Development of a scalable palladium-catalyzed α-arylation process for the synthesis of a CGRP antagonist

Study and modular synthesis of unsymmetrical bis(phosphino)pyrrole ligands

We report the facile and modular synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,2-bis(phosphino)pyrrole ligands and their coordination chemistry. These ligands offer a promising alternative to their 1,2-bis(phosphino)benzene congeners, retaining a similar steric profile with attenuated electron donation. Proof-of-principle application of a bis(phosphino)pyrrole ligand in a nickel-catalyzed C-N cross-coupling reaction under mild conditions is demonstrated.

HOTf-Catalyzed, Solvent-Free Oxyarylation of Ynol Ethers and Thioethers

A novel HOTf-catalyzed oxyarylation of ynol ethers and thioethers has been realized with aryl sulfoxides as the oxyarylating reagents, providing α-arylated esters or thioesters in good to excellent yields. Notably, all atoms of the starting materials were incorporated in the product (100% atom economy) and the reaction proceeded under very mild conditions. It was found that the reaction can be ran under air and that the best yields are obtained under solvent-free conditions.

Chemoselective intermolecular α-arylation of amides

A new approach for the fully chemoselective α-arylation of amides is presented. By means of electrophilic amide activation, aryl groups can be regioselectively introduced α- to amides, even in the presence of esters and alkyl ketones. Mechanistic studies reveal key reaction intermediates and emphasize a remarkably subtle base effect in this transformation.