Reductive Deoxygenation of Alcohols: Catalytic Methods Beyond Barton-McCombie Deoxygenation

Hydrogen-Induced Formation of Surface Acid Sites on Pt/Al(PO3)3 Enables Remarkably Efficient Hydrogenolysis of C-O Bonds in Alcohols and Ethers

The hydrogenolysis of oxygenates such as alcohols and ethers is central to the biomass valorization and also a valuable transformation in organic synthesis. However, a mild and efficient catalyst system for the hydrogenolysis of a large variety of alcohols and ethers with various functional groups is still underdeveloped. Here, we report an aluminum metaphosphate-supported Pt nanoparticles (Pt/Al(PO3)3) for the hydrogenolysis of a wide variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl and benzylic alcohols, and dialkyl, aryl alkyl, and diaryl ethers, including biomass-derived furanic compounds, under mild conditions (0.1-1 atm of H2, as low as 70 °C). Mechanistic studies suggested that H2 induces formation of the surface Brønsted acid sites via its cleavage by supported Pt nanoparticles. Accordingly, the high efficiency and the wide applicability of the catalyst system are attributed to the activation and cleavage of C-O bonds by the hydrogen-induced Brønsted acid sites with the assistance of Lewis acidic Al sites on the catalyst surface. The high efficiency of the catalyst implies its potential application in energy-efficient biomass valorization or fine chemical synthesis.

Deoxygenative Transformation of Alcohols via Phosphoranyl Radical from Exogenous Radical Addition

A general approach to the direct deoxygenative transformation of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols has been developed. It undergoes through phosphoranyl radical intermediates generated by the addition of exogenous iodine radical to trivalent alkoxylphosphanes. Since these alkoxylphosphanes are readily in situ obtained from alcohols and commercially available, inexpensive chlorodiphenylphosphine, a diverse range of alcohols with various functional groups can be utilized to proceed deoxygenative cross-couplings with alkenes or aryl iodides. The selective transformation of polyhydroxy substrates and the rapid synthesis of complex organic molecules are also demonstrated with this method.

Visible-Light-Driven Deoxygenative Heteroarylation of Alcohols with Heteroaryl Sulfones

The visible-light-promoted deoxygenative radical heteroarylation of alcohols was achieved in the absence of any external photosensitizers. The processes occur through the generation of xanthate salts from alcohols, followed by SET and fragmentation, delivering alkyl radicals to react with heteroaryl sulfones. This method is amenable for a wide range of alcohols with good functional group tolerance, providing a practical strategy for the alkylation of benzo-heteroaromatics. Mechanism studies indicate that direct visible-light excitation of xanthate anions and subsequent SET initiate the reactions.

Ph3P/ICH2CH2I-promoted reductive deoxygenation of alcohols

Owing to the ubiquity of the hydroxyl group, reductive deoxygenation of alcohols has become an active research area. The classic Barton-McCombie reaction suffers from a tedious two-step procedure. New efficient methods have been developed, but they have some limitations, such as a narrow substrate scope and the use of moisture-sensitive Lewis acids. In this work, we describe the Ph3P/ICH2CH2I-promoted reductive deoxygenation of alcohols with NaBH4. The process is applicable to benzyl, allyl and propargyl alcohols, and also to primary and secondary alcohols, demonstrating a wide substrate scope and a good level of functional group tolerance. This protocol features convenient operation and low cost of all reagents.

Direct Deoxygenation of α-Hydroxy and α,β-Dihydroxy Ketones Using a Silyl Lithium Reagent

A reliable method for the one-step direct deoxygenation of α-hydroxy ketones has been developed using a silyl lithium reagent and acetic anhydride. The method is metal-catalyst-free and does not require prefunctionalization of the hydroxy group prior to its removal. Deoxygenation of different primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols was carried out with up to 98% isolated yield. Additionally, double deoxygenation was achieved when the present method was applied to α,β-dihydroxy ketones to access the corresponding enones in a single step.

Accessing para-Alkylphenols via Iridium-Catalyzed Site-Specific Deoxygenation of Alcohols

An iridium-catalyzed and phenol-directed deoxygenation of benzylic alcohols comes as an alternative access to 4-alkylphenols, featuring low catalyst loading (S/C up to 20,000, TOF up to 12,400 h-1), high functionality compatibility, and excellent site-selectivity. The applications in late-stage modification of steroids and gram-scale total synthesis of a Gastrodia elata extract are highlighted. Mechanistically, the intermediacy of quinone methide controls the site-selectivity, and the formation of iridium hydride serves as the rate-limiting step.

Ferrocenium Boronic Acid Catalyzed Deoxygenative Coupling of Alcohols with Carbon- and Nitrogen-Based Borate and Silane Nucleophiles

A boronic acid catalyzed carbon-carbon and carbon-nitrogen bond-forming reaction for the functionalization of various π-activated alcohols has been developed. Ferrocenium boronic acid hexafluoroantimonate salt was identified as an effective catalyst in the direct deoxygenative coupling of alcohols with a variety of potassium trifluoroborate and organosilane nucleophiles. In a comparison between these two classes of nucleophiles, the use of organosilanes leads to higher reaction yields, increased diversity of the alcohol substrate scope, and high E/Z selectivity. Furthermore, the reaction proceeds under mild conditions and yields up to 98%. Computational studies provide a rationalization for a mechanistic pathway for the retention of E/Z stereochemistry when E or Z alkenyl silanes are used as nucleophiles. This methodology is complementary to existing methodologies for deoxygenative coupling reactions involving organosilanes, and it is effective with a variety of organosilane nucleophile sub-types, including allylic, vinylic, and propargylic trimethylsilanes.

Direct nucleophilic and electrophilic activation of alcohols using a unified boron-based organocatalyst scaffold

Organocatalytic strategies for the direct activation of hydroxy-containing compounds have paled in comparison to those applicable to carbonyl compounds. To this end, boronic acids have emerged as valuable catalysts for the functionalization of hydroxy groups in a mild and selective fashion. Distinct modes of activation in boronic acid-catalyzed transformations are often accomplished by vastly different catalytic species, complicating the design of broadly applicable catalyst classes. Herein, we report the use of benzoxazaborine as a general scaffold for the development of structurally related yet mechanistically divergent catalysts for the direct nucleophilic and electrophilic activation of alcohols under ambient conditions. The utility of these catalysts is demonstrated in the monophosphorylation of vicinal diols and the reductive deoxygenation of benzylic alcohols and ketones respectively. Mechanistic studies of both processes reveal the contrasting nature of key tetravalent boron intermediates in the two catalytic manifolds.

Practical and General Alcohol Deoxygenation Protocol

Herein, we describe a practical protocol for the removal of alcohol functional groups through reductive cleavage of their benzoate ester analogs. This transformation requires a strong single electron transfer (SET) reductant and a means to accelerate slow fragmentation following substrate reduction. To accomplish this, we developed a photocatalytic system that generates a potent reductant from formate salts alongside Brønsted or Lewis acids that promote fragmentation of the reduced intermediate. This deoxygenation procedure is effective across structurally and electronically diverse alcohols and enables a variety of difficult net transformations. This protocol requires no precautions to exclude air or moisture and remains efficient on multigram scale. Finally, the system can be adapted to a one-pot benzoylation-deoxygenation sequence to enable direct alcohol deletion. Mechanistic studies validate that the role of acidic additives is to promote the key C(sp3 )-O bond fragmentation step.

Combining the best of both worlds: radical-based divergent total synthesis

A mature science, combining the art of the total synthesis of complex natural structures and the practicality of delivering highly diverged lead compounds for biological screening, is the constant aim of the organic chemistry community. Delivering natural lead compounds became easier during the last two decades, with the evolution of green chemistry and the concepts of atom economy and protecting-group-free synthesis dominating the field of total synthesis. In this new era, total synthesis is moving towards natural efficacy by utilizing both the biosynthetic knowledge of divergent synthesis and the latest developments in radical chemistry. This contemporary review highlights recent total syntheses that incorporate the best of both worlds.

Conformational Flexibility as a Tool for Enabling Site-Selective Functionalization of Unactivated sp3 C-O Bonds in Cyclic Acetals

A dual catalytic manifold that enables site-selective functionalization of unactivated sp³ C–O bonds in cyclic acetals with aryl and alkyl halides is reported. The reaction is triggered by an appropriate σ*–p orbital overlap prior to sp³ C–O cleavage, thus highlighting the importance of conformational flexibility in both reactivity and site selectivity. The protocol is characterized by its excellent chemoselectivity profile, thus offering new vistas for activating strong σ sp³ C–O linkages.

Dehydroxylative Alkylation of α-Hydroxy Carboxylic Acid Derivatives via a Spin-Center Shift

A strategically distinct dehydroxylative alkylation reaction of α-hydroxy carboxylic acid derivatives with alkenes is developed. The reaction starts with the attack of a 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP)-boryl radical to the carbonyl oxygen atom, followed by a spin-center shift (SCS) to trigger the C-O bond scission. The resulting α-carbonyl radicals couple with a wide range of alkenes to furnish various alkylated products. This strategy allows for the efficient conversion of a wide array of α-hydroxy amides and esters derived from several biomass molecules and natural products to value-added compounds. Experimental and computational studies verified the reaction mechanism.

Highly Effective and Chemoselective Hydrodeoxygenation of Aromatic Alcohols

Effective hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of aromatic alcohols is very attractive in both conventional organic synthesis and upgrading of biomass-derived molecules, but the selectivity of this reaction is usually low because of...

Iridium-catalyzed highly stereoselective deoxygenation of tertiary cycloalkanols: stereoelectronic insights and synthetic applications

Excellent and unique diastereoselectivity is observed in the iridium-catalyzed deoxygenation of tertiary cyclohexanols and cyclopentanols. The substituent effect on the diastereoselectivity and detailed control models are analyzed case by case, using tertiary monocyclic and polycyclic cyclohexanols, bicyclic bridged cycloalkanols, and cyclopentanols as the model substrates. The selectivity is decided by the steric environment of the carbocation intermediates and is independent of the catalyst loading. Stereoelectronically, the iridium hydride approaches the carbocation in directions perpendicular to the carbocation plane. The sterically large iridium hydride delivers its hydride in the sterically least hindered direction to the carbocation. The deoxygenation has found important applications in the stereospecific arylations of sterically complex compounds. Our deoxygenation is stereochemically very different from the coupling reactions and can be used to specifically synthesize stereoisomers that are not available via cross-couplings.

Alkoxy Radicals See the Light: New Paradigms of Photochemical Synthesis

Alkoxy radicals are highly reactive species that have long been recognized as versatile intermediates in organic synthesis. However, their development has long been impeded due to a lack of convenient methods for their generation. Thanks to advances in photoredox catalysis, enabling facile access to alkoxy radicals from bench-stable precursors and free alcohols under mild conditions, research interest in this field has been renewed. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent progress in alkoxy radical-mediated transformations under visible light irradiation. Elementary steps for alkoxy radical generation from either radical precursors or free alcohols are central to reaction development; thus, each section is categorized and discussed accordingly. Throughout this review, we have focused on the different mechanisms of alkoxy radical generation as well as their impact on synthetic utilizations. Notably, the catalytic generation of alkoxy radicals from abundant alcohols is still in the early stage, providing intriguing opportunities to exploit alkoxy radicals for diverse synthetic paradigms.

Selective deoxygenative alkylation of alcohols via photocatalytic domino radical fragmentations

The delivery of alkyl radicals through photocatalytic deoxygenation of primary alcohols under mild conditions is a so far unmet challenge. In this report, we present a one-pot strategy for deoxygenative Giese reaction of alcohols with electron-deficient alkenes, by using xanthate salts as alcohol-activating groups for radical generation under visible-light photoredox conditions in the presence of triphenylphosphine. The convenient generation of xanthate salts and high reactivity of sequential C–S/C–O bond homolytic cleavage enable efficient deoxygenation of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols with diverse functionality and structure to generate the corresponding alkyl radicals, including methyl radical. Moreover, chemoselective radical monodeoxygenation of diols is achieved via selective formation of xanthate salts.

The generation of alkyl radicals through deoxygenation of abundant alcohols via photoredox catalysis is of interest. In this study, the authors report a one-pot strategy for visible-light-promoted photoredox coupling of alcohols with electron-deficient alkenes, assisted by carbon disulfide and triphenylphosphine.

Metallaphotoredox-enabled deoxygenative arylation of alcohols

Metal-catalysed cross-couplings are a mainstay of organic synthesis and are widely used for the formation of C-C bonds, particularly in the production of unsaturated scaffolds¹. However, alkyl cross-couplings using native sp³-hybridized functional groups such as alcohols remain relatively underdeveloped². In particular, a robust and general method for the direct deoxygenative coupling of alcohols would have major implications for the field of organic synthesis. A general method for the direct deoxygenative cross-coupling of free alcohols must overcome several challenges, most notably the in situ cleavage of strong C-O bonds³, but would allow access to the vast collection of commercially available, structurally diverse alcohols as coupling partners⁴. We report herein a metallaphotoredox-based cross-coupling platform in which free alcohols are activated in situ by N-heterocyclic carbene salts for carbon-carbon bond formation with aryl halide coupling partners. This method is mild, robust, selective and most importantly, capable of accommodating a wide range of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols as well as pharmaceutically relevant aryl and heteroaryl bromides and chlorides. The power of the transformation has been demonstrated in a number of complex settings, including the late-stage functionalization of Taxol and a modular synthesis of Januvia, an antidiabetic medication. This technology represents a general strategy for the merger of in situ alcohol activation with transition metal catalysis.

Chemoselective Homologation-Deoxygenation Strategy Enabling the Direct Conversion of Carbonyls into (n+1)-Halomethyl-Alkanes

The sequential installation of a carbenoid and a hydride into a carbonyl, furnishing halomethyl alkyl derivatives, is reported. Despite the employment of carbenoids as nucleophiles in reactions with carbon-centered electrophiles, sp³-type alkyl halides remain elusive materials for selective one-carbon homologations. Our tactic levers on using carbonyls as starting materials and enables uniformly high yields and chemocontrol. The tactic is flexible and is not limited to carbenoids. Also, diverse carbanion-like species can act as nucleophiles, thus making it of general applicability.

Diazaphosphinyl radical-catalyzed deoxygenation of α-carboxy ketones: a new protocol for chemo-selective C-O bond scission via mechanism regulation

C-O bond cleavage is often a key process in defunctionalization of organic compounds as well as in degradation of natural polymers. However, it seldom occurs regioselectively for different types of C-O bonds under metal-free mild conditions. Here we report a facile chemo-selective cleavage of the α-C-O bonds in α-carboxy ketones by commercially available pinacolborane under the catalysis of diazaphosphinane based on a mechanism switch strategy. This new reaction features high efficiency, low cost and good group-tolerance, and is also amenable to catalytic deprotection of desyl-protected carboxylic acids and amino acids. Mechanistic studies indicated an electron-transfer-initiated radical process, underlining two crucial steps: (1) the initiator azodiisobutyronitrile switches originally hydridic reduction to kinetically more accessible electron reduction; and (2) the catalytic phosphorus species upconverts weakly reducing pinacolborane into strongly reducing diazaphosphinane.

Reductive Deamination with Hydrosilanes Catalyzed by B(C6 F5 )3

The strong boron Lewis acid tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane B(C6 F5 )3 is known to catalyze the dehydrogenative coupling of certain amines and hydrosilanes at elevated temperatures. At higher temperature, the dehydrogenation pathway competes with cleavage of the C-N bond and defunctionalization is obtained. This can be turned into a useful methodology for the transition-metal-free reductive deamination of a broad range of amines as well as heterocumulenes such as an isocyanate and an isothiocyanate.

Recent advances in phosphoranyl radical-mediated deoxygenative functionalisation

Alcohols and carboxylic acids have been established as versatile building blocks in the assembly of various carbon frameworks.

General and selective deoxygenation by hydrogen using a reusable earth-abundant metal catalyst

Chemoselective deoxygenation by hydrogen is particularly challenging but crucial for an efficient late-stage modification of functionality-laden fine chemicals, natural products, or pharmaceuticals and the economic upgrading of biomass-derived molecules into fuels and chemicals. We report here on a reusable earth-abundant metal catalyst that permits highly chemoselective deoxygenation using inexpensive hydrogen gas. Primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols as well as alkyl and aryl ketones and aldehydes can be selectively deoxygenated, even when part of complex natural products, pharmaceuticals, or biomass-derived platform molecules. The catalyst tolerates many functional groups including hydrogenation-sensitive examples. It is efficient, easy to handle, and conveniently synthesized from a specific bimetallic coordination compound and commercially available charcoal. Selective, sustainable, and cost-efficient deoxygenation under industrially viable conditions seems feasible.

Generation of Phosphoranyl Radicals via Photoredox Catalysis Enables Voltage-Independent Activation of Strong C-O Bonds

Despite the prevalence of alcohols and carboxylic acids as functional groups in organic molecules and the potential to serve as radical precursors, C-O bonds remain difficult to activate. We report a synthetic strategy for direct access to both alkyl and acyl radicals from these ubiquitous functional groups via photoredox catalysis. This method exploits the unique reactivity of phosphoranyl radicals, generated from a polar/SET crossover between a phosphine radical cation and an oxygen-centered nucleophile. We show the desired reactivity in the reduction of benzylic alcohols to the corresponding benzyl radicals with terminal H atom trapping to afford the deoxygenated products. Using the same method, we demonstrate access to synthetically versatile acyl radicals, which enables the reduction of aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids to the corresponding aldehydes with exceptional chemoselectivity. This protocol also transforms carboxylic acids to heterocycles and cyclic ketones via intramolecular acyl radical cyclizations to forge C-O, C-N, and C-C bonds in a single step.

Hydrodebromination of allylic and benzylic bromides with water catalyzed by a rhodium porphyrin complex

Hydrodebromination of allylic and benzylic bromides was successfully achieved by a rhodium porphyrin complex catalyst using water as the hydrogen source without a sacrificial reductant. Mechanistic investigations suggest that bromine atom abstraction via a rhodium porphyrin metalloradical operates to give the rhodium porphyrin alkyl species and the subsequent hydrolysis of the rhodium porphyrin alkyl species to a hydrocarbon product is a key step to harness the hydrogen from water.

Chemoselective deoxygenation of ether-substituted alcohols and carbonyl compounds by B(C6F5)3-catalyzed reduction with (HMe2SiCH2)2

B(C6F5)3-catalyzed deoxygenation of ether-substituted alcohols and carbonyl compounds has been developed using (HMe2SiCH2)2 as the reductant. This unique reagent shows distinct superiority over traditional one silicon-centered hydrosilanes, giving the corresponding alkanes in high yields with good tolerance of ethers, aryl halides and alkenes. The control experiments suggest that (HMe2SiCH2)2 might facilitate the approach in an intramolecular Si/O activation manner.

Photocatalytic Transfer Hydrogenolysis of Allylic Alcohols on Pd/TiO2 : A Shortcut to (S)-(+)-Lavandulol

We report herein a regio- and stereoselective photocatalytic hydrogenolysis of allylic alcohols to form unsaturated hydrocarbons employing a palladium(II)-loaded titanium oxide; the reaction proceeds at room temperature under light irradiation without stoichiometric generation of salt wastes. Olefin and saturated alcohol moieties tolerated the reaction conditions. Hydrogen atoms were selectively incorporated into less sterically congested carbons of the allylic functionalities. This protocol allowed a short-step synthesis of (S)-(+)-lavandulol from (R)-(-)-carvone by avoiding otherwise necessary protection/deprotection steps.

Nickel-Catalyzed Hydrogenolysis and Conjugate Addition of 2-(Hydroxymethyl)pyridines via Organozinc Intermediates

2-Hydroxymethylpyridines undergo nickel-catalyzed hydrogenolysis upon activation with a chlorophosphate. Reactions employ diethylzinc and are proposed to proceed through secondary benzylzinc reagents. Quenching with deuteromethanol provides straightforward incorporation of a deuterium label in the benzylic position. Intramolecular conjugate additions with α,β-unsaturated esters are also demonstrated and support the intermediacy of a benzylzinc complex.

Photocatalytic hydrogenolysis of allylic alcohols for rapid access to platform chemicals and fine chemicals

A brief account of our recent work on the chemo-, regio- and stereoselective photocatalytic hydrogenolysis of allylic alcohols to alkenes promoted by palladium-loaded titanium oxide (Pd/TiO2) photocatalysts is presented. Since methanol is employed as the reducing agent, the method does not involve stoichiometric generation of salt waste. The photocatalytic hydrogenolysis proceeds at room temperature, and is compatible with the presence of functional groups such as C=C double bonds and hydroxyl groups at non-allylic positions. The regioselectivity is predictable: the hydrogen atom is predominantly incorporated into the sterically less hindered carbon atom of the allylic moiety. This protocol should provide straightforward green access to a range of platform chemicals (exemplified by the two-step synthesis of propylene from glycerol) and fine chemicals [e.g. (S)-(+)-lavandulol from (R)-(–)-carvone] without the need for protection/deprotection steps.