herein, a ring-opening/arylcarboxylation/acylation cascade reaction for the 1,3-difunctionalization of aryl cyclopropanes enabled by cooperative NHC and organophotoredox catalysis is reported. The cascade works on monosubstituted cyclopropanes that are in contrast to the heavily investigated donor-acceptor cyclopropanes more challenging to be difunctionalized. The key step is a radical/radical cross coupling of a benzylic radical generated in the photoredox catalysis cycle with a ketyl radical from the NHC catalysis cycle. The transformation features metal-free reaction conditions and tolerates a diverse range of functionalities.

Selective C(sp3 )-N Bond Cleavage of N,N-Dialkyl Tertiary Amines with the Loss of a Large Alkyl Group via an SN 1 Pathway

Polar disconnection of the C(sp³ )-N bond of N,N-dialkyl-substituted tertiary amines via ammonium species conventionally favored the loss of the smaller alkyl group by an S_N 2 displacement, while selective C(sp³ )-N bond cleavage by cutting off the larger alkyl group is still underdeveloped. Herein, we present a novel Pd⁰ -catalyzed [2+2+1] annulation, proceeding through an alkyne-directed palladacycle formation and consecutive diamination with a tertiary hydroxylamine by cleaving its N-O bond and one C(sp³ )-N bond, for the rapid assembly of tricyclic indoles in a single-step transformation. Noteworthy, experimental results indicated that large tert-butyl and benzyl groups were selectively cleaved via an S_N 1 pathway, in the presence of a smaller alkyl group (Me, Et, ⁱ Pr). Under the guidance of this new finding, tricyclic indoles bearing a removable alkyl group could be exclusively obtained by using a (α-methyl)benzyl/benzyl or tert-butyl/2-(methoxycarbonyl)ethyl mixed amino source.

Zinc-Catalyzed β-Functionalization of Cyclopropanols via Enolized Homoenolate

We report herein a zinc-catalyzed β-allylation of cyclopropanols with Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) carbonates with retention of the cyclopropane ring. The reaction is promoted by a zinc aminoalkoxide catalyst, affording cyclopropyl-fused α-alkylidene-δ-valerolactone derivatives in moderate to good yields. Mechanistic experiments suggest that the present reaction does not proceed via direct β-C-H cleavage of the cyclopropanol, but involves zinc homoenolate and its enolization to generate a key bis-nucleophilic species. α-Allylation of this "enolized homoenolate" with MBH carbonate would be followed by regeneration of the cyclopropane ring and irreversible lactonization. The enolized homoenolate mechanism has also been proven to allow for β-functionalization with alkylidenemalononitrile as the reaction partner. A sequence of the present reaction and known cyclopropanol transformation provides an opportunity to transform a simple cyclopropanol into α,β- or β,β-difunctionalized ketones.

Iron-Catalyzed C-C Single-Bond Cleavage of Alcohols

An iron-catalyzed deconstruction/hydrogenation reaction of alcohols through C-C bond cleavage is developed through photocatalysis, to produce ketones or aldehydes as the products. Tertiary, secondary, and primary alcohols bearing a wide range of substituents are suitable substrates. Complex natural alcohols can also perform the transformation selectively. A investigation of the mechanism reveals a procedure that involves chlorine radical improved O-H homolysis, with the assistance of 2,4,6-collidine.

Ring Expansion Fluorination of Unactivated Cyclopropanes Mediated by a New Monofluoroiodane(III) Reagent

Herein, we report a new strategy for carbon-carbon bond scission and intramolecular ring expansion fluorination of unactivated cyclopropanes, which was accomplished with a new hypervalent fluoroiodane(III) reagent 1. This novel method delivers medicinally relevant 4-fully substituted fluoropiperidines in moderate to high yields with excellent regio- and diastereoselectivity. Reagent 1, which has an N-acetylbenziodazole framework, was readily synthesized via three steps in 76 % overall yield and was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Owing to the presence of a secondary I⋅⋅⋅O bonding interaction between the λ³ -iodane atom and the carbonyl oxygen of the acetyl group of the N-acetylbenziodazole framework, 1 has excellent stability and can be stored at ambient temperature for 6 months without any detectable decomposition. Density functional theory calculations and experimental studies showed that the reaction proceeds via a carbocation intermediate that readily combines with a fluoride ion to generate the product.

Construction of an isoquinolinone framework from carboxylic-ester-directed umpolung ring opening of methylenecyclopropanes

An interesting type of reaction involving functionalized methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) has been revealed. Here, a nucleophilic attack of an anionic species onto a partially polarity-reversed MCP was realized by treating a neighbouring carboxylic ester tethered to the MCP and amine with KHMDS to realize an umpolung ring opening of the MCP. This work established an operationally convenient protocol for the rapid construction of isoquinolinone frameworks.

Arylcyclopropane yet in its infancy: the challenges and recent advances in its functionalization

Electronically unbiased arylcyclopropane functionalization has always been a challenge to organic chemists, and the emergence of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes (DACs) has not only vehemently overshadowed them but still dominates the cyclopropane chemistry. Unlike DACs, the absence of pre-installed functional groups makes it harder for them to activate and participate in a reaction. The field has witnessed considerably slow progress since its inception due to the inherent challenges. There are only a few strategies available to open arylcyclopropanes. Therefore, this work is still in its infancy stage in spite of these materials being one of the earliest known type of cyclopropanes. This review manifests the history, endeavors, and achievements alongside the associated challenges, opportunities, and the need for concerted efforts to accomplish the long-awaited golden age of arylcyclopropanes.

A ring expansion strategy towards diverse azaheterocycles

The development of innovative strategies for the synthesis of N-heterocyclic compounds is an important topic in organic synthesis. Ring expansion methods to form large N-heterocycles often involve the cycloaddition of strained aza rings with π bonds. However, in some cases such strategies suffer from some limitations owing to the difficulties in controlling the regioselectivity and the accessibility of specific π-bond synthons. Here, we report the development of a general ring expansion strategy that involves a formal cross-dimerization between three-membered aza heterocycles and three- and four-membered-ring ketones through synergistic bimetallic catalysis. These formal cross-dimerizations of two different strained rings are efficient and scalable, and provide a straightforward and broadly applicable means of assembling diverse N-heterocycles, such as 3-benzazepinones, dihydropyridinones and uracils, which are versatile units in numerous drugs and biologically active compounds. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that the C-C bond of strained ring ketones is first cleaved by the Pd⁰ species during the reaction.

Iron-Catalyzed Ring-Opening Reactions of Cyclopropanols with Alkenes and TBHP: Synthesis of 5-Oxo Peroxides

The ring opening of cyclopropanols is rarely used in multicomponent reactions. Herein we report the three-component reaction of cyclopropanols with alkenes and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) catalyzed by an iron catalyst. This protocol enables the incorporation of both the β-carbonyl fragment and a peroxy unit across the C═C double bond regioselectively, thus allowing an efficient, facile access to 5-oxo peroxides. Modification of the biologically active molecules and various downstream derivatizations of the peroxides are also demonstrated.

Skeleton Reorganization of Substituted Benzocyclobutenols through Rh-Catalyzed C-C Bond Cleavage Manipulated by Hydrogen Transfer

Although transition-metal-catalyzed C-C bond activation has been investigated extensively, C-C bond cleavage manipulated by hydrogen transfer has been unexplored. In this work, we disclose a skeleton reorganization of alkene-tethered benzocyclobutenols through Rh-catalyzed C-C bond cleavage coupled with intra- and intermolecular hydrogen transfer. The reaction pathway was well-tuned by the catalytic systems. As a result, divergent benzofurans bearing 4-β-hydroxy or 4-β-keto moieties were synthesized under pH- and redox-neutral conditions.

Dealkenylative Ni-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Enabled by Tetrazine and Photoexcitation

A new and general method to functionalize the C(sp³)-C(sp²) bond of alkyl and alkene linkages has been developed, leading to the dealkenylative generation of carbon-centered radicals that can be intercepted to undergo Ni-catalyzed C(sp³)-C(sp²) cross-coupling. This one-pot protocol leverages the easily procured alkene feedstocks for organic synthesis with excellent functional group compatibility without the need for a photoredox catalyst.

Intermolecular [5+2] Annulation between 1-Indanones and Internal Alkynes by Rhodium-Catalyzed C-C Activation

Herein, we report a [5+2] cycloaddition between readily accessible 1-indanones and internal alkynes through Rh-catalyzed activation of less strained C-C bonds. The reaction is enabled by a strongly σ-donating NHC ligand and a carefully modified temporary directing group. A wide range of functional groups is tolerated, and the method provides straightforward access to diverse benzocycloheptenones that are hard to access otherwise. DFT studies of the reaction mechanism imply the migration insertion as the turnover-limiting step and suggest beneficial π-π interactions in the transition states.

Enolate-Based Regioselective Anti-Beckmann C-C Bond Cleavage of Ketones

The Baeyer-Villiger or Beckmann rearrangements are established methods for the cleavage of ketone derivatives under acidic conditions, proceeding for unsymmetrical precursors selectively at the more substituted site. However, the fragmentation regioselectivity cannot be switched and fragmentation at the less-substituted terminus is so far not possible. We report here that the reaction of ketone enolates with commercial alkyl nitrites provides a direct and regioselective way of fragmenting ketones into esters and oximes or ω-hydroxyimino esters, respectively. A comprehensive study of the scope of this reaction with respect to ketone classes and alkyl nitrites is presented. Control over the site of cleavage is gained through regioselective enolate formation by various bases. Oxidation of kinetic enolates of unsymmetrical ketones leads to the otherwise unavailable "anti-Beckmann" cleavage at the less-substituted side chain, while cleavage of thermodynamic enolates of the same ketones represents an alternative to the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation or the Beckmann rearrangement under basic conditions. The method is suited for the transformation of natural products and enables access to orthogonally reactive dicarbonyl compounds.

Selective C-C Bond Cleavage of Cycloalkanones by NaNO2/HCl

A novel selective fragmentation of cycloalkanones by NaNO₂/HCl has been established. The C-C bond cleavage reaction proceeds smoothly under mild conditions, selectively affording versatile keto acids or oxime acids. The methodology can streamline the synthesis of valuable chiral molecules and isocoumarins from readily available feedstocks.

Stereospecific Synthesis of Enantioenriched Alkylidenecyclobutanones via Formal Vinylidene Insertion into Cyclopropanone Equivalents

1-Sulfonylcyclopropanols are employed here as efficient cyclopropanone equivalents in a formal vinylidene insertion process, providing the first general synthetic route to enantioenriched alkylidenecyclobutanones. The addition of an alkenyl-Grignard reagent leads to an alkenylcyclopropanol capable of electrophilic activation by N-bromosuccinimide, triggering a regio- and stereospecific 1,2-migration and affording alkylidenecyclobutanones after elimination. Activation of the intermediate with other electrophiles such as HCl or mCPBA leads to the formation of various chiral cyclobutanones and γ-lactones via alternative pathways.

Practical Enzymatic Production of Carbocycles

The Pd-catalyzed carbon-carbon bond formation pioneered by Heck in 1969 has dominated medicinal chemistry development for the ensuing fifty years. As the demand for more complex three-dimensional active pharmaceuticals continues to increase, preparative enzyme-mediated assembly, by virtue of its exquisite selectivity and sustainable nature, is poised to provide a practical and affordable alternative for accessing such compounds. In this minireview, we summarize recent state-of-the-art developments in practical enzyme-mediated assembly of carbocycles. When appropriate, background information on the enzymatic transformation is provided and challenges and/or limitations are also highlighted.

Catalytic enantioselective synthesis of benzocyclobutenols and cyclobutanols via a sequential reduction/C-H functionalization

We report here a sequential enantioselective reduction/C-H functionalization to install contiguous stereogenic carbon centers of benzocyclobutenols and cyclobutanols. This strategy features a practical enantioselective reduction of a ketone and a diastereospecific iridium-catalyzed C-H silylation. Further transformations have been explored, including controllable regioselective ring-opening reactions. In addition, this strategy has been utilized for the synthesis of three natural products, phyllostoxin (proposed structure), grandisol and fragranol.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Oxidative Cyclization of Oxazolines with Cyclopropanols: Synthesis of Isoindolinones

The synthesis of C3-substituted isoindolin-1-ones from oxazolines and cyclopropanols has been achieved with oxazoline as a bifunctional nucleophilic directing group. The reaction proceeds by the cleavage of three chemical bonds and allows the formation of three new chemical bonds, a C-N bond, a C-C bond, and a C-O bond, in a single step.

Palladium-Catalyzed (3+3) Annulation of Allenylethylene Carbonates with Nitrile Oxides

In this paper, we designed and synthesized a new type of cyclic carbonates, allenylethylene carbonates (AECs). With AECs as reactive precursors, we developed palladium-catalyzed (3+3) annulation of AECs with nitrile oxides. Various AECs worked well in this reaction under mild reaction conditions. A variety of 5,6-dihydro-1,4,2-dioxazine derivatives with allenyl quaternary stereocenters can be accessed in a facile manner in high yields (≤98%).

Site-Selective C-C Cleavage of Benzocyclobutenones Enabled by a Blocking Strategy Using Nickel Catalysis

Controlling the chemo- and regioselectivity of transition-metal-catalyzed C-C activation remains a great challenge. The transformations of benzocyclobutenones (BCBs) usually involve the cleavage of C1-C2 bond. In this work, an unprecedented highly selective cleavage of C1-C8 bond with the insertion of alkynes is achieved by using blocking strategy via Ni catalysis, providing an efficient method for synthesis of 1,8-disubstituted naphthalenes. Notably, the blocking group could be readily removed after the transformation.

Difluoromethylthiolator: A Toolbox of Reagents for Difluoromethylthiolation

Recently, the strategic installation of a fluorine atom or a fluoroalkyl group site-selectively at the specific position of the target molecule has become a routine approach and daily practice for medicinal chemists in their endeavor to fine tune the structure of the lead compound to improve its physicochemical properties such as the cell membrane permeability and metabolic stability. Among many fluoroalkyl groups, the difluoromethylthio group (-SCF₂H) has attracted recent intense attention. Largely due to the weak acidity of the proton in the difluoromethylthio group, the difluoromethylthio group is generally considered to be a lipophilic hydrogen-bonding donor and a bioisostere of the hydroxy/thio group that might interact with the heteroatom of the enzyme via a hydrogen bond to improve the binding selectivity of the drug molecule. Besides, the difluoromethylthio group is less lipophilic, less electron-withdrawing, and less stable to the acidic or basic environment than its analogue trifluoromethylthio group (-SCF₃), making it easier to regulate the metabolic stability of drug molecules. These beneficial effects render the difluoromethylthio group one of the most favorable functional groups in drug design; consequently, there is an urgent need to develop new strategies for the efficient introduction of the difluoromethylthio group into small molecules under mild conditions. Over the last few decades, several different approaches to the preparation of difluoromethylthiolated compounds have been developed, including the difluoromethylation of thiolated substrates with an electrophilic/nucleophilic difluoromethylating reagent or the insertion of a difluoromethyl carbene into the S-H bond of the thiols. In contrast, we adopt an alternative approach to the preparation of difluoromethylthiolated compounds by late-stage direct difluoromethylthiolation of the specific substrates with a difluoromethylthiolating reagent. With this aim in mind, in the last 6 years we have successfully developed a toolbox of reagents that are capable of the direct introduction of the difluoromethylthio group into the target molecules, including nucleophilic difluoromethylthiolating reagent [(SIPr)AgSCF₂H] I, electrophilic difluoromethylthiolating reagent PhthSCF₂H II, three optically pure difluoromethylthiolating reagents camphorsultam-SCF₂H III, radical difluoromethylthiolating reagent PhSO₂SCF₂H IV, and reagent PhSO₂SCFClH V that could be used for the preparation of ¹⁸F-labeled [¹⁸F]ArSCF₂H. These reagents reacted with a broad range of substrates to get access to difluoromethylthiolated compounds efficiently, thus providing medicinal chemists a powerful weapon for the direct introduction of the difluoromethylthio group into promising molecules during the search for new drugs.

Metal-catalysed C-Het (F, O, S, N) and C-C bond arylation

The formation of C-aryl bonds has been the focus of intensive research over the last decades for the construction of complex molecules from simple, readily available feedstocks. Traditionally, these strategies involve the coupling of organohalides (I, Br, Cl) with organometallic reagents (Mg, Zn, B, Si, Sn,…) such as Kumada-Corriu, Negishi, Suzuki-Miyaura, Hiyama and Sonogashira cross-couplings. More recently, alternative methods have provided access to these products by reactions with less reactive C-Het (F, O, S, N) and C-C bonds. Compared to traditional methods, the direct cleavage and arylation of these chemical bonds, the essential link in accessible feedstocks, has become increasingly important from the viewpoint of step-economy and functional-group compatibility. This comprehensive review aims to outline the development and advances of this topic, which was organized into (1) C-F bond arylation, (2) C-O bond arylation, (3) C-S bond arylation, (4) C-N bond arylation, and (5) C-C bond arylation. Substantial attention has been paid to the strategies and mechanistic investigations. We hope that this review can trigger chemists to discover more efficient methodologies to access arylation products by cleavage of these C-Het and C-C bonds.

B(C6F5)3-Catalyzed Diastereoselective Formal (4 + 1)-Cycloaddition of Vinylcyclopropanes and Et2SiH2

A formal (4 + 1)-cycloaddition of vinylcyclopropanes and Et₂SiH₂ to afford 3,4-disubstituted silolanes is reported. The reaction sequence commences with the known B(C₆F₅)₃-catalyzed alkene hydrosilylation with dihydrosilanes. Cleavage of the remaining Si-H bond in the hydrosilylation product assisted by B(C₆F₅)₃ leads to formation of a cyclopropane-stabilized silylium ion. The activated cyclopropane ring is then opened by the in situ-generated borohydride accompanied by ring closure to the silolane. The diastereoselectivity is rationalized by a mechanistic model.

Rh-Catalyzed cascade C-H activation/C-C cleavage/cyclization of carboxylic acids with cyclopropanols

Merging both C-H and C-C activation in a tandem process is a marked challenge. A novel Rh(iii)-catalyzed C-H activation/ring opening C-C cleavage/cyclization of carboxylic acids with cyclopropanols was developed for the synthesis of 3-substituted phthalides and α,β-butenolides. This reaction displays excellent functional group tolerance with respect to both carboxylic acids and cyclopropanols and features relatively mild conditions. Remarkably, the utility of this method was highlighted by the rapid construction of bioactive compounds bearing a 3-substituted phthalide framework via late-stage functionalization.

Total Synthesis of Penicibilaenes via C-C Activation-Enabled Skeleton Deconstruction and Desaturation Relay-Mediated C-H Functionalization

Herein, we describe the first total synthesis of sesquiterpene penicibilaenes A and B through a "C-C/C-H" approach. In the "C-C" stage, the Rh-catalyzed "cut-and-sew" transformation between trisubstituted alkene and cyclobutanone has been employed to construct the unique tricyclo[6.3.1.0^1,5]dodecane skeleton and the all-carbon quaternary center. Critical linker and Lewis acid effects have been identified for the C-C activation process. In the "C-H" stage, a desaturation relay-based strategy involving consecutive ketone α,β-dehydrogenation and β-functionalization has been adopted to introduce the 1,3,5-triad stereocenters to the core. The synthesis of penicibilaenes A and B has been completed in 13 and 14 steps, respectively, in the longest linear sequence.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Cycloisomerization of Dienylcyclopropane to Highly Substituted Toluene

A rhodium-catalyzed dehydrogenative cycloisomerization of dienylcyclopropane compounds is reported, which provides a straightforward approach to a variety of highly substituted toluene derivatives in 67-85% yields. The dienylcyclopropane-imides are produced by a single-step formal three-component olefination procedure. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that an electron-withdrawing group as R plays a critical role in completing this transformation.