Domino Meyer-Schuster/Arylation Reaction of Alkynols or Alkynyl Hydroperoxides with Diazonium Salts Promoted by Visible Light under Dual Gold and Ruthenium Catalysis

Straightforward Access to Isoindoles and 1,2-Dihydrophthalazines Enabled by a Gold-Catalyzed Three-Component Reaction

We describe herein a gold-catalyzed three-component reaction of o-alkynylbenzaldehydes, aryldiazonium salts, and trimethoxybenzene. This process enables the one-pot formation of valuable isoindoles and 1,2-dihydrophathalazines. The regioselectivity of the reaction is dictated by the nature of the aryldiazonium salt. Noticeably, the reaction is performed at room temperature under mild conditions and tolerates a variety of functional groups on both the o-alkynylbenzaldehyde and the aryldiazonium salt. Experimental mechanistic studies suggest that it is catalyzed by arylAu(III) species.

Transition metal catalysed cascade C-C and C-O bond forming events of alkynes

The past few decades have witnessed the emergence of domino reactions as a powerful tool for the multi-functionalization of alkynes for the rapid and smooth construction of complex molecular architectures. In this context, employing transition metal catalysis, vicinal/geminal cascade functionalization of alkynes involving C-C and C-O bond-formation reactions, has become a preferred strategy for the synthesis of oxygenated motifs. Despite this significant progress, reviews documenting such strategies are either metal/functional group-centric or target-oriented, thus hampering further developments. Therefore, in this review, different conceptual approaches based on C-C and C-O bond-forming events of alkynes such as carboxygenation (C-C and CO bond formation), carboalkoxylation (C-C and C-OR bond formation), and carboacetoxylation (C-C and C-OAc bond formations) are discussed, and examples from the literature from the last two decades are presented. Further, we have presented detailed insights into the mechanism of different transformations.

Computational Insights into the Photoinduced Dimeric Gold-Catalyzed Divergent Dechloroalkylation of gem-Dichloroalkanes with Alkenes

The employment of dinuclear Au(I) catalysts in photomediated modern organic transformations has attracted significant attention over the past decade, which commonly demonstrates unique catalytic performance compared with the corresponding mononuclear gold complexes. Nevertheless, detailed mechanisms of dinuclear gold catalysis remain ambiguous, and further mechanistic understanding is highly desirable. Herein, computational studies were carried out to gain mechanistic insights into the photoinduced dinuclear gold-catalyzed divergent dechloroalkylation of gem-dichloroalkanes. Computational results suggest that a proton transfer from the additive, Hantzsch ester (HE), to the base, guanidine, could lead to an ionic pair complex, which is ready to undergo excitation under blue light irradiation to result in the corresponding triplet excited state. Then, the excited complex might undergo oxidative quenching with the dinuclear gold photocatalyst [AuI-AuI]2+, via a single-electron-transfer (SET) step to afford an unusual [Au1/2-Au1/2]+ dinuclear species. The corresponding mononuclear gold catalyst, [AuI]+, however, is not ready to enable the analogous step to give a [Au0] species, which might account for the unique characteristics of dinuclear gold catalysis. Subsequently, the formed [Au1/2-Au1/2]+ intermediate could trigger a Cl-atom transfer from dichloromethane in an inner-sphere manner to furnish a critical chloromethyl radical. Next, the resulting chloromethyl radical could attack the alkenyl moiety of substrates to generate the corresponding alkyl radicals. Then, three possible mechanistic pathways were explored to rationalize the substrate-dependent divergent transformations in this protocol. The main factors responsible for the diversified transformations were discussed.

A metal-free tandem dehydrogenative α-arylation reaction of propargylic alcohols with 2-alkynylbenzaldoximes toward the synthesis of α-(4-bromo-isoquinolin-1-yl)-propenone skeletons

A tandem reaction of 2-alkynylbenzaldoximes with propargylic alcohols has been developed for the synthesis of α-(4-bromo-isoquinolin-1-yl)-propenones. Employing 2-alkynylbenzaldoximes as a precursor in the presence of Br₂ generates 4-bromo-isoquinoline-N-oxides. Subsequently, dehydroxylation of propargylic alcohols gives carbocation intermediates, which are trapped using the N-oxides, affording aryl-substituted α-enones.

Metallaphotoredox: The Merger of Photoredox and Transition Metal Catalysis

The merger of photoredox catalysis with transition metal catalysis, termed metallaphotoredox catalysis, has become a mainstay in synthetic methodology over the past decade. Metallaphotoredox catalysis has combined the unparalleled capacity of transition metal catalysis for bond formation with the broad utility of photoinduced electron- and energy-transfer processes. Photocatalytic substrate activation has allowed the engagement of simple starting materials in metal-mediated bond-forming processes. Moreover, electron or energy transfer directly with key organometallic intermediates has provided novel activation modes entirely complementary to traditional catalytic platforms. This Review details and contextualizes the advancements in molecule construction brought forth by metallaphotocatalysis.

Metal-to-Metal Distance Modulated Au(I)/Ru(II) Cyclophanyl Complexes: Cooperative Effects in Photoredox Catalysis

The modular synthesis of Au(I)/Ru(II) decorated mono- and heterobimetallic complexes with π-conjugated [2.2]paracyclophane is described. [2.2]Paracyclophane serves as a rigid spacer which holds the metal centers in precise spatial orientations and allows metal-to-metal distance modulation. A broad set of architectural arrangements of pseudo -geminal, -ortho, -meta, and -para substitution patterns were employed. Metal-to-metal distance modulation of Au(I)/Ru(II) heterobimetallic complexes and the innate transannular π-communication of the cyclophanyl scaffold provides a promising platform for the investigations of structure-activity relationship and cooperative effects. The Au(I)/Ru(II) heterobimetallic cyclophanyl complexes are stable, easily accessible, and exhibit promising catalytic activity in the visible-light promoted arylative Meyer-Schuster rearrangement.

Switchable Divergent Synthesis in Gold-Catalyzed Difunctionalizations of o-Alkynylbenzenesulfonamides with Aryldiazonium Salts

Gold-catalyzed difunctionalizations of o-alkynylbenzenesulfonamides with aryldiazonium salts are reported herein. Upon irradiation with the blue LEDs, benzosultam products were formed via aminoarylation accompanied by the release of N₂. Without irradiation, aryldiazonium salts were engaged as efficient electrophiles, facilitating electrophilic deaurations of the vinyl-Au(I) intermediates, followed by tautomerization to give the N-aryl-substituted α-imino (E)-hydrazones. The regioselectivities of 6-endo-dig and 5-exo-dig cyclizations were excellent.

The interplay of carbophilic activation and Au(I)/Au(III) catalysis: an emerging technique for 1,2-difunctionalization of C-C multiple bonds

Gold complexes have emerged as the catalysts of choice for various functionalization reactions of C-C multiple bonds due to their inherent carbophilic nature. In a parallel space, efforts to realize less accessible cross-coupling reactivity have led to the development of various strategies that facilitate the arduous Au(i)/Au(iii) redox cycle. The interplay of the two important reactivity modes encountered in gold catalysis, namely carbophilic activation and Au(i)/Au(iii) catalysis, has allowed the development of a novel mechanistic paradigm that sponsors 1,2-difunctionalization reactions of various C-C multiple bonds. Interestingly, the reactivity as well as selectivity obtained through this interplay could be complementary to that obtained by the use of various other transition metals that mainly involved the classical oxidative addition/migratory insertion pathways. The present review shall comprehensively cover all the 1,2-difunctionalization reactions of C-C multiple bonds that have been realized by the interplay of the two important reactivity modes and categorized on the basis of the method that has been employed to foster the Au(i)/Au(iii) redox cycle.

Catalytically Generated Vanadium Enolates Formed via Interruption of the Meyer-Schuster Rearrangement as Useful Reactive Intermediates

Enolate chemistry is one of the most fundamental strategies for the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. Classically, this has been accomplished through the use of stoichiometric quantities of strong base and cryogenic reaction temperatures. However, these techniques present issues related to enolate regioselectivity and functional group tolerance. While more modern methods utilizing stoichiometric activating agents have overcome some of these limitations, these processes add additional steps and suffer from poor atom economy. While certain classes of highly acidic nucleophiles have enabled the development of elegant and general catalytic solutions to address all of these limitations, functionalizing less acidic nucleophiles remains difficult.To overcome these challenges, we developed an alternative general approach for the formation and subsequent functionalization of metal enolates that leverages catalytic amounts of Lewis acid and entirely avoids the need for exogenous base or stoichiometric additives. To do so, we re-engineered the classical Meyer-Schuster rearrangement, which normally converts propargylic alcohols into α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. By careful control of reaction conditions and by selection of an appropriate vanadium-oxo catalyst, the transient metal enolates formed via the 1,3-transposition of propargylic or allenylic alcohols can be guided away from simple protonation reaction pathways and toward more synthetically productive carbon-carbon, carbon-halogen, and carbon-nitrogen bond-forming processes.By utilizing readily available propargylic and allenylic alcohols as our starting materials and relying on a catalytic 1,3-transposition to generate metal enolates in situ, all issues related to the regioselectivity of enolate formation are resolved. Likewise, utilization of a simple isomerization for enolate formation results in a highly efficient process that can be 100% atom economical. The mild reaction conditions employed also allow for remarkable chemoselectivity. Functional groups not typically conducive to enolate chemistry, such as alkynyl ketones, methyl ketones, free alcohols, and primary alkyl halides, are all well tolerated. Finally, by varying the substitution patterns of the alcohol starting materials, enolates of ketones, esters, and even amides are all accessible.Utilizing this strategy starting from propargylic alcohols, we have developed functionalization reactions that produce highly substituted and geometrically defined α-functionalized α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Such processes include aldol, Mannich, and electrophilic halogenation reactions, as well as dual catalytic reactions wherein catalytically generated vanadium enolates are trapped with catalytically generated palladium π-allyl electrophiles. In the case of allenylic alcohols, we have developed complementary aldol, Mannich, halogenation, and dual catalytic processes to generate α'-functionalized α,β-unsaturated carbonyl products.The results described in this work showcase the power and generality of our alternative approach to enolate chemistry. Additionally, we point out unaddressed challenges in the field and invite other groups to help innovate in these areas.

Rhodium-catalyzed ortho-acrylation of aryl ketone O-methyl oximes with cyclopropenones

An efficient Rh-catalyzed ortho-acrylation reaction for the synthesis of chalcones from O-methyl ketoximes and cyclopropenones via C-H bond activation has been described. This cross-coupling reaction exhibits high functional group tolerance and regioselectivity. A wide range of chalcone derivatives are obtained in moderate to good yields under mild conditions.

A highly stable, Au/Ru heterobimetallic photoredox catalyst with a [2.2]paracyclophane backbone

We report the synthesis and catalytic application of a highly stable distance-defined Au/Ru heterobimetallic complex. [2.2]Paracyclophane serves as a backbone, holding the two metal centers in a spatial orientation and metal-metal fixed distance. The Au/Ru heterobimetallic complex is highly stable, easily accessible and exhibits promising catalytic activity in a visible-light mediated dual Au/Ru Meyer-Schuster rearrangement.

Gold-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions: An Overview of Design Strategies, Mechanistic Studies, and Applications

Transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions are central to many organic synthesis methodologies. Traditionally, Pd, Ni, Cu, and Fe catalysts are used to promote these reactions. Recently, many studies have showed that both homogeneous and heterogeneous Au catalysts can be used for activating selective cross-coupling reactions. Here, an overview of the past studies, current trends, and future directions in the field of gold-catalyzed coupling reactions is presented. Design strategies to accomplish selective homocoupling and cross-coupling reactions under both homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions, computational and experimental mechanistic studies, and their applications in diverse fields are critically reviewed. Specific topics covered are: oxidant-assisted and oxidant-free reactions; strain-assisted reactions; dual Au and photoredox catalysis; bimetallic synergistic reactions; mechanisms of reductive elimination processes; enzyme-mimicking Au chemistry; cluster and surface reactions; and plasmonic catalysis. In the relevant sections, theoretical and computational studies of Au^I /Au^III chemistry are discussed and the predictions from the calculations are compared with the experimental observations to derive useful design strategies.

Light-Induced Mechanistic Divergence in Gold(I) Catalysis: Revisiting the Reactivity of Diazonium Salts

In a systematic study of the Au-catalyzed reaction of o-alkynylphenols with aryldiazonium salts, we find that essentially the same reaction conditions lead to a change in mechanism when a light source is applied. If the reaction is carried out at room temperature using a AuI catalyst, the diazonium salt undergoes electrophilic deauration of a vinyl AuI intermediate and provides access to substituted azobenzofurans. If the reaction mixture is irradiated with blue LED light, C-C bond formation due to N2 -extrusion from the diazonium salt is realized selectively, using the same starting materials without the need for an additional photo(redox) catalyst under aerobic conditions. We report a series of experiments demonstrating that the same vinyl AuI intermediate is capable of producing the observed products under photolytic and thermal conditions. The finding that a vinyl AuI complex can directly, without the need for an additional photo(redox) catalyst, result in C-C bond formation under photolytic conditions is contrary to the proposed mechanistic pathways suggested in the literature till date and highlights that the role of oxidation state changes in photoredox catalysis involving Au is thus far only poorly understood and may hold surprises for the future. Computational results indicate that photochemical activation can occur directly from a donor-acceptor complex formed between the vinyl AuI intermediate and the diazonium salt.

Metal-supported and -assisted stereoselective cooperative photoredox catalysis

In this perspective, we review those stereoselective photocatalytic reactions that use synergy between photoredox catalysts and transition metal catalysts. In particular, we highlight the orchestrated interaction between two and more metals which not only enhance the turnover numbers, but also lead to increased selectivities. Aspects of green chemistry and sustainable developments are included. In this review, C-C, C-O, C-N and C-S forming reactions are discussed and a perspective on future developments is given.

Gold redox catalysis for cyclization/arylation of allylic oximes: synthesis of isoxazoline derivatives

Base-assisted diazonium activation has been employed to promote gold(i)/(iii) redox catalysis toward allylic oxime cyclization/aryl coupling. Functional isoxazolines were prepared with good to excellent yields, while the alternative photoactivation method provided trace amounts of the isoxazoline products. This study further broadens the scope of gold redox chemistry.

Mechanism of Photoredox-Initiated C-C and C-N Bond Formation by Arylation of IPrAu(I)-CF3 and IPrAu(I)-Succinimide

Herein, we report on the photoredox-initiated gold-mediated C(sp²)-CF₃ and C(sp²)-N coupling reactions. By adopting gold as a platform for probing metallaphotoredox catalysis, we demonstrate that cationic gold(III) complexes are the key intermediates of the C-C and C-N coupling reactions. The high-valent gold(III) intermediates are accessed by virtue of photoredox catalysis through a radical chain process. In addition, the bond-forming step of the coupling reactions is the reductive elimination from cationic gold(III) intermediates, which is supported by isolation and crystallographic characterization of key Au(III) intermediates.

Highly Regioselective Synthesis of Oxindolyl-Pyrroles and Quinolines via a One-Pot, Sequential Meyer-Schuster Rearrangement, Anti-Michael Addition/C(sp3)-H Functionalization, and Azacyclization

A one-pot, sequential Meyer-Schuster (MS) rearrangement of oxindole-derived propargyl alcohols to the corresponding α,β-unsaturated enones and their anti-Michael addition, followed by intramolecular azacyclization is described in a highly regioselective manner using Ca(OTf)₂ as the promoter. Further, we described the one-pot MS rearrangement, followed by C_(sp³)-H functionalization of 2-methyl azaarenes at α-carbon of these doubly activated alkenes. Control experiments and computational calculations were performed to propose the reaction mechanism.

Cascade photoredox/gold catalysis: access to multisubstituted indoles via aminoarylation of alkynes

A new method for the synthesis of 3-arylindoles has been developed by visible light mediated dual gold/photoredox catalysis. This transformation has many features such as cascade catalysis, high efficiency, redox-neutral reaction conditions and good functional group tolerance. The reaction proceeds through the photoredox-promoted formation of an electrophilic arylgold(iii) intermediate that undergoes coupling with the arylamine nucleophile.

Gold(i)-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of aryldiazonium salts with organostannanes

Gold(i)-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of aryldiazonium salts with organostannanes are described.

Gold promoted arylative cyclization of alkynoic acids with arenediazonium salts

Arylgold(iii) species generated from arenediazonium salts and Au(i) under thermal conditions promote the arylative cyclization of alkynoic acids leading to tetrasubstituted lactones.

Visible light mediated desilylative C(sp2)–C(sp2) cross-coupling reactions of arylsilanes with aryldiazonium salts under Au(i)/Au(iii) catalysis

Desilylative C(sp²)–C(sp²) cross-coupling reactions of arylsilanes with aryldiazonium salts under Au(i)/photoredox catalysis have been reported.

Oxidant-free oxidative gold catalysis: the new paradigm in cross-coupling reactions

The construction of C–C and C–X (X = hetero atom) bonds is the core aspect for the assembly of molecules. This feature article critically presents an overview of all the redox neutral cross-coupling reactions enabled by gold catalysis, which we believe would stimulate further research activities in this promising area.

α,β-Diaryl unsaturated ketones via palladium-catalyzed ring-opening of cyclopropenones with organoboronic acids

Palladium-catalyzed ring-opening acylation of cyclopropenones with organoboronic acids (aryl and vinylboronic acids) at room temperature has been developed to synthesise α,β-diaryl unsaturated ketones with good yields and excellent stereospecificity.

Gold(I)-Catalyzed Cyclization/Carbonylation Cascade Reaction of 1,6-Diynes: An Access to β,γ-Unsaturated Ketones

A gold-catalyzed cyclization/carbonylation cascade reaction of 1,6-diynes is reported. The reaction goes through 6-exo-dig and 6-endo-dig cyclizations in sequence, followed by hydration to provide the β,γ-unsaturated ketones with moderate to high yields under mild reaction conditions. This is the first example of intercepting the postulated 1,3-oxazine vinylgold intermediate with another pendant alkyne, which not only verifies the proposed mechanism but also provides the ketone products with cyclized 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine or 3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran frameworks from corresponding diynes.

Gold Redox Catalysis through Base-Initiated Diazonium Decomposition toward Alkene, Alkyne, and Allene Activation

The discovery of photoassisted diazonium activation toward gold(I) oxidation greatly extended the scope of gold redox catalysis by avoiding the use of a strong oxidant. Some practical issues that limit the application of this new type of chemistry are the relative low efficiency (long reaction time and low conversion) and the strict reaction condition control that is necessary (degassing and inert reaction environment). Herein, an alternative photofree condition has been developed through Lewis base induced diazonium activation. With this method, an unreactive AuI catalyst was used in combination with Na2 CO3 and diazonium salts to produce a AuIII intermediate. The efficient activation of various substrates, including alkyne, alkene and allene was achieved, followed by rapid AuIII reductive elimination, which yielded the C-C coupling products with good to excellent yields. Relative to the previously reported photoactivation method, our approach offered greater efficiency and versatility through faster reaction rates and broader reaction scope. Challenging substrates such as electron rich/neutral allenes, which could not be activated under the photoinitiation conditions (<5 % yield), could be activated to subsequently yield the desired coupling products in good to excellent yield.