A Broadly Applicable Method for Pd-Catalyzed Carboperfluoro-alkylation of Terminal and Internal Alkynes: A Convenient Route to Tri- and Tetrasubstituted Olefins

Pd-catalyzed 5-exo-dig cyclization/etherification cascade of N-propargyl arylamines for the synthesis of polysubstituted furans

A method for the synthesis of furans bearing indoline skeletons was developed via an intramolecular palladium-catalyzed 5-exo-dig cyclization/etherification cascade of N-propargyl arylamines containing a 1,3-dicarbonyl side chain. This method realized the first capture of vinyl carbopalladiums by ketones as O-nucleophiles and showed a wide range of substrate tolerability affording trisubstituted furans in various yields. The enantioselective version for this domino process and diverse derivatizations of the reaction products were also studied.

Chemo-, regio- and stereoselective access to polysubstituted 1,3-dienes via Nickel-catalyzed four-component reactions

1,2-Difunctionalization of alkynes offers a straightforward approach to access polysubstituted alkenes. However, simultaneous multi-component cascade transformations including difunctionalization of two alkynes with both syn- and anti-selectivity in one catalyst system is undeveloped and proves to be a significant challenge. Herein, we report a Nickel-catalyzed four-component reaction to access polysubstituted 1,3-dienes using two terminal alkynes, aryl boroxines, and perfluoroalkyl iodides, wherein the reaction forms three new C-C bonds in a single vessel and serve as a modular strategy to access polysubstituted 1,3-dienes with excellent chemoselectivity, good regioselectivity and exclusive stereoselectivity. Control experiments reveal the plausible reaction mechanism and DFT calculations explain the cause for the formation of this unusual four-component reaction. Furthermore, we successfully incorporate two biologically active units into 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted 1,3-dienes, which greatly increases the diversity of molecular scaffolds and brings more potential values to medicinal chemistry, the synthetic utility of our protocol is further demonstrated by the late-stage transformations.

Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Alkenes by Rhodium-Catalyzed Regioselective Cyano Transfer

We describe herein a novel, general, and robust approach to structurally diversified alkenyl nitriles through a Rh-catalyzed cyano transfer reaction between alkynyl-malononitrile derivatives and aryl/alkenyl boronic acids. This reaction exhibits high chemo- and regioselectivity and a broad substrate scope. The tetrasubstituted alkenyl dinitriles (34 examples, average 58% yield) are obtained through substrate tuning and ligand control.

Regio- and Stereoselective Intermolecular Oxysulfonylation of Alkynes with 1,3-Diketones to Access (Z)-β-Sulfonated Enethers

The first multicomponent regio- and stereoselective difunctionalization of alkynes via concomitant C-O and C-S bond formation using 1,3-diketones and sodium sulfinate has been developed for the synthesis of various sulfonated enethers. The viability of this strategy is unveiled by gram-scale, various synthetic modifications and late-stage functionalization. This transformation does not require any prefunctionalization, metal catalysts, and oxidants. The present operationally simple, efficient, and sustainable approach provides various functionalized olefins in a one-pot protocol with high Z-selectivity.

Ni-Catalyzed Reductive Fluoroalkylacylation of Alkynes for the Steroselective Synthesis of Fluoroalkylated Enones

A Ni-catalyzed three-component reductive fluoroalkylacylation of alkynes with fluoroalkyl halides and acyl chlorides is presented. This dicarbofunctionalization provides an efficient method for the synthesis of fluoroalkyl-incorporated enones under mild conditions with high yields and excellent regioselectivity and stereoselectivity.

Recent progress in aryltrifluoromethylation reactions of carbon-carbon multiple bonds

Due to the increasing relevance of fluorine-containing organic molecules in drug design, the synthesis of organofluorine compounds has gained high significance in synthetic organic chemistry. Trifluoromethylative difunctionalizations of carbon-carbon multiple bonds, with the simultaneous incorporation of a CF 3 group and another functional element, have considerable potential. Because of the high importance of carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions in organic synthesis, carbotrifluoromethylations and, in particular, aryltrifluoromethylations or heteroaryltrifluoromethylations are considered to be increasing fields of synthetic organic chemistry. The aim of the current review is to summarize recent developments of aryltrifluoromethylation or heteroaryltrifluoromethylation reactions.

Copper-Catalyzed anti-Selective Radical 1,2-Alkylarylation of Terminal Alkynes

A copper-catalyzed highly anti-selective radical 1,2-alkylarylation of terminal alkynes with aryl boronic acids and alkyl bromides has been established. The reaction exhibits high compatibility with a wide range of terminal alkynes and diverse aryl boronic acids, thus providing facile access to various stereodefined trisubstituted alkenes in high yield under mild reaction conditions. Preliminary mechanistic investigations support the formation of alkyl radicals and their subsequent addition to alkynes in the reaction.

Origin of Ligand Effects on Stereoinversion in Pd-Catalyzed Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted Olefins

The mechanism and origin of ligand effects on stereoinversion of Pd-catalyzed synthesis of tetrasubstituted olefins were investigated using DFT calculations and the approach of energy decomposition analysis (EDA). The results reveal that the stereoselectivity-determining steps are different when employing different phosphine ligands. This is mainly due to the steric properties of ligands. With the bulkier Xantphos ligand, the syn/anti-to-Pd 1,2-migrations determine the stereoselectivity. While using the less hindered P(o-tol)₃ ligand, the 1,3-migration is the stereoselectivity-determining step. The EDA results demonstrate that Pauli repulsion and polarization are the dominant factors for controlling the stereochemistry in 1,2- and 1,3-migrations, respectively. The origins of differences of Pauli repulsion and polarization between the two stereoselective transition states are further identified.

Reductive Ni-catalysis for stereoselective carboarylation of terminal aryl alkynes

Stereoselective dicarbofunctionalization of terminal aryl alkynes has been achieved through reductive Ni-catalysis. The exclusive regioselective and anti-addition selective alkylarylation of terminal alkynes is accomplished using alkyl iodide and aryl iodide as electrophilic coupling partners in the presence of NiBr₂ as the catalyst and Mn as an inexpensive reductant.

Palladium-Catalyzed Cascade Difluoroalkylation and Phosphinoylation of 2-Vinyloxy Arylalkynes: Selective Synthesis of Difluoroalkyl-Containing Tetrasubstituted Alkenylphosphine Oxides

A Pd-catalyzed difluoroalkylation/cyclization/phosphinoylation of 2-vinyloxy arylalkynes with ethyl difluoroiodoacetate and diarylphosphine oxides has been successfully developed. This reaction allows the formation of C_sp3-CF₂, C_sp3-C_sp2, and C_sp2-P(O) bonds in one step, providing a straightforward route to difluoroalkyl-containing tetrasubstituted alkenylphosphine oxides with complete stereoselectivities under mild conditions.

Photocatalyzed Radical Relayed Regio- and Stereoselective Trifluoromethylthiolation-Boration

Vinylboronates and alkylboronates are key components in variegated transformations in all aspects of chemical science. This work describes a sequential radical difunctionalization strategy for the construction of fluorine-containing vinylboronates and alkylboronates with the integrated redox-active reagent N-trifluoromethylthiophthalimide. This multifunctional N-S precursor offers a scalable and practical protocol for the trifluoromethylthiolation-borylation of unsaturated hydrocarbons in a highly regio- and stereoselective fashion, which can be further converted into valuable synthons via boryl migration.

Recent advances in the stereoselective synthesis of acyclic all-carbon tetrasubstituted alkenes

Alkenes bearing four carbon-based groups are ubiquitous motifs in chemical sciences due to their various applications from medicinal to materials chemistry, and as chemical platforms for the synthesis of complex, chiral molecules. As such, tremendous research efforts are currently ongoing in order to develop general procedures for the challenging stereoselective synthesis of all-carbon tetrasubstituted alkenes, especially for acyclic structures. Since classical approaches to carbon-carbon double bonds are not suitable for the high steric demand around tetrasubstituted alkenes, a variety of unique approaches to access these privileged functional groups have been developed in recent years. This review article highlights the most significant developments in the field from 2007 to 2020, with an emphasis on the mechanisms and remaining limitations of these contemporary methods. Specifically, recent advances in internal alkyne carbofunctionalizations, in multicomponent couplings or other cross-couplings from nucleophilic or electrophilic alkenyl partners, and in the development of miscellaneous methods, are discussed.

Visible light photocatalytic cross-coupling and addition reactions of arylalkynes with perfluoroalkyl iodides

Visible light photocatalytic cross-coupling and addition reactions of arylalkynes with perfluoroalkyl iodides have been developed. Through slight modifications of the reaction conditions, reactions that are selective for the preparation of the C-C coupling product (perfluoroalkyl alkynes) and the addition products (iodo-perfluoroalkyl substituted alkenes) can be achieved. These reactions work well with different types of alkynes and perfluoroalkyl iodides. As the iodide generated from the reaction can serve as a reductant to regenerate the photocatalyst from its oxidized form, no sacrificial electron donor is required.

anti-Hydroarylation of Activated Internal Alkynes: Merging Pd and Energy Transfer Catalysis

A general catalytic anti-hydroarylation of electron-deficient internal alkynes compatible with both electron-poor and electron-rich aryl reagents is reported. This selectivity is achieved through a sequential syn-carbopalladation of the alkyne by an Ar-Pd species, followed by a tandem, Ir-photocatalyzed, counter-thermodynamic E → Z isomerization. The use of ortho-substituted boronic acids enables direct access to pharmaceutically relevant heterocyclic cores via a cascade process. Mechanistic insight into the involvement of Ar-Pd versus Pd-H as an active species is provided.

Silver-Mediated Perfluoroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes with Perfluoroalkyl Iodides

The incorporation of a perfluoroalkyl group (R_F) into drug candidates has become an increasingly important strategy in drug molecule design. In this study, the silver-mediated perfluoroalkylation reaction based on the addition-elimination process of terminal alkynes which was initiated by a perfluoroalkyl radical to form a C(sp)-R_F bond has been developed. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions using readily available, low-cost perfluoroalkyl iodides as the sources of the R_F group. This method allows access to a variety of perfluoroalkylated alkynes.

Developments in Photoredox/Nickel Dual-Catalyzed 1,2-Difunctionalizations

Progress in Ni/photoredox dual catalysis has enabled the construction of C(sp3)-hybridized centers under extremely mild reaction conditions in the presence of diverse functional groups. These strategies, however, are mainly restricted to the assembly of one C-C or C-heteroatom linkage because of the competitive two-component reactions and facile β-hydride elimination from alkylmetal complexes. Recently, photoinduced nickel-catalyzed 1,2-difunctionalizations of alkenes and alkynes have attracted extensive research efforts as they allow the construction of two sequential chemical bonds from inexpensive starting materials in one pot. Herein, we explore recent advances, state the current challenges, and discuss perspectives on the design of new catalytic systems.

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.

Regio- and stereo-selective decarbonylative alkylative arylation of terminal alkynes with aliphatic aldehydes and arenes via dual C–H bond functionalization

Readily available linear/branched aliphatic aldehydes including sugar derivatives were oxidatively decarbonylated into 1˙, 2˙ and 3˙ alkyl radicals for the alkylative arylation of terminal alkynes via dual C–H bond functionalization.

Metal-free difunctionalization of alkynes to access tetrasubstituted olefins through spontaneous selenosulfonylation of vinylidene ortho-quinone methide (VQM)

A metal-free protocol for difunctionalization of alkynes through spontaneous selenosulfonylation of vinylidene ortho-quinone methide (VQM) was developed with good yields and excellent stereoselectivities.

Synthesis of tri-substituted allyl alcohols via a copper/iron co-catalyzed cascade perfluoroalkylation/rearrangement of aryl propynyl ethers

A copper/iron co-catalyzed fluoroalkylation of aryl propynyl ethers for the synthesis of perfluoroalkylated tri-substituted allyl alcohol derivatives is reported.

Copper-Catalyzed Radical 1,4-Difunctionalization of 1,3-Enynes with Alkyl Diacyl Peroxides and N-Fluorobenzenesulfonimide

Many reactions involving allenyl ion species have been studied, but reactions involving allenyl radicals are less well understood, perhaps because of the inconvenience associated with the generation of short-lived allenyl radicals. We describe here a versatile method for the generation of allenyl radicals and their previously unreported applications in the intermolecular 1,4-carbocyanation and 1,4-sulfimidocyanation of 1,3-enynes. With the assistance of the trifunctional reagents, alkyl diacyl peroxides or N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide, a range of synthetically challenging multisubstituted allenes can be prepared with high regioselectivity. These multisubstituted allenes can be easily transformed into synthetically useful structures such as fluorinated vinyl cyanides, lactones, functionalized allenyl amides, 1-aminonaphthalenes, and pyridin-2(1 H)-ones, and several novel transformations are reported. The results of radical scavenger and radical clock experiments are consistent with the proposed allenyl radical pathway. Density functional theory (DFT) and IR spectroscopy studies suggest the formation of an isocyanocopper(II) species in the ligand exchange step. On the basis of the results of IR, DFT, and diastereoselectivity studies, an isocyanocopper(II)/copper(I) catalytic cycle is proposed, which differs from the previously considered Cu(III) mechanism in cyanation reactions.

Synthesis of Difluoroalkyl Unsaturated β-Amino Acid Derivatives Exclusively through Alkyne Difunctionalization

Alkynes difunctionalization is a powerful strategy in organic synthesis that provides a convenient synthetic entry for internal alkenes. The main challenge in this field was considered to be the geometry control of the newly formed double bond (thermodynamically controlled or kinetically controlled). Herein, we report a novel procedure (through the cyclic compounds broken) to completely control the regioselectivity of olefins. The products, difluoroalkyl unsaturated β-amino acid derivatives, have potential applications in some important pharmaceuticals on account of the special nature of fluorine atoms.

syn-Selective alkylarylation of terminal alkynes via the combination of photoredox and nickel catalysis

Substituted alkenes are pivotal structural motifs found in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Although numerous methods have been developed to construct substituted alkenes, a generally efficient, mild, catalytic platform for the conversion of alkynes to this highly functionalized scaffold via successive C–C bond forming steps remains in high demand. Here we describe an intermolecular, regio- and syn-stereoselective alkylarylation of terminal alkynes with tertiary alkyl oxalates via photoredox-Ni dual catalysis. This catalytic protocol, synergistically combining Ir/Ni-catalyzed alkyne difunctionalization with photoinduced alkene isomerization, affords trisubstituted alkenes with excellent efficiency and syn-stereoselectivity. The mild conditions tolerate many functional groups, allowing for a broad scope with respect to terminal alkynes, aryl bromides, and alkyl oxalates.

Converting alkynes into alkenes with high stereoselectivity via two consecutive C-C bond forming steps is a desirable process, yet very challenging. Here, the authors describe a dual photoredox-nickel catalytic system for the regio- and syn-selective alkylarylation of terminal alkynes with alkyl oxalates and aryl bromides.

Palladium-Catalyzed Domino Reaction for Stereoselective Synthesis of Multisubstituted Olefins: Construction of Blue Luminogens

The first Pd-catalyzed multicomponent reaction of aryl iodides, alkenyl bromides, and strained alkenes has been developed, which allowed us to synthesize a variety of multisubsituted olefins in yields of 45-96% with excellent stereoselectivity. The configuration of the product was controlled by the configuration of the alkenyl bromides. Moreover, this practical methodology employing readily available substrates was found to be tolerant to a wide range of functional groups. Fifty six examples of highly stereoselective tri- or tetrasubstituted olefins have been successfully synthesized via this methodology. Most of the synthesized tetrasubstituted olefins are good aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens.

Three-component difluoroalkylation and trifluoromethylthiolation/trifluoromethylselenolation of π-bonds

This report describes a new method for three-component difluoroalkylation and trifluoromethylthiolation/trifluoromethylselenolation of π-bonds via air-stable SCF₃ and SeCF₃ reagents as free-radical initiators of ethyl iododifluoroacetate. β-Proton elimination can be overcome effectively in this reaction system, and a broad substrate scope, including alkenes and alkynes, makes this approach practical and attractive.