Catalytic Cascade Reactions Involving Metal Carbene Migratory Insertion

Palladium-catalyzed cascade cyclization of α,β-unsaturated N-tosylhydrazones with iodoarenes: access to 2H-chromenes and 2H-quinolines

A palladium-catalyzed cascade reaction of α,β-unsaturated N-tosylhydrazones with iodoarene derivatives containing a nucleophilic group has been developed, which provides facile access to 2H-chromenes and 2H-quinolines, respectively. Additionally, the double Pd-carbene migratory insertion/nucleophilic substitution processes for the synthesis of a ternary heterocyclic skeleton were possible in the developed catalytic system.

Light-induced arylation (alkylation) of N-sulfonylhydrazones with boronic acids

Di- and triarylmethanes are an important class of compounds in many fields. Here, we report an efficient light-induced arylation (alkylation) for the synthesis of diarylmethanes, bis(diarylmethyl)benzenes, arylalkylmethanes, and triarylmethanes from readily accessible N-sulfonylhydrazones and aryl/alkylboronic acids with the aid of Cs2CO3. In the presence of light, the synthesis of diarylmethanes was also achieved from aldehydes in a one-pot manner via a three-component approach in good yields. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the synthetic utility by synthesizing organoboron compounds and 2°-alcohol.

Access to Amides and Lactams via Pyridotriazole as a Transformable Directing Group

Amide and lactam frameworks were synthesized via an efficient two-step strategy. In this protocol, pyridotriazoles were first treated with isocyanates to form the corresponding amides, which were found to be sufficiently reactive to undergo subsequent intramolecular N-H insertion in the absence of any additional reagents or catalysts.

Rh(II)/Pd(0) Dual-Catalyzed Regio-Divergent Three-Component Propargylic Substitution

Regio-divergent propargylic substitution to generate functionally diverse products from identical starting materials remains a formidable challenge, probably due to the unpredictable regiochemical complexity. In practically, the synthesis of α-quaternary propargylic-substituted products is still much less developed, and preprepared nucleophiles are generally applied in this type of reaction with propargylic substrates, which limits the reaction efficiency and diversity of the obtained products. Herein, we disclose unprecedented three-component propargylic substitution of α-diazo esters with amines and propargylic carbonates under dirhodium/palladium dual catalysis. The key to the success of this multicomponent propargylic substitution is to avoid two-component side reactions through a tandem process of dirhodium(II)-catalyzed carbene insertion and palladium-catalyzed regiodivergent propargylic substitution. The judicious selection of a diphosphine (dppf) or monophosphine (tBuBrettphos) as the ligand is crucial for the reaction to generate different products in a switchable way, α-quaternary 1,3-dienyl or propargylated products, with high regio- and chemoselectivities.

Transition metal-catalyzed reactivity of carbenes with boronic acid derivatives for arylation (alkylation) and beyond

This comprehensive review article discussed the reactivity of carbenes with boronic acid derivatives for the one-pot synthesis of diarylmethanes, difluoromethylated arenes, aryl and alkyl boron compounds, arylacetic acid derivatives, furan derivatives, and many other compounds. We have summarized the arylation, vinylation, and alkylation of carbenes utilizing various transition metals, viz. palladium, rhodium, copper, and platinum, for the construction of carbon-carbon bonds, carbon-boron bonds, and beyond through the cross-coupling strategy. The reason for the increasing popularity of these novel methodologies is their application in the synthesis and late-stage functionalization of biologically active compounds and natural products. Notably, organoboron compounds are exemplified as versatile synthetic intermediates for constructing various bonds.

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.

The Mizoroki-Heck reaction between in situ generated alkenes and aryl halides: cross-coupling route to substituted olefins

This review covers palladium-catalyzed typical Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling reactions of aryl halides with in situ generated alkenes, by following a typical Heck coupling mechanism to form substituted olefins unlike direct cross-coupling of alkenes with aryl halides in Heck olefination. These reactions solve the issue of alkenes undergoing polymerization at high temperatures and increase reaction efficiency by reducing the reaction time and purification steps.

Visible-light-promoted N-H functionalization of O-substituted hydroxamic acid with diazo esters

Herein we report an N-H functionalization of O-substituted hydroxamic acid with diazo esters under blue LED irradiation conditions. The present transformations could be performed efficiently under mild conditions without use of catalyst, additive and N₂ atmosphere. Interestingly, when THF and 1,4-dioxane were employed as the reaction solvents, an active oxonium ylide involved three-component reaction and an N-H insertion of carbene species into hydroxamate occurred, respectively.

Electrochemical oxidative difunctionalization of diazo compounds with two different nucleophiles

With the fast development of synthetic chemistry, the introduction of functional group into organic molecules has attracted increasing attention. In these reactions, the difunctionalization of unsaturated bonds, traditionally with one nucleophile and one electrophile, is a powerful strategy for the chemical synthesis. In this work, we develop a different path of electrochemical oxidative difunctionalization of diazo compounds with two different nucleophiles. Under metal-free and external oxidant-free conditions, a series of structurally diverse heteroatom-containing compounds hardly synthesized by traditional methods (such as high-value alkoxy-substituted phenylthioacetates, α-thio, α-amino acid derivatives as well as α-amino, β-amino acid derivatives) are obtained in synthetically useful yields. In addition, the procedure exhibits mild reaction conditions, excellent functional-group tolerance and good efficiency on large-scale synthesis. Importantly, the protocol is also amenable to the key intermediate of bioactive molecules in a simple and practical process.

Transition-Metal-Free Multicomponent Approach to the Regioselective Synthesis of Highly Substituted N-Alkylpyrazoles

An efficient transition-metal-free multicomponent approach to the regioselective synthesis of highly substituted N-alkylpyrazoles through 1,6-addition of pyrazole (in situ generated from α,β-unsaturated aldehyde and hydrazide) to para-Quinone Methides has been developed. The N-alkylpyrazole containing triarylmethanes having several heteroaryl rings (quinoline, pyridine, thiophene) at the central methine carbon atom was developed. This chemical process may be used for large-scale synthesis and provides a novel way to produce triarylmethanes with diverse functional groups.

α-Carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides in transition metal-catalyzed C-H activation: a safe carbene precursor and a weak directing group

Transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling of sp² C-H bonds with diazo compounds via carbene migratory insertion represents an efficient strategy for the construction of C-C and C-heteroatom bonds in organic synthesis. Despite the popularity of diazo compounds as coupling partners in C-H activation, they pose serious safety and stability issues due to potential exothermic reactions linked with the release of N₂ gas. However, compared with diazo compounds, sulfoxonium ylides are generally crystalline solids, more stable, widely used in industrial scales, and easier/safer to prepare. Therefore, recent years have witnessed an upsurge in employing α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides as an alternative carbene surrogate in transition metal-catalyzed C-H activation. Unlike diazo compounds, α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides contain inherent potential to serve as a coupling partner as well as a weak directing group. This review will summarize the progress made in both categories of reactions.

Efficient Synthesis of Diaryl Quaternary Centers by Rh(II)/Xantphos Catalyzed Relay C-H Functionalization and Allylic Alkylation

A three-component reaction of N, N-disubstituted aniline, α-diazo ester, and an allylic electrophile has been realized by [Rh(II)]₂ /Xantphos catalysis, providing a direct access to various aniline derivatives bearing diaryl allylic quaternary centers in good yields. The synthetic utility of this protocol was demonstrated by facile derivatization of the products for preparation of biologically relevant molecules and structural scaffolds, which offers a high potential for increasing the molecular diversity. Mechanistic studies identified α, α-diarylacetate species as an active intermediate, thereby revealing the presence of a C(sp² )-H functionalization of aniline derivatives/allylic alkylation cascade in this attractive catalytic transformation.

Cp*RhIII-Catalyzed Cascade Annulation of Arylimidates with Pyridotriazoles toward Isoquinolin-3-ol Derivatives

A Cp*Rh^III-catalyzed efficient synthesis of isoquinolin-3-ol derivatives bearing a pyridinyl ring using imidate as a directing group under C-H activation strategy with pyridotriazoles as carbene reagents is reported. In this reaction, cascade C-H activation, regioselective cyclization, and elimination occur in one pot. The present methodology featured a good range of functional group tolerance and furnished the target products in moderate-to-excellent yields.

Correia C, Ros A, Hornillos V, Iglesias-Sigüenza J, Fernández R, Lassaletta JM. Pd-Catalyzed Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Cross-Coupling of Heterobiaryl Bromides with N-Tosylhydrazones

A dynamic kinetic asymmetric Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of heterobiaryl bromides with ketone N-tosylhydrazones for the synthesis of heterobiaryl styrenes is described. The combination of Pd(dba)₂ as a precatalyst with a TADDOL-derived phosphoramidite ligand provides the corresponding coupling products in good yields and high enantioselectivities under mild conditions. Racemization-free N-oxidation and N-alkylation of the products allowed us to obtain appealing functionalized axially chiral heterobiaryl derivatives.

Recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed carbene insertion to C-H bonds

C-H functionalization has been emerging as a powerful method to establish carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. Many efforts have been devoted to transition-metal-catalyzed direct transformations of C-H bonds. Metal carbenes generated in situ from transition-metal compounds and diazo or its equivalents are usually applied as the transient reactive intermediates to furnish a catalytic cycle for new C-C and C-X bond formation. Using this strategy compounds from unactivated simple alkanes to complex molecules can be further functionalized or transformed to multi-functionalized compounds. In this area, transition-metal-catalyzed carbene insertion to C-H bonds has been paid continuous attention. Diverse catalyst design strategies, synthetic methods, and potential applications have been developed. This critical review will summarize the advance in transition-metal-catalyzed carbene insertion to C-H bonds dated up to July 2021, by the categories of C-H bonds from aliphatic C(sp³)-H, aryl (aromatic) C(sp²)-H, heteroaryl (heteroaromatic) C(sp²)-H bonds, alkenyl C(sp²)-H, and alkynyl C(sp)-H, as well as asymmetric carbene insertion to C-H bonds, and more coverage will be given to the recent work. Due to the rapid development of the C-H functionalization area, future directions in this topic are also discussed. This review will give the authors an overview of carbene insertion chemistry in C-H functionalization with focus on the catalytic systems and synthetic applications in C-C bond formation.

Copper-Catalyzed [5 + 1] Cyclization of o-Pyrrolo Anilines and Heterocyclic N-Tosylhydrazones for Access to Spiro-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline Derivatives

An inexpensive copper-catalyzed sequential reaction process, proceeding via a nucleophilic attack of amine to Cu-carbene generated in situ from heterocyclic N-tosylhydrazone precursors followed by a 1,2-H shift/oxidative cyclization cascade of N-ylides, has been described, smoothly generating the corresponding structurally various spiro-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives. Furthermore, the significance of this protocol can be also highlighted by its diverse conversions of the synthetic compounds to the potentially bioactive molecules such as the 2-substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalins.

Palladium-Catalyzed Carbene Migratory Insertion/Carbonylation Cascade Reaction: Synthesis of 2-Indolones with a C3 All-Carbon Quaternary Center

An attractive palladium-catalyzed three-component reaction of ortho-amino aryl diazo esters, allyl carboxylates, and carbon monoxide (CO) has been developed. This catalytic system rendered domino carbene migratory insertion and carbonylation. Remarkably, 2-indolones 3 with a C3 all-carbon quaternary center can be selectively obtained in good to excellent yields via one-pot synthesis, in which two different C-C bonds and one C-N bond were formed in a straightforward manner.

Cu(i)- and Pd(ii)-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-couplings of alkynyl carboxylic acids with N-tosylhydrazones: access to trisubstituted allenes and conjugated enynes

This paper reports the copper- and palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reactions of alkynyl carboxylic acids and N-tosylhydrazones, affording trisubstituted allenes and conjugated enynes, respectively.

1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU)-promoted reduction of azides to amines under metal-free conditions

A simple and novel metal-free reduction of azides to amines in the presence of DBU is reported. This DBU-promoted transformation features good functional group tolerance and high chemo-selectivity.

Palladium-catalyzed dearomative 1,4-arylmethylenation of naphthalenes

An efficient palladium-catalyzed construction of E-exocyclic-double-bond-containing spirooxindoles through 1,4-arylmethylenation of naphthalenes has been developed. Aryl aldehyde-derived N‑tosylhydrazones were successfully applied as carbene precursors to capture the endocyclic π-allylpalladium intermediate, which...

Investigating the mechanism and origins of selectivity in palladium-catalysed carbene insertion cross-coupling reactions

The mechanism of palladium-catalysed carbene insertion cross-coupling reactions has been experimentally and computationally studied, with carbene insertion identified as the likely selectivity determining step.

Pd-Catalyzed coupling of benzyl bromides with BMIDA-substituted N-tosylhydrazones: synthesis of trans-alkenyl MIDA boronates

A palladium-catalyzed stereoselective synthesis of alkenyl boronates from N-methyliminodiacetyl boronate (BMIDA)-substituted N-tosylhydrazone and benzyl bromides is developed. A range of trans-alkenyl MIDA boronates as single stereoisomers were obtained in moderate yields with good functional group compatibility. The resultant boronate products may be transformed to other boron-containing compounds and may also be directly used in cross-coupling reactions.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed mild straightforward synthesis of quinoline-braced cyclophane macrocycles via migratory insertion

An efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed straightforward strategy is developed for the synthesis of quinoline braced cyclophane macrocycles via methyl (sp³) C-H functionalization. The method is mild, simple and regioselective with various ring sizes and has good functional group tolerance. The method proceeds via C8-methyl metalation, metal-carbene formation and a subsequent migratory insertion. High dilution is not necessary for this macrocyclization and the only byproduct is nitrogen. A preliminary investigation shows that the C-H metalation step is the rate-determining step.

Catalytic Insertion Reactions of α-Imino Carbenoids

Over the past decade, α-imino carbenoids generated via transition metal (such as rhodium, nickel, copper, palladium, silver) catalyzed denitrogenative ring-opening of N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles have found an extensive account of applications in synthetic organic chemistry. Particularly, they have been widely utilized as a donor/acceptor carbene complex in a range of transformations leading to diverse nitrogen containing compounds and heterocycles. Along the same direction, 3-diazoindolin-2-imines were successfully applied as an alternative source of α-imino carbenoid precursors for the development of a number of methodologies to access diverse indole derivatives. This review summarizes the insertion reactions of α-imino metal carbenes derived from N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles and 3-diazoindolin-2-imines.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Sequential C-H Activation and Cyclization from N-Methoxyarylamides and 3-Diazooxindoles for the Synthesis of Isochromenoindolones

An efficient synthetic method for structurally various isochromenoindolones has been demonstrated through Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation followed by a cyclization reaction of N-methoxyarylamides with 3-diazooxindoles. The sequential reaction involves the streamlined formation of C-C and C-O bonds in one pot. The present method provides a broad range of isochromenoindolones as a new privileged scaffold in moderate to good yields with the release of methoxyamine and molecular nitrogen and has the benefits of a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance.

Palladium-Catalyzed One-Pot Synthesis of Pyrroloindolines from 2-Alkynyl Arylazides and Thioacetamides

A novel and efficient synthetic method for the preparation of various pyrroloindolines from 2-alkynyl arylazides and thioacetamides was developed. The reaction was carried out in a one-pot process under mild reaction conditions to afford the products in moderate to good yields, which has the potential to be used in organic synthesis.

Synthetic and Computational Studies on RhIII-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral Cascade of Carbenoid Functionalization and Dephosphonylative Annulation

A Rh(III)-catalyzed regioselective redox-neutral cascade process of carbenoid functionalization followed by dephosphonylative annulation of benzoic acids with α-diazo-β-keto phosphonate has been realized, which led to the direct synthesis of a privileged 3-substituted isocoumarin scaffold. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a complete redox neutral method to synthesize isocoumarins using C-H functionalization strategy. In the catalytic cycle of this reaction, there are two possible pathways for the C-C coupling between ortho-positioned carbon atom of benzoic acid and the diazo carbon atom: (i) concerted 1,2-aryl shift and (ii) stepwise metal-carbene formation followed by migratory insertion. DFT study has predicted that the concerted pathway has lower activation energy as compared to the stepwise pathway by 1.5 kcal/mol.

Straightforward Construction and Functionalizations of Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles Through Migratory Insertion of Metal-Carbenes/Nitrenes

Nitrogen-containing heterocycles are widely found in various biologically active substrates, pharmaceuticals, natural products and organic materials. Consequently, the continuous effort has been devoted towards the development of straightforward, economical, environmentally acceptable, efficient and ingenious methods for the synthesis of various N-containing heterocycles and their functionalizations. Arguably, one of the most prominent direct strategy is regioselective C-H bond functionalizations which provide the step and atom economical approaches in the presence of suitable coupling partners. In this context, site-selective migratory insertion of metal carbenes/nitrenes to the desired C-H bonds has proven as a useful tool to access various functionalized nitrogen heterocycles. In this personal account, we highlight some of our contemporary development toward constructing N-containing heterocycles and their direct functionalizations via transition metal catalysed C-H bond functionalizations based on migratory insertion of metal-carbenes and nitrenes.

Dual Functional Pd-Catalyzed Multicomponent Reaction by Umpolung Chemistry of the Oxygen Atom in Electrophiles

A Pd-catalyzed multicomponent reaction was developed by trapping oxomium ylide with nitrosobenzene via Pd-promoted umpolung chemistry. The Pd catalyst plays two important roles: diazo compound decomposed catalyst and Lewis acid for the activation of nitrosobenzene. This strategy provides some insight into a new way for discovery of multicomponent methodology to construct complex molecules. The developed method also provides rapid access to a series of O-(2-oxy) hydroxylamine derivatives, which exhibit good anticancer activity in osteosarcoma cells.

Catalyst- and Substituent-Controlled Regio- and Stereoselective Synthesis of Indolyl Acrylates by Lewis-Acid-Catalyzed Direct Functionalization of 3-Formylindoles with Diazo Esters

A facile and efficient In(OTf)₃- and BF₃·OEt₂-catalyzed direct transformation of 3-formylindoles with diazo esters has been developed for synthesizing diverse and functionalized indolyl acrylates. This one-pot protocol furnishes various (Z)-α-hydroxy-β-indolyl acrylates, (E)-β-(2-alkoxy-2-oxoethoxy)-α-indolyl acrylates, and (Z)-3-hydroxy-2-indolyl acrylates by a catalyst- and substituent-controlled, regio- and stereoselective cascade reaction. The protocol has several advantages, including low loading of the catalyst, mild reaction conditions, broad scope, and high functional group tolerance. The synthesized compounds can be further converted into diversely functionalized materials.

Experimental and Computational Studies on Rh(I)-Catalyzed Reaction of Siloxyvinylcyclopropanes and Diazoesters

The Rh(I)-catalyzed reaction of siloxyvinylcyclopropanes and diazoesters leads to the formation of siloxyvinylcyclobutane and 1,4-diene derivatives. With [Rh(cod)Cl]₂ as the catalyst, the formation of 1,4-diene was favored over the formation of siloxyvinylcyclobutane. By changing the catalyst to [Rh(cod)₂OTf], siloxyvinylcyclobutane derivatives are formed with excellent chemoselectivities and in moderate to good yields. The alkene products are also obtained as single E configured isomers. A detailed mechanism for this transformation is proposed on the basis of mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations. The effect of catalysts on the chemoselectivity of these reactions is also examined computationally.

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of sulfoxonium ylides and benzyl bromides by carbene migratory insertion

A palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of sulfoxonium ylides and benzyl bromides has been developed, which has potential safety advantages over previous carbene coupling reactions using either diazo compounds or their in situ precursors. This reaction affords polysubstituted olefins, and features good substrate tolerance and is suitable for late-stage modification of biologically active molecules. Pd-carbene migratory insertion is supposed to be involved in this coupling reaction.

Denitrogenative Transformations of Pyridotriazoles and Related Compounds: Synthesis of N-Containing Heterocyclic Compounds and Beyond

The high demand for new and efficient routes toward synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic scaffolds has inspired organic chemists to discover several methodologies over recent years. This Perspective highlights one standout approach, which involves the use of pyridotriazoles and related compounds in denitrogenative transformations. Readily available pyridotriazoles undergo ring-chain isomerization to produce uniquely reactive α-diazoimines. Such reactivity, enabled by metal catalysts, additives, or visible-light irradiation, can be applied in transannulation, insertion, cyclopropanation, and many other transformations.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of substituted pyrrolidines and pyrroles as potential anticancer agents

A series of polysubstituted pyrrolidines obtained via ruthenium-catalyzed cascade cyclization of diazo pyruvates and anilines as well as their corresponding pyrrole analogs obtained via dehydration were evaluated for their antiproliferation activities. Pyrrolidines 3h and 3k showed good proliferation inhibitory effects toward 10 cancer cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.9 to 16 μM. Furthermore, pyrrolidine 3k induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and time- and dose-dependent cellular apoptosis in both HCT116 and HL60 cells, suggesting that this type of pyrrolidine structure might be a good candidate for future anticancer therapies.

K2CO3-Catalyzed Rapid Conversion of N-Sulfonylhydrazones to Sulfinates

N-Sulfonylhydrazones derived from alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl aldehydes and ketones undergo rapid conversion into the corresponding sulfinates when heated with 10 mol % K₂CO₃ in N,N'-dimethylethylene urea (DMEU) at elevated temperature. The reaction conditions are amenable to several functional groups and suitable for gram-scale synthesis. Under these base-catalyzed conditions, N-tosylhydrazones derived from O-allylated and O-propargylated 2-hydroxyarylaldehydes do not undergo the well-established intramolecular [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reactions and generate corresponding sulfinates in good yields. The base-catalyzed transformation proceeds via crucial rapid intermolecular protonation of the diazo intermediate 11 to generate diazonium ion 12, which upon nucleophilic displacement by the sulfonyl ion 10 provides the desired sulfinate selectively.

Facile access to 2,2-diaryl 2H-chromenes through a palladium-catalyzed cascade reaction of ortho-vinyl bromobenzenes with N-tosylhydrazones

A palladium-catalyzed cascade reaction of ortho-vinyl bromobenzenes with N-tosylhydrazones has been developed, which provides a facile approach to 2,2-disubstituted 2H-chromenes. The migration of palladium from the aryl to vinyl position is crucial, as the in situ produced vinyl palladium intermediate could further react with diazo compounds to generate the reactive species for the sequential annulation.