Synthesis of alkyl sulfones via a photocatalytic multicomponent reaction of aryldiazo tetrafluoroborate salts, styrene derivatives, and sodium metabisulfite

Alkyl sulfones are found in numerous valuable organic molecules. Here, we describe a promising approach for the one-pot synthesis of alkyl sulfones under visible light. Aryl diazo salts were allowed to react with styrene derivatives and sodium metabisulfite in the presence of thiophenol as a hydrogen atom transfer reagent and rhodamine B as a photocatalyst to yield alkyl sulfones. Using this process, various alkyl sulfones were readily synthesized under mild reaction conditions. Our results suggest that this approach can provide diverse and valuable sulfones.

Selective Hydrofunctionalization of N-Allenyl Derivatives with Heteronucleophiles Catalyzed by Brønsted Acids

In this study, we present a novel and environmentally sustainable protocol for the γ-hydrofunctionalization of N-allenyl compounds using various heteronucleophiles catalyzed solely by simple Brønsted acids. The method displays remarkable attributes, highlighting its sustainability, efficiency, regio- and stereoselectivity, as well as its versatile applicability to diverse heteroatom-containing enamides. Notably, our approach eliminates the need for metal catalysts and toxic solvents, representing a significant advancement in greener chemistry practices. We demonstrate the broad scope of our protocol by successfully scaling up reactions to gram-scale syntheses, underscoring its robustness for potential industrial implementation. The resulting γ-heterosubstituted enamides offer new possibilities for further synthetic transformations, yielding highly functionalized compounds with diverse applications. Mechanistic investigations reveal the pivotal role of CSA as a catalyst, enabling alcohol addition via a covalent activation mode.

Recent Progress in Free Radical Transformations of Allenamides

Allenamides are special allenes, and the unique reactivity, selectivity (both stereoselective and regionally selective) and stability of allenamides have been widely studied. In this review, the development of the free radical transformation of allenamides over the last few years will be summarized. This review discusses in detail in three parts: intermolecular radical addition to C- X (X = N, S, O, Se) bonds, metal salt mediated cyclization of allenamides, and photocatalytic cyclization of allenamides. In addition, reasonable details of the mechanisms are provided for the vast majority of these transformations.

PhI(OAc)2-Mediated Regioselective Hydrothiolation of Allenamides with Thiophenol via a Radical Process: Synthesis of Vinyl Sulfides

An efficient PhI(OAc)2-mediated regioselective hydrothiolation of allenamides with thiophenol via a radical process was developed to create a workable route to vinyl sulfides. The reaction exhibits a good functional group tolerance and high efficiency, affording the products in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic investigations indicated that the radical cascade proceeds through an allyl radical intermediate, which is formed via the addition of the PhS radical to the central carbon of allenamides. Moreover, the reaction was also efficient with selenophenol, providing the corresponding product, vinyl selenide, in a 99% yield.

Synthesis of 2-Aminofurans and 2-Aminothiophenes through Elemental Sulfur-Promoted Switchable Redox Condensation Reaction of Enaminones with Methylene Nitriles

Herein, we report an elemental sulfur-promoted switchable redox condensation reaction that can selectively prepare 2-aminofurans and 2-aminothiophenes from the corresponding enaminones and methylene nitriles, respectively. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the enaminones, as dual nucleophiles, reacted with nitrile acetate to produce 2-aminofurans via 3,5-annulation under promotion by elemental sulfur. These reactions used readily available starting materials, transition metal-free, eco-friendly procedures, gram-scale syntheses, and wide functional group tolerance. The methodology may be useful for the construction of 2-aminofuran and 2-aminothiophene derivatives with potential biological activity.