Cu-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral Ring Cleavage of Cycloketone O-Acyl Oximes: Chemodivergent Access to Distal Oxygenated Nitriles

Recent advances in ring-opening of cyclobutanone oximes for capturing SO2, CO or O2via a radical process

Cyclobutanone oximes and their derivatives are pivotal core structural motifs in organic chemistry. Iminyl-radical-triggered C-C bond cleavage of cyclobutanone oximes delivers an efficient strategy to produce stable distal cyano-substituted alkyl radicals, which can capture SO2, CO or O2 to form cyanoalkylsulfonyl radicals, cyanoalkylcarbonyl radicals or cyanoalkoxyl radicals under mild conditions. In the past several years, cyanoalkylsulfonylation/cyanoalkylcarbonyaltion/cyanoalkoxylation has attracted a lot of interest. In this updated report, the strategies for trapping SO2, CO or O2via iminyl-radical-triggered ring-opening of cyclobutanone oximes are summarized.

Photocatalytic C-N bond construction toward high-value nitrogenous chemicals

The construction of carbon-nitrogen bonds is vital for producing versatile nitrogenous compounds for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Among developed synthetic approaches to nitrogenous chemicals, photocatalysis is particularly prominent and has become one of the emerging fields due to its unique advantages of eco-sustainable characteristics, efficient process integration, no need for high-pressure H2, and tunable synthesis methods for developing advanced photocatalytic materials. Here, the review focuses on potential photocatalytic protocols developed for the construction of robust carbon-nitrogen bonds in discrepant activation environments to produce high-value nitrogenous chemicals. The photocatalytic C-N bond construction strategies and involved reaction mechanisms are elucidated.

Emerging Trends in Copper-Promoted Radical-Involved C-O Bond Formations

The C-O bond is ubiquitous in biologically active molecules, pharmaceutical agents, and functional materials, thereby making it an important functional group. Consequently, the development of C-O bond-forming reactions using catalytic strategies has become an increasingly important research topic in organic synthesis because more conventional methods involving strong base and acid have many limitations. In contrast to the ionic-pathway-based methods, copper-promoted radical-mediated C-O bond formation is experiencing a surge in research interest owing to a renaissance in free-radical chemistry and photoredox catalysis. This Perspective highlights and appraises state-of-the-art techniques in this burgeoning research field. The contents are organized according to the different reaction types and working models.

B(C6F5)3-catalyzed oxidation of α-diazoesters using DMF and molecular oxygen as oxygen sources

A metal-free catalytic oxidation of α-diazoesters via a green environmental-friendly route was developed. The α-diazoesters were converted to α-ketoesters using DMF and molecular oxygen as oxygen sources and B(C₆F₅)₃ as the catalyst, without any additives. This protocol has a broad adaptability of substrates and good compatibility with a range of functional groups, and it offers new insight into reactions catalyzed by B(C₆F₅)₃.

Electroreductive Ring-Opening Carboxylation of Cycloketone Oxime Esters with Carbon Dioxide

Electroreductive ring-opening carboxylation of cycloketone oxime esters with atmospheric carbon dioxide is reported. This reaction proceeded under simple constant current conditions in an undivided cell using glassy carbon as the cathode and magnesium as the sacrificial anode, providing substituted γ- and δ-cyanocarboxylic acids in moderate to good yields. Electrochemically generated cyanoalkyl radicals and cyanoalkyl anion are proposed as the key intermediates.

Divergent Synthesis of 2-Cyanoaryl Carbamate and 2-Cyanoaryl Urea Derivatives via Hypervalent Iodine-Induced C-C Bond Cleavage

Divergent synthetic methods for transforming isatins to 2-cyanoaryl carbamate and 2-cyanoaryl urea derivatives were developed using ammonium carbamate as the nitrogen source and iodobenzene diacetate as the oxidant. This reaction features mild conditions, broad substrate scope, and moreover, the use of toxic cyano-containing compounds is avoided.

Deconstructive Insertion of Oximes into Coumarins: Modular Synthesis of Dihydrobenzofuran-Fused Pyridones

In the presence of a copper catalyst, a series of oximes undergo deconstructive insertion into coumarins to afford structurally interesting dihydrobenzofuran-fused pyridones in moderate to good yields with good functional group compatibility. The reaction likely involves a radical relay annulation, leading to the ring opening of the lactone moiety of the coumarins, and simultaneous formation of three new bonds. The investigation of photoluminescent properties reveals that several obtained compounds may have potential as fluorescent materials.

Photoinduced remote regioselective radical alkynylation of unactivated C-H bonds

A method for the remote regioselective alkynylation of unactivated C(sp³)-H bonds in diverse aliphatic amides by photogenerated amidyl radicals has been developed. The site-selectivity is dominated via a 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process of the amide. Mild reaction conditions and high regioselectivity are demonstrated in this methodology.

Cu(II)/SPDO complex-catalyzed asymmetric Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of 2-arylcyclobutanones and its application for the total synthesis of eupomatilones 5 and 6

A novel classical kinetic resolution of 2-aryl-substituted or 2,3-disubstituted cyclobutanones of Baeyer–Villiger oxidation catalyzed by a Cu(ii)/SPDO complex is reported for the first time, producing normal lactones in excellent enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee) and regioselectivities (up to >20/1), along with unreacted ketones in excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). The current transformation features a wide substrate scope. Moreover, catalytic asymmetric total syntheses of natural eupomatilones 5 and 6 are achieved in nine steps from commercially available 3-methylcyclobutan-1-one.

A novel classical kinetic resolution of Baeyer–Villiger oxidation catalyzed by a Cu(ii)/SPDO complex with excellent enantioselectivity, regioselectivity and wide substrate scope is reported for the first time and explore the synthetic application.

Oxime ester-enabled anti-Markovnikov hydrosilylation of alkenes

An oxime ester-enabled anti-Markovnikov hydrosilylation of alkenes is developed.

Iron-catalyzed radical cascade cyclization of oxime esters with isocyanides: synthesis of 1-cyanoalkyl isoquinolines and 6-cyanoalkyl phenanthridines

An iron-catalyzed radical cascade cyclization of oxime esters with isocyanides for the synthesis of 1-cyanoalkyl isoquinolines and 6-cyanoalkyl phenanthridines has been developed. This demonstrates excellent functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. A diverse range of potentially valuable 1-cyanoalkyl isoquinolines and 6-cyanoalkyl phenanthridines were obtained in moderate to good yields.

Copper-Catalyzed Sulfonylation of Cyclobutanone Oxime Esters with Sulfonyl Hydrazides

A copper-catalyzed radical cross-coupling of cyclobutanone oxime esters with sulfonyl hydrazides has been developed. The copper-based catalytic system proved crucial for cleavage of the C−C bond of cyclobutanone oximes and for selective C–S bond-formation involving persistent sulfonyl-metal radical intermediates. This protocol is distinguished by the low-cost catalytic system, which does not require ligand, base, or toxic cyanide salt, and by the use of readily accessible starting materials, as well as broad substrate scope, providing an efficient approach to various diversely substituted cyano-containing sulfones.

Visible-Light-Promoted Selenocyanation of Cyclobutanone Oxime Esters Using Potassium Selenocyanate

We report the visible-light-promoted selenocyanation of cyclobutanone oxime esters using potassium selenocyanate in the presence of a fac-Ir(ppy)₃ catalyst for the first time. Because of the mild conditions employed and use of readily accessible potassium selenocyanate, this method is an effective and green strategy for the synthesis of cyano and selenocyano bifunctional substituted alkanes.

Visible Light Driven and Copper-Catalyzed C(sp3)-H Functionalization of O-Pentafluorobenzoyl Ketone Oximes

The C(sp³)-H functionalization of O-pentafluorobenzoyl ketone oximes was implemented under visible light irradiation with copper complexes as catalysts. The reactions involve iminyl-radical-mediated intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer as the key step, with the iminyl radicals being generated via copper-effected N-O cleavage. The reaction afforded 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrroles under the conditions of [Cu(DPEphos)(bcp)]PF₆ and DABCO, while γ-pentafluorobenzoyloxy ketones were produced predominantly when [Cu(dpp)₂]PF₆ and InCl₃·4H₂O were used as catalysts.

Visible Light-Driven, Copper-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Cleavage of Cycloalkanones

A visible light-driven, copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative cleavage of cycloalkanones has been presented. A variety of cycloalkanones with varying ring sizes and various α-substituents reacted well to give the distal keto acids or dicarboxylic acids with moderate to good yields.

Visible-light-mediated cascade cyanoalkylsulfonylation/cyclization of alkynoates leading to coumarins via SO2 insertion

A visible-light-mediated cascade cyanoalkylsulfonylation/cyclization of alkynoates with cycloketone oxime compounds for the preparation of 3-cyanoalkylsulfonylcoumarins via SO₂ insertion is reported.

Visible-Light Photoredox-Catalyzed Ring-Opening Carboxylation of Cyclic Oxime Esters with CO2

The carboxylation of cyclic oxime esters with carbon dioxide via visible-light photoredox catalysis is demonstrated for the first time. A variety of cyclic oxime esters undergo ring-opening C-C bond cleavage and carboxylation to give cyanoalkyl-containing carboxylic acids in moderate to good yields. Moreover, this methodology features mild reaction conditions (room temperature, 1 atm), wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance as well as facile derivations of products. Mechanistic studies indicate that the benzylic radicals and anions might be the key intermediates.

Cleavage of Carbon-Carbon σ-Bonds of Four-Membered Rings

This article reviews synthetic transformations involving cleavage of a carbon-carbon bond of a four-membered ring, with a particular focus on the examples reported during the period from 2011 to the end of 2019. Most significant is the progress of catalytic reactions involving oxidative addition of carbon-carbon bonds onto transition metals or β-carbon elimination of transition metal alkoxides. When they are looked at from synthetic perspectives, they offer unique and efficient methods to build complex natural products and structures that are difficult to construct by conventional methods. On the other hand, β-scission of radical intermediates has also attracted increasing attention as an alternative elementary step to cleave carbon-carbon bonds. Its site-selectivity is often complementary to that of transition metal-catalyzed reactions. In addition, Lewis acid-mediated and thermally induced ring-opening of cyclobutanone derivatives has garnered renewed attention. On the whole, these examples demonstrate unique synthetic potentials of structurally strained four-membered ring compounds for the construction of organic skeletons.

Diversification of Nucleophile-Intercepted Beckmann Fragmentation Products and Related Density Functional Theory Studies

The nucleophile-intercepted Beckmann fragmentation (NuBFr) has the potential to be broadly applicable to the synthesis of indoline alkaloid-based natural products. However, the reaction has not been widely adopted, in part, because of limitations associated with the availability of appropriate promoter-Nu reagents. We have devised a stereospecific Ag(I)-promoted reaction for functionalizing NuBFr products to give novel compositions of matter that may be useful in synthesis and medicinal chemistry. With unhindered amine nucleophiles, structurally unique [2.2.2]-bicycloamidines are generated. We also disclose for the first time detailed density functional theory studies, which shed light on the mechanism of the NuBFr and Ag-promoted substitution reaction that supports an unusual aziridinium ion as a key intermediate.

Synthesis of DPPP- and DPPPEN-Type Bidentate Ligands by Ring-Opening Diphosphination of Methylene- and Vinylcyclopropanes under Visible-Light-Promoted Photoredox Catalysis

A ring-opening diphosphination of methylene- and vinylcyclopropanes with tetraaryldiphosphines (Ar₂P-PAr₂) has been developed to afford the corresponding 1,3-diphenylphosphinopropane- and 1,3-diphenylphosphinopentane-type bidentate ligands, respectively. The reaction proceeds under bromine cation-initiated, visible-light-promoted photoredox catalysis at ambient temperature. Owing to the ready availability of functionalized diphosphines, the electronically diverse MeO- and CF₃-substituted bidentate ligands are also easily prepared.

O-Perfluoropyridin-4-yl Oximes: Iminyl Radical Precursors for Photo- or Thermal-Induced N-O Cleavage in C(sp2)-C(sp3) Bond Formation

O-Perfluoropyridin-4-yl group was first installed onto cycloketone oximes as a new electrophore, which was proven to be efficient iminyl radical precursors under photocatalytic and thermal conditions. A range of O-perfluoropyridin-4-yl oximes were successfully utilized in C(sp²)-C(sp³) bond formations of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones and alkenes, providing facile accesses to a range of functionalized alkylnitriles.

Metal-free iminyl radical-mediated C–C single bond cleavage/functionalization of redox-active oxime esters

By photoactivating Hantzsch ester (HE) to act as an electron donor, we have achieved single-electron reduction of cycloketone oxime esters, thus providing a novel catalyst-free strategy for alkylation, allylation, vinylation and alkynylation.

Copper-Catalyzed Three-Component Domino Cyclization for the Synthesis of 4-Aryl-5-(arythio)-2-(trifluoromethyl)oxazoles

A copper-catalyzed oxidative cyclization of oxime, arylthiol, and trifluoroacetic anhydride for the construction of trisubstituted oxazoles has been developed. This transformation combines N-O bond cleavage, C-H functionalization, and intramolecular annulation, providing a practical protocol for the introduction of a trifluoromethyl (-CF₃) group at oxazole rings.

Nucleophile-intercepted Beckmann fragmentation reactions

We describe the first examples of nucleophile-intercepted Beckmann fragmentations of indoline oximes. This reaction uses MsCl as a promoter to give cyano chlorides and is believed to proceed through an aziridinium intermediate via a double stereoinvertive process. Mechanistic insights have led to the further discovery that oxygen, nitrogen, and bromide nucleophiles can be employed for this fragmentation by the use of other promoters. We envision that these products may be useful in the syntheses of members of the akuammiline and koumine families of indoline alkaloids.

A dual photoredox-nickel strategy for remote functionalization via iminyl radicals: radical ring-opening-arylation, -vinylation and -alkylation cascades

A divergent strategy for the remote arylation, vinylation and alkylation of nitriles is described. These processes proceed through the photoredox generation of a cyclic iminyl radical and its following ring-opening reaction. The distal nitrile radical is then engaged in nickel-based catalytic cycles to form C-C bonds with aryl bromides, alkynes and alkyl bromides.