A base-controlled switch of SO2 reincorporation in photocatalyzed radical difunctionalization of alkenes

Ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) manganese-based metal-organic framework nanosheets for selective photocatalytic oxidation of thioether

The efficiency of photocatalysts depends largely on the accessibility of reaction species to the active centre, the electron transfer and geometric matching between the active surface of the catalyst and reaction species. In this work, we successfully synthesized and designed one two-dimensional Mn(II) MOF with [Mn2(H2L1)(H2O)2(DMF)2]n·(CH3CH2OH)n (HSTC 3) by using MnCl2·4H2O and 5,5'-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)diisophthalic acid (H4L1), in which the adjacent layers are stacked with weak interactions, and the huge gap leads to the interpenetration between layers to form a 2D + 2D → 3D interpenetration frame. Based on the particularity of the structure of HSTC 3, ultrasonic wall breaking methods were tried to successfully peel HSTC 3 into nanosheets (HSTC 3-NS), thus achieving a significant improvement in a series of optoelectronic properties due to exposure to more active centres for HSTC 3-NS. These results significantly enhance the photocatalytic selective oxidation of thioether. This study provides a new insight into the post-synthesis modification of MOF photocatalyst and their application in photocatalytic organic synthesis.

Photocatalytic Synthesis and Functionalization of Sulfones, Sulfonamides and Sulfoximines

Sulfur(VI)-based functional groups are popular scaffolds in a wide variety of research fields including synthetic and medicinal chemistry, as well as chemical biology. The growing interest in sulfur(VI)-containing molecules has motivated the scientific community to explore new methods to synthesize and modify them. Here, photocatalysis plays a key role granting access to new types of reactivity under mild reaction conditions. In this Perspective, we present a selection of works reported in the last six years focused on the photocatalytic assembly and reactivity of sulfones, sulfonamides, and sulfoximines. We addressed the key synthetic intermediates for each transformation, while discussing limitations and strength points of the protocols. Future directions of the field are finally presented.

Modular assembly of arenes, ethylene and heteroarenes for the synthesis of 1,2-arylheteroaryl ethanes

The 1,2-arylheteroaryl ethane motif stands as a privileged scaffold with promising implications in drug discovery. Conventional de novo syntheses of these molecules have relied heavily on pre-functionalized synthons, entailing harsh conditions and multi-step processes. Here, to address these limitations, we present a modular approach for the direct synthesis of 1,2-arylheteroaryl ethanes using feedstock chemicals, including ethylene, arenes and heteroarenes. We disclosed a photo triplet-energy-transfer-initiated radical cascade process, leveraging homolytic cleavage of C-S bonds in aryl sulfonium salts as the key step to access aryl radicals with excellent regioselectivity. This method allows for rapid structural diversification of bioactive molecules, showcasing excellent functional group tolerance and streamlining the synthesis of bioactive compounds and their derivatives. Furthermore, our approach can be extended to propylene, non-gaseous terminal alkenes and various other electrophilic radical precursors, including heteroaryl radicals, hydroxyl radicals, trifluoromethyl radicals and α-carbonyl alkyl radicals. This study highlights the significance of radical polarity matching in designing selective multi-component couplings.

Sequential Ring Opening/In Situ SO2-Capture/Alkynylation of Cyclopropanols with Alkynyl Triflones Initiated by Energy Transfer

A visible-light-triggered ring opening/in situ SO2-capture/alkynylation sequence of cyclopropyl alcohols with alkynyl triflones using 4CzIPN as a triplet energy transfer photocatalyst is herein described. This metal-free protocol provides a straightforward and atom-economical approach to alkynyl-substituted γ-keto sulfones with a broad scope of substituents. In this transformation, alkynyl triflones could be used as both radical acceptors and SO2 donors. Preliminary experimental mechanistic studies and synthetic utility are also demonstrated.

Sulfur in Waste-Free Sustainable Synthesis: Advancing Carbon-Carbon Coupling Techniques

This review explores the pivotal role of sulfur in advancing sustainable carbon-carbon (C-C) coupling reactions. The unique electronic properties of sulfur, as a soft Lewis base with significant mesomeric effect make it an excellent candidate for initiating radical transformations, directing C-H-activation, and facilitating cycloaddition and C-S bond dissociation reactions. These attributes are crucial for developing waste-free methodologies in green chemistry. Our mini-review is focused on existing sulfur-directed C-C coupling techniques, emphasizing their sustainability and comparing state-of-the-art methods with traditional approaches. The review highlights the importance of this research in addressing current challenges in organic synthesis and catalysis. The innovative use of sulfur in photocatalytic, electrochemical and metal-catalyzed processes not only exemplifies significant advancements in the field but also opens new avenues for environmentally friendly chemical processes. By focusing on atom economy and waste minimization, the analysis provides broad appeal and potential for future developments in sustainable organic chemistry.

Reversible Radical Addition Guides Selective Photocatalytic Intermolecular Thiol-Yne-Ene Molecular Assembly

In modern organic chemistry, harnessing the power of multicomponent radical reactions presents both significant challenges and extraordinary potential. This article delves into this scientific frontier by addressing the critical issue of controlling selectivity in such complex processes. We introduce a novel approach that revolves around the reversible addition of thiyl radicals to multiple bonds, reshaping the landscape of multicomponent radical reactions. The key to selectivity lies in the intricate interplay between reversibility and the energy landscapes governing C-C bond formation in thiol-yne-ene reactions. The developed approach not only allows to prioritize the thiol-yne-ene cascade, dominating over alternative reactions, but also extends the scope of coupling products obtained from alkenes and alkynes of various structures and electron density distributions, regardless of their relative polarity difference, opening doors to more versatile synthetic possibilities. In the present study, we provide a powerful tool for atom-economical C-S and C-C bond formation, paving the way for the efficient synthesis of complex molecules. Carrying out our experimental and computational studies, we elucidated the fundamental mechanisms underlying radical cascades, a knowledge that can be broadly applied in the field of organic chemistry.

Regioselective Dearomative Amidoximation of Nonactivated Arenes Enabled by Photohomolytic Cleavage of N-nitrosamides

Dearomative spirocyclization reactions represent a promising means to convert arenes into three-dimensional architectures; however, controlling the regioselectivity of radical dearomatization with nonactivated arenes to afford the spirocyclizative 1,2-difunctionalization other than its kinetically preferred 1,4-difunctionalization is exceptionally challenging. Here we disclose a novel strategy for dearomative 1,2- or 1,4-amidoximation of (hetero)arenes enabled by direct visible-light-induced homolysis of N-NO bonds of nitrosamides, giving rise to various highly regioselective amidoximated spirocycles that previously have been inaccessible or required elaborate synthetic efforts. The mechanism and origins of the observed regioselectivities were investigated by control experiments and density functional theory calculations.

Iron-catalyzed fluoroalkylative alkylsulfonylation of alkenes via radical-anion relay

Transition metal-catalyzed reductive difunctionalization of alkenes with alkyl halides is a powerful method for upgrading commodity chemicals into densely functionalized molecules. However, super stoichiometric amounts of metal reductant and the requirement of installing a directing group into alkenes to suppress the inherent β-H elimination bring great limitations to this type of reaction. We demonstrate herein that the difunctionalization of alkenes with two different alkyl halides is accessible via a radical-anion relay with Na2S2O4 as both reductant and sulfone-source. The Na2S2O4 together with the electron-shuttle catalyst is crucial to divert the mechanistic pathway toward the formation of alkyl sulfone anion instead of the previously reported alkylmetal intermediates. Mechanistic studies allow the identification of carbon-centered alkyl radical and sulfur-centered alkyl sulfone radical, which are in equilibrium via capture or extrusion of SO2 and could be converted to alkyl sulfone anion accelerated by iron electron-shuttle catalysis, leading to the observed high chemoselectivity.

Divergent Synthesis of Fluoroalkyl Ketones through Controlling the Reactivity of Organoboronate Complexes

Herein, we report a divergent synthesis of fluoroalkyl ketones through visible-light-induced reactions between readily available organoboronic esters and fluoroalkyl acylsilanes. Selective control of the reactivity of the in situ generated organoboronate complexes is the key to achieving divergent transformations. Under basic conditions, the organoboronate complexes undergo deboronative fluoride elimination, resulting in the formation of enol silyl ethers as intermediates that react with various electrophiles to generate defluorinated ketones as the products. Moreover, in combination with peroxide, a 1,2-shift of fluoroalkyl group is favored over deboronative fluoride elimination to generate ketal intermediates, leading to the formation of ketones as the products. This transition-metal-free reaction is operationally simple, and aryl, alkenyl, and alkyl boronic esters are all suitable substrates. The synthetic potential has been demonstrated by gram-scale reactions and facile synthesis of bioactive molecules including zifrosilone and its fluoroalkyl analogs.

Visible-Light-Mediated Divergent and Regioselective Vicinal Difunctionalization of Styrenes with Arylazo Sulfones

Activated by visible light, arylazo sulfones can serve as multifaceted reactants and are employed in diazenylation, sulfonylation, and arylation reactions under (photo)catalyst-free conditions. Such versatile reactivity enabled us to develop an operationally simple, regioselective, and tunable difunctionalization of styrenes with arylazo sulfones to produce α-sulfonyl arylhydrazones and 1,2-alkoxyarylated products in moderate to excellent yields. Furthermore, such difunctionalized products have been exploited as key building blocks for the synthesis of various heterocycles.

Divergent and Selective Light Alkene Cross-Coupling

Light olefins are abundantly manufactured in the petroleum industry and thus represent ideal starting materials for modern chemical synthesis. Selective and divergent transformations of feedstock light olefins to value-added chemicals are highly sought-after but remain challenging. Herein we report an exceptionally regioselective carbonickelation of light alkenes followed by in situ trapping with three types of nucleophiles, namely a reductant, base, or Grignard reagent. This protocol enables efficient 1,2-hydrofunctionalization, dicarbofunctionalization, and branched-selective Heck-type cross-coupling of light alkenes with aryl and alkenyl reagents to streamline access to diverse alkyl arenes and complex alkenes. Harnessing bulky N-heterocyclic carbene ligands with acenaphthyl backbones for nickel catalysts is crucial to attain high reactivity and selectivity. This strategy provides a rare, modular, and divergent platform for upgrading feedstock alkenes and is expected to find broad applications in medicinal chemistry and industrial processes.

Free Radicals in the Queue: Selective Successive Addition of Azide and N-Oxyl Radicals to Alkenes

The selective successive addition of azide (•N3) and N-oxyl radicals to alkenes is demonstrated, despite each of the two radicals being known to attack C═C bonds and the mixture of radical adducts possibly being expected. The proposed radical mechanism was supported by density functional theory calculations, electron paramagnetic resonance, and radical trapping experiments. The reaction proceeds at room temperature with the available reagents: NaN3, N-hydroxy compounds, and PhI(OAc)2 as the oxidant. The method can be applied for N-hydroxyimides, N-hydroxyamides, N-hydroxybenzotriazole, and oximes as N-oxyl radical precursors. Vinylarenes, aliphatic alkenes, and even electron-deficient methyl methacrylate were successfully functionalized.

Dearomative ring expansion of thiophenes by bicyclobutane insertion

Skeletal ring enlargement is gaining renewed interest in synthetic chemistry and has recently focused on insertion of one or two atoms. Strategies for heterocyclic expansion through small-ring insertion remain elusive, although they would lead to the efficient formation of bicyclic products. Here, we report a photoinduced dearomative ring enlargement of thiophenes by insertion of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes to produce eight-membered bicyclic rings under mild conditions. The synthetic value, broad functional-group compatibility, and excellent chemo- and regioselectivity were demonstrated by scope evaluation and product derivatization. Experimental and computational studies point toward a photoredox-induced radical pathway.

Radical approaches to C-S bonds

Organosulfur functionalities are ubiquitous in nature, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, materials and flavourants. Historically, these moieties were introduced almost exclusively using ionic chemistry; however, radical-based methods for the installation of sulfur-based functional groups have recently come to the fore. These radical methods have enabled their late-stage introduction into complex molecules, avoiding the need to preserve labile organosulfur moieties through multistep synthetic sequences. Here, we discuss homolytic C-S bond-forming processes, with a particular emphasis on radical substitution approaches to sulfide, disulfide and sulfinyl products, and the use of sulfur dioxide and its surrogates to build sulfonyl products. We also highlight the mechanistic considerations that we hope will guide further development of radical-based strategies compatible with the various organosulfur moieties that feature in modern chemistry.

Photochemical Alkene Trifluoromethylimination Enabled by Trifluoromethylsulfonylamide as a Bifunctional Reagent

Herein, we disclose a facile and versatile trifluoromethylimination of alkene with a rationally designed N-(diphenylmethylene)-1,1,1-trifluoromethanesulfonamide as a bench-stable and readily accessible carboamination reagent. Enabled by an energy transfer (EnT) process, an array of alkenes were able to be facilely CF₃-iminated under metal-free photocatalytic conditions. The mild reaction conditions and good functional group compatibility render this protocol highly valuable for the difunctionalization of olefins with structural complexity and diversity.

Designed Iron Catalysts for Allylic C-H Functionalization of Propylene and Simple Olefins

Propylene gas is produced worldwide by steam cracking on million-metric-ton scale per year. It serves as a valuable starting material for π-bond functionalization but is rarely applied in transition metal-catalyzed allylic C-H functionalization for fine chemical synthesis. Herein, we report that a newly-developed cationic cyclopentadienyliron dicarbonyl complex allows for the conversion of propylene to its allylic C-C bond coupling products under catalytic conditions. This approach was also found applicable to the allylic functionalization of simple α-olefins with distinctive branched selectivity. Experimental and computational mechanistic studies supported the allylic deprotonation of the metal-coordinated alkene as the turnover-limiting step and led to insights into the multifaceted roles of the newly designed ligand in promoting allylic C-H functionalization with enhanced reactivity and stereoselectivity.

Highly Selective Radical Relay 1,4-Oxyimination of Two Electronically Differentiated Olefins

Radical addition reactions of olefins have emerged as an attractive tool for the rapid assembly of complex structures, and have plentiful applications in organic synthesis, however, such reactions are often limited to polymerization or 1,2-difunctionalization. Herein, we disclose an unprecedented radical relay 1,4-oxyimination of two electronically differentiated olefins with a class of bifunctional oxime carbonate reagents via an energy transfer strategy. The protocol is highly chemo- and regioselective, and three different chemical bonds (C-O, C-C, and C-N bonds) were formed in a single operation in an orchestrated manner. Notably, this reaction provides rapid access to a large variety of structurally diverse 1,4-oxyimination products, and the obtained products could be easily converted into valuable biologically relevant δ-hydroxyl-α-amino acids. With a combination of experimental and theoretical methods, the mechanism for this 1,4-oxyimination reaction has been investigated. Theoretical calculations reveal that a radical chain mechanism might operate in the reaction.

Homolytic N-S Bond Cleavage in Vinyl Triflimides Enabled by Triplet-Triplet Energy Transfer

Vinyl triflimides are a new compound class with unknown reactivity. A computational analysis identified homolytic cleavage of the N-Tf bond induced by triplet-triplet energy transfer (EnT) as a highly interesting reaction type that might be accessible. A combination of experimental and mechanistic work verified this hypothesis and proved the generated radicals to be amenable to radical-radical coupling. Thereby, vinyl triflimides were transformed into a range of α-quaternary, β-trifluoromethylated amines in a 1,2-difunctionalization reaction with no need for external CF3 reagents.

Switchable In Situ SO2 Capture and CF3 Migration of Enol Triflates with Peroxyl Compounds under Iron Catalysis

Switchable in situ SO₂ capture and CF₃ migration of enol triflates with peroxyl compounds under iron catalysis are presented. By regulating the structure of peroxides, a variety of keto-functionalized dialkyl sulfones and α-trifluoromethyl ketones were selectively synthesized in good yields under mild conditions.

Cu-catalyzed oxidative denitrogenation of 3-aminoindazoles for the synthesis of isoquinolinones

A Cu-catalyzed oxidative dual arylation of active alkenes via the cleavage of two C-N bonds of 3-aminoindazoles is presented for constructing isoquinolinones. Importantly, 3-aminoindazoles are used as efficient arylating agents through a radical process. This method has a good substrate scope and functional group compatibility.

Site-Selective Pyridylic C-H Functionalization by Photocatalytic Radical Cascades

An efficient pyridylic C(sp³ )-H functionalization has been developed through photocatalytic radical-mediated fluoroalkylation or cascade reactions. This method is enabled by the reversible formation of alkylidene dihydropyridine intermediates via the facile enolate formation of C4-alkyl N-amidopyridinium salts in the absence of an external base, thereby establishing the conditions necessary for subsequent intermolecular radical trapping. Rapid structural diversification of the pyridylic site can be achieved through photocatalytic multicomponent cascade reactions involving alkene trifluoromethylation, SO₂ -reincorporation, and sulfonyl radical addition. This operationally simple method features a broad substrate scope and high chemoselectivity and offers a unique approach for the rational modification of the heterobenzylic C-H bonds of pyridines and quinolines with uniform site-selective control. Furthermore, experimental and theoretical studies were performed to elucidate the reaction mechanism.

Photocatalytic Late-Stage Functionalization of Sulfonamides via Sulfonyl Radical Intermediates

A plethora of drug molecules and agrochemicals contain the sulfonamide functional group. However, sulfonamides are seldom viewed as synthetically useful functional groups. To confront this limitation, a late-stage functionalization strategy is described, which allows sulfonamides to be converted to pivotal sulfonyl radical intermediates. This methodology exploits a metal-free photocatalytic approach to access radical chemistry, which is harnessed by combining pharmaceutically relevant sulfonamides with an assortment of alkene fragments. Additionally, the sulfinate anion can be readily obtained, further broadening the options for sulfonamide functionalization. Mechanistic studies suggest that energy-transfer catalysis (EnT) is in operation.

Functional group divergence and the structural basis of acridine photocatalysis revealed by direct decarboxysulfonylation

The reactivity of the sulfonyl group varies dramatically from nucleophilic sulfinates through chemically robust sulfones to electrophilic sulfonyl halides-a feature that has been used extensively in medicinal chemistry, synthesis, and materials science, especially as bioisosteric replacements and structural analogs of carboxylic acids and other carbonyls. Despite the great synthetic potential of the carboxylic to sulfonyl functional group interconversions, a method that can convert carboxylic acids directly to sulfones, sulfinates and sulfonyl halides has remained out of reach. We report herein the development of a photocatalytic system that for the first time enables direct decarboxylative conversion of carboxylic acids to sulfones and sulfinates, as well as sulfonyl chlorides and fluorides in one step and in a multicomponent fashion. A mechanistic study prompted by the development of the new method revealed the key structural features of the acridine photocatalysts that facilitate the decarboxylative transformations and provided an informative and predictive multivariate linear regression model that quantitatively relates the structural features with the photocatalytic activity.

Sulfoxylate Anion Radical-Induced Aryl Radical Generation and Intramolecular Arylation for the Synthesis of Biarylsultams

Aryl radical generation from the corresponding aryl halides using an electron donor and subsequent intramolecular cyclization with arenes could be an important advancement in contemporary biaryl synthesis. A green and practically useful synthetic protocol to access diverse six- and seven-membered biarylsultams especially with a free NH group including demonstration of a gram-scale synthesis is reported herein. The sulfoxylate anion radical (SO₂^-•), generated in situ from the reagents rongalite or sodium dithionite (Na₂S₂O₄), was found to be the key single electron transfer agent forming aryl radicals from aryl halides, which upon intramolecular arylation gives biarylsultams with good to excellent yields. The approach features generation of aryl radicals that remained underexplored, use of a cheap and readily available industrial reagents, and transition metal-free, mild, and green reaction conditions.

Recent advances in visible-light mediated functionalization of olefins and alkynes using copper catalysts

Over the past decade, visible-light photoredox catalysis has blossomed as a powerful strategy and offers a discrete activation mode complementary to thermal controlled reactions. Visible-light-mediated photoredox catalysis also offers exciting...

Exploring the synthetic application of sulfinyl radicals

This review summarized the applications of sulfinyl radicals in organic chemistry and thoroughly examined the challenges and future development trends of sulfinyl radicals in modern organic chemistry, as well as their structures and properties.