Visible-Light-Promoted Phosphorylation/Cyclization of 1-Acryloyl-2-cyanoindoles in Green Solvent

Visible-Light-Induced Metal- and Photosensitizer-Free C(sp3)-H Phosphorylation of 3,4-Dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with Diphenylphosphine Oxide

Herein, we report a direct phosphorylation of the C(sp3)-H bond of 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones using oxygen as a green oxidant under visible light at room temperature. This transformation was readily accomplished in the absence of metal and photosensitizer to construct new C(sp3)-P bonds and provide a series of phosphonylated dihydroquinoxalin-2-ones in good to excellent yields. This approach opens straightforward and environmentally friendly access to 3-phosphoryl quinoxalin-2-ones derivatives.

Metal-free nitro/azido cyclization of 1-acryloyl-2-cyanoindoles to access NO2/N3-featuring pyrrolo[1,2-a] indolediones

An H2O/heating or [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene promoted radical cascade nitro/azide cyclization of 1-acryloyl-2-cyanoindoles with tert-butyl nitrite/azidotrimethylsilane was accomplished, which offered a series of nitro/azide-featuring pyrrolo[1,2-a]indolediones in good yields. Meanwhile, some scale-up experiments and substituent transformations were performed to test the synthetic value. In addition, the corresponding radical intermediates were successfully detected by HRMS to support the possible reaction pathway.

Iron-Catalyzed Oxidative Rearrangement of Cyclopropanone Hemiaminals: General Access to Pyrroloindolones from Indoles

A concise synthetic approach to medicinally relevant pyrroloindolones and related fused heterocycles is reported via the diastereoselective N-addition of unprotected indoles to readily accessible cyclopropanone equivalents. The resulting stable hemiaminals are shown to smoothly rearrange to pyrroloindolones in mild conditions using Fe(III) catalysis in the presence of inexpensive ammonium persulfate as a stoichiometric oxidant. Experimental evidence points toward the formation of a β-carboxylic radical intermediate prone to cyclization and oxidative rearomatization as the operative mechanistic pathway.

Synthesis of CF3-Substituted N-Heterocyclic Compounds Based on C-H Activation-Initiated Formal [2 + 3] Annulation Featuring with a Latent Nucleophilic Site

Presented herein is a novel synthesis of CF3-substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]indole derivatives based on the cascade reactions of N-alkoxycarbamoyl indoles with CF3-ynones. Mechanistically, the formation of a product involves a tandem process initiated by Rh(III)-catalyzed and N-alkoxycarbamoyl group-directed regioselective C2-H alkenylation of the indole scaffold followed by in situ removal of the directing group and intramolecular N-nucleophilic addition/annulation under one set of reaction conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first example in which a N-alkoxycarbamoyl unit initially acts as a directing group for C2-H functionalization of the indole scaffold and is then removed to provide the required reactive NH-moiety for subsequent intramolecular condensation. Moreover, the products thus obtained could be conveniently transformed into structurally and biologically attractive cycloheptenone fused indole derivatives through an acid-promoted cascade transformation. In addition, studies on the activity of selected products against human cancer cell lines demonstrated their potential as lead compounds for the development of novel anticancer drugs.

Photo-induced phosphorylation/cyclization of N-homoallyl and N-allyl aldehyde hydrazones to access phosphorylated tetrahydropyridazines and dihydropyrazoles

A photocatalytic radical carbophosphorylation/cyclization of N-homoallyl aldehyde hydrazones with phosphine oxides was developed under metal-free conditions, achieving phosphorylated tetrahydropyridazines in yields up to 95%. Phosphorylated dihydropyrazoles were also constructed, by reacting N-allyl aldehyde hydrazones with phosphine oxides under the same conditions.

Photochemical C(sp3)-H Activation for Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of 3-Functionalized Oxindoles

Heteroatom-adjacent C(sp3) radical cyclization of N-arylacrylamides provides a straightforward pathway to synthesize valuable 3-functionalized oxindoles. Traditional cyclization reactions normally require harsh conditions or transition-metal catalysts. Here, we developed a metal-free, diversity-oriented synthesis of 3-functionalized oxindoles via photochemically induced selective cleavage of C(sp3)-H bonds. A variety of 3-substituted oxindoles with functionalities such as ethers, polyhalogens, benzyl, and formyl groups can be obtained by a rational design. This strategy is characterized by its simple operation and mild conditions, aligning well with the developmental requirements for sustainable chemistry. The gram-scale continuous-flow synthesis and efficient construction of bioactive molecules highlight its practical utility.

Visible-Light-Induced Highly Site-Selective Direct C-H Phosphorylation of Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine Derivatives with H-Phosphine Oxides

An efficient and highly regioselective C6-phosphorylation protocol for pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (7-DAP) derivatives with various H-phosphine oxides induced by visible light at room temperature is described for the first time. This protocol has been successfully achieved by the combination of Na2-eosin Y as a photocatalyst and LPO as an oxidant under transition metal- and additive-free conditions. The broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, excellent regioselectivity, and air tolerant conditions make this process favorable for the functional modification of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine scaffold and enrich the phosphorylated 7-DAP compounds for further biological evaluation.

Phototriggered Fluoroalkylation/Cyclization of Unactivated 1-Acryloyl-2-cyanoindoles: Synthesis of RCOCF2-Substituted Pyrrolo[1,2-a]indolediones

A photochemical approach toward RCOCF2-substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]indolediones was developed by the radical cascade difluoroalkylation/cyclization reaction of unactivated 1-acryloyl-2-cyanoindoles with ethyl iododifluoroacetate or iododifluoramides under visible-light irradiation. This transition-metal- and photosensitizer-free protocol afforded diverse difluoroalkylated pyrrolo[1,2-a]indolediones in moderate to good yields under mild reaction conditions. Most appealingly, the reaction can proceed smoothly under sunlight irradiation, which opens a new avenue toward difluoroalkylated pyrrolo[1,2-a]indolediones.

Visible-Light-Induced Cascade Cyclization of 1-Acryloyl-2-cyanoindole: Access of Difluoroalkylated Pyrrolo[1,2-a]indolediones

An effective method for accessing diverse difluoroalkylated pyrrolo[1,2-a]indolediones via visible-light-induced PhI(OAc)2-promoted cascade difluoroalkylation/cyclization reaction under mild conditions has been established. This method is noteworthy for its use of DMSO-H2O as a green medium at room temperature and avoidance of photocatalysts. The reactions are straightforward to execute and convenient to expand on, provide good to excellent yields, and have good functional group tolerance.