Site- and Regioselective Monoalkenylation of Pyrroles with Alkynes via Cp*CoIII Catalysis

Recent Advances in Transition-Metal-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization of Ferrocene Amides

During the past decades, in synthetic organic chemistry, directing-group-assisted C-H functionalization is found to be a key tool for the expedient and site-selective construction of C-C and hybrid bonds. Among C-H functionalization of ferrocene derivatives, the directed group strategy is undoubtedly the most commonly used method. Compared to the other directing groups, ferrocene amides can be synthesized easily and are now recognized as one of the most efficient devices for the selective functionalization of certain positions because its metal centre permits fine, tuneable and reversible coordination. The family of amide directing groups mainly comprises monodentate and bidentate directing groups, which are categorized on the basis of coordination sites. In this review, various C-H bond functionalization reactions of ferrocene using amide directing groups are broadly discussed.

C-H bond activation and sequential addition to two different coupling partners: a versatile approach to molecular complexity

Sequential multicomponent C-H bond addition is a powerful approach for the rapid, modular generation of molecular complexity in a single reaction. In this approach, C-H bonds are typically added across π-bonds or π-bond isosteres, followed by subsequent coupling to another type of functionality, thereby forming two σ-bonds in a single reaction sequence. Many sequential C-H bond addition reactions have been developed to date, including additions across both conjugated and isolated π-systems followed by coupling with reactants such as carbonyl compounds, cyanating reagents, aminating reagents, halogenating reagents, oxygenating reagents, and alkylating reagents. These atom-economical reactions transform ubiquitous C-H bonds under mild conditions to more complex structures with a high level of regiochemical and stereochemical control. Surprising connectivities and diverse mechanisms have been elucidated in the development of these reactions. Given the large number of possible combinations of coupling partners, there are enormous opportunities for the discovery of new sequential C-H bond addition reactions.

Copper-catalyzed C-H/N-H annulation of enaminones and alkynyl esters for densely substituted pyrrole synthesis

Herein, the copper-catalyzed annulation of enaminones with alkynyl esters for the facile synthesis of different pyrroles with a 2,3,4,5-tetrasubstituted structure has been developed. With Cu(OAc)₂ as the only catalyst, the tunable synthesis of 2-vinyl and 2,3-dicarboxyl-functionalized pyrroles has been achieved by using terminal and internal alkynyl esters, respectively. The synthesis of 2-vinyl pyrroles represents the first example accessing 2-vinyl substituted pyrroles via direct cascade reactions involving vinylation and pyrrole ring formation.

Cobalt-catalysed acyl silane directed ortho C–H functionalisation of benzoyl silanes

Acyl silanes can be engaged as weakly coordinating directing groups in cobalt catalysed C–H functionalisation reactions to prepare benzoyl silanes that are highly amenable to subsequent synthetic manipulations yet inaccessible via existing methods.

Nonstoichiometric hydroarylation polyaddition for synthesis of pyrrole-based poly(arylenevinylene)s

Nonstoichiometric polyaddition via the Co-catalyzed hydroarylation of diyne monomers with excess 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)pyrrole was demonstrated.

Recent Advances in the High-Valent Cobalt-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization of N-Heterocycles

Direct functionalization of heterocycles using C-H activation widely relies on the precious metal complexes. In past decade, the use of earth abundant and inexpensive transition metal to functionalize heterocycles has become an attractive alternate strategy. This concept is also interesting due to the unique reactivity pattern of these inexpensive metals. In this context we and other research groups have utilized the high-valent cobalt complexes as an inexpensive and readily available catalyst for the functionalization of heterocycles. In this review, we intend to brief recent progress made in the area of high-valent cobalt complexes catalyzed C-H functionalization of N-containing heterocycles.

Ir-Catalyzed Enantioselective Formal C-H Conjugate Addition of Pyrrole and Indoles to α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds

The chiral Ir(I)-catalyzed intermolecular reaction of N-carbamoylpyrrole and indole derivatives with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds such as crotonates proceeded with high enantioselectivity. The obtained chirally functionalized pyrroles and indoles are formal C-H conjugate adducts. The reaction mechanism was studied by deuterium labeling experiments.

Cobalt(III)-Catalyzed C-6 Alkenylation of 2-Pyridones by Using Terminal Alkyne with High Regioselectivity

Co(III)-catalyzed alkenylation of 2-pyridones by using terminal alkyne as a reaction partner with high regioselectivity has been demonstrated for the first time. The reaction conditions are mild and compatible with a wide range of substrate combinations. It also shows good functional group tolerance. It proceeds through cyclometalation followed by alkyne insertion and protodemetalation steps. The formation of five- and seven-membered cobaltacycle intermediates was also detected through high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Cp*CoIII-Catalyzed C(7)-H Bond Annulation of Indolines with Alkynes

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of biologically essential pyrroloquinolinones has been developed under Cp*Co^III catalysis, which involves a cascade reaction of C(7)-H alkenylation with alkynes followed by nucleophilic addition. A wide variety of internal alkynes including enyne, diyne, and ynamide and more challenging terminal alkynes were successfully employed for the annulation in good to excellent yield with high regioselectivity.

Synthesis of Pyrrole-Based Poly(arylenevinylene)s via Co-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Alkynes

Polyaddition via the Co-catalyzed hydroarylation of 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)pyrrole with aromatic diynes affords poly(arylenevinylene)s under mild conditions. This reaction avoids production of stoichiometric amounts of by-products. Although structural analysis of the obtained polymers reveals the presence of 1,1-vinylidene unit, switching the counter anion of the Co catalyst and steric hindrance of the diyne monomers improves the regioselectivity of the polymers. When a catalyst with bulky counter anions is used for the reaction of less hindered diyne monomers, 1,2-vinylene linkages are formed dominantly over 1,1-vinylidene linkages (93:7). The effect of the regioselectivity of the polymer on the optical and semiconducting properties is also evaluated.

O-Directed C-H functionalization via cobaltacycles: a sustainable approach for C-C and C-heteroatom bond formations

This review focuses on providing comprehensive highlights of the recent advances in the field of cobalt-catalysed C-H functionalization and related synthetic concepts, relying on these through oxygen atom coordination. In recent years, 3d transition metal (Fe, Co, Cu & Ni) catalysed C-H functionalization reactions have received immense attention on account of its higher abundance and low cost, as compared to noble metals such as Ir, Rh, Ru and Pd. Among the first-row transition metals, cobalt is one of the extensively used metals for sustainable synthesis due to its unique reactivity towards the functionalization of inert C-H bonds. The functionalization of the inert C-H bond necessitates a proximal directing group. In this context, strongly coordinating nitrogen atom directed C-H functionalizations have been well explored. Nevertheless, strongly coordinating nitrogen-containing scaffolds, such as pyridine, pyrimidine, and 8-aminoquinoline, have to be installed and removed in a separate process. In contrast, C-H functionalizations through weakly coordinating atoms, such as oxygen, are largely underdeveloped. Since the oxygen atom is a part of many readily available functional groups, such as aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters, it could be used as directing groups for selective C-H functionalization reactions without any modification. Thus, the use of 3d transition metals, such as cobalt, along with weakly coordinating (oxygen) directing groups for C-H functionalization reactions are more sustainable, especially for the large-scale production of pharmaceuticals in industries. During the last decade, notable progress has been made using this concept. Nonetheless, almost all the reports are restricted to the formation of C-C and C-N bond. Therefore, there is a wide scope for developing this area for the formation of other bonds, such as C-X (halogens), C-B, C-S, and C-Se.

Metal-Free Directed C-H Borylation of Pyrroles

Robust strategies to enable the rapid construction of complex organoboronates in selective, practical, low-cost, and environmentally friendly modes remain conspicuously underdeveloped. Here, we develop a general strategy for the site-selective C-H borylation of pyrroles by using only BBr₃ directed by pivaloyl groups, avoiding the use of any metal. The site-selectivity is generally dominated by chelation and electronic effects, thus forming diverse C2-borylated pyrroles against the steric effect. The formed products can readily engage in downstream transformations, enabling a step-economic process to access drugs such as Lipitor. DFT calculations (wB97X-D) demonstrate the preferred positional selectivity of this reaction.

N-Acyl pyrroles: chemoselective pyrrole dance vs. C–H functionalization/aroylation of toluenes

Chemoselectivity is one of the most challenging issues facing the chemical sciences.

Cobalt(ii)-catalyzed hydroarylation of 1,3-diynes and internal alkynes with picolinamides promoted by alcohol

The Co(ii)-catalyzed selective C-H alkenylation of picolinamides with 1,3-diynes has been developed. This protocol can be applied to a variety of 1,3-diynes. In addition, both symmetrical and unsymmetrical internal alkynes were well tolerated, affording the corresponding alkenyl arenes. Moreover, control experiments indicated that C-H bond cleavage may be involved in the rate-determining step. Furthermore, a deuterium incorporation product was achieved when deuterated alcohol was employed as the solvent, which suggested that alcohol was essential for the final protonolysis.

Cp*Co(III)-Catalyzed C-H Hydroarylation of Alkynes and Alkenes and Beyond: A Versatile Synthetic Tool

The use of earth-abundant first-row transition metals, such as cobalt, in C-H activation reactions for the construction and functionalization of a wide variety of structures has become a central topic in synthetic chemistry over the last few years. In this context, the emergence of cobalt catalysts bearing pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligands (Cp*) has had a major impact on the development of synthetic methodologies. Cp*Co(III) complexes have been proven to possess unique reactivity compared, for example, to their Rh(III) counterparts, obtaining improved chemo- or regioselectivities, as well as yielding new reactivities. This perspective is focused on recent advances on the alkylation and alkenylation reactions of (hetero)arenes with alkenes and alkynes under Cp*Co(III) catalysis.

Cobalt(III)-Catalyzed Diastereoselective Three-Component C-H Bond Addition to Butadiene and Activated Ketones

A highly diastereoselective three-component C-H bond addition across butadiene and activated ketones is described. This transformation provides homoallylic tertiary alcohols through the formation of two C-C σ bonds and with complete selectivity for an E-alkene isomer. The reaction exhibits good scope with respect to activated ketone inputs, including highly strained cyclic and electron-deficient cyclic and acyclic ketones. Additionally, high diastereoselectivities were achieved for alcohols prepared from unsymmetrical ketones.

Iridium-catalyzed, ligand-controlled directed alkynylation and alkenylation of arenes with terminal alkynes

We report iridium-catalyzed C–C formation between benzamides and terminal alkynes.

N-Iminopyridinium ylide-directed, cobalt-catalysed coupling of sp2 C-H bonds with alkynes

N-Iminopyridinium ylides are competent monodentate directing groups for cobalt-catalysed annulation of sp2 C-H bonds with internal alkynes. The pyridine moiety in the ylide serves as an internal oxidant and is cleaved during the reaction. The annulation reactions possess excellent compatibility with heterocyclic substrates, tolerating furan, thiophene, pyridine, pyrrole, pyrazole, and indole functionalities.

Palladium-NHC-Catalyzed Allylic Alkylation of Pronucleophiles with Alkynes

The palladium-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed allylic alkylation of various pronucleophiles with alkynes has been accomplished under mild conditions. The protocol exhibits broad functional group compatibility and high atom economy. Moreover, the catalytic process avoids the use of external oxidants and acid as additives.

Synthesis of Homoallylic Alcohols with Acyclic Quaternary Centers through CoIII -Catalyzed Three-Component C-H Bond Addition to Internally Substituted Dienes and Carbonyls

An efficient Co^III -catalyzed three-component strategy to prepare homoallylic alcohols containing acyclic quaternary centers is disclosed. This transformation enables the introduction of two C-C σ bonds through C-H bond activation and sequential addition to internally substituted dienes and a wide range of aldehydes and activated ketones. Isoprene and other internally monosubstituted dienes are effective inputs, with the reaction proceeding with high diastereoselectivity for those substrate combinations that result in more than one stereogenic center. Moreover, the opposite relative stereochemistry can be achieved by employing 1,2-disubstituted dienes. A mechanism for the transformation is proposed based upon the relative stereochemistry of the products and studies with isotopically labeled starting materials.

Recent advances in cobalt-catalysed C–H functionalizations

Ready availability, low cost and low toxicity of cobalt salts have redirected the attention of researchers away from noble metals, such as Pd, Rh, and Ir, towards Co in the field of C–H functionalisation.

3d Transition Metals for C-H Activation

C-H activation has surfaced as an increasingly powerful tool for molecular sciences, with notable applications to material sciences, crop protection, drug discovery, and pharmaceutical industries, among others. Despite major advances, the vast majority of these C-H functionalizations required precious 4d or 5d transition metal catalysts. Given the cost-effective and sustainable nature of earth-abundant first row transition metals, the development of less toxic, inexpensive 3d metal catalysts for C-H activation has gained considerable recent momentum as a significantly more environmentally-benign and economically-attractive alternative. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview on first row transition metal catalysts for C-H activation until summer 2018.

Hydroarylations by cobalt-catalyzed C-H activation

As an earth-abundant first-row transition metal, cobalt catalysts offer a broad range of economical methods for organic transformations via C–H activation. One of the transformations is the addition of C–H to C–X multiple bonds to afford alkylation, alkenation, amidation, and cyclization products using low- or high-valent cobalt catalysts. This hydroarylation is an efficient approach to build new C–C bonds in a 100% atom-economical manner. In this review, the recent developments of Co-catalyzed hydroarylation reactions and their mechanistic studies are summarized.

C-H functionalization by high-valent Cp*Co(iii) catalysis

Significant progress has been accomplished in directed C-H functionalization through the use of earth-abundant and inexpensive first-row transition metals. Among these base metals, Co is especially attractive in view of its versatile applications in C-H functionalization, in both low- and high-valent states. In this vein, catalytic Co(iii) species can be generated from the dissociation of a Cp*Co(iii) catalyst or through the oxidation of a low-valent cobalt catalyst in the presence of an oxidant. In this feature article, we will discuss the breakthroughs in Cp*Co(iii)-promoted C-H functionalization. In this field, C(sp²)-H functionalization has been extensively studied and developed. In contrast, few C(sp³)-H functionalization reactions have been reported.

Regioselective C5 alkenylation of 2-acylpyrroles via Pd(ii)-catalyzed C–H bond activation

A Pd(ii)-catalyzed regioselective C5 alkenylation of 2-acylpyrroles to synthesize various C5-alkenylated 2-acylpyrroles using a readily removable N-protecting group is developed.