Palladium-Catalyzed Carbon Isotope Exchange on Aliphatic and Benzoic Acid Chlorides

Combining Umpolung and Carbon Isotope Exchange Strategies for Accessing Isotopically Labeled α-Keto Acids

The integration of umpolung and carbon isotope exchange for accessing isotopically labeled α-keto acids through photoredox catalysis is elucidated. This process involves the carbonyl umpolung of C(sp2)-α-keto acids to yield C(sp3)-α-thioketal acids, followed by the carbon isotope exchange of C(sp3)-α-thioketal acids, and ultimately, deprotection to generate carbon-labeled α-keto acids.

Enantioselective Carbon Isotope Exchange

The synthesis of isotopically labeled organic molecules is vital for drug and agrochemical discovery and development. Carbon isotope exchange is emerging as a leading method to generate carbon-labeled targets, which are sought over hydrogen-based labels due to their enhanced stability in biological systems. While many bioactive small molecules bear carbon-containing stereocenters, direct enantioselective carbon isotope exchange reactions have not been established. We describe the first example of an enantioselective carbon isotope exchange reaction, where (radio)labeled α-amino acids can be generated from their unlabeled precursors using a stoichiometric chiral aldehyde receptor with isotopically labeled CO2 followed by imine hydrolysis. Many proteinogenic and non-natural derivatives undergo enantioselective labeling, including the late-stage radiolabeling of complex drug targets.

A metal-catalysed functional group metathesis approach to the carbon isotope labelling of carboxylic acids

The distribution, metabolism and ultimate fate of molecules within the body is central to the activity of pharmaceuticals. However, the introduction of radioisotopes into the metabolically stable carbon sites on drugs to probe these features typically requires toxic, radioactive gases such as [14C]CO and [14C]CO2. Here we describe an approach to directly carbon-label carboxylic-acid-containing pharmaceuticals via a metal-catalysed functional group exchange reaction, forming 14C-labelled carboxylic-acid-containing drugs without radioactive gases, in one pot, using an easily available and handled carboxylic acid 14C source. To enable this process, a functional group metathesis of carbon-carbon covalent bonds in acid chloride functionalities is developed, exploiting the ability of nickel catalysts to both reversibly activate carbon-chloride bonds and exchange functionalities between organic molecules. The drug development applicability is illustrated by the direct incorporation of the 14C label or 13C label into an array of complex aryl, alkyl, vinyl and heterocyclic carboxylic acid drugs or drug candidates without gases or a special apparatus, at ambient conditions and without loss of the radiolabel.

Ligand Relay for Nickel-Catalyzed Decarbonylative Alkylation of Aroyl Chlorides

Transition metal-catalyzed direct decarboxylative transformations of aromatic carboxylic acids usually require high temperatures, which limit the substrate's scope, especially for late-stage applications. The development of the selective decarbonylative of carboxylic acid derivatives, especially the most fundamental aroyl chlorides, with stable and cheap electrophiles under mild conditions is highly desirable and meaningful, but remains challenging. Herein, a strategy of nickel-catalyzed decarbonylative alkylation of aroyl chlorides via phosphine/nitrogen ligand relay is reported. The simple phosphine ligand is found essential for the decarbonylation step, while the nitrogen ligand promotes the cross-electrophile coupling. Such a ligand relay system can effectively and orderly carry out the catalytic process at room temperature, utilizing easily available aroyl chlorides as an aryl electrophile for reductive alkylation. This discovery provides a new strategy for direct decarbonylative coupling, features operationally simple, mild conditions, and excellent functional group tolerance. The mild approach is applied to the late-stage methylation of various pharmaceuticals. Extensive experiments are carried out to provide insights into the reaction pathway and support the ligand relay process.

Carbon-Atom Exchange between [MC2]+ (M = Os and Ir) and Methane: on the Thermodynamic and Dynamic Aspects

Gas-phase reactions of [OsC2]+ and [IrC2]+ with methane at ambient temperature have been studied using quadrupole-ion trap mass spectrometry combined with quantum chemical calculations. Both [OsC2]+ and [IrC2]+ undergo carbon-atom exchange reactions with methane. The associated mechanisms for the two systems are found to be similar. The differences in the rates of carbon isotope exchange reactions of methane with [MC2]+ (M = Os and Ir) are explained by several factors like the energy barrier for the initial H3C-H bond breaking processes, the molecular dynamics, orbital interactions, and the H-binding energies of the pivotal steps. Besides, the number of participating valence orbitals might be one of the keys to regulate the rate in the key step. The present findings may provide useful ideas and inspiration for designing similar processes.

The Future of (Radio)-Labeled Compounds in Research and Development within the Life Science Industry

In this review the applications of isotopically labeled compounds are discussed and put into the context of their future impact in the life sciences. Especially discussing their use in the pharma and crop science industries to follow their fate in the environment, in vivo or in complex matrices to understand the potential harm of new chemical structures and to increase the safety of human society.

Rhodium catalyzed tunable amide homologation through a hook-and-slide strategy

Preparation of diverse homologs from lead compounds has been a common and important practice in medicinal chemistry. However, homologation of carboxylic acid derivatives, particularly amides, remains challenging. Here we report a hook-and-slide strategy for homologation of tertiary amides with tunable lengths of the inserted carbon chain. Alkylation at the α-position of the amide (hook) is followed by highly selective branched-to-linear isomerization (slide) to effect amide migration to the end of the newly introduced alkyl chain; thus, the choice of alkylation reagent sets the homologation length. The key step involves a carbon-carbon bond activation process by a carbene-coordinated rhodium complex with assistance from a removable directing group. The approach is demonstrated for introduction of chains as long as 16 carbons and is applicable to derivatized carboxylic acids in complex bioactive molecules.

Modern Strategies for Carbon Isotope Exchange

In contrast to stable and natural abundant carbon-12, the synthesis of organic molecules with carbon (radio)isotopes must be conceived and optimized in order to navigate through the hurdles of radiochemical requirements, such as high costs of the starting materials, harsh conditions and radioactive waste generation. In addition, it must initiate from the small cohort of available C-labeled building blocks. For long time, multi-step approaches have represented the sole available patterns. On the other side, the development of chemical reactions based on the reversible cleavage of C-C bonds might offer new opportunities and reshape retrosynthetic analysis in radiosynthesis. This review aims to provide a short survey on the recently emerged carbon isotope exchange technologies that provide effective opportunity for late-stage labeling. At present, such strategies have relied on the use of primary and easily accessible radiolabeled C1-building blocks, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and cyanides, while the activation principles have been based on thermal, photocatalytic, metal-catalyzed and biocatalytic processes.

Unlocking full and fast conversion in photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction for applications in radio-carbonylation

Harvesting sunlight to drive carbon dioxide (CO₂) valorisation represents an ideal concept to support a sustainable and carbon-neutral economy. While the photochemical reduction of CO₂ to carbon monoxide (CO) has emerged as a hot research topic, the full CO₂-to-CO conversion remains an often-overlooked criterion that prevents a productive and direct valorisation of CO into high-value-added chemicals. Herein, we report a photocatalytic process that unlocks full and fast CO₂-to-CO conversion (<10 min) and its straightforward valorisation into human health related field of radiochemistry with carbon isotopes. Guided by reaction-model-based kinetic simulations to rationalize reaction optimisations, this manifold opens new opportunities for the direct access to ¹¹C- and ¹⁴C-labeled pharmaceuticals from their primary isotopic sources [¹¹C]CO₂ and [¹⁴C]CO₂.

Palladium-catalyzed regiodivergent hydrochlorocarbonylation of alkenes for formation of acid chlorides

Novel strategy for acid chlorides formation that do not use carboxylic acids is particularly attractive in chemical synthesis but remains challenging. Herein, we reported the development of a highly effective Pd-catalyzed hydrochlorocarbonylation of alkenes with CO for the formation of alkyl acid chlorides. Chlorosilane and AcOH were found as a mild HCl source for the reaction. The reaction shows broad substrate scope and produces both branched and linear alkyl acid chlorides in good to high yields upon different ligands and solvents. Cooperating with follow-up acylation reactions, the Pd-catalyzed hydrochlorocarbonylation offers a complementary platform for the synthesis of diverse carbonyl compounds from alkenes. Mechanistic investigations suggested that the reaction proceeded though a palladium hydride pathway, and CO prompted reductive elimination of the acyl-Pd-Cl intermediate.

Late-Stage Carbon-14 Labeling and Isotope Exchange: Emerging Opportunities and Future Challenges

Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) is a gold standard technology routinely utilized in pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries for tracking synthetic organic molecules and providing their metabolic and safety profiles. While the state of the art has been dominated for decades by traditional multistep synthetic approaches, the recent emergence of late-stage carbon isotope labeling has provided new avenues to rapidly access carbon-14-labeled biologically relevant compounds. In particular, the development of carbon isotope exchange has represented a fundamental paradigm change, opening the way to unexplored synthetic transformations. In this Perspective, we discuss the recent developments in the field with a critical assessment of the literature. We subsequently discuss research directions and future challenges within this rapidly evolving field.

Recent advancements in visible-light-driven carboxylation with carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide as a classic C1 source has long been investigated in organic synthetic chemistry. Diverse catalytic methods for CO2 activation were reported in the past several decades. In this...

Nickel-Mediated Alkoxycarbonylation for Complete Carbon Isotope Replacement

Many commercial drugs, as well as upcoming pharmaceutically active compounds in the pipeline, display aliphatic carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof as key structural entities. Synthetic methods for rapidly accessing isotopologues of such compounds are highly relevant for undertaking critical pharmacological studies. In this paper, we disclose a direct synthetic route allowing for full carbon isotope replacement via a nickel-mediated alkoxycarbonylation. Employing a nickel^II pincer complex ([(N₂N)Ni-Cl]) in combination with carbon-13 labeled CO, alkyl iodide, sodium methoxide, photocatalyst, and blue LED light, it was possible to generate the corresponding isotopically labeled aliphatic carboxylates in good yields. Furthermore, the developed methodology was applied to the carbon isotope substitution of several pharmaceutically active compounds, whereby complete carbon-13 labeling was successfully accomplished. It was initially proposed that the carboxylation step would proceed via the in situ formation of a nickellacarboxylate, generated by CO insertion into the Ni-alkoxide bond. However, preliminary mechanistic investigations suggest an alternative pathway involving attack of an open shell species generated from the alkyl halide to a metal ligated CO to generate an acyl Ni^III species. Subsequent reductive elimination involving the alkoxide eventually leads to carboxylate formation. An excess of the alkoxide was essential for obtaining a high yield of the product. In general, the presented methodology provides a simple and convenient setup for the synthesis and carbon isotope labeling of aliphatic carboxylates, while providing new insights about the reactivity of the N₂N nickel pincer complex applied.

Photoinduced Hydrocarboxylation via Thiol-Catalyzed Delivery of Formate Across Activated Alkenes

Herein we disclose a new photochemical process to prepare carboxylic acids from formate salts and alkenes. This redox-neutral hydrocarboxylation proceeds in high yields across diverse functionalized alkene substrates with excellent regioselectivity. This operationally simple procedure can be readily scaled in batch at low photocatalyst loading (0.01% photocatalyst). Furthermore, this new reaction can leverage commercially available formate carbon isotologues to enable the direct synthesis of isotopically labeled carboxylic acids. Mechanistic studies support the working model involving a thiol-catalyzed radical chain process wherein the atoms from formate are delivered across the alkene substrate via CO₂^•- as a key reactive intermediate.

Synthesis of 13 C-labelled ω-hydroxy carboxylic acids of the general formula HO2 13 C-(CH2 )n -CH2 OH or HO2 C-(CH2 )n -13 CH2 OH (n = 12, 16, 20, 28)

¹³ C-labelled ω-hydroxy-carboxylic acids HO₂ ¹³ C-(CH₂ )_n -CH₂ OH or HO₂ C-(CH₂ )_n -¹³ CH₂ OH (n = 12, 16, 20, 28) with ¹³ C labels selectively introduced either at the carboxy group or at the primary alcohol function at the end of the hydrocarbon chain have been synthesized. Different synthetic strategies had to be applied depending on the position of the label, the chain length of the respective synthetic target and due to economic considerations. ¹³ C labels in general were introduced by nucleophilic substitution of a suitable leaving group with labelled potassium cyanide and subsequent hydrolysis of the nitriles to produce the corresponding labelled carboxy functions, which may also be reduced to give the labelled primary alcohol group. All new compounds are characterized by GC/MS, IR and NMR methods as well as by elemental analysis.

A Nickel(II)-Mediated Thiocarbonylation Strategy for Carbon Isotope Labeling of Aliphatic Carboxamides

A series of pharmaceutically relevant small molecules and biopharmaceuticals bearing aliphatic carboxamides have been successfully labeled with carbon-13. Key to the success of this novel carbon isotope labeling technique is the observation that ¹³ C-labeled Ni^II -acyl complexes, formed from a ¹³ CO insertion step with Ni^II -alkyl intermediates, rapidly react in less than one minute with 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide to quantitatively form the corresponding 2-pyridyl thioesters. Either the use of ¹³ C-SilaCOgen or ¹³ C-COgen allows for the stoichiometric addition of isotopically labeled carbon monoxide. Subsequent one-pot acylation of a series of structurally diverse amines provides the desired ¹³ C-labeled carboxamides in good yields. A single electron transfer pathway is proposed between the Ni^II -acyl complexes and the disulfide providing a reactive Ni^III -acyl sulfide intermediate, which rapidly undergoes reductive elimination to the desired thioester. By further optimization of the reaction parameters, reaction times down to only 11 min were identified, opening up the possibility of exploring this chemistry for carbon-11 isotope labeling. Finally, this isotope labeling strategy could be adapted to the synthesis of ¹³ C-labeled liraglutide and insulin degludec, representing two antidiabetic drugs.

Direct Carbon Isotope Exchange of Pharmaceuticals via Reversible Decyanation

The incorporation of carbon-14 allows tracking of organic molecules and provides vital knowledge on their fate. This information is critical in pharmaceutical development, crop science, and human food safety evaluation. Herein, a transition-metal-catalyzed procedure enabling carbon isotope exchange on aromatic nitriles is described. By utilizing the radiolabeled precursor Zn([¹⁴C]CN)₂, this protocol allows the insertion of the desired carbon tag without the need for structural modifications, in a single step. By reducing synthetic costs and limiting the generation of radioactive waste, this procedure will facilitate the labeling of nitrile containing drugs and accelerate ¹⁴C-based ADME studies supporting drug development.

Late-Stage Carbon Isotope Exchange of Aryl Nitriles through Ni-Catalyzed C-CN Bond Activation

A facile one-pot strategy for ¹³CN and ¹⁴CN exchange with aryl, heteroaryl, and alkenyl nitriles using a Ni phosphine catalyst and BPh₃ is described. This late-stage carbon isotope exchange (CIE) strategy employs labeled Zn(CN)₂ to facilitate enrichment using the nonlabeled parent compound as the starting material, eliminating de novo synthesis for precursor development. A broad substrate scope encompassing multiple pharmaceuticals is disclosed, including the preparation of [¹⁴C] belzutifan to illustrate the exceptional functional group tolerance and utility of this labeling approach. Preliminary experimental and computational studies suggest the Lewis acid BPh₃ is not critical for the oxidative addition step and instead plays a role in facilitating CN exchange on Ni. This CIE method dramatically reduces the synthetic steps and radioactive waste involved in preparation of ¹⁴C labeled tracers for clinical development.

Palladium-catalysed carboformylation of alkynes using acid chlorides as a dual carbon monoxide and carbon source

Hydroformylation, a reaction that installs both a C-H bond and an aldehyde group across an unsaturated substrate, is one of the most important catalytic reactions in both industry and academia. Given the synthetic importance of creating new C-C bonds, the development of carboformylation reactions, wherein a new C-C bond is formed instead of a C-H bond, would bear enormous synthetic potential to rapidly increase molecular complexity in the synthesis of valuable aldehydes. However, the demanding complexity inherent in a four-component reaction, utilizing an exogenous CO source, has made the development of a direct carboformylation reaction a formidable challenge. Here, we describe a palladium-catalysed strategy that uses readily available aroyl chlorides as a carbon electrophile and CO source, in tandem with a sterically congested hydrosilane, to perform a stereoselective carboformylation of alkynes. An extension of this protocol to four chemodivergent carbonylations further highlights the creative opportunity offered by this strategy in carbonylation chemistry.

Fast Carbon Isotope Exchange of Carboxylic Acids Enabled by Organic Photoredox Catalysis

Carbazole/cyanobenzene photocatalysts promote the direct isotopic carboxylate exchange of C(sp³) acids with labeled CO₂. Substrates that are not compatible with transition-metal-catalyzed degradation-reconstruction approaches or prone to thermally induced reversible decarboxylation undergo isotopic incorporation at room temperature in short reaction times. The radiolabeling of drug molecules and precursors with [¹¹C]CO₂ is demonstrated.

Synthesis of 13 C-labelled cutin and suberin monomeric dicarboxylic acids of the general formula HO213 C-(CH2 )n -13 CO2 H (n = 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28)

13 C-labeled dicarboxylic acids HO213 C-(CH2 )n -13 CO2 H (n = 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) have been synthesized as internal standards for LC-MS and GC-MS analysis of cutin and suberin monomer degradation by soil-based microorganisms. Different synthetic strategies had to be applied depending on the chain length of the respective synthetic target and because of economic considerations. 13 C-labels were introduced by nucleophilic substitution of a suitable leaving group with labelled potassium cyanide and subsequent hydrolysis of the nitriles to produce the corresponding dicarboxylic acids. All new compounds are characterized by GC/MS, IR, and NMR methods as well as by elemental analysis.

Palladium catalyzed synthesis of indolizines via the carbonylative coupling of bromopyridines, imines and alkynes

We report herein the development of a palladium-catalyzed, multicomponent synthesis of indolizines. The reaction proceeds via the carbonylative formation of a high energy, mesoionic pyridine-based 1,3-dipole, which can undergo spontaneous cycloaddition with alkynes. Overall, this provides a route to prepare indolizines in a modular fashion from combinations of commercially available or easily generated reagents: 2-bromopyridines, imines and alkynes.

Transition-Metal-Free Carbon Isotope Exchange of Phenyl Acetic Acids

A transition-metal-free carbon isotope exchange procedure on phenyl acetic acids is described. Utilizing the universal precursor CO2 , this protocol allows the carbon isotope to be inserted into the carboxylic acid position, with no need of precursor synthesis. This procedure enabled the labeling of 15 pharmaceuticals and was compatible with carbon isotopes [14 C] and [13 C]. A proof of concept with [11 C] was also obtained with low molar activity valuable for distribution studies.

Palladium catalyzed carbonylative generation of potent, pyridine-based acylating electrophiles for the functionalization of arenes to ketones

We describe here the design of a palladium catalyzed route to generate aryl ketones via the carbonylative coupling of (hetero)arenes and aryl- or vinyl-triflates. In this, the use of the large bite angle Xantphos ligand on palladium provides a unique avenue to balance the activation of the relatively strong C(sp²)–OTf bond with the ultimate elimination of a new class of potent Friedel–Crafts acylating agent: N-acyl pyridinium salts. The latter can be exploited to modulate reactivity and selectivity in carbonylative arene functionalization chemistry, and allow the efficient synthesis of ketones with a diverse array of (hetero)arenes.

A palladium catalyzed approach to the overall carbonylative functionalization of arenes to form ketones with aryl- and vinyl-triflates is described.

Direct reversible decarboxylation from stable organic acids in dimethylformamide solution

Many classical and emerging methodologies in organic chemistry rely on carbon dioxide (CO₂) extrusion to generate reactive intermediates for bond-forming events. Synthetic reactions that involve the microscopic reverse-the carboxylation of reactive intermediates-have conventionally been undertaken using very different conditions. We report that chemically stable C(sp³) carboxylates, such as arylacetic acids and malonate half-esters, undergo uncatalyzed reversible decarboxylation in dimethylformamide solution. Decarboxylation-carboxylation occurs with substrates resistant to protodecarboxylation by Brønsted acids under otherwise identical conditions. Isotopically labeled carboxylic acids can be prepared in high chemical and isotopic yield by simply supplying an atmosphere of ¹³CO₂ to carboxylate salts in polar aprotic solvents. An understanding of carboxylate reactivity in solution enables conditions for the trapping of aldehydes, ketones, and α,β-unsaturated esters.

Synthesis of Indolizine Derivatives Triggered by the Oxidative Addition of Aroyl Chloride to Pd(0) Complex

An efficient synthesis of indolizine derivatives from propargylic pyridines and aroyl chlorides was developed. The 5-endo-dig cyclization was initiated by the in situ formed acylpalladium species from the facile oxidative addition of aroyl chloride to Pd(0) complex. This transformation successfully occurred in the presence of an N-nucleophilic moiety and acid chlorides, a good electrophilic partner, affording highly functionalized indolizines in good-to-excellent yields.

Direct Access to Isotopically Labeled Aliphatic Ketones Mediated by Nickel(I) Activation

An extensive range of functionalized aliphatic ketones with good functional-group tolerance has been prepared by a Ni^I -promoted coupling of either primary or secondary alkyl iodides with NN₂ pincer Ni^II -acyl complexes. The latter were easily accessed from the corresponding Ni^II -alkyl complexes with stoichiometric CO. This Ni-mediated carbonylative coupling is adaptable to late-stage carbon isotope labeling, as illustrated by the preparation of isotopically labelled pharmaceuticals. Preliminary investigations suggest the intermediacy of carbon-centered radicals.

Carbon Isotope Labeling Strategy for β-Amino Acid Derivatives via Carbonylation of Azanickellacycles

A series of 4-membered azametallacycles have been prepared by the oxidative addition of Ni(0) with aziridines. Stoichiometric ¹³C-labeled carbon monoxide could be efficiently incorporated via Ni-C bond insertion to generate air stable and isolable cyclic Ni-acyl complexes. Upon subjection to a range of C-, N-, O-, and S-nucleophiles, ¹³C-labeled β-amino acids and derivatives thereof, as well as β-aminoketones, could be rapidly accessed. The methodology proved highly adaptable for the synthesis of the antidiabetic drug, sitagliptin, with a single carbon isotope label.

The Emergence of Carbon Isotope Exchange

Significant progress in C−C bond activation with transition metals has recently enabled the development of several carbon isotope exchange reactions. These methods are based on C−C bond decarboxylative carboxylation reactions in the presence of selected transition metals and labelled carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide.

Decarboxylation with Carbon Monoxide: The Direct Conversion of Carboxylic Acids into Potent Acid Triflate Electrophiles

We report a new strategy for the conversion of carboxylic acids into potent acid triflate electrophiles. The reaction involves oxidative carbonylation of carboxylic acids with I₂ in the presence of AgOTf, and is postulated to proceed via acyl hypoiodites that react with CO to form acid triflates. Coupling this chemistry with subsequent trapping with arenes offers a mild, room temperature approach to generate ketones directly from broadly available carboxylic acids without the use of corrosive and reactive Lewis or Bronsted acid additives, and instead from compounds that are readily available, stable, and functional group compatible.

Direct Carbon Isotope Exchange through Decarboxylative Carboxylation

A two-step degradation-reconstruction approach to the carbon-14 radiolabeling of alkyl carboxylic acids is presented. Simple activation via redox-active ester formation was followed by nickel-mediated decarboxylative carboxylation to afford a range of complex compounds with ample isotopic incorporations for drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies. The practicality and operational simplicity of the protocol were demonstrated by its use in an industrial carbon-14 radiolabeling setting.