Palladium-Catalyzed Pyrazole-Directed sp3 C-H Bond Arylation for the Synthesis of β-Phenethylamines

Ir(iii)/Ag(i)-catalyzed directly C-H amidation of arenes with OH-free hydroxyamides as amidating agents

A versatile Ir(iii)-catalyzed C-H amidation of arenes by employing readily available and stable OH-free hydroxyamides as a novel amidation source. The reaction occurred with high efficiency and tolerance of a range of functional groups. A wide scope of aryl OH-free hydroxyzamides, including conjugated and challenging non-conjugated OH-free hydroxyzamides, were capable of this transformation and no addition of an external oxidant is required. This protocol provided a simple, straightforward and economic method to a variety N-(2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)alkyl)amide derivates with good to excellent yield. Mechanistic study demonstrated that reversible C-H bond functionalisation might be involved in this reaction.

Catalyst-Controlled C-H Allylation and Annulation of 2-Aryl Quinazolinones with 2-Methylidene Cyclic Carbonate

The site-selective modification of quinazolinone as a privileged bicyclic N-heterocycle is an attractive topic in medicinal chemistry and material science. We herein report the ruthenium(II)-catalyzed C-H allylation of 2-aryl quinazolinones with 2-methylidene cyclic carbonate. In addition, tandem C-H allylation and annulation are achieved under rhodium(III) catalysis, resulting in the formation of tetracyclic quinazolinones including a tertiary carbon center. Post-transformations of the synthesized products demonstrate the potential of the developed methodology. A series of mechanistic investigations were also performed.

Ce-catalyzed regioselective synthesis of pyrazoles from 1,2-diols via tandem oxidation and C-C/C-N bond formation

A novel and efficient cerium-catalyzed tandem oxidation and intermolecular ring cyclization of vicinal diols with hydrazones has been achieved for the regioselective synthesis of pyrazole derivatives. The corresponding 1,3-di- and 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazoles were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction has the advantages of mild conditions, easily available starting materials, broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance.

HFIP in Organic Synthesis

1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is a polar, strongly hydrogen bond-donating solvent that has found numerous uses in organic synthesis due to its ability to stabilize ionic species, transfer protons, and engage in a range of other intermolecular interactions. The use of this solvent has exponentially increased in the past decade and has become a solvent of choice in some areas, such as C-H functionalization chemistry. In this review, following a brief history of HFIP in organic synthesis and an overview of its physical properties, literature examples of organic reactions using HFIP as a solvent or an additive are presented, emphasizing the effect of solvent of each reaction.

Acid Catalyzed N-Alkylation of Pyrazoles with Trichloroacetimidates

N-Alkyl pyrazoles are important heterocycles in organic and medicinal chemistry, demonstrating a wide range of biological activity. A new method for the N-alkylation of pyrazoles has been developed using trichloroacetimidate electrophiles and a Brønsted acid catalyst. These reactions provide ready access to N-alkyl pyrazoles which are present in a variety of medicinally relevant lead structures. Benzylic, phenethyl and benzhydryl trichloroacetimidates provide good yields of the N-alkyl pyrazole products. Unsymmetrical pyrazoles provide a mixture of the two possible regioisomers, with the major product being controlled by sterics. This methodology provides an alternative to other alkylation methods that require strong base or high temperature.

Metal-Free Boron-Mediated ortho-C-H Hydroxylation of N-Benzyl-3,4,5-tribromopyrazoles

A novel route has been reported for C-H hydroxylation of benzyl compounds directed by a 3,4,5-tribromopyrazole auxiliary via boronation/oxidation using BBr₃ and NaBO₃·4H₂O. The strategy exhibits outstanding site selectivity and affords the corresponding phenols in moderate to excellent yields under metal-free conditions. Besides, this protocol can be achieved in one pot, which is highly promising as a practical method for use in a multistep organic synthetic process.

Diastereoselective palladium-catalyzed functionalization of prochiral C(sp3)-H bonds of aliphatic and alicyclic compounds

We highlight the reported developments of the palladium-catalyzed C-H activation and functionalization of the inactive/unreactive prochiral C(sp³)-H bonds of aliphatic and alicyclic compounds. There exist numerous classical methods for generating contiguous stereogenic centers in a compound with a high degree of stereocontrol. Along similar lines, the Pd(II)-catalyzed, directing group-aided functionalization of inactive prochiral/diastereotopic C(sp³)-H bonds have been exploited to accomplish the stereoselective construction of stereo-arrays in organic compounds. We present a concise discussion on how specific strategies consisting of Pd(II)-catalyzed, directing group-aided C(sp³)-H functionalization have been utilized to generate two or more stereogenic centers in aliphatic and alicyclic compounds.

The Synthesis of Five-Membered N-Heterocycles by Cycloaddition of Nitroalkenes with (In)Organic Azides and Other 1,3-Dipoles

Cycloaddition reactions have emerged as rapid and powerful methods for constructing heterocycles and carbocycles. [3+2] Cyclo­additions of nitroalkenes with various 1,3-dipoles have been an interesting research area for many organic chemists. This review outlines the synthesis of N-substituted and NH-1,2,3-triazoles along with other five-membered N-heterocycles through cycloaddition reactions of nitro­alkenes.

1 Introduction

2 Synthesis of 1,2,3-Triazoles

2.1 Synthesis of NH-1,2,3-Triazoles

2.2 Synthesis of N-Substituted 1,2,3-Triazoles

3 Synthesis of Pyrrolidines and Pyrroles

4 Synthesis of Pyrazoles

5 Conclusion

Transition-Metal-Catalyzed, Coordination-Assisted Functionalization of Nonactivated C(sp3)-H Bonds

Transition-metal-catalyzed, coordination-assisted C(sp³)-H functionalization has revolutionized synthetic planning over the past few decades as the use of these directing groups has allowed for increased access to many strategic positions in organic molecules. Nonetheless, several challenges remain preeminent, such as the requirement for high temperatures, the difficulty in removing or converting directing groups, and, although many metals provide some reactivity, the difficulty in employing metals outside of palladium. This review aims to give a comprehensive overview of coordination-assisted, transition-metal-catalyzed, direct functionalization of nonactivated C(sp³)-H bonds by covering the literature since 2004 in order to demonstrate the current state-of-the-art methods as well as the current limitations. For clarity, this review has been divided into nine sections by the transition metal catalyst with subdivisions by the type of bond formation. Synthetic applications and reaction mechanism are discussed where appropriate.

Site-Selective Pd-Catalyzed C(sp3 )-H Arylation of Heteroaromatic Ketones

A ligand-controlled site-selective C(sp3 )-H arylation of heteroaromatic ketones has been developed using Pd catalysis. The reaction occurred selectively at the α- or β-position of the ketone side-chain. The switch from α- to β-arylation was realized by addition of a pyridone ligand. The α-arylation process showed broad scope and high site- and chemoselectivity, whereas the β-arylation was more limited. Mechanistic investigations suggested that α-arylation occurs through C-H activation/oxidative addition/reductive elimination whereas β-arylation involves desaturation and aryl insertion.

Direct Preparation of N-Substituted Pyrazoles from Primary Aliphatic or Aromatic Amines

Despite a large number of synthesis procedures for pyrazoles known today, those directly employing primary amines as substrates are rare. Herein, we report an original method for the preparation of N-alkyl and N-aryl pyrazoles from primary aliphatic or aromatic amines as a limiting reagent of the reaction. The protocol utilizes no inorganic reagents and requires a short reaction time, mild conditions, and the use of structurally simple and commercially available starting reagents. During this study, pyrazoles containing a wide variety of N-substituents were obtained using the same procedure for both aliphatic and aromatic amines.

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization-Inspired Room Temperature (sp3)C-N Coupling

A simple nonphotochemical procedure is reported for Cu(I)-catalyzed C-N coupling of aliphatic halides with amines and amides. The process is loosely based on the Goldberg reaction but takes place readily at room temperature. It uses Cu(I)Br, a commonly used and inexpensive atom transfer radical polymerization precatalyst, along with the cheap ligand N,N,N',N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, to activate the R-X bond of the substrate via inner-sphere electron transfer. The procedure brings about productive C-N bond formation between a range of alkyl halide substrates with heterocyclic aromatic amines and amides. The mechanism of the coupling step, which was elucidated through application of computational methods, proceeds via a unique Cu(I) → Cu(II) → Cu(III) → Cu(I) catalytic cycle, involving (a) inner-sphere electron transfer from Cu(I) to the alkyl halide to generate the alkyl radical; (b) successive coordination of the N-nucleophile and the radical to Cu(II); and finally reductive elimination. In the absence of a nucleophile, debrominative homocoupling of the alkyl halide occurs. Control experiments rule out S_N-type mechanisms for C-N bond formation.

Iridium-Catalyzed Regio- and Enantioselective Borylation of Unbiased Methylene C(sp3 )-H Bonds at the Position β to a Nitrogen Center

Reported herein is the pyrazole-directed iridium-catalyzed enantioselective borylation of unbiased methylene C-H bonds at the position β to a nitrogen center. The combination of a chiral bidentate boryl ligand, iridium precursor, and pyrazole directing group was responsible for the high regio- and enantioselectivity observed. The method tolerated a vast array of functional groups to afford the corresponding C(sp³ )-H functionalization products with good to excellent enantioselectivity.

Cobalt-catalyzed ring-opening addition of azabenzonorbornadienes via C(sp3)–H bond activation of 8-methylquinoline

The first ring-opening addition of a benzylic C(sp³)–H bond to azabenzonorbornadienes is demonstrated.

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed unreactive C(sp3)-H alkenylation of N-alkyl-1H-pyrazoles with alkynes

The first example of pyrazole-directed rhodium(iii)-catalyzed unreactive C(sp³)-H alkenylation with alkynes has been described, which showed a relatively broad substrate scope with good functional group compatibility. Moreover, we demonstrated that the transitive coordinating center pyrazole could be easily removed under mild conditions.

1-Aminopyridinium Ylides as Monodentate Directing Groups for sp3 C-H Bond Functionalization

1-Aminopyridinium ylides are efficient directing groups for palladium-catalyzed β-arylation and alkylation of sp³ C-H bonds in carboxylic acid derivatives. The efficiency of these directing groups depends on the substitution at the pyridine moiety. The unsubstituted pyridine-derived ylides allow functionalization of primary C-H bonds, while methylene groups are unreactive in the absence of external ligands. 4-Pyrrolidinopyridine-containing ylides are capable of C-H functionalization in acyclic methylene groups in the absence of external ligands, thus rivaling the efficiency of the aminoquinoline directing group. Preliminary mechanistic studies have been performed. A cyclopalladated intermediate has been isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography, and its reactivity was studied.

Iodine-Catalyzed Regioselective Oxidative Cyclization of Aldehyde Hydrazones with Electron-Deficient Olefins for the Synthesis of Mefenpyr-Diethyl

A regioselective synthesis of polysubstituted dihydropyrazoles and pyrazoles through an iodine-catalyzed oxidative cyclization strategy of aldehyde hydrazones with electron-deficient olefins is described. The protocol adopts very mild reaction conditions and provides desirable yields. The reaction is supposed to proceed via a cascade C-H functionalization, C-N bond formation, and oxidation sequential processes. The overall simplicity and regioselectivity of the catalytic system make this approach a valuable and step-economical tool to construct a C-C bond for the synthesis of Mefenpyr-Diethyl.

Pyrrolo[3,4- c]pyrazole Synthesis via Copper(Ι) Chloride-Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling of Hydrazones to Maleimides

A variety of pyrrolo[3,4- c]pyrazole derivatives from readily available aldehyde hydrazones and maleimides via direct oxidative coupling under radical cascade reaction have been reported. This method offers satisfactory chemical yields and good functional group compatibility. Moreover, this practical approach is catalyzed by CuCl utilizing air as the oxidant and some control experiments were performed to elaborate the mechanism.

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed regioselective distal ortho C–H alkenylation of N-benzyl/furanylmethylpyrazoles directed by N-coordinating heterocycles

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed C–H functionalization of challenging N-benzylpyrazoles, N-benzylindazoles, N-benzylbenzotriazoles and N-furanylmethylpyrazoles with acrylates, vinylsulfone or vinylphosphonate for ortho-alkenylated heterocycles is described.

Recent advances in cobalt-catalysed C–H functionalizations

Ready availability, low cost and low toxicity of cobalt salts have redirected the attention of researchers away from noble metals, such as Pd, Rh, and Ir, towards Co in the field of C–H functionalisation.

A comprehensive overview of directing groups applied in metal-catalysed C-H functionalisation chemistry

The present review is devoted to summarizing the recent advances (2015-2017) in the field of metal-catalysed group-directed C-H functionalisation. In order to clearly showcase the molecular diversity that can now be accessed by means of directed C-H functionalisation, the whole is organized following the directing groups installed on a substrate. Its aim is to be a comprehensive reference work, where a specific directing group can be easily found, together with the transformations which have been carried out with it. Hence, the primary format of this review is schemes accompanied with a concise explanatory text, in which the directing groups are ordered in sections according to their chemical structure. The schemes feature typical substrates used, the products obtained as well as the required reaction conditions. Importantly, each example is commented on with respect to the most important positive features and drawbacks, on aspects such as selectivity, substrate scope, reaction conditions, directing group removal, and greenness. The targeted readership are both experts in the field of C-H functionalisation chemistry (to provide a comprehensive overview of the progress made in the last years) and, even more so, all organic chemists who want to introduce the C-H functionalisation way of thinking for a design of straightforward, efficient and step-economic synthetic routes towards molecules of interest to them. Accordingly, this review should be of particular interest also for scientists from industrial R&D sector. Hence, the overall goal of this review is to promote the application of C-H functionalisation reactions outside the research groups dedicated to method development and establishing it as a valuable reaction archetype in contemporary R&D, comparable to the role cross-coupling reactions play to date.

Synthesis of Unsymmetrical 2,6-Diarylanilines by Palladium-Catalyzed C-H Bond Functionalization Methodology

3,5-Dimethylpyrazole was employed as a monodentate directing group for palladium-catalyzed ortho-sp² C-H arylation with aryl iodides. The reaction shows good functional group tolerance and outstanding selectivity for mono- ortho-arylation. Ozonolysis of ortho-arylated arylpyrazoles gave acylated biphenylamines that were further arylated to afford unsymmetrically substituted 2,6-diarylacetanilides.

sp3 C-H activation via exo-type directing groups

The application of exo-type directing groups (DGs) has led to the discovery of a wide range of novel C(sp3)-H activation methods, which allow efficient and site-selective functionalization of alcohol and amide derivatives. In this mini-review we discuss the challenges of this field and summarize the achievements, including DG designs, reaction discoveries and mechanistic studies.

Manganese/cobalt-catalyzed oxidative C(sp3)–H/C(sp3)–H coupling: a route to α-tertiary β-arylethylamines

An oxidative coupling reaction of an α-C(sp³)–H bond of amine with a benzylic C(sp³)–H bond provides diverse collections of α-tertiary β-arylethylamines.

The α-tertiary amine motif drives remarkable selectivity for Pd-catalyzed carbonylation of β-methylene C-H bonds

The selective C-H carbonylation of methylene bonds in the presence of traditionally more reactive methyl C-H and C(sp2)-H bonds in α-tertiary amines is reported. The exceptional selectivity is driven by the bulky α-tertiary amine motif, which we hypothesise orientates the activating C-H bond proximal to Pd in order to avoid an unfavourable steric clash with a second α-tertiary amine on the Pd centre, promoting preferential cyclopalladation at the methylene position. The reaction tolerates a range of structurally interesting and synthetically versatile functional groups, delivering the corresponding β-lactam products in good to excellent yields.