Copper-Catalyzed Hydroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes

Regio- and Diastereoselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Alkenes Through Hydroalkylation of Alkynyl Boronamides

Hydroalkylation of alkynes is a powerful method for alkene synthesis. However, regioselectivity has been difficult to achieve in transformations of internal alkynes hindering applications in the synthesis of trisubstituted alkenes. To overcome these limitations, we explored using boryl groups as versatile directing groups that can control the regioselectivity of the hydroalkylation and subsequently be replaced in a cross-coupling reaction. The result of our exploration is a nickel-catalyzed hydroalkylation of alkynyl boronamides that provides access to a wide range of trisubstituted alkenes with high regio- and diastereoselectivity. The reaction can be accomplished with a variety of coupling partners, including primary and secondary alkyl iodides, α-bromo esters, α-chloro phthalimides, and α-chloro boronic esters. Preliminary studies of the reaction mechanism provide evidence for the hydrometalation mechanism and the formation of alkyl radical intermediates.

Palladium-Catalyzed Aminoalkylative Cyclization Enables Modular Synthesis of Exocyclic 1,3-Dienes

A novel and efficient palladium-catalyzed regioselective and stereodivergent ring-closing reaction of aminoenynes with aldehydes and boronic acids or hydrosilane is developed. This three-component reaction allows for the modular synthesis of a series of exocyclic 1,3-dienes bearing 5- to 8-membered saturated N-heterocycles. The reactions utilize a simple Pd-catalyst and work with broad range of aminoenynes, aldehydes and organometallic reagents under mild reaction conditions. The products represent useful intermediates for chemical synthesis due to the versatility of the conjugated diene. Preliminary mechanistic details of the method are also revealed.

Stereospecific and Regioselective Synthesis of E-Allylic Alcohols through Reductive Cross Coupling of Terminal Alkynes

We have developed a convergent method for the synthesis of allylic alcohols that involves a reductive coupling of terminal alkynes with α-chloro boronic esters. The new method affords allylic alcohols with excellent regioselectivity (anti-Markovnikov) and an E/Z ratio greater than 200:1. The reaction can be performed in the presence of a wide range of functional groups and has a substrate scope that complements the stoichiometric alkenylation of α-chloro boronic esters performed using alkenyl lithium and Grignard reagents. The transformation is stereospecific and allows for the robust and highly selective synthesis of chiral allylic alcohols. Our studies support a mechanism that involves hydrocupration of the alkyne and cross-coupling of the alkenyl copper intermediate with α-chloro boronic esters. Experimental evidence excludes a radical mechanism of the cross-coupling step and is consistent with the formation of a boron-ate intermediate and a 1,2-metalate shift.

Remote Steric and Electronic Effects of N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands on Alkene Reactivity and Regioselectivity toward Hydrocupration Reactions: The Role of Expanded-Ring N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

The remote groups in N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have a significant influence on metal-catalyzed reactions. We examine how remote bulkiness, electronic groups, and expanded-ring NHCs (ER-NHCs) influence alkene reactivity and regioselectivity toward hydrocupration using density functional theory calculations. The impact of remote steric bulkiness on the Cu-H insertion rate is analyzed, revealing a strong correlation between the steric substituent constant and rate ratio, where a bulky group increases the rate due to reduced steric effects in the transition state (TS). The steric properties of the examined catalysts (with a remote group R2 = CPh3, CHPh2, CH2Ph, CH3, and H) and their corresponding TSs are found to be modulated greatly by the remote steric substitution group and the ring size of the NHC ligand. Enhanced bulkiness enhances the nucleophilic Cu-H moiety. The remote electronic groups have a smaller impact on insertion barrier compared to that of steric hindrance. Furthermore, ER-NHC exploration indicates that NHCs with over five-membered rings have a significantly negative influence on the reaction rate. Finally, with a highly bulky group (R2 = CPh3), anti-Markovnikov insertion preference is attributed to high interaction energy and improved steric properties. Overall, our findings here provide valuable insights for the development of a more effective catalyst in metal-catalyzed reactions.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Alkenes via Copper Hydride-Catalyzed Alkyne Hydroalkylation

Alkenes are ubiquitous in organic chemistry, yet many classes of alkenes remain challenging to access by current synthetic methodology. Herein, we report a copper hydride-catalyzed approach for the synthesis of Z-configured trisubstituted alkenes with high stereo- and regioselectivity via alkyne hydroalkylation. A DTBM-dppf-supported Cu catalyst was found to be optimal, providing a substantial increase in product yield compared to reactions conducted with dppf as the ligand. DFT calculations show that the DTBM substitution leads to the acceleration of alkyne hydrocupration through combined ground and transition state effects related to preventing catalyst dimerization and enhancing catalyst-substrate dispersion interactions, respectively. Alkyne hydroalkylation was successfully demonstrated with methyl and larger alkyl tosylate electrophiles to produce a variety of (hetero)aryl-substituted alkenes in moderate to high yields with complete selectivity for the Z stereochemically configured products. In the formation of the key C-C bond, computational studies revealed a direct SN2 pathway for alkylation of the vinylcopper intermediate with in situ-formed alkyl iodides.

Differential Dihydrofunctionalization: A Dual Catalytic Three-Component Coupling of Alkynes, Alkenyl Bromides, and Pinacolborane

A new method for differential dihydrofunctionalization of terminal alkynes enables the synthesis of allylic boronate esters through reductive three-component coupling of terminal alkynes, alkenyl bromides, and pinacolborane. The transformation is promoted by cooperative action of a copper/palladium catalyst system and results in hydrofunctionalization of both π-bonds of an alkyne. The synthesis of allylic boronate esters can be accomplished in the presence of a wide range of functional groups, including, esters, nitriles, alkyl halides, sulfonyl esters, acetals, protected terminal alkynes, aryl halides, and silyl ethers. Mechanistic experiments reveal the importance of subtle ligand effects on the performance of the palladium co-catalyst.

Cobalt-catalyzed branched selective hydroallylation of terminal alkynes

Here, we reported a cobalt-hydride-catalyzed Markovnikov-type hydroallylation of terminal alkynes with allylic electrophile to access valuable and branched skipped dienes (1,4-dienes) with good regioselectivity. This operationally simple protocol exhibits excellent functional group tolerance and exceptional substrate scope. The reactions could be carried out in gram-scale with TON (turn over number) up to 1160, and the products could be easily derivatized. The preliminary mechanism of electrophilic allylation of α-selective cobalt alkenyl intermediate was proposed based on deuterium labeling experiment and kinetic studies.

Selectively generating “skipped” dienes, where two carbon–carbon double bonds are separated by a saturated carbon center, is an interesting problem in organic chemistry, with few reliable, catalytic methods currently available. Here, the authors report branched selective hydroallylation of terminal alkynes with allylic bromides to form skipped dienes, via cobalt catalysis.

Ligand-Controlled Cobalt-Catalyzed Regiodivergent Alkyne Hydroalkylation

Regiodivergent alkyne hydroalkylation to generate different isomers of an alkene from the same alkyne starting material would be beneficial; however, it remains a challenge. Herein, we report a ligand-controlled cobalt-catalyzed regiodivergent alkyne hydroalkylation. The sensible selection of bisoxazoline (L1) and pyridine-oxazoline (L8) ligands led to reliable and predictable protocols that provided (E)-1,2-disubstituted and 1,1-disubstituted alkenes with high E/Z stereoselectivity and regioisomeric ratio starting from identical terminal alkyne and alkyl halide substrates and produced trisubstituted alkenes in the case of internal alkynes. This method exhibits a broad scope for terminal and internal alkynes with a wide range of activated and unactivated alkyl halides and shows excellent functional group compatibility.

A Dual CuH- and Pd-Catalyzed Stereoselective Synthesis of Highly Substituted 1,3-Dienes

Conjugated dienes are versatile building blocks and prevalent substructures in synthetic chemistry. Herein, we report a method for the stereoselective hydroalkenylation of alkynes, utilizing readily available enol triflates. We leveraged an in situ-generated and geometrically pure vinyl-Cu(I) species to form the Z,Z- or Z,E-1,3-dienes in excellent stereoselectivity and yield. This approach allowed for the synthesis of highly substituted Z-dienes, including pentasubstituted 1,3-dienes, which are difficult to prepare by existing approaches.

Mechanism of Z-Selective Hydroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes

This paper describes a detailed mechanistic study of the silver-catalyzed Z-selective hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes. Considering the established mechanistic paradigms for Z-selective hydroalkylation of alkynes, we explored a mechanism based on the radical carbometalation of alkynes. Experimental results have provided strong evidence against the initially proposed radical mechanism and have led us to propose a new mechanism for the Z-selective hydroalkylation of alkynes based on boronate formation and a 1,2-metalate shift. The new mechanism provides a rationale for the excellent Z-selectivity observed in the reaction. A series of stoichiometric experiments has probed the feasibility of the proposed elementary steps and revealed an additional role of the silver catalyst in the protodeboration of an intermediate. Finally, a series of kinetic measurements, KIE experiments, and competition experiments allowed us to identify the turnover limiting step and the resting state of the catalyst. We believe that the results of this study will be useful in the further exploration and development of related transformations of alkynes.

Reductive hydrobenzylation of terminal alkynes via photoredox and nickel dual catalysis

A photoredox/nickel dual catalyzed reductive hydrobenzylation of alkynes and benzyl chlorides by employing alkyl amines as a stoichiometric reductant is described. This synergistic protocol proceeds via Markovnikov-selective migratory insertion of an alkyne into nickel hydride, followed by cross-coupling with benzyl chloride, providing facile access to important 1,1-disubstituted olefins. This reaction enables the generation of nickel hydride by utilizing readily available alkyl amines as the hydrogen source. The mild conditions are compatible with a wide range of aryl and alkyl alkynes as well as chlorides.

Accelerating the insertion reactions of (NHC)Cu-H via remote ligand functionalization

Most ligand designs for reactions catalyzed by (NHC)Cu-H (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene ligand) have focused on introducing steric bulk near the Cu center. Here, we evaluate the effect of remote ligand modification in a series of [(NHC)CuH]2 in which the para substituent (R) on the N-aryl groups of the NHC is Me, Et, t Bu, OMe or Cl. Although the R group is distant (6 bonds away) from the reactive Cu center, the complexes have different spectroscopic signatures. Kinetics studies of the insertion of ketone, aldimine, alkyne, and unactivated α-olefin substrates reveal that Cu-H complexes with bulky or electron-rich R groups undergo faster substrate insertion. The predominant cause of this phenomenon is destabilization of the [(NHC)CuH]2 dimer relative to the (NHC)Cu-H monomer, resulting in faster formation of Cu-H monomer. These findings indicate that remote functionalization of NHCs is a compelling strategy for accelerating the rate of substrate insertion with Cu-H species.

Generation of Axially Chiral Fluoroallenes through a Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective β-Fluoride Elimination

Herein we report the copper-catalyzed silylation of propargylic difluorides to generate axially chiral, tetrasubstituted monofluoroallenes in both good yields (27 examples >80%) and enantioselectivities (82-98% ee). Compared to previously reported synthetic routes to axially chiral allenes (ACAs) from prochiral substrates, a mechanistically distinct reaction has been developed: the enantiodiscrimination between enantiotopic fluorides to set an axial stereocenter. DFT calculations and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) suggest that β-fluoride elimination from an alkenyl copper intermediate likely proceeds through a syn-β-fluoride elimination pathway rather than an anti-elimination pathway. The effects of the C1-symmetric Josiphos-derived ligand on reactivity and enantioselectivity were investigated. Not only does this report showcase that alkenyl copper species (like their alkyl counterparts) can undergo β-fluoride elimination, but this elimination can be achieved in an enantioselective fashion.

Computational Study of Triphosphine-Ligated Cu(I) Catalysts for Hydrogenation of CO2 to Formate

The catalyzed hydrogenation of CO₂ to formate via a triphosphine-ligated Cu(I) was studied computationally at the density functional theory level in the presence of a self-consistent reaction field. Of the four functionals benchmarked, M06 was generally in the best agreement with the available experimentally estimated values. Two bases, DBU and TBD, were studied in the context of two proposed mechanisms in the MeCN solvent. Activation of H₂ was explored by using LCu(DBU)⁺ to form LCuH. Dissociation of a ligand arm results in higher barriers to form the key hydride complex, LCuH. The preferred mechanism passes through a transition state, where the H₂ has one H atom interacting with the copper center and the other H atom interacting with the N atom of the base, similar to H₂ insertion into a frustrated Lewis pair. There is no significant difference between the choice of a base, DBU or TBD, with respect to the proposed mechanisms. We propose that the experimentally observed differences between DBU and TBD reactivities for this mechanism are due to off-pathway changes.

Computational study of silver-catalyzed stereoselective hydroalkylation of alkynes: Pauli repulsion controlled Z/E selectivity

The mechanism and origin of stereoselectivity of silver-catalyzed hydroalkylation of alkynes were computationally investigated at the B3LYP-D3BJ/6-311+G(d,p)-SDD//B3LYP/6-31G(d)-LANL2DZ level. The complex of alkynyl trialkylboronate with cationic silver is a key intermediate, which triggers the rate- and stereoselectivity-determining 1,2-migration step. Energy decomposition analysis indicates that the difference of Pauli repulsion dominates the stereoselectivity.

Hydroalkylation of Alkynes: Functionalization of the Alkenyl Copper Intermediate through Single Electron Transfer Chemistry

We have developed a method for the stereoselective coupling of terminal alkynes and α-bromo carbonyls to generate functionalized E-alkenes. The coupling is accomplished by merging the closed-shell hydrocupration of alkynes with the open-shell single electron transfer (SET) chemistry of the resulting alkenyl copper intermediate. We demonstrate that the reaction is compatible with various functional groups and can be performed in the presence of aryl bromides, alkyl chlorides, alkyl bromides, esters, nitriles, amides, and a wide range of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds. Mechanistic studies provide evidence for SET oxidation of the alkenyl copper intermediate by an α-bromo ester as the key step that enables the cross coupling.

Copper-Catalyzed Carbonylative Coupling of Alkyl Halides

Transition metal-catalyzed carbonylation reactions represent a direct and atom-economical approach to introduce oxygen functionality into organic compounds, with CO acting as an inexpensive and readily available C1 feedstock. Despite the long history of carbonylation catalysis, including many processes that have been industrialized at bulk scale, there remain several challenges to tackle. For example, noble metals such as Pd, Rh, and Ir are typically used as catalysts for carbonylation reactions, rather than earth-abundant alternatives. Additionally, while carbonylation of C(sp²)-hybridized substrates (e.g., aryl halides) is well-known, carbonylation of unactivated alkyl electrophiles, especially where β-hydride elimination can compete with desired CO migratory insertion at the catalyst site, remains challenging for many systems. Recently, base metal catalysis based on Mn, Co, and other metals has enabled advances in carbonylative coupling of alkyl electrophiles, though the nucleophiles are often limited to alcohols or amines to generate esters or amides as products. Thus, we have targeted base metal-catalyzed carbonylative C-C and C-E (E = N, H, Si, B) coupling reactions as a method for approaching diverse carbonyl compounds of synthetic importance.Initially, we designed a heterobimetallic catalyst platform for carbonylative C-C coupling of alkyl halides with arylboronic esters (i.e., carbonylative Suzuki-Miyaura coupling) to generate aryl alkyl ketones. Subsequently, we developed multicomponent carbonylation reactions of alkyl halides using NHC-Cu catalysts (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene). These reactions operate by radical mechanisms, converting alkyl halides into either acyl radical or acyl halide intermediates that undergo subsequent C-C or C-E coupling at the Cu site. This mechanistic paradigm is relatively novel in the metal-catalyzed carbonylation area, allowing us to discover a previously unexplored chemical space in carbonylative coupling catalysis. We have successfully developed the following reactions: (a) hydrocarbonylative coupling of alkynes with alkyl halides; (b) borocarbonylative coupling of alkynes with alkyl halides; (c) reductive aminocarbonylation of alkyl halides with nitroarenes; (d) reductive carbonylation of alkyl halides; (e) carbonylative silylation of alkyl halides; (f) carbonylative borylation of alkyl halides. These reactions provide a broad range of valuable products including ketones, allylic alcohols, β-borylenones, amides, alcohols, acylsilanes, and acylborons in an efficient manner. Notably, the preparation of some of these products has previously required multistep syntheses, harsh conditions, or specialized reagents. By contrast, the multicomponent coupling platform that we have developed requires only readily available building blocks and rapidly increases molecular complexity in a single synthetic manipulation.

Iron-Catalyzed Tertiary Alkylation of Terminal Alkynes with 1,3-Diesters via a Functionalized Alkyl Radical

Direct oxidative C(sp)-H/C(sp³ )-H cross-coupling offers an ideal and environmentally benign protocol for C(sp)-C(sp³ ) bond formations. As such, reactivity and site-selectivity with respect to C(sp³ )-H bond cleavage have remained a persistent challenge. Herein is reported a simple method for iron-catalyzed/silver-mediated tertiary alkylation of terminal alkynes with readily available and versatile 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. The reaction is suitable for an array of substrates and proceeds in a highly selective manner even employing alkanes containing other tertiary, benzylic, and C(sp³ )-H bonds alpha to heteroatoms. Elaboration of the products enables the synthesis of a series of versatile building blocks. Control experiments implicate the in situ generation of a tertiary carbon-centered radical species.

Copper-Catalyzed Hydroalumination of Allenes with Diisobutylaluminum Hydride: Synthesis of Allylic Ketones with α-Quaternary Centers via Tandem Allylation/Oppenauer Oxidation

An efficient and straightforward approach to allylaluminum reagent synthesis through Cu-catalyzed hydroalumination of readily accessible allenes with diisobutylaluminum hydride is described. The N-heterocyclic carbene-based copper complex promotes hydride addition to various functionalized allenes under mild reaction conditions. The catalytic reaction is applied to a highly selective one-pot synthesis of allylic ketones with α-tertiary and α-quaternary centers through tandem nucleophilic addition of in situ-generated allylaluminums to aldehydes/Oppenauer oxidation.

Mononuclear Cu Complexes Based on Nitrogen Heterocyclic Carbene: A Comprehensive Review

During the last decade, organometallic, coordination, and catalytic chemistry of the three-dimensional metals such as copper (Cu) has been greatly affected by the emergence of nitrogen heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes. The NHCs, and in particular the mononuclear Cu^I-based ones, have been proven vastly useful in several applications such as in biosynthesis, catalysis, photochemistry, etc. This review tries to thoroughly describe a series of mononuclear Cu^I NHC complexes and their subcategories such as heteroleptics, and bidentate and tridentate heteroatom complexes, and give some detailed insights on their development, emergence, and applications. A brief outlook is also disclosed to enable other researchers to further develop a platform for future advances and studies in the field of Cu^I-based NHCs.

Regioselective Hydroalkylation and Arylalkylation of Alkynes by Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalysis: Application and Mechanism

Alkynes are an important class of organic molecules due to their utility as versatile building blocks in synthesis. Although efforts have been devoted to the difunctionalization of alkynes, general and practical strategies for the direct hydroalkylation and alkylarylation of terminal alkynes under mild reaction conditions are less explored. Herein, we report a photoredox/nickel dual-catalyzed anti-Markovnikov-type hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes as well as a one-pot arylalkylation of alkynes with alkyl carboxylic acids and aryl bromides via a three-component cross-coupling. The results indicate that the transformations proceed via a new mechanism involving a single-electron transfer with subsequent energy-transfer activation pathways. Moreover, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence-spectroscopy measurements, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and wavefunction analysis have been performed to give an insight into the catalytic cycle.

The origin of regioselectivity in Cu-catalyzed hydrocarbonylative coupling of alkynes with alkyl halides

Steric interactions mediate a switch between a ketone and allylic alcohol in Cu-catalyzed hydrocarbonylative coupling of alkynes with alkyl halides.

Palladium-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling between α-bromo carboxamides and terminal alkynes

A Pd-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling between α-bromo carboxamides and terminal alkynes was developed featuring a radical pathway and distinct from the Sonogashira coupling.

C–C and C–X coupling reactions of unactivated alkyl electrophiles using copper catalysis

Copper catalysts enable cross-coupling reactions of unactivated alkyl electrophiles to generate C–C and C–X bonds.

Synthesis of Isomerically Pure (Z)-Alkenes from Terminal Alkynes and Terminal Alkenes: Silver-Catalyzed Hydroalkylation of Alkynes

Alkenes are an important class of compounds common among biologically active molecules and often are used as intermediates in organic synthesis. Many alkenes exist in two stereoisomeric forms (E and Z), which have different structures and different properties. The selective formation of the two isomers is an important synthetic goal that has long inspired the development of new synthetic methods. However, the efficient synthesis of diastereopure, thermodynamically less stable, Z-alkenes is still challenging. Here, we demonstrate an efficient synthesis of diastereopure Z-alkenes (Z:E > 300:1) through a silver-catalyzed hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes, using alkylboranes as coupling partners. We also describe the exploration of the substrate scope, which reveals the broad functional group compatibility of the new method. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that a 1,2-metalate rearrangement of the silver borate intermediate is the key step responsible for the stereochemical outcome of the reaction.

Ni-Catalyzed deaminative hydroalkylation of internal alkynes

A regioselective cis-hydroalkylation of internal alkynes with readily prepared Katritzky pyridinium salts for the synthesis of tri-substituted alkenes is described. This reaction is the first example of a metal-catalyzed hydroalkylation of an alkyne via C-N bond activation of an amine. The reaction demonstrates broad scope and functional group tolerance, allowing access to desired products with high diversity. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that a combination of an SET-initiated radical process and Ni-catalyzed alkylation could engage in the reaction, which makes it possible to bypass the traditional open-shell addition pathway.

Stereospecific Synthesis of E-Alkenes through Anti-Markovnikov Hydroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes

We have developed a method for stereospecific synthesis of E-alkenes from terminal alkynes and alkyl iodides. The hydroalkylation reaction is enabled by a cooperative action of copper and nickel catalysts and proceeds with excellent anti-Markovnikov selectivity. We demonstrate the broad scope of the reaction, which can be accomplished in the presence of esters, nitriles, aryl bromides, ethers, alkyl chlorides, anilines, and a wide range of nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic compounds. Mechanistic studies provide evidence that the copper catalyst activates the alkyne by hydrocupration, which controls both the regio- and diastereoselectivity of the overall reaction. The nickel catalyst activates the alkyl iodide and promotes cross coupling with the alkenyl copper intermediate.

Terminal versus Bridging Boryl Coordination in N-Heterocyclic Carbene Copper(I) Boryl Complexes: Syntheses, Structures, and Dynamic Behavior

The B-B bond activation of the diborane(4) derivatives B₂cat₂ with the copper(I) alkoxido complex [(SIDipp)Cu-O tBu] delivers, depending on the solvent, either the linear boryl complex [(SIDipp)Cu-Bcat] from PhMe or the μ-boryl complex [((SIDipp)Cu)₂Bcat][cat₂B] from THF. The relevant conversion of the linear boryl complex to the μ-boryl complex occurs in the polar solvent via formal boryl anion abstraction by the Lewis acid catB-O tBu, concomitantly formed during the B-B activation. With Lewis acids such as BPh₃ or [CPh₃][BArF] (reversible), boryl abstraction from the linear complexes [(SIDipp)Cu-Bcat] or [(SIDipp)Cu-Bdmab] occurs and results in the μ-boryl complexes [((SIDipp)Cu)₂Bcat/dmab][Ph₃B-Bcat/dmab] and [((SIDipp)Cu)₂Bcat][BArF]. The formation of [((SIDipp)Cu)₂Bcat][cat₂B] is generally accompanied by the concomitant formation of the μ-hydrido complex [((SIDipp)Cu)₂H][cat₂B]. The spiroborate [cat₂B]^- is formed from the initially formed Lewis acid/base adduct [catB-B(O tBu)cat]^- presumably in a process that involves the glass surface of the reaction vessel. All complexes are thoroughly characterized structurally as well as spectroscopically, in particular with respect to the dynamic behavior of the μ-boryl complexes in solution.

Differential Dihydrofunctionalization of Terminal Alkynes: Synthesis of Benzylic Alkyl Boronates through Reductive Three-Component Coupling

The differential dihydrofunctionalization of terminal alkynes is accomplished through the reductive three-component coupling of terminal alkynes, aryl halides, and pinacolborane. The transformation results in hydrofunctionalization of both π-bonds of an alkyne in a single reaction promoted by cooperative action of a copper/palladium catalyst system. The differential dihydrofunctionalization reaction has excellent substrate scope and can be accomplished in the presence of esters, nitriles, alkyl halides, epoxides, acetals, alkenes, aryl halides, and silyl ethers. Mechanistic experiments indicate that the reaction proceeds through copper-catalyzed hydroboration followed by a second hydrocupration. The resulting heterobimetallic complex is the key intermediate that participates in the subsequent palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling, which furnishes benzylic alkyl boronate products.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes of Copper, Nickel, and Cobalt

The emergence of N-heterocyclic carbenes as ligands across the Periodic Table had an impact on various aspects of the coordination, organometallic, and catalytic chemistry of the 3d metals, including Cu, Ni, and Co, both from the fundamental viewpoint but also in applications, including catalysis, photophysics, bioorganometallic chemistry, materials, etc. In this review, the emergence, development, and state of the art in these three areas are described in detail.

Group 4 Metallocene Difluoride/Palladium Bimetallic Catalysts for the Reductive Cross-Coupling of Alkynes with Aryl Iodides and Bromides

A novel protocol has been developed for the selective synthesis of ( E)-alkenes via the reductive cross-coupling of alkynes and aryl halides using a bimetallic catalyst system composed of a group 4 metallocene difluoride (Cp₂[M]F₂; [M] = Hf or Zr; Cp = cyclopentadienide) and palladium dichloride. This reaction proceeds via a coupling between an aryl halide and an in situ generated alkenyl metallocene intermediate derived from the group 4 metallocene difluoride, a hydrosilane, and an alkyne. For a catalytic reductive coupling, the addition of sodium fluoride (NaF) to the reaction system is required. Moreover, in the presence of NaF, a ligand exchange was observed by NMR spectroscopy in hafnocene diiodide (Cp₂HfI₂) to afford hafnocene difluoride (Cp₂HfF₂).

Copper-Catalyzed Propargylic Reduction with Diisobutylaluminum Hydride

A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of allenes through selective copper-catalyzed hydride addition to propargylic chlorides using commercially available diisobutylaluminum hydride has been developed. This transformation, which is promoted by a readily accessible N-heterocyclic carbene-copper complex, provides a wide range of new and versatile functionalized allenes in good to excellent yields with high regio- and stereoselectivities.