Iron-Catalyzed Intermolecular 1,2-Difunctionalization of Styrenes and Conjugated Alkenes with Silanes and Nucleophiles

Catalyst-Free Visible Light-Driven Hydrosulfonylation of Alkenes and Alkynes with Sulfonyl Chlorides in Water

A convenient and sustainable method for synthesizing sulfonyl-containing compounds through a catalyst-free aqueous-phase hydrosulfonylation of alkenes and alkynes with sulfonyl chlorides under visible light irradiation is presented. Unactivated alkenes, electron-deficient alkenes, alkyl and aryl alkynes can be hydrosulfonylated with various sulfonyl chlorides at room temperature with excellent yields and geometric selectivities by using tris(trimethylsilyl)silane as a hydrogen atom donor and silyl radical precursor to activate sulfonyl chlorides. Mechanistic studies revealed that the photolysis of tris(trimethylsilyl)silane in aqueous solution to produce silyl radical is crucial for the success of this reaction.

Silylation and (Hetero)aryl/alkenylation of Unactivated Alkenes via Radical-Mediated Distal 1,4-Migration with Hydrosilanes under Organophotocatalysis

We report a novel organic photoredox catalysis to achieve unprecedented γ-(hetero)aryl/alkenyl-δ-silyl aliphatic amines via silyl-mediated distal (hetero)aryl/alkenyl migration of aromatic/alkenyl amines bearing unactivated alkenes with hydrosilanes. This protocol features mild and metal-free reaction conditions, high atom economy, excellent selectivity, and functional group compatibility. Mechanistic studies suggest that silylation and (hetero)aryl/alkenylation involve photoredox hydrogen atom transfer catalysis and subsequent 1,4-migration of a remote (hetero)aryl/alkenyl group from nitrogen to carbon.

Nickel/photoredox-catalyzed three-component silylacylation of acrylates via chlorine photoelimination

The extensive utility of organosilicon compounds across a wide range of disciplines has sparked significant interest in their efficient synthesis. Although catalytic 1,2-silyldifunctionalization of alkenes provides a promising method for the assembly of intricate organosilicon frameworks with atom and step economy, its advancement is hindered by the requirement of an external hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) agent in photoredox catalysis. Herein, we disclose an efficient three-component silylacylation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, leveraging a synergistic nickel/photoredox catalysis with various hydrosilanes and aroyl chlorides. This method enables the direct conversion of acrylates into valuable building blocks that contain both carbonyl and silicon functionalities through a single, redox-neutral process. Key to this reaction is the precise activation of the Si-H bond, achieved through chlorine radical-induced HAT, enabled by the photoelimination of a Ni-Cl bond. Acyl chlorides serve a dual role, functioning as both acylating agents and chloride donors. Our methodology is distinguished by its mild conditions and extensive substrate adaptability, significantly enhancing the late-stage functionalization of pharmaceuticals.

Synthesis of α/β-Aromatic Peroxy Thiols Mediated by Iodine Source

Peroxygenated compounds have wide applications in various fields, including chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, medicine, and materials science. However, there is still a need for more efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis methods for such compounds. Herein, we investigated the two-step, one-pot, regioselective synthesis of α/β-aromatic peroxy thiols. We explored various substrates and solvents for the reaction and identified the optimal reaction conditions. We successfully obtained several peroxy thiols in moderate to good yields via the selective generation of effective intermediates of iodoalkyl peroxides at room temperature without the need for metal catalysts.

Nickel-Catalyzed Aminofluoroalkylative Cyclization of Styrenes with Ethyl Fluoroacetate and Anilines toward Fluoro-γ-Lactams

A novel method for the nickel-catalyzed multicomponent aminofluoroalkylation/cyclization of styrenes with ethyl fluoroacetate and anilines has been developed. This protocol provides general and efficient access to a diverse range of fluoro-γ-lactams from simple and readily available starting materials. Control experiments prove the involvement of radical intermediates and excluded the presence of 2-fluoro-N-phenylacetamide.

Ligand-modulated nickel-catalyzed regioselective silylalkylation of alkenes

Organosilicon compounds have shown tremendous potential in drug discovery and their synthesis stimulates wide interest. Multicomponent cross-coupling of alkenes with silicon reagents is used to yield complex silicon-containing compounds from readily accessible feedstock chemicals but the reaction with simple alkenes remains challenging. Here, we report a regioselective silylalkylation of simple alkenes, which is enabled by using a stable Ni(II) salt and an inexpensive trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane ligand as a catalyst. Remarkably, this reaction can tolerate a broad range of olefins bearing various functional groups, including alcohol, ester, amides and ethers, thus it allows for the efficient and selective assembly of a diverse range of bifunctional organosilicon building blocks from terminal alkenes, alkyl halides and the Suginome reagent. Moreover, an expedient synthetic route toward alpha-Lipoic acid has been developed by this methodology.

Base-mediated C-B bond activation of benzylic boronate for the rapid construction of β-silyl/boryl functionalized 1,1-diarylalkanes from aromatic alkenes

The effect of tBuOK on the existing state of benzylic boronates in the solution phase has been investigated in detail by NMR analysis and DFT calculations. It was determined that simply using an excess of tBuOK (2.0 equivalents) can result in the full deborylation of benzylic boronates to afford free benzyl potassium species. These mechanistic insights were leveraged for the facile construction of β-silyl/boryl functionalized 1,1-diarylalkanes from aromatic alkenes via the combination of base-mediated silylboration or diborylation of aromatic alkenes and nucleophilic-type reactions with various electrophiles. Based on further machine-learning-assisted screening, the scope of electrophiles for this transformation can be generalized to the challenging aromatic heterocycles. Late-stage functionalization performed on several drug-relevant molecules generates the highly valuable 1,1-diaryl framework.

Silylacylation of Alkenes through N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis

The construction of silicon-containing molecules has received increasing attention in recent years. Herein, we report the generation of silyl radicals through NHC catalysis under mild reaction conditions. This methodology offers a novel and convenient route to a diverse range of β-silyl ketones with a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. Both the radical clock and electrochemical studies are consistent with the hypothesis of ground-state SET, and a plausible mechanism for the organocatalytic transformation is proposed.

Synthesis of Unprotected β-Arylethylamines by Iron(II)-Catalyzed 1,2-Aminoarylation of Alkenes in Hexafluoroisopropanol

β-Arylethylamines are prevalent structural motifs in molecules exhibiting biological activity. Here we report a sequential one-pot protocol for the 1,2-aminoarylation of alkenes with hydroxylammonium triflate salts and (hetero)arenes. Unlike existing methods, this reaction provides a direct entry to unprotected β-arylethylamines with remarkable functional group tolerance, allowing key drug-oriented functional groups to be installed in a two-step process. The use of hexafluoroisopropanol as a solvent in combination with an iron(II) catalyst proved essential to reaching high-value nitrogen-containing molecules.

Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile 1,2-Silyl-Arylation of 1,3-Dienes with Chlorosilanes and Aryl Bromides

Catalytic, three-component, cross-electrophile reactions have recently emerged as a promising tool for molecular diversification, but studies have focused mainly on the alkyl-carbonations of alkenes. Herein, the scope of this method has been extended to conjugated dienes and silicon chemistry through silylative difunctionalization of 1,3-dienes with chlorosilanes and aryl bromides. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions to afford 1,2-linear-silylated products, a selectivity that is different to those obtained from conventional methods via an intermediary of H(C)-η³ -π-allylmetal species. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that chlorosilane reacts with 1,3-diene first and then couples with aryl bromide.

Light-Promoted Arylsilylation of Alkenes with Hydrosilanes

Herein, we report light-promoted photo/hydrogen atom transfer dual catalysis for arylsilylation of alkenes via the radical-radical cross-coupling with diverse hydrosilanes, which provides a simple and efficient method to prepare various organosilicon compounds with a wide range of substrate scope and good functional group tolerance under transition-metal- and chemical-oxidant-free conditions. Furthermore, the arylsilylation of alkenes can also proceed via the possible electron donor-acceptor complex under exogenous photocatalyst-free conditions.

Silyl Radical Cascade Cyclization of 2-Isocyanothioanisole toward 2-Silylbenzothiazoles through Radical Initiator-Inhibitor Symbiosis

A demethylative silyl radical cascade cyclization of 2-isocyanothioanisoles toward 2-silylated benzothiazole building blocks has been developed. The development of a "radical initiator-inhibitor symbiosis" system solves the challenge of otherwise dominant methyl radical-triggered side reactions brought about by kinetically unfavored generation of reactive silyl radical species. The products accessed in this protocol are amendable to various downstream functionalization reactions, including the quick construction of a topoisomerase II inhibitor via a Hiyama cross-coupling reaction and of an antiviral agent via a fluoride-/hydroxide-free nucleophilic substitution to acyl chloride.

1,2-Silylpyridylation Reaction of Aryl Alkenes with Silylboronate

A metal-free silyl-pyridylation of alkenes using silyl boronates and B₂pin₂ through a pyridine-mediated B-interelement activation has been demonstrated, which provides a practical strategy for a variety of C₄-silylalkylated pyridines. DFT calculations and control experiments show that the reaction proceeds through a silyl radical addition/radical-radical coupling sequence. This protocol features a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility, and thus it showcases great potential in the late-stage modification of bioactive molecules.

Synthesis of Benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinoline and Indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline Derivatives via Copper-Catalyzed Silylation/Methylation of 2-Arylindoles and 2-Arylbenzimidazoles

A one-pot method for the synthesis of silylsubstituted/methylsubstituted indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones and benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-6(5H)-ones via copper(II)-initiated silylation/methylation of 2-arylindoles and 2-arylbenzimidazoles was developed. In this procedure, the C-Si bond and C-C bond were constructed by radical addition and cyclization. A series of 2-arylindole and 2-arylbenzimidazole derivatives were facilely transformed to indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolines in 39-83% yields.

Intermolecular Carbosilylation of α-Olefins with C(sp3 )-C(sp) Bond Formation Involving Silylium-Ion Regeneration

A regioselective addition of alkynylsilanes across unactivated, terminal alkenes is reported. The reaction is initiated by the capture of a sterically unhindered silylium ion by a silylated phenylacetylene derivative to form a bis(silylated) ketene‐like carbocation. This in situ‐generated key intermediate is the actual catalyst that maintains the catalytic cycle by a series of electrophilic addition reactions of silylium ions and β‐silicon‐stabilized carbocations. The computed reaction mechanism is fully consistent with the experimental findings. This unprecedented two‐component carbosilylation establishes a C(sp³)−C(sp) bond and a C(sp³)−Si bond in atom‐economic fashion.

Salt-Stabilized Silylzinc Pivalates for Nickel-Catalyzed Carbosilylation of Alkenes

We herein report the preparation of solid and salt-stabilized silylzinc pivalates from the corresponding silyllithium reagents via transmetalation with Zn(OPiv)₂ . These resulting organosilylzinc pivalates show enhanced air and moisture stability and unique reactivity in the silylative difunctionalization of alkenes. Thus, a practical chelation-assisted nickel-catalyzed regioselective alkyl and benzylsilylation of alkenes has been developed, which provides an easy method to access alkyl silanes with broad substrate scope and wide functional group compatibility. Kinetic experiments highlight that the OPiv-coordination is crucial to improve the reactivity of silylzinc pivalates. Furthermore, late-stage functionalizations of druglike molecules and versatile modifications of the products illustrate the synthetical utility of this protocol.

Copper-Catalyzed Three-Component Germyl Peroxidation of Alkenes

The concurrent incorporation of a germyl fragment and another functional group (beyond the hydrogen atom) across the C═C double bond is a highly appealing yet challenging task. Herein we demonstrate the efficient germyl peroxidation of alkenes with germanium hydrides and tert-butyl hydroperoxide via a copper-catalyzed three-component radical relay strategy. This protocol exhibits excellent functional group tolerance and exquisite chemo- and regioselectivity under mild conditions and represents a rare example of constructing synthetically challenging metal-embedded organic peroxides.

Synthesis of β-Silyl-α-amino Acid Derivatives by Cu-Catalyzed Regio- and Enantioselective Silylamination of α,β-Unsaturated Esters

A copper-catalyzed silylamination of α,β-unsaturated esters with silylboranes and hydroxylamines has been developed to afford the corresponding β-silyl-α-amino acid derivatives, which are of great interest in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry. Additionally, by using a suitable chiral bisphosphine ligand, the asymmetric induction is possible, delivering the optically active β-silyl-α-amino acids with synthetically acceptable diastereomeric ratios (55:45-82:18 dr) and high enantiomeric ratios (81:19-99:1 er).

Ligand relay catalysis for cobalt-catalyzed sequential hydrosilylation and hydrohydrazidation of terminal alkynes

Sequential double hydrofunctionalizationalization of alkynes is a powerful method to construct useful vicinal compounds. Herein, we report a cobalt-catalyzed sequential hydrosilylation/hydrohydrazidation of alkynes to afford 1,2-N,Si compounds via ligand relay catalysis. A phenomenon of ligand relay is found that the tridentate anionic N-ligand (OPAQ) could capture the cobalt ion from bidentate neutral P-ligand (Xantphos) cobalt complex. This protocol uses three abundant chemical feedstocks, alkynes, silanes, and diazo compounds, and also features operationally simple, mild conditions, low catalyst loading (1 mol%), and excellent functional group tolerance. The 1,2-N,Si compounds can be easily further derivatized to afford various substituted silane derivatives via Si-H functionalization, alcohols via Fleming-Tamao oxidation, free amines and amides via N-N bond cleavage and protection. The asymmetric reaction could also be carried out to afford chiral products with up to 86% ee. The ligand relay has been supported by control experiments and absorption spectra.

In organic chemistry, performing sequential catalytic cycles with a single catalyst improves efficiency. Here the authors present a methodology to functionalize alkynes with nitrogen and silicon atoms, through two catalytic cycles with a homogeneous cobalt catalyst, which is bound to different ligands in each cycle.

Iron-catalyzed domino coupling reactions of π-systems

The development of environmentally benign, inexpensive, and earth-abundant metal catalysts is desirable from both an ecological and economic standpoint. Certainly, in the past couple decades, iron has become a key player in the development of sustainable coupling chemistry and has become an indispensable tool in organic synthesis. Over the last ten years, organic chemistry has witnessed substantial improvements in efficient synthesis because of domino reactions. These protocols are more atom-economic, produce less waste, and demand less time compared to a classical stepwise reaction. Although iron-catalyzed domino reactions require a mindset that differs from the more routine noble-metal, homogenous iron catalysis they bear the chance to enable coupling reactions that rival that of noble-metal-catalysis. This review provides an overview of iron-catalyzed domino coupling reactions of π-systems. The classifications and reactivity paradigms examined should assist readers and provide guidance for the design of novel domino reactions.

Metal-Free Hydrosilylation Polymerization by Merging Photoredox and Hydrogen Atom Transfer Catalysis

Organosilicon compounds and polymers have found wide applications as synthetic building blocks and functional materials. Hydrosilylation is a common strategy toward the synthesis of organosilicon compounds and polymers. Although transition-metal-catalyzed hydrosilylation has achieved great advances, the metal-free hydrosilylation polymerization of dienes and bis(silane)s, especially the one suitable for both electron-rich and electron-deficient dienes, is largely lacking. Herein, we report a visible-light-driven metal-free hydrosilylation polymerization of both electron-rich and electron-deficient dienes with bis(silane)s by using the organic photocatalyst and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalyst. We achieved the well-controlled step-growth hydrosilylation polymerizations of the electron-rich diene and bis(silane) monomer due to the selective activation of Si-H bonds by the organic photocatalyst (4CzIPN) and the thiol polarity reversal reagent (HAT 1). For the electron-deficient dienes, hydrosilylation polymerization and self-polymerization occurred simultaneously in the presence of 4CzIPN and aceclidine (HAT 2), providing the opportunity to produce linear, hyperbranched, and network polymers by rationally tuning the concentration of electron-deficient dienes and the ratio of bis(silane)s and dienes to alter the proportion of the two polymerizations. A wide scope of bis(silane)s and dienes furnished polycarbosilanes with high molecular weight, excellent thermal stability, and tunable architectures.

Asymmetric synthesis of chiral organosilicon compounds via transition metal-catalyzed stereoselective C-H activation and silylation

This feature article details the progress of transition metal-catalyzed stereoselective sp² and sp³ C-H activation and silylation in the synthesis of chiral organosilicon compounds, and the asymmetric C-H silylation includes intramolecular cyclizing silylation and intermolecular silylation. The silylating reagents include monohydrosilanes, dihydrosilanes, silacylcobutanes and disilanes. In general, catalytic systems include a transition metal salt as the catalyst and a chiral ligand. No external chiral ligand is required in some cases where the chiral substrates act as the source of chirality. Many kinds of silylated compounds with central, axial, planar, or helical chirality have been constructed via C-H activation by asymmetric rhodium, iridium or palladium catalysis. Some pharmacophores and material building blocks were successfully introduced into the target molecules. Some silylated products proved to be useful in medicinal chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and materials science. Besides reaction development, mechanisms for stereoselective C-H activation and silylation are also discussed.

Three-Component Carbosilylation of Alkenes by Merging Iron and Visible-Light Photocatalysis

A mild, efficient, and one-pot protocol for three-component carbosilylation of alkenes with imidazoheterocycle and silanes has been developed by merging iron(II) and visible-light photocatalysis. This C-C and C-Si bond-forming method provides functionalized organosilicon derivatives having imidazoheterocycles moieties in good yields. The reaction possibly proceeds through a radical pathway.

Catalyst-free carbosilylation of alkenes using silyl boronates and organic fluorides via selective C-F bond activation

A regioselective carbosilylation of alkenes has emerged as a powerful strategy to access molecules with functionalized silylated alkanes, by incorporating silyl and carbon groups across an alkene double bond. However, to the best of our knowledge, organic fluorides have never been used in this protocol. Here we disclose the catalyst-free carbosilylation of alkenes using silyl boronates and organic fluorides mediated by tBuOK. The main feature of this transformation is the selective activation of the C-F bond of an organic fluoride by the silyl boronate without undergoing potential side-reactions involving C-O, C-Cl, heteroaryl-CH, and even CF3 groups. Various silylated alkanes with tertiary or quaternary carbon centers that have aromatic, hetero-aromatic, and/or aliphatic groups at the β-position are synthesized in a single step from substituted or non-substituted aryl alkenes. An intramolecular variant of this carbosilylation is also achieved via the reaction of a fluoroarene with a ω-alkenyl side chain and a silyl boronate.

Synergistic Ni/Cu catalyzed migratory arylsilylation of terminal olefins

Synthesis of organosilanes from alkenes is a very important topic owing to their wide applications. A Ni/Cu dual metal-catalyzed arylsilylation of terminal alkenes, featuring migratory selectivity, has been developed. A wide diversity of aliphatic silanes have been prepared from terminal alkenes, aryl halides and Suginome's reagent. This protocol is highlighted by excellent regioselectivity, mild reaction conditions and good functional group tolerance. In addition to benzylic positions, carbon-carbon bonds can also be constructed at allylic positions. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the copper cocatalyst promotes the transmetalation of Suginome's reagent, and the addition of a PyrOx ligand inhibits the formation of side-products from the carbon-Heck pathway. Moreover, studies toward the nature of the PyrOx ligand revealed that the steric hindrance of the oxazoline moiety greatly affects the chain-walking process, but not the arylation step.

Palladium-Catalyzed Difunctionalization of 1,3-Diene with Amine and Disilane under a Mild Re-oxidation System

A highly regioselective and stereoselective difunctionalization reaction of 1,3-diene with amine and disilane to form C-N and C-Si bonds via a one-step Pd/Cu/O₂ system is disclosed. The difunctionalization reaction affords allylic silanes, including the allylic amine moiety, in up to 92 % yield in the absence of any acid, base, or external ligand. The developed synthetic methodology can be scaled to 100 g in high yield with high Z-selectivity, which demonstrates the feasibility of the reaction for industrial applications.

Additions of Aldehyde-Derived Radicals and Nucleophilic N-Alkylindoles to Styrenes by Photoredox Catalysis

The consecutive addition of acyl radicals and N-alkylindole nucleophiles to styrenes was established, as well as some additional radical–nucleophile combinations. Both aryl and aliphatic aldehydes give reasonable yields. The reaction proceeds best for α-substituted styrenes, effectively creating a quaternary all-carbon center. Some iridium-based photoredox systems are catalytically active; furthermore, a base is needed in this transformation. Radicals are formed by reductive perester cleavage and hydrogen atom transfer.

On the Use of Iron in Organic Chemistry

Transition metal catalysis in modern organic synthesis has largely focused on noble transition metals like palladium, platinum and ruthenium. The toxicity and low abundance of these metals, however, has led to a rising focus on the development of the more sustainable base metals like iron, copper and nickel for use in catalysis. Iron is a particularly good candidate for this purpose due to its abundance, wide redox potential range, and the ease with which its properties can be tuned through the exploitation of its multiple oxidation states, electron spin states and redox potential. This is a fact made clear by all life on Earth, where iron is used as a cornerstone in the chemistry of living processes. In this mini review, we report on the general advancements in the field of iron catalysis in organic chemistry covering addition reactions, C-H activation, cross-coupling reactions, cycloadditions, isomerization and redox reactions.