Tetrabutylammonium Decatungstate (Chemo)selective Photocatalyzed, Radical CH Functionalization in Amides

Photocatalytic aerobic α-oxygenation of amides to imides using a highly durable decatungstate tetraphenylphosphonium salt

Decatungstate is a potent photocatalyst for hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) but faces degradation issues when using a typical tetra-n-butylammonium salt. Herein, we employed tetraphenylphosphonium as a countercation to yield a highly durable and efficient HAT photocatalyst, enabling α-oxygenation of amides to their corresponding imides using O2 as an oxidant.

Recent advances of decatungstate photocatalyst in HAT process

The decatungstate anion (W10O324-) appears to exhibit especially interesting properties as a photocatalyst. Because of its unique photocatalytic properties, it is now recognised as a promising tool in organic chemistry. This study examines recent advances in decatungstate chemistry, primarily concerned with synthetic and, to some degree, mechanistic challenges. In this short review we have selected to give a number of illustrative examples that demonstrate the various applications of decatungstate in the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process.

Photocatalytic C(sp3)-H thiolation by a double SH2 strategy using thiosulfonates

Site-selective C(sp3)-H thiolation using thiosulfonates has been achieved using the decatungstate anion as a photocatalyst. Using the protocol, a variety of thiolated compounds were synthesized in good yields. The transformation consists of a cascade of double SH2 reactions, HAT and ArS group transfer, and PCET (proton-coupled electron transfer) of the leaving arylsulfonyl radical to arylsulfinic acid thus allowing the catalyst, W10O324-, to be recovered.

Development and application of decatungstate catalyzed C-H 18F- and 19F-fluorination, fluoroalkylation and beyond

Over the past few decades, photocatalytic C-H functionalization reactions have received increasing attention due to the often mild reaction conditions and complementary selectivities to conventional functionalization processes. Now, photocatalytic C-H functionalization is a widely employed tool, supporting activities ranging from complex molecule synthesis to late-stage structure-activity relationship studies. In this perspective, we will discuss our efforts in developing a photocatalytic decatungstate catalyzed C-H fluorination reaction as well as its practical application realized through collaborations with industry partners at Hoffmann-La Roche and Merck, and extension to radiofluorination with radiopharmaceutical chemists and imaging experts at TRIUMF and the BC Cancer Agency. Importantly, we feel that our efforts address a question of utility posed by Professor Tobias Ritter in "Late-Stage Fluorination: Fancy Novelty or Useful Tool?" (ACIE, 2015, 54, 3216). In addition, we will discuss decatungstate catalyzed C-H fluoroalkylation and the interesting electrostatic effects observed in decatungstate-catalyzed C-H functionalization. We hope this perspective will inspire other researchers to explore the use of decatungstate for the purposes of photocatalytic C-H functionalization and further advance the exploitation of electrostatic effects for both rate acceleration and directing effects in these reactions.

Cascade Cyclizations Triggered by Photochemically Generated Carbamoyl Radicals Derived from Alkyl Amines

We report on a visible light-mediated cascade carbamoylation/cyclization of acrylamides using dihydropyridyl carbamoyl donors derived from alkyl amines. Diversely selected acrylamides including 2-cyano-N-arylacrylamides, indolyl- and benzimidazolyl acrylamides, and 2-alkynyl-N-aryl acrylamides participate in this reaction, providing products in good yields. The highlights of this photochemical method include the application of alkyl amine-derived carbamoyl donors, peroxide-free reaction conditions, and a broad scope.

Synthesis of New Morphinan Opioids by TBADT-Catalyzed Photochemical Functionalization at the Carbon Skeleton

The synthesis of new morphinan opioids by the addition of photochemically generated carbon-centered radicals to substrates containing an enone in the morphinan C-ring, is described. Using tetrabutylammonium decatungstate (TBADT) as a hydrogen atom transfer photocatalyst, diverse radical donors can be used to prepare a variety of C8-functionalized morphinan opioids. This work demonstrates the late-stage modification of complex, highly functionalized substrates.

Radical C(sp3)-H functionalization and cross-coupling reactions

C─H functionalization reactions are playing an increasing role in the preparation and modification of complex organic molecules, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and polymer precursors. Radical C─H functionalization reactions, initiated by hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) and proceeding via open-shell radical intermediates, have been expanding rapidly in recent years. These methods introduce strategic opportunities to functionalize C(sp3)─H bonds. Examples include synthetically useful advances in radical-chain reactivity and biomimetic radical-rebound reactions. A growing number of reactions, however, proceed via "radical relay" whereby HAT generates a diffusible radical that is functionalized by a separate reagent or catalyst. The latter methods provide the basis for versatile C─H cross-coupling methods with diverse partners. In the present review, highlights of recent radical-chain and radical-rebound methods provide context for a survey of emerging radical-relay methods, which greatly expand the scope and utility of intermolecular C(sp3)─H functionalization and cross coupling.

Factors Governing Reactivity and Selectivity in Hydrogen Atom Transfer from C(sp3)-H Bonds of Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles to the Cumyloxyl Radical

A kinetic study of the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reactions from nitrogen-containing heterocycles (secondary and tertiary lactams, 2-imidazolidinones, 2-oxazolidinones, and succinimides) to the cumyloxyl radical has been carried out employing laser flash photolysis with ns time resolution. HAT occurs from the C–H bonds that are α to nitrogen, activated by hyperconjugative overlap with the N–C=O π system. In the lactam series, the second-order HAT rate constant (k_H) was observed to decrease by a factor of ∼4 going from the five- and six-membered ring derivatives to the eight-membered ones, a behavior that was rationalized on the basis of a reduced extent of hyperconjugative activation associated to the greater flexibility of the larger rings compared to the smaller ones. In the five-membered-ring substrate series, the k_H values were observed to increase by >3 orders of magnitude on going from succinimide to 2-imidazolidinones, a behavior that was explained in terms of the divergent contribution of hyperconjugative activation and deactivating electronic effects determined by ring functionalities. The results are discussed in the framework of the development of HAT-based C–H bond functionalization procedures.

Photocatalytic C–H activation for C–C/CN/C–S bond formation over CdS: effect of morphological regulation and S vacancies

CdS catalytic materials were utilized to fabricate C–C, CN and C–S bonds for drug intermediates or other value-added products through the high bond energy, low polarity and strong inertia C–H bonds activation.

Direct Photocatalyzed Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) for Aliphatic C-H Bonds Elaboration

Direct photocatalyzed hydrogen atom transfer (d-HAT) can be considered a method of choice for the elaboration of aliphatic C–H bonds. In this manifold, a photocatalyst (PC_HAT) exploits the energy of a photon to trigger the homolytic cleavage of such bonds in organic compounds. Selective C–H bond elaboration may be achieved by a judicious choice of the hydrogen abstractor (key parameters are the electronic character and the molecular structure), as well as reaction additives. Different are the classes of PCs_HAT available, including aromatic ketones, xanthene dyes (Eosin Y), polyoxometalates, uranyl salts, a metal-oxo porphyrin and a tris(amino)cyclopropenium radical dication. The processes (mainly C–C bond formation) are in most cases carried out under mild conditions with the help of visible light. The aim of this review is to offer a comprehensive survey of the synthetic applications of photocatalyzed d-HAT.

A scalable continuous photochemical process for the generation of aminopropylsulfones

An efficient continuous photochemical process is presented that delivers a series of novel γ-aminopropylsulfones via a tetrabutylammonium decatungstate (TBADT) catalysed HAT-process. Crucial to this success is the exploitation of a new high-power LED emitting at 365 nm that was found to be superior to an alternative medium-pressure Hg lamp. The resulting flow process enabled the scale-up of this transformation reaching throughputs of 20 mmol h-1 at substrate concentrations up to 500 mM. Additionally, the substrate scope of this transformation was evaluated demonstrating the straightforward incorporation of different amine substituents as well as alkyl appendages next to the sulfone moiety. It is anticipated that this methodology will allow for further exploitations of these underrepresented γ-aminopropylsulfone scaffolds in the future.

Hydrodifluoromethylation of Alkenes with Difluoroacetic Acid

A facile method for the regioselective hydrodifluoromethylation of alkenes is reported using difluoroacetic acid and phenyliodine(III) diacetate in tetrahydrofuran under visible-light activation. This metal-free approach stands out as it uses inexpensive reagents, does not require a photocatalyst, and displays broad functional group tolerance. The procedure is also operationally simple and scalable, and provides access in one step to high-value building blocks for application in medicinal chemistry.

Hydrogen Atom Transfer from Alkanols and Alkanediols to the Cumyloxyl Radical: Kinetic Evaluation of the Contribution of α-C-H Activation and β-C-H Deactivation

A kinetic study on the reactions of the cumyloxyl radical (CumO^•) with a series of alkanols and alkanediols has been carried out. Predominant hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from the α-C-H bonds of these substrates, activated by the presence of the OH group, is observed. The comparable k_H values measured for ethanol and 1-propanol and the increase in k_H measured upon going from 1,2-diols to structurally related 1,3- and 1,4-diols is indicative of β-C-H deactivation toward HAT to the electrophilic CumO^•, determined by the electron-withdrawing character of the OH group. No analogous deactivation is observed for the corresponding diamines, in agreement with the weaker electron-withdrawing character of the NH₂ group. The significantly lower k_H values measured for reaction of CumO^• with densely oxygenated methyl pyranosides as compared to cyclohexanol derivatives highlights the role of β-C-H deactivation. The contribution of torsional effects on reactivity is evidenced by the ∼2-fold increase in k_H observed upon going from the trans isomers of 4- tert-butylcyclohexanol and 1,2- and 1,4-cyclohexanediol to the corresponding cis isomers. These results provide an evaluation of the role of electronic and torsional effects on HAT reactions from alcohols and diols to CumO^•, uncovering moreover β-C-H deactivation as a relevant contributor in defining site selectivity.

Direct α-heteroarylation of amides (α to nitrogen) and ethers through a benzaldehyde-mediated photoredox reaction

A photoredox reaction for cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) was developed to Cα-arylate amides (α to nitrogen) and ethers using a variety of five- and six-membered electron-deficient heteroarenes. A unique decomposition mechanism of ammonium persulfate enhanced by photoexcited benzaldehydes was revealed. This benzaldehyde-mediated photoredox reaction proceeded smoothly with household 23 W CFL bulbs as the energy source under metal-free conditions, allowing the construction of new Csp2 -Csp2 and Csp3 -Csp2 bonds and access to important pharmacophores of broad utility using commercially available reagents.

Development of photocatalysts for selective and efficient organic transformations

One of the main goals of organic chemists is to find easy, environmentally friendly, and cost effective methods for the synthesis of industrially important compounds. Photocatalysts have brought revolution in this regard as they make use of unlimited source of energy (the solar light) to carry out the synthesis of organic compounds having otherwise complex synthetic procedures. However, selectivity of the products has been a major issue since the beginning of photocatalysis. The present article encompasses state of the art accomplishments in harvesting light energy for selective organic transformations using photocatalysts. Several approaches for the development of photocatalysts for selective organic conversions have been critically discussed with the objective of developing efficient, selective, environmental friendly and high yield photocatalytic methodologies.

Radicals in transition metal catalyzed reactions? transition metal catalyzed radical reactions? a fruitful interplay anyway: part 1. Radical catalysis by group 4 to group 7 elements

This review summarizes the current status of radical-based transition metal catalyzed reactions in organic chemistry. The underlying features of radical generation from transition metal complexes and radical reactivity in the framework of transition metal catalysis are discussed. The available arsenal to detect radicals in transition metal catalyzed transformations is presented. Available strategies to combine radical intermediates with transition metal catalysis are outlined. In the main part the currently known synthetic methodology of transition metal catalyzed reactions proceeding via radical intermediates is discussed. This part covers catalytic radical reactions involving group 4 to group 7 elements.

Benzoyl radicals from (hetero)aromatic aldehydes. Decatungstate photocatalyzed synthesis of substituted aromatic ketones

Benzoyl radicals are generated directly from (hetero)aromatic aldehydes upon tetrabutylammonium decatungstate ((n-Bu(4)N)(4)W(10)O(32)), TBADT) photocatalysis under mild conditions. In the presence of alpha,beta-unsaturated esters, ketones and nitriles radical conjugate addition ensues and gives the corresponding beta-functionalized aryl alkyl ketones in moderate to good yields (stereoselectively in the case of 3-methylene-2-norbornanone). Due to the mild reaction conditions the presence of various functional groups on the aromatic ring is tolerated (e.g. methyl, methoxy, chloro). The method can be applied to hetero-aromatic aldehydes whether electron-rich (e.g. thiophene-2-carbaldehyde) or electron-poor (e.g. pyridine-3-carbaldehyde).

Hydrocarbamoylation of unsaturated bonds by nickel/Lewis-acid catalysis

Formamides are found to undergo addition reactions across alkynes and 1,3-dienes by nickel/Lewis acid catalysis to give a variety of alpha,beta- and beta,gamma-unsaturated amides with stereo- and regioselectivity. Intramolecular insertion reactions of olefins into the C-H bonds of formamides also proceed under similar conditions. The presence of Lewis acid cocatalysts is crucial, and formamide coordination to the Lewis acid is considered to be responsible for the activation of their formyl C-H bonds probably through oxidative addition to nickel(0).