Exploration of a Chiral Cobalt Catalyst for Visible‐Light‐Induced Enantioselective Radical Conjugate Addition

Metal-free photoinduced generation and alkynylation of carbamoyl radicals: a facile synthesis of alkynyl amides

A metal-free photoinduced alkynylation of carbamoyl radicals with hypervalent iodine(III) reagents for a facile synthesis of alkynyl amides is described. This protocol features good functional group tolerance and a broad substrate scope for direct synthesis of alkynyl amide derivatives in good to excellent yields under mild and redox-neutral reaction conditions. The synthetic application is demonstrated by the late-stage installation of alkynyl amides into natural products and active pharmaceutical relevant molecules. The mechanistic studies indicated the simultaneous existence of photoredox catalytic and direct photoexcited processes, and the quantum yields confirmed the occurrence of the radical chain propagation process.

Radical alkylation and protonation induced anti-Markovnikov hydroalkylation of unactivated olefins via cobalt catalysis

Although strategies of olefin hydroalkylation continue to emerge rapidly, the precise control of the regio- or chemoselectivity and the expansion of the reaction range are still challenges. Herein, a straightforward route for cobalt-catalyzed anti-Markovnikov hydroalkylation of unactivated olefins with alkyl iodides has been achieved. The developed reaction is compatible with oxa-, aza-, cyclo- and a series of other functional groups as well as the frameworks of some bioactive compounds. Mechanism studies confirm that an alkyl radical is involved and cobalt-alkyl insertion followed by protonation with water are possible pathways in this reaction.

Small-Molecule-Based Strategy for Mitigating Deactivation of Chiral Lewis Acid Catalysis

Chiral Lewis acid catalysts are widely used in organic synthesis due to their diverse applications. However, their high Lewis acidity makes them susceptible to deactivation by basic Lewis reagents and water. Here, we present a novel strategy for mitigating this deactivation using small molecules. By incorporating weakly coordinating anions into the secondary coordination sphere of the metal center, we designed a highly reusable chiral Lewis acid complex. This complex exhibits excellent thermal stability and allows for the use of electron-poor nucleophiles in the reactions. Spectroscopic and titration studies confirmed the robustness of the optimized complex. This work provides valuable insights for overcoming the limitations of chiral Lewis acids in Lewis basic environments, expanding their potential for chemical synthesis.

Acyl-1,4-Dihydropyridines: Universal Acylation Reagents for Organic Synthesis

Acyl-1,4-dihydropyridines have recently emerged as universal acylation reagents. These easy-to-make and bench-stable NADH biomimetics play the dual role of single-electron reductants and sources of acyl radicals. This review article discusses applications of acyl-1,4-dihydropyridines in organic synthesis since their introduction in 2019. Acyl-1,4-dihydropyridines, activated by photochemical, thermal or electrochemical methods, have been successfully applied as radical sources in multiple diverse organic transformations such as acyl radical addition to olefins, alkynes, imines and other acceptors, as well as in the late-stage functionalisation of natural products and APIs. Release of acyl radicals and an electron can be performed under mild conditions-in green solvents, under air and sunlight, and without the use of photocatalysts, photosensitizers or external oxidants-which makes them ideal reagents for organic chemists.

Harnessing the potential of acyl triazoles in bifunctional cobalt-catalyzed radical cross-coupling reactions

Persistent radicals facilitate numerous selective radical coupling reactions. Here, we have identified acyl triazole as a new and versatile moiety for generating persistent radical intermediates through single-electron transfer processes. The efficient generation of these persistent radicals is facilitated by the formation of substrate-coordinated cobalt complexes, which subsequently engage in radical cross-coupling reactions. Remarkably, triazole-coordinated cobalt complexes exhibit metal-hydride hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) capabilities with alkenes, enabling the efficient synthesis of diverse ketone products without the need for external ligands. By leveraging the persistent radical effect, this catalytic approach also allows for the development of other radical cross-coupling reactions with two representative radical precursors. The discovery of acyl triazoles as effective substrates for generating persistent radicals and as ligands for cobalt catalysis, combined with the bifunctional nature of the cobalt catalytic system, opens up new avenues for the design and development of efficient and sustainable organic transformations.

Visible-Light-Promoted Enantioselective Acylation and Alkylation of Aldimines Enabled by 9-Fluorenone Electron-Shuttle Catalysis

Chiral acyclic α-tertiary amino ketones are widely present in various natural products and pharmaceuticals; however, the direct synthesis of this pharmacophore through a robust strategy still presents significant challenges. The emerging photocatalysis provides a powerful approach to construct chemical bonds that are difficult to form via a traditional two-electron pathway. Herein, we developed visible-light-induced chiral Lewis acid-catalyzed highly enantioselective acylation/alkylation of aldimines enabled by cooperative FLN (9-fluorenone) electron-shuttle catalysis via radical addition. An array of α-tertiary amino ketones, β-amino alcohols, and chiral amines were achieved with high yields and good to excellent stereocontrol (87 examples, up to 84% yield, 96% ee). These products can be easily transformed into valuable and bioactive skeletons. Extensive control experiments, detailed mechanism studies, and density functional theory calculations elucidated the reaction process and highlighted the crucial role played by FLN.

Desymmetrization-Addition Reaction of Cyclopropenes to Imines via Synergistic Photoredox and Cobalt Catalysis

Herein, we designed a reaction for the desymmetrization-addition of cyclopropenes to imines by leveraging the synergy between photoredox and asymmetric cobalt catalysis. This protocol facilitated the synthesis of a series of chiral functionalized cyclopropanes with high yield, enantioselectivity, and diastereoselectivity (44 examples, up to 93% yield and >99% ee). A possible reaction mechanism involving cyclopropene desymmetrization by Co-H species and imine addition by Co-alkyl species was proposed. This study provides a novel route to important chiral cyclopropanes and extends the frontier of asymmetric metallaphotoredox catalysis.

Bortoluzzi A, Sandjo LP, Braga AL, F. de Assis F. Highly Enantioselective Lewis Acid Catalyzed Conjugate Addition of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines to α,β-Unsaturated 2-Acylimidazoles under Mild Conditions

A highly enantioselective protocol for the conjugate addition of 2-arylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and other imidazo derivatives to α,β-unsaturated 2-acylimidazoles is described. The method uses a previously reported chiral-at-metal rhodium catalyst and provides the corresponding adducts in yields of 25-98% with enantioselectivities up to er > 99:1. Additionally, the transformation proceeds under mild conditions using ethanol as the solvent at room temperature.

Photoredox-catalyzed C(sp3)─H radical functionalization to enable asymmetric synthesis of α-chiral alkyl phosphine

α-Chiral alkyl phosphines are privileged structural motifs with a wide application in organic and medical synthesis. It is highly desirable to develop stereoselective methods to prepare these enantioenriched molecules. The incorporation of C(sp3)─H functionalization and chiral phosphine chemistry is much less explored, probably because of the weak reactivity of C(sp3)─H bonds and/or the challenging site- and stereoselectivity issues. Herein, we disclose a synergistic catalysis system to enable an enantioselective radical addition process of α-substituted vinylphosphine oxides. An array of diverse α-chiral alkyl phosphors compounds is smoothly accessed by using the readily available chemicals as the inert C(sp3)─H bond reagent, such as sulfides, amines, alkenes, and toluene derivatives, exerting remarkable chemo-, site-, and enantioselectivity. On the basis of the mechanistic studies, both the C(sp3)─H bond activation and the stereochemistry-determining step are proposed to involve a single-electron transfer/proton transfer process.

Emerging trends in chiral inorganic nanomaterials for enantioselective catalysis

Asymmetric transformations and synthesis have garnered considerable interest in recent decades due to the extensive need for chiral organic compounds in biomedical, agrochemical, chemical, and food industries. The field of chiral inorganic catalysts, garnering considerable interest for its contributions to asymmetric organic transformations, has witnessed remarkable advancements and emerged as a highly innovative research area. Here, we review the latest developments in this dynamic and emerging field to comprehensively understand the advances in chiral inorganic nanocatalysts and stimulate further progress in asymmetric catalysis.

Photocatalytic Enantioselective Hydrosulfonylation of α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyls with Sulfonyl Chlorides

This research explores the enantioselective hydrosulfonylation of various α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds via the use of visible light and redox-active chiral Ni-catalysis, facilitating the synthesis of enantioenriched α-chiral sulfones with remarkable enantioselectivity (exceeding 99 % ee). A significant challenge entails enhancing the reactivity between chiral metal-coordinated carbonyl compounds and moderate electrophilic sulfonyl radicals, aiming to minimize the background reactions. The success of our approach stems from two distinctive attributes: 1) the Cl-atom abstraction employed for sulfonyl radical generation from sulfonyl chlorides, and 2) the single-electron reduction to produce a key enolate radical Ni-complex. The latter process appears to enhance the feasibility of the sulfonyl radical's addition to the electron-rich enolate radical. An in-depth investigation into the reaction mechanism, supported by both experimental observations and theoretical analysis, offers insight into the intricate reaction process. Moreover, the versatility of our methodology is highlighted through its successful application in the late-stage functionalization of complex bioactive molecules, demonstrating its practicality as a strategy for producing α-chiral sulfones.

Visible Light Induced Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective Deaminative Arylation of Amino Acid Derivatives Assisted by Phenol

The exploration of value-added conversions of naturally abundant amino acids has received considerable attention from the synthetic community. Compared with the well-established asymmetric decarboxylative transformation, the asymmetric deaminative transformation of amino acids still remains a formidable challenge, mainly due to the lack of effective strategies for the C-N bond activation and the potential incompatibility with chiral catalysts. Here, we disclose a photoinduced Cu-catalyzed asymmetric deaminative coupling reaction of amino acids with arylboronic acids. This new protocol provides a series of significant chiral phenylacetamides in generally good yields and excellent stereoselectivity under mild and green conditions (42-85 % yields, up to 97 % ee). Experimental investigations and theoretical calculations were performed to reveal the crucial role of additional phenols in improving catalytic efficiency and enantiocontrol.

Recent Advances in the Enantioselective Radical Reactions

The review covers research published since 2017 and is focused on enantioselective synthesis using radical reactions. It describes recent approaches to the asymmetric synthesis of chiral molecules based on the application of the metal catalysis, dual metal and organocatalysis and finally, pure organocatalysis including enzyme catalysis. This review focuses on the synthetic aspects of the methodology and tries to show which compounds can be obtained in enantiomerically enriched forms.

Ruthenium-Catalyzed Activation of Nonpolar C-C Bonds via π-Coordination-Enabled Aromatization

Activation of C-C bonds allows editing of molecular skeletons, but methods for selective activation of nonpolar C-C bonds in the absence of a chelation effect or a driving force derived from opening of a strained ring are scarce. Herein, we report a method for ruthenium-catalyzed activation of nonpolar C-C bonds of pro-aromatic compounds by means of π-coordination-enabled aromatization. This method was effective for cleavage of C-C(alkyl) and C-C(aryl) bonds and for ring-opening of spirocyclic compounds, providing an array of benzene-ring-containing products. The isolation of a methyl ruthenium complex intermediate supports a mechanism involving ruthenium-mediated C-C bond cleavage.

Highly Enantioselective Catalytic Lactonization at Nonactivated Primary and Secondary γ-C-H Bonds

Chiral oxygenated aliphatic moieties are recurrent in biological and pharmaceutically relevant molecules and constitute one of the most versatile types of functionalities for further elaboration. Herein we report a protocol for straightforward and general access to chiral γ-lactones via enantioselective oxidation of strong nonactivated primary and secondary C(sp3)-H bonds in readily available carboxylic acids. The key enabling aspect is the use of robust sterically encumbered manganese catalysts that provide outstanding enantioselectivities (up to >99.9%) and yields (up to 96%) employing hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. The resulting γ-lactones are of immediate interest for the preparation of inter alia natural products and recyclable polymeric materials.

Photoredox cobalt-catalyzed regio-, diastereo- and enantioselective propargylation of aldehydes via propargyl radicals

Catalytic enantioselective introduction of a propargyl group constitutes one of the most important carbon-carbon forming reactions, as it is versatile to be transformed into diverse functional groups and frequently used in the synthesis of natural products and biologically active molecules. Stereoconvergent transformations of racemic propargyl precursors to a single enantiomer of products via propargyl radicals represent a powerful strategy and provide new reactivity. However, only few Cu- or Ni-catalyzed protocols have been developed with limited reaction modes. Herein, a photoredox/cobalt-catalyzed regio-, diastereo- and enantioselective propargyl addition to aldehydes via propargyl radicals is presented, enabling construction of a broad scope of homopropargyl alcohols that are otherwise difficult to access in high efficiency and stereoselectivity from racemic propargyl carbonates. Mechanistic studies and DFT calculations provided evidence for the involvement of propargyl radicals, the origin of the stereoconvergent process and the stereochemical models.

Trading Symmetry for Stereoinduction in Tetradentate, non-C2 -Symmetric Fe(II)-Complexes for Asymmetric Catalysis

A series of stereogenic-at-metal iron complexes comprising a non-C₂ -symmetric chiral topology is introduced and applied to asymmetric 3d-transition metal catalysis. The chiral iron(II) complexes are built from chiral tetradentate N4-ligands containing a proline-derived amino pyrrolidinyl backbone which controls the relative (cis-α coordination) and absolute metal-centered configuration (Λ vs. Δ). Two chloride ligands complement the octahedral coordination sphere. The modular composition of the tetradentate ligands facilitates the straightforward incorporation of different terminal coordinating heteroaromatic groups into the scaffold. The influence of various combinations was evaluated in an asymmetric ring contraction of isoxazoles to 2H-azirines revealing that a decrease of symmetry is beneficial for the stereoinduction to obtain chiral products in up to 99 % yield and with up to 92 % ee. Conveniently, iron catalysis is feasible under open flask conditions with the bench-stable dichloro complexes exhibiting high robustness towards oxidative or hydrolytic decomposition. The versatility of non-racemic 2H-azirines was subsequently showcased with the conversion into a variety of quaternary α-amino acid derivatives.

Cu(I)-Catalyzed Chemo- and Enantioselective Desymmetrizing C-O Bond Coupling of Acyl Radicals

Transition-metal-catalyzed enantioselective functionalization of acyl radicals has so far not been realized, probably due to their relatively high reactivity, which renders the chemo- and stereocontrol challenging. Herein, we describe Cu(I)-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetrizing C-O bond coupling of acyl radicals. This reaction is compatible with (hetero)aryl and alkyl aldehydes and, more importantly, displays a very broad scope of challenging alcohol substrates, such as 2,2-disubstituted 1,3-diols, 2-substituted-2-chloro-1,3-diols, 2-substituted 1,2,3-triols, 2-substituted serinols, and meso primary 1,4-diols, providing enantioenriched esters characterized by challenging acyclic tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenters. Partnered by one- or two-step follow-up transformations, this reaction provides a convenient and practical strategy for the rapid preparation of chiral C3 building blocks from readily available alcohols, particularly the industrially relevant glycerol. Mechanistic studies supported the proposed C-O bond coupling of acyl radicals.

Photoinduced Cobalt-Catalyzed Desymmetrization of Dialdehydes to Access Axial Chirality

Enantioselective metallaphotoredox catalysis, which combines photoredox catalysis and asymmetric transition-metal catalysis, has become an effective approach to achieve stereoconvergence under mild conditions. Although many impressive synthetic approaches have been developed to access central chirality, the construction of axial chirality by metallaphotoredox catalysis still remains underexplored. Herein, we report two visible light-induced cobalt-catalyzed asymmetric reductive couplings of biaryl dialdehydes to synthesize axially chiral aldehydes (60 examples, up to 98% yield, >19:1 dr, and >99% ee). This protocol shows good functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, and excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity.

Enantioselective Giese Additions of Prochiral α-Amino Radicals

Amines featuring an adjacent stereocenter are important building blocks, and recent years have seen remarkable growth in methods forming these via prochiral α-amino radical intermediates. However, very few can exert control over the newly formed stereocenter. We disclose a strategy to overcome this in the context of one of the most widely used radical carbon-carbon bond forming reactions, the Giese reaction. Incorporation of a removable basic heteroarene into the substrate enables a network of attractive noncovalent interactions between a phosphoric acid catalyst, the subsequently formed α-amino radical, and the Giese acceptor, allowing the catalyst to exert control during the C-C bond forming step. Deprotection of the products leads to analogues of γ-aminobutyric acid. We anticipate that this strategy will be applicable to other asymmetric radical transformations in which catalyst control is presently challenging.

De Novo Construction of Chiral Aminoindolines by Cu-Catalyzed Asymmetric Cyclization and Subsequent Discovery of an Unexpected Sulfonyl Migration

Searching for efficient strategies to access structurally novel aminoindolines is of great significance for drug discovery. However, catalytic asymmetric de novo construction of aminoindoline scaffolds with functionality primed for diversification still remains elusive. Here, we report a Cu-catalyzed asymmetric cyclization of ethynyl benzoxazinones with amines, producing chiral 3-aminoindolines in good yield and with high enantioselectivity (up to 97% yield and 98:2 er). Moreover, a radical-mediated sulfonyl migration of these products was unexpectedly found, further affording new chiral 3-aminoindolines bearing alkenyl sulfonyl groups with retained enantiopurity (up to 84% yield and 98:2 er). Bioactivity evaluations indicate that these 3-aminoindolines show notable antitumor activities and chirality is proven to have a significant impact on their antitumor activity.

Access to chiral β-sulfonyl carbonyl compounds via photoinduced organocatalytic asymmetric radical sulfonylation with sulfur dioxide

An organocatalytic enantioselective radical reaction of potassium alkyltrifluoroborates, DABCO·(SO2)2 and α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds under photoinduced conditions is developed, which provides an efficient pathway for the synthesis of chiral β-sulfonyl carbonyl compounds in good yields with excellent enantioselectivity (up to 96% ee). Aside from α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with auxiliary groups, common chalcone substrates are also well compatible with this organocatalytic system. This method proceeds through an organocatalytic enantioselective radical sulfonylation under photoinduced conditions, and represents a rare example of asymmetric transformation involving sulfur dioxide insertion.

Alkyl/Glycosyl Sulfoxides as Radical Precursors and Their Use in the Synthesis of Pyridine Derivatives

We report here the use of simple and readily available alkyl sulfoxides as precursors to radicals and their application in the preparation of pyridine derivatives. We show that alkyl sulfoxides, N-methoxy pyridinium salts and fluoride anions form electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes in solution, which, upon visible light irradiation, undergo a radical chain process to afford various pyridine derivatives smoothly. This reaction displays broad scope with respect to both sulfoxides and N-methoxy pyridiniums. The synthetic versatility of sulfoxides as a handle in chemistry adds to their power as radical precursors. Glycosyl sulfoxides are converted to the corresponding pyridyl C-glycosides with high stereoselectivities. Computational and experimental studies provide insights into the reaction mechanism.

Iron-Promoted Oxidative Alkylation/Cyclization of Ynones with 4-Alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines: Access to 2-Alkylated Indenones

An iron-promoted oxidative tandem alkylation/cyclization of ynones with 4-alkyl-substituted 1,4-dihydropyridines for the efficient synthesis of 2-alkylated indenones is described. The process occurs via oxidative homolysis of a C-C σ-bond in 1,4-dihydropyridines to generate an alkyl radical followed by the addition of C-C triple bonds in ynones and intramolecular cyclization. A wide range of alkyl radicals could be efficiently transferred to generate a series of synthetically useful 2-alkylated indenones with excellent selectivity under mild conditions.

Expedient access to N-alkylphthalimides via redox-neutral photocatalysed Giese-type reactions

The photoredox-catalysed Giese-type reaction has emerged as a useful and powerful platform for radical-based transformations. Herein, a novel protocol for the preparation of N-alkylphthalimides has been successfully developed via the reactions of N-vinylphthalimides with radicals using alkyl silicates or Hantzsch esters as the radical precursors. According to the result of deuteration experiments, a mechanism involving a radical addition/SET reduction/protonation process has been proposed. The synthetic application of N-alkylphthalimide has also been demonstrated by deprotecting the phthalimido group using the Ing-Manske procedure.

DNA-Assembled Chiral Satellite-Core Nanoparticle Superstructures: Two-State Chiral Interactions from Dynamic and Static Conformations

A significant challenge exists in obtaining chiral nanostructures that are amenable to both solution-phase self-assembly and solid-phase preservation, which enable the observation of unveiled optical responses impacted by the dynamic or static conformation and the incident excitations. Here, to meet this demand, we employed DNA origami technology to create quasi-planar chiral satellite-core nanoparticle superstructures with an intermediate geometry between the monolayer and the double layer. We disentangled the complex chiral mechanisms, which include planar chirality, 3D chirality, and induced chirality transfer, through combined theoretical studies and thorough experimental measurements of both solution- and solid-phase samples. Two distinct states of optical responses were demonstrated by the dynamic and static conformations, involving a split or nonsplit circular dichroism (CD) line shape. More importantly, our study on chiral nanoparticle superstructures on a substrate featuring both a dominant 2D geometry and a defined 3D represents a great leap toward the realization of colloidal chiral metasurfaces.

Photoassisted Cobalt-Catalyzed Asymmetric Reductive Grignard-Type Addition of Aryl Iodides

Grignard addition is one of the most important methods used for syntheses of alcohol compounds and has been known for over a hundred years. However, research on asymmetric catalysis relies on the use of organometallic nucleophiles. Here, we report the first visible-light-induced cobalt-catalyzed asymmetric reductive Grignard-type addition for synthesizing chiral benzyl alcohols (>50 examples, up to 99% yield, and 99% ee). This methodology has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, good functionality tolerance, excellent enantiocontrol, the avoidance of mass metal wastes, and the use of precious metal catalysts. Kinetic realization studies suggested that migratory insertion of an aryl cobalt species into the aldehyde was the rate-determining step of the reductive addition reaction.

Tethered photocatalyst-directed palladium-catalysed C-H allenylation of N-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines

Harnessing radical intermediates in regioselective reactions presents a substantial challenge. Here, we report a novel control strategy through engineering covalently tethered transition metal-photocatalysts that conjoin Pd-phosphine and Ru/Ir photoredox units. This strategy allows us to override the innate regioselectivity of the Pd-catalysed C-H allenylation of N-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines.

Visible-light-driven C(sp2)-H arylation of phenols with arylbromides enabled by electron donor-acceptor excitation

We have developed a catalyst-free visible-light-driven C(sp²)-H arylation of unprotected phenols with arylbromides to give 2-arylated phenols. This reaction proceeds through the excitation of an electron donor-acceptor complex between a phenolate and an arylbromide, electron transfer, and debrominative C(sp²)-C(sp²) coupling.

Boron, silicon, nitrogen and sulfur-based contemporary precursors for the generation of alkyl radicals by single electron transfer and their synthetic utilization

Recent developments in the use of boron, silicon, nitrogen and sulfur derivatives in single-electron transfer reactions for the generation of alkyl radicals are described. Photoredox catalyzed, electrochemistry promoted or thermally-induced oxidative and reductive processes are discussed highlighting their synthetic scope and discussing their mechanistic pathways.

Radical Addition of 4-Hydroxyquinazolines and Alkylation of Quinones by the Electro-Induced Homolysis of 4-Alkyl-1,4-di­hydropyridines

The formation of C(sp3)-centered radicals via the electro-­induced homolysis of 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines (alkyl-DHPs) is reported. The resulting alkyl radicals reacted with 4-hydroxyquinazolines or quinones to afford 2-alkyldihydroquinazolinones or alkylated quinones. A broad range of alkyl DHPs could be used as versatile radical precursors under electrolysis conditions. This alterative strategy provided a simple and effective pathway for the construction of C(sp2)–C(sp3) and C(sp3)–C(sp3) bonds under mild conditions.

Copper-promoted cross-coupling of nitroarenes with 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines using a peroxide-driven radical reductive strategy

Direct radical-mediated reductive coupling of nitroarenes with 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines to build the C(sp3)–N bond using 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines as internal reducing agents and alkyl sources is presented.

Transition-Metal-Free Alkylation Strategy: A Facile Access of Alkylated Oxindoles via Alkyl Transfer

An efficient transition-metal-free alkylation/cyclization of activated alkenes using Hantzsch ester derivatives as effective alkyl reagents was described. A wide variety of valuable oxindoles were constructed in a single step with...

Asymmetric β-Arylation of Cyclopropanols Enabled by Photoredox and Nickel Dual Catalysis

The enantioselective functionalization and transformation of readily available cyclopropyl compounds are synthetically appealing yet challenging topics in organic synthesis. Here we report an asymmetric β-arylation of cyclopropanols with aryl bromides...

Photoinduced C–O bond cleavage for copper-catalyzed allenyl radical cyanation

The synthesis of allenyl nitriles was realized through the combination of photoinduced C–O bond cleavage and copper catalysis. Both 1,3-disubstituted and trisubstituted allenyl nitriles were accessed with good yields and high regioselectivity.

A cooperative Pd/Co catalysis system for the asymmetric (4+2) cycloaddition of vinyl benzoxazinones with N-acylpyrazoles

Transition metal-catalyzed cycloaddition has been established as a powerful tool for heterocycle synthesis. Despite impressive advances, the exploitation of new catalysis strategies and systems is still highly significant to enrich the heterocycle family. Herein, we disclosed a cooperative catalysis system merging an achiral Pd catalyst and a chiral Co catalyst for the asymmetric [4+2] cycloaddition between vinyl benzoxazinones and N-acylpyrazoles. Chiral tetrahydroquinolines bearing two contiguous, unusual cis-configured stereocenters were produced in high yields and enantio- and diastereoselectivities. The pyrazole directing group can be easily converted into many other functional groups, thus demonstrating the flexibility of the present methodology.

Syntheses of new chiral chimeric photo-organocatalysts

A new family of chiral chimeric photo-organocatalysts derived from phosphoric acid were synthesized and their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties were investigated. Then, the ability of these photo-activable molecules to catalyse an asymmetric tandem electrophilic β-amination of enecarbamates was evaluated.

Photoredox/cobaloxime co-catalyzed allylation of amines and sulfonyl hydrazines with olefins to access α-allylic amines and allylic sulfones

Herein, we reported a dual-catalytic platform for the allylation of amines and sulfonyl hydrazines with olefins to selectively access α-allylic amines and allylic sulfones in good yields by combining photoredox catalysis and cobaloxime catalysis. This strategy avoided the use of a stoichiometric amount of terminal oxidant and the use of pre-functionalized allylic precursors, representing a green and ideal atom- & step-economical process. Good substrate scope and gram-scale synthesis demonstrated the utility of this protocol. Mechanistic studies revealed that a radical process is probably involved in this reaction.

Synthesis and a Catalytic Study of Diastereomeric Cationic Chiral-at-Cobalt Complexes Based on (R,R)-1,2-Diphenylethylenediamine

Here we report the first synthesis of two diastereomeric cationic octahedral Co(III) complexes based on commercially available (R,R)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine and salicylaldehyde. Both diastereoisomers with opposite chiralities at the metal center (Λ and Δ configurations) were prepared. The new Co(III) complexes possessed both acidic hydrogen-bond donating (HBD) NH moieties and nucleophilic counteranions and operate as bifunctional chiral catalysts for the challenging kinetic resolution of terminal and disubstituted epoxides by the reaction with CO₂ under mild conditions. The highest selectivity factor (s) of 2.8 for the trans-chalcone epoxide was achieved at low catalyst loading (2 mol %) in chlorobenzene, which is the best achieved result currently for this type of substrate.

Visible-Light-Promoted Biomimetic Reductive Functionalization of Quaternary Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids

Reduction of an iminium C═N double bond is the most important phase I metabolism process associated with the cytotoxic property of quaternary benzophenanthridine alkaloids (QBAs). Inspired by the light-mediated reduction of QBAs with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a visible-light-promoted reductive functionalization reaction of QBAs is reported in this study. C4-Alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines (DHPs) enable the direct reductive alkylation of QBA independently, serving as both single-electron-transfer reductant reagents under irradiation with 455 nm blue light in the absence of photocatalysts and additional additives. Our protocol can be further applied to the semisynthesis of natural 6-substituted dihydrobenzophenanthridine derivatives such as O-acetyl maclekarpine E.

Recent advances in the direct construction of enantioenriched stereocenters through addition of radicals to internal alkenes

The development of new synthetic methods involving radical intermediates to control the absolute configuration of newly formed stereocenters has seen unprecedented growth in the past few decades. Despite significant advances in this topic, catalytic asymmetric direct construction of stereocenters through addition of radicals to internal alkenes is of special interest due to its potential to simultaneously build (more than) two consecutive stereogenic centers. Methodologies such as chiral Lewis acid catalysis, organocatalysis, and transition metal catalysis have been successfully leveraged to exert enantiocontrol in this challenging domain. This tutorial review highlights the recent significant progress in the realm of rapidly and conveniently building enantioenriched stereocenters via addition of radicals to internal alkenes, with an emphasis on mechanistic scenarios governing the absolute stereochemistry and unmet challenges in this emerging and promising field.