Ru-Catalyzed Regioselective Direct Hydroxymethylation of (Hetero)Arenes via C–H Activation

Theoretical Study on the Mechanism of Ru(II)-Catalyzed Intermolecular [3 + 2] Annulation between o-Toluic Acid and 3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)benzaldehyde: Octahedral vs Trigonal Bipyramidal

Density functional theory was utilized to investigate the mechanism of Ru(II)-catalyzed aromatic C-H activation and addition of aromatic aldehydes. The proposed catalytic cycle consists of C-H bond activation, aldehyde carbonyl insertion for C-C coupling, lactonization for the formation of the final product, product separation, and catalyst recovery. Our calculations suggest that Ru(OAc)2(PCy3) (referred to as CAT) is the most favorable active catalyst, facilitating the C-H bond activation to form a five-membered ring cycloruthenium intermediate (INT2). Subsequently, the aromatic aldehyde reactant 2a enters the Ru coordination sphere, accelerating the C-C coupling and lactonization for the formation of the final product. The involvement of acetate assists in the final product separation, while INT1 re-enters the Ru coordination sphere to initiate a new catalytic cycle. Utilizing the energetic span model, the apparent activation free energy barrier was computed to be 34.3 kcal mol-1 at 443 K. Furthermore, exploration of the reaction mechanism in the absence of phosphine ligands identified Ru(OAc)2(p-cymene) as the most favorable active catalyst. The derived apparent activation free energy barrier offers a comprehensive explanation for the experimentally observed yields. Additionally, we have examined the disparities between the octahedral and trigonal bipyramidal structures of the catalysts concerning their effects on the reaction mechanisms and apparent activation free energy barriers.

Construction of 1,2-dihydro-1,3,5-triazines via reactions involving amidines

1,2-Dihydro-1,3,5-triazine compounds were synthesized through three sets of reactions of amidines with, respectively, paraformaldehyde, aldehydes and N-arylnitrones under different conditions. The catalysts used in these three reactions were Cu(OAc)₂, ZnI₂ and CuCl₂·2H₂O, respectively. Most of the substrates tested for these reactions provided the target products in moderate to good yields. In the reactions involving paraformaldehyde, Cu(OAc)₂ also accelerated the release of formaldehyde from paraformaldehyde during the catalytic reaction process. In the case of the reactions involving nitrones, CuCl₂·2H₂O not only catalyzed the normal progress of the main reaction, but also promoted the reaction of nitrones to produce nitroso compounds and aldehydes.

Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed Grignard-Type Nucleophilic Addition of C(sp2)-H Bonds to Unactivated Aldehydes

The Grignard-type nucleophilic addition of C(sp²)-H bonds to aldehydes catalyzed by high-oxidation-state transition metal complexes is limited to activated aldehydes. Herein, we report the first example of Grignard-type nucleophilic addition of C(sp²)-H bonds to unactivated aldehydes catalyzed by high-oxidation-state ruthenium(II). The reaction has mild reaction conditions and good functional group tolerance. The corresponding alcohol products are obtained in good to excellent yields.

Dimeric Manganese-Catalyzed Direct Nucleophilic Addition of C(sp2)-H Bonds to Inert Aldehydes

An efficient direct nucleophilic addition reaction of C(sp²)-H bonds to aldehydes catalyzed by a dimeric manganese has been developed. This reaction has a broad range of substrates, and high yields were also obtained with inert aliphatic aldehydes as substrates. A dimeric Mn₂(CO)₈Br₂ was proven to be a more efficient catalyst precursor than the monomeric Mn(CO)₅Br.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed Regioselective C(5)-H Functionalization of Quinazolinone-Coumarin Conjugates: Synthesis and Photophysical Studies

The quinazolinone template offers an exciting potential for transforming molecules into useful bioactivity. Herein, we report the first regioselective C-5 alkenylation of quinazolinone-coumarin conjugates via ruthenium(II) catalyst using amide as a weak directing group. This methodology permits excellent regioselectivity, extensive substrate tolerance, and mild reaction conditions. In addition, it generates interesting fluorophores that show positive solvatochromism in the range from 404 nm (toluene) to 541 nm (methanol).

Cobalt-catalyzed direct α-hydroxymethylation of amides with methanol as a C1 source

Herein, we report a cobalt-catalyzed α-hydroxymethylation of amides with methanol under mild conditions. Using CoCl₂·6H₂O as an inexpensive and efficient catalyst, some important bioactive β-hydroxyamides were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. The developed method features a wide substrate scope and good functional group tolerance. In addition, anticholinergic tropicamide was easily synthesized in this way.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Vinylic C-H Addition to Formaldehyde: Synthesis of Butenolides from Acrylic Acids and HCHO

A carboxyl-assisted C-H functionalization of acrylic acids with formaldehyde to give butenolides is described. It is the first time that the addition of an inert vinylic C-H bond to formaldehyde has been achieved via cobalt-catalyzed C-H activation. The unique reactivity of the cobalt species was observed when compared with related Rh or Ir catalysts. γ-Hydroxymethylated butenolides were produced by the treatment of Na₂CO₃ after the catalytic reaction in one pot.

Synthesis of Ruthenium Catalysts with a Chiral Arene Ligand Derived from Natural Camphor

A ruthenium complex with a chiral arene ligand [(camphor–arene)RuCl2]2 was synthesized by the reaction of RuCl3·nH2O with a chiral diene which was obtained from natural camphor in three steps. This complex catalyzed the asymmetric hydrogenation of acetophenone (64–85% ee), but decomposed in catalytic reactions involving C–H activation of 2-phenylpyridine or benzoic acid derivatives.

Decoding Directing Groups and Their Pivotal Role in C-H Activation

Synthetic organic chemistry has witnessed a plethora of functionalization and defunctionalization strategies. In this regard, C-H functionalization has been at the forefront due to the multifarious applications in the development of simple to complex molecular architectures and holds a brilliant prospect in drug development and discovery. Despite been explored tremendously by chemists, this functionalization strategy still enjoys the employment of novel metal catalysts as well metal-free organic ligands. Moreover, the switch to photo- and electrochemistry has widened our understanding of the alternative pathways via which a reaction can proceed and these strategies have garnered prominence when applied to C-H activation. Synthetic chemists have been foraging for new directing groups and templates for the selective activation of C-H bonds from a myriad of carbon-hydrogen bonds in aromatic as well as aliphatic systems. As a matter of fact, by varying the templates and directing groups, scientists found the answer to the challenge of distal C-H bond activation which remained an obstacle for a very long time. These templates have been frequently harnessed for selectively activating C-H bonds of natural products, drugs, and macromolecules decorated with multiple C-H bonds. This itself was a challenge before the commencement of this field as functionalization of a site other than the targeted site could modify and hamper the biological activity of the pharmacophore. Total synthesis and pharmacophore development often faces the difficulty of superfluous reaction steps towards selective functionalization. This obstacle has been solved by late-stage functionalization simply by harnessing C-H bond activation. Moreover, green chemistry and metal-free reaction conditions have seen light in the past few decades due to the rising concern about environmental issues. Therefore, metal-free catalysts or the usage of non-toxic metals have been recently showcased in a number of elegant works. Also, research groups across the world are developing rational strategies for directing group free or non-directed protocols that are just guided by ligands. This review encapsulates the research works pertinent to C-H bond activation and discusses the science devoted to it at the fundamental level. This review gives the readers a broad understanding of how these strategies work, the execution of various metal catalysts, and directing groups. This not only helps a budding scientist towards the commencement of his/her research but also helps a matured mind searching out for selective functionalization. A detailed picture of this field and its progress with time has been portrayed in lucid scientific language with a motive to inculcate and educate scientific minds about this beautiful strategy with an overview of the most relevant and significant works of this era. The unique trait of this review is the detailed description and classification of various directing groups and their utility over a wide substrate scope. This allows an experimental chemist to understand the applicability of this domain and employ it over any targeted substrate.

KIO4 -mediated Selective Hydroxymethylation/Methylenation of Imidazo-Heteroarenes: A Greener Approach

Herein, we report a KIO₄ -mediated, sustainable and chemoselective approach for the one-pot C(sp² )-H bond hydroxymethylation or methylenation of imidazo-heteroarenes with formaldehyde, generated in situ via the oxidative cleavage of ethylene glycol or glycerol (renewable reagents) through the Malaprade reaction. In the presence of ethylene glycol, a series of 3-hydroxymethyl-imidazo-heteroarenes was obtained in good to excellent yields. These compounds are important intermediates to access pharmaceutical drugs, e.g., Zolpidem. Furthermore, by using glycerol, bis(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)methane derivatives were selectively obtained in good to excellent yields.

Ru(ii)-Catalyzed C-H addition and oxidative cyclization of 2-aryl quinazolinones with activated aldehydes

The ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between 2-aryl quinazolinones and activated aldehydes is described. This method enables the site-selective hydroxyalkylation under redox-neutral conditions. Moreover, this protocol provides a facile access to various tetracyclic isoindoloquinazolinones by using Cu(OAc)₂ as an external oxidant via C-H addition and subsequent intramolecular cyclization. A wide substrate scope and a high level of chemoselectivity as well as broad functional group tolerance are observed.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed C-H Hydroxyalkylation and Mitsunobu Cyclization of N-Aryl Phthalazinones

Ruthenium(II)-catalyzed C(sp²)-H functionalization of N-aryl phthalazinones with a range of aldehydes and activated ketone is described. Initial formation of hydroxyalkylated phthalazinones and subsequent Mitsunobu cyclization provided facile access to biologically relevant indazolophthalazinones. The utility of this method is highlighted by synthetic transformations into a series of potentially bioactive scaffolds.

Cobalt-catalyzed hydroxymethylarylation of terpenes with formaldehyde and arenes

A cobalt(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation strategy has been developed to facilitate hydroxymethylarylation of terpenes with formaldehyde and arenes with high chemo- and regio-selectivities.

Terpenes, consisting of isoprene monomer units, represent a family of naturally abundant compounds. The difunctionalization of terpenes is highly appealing yet remains challenging, since the multiple unbiased C Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> C bonds of terpenes lead to difficulty in controlling the regioselectivity. Herein, a cobalt(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation strategy has been developed to facilitate hydroxymethylarylation of terpenes with formaldehyde and arenes with high chemo- and regio-selectivities. These (chemo- and regio-) selectivities are governed by the coordination abilities of isoprene, directing groups and the steric effect. This terpene difunctionalization also features high atom and step economy through a C–H addition pathway.

Metal-Free Aerobic Oxidative Selective C-C Bond Cleavage in Heteroaryl-Containing Primary and Secondary Alcohols

A transition-metal-free aerobic oxidative selective C-C bond-cleavage reaction in primary and secondary heteroaryl alcohols is reported. This reaction was highly efficient and tolerated various heteroaryl alcohols, generating a carboxylic acid derivative and a neutral heteroaromatic compound. Experimental studies combined with density functional theory calculations revealed the mechanism underlying the selective C-C bond cleavage. This strategy also provides an alternative simple approach to carboxylation reaction.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed Regioselective Hydroxymethylation of β-Carbolines and Isoquinolines via C-H Functionalization: Probing the Mechanism by Online ESI-MS/MS Screening

A Ru(II)-catalyzed regioselective C-H activation toward hydroxymethylation of β-carbolines and isoquinolines as effective directing groups has been developed, and the mechanism was probed by using online electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. The introduction of the hydroxymethyl group in the biologically relevant molecules routed via C-H functionalization remains an important task. Gratifyingly, this protocol draws attention to the regioselective formation of monohydroxymethylated β-carboline/isoquinoline products exclusively.

Synthesis of (2H)‐Indazoles from Azobenzenes Using Paraformaldehyde as a One‐Carbon Synthon

Rhodium(III)‐catalyzed hydroxymethylation followed by intramolecular annulation of azobenzenes using paraformaldehyde as a valuable C1‐feedstock is described. The method is readily extended to the coupling reaction between azobenzenes and trifluoroacetaldehyde. This transformation efficiently produces a range of C3‐unsubstituted and C3‐trifluoromethylated (2H)‐indazoles, which are important targets in the development of novel bioactive compounds. Excellent chemoselectivity and functional group tolerance were observed. The synthetic transformation of C3‐unsubstituted (2H)‐indazoles highlights the utility of the developed method.

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A comprehensive overview of directing groups applied in metal-catalysed C-H functionalisation chemistry

The present review is devoted to summarizing the recent advances (2015-2017) in the field of metal-catalysed group-directed C-H functionalisation. In order to clearly showcase the molecular diversity that can now be accessed by means of directed C-H functionalisation, the whole is organized following the directing groups installed on a substrate. Its aim is to be a comprehensive reference work, where a specific directing group can be easily found, together with the transformations which have been carried out with it. Hence, the primary format of this review is schemes accompanied with a concise explanatory text, in which the directing groups are ordered in sections according to their chemical structure. The schemes feature typical substrates used, the products obtained as well as the required reaction conditions. Importantly, each example is commented on with respect to the most important positive features and drawbacks, on aspects such as selectivity, substrate scope, reaction conditions, directing group removal, and greenness. The targeted readership are both experts in the field of C-H functionalisation chemistry (to provide a comprehensive overview of the progress made in the last years) and, even more so, all organic chemists who want to introduce the C-H functionalisation way of thinking for a design of straightforward, efficient and step-economic synthetic routes towards molecules of interest to them. Accordingly, this review should be of particular interest also for scientists from industrial R&D sector. Hence, the overall goal of this review is to promote the application of C-H functionalisation reactions outside the research groups dedicated to method development and establishing it as a valuable reaction archetype in contemporary R&D, comparable to the role cross-coupling reactions play to date.

Total synthesis of the isoquinoline alkaloid decumbenine BviaRu(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation

Decumbenine B could be easily synthesized from commercially available materials by only five steps with an overall yield of 26.1%.

Palladium-catalyzed direct C–H ethoxycarbonylation of 2-aryl-1,2,3-triazoles and efficient synthesis of suvorexant

Palladium-catalyzed direct ethoxycarbonylation with diethyl azodicarboxylate was developed and its reaction mechanism was explored by using DFT calculations.

Ruthenium-Catalyzed C-H Activation of Salicylaldehyde and Decarboxylative Coupling of Alkynoic Acids for the Selective Synthesis of Homoisoflavonoids and Flavones

Homoisoflavonoids were formed in DMSO exclusively, and flavones were formed in t-AmOH when salicylaldehyde and alkynoic acids reacted with [Ru(p-cymene)Cl₂]₂ and CsOAc. They were formed through C-H activation of salicylaldehyde and decarboxylative coupling of alkynoic acid. This reaction system showed good yields, broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance. It was found that chalcone was an intermediate in the formation of both homoisoflavonoid and flavone.