Achiral CpxIr(III)/Chiral Carboxylic Acid Catalyzed Enantioselective C–H Amidation of Ferrocenes under Mild Conditions

Synthesis of acridones via Ir(III)-catalyzed amination annulation of oxazoles with anthranils

An unprecedented Ir(III)-catalyzed C-H activation/amination/annulation of 2-phenyloxazoles with anthranils for the highly selective preparation of acridone derivatives in one-pot under controlled conditions is reported. This protocol is characterized by atom economy and high regioselectivity. A wide range of anthranils with 2-phenyloxazoles were well tolerated and afforded the desired products in moderate to good yields, in which the anthranil serves as a convenient amination reagent.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed Controlled Ortho-Amidation of Arylamides with Dioxazolones Using Weakly Coordinating Native Primary Amide as the Directing Group

Herein, we report a controlled introduction of an amide unit at the ortho-position of an electron-deficient arylamide system without affording any cyclized products using user-friendly dioxazolone as an amidating reagent in the presence of a Rh(III)-catalyst. This is the first report where native primary amide has been utilized as a weakly coordinating group for site-selective C-N bond formation reaction. The developed protocol works under external auxiliary-free conditions with a wide substrate scope.

Electrooxidative Rhodium(III)/Chiral Carboxylic Acid-Catalyzed Enantioselective C-H Annulation of Sulfoximines with Alkynes

The combination of achiral Cp*Rh(III) with chiral carboxylic acids (CCAs) represents an efficient catalytic system in transition metal-catalyzed enantioselective C-H activation. However, this hybrid catalysis is limited to redox-neutral C-H activation reactions and the adopt to oxidative enantioselective C-H activation remains elusive and pose a significant challenge. Herein, we describe the development of an electrochemical Cp*Rh(III)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H annulation of sulfoximines with alkynes enabled by chiral carboxylic acid (CCA) in an operationally friendly undivided cell at room temperature. A broad range of enantioenriched 1,2-benzothiazines are obtained in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % yield and 98 : 2 er). The practicality of this method is demonstrated by scale-up reaction in a batch reactor with external circulation. A crucial chiral Cp*Rh(III) intermediate is isolated, characterized, and transformed, providing rational support for a Rh(III)/Rh(I) electrocatalytic cycle.

Cu-mediated enantioselective C-H alkynylation of ferrocenes with chiral BINOL ligands

A wide range of Cu(II)-catalyzed C-H activation reactions have been realized since 2006, however, whether a C-H metalation mechanism similar to Pd(II)-catalyzed C-H activation reaction is operating remains an open question. To address this question and ultimately develop ligand accelerated Cu(II)-catalyzed C-H activation reactions, realizing the enantioselective version and investigating the mechanism is critically important. With a modified chiral BINOL ligand, we report the first example of Cu-mediated enantioselective C-H activation reaction for the construction of planar chiral ferrocenes with high yields and stereoinduction. The key to the success of this reaction is the discovery of a ligand acceleration effect with the BINOL-based diol ligand in the directed Cu-catalyzed C-H alkynylation of ferrocene derivatives bearing an oxazoline-aniline directing group. This transformation is compatible with terminal aryl and alkyl alkynes, which are incompatible with Pd-catalyzed C-H activation reactions. This finding provides an invaluable mechanistic information in determining whether Cu(II) cleaves C-H bonds via CMD pathway in analogous manner to Pd(II) catalysts.

Enantioselective Rh(I)-Catalyzed C-H Arylation of Ferroceneformaldehydes

As an important class of platform molecules, planar chiral ferrocene carbonyl compounds could be transformed into various functional groups offering facile synthesis of chiral ligands and catalysts. However, developing efficient and straightforward methods for accessing enantiopure planar chiral ferrocene carbonyl compounds, especially ferroceneformaldehydes, remains highly challenging. Herein, we report a rhodium(I)/phosphoramidite-catalyzed enantioselective C-H bond arylation of ferroceneformaldehydes. Readily available aryl halides such as aryl iodides, aryl bromides, and even aryl chlorides are suitable coupling partners in this transformation, leading to a series of planar chiral ferroceneformaldehydes in good yields and excellent enantioselectivity (up to 83% yield and >99% ee). The aldehyde group could be transformed into diverse functional groups smoothly, and enantiopure Ugi's amine and PPFA analogues could be synthesized efficiently. The latter was found to be a highly efficient ligand in Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation reactions. Mechanistic experiments supported the formation of imine intermediates as the key step during the reaction.

Catalytic Undirected Meta-Selective C-H Borylation of Metallocenes

Metallocenes are privileged backbones in the fields of synthetic chemistry, catalysis, polymer science, etc. Direct C-H functionalization is undoubtedly the simplest approach for tuning the properties of metallocenes. However, owing to the presence of multiple identical C(sp2 )-H sites, this protocol often suffers from low reactivity and selectivity issues, especially for the regioselective synthesis of 1,3-difunctionalized metallocenes. Herein, an efficient iridium-catalyzed meta-selective C-H borylation of metallocenes is reported. With no need of preinstalled directing groups, this approach enables a rapid synthesis of various boronic esters based on benzoferrocenes, ferrocenes, ruthenocene, and related half sandwich complex. A broad range of electron-deficient and -rich functional groups are all compatible with the process. Notably, C-H borylation of benzoferrocenes takes place exclusively at the benzene ring, which is likely ascribed to the shielding effect of pentamethylcyclopentadiene. The synthetic utility is further demonstrated by easy scalability to gram quantities, the conversion of boron to heteroatoms including N3 , SePh, and OAc, as well as diverse cross-coupling reactions.

Exploring the Versatility of the Amidation of Aryl Acid Fluorides using the Germylamines R3 GeNMe2

The formation of amide bonds is an important process since this linkage is an essential component in proteins, pharmaceuticals, and other medicinally and biologically significant molecules. Recently, it was demonstrated that germylamines R3 GeNR'2 were useful reagents for the conversion of acid fluorides to amides. This transformation occurs readily at room temperature and has a low activation energy. In the present study, the versatility of this amidation reaction with aryl acid fluorides is investigated. A series of thirteen acid fluorides with various substituents on the aromatic ring were reacted with the germylamine Ph3 GeNMe2 and twelve of these were converted to the corresponding amides in high yields, the exception being 1,4-benzenedicarbonyl difluoride. The germylamines Bun 3 GeNMe2 and Pri 3 GeNMe2 also could be used for this interconversion, and both of these species successfully converted 1,4-benzenedicarbonyl difluoride to the corresponding amide. In addition, the crystal structure of Ph3 GeNMe2 is reported. This represents one of only three crystallographically characterized germylamines. The synthesis and 19 F NMR characterization of three fluorogermanes R3 GeF (R=Bun , Pri , and Mes) are also reported herein.

Transition-metal-catalyzed atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral styrenes

Axially chiral styrenes, a type of atropisomer analogous to biaryls, have attracted great interest because of their unique presence in natural products and asymmetric catalysis. Since 2016, a number of methodologies have been developed for the atroposelective construction of these chiral skeletons, involving both transition metal catalysis and organocatalysis. In this feature article, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of recent advances in the asymmetric synthesis of axially chiral styrenes catalyzed by transition metals, integrating scattered work with different catalytic systems together. This feature article is cataloged into five sections according to the strategies, including asymmetric coupling, enantioselective C-H activation, central-to-axial chirality transfer, asymmetric alkyne functionalization, and atroposelective [2+2+2] cycloaddition.

Rhodium-catalyzed atroposelective access to trisubstituted olefins via C-H bond olefination of diverse arenes

The atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral acyclic olefins remains a daunting challenge due to their relatively lower racemization barriers, especially for trisubstituted ones. In this work, atroposelective C-H olefination has been realized for synthesis of open-chain trisubstituted olefins via C-H activation of two classes of (hetero)arenes in the coupling with sterically hindered alkynes. The employment of phenyl N-methoxycarbamates as arene reagents afforded phenol-tethered olefins, with the carbamate being a traceless directing group. The olefination of N-methoxy-2-indolylcarboxamides afforded the corresponding chiral olefin by circumventing the redox-neutral [4 + 2] annulation. The reactions proceeded with excellent Z/E selectivity, chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, and enantioselectivity in both hydroarylation systems.

Comprehensive Theoretical Study of Cp*IrIII-Catalyzed Intermolecular Enantioselective Allylic C-H Amidation: Reaction Mechanism, Electronic Processes, and Regioselectivity

Density functional theory was used to elucidate the reaction mechanism of Cp*Ir^III-catalyzed intermolecular regioselective C(sp³)-H amidation of alkenes with methyl dioxazolones. All substrates, intermediates, and transition states were fully optimized at the ωB97XD/6-31G(d,p) level (LANL2DZ(f) for Ir). The computational results revealed that this amidation occurred through the Ir^III/Ir^V catalytic cycle, involving four important elementary steps: C-H bond activation, oxidative addition of methyl dioxazolone, reductive elimination, and proto-demetalation, and the first was the rate-determining step. The C-H bond activation showed good α- and branch-regioselectivity, decided by the distortion energy of 2-pentene and the interaction energy of the transition state, respectively. The oxidative addition of dioxazolone occurred in one elementary step with CO₂ disassociation. The reductive elimination showed good branch-regioselectivity determined by the distorted energy of the allyl group. In the proto-demetalation, hydrogen directly transferred from the oxygen atom to the nitrogen atom. Moreover, to clarify the effect of the substituted groups, selected 12 substrates were also discussed in this text.

(SCp)Rhodium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Satoh-Miura Reaction for Building-up Axial Chirality: Counteranion-Directed Switching of Reaction Pathways

Satoh-Miura reaction is an important method for extending π-systems by forging multi-substituted benzene rings via double aryl C-H activation and annulation with alkynes. However, the development of highly enantioselective Satoh-Miura reaction remains rather challenging. Herein, we report an asymmetric Satoh-Miura reaction between 1-aryl benzo[h]isoquinolines and internal alkynes enabled by a SCpRh-catalyst. Judiciously choosing the counteranion of the Rh-catalyst is crucial for the desired reactivity over the competitive formation of azoniahelicenes. Detailed mechanistic studies support the proposal of counteranion-directed switching of reaction pathways in Rh-catalyzed asymmetric C-H activation.

Ruthenium(II)/Imidazolidine Carboxylic Acid-Catalyzed C-H Alkylation for Central and Axial Double Enantio-Induction

Enantioselective C-H activation has surfaced as a transformative toolbox for the efficient assembly of chiral molecules. However, despite of major advances in rhodium and palladium catalysis, ruthenium(II)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H activation has thus far largely proven elusive. In contrast, we herein report on a ruthenium(II)-catalyzed highly regio-, diastereo- and enantioselective C-H alkylation. The key to success was represented by the identification of novel C2-symmetric chiral imidazolidine carboxylic acids (CICAs), which are easily accessible in a one-pot fashion, as highly effective chiral ligands. This ruthenium/CICA system enabled the efficient installation of central and axial chirality, and featured excellent branched to linear ratios with generally >20 : 1 dr and up to 98 : 2 er. Mechanistic studies by experiment and computation were carried out to understand the catalyst mode of action.

Recent Advances in Transition-Metal-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization of Ferrocene Amides

During the past decades, in synthetic organic chemistry, directing-group-assisted C-H functionalization is found to be a key tool for the expedient and site-selective construction of C-C and hybrid bonds. Among C-H functionalization of ferrocene derivatives, the directed group strategy is undoubtedly the most commonly used method. Compared to the other directing groups, ferrocene amides can be synthesized easily and are now recognized as one of the most efficient devices for the selective functionalization of certain positions because its metal centre permits fine, tuneable and reversible coordination. The family of amide directing groups mainly comprises monodentate and bidentate directing groups, which are categorized on the basis of coordination sites. In this review, various C-H bond functionalization reactions of ferrocene using amide directing groups are broadly discussed.

Cobalt(III)/Chiral Carboxylic Acid-Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Benzothiadiazine-1-oxides via C-H Activation

Among sulfoximine derivatives containing a chiral sulfur center, benzothiadiazine-1-oxides are important for applications in medicinal chemistry. Here, we report that the combination of an achiral cobalt(III) catalyst and a pseudo-C₂ -symmetric H₈ -binaphthyl chiral carboxylic acid enables the asymmetric synthesis of benzothiadiazine-1-oxides from sulfoximines and dioxazolones via enantioselective C-H bond cleavage. With the optimized protocol, benzothiadiazine-1-oxides with several functional groups can be accessed with high enantioselectivity.

Electrochemically driven regioselective C-H phosphorylation of group 8 metallocenes

Metallocenes are privileged backbones for synthesis and catalysis. However, the direct dehydrogenative C−H functionalization of unsymmetric metallocenes suffers from reactivity and selectivity issues. Herein, we report an electrochemically driven regioselective C−H phosphorylation of group 8 metallocenes. Mechanistic investigations indicate this dehydrogenative cross coupling occurs through an electrophilic radical substitution of the metallocene with a phosphoryl radical, facilitated by the metallocene itself. This work not only offers an efficient and divergent synthesis of phosphorylated metallocenes, but also provides a guide to interpret the reactivity and regioselectivity for the C−H functionalization of unsymmetric metallocenes.

Metallocene-based phosphines are compounds with potential use in catalysis. Here, the authors report the electrochemical regioselective functionalization of group 8 metallocenes with phosphine oxides; over 60 examples of phosphorylated (benzo)ferrocenes and ruthenocenes can be accessed via this method without the need for a preinstalled directing group.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Azine-Directed C-H Amidation with N-Methoxyamides

Using N-methoxyamide reagents as an amide source, C-H amidation was realized at the ortho position of azine under the action of rhodium and boric acid. The method has mild reaction conditions, high atomic utilization, excellent yield, and wide adaptability to amidation reagents (both aromatic amides and fatty amides are applicable). Amide-substituted ketones can be obtained by a simple treatment and can be further transformed into bioactive substances. This provides a good supplement for the C-H bond amidation of aromatic rings.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Atroposelective Synthesis of C-N Axially Chiral Naphthylamines and Variants via C-H Activation

Reported herein is the efficient and atroposelective construction of two categories of C-N atropisomers via rhodium(III)-catalyzed C-H activation of sulfoxonium ylides en route to [4+2] annulation with sterically hindered, electron-rich alkynes. This reaction proceeds with high regio- and enantioselectivity under redox-neutral conditions via a double-substrate activation strategy, providing a novel entry to C-N axially chiral 4-functionalized 1-naphthols.

Asymmetric Ru/Cinchonine Dual Catalysis for the One-Pot Synthesis of Optically Active Phthalides from Benzoic Acids and Acrylates

Herein, we report the asymmetric Ru/cinchonine dual catalysis that provides straightforward access to enantioselective synthesis of C-3 substituted phthalides via tandem C-H activation/Michael addition cascade. The use of readily accessible and less expensive [RuCl₂(p-cym)]₂ and cinchonine catalyst for the one-pot assembly of chiral phthalides greatly overcomes the present trend of using highly sophisticated catalysts. The developed method provides access to both enantiomers of a product using pseudoenantiomeric cinchona alkaloids as catalysts streamlining the synthesis of phthalide in both the optically active forms.

Coordination-assisted, transition-metal-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetric C–H functionalization

Recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetric C–H functionalization are summarized.

Cp*Co(III)-Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydroarylation of Unactivated Terminal Alkenes via C-H Activation

Enantioselective hydroarylation of unactivated terminal akenes constitutes a prominent challenge in organic chemistry. Herein, we reported a Cp*Co(III)-catalyzed asymmetric hydroarylation of unactivated aliphatic terminal alkenes assisted by a new type of tailor-made amino acid ligands. Critical to the chiral induction was the engaging of a novel noncovalent interaction (NCI), which has seldomly been disclosed in the C-H activation area, arising from the molecular recognition among the organocobalt(III) intermediate, the coordinated alkene, and the well-designed chiral ligand. A broad range of C2-alkylated indoles were obtained in high yields and excellent enantioselectivities. DFT calculations revealed the reaction mechanism and elucidated the origins of chiral induction in the stereodetermining alkene insertion step.

Biocatalytic, Intermolecular C-H Bond Functionalization for the Synthesis of Enantioenriched Amides

Directed evolution of heme proteins has opened access to new-to-nature enzymatic activity that can be harnessed to tackle synthetic challenges. Among these, reactions resulting from active site iron-nitrenoid intermediates present a powerful strategy to forge C-N bonds with high site- and stereoselectivity. Here we report a biocatalytic, intermolecular benzylic C-H amidation reaction operating at mild and scalable conditions. With hydroxamate esters as nitrene precursors, feedstock aromatic compounds can be converted to chiral amides with excellent enantioselectivity (up to >99 % ee) and high yields (up to 87 %). Kinetic and computational analysis of the enzymatic reaction reveals rate-determining nitrenoid formation followed by stepwise hydrogen atom transfer-mediated C-H functionalization.

CpxM(iii)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H functionalization through migratory insertion of metal-carbenes/nitrenes

Cp^xM(iii)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H functionalization reactions have progressed rapidly using either chiral cyclopentadienyl ligands or appropriate chiral carboxylic acids. In this context, highly reactive carbene and nitrene precursors can serve as effective C-H coupling partners, providing a straightforward and efficient approach to access chiral molecules. In this review, we highlight the developments in Cp^xM(iii)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H functionalization reactions through migratory insertion of metal-carbenes/nitrenes by employing chiral Cp^xM(iii) complexes or achiral Cp^xM(iii) complexes combined with chiral carboxylic acids.

Asymmetric synthesis of chiral organosilicon compounds via transition metal-catalyzed stereoselective C-H activation and silylation

This feature article details the progress of transition metal-catalyzed stereoselective sp² and sp³ C-H activation and silylation in the synthesis of chiral organosilicon compounds, and the asymmetric C-H silylation includes intramolecular cyclizing silylation and intermolecular silylation. The silylating reagents include monohydrosilanes, dihydrosilanes, silacylcobutanes and disilanes. In general, catalytic systems include a transition metal salt as the catalyst and a chiral ligand. No external chiral ligand is required in some cases where the chiral substrates act as the source of chirality. Many kinds of silylated compounds with central, axial, planar, or helical chirality have been constructed via C-H activation by asymmetric rhodium, iridium or palladium catalysis. Some pharmacophores and material building blocks were successfully introduced into the target molecules. Some silylated products proved to be useful in medicinal chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and materials science. Besides reaction development, mechanisms for stereoselective C-H activation and silylation are also discussed.

One-Pot Tandem Access to Phenothiazine Derivatives from Acetanilide and 2-Bromothiophenol via Rhodium-Catalyzed C-H Thiolation and Copper-Catalyzed C-N Amination

A one-pot and step economic reaction involving Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H thiolation and relay Cu(II)-catalyzed C-N amination of acetanilide and 2-bromothiophenol is reported here, with several valuable phenothiazine products obtained. This synthesis protocol proceeds from easily starting materials, demonstrating high atom economy, broad substrate scope, and good yield. Furthermore, the directing group can be easily eliminated, and chlorpromazine is provided in a large scale; thus this synthesis protocol could be utilized to construct phenothiazine scaffolds.

Efficient Synthesis of Sulfur-Stereogenic Sulfoximines via Ru(II)-Catalyzed Enantioselective C-H Functionalization Enabled by Chiral Carboxylic Acid

Ru(II)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H functionalization involving an enantiodetermining C-H cleavage step remains undeveloped. Here we describe a Ru(II)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H activation/annulation of sulfoximines with α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides using a novel class of chiral binaphthyl monocarboxylic acids as chiral ligands, which can be easily and modularly prepared from 1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-dicarboxylic acid. A broad range of sulfur-stereogenic sulfoximines were prepared in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% yield and 99% ee) via desymmetrization, kinetic resolution, and parallel kinetic resolution. Furthermore, the resolution products can be easily transformed to chiral sulfoxides and key intermediates for kinase inhibitors.

Enantioselective Catalytic C-H Amidations: An Highlight

The crucial role played by compounds bearing amide functions, not only in biological processes but also in several fields of chemistry, life polymers and material sciences, has brought about many significant discoveries and innovative approaches for their chemical synthesis. Indeed, a plethora of strategies has been developed to reach such moieties. Amides within chiral molecules are often associated with biological activity especially in life sciences and medicinal chemistry. In most of these cases, their synthesis requires extensive rethinking methodologies. In the very last years (2019–2020), enantioselective C-H functionalization has appeared as a straightforward alternative to reach chiral amides. Therein, an overview on these transformations within this timeframe is going to be given.

Enantioselective C-H Alkenylation of Ferrocenes with Alkynes by Half-Sandwich Scandium Catalyst

The enantioselective C-H alkenylation of ferrocenes with alkynes is, in principle, a straightforward and atom-efficient route for the construction of planar-chiral ferrocene scaffolds bearing alkene functionality but has remained scarcely explored to date. Here we report for the first time the highly enantioselective C-H alkenylation of quinoline- and pyridine-substituted ferrocenes with alkynes by a half-sandwich scandium catalyst. This protocol features broad substrate scope, high enantioselectivity, and 100% atom efficiency, selectively affording a new family of planar-chiral ferrocenes bearing N/alkene functionalities. The mechanistic details have been clarified by DFT analyses. The use of a quinoline/alkene-functionalized ferrocene product as a chiral ligand for asymmetric catalysis is also demonstrated.