Enantioselective Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl-Cyclopropylboronates

Iron(III)-based metalloradical catalysis for asymmetric cyclopropanation via a stepwise radical mechanism

Metalloradical catalysis (MRC) exploits the metal-centred radicals present in open-shell metal complexes as one-electron catalysts for the generation of metal-stabilized organic radicals-key intermediates that control subsequent one-electron homolytic reactions. Cobalt(II) complexes of porphyrins, as stable 15e-metalloradicals with a well-defined low-spin d7 configuration, have dominated the ongoing development of MRC. Here, to broaden MRC beyond the use of Co(II)-based metalloradical catalysts, we describe systematic studies that establish the operation of Fe(III)-based MRC and demonstrate an initial application for asymmetric radical transformations. Specifically, we report that five-coordinate iron(III) complexes of porphyrins with an axial ligand, which represent another family of stable 15e-metalloradicals with a d5 configuration, are potent metalloradical catalysts for olefin cyclopropanation with different classes of diazo compounds via a stepwise radical mechanism. This work lays a foundation and mechanistic blueprint for future exploration of Fe(III)-based MRC towards the discovery of diverse stereoselective radical reactions.

Synthesis of di/trifluoromethyl cyclopropane-dicarbonitriles via [2+1] annulation of fluoro-based diazoethanes with (alkylidene)malononitriles

Herein, we describe a [2+1] annulation reaction of di/trifluorodiazoethane with (alkylidene)malononitriles. This protocol offers a streamlined synthesis of a wide range of stereospecific and densely functionalized difluoromethyl and trifluoromethyl cyclopropane-1,1-dicarbonitriles. Further functional group interconversions or skeletal elaborations afford structurally distinct cyclopropyl variants.

Pentafluorocyclopropanation of (Hetero)arenes Using Sulfonium Salts: Applications in Late-Stage Functionalization

The evaluation of the pentafluorocyclopropyl group as a chemotype in crop protection and medicinal chemistry has been hampered in the past by the lack of suitable methodologies that enable the practical incorporation of this moiety into advanced synthetic intermediates. Herein, we report the gram-scale synthesis of an unprecedented sulfonium salt, 5-(pentafluorocyclopropyl)dibenzothiophenium triflate, and its use as a versatile reagent for the photoinduced C-H pentafluorocyclopropylation of a broad series of non-previously functionalized (hetero)arenes through a radical mediated mechanism. The scope and potential benefits of the protocol developed are further demonstrated by the late-stage introduction of the pentafluorocyclopropyl unit into biologically relevant molecules and widely used pharmaceuticals.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Tertiary and Secondary Cyclopropyl Boronates via Cyclopropanation of Enantioenriched Alkenyl Boronic Esters

The cyclopropanation of alkenyl boronates and subsequent derivatization of the boronate handle are a convenient strategy to quickly build molecular complexity and access diverse compounds with a high sp³ fraction. Herein, we describe the asymmetric cyclopropanation of enantioenriched hydrobenzoin-derived alkenyl boronic esters toward the synthesis of tertiary and secondary cyclopropyl boronates.