Metal-Free Oxidative Cross-Coupling Reaction of Thiophene Iodonium Salts with Pyrroles

Can Plasmon Change Reaction Path? Decomposition of Unsymmetrical Iodonium Salts as an Organic Probe

Plasmon-assisted transformations of organic compounds represent a novel opportunity for conversion of light to chemical energy at room temperature. However, the mechanistic insights of interaction between plasmon energy and organic molecules is still under debate. Herein, we proposed a comprehensive study of the plasmon-assisted reaction mechanism using unsymmetric iodonium salts (ISs) as an organic probe. The experimental and theoretical analysis allow us to exclude the possible thermal effect or hot electron transfer. We found that plasmon interaction with unsymmetrical ISs led to the intramolecular excitation of electron followed by the regioselective cleavage of C-I bond with the formation of electron-rich radical species, which cannot be explained by the hot electron excitation or thermal effects. The high regioselectivity is explained by the direct excitation of electron to LUMO with the formation of a dissociative excited state according to quantum-chemical modeling, which provides novel opportunities for the fine control of reactivity using plasmon energy.

FeCl2 catalyzed direct modification of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with phenols

A mild catalytic modification of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with various phenols via the formation of heteroarene cation radicals as key intermediates has been developed. A range of direct cross-coupling products could be obtained in acceptable to excellent yields (up to 98%) in the presence of FeCl2.

Recent progress in (hetero)arene cation radical-based heteroarene modification

The transformation of (hetero)arene cation radicals has become a powerful tool for the construction of highly functionalized (hetero)arenes. These (hetero)arene cation radicals could be generated under electrochemical, photochemical or chemical oxidation systems. The in situ generated (hetero)arene cation radicals can be attacked by various nucleophiles, such as (hetero)aromatics and anions, yielding structurally diverse molecules. Recently, a large number of impressive heteroarene modifications have been designed by this strategy. This review summarizes the advances in heteroarene modification via reactions of in situ formed (hetero)arene cation radicals, ranging from 2010 to 2020.

Synthetic Applications of Oxidative Aromatic Coupling-From Biphenols to Nanographenes

Oxidative aromatic coupling occupies a fundamental place in the modern chemistry of aromatic compounds. It is a method of choice for the assembly of large and bewildering architectures. Considerable effort was also devoted to applications of the Scholl reaction for the synthesis of chiral biphenols and natural products. The ability to form biaryl linkages without any prefunctionalization provides an efficient pathway to many complex structures. Although the chemistry of this process is only now becoming fully understood, this reaction continues to both fascinate and challenge researchers. This is especially true for heterocoupling, that is, oxidative aromatic coupling with the chemoselective formation of a C-C bond between two different arenes. Analysis of the progress achieved in this field since 2013 reveals that many groups have contributed by pushing the boundary of structural possibilities, expanding into surface-assisted (cyclo)dehydrogenation, and developing new reagents.

Metal-Free Oxidative Cross-Coupling Reaction of Heteroaromatic and Related Compounds

The biary unit having heteroatom as important scaffolds widely exist in a large number of biologically active compounds and functional organic molecules. Since the cross-coupling is a useful synthetic method for constructing biaryl and heterobiaryl structures, the development of novel cross-coupling methods has been studied intensively. The oxidative biaryl coupling reaction of aromatic compounds having heteroatoms is an attractive method since they do not require the prefunctionalization of arenes. This report describes recent advances in hypervalent iodine(III) induced metal-free synthesis of biaryls having heteroatoms.

Aryl Transfer Selectivity in Metal-Free Reactions of Unsymmetrical Diaryliodonium Salts

Aromatic rings are found in a wide variety of products, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functional materials. Diaryliodonium salts are new reagents used to transfer aryl groups under both metal-free and metal-catalyzed reactions and thereby synthesize arene-containing compounds. This minireview focuses on recent studies in selective aryl transfer reactions from unsymmetrical diaryliodonium salts under metal-free conditions. Reactions reported from 2007 to 2017, which represents a period of significant growth in diaryliodonium salt chemistry, are presented and organized by the type of reactive intermediate formed in the reaction. Specifically, reactions involving λ³ -iodane, λ³ -iodane radical anions, aryl radicals, and arynes are discussed. Chemoselectivity trends in aryl transfer are compared and contrasted across reaction intermediates and translation to potential auxiliaries are posited.