One-pot synthesis of malononitriles by free radical reactions of ylidenemalononitrile with Et3B and iodoalkane in a water–ether biphase medium

Modular synthesis of congested β2,2-amino acids via the merger of photocatalysis and oxidative functionalisations

A two-step protocol for the modular synthesis of β2- and α-quaternary β2,2-amino acid derivatives is reported. The key steps are a photocatalytic hydroalkylation reaction, followed by an oxidative functionalisation to access N-protected β-amino acids, esters, and amides. This strategy can be effectively scaled up via continuous-flow technology.

Modular Synthesis of Polar Spirocyclic Scaffolds Enabled by Radical Chemistry

Herein, we report a highly modular strategy to access spirocyclic scaffolds from abundant starting materials, i.e., cyclic ketones and α-amino or oxamic acids. The sequence proceeds through a straightforward Knoevenagel condensation, followed by a domino Giese-type reaction/base-mediated cyclization process, to deliver a broad scope of polar spirocyclic scaffolds in good to excellent yields. The products can be readily diversified, thus increasing the versatility of our method to gain rapid access to libraries of potential druglike molecules.

Synthesis of functionalized malononitriles via Fe-catalysed hydrogen atom transfers of alkenes

Described herein is a practical and convenient approach that enabled radical-mediated conjugate addition of unreactive alkenes to electron-deficient alkenes leading to a broad range of substituted malononitriles. These reactions are believed to proceed by Fe-catalysed hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) onto the alkenes affording carbon-centered radical intermediates with Markovnikov selectivity, followed by the capture of electron-deficient alkenes. We explored this synthesis approach under mild conditions with high efficiency and broad substrate scope and the utility is highlighted by the further synthetic transformations of the obtained substituted malononitriles.

Reformatsky Reaction Promoted by an Ionic Liquid ([Bmim]Cl) in the Synthesis of β-Hydroxyl Ketone Derivatives Bearing a Coumarin Unit

A number of β-hydroxy-ketone derivatives bearing a coumarin unit have been synthesised by the Reformatsky reaction of formyl coumarin and α-bromoacetophenone in an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [Bmim]Cl). The recovered ionic liquid can be reused at least five times without a significant reduction in yield. This procedure is green, mild and environmentally benign.