One-Pot, Metal-Free Conversion of Anilines to Aryl Bromides and Iodides

An aza-Diels-Alder approach to nitrogen-containing tetrabenzoacene derivatives

Acenes and N-heteroacenes have been synthesized and studied for over a century because of their fundamentally interesting materials properties and promise for device applications. Within this context, our laboratory has previously synthesized nitrogen-containing tetrabenzo[de,hi,op,st]pentacenes via an aza-Diels-Alder reaction-based approach, and herein, we expand our methodology to obtain substituted, expanded, functionalized, and dimeric tetrabenzoacenes. Overall, our study adds to the limited number of tetrabenzoacene derivatives reported to date and may open further opportunities for these materials in organic optoelectronics applications.

Influence of the substitution position on spin communication in photoexcited perylene-nitroxide dyads

By virtue of the modularity of their structures, their tunable optical and magnetic properties, and versatile applications, photogenerated triplet-radical systems provide an ideal platform for the study of the factors controlling spin communication in molecular frameworks. Typically, these compounds consist of an organic chromophore covalently attached to a stable radical. After formation of the chromophore triplet state by photoexcitation, two spin centres are present in the molecule that will interact. The nature of their interaction is governed by the magnitude of the exchange interaction between them and can be studied by making use of transient electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques. Here, we investigate three perylene-nitroxide dyads that only differ with respect to the position where the nitroxide radical is attached to the perylene core. The comparison of the results from transient UV-vis and EPR experiments reveals major differences in the excited state properties of the three dyads, notably their triplet state formation yield, excited state deactivation kinetics, and spin coherence times. Spectral simulations and quantum chemical calculations are used to rationalise these findings and demonstrate the importance of considering the structural flexibility and the contribution of rotational conformers for an accurate interpretation of the data.

Direct synthesis of haloaromatics from nitroarenes via a sequential one-pot Mo-catalyzed reduction/Sandmeyer reaction

Herein, we report the direct synthesis of a wide variety of functionalized aromatic bromides, chlorides, iodides, and fluorides from nitroarenes in a sequential one-pot operation. This protocol is based on an air- and moisture-tolerant dioxomolybdenum-catalyzed reduction of nitroaromatics, employing pinacol as a reducing agent, which enables subsequent diazotization and halogenation steps. This methodology represents a step-economical, practical, and alternative procedure for synthesizing haloaromatics directly from nitroaromatics.

A New Rapid and Specific Iodination Reagent for Phenolic Compounds

A new rapid iodination reagent, N1,N3,N5-tris[(2,4,6-trimethylpyridine)iodo(I)]-2,4,6-triphenyl-s-triazine trihexafluorophosphate, was synthesized in a modification of the established synthesis of 2,4,6-triiodo-3,5-dimethylphenol in the presence of bis(2,4,6-trimethylpyridine)iodo(I) hexafluorophosphate and used for the precise post-modification of mono- and trisubstituted phenyl compounds. We performed triple iodinations with our new phenyl-based compounds as a proof of principle of selected types of phenols, ß-sympatholytic agents and their spin-labeled derivatives, which can be employed in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The new rapid iodination reagent can be employed with high reactivity and regioselectivity.

Deaminative bromination, chlorination, and iodination of primary amines

The primary amino group has been seldom utilized as a transformable functionality in organic synthesis. Reported herein is a deaminative halogenation of primary amines using N-anomeric amide as the nitrogen-deletion reagent. Both aliphatic and aromatic amines are competent substrates for direct halogenations. The mildness and robustness of the protocol are evidenced by the successful reactions of several complex- and functional group-enriched bioactive compounds or drugs. Elaboration of the resulting products provides interesting analogues of drug molecules.

Synthesis of Tricyclic Tetrazoles by Cascade Diazotization/Intramolecular Radical C-H Heteroarylation of Arenes

A cascade diazotization/intramolecular radical C-H heteroarylation of 1-benzyloxy-5-aminotetrazoles and 1-phenethyl-5-aminotetrazoles as substrates using sodium nitrite and acetic acid without any heating, catalysis, irradiation, or electrolysis is reported. This one-pot reaction afforded the desired tricyclic tetrazole products in good yields (up to 94%) without isolation of the diazonium salt intermediate under mild reaction conditions.

Real-Time High-Sensitivity Reaction Monitoring of Important Nitrogen-Cycle Synthons by 15N Hyperpolarized Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Here, we show how signal amplification by reversible exchange hyperpolarization of a range of ¹⁵N-containing synthons can be used to enable studies of their reactivity by ¹⁵N nuclear magnetic resonance (NO₂^– (28% polarization), ND₃ (3%), PhCH₂NH₂ (5%), NaN₃ (3%), and NO₃^– (0.1%)). A range of iridium-based spin-polarization transfer catalysts are used, which for NO₂^– work optimally as an amino-derived carbene-containing complex with a DMAP-d₂ coligand. We harness long ¹⁵N spin-order lifetimes to probe in situ reactivity out to 3 × T₁. In the case of NO₂^– (T₁ 17.7 s at 9.4 T), we monitor PhNH₂ diazotization in acidic solution. The resulting diazonium salt (¹⁵N-T₁ 38 s) forms within 30 s, and its subsequent reaction with NaN₃ leads to the detection of hyperpolarized PhN₃ (T₁ 192 s) in a second step via the formation of an identified cyclic pentazole intermediate. The role of PhN₃ and NaN₃ in copper-free click chemistry is exemplified for hyperpolarized triazole (T₁ < 10 s) formation when they react with a strained alkyne. We also demonstrate simple routes to hyperpolarized N₂ in addition to showing how utilization of ¹⁵N-polarized PhCH₂NH₂ enables the probing of amidation, sulfonamidation, and imine formation. Hyperpolarized ND₃ is used to probe imine and ND₄⁺ (T₁ 33.6 s) formation. Furthermore, for NO₂^–, we also demonstrate how the ¹⁵N-magnetic resonance imaging monitoring of biphasic catalysis confirms the successful preparation of an aqueous bolus of hyperpolarized ¹⁵NO₂^– in seconds with 8% polarization. Hence, we create a versatile tool to probe organic transformations that has significant relevance for the synthesis of future hyperpolarized pharmaceuticals.

Conformational Control of [2]Rotaxane by Hydrogen Bond

A series of [2]rotaxanes with various functional groups in the axle component was synthesized by the oxidative dimerization of alkynes, which is mediated by a macrocyclic phenanthroline-Cu complex. The rotaxanes were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods, and the structure of a rotaxane was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The interaction between the ring component and the axle component was studied in detail to understand the conformation of the rotaxanes. The presence of the hydrogen bond between the phenanthroline moiety in the macrocyclic component and the acidic proton in the axle component influenced the conformation of rotaxane.

Copper-Free Halodediazoniation of Arenediazonium Tetrafluoroborates in Deep Eutectic Solvents-like Mixtures

Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES)-like mixtures, based on glycerol and different halide organic and inorganic salts, are successfully exploited as new media in copper-free halodediazoniation of arenediazonium salts. The reactions are carried out in absence of metal-based catalysts, at room temperature and in a short time. Pure target products are obtained without the need for chromatographic separation. The solvents are fully characterized, and a computational study is presented aiming to understand the reaction mechanism.

Pyrene-Fused [7]Helicenes Connected Via Hexagonal and Heptagonal Rings: Stereospecific Synthesis and Chiroptical Properties

In this manuscript, we portrayed a stereospecific synthesis of C₂- and C₁-symmetric pyrene-fused [7]helicene compounds 1 and 2, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 were synthesized via a one-pot Suzuki coupling-C-H activation and two-step Suzuki coupling-Scholl reaction, respectively, with complete retention of configuration. The synthesized molecules differ in the fusing mode of [7]helicene units with pyrene via six- and seven-membered rings for 1 and 2, respectively. There was a significant difference in the functional properties and enantiomerization barrier of both compounds because of their distinct molecular symmetry as well as fusing mode to pyrene moiety. The heptagon-containing molecule 2 showed remarkable photophysical and chiroptical properties with commendable configurational stability compared to 1 and pristine [7]helicene as well as its [5]helicene congener.

Photochemical Sandmeyer-type Halogenation of Arenediazonium Salts

Trihalide salts were found to efficiently promote photochemical dediazotizing halogenations of diazonium salts. In contrast to classical Sandmeyer reactions, no metal catalysts are required to achieve high yields and outstanding selectivities for halogenation over competing hydridodediazotization. Convenient protocols are disclosed for synthetically meaningful brominations, iodinations, and chlorinations of diversely functionalized derivatives.

Photoinduced Acetylation of Anilines under Aqueous and Catalyst-Free Conditions

A green and efficient visible-light induced functionalization of anilines under mild conditions has been reported. Utilizing nontoxic, cost-effective, and water-soluble diacetyl as photosensitizer and acetylating reagent, and water as the solvent, a variety of anilines were converted into the corresponding aryl ketones, iodides, and bromides. With advantages of environmentally friendly conditions, simple operation, broad substrate scope, and functional group tolerance, this reaction represents a valuable method in organic synthesis.

Rapid and Efficient Synthesis of [11C]Trifluoromethylarenes from Primary Aromatic Amines and [11C]CuCF3

Prior studies have shown that trifluoromethylarenes can be labeled in high molar activities (A m > 200 GBq/μmol) with positron-emitting carbon-11 (t 1/2 = 20.4 min) by the reaction of the copper(I) derivative of [11C]fluoroform [11C]CuCF3, with several types of precursors, such as aryl iodides, arylboronic acids, and aryldiazonium salts. Nonetheless, these precursors can be challenging to synthesize, and in the case of diazonium salts, are unstable. Methods that reduce challenges in precursor preparation for the synthesis of [11C]trifluoromethylarenes are desirable to enhance possibilities for developing biologically relevant 11C-labeled compounds as radiotracers for biomedical imaging with positron emission tomography (PET). Here, we explored the production of no-carrier-added [11C]trifluoromethylarenes from commercially available primary aromatic amines through reactions of [11C]CuCF3 with diazonium salts that were generated in situ. Moderate to high isolated decay-corrected radiochemical yields (RCY) (32-84%) were obtained rapidly (within 2 min) for many para-substituted and meta-substituted primary aromatic amines bearing a halo, methoxy, thiomethyl, hydroxy, nitro, nitrile, carboxyl, ethylcarboxy, or trifluoromethyl substituent. Null to low RCYs (0-13%) were observed only for ortho bromo-, nitro-, or nitrile-substituted precursors. This new radiosynthetic method usefully expands options for producing PET radiotracers bearing a [11C]trifluoromethyl group, especially from aryl amine precursors.

Two-Phase Electrochemical Generation of Aryldiazonium Salts: Application in Electrogenerated Copper-Catalyzed Sandmeyer Reactions

The electrochemical generation of aryldiazonium salts from nitroarenes in a two-phase system (ethyl acetate/water) was reported for the first time. Some compounds including azo, azosulfone, and arylazides were prepared in good yields with good purity. Cathodically generated aryldiazoniums and anodically produced copper(Ι) ions were used to perform Sandmeyer reactions. To improve the method, an H-type self-driving cell equipped with a Zn rod as an anode was introduced and used for two-phase aryldiazonium production.

Synthesis of mono- and dimethoxylated polychlorinated biphenyl derivatives starting from fluoroarene derivatives

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are environmental pollutants implicated in a variety of adverse health effects, including cancer and noncancer diseases in animals and humans. PCBs are metabolized to hydroxylated compounds, and some of these PCB metabolites are more toxic than the parent PCBs. Unfortunately, most PCB metabolites needed for toxicological studies are not available from commercial sources. Moreover, it is challenging to synthesize PCB metabolites because starting materials with suitable substitution patterns are not readily available. Here, we report the novel synthesis of a variety of mono- and dimethoxyarene derivatives from commercially available fluoroarenes via nucleophilic aromatic substitution with sodium methoxide. This reaction provided good to excellent yields of the desired methoxylated products. Suzuki coupling of selected mono- and dimethoxy haloarenes with chlorinated phenylboronic acids yielded methoxylated derivatives of PCB 11, 12, 25, 35, and 36 in low to good yields. Crystal structures of 3,3'-dichloro-2,5-dimethoxy-1,1'-biphenyl and 3',5-dichloro-2,3-dimethoxy-1,1'-biphenyl confirmed the substitution pattern of both compounds. This synthesis strategy provides straightforward access to a range of mono- and dimethoxylated PCB derivatives that were not readily accessible previously.

Differential formation of nitrogen-centered radicals leading to unprecedented, regioselective bromination of N,N′-(1,2-phenylene)bisamides and 2-amidophenols

A highly efficient, site-selective, visible light-accelerated, remote C–H halogenation of unsymmetrical aromatic bisamides/amidoesters has been developed.

Room temperature diazotization and coupling reaction using a DES-ethanol system: a green approach towards the synthesis of monoazo pigments

An environmentally benign, one-pot diazotization and coupling reaction using ChCl:tartaric acid DES at room temperature is described. The bulky tartrate ion renders stability to the diazonium salt at room temperature, also evidenced by ¹H NMR. The isolated diazonium salt is stable and active even after 192 h at room temperature.

A general electrochemical strategy for the Sandmeyer reaction

Herein we report a general electrochemical strategy for the Sandmeyer reaction.

Herein we report a general electrochemical strategy for the Sandmeyer reaction. Using electricity as the driving force, this protocol employs a simple and inexpensive halogen source, such as NBS, CBrCl₃, CH₂I₂, CCl₄, LiCl and NaBr for the halogenation of aryl diazonium salts. In addition, we found that these electrochemical reactions could be performed using anilines as the starting material in a one-pot fashion. Furthermore, the practicality of this process was demonstrated in the multigram scale synthesis of aryl halides using highly inexpensive graphite as the electrode. A series of detailed mechanism studies have been performed, including radical clock and radical scavenger study, cyclic voltammetry analysis and in situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis.

Synthesis of Aryl Iodides from Arylhydrazines and Iodine

A metal- and base-free method is developed for the synthesis of aryl iodides from arylhydrazine hydrochlorides and iodine. A wide variety of aryl iodides can be conveniently synthesized by an equimolar reaction of arylhydrazine hydrochlorides and I₂ in dimethyl sulfoxide at 60 °C for 6 h. In the iodination step, arylhydrazines are oxidized by iodine to form arenediazonium salts, which undergo single-electron transfer from iodide anion to give aryl and iodine radicals; subsequent combination of them affords the corresponding aryl iodides.

A radical approach to the copper oxidative addition problem: Trifluoromethylation of bromoarenes

Transition metal-catalyzed arene functionalization has been widely used for molecular synthesis over the past century. In this arena, copper catalysis has long been considered a privileged platform due to the propensity of high-valent copper to undergo reductive elimination with a wide variety of coupling fragments. However, the sluggish nature of oxidative addition has limited copper's capacity to broadly facilitate haloarene coupling protocols. Here, we demonstrate that this copper oxidative addition problem can be overcome with an aryl radical-capture mechanism, wherein the aryl radical is generated through a silyl radical halogen abstraction. This strategy was applied to a general trifluoromethylation of aryl bromides through dual copper-photoredox catalysis. Mechanistic studies support the formation of an open-shell aryl species.