Synthesis of α,β-Unsaturated Ketones by Pd-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Allylation of α-Oxocarboxylates

Nickel/Photoredox Dual-Catalyzed Conversion of Allyl Esters to Ketones via the Formal Deletion of Oxygen

We report herein the catalytic conversion of allylic esters into the corresponding ketones by the formal deletion of an oxygen atom. The key to the success of the reaction is the dual use of nickel and photoredox catalysts; the former mediates C-O bond activation and C-C bond formation, while the latter is responsible for deoxygenation of the acyloxy group using PPh3 as a stoichiometric reductant. Catalytic replacement of an oxygen atom of an allyl ester with a tethered alkene is also accomplished.

Atmosphere-Controlled Palladium-Catalyzed Divergent Decarboxylative Cyclization of 2-Iodobiphenyls and α-Oxocarboxylic Acids

A novel palladium-catalyzed divergent decarboxylative cyclization of 2-iodobiphenyls and α-oxocarboxylic acids utilizing the atmosphere as a controlled switch is reported. Under the protection of a nitrogen atmosphere, tribenzotropones are synthesized by a [4 + 3] decarboxylative cyclization. Employing a palladium/O₂ system enables a [4 + 2] decarboxylative cyclization to assemble triphenylenes. Notably, preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the formation of triphenylenes involves a double decarboxylation.

KI-catalyzed reactions of aryl hydrazines with α-oxocarboxylic acids in the presence of CO2: access to 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-ones

A novel KI-catalyzed synthesis of 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2(3H)-ones from aryl hydrazines, α-oxocarboxylic acids and CO₂ was reported.

Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative, decarbonylative and dehydrogenative C(sp2)-H acylation at room temperature

Over the past few decades, an impressive array of C-H activation methodology has been developed for organic synthesis. However, due to the inherent inertness of the C-H bonds (e.g. ∼110 kcal mol^-1 for the cleavage of C(aryl)-H bonds) harsh reaction conditions have been realized to overcome high energetic transition states resulting in a limited substrate scope and functional group tolerance. Therefore, the development of mild C-H functionalization protocols is in high demand to exploit the full potential of the C-H activation strategy in the synthesis of a complex molecular framework. Although, electron-rich substrates undergo electrophilic metalation under relatively mild conditions, electron-deficient substrates proceed through a rate-limiting C-H insertion under forcing conditions at high temperature. In addition, a stoichiometric amount of toxic silver salt is frequently used in palladium catalysis to facilitate the C-H activation process which is not acceptable from the environmental and industrial standpoint. We report herein, a Pd(ii)-catalyzed decarboxylative C-H acylation of 2-arylpyridines with α-ketocarboxylic acids under mild conditions. The present protocol does not require stoichiometric silver(i) salts as additives and proceeds smoothly at ambient temperature. A novel decarbonylative C-H acylation reaction has also been accomplished using aryl glyoxals as acyl surrogates. Finally, a practical C-H acylation via a dehydrogenative pathway has been demonstrated using commercially available benzaldehydes and aqueous hydroperoxides. We also disclose that acetonitrile solvent is optimal for the acylation reaction at room temperature and has a prominent role in the reaction outcome. Control experiments suggest that the acylation reaction via decarboxylative, decarbonylative and dehydrogenative proceeds through a radical pathway. Thus we disclose a practical protocol for the sp² C-H acylation reaction.

Synthesis of 1,4-enyne-3-ones via palladium-catalyzed sequential decarboxylation and carbonylation of allyl alkynoates

A novel and efficient palladium-catalyzed sequential decarboxylation and carbonylation of allyl alkynoates for constructing functionalized 1,4-enyne-3-ones has been demonstrated.

Fragment Couplings via CO2 Extrusion-Recombination: Expansion of a Classic Bond-Forming Strategy via Metallaphotoredox

In this study we demonstrate that molecular fragments, which can be readily coupled via a simple, in situ RO-C═OR bond-forming reaction, can subsequently undergo metal insertion-decarboxylation-recombination to generate Csp(2)-Csp(3) bonds when subjected to metallaphotoredox catalysis. In this embodiment the conversion of a wide variety of mixed anhydrides (formed in situ from carboxylic acids and acyl chlorides) to fragment-coupled ketones is accomplished in good to high yield. A three-step synthesis of the medicinal agent edivoxetine is also described using this new decarboxylation-recombination protocol.