Reactions of alkynes with C-S bond formation: recent developments

Alkynes are important in organic synthesis. This review mainly focuses on recent advances (2013-2023) on alkynes with C-S bond formation, based on more than 30 types of sulfur reagents. The reactions of alkynes with various sulfur-containing compounds including RSSR (disulfides), RSH (thiols), S8 (elemental sulphur), alkynyl thioethers, RSCN, AgSCF3, K2S, Na2S, dithiane, RSCl, NFSI, RNCS, EtOCS2K, thiocarbamate, RSONH2, thiourea, sulfoxide, RSO2N3, CS2, RSO2NH2, RSO2NHNH2, RSO2Cl, RSO2Oar, RSO2SR', DABCO·(SO2)2, Na2S2O5, K2S2O5, RSO2H, RSO2Na and related compounds are discussed. Diverse mechanisms such as radical, electrophilic/nucleophilic addition, rearrangement, C-C bond cleavage, and CuAAC are discussed. The content is organized by substrates and reactivity patterns. We hope it will help in future research in this area.

Oxidative cascade cyclization of N-arylacrylamides with TMSN3

An azido-radical-triggered cyclization of N-(o-cyanobiaryl)acrylamides with TMSN3via a C(sp3)-N/C(sp2)-C(sp3)/C(sp2)-N bond formation cascade is described. This reaction features mild conditions and high bond-forming efficiency, making it an efficient method for the construction of azide-substituted pyridophenanthridines.

Visible-Light-Promoted Cascade Cyclization of 3-Ethynyl-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-Carbonitriles with Unsaturated α-Bromocarbonyls

A visible-light-promoted cascade cyclization of 3-ethynyl-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-carbonitriles with unsaturated α-bromocarbonyls for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[mn]cyclopenta[b]acridines is described. Three C(sp3)-C(sp2) bonds, one C(sp2)-N bond, and three cycles can be formed in a single reaction through the addition of a C-centered radical to the carbon-carbon triple bond and three radical cyclizations. This reaction features mild conditions, wide substrate scope, and high bond-forming efficiency.

Visible-Light-Mediated Three-Component Cascade Sulfonylative Annulation

Visible-light-promoted cascade radical cyclization for the synthesis of sulfonylated benzimidazo/indolo[2,1-a]iso-quinolin-6(5H)-ones has been reported. The reaction provides transition-metal-free and expeditious access to sulfonylated polyaromatics. The use of sodium metabisulfite as a SO₂ surrogate and the rapid generation of molecular complexity using a three-component photochemical protocol are the salient features of this reaction manifold.

Three-component synthesis of arylsulfonyl-substituted indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinones and benzimidazo-[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones by SO2 insertion and radical cascade cyclization

An efficient arylsulfonylation/cyclization of 2-aryl-N-methacryloyl indoles with potassium metabisulfite and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates was developed. A series of variously substituted arylsulfonyl indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones were formed in moderate to good yields via utilization of the nature abundant inorganic salt potassium metabisulfite as a SO₂ surrogate. Additionally, this three-component protocol can also be employed for the synthesis of arylsulfonyl-substituted benzimidazo-[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones.

The synthesis of anticancer sulfonated indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline and benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones derivatives via a free radical cascade pathway

A facile CuBr₂ induced radical relay addition/cyclization of activated alkenes with substituted-thiosulfonates has been achieved, leading to a broad range of sulfonated indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones in moderate to good yields. In particular, some compounds exhibit bioactivity against cancer cell lines. This protocol shows advantages of low-cost, base-free, simple operation, and broad functional group tolerance.

Multicomponent reactions and photo/electrochemistry join forces: atom economy meets energy efficiency

Visible-light photoredox catalysis has been regarded as an extremely powerful tool in organic chemistry, bringing the spotlight back to radical processes. The versatility of photocatalyzed reactions has already been demonstrated to be effective in providing alternative routes for cross-coupling as well as multicomponent reactions. The photocatalyst allows the generation of high-energy intermediates through light irradiation rather than using highly reactive reagents or harsh reaction conditions. In a similar vein, organic electrochemistry has experienced a fruitful renaissance as a tool for generating reactive intermediates without the need for any catalyst. Such milder approaches pose the basis toward higher selectivity and broader applicability. In photocatalyzed and electrochemical multicomponent reactions, the generation of the radical species acts as a starter of the cascade of events. This allows for diverse reactivity and the use of reagents is usually not covered by classical methods. Owing to the availability of cheaper and more standardized photo- and electrochemical reactors, as well as easily scalable flow-setups, it is not surprising that these two fields have become areas of increased research interest. Keeping these in view, this review is aimed at providing an overview of the synthetic approaches in the design of MCRs involving photoredox catalysis and/or electrochemical activation as a crucial step with particular focus on the choice of the difunctionalized reagent.

Palladium-catalyzed radical cascade cyanoalkylsulfonylation/cyclization of 3-arylethynyl-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-carbonitriles with cyclobutanone oxime esters and DABSO

A palladium-catalyzed radical cascade cyanoalkylsulfonylation/cyclization of 3-arylethynyl-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-carbonitriles with DABCO·(SO₂)₂ and cyclobutanone oxime esters via cleavage of a C-C single bond and insertion of SO₂ was described. A series of cyanoalkylsulfone-containing cyclopenta[gh]phenanthridines were obtained in moderate-to-good yields, thus featuring mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and a high functional group tolerance.

Visible-Light-Induced Multicomponent Cascade Cycloaddition of N-Propargyl Aromatic Amines, Cyclobutanone Oxime Esters, and K2S2O5: Access to Cyanoalkylsulfonylated Quinolines

A visible-light-induced cascade cyanoalkylsulfonylation/cyclization/aromatization of N-propargyl aromatic amines with K₂S₂O₅ and cyclobutanone oxime esters for the construction of cyanoalkylsulfonylated quinolines is developed. This cascade transformation features mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and excellent functional group compatibility, providing a convenient route toward cyanoalkylsulfonylated quinolines via the formation of a C-C bond and two C-S bonds in one step.

Mechanochemical synthesis of aromatic sulfonamides

A three-component Pd-catalysed aminosulfonylation reaction of K₂S₂O₅ and amine with aryl bromides or aromatic carboxylic acids was developed. This strategy was developed to utilise mechanical energy and accommodate primary as well as secondary aliphatic and aromatic amines to provide a new shortcut to a wide range of sulfonamides. Studies on the scope and limitations of the reaction indicated its tolerance of a vast range of functional groups and many structural patterns. The reactions were scaled up to gram quantities.

Advances in photochemical and electrochemical incorporation of sulfur dioxide for the synthesis of value-added compounds

Organic photochemistry and electrochemistry currently receive tremendous attention in organic synthesis as both techniques enable the reagent-less activation of organic molecules without using expensive and hazardous redox reagents. The incorporation of SO₂ into organic molecules is a relatively modern research topic, which likewise gains immense popularity since the discovery of the SO₂ surrogate DABSO. Sulfur-containing organic molecules are omnipresent in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. This review covers the recent progress in electrochemical and photochemical methodologies for the incorporation and uses of SO₂ in the synthesis of value-added compounds. Additionally, different work techniques are demonstrated for the synthetic application of SO₂.

Ni-Catalyzed radical cyclization of vinyl azides with cyclobutanone oxime esters to access cyanoalkyl containing quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones

A nickel-catalyzed cascade addition/cyclization of 2-azido-N-arylacrylamides and cyclobutanone oxime esters for the construction of 3-cyanoalkylated quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones is developed. This reaction proceeds under mild conditions with good functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. A preliminary mechanistic experiment indicated that the cyanoalkyl radical might be involved in this transformation.

A photoredox- or metal-catalyzed three-component cyanoalkylsulfonylation reaction of 1-(allyloxy)-2-(1-arylvinyl)benzenes, potassium metabisulfite, and cycloketone oxime esters: synthesis of cyanoalkylsulfonylated benzoxepines

A visible light photocatalyzed or metal-catalyzed three-component cyanoalkylsulfonylation of 1-(allyloxy)-2-(1-arylvinyl)benzenes, potassium metabisulfite and cyclobutanone oxime esters is developed.

Photoinduced intramolecular carbosulfonylation of alkynes: access to sulfone-containing dibenzazepines from sulfur dioxide

A visible-light-driven three-component carbosulfonylation of terminal alkynes, DABCO (SO₂)₂ and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates is developed, leading to sulfone-containing dibenzazepines in moderate to good yields under mild conditions.

Visible-light-induced radical cascade cyclization of 1-(allyloxy)-2-(1-arylvinyl)benzenes with sulfonyl chlorides for the synthesis of sulfonated benzoxepines

A visible light photocatalyzed cascade sulfonylation/cyclization of 1-(allyloxy)-2-(1-arylvinyl)benzenes with sulfonyl chlorides for the construction of sulfonated benzoxepines is developed.

A visible-light photoredox-catalyzed four-component reaction for the construction of sulfone-containing quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones

A visible-light photoredox-catalyzed four component reaction of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones, alkenes, aryldiazonium, and sodium metabisulfite leading to sulfone-containing quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones has been developed.