Controllable Si-C Bond Activation Enables Stereocontrol in the Palladium-Catalyzed [4+2] Annulation of Cyclopropenes with Benzosilacyclobutanes

Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Protocol to Access Silacyclobutanes with Unprecedented Functional Group Tolerance

While significant progress has been made in the area of transition metal-catalyzed ring-opening and formal cycloaddition reactions of 1,1-disubstituted silacyclobutanes (SCBs), synthesizing these SCBs-particularly those bearing additional functional groups-continues to present synthetic challenges. In this context, we present a novel Ni-catalyzed reductive coupling reaction that combines 1-chloro-substituted silacyclobutanes with aryl or vinyl halides and pseudohalides, thereby obviating the need for organometallic reagents. This method facilitates the generation of 1,1-disubstituted silacyclobutanes with a remarkable tolerance for various functional groups. This approach serves as a complementary and more step-economical alternative to the commonly used yet moisture- and air-sensitive nucleophilic substitution reactions involving Grignard or lithium reagents. Our initial mechanistic studies indicate that this reaction is initiated by oxidative cleavage of the Si-Cl bond in 1-chlorosilacyclobutanes, which represents a distinct mechanism from the previously documented reductive coupling processes involving carbon electrophiles and chlorosilanes.

Enantioselective Copper-Catalyzed Sequential Hydrosilylation of Arylmethylenecyclopropanes

Despite impressive advances in the construction of enantioenriched silacarbocycles featuring silicon-stereogenic centers via a selection of well-defined sila-synthons, the development of a more convenient and economic method with readily available starting materials is significantly less explored and remains a considerable challenge. Herein, we report the first example of copper-catalyzed sequential hydrosilylation of readily accessible methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) and primary silanes, affording an efficient and convenient route to a wide range of chiral silacyclopentanes bearing consecutive silicon- and carbon-stereogenic centers with excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivities (generally ≥98 % ee, >25 : 1 dr). Mechanistic studies reveal that these reactions combine copper-catalyzed intermolecular ring-opening hydrosilylation of aryl MCPs and intramolecular asymmetric hydrosilylation of the resultant Z/E mixture of homoallylic silanes.

Ligand-Controlled Regiodivergent Ring Expansion of Benzosilacyclobutenes with Alkynes en Route to Axially Chiral Silacyclohexenyl Arenes

A ligand-controlled regiodivergent and enantioselective ring expansion of benzosilacyclobutenes with internal naphthyl alkynes has been achieved by adjusting the ligand cavity size. The ligand (S)-8H-binaphthyl phosphoramidite, featuring small methyl groups on its arms, provides a spacious cavity that favors sterically demanding Si-Csp3 ring expansion, predominantly yielding axially chiral (S)-1-silacyclohexenyl arenes. In contrast, the ligand (R)-spiro phosphoramidite, with bulky t-Bu groups on its arms, offers a compact cavity that facilitates less sterically demanding Si-Csp2 ring expansion, leading primarily to axially chiral (S)-2-silacyclohexenyl arenes. Density functional theory calculations delineate distinct mechanistic pathways for each ring expansion route and elucidate their regio- and enantioselectivity.

Computational Insights into Palladium-Catalyzed Site-Selective Anilide and Benzamide-Type [3+2] Annulation via Double C-H Bond Activation

The mechanism of palladium-catalyzed annulation reactions of benzamide- and anilide-type aromatic systems with maleimides is investigated using density functional theory. Double C-H bond activation is key to forming the desired annulation product. The first C-H bond activation for anilide- and amide-type ligands can occur at the ortho and benzylic C-H bonds, while the second C-H activation occurs at the meta carbon of the aromatic rings. For the anilide-type system, ortho and benzylic C-H bond activations occur via four- and five-membered palladacycles, respectively. In contrast, for the benzamide-type system, ortho and benzylic C-H bond activations occur via five- and six-membered palladacycles, respectively. The energy span model suggests that the initial C-H bond activation step at the benzylic position determines the turnover frequency for both anilide- and benzamide-type systems. Energy decomposition analysis and distortion-interaction/activation-strain analyses are employed to understand the electronic and steric factors controlling the turnover frequency-determining transition state.

Ruthenium-Catalyzed Sequential Hydrosilylation/Dehydrogenation and C-H Silylation: Synthesis of Six-Membered Indole Silacycles and Pyrrole Silyl Ether Cycles

Selective dehydrogenative C-H silylation is one of the most powerful tools to synthesize silacycles. Herein, we developed Ru-catalyzed sequential hydrosilylation/C-H silylation of allyl-indoles and dehydrogenative O-H/C-H silylation of pyrrole phenols. Both six-membered indole silacycles and pyrrole silyl ether cycles were successfully synthesized with good functional group tolerance. Furthermore, the RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3 catalyst exhibited high reaction compatibility in hydrosilylation of alkene, dehydrogenative O-H silylation, and C-H silylation.

Mechanism and Origins of Enantioselectivity in the Nickel-catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Silicon-Stereogenic Benzosiloles

As important π-skeletons, benzosiloles often possess unique electronic and optical properties and have been widely used in semiconductor materials. Therefore, great attention has been drawn to the area of developing novel synthetic methods for various benzosiloles. However, the synthesis of enantioenriched silicon-stereogenic benzosiloles is still at an early stage and remains to be explored. Herein, we performed systematic density functional theory studies on the recently reported nickel-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of silicon-stereogenic benosiloles, which was enabled by an enantioselective desymmetrization of (2-alkenyl)aryl-substituted silacyclobutanes. Our computational study shows that the reaction mechanism involves ligand exchange, oxidative addition, alkene insertion, and hydrogen-transfer coupled reductive-demetalation steps. The proposed transmetalation and β-hydride elimination mechanism was not found, which might be due to the unfavorable ring strain of the multicyclic intermediates. The novel hydrogen-transfer coupled reductive-demetalation mechanism was shown to be reasonable for the generation of the silicon-stereogenic benzosilole. Noncovalent interactions (including C-H···π and hydrogen bonding) in the rate-determining alkene insertion transition state account for the origins of the enantioselectivity. Our computational study sheds light on the detailed reaction mechanism and also provides insights for the development of novel approaches for synthesis of high-value silicon-stereogenic compounds.

Ring Expansion toward Disila-carbocycles via Highly Selective C-Si/C-Si Bond Cross-Exchange

Herein, we successfully inhibited the preferential homodimerization and C-Si/Si-H bond cross-exchange of benzosilacyclobutenes and monohydro-silacyclobutanes and achieved the first highly selective C-Si/C-Si bond cross-exchange reaction by deliberately tuning the Ni-catalytic system, which constitutes a powerful and atom-economical ring expansion method for preparing medium-sized cyclic compounds bearing two silicon atoms at the ring junction, which are otherwise inaccessible. The DFT calculation explicitly elucidated the pivotal role of Si-H bond at silacyclobutanes and the high ring strain of two substrates in realizing the two C-Si bonds cleavage and reformation in the catalytic cycle.

Advances in disilylation reactions to access cis/trans-1,2-disilylated and gem-disilylated alkenes

Organosilane compounds are widely used in both organic synthesis and materials science. Particularly, 1,2-disilylated and gem-disilylated alkenes, characterized by a carbon-carbon double bond and multiple silyl groups, exhibit significant potential for subsequently diverse transformations. The versatility of these compounds renders them highly promising for applications in materials, enabling them to be valuable and versatile building blocks in organic synthesis. This review provides a comprehensive summary of methods for the preparation of cis/trans-1,2-disilylated and gem-disilylated alkenes. Despite notable advancements in this field, certain limitations persist, including challenges related to regioselectivity in the incorporation and chemoselectivity in the transformation of two nearly identical silyl groups. The primary objective of this review is to outline synthetic methodologies for the generation of these alkenes through disilylation reactions, employing silicon reagents, specifically disilanes, hydrosilanes, and silylborane reagents. The review places particular emphasis on investigating the practical applications of the C-Si bond of disilylalkenes and delves into an in-depth discussion of reaction mechanisms, particularly those reactions involving the activation of Si-Si, Si-H, and Si-B bonds, as well as the C-Si bond formation.

Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis of Silicon-Stereogenic Benzoxasiloles

A Cu-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of silicon-stereogenic benzoxasiloles has been realized via intramolecular Si-O coupling of [2-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]silanes. Cu(I)/difluorphos is found to be an efficient catalytic system for enantioselective Si-C bond cleavage and Si-O bond formation. In addition, kinetic resolution of racemic substituted [2-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]silanes using Cu(I)/ PyrOx (pyridine-oxazoline ligands) as the catalytic system is developed to afford carbon- and silicon-stereogenic benzoxasiloles. Ring-opening reactions of chiral benzoxasiloles with organolithiums and Grignard reagents yield various enantioenriched functionalized tetraorganosilanes.

Recent advances in Pd-catalyzed asymmetric cyclization reactions

Over the past few decades, there have been major developments in transition metal-catalyzed asymmetric cyclization reactions, enabling the convenient access to a wide spectrum of structurally diverse chiral carbo- and hetero-cycles, common skeletons found in fine chemicals, natural products, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials. In particular, a plethora of enantioselective cyclization reactions have been promoted by chiral palladium catalysts owing to their outstanding features. This review aims to collect the latest advancements in enantioselective palladium-catalyzed cyclization reactions over the past eleven years, and it is organized into thirteen sections depending on the different types of transformations involved.

Catalytic Synthesis of Silanols by Hydroxylation of Hydrosilanes: From Chemoselectivity to Enantioselectivity

As a crucial class of functional molecules in organosilicon chemistry, silanols are found valuable applications in the fields of modern science and will be a potentially powerful framework for biologically active compounds or functional materials. It has witnessed an increasing demand for non-natural organosilanols, as well as the progress in the synthesis of these structural features. From the classic preparative methods to the catalytic selective oxidation of hydrosilanes, electrochemical hydrolysis of hydrosilanes, and then the construction of the most challenging silicon-stereogenic silanols. This review summarized the progress in the catalyzed synthesis of silanols via hydroxylation of hydrosilanes in the last decade, with a particular emphasis on the latest elegant developments in the desymmetrization strategy for the enantioselective synthesis of silicon-stereogenic silanols from dihydrosilanes.

Palladium-Catalyzed Skeletal Rearrangement of Substituted 2-Silylaryl Triflates via 1,5-C-Pd/C-Si Bond Exchange

A palladium-catalyzed skeletal rearrangement of 2-(2-allylarylsilyl)aryl triflates has been developed to give highly fused tetrahydrophenanthrosilole derivatives via unprecedented 1,5-C-Pd/C-Si bond exchange. The reaction pathways can be switched toward 4-membered ring-forming C(sp2 )-H alkylation by tuning the reaction conditions to give completely different products, fused dihydrodibenzosilepin derivatives, from the same starting materials. The inspection of the reaction conditions revealed the importance of carboxylates in promoting the C-Pd/C-Si bond exchange.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Addition of (Trialkylsilyl)arenes to Electrophiles via π-Coordination-Driven C-Si Bond Activation

Aromatic organosilicon compounds serve as valuable synthons due to their diverse reactivities, excellent compatibility with various functional groups, and ready availability. However, (trialkylsilyl)arenes, despite their potential utility, are generally considered unsuitable substrates for transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling due to the low polarity of their covalent C(aryl)-Si bonds and the significant steric hindrance imposed by alkyl substituents. These factors render them inert toward reactions with transition metals, such as transmetalation and oxidative addition. In this study, we present a method for the rhodium-catalyzed addition of (trialkylsilyl)arenes to electrophiles via π-coordination-driven desilylation. We propose that a dicationic rhodium species activates the unbiased C(aryl)-Si bond, increasing its polarity by forming an η6-arene complex, thereby facilitating heterolysis. The resulting phenyl anion complex readily engages in addition reactions with external electrophiles, effectively forming C-C bonds. Through comprehensive computational studies, we have unraveled an unexpected stepwise pathway for desilylation with fluoride. This pathway involves the addition of fluoride to the aromatic ring, followed by a 1,2-migration of fluoride, ultimately culminating in the departure of fluorotrimethylsilane.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Hydrolytic Cleavage of the Silicon-Carbon Bond of Silacyclobutanes to Access Silanols

Herein, we report the first rhodium-catalyzed hydrolytic cleavage of the silicon-carbon bond in silacyclobutanes using water as the reactant. A series of silacyclobutanes could be employed in this reaction in the presence of the Rh/BINAP complex, resulting in the corresponding silanols in good yields. Additionally, a chiral 1,1,4,4-tetraaryl-2,3-O-isopropylidene-l-threitol-derived phosphoramidite ligand could be used in this reaction to yield Si-stereogenic silanol with promising enantioselectivity.

Organocatalytic Si-CAryl Bond Functionalization-Enabled Atroposelective Synthesis of Axially Chiral Biaryl Siloxanes

Chiral organosilanes are valuable chemical entities in the development of functional organic materials, asymmetric catalysis, and medicinal chemistry. As an important strategy for constructing chiral organosilanes, the asymmetric functionalization of the Si-CAryl bond typically relies on transition-metal catalysis. Herein, we present an efficient method for atroposelective synthesis of biaryl siloxane atropisomers via organocatalytic Si-C bond functionalization of dinaphthosiloles with silanol nucleophiles. The reaction proceeds through an asymmetric protonation and simultaneous Si-C bond cleavage/silanolysis sequence in the presence of a newly developed chiral Brønsted acid catalyst. The versatile nature of the Si-C bond streamlines the derivatization of axially chiral products into other functional atropisomers, thereby expanding the applicability of this method.

Synthetic strategies to access silacycles

In comparison with all-carbon parent compounds, the incorporation of Si-element into carboskeletons generally endows the corresponding sila-analogues with unique biological activity and physical-chemical properties. Silacycles have recently shown promising application potential in biological chemistry, pharmaceuticals industry, and material chemistry. Therefore, the development of efficient methodology to assemble versatile silacycles has aroused increasing concerns in the past decades. In this review, recent advances in the synthesis of silacycle-system are briefly summarized, including transition metal-catalytic and photocatalytic strategies by employing arylsilanes, alkylsilane, vinylsilane, hydrosilanes, and alkynylsilanes, etc. as starting materials. Moreover, a clear presentation and understanding of the mechanistic aspects and features of these developed reaction methodologies have been high-lighted.

Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive [4 + 1] Sila-Cycloaddition of 1,3-Dienes with Dichlorosilanes

Transition-metal-catalyzed sila-cycloaddition has been a promising tool for accessing silacarbocycle derivatives, but the approach has been limited to a selection of well-defined sila-synthons. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of chlorosilanes, which are industrial feedstock chemicals, for this type of reaction under reductive nickel catalysis. This work extends the scope of reductive coupling from carbocycle to silacarbocycle synthesis and from single C-Si bond formation to sila-cycloaddition reactions. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions and shows good substrate scope and functionality tolerance, and it offers new access to silacyclopent-3-enes and spiro silacarbocycles. The optical properties of several spiro dithienosiloles as well as structural variations of the products are demonstrated.

Catalytic Asymmetric Dehydrogenative Si-H/N-H Coupling: Synthesis of Silicon-Stereogenic Silazanes

Despite growing progress in the construction of silazanes, the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of silicon-stereogenic silazanes is significantly less explored and remains a considerable challenge. Herein, we report a highly enantioselective synthesis of silicon-stereogenic silazanes via catalytic dehydrogenative coupling of dihydrosilanes with anilines. The reaction readily produces a wide range of chiral silazanes and bis-silazanes in excellent yields and stereoselectivities (up to 99% ee). Further utility of this process is demonstrated by the construction of polycarbosilazanes featuring configurational main chain silicon-stereogenic chirality. In addition, the straightforward transformation of the enantioenriched silazanes delivers various chiral silane compounds in a stereospecific fashion, illustrating their potential utilities as synthons for the synthesis of novel silicon-containing functional molecules.

Enantioselective Synthesis of 6/5-Spirosilafluorenes by Asymmetric Ring Expansion of 4/5-Spirosilafluorenes with Alkynes

A rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric ring expansion of 4/5-spirosilafluorenes with terminal alkynes has been developed using sterically demanding binaphthyl phosphoramidite ligand. The reaction is not only strategically distinct from cyclization or cycloaddition but also showcases the first enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral 6/5-spirosilafluorenes.

An unusual autocatalysis with an air-stable Pd complex to promote enantioselective synthesis of Si-stereogenic enynes

Given the powerful potential of chiral-at-silicon chemistry, enantioselective synthesis of Si-stereogenic centers has attracted substantial research interest in recent years. However, the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of Si-stereogenic organosilicon compounds remains an appealing venture and is a challenging subject because of the difficulty in achieving high reactivity and stereoselectivity for "silicon-center" transformations. Herein, we disclose a highly enantioselective palladium-catalyzed hydrosilylation of 1,3-diynes with dihydrosilanes, which enables the facile preparation of Si-stereogenic enynes and an enyne-linked chiral polymer (polyenyne) in good yields and excellent ees (up to >99%) by desymmetrization. The unusual stereoselectivity in this reaction is achieved by precisely controlling the steric hindrance and electronic effect of the newly developed chiral ligands, resulting in a wide range of chiral silanes and a Si-containing polymer bearing a Si-stereogenic center which is otherwise difficult to access. The key to the high enantioselectivity relies on catalyst aggregation-induced non-covalent interaction, which exerts a remarkably positive influence on the Si-H bond activation and enhancement of enantioselectivity, in which the palladium/P-ligand complex was proved to be air-stable and moisture-insensitive in this reaction.

Intramolecular Ring Expansion of 3-Silaazetidine with Alkynes Enabled by Pd-Catalyzed Si-C Bond Activation

An intramolecular ring expansion of in situ formed 3-silaazetidine with internal alkynes has been developed via Pd-catalyzed Si-C bond activation. The reaction gives rise to 6,5- and 6,6-fused bicyclic 1,3-azasilines, in which the silicon atom locates at the ring junction position.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Hydrosilylation to Access Silicon-Stereogenic Center

Strategies on the construction of enantiomerically pure silicon-stereogenic silanes generally relies on desymmetrization of prochiral and symmetric substrates. However, dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformations of organosilicon compounds have remained underdeveloped and unforeseen owing to a lack of an effective method for deracemization of the static silicon stereocenters. Here we report the first Rh-catalyzed dynamic kinetic asymmetric intramolecular hydrosilylation (DyKAH) with "silicon-centered" racemic hydrosilanes that enables the facile preparation of silicon-stereogenic benzosiloles in good yields and excellent enantioselectivities. The special rhodium catalyst controlled by non-diastereopure-type mixed phosphine-phosphoramidite ligand with axial chirality and multiple stereocenters can induce enantioselectivity efficiently in this novel DyKAH reaction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the amide moiety in chiral ligand plays important role in facilitating the S_N 2 substitution of chloride ion to realize the chiral inversion of silicon center.

Sila-spirocyclization involving unstrained C(sp3)-Si bond cleavage

C - Si Bond cleavage is one of the key elemental steps for a wide variety of silicon-based transformations. However, the cleavage of unstrained Si-C(sp3) bonds catalyzed by transition metal are still in their infancy. They generally involve the insertion of a M - C(sp2) species into the C - Si bond and consequent intramolecular C(sp2)‒Si coupling to exclusively produce siloles. Here we report the Pd-catalyzed sila-spirocyclization, in which the Si-C(sp3) bond is activated by the insertion of a M - C(sp3) species and followed by the formation of a new C(sp3)‒Si bond, allowing the construction of diverse spirosilacycles. This reactivity mode, which is strongly supported by DFT calculations may open an avenue for the Si-C(sp3) bond cleavage and silacycle synthesis.

Metathesis between E-C(spn ) and H-C(sp3 ) σ-Bonds (E=Si, Ge; n=2, 3) on an Osmium-Polyhydride

The silylation of a phosphine of OsH6 (Pi Pr3 )2 is performed via net-metathesis between Si-C(spn ) and H-C(sp3 ) σ-bonds (n=2, 3). Complex OsH6 (Pi Pr3 )2 activates the Si-H bond of Et3 SiH and Ph3 SiH to give OsH5 (SiR3 )(Pi Pr3 )2 , which yield OsH4 {κ1 -P,η2 -SiH-[i Pr2 PCH(Me)CH2 SiR2 H]}(Pi Pr3 ) and R-H (R=Et, Ph), by displacement of a silyl substituent with a methyl group of a phosphine. Such displacement is a first-order process, with activation entropy consistent with a rate determining step occurring via a highly ordered transition state. It displays selectivity, releasing the hydrocarbon resulting from the rupture of the weakest Si-substituent bond, when the silyl ligand bears different substituents. Accordingly, reactions of OsH6 (Pi Pr3 )2 with dimethylphenylsilane, and 1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane afford OsH5 (SiR2 R')(Pi Pr3 )2 , which evolve into OsH4 {κ1 -P,η2 -GeH-[i Pr2 PCH(Me)CH2 SiR2 H]}(Pi Pr3 ) (R=Me, OSiMe3 ) and R'-H (R'=Ph, Me). Exchange reaction is extended to Et3 GeH. The latter reacts with OsH6 (Pi Pr3 )2 to give OsH5 (GeEt3 )(Pi Pr3 )2 , which loses ethane to form OsH4 {κ1 -P,η2 -GeH-[i Pr2 PCH(Me)CH2 GeEt2 H]}(Pi Pr3 ).

Nickel(0)-catalyzed divergent reactions of silacyclobutanes with internal alkynes

Transition metal-catalyzed reactions of silacyclobutanes with a variety of π units have attracted much attention and become one of the most straightforward and efficient approaches to rapidly access structurally diverse organosilicon compounds. However, the reaction of silacyclobutanes with alkynes still suffers from some limitations: (1) internal alkynes remain challenging substrates; (2) expensive Pd- or Rh-based catalysts have been employed in all existing systems; (3) controlling chemodivergence has not yet been realized. Herein we realize Ni-catalyzed chemodivergent reactions of silacyclobutanes with alkynes. In comparison with the previous Pd or Rh catalytic systems, our Ni-catalytic system features: 1) complementary substrate scope; 2) ligand-controlled chemodivergence; 3) low cost. The ligand precisely dictates the pathway selectivity, leading to the divergent formation of (benzo)silacyclohexenes and allyl vinylsilanes. Moreover, we demonstrate that employment of a chiral phosphine ligand is capable of forming silicon-stereogenic allyl vinylsilanes in high yields and enantioselectivities. In addition, DFT calculation is performed to elucidate the origin of the switchable selectivities, which is mainly attributed to different ligand steric effects.

Ligand-Controlled Site- and Enantioselective Carbene Insertion into Carbon-Silicon Bonds of Benzosilacyclobutanes

We report herein a highly efficient palladium-catalyzed carbene insertion into strained Si-C bonds of benzosilacyclobutanes, which provides an efficient method to access α-chiral silanes. With a sterically hindered ligand, carbene insertion into the C(sp³ )-Si bond of benzosilacyclobutanes occurred in excellent site- and enantioselectivity, while C(sp² )-Si bond insertion occurred selectively with less sterically hindered ligands. Reaction mechanism, in particular the roles of the chiral ligands in controlling the site-selectivity of the insertion reactions, are elucidated by using hybrid density functional theory.

Visible-Light-Induced Organocatalyzed [2+1] Cyclization of Alkynes and Trifluoroacetylsilanes

The synthesis of common cyclopropenes has been widely studied, but the synthesis of cyclopropenols is a significant challenge. Herein, we highlight our recent work on the synthesis of trifluoromethylated cyclopropenols through [2+1] cycloaddition reaction between alkynes and trifluoroacetylsilanes under visible-light-induced organocatalysis. The novel amphiphilic donor-acceptor carbenes derived from trifluoroacetylsilanes can react effectively with both activated and unactivated alkynes. Broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance have been achieved. Besides, the synthetic potential of this reaction was highlighted by a gram-scale reaction and the one-pot diastereoselective synthesis of trifluoromethylated cyclopropanols.

Synthesis of Cyclopropenols Enabled by Visible-Light-Induced Organocatalyzed [2+1] Cyclization

Although the synthesis of common cyclopropenes has been well studied, the access to cyclopropenols is rather limited. Herein, we report the first synthesis of α-trifluoromethylated cyclopropenols via 2+1 cycloaddition reactions between alkynes and trifluoroacylsilanes, enabled by visible-light-induced organocatalysis. The novel ambiphilic donor-acceptor carbenes derived from trifluoroacetylsilanes reacted efficiently with both activated and non-activated alkynes. The reaction features simple operation, mild conditions, broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance. The synthetic potential of the reaction is highlighted by the gram-scale reactions and first synthesis of α-trifluoromethylated cyclopropanols through the combination of the 2+1 cyclization and high diastereoselective hydrogenation reaction in one pot.

Rhodium hydride enabled enantioselective intermolecular C–H silylation to access acyclic stereogenic Si–H

The tremendous success of stereogenic carbon compounds has never ceased to inspire researchers to explore the potentials of stereogenic silicon compounds. Intermolecular C–H silylation thus represents the most versatile and straightforward strategy to construct C–Si bonds, however, its enantioselective variant has been scarcely reported to date. Herein we report a protocol that allows for the enantioselective intermolecular C–H bond silylation, leading to the construction of a wide array of acyclic stereogenic Si–H compounds under simple and mild reaction conditions. Key to the success is (1) a substrate design that prevents the self-reaction of prochiral silane and (2) the employment of a more reactive rhodium hydride ([Rh]-H) catalyst as opposed to the commonly used rhodium chloride ([Rh]-Cl) catalyst. This work unveils opportunities in converting simple arenes into value-added stereogenic silicon compounds.

Construction of chiral organosilicon compounds could have implications in photophysical, biological, and chemical fields, as silicon is isoelectronic with carbon, and can mimic carbon atoms while providing slightly different properties. Here the authors present an intermolecular, enantioselective C–H silylation of heterocycles via rhodium catalysis.

Catalytic regio- and stereoselective silicon–carbon bond formations on unsymmetric gem-difluorocyclopropenes by capture of silyl metal species

A highly regioselective silylation of unsymmetric gem-difluorocyclopropenes was achieved by the capture of in-situ formed silyl metal intermediates, which gave structurally diverse silyldifluorocyclopropanes with good yields and stereoselectivity.

Catalytic C(sp)–Si cross-coupling silylation of alkynyl bromides with hydrosilanes by palladium catalysis

An unprecedented and convenient Si–C(sp) bond-forming cross-coupling of alkynyl bromides with hydrosilanes has been established for the facile synthesis of alkynylsilanes in good yields and with excellent chemoselectivity.

Recent advance in the reactions of silacyclobutanes and their applications

Silacyclobutanes (SCBs), as a key member of organosilicon family, have received considerable attention in synthetic chemistry since the silicon-carbon bond can be activated. Followed by ring-opening and ring expansion process,...

Regiodivergent hydrosilylation in the nickel(0)-catalyzed cyclization of 1,6-enynes

The divergent nickel(0)-catalyzed hydrosilylation/cyclization of 1,6-enynes has been developed, providing an efficient synthetic route for vinyl silanes or alkyl silanes from the same starting materials.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Dearomative Rearrangement of 2-Oxypyridines with Cyclopropenes: Access to N-Alkylated 2-Pyridones

A rhodium-catalyzed dearomative O-to-N rearrangement reaction of 2-oxypyridines has been developed by using cyclopropenes as the carbene precursors. This protocol features broad substrate scope and mild reaction conditions, providing a...

(3 + 2)-Annulation of 1,3-N,Si-tetraorganosilane reagents TsHNCH2SiBnR1R2 with arynes for efficient synthesis of 3-silaindolines

1,3-N,Si-Tetraorganosilane reagents TsHNCH2SiBnR1R2 were developed as robust synthons to prepare 3-silaindolines via a Cs2CO3-promoted (3 + 2)-annulation reaction with arynes.

Nickel(0)-Catalyzed Asymmetric Ring Expansion Toward Enantioenriched Silicon-Stereogenic Benzosiloles

The development of a straightforward strategy to obtain enantioenriched silicon-stereogenic benzosiloles remains a challenging yet appealing synthesis venture due to their potential future application in chiral electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this context, all of the existing methods rely on Rh-catalyzed systems and are somewhat limited in scope. Herein, we disclose the first Ni⁰ -catalyzed ring expansion process that enables the preparation of benzosiloles possessing tetraorganosilicon stereocenters in excellent yields and enantioselectivities. The presented catalysis strategy is further applied to the asymmetric synthesis of silicon-stereogenic bis-silicon-bridged π-extended systems. Preliminary studies reveal that such compounds exhibit fluorescence emission, Cotton effects and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) activity.

Silacyclization through palladium-catalyzed intermolecular silicon-based C(sp2)-C(sp3) cross-coupling

Silicon-based cross-coupling has been recognized as one of the most reliable alternatives for constructing carbon–carbon bonds. However, the employment of such reaction as an efficient ring expansion strategy for silacycle synthesis is comparatively little known. Herein, we develop the first intermolecular silacyclization strategy involving Pd-catalyzed silicon-based C(sp²)–C(sp³) cross-coupling. This method allows the modular assembly of a vast array of structurally novel and interesting sila-benzo[b]oxepines with good functional group tolerance. The key to success for this reaction is that silicon atoms have a stronger affinity for oxygen nucleophiles than carbon nucleophiles, and silacyclobutanes (SCBs) have inherent ring-strain-release Lewis acidity.

Herein, we develop the first silacyclization between 2-halophenols and SCBs, which allows the modular assembly of sila-benzo[b]oxepines with good functional group tolerance and can be applied for the late-stage modification of biologically active molecules.