Room-Temperature Benzylic Alkylation of Benzylic Carbonates: Improvement of Palladium Catalyst and Mechanistic Study

Low Pressure Carbonylation of Benzyl Carbonates and Carbamates for Applications in 13 C Isotope Labeling and Catalytic CO2 Reduction

Herein, we report a methodology to access isotopically labeled esters and amides from carbonates and carbamates employing an oxygen deletion strategy. This methodology utilizes a decarboxylative carbonylation approach for isotope labeling with near stoichiometric, ex situ generated 12 C, or 13 C carbon monoxide. This reaction is characterized by its broad scope, functional group tolerance, and high yields, which is showcased with the synthesis of structurally complex molecules. A complementary method that operates by the catalytic in situ generation of CO via the reduction of CO2 liberated during decarboxylation has also been developed as a proof-of-concept approach that CO2 -derived compounds can be converted to CO-containing frameworks. Mechanistic studies provide insight into the catalytic steps which highlight the impact of ligand choice to overcome challenges associated with low-pressure carbonylation methodologies, along with rational for the development of future methodologies.

Palladium-Catalyzed Enantioselective (2-Naphthyl)methylation of Azaarylmethyl Amines

Enantioenriched azaarylmethyl amine derivatives are useful building blocks in synthetic and medicinal chemistry. To access these valuable motifs, an enantioselective palladium-catalyzed benzylation of azaarylmethyl amine pronucleophiles is introduced. Of note,...

Ruthenium-catalyzed benzylic substitution of benzyl esters with stabilized carbon nucleophiles

We have accomplished the ruthenium-catalyzed benzylic substitution of benzyl esters with a stabilized carbon nucleophile. A [Cp*RuCl2]2/picolinic acid catalyst system promoted the reaction of 2-naphthylmethyl-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzoates with a series of stabilized carbon nucleophiles such as malonates, β-ketoesters, and diketones to give the corresponding benzylic alkylation products in moderate to high yields. We proposed a plausible reaction mechanism that could involve a (π-benzyl)ruthenium intermediate.