Direct α-Arylation/Heteroarylation of 2-Trifluoroboratochromanones via Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalysis

Radical C-Glycosylation Using Photoexcitable Unprotected Glycosyl Borate

We have developed radical C-glycosylation using photoexcitable unprotected glycosyl borate. The direct excitation of glycosyl borate under visible light irradiation enabled the generation of anomeric radical without any photoredox catalysts. The in situ generated anomeric radical was applicable to the radical addition such as Giese-type addition and Minisci-type reaction to introduce alkyl and heteroaryl groups at the anomeric position. In addition, the radical-radical coupling between the glycosyl borate and acyl imidazolide provided unprotected acyl C-glycosides.

Photocatalytic Sulfonyl Fluorination of Alkyl Organoboron Substrates

Sulfonyl fluorides are highly versatile molecules for click chemistry that have found applications in many areas of chemistry and biology. Recent chemical approaches have focused on the synthesis of alkyl sulfonyl fluorides from readily available starting materials. Here, we report a photocatalytic synthesis of alkyl sulfonyl fluorides from organotrifluoroborates and boronic acid pinacol esters, which are building blocks commonly employed by medicinal chemists in the synthesis of bioactive molecules. Steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy have confirmed that the absorption of photons by the acridinium catalysts leads to the oxidation of the organotrifluoroborate substrates. The reaction exhibits broad functional group tolerance, which can be attributed to the mild activation with visible light. Importantly, this general approach provides easy access to primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl sulfonyl fluorides.

Photons or Electrons? A Critical Comparison of Electrochemistry and Photoredox Catalysis for Organic Synthesis

Redox processes are at the heart of synthetic methods that rely on either electrochemistry or photoredox catalysis, but how do electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis compare? Both approaches provide access to high energy intermediates (e.g., radicals) that enable bond formations not constrained by the rules of ionic or 2 electron (e) mechanisms. Instead, they enable 1e mechanisms capable of bypassing electronic or steric limitations and protecting group requirements, thus enabling synthetic chemists to disconnect molecules in new and different ways. However, while providing access to similar intermediates, electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis differ in several physical chemistry principles. Understanding those differences can be key to designing new transformations and forging new bond disconnections. This review aims to highlight these differences and similarities between electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis by comparing their underlying physical chemistry principles and describing their impact on electrochemical and photochemical methods.

Domino ring opening and selective O/S-alkylation of cyclic ethers and thioethers

Chemoselective domino ring opening and selective O/S-alkylation of ethers/thioethers over enol C/O alkylation has been observed. Various 2-aryl chromanones/thiochromanones with alkyl/allyl bromides were smoothly converted into the corresponding highly functionalized ethers and thioethers in excellent yields with high selectivity. An unusual, chemoselective domino ring opening and selective ether/thioether O/S-alkylation over. An unusual, chemoselective domino ring opening and selective ether/thioether O/S alkylation over enol C/O alkylation has been observed.

Applications of Nickel(II) Compounds in Organic Synthesis

This review article summarizes the applications of nickel(II) compounds in organic synthesis since 2016. In recent years, the field of nickel(II) catalysis is gaining considerable interest due to readily available, low-cost nickel(II)-compounds and several key properties of nickel. This review article is organized by the reaction type, although some reactions can be placed in multiple sections.

Anti-Markovnikov hydro(amino)alkylation of vinylarenes via photoredox catalysis

Photoredox catalysis is a powerful means to generate odd-electron species under mild reaction conditions from a wide array of radical precursors. Herein, we present the application of this powerful catalytic manifold to address the hydroalkylation and hydroaminoalkylation of electronically diverse vinylarenes. This reaction allows for generalized alkene hydroalkylation leveraging common alkyl radical precursors, such as organotrifluoroborate salts and carboxylic acids. Furthermore, utilizing easily accessible α-silyl amine reagents or tertiary amines directly, secondary and tertiary amine moieties can be installed onto monoaryl and diaryl alkenes to access valuable products, including γ,γ-diarylamines pharmacophores. Thus, under a unified system, both hydroalkylation and hydroaminoalkylation of alkenes are achieved. The substrate scope is evaluated through 57 examples, the synthetic utility of the method is demonstrated, and preliminary mechanistic insights are presented.

Many useful chemical scaffolds include carbon or nitrogen substitutions at two or three atoms away from benzene. Here, the authors show a unified hydroalkylation and hydroaminoalkylation protocol to access these structures via a regioselective photocatalytic addition to simple styrenes.

Photocatalytic acyl azolium-promoted alkoxycarbonylation of trifluoroborates

Despite recent advancements in the selective generation and coupling of organic radical species, the alkoxycarbonyl radical remains underexplored relative to other carbon-containing radical species. Drawing inspiration from new strategies for generating acyl radical equivalents utilizing dual N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis and photocatalysis, we have prepared dimethylimidazolium esters that can function as an alkoxycarbonyl radical surrogate under photocatalytic conditions. We demonstrate the synthetic utility of these azolium-based partners through the preparation of esters arising from the coupling of this radical surrogate with an oxidatively generated alkyl radical.

Metallaphotoredox catalysis with organic dyes

Here…comes the fun…Combination of metals and organic photocatalysts allows the practical invention of new methodologies!

Organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) compounds used in photocatalysis

Organic compounds that show Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) have become wildly popular as next-generation emitters in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Since 2016, a subset of these have found increasing use as photocatalysts. This review comprehensively highlights their potential by documenting the diversity of the reactions where an organic TADF photocatalyst can be used in lieu of a noble metal complex photocatalyst. Beyond the small number of TADF photocatalysts that have been used to date, the analysis conducted within this review reveals the wider potential of organic donor-acceptor TADF compounds as photocatalysts. A discussion of the benefits of compounds showing TADF for photocatalysis is presented, which paints a picture of a very promising future for organic photocatalyst development.

Stereochemistry of Transition Metal Complexes Controlled by the Metallo-Anomeric Effect

The use of stereoelectronic interactions to control reactivity and selectivity has a long history in chemistry. The anomeric effect, one of the fundamental concepts in organic chemistry, describes the preferences of a substituent at the anomeric carbon in glycosides to adopt axial configuration when the anomeric group is an electronegative element such as oxygen or a halogen. The origin of the anomeric effect has been the subject of intense debate. Explanations capitalizing on either the delocalization of the endocyclic oxygen lone pair into the antibonding σ*_(C-X) orbital or the minimization of the dipole-dipole interactions are currently the two leading theoretical models. Although the majority of experimental and theoretical studies have focused on the elements from groups 6 and 7, little is known about conformational preferences of tetrahydropyran rings substituted with a transition metal at the anomeric carbon and the role of these interactions in stereoselective synthesis. Here, we report studies on conformational and configurational preferences of organometallic complexes stabilized by vicinal heteroatoms. We provide computational evidence that late transition metals adopt the axial position in heterocycles or synclinal geometry in acyclic systems. Furthermore, the anomeric preferences of late transition metals correlate with the oxidation state of the metal and can be explained by hyperconjugative interactions between endocyclic heteroatom and the σ* acceptor orbitals of the C-M bond. In a broader context, this discovery provides insight into the role of previously unanticipated stereoelectronic effects that can be harnessed in the design of stereoselective reactions, including chemical glycosylation and enantioselective catalysis.

Continuous Flow-Enabled Synthesis of Bench-Stable Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane Trifluoroborate Salts and Their Utilization in Metallaphotoredox Cross-Couplings

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane motifs have gained increasing popularity in medicinal chemistry as bioisosteres because of their ability to impact key physicochemical properties. However, reports of direct C(sp²)-C(sp³) cross-coupling of these fragments to afford biaryl isosteres have been scarce. Herein we describe the development of continuous flow-enabled synthesis of bench-stable bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane trifluoroborate salts. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of metallaphotoredox conditions to enable cross-coupling of these building blocks with complex aryl halide substrates.

Gram-Scale Synthesis of 3-Sulfonyl Flavanones

In this paper, an easy-operational, high-yielding method for the gram-scale synthesis of 3-sulfonyl flavanones is described by a one-pot straightforward POCl₃ mediated intermolecular (5 + 1) annulation of the β-ketosulfones with an o-hydroxyaryl group (dual nucleophile) and arylaldehydes (dual electrophile) in refluxing toluene for 3 h. A plausible mechanism is proposed and discussed. This protocol provides a highly effective annulation via one carbon-oxygen (C-O) and one carbon-carbon (C-C) bond formations.

Cascade Cross-Coupling of Dienes: Photoredox and Nickel Dual Catalysis

Chemical transformations based on cascade reactions have the potential to simplify the preparation of diverse and architecturally complex molecules dramatically. Herein, we disclose an unprecedented and efficient method for the cross-coupling of radical precursors, dienes, and electrophilic coupling partners via a photoredox- and nickel-enabled cascade cross-coupling process. The cascade reaction furnishes a diverse array of saturated carbo- and heterocyclic scaffolds, thus providing access to a quick gain in C-C bond saturation.

Synthesis of 2-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-ones

Simple and efficient synthesis of 2-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-ones is elaborated. The method relies on CDI-mediated cyclocondensation of substituted 4-oxochromane-2-carboxylic acids and amidoximes. The protocol allows the preparation of 2-oxadiazolylchromanones decorated with two pharmacophores (2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-one and 1,2,4-oxadiazole) that are in high demand in drug discovery.

Continuous-Flow Visible Light Organophotocatalysis for Direct Arylation of 2H-Indazoles: Fast Access to Drug Molecules

A continuous-flow homogeneous photocatalytic method has been devised for the direct arylation of 2H-indazoles. This visible-light-promoted approach directly accesses a wide range of structurally diverse C3-arylated scaffolds of biological interest in a fast (1 min), single-step reaction by using eosin Y as an organophotocatalyst. Furthermore, a microreactor technology is also employed for the fast synthesis of liver X receptor inhibitor drugs with very good yields under metal-free conditions, whereas the reported methods required multiple steps and much longer reaction times (18-24 h).

Carboxylation of Aryl Triflates with CO2 Merging Palladium and Visible-Light-Photoredox Catalysts

We report herein a visible-light-promoted, highly practical carboxylation of readily accessible aryl triflates at ambient temperature and a balloon pressure of CO₂ by the combined use of palladium and photoredox Ir(III) catalysts. Strikingly, the stoichiometric metallic reductant is replaced by a nonmetallic amine reductant providing an environmentally benign carboxylation process. In addition, one-pot synthesis of a carboxylic acid directly from phenol and modification of estrone and concise synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs adapalene and bexarotene have been accomplished via late-stage carboxylation reaction. Furthermore, a parallel decarboxylation-carboxylation reaction has been demonstrated in an H-type closed vessel that is an interesting concept for the strategic sector. Spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical studies indicated electron transfer from the Ir(III)/DIPEA combination to generate aryl carboxylate and Pd(0) for catalytic turnover.

Alkyl Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation by Nickel/Photoredox Cross-Coupling

The union of photoredox and nickel catalysis has resulted in a renaissance in radical chemistry as well as in the use of nickel-catalyzed transformations, specifically for carbon-carbon bond formation. Collectively, these advances address the longstanding challenge of late-stage cross-coupling of functionalized alkyl fragments. Empowered by the notion that photocatalytically generated alkyl radicals readily undergo capture by Ni complexes, wholly new feedstocks for cross-coupling have been realized. Herein, we highlight recent developments in several types of alkyl cross-couplings that are accessible exclusively through this approach.

Recent advances of 1,2,3,5-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene (4CzIPN) in photocatalytic transformations

In this review, the recent advances of the application of 1,2,3,5-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene (4CzIPN) as a photoredox catalyst in the past three years (2016–2018) for various organic reactions are summarized.

Cross coupling of alkylsilicates with acyl chlorides via photoredox/nickel dual catalysis: a new synthesis method for ketones

Photoredox/nickel dual catalysis using silicates and acyl chlorides allows a new method of formation of ketones. Flow chemistry can be applied.

Organometallic vs organic photoredox catalysts for photocuring reactions in the visible region

Recent progresses achieved in terms of synthetic procedures allow now the access to polymers of well-defined composition, molecular weight and architecture. Thanks to these recent progresses in polymer engineering, the scope of applications of polymers is far wider than that of any other class of material, ranging from adhesives, coatings, packaging materials, inks, paints, optics, 3D printing, microelectronics or textiles. From a synthetic viewpoint, photoredox catalysis, originally developed for organic chemistry, has recently been applied to the polymer synthesis, constituting a major breakthrough in polymer chemistry. Thanks to the development of photoredox catalysts of polymerization, a drastic reduction of the amount of photoinitiators could be achieved, addressing the toxicity and the extractability issues; high performance initiating abilities are still obtained due to the catalytic approach which regenerates the catalyst. As it is a fast-growing field, this review will be mainly focused on an overview of the recent advances concerning the development of organic and organometallic photoredox catalysts for the photoreticulation of multifunctional monomers for a rapid and efficient access to 3D polymer networks.

sp3 C-H Arylation and Alkylation Enabled by the Synergy of Triplet Excited Ketones and Nickel Catalysts

Triplet ketone sensitizers are of central importance within the realm of photochemical transformations. Although the radical-type character of triplet excited states of diaryl ketones suggests the viability for triggering hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) and single-electron transfer (SET) processes, among others, their use as multifaceted catalysts in C-C bond-formation via sp³ C-H functionalization of alkane feedstocks still remains rather unexplored. Herein, we unlock a modular photochemical platform for forging C( sp³)-C( sp²) and C( sp³)-C( sp³) linkages from abundant alkane sp³ C-H bonds as functional handles using the synergy between nickel catalysts and simple, cheap and modular diaryl ketones. This method is distinguished by its wide scope that is obtained from cheap catalysts and starting precursors, thus complementing existing inner-sphere C-H functionalization protocols or recent photoredox scenarios based on iridium polypyridyl complexes. Additionally, such a platform provides a new strategy for streamlining the synthesis of complex molecules with high levels of predictable site-selectivity and preparative utility. Mechanistic experiments suggest that sp³ C-H abstraction occurs via HAT from the ketone triplet excited state. We believe this study will contribute to a more systematic utilization of triplet excited ketones as catalysts in metallaphotoredox scenarios.

Fine-tuned organic photoredox catalysts for fragmentation-alkynylation cascades of cyclic oxime ethers

Fine-tuned organic photoredox catalysts are introduced for the metal-free alkynylation of alkylnitrile radicals generated via oxidative ring opening of cyclic alkylketone oxime ethers. The redox properties of the dyes were determined by both cyclic voltammetry and computation and covered an existing gap in the oxidation potential of photoredox organocatalysts.

Photoinduced synthesis of (E)-vinyl sulfones through the insertion of sulfur dioxide

Under visible light irradiation, a three-component reaction of potassium alkyltrifluoroborates, sulfur dioxide and alkynes with the assistance of photocatalysis and in the presence of copper(ii) triflate is described. This transformation affords (E)-vinyl sulfones efficiently with excellent regioselectivity and stereoselectivity under mild conditions.

Recent advances in the sulfonylation of alkenes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide via radical reactions

Recent advances in the sulfonylation of alkenes via the insertion of sulfur dioxide are summarized. Two strategies for the sulfonylation of alkenes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide have been developed.

Visible-light-promoted organic-dye-catalyzed three-component coupling of aldehydes, hydrazines and bromodifluorinated reagents

α,α-Difluoroketone hydrazones have been synthesised from readily available aldehydes, hydrazines, and bromodifluorinated reagents via visible-light photoredox catalysis.

Decarboxylative formylation of aryl halides with glyoxylic acid by merging organophotoredox with palladium catalysis

Decarboxylative formylation of aryl halides with glyoxylic acid enabled by combining organophotoredox with palladium catalysis.

Glycosyl Cross-Coupling of Anomeric Nucleophiles: Scope, Mechanism, and Applications in the Synthesis of Aryl C-Glycosides

Stereoselective manipulations at the C1 anomeric position of saccharides are one of the central goals of preparative carbohydrate chemistry. Historically, the majority of reactions forming a bond with anomeric carbon has focused on reactions of nucleophiles with saccharide donors equipped with a leaving group. Here, we describe a novel approach to stereoselective synthesis of C-aryl glycosides capitalizing on the highly stereospecific reaction of anomeric nucleophiles. First, methods for the preparation of anomeric stannanes have been developed and optimized to afford both anomers of common saccharides in high anomeric selectivities. We established that oligosaccharide stannanes could be prepared from monosaccharide stannanes via O-glycosylation with Schmidt-type donors, glycal epoxides, or under dehydrative conditions with C1 alcohols. Second, we identified a general set of catalytic conditions with Pd₂(dba)₃ (2.5 mol%) and a bulky ligand (JackiePhos, 10 mol%) controlling the β-elimination pathway. We demonstrated that the glycosyl cross-coupling resulted in consistently high anomeric selectivities for both anomers with mono- and oligosaccharides, deoxysugars, saccharides with free hydroxyl groups, pyranose, and furanose substrates. The versatility of the glycosyl cross-coupling reaction was probed in the total synthesis of salmochelins (siderophores) and commercial anti-diabetic drugs (gliflozins). Combined experimental and computational studies revealed that the β-elimination pathway is suppressed for biphenyl-type ligands due to the shielding of Pd(II) by sterically demanding JackiePhos, whereas smaller ligands, which allow for the formation of a Pd-F complex, predominantly result in a glycal product. Similar steric effects account for the diminished rates of cross-couplings of 1,2-cis C1-stannanes with aryl halides. DFT calculations also revealed that the transmetalation occurs via a cyclic transition state with retention of configuration at the anomeric position. Taken together, facile access to both anomers of various glycoside nucleophiles, a broad reaction scope, and uniformly high transfer of anomeric configuration make the glycosyl cross-coupling reaction a practical tool for the synthesis of bioactive natural products, drug candidates, allowing for late-stage glycodiversification studies with small molecules and biologics.

Metal- and Solvent-Free Approach to Access 3-Se/S-Chromones from the Cyclization of Enaminones in the Presence of Dichalcogenides Catalyzed by KIO3

Herein, we describe a greener protocol for the one-pot synthesis of 3-Se/S-4H-chromen-4-ones. The desired products were obtained in good to excellent yields using 2-hydroxyphenyl enaminones and half equivalents of various odorless diorganyl dichalcogenides (S/Se) in the presence of glycerol (5 molar equiv) and KIO3 (15 mol %) as the catalyst under solvent-free conditions.

Photoredox-Mediated Routes to Radicals: The Value of Catalytic Radical Generation in Synthetic Methods Development

Photoredox catalysis has experienced a revitalized interest from the synthesis community during the past decade. For example, photoredox/Ni dual catalysis protocols have been developed to overcome several inherent limitations of palladium-catalyzed cross-couplings by invoking a single-electron transmetalation pathway. This Perspective highlights advances made by our laboratory since the inception of the photoredox/Ni cross-coupling of benzyltrifluoroborates with aryl bromides. In addition to broadening the scope of trifluoroborate coupling partners, research using readily oxidized hypervalent silicates as radical precursors that demonstrate functional group compatibility is highlighted. The pursuit of electrophilic coupling partners beyond (hetero)aryl bromides has also led to the incorporation of several new classes of C(sp²)-hybridized substrates into light-mediated cross-coupling. Advances to expand the radical toolbox by utilizing feedstock chemicals (e.g., aldehydes) to access radicals that were previously inaccessible from trifluoroborates and silicates are also emphasized. Additionally, several organic photocatalysts have been investigated as replacements for their expensive iridium- and ruthenium-based counterparts. Lastly, the net C-H functionalization of the radical partner in an effort to improve atom economy is presented. An underlying theme in all of these studies is the value of generating radicals in a catalytic manner, rather than stoichiometrically.

Heteromultimetallic catalysis for sustainable organic syntheses

Fully complementary bimetallic catalysis has been identified as an increasingly powerful tool for molecular transformations, which was largely inspired by early examples of sequential catalytic transformations.