Silver-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Alkynylation of α,α-Difluoroarylacetic Acids with Ethynylbenziodoxolone Reagents

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.

Azido-alkynylation of alkenes through radical-polar crossover

We report an azido-alkynylation of alkenes allowing a straightforward access to homopropargylic azides by combining hypervalent iodine reagents and alkynyl-trifluoroborate salts. The design of a photocatalytic redox-neutral radical polar crossover process was key to develop this transformation. A variety of homopropargylic azides possessing electron-rich and -poor aryls, heterocycles or ether substituents could be accessed in 34-84% yield. The products are synthetically useful building blocks that could be easily transformed into pyrroles or bioactive amines.

Metal-free electrochemistry promoted radical cascade cyclization to access CF3-containing benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones

Using CF3SO2Na as the CF3 radical source, an eco-friendly approach for electrochemistry-mediated radical cascade cyclization of N-methacryloyl-2-phenylbenzoimidazoles was described. This reaction features mild reaction conditions, readily available substrates, and moderate to good yields through the construction of two C-C bonds in one step.

Silver-Promoted Radical Cascade Aryldifluoromethylation/Cyclization of 2-Allyloxybenzaldehydes for the Synthesis of 3-Aryldifluoromethyl-Containing Chroman-4-one Derivatives

A convenient silver-promoted radical cascade aryldifluoromethylation/cyclization of 2-allyloxybenzaldehydes has been developed. Experimental studies disclosed that the addition of aryldifluoromethyl radicals in situ produced from easily accessible gem-difluoroarylacetic acids to unactivated double bonds in 2-allyloxybenzaldehyde was an effective route to access a series of 3-aryldifluoromethyl-containing chroman-4-one derivatives in moderate to good yields under mild reaction conditions.

Defluoroalkylation of Trifluoromethylarenes with Hydrazones: Rapid Access to Benzylic Difluoroarylethylamines

Here, we report an efficient and modular approach toward the formation of difluorinated arylethylamines from simple aldehyde-derived N,N-dialkylhydrazones and trifluoromethylarenes (CF₃-arenes). This method relies on selective C-F bond cleavage via reduction of the CF₃-arene. We show that a diverse set of CF₃-arenes and CF₃-heteroarenes react smoothly with a range of aryl and alkyl hydrazones. The β-difluorobenzylic hydrazine product can be selectively cleaved to form the corresponding benzylic difluoroarylethylamines.

Synthesis of Alkyl Fluorides and Fluorinated Unnatural Amino Acids via Photochemical Decarboxylation of α-Fluorinated Carboxylic Acids

Leveraging α-fluoroalkyl or fluorobenzyl radicals to introduce fluorinated motifs allows for the rapid preparation of fluorine-containing building blocks. Herein, we report the generation of α-fluoroalkyl or fluorobenzyl radicals from readily available α-fluorocarboxylic acids under mild reaction conditions and their utilization in the Giese-type addition on Michael acceptors and dehydroamino acids, resulting in the preparation of mono- and difluorinated Michael addition adducts and unnatural fluorinated amino acids.

Transition-metal-free radical difluorobenzylation/cyclization of unactivated alkenes: access to ArCF2-substituted ring-fused quinazolinones

A mild and efficient transition-metal-free radical difluorobenzylation/cyclization of unactivated alkenes toward the synthesis of difluorobenzylated polycyclic quinazolinone derivatives with easily accessible α,α-difluoroarylacetic acids has been developed. This transformation has the advantages of wide functional group compatibility, a broad substrate scope, and operational simplicity. This methodology provided a highly attractive access to pharmaceutically valuable ArCF₂-containing polycyclic quinazolinones.

Remote Selective Decarboxylative Difluoroarylmethylation of 8-Aminoquinolines under Transition Metal-Free Conditions

A facile transition metal-free decarboxylative C4 selective C-H difluoroarylmethylation of 8-aminoquinolines has been developed. This strategy proceeds under simple aqueous conditions and displays a broad substrate scope and excellent functional...

K2S2O8-Mediated Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Pyrroles via Oxidative Self-Dimerization of N-Propargylamines

An efficient methodology has been developed for the synthesis of tetra- and pentasubstituted pyrroles via oxidative self-dimerization of N-propargylamines catalyzed by silver benzoate in the presence of K₂S₂O₈ in good yields. The protocol provides a simple route for the synthesis of both tetra- and pentasubstituted pyrroles with two carbonyl groups in the side chain. The methodology can be extended toward the synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyridazine.

Metal-free, oxidative decarboxylation of aryldifluoroacetic acid with the formation of the ArS-CF2 bond

A metal-free, oxidative decarboxylative reaction of aryldifluoroacetic acids with diaryl disulfides or thiols under mild reaction conditions has been developed. This is an efficient and straightforward radical cross-coupling method for the synthesis of diverse aryldifluoromethylthio ethers in moderate to excellent yields.

Wonderful fusion of organofluorine chemistry and decarboxylation strategy

Decarboxylation strategy has been emerging as a powerful tool for the synthesis of fluorine-containing organic compounds that play important roles in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials science. Considerable progress in decarboxylation has been made over the past decade towards the construction of diverse valuable fluorinated fine chemicals for which the fluorinated part can be brought in two ways. The first way is described as the reaction of non-fluorinated carboxylic acids (and their derivatives) with fluorinating reagents, as well as fluorine-containing building blocks. The second way is dedicated to the exploration and the use of fluorine-containing carboxylic acids (and their derivatives) in decarboxylative transformations. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the development and applications of decarboxylative radical, nucleophilic and cross-coupling strategies in organofluorine chemistry.

Silver-catalyzed decarboxylative radical allylation of α,α-difluoroarylacetic acids for the construction of CF2-allyl bonds

An efficient silver-catalyzed method of decarboxylative radical allylation of α,α-difluoroarylacetic acids to build CF2-allyl bonds has been developed. Using allylsulfone as an allyl donor, α,α-difluorine substituted arylacetic acids bearing various functional groups are successfully allylated to access a series of 3-(α,α-difluorobenzyl)-1-propylene compounds in moderate to excellent yields in aqueous CH3CN solution under the mild conditions. Experimental studies disclosed that the α-fluorine substitution of arylacetic acid has a great influence on free radical activity and reactivity.

Synthetic applications of α,α-difluoroarylacetic acids and salts via decarboxylative functionalization

α,α-Difluoroarylacetic acids are stable, inexpensive and readily available building blocks which can be used to access various difluoromethylated aryl motifs via decarboxylative functionalization for the formation of carbon–carbon and carbon-heteroatom (F, O, S) bonds.

Silver-catalyzed tandem 5- and 6-endo-cyclizations via concomitant yne-ol-imine activation: selective entry to 2-aryldihydrofuroquinolines

Ag(i)-catalyzed domino imination-intramolecular bi-heterocyclization-aromatization cascade has been developed to construct 2-aryldihydrofuroquinolines from aldehyde and unprotected 4-(2-aminophenyl)but-3-yn-1-ol via tandem 5-endo-dig and 6-endo-trig cyclization.

Silver-catalyzed decarboxylative radical relay difluoroalkylation–carbocyclization: convenient access to CF2-containing quinolinones

A practical Ag-catalyzed formal decarboxylation and radical difluoroalkylation–carbocyclization–hydrolysis route is established to construct a series of structurally diverse CF2-containing N-heterocycles.

Silver(I) Oxide-/DBU-Promoted Synthesis of Dihydrofuran Units through Allenyl Silver Formation

A formal [3+2] cyclization mediated by silver(I) oxide and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) is described herein. Through a broad variety of carbonyl compounds, this system can promote cyclization reactions with high yield (up to 85 %) and diastereoselectivity (up to 95:5) for a straightforward access to complex and congested dihydrofuran derivatives in one step under mild conditions. Based on DFT studies, the proposed mechanism would involve an allenyl silver intermediate.

Fe(III)-Catalyzed Decarboxylative C3-Difluoroarylmethylation of Coumarins with α,α-Difluoroarylacetic Acids

A facile Fe(III)-catalyzed oxidative decarboxylative radical coupling reaction of α,α-difluoroarylacetic acids with coumarins has been developed. This transformation, which provides a series of C-3 difluoroarylmethylated coumarins containing various functional groups in moderate-to-good yields, features easily accessible starting materials and operational simplicity.

Photoinitiated decarboxylative C3-difluoroarylmethylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with potassium 2,2-difluoro-2-arylacetates in water

An efficient and green strategy for the preparation of C3-difluoroarylmethylated quinoxalin-2(1H)-one via a visible-light-induced decarboxylative C3-difluoroarylmethylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-one with potassium 2,2-difluoro-2-arylacetate in water at room temperature was developed. This photoinduced reaction generated the desired products in good yields under simple and mild conditions.

Silver-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Allylation of Difluoroarylacetic Acids with Allyl Sulfones in Water

A practical silver-catalyzed decarboxylative allylation of α,α-difluoroarylacetic acids with allyl sulfones is described, which provides a variety of β,β-difluorinated alkenes in good yields. Notably, the reaction proceeds smoothly in water with good functional group tolerance. The practicality and synthetic value of this process was demonstrated by scaled-up experiment and elaboration of the products via reduction or Heck reaction. Primary mechanism investigations suggest that a radical process might be involved.

Ag-Catalyzed minisci C–H difluoromethylarylation of N-heteroarenes

A mild silver-catalyzed decarboxylative C–H difluoromethylarylation of electron-deficient N-heteroarenes.

Alkynylation of radicals: spotlight on the "Third Way" to transfer triple bonds

The alkynylation of radical intermediates has been known since a long time, but had not been broadly applied in synthetic chemistry, in contrast to the alkynylation of either electrophiles or nucleophiles. In the last decade however, it has been intensively investigated leading to new disconnections to introduce versatile triple bonds into organic compounds. Nowadays, such processes are important alternatives to classical nucleophilic and electrophilic alkynylations. Efficient alkyne transfer reagents, in particular arylsulfones and hypervalent iodine reagents were introduced. Direct alkynylation, as well as cascade reactions, were subsequently developed. If relatively harsh conditions were required in the past, a new era began with progress in photoredox and transition metal catalysis. Starting from various radical precursors, alkynylations under very mild reaction conditions were rapidly discovered. This review covers the evolution of radical alkynylation, from its emergence to its current intensive stage of development. It will focus in particular on improvements for the generation of radicals and on the extension of the scope of radical precursors and alkyne sources.

Silver-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Alkylfluorination of Alkenes

A decarboxylation of alkyl carboxylic acids for alkylfluorination of alkene was developed, with the catalysis of silver(I) and Selectfluor as both the oxidant and fluorine source. This reaction is highly chemoselective, producing the decarboxylative alkylfluorination products rather than the competitive fluorination of aliphatic carboxylic acids. This practical transformation proceeds efficiently in aqueous media at room temperature and exhibits a large range of functional-group tolerance in various primary and secondary aliphatic carboxylates and alkenes.

Visible light photocatalytic acyldifluoroalkylation of unactivated alkenes for the direct synthesis of gem-difluorinated ketones

A photoredox-catalyzed alkene acyldifluoroalkylation with difluoroacetic acids for the direct synthesis of gem-difluorinated cyclic ketones is developed.

Transition-metal-free decarboxylative C3-difluoroarylmethylation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with α,α-difluoroarylacetic acids

A facile and efficient transition-metal-free decarboxylative radical coupling reaction of α,α-difluoroarylacetic acids with quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones has been developed under mild conditions.

Photoredox 1,2-dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated alkenes via tandem radical difluoroalkylation and alkynyl migration

Visible-light-mediated tandem radical difluoroalkylation and alkynylation of unactivated alkenes is described. It comprises a mild C–C bond activation via intramolecular 1,4-radical alkynyl migration.

Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Ethyl Bromodifluoroacetate with Aryl Bromides or Triflates and Cross-Coupling of Ethyl Bromofluoroacetate with Aryl Iodides

A palladium-catalyzed Negishi cross-coupling reaction of ethyl bromodifluoroacetate with aryl bromides or aryl triflates to construct C(sp²)-CF₂ bonds is described. The reaction was conducted under mild reaction conditions, and no preparation of organozinc reagents is required. This is the first report encompassing the conversion of aryl triflates into products containing C-CF₂ bonds. In addition, the construction of C(sp²)-CHF bonds was achieved under mild conditions via a cross-coupling of aryl iodides with ethyl bromofluoroacetate.