Electrochemical Dearomative 2,3-Difunctionalization of Indoles

Electrochemical C-H Azidation and Diazidation of Anilines for the Synthesis of Aryl Azides and Diazides

The increasing importance and need in many aspects have driven the rapid development of synthetic studies toward aryl azides. In this paper, electrochemical C-H azidation and diazidation of anilines have been developed using TMSN3 as an azide source. A range of functional groups can be tolerated under the optimized reaction conditions.

Copper-Catalyzed Tunable Oxygenative Rearrangement of Tetrahydrocarbazoles

Herein, we report a general copper-catalyzed method for the tunable oxygenative rearrangement of tetrahydrocarbazoles to cyclopentyl-bearing spiroindolin-2-ones and spiroindolin-3-ones. The method demonstrates excellent chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, and product control simply by using the H2O and O2 as oxygen source, respectively. This open-flask method is safe and simple to operate, and no other chemical oxidants are required. Besides, inspired from the unique pathway of 1, 2-migration rearrangement, a highly controllable hydroxylation of indoles for the construction of C3a-hydroxyl iminium indolines was also developed. Mechanistic experiments suggest that a single-electron transfer-induced oxidation process is responsible for the tunable selectivity control.

Electrochemical Oxidation Enables Radical Dearomative Spiroannulation to 2H-Spiro[benzofuran-3,9'-fluoren]-2-one

Developing pragmatic strategies for accessing functional benzofuran-2-ones from 3-([1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)benzofuran remains an enduring challenge. Herein, we have achieved a highly discriminating electrochemical oxidative dearomative spiroannulation of 3-([1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)benzofuran, culminating in the synthesis of 2H-spiro[benzofuran-3,9'-fluoren]-2-one derivatives. By harnessing the electrophilic intermediates of benzofuryl radical cations supported by DFT calculations, we attain exceptional regioselectivity while eliminating the need for stoichiometric oxidants. Mechanistic investigations reveal a sequence of events involving the benzofuran radical cation, encompassing the capture of H2O, nucleophilic arene attack, and subsequent deprotonation, ultimately yielding the final benzofuran-2-ones.

Electrochemical Skeletal Indole Editing via Nitrogen Atom Insertion by Sustainable Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Skeletal molecular editing gained considerable recent momentum and emerged as a uniquely powerful tool for late-stage diversifications. Thus far, superstoichiometric amounts of costly hypervalent iodine(III) reagents were largely required for skeletal indole editing. In contrast, we herein show that electricity enables sustainable nitrogen atom insertion reactions to give bio-relevant quinazoline scaffolds without stoichiometric chemical redox-waste product. The transition metal-free electro-editing was enabled by the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and proved robust on scale, while tolerating a variety of valuable functional groups.

Silver-Enabled Dearomative Trifluoromethoxylation of Indoles

The only known method for the dearomative trifluoromethoxylation of indoles is preliminary, with only one substrate successfully undergoing the reaction. In this study, we not only developed a broadly applicable method for indole dearomative trifluoromethoxylation but also achieved divergent trifluoromethoxylation by fine-tuning the reaction conditions. Under optimized conditions, with a silver salt and an easily handled OCF3 reagent, various indoles smoothly underwent dearomatization to afford a diverse array of ditrifluoromethoxylated indolines in 50-84% isolated yields with up to 37:1 diastereoselectivity, and fluorinated trifluoromethoxylated indolines were obtained with exclusive trans selectivity. In addition, the reaction conditions were compatible with other heteroaromatic rings as well as styrene moieties.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Phenothiazinone as Fluorophore and Its Application in Bioimaging

Phenothiazinone is a promising yet underutilized fluorophore, possibly due to the lack of a general accessibility. This study reports a robust and scalable TEMPO-mediated electrochemical method to access a variety of phenothiazinones from 2-aminothiophenols and quinones. The electrosynthesis proceeds in a simple cell architecture under mild condition, and notably carbon-halogen bond in quinones remains compared to conventional methods, enabling orthogonal downstream functionalization. Mechanistic studies corroborate that TEMPO exerts a protective effect in avoiding product decomposition at the cathode. In particular, benzophenothiazinones show intriguing luminescence in both solid and solution state, and thus their photophysical properties are scrutinized in detail. Further bio-imaging of the lipid droplets in living cells highlights the considerable promise of benzophenothiazinones as fluorescent dye in the biomedical fields.

Coupling-Spirocyclization Cascade of Tryptamine-Derived Isocyanides with Iodonium Ylides and Despirocyclization Reactions

A cobalt(II)-catalyzed coupling-cyclization cascade reaction between tryptamine-derived isocyanides and iodonium ylides is investigated, which allowed for the synthesis of different types of spiroindoline compounds by variation of substituents at the N1- and C2-positions in the indole skeleton. More interesting is that the spiroindoline products could undergo despirocyclization in the presence of amines, enabling efficient construction of enamine compounds.

Iodine-Mediated C2,3-H Aminoheteroarylation of Indoles

A metal-free one-pot oxidative cross-dehydrogenation coupling reaction for the formation of C-N/C-C bonds at the C2,3-positions of indoles with azoles and quinoxalinones has been developed. The proposed method has several notable features, including metal-free catalysis, the use of N-H free indoles as substrates, ease of operation, mild reaction conditions, and compatibility with a wide range of substrates.

Metal-Free Oxidative Dearomatization-Alkoxylation/Acyloxylation of Indoles: Synthesis of 2-Monosubstituted Indolin-3-ones

A metal-free route for the preparation of 2-monosubstituted indolin-3-ones, including 2-alkoxyindolin-3-ones and 2-acyloxyindolin-3-ones from commercially available indoles, has been developed employing (bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo)benzene (PIFA) as an oxidant. The present protocol features mild reaction conditions, good tolerance with diverse functional groups, and a wide substrate scope, affording the desired products in good yields. This transformation is easy to scale up, and the desired products can be further modified. Most importantly, this method is suitable for the late-stage modification of bioactive molecules. Mechanism studies show that this transformation involves metal-free radical dearomatization and oxygenation. Furthermore, this method also provides a practical and efficient way to prepare indolin-3-ones from commercially available reagents in one step.

Application of Metal-Free Dearomatization Reaction as a Sustainable Strategy to Direct Access Complex Cyclic Compounds

The highly efficient construction of complicated heterocyclic frameworks in an atom- and step-economic manner is still one of the cores of synthetic chemistry. Dearomatization reactions show the unique advantage for the construction of functionalized heterocycles and have attracted widespread attention over the past two decades. The metal-free approach has proved to be a green and sustainable paradigm for the synthesis of spirocyclic, polycyclic and heterocyclic scaffolds, which are widely present in natural products and bioactive molecules. In this review, the advances in the recent six years (2017-2023) in metal-free dearomatization reactions are highlighted. Emphasis is placed on developments in the field of organo-catalyzed dearomatization reactions, oxidative dearomatization reactions, Brønsted acid- or base-promoted dearomatization reactions, photoredox-catalyzed dearomatization reactions, and electrochemical oxidation dearomatization reactions.

Free Radicals in the Queue: Selective Successive Addition of Azide and N-Oxyl Radicals to Alkenes

The selective successive addition of azide (•N3) and N-oxyl radicals to alkenes is demonstrated, despite each of the two radicals being known to attack C═C bonds and the mixture of radical adducts possibly being expected. The proposed radical mechanism was supported by density functional theory calculations, electron paramagnetic resonance, and radical trapping experiments. The reaction proceeds at room temperature with the available reagents: NaN3, N-hydroxy compounds, and PhI(OAc)2 as the oxidant. The method can be applied for N-hydroxyimides, N-hydroxyamides, N-hydroxybenzotriazole, and oximes as N-oxyl radical precursors. Vinylarenes, aliphatic alkenes, and even electron-deficient methyl methacrylate were successfully functionalized.

Aryldiazonium Salt-Triggered [2 + 2 + 1] Heteroannulation of Indoles by an Arylhydrazone Radical-Relayed 1,5-Hydrogen Atom Transfer

An unprecedented three-component [2 + 2 + 1] annulation cascade of indoles with aryldiazonium salts and polyhalomethanes or acetone is presented by dual hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and C-H functionalization. By employing readily accessible aryldiazonium salts as the radical initiators and electrophiles and polyhalomethanes and acetone as the C1 units, this method unprecedentedly constructs a pyrazole ring on an indole ring skeleton through the formation of two C-N bonds and a C-C bond in a single reaction.

Mechanistic duality of indolyl 1,3-heteroatom transposition

A novel mechanistic duality has been revealed from the indolyl 1,3-heteroatom transposition (IHT) of N-hydroxyindole derivatives. A series of in-depth mechanistic investigations suggests that two separate mechanisms are operating simultaneously. Moreover, the relative contribution of each mechanistic pathway, the energy barrier for each pathway, and the identity of the primary pathway were shown to be the functions of the electronic properties of the substrate system. Based on the mechanistic understanding obtained, a mechanism-driven strategy for the general and efficient introduction of a heteroatom at the 3-position of indole has been developed. The reaction developed exhibits a broad substrate scope to provide the products in various forms of the functionalised indole. Moreover, the method is applicable to the introduction of both oxygen- and nitrogen-based functional groups.

Aqueous Flavin Photoredox Catalysis Drives Exclusive C3-Alkylation of Indolyl Radical Cations in Route to Unnatural Tryptophan Mimetics

One way to build chemical diversity into indoles is to oxidize them to indolyl radical cations (Ind•+). These intermediates can accept new functional groups across C2-C3 bonds or independently at C2. Less encountered is selective diversification at C3, a position plagued by competing dearomative side reactions. We disclose an aqueous photoredox-catalyzed method for transforming Ind•+ into C3-substituted tryptophan mimetics that uses water as a transient protecting group to guide site-selective C3 alkylation.

Iodine(III)-Mediated C-C Bond Coupling to Construct Spirocyclic Indolenines of Various Ring Sizes

Herein, we report a novel iodine(III)-mediated intramolecular dearomative spirocyclization of indole derivatives to generate highly strained spirocyclobutyl, spirocyclopentyl, and spirocyclohexyl indolenines in moderate to good yields. A set of structurally novel, densely functionalized spiroindolenines with broad functional group compatibility was efficiently constructed in this way under mild reaction conditions. Moreover, the β-enamine ester as a versatile functional group in the product provides great convenience for the synthesis of bioactive compounds and related natural products.

Recent Advancements on Metal-Free Vicinal Diamination of Alkenes: Synthetic Strategies and Mechanistic Insights

The oxidative aminative vicinal difunctionalization of alkenes or related chemical feedstocks has emerged as sustainable and multipurpose strategies that can efficiently construct two -N bonds, and simultaneously prepare the synthetically fascinating molecules and catalysis in organic synthesis that typically required multi-step reactions. This review summarized the impressive breakthroughs on synthetic methodologies (2015-2022) documented especially over inter/intra-molecular vicinal diamination of alkenes with electron-rich or deficient diverse nitrogen sources. These unprecedented strategies predominantly involved iodine-based reagents/catalysts, which resent the interest of organic chemists due to their impressive role as flexible, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly reagents, resulting in a wide variety of synthetically useful organic molecules. Moreover, the information collected also describes the significant role of catalyst, terminal oxidant, substrate scope, synthetic applications, and their unsuccessful results to highlight the limitations. Special emphasis has been given to proposed mechanistic pathways to determine the key factors governing the issues of regioselectivity, enantioselectivity, and diastereoselectivity ratios.

Unraveling the Structure and Reactivity Patterns of the Indole Radical Cation in Regioselective Electrochemical Oxidative Annulations

Oxidation-induced strategy for inert chemical bond activation through highly active radical cation intermediate has exhibited unique reactivity. Understanding the structure and reactivity patterns of radical cation intermediates is crucial in the mechanistic study and will be beneficial for developing new reactions. In this work, the structure and properties of indole radical cations have been revealed using time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy, in situ electrochemical UV-vis, and in situ electrochemical electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to explain and predict the regioselectivity of several electrochemical oxidative indole annulations. Based on the understanding of the inherent properties of several indole radical cations, two different regioselective annulations of indoles have been successfully developed under electrochemical oxidation conditions. Varieties of furo[2,3-b]indolines and furo[3,2-b]indolines were synthesized in good yields with high regioselectivities. Our mechanistic insights into indole radical cations will promote the further development of oxidation-induced indole functionalizations.

Electrochemical synthesis of vicinal azidoacetamides

Vicinal diamines are an important structural motif in bioactive natural products and pharmaceutical intermediates. Herein, an environmentally friendly and efficient electrochemical approach to azidoacetamides, as one variant of vicinal diamines, has been developed. This reaction features mild conditions and broad substrate scope, without the use of any chemical oxidant or transition-metal catalysts. The obtained vicinal azidoacetamides could be conveniently converted into various other vicinal diamine derivatives.

NIS-Promoted Selective Amino-Diazidation and Amino-Iodoazidation of O-Homoallyl Benzimidates: Synthesis of Vicinal Diazido 1,3-Oxazines and Vicinal Iodoazido 1,3-Oxazines

Amines, especially those with multi-nitrogen moieties, are widespread in natural products and biologically active compounds. Thus, the development of direct and efficient methods to introduce multiple nitrogen-containing fragments into compounds in one step is highly desirable yet challenging. Herein, we report an NIS-promoted selective amino-diazidation and amino-iodoazidation of O-homoallyl benzimidates with NaN₃. By using this protocol, a variety of vicinal diazido-substituted 1,3-oxazines and vicinal iodoazido-substituted 1,3-oxazines were directly synthesized in a controllable manner. Preliminary mechanistic investigations revealed that the reaction operates through a NIS-promoted four-step cascade process. The developed method has the merits of metal-free, excellent functional group compatibility, simple operation, and mild conditions.

Manganese-Mediated Electrochemical Dearomatization of Indoles To Access 2-Azido Spirocyclic Indolines

An efficient and environmentally friendly electrochemical protocol for dearomatization of indoles was developed, delivering a series of azido-containing spirocyclic indolines with good functional group tolerance. This dearomatization process is proposed to result from the oxidation of Mn^II-N₃ species, supported by cyclic voltammetry experiments. Moreover, synthetic transformations can provide an alternative approach to a range of functionalized indolines.

Dearomative (3+2) Cycloadditions between Indoles and Vinyldiazo Species Enabled by a Red-Shifted Chromium Photocatalyst

A direct dearomative photocatalyzed (3+2) cycloaddition between indoles and vinyldiazo reagents is described. The transformation is enabled by the development of a novel oxidizing CrIII photocatalyst, its specific reactivity attributed to increased absorptive properties over earlier Cr analogs and greater stability than Ru counterparts. A variety of fused indoline compounds are synthesized using this method, including densely functionalized ring systems that are feasible due to base-free conditions. Experimental insights corroborate a cycloaddition initiated by nucleophilic attack at C3 of the indole radical cation by the vinyldiazo species.

De Novo Construction of Chiral Aminoindolines by Cu-Catalyzed Asymmetric Cyclization and Subsequent Discovery of an Unexpected Sulfonyl Migration

Searching for efficient strategies to access structurally novel aminoindolines is of great significance for drug discovery. However, catalytic asymmetric de novo construction of aminoindoline scaffolds with functionality primed for diversification still remains elusive. Here, we report a Cu-catalyzed asymmetric cyclization of ethynyl benzoxazinones with amines, producing chiral 3-aminoindolines in good yield and with high enantioselectivity (up to 97% yield and 98:2 er). Moreover, a radical-mediated sulfonyl migration of these products was unexpectedly found, further affording new chiral 3-aminoindolines bearing alkenyl sulfonyl groups with retained enantiopurity (up to 84% yield and 98:2 er). Bioactivity evaluations indicate that these 3-aminoindolines show notable antitumor activities and chirality is proven to have a significant impact on their antitumor activity.

Hypervalent Iodine(III)-Mediated Umpolung Dialkoxylation of N-Substituted Indoles

Herein, we report dialkoxylation of N-substituted indoles through a hypervalent iodine-mediated umpolung strategy, affording trans-2,3-dimethoxyindolines with up to 95% yield. In addition, C5-selective bromination of 2,3-dialkoxyindoline via NBS-mediated rearomatization was achieved. DFT calculation of the sequence of electrophilic addition and nucleophilic substitution pathway of N-substituted indoles has also been investigated.

Intermolecular C-H Aminocyanation of Indoles via Copper-iodine Cocatalyzed Tandem C-N/C-C Bond Formation

An efficient copper-iodine cocatalyzed intermolecular C-H aminocyanation of indoles with a broad substrate scope has been developed for the first time. This method enables highly step-economic access to 2-amino-3-cyanoindoles in moderate to good yields and provides a complementary strategy for the regioselective difunctionalization of carbon═carbon double bonds of interest in organic synthesis and related areas. Mechanistic studies suggest that these transformations are initiated by iodine-mediated C2-H amination with azoles, followed by copper-catalyzed C3-H cyanation with ethyl cyanoformate.

Electrochemical vicinal oxyazidation of α-arylvinyl acetates

α-Azidoketones are valuable and versatile building blocks in the synthesis of various bioactive small molecules. Herein, we describe an environmentally friendly and efficient electrochemical vicinal oxyazidation protocol of α-arylvinyl acetates to afford diverse α-azidoketones in good yields without the use of a stoichiometric amount of chemical oxidant. A range of functionality is shown to be compatible with this transformation, and further applications are demonstrated.

Selective skeletal editing of polycyclic arenes using organophotoredox dearomative functionalization

Reactions that lead to destruction of aromatic ring systems often require harsh conditions and, thus, take place with poor selectivities. Selective partial dearomatization of fused arenes is even more challenging but can be a strategic approach to creating versatile, complex polycyclic frameworks. Herein we describe a general organophotoredox approach for the chemo- and regioselective dearomatization of structurally diverse polycyclic aromatics, including quinolines, isoquinolines, quinoxalines, naphthalenes, anthracenes and phenanthrenes. The success of the method for chemoselective oxidative rupture of aromatic moieties relies on precise manipulation of the electronic nature of the fused polycyclic arenes. Mechanistic studies show that the addition of a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) agent helps favor the dearomatization pathway over the more thermodynamically downhill aromatization pathway. We show that this strategy can be applied to rapid synthesis of biologically valued targets and late-stage skeletal remodeling en route to complex structures.

Electrochemical Migratory Cyclization of N-Acylsulfonamides

Benzoxathiazine dioxide, as a bioisostere of the clinically widely used diazoxide, exhibits interesting biological activity. However, limited success has been achieved in terms of its concise and direct synthesis. We report herein a facile electrochemical migratory cyclization of N-acylsulfonamides to access a diverse array of benzoxathiazine dioxides. The inclusion of electrochemistry is crucial for realizing such a novel transformation, which is substantiated both by the experiments and density-functional-theory calculations.

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.

The eco-friendly electrosynthesis of trifluoromethylated spirocyclic indolines and their anticancer activity

A method for the electrochemical diastereoselective oxytrifluoromethylation of indoles was developed for the eco-friendly synthesis of CF₃-containing spirocyclic indolines. The cascade reaction comprised anodic oxidation to obtain CF₃ radicals, the addition of radicals to indoles, and intramolecular spirocyclization. The reaction system without external chemical oxidants could easily be scaled up. Antiproliferation assays of these CF₃-substituted spirocyclic indolines exhibited their promising activities and selectivities toward several types of cancer cells, including Huh-7, A549, and cisplatin-resistant cancer cells (A549/DDP).

Copper-Catalyzed Aerobic Selective Oxidation of Tetrahydrocarbolines

We report a safe and convenient open-flask copper-catalyzed selective oxidation/functionalization methodology for tetrahydrocarbolines and tetrahydro-β-carbolines that employs atmospheric O₂ as the terminal oxidant. The system is applicable to oxidative rearrangement of tetrahydro-β-carbolines, tetrahydrocarboline oxidation to α-alkoxy carbazoles and spirooxindoles, and Witkop oxidation. Mechanistic experiments indicated that a single-electron oxidation process is responsible for the tunable selectivity control. This copper-catalysis protocol represents a significant advance in the field of indole oxidation.

Hypoiodite-Catalyzed Oxidative Umpolung of Indoles for Enantioselective Dearomatization

Here we report the oxidative umpolung of 2,3-disubstituted indoles toward enantioselective dearomative aza-spirocyclization to give the corresponding spiroindolenines using chiral quaternary ammonium hypoiodite catalysis. Mechanistic studies revealed the umpolung reactivity of C3 of indoles by iodination of the indole nitrogen atom. Moreover, the introduction of pyrazole as an electron-withdrawing auxiliary group at C2 suppressed a competitive dissociative racemic pathway, and enantioselective spirocyclization proceeded to give not only spiropyrrolidines but also four-membered spiroazetidines that are otherwise difficult to access.

Electrochemical Benzylic C-H Functionalization with Isocyanides

We report the challenging direct carbamoylation or cyanation of benzylic C(sp³)-H bonds with an isocyanide via an electrochemical process giving rise to structures that are encountered in several biologically relevant compounds and drugs. This transformation proceeds under mild conditions without the need for any external oxidant and avoids the necessity to start from a prefunctionalized benzylic substrate or the deployment of the cation pool method. The anodic oxidation of the benzylic position and the subsequent addition of the isocyanide lead to the formation of a C-C bond and to a nitrilium cation that hydrolyzes to yield α-aryl acetamide derivatives, whereas the elimination of a t-butyl cation delivers α-aryl acetonitrile derivatives.

Photons or Electrons? A Critical Comparison of Electrochemistry and Photoredox Catalysis for Organic Synthesis

Redox processes are at the heart of synthetic methods that rely on either electrochemistry or photoredox catalysis, but how do electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis compare? Both approaches provide access to high energy intermediates (e.g., radicals) that enable bond formations not constrained by the rules of ionic or 2 electron (e) mechanisms. Instead, they enable 1e mechanisms capable of bypassing electronic or steric limitations and protecting group requirements, thus enabling synthetic chemists to disconnect molecules in new and different ways. However, while providing access to similar intermediates, electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis differ in several physical chemistry principles. Understanding those differences can be key to designing new transformations and forging new bond disconnections. This review aims to highlight these differences and similarities between electrochemistry and photoredox catalysis by comparing their underlying physical chemistry principles and describing their impact on electrochemical and photochemical methods.

Electrochemical oxidative dearomatization of 2-arylthiophenes

Herein we report a green and sustainable electrochemical oxidative dearomatization of 2-arylthiophenes. The variation of substitution patterns affords easy access toward both the C2/C3 and C2/C5 difunctionalized dearomative products. The...

Copper-iodine Co-catalyzed C−H Aminoalkenylation of Indoles via Temperature-controlled Selectivity Switch: Facile Synthesis of 2-Azolyl-3-alkenylindoles

An efficient copper-iodine co-catalyzed 2,3-difunctionalization of indoles with azoles and phenols via temperature-controlled selectivity switch has been developed for the green synthesis of 2-azolyl-3-alkenylindoles. The strategy involves the simultaneous establishment...

Electrochemistry-controlled dearomative 2,3-difunctionalization of indoles to synthesize oxoindoline derivatives

A general and practical protocol for electrochemisty-controlled dearomative 2,3-difunctionalization of indoles via electrochemically anode-selective oxidative cross coupling has been demonstrated. The reaction runs under metal, oxidant and catalyst free condition,...

Electrochemical oxidative rearrangement of tetrahydro-β-carbolines in a zero-gap flow cell

Oxidative rearrangement of tetrahydro-β-carbolines (THβCs) is one of the most efficient methods for the synthesis of biologically active spirooxindoles, including natural products and drug molecules. Here, we report the first electrochemical approach to achieve this important organic transformation in a flow cell. The key to the high efficiency was the use of a multifunctional LiBr electrolyte, where the bromide (Br⁻) ion acts as a mediator and catalyst and lithium ion (Li⁺) acts as a likely hydrophilic spectator, which might considerably reduce diffusion of THβCs into the double layer and thus prevent possible nonselective electrode oxidation of indoles. Additionally, we build a zero-gap flow cell to speed up mass transport and minimize concentration polarization, simultaneously achieving a high faradaic efficiency (FE) of 96% and an outstanding productivity of 0.144 mmol (h⁻¹ cm⁻²). This electrochemical method is demonstrated with twenty substrates, offering a general, green path towards bioactive spirooxindoles without using hazardous oxidants.

A zero-gap flow cell was designed for the first electro-oxidative rearrangement of tetrahydro-β-carbolines to spirooxindoles with high yield, faradaic efficiency and productivity when LiBr was discovered as a bi-functional mediator and catalyst.

cis-3-Azido-2-methoxyindolines as safe and stable precursors to overcome the instability of fleeting 3-azidoindoles

Use of 3-azidoindoles in organic synthesis remains a difficult task owing to their instabilities. Herein, we report a general and concise approach for tackling this problem by using 3-azidoindole surrogates. The surrogates are bench-stable, presumably due to the observed intramolecular O-N_β bonding. The resultant fleeting intermediates undergo capturing in situ to afford 3-substitued indoles through formal ipso-substitution of the azide group by nucleophiles. In these investigations, we found that the fleeting 3-azidoindoles show a C3-electrophilic character for the first time.

Synthesis of 3-halogenated 2,3'-biindoles by a copper-mediated 2,3-difunctionalization of indoles

A copper-mediated 2,3-difunctionalization of indoles to afford 3-halogenated 2,3'-biindoles is described herein. The protocol uses readily available feedstocks and a naturally abundant copper catalyst system, which allows the regioselective formation of C-C and C-X (X = Cl & Br) bonds in one single operation. Here the copper metal salt serves not only as a catalyst but also as a reactant to provide the source of halogen. This operationally simple procedure avoids the utilization of environmentally unfriendly reagents and displays good functional group compatibility. Noteworthily, the introduction of halogen into molecules would offer great potential for further chemical transformations.

Single-Atom (Iron-Based) Catalysts: Synthesis and Applications

Supported single-metal atom catalysts (SACs) are constituted of isolated active metal centers, which are heterogenized on inert supports such as graphene, porous carbon, and metal oxides. Their thermal stability, electronic properties, and catalytic activities can be controlled via interactions between the single-metal atom center and neighboring heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. Due to the atomic dispersion of the active catalytic centers, the amount of metal required for catalysis can be decreased, thus offering new possibilities to control the selectivity of a given transformation as well as to improve catalyst turnover frequencies and turnover numbers. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the synthesis of Fe-SACs with a focus on anchoring single atoms (SA) on carbon/graphene supports. The characterization of these advanced materials using various spectroscopic techniques and their applications in diverse research areas are described. When applicable, mechanistic investigations conducted to understand the specific behavior of Fe-SACs-based catalysts are highlighted, including the use of theoretical models.

Paired Electrolysis Enabled Ni-Catalyzed Unconventional Cascade Reductive Thiolation Using Sulfinates

Herein, we have reported a nickel-catalyzed cascade reductive thiolation of aryl halides with sulfinates driven by paired electrolysis. This protocol uses sulfinates as the sulfur source, and various thioethers could be synthesized under mild conditions. By mechanism exploration, we find that a cascade chemical step is allowed on the electrode interface and could alter the reaction pathway in paired electrolysis, whose findings could help the discovery of novel cascade reactions with unique reactivity.