Strategic evolution in transition metal-catalyzed directed C–H bond activation and future directions

Unimolecular Fragment Coupling: A New Bond-Forming Methodology via the Deletion of Atom(s)

Unimolecular fragment coupling (UFC) is defined as a reaction format, wherein atom(s) located in the middle of a molecule are extruded, and the remaining fragments are coupled. UFC is a potentially powerful strategy that is an alternative to transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling because the target chemical bond is formed in an intramolecular fashion, which is inherently beneficial for chemoselectivity and stereoselectivity issues. In this Perspective, we will present an overview of the recent advances in UFC reactions, which encompass those proceeding through the elimination of CO2, CO, SO2, isocyanates, N2, or single atoms primarily via transition metal catalysis.

Mechanochemical C-H Arylation and Alkylation of Indoles Using 3 d Transition Metal and Zero-Valent Magnesium

Although the 3 d transition-metal catalyzed C-H functionalization have been extensively employed to promote the formation of valuable carbon-carbon bonds, the persistent problems, including the use of sensitive Grignard reagents and the rigorous operations (solvent-drying, inert gas protection, metal pre-activation and RMgX addition rate control), still leave great room for further development of sustainable methodologies. Herein, we report a mechanochemical technology toward in-situ preparation of highly sensitive organomagnesium reagents, and thus building two general 3 d transition-metal catalytic platforms that enables regioselective arylation and alkylation of indoles with a wide variety of halides (including those containing post transformable functionalities and heteroaromatic rings). This mechanochemical strategy also brings unique reactivity and high step-economy in producing functionalized N-free indole products.

Palladium-catalyzed C-C bond cleavage of N-cyclopropyl acylhydrazones

Despite their utility as directing groups, the C-C bond cleavage of cyclopropanes utilizing hydrazones has not been explored. Herein, Pd-catalyzed C-C bond cleavage reaction of N-cyclopropyl acylhydrazones, followed by cycloisomerization to yield pyrazoles, has been developed. The protocol enables the synthesis of various α-pyrazole carbonyl compounds, which have a potential of biological activity. Control experiments and DFT calculations suggest that β-carbon elimination of a stable 6-membered chelate palladium complex occurs, generating a conjugated azine as a reaction intermediate for the following cycloisomerization.

Recent Advances in the Nickel-Catalyzed Alkylation of C-H Bonds

Functionalization of C-H bonds has emerged as a powerful strategy for converting inert, nonfunctional C-H bonds into their reactive counterparts. A wide range of C-H bond functionalization reactions has become possible by the catalysis of metals, typically from the second row of transition metals. First-row transition metals can also catalyze C-H functionalization, and they have the merits of greater earth-abundance, lower cost and better environmental friendliness in comparison to their second-row counterparts. C-H bond alkylation is a particularly important C-H functionalization reaction due to its chemical significance and its applications in natural product synthesis. This review covers Ni-catalyzed C-H bond alkylation reactions using alkyl halides and olefins as alkyl sources.

Noncovalent interaction with a spirobipyridine ligand enables efficient iridium-catalyzed C-H activation

Exploitation of noncovalent interactions for recognition of an organic substrate has received much attention for the design of metal catalysts in organic synthesis. The CH-π interaction is especially of interest for molecular recognition because both the C-H bonds and the π electrons are fundamental properties of organic molecules. However, because of their weak nature, these interactions have been less utilized for the control of organic reactions. We show here that the CH-π interaction can be used to kinetically accelerate catalytic C-H activation of arenes by directly recognizing the π-electrons of the arene substrates with a spirobipyridine ligand. Computation and a ligand kinetic isotope effect study provide evidence for the CH-π interaction between the ligand backbone and the arene substrate. The rational exploitation of weak noncovalent interactions between the ligand and the substrate will open new avenues for ligand design in catalysis.

Tandem Reactions of Electrophilic Indoles toward Indolizines and Their Subsequent Transformations through Pd(II)-Mediated C-H Functionalization to Access Polyring-Fused N-Heterocycles

A simple and efficient synthetic approach for generating a library of structurally novel indolizines has been developed via sequential 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition-ring opening processes. Using this methodology, a series of indolizines bearing different substituents were made in moderate to good yields. The presence of two functionalizable C-H bonds in these indolizine motifs makes them attractive for accessing fused indolizine scaffolds. In this line, we have introduced palladium-mediated site-selective C-H functionalizations, where the N-center and the two C-H centers of the indolizine moiety can be readily functionalized to generate fused N-heterocycles. Utilizing a Pd-mediated dual C-H activation of 5-benzoyl-substituted indolizine afforded 6H-indeno-indolizine, and a tetracene, viz., indolizino[2,1-b]indoles, was produced in the same substrate by the Pd-catalyzed selective C-H amination in the presence of oxygen.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Enantio- and Regioselective C(sp3 )-H Alkenylation of Thioamides

An enantioselective cobalt-catalyzed C(sp3 )-H alkenylation of thioamides with but-2-ynoate ester coupling partners employing thioamide directing groups is presented. The method is operationally simple and requires only mild reaction conditions, while providing alkenylated products as single regioisomers in excellent yields (up to 85 %) and high enantiomeric excess [up to 91 : 9 enantiomeric ratio (er), or up to >99 : 1 er after a single recrystallization]. Diverse downstream derivatizations of the products are demonstrated, delivering a range of enantioenriched constructs. Extensive computational studies using density functional theory provide insight into the detailed reaction mechanism, origin of enantiocontrol, and the unusual regioselectivity of the alkenylation reaction.

C-H activation-initiated spiroannulation reactions and their applications in the synthesis of spirocyclic compounds

Spirocyclic skeletons are prevalent in natural products, pharmaceuticals and organic functional materials. Meanwhile, transition-metal-catalyzed C-H activation reactions have demonstrated unparalleled advantages such as high efficiency, excellent atom-economy, good chemoselectivity and regioselectivity for the formation of target organic molecules. In recent years, C-H activation reactions have been creatively utilized in the synthesis of spirocyclic compounds. This review summarizes the most recent progress made in C-H activation-initiated spiroannulation reactions and their applications in the construction of structurally diverse and biologically valuable spirocyclic scaffolds by using alkynes, diazo compounds, maleimides, alkenes, quinones and cyclopropenones as the coupling partners.

Copper-Catalyzed C-H (Phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation of Acrylamides: Scope, Mechanism, and Critical Role of Additives

Herein, we report the Cu-complex catalyzed, native functional group-assisted, and TFA/NMF additives promoted (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation of vinylic C(sp2 )-H bond of acrylamides. Using our in-home designed reagent, this reaction enables the construction of the C(sp2 )-CF2 SO2 Ph bond from simple C-H bond activation by copper catalysis under mild reaction conditions with total Z-selectivity. The versatility of utilized fluorinated group was illustrated by its conversion into value-added CF2 moieties as well as the remarkable =CHF residue. The performed experimental and computational mechanistic studies enabled to identify the true nature of active catalyst and substrate, as well as establish critical roles of TFA and NMF additives. In this reaction, the TFA acts as a promoter of the much-needed CuII /CuII →CuIII /CuI disproportionation, while the NMF facilitates the following ligand exchange and C-C coupling processes. We ruled out the generation of radical intermediates and established the C-H activation to be irreversible and the rate-determining step of the entire process.

Synthesis of 1,7-Fused Indolines Tethered with Spiroindolinone Based on C-H Activation Strategy with Air as a Sustainable Oxidant

Herein, we present an efficient synthesis of 1,7-fused indolines tethered with a spiroindolinonyl moiety through the cascade reaction of indolin-1-yl(aryl)methanimines with diazo oxindoles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example in which 1,7-fused indoline skeleton was constructed along with the simultaneous introduction of a spiro element initiated by the C-H bond activation of indoline. In forming the title product, the indoline substrate and the diazo coupling partner demonstrated an unprecedented reaction pattern in which the latter acts as a C1 synthon to participate in the construction of the spirocyclic scaffold through the reductive elimination of a key seven-membered Ru(II) species by using air as an effective and sustainable oxidant to regenerate the active catalyst. Moreover, studies on the cytotoxicity of selected products against several human cancer cell lines demonstrated their potential as lead compounds for the development of anticancer drugs. With notable features such as simple and economical substrates, pharmaceutically valuable products with sophisticated spirocyclic skeleton, mild reaction conditions, cost-free and sustainable oxidants, high efficiency, excellent compatibility with diverse functional groups, and scalability, this method is expected to find wide applications in related areas.

Synthesis of spiropyrans via Ru(II)-catalyzed coupling of 3-aryl-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazines with benzoquinones

An efficient Ru(II)-catalyzed C-H activation-based spiroannulation of benzoxazines with the easily available benzoquinone and N-sulfonyl quinone monoimine has been realized, providing a straightforward strategy to access NH-containing spiropyrans in moderate to good yields with good functional group compatibility. The procedure features atom- and step-economy, mild conditions, and excellent chemoselectivity. Moreover, a catalytically competent five-membered cycloruthenated complex has been isolated.

One-Pot Manganese (I)-Catalyzed Oxidant-Controlled Divergent Functionalization of 2-Arylindazoles

The oxidant-controlled divergent synthesis of C-2' formyl 2H-indazoles and indazoloindazolediones has been developed through Mn(I)- catalyzed ortho C-H functionalization of 2H-indazoles with para-formaldehyde to afford C-2' hydroxymethylated 2H-indazoles and subsequently oxidation with varying the amount of DDQ in one-pot. By employing selectfluor as the oxidant instead of DDQ, this reaction exclusively provided indazolebenzoxazine derivatives. This strategy delivered unsymmetrical indazoloindazoledione and indazolobenzoxazine with varied functional group tolerance in moderate to good yields.

Visible-Light-Mediated Bimetal-Catalyzed meta-Alkylation of Arenes

A mild approach to the visible-light-mediated bimetal-catalyzed meta-alkylation of arenes has been accomplished. The regioselective meta-alkylation is realized by a bimetallic ruthenium-palladium system. Ruthenium acts as a catalyst for the directing effect and as a photosensitizer, while the cocatalyst palladium behaves as a catalyst for the generation of fluoroalkyl radicals. This reaction not only is suitable for two-component meta-fluoroalkylation of arenes but can also be extended to three-component reactions to achieve bifunctionalization of olefins.

Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Directed C-H Functionalization in/on Water

Directing group assisted C-H bond functionalization using transition-metal-catalysis has emerged as a reliable synthetic tool for the construction of regioselective carbon-carbon/heteroatom bonds. Off late, "in/on water directed transition-metal-catalysis", though still underdeveloped, has appeared as one of the prominent themes in sustainable organic chemistry. This article covers the advancements, mechanistic insights and application of the sustainable directed C-H bond functionalization of (hetero)arenes in/on water in the presence of transition-metal-catalysis.

Late-Stage C-H Activation of Drug (Derivative) Molecules with Pd(ll) Catalysis

This review comprehensively analyses representative examples of Pd(II)-catalyzed late-stage C-H activation reactions and demonstrates their efficacy in converting C-H bonds at multiple positions within drug (derivative) molecules into diverse functional groups. These transformative reactions hold immense potential in medicinal chemistry, enabling the efficient and selective functionalization of specific sites within drug molecules, thereby enhancing their pharmacological activity and expanding the scope of potential drug candidates. Although notable articles have focused on late-stage C-H functionalization reactions of drug-like molecules using transition-metal catalysts, reviews specifically focusing on late-stage C-H functionalization reactions of drug (derivative) molecules using Pd(II) catalysts are required owing to their prominence as the most widely utilized metal catalysts for C-H activation and their ability to introduce a myriad of functional groups at specific C-H bonds. The utilization of Pd-catalyzed C-H activation methodologies demonstrates impressive success in introducing various functional groups, such as cyano (CN), fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), aromatic rings, olefin, alkyl, alkyne, and hydroxyl groups, to drug (derivative) molecules with high regioselectivity and functional-group tolerance. These breakthroughs in late-stage C-H activation reactions serve as invaluable tools for drug discovery and development, thereby offering strategic options to optimize drug candidates and drive the exploration of innovative therapeutic solutions.

Transition-Metal-Free Electrochemical Selenylative Cyclization of Alkynyl Phosphonates

Unprecedented regioselective electrochemical tandem selenation/cyclization of alkynyl phosphonates with diselenide is described here. These obtained selenoether products can be chemo-selectively converted into halogen-functionalized cyclic enol phosphonates under our electrochemical conditions. These protocols provide straightforward access to valuable cyclic enol phosphonate or phosphaisocoumarins under the electrochemical and transition-metal-free conditions. The robustness of these transformations was illustrated by their compatibility with various complex natural products and bioactive molecules. The selenoether and halogen functional groups allow the further diversification of the phosphorus heterocycles thus obtained.

Organo-photoredox-Catalyzed Selective Mono- and Bis-C-H Alkylation of Electron-Rich (Hetero)Arenes

Herein, we disclose a simple strategy for the C-H alkylation of electron-rich (hetero)arenes with alkyl bromides employing visible-light-mediated organo-photocatalytic SET processes. The generality of this method has been evidenced by the inclusion of a variety of alkyl radicals (α-alkyl-carbonyl, benzyl, cyanomethyl) as well as diverse biologically active electron-rich arenes and (hetero)arenes under mild conditions. The extent of alkylation with alkyl bromides was found to be controlled by introducing Zn(OAc)2 as a bromide scavenger, ensuring the blocking of potential bromo-arene byproduct formation under photoredox conditions. In addition, a sequential C-H alkylation strategy for selective bis-alkylation has also been developed via chronological incorporation of different alkyl radical precursors in one pot quite efficiently.

Metal-free C-H Borylation and Hydroboration of Indoles

The C-H borylation and hydroboration reactions have emerged as promising synthetic tools to construct organoboron compounds. Organoboron compounds of N-heterocycles, particularly indole derivatives, have found widespread application in a variety of fields. As a result, considerable advancement in the area of C-H borylation and hydroboration reactions of indoles was observed in the last few decades. Among the various synthetic methods applied, the metal-free approach has received special attention. This mini-review discusses the recent progress in the area of C-H borylation and hydroboration reactions of indoles under metal-free conditions, their scope, and brief mechanistic studies.

Non-Covalent Interaction-Controlled Site-Selective C-H Transformations

Site-selective C-H transformations are important to obtain desired compounds as single products in a highly efficient manner. However, it is generally difficult to achieve such transformations because organic substrates contain many C-H bonds with similar reactivities. Therefore, the development of practical and efficient methods for controlling site selectivity is highly desirable. The most frequently used strategy is "directing group method". Although this method is highly effective and promotes site-selective reactions, it has several limitations. Our group recently reported other methods to achieve site-selective C-H transformations using non-covalent interactions between a substrate and a reagent or a catalyst and a substrate (non-covalent method). In this personal account, the background of site-selective C-H transformations, our reaction design to achieve site-selective C-H transformations, and recently reported reactions are explained.

Synthesis of spiropyrans and arylquinones via Ru(II)-catalyzed condition-controlled coupling of 3-aryl-2H-benzoxazinones with benzoquinones

Ru(II)-catalyzed condition-controlled divergent coupling between 3-aryl-2H-benzoxazin-2-ones and benzoquinones has been realized under operationally simple conditions, affording a series of structurally stable spiropyrans and valuable arylquinones. The potential of this method is also demonstrated by scale-up synthesis and derivatization. Additionally, an unprecedented cycloruthenated complex has been identified as a key intermediate.

Rhodium(III)-catalyzed intermolecular [3+3] annulation of benzoxazines with quinone compounds: access to spiro-heterocyclic scaffolds

A rhodium(III)-catalyzed redox-neutral spiroannulation approach to access the spiro[benzo[b][1,4]oxazine-benzo[c]chromene skeleton is described in this contribution. A variety of spiro[5.5]-heterocyclic scaffolds were obtained in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions. Key features of this protocol are good substrate scope, silver-free conditions, low catalyst loadings, easy handling under air and 100% atom economy. Furthermore, scale-up reactions and late-stage derivatizations highlight the potential synthetic utility of this methodology.

Palladium-Catalyzed Regiodivergent C-H Olefination of Imidazo[1,2a]pyridine Carboxamide and Unactivated Alkenes

Despite remarkable successes in linear and branched vinyl (hetero) arene synthesis, regiodivergent C-H olefination with a single catalytic system has remained underdeveloped. Overcoming this limitation, a Pd/MPAA-catalyzed regiodivergent C-H olefination of imidazo[1,2a] pyridine carboxamides with unactivated terminal alkenes to generate branched and linear olefinated products depending upon the electronic nature of alkenes is reported herein. Moreover, this protocol can be applied for C-H deuteriation of the corresponding heteroarenes with D2 O as deuterium source. Preliminary experimental studies combined with computational investigations (DFT studies) suggest that regiodivergent olefination can be controlled by olefin insertion and β-hydride elimination steps.

Assembly of spirocyclic pyrazolone-pyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quinoline skeleton via cascade [1,5] hydride transfer/cyclization by C(sp3)-H functionalization

Herein, a highly efficient, scalable, and cascade [1,5] hydride transfer/cyclization method for constructing unique spirocyclic pyrazolone-pyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quinoline structures via C(sp3)-H functionalization is achieved, using pyrazolones and oxindoles attached to C4 amines. This strategy represents a limited approach utilizing C-H activation to construct spirocyclic pyrazolone scaffolds with moderate to excellent reaction performance.

Theoretical Investigations of Palladium-Catalyzed [3+2] Annulation via Benzylic and meta C-H Bond Activation

The palladium-catalyzed reaction of aromatic amides with maleimides results in the formation of a double C-H bond activation product, which occurs at both the benzylic and meta positions. Computational chemistry studies suggest that the first C-H bond activation unfolds via a six-membered palladacycle, maleimide insertion, protonation of the Pd-N bond, and then activation of the meta C-H bond. The process concludes with reductive elimination, producing an annulation product. The energy decomposition analysis (EDA) showed that the deformation energy favors the ortho C-H bond activation process. However, this route is non-productive. The interaction energy controls the site where the maleimide is inserted into the Pd-C(sp3 ) bond, which determines its site selectivity. The energetic span model indicates that the meta C-H bond activation step is the one that determines the turnover frequency. Regarding the directing group, it has been concluded that the strong Pd-S bonding and the destabilizing effect of the deformation energy allow the 2-thiomethylphenyl to function effectively as a directing group.

Palladium-Catalyzed Direct C(sp2)-H Cyanomethylation of Arylamides using Chloroacetonitrile

In this study, we devised a palladium-catalyzed efficient and versatile method for C(sp2)-H ortho-cyanomethylation of arylamides with a broad substrate scope and moderate to excellent yields. An inexpensive and commercially available chloroacetonitrile was employed as a cyanomethylating source. This method is also compatible with the air atmosphere. Further, the synthetic feasibility of this technique is established by gram-scale synthesis and functional group transformation of the products.

Regioselective Iridium-Catalyzed C8-H Borylation of 4-Quinolones via Transient O-Borylated Quinolines

The quinolone-quinoline tautomerization is harnessed to effect the regioselective C8-borylation of biologically important 4-quinolones by using [Ir(OMe)(cod)]2 as the catalyst precursor, the silica-supported monodentate phosphine Si-SMAP as the ligand, and B2 pin2 as the boron source. Initially, O-borylation of the quinoline tautomer takes place. Critically, the newly formed 4-(pinBO)-quinolines then undergo N-directed selective Ir-catalyzed borylation at C8. Hydrolysis of the OBpin moiety on workup returns the system to the quinolone tautomer. The C8-borylated quinolines were converted to their corresponding potassium trifluoroborate (BF3 K) salts and to their C8-chlorinated quinolone derivatives. The two-step C-H borylation-chlorination reaction sequence resulted in various C8-Cl quinolones in good yields. Conversion to C8-OH-, C8-NH2 -, and C8-Ar-substituted quinolones was also feasible by using this methodology.

Synthesis of Ferrocene 1,3-Derivatives by Distal C-H Activation

The third position of cyclopentadienyl ring of a monosubstituted ferrocene has remained as an inaccessible chemical space for direct functionalization. Until recently, functionalizing the C(3)-position while bypassing the predominantly active C(2)-position is the most challenging task. Herein, we report a distal C-H functionalization of monosubstituted ferrocenes using an easily removable directing group with precise site-selectivity, under a PdII / mono-N-protected amino-acid ligand catalytic system. The robust synthetic protocol leads to the synthesis of ferrocene 1,3-derivatives with broad scope in olefins while functionalizing ferrocenyl methylamine in moderate to good yields via a highly strained ferrocene appended 12-membered palladacycle intermediate.

Cu-Mediated Tandem 2,3-Disubstituted Indole Synthesis from Simple Anilines and Internal Alkynes via C-H Annulation

A simple, cost-effective, and straightforward method for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted indole scaffolds has been developed. The present protocol involves copper-mediated tandem hydroamination followed by C-H annulation of unprotected anilines with a wide range of internal alkynes. In the presence of Cu(OAc)₂·H₂O and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), the reaction proceeds well to afford a variety of substituted indole derivatives in moderate to good yields. This process was found to be compatible with both primary and secondary anilines coupled with aromatic/aliphatic alkynes. High-purity copper nanoparticles can be recovered after the reaction, revealing the cost-effectiveness and environmentally benign feature of the current protocol.

Direct Regioselective Hydro(hetero)arylation/Cyclocondensation Reactions of β-(2-Aminophenyl)-α,β-ynones by Means of Transition-Metal Catalysis/Brønsted Acid Synergism: Experimental Results and Computational Insights

Experimental results and computational insights explain the key role of transition-metal catalysis/Brønsted acid synergism in the achievement of the sequential regioselective direct heteroarylation/cyclocondensation reactions of β-(2-aminophenyl)-α,β-ynones with a variety of electron-rich aromatic heterocyclic/arenes to afford quinoline-(hetero)aromatic hybrids. The first approach to the synthesis of 4-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)quinolines is described. The effectiveness of various transition metals is compared.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed Regioselective Redox-Neutral [4 + 2] Annulation of N-Chlorobenzamides with 1,3-Diynes at Room Temperature for the Synthesis of Isoquinolones

Herein, we report Ru(II)-catalyzed C-H/N-H bond functionalization of N-chlorobenzamides with 1,3-diynes via regioselective (4 + 2) annulation for the synthesis of isoquinolones under redox-neutral conditions at room temperature. This represents the first example of C-H functionalization of N-chlorobenzamides using an inexpensive and commercially available [Ru(p-cymene)Cl₂]₂ catalyst. The reaction is operationally simple, works in the absence of any silver additives, and is also applicable to a broad range of substrates with good functional group tolerance. The synthetic utility of the isoquinolone is demonstrated for the synthesis of bis-heterocycles consisting of isoquinolone-pyrrole and isoquinolone-isocoumarin scaffolds.

Transition Metal-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization Through Electrocatalysis

Electrochemically promoted transition metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization has emerged as a promising area of research over the last few decades. However, development in this field is still at an early stage compared to traditional functionalization reactions using chemical-based oxidizing agents. Recent reports have shown increased attention on electrochemically promoted metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization. From the standpoint of sustainability, environmental friendliness, and cost effectiveness, electrochemically promoted oxidation of a metal catalyst offers a mild, efficient, and atom-economical alternative to traditional chemical oxidants. This Review discusses advances in the field of transition metal-electrocatalyzed C-H functionalization over the past decade and describes how the unique features of electricity enable metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization in an economic and sustainable way.

Functionalized Cycloolefin Ligand as a Solution to Ortho-Constraint in the Catellani-Type Reaction

The Catellani reaction, i.e., the Pd/norbornene (NBE) catalysis, has been evolved into a versatile approach to multisubstituted arenes via the ortho-functionalization/ipso-termination process of a haloarene. Despite significant advances over the past 25 years, this reaction still suffered from an intrinsic limitation in the substitution pattern of haloarene, referred to as "ortho-constraint". When an ortho substituent is absent, the substrate often fails to undergo an effective mono ortho-functionalization process, and either ortho-difunctionalization products or NBE-embedded byproducts predominate. To tackle this challenge, structurally modified NBEs (smNBEs) have been developed, which were proved effective for the mono ortho-aminative, -acylative, and -arylative Catellani reactions of ortho-unsubstituted haloarenes. However, this strategy is incompetent for solving the ortho-constraint in Catellani reactions with ortho-alkylation, and to date there lacks a general solution to this challenging but synthetically useful transformation. Recently, our group developed the Pd/olefin catalysis, in which an unstrained cycloolefin ligand served as a covalent catalytic module to enable the ortho-alkylative Catellani reaction without NBE. In this work, we show that this chemistry could afford a new solution to ortho-constraint in the Catellani reaction. A functionalized cycloolefin ligand bearing an amide group as the internal base was designed, which allowed for mono ortho-alkylative Catellani reaction of iodoarenes suffering from ortho-constraint before. Mechanistic study revealed that this ligand is capable of both accelerating the C-H activation and inhibiting side reactions, which accounts for its superior performance. The present work showcased the uniqueness of the Pd/olefin catalysis as well as the power of rational ligand design in metal catalysis.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed [4 + 2]-Annulation and Arylation of 1,4-Naphthoquinones

Naphthoquinones form the core of a variety of drugs and natural products. As a result, the conjugation of 1,4-naphthoquinones with organic building blocks would offer a facile strategy toward scaffolds of biological interest. In this regard, we hereby report a Ru(II)-catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation of 1,4-naphthoquinones with benzoic acids to afford various naphthoquinone lactones. Additionally, ketone directed arylation of naphthoquinones using acetophenones under Ru(II)-catalysis was also illustrated. The feedstock availability of these precursors allowed access to a large library of naphthoquinone derivatives in good to excellent yields under fairly mild conditions. The practicality of these protocols was justified by carrying out a gram scale synthesis and further functionalizations. Also, preliminary mechanistic studies were carried out to probe the reaction mechanism.

Boron-Mediated Regioselective Aromatic C-H Functionalization via an Aryl BF2 Complex

An efficient regioselective functionalization of 2-aryl-heteroarenes and aryl aldehydes via an azaaryl BF₂ complex has been developed. Mechanistically the reaction comprises fluoride to bromide ligand exchange on an aryl boron species and consecutive C-B bond cleavage to deliver a broad range of functionalized products. The reaction is high yielding, has a broad substrate scope where several different heteroarenes can be functionalized with chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxyl, amine and BF₂ in a highly regioselective fashion. The method can be applied for late-stage functionalization or for rapid skeleton remodeling with for instance cross-couplings.

Solvent-Dependent Selective Synthesis of CF3-Tethered Indazole Derivatives Based on Multiple Bond Activations

Presented herein is a solvent-dependent selective synthesis of CF₃-tethered indazole derivatives via the cascade reactions of 1-arylpyrazolidinones with trifluoromethyl ynones. Mechanistically, the formation of the title products involves cascade N-H/C-H/C-N/C-C bond cleavage along with pyrazole ring formation and pyrazolidinone ring opening. For the formation of a pyrazole scaffold, 1-phenylpyrazolidinone acts as a C2N2 synthon, while trifluoromethyl ynone serves as a C1 synthon. Meanwhile, trifluoromethyl ynone also acts as an enol unit to facilitate the ring opening of the pyrazolidinone ring and provide a trifluoropropenoxy fragment via cleavage of the alkynyl triple bond and migration of the cleaved moiety. When the reaction was run in trifluoroethanol instead of DCE, it selectively afforded indazole derivatives tethered with a trifluoroethoxy moiety through in situ transesterification. To our knowledge, this is the first synthesis of CF₃-tethered indazole derivatives via concurrent alkynyl activation, pyrazole formation, and CF₃ migration.

Pd(II)-catalyzed selective β-C-H functionalization of azobenzene carboxamides

We report a Pd(II)-catalyzed bidentate directing group 8-aminoquinoline-aided, site-selective β-C-H functionalization protocol for assembling modified azobenzene carboxamides. Considering the importance of azobenzenes in chemical sciences, this paper reports a new route for enriching the library of modified azobenzene motifs.

Selective Construction of Spiro or Fused Heterocyclic Scaffolds via One-pot Cascade Reactions of 1-Arylpyrazolidinones with Maleimides

Presented herein is a controllable selective construction of spiro or fused heterocyclic scaffolds through the one-pot cascade reactions of 1-phenylpyrazolidinones with maleimides. To be specific, succinimide spiro pyrazolo[1,2-a]pyrazolones were effectively formed via [4 + 1] spiroannulation of 1-phenylpyrazolidinones with maleimides through simultaneous C(sp²)-H bond activation/functionalization and intramolecular cyclization along with the traceless fusion of the pyrazolidinonyl unit into the final product. In this reaction, air acts as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable oxidant to assist the regeneration of the Rh(III) catalyst. Alternatively, succinimide-fused pyrazolidinonylcinnolines were formed from the same starting materials through an initial [4 + 1] spiroannulation followed by base-promoted skeleton rearrangement of the in situ formed spiro product without isolation. Notable features of these protocols include easily tunable selectivity, broad substrate scope, cost-effective and sustainable oxidant, excellent atom economy, and facile scalability.

Transition-metal-catalyzed C-H bond activation as a sustainable strategy for the synthesis of fluorinated molecules: an overview

The last decade has witnessed the emergence of innovative synthetic tools for the synthesis of fluorinated molecules. Among these approaches, the transition-metal-catalyzed functionalization of various scaffolds with a panel of fluorinated groups (XR_F, X = S, Se, O) offered straightforward access to high value-added compounds. This review will highlight the main advances made in the field with the transition-metal-catalyzed functionalization of C(sp²) and C(sp³) centers with SCF₃, SeCF₃, or OCH₂CF₃ groups among others, by C-H bond activation. The scope and limitations of these transformations are discussed in this review.

Selective Synthesis of Pyrazolonyl Spirodihydroquinolines or Pyrazolonyl Spiroindolines under Aerobic or Anaerobic Conditions

Presented herein is a condition-controlled selective synthesis of pyrazolonyl spirodihydroquinolines or pyrazolonyl spiroindolines through formal [5 + 1] or [4 + 1] spiroannulation of 2-alkenylanilines with diazopyrazolones. Mechanistically, the formation of the title products involves initial generation of a pyrazolonyl spiro-fused seven-membered ruthenacycle species serving as a key intermediate through Ru(II)-catalyzed C-H/N-H bonds metalation, carbene formation, and its migratory insertion. When the reaction is carried out under air, the key intermediate undergoes reductive elimination to afford spirodihydroquinoline. When the reaction is run under argon, the key intermediate undergoes protonation and intramolecular nucleophilic addition to furnish spiroindoline. This work provides an atom-economical protocol for the effective functionalization of alkenyl C(sp²)-H bond, allowing rapid and selective assembly of valuable spiroscaffolds with a broad range of substrates.

[3,3]-Sigmatropic Rearrangements of Naphthyl 1-Propargyl Ethers: para-Propargylation and Catalytic Asymmetric Dearomatization

The para-Claisen rearrangement of aryl 1-propargyl ethers involves two-step [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements and dearomatization process, which has high activation barriers and is of challenge. Here we discovered thermal para-Claisen rearrangement of naphthyl 1-propargyl ethers, and it enabled the formation of formal para-C-H propargylation products upon rearomatization. Chirality transfer occurred if optically active propargyl ethers were employed, leading to the construction of aryl/propargyl-containing stereogenic centers. Moreover, catalytic asymmetric dearomatization of naphthyl 1-propargyl ethers with different substitution at para-position gave access to benzocyclohexenones bearing all-carbon quaternary stereocenters. The reaction was accelerated by a chiral N,N'-dioxide/Co(OTf)₂ complex catalyst to achieve high yields (up to 98 %) and high enantioselectivities (up to 93 % ee). The DFT calculations and experimental results provided important clues to clarify the para-Claisen rearrangement process as well as the chiral induction and remote delivery.

17O Electron Nuclear Double Resonance Analysis of Compound I: Inverse Correlation between Oxygen Spin Population and Electron Donation

Although the activation of inert C-H bonds by metal-oxo complexes has been widely studied, important questions remain, particularly regarding the role of oxygen spin population (i.e., unpaired electrons on the oxo ligand) in facilitating C-H bond cleavage. In order to shed light on this issue, we have utilized ¹⁷O electron nuclear double resonance spectroscopy to measure the oxygen spin populations of three compound I intermediates in heme enzymes with different reactivities toward C-H bonds: chloroperoxidase, cytochrome P450, and a selenolate (selenocysteinyl)-ligated cytochrome P450. The experimental data suggest an inverse correlation between oxygen spin population and electron donation from the axial ligand. We have explored the implications of this result using a Hückel-type molecular orbital model and constrained density functional theory calculations. These investigations have allowed us to examine the relationship between oxygen spin population, oxygen charge, electron donation from the axial ligand, and reactivity.

C-H Activation by Isolable Cationic Bis(phosphine) Cobalt(III) Metallacycles

Five- and six-coordinate cationic bis(phosphine) cobalt(III) metallacycle complexes were synthesized with the general structures, [(depe)Co(cycloneophyl)(L)(L')][BAr^F₄] (depe = 1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane; cycloneophyl = [κ-C:C-(CH₂C(Me)₂)C₆H₄]; L/L' = pyridine, pivalonitrile, or the vacant site, BAr₄^F = B[(3,5-(CF₃)₂)C₆H₃]₄). Each of these compounds promoted facile directed C(sp²)-H activation with exclusive selectivity for ortho-alkylated products, consistent with the selectivity of reported cobalt-catalyzed arene-alkene-alkyne coupling reactions. The direct observation of C-H activation by cobalt(III) metallacycles provided experimental support for the intermediacy of these compounds in this class of catalytic C-H functionalization reaction. Deuterium labeling and kinetic studies provided insight into the nature of C-H bond cleavage and C-C bond reductive elimination from isolable cobalt(III) precursors.