Unprecedented Nucleophilic Additions of Highly Polar Organometallic Compounds to Imines and Nitriles Using Water as a Non-Innocent Reaction Medium

Zinc chloride-catalyzed Grignard addition reaction of aromatic nitriles

In the alkyl addition reaction of aromatic nitriles using Grignard reagents, ketones are formed after hydrolysis. However, this addition reaction is often slow compared to that using reactive organolithium(i) reagents. In this study, we improved the reaction by using zinc(ii)ates, which are generated in situ using Grignard reagents and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as a catalyst. As a result, the corresponding ketones and amines were obtained via hydrolysis and reduction, respectively, in good yields under mild reaction conditions. Scale-up reactions are also demonstrated. Interestingly, using a catalytic amount of ZnCl2 was more effective than using a stoichiometric amount of zinc(ii)ates. Possible transition states are proposed on the basis of the active zinc(ii)ate species, and DFT calculations were carried out to elucidate a plausible reaction mechanism.

The coordination of alkali-metal nickelates to organic π-systems: synthetic, structural and spectroscopic insights

Low-valent nickelates have recently been shown to be key intermediates in challenging cross-coupling reactions using aryl ethers as electrophiles. Key for the success of these transformations is the activation of the substrate through π-coordination to the nickelate intermediate, however there is still limited knowledge about the fundamental structure and coordination chemistry of these heterobimetallic complexes. Herein, we report the synthesis, structures, and spectroscopic analysis of a diverse family of alkali-metal nickelates derived from phenyl-alkali-metal reagents and Ni(ttt-CDT), where ttt-CDT = trans,trans,trans-1,5,9-cyclododecatriene. The co-complexation of PhLi with Ni(ttt-CDT) was found to yield 1 : 1, 2 : 1 or 4 : 2 lithium nickelates depending on the stoichiometry and reaction conditions employed. The high lability of the ttt-CDT ligand enables facile ligand exchange with an assorted series of organic π-acceptors, ranging from polyaromatic hydrocarbons to ketones, imines and nitriles. For anthracene and phenanthrene, a homologous series of Li, Na and K nickelates could be obtained, which lead to different structural motifs or degrees of aggregation in the solid-state spanning solvated monomers to complex polymeric arrangements. For π-extended systems such as perylene or coronene, competing single-electron-transfer to give the corresponding radical anions was observed, illustrating the highly reducing nature of the alkali-metal nickelates. X-ray crystallographic analysis and NMR spectroscopy of the phenyl-alkali-metal nickelates reveal extreme back-bonding from Ni(0) to the organic π-acceptors due to strong σ-donation from the carbanionic ligands.

Addition of allyl Grignard to nitriles in air and at room temperature: experimental and computational mechanistic insights in pH-switchable synthesis

A straightforward and selective conversion of nitriles into highly substituted tetrahydropyridines, aminoketones or enamines by using allylmagnesium bromide as an addition partner (under neat conditions) and subsequent treatment with different aqueous-based hydrolysis protocols is reported. Refuting the conventional wisdom of the incompatibility of Grignard reagents with air and moisture, we herein report that the presence of water allows us to promote the chemoselective formation of the target tetrahydropyridines over other competing products (even in the case of highly challenging aliphatic nitriles). Moreover, the careful tuning of both the reaction media employed (acid or basic aqueous solutions for the hydrolysis protocol) and the electronic properties of the starting nitriles allowed us to design a multi-task system capable of producing either β-aminoketones or enamines in a totally selective manner. Importantly, and for the first time in the chemistry of main-group polar organometallic reagents in non-conventional protic solvents (e.g., water), both experimental and computational studies showed that the excellent efficiency and selectivity observed in aqueous media cannot be replicated by using standard dry volatile organic solvents (VOCs) under inert atmosphere conditions.

Recent Advancements in the Utilization of s-Block Organometallic Reagents in Organic Synthesis with Sustainable Solvents

This mini-review offers a comprehensive overview of the advancements made over the last three years in utilizing highly polar s-block organometallic reagents (specifically, RLi, RNa and RMgX compounds) in organic synthesis run under bench-type reaction conditions. These conditions involve exposure to air/moisture and are carried out at room temperature, with the use of sustainable solvents as reaction media. In the examples provided, the adoption of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) or even water as non-conventional and protic reaction media has not only replicated the traditional chemistry of these organometallic reagents in conventional and toxic volatile organic compounds under Schlenk-type reaction conditions (typically involving low temperatures of -78 °C to 0 °C and a protective atmosphere of N2 or Ar), but has also resulted in higher conversions and selectivities within remarkably short reaction times (measured in s/min). Furthermore, the application of the aforementioned polar organometallics under bench-type reaction conditions (at room temperature/under air) has been extended to other environmentally responsible reaction media, such as more sustainable ethereal solvents (e.g., CPME or 2-MeTHF). Notably, this innovative approach contributes to enhancing the overall sustainability of s-block-metal-mediated organic processes, thereby aligning with several key principles of Green Chemistry.

Octalithium, Tetrasodium, and Decalithium Compounds Based on Pyrrolyl Ligands: Synthesis, Structures, and Activation of the C-H Bonds of Pyrrolyl Rings and C═N Bonds of a Series of Ligands by Organolithium Reagents

The organometallic compounds of lithium ions have garnered continuous interest as indispensable precursors for the syntheses of organometallic complexes of main-group metals, transition metals, lanthanide metals, and actinide metals. In this work, we present a strategy for the preparation of a series of polynuclear lithium complexes. This methodology features the utilization of organolithium reagents both as metal sources to coordinate with the ligands and as nucleophilic reagents to undergo nucleophilic addition to the C═N bonds of the ligands. Reaction of a ligand HL1 [HL1 = 2-(((1-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)amino)phenol] with n-BuLi produced complex [Li8(L1a)4]·1.5Tol (1·1.5Tol) [H2L1a = 2-((1-(1-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)pentyl)amino)phenol]. One prominent feature regarding the formation of 1·1.5Tol is the occurrence of nucleophilic addition of n-BuLi to the C═N bond of HL1, leading to the generation of a new [L1a]2- ligand that contains both aminophenol and 1-(2-pyrrolyl)alkylamine scaffolds. The developed protocol can be adapted to a series of organolithium reagents. Compounds [Li8(L1b)4] (2) and [Li8(L1c)4] (3) were afforded by treatment of HL1 with sec-BuLi and LiCH2SiMe3, respectively. Reaction of an analogous ligand HL2 [HL2 = 2-(((1-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)amino)-4-methylphenol] with n-BuLi generated compound [Li8(L2a)4] (4). C═N bond activation was not observed in the reaction of HL1 with NaOtBu, and the complex [Na4(L1)4]·Tol (5·Tol) was obtained. A decanuclear complex [Li10(L3a)2(L3b)2] (6) was also prepared via the reaction of HL3 [HL3 = 2-(2-((((1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)amino)methyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-N,N-dimethylethan-1-amine] with t-BuLi. A remarkable feature in terms of the synthesis of 6 is the simultaneous occurrence of hydrogen atom abstraction from the C-H bond of the pyrrolyl ring and nucleophilic addition to the C═N bond of the HL3 ligand by t-BuLi. A series of amines containing biologically and physiologically important moieties were achieved by hydrolysis of the crude products from the reactions of the HL1-HL3 ligands and organolithium reagents. This work provides an efficient approach to high-nuclearity lithium compounds as well as a series of amines.

Nucleophilic Allylation of Acylsilanes in Water: An Effective Alternative to Functionalized Tertiary α-Silylalcohols

A nucleophilic allylation of acylsilanes in water was developed, generating versatile functionalized tertiary α-silyl alcohols in high yields. With the assistance of hydrogen bonding, a reaction model of less reactive acylsilane was achieved. Unlike the conventional strategy, transition metals and an additional Lewis acid catalyst were not required, and rate acceleration was observed in water.

Aerobic/Room-Temperature-Compatible s-Block Organometallic Chemistry in Neat Conditions: A Missing Synthetic Tool for the Selective Conversion of Nitriles into Asymmetric Alcohols

Highly-efficient and selective one-pot/two-step modular double addition of different highly polar organometallic reagents (RLi/RMgX) to nitriles en route to asymmetric tertiary alcohols (without the need for isolation/purification of any halfway reaction intermediate) has been studied, for the first time, in the absence of external/additional organic solvents (neat conditions), at room temperature and under air/moisture (no protecting atmosphere is required), which are generally forbidden reaction conditions in the field of highly-reactive organolithium/organomagnesium reagents. The one-pot modular tandem protocol demonstrated high chemoselectivity with a broad range of nitriles, as no side reactions (Li/halogen exchange, ortho-lithiations or benzylic metalations) were detected. Finally, this protocol could be scaled up, thus proving that this environmentally friendly methodology is amenable for a possible applied synthesis of asymmetric tertiary alcohols under bench type reaction conditions and in the absence of external organic solvents.

C-H bond activation and sequential addition to two different coupling partners: a versatile approach to molecular complexity

Sequential multicomponent C-H bond addition is a powerful approach for the rapid, modular generation of molecular complexity in a single reaction. In this approach, C-H bonds are typically added across π-bonds or π-bond isosteres, followed by subsequent coupling to another type of functionality, thereby forming two σ-bonds in a single reaction sequence. Many sequential C-H bond addition reactions have been developed to date, including additions across both conjugated and isolated π-systems followed by coupling with reactants such as carbonyl compounds, cyanating reagents, aminating reagents, halogenating reagents, oxygenating reagents, and alkylating reagents. These atom-economical reactions transform ubiquitous C-H bonds under mild conditions to more complex structures with a high level of regiochemical and stereochemical control. Surprising connectivities and diverse mechanisms have been elucidated in the development of these reactions. Given the large number of possible combinations of coupling partners, there are enormous opportunities for the discovery of new sequential C-H bond addition reactions.

Ligand-Free Copper-Catalyzed Ullmann-Type C-O Bond Formation in Non-Innocent Deep Eutectic Solvents under Aerobic Conditions

An efficient and novel protocol was developed for a Cu-catalyzed Ullmann-type aryl alkyl ether synthesis by reacting various (hetero)aryl halides (Cl, Br, I) with alcohols as active components of environmentally benign choline chloride-based eutectic mixtures. Under optimized conditions, the reaction proceeded under mild conditions (80 °C) in air, in the absence of additional ligands, with a catalyst [Cu^I or Cu^II species] loading up to 5 mol% and K₂ CO₃ as the base, providing the desired aryloxy derivatives in up to 98 % yield. The potential application of the methodology was demonstrated in the valorization of cheap, easily available, and naturally occurring polyols (e. g., glycerol) for the synthesis of some pharmacologically active aryloxypropanediols (Guaiphenesin, Mephenesin, and Chlorphenesin) on a 2 g scale in 70-96 % yield. Catalyst, base, and deep eutectic solvent could easily and successfully be recycled up to seven times with an E-factor as low as 5.76.

A one-pot two-step synthesis of tertiary alcohols combining the biocatalytic laccase/TEMPO oxidation system with organolithium reagents in aerobic aqueous media at room temperature

The one-pot/two-step combination of enzymes and polar organometallic chemistry in aqueous media is for the first time presented as a proof-of-concept study. The unprecedented combination of the catalytic oxidation of secondary alcohols by the system laccase/TEMPO with the ultrafast addition (3 s reaction time) of polar organometallic reagents (RLi/RMgX) to the in situ formed ketones, run under air at room temperature, allows the straightforward and chemoselective synthesis of tertiary alcohols with broad substrate scope and excellent conversions (up to 96%).

Radical Annulation of 2-Cyanoaryl Acrylamides via C═C Double Bond Cleavage: Access to Amino-Substituted 2-Quinolones

A novel annulation of 2-cyanoaryl acrylamides via C═C double bond cleavage has been developed for facile and efficient access to a broad spectrum of functionalized 4-amino-2-quinolones, which are important N-heterocycles. In this transformation, the solvent THF is demonstrated to play a crucial role, and the addition of alkyl radicals to nitrile, 1,5-hydride shift, and cleavage of the C-C bond are involved in the mechanism.

Scalable Negishi Coupling between Organozinc Compounds and (Hetero)Aryl Bromides under Aerobic Conditions when using Bulk Water or Deep Eutectic Solvents with no Additional Ligands

Pd-catalyzed Negishi cross-coupling reactions between organozinc compounds and (hetero)aryl bromides have been reported when using bulk water as the reaction medium in the presence of NaCl or the biodegradable choline chloride/urea eutectic mixture. Both C(sp³ )-C(sp² ) and C(sp² )-C(sp² ) couplings have been found to proceed smoothly, with high chemoselectivity, under mild conditions (room temperature or 60 °C) in air, and in competition with protonolysis. Additional benefits include very short reaction times (20 s), good to excellent yields (up to 98 %), wide substrate scope, and the tolerance of a variety of functional groups. The proposed novel protocol is scalable, and the practicability of the method is further highlighted by an easy recycling of both the catalyst and the eutectic mixture or water.

Alkali-Metal Mediation: Diversity of Applications in Main-Group Organometallic Chemistry

Organolithium compounds have been at the forefront of synthetic chemistry for over a century, as they mediate the synthesis of myriads of compounds that are utilised worldwide in academic and industrial settings. For that reason, lithium has always been the most important alkali metal in organometallic chemistry. Today, that importance is being seriously challenged by sodium and potassium, as the alkali-metal mediation of organic reactions in general has started branching off in several new directions. Recent examples covering main-group homogeneous catalysis, stoichiometric organic synthesis, low-valent main-group metal chemistry, polymerization, and green chemistry are showcased in this Review. Since alkali-metal compounds are often not the end products of these applications, their roles are rarely given top billing. Thus, this Review has been written to alert the community to this rising unifying phenomenon of "alkali-metal mediation".

Water as the reaction medium in organic chemistry: from our worst enemy to our best friend

A review presenting water as the logical reaction medium for the future of organic chemistry. A discussion is offered that covers both the "on water" and "in water" phenomena, and how water is playing unique roles in each, specifically with regard to its use in organic synthesis.

Main Group Metal-Mediated Transformations of Imines

Main-group-metal-mediated transformations of imines have earned a valued place in the synthetic chemist's toolbox. Their versatility allows the simple preparation of various nitrogen containing compounds. This review will outline the early discoveries including metallation, addition/cyclisation and metathesis pathways, followed by the modern-day use of imines in synthetic methodology. Recent advances in imine C-F activation protocols are discussed, alongside revisiting "classic" imine reactivity from a sustainable perspective. Developments in catalytic methods for hydroelementation of imines have been reviewed, highlighting the importance of s-block metals in the catalytic arena. Whilst stoichiometric transformations in alternative reaction media such as deep eutectic solvents or water have been summarised. The incorporation of imines into flow chemistry has received recent attention and is summarised within.

Synthesis of Nitrile Bearing Acyclic Quaternary Centers through Co(III)-Catalyzed Sequential C-H Bond Addition to Dienes and N-Cyanosuccinimide

Herein we disclose a three-component strategy to access quaternary centers bearing nitriles by cobalt-catalyzed C-H bond activation and sequential addition to internally substituted 1,3-dienes and an electrophilic cyanating reagent with high regio and stereocontrol. 2-Aryl and alkyl monosubstituted dienes provide α-aryl and α-alkyl α-methyl-substituted nitriles, respectively. An even wider variety of functionality can be installed at the quaternary carbon by using 1,2-disubstituted dienes. The synthetic utility of the nitrile products was successfully demonstrated by various transformations, including conversions to γ-lactones and tetrazoles. The observed connectivity in the products along with studies with deuterium labeled reactants provide insight into the mechanism. Formation of a 7-membered cobaltacycle by C-H activation and migratory insertion of the diene is followed by β-hydride elimination and hydride reinsertion to give a 6-membered cobaltacycle that then reacts with the cyanating agent.

Advances in deep eutectic solvents and water: applications in metal- and biocatalyzed processes, in the synthesis of APIs, and other biologically active compounds

This review highlights recent advances in metal- and biocatalyzed transformations, in the synthesis of APIs and other biologically active compounds, when employing deep eutectic solvents and water as environmentally responsible solvents.

Fast and Chemoselective Addition of Highly Polarized Lithium Phosphides Generated in Deep Eutectic Solvents to Aldehydes and Epoxides

Highly polarized lithium phosphides (LiPR₂ ) were synthesized, for the first time, in deep eutectic solvents as sustainable reaction media, at room temperature and in the absence of protecting atmosphere, through direct deprotonation of both aliphatic and aromatic secondary phosphines (HPR₂ ) by n-BuLi. The subsequent addition of in-situ generated LiPR₂ to aldehydes or epoxides proceeded quickly and chemoselectively, thereby allowing the straightforward access to the corresponding α- or β-hydroxy phosphine oxides, respectively, under air and at room temperature (bench conditions), which are traditionally considered as textbook-prohibited conditions in the field of polar organometallic chemistry of s-block elements.

Addition of Highly Polarized Organometallic Compounds to N-tert-Butanesulfinyl Imines in Deep Eutectic Solvents under Air: Preparation of Chiral Amines of Pharmaceutical Interest

Highly polarized organometallic compounds of s-block elements are added smoothly to chiral N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines in the biodegradable d-sorbitol/choline chloride eutectic mixture, thereby granting access to enantioenriched primary amines after quantitatively removing the sulfinyl group. The practicality of the method is further highlighted by proceeding at ambient temperature and under air, with very short reaction times (2 min), enabling the preparation of diastereoisomeric sulfinamides in very good yields (74-98 %) and with a broad substrate scope, and the possibility of scaling up the process. The method is demonstrated in the asymmetric syntheses of both the chiral amine side-chain of (R,R)-Formoterol (96 % ee) and the pharmaceutically relevant (R)-Cinacalcet (98 % ee).

Boosting Conjugate Addition to Nitroolefins Using Lithium Tetraorganozincates: Synthetic Strategies and Structural Insights

We report the first transition metal catalyst- and ligand-free conjugate addition of lithium tetraorganozincates (R₄ ZnLi₂ ) to nitroolefins. Displaying enhanced nucleophilicity combined with unique chemoselectivity and functional group tolerance, homoleptic aliphatic and aromatic R₄ ZnLi₂ provide access to valuable nitroalkanes in up to 98 % yield under mild conditions (0 °C) and short reaction time (30 min). This is particularly remarkable when employing β-nitroacrylates and β-nitroenones, where despite the presence of other electrophilic groups, selective 1,4 addition to the C=C is preferred. Structural and spectroscopic studies confirmed the formation of tetraorganozincate species in solution, the nature of which has been a long debated issue, and allowed to unveil the key role played by donor additives on the aggregation and structure of these reagents. Thus, while chelating N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) and (R,R)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (TMCDA) favour the formation of contacted-ion pair zincates, macrocyclic Lewis donor 12-crown-4 triggers an immediate disproportionation process of Et₄ ZnLi₂ into equimolar amounts of solvent-separated Et₃ ZnLi and EtLi.

Ultrafast amidation of esters using lithium amides under aerobic ambient temperature conditions in sustainable solvents

Using 2-methyl THF as solvent enables efficient and ultrafast amidation of esters by lithium amides at room temperature in air, edging closer towards reaching air- and moisture-compatible polar organometallic chemistry.

Lithium amides constitute one of the most commonly used classes of reagents in synthetic chemistry. However, despite having many applications, their use is handicapped by the requirement of low temperatures, in order to control their reactivity, as well as the need for dry organic solvents and protective inert atmosphere protocols to prevent their fast decomposition. Advancing the development of air- and moisture-compatible polar organometallic chemistry, the chemoselective and ultrafast amidation of esters mediated by lithium amides is reported. Establishing a novel sustainable access to carboxamides, this has been accomplished via direct C–O bond cleavage of a range of esters using glycerol or 2-MeTHF as a solvent, in air. High yields and good selectivity are observed while operating at ambient temperature, without the need for transition-metal mediation, and the protocol extends to transamidation processes. Pre-coordination of the organic substrate to the reactive lithium amide as a key step in the amidation processes has been assessed, enabling the structural elucidation of the coordination adduct [{Li(NPh₂)(O Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> CPh(NMe₂))}₂] (8) when toluene is employed as a solvent. No evidence for formation of a complex of this type has been found when using donor THF as a solvent. Structural and spectroscopic insights into the constitution of selected lithium amides in 2-MeTHF are provided that support the involvement of small kinetically activated aggregates that can react rapidly with the organic substrates, favouring the C–O bond cleavage/C–N bond formation processes over competing hydrolysis/degradation of the lithium amides by moisture or air.

Combination of organocatalytic oxidation of alcohols and organolithium chemistry (RLi) in aqueous media, at room temperature and under aerobic conditions

Organocatalysis and highly-polar s-block organometallic chemistry (RLi) work together in water, under air and at room temperature for the selective and ultrafast synthesis of tertiary alcohols.

The base-free van Leusen reaction of cyclic imines on water: synthesis of N-fused imidazo 6,11-dihydro β-carboline derivatives

Construction of imidazoles has been demonstrated on water under base-free conditions. The reaction of dihydro β-carboline imines and p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanides furnished the corresponding substituted N-fused imidazo 6,11-dihydro β-carboline derivatives in very good yields under ambient conditions. The use of deuterium oxide (D2O) as a solvent enabled the incorporation of deuterium isotopes in the imidazole ring.

Zirconium Hydroaminoalkylation. An Alternative Disconnection for the Catalytic Synthesis of α-Arylated Primary Amines

Primary amine products have been prepared using zirconium-catalyzed hydroaminoalkylation of alkenes with N-silylated benzylamine substrates. Catalysis using commercially available Zr(NMe₂)₄ affords an alternative disconnection to access α-arylated primary amines upon aqueous workup. Substrate-dependent regio- and diastereoselectivity of the reaction is observed. Bulky substituents on the terminal alkene exclusively generate the linear regioisomer. This atom-economic catalytic strategy for the synthesis of building blocks that can undergo further synthetic elaboration is highlighted in the preparation of trifluoroethylated α-arylated amines.

Reshaping Ullmann Amine Synthesis in Deep Eutectic Solvents: A Mild Approach for Cu-Catalyzed C-N Coupling Reactions With No Additional Ligands

The CuI-catalyzed Ullmann amine cross-coupling between (hetero)aryl halides (Br, I) and aromatic and aliphatic amines has been accomplished in deep eutectic solvents as environmentally benign and recycling reaction media. Under optimized conditions, the reaction proceeds smoothly under mild conditions (60–100°C) in air, in the absence of ligands, with a catalyst (CuI) loading of 10 mol% and K₂CO₃ (aliphatic primary and secondary amines) or t-BuOK (aromatic amines) as the base. A variety of amines have been synthesized in yields up to 98% with a broad substrate scope.

Lithium-Bromide Exchange versus Nucleophilic Addition of Schiff's base: Unprecedented Tandem Cyclisation Pathways

By exploring lithium-bromide exchange reactivity of aromatic Schiff's bases with tert-butyllithium (tBuLi), we have revealed unprecedented competitive intermolecular and intramolecular cascade annulation pathways, leading to valuable compounds, such as iso-indolinones and N-substituted anthracene derivatives. A series of reaction parameters were probed, including solvent, stoichiometry, sterics and organolithium reagent choice, in order to understand the influences that limit such ring-closing pathways. With two viable reactivity options for the organolithium on the imine; namely, nucleophilic addition or lithium-bromide exchange, a surprising competitive nature was observed, where nucleophilic addition dominated, even under cryogenic conditions. Considering the most commonly used solvents for lithium-bromide exchange, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and diethyl ether (Et₂ O), contrasting reactivity outcomes were revealed with nucleophilic addition promoted in THF, while Et₂ O yielded almost double the conversion of cyclic products than in THF.

Organolithium-Initiated Polymerization of Olefins in Deep Eutectic Solvents under Aerobic Conditions

Despite their ubiquitous presence in synthesis, the use of polar organolithium reagents under environmentally benign conditions constitutes one of the greatest challenges in sustainable chemistry. Their high reactivity imposes the use of severely restrictive protocols (e.g., moisture- and oxygen-free, toxic organic solvents, inert atmospheres, low temperatures, etc.). Making inroads towards meeting this challenge, a new air- and moisture-compatible organolithium-mediated methodology for the anionic polymerization of different olefins (e.g., styrenes and vinylpyridines) was established by pioneering the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as an eco-friendly reaction medium in this type of transformation. Fine-tuning of the conditions (sonication of the reaction mixture at 40 °C in the absence of protecting atmosphere) along with careful choice of components of the DES [choline chloride (ChCl) and glycerol (Gly) in a 1:2 ratio] furnished the desired organic polymers (homopolymers and random copolymers) in excellent yields (up to 90 %) and low polydispersities (IPD 1.1-1.3). Remarkably, the in situ-formed polystyril lithium intermediates exhibited a great resistance to hydrolysis in the eutectic mixture 1ChCl/2Gly (up to 1.5 h), hinting at an unexpected high stability of these otherwise highly reactive organolithium species in these unconventional reaction media. This unique stability can be exploited to create well defined block-copolymers.

"On Water" Direct Organocatalytic Cyanoarylmethylation of Isatins for the Diastereoselective Synthesis of 3-Hydroxy-3-cyanomethyl Oxindoles

An "on water" organocatalytic cyanoarylmethylation of aryl acetonitrile to isatins is developed, giving products in high yields and up to excellent diastereoselectivities. A remarkable enhancement of reaction rates and diastereoselectivities by water was observed under mild conditions. Moreover, this approach provides a highly efficient and environmentally benign access to thermodynamic 3-hydroxy-3-cyanomethyl oxindoles.

Water and Sodium Chloride: Essential Ingredients for Robust and Fast Pd-Catalysed Cross-Coupling Reactions between Organolithium Reagents and (Hetero)aryl Halides

Direct palladium-catalysed cross-couplings between organolithium reagents and (hetero)aryl halides (Br, Cl) proceed fast, cleanly and selectively at room temperature in air, with water as the only reaction medium and in the presence of NaCl as a cheap additive. Under optimised reaction conditions, a water-accelerated catalysis is responsible for furnishing C(sp³ )-C(sp² ), C(sp² )-C(sp² ), and C(sp)-C(sp² ) cross-coupled products, in competition with protonolysis, within a reaction time of 20 s, in yields of up to 99 %, and in the absence of undesired dehalogenated/homocoupling side products even when challenging secondary organolithiums serve as the starting material. It is worth noting that the proposed protocol is scalable and the catalyst and water can easily and successfully be recycled up to 10 times, with an E-factor as low as 7.35.

Chiral arylideneaminoimidazolidin-4-ones: green synthesis and isomerisation mechanism in solution

Arylideneaminoimidazolidin-4-ones synthesized from (l)-α-amino acid via a full green procedure in water (atom economy 91.7% and E-factor 0.09) have been investigated by NMR spectroscopies and DFT calculations, highlighting a development of the species according to an isomerization mechanism.