Synthesis and Properties of Pyridine-Fused Triazolylidene-Palladium: Catalyst for Cross-Coupling Using Chloroarenes and Nitroarenes

Transformative reactions in nitroarene chemistry: C-N bond cleavage, skeletal editing, and N-O bond utilization

Nitroarenes are highly versatile building blocks in organic synthesis, playing a pivotal role in various reactions. Common transformations involving nitroarenes include nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) reactions, where the nitro group functions both as a potent electron-withdrawing group that activates the aromatic ring and as a leaving group facilitating the substitution. Additionally, the direct transformation of nitro groups, such as reduction-driven syntheses of amines and carboxylic acids, as well as ipso-substitution SNAr reactions, have been extensively explored. Interactions between ortho-nitro groups and neighboring substituents also provide unique opportunities for selective transformations. However, beyond these well-established processes, direct transformations of nitro groups have been relatively limited. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in alternative methodologies for nitro group transformations. This review focuses on the latest progress in novel transformations of nitroarenes, with emphasis on three major categories: (i) functional group transformations involving C-N bond cleavage in nitroarenes, (ii) skeletal editing via nitrene intermediates generated by N-O bond cleavage, and (iii) the utilization of nitroarenes as an oxygen source through N-O bond cleavage. These developments under-score the expanding utility of nitroarenes in modern organic synthesis.

Transition-metal-free photochemical reductive denitration of nitroarenes

We have developed a simple and mild photochemical process for the reductive denitration of nitroarenes under transition-metal-free conditions. This method is compatible with a broad range of functional groups, providing a practical and efficient approach for converting nitroarenes into denitrated arenes. The utility of this protocol is demonstrated through the prompt synthesis of dibenzoxepane.

Palladium-Catalyzed Denitrative Synthesis of Aryl Nitriles from Nitroarenes and Organocyanides

A denitrative cyanation of nitroarenes using organocyanides and a palladium catalyst was developed. The key for this reaction was the utilization of an aminoacetonitrile as a cyano source to avoid the generation of stoichiometric metal- and halogen-containing chemical waste. A wide range of nitroarenes, including heteroarenes and pharmaceutical molecules, can be converted into aryl nitriles.

Construction of Heterobiaryl Skeletons through Pd-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Nitroarenes and Heterocyclic Arylborononate Esters with a Sterically Demanding NHC Ligand

The palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-couplings of nitroarenes and heteroarylboronate esters has been developed. A number of heterobiaryl compounds containing pyridine, pyrimidine, quinoline, furan, thiophene, and pyrazole were prepared using [Pd(cinnamyl)Cl]₂/2-aryl-5-(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl)-2,3-imidazolylidene[1,5-a]pyridines as the catalysts in good to excellent yields. The synthetic practicality of this approach is demonstrated through the synthesis of druglike molecules.

ortho-Nitro-substituted diaryliodonium salts enabled regioselective cyclization of arylcarboxylic acids toward 3,4-naphthocoumarins

We herein report an efficient regioselective cascade of arylation and cyclization of arylcarboxylic acids via Pd(ii)-activation of both C–I and vicinal C–NO2 bonds of ortho-nitro-substituted diaryliodonium salts.