Intermolecular Carboamination of Unactivated Alkenes

Ru(II)-Catalyzed Carboamination of Olefins with α-Carbonyl Sulfoxonium Ylides

The first ruthenium-catalyzed carboamination of olefins with α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides is reported. The utilization of an inexpensive ruthenium catalyst enables the concise synthesis of pharmaceutically important isoindolin-1-ones, which possess both a stereogenic center and β-carbonyl side chain. This method is mild, efficient, and scalable and allows for the coupling of a wide range of aryl-, heteroaryl-, alkenyl-, and alkyl-substituted sulfoxonium ylides. Moreover, the carbonyl side chain in the resulting product provides a good handle for downstream transformations. For mechanistic studies, a ruthacyle complex is obtained and proven to be the key intermediate in both catalytic and stoichiometric reactions.

Generation and Radical-Radical Cross-Coupling of Alkenyloxy Radical

Alkene-attached oxygen radicals are rarely used, as highly reactive oxygen radicals are incompatible with the alkene moiety. The direct radical-radical cross-coupling of O radicals is also challenging (limited to N-O bond formation) because of the lack of suitable persistent radical species. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using Breslow intermediate radical (BIR) as a persistent radical to capture unstable π-conjugated O radicals and allow the C-O radical-radical cross-coupling.

Photoexcitation of (diarylmethylene)amino benziodoxolones for alkylamination of styrene derivatives with carboxylic acids

The alkylamination of alkenes using pristine carboxylic acids was achieved by the photoexcitation of (diarylmethylene)amino benziodoxolones (DABXs), which serve as both an oxidant and an aminating reagent (an iminyl radical precursor). The developed method is a simple photochemical reaction without the need for external photosensitizers and shows a broad substrate scope for aliphatic carboxylic acids leading to the formation of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl radicals, thus enabling the facile synthesis of various structurally complex amines. Mechanistic investigations including transient absorption spectroscopy measurements using a laser flash photolysis (LFP) method disclosed the unique photochemical reactivity of DABXs, which undergoes homolysis of their I-N bonds to give an iminyl radical and ortho-iodobenzoyloxy radical, the latter of which participates in the single-electron oxidation of carboxylates.

Stereoselective Photoredox Catalyzed (3+3) Dipolar Cycloaddition of Nitrone with Aryl Cyclopropane

By resorting to the principle of remote activation, we herein demonstrate the first photoredox catalyzed (3+3) dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones with aryl cyclopropanes. Key to the fidelity of the reaction resides in a facile manner of substrate activation by single-electron transfer (SET) oxidation with photoredox catalysis, and the reaction takes place through a stepwise cascade encompassing a three-electron-type nucleophilic substitution triggered cyclopropane ring-opening and a diastereoselective 6-endo-trig radical cyclization manifold. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with excellent regio- and stereoselectivity, nicely complementing the well-developed Lewis acid catalyzed cycloaddition of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes. Other merits of the protocol include wide scope of aryl cyclopropanes with diversified substitution patterns and good functional-group compatibility. A mechanism involving an aryl radical cation promoted remote activation mode was also proposed and supported by mechanistic experiments.

Cu-Catalyzed Three-Component Carboamination of Electron Deficient Olefins

The copper-catalyzed three-component carboamination of atropates for the synthesis of α-aryl amino acid derivatives is presented. The scope of the reaction is explored with respect to all three coupling partners: the alkyl halide, the atropate, and the aryl amine. A total of 41 examples are included, with yields of ≤92%. Both primary and secondary aryl amines participate in the carboamination along with α-haloesters, nitriles, and perfluoroiodoalkanes. Mechanistic investigations support a radical mechanism involving Cu-mediated C-N bond formation with the radical adduct.

Photochemical Alkene Trifluoromethylimination Enabled by Trifluoromethylsulfonylamide as a Bifunctional Reagent

Herein, we disclose a facile and versatile trifluoromethylimination of alkene with a rationally designed N-(diphenylmethylene)-1,1,1-trifluoromethanesulfonamide as a bench-stable and readily accessible carboamination reagent. Enabled by an energy transfer (EnT) process, an array of alkenes were able to be facilely CF₃-iminated under metal-free photocatalytic conditions. The mild reaction conditions and good functional group compatibility render this protocol highly valuable for the difunctionalization of olefins with structural complexity and diversity.

Metal-free photosensitized radical relay 1,4-carboimination across two distinct olefins

Intermolecular carboamination of olefins offers a powerful platform for the rapid construction of structurally complex amines from abundant feedstocks. However, these reactions often require transition-metal catalysis, and are mainly limited to 1,2-carboamination. Herein, we report a novel radical relay 1,4-carboimination across two distinct olefins with alkyl carboxylic acid-derived bifunctional oxime esters via energy transfer catalysis. The reaction is highly chemo- and regioselective, and multiple C-C and C-N bonds were formed in a single orchestrated operation. This mild and metal-free method features a remarkably broad substrate scope with excellent tolerance of sensitive functional groups, therefore providing easy access to structurally diverse 1,4-carboiminated products. Moreover, the obtained imines could be easily converted into valuable biologically relevant free γ-amino acids.

Highly Selective Radical Relay 1,4-Oxyimination of Two Electronically Differentiated Olefins

Radical addition reactions of olefins have emerged as an attractive tool for the rapid assembly of complex structures, and have plentiful applications in organic synthesis, however, such reactions are often limited to polymerization or 1,2-difunctionalization. Herein, we disclose an unprecedented radical relay 1,4-oxyimination of two electronically differentiated olefins with a class of bifunctional oxime carbonate reagents via an energy transfer strategy. The protocol is highly chemo- and regioselective, and three different chemical bonds (C-O, C-C, and C-N bonds) were formed in a single operation in an orchestrated manner. Notably, this reaction provides rapid access to a large variety of structurally diverse 1,4-oxyimination products, and the obtained products could be easily converted into valuable biologically relevant δ-hydroxyl-α-amino acids. With a combination of experimental and theoretical methods, the mechanism for this 1,4-oxyimination reaction has been investigated. Theoretical calculations reveal that a radical chain mechanism might operate in the reaction.

Photoredox-catalyzed C-C bond cleavage of cyclopropanes for the formation of C(sp3)-heteroatom bonds

Sterically congested C-O and C-N bonds are ubiquitous in natural products, pharmaceuticals, and bioactive compounds. However, the development of a general method for the efficient construction of those sterically demanding covalent bonds still remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a photoredox-driven ring-opening C(sp³)-heteroatom bond formation of arylcyclopropanes is presented, which enables the construction of structurally diversified while sterically congested dialkyl ether, alkyl ester, alcohol, amine, chloride/fluoride, azide and also thiocyanate derivatives. The selective single electron oxidation of aryl motif associated with the thermodynamic driving force from ring strain-release is the key for this transformation. By this synergistic activation mode, C-C bond cleavage of otherwise inert cyclopropane framework is successfully unlocked. Further mechanistic and computational studies disclose a complete stereoinversion upon nucleophilic attack, thus proving a concerted S_N2-type ring-opening functionalization manifold, while the regioselectivity is subjected to an orbital control scenario.

N-O Bond Activation by Energy Transfer Photocatalysis

A radical shift toward energy transfer photocatalysis from electron transfer photocatalysis under visible-light photoirradiation is often due to the greener prospects of atom and process economy. Recent advances in energy transfer photocatalysis embrace unique strategies for direct small-molecule activation and sometimes extraordinary chemical bond formation in the absence of additional/sacrificial reagents. Selective energy transfer photocatalysis requires careful selection of substrates and photocatalysts for a perfect match with respect to their triplet energies while having incompatible redox potentials to prevent competitive electron transfer pathways. Substrates containing labile N-O bonds are potential targets for generating reactive key intermediates via photocatalysis to access a variety of functionalized molecules. Typically, the differential electron densities of N and O heteroatoms have been exploited for generation of either N- or O-centered radical intermediates from the functionalized substrates by the electron transfer pathway. However, the latest developments involve direct N-O bond homolysis via energy transfer to generate both N- and O-centered radicals for their subsequent utilization in diverse organic transformations, also in the absence of sacrificial redox reagents. In this Account, we highlight our key contributions in the field of N-O bond activation via energy transfer photocatalysis to generate reactive radical intermediates, with coverage of useful mechanistic insights. More specifically, well-designed N-O bond-containing substrates such as 1,2,4-oxadiazolines, oxime esters, N-indolyl carbonates, and N-enoxybenzotriazoles were successfully utilized in versatile transformations involving selective energy transfer over electron transfer from photocatalysts with high triplet state energy. Direct access to reactive N-, O-, and C-centered (if decarboxylation follows) radical intermediates was achieved for diverse cross-couplings and rearrangement processes. In particular, a variety of open-shell nitrogen reactive intermediates, including N(sp²) and N(sp³) radicals and nitrenes, have been utilized. Notably, diversified transformations of identical substrates have been achieved through careful control of the reaction conditions. 1,2,4-Oxadiazolines were converted into spiro-azolactams through iminyl intermediates in the presence of ¹O₂, benzimidazoles, or sulfoximines with external sulfoxide reagent through triplet nitrene intermediates under inert conditions. Besides, oxime esters underwent either intramolecular C(sp³)-N radical-radical coupling or intermolecular C(sp³)-N radical-radical coupling by a combined energy transfer-hydrogen atom transfer strategy. Furthermore, a series of electrochemical and photophysical experiments as well as computational studies were performed to substantiate the proposed selective energy-transfer-driven reaction pathways. We hope that this Account will serve as a guide for the rational design of selective energy transfer processes through the activation of further labile chemical bonds.

Metal-Free Photochemical Imino-Alkylation of Alkenes with Bifunctional Oxime Esters

The concurrent installation of C-C and C-N bonds across alkene frameworks represents a powerful tool to prepare motifs that are ubiquitous in pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds. To construct such prevalent bonds, most alkene difunctionalization methods demand the use of precious metals or activated alkenes. We report a metal-free, photochemically mediated imino-alkylation of electronically diverse alkenes to install both alkyl and iminyl groups in a highly efficient manner. The exceptionally mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, and facile one-pot reaction protocol highlight the utility of this method to prepare privileged motifs from readily available alkene and acid feedstocks. One key and striking feature of this transformation is that an electrophilic trifluoromethyl radical is equally efficient with both electron-deficient and electron-rich alkenes. Additionally, dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) and empirical investigations provide detailed mechanistic insight into this reaction.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed chemo-, regio- and stereoselective carboamination of sulfonyl allenes with N-phenoxy amides or N-enoxy imides

The Rh(III)-catalyzed chemo-, regio- and stereoselective carboamination of sulfonyl allenes has been realized by virtue of either N-phenoxy amides or N-enoxy imides simultaneously acting as the C- and N-sources, via redox-neutral tandem C-H activation/allene insertion/oxidative addition/C-N bond formation for the direct construction of allylamine derivatives equipped with an α-quaternary carbon center. This protocol features high atom-economy with good substrate compatibility and exhibits profound synthetic potential for late-stage C-H modification of complex molecules.

Syn-Stereoselective C3-Spirocyclization and C2-Amination of 3-(2-Isocyanoethyl)indole Using C,N-Cyclic Azomethine Imines

By utilizing an underexplored reaction mode of C,N-cyclic azomethine imines, a catalyst-free [1+2+3] cycloaddition/N-N bond cleavage sequential reaction for accessing spiroindolines with syn-stereoselectivity was developed. On the basis of experimental results and DFT calculations, peroxide and ethereal solvent were identified to trigger the hydrogen abstraction of the unstable [1+2+3] cycloaddition adducts, followed by homolytic cleavage of the N-N bond and hydrogen absorption.

Recent advances in difunctionalization of alkenes using pyridinium salts as radical precursors

In this review, we summarise the recent applications of pyridinium salts in the radical-mediated difunctionalization of alkenes. Pyridinium salts are a privileged class of compounds that show great utility in natural products and synthetic chemistry. Various organic transformations of pyridinium salts, especially in radical chemistry, have been developed in recent years. We prepared this review based on the two distinguished properties of pyridinium salts in radical transformation: (1) pyridinium salts can easily undergo single electron reduction to deliver X radicals. (2) Pyridinium salts are highly electrophilic so that alkyl radical intermediates can easily add to the pyridine core. Based on the role of pyridinium salts in difunctionalization of alkenes, the main body of this review is divided into three parts: (1) using pyridinium salts as X transfer reagents. (2) Using pyridinium salts as novel pyridine transfer reagents. (3) Using pyridinium salts as bifunctional reagents (X and pyridine). The C2 and C4 selectivity during pyridylation is discussed in detail. We hope that this review will provide a comprehensive overview of this topic and promote the wider development and application of pyridinium salts.

Strategies to Generate Nitrogen-centered Radicals That May Rely on Photoredox Catalysis: Development in Reaction Methodology and Applications in Organic Synthesis

For more than 70 years, nitrogen-centered radicals have been recognized as potent synthetic intermediates. This review is a survey designed for use by chemists engaged in target-oriented synthesis. This review summarizes the recent paradigm shift in access to and application of N-centered radicals enabled by visible-light photocatalysis. This shift broadens and streamlines approaches to many small molecules because visible-light photocatalysis conditions are mild. Explicit attention is paid to innovative advances in N-X bonds as radical precursors, where X = Cl, N, S, O, and H. For clarity, key mechanistic data is noted, where available. Synthetic applications and limitations are summarized to illuminate the tremendous utility of photocatalytically generated nitrogen-centered radicals.

A photoinduced transient activating strategy for late-stage chemoselective C(sp3)–H trifluoromethylation of azines

The direct functionalization of C(sp³)–H bonds is an ultimately ideal synthetic strategy with high atom economy and step efficiency. However, the direct trifluoromethylation of electron-deficient heteroaryl adjacent C(sp³)–H bonds remains a formidable challenge. We have described a transient activating strategy involving a Tf-shift process and π–π stacking interaction for catalyst-free direct benzylic C(sp³)–H trifluoromethylation of azines, such as pyridine, pyrimidine, quinoline, dihydropyridinone, tetrahydroisoquinoline and tetrahydroquinazoline, with an air-stable crystalline imidazolium sulfonate reagent IMDN-Tf. This bench-stable cationic reagent offers a scalable and practical protocol for the late-stage modification of drug molecules with high site selectivity, which avoids the prefunctionalization and the use of stoichiometric metals and strong oxidants. Furthermore, comprehensive mechanistic studies revealed the determining effect of π–π stacking for the activation of azinylic C(sp³)–H bonds.

Late-stage C(sp³)–H functionalization of unactivated azines: the traceless Tf switching process offers ample opportunities for site-selective derivatization of heteroaryls, allowing for the rapid increase of molecular complexity.

Palladium-catalyzed regiodivergent arylamination/aryloxygenation of allenamide

In regiodivergent arylamination/aryloxygenation of allenamides, use of Cy2NMe caused 2,1-arylamination and the corresponding alkenes were formed with excellent Z configuration. Whereas, utilizing Ag2CO3 caused 2,3-aryloxygenation via an unexpected CO2 insertion from Ag2CO3.

Multisubstituted Cyclohexene Construction through Telescoped Radical-Addition Induced Remote Functional Group Migration and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) Olefination

An efficient telescoped method for the rapid assembly of multisubstituted cyclohexenes is presented herein. The whole process nicely merges photoredox-promoted alkene difunctionalization via remote functional group migration with concomitant intramolecular Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) olefination. The characteristic feature of this protocol resides in the fact that the follow-up requiring ketone functionality for ring-closing olefination is in situ unveiled from the otherwise inert tertiary alcohol by the preceding alkene difunctionalization.

Photocatalytic Anti-Markovnikov Radical Hydro- and Aminooxygenation of Unactivated Alkenes Tuned by Ketoxime Carbonates

A tunable photocatalytic method is reported for anti-Markovnikov hydro- and aminooxygenation of unactivated alkenes using readily accessible ketoxime carbonates as the diverse functionalization reagents. Mechanistic studies reveal that this reaction is initiated through an energy-transfer-promoted N-O bond homolysis of ketoxime carbonates leading to alkoxylcarbonyloxyl and iminyl radicals under visible-light photocatalysis, followed by the addition of alkoxylcarbonyloxyl radical to alkenes. By taking advantage of the different stability of the iminyl radicals, the generated carbon radical either abstracts a hydrogen atom from the media to form the anti-Markovnikov hydrooxygenation product, or it is trapped by the persistent iminyl radical to furnish the aminooxygenation product. Notably, this is the first example of direct hydrooxygenation of unactivated olefins with anti-Markovnikov regioselectivity involving an oxygen-centered radical.

Recent Progress in Enolonium Chemistry under Metal-Free Conditions

Umpolung approach through inversion of the polarity of conventional enolates, has opened up an unprecedented opportunity in the cross-coupling via alkylation. The enolonium equivalents can be accessed either by hypervalent iodine reagents, activation/oxidation of amides, or the oxidation of alkynes. Under umpolung conditions, highly basic conditions required for classical enolate chemistry can be avoided, and they can couple with unmodified nucleophiles such as heteroatom donors and electron-rich arenes.

Visible-Light-Induced Meerwein Fluoroarylation of Styrenes

An unprecedented approach for assembling a broad range of 1,2-diarylethane derivatives with fluorine-containing fully substituted carbon centers was developed. The protocol features straightforward operation, proceeds under metal-free condition, and accommodates a large variety of synthetically useful functionalities. The critical aspect to the success of this novel transformation lies in using aryldiazonium salts as both aryl radical progenitor and also as single electron acceptor which elegantly enables a radical-polar crossover manifold.

Bifunctional reagents in organic synthesis

Developments in synthetic chemistry are increasingly driven by improvements in the selectivity and sustainability of transformations. Bifunctional reagents, either as dual coupling partners or as a coupling partner in combination with an activating species, offer an atom-economic approach to chemical complexity, while suppressing the formation of waste. These reagents are employed in organic synthesis thanks to their ability to form complex organic architectures and empower novel reaction pathways. This Review describes several key bifunctional reagents by showcasing selected cornerstone research areas and examples, including radical reactions, C-H functionalization, cross-coupling, organocatalysis and cyclization reactions.

Visible-Light-Induced 1,3-Aminopyridylation of [1.1.1]Propellane with N-Aminopyridinium Salts

Through the formation of an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex, strain-release aminopyridylation of [1.1.1]propellane with N-aminopyridinium salts as bifunctional reagents enabled the direct installation of amino and pyridyl groups onto bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) frameworks in the absence of an external photocatalyst. The robustness of this method to synthesize 1,3-aminopyridylated BCPs under mild and metal-free conditions is highlighted by the late-stage modification of structurally complex biorelevant molecules. Moreover, the strategy was extended to P-centered and CF₃ radicals for the unprecedented incorporation of such functional groups with pyridine across the BCP core in a three-component coupling. This practical method lays the foundation for the straightforward construction of new valuable C4-pyridine-functionalized BCP chemical entities, thus significantly expanding the range of accessibility of BCP-type bioisosteres for applications in drug discovery.

Manganese-Catalyzed N-F Bond Activation for Hydroamination and Carboamination of Alkenes

A visible-light-promoted method for generating amidyl radicals from N-fluorosulfonamides via a manganese-catalyzed N-F bond activation strategy is reported. This protocol employs a simple manganese complex, Mn₂(CO)₁₀, as the precatalyst and a cheap silane, (MeO)₃SiH, as both the hydrogen-atom donor and the F-atom acceptor, enabling intramolecular/intermolecular hydroaminations of alkenes, two-component carboamination of alkenes, and even three-component carboamination of alkenes. A wide range of valuable aliphatic sulfonamides can be readily prepared using these practical reactions.

Intermolecular oxidative amination of unactivated alkenes by dual photoredox and copper catalysis

Oxidative amination of alkenes via amidyl radical addition is potentially an efficient method to generate allylic amines, which are versatile synthetic intermediates to bioactive compounds and organic materials. Here by combining photochemical generation of amidyl radicals with Cu-mediated β-H elimination of alkyl radicals, we have developed an intermolecular oxidative amination of unactivated alkenes. The reaction relies on tandem photoredox and copper catalysis, and works for both terminal and internal alkenes. The radical nature of the reaction and the mild conditions lead to high functional group tolerance.

Oxidative amination via amidyl radical addition of unactivated alkenes was realized by dual photoredox and copper catalysis.

NiH-Catalyzed Proximal-Selective Hydroamination of Unactivated Alkenes

Reported herein is a modular, NiH-catalyzed system capable of proximal-selective hydroamination of unactivated alkenes with diverse amine sources. The key to the successful implementation of this approach is the promotion of NiH insertion into even highly substituted olefins via coordination of the bidentate directing group to the nickel complex. A wide range of primary and secondary amines can be installed in both internal and terminal unactivated alkenes with excellent regiocontrol under the optimized reaction conditions. This protocol is flexible and general for the preparation of a variety of valuable β- and γ-amino acid building blocks that would otherwise be difficult to synthesize. The utility of this transformation was further demonstrated by the site-selective late-stage modification of complex and medicinally relevant molecules. Combined experimental and computational studies illuminate the detailed reaction mechanism.

Copper-Catalyzed 1,2-Aminocyanation of Unactivated Alkenes via Cyano Migration

A copper-catalyzed aminocyanation of alkenes has been achieved through distal cyano migration using O-benzoylhydroxylamines and N-fluorobenzenesulfonimides. This method offers a rapid approach to generate diverse β-amino and β-sulfonimido nitriles. These reactions feature mild conditions, tolerance of sensitive functional groups, and excellent regioselectivity. Mechanistic studies suggest that these transformations are initiated by a copper-catalyzed amination step followed by a cyano migration step.

Photosensitized Intermolecular Carboimination of Alkenes through the Persistent Radical Effect

An intermolecular, two-component vicinal carboimination of alkenes has been accomplished by energy transfer catalysis. Oxime esters of alkyl carboxylic acids were used as bifunctional reagents to generate both alkyl and iminyl radicals. Subsequently, addition of the alkyl radical to an alkene generates a transient radical for selective radical-radical cross-coupling with the persistent iminyl radical. Furthermore, this process provides direct access to aliphatic primary amines and α-amino acids by simple hydrolysis.

Intermolecular radical carboamination of alkenes

Vicinal alkene carboamination is a highly efficient and practical synthetic strategy for the straightforward preparation of diverse and valuable amine derivatives starting from simple compounds. During the last decade that approach has found continuous research interests and various practical methods have been developed using transition-metal catalysis. Driven by the renaissance of synthetic radical chemistry, intermolecular radical alkene carboamination comprising a C-C bond and a C-N bond forming step has been intensively investigated recently culminating in novel strategies and improved protocols which complement existing methodologies. Radical alkene carboamination can be achieved via three different reaction modes. Such cascades can proceed through N-radical addition to an alkene with subsequent C-C bond formation leading to 2,1-carboamination products. Alternatively, the C-C bond can be installed prior to the C-N bond via initial C-radical addition to the alkene with subsequent β-amination resulting in 1,2-carboamination. The third mode comprises initial single electron oxidation of the alkene to the corresponding alkene radical cation that gets trapped by an N-nucleophile and the cascade is terminated by radical C-C bond formation. In this review, the three different conceptual approaches will be discussed and examples from the recent literature will be presented. Further, the reader will get insights into the mechanism of the different transformations.

Carboamination of Unactivated Alkenes through Three-Component Radical Conjugate Addition

Two-component Giese type radical additions are highly practical and established reactions. Herein, three-component radical conjugate additions of unactivated alkenes to Michael acceptors are reported. Amidyl radicals, oxidatively generated from α-amido oxy acids using redox catalysis, act as the third reaction component which add to the unactivated alkenes. The adduct radicals engage in Giese type additions to Michael acceptors to provide, after reduction, the three-component products in an overall alkene carboamination reaction. Transformations which can be conducted under practical mild conditions feature high functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope.

β-Oxidation of Ynamides into N,O-Acetals by mCPBA: Application in Enantioselective Intermolecular Transacetalization

Oxidation of ynamides by mCPBA led to β-oxygenation and resulted in formation of carbonyl compounds with α-N,O-acetal functionality. These N,O-acetals are formed in high yields and can be stored indefinitely at room temperature. Yet, they can be activated by a chiral Brønsted acid and underwent an enantioselective transacetalization into a α-N,O-acetal. Subsequent diastereoselective transformations occurred with exceptional selectivity according to Felkin-Anh model.