Rh(III)-Catalyzed Synthesis of N-Unprotected Indoles from Imidamides and Diazo Ketoesters via C–H Activation and C–C/C–N Bond Cleavage

Recent approaches for the synthesis of heterocycles from amidines via a metal catalyzed C-H functionalization reaction

Transition metal catalyzed C-H bond activation has become one of the most important tools for constructing new chemical bonds. Introducing directing groups to the substrates is the key to a successful reaction, these directing groups can also be further transformed in the reaction. Amidines with their unique structure and reactivity are ideal substrates for transition metal-catalyzed C-H transformations. This review describes the major advances and mechanistic investigations of the C-H activation/annulation tandem reactions of amidines until early 2024, focusing on metal-catalyzed C-H activation of amidines with unsaturated compounds, such as alkynes, ketone, vinylene carbonate, cyclopropanols and their derivatives. Meanwhile this manuscript also explores the reaction of amidines with different carbene precursors, for example diazo compounds, azide, triazoles, pyriodotriazoles, and sulfoxonium ylides as well as their own C-H bond activation/cyclization reactions. A bright outlook is provided at the end of the manuscript.

K2CO3-mediated annulation of 1,3-acetonedicarboxylates with 2-fluoro-1-nitroarenes: synthesis of indoles

The K2CO3-mediated one-pot reaction of 1,3-acetonedicarboxylates with 2 equiv. of substituted 2-fluoro-1-nitrobenzenes has been developed to synthesize various 2,3-dicarboxylate indoles via a tandem annulation pathway. In the effective reaction, one carbon-carbon double bond, one carbon-carbon single bond and one carbon-nitrogen single bond are formed under open-vessel conditions. DFT calculations are used to rationalize the plausible mechanisms.

Base Metal-Controlled Chemodivergent Cyclization of Propargylamines for the Atom-Economic Synthesis of Nitrogen Heterocycles

Herein, a base metal-enabled chemodivergent cyclization of propargylamines for the atom-economic construction of nitrogen heterocycles has been developed. Due to the different modes of activation of metal to propargylamine, copper-catalyzed 6-endo-dig cyclization generates functionalized 2-substitued quinoline-4-carboxylates, while iron-promoted cascade amino Claisen rearrangement, aromatization, and aza-Michael addition afford diverse 2-substituted indole-3-carboxylate derivatives. Excellent selectivity, broad functional group tolerance, mild conditions, and flexible late-stage functionalization illustrate the high efficiency and synthetic utility of this chemodivergent reaction.

Synthesis of Spiro[benzo[d][1,3]oxazine-4,4'-isoquinoline]s via [4+1+1] Annulation of N-Aryl Amidines with Diazo Homophthalimides and O2

Synthesis of spiro[benzo[d][1,3]oxazine-4,4'-isoquinoline]s through a unique [4+1+1] annulation of N-aryl amidines with diazo homophthalimides and O₂ is presented. This unprecedented spirocyclization reaction features readily obtainable substrates, structurally and pharmaceutically attractive products, a cost-free and clean oxygen source, sustainable reaction medium, tolerance of a broad spectrum of functional groups, and an interesting reaction mechanism based on sequential C(sp²)-H/C(sp³)-H bond cleavage and oxygen insertion.

Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H bond activation/annulation reactions of arylacyl ammonium salts with 4-diazoisochroman-3-imines and 4-diazoisoquinolin-3-ones

We report a C-H bond functionalization strategy for the construction of oxo- and aza-spirocyclic compounds from diazo compounds as coupling partners. Our method comprises ortho sp2 C-H bond activation of...

Cobalt-catalyzed C(sp3)-H bond functionalization to access indole derivatives

Herein, we develop an efficient method of cobalt-catalyzed C(sp3)-H bond functionalization to synthesize indole derivatives. The highlight of this protocol is accomplished by the sequential C-H activation. This “cobalt/ organic...

Manganese-Catalyzed [4 + 2] Annulation of N-H Amidines with Vinylene Carbonate via C-H Activation

Manganese-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization of aryl amidines for the synthesis of 1-aminoisoquinolines in the presence of vinylene carbonate has been developed. The reaction features a broad substrate scope and proceeds under mild reaction conditions with only the carbonate anion as the byproduct.

Transition-Metal-Catalyzed C-H Bond Functionalization of Arenes/Heteroarenes via Tandem C-H Activation and Subsequent Carbene Migratory Insertion Strategy

The past decade has witnessed tremendous developments in transition-metal-catalyzed C-H bond activation and subsequent carbene migratory insertion reactions, thus assisting in the construction of diverse arene/heteroarene scaffolds. Various transition-metal catalysts serve this purpose and provide efficient pathways for an easy access to substituted heterocycles. A brief introduction to metal-carbenes has been provided along with key mechanistic pathways underlying the coupling reactions. The purpose of this review is to provide a concise knowledge about diverse directing group-assisted coupling of varied arenes/heteroarenes and acceptor-acceptor/donor-acceptor diazo compounds. The review also highlights the synthesis of various carbocycles and fused heterocycles through diazo insertion pathways, via C-C, C-N and C-O bond forming reactions. The mechanism usually involves a C-H activation process, followed by diazo insertion leading to subsequent coupling.

Straightforward Construction and Functionalizations of Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles Through Migratory Insertion of Metal-Carbenes/Nitrenes

Nitrogen-containing heterocycles are widely found in various biologically active substrates, pharmaceuticals, natural products and organic materials. Consequently, the continuous effort has been devoted towards the development of straightforward, economical, environmentally acceptable, efficient and ingenious methods for the synthesis of various N-containing heterocycles and their functionalizations. Arguably, one of the most prominent direct strategy is regioselective C-H bond functionalizations which provide the step and atom economical approaches in the presence of suitable coupling partners. In this context, site-selective migratory insertion of metal carbenes/nitrenes to the desired C-H bonds has proven as a useful tool to access various functionalized nitrogen heterocycles. In this personal account, we highlight some of our contemporary development toward constructing N-containing heterocycles and their direct functionalizations via transition metal catalysed C-H bond functionalizations based on migratory insertion of metal-carbenes and nitrenes.

Synthesis of 3-spirooxindole 3H-indoles through Rh(iii)-catalyzed [4 + 1] redox-neutral spirocyclization of N-aryl amidines with diazo oxindoles

Presented herein is a novel synthesis of 3-spirooxindole 3H-indoles via the coupling and spirocyclization of N-aryl amidines with diazo oxindoles.

Synthesis of N-acylbenzimidazoles through [4 + 1] annulation of N-arylpivalimidamides with dioxazolones

Presented herein is a novel and efficient synthesis of N-acylbenzimidazoles through an unprecedented [4 + 1] annulation of N-arylpivalimidamides with dioxazolones.

Synthesis of 1,3-Benzodiazepines through [5 + 2] Annulation of N-Aryl Amidines with Propargylic Esters

In this paper, an efficient synthesis of functionalized 1,3-benzodiazepines through an unprecedented [5 + 2] annulation of N-aryl amidines with propargylic esters is presented. The reactions proceed through Rh(III)-catalyzed C(sp²)-H alkenylation followed by annulation and deacetoxylation along with cascade C-H/N-H/C-O bond cleavage and C-C/C-N bond formation. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of selected products against several human cancer cell lines was tested, which demonstrated their good potential for pharmaceutical applications.

Iridium(III)-Catalyzed Tandem Annulation of Pyridine-Substituted Anilines and α-Cl Ketones for Obtaining 2-Arylindoles

A facile and expeditious protocol for the synthesis of 2-arylindole compounds from readily available N-(2-pyridyl)anilines and commercially available α-Cl ketones through iridium-catalyzed C-H activation and cyclization is reported here. As a complementary approach to the conventional strategies for indole synthesis, the transformation exhibits powerful reactivity, tolerates a large number of functional groups, and proceeds with good to excellent yields under mild conditions, providing a straightforward method to obtain structurally diverse and valuable indole scaffolds. Furthermore, the reaction could be easily scaled up to gram scale.

Copper-promoted cyanoalkylation/ring-expansion of vinylcyclopropanes with α-C-H bonds in alkylnitriles toward 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes

A copper-promoted oxidative cyanomethylation/ring-expansion of vinylcyclopropanes with α-C(sp3)-H bonds in alkyl nitriles is established for the generation of 1-cyanoethylated 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes. This cyanomethylation/ring-expansion involves a radical pathway and proceeds via cyanomethyl radical formation, radical addition and ring-expansion. This ring-expansion strategy offers a highly atom-economical route for the construction of nitrile-containing 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes, which can be transformed into other useful products under simple conditions.

RhIII -Catalyzed C-H Activation of Aryl Hydroxamates for the Synthesis of Isoindolinones

RhIII -catalyzed C-H functionalization reaction yielding isoindolinones from aryl hydroxamates and ortho-substituted styrenes is reported. The reaction proceeds smoothly under mild conditions at room temperature, and tolerates a range of functional groups. Experimental and computational investigations support that the high regioselectivity observed for these substrates results from the presence of an ortho-substituent embedded in the styrene. The resulting isoindolinones are valuable building blocks for the synthesis of bioactive compounds. They provide easy access to the natural-product-like compounds, isoindolobenzazepines, in a one-pot two-step reaction. Selected isoindolinones inhibited Hedgehog (Hh)-dependent differentiation of multipotent murine mesenchymal progenitor stem cells into osteoblasts.

A removable directing group-assisted Rh(iii)-catalyzed direct C–H bond activation/annulation cascade to synthesize highly fused isoquinolines

A removable directing group-assisted Rh(iii)-catalyzed direct C–H bond activation/annulation cascade was developed to synthesize highly fused isoquinolines with good to excellent yields and a good functional group tolerance.

Specific Synthesis of 3H-Indole Derivatives via Rh(III)-Catalyzed Cascade Annulation between N-Phenylbenzimidamides and Pyridotriazoles

An efficient synthetic method to construct 3H-indole derivatives has been successfully developed involving rhodium-catalyzed highly selective C-H bond activation of N-phenylbenzimidamides and subsequent couplings with pyridotriazoles. This cascade approach features excellent chemoselectivity and unique of products containing quaternary carbon center with the pyridyl moiety.

Synthesis of 2-Arylindoles by Rhodium-Catalyzed/Copper-Mediated Annulative Coupling of N-Aryl-2-aminopyridines and Propargyl Alcohols via Selective C-H/C-C Activation

A versatile rhodium-catalyzed/copper-mediated C-H/C-C activation and cascade annulation reaction was described to form 2-arylindole derivatives. Highly selective C-C bond cleavage of γ-substituted tert-propargyl alcohols occurred, together with pyridine-directed ortho C(sp²)-H bond activation, affording a series of 2-arylindoles with yields up to 90%. Subsequent derivations were smoothly conducted to access polyfunctionalized 2-arylindoles, illustrating the potential applications of this method.

Stereoselective β-F Elimination Enabled Redox-Neutral [4 + 1] Annulation via Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Activation: Access to Z-Monofluoroalkenyl Dihydrobenzo[ d]isoxazole Framework

An efficient and practical Rh(III)-catalyzed redox-neutral [4 + 1] annulation of N-phenoxy amides with α, α-difluoromethylene alkynes has been realized to give direct access to the Z-configured monofluoroalkenyl dihydrobenzo[ d]isoxazole framework with broad substrate compatibility and good functional group tolerance, which was further enhanced by the late-stage C-H modification of complex bioactive compounds. Subsequent density functional theory calculations revealed that the stereoselective β-F elimination involving an allene species played a decisive role in determining the reaction outcome and such Z-selectivity.

Rh(iii)-Catalyzed dual C-H functionalization of 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-oxopropanenitriles with sulfoxonium ylides or diazo compounds toward polysubstituted carbazoles

A rhodium-catalyzed annulation of 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-3-oxopropanenitriles with sulfoxonium ylides or diazo compounds has been developed, leading to a series of polysubstituted carbazoles in moderate to good yields. This procedure proceeded with formal Rh(iii)-catalyzed (4 + 2) cycloaddition, with the functionalization of 2-C-H bonds of indole in a step-economical procedure. Additionally, this reaction could also be conducted under acidic conditions when diazo compounds were employed as the reaction partners, which was a complement to the annulation of sulfoxonium ylides under weak basic conditions.

Ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed selective C–H bond activation of imidamides and coupling with sulfoxonium ylides: an efficient approach for the synthesis of highly functional 3-ketoindoles

Ruthenium-catalyzed selective C–H bond activation of imidamides and annulation of sulfoxonium ylides were achieved, which afforded a series of 3-ketoindole derivatives in good yields, with good functional group compatibility.

Synthesis of 1-aminoindole derivatives via Rh(iii)-catalyzed annulation reactions of hydrazines with sulfoxonium ylides

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed C–H functionalization followed by intramolecular annulation reactions between hydrazines and sulfoxonium ylides is described.

Direct synthesis of 8-acylated quinoline N-oxidesviapalladium-catalyzed selective C–H activation and C(sp2)–C(sp2) cleavage

An efficient method for the synthesis of 8-acylated quinoline N-oxides from the reaction of quinoline N-oxides with α-diketonesviaC–C bond cleavage was developed. A variety of quinoline N-oxides and α-diketones with different groups was well tolerated in this system.

Construction of pyrazolone analogues via rhodium-catalyzed C–H activation from pyrazolones and non-activated free allyl alcohols

Highly efficient rhodium(iii) catalysis was developed for obtaining structurally divergent pyrazolone analogues from pyrazolones and non-activated free allyl alcohols.

Highly selective C–H bond activation of N-arylbenzimidamide and divergent couplings with diazophosphonate compounds: a catalyst-controlled selective synthetic strategy for 3-phosphorylindoles and 4-phosphorylisoquinolines

A highly efficient synthetic strategy to construct 3-phosphorylindole and 4-phosphorylisoquinoline was achieved.

Synthesis of indoles and quinazolines via additive-controlled selective C–H activation/annulation of N-arylamidines and sulfoxonium ylides

Selective synthesis of indoles and quinazolines was achieved through a precise control of C–H activation/annulation by changing additives.

Recent Progress in the Transition Metal Catalyzed Synthesis of Indoles

Indole is the most frequently found heterocyclic core structures in pharmaceuticals, natural products, agrochemicals, dyes and fragrances. For about 150 years, chemists were absorbed in finding new and easier synthetic strategies to build this nucleus. Many books and reviews have been written, but the number of new syntheses that appear in the literature, make necessary continuous updates. This reviews aims to give a comprehensive overview on indole synthesis catalyzed by transition metals appeared in the literature in the years 2016 and 2017.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation of Isoquinolones with Diazoketoesters Featuring an in Situ Deacylation: Synthesis of Isoindoloisoquinolones and Their Transformation to Rosettacin Analogues

A novel and practical procedure for the preparation of isoindolo[2,1- b]isoquinoline-7-carboxylate derivatives through a Rh(III)-catalyzed oxidative [4 + 1] cycloaddition of isoquinolones with diazoketoesters followed by an in situ deacylation reaction is disclosed. Intriguingly, the title compounds could be easily converted into isoindolo[2,1- b]isoquinolin-5(7 H)-ones via de-esterification, which are rosettacin analogues and frequently found in various natural alkaloids and synthetic drug molecules.