Asymmetric [3+2] Photocycloadditions of Cyclopropanes with Alkenes or Alkynes through Visible-Light Excitation of Catalyst-Bound Substrates

Broad-Scope (3 + 2) Cycloaddition of Cyclopropanes and Alkynes Enabled by Boronyl Radical Catalysis

Cyclopentene skeletons are ubiquitous in natural products and small molecule drugs. The (3 + 2) cycloaddition of cyclopropanes and alkynes represents an efficient and atom-economic strategy for synthesizing these structures. However, the types of substituents on cyclopropane and alkyne used in previous works show evident limitations, restricting the application of this type of reaction to some extent. Herein, we report a broad-scope (3 + 2) cycloaddition of cyclopropanes and alkynes catalyzed by boronyl radicals. In this method, various substrates, such as mono-, di-, tri-, and tetrasubstituted cyclopropanes, as well as mono- and disubstituted alkynes, were compatible with up to 98% isolated yield.

Catalytic Asymmetric Redox-Neutral [3+2] Photocycloadditions of Cyclopropyl Ketones with Vinylazaarenes Enabled by Consecutive Photoinduced Electron Transfer

Consecutive photoinduced electron transfer (ConPET) is a powerful and atom-economical protocol to overcome the limitations of the intrinsic redox potential of visible light-absorbing photosensitizers, thereby considerably improving the substrate and reaction types. Likely because such an exothermic single-electron transfer (SET) process usually does not require the aid of chiral catalysts, resulting in an inevitable racemic background reaction, notably, no enantioselective manifolds have been reported. Herein, we report on the viability of cooperative ConPET and chiral hydrogen-bonding catalysis for the [3+2] photocycloaddition of cyclopropyl ketones with vinylazaarenes. In addition to enabling the first use of olefins that preferentially interact with chiral catalysts, this catalysis platform paves the way for the efficient synthesis of pharmaceutically and synthetically important cyclopentyl ketones functionalized by azaarenes with high yields, ees and dr. The robust capacity of the method can be further highlighted by the low loading of the chiral catalyst (1.0 mol %), the good compatibility of both 2-azaarene and 3-pyridine-based olefins, and the successful concurrent construction of three stereocenters on cyclopentane rings involving an elusive but important all-carbon quaternary.

Visible-Light-Antenna Ligand-Enabled Samarium-Catalyzed Reductive Transformations

Although divalent Sm reagents are some of the most important single-electron transfer reagents for reductive transformations, their catalytic applications are challenging. In this study, a bidentate phosphine oxide ligand substituted with 9,10-diphenylanthracene as a visible-light antenna was designed for Sm-catalyzed reduction reactions under mild reaction conditions. Pinacol coupling of aryl ketones and aldehydes was developed with 1 mol % of Sm catalyst and organic amine (DIPEA) as a sacrificial mild reductant. Mechanistic studies suggest that the visible-light-antenna ligand coordinates to Sm(III) and reduces Sm(III) to Sm(II) under visible-light irradiation. The catalytic system is also applicable for cross-pinacol coupling and other single-electron reductive transformations, including aza-pinacol coupling, flavone dimerization, C-O bond cleavage, C-C ring-opening of cyclopropane, ketyl-olefin coupling, and cross-coupling of the ketyl radical with the α-amino radical.

Photoinduced [3 + 2] Cycloadditions of Aryl Cyclopropyl Ketones with Alkynes and Alkenes

The five-membered ring skeleton is one of the most pivotal in the area of pharmaceutical and natural products. [3 + 2] cycloadditions of cyclopropyl and unsaturated compounds are a highly efficient and atom-economical way to build a five-member compound. The previous works about the kind of [3 + 2] cycloadditions usually utilized metal or organic small molecule catalysts. However, an ideal [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction that smoothly happens without any additives and catalysts under mild conditions is underdeveloped. Hence, we report [3 + 2] cycloadditions of aryl cyclopropyl without any additives and catalysts under purple LED. In this method, a broad scope of cyclopropyl, alkyne, and alkene was very compatible, especially drug derivatives ibuprofen and Ioxoprofen, to obtain the corresponding cycloaddition product with a good yield up to 93%.

Alkyl Cyclopropyl Ketones in Catalytic Formal [3 + 2] Cycloadditions: The Role of SmI2 Catalyst Stabilization

Alkyl cyclopropyl ketones are introduced as versatile substrates for catalytic formal [3 + 2] cycloadditions with alkenes and alkynes and previously unexplored enyne partners, efficiently delivering complex, sp3-rich products. The key to effectively engaging this relatively unreactive new substrate class is the use of SmI2 as a catalyst in combination with substoichiometric amounts of Sm0; the latter likely acting to prevent catalyst deactivation by returning SmIII to the catalytic cycle. In the absence of Sm0, background degradation of the SmI2 catalyst can outrun product formation. For the most recalcitrant alkyl cyclopropyl ketones, catalysis is "switched-on" using these new robust conditions, and otherwise unattainable products are delivered. Combined experimental and computational studies have been used to identify and probe reactivity trends among alkyl cyclopropyl ketones, including more complex bicyclic alkyl cyclopropyl ketones, which react quickly with various partners to give complex products. In addition to establishing alkyl cyclopropyl ketones as a new substrate class in a burgeoning field of catalysis, our study provides vital mechanistic insight and robust, practical approaches for the nascent field of catalysis with SmI2.

Visible Light Promoted [3+2]-Cycloaddition for the Synthesis of Cyclopenta[b]chromenocarbonitrile Derivatives

In the manuscript, a novel method for the preparation of cyclopenta[b]chromenocarbonitrile derivatives via [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of substituted 3-cyanochromones and N-cyclopropyloamines initiated by visible light catalysis has been described. The reaction was performed in the presence of Eosin Y as a photocatalyst. The key parameters responsible for the success of the described strategy are visible light, a small amount of photoredox catalyst, an anhydrous solvent, and an inert atmosphere.

A Chiral Titanocene Complex as Regiodivergent Photoredox Catalyst: Synthetic Scope and Mechanism of Catalyst Generation

We describe a combined synthetic, spectroscopic, and computational study of a chiral titanocene complex as a regiodivergent photoredox catalyst (PRC). With Kagan's complex catCl2 either monoprotected 1,3-diols or 1,4-diols can be obtained in high selectivity from a common epoxide substrate in a regiodivergent epoxide opening depending on which enantiomer of the catalyst is employed. Due to the catalyst-controlled regioselectivity of ring opening and the broader substrate scope, the PRC with catCl2 is also a highly attractive branching point for diversity-oriented synthesis. The photochemical processes of cat(NCS)2, a suitable model for catCl2, were probed by time-correlated single-photon counting. The photoexcited complex displays a thermally activated delayed fluorescence as a result of a singlet-triplet equilibration, S1 ⇄ T1, via intersystem crossing and recrossing. Its triplet state is quenched by electron transfer to the T1 state. Computational and cyclic voltammetry studies highlight the importance of our sulfonamide additive. By bonding to sulfonamide additives, chloride abstraction from [catCl2]- is facilitated, and catalyst deactivation by coordination of the sulfonamide group is circumvented.

Photocatalyzed [2σ + 2σ] and [2σ + 2π] Cycloadditions for the Synthesis of Bicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes and 5- or 6-Membered Carbocycles

We report the use of photocatalysis for the homolytic ring-opening of carbonyl cyclopropanes. In contrast to previous studies, our approach does not require a metal cocatalyst or a strong reductant. The carbonyl cyclopropanes can be employed for both [2σ + 2σ] and [2σ + 2π] annulation with either alkenes/alkynes or bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes, yielding cyclopent-anes/-enes and bicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes (BCHs), respectively. BCHs are promising bioisosteres for 1,2,4,5 tetra-substituted aromatic rings. Mechanistic studies, including density functional theory computation and a trapping experiment with DMPO, support a 1,3-biradical generated from cyclopropane as a key intermediate for these transformations.

Bifunctionality of dirhodium tetracarboxylates in metallaphotocatalysis

Metallaphotocatalysis has been recognized as a pivotal catalysis enabling new reactivities. Traditional metallaphotocatalysis often requires two or more separate catalysts and exhibits flaw in cost and substrate-tolerance, thus representing an await-to-solve issue in catalysis. We herein realize metallaphotocatalysis with a bifunctional dirhodium tetracarboxylate ([Rh2]) alone. The [Rh2] shows an photocatalytic activity of promoting singlet oxygen (1O2) oxidation. By harnessing its photocatalytic activity, the [Rh2] catalyzes a photochemical cascade reaction (PCR) via combination of carbenoid chemistry and 1O2 chemistry. The PCR is characterized by high atom-efficiency, excellent stereoselectivities, mild conditions, scalable synthesis, and pharmaceutically interesting products. DFT calculations-aided mechanistic study rationalizes the reaction pathway and interprets the origin of stereoselectivities of the PCR. The products show inhibitory activity against PTP1B, being promising in the treatment of type II diabetes and cancers. Overall, here we show the bifunctional [Rh2] merges Rh-carbenoid chemistry and 1O2 chemistry.

Stereoselective Photoredox Catalyzed (3+3) Dipolar Cycloaddition of Nitrone with Aryl Cyclopropane

By resorting to the principle of remote activation, we herein demonstrate the first photoredox catalyzed (3+3) dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones with aryl cyclopropanes. Key to the fidelity of the reaction resides in a facile manner of substrate activation by single-electron transfer (SET) oxidation with photoredox catalysis, and the reaction takes place through a stepwise cascade encompassing a three-electron-type nucleophilic substitution triggered cyclopropane ring-opening and a diastereoselective 6-endo-trig radical cyclization manifold. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with excellent regio- and stereoselectivity, nicely complementing the well-developed Lewis acid catalyzed cycloaddition of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes. Other merits of the protocol include wide scope of aryl cyclopropanes with diversified substitution patterns and good functional-group compatibility. A mechanism involving an aryl radical cation promoted remote activation mode was also proposed and supported by mechanistic experiments.

Visible-light-induced [3+2] cycloadditions of donor/donor diazo intermediates with alkenes to achieve (spiro)-pyrazolines and pyrazoles

To date, [3 + 2] cycloadditions of diazo esters with alkynes or alkenes have been a robust tool to generate pyrazoles and pyrazolines. However, methods capable of generating donor/donor diazo species from readily available N-tosylhydrazones to furnish [3 + 2] cycloadditions, remain elusive. Herein, we describe the first visible-light-induced [3 + 2] cycloadditions of donor/donor diazo precursors with alkenes to afford pyrazoles and novel (spiro)pyrazolines bearing a quaternary center. This protocol shows a tolerable substrate scope covering versatile carbonyl compounds and alkenes. Late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules, one-pot approach, and gram-scale synthesis have also been introduced successfully to prove the practicability. At last, mechanistic experiments and DFT studies suggested the formation of non-covalent interactions enabling the activation of N-tosylhydrazones and the formation of the donor/donor diazo intermediates.

Strain-Release Photocatalysis

The concept of strain in organic compounds is as old as modern organic chemistry and was initially introduced to justify the synthetic setbacks along the synthesis of small ring systems (pars construens of strain). In the last decades, chemists have developed an arsenal of strain-release reactions (pars destruens of strain) which can generate─with significant driving force─rigid aliphatic systems that can act as three-dimensional alternatives to (hetero)arenes. Photocatalysis added an additional dimension to strain-release processes by leveraging the energy of photons to create chemical complexity under mild conditions. This perspective presents the latest advancements in strain-release photocatalysis─with emphases on mechanisms, catalytic cycles, and current limitations─the unique chemical architectures that can be produced, and possible future directions.

Enantioselective radical cascade cyclization via Ti-catalyzed redox relay

Radical cascade cyclization reactions provide an efficient method for the construction of polycyclic architectures with multiple stereogenic centers. However, achieving enantioselectivity control of this type of reaction is a challenging task. Here, we report an enantioselective cyclization of polyfunctional aryl cyclopropyl ketone and alkyne units, wherein the stereochemical outcome is directed by a chiral Ti(salen) catalyst. This transformation was proposed to proceed via a radical cascade process involving the reductive ring-opening of the cyclopropyl ketone followed by two annulation events entailing cyclization of the ensuing alkyl radical onto the alkyne and subsequent addition of the incipient vinyl radical to the Ti(IV)-enolate.

Hybrid Catalysts for Enantioselective Photo-Phosphoric Acid Catalysis

The syntheses of two novel, organic, and chiral photocatalysts are presented. By combining donor-acceptor cyanoarene-based photocatalysts with a chiral phosphoric acid, bifunctional catalysts have been designed. In preliminary proof-of-concept reactions, their use in both enantioselective energy transfer and photoredox catalysis is demonstrated.

Palladium-catalysed enantio- and regioselective (3 + 2) cycloaddition reactions of sulfamidate imine-derived 1-azadienes towards spirocyclic cyclopentanes

An enantio- and diastereoselective Pd-catalysed (3 + 2) cycloaddition of bis(trifluoroethyl) 2-vinyl-cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylate (VCP) with cyclic sulfamidate imine-derived 1-azadienes (SDAs) has been developed. These reactions provide highly functionalized spiroheterocycles having three contiguous stereocentres, including a tetrasubstituted carbon bearing an oxygen functionality. The two geminal trifluoroethyl ester moieties can be manipulated in a facially selective manner to afford more diversely decorated spirocycles with four contiguous stereocentres. In addition, diastereoselective reduction of the imine moiety can also afford a fourth stereocentre and exposes the important 1,2-amino alcohol functionality.

Formal Cycloadditions Driven by the Homolytic Opening of Strained, Saturated Ring Systems

The field of strain-driven, radical formal cycloadditions is experiencing a surge in activity motivated by a renaissance in free radical chemistry and growing demand for sp³ -rich ring systems. The former has been driven in large part by the rise of photoredox catalysis, and the latter by adoption of the "Escape from Flatland" concept in medicinal chemistry. In the years since these broader trends emerged, dozens of formal cycloadditions, including catalytic, asymmetric variants, have been developed that operate via radical mechanisms. While cyclopropanes have been studied most extensively, a variety of strained ring systems are amenable to the design of analogous reactions. Many of these processes generate lucrative, functionally decorated sp³ -rich ring systems that are difficult to access by other means. Herein, we summarize recent efforts in this area and analyze the state of the field.

Taming Chiral Quaternary Stereocenters via Remote H-Bonding Stereoinduction in Palladium-Catalyzed (3+2) Cycloadditions

Ring-opening transformations of donor-acceptor (D-A) cyclopropanes enable the rapid assembly of complex molecules. However, the enantioselective formation of chiral quaternary stereocenters using substrates bearing two different acceptors remains a challenge. Herein, we describe the first palladium-catalyzed highly diastereo- and enantioselective (3+2) cycloaddition of vinyl cyclopropanes bearing two different electron-withdrawing groups, a subset of D-A cyclopropanes. The key to the success of this reaction is the remote stereoinduction through hydrogen bond from chiral ligands, which thereby addressed the aforementioned challenge. A variety of chiral five-membered heterocycles were produced in good yields and with high stereoselectivity (up to 99 % yields, 99 : 1 er and >19 : 1 dr). In-depth mechanistic investigations, including control experiments and theoretical calculations, revealed the origin of the stereoselectivity and the importance of H-bonding in stereocontrol.

Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes: Activation Enabled by a Single, Vinylogous Acceptor

A novel class of highly activated donor-acceptor cyclopropanes bearing only a single, vinylogous acceptor is presented. These strained moieties readily undergo cycloadditions with aldehydes, ketones, thioketones, nitriles, naphth-2-ols and various other substrates to yield the corresponding carbo- and heterocycles. Diastereocontrol can be achieved through the choice of catalyst (Brønsted or Lewis acid). The formation of tetrahydrofurans was shown to be highly enantiospecific when chiral cyclopropanes are employed. A series of mechanistic and kinetic experiments was conducted to elucidate a plausible catalytic cycle and to rationalize the stereochemical outcome.

Diboron(4)-Catalyzed Remote [3+2] Cycloaddition of Cyclopropanes via Dearomative/Rearomative Radical Transmission through Pyridine

Ring structures such as pyridine, cyclopentane or their combinations are important motifs in bioactive molecules. In contrast to previous cycloaddition reactions that necessitated a directly bonded initiating functional group, this work demonstrated a novel through-(hetero)arene radical transmission concept for selective activation of a remote bond. An efficient, metal-free and atom-economical [3+2] cycloaddition between 4-pyridinyl cyclopropanes and alkenes or alkynes has been developed for modular synthesis of pyridine-substituted cyclopentanes, cyclopentenes and bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes that are difficult to access using known methods. This complexity-building reaction was catalyzed by a very simple and inexpensive diboron(4) compound and took place via dearomative/rearomative processes. The substrate scope was broad and more than 100 new compounds were prepared in generally high yields. Mechanistic experiments and density function theory (DFT) investigation supported a radical relay catalytic cycle involving alkylidene dihydropyridine radical intermediates and boronyl radical transfer.

Enantioselective Radical Addition to Ketones through Lewis Acid-Enabled Photoredox Catalysis

Photocatalysis opens up a new window for carbonyl chemistry. Despite a multitude of photochemical reactions of carbonyl compounds, visible light-induced catalytic asymmetric transformations remain elusive and pose a formidable challenge. Accordingly, the development of simple, efficient, and economic catalytic systems is the ideal pursuit for chemists. Herein, we report an enantioselective radical photoaddition to ketones through a Lewis acid-enabled photoredox catalysis wherein the in situ formed chiral N,N'-dioxide/Sc(III)-ketone complex serves as a temporary photocatalyst to trigger single-electron transfer oxidation of silanes for the generation of nucleophilic radical species, including primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl radicals, giving various enantioenriched aza-heterocycle-based tertiary alcohols in good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities. The results of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and high-resolution mass spectrum (HRMS) measurements provided favorable evidence for the stereocontrolled radical addition process involved in this reaction.

Reversible Homolysis of a Carbon-Carbon σ-Bond Enabled by Complexation-Induced Bond-Weakening

A case study of catalytic carbon-carbon σ-bond homolysis is presented. The coordination of a redox-active Lewis acid catalyst reduces the bond-dissociation free energies of adjacent carbon-carbon σ-bonds, and this complexation-induced bond-weakening is used to effect reversible carbon-carbon bond homolysis. Stereochemical isomerization of 1,2-disubstituted cyclopropanes was investigated as a model reaction with a ruthenium (III/II) redox couple adopted for bond weakening. Results from our mechanistic investigation into the stereospecificity of the isomerization reaction are consistent with selective complexation-induced carbon-carbon bond homolysis. The ΔG‡ of catalyzed and uncatalyzed reactions were estimated to be 14.4 and 40.0 kcal/mol, respectively with the computational method, (U)PBE0-D3/def2-TZVPP-SMD(toluene)//(U)B3LYP-D3/def2-SVP. We report this work as the first catalytic example where the complexation-induced bond-weakening effect is quantified through transition state analysis.

CdS Quantum Dots as Potent Photoreductants for Organic Chemistry Enabled by Auger Processes

Strong reducing agents (<-2.0 V vs saturated calomel electrode (SCE)) enable a wide array of useful organic chemistry, but suffer from a variety of limitations. Stoichiometric metallic reductants such as alkali metals and SmI₂ are commonly employed for these reactions; however, considerations including expense, ease of use, safety, and waste generation limit the practicality of these methods. Recent approaches utilizing energy from multiple photons or electron-primed photoredox catalysis have accessed reduction potentials equivalent to Li⁰ and shown how this enables selective transformations of aryl chlorides via aryl radicals. However, in some cases, low stability of catalytic intermediates can limit turnover numbers. Herein, we report the ability of CdS nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) to function as strong photoreductants and present evidence that a highly reducing electron is generated from two consecutive photoexcitations of CdS QDs with intermediate reductive quenching. Mechanistic experiments suggest that Auger recombination, a photophysical phenomenon known to occur in photoexcited anionic QDs, generates transient thermally excited electrons to enable the observed reductions. Using blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and sacrificial amine reductants, aryl chlorides and phosphate esters with reduction potentials up to -3.4 V vs SCE are photoreductively cleaved to afford hydrodefunctionalized or functionalized products. In contrast to small-molecule catalysts, QDs are stable under these conditions and turnover numbers up to 47 500 have been achieved. These conditions can also effect other challenging reductions, such as tosylate protecting group removal from amines, debenzylation of benzyl-protected alcohols, and reductive ring opening of cyclopropane carboxylic acid derivatives.

Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of γ-Metalated Ketones with Unactivated Alkyl Bromides

A nickel-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling reaction of aryl cyclopropyl ketones with easily accessible unactivated alkyl bromides to access aryl alkyl ketones has been developed. This strategy facilitates access to various of γ-alkyl-substituted ketones via ring opening of cyclopropyl ketones (26 examples, 50-90% yield). Initial mechanistic studies revealed that the reaction proceeds via radical cleavage of the alkyl bromide.

Enantioselective [2 + 2] photocycloaddition of quinolone using a C1-symmetric chiral phosphoric acid as a visible-light photocatalyst

The enantioselective intra- and intermolecular [2 + 2] photocycloaddition of quinolone using a C₁-symmetric chiral phosphoric acid as a visible-light photocatalyst is developed. The thioxanthone chromophore on phosphoric acid plays an important role in both phototransformation and enantioselectivity.

Strain-Release [2π + 2σ] Cycloadditions for the Synthesis of Bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes Initiated by Energy Transfer

Saturated bicycles are becoming ever more important in the design and development of new pharmaceuticals. Here a new strategy for the synthesis of bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes is described. These bicycles are significant because they have defined exit vectors, yet many substitution patterns are underexplored as building blocks. The process involves sensitization of a bicyclo[1.1.0]butane followed by cycloaddition with an alkene. The scope and mechanistic details of the method are discussed.

Catalysis with Diboron(4)/Pyridine: Application to the Broad-Scope [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of Cyclopropanes and Alkenes

In contrast to the extensive but non-recyclable use of tetraalkoxydiboron(4) compounds as stoichiometric reagents in diverse reactions, this article reports an atom-economical reaction using a commercial diboron(4) as the catalyst. The key to success was designing a catalytic cycle for radical [3 + 2] cycloaddition involving a pyridine cocatalyst to generate from the diboron(4) catalyst and reversibly mediate the transfer of boronyl radicals. In comparison with known [3 + 2] cycloaddition with transition metal-based catalysts, the current reaction features not only metal-free conditions, inexpensive and stable catalysts, and simple operation but also remarkably broadened substrate scope. In particular, previously unusable cyclopropyl ketones without an activating group and/or alkenes with 1,2-disubstitution and 1,1,2-trisubstitution patterns were successfully used for the first time. Consequently, challenging cyclopentane compounds with various levels of substitution (65 examples, 57 new products, up to six substituents at all five ring atoms) were readily prepared in generally high to excellent yield and diastereoselectivity. The reaction was also successfully applied in concise formal synthesis of an anti-obesity drug and building natural product-like complex bridged or spirocyclic compounds. Mechanistic experiments and computational investigation support the proposed radical relay catalysis featuring a pyridine-assisted boronyl radical catalyst. Overall, this work demonstrates the first approach to use tetraalkoxydiboron(4) compounds as catalysts and may lead to the development of new, green, and efficient transition metal-like boron-catalyzed organic reactions.

Visible-Light-Accelerated Copper-Catalyzed [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of N-Tosylcyclopropylamines with Alkynes/Alkenes

Copper-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloadditions of N-tosylcyclopropylamine with alkynes and alkenes have been accomplished under visible light irradiation. The developed approach is compatible with a range of functionalities and allows the synthesis of diversified aminated cyclopentene and cyclopentane derivatives being relevant for drug synthesis. The protocol is operationally simple and economically affordable as it does not require any ligand, base, or additives. As the key step, the one-electron oxidation of the N-tosyl moiety by visible light-induced homolysis of a transient Cu(II)-tosylamide complex is proposed, providing a facile entry for N-centered radicals.

Visible Light-Induced Transition Metal Catalysis

In recent years, visible light-induced transition metal catalysis has emerged as a new paradigm in organic photocatalysis, which has led to the discovery of unprecedented transformations as well as the improvement of known reactions. In this subfield of photocatalysis, a transition metal complex serves a double duty by harvesting photon energy and then enabling bond forming/breaking events mostly via a single catalytic cycle, thus contrasting the established dual photocatalysis in which an exogenous photosensitizer is employed. In addition, this approach often synergistically combines catalyst-substrate interaction with photoinduced process, a feature that is uncommon in conventional photoredox chemistry. This Review describes the early development and recent advances of this emerging field.

Chiral Photocatalyst Structures in Asymmetric Photochemical Synthesis

Asymmetric catalysis is a major theme of research in contemporary synthetic organic chemistry. The discovery of general strategies for highly enantioselective photochemical reactions, however, has been a relatively recent development, and the variety of photoreactions that can be conducted in a stereocontrolled manner is consequently somewhat limited. Asymmetric photocatalysis is complicated by the short lifetimes and high reactivities characteristic of photogenerated reactive intermediates; the design of catalyst architectures that can provide effective enantiodifferentiating environments for these intermediates while minimizing the participation of uncontrolled racemic background processes has proven to be a key challenge for progress in this field. This review provides a summary of the chiral catalyst structures that have been studied for solution-phase asymmetric photochemistry, including chiral organic sensitizers, inorganic chromophores, and soluble macromolecules. While some of these photocatalysts are derived from privileged catalyst structures that are effective for both ground-state and photochemical transformations, others are structural designs unique to photocatalysis and offer insight into the logic required for highly effective stereocontrolled photocatalysis.

Construction of Chiral Cyclic Compounds Enabled by Enantioselective Photocatalysis

Chiral cyclic molecules are some of the most important compounds in nature, and are widely used in the fields of drugs, materials, synthesis, etc. Enantioselective photocatalysis has become a powerful tool for organic synthesis of chiral cyclic molecules. Herein, this review summarized the research progress in the synthesis of chiral cyclic compounds by photocatalytic cycloaddition reaction in the past 5 years, and expounded the reaction conditions, characters, and corresponding proposed mechanism, hoping to guide and promote the development of this field.

Visible-light-mediated regioselective ring-opening hydrogenolysis of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes with DIPEA and H2O

A visible-light-mediated regioselective ring-opening hydrogenolysis of donor–acceptor cyclopropanes has been developed for the rapid construction of alkylated aryl ketones in good yields with excellent functional group compatibility.

Catalytic asymmetric cyclopropanation of sulfoxonium ylides catalyzed by a chiral-at-metal rhodium complex

An efficient asymmetric cyclopropanation of sulfoxonium ylides with α,β-unsaturated 2-acyl imidazoles catalyzed by a chiral-at-metal rhodium complex has been developed.

Construction of chiral chroman skeletons via catalytic asymmetric [4 + 2] cyclization of ortho-hydroxyphenyl-substituted para-quinone methides catalyzed by a chiral-at-metal rhodium complex

Construction of chiral chroman skeletons via catalytic asymmetric [4 + 2] cyclization of ortho-hydroxyphenyl-substituted p-QMs catalyzed by a chiral-at-metal rhodium complex.

Visible-Light-Induced Photoannulation of α-Naphthyl Cyclopropane Carboxylic Esters to Functionalized Dihydrophenalenes

A general synthetic entry to functionalized dihydrophenalenes has been found using naphthyl-cyclopropane esters as starting materials. The desired annulation was possible with visible light, Ir(Fppy)₃ as photocatalyst, BnNMe₂ or DABCO as electron donor, HAT-catalyst, and proton source. A broad scope of substituted naphthyl and azanaphthyl derivatives provided the photoannulation products in high yield. Deuteration studies support a photoredox mechanism involving the photoreductive cyclopropane opening to an enolate radical followed by an aryl radical trapping.

Recent Development of Bis-Cyclometalated Chiral-at-Iridium and Rhodium Complexes for Asymmetric Catalysis

The field of asymmetric catalysis has been developing to access synthetically efficacious chiral molecules from the last century. Although there are many sustainable ways to produce nonracemic molecules, simplified and unique methodologies are always appreciated. In the recent developments of asymmetric catalysis, chiral-at-metal Lewis acid catalysis has been recognized as an attractive strategy. The catalysts coordinatively activate a substrate while serving the sole source of chirality by virtue of its helical environment. These configurationally stable complexes were utilized in a large number of asymmetric transformations, ranging from asymmetric Lewis acid catalysis to photoredox and electrocatalysis. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the current advancements in asymmetric catalysis utilizing iridium and rhodium-based chiral-at-metal complexes as catalysts. First, the asymmetric transformations via LUMO and HOMO activation assisted by a chiral Lewis acid catalyst are reviewed. In the second part, visible-light-induced asymmetric catalysis is summarized. The asymmetric transformation via the electricity-driven method is discussed in the final section.

Catalytic α-Deracemization of Ketones Enabled by Photoredox Deprotonation and Enantioselective Protonation

This study reports the catalytic deracemization of ketones bearing stereocenters in the α-position in a single reaction via deprotonation, followed by enantioselective protonation. The principle of microscopic reversibility, which has previously rendered this strategy elusive, is overcome by a photoredox deprotonation through single electron transfer and subsequent hydrogen atom transfer (HAT). Specifically, the irradiation of racemic pyridylketones in the presence of a single photocatalyst and a tertiary amine provides nonracemic carbonyl compounds with up to 97% enantiomeric excess. The photocatalyst harvests the visible light, induces the redox process, and is responsible for the asymmetric induction, while the amine serves as a single electron donor, HAT reagent, and proton source. This conceptually simple light-driven strategy of coupling a photoredox deprotonation with a stereocontrolled protonation, in conjunction with an enrichment process, serves as a blueprint for other deracemizations of ubiquitous carbonyl compounds.

Recent advances in the chemistry of ketyl radicals

Ketyl radicals are valuable reactive intermediates for synthesis and are used extensively to construct complex, functionalized products from carbonyl substrates. Single electron transfer (SET) reduction of the C Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> O bond of aldehydes and ketones is the classical approach for the formation of ketyl radicals and metal reductants are the archetypal reagents employed. The past decade has, however, witnessed significant advances in the generation and harnessing of ketyl radicals. This tutorial review highlights recent, exciting developments in the chemistry of ketyl radicals by comparing the varied contemporary – for example, using photoredox catalysts – and more classical approaches for the generation and use of ketyl radicals. The review will focus on different strategies for ketyl radical generation, their creative use in new synthetic protocols, strategies for the control of enantioselectivity, and detailed mechanisms where appropriate.

Ketyl radicals are valuable reactive intermediates for synthesis. This review highlights exciting recent developments in the chemistry of ketyl radicals by comparing contemporary and more classical approaches for their generation and use.

SmI2-Catalyzed Intermolecular Coupling of Cyclopropyl Ketones and Alkynes: A Link between Ketone Conformation and Reactivity

The archetypal single electron transfer reductant, samarium(II) diiodide (SmI₂, Kagan's reagent), remains one of the most important reducing agents and mediators of radical chemistry after four decades of widespread use in synthesis. While the chemistry of SmI₂ is very often unique, and thus the reagent is indispensable, it is almost invariably used in superstoichiometric amounts, thus raising issues of cost and waste. Of the few reports of the use of catalytic SmI₂, all require the use of superstoichiometric amounts of a metal coreductant to regenerate Sm(II). Here, we describe a SmI₂-catalyzed intermolecular radical coupling of aryl cyclopropyl ketones and alkynes. The process shows broad substrate scope and delivers a library of decorated cyclopentenes with loadings of SmI₂ as low as 15 mol %. The radical relay strategy negates the need for a superstoichiometric coreductant and additives to regenerate SmI₂. Crucially, our study uncovers an intriguing link between ketone conformation and efficient cross-coupling and thus provides an insight into the mechanism of radical relays involving SmI₂. The study lays further groundwork for the future use of the classical reagent SmI₂ in contemporary radical catalysis.

Enantioselective Construction of 2-Aryl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran Scaffolds Using Cu/SPDO-Catalyzed [3 + 2] Cycloaddition

A new, efficient approach toward the preparation of 2-aryl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran scaffolds through the Cu/SPDO-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition between quinone ester and styrene derivatives has been developed. The procedure features excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee), high yields (up to 96%), and broad substrate tolerance. Additionally, asymmetric synthesis of natural corsifurans A and B from commercially available starting materials has also been achieved in two or three steps using this reaction as a key transformation.

Photoinduced triiodide-mediated [3 + 2] cycloaddition of N-tosyl aziridines and alkenes

A photoinduced triiodide-mediated [3 + 2] cycloaddition of N-Ts aziridines and alkenes is described herein. This operationally simple protocol enables regioselective access to a wide range of substituted pyrrolidines under mild-free conditions.