Copper-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective hydroallylation of thioalkynes with allylboronates: a facile and convenient synthesis of 1,4-dienes

Photocatalytic Thiol-Yne Reactions of Alkynyl Sulfides

Thiol-yne reactions typically employ thiols and terminal alkynes as the reaction partners. The thiol-yne reaction of alkynyl sulfides and thiols is possible when employing a nonmetal photocatalyst eosin Y, green LED irradiation, under an air atmosphere. Alkynyl sulfides were transformed in good overall yields (58-90% total yields, 11 examples) favoring the cis isomer. No addition to the α-position of the alkynyl sulfide is observed, and regioselectivity is believed to be controlled through the stabilization of radical intermediates by the adjacent sulfur atom. Furthermore, control experiments with "all-carbon" internal alkynes demonstrate that alkynyl sulfides possess improved reactivity and regioselectivity profiles during thiol-yne processes.

Palladium-Catalyzed Cascade Allylative Dicarbofunctionalization of Aryl Phenol-Tethered Alkynes with Allyl Iodides: Synthesis of Skipped Dienes

A palladium-catalyzed cascade allylative dicarbofunctionalization of aryl phenol-tethered alkynes with allyl iodides is described. A series of polysubstituted spirocyclo-containing skipped dienes with an all-carbon tetrasubstituted alkene unit are synthesized through this convenient process. The cascade reaction proceeds selectively through dearomative C-allylation instead of O-allylation of aryl phenols.

Computational Insight into Cu-Catalyzed Csp-S Coupling to Form a Macrocyclic Alkynyl Sulfide

Copper-catalyzed C_sp-S cross-coupling is known to form rare macrocyclic alkynyl sulfides. Computational studies now suggest a mechanism for the reaction pathway. Upon formation of Cu-S species, subsequent α-addition/elimination at the ethynylic carbon affords the desired macrocycle.

Synthesis and Diversification of Macrocyclic Alkynediyl Sulfide Peptides

The synthesis of rare macrocyclic alkynediyl sulfides by a Cu-catalyzed C_sp -S cross-coupling is presented. The catalytic protocol (Cu(MeCN)₄ PF₆ /dtbbpy) promotes macrocyclization of peptides, dipeptides and tripeptides at ambient temperature (14 examples, 23→73 % yields) via thiols and bromoalkynes, and is chemoselective with regards to terminal alkynes. Importantly, the underexplored alkynediyl sulfide functionality incorporates a rigidifying structural element and opens new opportunities for diversification of macrocyclic frameworks through S oxidation, halide addition and azide-alkyne cycloaddition chemistries to integrate sulfones, halides or valuable fluorophores (7 examples, 37→92 % yields).

General Cu-Catalyzed Csp-S Coupling

Copper-catalyzed cross-coupling of thiols and bromoalkynes affords a mild, rapid, and selective C_sp-S coupling with broad scope, enabling the use of aryl-, alkyl-, and silyl-substituted alkynyl coupling partners (38 total examples, 50-99% yields). Importantly, the method enables the preparation of difficult-to-access bis-heteroatom-functionalized (S,S-, S,P-, and S,N-) alkynes.

A regioselectivity switch in Pd-catalyzed hydroallylation of alkynes

By exploiting the reactivity of a vinyl-Pd species, we control the regioselectivity in hydroallylation of alkynes under Pd-hydride catalysis. A monophosphine ligand and carboxylic acid combination promotes 1,5-dienes through a pathway involving isomerization of alkynes to allenes. In contrast, a bisphosphine ligand and copper cocatalyst favor 1,4-dienes via a mechanism that involves transmetalation. Our study highlights how to access different isomers by diverting a common organometallic intermediate.

Decarboxylative and dehydrative coupling of dienoic acids and pentadienyl alcohols to form 1,3,6,8-tetraenes

Dienoic acids and pentadienyl alcohols are coupled in a decarboxylative and dehydrative manner at ambient temperature using Pd(0) catalysis to generate 1,3,6,8-tetraenes. Contrary to related decarboxylative coupling reactions, an anion-stabilizing group is not required adjacent to the carboxyl group. Of mechanistic importance, it appears that both the diene of the acid and the diene of the alcohol are required for this reaction. To further understand this reaction, substitutions at every unique position of both coupling partners was examined and two potential mechanisms are presented.