Copper-Catalyzed Radical Selenodifluoromethylation of Alkenes: Access to CF2-Containing γ-Lactams

Recent Progress in Synthetic and Biological Application of Diorganyl Diselenides

Diorganyl diselenides have emerged as privileged structures because they are easy to prepare, have distinct reactivity, and have broad biological activity. They have also been used in the synthesis of natural products as an electrophile in the organoselenylation of aromatic systems and peptides, reductions of alkenes, and nucleophilic substitution. This review summarizes the advancements in methods for the transformations promoted by diorganyl diselenides in the main functions of organic chemistry. Parallel, it will also describe the main findings on pharmacology and toxicology of diorganyl diselenides, emphasizing anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, chemotherapeutic, and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, an examination detailing the reactivity and biological characteristics of diorganyl diselenides provides valuable insights for academic researchers and industrial professionals.

Modular synthesis of cyclic β-difluoroamines

Fluorine-containing saturated nitrogen heterocycles are very attractive structures in medicinal and biological chemistry because fluorine can be used to tune conformation as well as key properties such as basicity and bioavailability. At present cyclic fluorinated amines are accessed using hazardous reagents such as DAST or by lengthy synthesis routes. Here we report a modular two-step synthesis of cyclic β-fluoroalkyl amines using a photoredox-catalysed cyclisation/hydrogen atom transfer reaction of bromodifluoroethylamines.

Copper-Catalyzed Radical Relay 1,3-Carbocarbonylation across Two Distinct C═C Bonds

The radical relay provides an effective paradigm for intermolecular assembly to achieve functionalization across remote chemical bonds. Herein, we report the first radical relay 1,3-carbocarbonylation of α-carbonyl alkyl bromides across two separate C═C bonds. The reaction is highly chemo- and regioselective, with two C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds and one C═O bond formed in a single orchestrated operation. In addition, the synthesis method under mild conditions and using inexpensive copper as the catalyst allows facile access to structurally diverse 1,3-carbocarbonylation products. The plausible mechanism is investigated through a series of control experiments, including radical trapping, radical clock experiments, critical intermediate trapping, and 18O labeling experiment.

Construction of Phosphorothiolated 2-Pyrrolidinones via Photoredox/Copper-Catalyzed Cascade Radical Cyclization/Phosphorothiolation

A photoredox/copper-catalyzed cascade radical cyclization/phosphorothiolation reaction of N-allylbromoacetamides and P(O)SH compounds has been established. A broad range of novel nonfluorine- or difluoro-substituted 2-pyrrolidinones bearing the C(sp3)-SP(O)(OR)2 moiety can be conveniently constructed in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. Importantly, most of the tested phosphorothiolated 2-pyrrolidinones showed potent inhibitory effects toward both AChE and BChE.

Nickel-Catalyzed Aminofluoroalkylative Cyclization of Styrenes with Ethyl Fluoroacetate and Anilines toward Fluoro-γ-Lactams

A novel method for the nickel-catalyzed multicomponent aminofluoroalkylation/cyclization of styrenes with ethyl fluoroacetate and anilines has been developed. This protocol provides general and efficient access to a diverse range of fluoro-γ-lactams from simple and readily available starting materials. Control experiments prove the involvement of radical intermediates and excluded the presence of 2-fluoro-N-phenylacetamide.

Et2Zn-Mediated Radical (3 + 2) Cycloaddition of Vinyl Azides with Ethyl Iododifluoroacetate to Access 3,3-Difluoro-γ-lactams

A diethylzinc-mediated radical (3 + 2) cycloaddition of vinyl azides with ethyl iododifluoroacetate is presented. The developed reaction features good functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, and operational simplicity, enabling efficient assembly of a wide range of 3,3-difluoro-γ-lactam derivatives bearing an O-substituted quaternary carbon center in moderate to good yields. The utility of the method is showcased by a scaled-up reaction, conversion of the product, and late-stage structural modifications of a variety of pharmaceutical compounds.

Organoselenium Compounds: Chemistry and Applications in Organic Synthesis

Selenium, originally described as a toxin, turns out to be a crucial trace element for life that appears as selenocysteine and its dimer, selenocystine. From the point of view of drug developments, selenium-containing drugs are isosteres of sulfur and oxygen with the advantage that the presence of the selenium atom confers antioxidant properties and high lipophilicity, which would increase cell membrane permeation leading to better oral bioavailability. In this article, we have focused on the relevant features of the selenium atom, above all, the corresponding synthetic approaches to access a variety of organoselenium molecules along with the proposed reaction mechanisms. The preparation and biological properties of selenosugars, including selenoglycosides, selenonucleosides, selenopeptides, and other selenium-containing compounds will be treated. We have attempted to condense the most important aspects and interesting examples of the chemistry of selenium into a single article.

Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular aza-Wacker-type cyclization of vinyl cyclopropanecarboxamides to access conformationally restricted aza[3.1.0]bicycles

A palladium(ii)-catalyzed intramolecular oxidative aza-Wacker-type reaction of vinyl cyclopropanecarboxamides to access a series of conformationally restricted highly substituted aza[3.1.0]bicycles is reported. The transformation proceeded through a typical aza-Wacker reaction mechanism to forge a new C-N bond with oxygen as the terminal oxidant. The desired fused heterocycles were obtained in moderate yields. The process is tolerant of a range of functional aryl groups under mild conditions.

Iron-Catalyzed Alkoxyl Radical-Induced C-C Bond Cleavage/gem-Difluoroalkylation Cascade

An inexpensive iron-catalyzed alkoxyl radical-induced C-C bond cleavage/gem-difluoroalkylation cascade is presented. Regulated by the structure of alkoxyl radical precursors, fluorinated distal diketones were synthesized through a ring-opening strategy and difluoroalkylated medium-sized lactones and macrolactones were constructed via a ring-expansion strategy. Both protocols proceeded under mild and redox neutral conditions with a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility.

Synthesis of Difluoroarymethyl-Substituted Benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones under Mild Conditions

A highly efficient method for synthesis of difluoroarymethyl-substituted benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones using 2-arylbenzoimidazoles with α,α-difluorophenylacetic acid as reaction substrates has been developed through radical cascade cyclization. The advantage of this strategy lies in excellent functional group tolerance to generate the corresponding products in good yields under base- and metal-free conditions.

Electro-Oxidative C3-Selenylation of Pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones

In this work, we achieved a C3-selenylation of pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones using an electrochemically driven external oxidant-free strategy. Various structurally diverse seleno-substituted N-heterocycles were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Through radical trapping experiments, GC-MS analysis and cyclic voltammetry study, a plausible mechanism for this selenylation was proposed.

CuBr2-Catalyzed Annulation of 2-Bromo-N-Arylbenzimidamide with Se/S8 Powder for the Synthesis of Benzo[d]isoselenazole and Benzo[d]isothiazole

A CuBr₂-catalyzed annulation of 2-bromo-N-arylbenzimidamide with selenium/sulfur powder for the synthesis of benzo[d]isoselenazole and benzo[d]isothiazole in generally good yields was investigated. This synthetic strategy features good substrate scope and functional group tolerance. Furthermore, the corresponding products could be converted into N-aryl indoles via rhodium^III-catalyzed ortho C-H activation of the N-phenyl ring, providing an efficient approach for axial aromatic molecules.

Visible light driven multicomponent synthesis of difluoroamidosulfonyl quinoline derivatives

A visible-light-induced photocatalyst-free three-component radical tandem cyclization of N-propargylamine and N-allylbromodifluoroacetamides with the insertion of sulfur dioxide has been developed. Diverse difluoroamidosulfonylated quinolines are obtained in moderate to good yields. This protocol features broad functional group tolerance and high regioselectivity. Moreover, mechanistic studies reveal the involvement of the radical pathway and the formation of an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex in this reaction.

Photoinduced Construction of Thieno[3,4-c]quinolin-4(5H)-ones/Selenopheno[3,4-c]quinolin-4(5H)-ones Using Diphenyl Disulfide or Diphenyl Diselenide as Sulfur or Selenium Sources

A photocatalytic synthesis of thieno[3,4-c]quinolin-4(5H)-ones/selenopheno[3,4-c]quinolin-4(5H)-ones using diphenyl disulfide or diphenyl diselenide as sulfur or selenium sources was developed. Two C-S/Se bonds and one C-C bond were constructed simultaneously without transition metals and other additives.

Organocatalytic Cloke-Wilson Rearrangement: Carbocation-Initiated Tandem Ring Opening/Cyclization of Cyclopropanes under Neutral Conditions

We report a metal-, acid-, and base-free 2-(bromomethyl)naphthalene (2-BMN)-promoted organocatalytic Cloke-Wilson rearrangement of chain doubly activated cyclopropanes for the construction of 2,3-dihydrofurans via a carbocation-initiated tandem intramolecular ring-opening/recyclization process. The strategy is especially suitable for the construction of furan units in complex molecules, providing a solution to the problem of heavy-metal residues in dihydrofuran-containing drugs synthesized by traditional metal-based protocols. Thus, it is of potential interest in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Tandem Radical Cyclization/Hydroxylation for the Synthesis of 4-Hydroxyalkyl-3,3-difluoro-γ-lactams

The photoredox-catalyzed radical difluoroalkylation/cyclization/hydroxylation cascade reaction of various 2-bromo-2,2-difluoro-N-arylacetamides containing unactivated alkene moieties has been developed, providing green and efficient access to various 4-hydroxyalkyl-3,3-difluoro-γ-lactams. Control experiments confirmed a radical process, and inexpensive air acted as the sole hydroxy resource. In addition, the highlights of this protocol include good tolerance for a variety functional groups, lower photocatalyst loading, and ease of operation.

Radical annulation of a designed diene system: access to nitro-benzo[b]azepines

Herein, we describe a novel O₂N˙-triggered ordered addition 7-endo cyclization reaction with excellent chemo- and regioselectivity. With such a strategy, structurally diverse nitro-benzo[b]azepines were prepared with 28 examples. Large-scale operation and handy N-Ts and N-Cbz deprotection reveal the promising utility of this methodology. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds through a radical pathway.

Radical selenation of C(sp3)-H bonds to asymmetric selenides and mechanistic study

Selenides are important structural motifs with a broad range of biological activities and versatile transformational abilities. In this study, a novel and mild method was developed for the facile synthesis of asymmetric selenides under metal-free conditions. The key features of this reaction include good functional-group tolerance, the use of readily available reagents and cheap, low-toxicity solvent, and amenability to gram-scale synthesis. The results of preliminary radical-trapping experiments and a kinetic isotope effect study support a radical process.

Time-economical synthesis of selenofunctionalized heterocycles via I2O5-mediated selenylative heterocyclization

A time-economical and robust synthesis of various selenofunctionalized heterocycles was accomplished via I₂O₅-mediated selenocyclizations of olefins with diselenides. Using this method, 116 selenomethyl-substituted heterocycles were synthesized with up to 97% isolated yield in minutes. Additional features of this new protocol include the use of an inorganic oxidant, mild conditions, and easy operation. Preliminary investigations suggest that the transformation operates through selenenyl iodide-induced electrophilic cyclization.

Visible-Light Photosynthesis of CHF2 /CClF2 /CBrF2 -Substituted Ring-fused Quinazolinones in Dimethyl Carbonate

With eco-friendly and sustainable CO₂ -derived dimethyl carbonate as the sole solvent, the visible-light-induced cascade radical reactions have been established as a green and efficient tool for constructing various CHF₂ /CClF₂ /CBrF₂ -substituted ring-fused quinazolinones.

Ni and Fe Catalyzed Cascade Radical Reactions of Oxime Esters with Diselenides

A radical cyclization and ring-opening of oxime esters with diselenides was developed. Both Ni(0) and Fe(II) catalysts could be employed for the selenylation of olefin-containing and cyclic oxime ester derivatives....

Visible Light-Promoted Selenylative Spirocyclization of Biaryl Ynones toward the Formation of Selenated Spiro[5.5]trienones

A visible-light induced dearomative cascade cyclization of biaryl ynones with diselenides under photocatalyst and external additive-free conditions has been explored, giving a series of selenated spiro[5.5]trienones in moderate to good...

Copper-Catalyzed Difluoroalkylation of Alkene/Nitrile Insertion/Cyclization Tandem Sequences: Construction of Difluorinated Bicyclic Amidines

A copper-catalyzed difluoroalkylation of an alkene/nitrile insertion/cyclization tandem sequence of N-cyanamide alkene was described, which provided a convenient synthetic approach for accessing difluorinated bicyclic amidines bearing imine moieties in a sustainable fashion. This protocol is characterized by high yields, a broad substrate scope, and good functional group compatibility. In addition, the desired product can be readily converted into other valuable functionalized fluorinated aza-heterocycles.

Chalcogenative spirocyclization of N-aryl propiolamides with diselenides/disulfides promoted by Selectfluor

A practical and efficient synthetic route to construct a variety of 3-arylselenenyl/3-arylthio spiro[4.5]trienones was developed using Selectfluor reagent as a mild oxidant. This reaction proceeds via a sequence of electrophilic cation addition, spirocyclization and dearomatization, then offers an approach to introduce Se/S-centered cation into the C–C triple bonds. The utility of this protocol were justified by the excellent compatibility of a wide range of functional groups, good yields and scalability under mild reaction conditions.

Visible Light-Promoted Radical Relay Cyclization/C-C Bond Formation of N-Allylbromodifluoroacetamides with Quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones

A visible light-promoted radical relay of N-allylbromodifluoroacetamide with quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones was developed in which 5-exo-trig cyclization and C-C bond formation were involved. This protocol was performed under mild conditions to facilely offer a variety of hybrid molecules bearing both quinoxalin-2(1H)-one and 3,3-difluoro-γ-lactam motifs. These prepared novel skeletons would expand the accessible chemical space for structurally complex heterocycles with potential biological activities.

Iodine-imine Synergistic Promoted Povarov-Type Multicomponent Reaction for the Synthesis of 2,2'-Biquinolines and Their Application to a Copper/Ligand Catalytic System

An efficient iodine-imine synergistic promoted Povarov-type multicomponent reaction was reported for the synthesis of a practical 2,2'-biquinoline scaffold. The tandem annulation has reconciled iodination, Kornblum oxidation, and Povarov aromatization, where the methyl group of the methyl azaarenes represents uniquely reactive input in the Povarov reaction. This method has broad substrate scope and mild conditions. Furthermore, these 2,2'-biquinoline derivatives had been directly used as bidentate ligands in metal-catalyzed reactions.

Synthesis of selenated tetracyclic indoloazulenes via iodine and diorganyl diselenides

Herein, we report an efficient protocol for the synthesis of selenated tetracyclic indoloazulenes. The reaction of diorganyl diselenides with molecular iodine in dichloromethane leads to the in situ formation of organo selenenyl iodide. The synthesis of selenylated tetracyclic indoloazulenes through intramolecular cascade cyclization has been achieved via organo selenenyl iodide and bisindole at room temperature under metal-free conditions in good yields. All compounds were fully characterized by the FT-IR, HRMS, and ¹H, ¹³C and ⁷⁷Se NMR spectral data.

Visible-Light Mediated Diarylselenylative Cyclization of 1,6-Enynes

We herein described a selenylative cyclization reaction of enynes by the utilization of diselenides as radical sources. The visible-light irradiation of the reaction mixture enables the generation of the selenium atom radical to trigger the radical addition/cyclization/selenation sequences. Both terminal alkyne and internal alkyne derived 1,6-enynes were tested and suitable for the current synthetic protocol, delivering various kinds of selenium-containing cycles in good yields.

Fluorination and fluoroalkylation of alkenes/alkynes to construct fluoro-containing heterocycles

This review summarize the established strategies through fluorination and fluoroalkylation of alkenes/alkynes for constructing fluoro-containing heterocycles. Reaction scopes, mechanisms and some shortcomings are also discussed.