Combinatorial Nickel-Catalyzed Monofluoroalkylation of Aryl Boronic Acids with Unactivated Fluoroalkyl Iodides

Ligand Relay for Nickel-Catalyzed Decarbonylative Alkylation of Aroyl Chlorides

Transition metal-catalyzed direct decarboxylative transformations of aromatic carboxylic acids usually require high temperatures, which limit the substrate's scope, especially for late-stage applications. The development of the selective decarbonylative of carboxylic acid derivatives, especially the most fundamental aroyl chlorides, with stable and cheap electrophiles under mild conditions is highly desirable and meaningful, but remains challenging. Herein, a strategy of nickel-catalyzed decarbonylative alkylation of aroyl chlorides via phosphine/nitrogen ligand relay is reported. The simple phosphine ligand is found essential for the decarbonylation step, while the nitrogen ligand promotes the cross-electrophile coupling. Such a ligand relay system can effectively and orderly carry out the catalytic process at room temperature, utilizing easily available aroyl chlorides as an aryl electrophile for reductive alkylation. This discovery provides a new strategy for direct decarbonylative coupling, features operationally simple, mild conditions, and excellent functional group tolerance. The mild approach is applied to the late-stage methylation of various pharmaceuticals. Extensive experiments are carried out to provide insights into the reaction pathway and support the ligand relay process.

Alkylation and silylation of α-fluorobenzyl anion intermediates

Simple α-fluorobenzyl anions reacted with electrophiles such as non-activated alkyl halides and chlorotrimethylsilane. Upon treatment with LTMP as the base, fluoromethylbenzenes took part in the formation of α-monofluorobenzyl anions without stabilizing o-substituents. Furthermore, the resulting α-silyl fluoromethylbenzenes reacted with electrophiles such as acetophenone and benzaldehyde in the presence of cesium fluoride to form α-fluorobenzylated alcohols.

Synthesis of Nickel(I)-Bromide Complexes via Oxidation and Ligand Displacement: Evaluation of Ligand Effects on Speciation and Reactivity

Nickel's +1 oxidation state has received much interest due to its varied and often enigmatic behavior in increasingly popular catalytic methods. In part, the lack of understanding about NiI results from common synthetic strategies limiting the breadth of complexes that are accessible for mechanistic study and catalyst design. We report an oxidative approach using tribromide salts that allows for the generation of a well-defined precursor, [NiI(COD)Br]2, as well as several new NiI complexes. Included among them are complexes bearing bulky monophosphines, for which structure-speciation relationships are established and catalytic reactivity in a Suzuki-Miyaura coupling (SMC) is investigated. Notably, these routes also allow for the synthesis of well-defined monomeric t-Bubpy-bound NiI complexes, which has not previously been achieved. These complexes, which react with aryl halides, can enable previously challenging mechanistic investigations and present new opportunities for catalysis and synthesis.

Cooperative Bimetallic Catalysis via One-Metal/Two-Ligands: Mechanistic Insights of Polyfluoroarylation-Allylation of Diazo Compounds

Metal/ligand in situ assembly is crucial for tailoring the reactivity & selectivity in transition metal catalysis. Cooperative catalysis via a single metal/two ligands is still underdeveloped, since it is rather challenging to harness the distinct reactivity profiles of the species generated by self-assembly of a single metal precursor with a mixture of different ligands. Herein, we report a catalytic system composed of a single metal/two ligands for a three-component reaction of polyfluoroarene, α-diazo ester, and allylic electrophile, leading to highly efficient construction of densely functionalized quaternary carbon centers, that are otherwise hardly accessible. Mechanistic studies suggest this reaction follows a cooperative bimetallic pathway via two catalysts with distinct reactivity profiles, which are assembled in situ from a single metal precursor and two ligands and work in concert to escort the transformation.

Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile 1,2-Silyl-Arylation of 1,3-Dienes with Chlorosilanes and Aryl Bromides

Catalytic, three-component, cross-electrophile reactions have recently emerged as a promising tool for molecular diversification, but studies have focused mainly on the alkyl-carbonations of alkenes. Herein, the scope of this method has been extended to conjugated dienes and silicon chemistry through silylative difunctionalization of 1,3-dienes with chlorosilanes and aryl bromides. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions to afford 1,2-linear-silylated products, a selectivity that is different to those obtained from conventional methods via an intermediary of H(C)-η³ -π-allylmetal species. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that chlorosilane reacts with 1,3-diene first and then couples with aryl bromide.

Synthesis of aryldifluoromethyl aryl ethers via nickel-catalyzed suzuki cross-coupling between aryloxydifluoromethyl bromides and boronic acids

As a unique organofluorine fragment, gem-difluoromethylated motifs have received widespread attention. Here, a convenient and efficient synthesis of aryldifluoromethyl aryl ethers (ArCF₂OAr') was established via Nickel-catalyzed aryloxydifluoromethylation with arylboronic acids. This approach features easily accessible starting materials, good tolerance of functionalities, and mild reaction conditions. Diverse late-stage difluoromethylation of many pharmaceuticals and natural products were readily realized. Notably, a new difluoromethylated PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor was conveniently synthesized and showed both improved metabolic stability and enhanced antitumor efficacy. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested the involvement of a Ni(I/III) catalytic cycle.

Ligand relay catalysis for cobalt-catalyzed sequential hydrosilylation and hydrohydrazidation of terminal alkynes

Sequential double hydrofunctionalizationalization of alkynes is a powerful method to construct useful vicinal compounds. Herein, we report a cobalt-catalyzed sequential hydrosilylation/hydrohydrazidation of alkynes to afford 1,2-N,Si compounds via ligand relay catalysis. A phenomenon of ligand relay is found that the tridentate anionic N-ligand (OPAQ) could capture the cobalt ion from bidentate neutral P-ligand (Xantphos) cobalt complex. This protocol uses three abundant chemical feedstocks, alkynes, silanes, and diazo compounds, and also features operationally simple, mild conditions, low catalyst loading (1 mol%), and excellent functional group tolerance. The 1,2-N,Si compounds can be easily further derivatized to afford various substituted silane derivatives via Si-H functionalization, alcohols via Fleming-Tamao oxidation, free amines and amides via N-N bond cleavage and protection. The asymmetric reaction could also be carried out to afford chiral products with up to 86% ee. The ligand relay has been supported by control experiments and absorption spectra.

In organic chemistry, performing sequential catalytic cycles with a single catalyst improves efficiency. Here the authors present a methodology to functionalize alkynes with nitrogen and silicon atoms, through two catalytic cycles with a homogeneous cobalt catalyst, which is bound to different ligands in each cycle.

Silver-catalyzed monofluoroalkylation of heteroarenes with α-fluorocarboxylic acids: an insight into the solvent effect

A mild and efficient method for direct C-H monofluoroalkylation of heteroarenes with easily accessible and inexpensive α-fluorocarboxylic acids has been developed. This silver-catalyzed reaction affords mono- and bis-monofluoroalkylated heteroarenes in good yields under mild conditions, and the solvent effect on the monofluoroalkylation reaction is discussed in detail.

Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Monofluoroalkylation: Strategies for the Synthesis of Alkyl Fluorides by C-C Bond Formation

Alkyl fluorides modulate the conformation, lipophilicity, metabolic stability, and p K a of compounds containing aliphatic motifs and, therefore, have been valuable for medicinal chemistry. Despite significant research in organofluorine chemistry, the synthesis of alkyl fluorides, especially chiral alkyl fluorides, remains a challenge. Most commonly, alkyl fluorides are prepared by the formation of C-F bonds (fluorination), and numerous strategies for nucleophilic, electrophilic, and radical fluorination have been reported in recent years. Although strategies to access alkyl fluorides by C-C bond formation (monofluoroalkylation) are inherently convergent and complexity-generating, they have studied less than methods based on fluorination. This Review provides an overview of recent developments in the synthesis of chiral (enantioenriched or racemic) secondary and tertiary alkyl fluorides by monofluoroalkylation catalyzed by transition-metal complexes. We expect this contribution will illuminate the potential of monofluoroalkylations to simplify the synthesis of complex alkyl fluorides and suggest further research directions in this growing field.

Simple generation of various α-monofluoroalkyl radicals by organic photoredox catalysis: modular synthesis of β-monofluoroketones

A metal-free and operationally simple strategy for the generation of various α-monofluoroalkyl radicals has been developed. A combination of 1,4-bis(diarylamino)naphthalene photocatalyst and sulfoximine-based fluoroalkylating reagents is the key to success. The protocol can be applied to modular synthesis of β-monofluoroketones through radical monofluoroalkylation of alkenyl acetates.

One-Pot Parallel Synthesis of Unclosed Cryptands-Searching for Selective Anion Receptors via Static Combinatorial Chemistry Techniques

We present the synthesis of 17 macrocyclic compounds having the structure of so-called unclosed cryptands, acting as anion receptors. These compounds possess amide functions playing the role of hydrogen-bond-donating systems. We have synthesized the presented compounds both by standard methods (using batch conditions) and by static combinatorial chemistry methods, using tetrabutylammonium dihydrogen phosphate as a template, promoting the lariat arm postfunctionalization reaction.

Visible light-mediated atom transfer radical addition to styrene: base controlled selective (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation

A visible-light-mediated (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation of styrenes has been developed to afford both ATRA and heck-type products by simply tuning the bases.

Ligand-free copper-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective 1,1-alkylmonofluoroalkylation of terminal alkynes

A novel copper-catalyzed highly regio- and stereoselective 1,1-alkylmonofluoroalkylation of terminal alkynes without an external ligand has been developed.

Highly stereoselective nickel-catalyzed difluoroalkylation of aryl ketones to tetrasubstituted monofluoroalkenes and quaternary alkyl difluorides

A nickel-catalyzed difluoroalkylation of α-C-H bonds of aryl ketones to furnish highly stereo-defined tetrasubstituted monofluoroalkenes or quaternary alkyl difluorides from secondary or tertiary ketones, respectively, has been established. Mechanistic investigations indicated that these C-H fluoroalkylations proceed via a Ni(i)/Ni(iii) catalytic cycle. An obvious fluorine effect was observed in the reaction, and this reaction has demonstrated high stereoselectivity, mild conditions, and broad substrate scopes, thus enabling the late-stage fluoroalkylation of bioactive molecules. This method offers a solution for expedient construction of monofluoroalkenes from readily available materials, and provides an efficient approach for the synthesis of bioactive fluorinated compounds for the discovery of lead compounds in medicinal chemistry.

Nickel-Catalyzed Coupling Reaction of α-Bromo-α-fluoroketones with Arylboronic Acids toward the Synthesis of α-Fluoroketones

A nickel-catalyzed coupling reaction of α-bromo-α-fluoroketones with arylboronic acids was reported, which provides an efficient pathway to access 2-fluoro-1,2-diarylethanones in high yields. We also disclosed the synthesis of the monofluorination agents α-bromo-α-fluoroketones by using a trifluoroacetate release protocol. Mechanistic investigation indicated that a monofluoroalkyl radical is involved in the catalytic circle. Moreover, an important medical intermediate of flindokalner was synthesized via a nickel-catalyzed coupling reaction of α-bromo-α-fluoro-2-indolone and boronic ester.

Nickel-catalysed radical tandem cyclisation/arylation: practical synthesis of 4-benzyl-3,3-difluoro-γ-lactams

Enabled by nickel catalysis, a practical access to the synthesis of 4-benzyl-3,3-difluoro-γ-lactams has been developed via radical tandem cyclisation/arylation. This method features a nickel catalyst, high reaction efficiency, and good substrate tolerance and scope. This protocol proceeds through an intramolecular radical addition to form a primary alkyl radical followed by intermolecular Suzuki-type coupling.

Nickel-catalyzed fluoroethylation of arylboronic acids via Suzuki-type coupling

A new and step-economic method for the synthesis of homobenzylic fluorides through nickel-catalyzed Suzuki-type fluoroethylation coupling is developed.

Nickel-catalyzed monofluoromethylation of (hetero)aryl bromides via reductive cross-coupling

Nickel-catalyzed direct monofluoromethylation of (hetero)aryl bromides with industrial raw material BrCH₂F by reductive cross-coupling has been developed.

Recyclable and Reusable Heteroleptic Nickel Catalyst Immobilized on Metal-Organic Framework for Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide highly versatile platforms to stabilize molecular catalysts that are not readily accessible under homogeneous conditions, thus enabling access to a new set of catalytic materials. Herein, we describe a recyclable and highly active nickel catalyst immobilized on MOF for Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction, which operates under mild conditions. This mixed ligand catalyst forms from the combination of 1 equiv of MOF-immobilized ligand, 1 equiv of nickel source, and 1 equiv of PPh₃. The nature of the catalyst was verified through a series of analytical tests and catalysis experiments. The immobilized catalyst was reusable for at least up to 7 cycles without decrease in the yield of the coupled product. We also verified that this reaction does not work under homogeneous conditions and that the reaction is truly heterogeneous through "hot filtration" experiments. We identified that the reaction is first order in arylborane concentration and negative order in arylbromide concentration through the effect of substrate concentrations on the initial rate. This informed us to conduct the catalysis under slow addition of the arylbromide and reduce the catalyst loading to 1% from 3%, without detriment to the yield or rate of the reaction. The catalyst gave good to excellent isolated yields with a range of functionalities, including heterocycles on aryl bromide with widely varying electronic properties.

Cobalt-catalyzed difluoroalkylation of tertiary aryl ketones for facile synthesis of quaternary alkyl difluorides

The selective incorporation of gem-difluoroalkyl groups into biologically active molecules has long been used as an efficient strategy for drug design and discovery. However, the catalytic C(sp³)-CF₂ bond-forming cross-coupling reaction for selective incorporation of difluoromethylene group into diverse alkyl chains, especially more sterically demanding secondary and tertiary functionalized alkanes, still remains as a major challenge. Herein, we describe a cobalt-catalyzed difluoroalkylation of tertiary aryl ketones for facile synthesis of quaternary alkyl difluorides, which exhibited high efficiency, broad scope and mild conditions. The synthetic utility of this method is demonstrated by late-stage difluoroalkylation of donepezil, a well-known acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat the Alzheimer's disease. Preliminary mechanistic investigations indicate that a difluoroalkyl radical is involved in a Co(I)/Co(III) catalytic cycle. This cobalt-catalyzed fluoroalkylation thus offers insights into an efficient way for the synthesis of fluoroalkylated bioactive molecules for drug discovery.

Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Cross-Coupling of Aryl Halides with Monofluoroalkyl Halides for Late-Stage Monofluoroalkylation

A combinatorial nickel-catalyzed monofluoroalkylation of aryl halides with unactivated fluoroalkyl halides by reductive cross-coupling has been developed. This method demonstrated high efficiency, mild conditions, and excellent functional-group tolerance, thus enabling the late-stage monofluoroalkylation of diverse drugs. The key to success was the combination of diverse readily available bidentate and monodentate pyridine-type nitrogen ligands with nickel, which in situ generated a variety of readily tunable catalysts to promote fluoroalkylation with broad scope with respect to both coupling partners. This combinatorial catalysis strategy offers a solution for nickel-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling reactions and provides an efficient way to synthesize fluoroalkylated druglike molecules for drug discovery.

Modular radical cross-coupling with sulfones enables access to sp3-rich (fluoro)alkylated scaffolds

Cross-coupling chemistry is widely applied to carbon-carbon bond formation in the synthesis of medicines, agrochemicals, and other functional materials. Recently, single-electron-induced variants of this reaction class have proven particularly useful in the formation of C(sp²)-C(sp³) linkages, although certain compound classes have remained a challenge. Here, we report the use of sulfones to activate the alkyl coupling partner in nickel-catalyzed radical cross-coupling with aryl zinc reagents. This method's tolerance of fluoroalkyl substituents proved particularly advantageous for the streamlined preparation of pharmaceutically oriented fluorinated scaffolds that previously required multiple steps, toxic reagents, and nonmodular retrosynthetic blueprints. Five specific sulfone reagents facilitate the rapid assembly of a vast set of compounds, many of which contain challenging fluorination patterns.

Ligand libraries for high throughput screening of homogeneous catalysts

This review describes different approaches to construct ligand libraries towards high throughput screening of homogeneous metal catalysts.

Nickel-catalyzed direct difluoromethylation of aryl boronic acids with BrCF2H

Nickel-catalyzed direct difluoromethylation of aryl boronic acids has been developed with the industrial raw material BrCF₂H.

Base promoted direct difunctionalization/cascade cyclization of 1,6-enynes

A novel base-mediated direct difluoroalkylation of 1,6-enynes involving a CF₂ radical process has been developed.