Synthesis of N-Heterocycles by Dehydrogenative Annulation of N-Allyl Amides with 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds

Bifunctional Chiral Electrocatalysts Enable Enantioselective α-Alkylation of Aldehydes

Herein, we describe an innovative approach to the asymmetric electrochemical α-alkylation of aldehydes facilitated by a newly designed bifunctional chiral electrocatalyst. The highly efficient bifunctional chiral electrocatalyst combines a chiral aminocatalyst with a redox mediator. It plays a dual role as a redox mediator for electrooxidation, while simultaneously providing remarkable asymmetric induction for the stereoselective α-alkylation of aldehydes. Additionally, this novel catalyst exhibits enhanced catalytic activity and excellent stereoselective control comparable to conventional catalytic systems. As a result, this strategy provides a new avenue for versatile asymmetric electrochemistry. The electrooxidation of diverse phenols enables the C-H/C-H oxidative α-alkylation of aldehydes in a highly chemo- and stereoselective fashion. Detailed mechanistic studies by control experiments and cyclic voltammetry analysis demonstrate possible reaction pathways and the origin of enantio-induction.

Ferrocene-Mediated Electrochemical Polycyclization of Malonates

We report access to the core of biologically relevant aromatic abietane diterpenoids and to the formal synthesis of podocarpic and lambertic acids or γ-lactones via an electrochemical bicyclization process initiated by the ferrocene-mediated anodic oxidation of a malonate via single electron-transfer. This approach permits escaping the use of excess of oxidants such as Mn(OAc)3 and the associated complicated purification.

Electrocatalytic dehydrogenative and defluorinative coupling between aldehyde-derived N,N-dialkylhydrazones and fluoromalonates: synthesis of 2-pyrazolines

An electrocatalytic synthesis of 2-pyrazolines via dehydrogenative and defluorinative cross-coupling reactions between (hetero)arylaldehyde-derived N,N-dialkylhydrazones and fluoromalonates is disclosed. Salient features of this work include (i) readily available starting materials, (ii) practical reaction conditions, and (ii) a formal oxidative (4 + 1)-cycloaddition via triple C-H bond functionalization. Cyclic voltammetry analyses support the electrocatalytic formation of an α-fluoromalonyl radical.

Electro-oxidative quinylation of sulfides to sulfur ylides in batch and continuous flow

An unprecedented strategy for preparing a series of sulfur ylides through electro-oxidative quinylation of sulfides in batch and continuous flow has been developed. Good to excellent yields were obtained with excellent functional group compatibility and good concentration tolerance under exogenous oxidant- and transition metal-free conditions. Advantageously, this electrosynthesis methodology was scalable with higher daily production and steady production was achieved attributing to the use of micro-flow cells.

Visible-Light Photoredox Catalyzed Regioselective 1,4-Hydroalkylation of 1,3-Enyne

Described herein is a visible-light photoredox-catalyzed regioselective 1,4-hydroalkylation of 1,3-enynes. Various of di- and tri-substituent allenes were really accessible under the present reaction conditions. The visible-light photoredox activation of the carbon nucleophile to generate its radical species, allowing the addition with un-activated enynes. The synthetic utility for the present protocol was demonstrated by a large-scale reaction, as well as the derivatization of the allene product.

Catalyst-free inverse-electron-demand aza-Diels-Alder reaction of 4,4-dicyano-2-methylenebut-3-enoates and 1,3,5-triazinanes: access to polysubstituted tetrahydropyridines

An inverse-electron-demand aza-Diels-Alder reaction between 4,4-dicyano-2-methylenebut-3-enoates and 1,3,5-triazinanes under catalyst-free and additive-free conditions was developed, which provided a highly convenient and straightforward method to construct a series of polyfunctionalized tetrahydropyridines in high yields. This strategy features numerous advantages, including high efficiency, good functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, and environmentally friendly conditions.

Electrochemical monofluoroalkylation cyclization of N-arylacrylamides to construct monofluorinated 2-oxindoles

An electrochemical monofluoroalkylation cyclization of N-arylacrylamides to synthesize monofluorinated 2-oxindoles has been developed, which employs common dimethyl 2-fluoromalonate as a monofluoroalkyl radical precursor and obviates the use of prefunctionalized monofluoroalkylation reagents and sacrificial oxidants. A variety of monofluorinated nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds were efficiently obtained with satisfactory yields from readily available materials.

Redox-active molecules as organocatalysts for selective oxidative transformations - an unperceived organocatalysis field

Organocatalysis is widely recognized as a key synthetic methodology in organic chemistry. It allows chemists to avoid the use of precious and (or) toxic metals by taking advantage of the catalytic activity of small and synthetically available molecules. Today, the term organocatalysis is mainly associated with redox-neutral asymmetric catalysis of C-C bond-forming processes, such as aldol reactions, Michael reactions, cycloaddition reactions, etc. Organophotoredox catalysis has emerged recently as another important catalysis type which has gained much attention and has been quite well-reviewed. At the same time, there are a significant number of other processes, especially oxidative, catalyzed by redox-active organic molecules in the ground state (without light excitation). Unfortunately, many of such processes are not associated in the literature with the organocatalysis field and thus many achievements are not fully consolidated and systematized. The present article is aimed at overviewing the current state-of-art and perspectives of oxidative organocatalysis by redox-active molecules with the emphasis on challenging chemo-, regio- and stereoselective CH-functionalization processes. The catalytic systems based on N-oxyl radicals, amines, thiols, oxaziridines, ketone/peroxide, quinones, and iodine(I/III) compounds are the most developed catalyst types which are covered here.

Electro-Synthesis of Organic Compounds with Heterogeneous Catalysis

Electro-organic synthesis has attracted a lot of attention in pharmaceutical science, medicinal chemistry, and future industrial applications in energy storage and conversion. To date, there has not been a detailed review on electro-organic synthesis with the strategy of heterogeneous catalysis. In this review, the most recent advances in synthesizing value-added chemicals by heterogeneous catalysis are summarized. An overview of electrocatalytic oxidation and reduction processes as well as paired electrocatalysis is provided, and the anodic oxidation of alcohols (monohydric and polyhydric), aldehydes, and amines are discussed. This review also provides in-depth insight into the cathodic reduction of carboxylates, carbon dioxide, CC, C≡C, and reductive coupling reactions. Moreover, the electrocatalytic paired electro-synthesis methods, including parallel paired, sequential divergent paired, and convergent paired electrolysis, are summarized. Additionally, the strategies developed to achieve high electrosynthesis efficiency and the associated challenges are also addressed. It is believed that electro-organic synthesis is a promising direction of organic electrochemistry, offering numerous opportunities to develop new organic reaction methods.

Nickel-catalyzed switchable asymmetric electrochemical functionalization of alkenes

The development of general electrocatalytic methods for the diversity-oriented regio- and stereoselective functionalization of alkenes remains a challenge in organic synthesis. We present a switchable electrocatalytic method based on anodic oxidative activation for the controlled liberation of chiral α-keto radical species toward stereoselective organic transformations. Electrogenerated α-keto radical species capture alkene partners, allowing switchable intermolecular alkene difunctionalization and alkenylation in a highly stereoselective manner. In addition to acting as proton donors to facilitate H₂ evolution at the cathode, the unique properties of alcohol additives play an important role in determining the distinct outcomes for alkene functionalization under electrocatalytic conditions.

Two Paths to Oxidative C-H Amination Under Basic Conditions: A Theoretical Case Study Reveals Hidden Opportunities Provided by Electron Upconversion

Traditionally, cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) leads to C-N bond formation under basic and oxidative conditions and is proposed to proceed via a two-electron bond formation mediated by carbenium ions. However, the formation of such high-energy intermediates is only possible in the presence of strong oxidants, which may lead to undesired side reactions and poor functional group tolerance. In this work we explore if oxidation under basic conditions allows the formation of three-electron bonds (resulting in "upconverted" highly-reducing radical-anions). The benefit of this "upconversion" process is in the ability to use milder oxidants (e. g., O2 ) and to avoid high-energy intermediates. Comparison of the two- and three-electron pathways using quantum mechanical calculations reveals that not only does the absence of a strong oxidant shut down two-electron pathways in favor of a three-electron path but, paradoxically, weaker oxidants react faster with the upconverted reductants by avoiding the inverted Marcus region for electron transfer.

imethyl 2-Benzylmalonate

An electrochemical dearomatizing spirocyclization of alkynes with dimethyl 2-benzylmalonates for the preparation of spiro[4.5]deca-trienones has been developed. This approach adopts ferrocene (Cp₂Fe) as an electrocatalyst to produce carbon-centered radical intermediates from C-H-based malonates, which obviates the forthputting of noble-metal reagents, sacrificial chemical oxidants and 2-bromomalonates. A wide variety of spiro compounds are efficiently prepared with satisfactory results under mild conditions.

Recent synthetic methods involving carbon radicals generated by electrochemical catalysis

Driven by a resurgence of interest in electrode-driven synthetic methods, this paper covers recent activity in the field of mediated electrochemical and photoelectrochemical bond activation, inclusive of C-H, C-C, C-N, and other C-heteroatom bonds.

Electrocatalytic Isomerization of Allylic Alcohols: Straightforward Preparation of β-Aryl-Ketones

Electrochemical synthesis has been rapidly developing over the past few years. Here, we report a practical and eco-friendly electrocatalytic isomerization of allylic alcohols to their corresponding carbonyl compounds. This reaction can be carried out in undivided cells without the addition of external chemical oxidants and metal catalysts. Moreover, this reaction features a broad substrate scope including challenging allylic alcohols bearing tri- and tetra-substituted olefins and affords straightforward access to diverse β-aryl-ketones. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the reactions proceed through a radical process. This study represents a unique example in which electrochemistry enables hydrogen atom transfer in organic allylic alcohol substrates using a simple organocatalyst.

Organoelectrocatalysis Enables Direct Cyclopropanation of Methylene Compounds

Cyclopropane is a prevalent structural unit in natural products and bioactive compounds. While the transition metal-catalyzed alkene cyclopropanation of functionalized compounds such as α-diazocarbonyl derivatives has been well established and provides straightforward access to cyclopropanes, cyclopropanation directly from the more stable and simpler methylene compounds has remained an unsolved challenge despite the highly desirable benefits of minimal prefunctionalization and increased operational safety. Herein we report an electrocatalytic strategy for the cyclopropanation of active methylene compounds, employing an organic catalyst. The method shows a broad substrate scope and excellent scalability, requires no metal catalyst or external chemical oxidant, and provides convenient access to several types of cyclopropane-fused heterocyclic and carbocyclic compounds. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the reactions proceed through a radical-polar crossover process to form the two new carbon-carbon bonds in the nascent cyclopropane ring.

Photochemical and Electrochemical Applications of Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer in Organic Synthesis

We present here a review of the photochemical and electrochemical applications of multi-site proton-coupled electron transfer (MS-PCET) in organic synthesis. MS-PCETs are redox mechanisms in which both an electron and a proton are exchanged together, often in a concerted elementary step. As such, MS-PCET can function as a non-classical mechanism for homolytic bond activation, providing opportunities to generate synthetically useful free radical intermediates directly from a wide variety of common organic functional groups. We present an introduction to MS-PCET and a practitioner's guide to reaction design, with an emphasis on the unique energetic and selectivity features that are characteristic of this reaction class. We then present chapters on oxidative N-H, O-H, S-H, and C-H bond homolysis methods, for the generation of the corresponding neutral radical species. Then, chapters for reductive PCET activations involving carbonyl, imine, other X═Y π-systems, and heteroarenes, where neutral ketyl, α-amino, and heteroarene-derived radicals can be generated. Finally, we present chapters on the applications of MS-PCET in asymmetric catalysis and in materials and device applications. Within each chapter, we subdivide by the functional group undergoing homolysis, and thereafter by the type of transformation being promoted. Methods published prior to the end of December 2020 are presented.

Recent Advances in the Green Synthesis of Heterocycles: From Building Blocks to Biologically Active Compounds

Recent advances in the environmentally benign synthesis of common heterocycles are described. This account features three main parts; the preparation of non-aromatic heterocycles, one-ring aromatic heterocycles and their condensed analogs. Due to the great variety of and high interest in these compounds, this work focuses on providing representative examples of the preparation of the target compounds.

Electrocatalytic Dehydrogenative Cyclization of 2-Vinylanilides for the Synthesis of Indoles

Indole is prevalent in bioactive compounds and natural products. The development of efficient and sustainable methods to access this privileged structural scaffold has been a long-standing interest of synthetic chemists. Herein, we report an electrocatalytic method for the synthesis of indoles through dehydrogenative cyclization of 2-vinylanilides. The reactions employ an organic redox catalyst and do not require any external chemical oxidant, providing speedy and efficient access to 3-substituted and 2,3-disubstituted indoles.

Electrocatalysis as an enabling technology for organic synthesis

Electrochemistry has recently gained increased attention as a versatile strategy for achieving challenging transformations at the forefront of synthetic organic chemistry. Electrochemistry's unique ability to generate highly reactive radical and radical ion intermediates in a controlled fashion under mild conditions has inspired the development of a number of new electrochemical methodologies for the preparation of valuable chemical motifs. Particularly, recent developments in electrosynthesis have featured an increased use of redox-active electrocatalysts to further enhance control over the selective formation and downstream reactivity of these reactive intermediates. Furthermore, electrocatalytic mediators enable synthetic transformations to proceed in a manner that is mechanistically distinct from purely chemical methods, allowing for the subversion of kinetic and thermodynamic obstacles encountered in conventional organic synthesis. This review highlights key innovations within the past decade in the area of synthetic electrocatalysis, with emphasis on the mechanisms and catalyst design principles underpinning these advancements. A host of oxidative and reductive electrocatalytic methodologies are discussed and are grouped according to the classification of the synthetic transformation and the nature of the electrocatalyst.

Tailored cobalt-salen complexes enable electrocatalytic intramolecular allylic C-H functionalizations

Oxidative allylic C–H functionalization is a powerful tool to streamline organic synthesis as it minimizes the need for functional group activation and generates alkenyl-substituted products amenable to further chemical modifications. The intramolecular variants can be used to construct functionalized ring structures but remain limited in scope and by their frequent requirement for noble metal catalysts and stoichiometric chemical oxidants. Here we report an oxidant-free, electrocatalytic approach to achieve intramolecular oxidative allylic C–H amination and alkylation by employing tailored cobalt-salen complexes as catalysts. These reactions proceed through a radical mechanism and display broad tolerance of functional groups and alkene substitution patterns, allowing efficient coupling of di-, tri- and even tetrasubstituted alkenes with N- and C-nucleophiles to furnish high-value heterocyclic and carbocyclic structures.

Oxidative allylic C–H functionalizations minimise the need for functional group activation and generate alkenyl-substituted products amenable to further chemical modifications. Here the authors report an oxidant-free, electrocatalytic approach to achieve intramolecular oxidative allylic C–H amination and alkylation by employing tailored cobalt-salen complexes as catalysts.

Electrochemical Dehydrogenative C(sp2 )-H Amination

A transition-metal-free direct electrolytic C-H amination involving an electrochemically generated nitrenium ion intermediate has been developed. The electrosynthesis takes place in the absence of any organoiodine catalysts and is enabled by an in situ generated electrolyte. A novel, efficient intramolecular and intermolecular C-H amination has been demonstrated using a simple reaction setup.

Electrochemically Driven Radical Reactions: From Direct Electrolysis to Molecular Catalysis

Organic radicals are versatile synthetic intermediates that provide reactivities and selectivities complementary to ionic species. Despite its long history, electrochemically driven radical reactions remain limited in scope. In the past few years, there have been dramatic increase in research activity in organic electrochemistry. We have been developing electrochemical and electrophotocatalytic methods for the generation and synthetic utilization of organic radicals. In our studies, various radical species such as alkene and arene radical cations and carbon- and heteroatom-centered radicals are generated from readily available precursors through direct electrolysis, molecular electrocatalysis or molecular electrophotocatalysis. These radical species undergo various inter- and intramolecular oxidative transformations to rapidly increase molecular complexity. The simultaneous occurrence of anodic oxidation and cathodic proton reduction allows the oxidative reactions to proceed through H₂ evolution without external chemical oxidants.

Transition Metal-Free Oxidative Cross-Coupling Reaction of Activated Olefins with N-Alkyl Amides

The K₂S₂O₈-mediated transition metal-free oxidative cross-coupling reaction of activated olefins with N-alkyl amides was developed, and the reaction gave N-allylic amides in moderate to good yield. This reaction protocol was suitable for different kinds of activated olefins.

Electrifying Sustainability on Transition Metal-Free Modes: An Eco-Friendly Approach for the Formation of C-N Bonds

Embracing sustainable green methodologies and techniques in chemical transformations has always been in the limelight to the synthetic community. Electrosynthesis has emerged as a powerful, sustainable synthetic tool for molecular synthesis exploiting inexpensive electricity in place of sacrificial chemical oxidizing/reducing reagents. Herein, recent advances in the incorporation of transition metal-free redox mediators in electrosynthesis for the construction of C-N bonds are outlined. Furthermore, conjugation of this strategy with flow catalysis allows easy scale up of the synthesis of molecular assembly. This comprehensive Review provides an overview of metal-free mediated electro-construction of C-N bonds, focusing on the reaction mechanisms involved and its synthetic applications.

Electroreductive Carbofunctionalization of Alkenes with Alkyl Bromides via a Radical-Polar Crossover Mechanism

Electrochemistry grants direct access to reactive intermediates (radicals and ions) in a controlled fashion toward selective organic transformations. This feature has been demonstrated in a variety of alkene functionalization reactions, most of which proceed via an anodic oxidation pathway. In this report, we further expand the scope of electrochemistry to the reductive functionalization of alkenes. In particular, the strategic choice of reagents and reaction conditions enabled a radical-polar crossover pathway wherein two distinct electrophiles can be added across an alkene in a highly chemo- and regioselective fashion. Specifically, we used this strategy in the intermolecular carboformylation, anti-Markovnikov hydroalkylation, and carbocarboxylation of alkenes-reactions with rare precedents in the literature-by means of the electroreductive generation of alkyl radical and carbanion intermediates. These reactions employ readily available starting materials (alkyl halides, alkenes, etc.) and simple, transition-metal-free conditions and display broad substrate scope and good tolerance of functional groups. A uniform protocol can be used to achieve all three transformations by simply altering the reaction medium. This development provides a new avenue for constructing Csp3-Csp3 bonds.

Selective Electrochemical Hydrolysis of Hydrosilanes to Silanols via Anodically Generated Silyl Cations

The first electrochemical hydrolysis of hydrosilanes to silanols under mild and neutral reaction conditions is reported. The practical protocol employs commercially available and cheap NHPI as a hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) mediator and operates at room temperature with high selectivity, leading to various valuable silanols in moderate to good yields. Notably, this electrochemical method exhibits a broad substrate scope and high functional-group compatibility, and it is applicable to late-stage functionalization of complex molecules. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction appears to proceed through a nucleophilic substitution reaction of an electrogenerated silyl cation with H₂ O.

Electrochemical Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling between Phenols and β-Dicarbonyl Compounds: Facile Construction of Benzofurans

Preparative electrochemical synthesis is an ideal method for establishing green, sustainable processes. The major benefits of an electro-organic strategy over that of conventional chemical synthesis are the avoidance of reagent waste and mild reaction conditions. Here, an intermolecular cross-dehydrogenative coupling between phenols and β-dicarbonyl compounds has been developed to build various benzofurans under undivided electrolytic conditions. Neither transition metals nor external chemical oxidants are required to facilitate the dehydrogenation and dehydration processes. The key factor in success was the use of nBu₄ NBF₄ as the electrolyte and hexafluoroisopropanol as the solvent, which play key roles in the cyclocondensation step. This electrolysis is scalable and can be used as a key step in drug synthesis. On the basis of several experimental results, the mechanism, particularly of the remarkable anodic oxidation and cyclization process, was illustrated.

Dehydrogenative Anodic C-C Coupling of Phenols Bearing Electron-Withdrawing Groups

We herein present a metal-free, electrosynthetic method that enables the direct dehydrogenative coupling reactions of phenols carrying electron-withdrawing groups for the first time. The reactions are easy to conduct and scalable, as they are carried out in undivided cells and obviate the necessity for additional supporting electrolyte. As such, this conversion is efficient, practical, and thereby environmentally friendly, as production of waste is minimized. The method features a broad substrate scope, and a variety of functional groups are tolerated, providing easy access to precursors for novel polydentate ligands and even heterocycles such as dibenzofurans.

One-electron oxidative dehydrogenative annulation and cyclization reactions

This review focuses on the recent advances in one-electron oxidation involved oxidative dehydrogenative annulations and cyclizations for the intermolecular and intramolecular construction of valuable ring structures.

Synthesis of indoline-piperidinonesviaa novel Ugi, ring expansion,pseudo-Dieckmann condensation and rearrangement cascade reaction

Synthesis of functionalized indoline-piperidinones through an Ugi, ring expansion,pseudo-Dieckmann and rearrangement cascade reaction in one-pot.

Chemistry with Electrochemically Generated N-Centered Radicals

N-centered radicals are versatile reaction intermediates that can react with various π systems to construct C-N bonds. Current methods for generating N-centered radicals usually involve the cleavage of an N-heteroatom bond; however, similar strategies that are applicable to N-H bonds prove to be more challenging to develop and therefore are attracting increasing attention. In this Account, we summarize our recent efforts in the development of electrochemical methods for the generation and synthetic utilization of N-centered radicals. In our studies, N-aryl amidyl radical, amidinyl radical and iminyl radical cation intermediates are generated from N-H precursors through direct electrolysis or indirect electrolysis assisted by a redox catalyst. In addition, an electrocatalytic method that converts oximes to iminoxyl radicals has also been developed. The electrophilic amidyl radical intermediates can participate in 5-exo or 6-exo cyclization with alkenes and alkynes to afford C-centered radicals, which can then undergo various transformations such as H atom abstraction, single-electron transfer oxidation to a carbocation, cyclization, or aromatic substitution, leading to a diverse range of N-heterocyclic products. Furthermore, amidinyl radicals, iminyl radical cations, and iminoxyl radicals can undergo intramolecular aromatic substitution to afford various N-heteroaromatic compounds. Importantly, the electrochemical reaction can be channeled toward a specific product despite the presence of other competing pathways. For a successful electrosynthesis, it is important to take into consideration of both the electron transfer steps associated with the electrode and the nonelectrode related processes. A unique feature of electrochemistry is the simultaneous occurrence of anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction, which, as this Account demonstrates, allows the dehydrogenative transformations to proceed through H₂ evolution without the need for chemical oxidants. In addition, cathodic solvent reduction can continuously generate a low concentration of base, which facilitates anodic substrate oxidation. Such a mechanistic paradigm obviates the need for stoichiometric strong bases and avoids base-promoted decomposition of sensitive substrates or products. Furthermore, electrode materials can also be adjusted to control the reaction outcome, as demonstrated by the synthesis of N-heteroaromatics and the corresponding N-oxides from biaryl ketoximes.

Electrochemical Difluoromethylation of Electron-Deficient Alkenes

Electrochemical 1,2-hydroxydifluoromethylation and C-H difluoromethylation of acrylamides were developed by using CF₂ HSO₂ NHNHBoc as the source of the CF₂ H group. These electricity-powered oxidative alkene functionalization reactions do not need transition-metal catalysts or chemical oxidants. The reaction outcome, 1,2-difuntionalization or C-H functionalization, is determined by the substituents on the amide nitrogen atom of the acrylamides instead of by the reaction conditions.

Benzylarylation of N-Allyl Anilines: Synthesis of Benzylated Indolines

An unprecedented benzylic C-H functionalization of methyl arenes across unactivated alkenes is presented. In the presence of MnCl₂·4H₂O and di- tert-butyl peroxide, N-allyl anilines underwent benzylation/cyclization cascade to give benzylated indolines, which are a previously unmet synthetic goal. This protocol features simple operation, broad substrate scope, and great exo selectivity.