Reactions of organic halides with olefins under Ni o -catalysis. Formal addition of hydrocarbons to CC-double bonds

Electrochemically Driven Nickel-Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydro-Arylation/Alkenylation of Enones

Herein, the study reports the first electrochemical nickel-catalyzed enantioselective hydro-arylation/alkenylation of enones in an undivided cell with low-cost electrodes in the absence of external reductants and supporting electrolytes. Aryl bromides/iodides/triflates or alkenyl bromides are employed as electrophiles for the efficient preparation of more than 56 valuable β-arylated/alkenylated ketones in a simple manner (up to 97% yield, 97% ee). With the advantages of electrochemistry, excellent functional group tolerance and late-stage modification of complex natural products and pharmaceuticals made the established protocol greener and more economic. Mechanism investigation suggests that a NiI/NiIII cycle may be involved in this electro-reductive reaction rather than metal reductant driven Ni0/NiII cycle. Overall, the efficient electrochemical activation and turnover of the nickel catalyst avoid the drawbacks posed by the employment of stoichiometric amount of sensitive metal powder reductants.

Paired Electrolysis Enables Reductive Heck Coupling of Unactivated (Hetero)Aryl Halides and Alkenes

The formation of carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds is a cornerstone of organic synthesis. Among various methods to construct Csp2-Csp3 bonds, the reductive Heck reaction between (hetero)aryl halides and alkenes stands out due to its potential efficiency and broad substrate availability. However, traditional reductive Heck reactions are limited by the use of precious metal catalysts and/or limited aryl halide and alkene compatibility. Here, we present an electrochemically mediated, metal- and catalyst-free reductive Heck reaction that tolerates both unactivated (hetero)aryl halides and diverse alkenes such as vinyl boronates and silanes. Detailed electrochemical and deuterium-labeling studies support that this transformation likely proceeds through a paired electrolysis pathway, in which acid generated by the oxidation of N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) at the anode intercepts an alkyl carbanion formed after radical-polar crossover at the cathode. As such, this approach offers a sustainable method for the construction of Csp2-Csp3 bonds from (hetero)aryl halides and alkenes, paving the way for the development of other electrochemically mediated olefin difunctionalization reactions.

Stereospecific Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Coupling Reaction of Alkyl Mesylates and Allylic Difluorides to Access Enantioenriched Vinyl Fluoride-Substituted Cyclopropanes

Cross-electrophile coupling reactions involving direct C-O bond activation of unactivated alkyl sulfonates or C-F bond activation of allylic gem-difluorides remain challenging. Herein, we report a nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling reaction between alkyl mesylates and allylic gem-difluorides to synthesize enantioenriched vinyl fluoride-substituted cyclopropane products. These complex products are interesting building blocks with applications in medicinal chemistry. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that there are two competing pathways for this reaction, both of which initiate by coordination of the electron-deficient olefin to the low-valent nickel catalyst. Subsequently, the reaction can proceed by oxidative addition of the C-F bond of the allylic gem-difluoride moiety or by directed polar oxidative addition of the alkyl mesylate C-O bond.

Cobalt-Salen Catalyzed Electroreductive Alkylation of Activated Olefins

Cobalt-Salen mediated electroreductive and regioselective alkylation of electron deficient olefins is reported in one step in an undivided electrochemical cell, in the presence of an iron rod as sacrificial anode. Although the reactivity depends on the class of alkyl halides, the reported study offers a green and expeditious electrosynthetic route for Csp3-Csp3 bond formation in mild conditions. This study also confirms the possible formation of the heterobinuclear cobalt-Salen-iron complex previously reported as the effective catalyst.

Direct conjugate additions using aryl and alkyl organic halides in air and water

The direct aryl-conjugate addition to electron-deficient alkenes without prior stoichiometric formation of organometallic reagents in water catalyzed by copper represents an important but unresolved challenge.

Nickel Nanoparticles Supported on Diphenylphosphinated Poly(Vinyl Alcohol-Co-ethylene) as a New Heterogeneous and Recyclable Catalyst for Mizoroki–Heck Reactions

Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) supported on diphenylphosphinated poly(vinyl alcohol- co-ethylene) (DPP-PVA- co-PE) were synthesised by first reacting poly(vinyl alcohol- co-ethylene) with chlorodiphenylphosphine (ClPPh2) under basic conditions and then treating the product with Ni(OAc)2 followed by reduction with NaBH4. (DPP-PVA- co-PE)-NiNPs, a new metallised polymer, was then shown to efficiently catalyse Mizoroki–Heck reactions of aryl iodides, bromides or activated chlorides with olefins such as styrene and n-butyl acrylate in dimethylformamide. In contrast with other polymer-supported catalysts, the main advantage of this method is the low cost of the catalyst due to the simple synthetic route using easily obtained materials and good recoverability. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements were used to show the high metal dispersion and small sizes of Ni nanoparticle on the surface of the modified polymer. DPP-PVA- co-PE-NiNPs could be recycled several times.

Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Conjugate Addition of Primary Alkyl Bromides to Enones To Form Silyl Enol Ethers

Conjugate addition of organometallic reagents to enones to form silyl enol ether products is a versatile method to difunctionalize activated olefins, but the organometallic reagents required can be limiting. The reductive cross-electrophile coupling of unhindered primary alkyl bromides with enones and chlorosilanes to form silyl enol ether products is catalyzed by a nickel-complexed ortho-brominated terpyridine ligand. The conditions are compatible with a variety of cyclic/acyclic enones and functional groups.

Direct conjugate alkylation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyls by TiIII-catalysed reductive umpolung of simple activated alkenes

The title reaction leads to 1,6-difunctionalized products without the requirement of premetallated reagents. Details on scope, selectivity and mechanism are reported.

Nickel-catalyzed reductive arylation of activated alkynes with aryl iodides

The direct, regioselective, and stereoselective arylation of activated alkynes with aryl iodides using a nickel catalyst and manganese reductant is described. The reaction conditions are mild (40 °C in MeOH, no acid or base) and an intermediate organomanganese reagent is unlikely. Functional groups tolerated include halides and pseudohalides, free and protected anilines, and a benzyl alcohol. Other activated alkynes including an amide and a ketone also reacted to form arylated products in good yields.

Reductive umpolung reactions with low-valent titanium catalysts

The coupling of similarly polarized carbon fragments can be achieved by a reductive umpolung strategy. This gives access to compounds with functional groups in even bond distances, which are difficult to synthesize by other means. Low-valent titanium catalysts enable such couplings under mild conditions. This account covers the recent progress on this topic with a focus on the development of cross-selective coupling reactions and stereoselective examples.

26- and 27-Methyl groups of 2-substituted, 19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxylated vitamin D compounds are essential for calcium mobilization in vivo

Twelve new analogs of 19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D36-17, were prepared by a multi-step procedure from known alcohols 18 and 19. We have examined the influence of removing two methyl groups located at C-25, as well as the 25-hydroxy group, on the biological in vitro and in vivo biological activity. Surprisingly, removal of the 26- and 27-methyl groups from either the 2α-methyl or 2-methylene-19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 reduced vitamin D receptor binding, HL-60 differentiation, and 25-hydroxylase transcription in vitro only slightly to moderately (compounds 6-13). However, these compounds were devoid of in vivo bone mobilization activity and had markedly reduced activity on intestinal calcium transport. The analogs 14-17 with a 2β-methyl substitution had little or no activity in vitro and in vivo as expected from previous work.

Nickel-catalyzed reductive conjugate addition to enones via allylnickel intermediates

An alternative method to copper-catalyzed conjugate addition followed by enolate silylation for the synthesis of β-disubstituted silyl enol ether products (R(1)(R(2))HCCH═C(OSiR(4)(3))R(3)) is presented. This method uses haloarenes instead of nucleophilic aryl reagents. Nickel ligated to either neocuproine or bipyridine couples an α,β-unsaturated ketone or aldehyde (R(2)HC═CHC(O)R(3)) with an organic halide (R(1)-X) in the presence of a trialkylchlorosilane reagent (Cl-SiR(4)(3)). Reactions are assembled on the benchtop and tolerate a variety of functional groups (aldehyde, ketone, nitrile, sulfone, pentafluorosulfur, and N-aryltrifluoroacetamide), electron-rich iodoarenes, and electron-poor haloarenes. Mechanistic studies have confirmed the first example of a catalytic reductive conjugate addition of organic halides that proceeds via an allylnickel intermediate. Selectivity is attributed to (1) rapid, selective reaction of LNi(0) with chlorotriethylsilane and enone in the presence of other organic electrophiles, and (2) minimization of enone dimerization by ligand steric effects.

Reductive conjugate addition of haloalkanes to enones to form silyl enol ethers

A new method is presented for tandem reductive conjugate addition and silyl enol ether formation from cyclic and acyclic enones and enals in the presence of a Mn reductant, a Ni(terpyridine) catalyst, and a trialkylchlorosilane. The addition of secondary, tertiary, and hindered primary haloalkanes is demonstrated. Preliminary studies on the mechanism show that the intermediacy of L1(Ni)(η(3)-1-triethylsilyloxyalkenyl)X or in-situ-formed RMnX is unlikely.

Radicals in transition metal catalyzed reactions? transition metal catalyzed radical reactions?: a fruitful interplay anyway: part 3: catalysis by group 10 and 11 elements and bimetallic catalysis

This review summarizes the current status of transition metal catalyzed reactions involving radical intermediates in organic chemistry. This part focuses on radical-based methods catalyzed by group 10 and group 11 metal complexes. Reductive and redox-neutral C-C bond formations catalyzed by low-valent metal complexes as well as catalytic oxidative methods are reviewed. Catalytic processes which rely on the combination of two metal complexes are also covered.

From the linden flower to linden honey--volatile constituents of linden nectar, the extract of bee-stomach and ripe honey

Honey is produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera), which collect nectar from flowers, digest it in their bodies, and deposit it in honeycombs, where it develops into ripe honey. We studied the evolution of the volatile constituents from the nectar of linden blossoms (Tilia cordata) to honey via the 'intermediate' honeybee. The sampling of the contents of the honey stomach or honey sack of the bee is unique. Extracts were prepared from nectar, from the liquid of the honey stomach, and from ripe honey. The chemistry is extremely complex, and compounds spanning from monoterpenes (hydrocarbons, ethers, aldehydes, acids, and bifunctional derivatives), isoprenoids, aromatic compounds (phenylpropanoids, phenols), and products degraded from fatty acids to alkaloids, were identified. Some compounds definitely stem from the plants, whereas other interesting constituents can be attributed to animal origin. Two derivatives of decanoic acid, 9-oxodec-2-enoic acid (12) and 9-hydroxydec-2-enoic acid, identified in the honey are known to be constituents of the so-called 'Queen's pheromone'. Two metabolites of these acids were identified in the extract of the honey stomach: 8-oxononanal (10), a new natural product, and 8-oxononanol (11). There structures were confirmed by synthesis. Nectar and honey stomach contain many aldehydes, which, due to the highly oxidative atmosphere in the honeycomb, are found as corresponding acids in the honey. Two acids were newly identified as 4-isopropenylcyclohexa-1,3-diene-1-carboxylic acid (14) and 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-cyclohexa-1,3-diene-1-carboxylic acid (15).

Ligand-Dependent Catalytic Cycle and Role of Styrene in Nickel-Catalyzed Anhydride Cross-Coupling: Evidence for Turnover-Limiting Reductive Elimination

Results from a mechanistic study on the Ni(COD)2-bipy-catalyzed alkylation of anhydrides are consistent with turnover-limiting reductive elimination at high Et2Zn concentrations. While the presence of styrene does not affect the initial rate of alkylation, it appears to inhibit catalyst decomposition and provides higher product yield at long reaction times. In contrast, Ni(COD)2-iPrPHOX-catalyzed anhydride alkylation proceeds through two competing catalytic cycles differentiated by the presence of styrene. The presence of styrene in this system appears to accelerate rate-limiting oxidative addition and promotes the cycle which proceeds 4 times more rapidly and with much higher enantioselectivity than its styrene-lacking counterpart.

Synthesis of Spiro[4.5]decane CF-Ring Analogues of 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3

A novel series of analogues of calcitriol (1) is developed featuring a spirocyclic central core resulting from C18/C21-connection and C15/C16-deletion (2a, 2b). The synthesis of the key intermediate involves an Eschenmoser rearrangement of an enantiomerically pure bromo-substituted cyclohexenol.

CoBr2(Bpy): An Efficient Catalyst for the Direct Conjugate Addition of Aryl Halides or Triflates onto Activated Olefins

An efficient cobalt-catalyzed method devoted to the direct conjugate addition of functionalized aryl compounds onto Michael acceptors is described. The CoBr2(2,2'-bipyridine) complex appears to be an extremely suitable catalyst for the activation of a variety of aromatic reagents ranging from halides to triflates functionalized by reactive groups. This procedure allows for the synthesis of compounds resulting from 1,4-addition in good to excellent yields. The versatility of this original process represents a simple alternative to most known methods using organometallic reagents.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Saturated Alkyl Halides with Activated Alkenes

[reaction: see text] An efficient cobalt-catalyzed reductive coupling reaction of alkyl halides with electron-withdrawing alkenes (CH(2)=CR(1)EWG, EWG = electron-withdrawing group) in the presence of water and zinc powder in acetonitrile to give the corresponding Michael-type addition product (RCH(2)CR(1)EWG) was described. The methodology is versatile such that unactivated primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl bromides and iodides and various conjugated alkenes including acrylates, acrylonitrile, methyl vinyl ketone, and vinyl sulfone all successfully participate in this coupling reaction. For the alkyl halides used in the reaction, the iodides generally gave better yields compared to those of the corresponding bromides. It is a unique method employing CoI(2)dppe, zinc, and alkyl halides, affording conjugate addition products in high yields. Mechanistically, the reaction appears to follow an oxidative addition driven route rather than the previously reported radical route.

A New Catalytic Conjugate Addition/Aldol Strategy That Avoids Preformed Metalated Nucleophiles

A new conjugate addition/aldol strategy has been developed. Unlike conventional procedures that require metalation of the nucleophilic species, the procedure allows the direct coupling of aryl iodides, aldehydes, and acrylates in a nickel-catalyzed, organozinc-promoted process.

Nickel-catalyzed electrochemical couplings of vinyl halides: synthetic and stereochemical aspects

Homo- and cross-coupling involving alkenyl halides have been performed efficiently using an electroassisted nickel-complex catalysis. Valuable product such as conjugated dienes, beta,gamma- or gamma,delta-unsaturated esters, ketones, or nitriles, as well as alkenylated aryl compounds are thus prepared with high yields and high stereoselectivity. Partial isomerization is only observed in a few cases, when the alkenyl halide is involved in a late step of the catalytic cycle. This is the case in the preparation of (Z,Z)-1,3-diene.