Facilitating Rh-Catalyzed C-H Alkylation of (Hetero)arenes and 6-Arylpurine Nucleosides (Nucleotides) with Electrochemistry

Electrochemical Late-Stage Functionalization

Late-stage functionalization (LSF) constitutes a powerful strategy for the assembly or diversification of novel molecular entities with improved physicochemical or biological activities. LSF can thus greatly accelerate the development of medicinally relevant compounds, crop protecting agents, and functional materials. Electrochemical molecular synthesis has emerged as an environmentally friendly platform for the transformation of organic compounds. Over the past decade, electrochemical late-stage functionalization (eLSF) has gained major momentum, which is summarized herein up to February 2023.

Photocatalyst-free visible-light-induced highly selective acylation of purine nucleosides at the C6 position

A protocol for visible-light-induced C-H acylation selectively at the C6 position of purine nucleosides with aldehydes under photocatalyst-free conditions was established herein. This protocol allows the green, mild, and efficient functionalization of various purine nucleosides with a broad range of alkyl and aryl aldehydes.

Transition Metal-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization Through Electrocatalysis

Electrochemically promoted transition metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization has emerged as a promising area of research over the last few decades. However, development in this field is still at an early stage compared to traditional functionalization reactions using chemical-based oxidizing agents. Recent reports have shown increased attention on electrochemically promoted metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization. From the standpoint of sustainability, environmental friendliness, and cost effectiveness, electrochemically promoted oxidation of a metal catalyst offers a mild, efficient, and atom-economical alternative to traditional chemical oxidants. This Review discusses advances in the field of transition metal-electrocatalyzed C-H functionalization over the past decade and describes how the unique features of electricity enable metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization in an economic and sustainable way.

Hydrogen Evolution Enabled Rhodaelectro-Catalyzed [4+2] Annulations of Purines and 7-Deazapurines with Alkynes

A rhodium-catalyzed electrochemical regioselective annulation of 6-phenylpurines and 6-phenyl-7-deazapurines with alkynes has been developed. Electricity is used to recycle the active rhodium-based catalyst, promote the evolution of H2 and help...