meta-Selective C–H Bond Alkylation with Secondary Alkyl Halides

Ruthenium-Catalyzed Meta-Selective Trifluoroisopropylation of Arenes

This work reports the mild and efficient Ru-catalyzed trifluoroisopropylation of arenes using 2-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoropropane. Various bioactive molecules, such as purine and nucleoside derivatives, were well-suited for this transformation, affording the corresponding products in moderate-to-good yields. This method provides an efficient strategy for synthesizing trifluoroisopropyl molecules for drug discovery.

DLPNO-CCSD(T) and DFT study of the acetate-assisted C-H activation of benzaldimine at [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2: the relevance of ligand exchange processes at ruthenium(II) complexes in polar protic media

To gain mechanistic insights into the acetate-assisted cyclometallations of arylimines promoted by [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 in polar protic media, DFT geometry optimizations (with M06 and ωB97X-D3 functionals and the cc-pVDZ-PP[Ru] basis set) followed by DLPNO-CCSD(T)/CBS energy evaluations were performed using benzaldimine as a model substrate and methanol as the solvent (with CPCM or SMD models). The calculation results show that coordination of the imine to an acetate ruthenium precursor is followed by anion (chloride or acetate) dissociation as the rate-determining step of the process. H-Bonding of two explicit MeOH to the anion reduces the calculated activation energy to ca. 23 kcal mol-1, in good agreement with the experimental half-life at room temperature. Subsequent AMLA/CMD C-H activation of the intermediate cationic complexes is a faster, reversible process. Alternative reaction pathways involving neutral diacetate ruthenium complexes offer AMLA/CMD transition state structures of lower energy but are precluded due to higher energy barriers for the initial ligand exchange processes at ruthenium. Solvent assistance accelerates the final chloride/acetate exchange processes on the cycloruthenate intermediates, particularly when compression in the condensed phase is taken into consideration. The performance of six DFT functionals (with the aug-pVTZ-PP[Ru] basis set) was assessed using the DLPNO-CCSD(T)/CBS reference energies. Neutral diacetate ruthenium complexes were incorrectly predicted as being kinetically relevant when using hybrid DFT methods (PBE0-D3(BJ), M06-2X or ωB97M-V). Good agreement between the calculated barrier heights and our benchmark energy results was obtained by using double-hybrid DFT methods. PWPB95 with D3(BJ) or D4 dispersion energy corrections was found to be the most accurate (ΔG≠ MUE of ca. 1 kcal mol-1). This study may aid our understanding of and help with further experimental investigations of synthetically useful carboxylate-assisted C-H bond functionalizations involving (N,C)-cyclometallated (p-cymene)Ru(II) intermediate complexes in sustainable polar protic solvents.

Cyclic Diaryl λ3-Bromanes as a Precursor for Regiodivergent Alkynylation Reactions

Regiodivergent reactions are a fascinating tool to rapidly access molecular diversity while using identical coupling partners. We have developed a new approach for regiodivergent synthesis using the dual character of hypervalent bromines. In addition to the recently reported reactivity of hypervalent bromines as aryne precursors, the first transition metal-catalyzed reaction is reported. Accordingly, the development of these two complementary transformations allows for the alteration of regioselectivity to furnish both ortho- and meta-substituted alkynylation products. Mechanistic and computational studies show how these selectivities are controlled.

Visible-Light-Mediated Bimetal-Catalyzed meta-Alkylation of Arenes

A mild approach to the visible-light-mediated bimetal-catalyzed meta-alkylation of arenes has been accomplished. The regioselective meta-alkylation is realized by a bimetallic ruthenium-palladium system. Ruthenium acts as a catalyst for the directing effect and as a photosensitizer, while the cocatalyst palladium behaves as a catalyst for the generation of fluoroalkyl radicals. This reaction not only is suitable for two-component meta-fluoroalkylation of arenes but can also be extended to three-component reactions to achieve bifunctionalization of olefins.

Unlocking regioselective meta-alkylation with epoxides and oxetanes via dynamic kinetic catalyst control

Regioselective arene C-H bond alkylation is a powerful tool in synthetic chemistry, yet subject to many challenges. Herein, we report the meta-C-H bond alkylation of aromatics bearing N-directing groups using (hetero)aromatic epoxides as alkylating agents. This method results in complete regioselectivity on both the arene as well as the epoxide coupling partners, cleaving exclusively the benzylic C-O bond. Oxetanes, which are normally unreactive, also participate as alkylating reagents under the reaction conditions. Our mechanistic studies reveal an unexpected reversible epoxide ring opening process undergoing catalyst-controlled regioselection, as key for the observed high regioselectivities.

Iron-Catalyzed para-Selective C-H Allylation of Aniline Derivatives

Transition-metal-catalyzed directed C-H allylation of arenes offers an efficient and straightforward approach to construct value-added allylic arenes. However, these reactions are often performed with precious transition-metal catalysts and mainly limited to ortho-C-H allylation of arenes. Herein, we disclose a novel iron-catalyzed para-C-H allylation of aniline derivatives with allyl alcohols via a chelation-induced strategy, providing various allylic arenes in good yields with excellent regio- and chemoselectivity. A simple FeCl3·6H2O is employed as a catalyst, serving a dual role in the reaction: (1) coordination with N-arylpicolinamide to alter the electronic property of the aromatic ring and (2) reaction with allyl alcohol to form allyl-Fe species.

Non-Covalent Interaction-Controlled Site-Selective C-H Transformations

Site-selective C-H transformations are important to obtain desired compounds as single products in a highly efficient manner. However, it is generally difficult to achieve such transformations because organic substrates contain many C-H bonds with similar reactivities. Therefore, the development of practical and efficient methods for controlling site selectivity is highly desirable. The most frequently used strategy is "directing group method". Although this method is highly effective and promotes site-selective reactions, it has several limitations. Our group recently reported other methods to achieve site-selective C-H transformations using non-covalent interactions between a substrate and a reagent or a catalyst and a substrate (non-covalent method). In this personal account, the background of site-selective C-H transformations, our reaction design to achieve site-selective C-H transformations, and recently reported reactions are explained.

Remote C-H Olefination of Heterocyclic Biaryls Enabled by Reversibly Bound Templates

Remote C-H functionalization of heterocyclic biaryls will be of great importance in synthesis and medicinal chemistry. Through adjusting the geometric relationship of the directing atom and target C-H bonds, two new catalytic templates have been developed to enable the functionalization of the more hindered ortho-C-H bonds of heterobiaryls bearing directing heteroatom at the meta- or para-positions, affording unprecedented site-selectivity. The use of template chaperone also overcomes product inhibition and renders the directing templates catalytic. The utility of this protocol was demonstrated by olefination of heterocyclic biaryls with various substituents, overriding conventional steric and electronic effects. These ortho-C-H olefinated heterobiaryls are sterically hindered and can often be challenging to prepare through aryl-aryl coupling reactions.

Distal meta-C-H functionalization of α-substituted cinnamates

Development of a novel strategy for the palladium-catalyzed selective meta-C-H activation of α-substituted cinnamates and their heterocyclic analogues with various alkenes using nitrile as a directing group (DG) has been described. Importantly, we introduced naphthoquinone, benzoquinones, maleimides and sulfolene as coupling partners in the meta-C-H activation reaction for the first time. Notably, allylation, acetoxylation and cyanation were also achieved through distal meta-C-H functionalization. This novel protocol also includes the coupling of various olefin-tethered bioactive molecules with high selectivity.

Transition-Metal-Catalyzed C-H Bond Activation for the Formation of C-C Bonds in Complex Molecules

Site-predictable and chemoselective C-H bond functionalization reactions offer synthetically powerful strategies for the step-economic diversification of both feedstock and fine chemicals. Many transition-metal-catalyzed methods have emerged for the selective activation and functionalization of C-H bonds. However, challenges of regio- and chemoselectivity have emerged with application to highly complex molecules bearing significant functional group density and diversity. As molecular complexity increases within molecular structures the risks of catalyst intolerance and limited applicability grow with the number of functional groups and potentially Lewis basic heteroatoms. Given the abundance of C-H bonds within highly complex and already diversified molecules such as pharmaceuticals, natural products, and materials, design and selection of reaction conditions and tolerant catalysts has proved critical for successful direct functionalization. As such, innovations within transition-metal-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization for the direct formation of carbon-carbon bonds have been discovered and developed to overcome these challenges and limitations. This review highlights progress made for the direct metal-catalyzed C-C bond forming reactions including alkylation, methylation, arylation, and olefination of C-H bonds within complex targets.

Towards new coordination modes of 1,2,3-triazolylidene: controlled by the nature of the 1st metalation in a heteroditopic bis-NHC ligand

An unusual effect of the nature of the first metal coordination of a heteroditopic N-heterocyclic carbene ligand (L2) towards the coordination behavior of 1,2,3-tzNHC is explored. The first metal coordination at the ImNHC site (complexes 3 and 4) was noted to substantially influence the electronics of the 1,2,3-triazolium moiety leading to an unprecedented chemistry of this MIC donor. Along this line, the Rh^III/Ir^III-orthometalation in complexes 4 makes the triazolium C₄-H more downfield shifted than C₅-H, whereas a reverse trend, although to a lesser extent, is observed in the case of the non-chelated Pd^II-coordination. This difference in behavior assisted us to achieve the selective activation of triazole C₄/C₅ positions, not observed before, as supported by the isolation of the homo- and hetero-bimetallic complexes, 5, 6 and 7-9via C₅- and C₄-metalation, respectively. Furthermore, the %V _bur calculations eliminate any considerable steric influence and the DFT studies strongly support the selectivity observed during bimetalation.

Remote C-H Glycosylation by Ruthenium(II) Catalysis: Modular Assembly of meta-C-Aryl Glycosides

The prevalence of C-aryl glycosides in biologically active natural products and approved drugs has long motivated the development of efficient strategies for their selective synthesis. Cross-couplings have been frequently used, but largely relied on palladium catalyst with prefunctionalized substrates, while ruthenium-catalyzed C-aryl glycoside preparation has thus far proven elusive. Herein, we disclose a versatile ruthenium(II)-catalyzed meta-C-H glycosylation to access meta-C-aryl glycosides from readily available glycosyl halide donors. The robustness of the ruthenium catalysis was reflected by mild reaction conditions, outstanding levels of anomeric selectivity and exclusive meta-site-selectivity.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of in situ Generated 3,3,3-Trifluoro-1-propyne by C-H Bond Activation: A Facile and Practical Access to β-Trifluoromethylstyrenes

In this study, a practical and straightforward synthesis of β-(E)-trifluoromethylstyrenes by ruthenium-catalyzed C-H bond activation was developed. The readily available and inexpensive 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (BTP), a non-ozone depleting reagent, was used as a reservoir of 3,3,3-trifluoropropyne. With this approach, the monofunctionalization of a panel of heteroarenes was possible in a safe and scalable manner (23 examples, up to 87 % yield). Mechanistic investigations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also conducted to get a better understanding of the mechanism of this transformation. These studies suggested that 1) a cyclometallated ruthenium complex enabled the transformation, 2) this complex exhibited high efficiency in this transformation compared to the commercially available [RuCl2 (p-cymene)]2 and 3) the mechanism proceeded through a bis-cyclometallated ruthenium intermediate for the carboruthenation step.

Photo-Induced Ruthenium-Catalyzed Double Remote C(sp2 )-H / C(sp3 )-H Functionalizations by Radical Relay

Distal C(sp2 )-H and C(sp3 )-H functionalizations have recently emerged as step-economical tools for molecular synthesis. However, while the C(sp2 )-C(sp3 ) construction is of fundamental importance, its formation through double remote C(sp2 )-H/C(sp3 )-H activation has proven elusive. By merging the ruthenium-catalyzed meta-C(sp2 )-H functionalization with an aliphatic hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process, we, herein, describe the catalyzed twofold remote C(sp2 )-H/C(sp3 )-H functionalizations via photo-induced ruthenium-mediated radical relay. Thus, meta-C(sp2 )-H arene bonds and remote C(sp3 )-H alkane bonds were activated by a single catalyst in a single operation. This process was accomplished at room temperature by visible light-notably without exogenous photocatalysts. Experimental and computational theory studies uncovered a manifold comprising ortho-C-H activation, single-electron-transfer (SET), 1,n-HAT (n=5-7) and σ-activation by means of a single ruthenium(II) catalyst.

C-H bond activation and sequential addition to two different coupling partners: a versatile approach to molecular complexity

Sequential multicomponent C-H bond addition is a powerful approach for the rapid, modular generation of molecular complexity in a single reaction. In this approach, C-H bonds are typically added across π-bonds or π-bond isosteres, followed by subsequent coupling to another type of functionality, thereby forming two σ-bonds in a single reaction sequence. Many sequential C-H bond addition reactions have been developed to date, including additions across both conjugated and isolated π-systems followed by coupling with reactants such as carbonyl compounds, cyanating reagents, aminating reagents, halogenating reagents, oxygenating reagents, and alkylating reagents. These atom-economical reactions transform ubiquitous C-H bonds under mild conditions to more complex structures with a high level of regiochemical and stereochemical control. Surprising connectivities and diverse mechanisms have been elucidated in the development of these reactions. Given the large number of possible combinations of coupling partners, there are enormous opportunities for the discovery of new sequential C-H bond addition reactions.

Visible‐Light‐Induced, Single‐Metal‐Catalyzed, Directed C−H Functionalization: Metal‐Substrate‐Bound Complexes as Light‐Harvesting Agents

C−H functionalization represents one of the most rapidly advancing areas in organic synthesis and is regarded as one of the key concepts to minimize the ecological and economic footprint of organic synthesis. The ubiquity and low reactivity of C−H bonds in organic molecules, however, poses several challenges, and often necessitates harsh reaction conditions to achieve this goal, although it is highly desirable to achieve C−H functionalization reactions under mild conditions. Recently, several reports uncovered a conceptually new approach towards C−H functionalization, where a single transition‐metal complex can be used as both the photosensitizer and catalyst to promote C−H bond functionalization in the absence of an exogeneous photosensitizer. In this Minireview, we will provide an overview on recent achievements in C−H functionalization reactions, with an emphasis on the photochemical modulation of the reaction mechanism using such catalysts.

Ruthenium-Catalyzed Pyridine-Directed Aryl C-H Glycosylation with Glycosyl Chlorides

Metal-catalyzed C-H glycosylation reactions with glycosyl chloride donors have emerged as a useful strategy for the synthesis of C-glycosides. Previously, palladium and nickel complexes were reported to catalyze C-H glycosylation reactions using amide-linked bidentate auxiliaries. Herein, a ruthenium-catalyzed ortho C-H glycosylation reaction of arenes with various glycosyl chloride donors using a monodentate pyridine directing group is developed. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that two-electron oxidative addition and reductive elimination of ruthenocycle intermediate led to the glycosylation products.

Distal Ruthenaelectro-Catalyzed meta-C-H Bromination with Aqueous HBr

While electrochemical ortho‐selective C−H activations are well established, distal C−H activations continue to be underdeveloped. In contrast, we herein describe the electrochemical meta‐C−H functionalization. The remote C−H bromination was accomplished in an undivided cell by RuCl₃⋅3 H₂O with aqueous HBr. The electrohalogenation proceeded under exogenous ligand‐ and electrolyte‐free conditions. Notably, pyrazolylarenes were meta‐selectively brominated at the benzenoid moiety, rather than on the electron‐rich pyrazole ring for the first time. Mechanistic studies were suggestive of an initial ruthenacycle formation, and a subsequent ligand‐to‐ligand hydrogen transfer (LLHT) process to liberate the brominated product.

meta-Allylation of Arenes via Ruthenium-Catalyzed Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling

A successful example of oxidative meta-dehydrogenative allylation of arenes with alkenes has been developed using Ru(PPh₃)₃Cl₂ as a catalyst and DTBP as an oxidant. In the allylation process, pyrimidines, pyrazoles, and purines, found widely in nucleosides, were effective auxiliary groups. Gram-scale experiments took place smoothly under optimized conditions. Mechanistic studies indicated that ruthenium-catalyzed meta-dehydrogenative allylation was a free-radical process. The allylation process developed herein provides an efficient and practical strategy to prepare versatile meta-allylated arenes.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Regioselective para-Amination of Azobenzenes via Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution of Hydrogen

The metal-catalyzed nucleophilic aromatic substitution of hydrogen (S_NArH) via coordination of the substituent on the aromatic ring to the metal catalyst, in terms of reactivity, substrate type, and reaction selectivity, complements the transition metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization that proceeds via C-H metalation but remains an elusive target. Described herein is the development of an unprecedented cobalt-catalyzed para-selective amination of azobenzenes, which is essentially a metal-promoted S_NArH process as revealed by Hammett analysis, thus illustrating the concept that coordination of the substituent on the arene ring to the metal catalyst may result in electrophilic activation of the arene ring toward S_NArH. This cobalt-catalyzed protocol allows the use of a variety of both aliphatic amines and anilines as aminating reagents, tolerates electronically diverse substituents of azobenzene, and furnishes the corresponding products in good yields with a regiospecific selectivity for para-amination.

Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed Chelation-Assisted Desulfitative Arylation of Benzo[h]quinolines with Arylsulfonyl Chlorides

Herein, a novel chelation-assisted C-H arylation reaction of benzo[h]quinoline is described. This transformation, using [RuCl₂(p-cymene)]₂ as the catalyst and cheap and easily accessible arylsulfonyl chlorides as the arylation source, featured simple reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, and functional group tolerance. The successful application of some bioactive-molecule-based sulfonyl chlorides further highlighted the potential utility and importance of this desulfitative C-H arylation protocol.

Catalysis with cycloruthenated complexes

Cycloruthenated complexes have been studied extensively over the last few decades. Many accounts of their synthesis, characterisation, and catalytic activity in a wide variety of transformations have been reported to date. Compared with their non-cyclometallated analogues, cycloruthenated complexes may display enhanced catalytic activities in known transformations or possess entirely new reactivity. In other instances, these complexes can be chiral, and capable of catalysing stereoselective reactions. In this review, we aim to highlight the catalytic applications of cycloruthenated complexes in organic synthesis, emphasising the recent advancements in this field.

We discuss recent advances in the applications of cycloruthenated complexes in organic synthesis, comprising C–H activation, chiral-at-metal catalysis, Z-selective olefin metathesis, transfer hydrogenation, enantioselective cyclopropanations and cycloadditions.

Looking deep into C-H functionalization: the synthesis and application of cyclopentadienyl and related metal catalysts

Metal catalyzed C-H functionalization offers a versatile platform for methodology development and a wide variety of reactions now exist for the chemo- and site-selective functionalization of organic molecules. Cyclopentadienyl-metal (CpM) complexes of transition metals and their correlative analogues have found widespread application in this area, and herein we highlight several key applications of commonly used transition-metal Cp-type catalysts. In addition, an understanding of transition metal Cp-type catalyst synthesis is important, particularly where modifications to the catalyst structure are required for different applications, and a summary of this aspect is given.

Three-Component Ruthenium-Catalyzed meta-C-H Alkylation of Phenol Derivatives

Herein, we realized the multicomponent reactions of phenol derivatives via a six-membered cycloruthenated intermediate for the first time. This strategy exhibited good substrate suitability and functional group tolerance with various phenol derivatives and provided a potential synthetic drug approach. Mechanistic studies showed that a radical might be involved in this process. In addition, the meta alkylated phenol was obtained by further removal of the directing group.

Site-Selective Coupling of Remote C(sp3)−H/meta-C(sp2)−H Bonds Enabled by Ru/Photoredox Dual Catalysis and Mechanistic Studies

Construction of C(sp2)−C(sp3) bonds via regioselective coupling of C(sp2)−H/C(sp3)−H bonds is challenging due to the low reactivity and regioselectivity of C−H bonds. Here, a novel photoinduced Ru/photocatalyst-cocatalyzed regioselective cross-dehydrogenative coupling...

Ruthenium-catalyzed meta-difluoromethylation of arene phosphines enabled by 1,3-dione

A highly efficient, meta-selective difluoromethylation of arene phosphines has been developed with ruthenium catalysis using 1,3-dione as an effective ligand.

Pd(ii)-catalyzed meta-C–H bromination and chlorination of aniline and benzoic acid derivatives

The classic electrophilic bromination leads to ortho- and para-bromination of anilines due to their electron-rich properties. Herein we report the development of an unprecedented Pd-catalyzed meta-C–H bromination of aniline derivatives using commercially available N-bromophthalimide (NBP), which overcomes the competing ortho/para-selectivity of electrophilic bromination of anilines. The addition of acid additives is crucial for the success of this reaction. A broad range of substrates with various substitution patterns can be tolerated in this reaction. Moreover, benzoic acid derivatives bearing complex substitution patterns are also viable with this mild bromination reaction, and meta-C–H chlorination is also feasible under similar reaction conditions. The ease of the directing group removal and subsequent diverse transformations of the brominated products demonstrate the application potential of this method and promise new opportunities for drug discovery.

An unprecedented Pd-catalyzed meta-C–H bromination and chlorination of highly substituted aniline and benzoic acid derivatives using N-bromophthalimide is reported.

Insight into the mechanism of the arylation of arenes via norbornene relay palladation through meta- to para-selectivity

A theoretical insight was shown into the origin of site-selectivity in the arylation of arenes by a norbornene relay palladation through meta- to para-selectivity.

Pd-catalyzed bidentate auxiliary assisted remote C(sp3)-H functionalization

Pd-catalyzed C-H functionalisation affords effective synthetic tools to construct C-C and C-X bonds. Despite the challenges, the distal functionalization of C(sp³)-H bonds has witnessed significant developments and the use of bidentate auxiliaries has garnished this area by providing an opportunity to control reactivity as well as selectivity beyond proximal sites. This article covers the recent developments on the Pd-catalyzed bidentate auxiliary-assisted distal C(sp³)-H functionalization and is categorized based on the nature of functionalizations.

Advances on the Merger of Electrochemistry and Transition Metal Catalysis for Organic Synthesis

Synthetic organic electrosynthesis has grown in the past few decades by achieving many valuable transformations for synthetic chemists. Although electrocatalysis has been popular for improving selectivity and efficiency in a wide variety of energy-related applications, in the last two decades, there has been much interest in electrocatalysis to develop conceptually novel transformations, selective functionalization, and sustainable reactions. This review discusses recent advances in the combination of electrochemistry and homogeneous transition-metal catalysis for organic synthesis. The enabling transformations, synthetic applications, and mechanistic studies are presented alongside advantages as well as future directions to address the challenges of metal-catalyzed electrosynthesis.

Toolbox for Distal C-H Bond Functionalizations in Organic Molecules

Transition metal catalyzed C-H activation has developed a contemporary approach to the omnipresent area of retrosynthetic disconnection. Scientific researchers have been tempted to take the help of this methodology to plan their synthetic discourses. This paradigm shift has helped in the development of industrial units as well, making the synthesis of natural products and pharmaceutical drugs step-economical. In the vast zone of C-H bond activation, the functionalization of proximal C-H bonds has gained utmost popularity. Unlike the activation of proximal C-H bonds, the distal C-H functionalization is more strenuous and requires distinctly specialized techniques. In this review, we have compiled various methods adopted to functionalize distal C-H bonds, mechanistic insights within each of these procedures, and the scope of the methodology. With this review, we give a complete overview of the expeditious progress the distal C-H activation has made in the field of synthetic organic chemistry while also highlighting its pitfalls, thus leaving the field open for further synthetic modifications.

Rhodium-Catalyzed meta-Selective C-H Carboxylation Reaction of 1,1-Diarylethylenes via Hydrorhodation-Rhodium Migration

A meta-selective C-H carboxylation reaction of 1,1-diarylethylene derivatives with CO₂ by using a rhodium catalyst with NaOⁱ Pr as a stoichiometric reductant has been achieved. Together with hydrogenation of the ethylene moiety, a carboxyl group was introduced to the meta-position of the aryl ring with high selectivity over the ortho-positions. Experimental and computational mechanistic studies indicate that this carboxylation reaction proceeds via hydrorhodation on the ethylene moiety, followed by 1,4-rhodium migration and successive 1,2-rhodium migration on the aryl ring. The use of a bulky phosphine ligand seems to be the key to this unusual aryl-to-aryl 1,2-rhodium shift.

Recent Advances in Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Selective C–H Alkoxycarbonyldifluoromethylation Reactions of Aromatic Substrates

Fluorine is well-known as a very special element. Approximately 30% of agrochemicals and 20% of all drugs contain fluorine; most of those compounds have unique functions in biochemistry, pharmacy, and bioscience and those containing alkoxycarbonyldifluoromethyl functional groups often have irreplaceable roles. Therefore, the selective introduction of alkoxycarbonyldifluoromethylated functional groups into various aromatic substrates has significant practical application. This review describes recent advances in selective alkoxycarbonyldifluoromethylation of aromatic substrates by using different catalytic strategies (cyclometalated ruthenium complex, transient regulating and visible-light-induced strategies).

1 Introduction

2 para-C–H Alkoxycarbonyldifluoromethylation of Aromatic Derivatives

2.1 Ruthenium Catalysis

2.2 Palladium Catalysis

2.3 Visible-Light Catalysis

2.4 Iron Catalysis

3 meta-C–H Alkoxycarbonyldifluoromethylation of Aromatic Derivatives

3.1 Ruthenium Catalysis

3.2 Palladium Catalysis

4 The Influence of Transition Metals and Directing Groups on Site Selectivity of Alkoxycarbonyldifluoromethylation

4.1 The Influence of Directing Groups on the Site Selectivity of Alkoxycarbonyldifluoromethylation

4.2 The Influence of Transition Metals on the Site Selectivity of Alkoxycarbonyldifluoromethylation

5 Conclusions

Experimental and Computational Studies on the Ruthenium-Catalyzed Dehydrative C-H Coupling of Phenols with Aldehydes for the Synthesis of 2-Alkylphenol, Benzofuran, and Xanthene Derivatives

The cationic Ru-H complex [(C₆H₆)(PCy₃)(CO)RuH]⁺BF₄^- (1) was found to be an effective catalyst for the dehydrative C-H coupling reaction of phenols and aldehydes to form 2-alkylphenol products. The coupling reaction of phenols with branched aldehydes selectively formed 1,1-disubstituted benzofurans, while the coupling reaction with salicylaldehydes yielded xanthene derivatives. A normal deuterium isotope effect was observed from the coupling reaction of 3-methoxyphenol with benzaldehyde and 2-propanol/2-propanol-d₈ (k_H/k_D = 2.3 ± 0.3). The carbon isotope effect was observed on the benzylic carbon of the alkylation product from the coupling reaction of 3-methoxyphenol with 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (C(3) 1.021(3)) and on both benzylic and ortho-arene carbons from the coupling reaction with 4-trifluorobenzaldehdye (C(2) 1.017(3), C(3) 1.011(2)). The Hammett plot from the coupling reaction of 3-methoxyphenol with para-substituted benzaldehydes p-X-C₆H₄CHO (X = OMe, Me, H, F, Cl, CF₃) displayed a V-shaped linear slope. Catalytically relevant Ru-H complexes were observed by NMR from a stoichiometric reaction mixture of 1, 3-methoxyphenol, benzaldehyde, and 2-propanol in CD₂Cl₂. The DFT calculations provided a detailed catalysis mechanism featuring an electrophilic aromatic substitution of the aldehyde followed by the hydrogenolysis of the hydroxy group. The calculations also revealed a mechanistic rationale for the strong electronic effect of the benzaldehdye substrates p-X-C₆H₄CHO (X = OMe, CF₃) in controlling the turnover-limiting step. The catalytic C-H coupling method provides an efficient synthetic protocol for 2-alkylphenols, 1,1-disubstituted benzofurans, and xanthene derivatives without employing any reactive reagents or forming wasteful byproducts.

Orthogonal cross-coupling through intermolecular metathesis of unstrained C(aryl)-C(aryl) single bonds

While metathesis reactions involving carbon-carbon double bonds, namely olefin metathesis, have been well established with broad utility in organic synthesis and materials science, direct metathesis of kinetically less accessible C-C single bonds is extremely rare. Here we report a ruthenium-catalysed reversible C-C single-bond metathesis reaction that allows redox- and pH-neutral biaryl synthesis. Assisted by directing groups, unstrained homo-biaryl compounds undergo aryl exchanges to generate cross-biaryl products, catalysed by a well-defined air-stable ruthenium(II) complex. Functional groups reactive under typical cross-coupling reactions, such as halogen, silyl and boronate moieties, are compatible under the metathesis conditions. Mechanistic studies disclose an intriguing 'olefin-metathesis-like' pathway that involves an unexpected heptacoordinated, 18-electron closed-shell intermediate. The distinct reaction mode discovered here is expected to inspire the development of more general C-C single-bond metathesis and orthogonal cross-coupling reactions.