Benzylic C−H Functionalisation by [Et 3 SiH+KO t Bu] leads to Radical Rearrangements in o‐ tolyl Aryl Ethers, Amines and Sulfides

Reductive Cleavage of C(sp2)-CF3 Bonds in Trifluoromethylpyridines

A reductive detrifluoromethylation protocol has been developed making use of an earth-abundant alkoxide base and silicon hydride species. A variety of pyridine and quinoline substrates bearing alkyl, aryl, and amino functional groups are reduced in moderate to high yields. The reaction is chemoselective for C(sp²)-CF₃ groups located at the 2-position on the pyridine ring, leaving trifluoromethyl groups located elsewhere on the molecule intact. Preliminary mechanistic studies demonstrate that the combination of silane and base generates a strongly reducing system that may transfer an electron to electron-deficient π systems.

Transition-Metal-Free O-Arylation of Alcohols and Phenols with S-Arylphenothiaziniums

Herein, we report the transition-metal-free O-arylation of alcohols and phenols with S-arylphenothiaziniums, which can be easily synthesized from boronic acids. Aryl substituents derived from arylboronic acids were selectively introduced into the hydroxy groups in alcohols and phenols, and a variety of aryl ethers were synthesized. This selectivity is supported by theoretical calculations.

Radical and Ionic Mechanisms in Rearrangements of o-Tolyl Aryl Ethers and Amines Initiated by the Grubbs-Stoltz Reagent, Et3SiH/KOtBu

Rearrangements of o-tolyl aryl ethers, amines, and sulfides with the Grubbs–Stoltz reagent (Et₃SiH + KO^tBu) were recently announced, in which the ethers were converted to o-hydroxydiarylmethanes, while the (o-tol)(Ar)NH amines were transformed into dihydroacridines. Radical mechanisms were proposed, based on prior evidence for triethylsilyl radicals in this reagent system. A detailed computational investigation of the rearrangements of the aryl tolyl ethers now instead supports an anionic Truce–Smiles rearrangement, where the initial benzyl anion can be formed by either of two pathways: (i) direct deprotonation of the tolyl methyl group under basic conditions or (ii) electron transfer to an initially formed benzyl radical. By contrast, the rearrangements of o-tolyl aryl amines depend on the nature of the amine. Secondary amines undergo deprotonation of the N-H followed by a radical rearrangement, to form dihydroacridines, while tertiary amines form both dihydroacridines and diarylmethanes through radical and/or anionic pathways. Overall, this study highlights the competition between the reactive intermediates formed by the Et₃SiH/KO^tBu system.

Et3SiH + KO t Bu provide multiple reactive intermediates that compete in the reactions and rearrangements of benzylnitriles and indolenines

The combination of potassium tert-butoxide and triethylsilane is unusual because it generates multiple different types of reactive intermediates simultaneously that provide access to (i) silyl radical reactions, (ii) hydrogen atom transfer reactions to closed shell molecules and to radicals, (iii) electron transfer reductions and (iv) hydride ion chemistry, giving scope for unprecedented outcomes. Until now, reactions with this reagent pair have generally been explained by reference to one of the intermediates, but we now highlight the interplay and competition between them.