Calcium Carbide: Versatile Synthetic Applications, Green Methodology and Sustainability

Three-Component Gold(I)-Catalyzed Alkoxyvinylation

Acetylene has been underexploited despite being a highly valuable feedstock for chemical synthesis. We have developed the first true gold(I)-catalyzed intermolecular three-component reaction between acetylene, alkenes, and alcohols to afford β-vinyl hemiaminal scaffolds from N-vinyl amides. Unusual biscyclopropyl and 3-vinyl N-heterocyclic scaffolds were obtained through the incorporation of a second N-vinyl unit or tethered alkene into the starting material.

Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of 2-Acyl-3-sulfonamidobut-2-enoates Using Solid Calcium Carbide as a Substitute for Gaseous Acetylene

Multifunctional group compounds, 2-acyl-3-sulfonamidobut-2-enoates, are efficiently constructed using solid calcium carbide as an alkyne source through the simultaneous formation of two bonds in one step. The salient features of this protocol are the use of an inexpensive, abundant, and easy-to-use alkyne source as a substitute for flammable and explosive gaseous acetylene, low-cost catalyst, mild conditions, wide substrate scope, high stereoselectivity, satisfactory yield, and simple manipulation. This method can also be extended to the gram scale.

A Gold(I)-Acetylene Complex Synthesised using Single-Crystal Reactivity

Using single-crystal to single-crystal solid/gas reactivity the gold(I) acetylene complex [Au(L1)(η2-HC≡CH)][BArF 4] is cleanly synthesized by addition of acetylene gas to single crystals of [Au(L1)(CO)][BArF 4] [L1=tris-2-(4,4'-di-tert-butylbiphenyl)phosphine, ArF=3,5-(CF3)2C6H3]. This simplest gold-alkyne complex has been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy and periodic DFT. Bonding of HC≡CH with [Au(L1)]+ comprises both σ-donation and π-backdonation with additional dispersion interactions within the cavity-shaped phosphine.

Construction of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and pyrimido[1,2-b]indazoles with calcium carbide as an alkyne source

An efficient method for the construction of 5-arylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines using calcium carbide as a solid alkyne source instead of flammable and explosive gaseous acetylene, pyrazole-3-amine and (hetero)aromatic aldehydes as starting materials in the presence of a copper mediator is described. Meanwhile, 2-arylpyrimido[1,2-b]indazoles are also synthesized under similar conditions using indazole-3-amine as a substitute for pyrazole-3-amine as a starting material. The method has salient features such as the use of an inexpensive and easy-to-handle alkyne source, commercially available substrates, wide functional group tolerance, a low-cost mediator, and simple workup procedures. This protocol can also be extended to gram-scale synthesis.

Copper-Catalyzed Regiodivergent Asymmetric Difunctionalization of Terminal Alkynes

We herein describe the first example of ligand-controlled, copper-catalyzed regiodivergent asymmetric difunctionalization of terminal alkynes through a cascade hydroboration and hydroallylation process. The catalytic system, consisting of (R)-DTBM-Segphos and CuBr, could efficiently achieve asymmetric 1,1-difunctionalization of aryl terminal alkynes, while ligand switching to (S,S)-Ph-BPE could result in asymmetric 1,2-difunctionalization exclusively. In addition, alkyl substituted terminal alkynes, especially industrially relevant acetylene and propyne, were also valid feedstocks for asymmetric 1,1-difunctionalization. This protocol is characterized by good functional group tolerance, a broad scope of substrates (>150 examples), and mild reaction conditions. We also showcase the value of this method in the late-stage functionalization of complicated bioactive molecules and simplifying the synthetic routes toward the key intermediacy of natural product (bruguierol A). Mechanistic studies combined with DFT calculations provide insight into the mechanism and origins of this ligand-controlled regio- and stereoselectivity.

Calcium Carbide (CaC2) as a C2-Synthon by Mechanochemistry

Mechanochemical reactions by ball milling have opened new avenues in chemical synthesis. Particularly, mechanochemistry has facilitated the reaction of insoluble materials to simplify stablished synthetic protocols and develop new ones. One notable application involves the use of calcium carbide (CaC2) as a C2-synthon through mechanochemistry, which has offered a more practical alternative to incorporate C2-units compared to the conventional use of highly flammable gaseous acetylene. For example, by ball milling, the acetylenic anions [C2]2- found in CaC2 have been harnessed for the synthesis of diverse functional carbon materials as well as discrete organic molecules. This Concept aims to contribute to the conceptualization of this innovative approach while highlighting both its advantages and the challenges inherent in the use of CaC2.

Construction of 3-Methyl-2-Substituted Benzo[b]furans and 3-Methyl-2-Substituted Benzo[b]thiophenes Using Solid Calcium Carbide as a Substitute for Gaseous Acetylene

A concise method for the facile construction of 3-methyl-2-substituted benzo[b]furans and 3-methyl-2-substituted benzo[b]thiophenes using low-cost, abundant, and easy-to-use solid calcium carbide instead of flammable and explosive gaseous acetylene as an original alkyne source, o-bromophenyl ethers or o-bromophenyl thioethers as substrates through an intramolecular carbanion-yne cyclization in a 5-exo-dig manner, and subsequent double-bond isomerization is described. The simultaneous formation of two C-C bonds is realized in a one-step route. The wide substrate scope, high yield, and simple workup manipulations are also merits of this method. The synthetic strategy can also be suitable for the gram scale.

1,2,4-Triazines and Calcium Carbide in the Catalyst-Free Synthesis of 2,3,6-Trisubstituted Pyridines and Their D-, 13 C-, and Doubly D2 -13 C2 -Labeled Analogues

A novel synthetic approach to 2,3,6-trisubstituted pyridines, their 4,5-dideuterated derivatives, 4,5-13 C2 - and doubly-labeled D2 -13 C2 -pyridines has been developed using catalyst-free [4+2] cycloaddition of 1,2,4-triazines and in situ generated acetylene or labeled acetylene. Calcium carbide and water or deuterium oxide were used for the in situ generation of acetylene and dideuteroacetylene. Calcium carbide-13 C2 in the mixture with water or deuterium oxide was applied as 13 C2 -acetylene and D2 -13 C2 -acetylene source.

Gold(I)-Catalyzed Intermolecular Aryloxyvinylation with Acetylene Gas

Acetylene gas is an important feedstock for chemical production, although it is underutilized in organic synthesis. We have developed an intermolecular gold(I)-catalyzed alkyne/alkene reaction of o-allylphenols with acetylene gas that gives rise to chromanes by a stereospecific aryloxycyclization through the nucleophilic regioselective opening of cyclopropyl gold(I)-carbene intermediates. The synthetic application of this method was demonstrated in the late-stage functionalization of the natural product lapachol.

One-Pot Synthesis of 1,2,3-Triarylindoles through Cascade Reactions Using Calcium Carbide, Iodoarenes, and Aromatic Amines

An efficient method for the construction of 1,2,3-triarylindoles through one-pot multicomponent reactions using calcium carbide, 3 mol of iodoarenes, and aromatic amines as starting materials was described. A series of target products were obtained by the simultaneous formation of five bonds in one step. The main advantages for this protocol are the use of a convenient alkyne source, wide scope of substrates, and simple workup procedure. The method can be extended to the gram scale.

Atom-economical synthesis of 1,2-bis(phosphine oxide)ethanes from calcium carbide with straightforward access to deuterium- and 13C-labeled bidentate phosphorus ligands and metal complexes

Straightforward access to bidentate phosphorus ligands and bis(phosphineoxide)ethanes is described based on atom-economic addition reaction. A practical approach was developed to incorporate 2H and 13C labels using easily available reagents.

Tetra(phenylethynyl)tin Is a New Reagent for Solvent-Free Alkynylation of Imines

The first ZnCl2-catalyzed alkynylation of aldimines with tetra(phenylethynyl)tin was achieved under solvent-free conditions. The present methodology provides propargylamines in 38–62% yields.

Selective Monoethynylation of 2-Oxoacetamides Using Calcium Carbide as a Concise Solid Alkyne Source

An efficient selective monoethynylation of 2-oxoacetamides using calcium carbide as a concise solid alkyne source is described. A series of multifunctional compounds, 2-hydroxybut-3-ynamides, are synthesized by this strategy. The salient features of this protocol are the use of inexpensive and easy-to-handle solid alkyne source as a surrogate of inflammable and explosive gaseous acetylene, transition-metal-free and mild condition, wide scope of substrates, high selectivity, high yield, and simple work-up procedure.

Thermal Mapping of Self-Promoted Calcium Carbide Reactions for Performing Energy-Economic Processes

The syntheses of various chemical compounds require heating. The intrinsic release of heat in exothermic processes is a valuable heat source that is not effectively used in many reactions. In this work, we assessed the released heat during the hydrolysis of an energy-rich compound, calcium carbide, and explored the possibility of its usage. Temperature profiles of carbide hydrolysis were recorded, and it was found that the heat release depended on the cosolvent and water/solvent ratio. Thus, the release of heat can be controlled and adjusted. To monitor the released heat, a special tube-in-tube reactor was assembled using joining part 3D-printed with nylon. The thermal effect of the reaction was estimated using a thermoimaging IR monitor. It was found that the kinetics of heat release are different when using mixtures of water with different solvents, and the maximum achievable temperature depends on the type of solvent and the amount of water and carbide. The possibility of using the heat released during carbide hydrolysis to initiate a chemical reaction was tested using a hydrothiolation reaction—the nucleophilic addition of thiols to acetylene. In a model experiment, the yield of the desired product with the use of heat from carbide hydrolysis was 89%, compared to 30% in this intrinsic heating, which was neglected.

Copper-Catalyzed Construction of Benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolines Using Calcium Carbide as a Solid Alkyne Source

A method for the synthesis of benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolines through Sonogashira cross-coupling/nucleophilic addition tandem reactions using calcium carbide as a solid alkyne source, 2-(2-bromophenyl)benzimidazoles as starting materials, and copper as a catalyst is described. The target products can also be synthesized through one-pot three-component reactions of o-phenylenediamines, o-bromobenzaldehydes, and calcium carbide. Both reaction routes can also be scaled up to gram scale.

3D Printing to Increase the Flexibility of the Chemical Synthesis of Biologically Active Molecules: Design of On-Demand Gas Generation Reactors

The development of new drugs is accelerated by rapid access to functionalized and D-labeled molecules with improved activity and pharmacokinetic profiles. Diverse synthetic procedures often involve the usage of gaseous reagents, which can be a difficult task due to the requirement of a dedicated laboratory setup. Here, we developed a special reactor for the on-demand production of gases actively utilized in organic synthesis (C2H2, H2, C2D2, D2, and CO2) that completely eliminates the need for high-pressure equipment and allows for integrating gas generation into advanced laboratory practice. The reactor was developed by computer-aided design and manufactured using a conventional 3D printer with polypropylene and nylon filled with carbon fibers as materials. The implementation of the reactor was demonstrated in representative reactions with acetylene, such as atom-economic nucleophilic addition (conversions of 19-99%) and nickel-catalyzed S-functionalization (yields 74-99%). One of the most important advantages of the reactor is the ability to generate deuterated acetylene (C2D2) and deuterium gas (D2), which was used for highly significant, atom-economic and cost-efficient deuterium labeling of S,O-vinyl derivatives (yield 68-94%). Successful examples of their use in organic synthesis are provided to synthesize building blocks of heteroatom-functionalized and D-labeled biologically active organic molecules.

One-Pot and Two-Chamber Methodologies for Using Acetylene Surrogates in the Synthesis of Pyridazines and Their D-Labeled Derivatives

Acetylene surrogates are efficient tools in modern organic chemistry with largely unexplored potential in the construction of heterocyclic cores. Two novel synthetic paths to 3,6-disubstituted pyridazines were proposed using readily available acetylene surrogates through flexible C₂ unit installation procedures in a common reaction space mode (one-pot) and distributed reaction space mode (two-chamber): (1) an interaction of 1,2,4,5-tetrazine and its acceptor-functionalized derivatives with a CaC₂ -H₂ O mixture performed in a two-chamber reactor led to the corresponding pyridazines in quantitative yields; (2) [4+2] cycloaddition of 1,2,4,5-tetrazines to benzyl vinyl ether can be considered a universal synthetic path to a wide range of pyridazines. Replacing water with D₂ O and vinyl ether with its trideuterated analog in the developed procedures, a range of 4,5-dideuteropyridazines of 95-99% deuteration degree was synthesized for the first time. Quantum chemical modeling allowed to quantify the substituent effect in both synthetic pathways.

Sustainability Assessment of Mechanochemistry by Using the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry

In recent years, mechanochemistry has been growing into a widely accepted alternative for chemical synthesis. In addition to their efficiency and practicality, mechanochemical reactions are also recognized for their sustainability. The association between mechanochemistry and Green Chemistry often originates from the solvent-free nature of most mechanochemical protocols, which can reduce waste production. However, mechanochemistry satisfies more than one of the Principles of Green Chemistry. In this Review we will present a series of examples that will clearly illustrate how mechanochemistry can significantly contribute to the fulfillment of Green Chemistry in a more holistic manner.

Sustainable Hydrogenation of Vinyl Derivatives Using Pd/C Catalysts

The hydrogenation of unsaturated double bonds with molecular hydrogen is an efficient atom-economic approach to the production of a wide range of fine chemicals. In contrast to a number of reducing reagents typically involved in organic synthesis, hydrogenation with H2 is much more sustainable since it does not produce wastes (i.e., reducing reagent residues). However, its full sustainable potential may be achieved only in the case of easily separable catalysts and high reaction selectivity. In this work, various Pd/C catalysts were used for the liquid-phase hydrogenation of O-, S-, and N-vinyl derivatives with molecular hydrogen under mild reaction conditions (room temperature, pressure of 1 MPa). Complete conversion and high hydrogenation selectivity (>99%) were achieved by adjusting the type of Pd/C catalyst. Thus, the proposed procedure can be used as a sustainable method for vinyl group transformation by hydrogenation reactions. The discovery of the stability of active vinyl functional groups conjugated with heteroatoms (O, S, and N) under hydrogenation conditions over Pd/C catalysts opens the way for many useful transformations.