Visible-Light-Promoted Photoredox Syntheses of α,β-Epoxy Ketones from Styrenes and Benzaldehydes under Alkaline Conditions

Organocatalyzed Hydroacylation of Enones by Photosensitization of Acyl Silanes

A mild protocol for hydroacylation of enones through photosensitization of acyl silanes with thioxanthone under blue light (455 nm) irradiation is reported. A Brønsted acid is used as a cocatalyst in the reaction. The versatility of the method is demonstrated through inter- and intramolecular hydroacylation reaction. The hydroacylation product is applied for synthesizing an anti-HCV agent. Mechanistic insights are also provided through control experiments.

Enhancing Photoredox Catalysis in Aqueous Environments: Ruthenium Aqua Complex Derivatization of Graphene Oxide and Graphite Rods for Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Hybrid Catalysts

A ruthenium aqua photoredox catalyst has been successfully heterogeneneized on graphene oxide (GO@trans-fac-3) and graphite rods (GR@trans-fac-3) for the first time and have proven to be sustainable and easily reusable systems for the photooxidation of alcohols in water, in mild and green conditions. We report here the synthesis and total characterization of two Ru(II)-polypyridyl complexes, the chlorido trans-fac-[RuCl(bpea-pyrene)(bpy)](PF6) (trans-fac-2) and the aqua trans-fac-[Ru(bpea-pyrene)(bpy)OH2](PF6)2 (trans-fac-3), both containing the N-tridentate, 1-[bis(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)amino]methylpyrene (bpea-pyrene), and 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) ligands. In both complexes, only a single isomer, the trans-fac, has been detected in solution and in the solid state. The aqua complex trans-fac-3 displays bielectronic redox processes in water, assigned to the Ru(IV/II) couple. The trans-fac-3 complex has been heterogenized on different types of supports, (i) on graphene oxide (GO) through π-stacking interactions between the pyrene group of the bpea-pyrene ligand and the GO and (ii) both on glassy carbon electrodes (GC) and on graphite rods (GR) through oxidative electropolymerization of the pyrene group, which yield stable heterogeneous photoredox catalysts. GO@trans-fac-3- and GR/poly trans-fac-3-modified electrodes were fully characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. Trans-fac-3 and GO@trans-fac-3 photocatalysts (without a photosensitizer) showed good catalytic efficiency in the photooxidation of alcohols in water under mild conditions and using visible light. Both photocatalysts display high selectivity values (>99%) even for primary alcohols in accordance with the presence of two-electron transfer processes (2e-/2H+). GO@trans-fac-3 keeps intact its homogeneous catalytic properties but shows an enhancement in yields. GO@trans-fac-3 can be easily recycled by filtration and reused for up to five runs without any significant loss of catalytic activity. Graphite rods (GR@trans-fac-3) were also evaluated as heterogeneous photoredox catalysts showing high turnover numbers (TON) and selectivity values.

Single-Step Synthesis of γ-Ketoacids through a Photoredox-Catalyzed Dual Decarboxylative Coupling of α-Oxo Acids and Maleic Anhydrides

A photocatalytic methodology for the single step synthesis of γ-ketoacids from α-ketoacids has been developed. This method employs maleic anhydrides as traceless synthetic equivalents of acrylic acids, achieving a selective cross-coupling via a dual decarboxylative strategy, where molecular CO2 is released as the only waste byproduct. The method has also been expanded to incorporate a highly regioselective, 3-component coupling with various alcohols to access functionalized γ-ketoesters.

Enantioselective Radical-Type 1,2-Alkoxy-Phosphinoylation to Styrenes Catalyzed by Chiral Vanadyl Complexes

A series of vanadyl complexes bearing 3-t-butyl-5-bromo, 3-aryl-5-bromo, 3,5-dihalo-, and benzo-fused N-salicylidene-tert-leucinates was examined as catalysts for 1,2-alkoxy-phosphinoylation of 4-, 3-, 3,4-, and 3,5-substituted styrene derivatives (including Me/t-Bu, Ph, OR, Cl/Br, OAc, NO₂ , C(O)Me, CO₂ Me, CN, and benzo-fused) with HP(O)Ph₂ in the presence of t-BuOOH (TBHP) in a given alcohol or cosolvent with MeOH. The best scenario involved the use of 5 mol % 3-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-5-Br (i.e., 3-DMP-5-Br) catalyst at 0 °C in MeOH. The desired catalytic cross coupling reactions proceeded smoothly with enantioselectivities of up to 95 % ee of (R)-configuration as confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis of several recrystallized products. The origin of enantiocontrol and homolytic substitution of the benzylic intermediates by vanadyl-bound methoxide and radical type catalytic mechanism were proposed.

Direct Aroylation of Olefins through a Cobalt/Photoredox-Catalyzed Decarboxylative and Dehydrogenative Coupling with α-Oxo Acids

A photoredox/cobalt dual catalytic procedure has been developed that allows benzoylation of olefins. Here the photoredox catalyst effects the decarboxylation of α-ketoacids to form benzoyl radicals. After addition of this radical to styrenes, the cobalt catalyst abstracts a H-atom. Hydrogen evolution from the putative cobalt hydride intermediate allows a Heck-like aroylation without the need for a stoichiometric oxidant. Mechanistic studies reveal that electronically different styrenes lead to a curved Hammett plot, thus suggesting a change in product-determining step in the catalytic mechanism.

CuCl2·2H2O/TBHP mediated synthesis of β-enaminones via coupling reaction of vinyl azides with aldehydes

A facile and efficient oxidative functionalization of vinyl azides with aldehydes furnishing a diverse array of β-acylated enaminones was developed. The cross coupling was accomplished in the presence of CuCl₂·2H₂O/TBHP and produced the desired β-acylated enaminones in a (Z)-stereo-selective and atom-economic manner, which make this protocol particularly attractive. In the transformation, the new C-C and C-N bonds were formed via a one-pot strategy including the process of radical addition and recombination.

Molecular and supported ruthenium complexes as photoredox oxidation catalysts in water

A molecular Ru-OH2 complex supported on rGO through non-covalent interactions performs as a photoredox oxidation catalyst in water, without an additional photosensitizer.

Recent advances in acyl radical enabled reactions between aldehydes and alkenes

Radical-mediated functionalization of alkenes has been emerging as an elegant and straightforward protocol to increase molecule complexity. Moreover, the abstraction of a hydrogen atom from aldehydes to afford acyl radicals has evolved as a rising star due to its high atom-economy and the ready availability of aldehydes. Considering the great influence and synthetic potential of acyl radical enabled reactions between aldehydes and alkenes, we provide a summary of the state of the art in this field with a specific emphasis on the working models and corresponding mechanisms. The discussion is divided according to the kind of alkenes and reaction type.

Radical Carbonylative Synthesis of Heterocycles by Visible Light Photoredox Catalysis

Visible light photocatalytic radical carbonylation has been established as a robust tool for the efficient synthesis of carbonyl-containing compounds. Acyl radicals serve as the key intermediates in these useful transformations and can be generated from the addition of alkyl or aryl radicals to carbon monoxide (CO) or various acyl radical precursors such as aldehydes, carboxylic acids, anhydrides, acyl chlorides or α-keto acids. In this review, we aim to summarize the impact of visible light-induced acyl radical carbonylation reactions on the synthesis of oxygen and nitrogen heterocycles. The discussion is mainly categorized based on different types of acyl radical precursors.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Synthesis of Trisubstituted Epoxides via Tandem Amidation/Epoxidation Sequence

A tandem amidation/epoxidation sequence between various substituted chalcones and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) for the synthesis of trisubstituted epoxides employing N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis was developed. This reaction was performed under metal-free conditions in the presence of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant. Trisubstituted epoxides bearing a ketone and an amide functionality (N,N-dimethyl formyl group) were synthesized starting from a wide range of chalcones in moderate to good yields with excellent diastereoselectivity.

Additions of Aldehyde-Derived Radicals and Nucleophilic N-Alkylindoles to Styrenes by Photoredox Catalysis

The consecutive addition of acyl radicals and N-alkylindole nucleophiles to styrenes was established, as well as some additional radical–nucleophile combinations. Both aryl and aliphatic aldehydes give reasonable yields. The reaction proceeds best for α-substituted styrenes, effectively creating a quaternary all-carbon center. Some iridium-based photoredox systems are catalytically active; furthermore, a base is needed in this transformation. Radicals are formed by reductive perester cleavage and hydrogen atom transfer.

Highly Selective Synthesis of 2-tert-Butoxy-1-Arylethanones via Copper(I)-Catalyzed Oxidation/tert-Butoxylation of Aryl Olefins with TBHP

A practical and environmentally friendly protocol for the selective oxidation of aryl olefins to arylethanone derivatives by using a Cu(I) catalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) has been developed. A series of 2-tert-butoxy-1-arylethanones were obtained in moderate to good yields under mild conditions with high selectivity. In this method, TBHP acts not only as an oxidant but also as the tert-butoxy and carbonyl oxygen sources. This enables one-step oxidation/tert-butoxylation. Various allyl peroxides were also synthesized from allyl substrates.

Selective Dehydrogenative Acylation of Enamides with Aldehydes Leading to Valuable β-Ketoenamides

We have presented a unique example of dehydrogenative acylation of enamides with aldehydes enabled by an earth-abundant iron catalyst. The protocol provides the straightforward access to valuable β-ketoenamides with ample substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance. Notably, distinct C-H acylation of enamide rather than at N-H moiety site occurs with absolute Z-selectivity was observed. Late-stage modifications of complex molecules and versatile synthetic utility of β-ketoenamides further highlight the practicability of this transformation.

Heat- or light-induced acylarylation of unactivated alkenes towards 3-(α-acyl) indolines

A heat- or photoredox/iron dual catalysis-enabled rare example of radical acylation across unactivated alkenes with aldehydes.

Acyl Radical Chemistry via Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis

Visible light photoredox catalysis has enabled easy access to acyl radicals under mild reaction conditions. Reactive acyl radicals, generated from various acyl precursors such as aldehydes, α-ketoacids, carboxylic acids, anhydrides, acyl thioesters, acyl chlorides, or acyl silanes, can undergo a diverse range of synthetically useful transformations, which were previously difficult or inaccessible. This review summarizes such recent progress of visible-light-driven acyl radical generation using transition metal photoredox catalysts, metallaphotocatalysts, hypervalent iodine catalysts or organic photocatalysts.

Mn-Catalyzed azidation–peroxidation of alkenes

The azidation–peroxidation of alkenes is developed in the presence of a manganese catalyst.

Metal-free decarbonylative alkylation-aminoxidation of styrene derivatives with aliphatic aldehydes and N-hydroxyphthalimide

A convenient metal-free decarbonylative alkylation-aminoxidation of styrene derivatives with aliphatic aldehydes and N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) to yield phthalimide protected alkoxyamines is developed. With DTBP as an oxidant and radical-initiator, this reaction smoothly converts aliphatic aldehydes into alkyl radicals and subsequently allows the cascade construction of C(sp³)-C(sp³) and C(sp³)-O bonds via radical-radical coupling.

Photocatalysis in organic and polymer synthesis

This review, with over 600 references, summarizes the recent applications of photoredox catalysis for organic transformation and polymer synthesis. Photoredox catalysts are metallo- or organo-compounds capable of absorbing visible light, resulting in an excited state species. This excited state species can donate or accept an electron from other substrates to mediate redox reactions at ambient temperature with high atom efficiency. These catalysts have been successfully implemented for the discovery of novel organic reactions and synthesis of added-value chemicals with an excellent control of selectivity and stereo-regularity. More recently, such catalysts have been implemented by polymer chemists to post-modify polymers in high yields, as well as to effectively catalyze reversible deactivation radical polymerizations and living polymerizations. These catalysts create new approaches for advanced organic transformation and polymer synthesis. The objective of this review is to give an overview of this emerging field to organic and polymer chemists as well as materials scientists.

Tetra-n-butylammonium bromide (TBAB)-initiated carbonylation–peroxidation of styrene derivatives with aldehydes and hydroperoxides

Tetra-n-butylammonium bromide (TBAB)-catalyzed carbonylation–peroxidation of styrene derivatives is described, which allows for the synthesis of β-peroxy ketones under mild conditions.

Direct Aldehyde Csp2 -H Functionalization through Visible-Light-Mediated Photoredox Catalysis

The development of methods for carbon-carbon bond formation under benign conditions is an ongoing challenge for synthetic chemists. In recent years there has been considerable interest in using selective C-H activation as a direct route for generating reactive intermediates. Herein, the use of visible-light-mediated dual photoredox organocatalysis as a mild and effective method for Csp2 -H activation of aldehydes is reported, resulting in the generation of acyl radicals. These nucleophilic acyl radical species can undergo either addition to electrophilic alkenes or nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions to provide a quick access to broad range of unsymmetrical ketones, which are abundantly found in many organic building blocks.

Alkynylation of Csp2 (O)-H Bonds Enabled by Photoredox-Mediated Hydrogen-Atom Transfer

The development of new hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) strategies within the framework of photoredox catalysis is highly appealing for its power to activate a desired C-H bond in the substrate leading to its selective functionalization. Reported here is the first photoredox-mediated hydrogen-atom transfer method for the efficient synthesis of ynones, ynamides, and ynoates with high regio- and chemoselectivity by direct functionalization of Csp2 (O)-H bonds. The broad synthetic application of this method has been demonstrated by the selective functionalization of C(O)-H bonds within complex molecular scaffolds.