Mild and selective Ru-catalyzed formylation and Fe-catalyzed acylation of free (N-H) indoles using anilines as the carbonyl source

Carbene and photocatalyst-catalyzed 3-acylation of indoles for facile access to indole-3-yl aryl ketones

3-Acyl indoles play important roles in both organic synthesis and diverse types of functional molecules. Herein, a facile nitrogen heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and photocatalyst cooperatively-catalyzed 3-acylation of indoles was disclosed. The reaction proceeded via radical cross-coupling of indole-based aryl radical cations with NHC-bound ketyl radical species, which are less explored in radical NHC catalysis. The reaction exhibits mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies support our proposed reaction pathway. The synthesis of structurally diverse analogs of an aldose reductase inhibitor and antibacterial activity investigation further demonstrated the utility of the current acylation reaction.

Modulating confinement space in metal-organic frameworks enables highly selective indole C3-formylation

Here, Selective C3-formylation of indole was achieved under mild conditions using a metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst. The confined reaction space within the MOF pores effectively suppressed undesired side reactions and promoted the formation of the targeted product by controlling the reaction pathway. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations corroborated the experimental observations.

TBHP/Et3N-Promoted Chemoselective Formylation and Peroxidation of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

An efficient formylation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives has been reached by the use of TBHP (tBuOOH) and Et3N as the mediator. In this strategy, CHO and CDO can be readily incorporated into heteroarenes by the utilization of CHCl3 and CDCl3 as the carbonyl sources. Interestingly, a solvent-controlled chemoselectivity was observed. The use of PhCl as a solvent resulted in dearomatization and peroxidation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines, delivering functionalized peroxides in 53-64% yields.

HAT-Mediated Electrochemical C(sp2)-H Acylation of Quinolines with Alcohols

Herein, an electrochemical hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) strategy for C(sp2)-H formylation of electron-deficient quinolines and isoquinolines is described. The cheap methanol acts as a formyl source with a catalytic amount of N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) as the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalyst. The advantages of this reaction are transition-metal-catalyst- and chemical-oxidant-free conditions, and the protocol could also be applied to the direct C(sp2)-H acetylation or propionylation of quinolines.

An MCM-41-immobilized dichloro(pyridine-2-carboxylato)gold(III) complex: an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the annulation of anthranils and ynamides

A new mesoporous MCM-41-immobilized dichloro(pyridine-2-carboxylato)gold(III) complex [MCM-41-PicAuCl₂] was synthesized via an addition reaction of a dichloro(3-hydroxypyridine-2-carboxylato)gold(III) complex to triethoxy(3-isocyanatopropyl)silane, followed by immobilization on MCM-41 and was characterized by different physico-chemical techniques. In the presence of 5 mol% of MCM-41-PicAuCl₂, the annulation reaction between anthranils and ynamides proceeded smoothly under mild conditions to afford diverse 6- or 5-formylindoles with high atom economy and good to excellent yields. This new heterogenized gold(III) complex can be easily recovered through a simple filtration process and recycled more than seven times without any apparent loss of its catalytic efficiency.

Structural analysis of unusual alkaloids isolated from Narcissus pseudonarcissus cv. Carlton

Narciindole A, the first representative of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids with an indol-3-ylmethanone framework, was isolated from bulbs of Narcissus pseudonarcissus (L.) cv. Carlton, together with carltonine D and carltonine E, which share the same unusual structural motif as dimeric carltonine C (reported in 2020), exhibiting atropisomerism. Unambiguous structure elucidations have been achieved by NMR spectroscopy, HRMS, and comparison with literature data of related alkaloids. Furthermore, the chirality of known alkaloids with a galanthindole biaryl core was revised using optical rotation. Last, but not least, a biosynthetic pathway for dimeric carltonine-type alkaloids was proposed. Unfortunately, in terms of biological activity, the isolated alkaloids showed only moderate inhibition of human acetylcholinesterase and/or butyrylcholinesterase.

Boron Trifluoride Etherate Promoted Regioselective 3-Acylation of Indoles with Anhydrides

An efficient, high-yielding and scalable procedure for the regioselective 3-acylation of indoles with anhydrides promoted by boron trifluoride etherate under mild conditions was reported. This novel protocol provided a simple way to prepare 3-(benzofuran-2-yl) indole in three steps.

(NH4)2S2O8-Mediated Metal-Free Decarboxylative Formylation/Acylation of α-Oxo/Ketoacids and Its Application to the Synthesis of Indole Alkaloids

A metal-free method for the formylation/acylation of indoles and β-carbolines with (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ via direct decarboxylative cross-coupling of α-oxo/ketoacids in moderate to good yields is described. The reaction occurs between ambient temperature and 40 °C under mild reaction conditions with commercially available starting materials. This methodology can be expanded to some biologically active indole alkaloids like pityriacitrins, eudistomins Y₁ and Y₃, and marinacarbolines A-D.

Synthesis of C-1 Deuterated 3-Formylindoles by Organophotoredox Catalyzed Direct Formylation of Indoles with Deuterated Glyoxylic Acid

Direct formylation of feedstock indoles with newly developed, cost-effective deuterated glyoxylic acid as formylation agent under visible light and air (O₂) as terminal oxidant has been developed. An isatin byproduct produced from the corresponding indole reactant serves as a facilitator for the formylation process. The simple, mild, metal- and oxidant-free protocol enables the synthesis of structurally diverse C1-deuterated 3-formylindoles with broad functional group tolerance and late-stage functionalization at a high level of D-incorporation (95-99%).

Visible Light Promoted Indole C-3 Formylation Using Eosin Y as a Photoredox Catalyst

A visible-light-mediated C-3 formylation of indole catalyzed by eosin Y has been developed using tetramethylethylenediamine as a carbon source and air as an oxidant. This protocol shows high tolerance to a large quantity of functional groups under mild conditions, and providing 3-formylated indoles with good yields. This method is a highly attractive alternative to the approach of traditional formylation.

Palladium Metallaphotoredox-Catalyzed 3-Acylation of Indole Derivatives

Aldehydes and indoles generally undergo nucleophilic addition reactions to generate alcohols rather than ketones. Here, we report a method for synthesis of 3-acyl indoles from aldehydes by a combination of...

Alternative and Uncommon Acylating Agents - An Alive and Kicking Methodology

Functionalizing and derivatising organic molecules is a centerpiece in organic synthesis. Succinctly manipulating and installing acyl moieties in organic molecules spurred the interest of chemists owing to its occurrence in natural products, bioactive molecules, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. Traditionally, access to acylation reaction was achieved by Friedel-Crafts reaction, Schotten-Baumann, and Vilsmeier-Haack acylation, however, these protocols own pitfalls. Further to make the acylation process attractive and environmentally friendly, toluene, aldehydes, alcohols, α-keto acids, amines, amides, esters, ethers, nitriles, alkynes, alkenes, ketenes, N-acylbenzotriazoles, ketones, thioacids, oximes, thiazolium carbinols, PIDA, diacyl disulfides and acyl salts were used as an acyl surrogates/reagents. Amusingly, these acylating reagents are considered uncommon and alternative to carboxylic acids, acid chlorides and acetic anhydrides. This short review aims to encompass the usage of acylating agents in transition-metal, metal-free, light-driven and other demanding conditions, and thus reveals their practicality.

Potassium Persulfate Mediated Chemodivergent C-3 Functionalization of 2H-Indazoles with DMSO as C1 Source

A facile, efficient, and transition-metal-free chemodivergent C-3 functionalization of 2H-indazoles was developed under aerobic conditions using carboxylic acid and DMSO as the combined source of the carboxylic acid ester group and DMSO as the formylating agent. A series of formylated indazoles and carboxylic acid esters of indazole derivatives were produced in moderate to excellent yields. The mechanistic studies suggest that the reactions probably proceed through a radical pathway.

Formylation and Bromination of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline Derivatives with Bromoisobutyrate and Dimethyl Sulfoxide

We have developed an efficient formylation of pyrroloisoquinolines using bromoisobutyrate and dimethyl sulfoxide as carbonyl reagent. Various formylated pyrroloisoquinolines could be prepared in good yields (up to 94%). This formylation process can be easily scaled up to gram scale with good yield. In most cases of pyrroloisoquinolines without methoxy groups, the combination of bromoisobutyrate and dimethyl sulfoxide could act as a bromination reagent, delivering brominated pyrroloisoquinolines in acceptable to good yields (up to 82%).

Synthesis of 15N-labeled heterocycles via the cleavage of C-N bonds of anilines and glycine-15N

A nitrogen replacement process that directly incorporates the 15N atom of glycine-15N into anilines was reported. The process involves a Csp2-N bond cleavage of anilines driven by dearomatization and a Csp3-N bond cleavage of glycine-15N driven by aromatization. A variety of 15N-labeled aromatic heterocycles can be prepared via this process.

Molecular iodine mediated oxidative cleavage of the C–N bond of aryl and heteroaryl (dimethylamino)methyl groups into aldehydes

An efficient iodine mediated conversion of aryl or heteroaryl (dimethylamino)methyl compunds to aryl or heteroaryl aldehydes is achieved via cleavage of C-N bond.

Mechanistic insights into the rhodium–copper cascade catalyzed dual C–H annulation of indoles

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to provide mechanistic insight into the Rh/Cu co-catalyzed multicomponent annulation of indoles, diazo compounds, and α,β-unsaturated esters.

Copper-catalyzed deaminative alkynylation of secondary amines with alkynes: selectivity switch in the synthesis of diverse propargylamines

The copper-catalyzed selective deamination and alkynylation of the unsymmetrical secondary amines with terminal alkynes was reported with a broad substrate scope and excellent functional compatibility.

A General and Scalable Synthesis of Polysubstituted Indoles

A consecutive 2-step synthesis of N-unprotected polysubstituted indoles bearing an electron-withdrawing group at the C-3 position from readily available nitroarenes is reported. The protocol is based on the [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of N-oxyenamines generated by the DABCO-catalyzed reaction of N-arylhydroxylamines and conjugated terminal alkynes, and delivers indoles endowed with a wide array of substitution patterns and topologies.

Copper-promoted cyanoalkylation/ring-expansion of vinylcyclopropanes with α-C-H bonds in alkylnitriles toward 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes

A copper-promoted oxidative cyanomethylation/ring-expansion of vinylcyclopropanes with α-C(sp3)-H bonds in alkyl nitriles is established for the generation of 1-cyanoethylated 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes. This cyanomethylation/ring-expansion involves a radical pathway and proceeds via cyanomethyl radical formation, radical addition and ring-expansion. This ring-expansion strategy offers a highly atom-economical route for the construction of nitrile-containing 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes, which can be transformed into other useful products under simple conditions.

Thiocyanation of α-amino carbonyl compounds for the synthesis of aromatic thiocyanates

A procedure for K2S2O8-mediated thiocyanation of α-amino carbonyl compounds has been developed for the synthesis of aromatic thiocyanates. A series of α-amino carbonyl compounds have been investigated, and the desired products are obtained in 74%–93% yields. This strategy has the advantages of simple reaction conditions without use of a transition-metal catalyst, high regioselectivity, and high efficiency. Moreover, we found that arylamine thiocyanates can also be obtained from α-amino carbonyl compounds and potassium thiocyanate in the presence of CoCl2·6H2O, I2, and dimethyl sulfoxide through the cleavage of the C–N bond. To explore the reaction mechanism, we designed several control experiments and proposed a possible mechanism using the experimental results and related literature reports.

Synthesis of 3-acylindoles via copper-mediated oxidative decarbethoxylation of ethyl arylacetates

An efficient regioselective C-3 acylation of free indoles (N-H) has been accomplished via oxidative decarbethoxylation of easily available ethyl arylacetates using Cu(OAc)2 and KOtBu in DMSO.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Aminomethylation of Glycine Derivatives with Indoles via C-H Activation

A rhodium(III)-catalyzed decarboxylative aminomethylation of glycine derivatives with indoles bearing a pyrimidine directing group was developed via C-H activation, exclusively affording the corresponding aminomethylated products with C3 selectivity. In this synthetic protocol, easily available and resourceful arylglycines were utilized as aminomethyl functional moieties.

Copper- and DMF-mediated switchable oxidative C–H cyanation and formylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using ammonium iodide

The cyanation and formylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines were developed under copper-mediated oxidative conditions using ammonium iodide and DMF as a nontoxic combined cyano-group source and DMF as a formylation reagent.

TBAI-catalyzed selective synthesis of sulfonamides and β-aryl sulfonyl enamines: coupling of arenesulfonyl chlorides and sodium sulfinates with tert-amines

A simple, practical and metal-free method has been developed for the synthesis of sulfonamides and β-arylsulfonyl enamines via the selective cleavage of C-N and C-H bonds through the iodine-catalyzed oxidation of arenesulfonyl chlorides and sodium sulfinates with tert-amines. The method uses commercially available inexpensive catalysts and oxidants, and has a wide substrate scope and operational simplicity.

Electrochemically Enabled C3-Formylation and -Acylation of Indoles with Aldehydes

Reported herein is an effective strategy for oxidative cross-coupling of indoles with various aldehydes. The strategy is based on a two-step transformation via a well-known Mannich-type reaction and a C-N bond cleavage for carbonyl introduction. The key step-the C-N bond cleavage of the Mannich product-was enabled by electrochemistry. This strategy (with over 40 examples) ensures excellent functional-group tolerance as well as late-stage functionalization of pharmaceutical molecules.

Ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed selective C–H bond activation of imidamides and coupling with sulfoxonium ylides: an efficient approach for the synthesis of highly functional 3-ketoindoles

Ruthenium-catalyzed selective C–H bond activation of imidamides and annulation of sulfoxonium ylides were achieved, which afforded a series of 3-ketoindole derivatives in good yields, with good functional group compatibility.

Selective C–H acylation of indoles with α-oxocarboxylic acids at the C4 position by palladium catalysis

The first catalytic C–H acylation of indoles at the C4 position with α-oxocarboxylic acids by palladium catalysis is described.

Metal- and Acid-Free C-H Formylation of Nitrogen Heterocycles: Using Trioxane as an Aldehyde Equivalent Enabled by an Organic-Soluble Oxidant

A metal-free, innate, and practical C-H formylation of nitrogen heterocycles using trioxane as a formyl equivalent is reported. This reaction provides a mild and robust method for modifying medicinally relevant heterocycles with an aldehyde handle. The use of an organic soluble oxidant, tetrabutylammonium persulfate, is critical in promoting the desired coupling.