Excited-State Palladium-Catalyzed 1,2-Spin-Center Shift Enables Selective C-2 Reduction, Deuteration, and Iodination of Carbohydrates

On the mechanism of carboxylate elimination from carbohydrate monoester-derived radicals

A computational study of the mechanism of hydrogen atom transfer-induced carboxylate elimination from monoacylated 1,2-diol groups in pyranosides is presented. A comprehensive analysis of the 1,2-migration, elimination and fragmentation pathways reveals that concerted elimination via a 7-membered, hydrogen-bonded transition state is favored. Relative rates of elimination inferred from an intramolecular competition experiment are consistent with the trends obtained from the calculations.

Quantitative, Regiospecific, and Stereoselective Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization of Monosaccharide Cyclic Ketene Acetals

Cyclic ketene acetals (CKAs) are among the most well-studied monomers for radical ring-opening polymerization (rROP). However, ring-retaining side reactions and low reactivities in homopolymerization and copolymerization remain significant challenges for the existing CKAs. Here, we report that a class of monosaccharide CKAs can be facilely prepared from a short and scalable synthetic route and can undergo quantitative, regiospecific, and stereoselective rROP. NMR analyses and degradation experiments revealed a reaction mechanism involving a propagating radical at the C2 position of pyranose with different monosaccharides exhibiting distinct stereoselectivity in the radical addition of the monomer. Furthermore, the addition of maleimide was found to improve the incorporation efficiency of monosaccharide CKA in the copolymerization with vinyl monomers and produced unique degradable terpolymers with carbohydrate motifs in the polymer backbone.

Recent Advances in Visible Light Induced Palladium Catalysis

Visible light-induced Pd catalysis has emerged as a promising subfield of photocatalysis. The hybrid nature of Pd radical species has enabled a wide array of radical-based transformations otherwise challenging or unknown via conventional Pd chemistry. In parallel to the ongoing pursuit of alternative, readily available radical precursors, notable discoveries have demonstrated that photoexcitation can alter not only oxidative addition but also other elementary steps. This Minireview highlights the recent progress in this area.

Transformations of carbohydrate derivatives enabled by photocatalysis and visible light photochemistry

This review article highlights the diverse ways in which recent developments in the areas of photocatalysis and visible light photochemistry are impacting synthetic carbohydrate chemistry. The major topics covered are photocatalytic glycosylations, generation of radicals at the anomeric position, transformations involving radical formation at non-anomeric positions, additions to glycals, processes initiated by photocatalytic hydrogen atom transfer from sugars, and functional group interconversions at OH and SH groups. Factors influencing stereo- and site-selectivity in these processes, along with mechanistic aspects, are discussed.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Glycosyl Luciferins

Measuring glycosidase activity is important to monitor any aberrations in carbohydrate hydrolase activity, but also for the screening of potential glycosidase inhibitors. To this end, synthetic substrates are needed which provide an enzyme-dependent read-out upon hydrolysis by the glycosidase. Herein, we present two new routes for the synthesis of caged luminescent carbohydrates, which can be used for determining glycosidase activity with a luminescent reporter molecule. The substrates were validated with glycosidase and revealed a clear linear range and enzyme-dependent signal upon the in situ generation of the luciferin moiety from the corresponding nitrile precursors. Besides, we showed that these compounds could directly be synthesized from unprotected glycosyl-α-fluorides in a two-step procedure with yields up to 75 %. The intermediate methyl imidate appeared a key intermediate which also reacted with d-cysteine to give the corresponding d-luciferin substrate rendering this a highly attractive method for synthesizing glycosyl luciferins in good yields.

Visible light-induced palladium-carbon bond weakening in catalytically relevant T-shaped complexes

Triggering one-electron redox processes during palladium catalysis holds the potential to unlock new reaction mechanisms and synthetic methods not previously accessible in the typical two-electron reaction manifolds that dominate palladium catalysis. We report that T-shaped organopalladium(ii) complexes coordinated by a bulky monophosphine, a class of organometallic intermediate featured in a range of contemporary catalytic reactions, undergo blue light-promoted bond weakening leading to mild and efficient homolytic cleavage of strong Pd(ii)-C(sp3) bonds under ambient conditions. The origin of light-triggered radical formation in these systems, which lack an obvious ligand-based chromophore (i.e., π-systems), was investigated using a combination of DFT calculations, photoactinometry, and transient absorption spectroscopy. The available data suggest T-shaped organopalladium(ii) complexes manifest unusual blue light-accessible Pd-to-C(sp3) transition. The quantum efficiency and excited state lifetime of this process were unexpectedly superior compared to a prototypical (α-diimine)Pd(ii) complex featuring a low-lying, ligand-centered LUMO (π*). These results suggest coordinatively-unsaturated organopalladium(ii) compounds, catalysts in myriad catalytic processes, have untapped potential for one-electron reactivity under visible light excitation.

Photoinduced Copper-Catalyzed Enantioconvergent Remote Alkynylation via 1,4-Heteroaryl Migration

A photoinduced copper-catalyzed enantioconvergent remote alkynylation of N-hydroxyphthalimide esters with terminal alkynes via 1,4-heteroaryl migration has been developed. A broad scope of heteroaryl-tethered chiral alkynes has been synthesized with good regio- and enantioselectivities. The chiral-ligand-coordinated copper species plays a dual role as both the photoredox and cross-coupling catalyst. This methodology provides a new platform for enantioconvergent remote alkynylations.

Palladium(I)-Iodide-Catalyzed Deoxygenative Heck Reaction of Vinyl Triflates: A Formate-Mediated Cross-Electrophile Reductive Coupling with cine-Substitution

The first deoxygenative Heck reactions are described, as illustrated by formate-mediated cine-substitutions of vinyl triflates with aryl iodides. The collective data corroborate a mechanism in which Pd(OAc)2 and Bu4NI form the dianionic iodide-bridged dimer [Pd2I6][NBu4]2, which, under reducing conditions, serves as a precursor to the palladium(I) complex [Pd2I4][NBu4]2. Dinculear oxidative addition of aryl iodide forms [Pd2I5(Ar)][NBu4]2, which dissociates to the monometallic complex [PdI2(Ar)][NBu4]. Vinyl triflate migratory insertion-sulfonate elimination delivers a palladium(IV) carbene, which upon β-hydride elimination/C-H reductive elimination gives the product of cine-substitution. These processes are the first efficient formate-mediated cross-electrophile reductive couplings beyond carbonyl addition.

Diversification of Glycosyl Compounds via Glycosyl Radicals

Glycosyl radical functionalization is one of the central topics in synthetic carbohydrate chemistry. Recent advances in metal-catalyzed cross-coupling chemistry and metallaphotoredox catalysis provided powerful platforms for glycosyl radical diversification. In particular, the discovery of new glycosyl radical precursors in conjunction with these advanced reaction technologies have significantly expanded the space for glycosyl compound synthesis. In this Review, we highlight the most recent progress in this area starting from 2021, and the reports included will be categorized based on different reaction types for better clarity.

Mechanistic Studies on the 1,2-Spin-Center Shift in Carbohydrate Systems with a Fluorenylcyclopropyl Radical Clock

The mechanism of the 1,2-spin-center shift in carbohydrate systems was studied with a fluorenylcyclopropyl radical clock. The 1,2-rearrangement of the acyl fluorenylcyclopropane group without opening of the cyclopropane ring provides the strongest evidence that the 1,2-spin-center shift in carbohydrate systems occurs through a concerted transition state without the intermediacy of a 1,3-dioxolanyl radical.

Visible-Light-Mediated Synthesis of C-Alkyl Glycosides via Glycosyl Radical Addition and Aryl Migration

A visible-light-induced glycoarylation of activated olefins has been accomplished. Glycosyl radicals are generated via radical transfer strategies between (TMS)3SiOH and glycosyl bromides. Subsequent radical translocation and rapid 1,4-aryl migration form β-sugar amide derivatives, and eight types of sugars are compatible with this reaction. Further, the cascade reaction produced a quaternary carbon center with good functional group adaptability and high regioselectivity in mild conditions.

Concise Total Synthesis of (+)-Pleiocarpamine and Convergent Total Syntheses of (+)-Voacalgine A and (+)-Bipleiophylline via an Aerobic Oxidative Coupling

The stereocontrolled total synthesis of (+)-pleiocarpamine and the total syntheses of (+)-voacalgine A and (+)-bipleiophylline have been achieved. The scalable and concise 10-step synthesis of (+)-pleiocarpamine features construction of stereochemistry at the C16 position by radical cyclization and that of the highly strained cage-like structure via Pd-catalyzed intramolecular aromatic C-H functionalization. By modifying the biomimetic aerobic oxidative coupling of tryptophane derivatives catalyzed by FePc(CO₂H)₈, the oxidative coupling of the synthesized (+)-pleiocarpamine with pyrocatechuic acid was established to produce (+)-voacalgine A. The total synthesis of (+)-bipleiophylline was completed by the second coupling of (+)-voacalgine A with (+)-pleiocarpamine or one-pot couplings of 2 equiv of (+)-pleiocarpamine with pyrocatechuic acid.

Visible-Light-Induced Synthesis of Branched Ethers via Multicomponent Reactions

The Spin-Center Shift (SCS) elimination is a specific way for the generation of radicals with relevance in synthetic and biochemical pathways. The combination of SCS-mediated radical chemistry and atom-transfer radical addition (ATRA) offers new directions in diversity-oriented chemical synthesis. Herein, we report a photoredox three-component reaction of α-acyloxy-N-heterocycles as radical precursors, styrene derivatives as radical trapping agents, and alcohols as nucleophilic quenchers. The novel radical-polar crossover reaction provides access to a diverse set of branched ethers possessing high structural complexity. The utility of the transformation was also demonstrated by the synthesis of a complex drug derivative and it was easily scalable to the multigram level. The scope and limitations were also explored and a plausible mechanism was proposed.

Photoinduced meta-Selective C-H Oxygenation of Arenes

The merger of photocatalysis and transition-metal catalysis has recently emerged as an adaptable platform for the development of innovative and environmentally benign synthetic methodologies. In contrast to classical transformation by Pd complexes, photoredox Pd catalysis operates through a radical pathway in the absence of a radical initiator. Using the synergistic merger of photoredox and Pd catalysis, we have developed a highly efficient, regioselective, and general meta-oxygenation protocol for diverse arenes under mild reaction conditions. The protocol showcases the meta-oxygenation of phenylacetic acids and biphenyl carboxylic acids/alcohols and is also amenable for a series of sulfonyls and phosphonyl-tethered arenes, irrespective of the nature and position of the substituents. Unlike thermal C-H acetoxylation which operates through the Pd^II/Pd^IV catalytic cycle, this metallaphotocatalytic C-H activation involves Pd^II/Pd^III/Pd^IV intermediacy. The radical nature of the protocol is established through radical quenching experiments and EPR analysis of the reaction mixture. Furthermore, the catalytic path of this photoinduced transformation is established through control reactions, absorption spectroscopy, luminescence quenching, and kinetic studies.

TsOH-catalyzed acyl migration reaction of the Bz-group: innovative assembly of various building blocks for the synthesis of saccharides

We developed an efficient method to achieve the regioselective acyl migration of benzoyl ester. In all the cases, the reactions required only the commercially available organic acid catalyst TsOH·H₂O. This method enables the benzoyl group to migrate from secondary groups to primary hydroxyl groups, or from equatorial secondary hydroxyl groups to axial hydroxyl groups. The 1,2 or 1,3 acyl migration would potentially occur via five- and six-membered cyclic ortho acid intermediates. A wide range of orthogonally protected monosaccharides, which are useful intermediates for the synthesis of natural oligosaccharides, were synthesized. Finally, to demonstrate the utility of the method, a tetrasaccharide portion from a mycobacterial cell wall polysaccharide was assembled.

Catalytic asymmetric deuterosilylation of exocyclic olefins with mannose-derived thiols and deuterium oxide

Metal-free, photoinduced asymmetric deuterosilylation of exocyclic olefins has been achieved using a mannose-derived thiol catalyst.

Excited-State Palladium-Catalyzed α-Selective C1-Ketonylation

C-Glycosides are important carbohydrate mimetics found in natural products, bioactive compounds, and marketed drugs. However, stereoselective preparation of this class of glycomimetics remains a significant challenge in organic synthesis. Herein, we report an excited-state palladium-catalyzed α-selective C-ketonylation strategy using readily available 1-bromosugars to access a range of C-glycosides. The reaction features excellent α-selectivity and mild conditions that tolerate a wide range of functional groups and complex molecular architectures. The resulting α-ketonylsugars can serve as versatile precursors for their β-isomers and other C-glycosides. Preliminary experimental and computational studies of the mechanism suggest a radical pathway involving the formation of palladoradical and glycosyl radical that undergoes polarity-mismatched coupling with silyl enol ether, affording the desired α-ketonylsugars. Insight into the reactivity and mechanism will inspire new reaction development and provide straightforward access to both α- and β-C-glycosides, greatly expanding the chemical and patent spaces of glycomimetics.

Excited-State Copper-Catalyzed [4 + 1] Annulation Reaction Enables Modular Synthesis of α,β-Unsaturated-γ-Lactams

Synthesis of α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactams continue to attract attention due to the importance of this structural motif in organic chemistry. Herein, we report the development of a visible-light-induced excited-state copper-catalyzed [4 + 1] annulation reaction for the preparation of a wide range of γ-H, -OH, and -OR-substituted α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactams using acrylamides as the 4-atom unit and aroyl chlorides as the 1-atom unit. This modular synthetic protocol features mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and high functional group tolerance. The reaction is amenable to late-stage diversification of complex molecular architectures, including derivatives of marketed drugs. The products of the reaction can serve as versatile building blocks for further derivatization. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest an inner-sphere catalytic cycle involving photoexcitation of the Cu(BINAP) catalyst, single-electron transfer, and capture of radical intermediates by copper species, followed by reductive elimination or protonation to give the desired γ-functionalized α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactams.

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.

Exploiting photoredox catalysis for carbohydrate modification through C–H and C–C bond activation

Photoredox catalysis has recently emerged as a powerful synthetic platform for accessing complex chemical structures through non-traditional bond disconnection strategies that proceed through free-radical intermediates. Such synthetic strategies have been used for a range of organic transformations; however, in carbohydrate chemistry they have primarily been applied to the generation of oxocarbenium ion intermediates in the ubiquitous glycosylation reaction. In this Review, we present more intricate light-induced synthetic strategies to modify native carbohydrates through homolytic C-H and C-C bond cleavage. These strategies allow access to glycans and glycoconjugates with profoundly altered carbohydrate skeletons, which are challenging to obtain through conventional synthetic means. Carbohydrate derivatives with such structural motifs represent a broad class of natural products integral to numerous biochemical processes and can be found in active pharmaceutical substances. Here we present progress made in C-H and C-C bond activation of carbohydrates through photoredox catalysis, focusing on the operational mechanisms and the scope of the described methodologies.

1,2-Radical Shifts in Photoinduced Synthetic Organic Transformations: A Guide to the Reactivity of Useful Radical Synthons

The exploration of 1,2-radical shift (RS) mechanisms in photoinduced organic reactions has provided efficient routes for the generation of important radical synthons in many chemical transformations. In this Review, the basic concepts involved in the traditional 1,2-spin-center shift (SCS) mechanisms in recently reported studies are discussed. In addition, other useful 1,2-RSs are addressed, such as those proceeding through 1,2-group migrations in carbohydrate chemistry, via 1,2-boron shifts, and by the generation of α-amino radicals. The discussion begins with a general overview of the basic aspects of 1,2-RS mechanisms, followed by a demonstration of their applicability in photoinduced transformations. The sections that follow are organized according to the mechanisms operating in combination with the 1,2-radical migration event. This contribution is not a comprehensive review but rather aims to provide an understanding of the topic, focused on the more recent advances in the field, and establishes a definition for the nomenclature that has been used to describe such mechanisms.

Radical deuteration

Deuterated chemicals are becoming irreplaceable in pharmaceutical engineering, material science and synthetic chemistry. Many excellent reviews have discussed acid/base-dependent or metal-catalyzed deuteration reactions, but radical deuterations have been discussed less. With the development of radical chemistry, there has been a rapid growth in radical deuterium-labelling technology. Diverse mild, cheap and efficient strategies for deuterium atom installation have been reported, and this review summarizes the recent achievements of radical deuteration classified by the reaction types.

Dehydroxylative Alkylation of α-Hydroxy Carboxylic Acid Derivatives via a Spin-Center Shift

A strategically distinct dehydroxylative alkylation reaction of α-hydroxy carboxylic acid derivatives with alkenes is developed. The reaction starts with the attack of a 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP)-boryl radical to the carbonyl oxygen atom, followed by a spin-center shift (SCS) to trigger the C-O bond scission. The resulting α-carbonyl radicals couple with a wide range of alkenes to furnish various alkylated products. This strategy allows for the efficient conversion of a wide array of α-hydroxy amides and esters derived from several biomass molecules and natural products to value-added compounds. Experimental and computational studies verified the reaction mechanism.

C2-ketonylation of carbohydrates via excited-state palladium-catalyzed 1,2-spin-center shift

C2-ketonyl-2-deoxysugars, sugars with the C2-hydroxyl group replaced by a ketone side chain, are important carbohydrate mimetics in glycobiology and drug discovery studies; however, their preparation remains a vital challenge in organic synthesis. Here we report the first direct strategy to synthesize this class of glycomimetics from readily available 1-bromosugars and silyl enol ethers via an excited-state palladium-catalyzed 1,2-spin-center shift (SCS) process. This step-economic reaction features broad substrate scope, has a high functional group tolerance, and can be used in late-stage functionalization of natural product- and drug-glycoconjugates. Preliminary experimental and computational mechanistic studies suggested a non-chain radical mechanism involving photoexcited palladium species, a 1,2-SCS process, and a radical Mizoroki-Heck reaction.

Application of the Spin-Center Shift in Organic Synthesis

Spin-center shift (SCS) is a radical process involving 1,2-radical translocation along with a two-electron ionic movement, such as elimination of an adjacent leaving group. Such a process was initially observed in some important biochemical transformations, and the unique property has also attracted considerable interest in synthetic chemistry. Experimental, kinetic, as well as computational studies have been performed, and a series of useful radical transformations have been developed and applied in organic synthesis based on SCS processes in the last 20 years. This Perspective is an overview of radical transformations involving the SCS mechanism.

Introduction of Lipophilic Side Chains to NH-Sulfoximines by Palladium Catalysis Under Blue Light Irradiation

Palladium catalysis under blue (LED) light irradiation allows conversion of NH-sulfoximines into products with long lipophilic side chains attached to the S═N moiety. The three-component reactions involve both radicals and organometallic intermediates stemming from alkyl bromides and butadienes. The substrate scope is broad, and the products are formed in moderate to good yields.

Excited-State Palladium-Catalyzed Radical Migratory Mizoroki-Heck Reaction Enables C2-Alkenylation of Carbohydrates

Excited-state palladium catalysis has emerged as a promising strategy for developing novel and valuable reactions. Herein, we report the first excited-state Pd-catalyzed 1,2-radical migratory Mizoroki-Heck reaction that enables C2-alkenylation of carbohydrates using readily available 1-bromosugars and alkenes. The reaction tolerates a wide variety of functional groups and complex molecular architectures, including derivatives of natural products and marketed drugs. Preliminary mechanistic studies and DFT calculations suggest the involvement of visible-light-induced photoexcitation of Pd species, 1,2-spin-centered-shift (SCS) process, and Heck-type cross-coupling reaction. The reaction expands the reactivity profile of excited-state Pd catalysis and provides a streamlined protocol for the preparation of a wide variety of C2-alkenylated carbohydrate mimetics to aid the discovery and development of new therapeutics, agrochemicals, and materials.

Recent Developments for the Deuterium and Tritium Labeling of Organic Molecules

Organic compounds labeled with hydrogen isotopes play a crucial role in numerous areas, from materials science to medicinal chemistry. Indeed, while the replacement of hydrogen by deuterium gives rise to improved absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties in drugs and enables the preparation of internal standards for analytical mass spectrometry, the use of tritium-labeled compounds is a key technique all along drug discovery and development in the pharmaceutical industry. For these reasons, the interest in new methodologies for the isotopic enrichment of organic molecules and the extent of their applications are equally rising. In this regard, this Review intends to comprehensively discuss the new developments in this area over the last years (2017-2021). Notably, besides the fundamental hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) reactions and the use of isotopically labeled analogues of common organic reagents, a plethora of reductive and dehalogenative deuteration techniques and other transformations with isotope incorporation are emerging and are now part of the labeling toolkit.

Visible-Light-Driven Palladium-Catalyzed Radical Tandem Dearomatization of Indoles with Unactivated Alkenes

A mild visible-light-driven palladium-catalyzed radical tandem dearomatization of indoles with unactivated alkenes is described with moderate to good yields and good to excellent diastereoselectivities. Under visible-light irradiation, the photoexcited state of the palladium complex was formed, which could transfer a single electron to N-(2-bromobenzoyl)indoles, leading to a hybrid palladium radical chemistry. This provides efficient and atom-economical access to diverse 2,3-disubstituted indoline derivatives.

Visible Light-Induced Transition Metal Catalysis

In recent years, visible light-induced transition metal catalysis has emerged as a new paradigm in organic photocatalysis, which has led to the discovery of unprecedented transformations as well as the improvement of known reactions. In this subfield of photocatalysis, a transition metal complex serves a double duty by harvesting photon energy and then enabling bond forming/breaking events mostly via a single catalytic cycle, thus contrasting the established dual photocatalysis in which an exogenous photosensitizer is employed. In addition, this approach often synergistically combines catalyst-substrate interaction with photoinduced process, a feature that is uncommon in conventional photoredox chemistry. This Review describes the early development and recent advances of this emerging field.

Sequential Catalytic Annulations: Divergent Synthesis of Heterocycles through a Radical [1,4]-Oxygen Shift

A radical [1,4]-oxygen-atom transfer has been realized by the reaction of linear alkyne-tethered ketoximes and ethynylbenziodoxolones (EBX) under sequential catalytic conditions. Mechanism studies indicate that the O atom transfer experiences a cascade O atom radical cyclization/alkynylation/N-O bond photocleavage and subsequent N,O-diradical rearrangement. By the diversification of catalytic sequences, a series of structurally important 3H-pyrrol-3-ones and chlorinated furo[3,2-b]pyrroles are divergently synthesized along with an O atom shift under the catalysis of Cu/Ir photosensitization and Cu/Ir photosensitization/AlCl₃, respectively.

Deoxy sugars. General methods for carbohydrate deoxygenation and glycosidation

Deoxy sugars represent an important class of carbohydrates, present in a large number of biomolecules involved in multiple biological processes. In various antibiotics, antimicrobials, and therapeutic agents the presence of deoxygenated units has been recognized as responsible for biological roles, such as adhesion or great affinity to receptors, or improved efficacy. The characterization of glycosidases and glycosyltranferases requires substrates, inhibitors and analogous compounds. Deoxygenated sugars are useful for carrying out specific studies for these enzymes. Deoxy sugars, analogs of natural substrates, may behave as substrates or inhibitors, or may not interact with the enzyme. They are also important for glycodiversification studies of bioactive natural products and glycobiological processes, which could contribute to discovering new therapeutic agents with greater efficacy by modification or replacement of sugar units. Deoxygenation of carbohydrates is, thus, of great interest and numerous efforts have been dedicated to the development of methods for the reduction of sugar hydroxyl groups. Given that carbohydrates are the most important renewable chemicals and are more oxidized than fossil raw materials, it is also important to have methods to selectively remove oxygen from certain atoms of these renewable raw materials. The different methods for removal of OH groups of carbohydrates and representative or recent applications of them are presented in this chapter. Glycosidic bonds in general, and 2-deoxy glycosidic linkages, are included. It is not the scope of this survey to cover all reports for each specific technique.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Cascade Reactions Involving Aryl Radical: Total Synthesis of (±)-Norascyronone A and (±)-Eudesmol

Herein, we have developed two types of photoredox-catalyzed cascade reactions using diaryliodonium salts for the concise synthesis of norascyronone A and β-eudesmol. A rationally designed photoredox-catalyzed arylation/cyclization/Friedel-Crafts cascade reaction of enone was exploited to generate the norascyronone polycyclic skeleton. A visible-light-induced radical cyclization/acyloxy-migration reaction was explored to forge the decalin skeleton of eudesmol, and mechanistic studies indicated the reaction was initiated by one-electron oxidation of the enol ester.

Glycosyl-Radical-Based Synthesis of C-Alkyl Glycosides via Photomediated Defluorinative gem-Difluoroallylation

We have developed a stereoselective, glycosyl radical-based method for the synthesis of C-alkyl glycosides via a photomediated defluorinative gem-difluoroallylation reaction. We demonstrate for the first time that glycosyl radicals, generated from glycosyl bromides, can readily participate in a photomediated radical polar crossover process, affording a diverse array of gem-difluoroalkene containing C-glycosides. Notable features of this method include scalability, mild conditions, broad substrate scope, and suitability for the late-stage modification of complex molecules.

Radical-mediated rearrangements: past, present, and future

Rearrangement reactions, one of the most significant transformations in organic chemistry, play an irreplaceable role in improving synthetic efficiency and molecular complexity. Concomitant cleavage and reconstruction of chemical bonds can display the great artistry and the glamour of synthetic chemistry. Over the past century, ionic rearrangement reactions, in particular those involving cationic pathways, have represented most of the research. Alongside the renaissance of radical chemistry, radical-mediated rearrangements have recently seen a rapid increase of attention from the chemical community. Many new radical rearrangements that extensively reveal the migratory behaviour of functional groups have been unveiled in the last decade. This Review provides a comprehensive perspective on the area from the past to present achievements, and brings up the prospects that may inspire colleagues to develop more useful synthetic tools based on radical rearrangements.

Selective Transformations of Carbohydrates Inspired by Radical-Based Enzymatic Mechanisms

Enzymes are a longstanding source of inspiration for synthetic reaction development. However, enzymatic reactivity and selectivity are frequently untenable in a synthetic context, as the principles that govern control in an enzymatic setting often do not translate to small molecule catalysis. Recent synthetic methods have revealed the viability of using small molecule catalysts to promote highly selective radical-mediated transformations of minimally protected sugar substrates. These transformations share conceptual similarities with radical SAM enzymes found in microbial carbohydrate biosynthesis and present opportunities for synthetic chemists to access microbial and unnatural carbohydrate building blocks without the need for protecting groups or lengthy synthetic sequences. Here, we highlight strategies through which radical reaction pathways can enable the site-, regio-, and diastereoselective transformation of minimally protected carbohydrates in both synthetic and enzymatic systems.

Photoinduced and Palladium-Catalyzed Remote Desaturation of Amide Derivatives

A photoinduced and palladium-catalyzed remote desaturation of O-acyl hydroxamides to unsaturated amides under mild conditions has been achieved. The formation of the alkyl Pd(II) intermediate by the recombination of alkyl radical and Pd(I) species is critical to achieve this efficient and selective desaturation of alkanes. This reaction features good site-selectivity, is terminal oxidant-free, and produces moderate to excellent yields for a variety of unsaturated amides. Remarkably, this approach enables late-stage desaturation of complex and biologically important molecules.

A Unified Strategy to Access 2- and 4-Deoxygenated Sugars Enabled by Manganese-Promoted 1,2-Radical Migration

The selective manipulation of carbohydrate scaffolds is challenging due to the presence of multiple, nearly chemically indistinguishable O-H and C-H bonds. As a result, protecting-group-based synthetic strategies are typically necessary for carbohydrate modification. Here we report a concise semisynthetic strategy to access diverse 2- and 4-deoxygenated carbohydrates without relying on the exhaustive use of protecting groups to achieve site-selective reaction outcomes. Our approach leverages a Mn²⁺-promoted redox isomerization step, which proceeds via sugar radical intermediates accessed by neutral hydrogen atom abstraction under visible light-mediated photoredox conditions. The resulting deoxyketopyranosides feature chemically distinguishable functional groups and are readily transformed into diverse carbohydrate structures. To showcase the versatility of this method, we report expedient syntheses of the rare sugars l-ristosamine, l-olivose, l-mycarose, and l-digitoxose from commercial l-rhamnose. The findings presented here validate the potential for radical intermediates to facilitate the selective transformation of carbohydrates and showcase the step and efficiency advantages attendant to synthetic strategies that minimize a reliance upon protecting groups.