Dirhodium Tetracarboxylate Derived from Adamantylglycine as a Chiral Catalyst for Carbenoid Reactions

Heterogeneous Fe-N-C Catalyst for Aerobic Dehydrogenation of Hydrazones to Diazo Compounds Used for Carbene Transfer

Organic diazo compounds are versatile reagents in chemical synthesis and would benefit from improved synthetic accessibility, especially for larger scale applications. Here, we report a mild method for the synthesis of diazo compounds from hydrazones using a heterogeneous Fe-N-C catalyst, which has Fe ions dispersed within a graphitic nitrogen-doped carbon support. The reactions proceed readily at room temperature using O2 (1 atm) as the oxidant. Aryl diazoesters, ketones, and amides are accessible, in addition to less stable diaryl diazo compounds. Initial-rate data show that the Fe-N-C catalyst achieves faster rates than a heterogeneous Pt/C catalyst. The oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrazones may be performed in tandem with Rh-catalyzed enantioselective C-H insertion and cyclopropanation of alkenes, without requiring isolation of the diazo intermediate. This sequence is showcased by using a flow reactor for continuous synthesis of diazo compounds.

Catalytic asymmetric carbenoid α-C-H insertion of ether

Significant advancements have been made in catalytic asymmetric α-C-H bond functionalization of ethers via carbenoid insertion over the past decade. Effective asymmetric catalytic systems, featuring a range of chiral metal catalysts, have been established for the enantioselective synthesis of diverse ether substrates. This has led to the generation of various enantioenriched, highly functionalized oxygen-containing structural motifs, facilitating their application in the asymmetric synthesis of bioactive natural products.

Diaryldiazoketones as Effective Carbene Sources for Highly Selective Rh(II)-Catalyzed Intermolecular C-H Functionalization

A novel donor/acceptor carbene intermediate has been developed using diaryldiazoketones as carbene precursors. In the presence of the chiral dirhodium catalyst, Rh2(S-TPPTTL)4, diaryldiazoketones undergo highly regio-, stereo-, and diastereoselective C-H functionalization of activated and unactivated secondary and tertiary C-H bonds. Computational studies revealed that the arylketo group behaves differently than the carboxylate acceptor group because the orientation of the arylketo group predetermines which face of the carbene will be attacked.

Enantioselective Intermolecular C-H Functionalization of Primary Benzylic C-H Bonds Using ((Aryl)(diazo)methyl)phosphonates

Catalyst-controlled C-H functionalization using donor/acceptor carbenes has been shown to be an efficient process capable of high levels of site control and stereocontrol. This study demonstrated that the scope of the donor/acceptor carbene C-H functionalization can be extended to systems where the acceptor group is a phosphonate. When using the optimized dirhodium catalyst, Rh2(S-di-(4-Br)TPPTTL)4, ((aryl)(diazo)methyl)phosphonates undergo highly enantioselective (84-99% ee) and site-selective (>30:1 r.r.) benzylic C-H functionalization. The phosphonate group is much more sterically demanding than the previously studied carboxylate ester group, leading to much higher selectivity for a primary site versus more sterically crowded positions. The effectiveness of this methodology has been demonstrated by the late-stage primary C-H functionalization of estrone, adapalene, (S)-naproxen, clofibrate, and gemfibrozil derivatives.

Transition Metal-Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Five- and Six-Membered Benzo O-heterocycles

Enantiomerically enriched five- and six-membered benzo oxygen heterocycles are privileged architectures in functional organic molecules. Over the last several years, many effective methods have been established to access these compounds. However, comprehensive documents cover updated methodologies still in highly demand. In this review, recent transition metal catalyzed transformations lead to chiral five- and six-membered benzo oxygen heterocycles are presented. The mechanism and chirality transfer or control processes are also discussed in details.

Site-Selective C-H Allylation of Alkanes: Facile Access to Allylic Quaternary sp3 -Carbon Centers

The construction of allylic quaternary sp³ -carbon centers has long been a formidable challenge in transition-metal-catalyzed alkyl-allyl coupling reactions due to the severe steric hindrance. Herein, we report an effective carbene strategy that employs well-defined vinyl-N-triftosylhydrazones as a versatile allylating reagent to enable direct assembly of these medicinally desirable structural elements from low-cost alkane feedstocks. The reaction exhibited excellent site selectivity for tertiary C-H bonds, broad scope (>60 examples and >20 : 1:0 r. r.) and good efficiency, even on a gram-scale, making it a convenient alternative to the well-known Trost-Tsuji allylation reaction for the formation of alkyl-allyl bonds. Combined experimental and computational studies were employed to unravel the mechanism and origin of site- and chemoselectivity of the reaction.

Catalyst Controlled Site- and Stereoselective Rhodium(II) Carbene C(sp3)-H Functionalization of Allyl Boronates

Rhodium(II) catalyst-controlled site- and stereoselective carbene insertion into the distal allylic C(sp³)-H bond of allyl boronates is reported. The optimum chiral catalyst for this reaction is Rh₂(S-TPPTTL)₄. The fidelity and asymmetric induction of this catalytic transformation allows for a highly diastereoselective and enantioselective C-C bond formation without interference from the allyl boronate functionality. The resulting functionalized allyl boronates are susceptible to stereoselective allylations, generating products with control of stereochemistry at four contiguous stereogenic centers.

Divergent C-H Amidations and Imidations by Tuning Electrochemical Reaction Potentials

Electrochemical C-H functionalizations are attractive transformations, as they are capable of avoiding the use of transition metals, pre-oxidized precursors, or suprastoichiometric amounts of terminal oxidants. Herein an electrochemically tunable method was developed that enabled the divergent formation of cyclic amines or imines by applying different reaction potentials. Detailed cyclic voltammetry analyses, coupled with chronopotentiometry experiments, were carried out to provide insight into the mechanism, while atom economy was assessed through a paired electrolysis. Selective C-H amidations and imidations were achieved to afford five- to seven-membered sulfonamide motifs that could be employed for late-stage modifications.

Asymmetric dearomative cyclopropanation of naphthalenes to construct polycyclic compounds

Catalytic asymmetric dearomatization (CADA) reactions is an important synthetic method for constructing enantioenriched complex cyclic systems from simple aromatic feedstocks. However, the CADA reactions of nonactivated arenes, such as naphthalenes and benzenes, have been far less explored than those of electronically activated arenes, such as phenols, naphthols and indoles. Herein, we disclose an asymmetric dearomative cyclopropanation of naphthalenes for the rapid construction of polycyclic compounds. With chiral dirhodium carboxylate as a catalyst, the dearomative cyclopropanation proceeded smoothly under mild conditions and afforded benzonorcaradiene-containing tetracycles in good yield and high enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee). Three stereogenic centers, including two all-carbon quaternary centers, were created in the dearomatization reaction. Moreover, a variety of functional groups are well-tolerated in the reaction. The products could be readily converted into other complex polycycles while maintaining the high ee value.

In-situ Kinetic Studies of Rh(II)-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization to Achieve High Catalyst Turnover Numbers

Detailed kinetic studies on the functionalization of unactivated hydrocarbon sp3 C-H bonds by dirhodium-catalyzed reaction of aryldiazoacetates revealed that the C-H functionalization step is rate-determining. The efficiency of this step was increased by using the hydrocarbon as solvent and using donor/acceptor carbenes with an electron-withdrawing substituent on the aryl donor group. The optimum catalyst for these reactions is the tetraphenylphthalimido derivative Rh2(R-TPPTTL)4 and a further beneficial refinement was obtained by using N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide as an additive. Under the optimum conditions with a catalyst loading of 0.001 mol %, effective enantioselective C-H functionalization (66-97% yield, 83-97% ee) was achieved of cycloalkanes with a range of aryldiazoacetates as long as the aryldiazoacetate was not to sterically demanding. The reaction with cyclohexane using a catalyst loading of 0.0005 mol % could be recharged twice with additional aryldiazoacetate, resulting in an overall dirhodium catalyst turnover number of 580,000.

Recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed carbene insertion to C-H bonds

C-H functionalization has been emerging as a powerful method to establish carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. Many efforts have been devoted to transition-metal-catalyzed direct transformations of C-H bonds. Metal carbenes generated in situ from transition-metal compounds and diazo or its equivalents are usually applied as the transient reactive intermediates to furnish a catalytic cycle for new C-C and C-X bond formation. Using this strategy compounds from unactivated simple alkanes to complex molecules can be further functionalized or transformed to multi-functionalized compounds. In this area, transition-metal-catalyzed carbene insertion to C-H bonds has been paid continuous attention. Diverse catalyst design strategies, synthetic methods, and potential applications have been developed. This critical review will summarize the advance in transition-metal-catalyzed carbene insertion to C-H bonds dated up to July 2021, by the categories of C-H bonds from aliphatic C(sp³)-H, aryl (aromatic) C(sp²)-H, heteroaryl (heteroaromatic) C(sp²)-H bonds, alkenyl C(sp²)-H, and alkynyl C(sp)-H, as well as asymmetric carbene insertion to C-H bonds, and more coverage will be given to the recent work. Due to the rapid development of the C-H functionalization area, future directions in this topic are also discussed. This review will give the authors an overview of carbene insertion chemistry in C-H functionalization with focus on the catalytic systems and synthetic applications in C-C bond formation.

C2-Symmetric 2,2'-Bipyridine-α,α'-1-adamantyl-diol Ligand: Bulky Iron Complexes in Asymmetric Catalysis

The synthesis of a chiral 2,2'-bipyridine-α,α'-1-adamantyl-diol ligand was achieved starting from commercially available materials. The bulky ligand was synthesized in three steps in 40% overall yield with stereoselectivities of 98% de and >99.5% ee for the S,S enantiomer. The absolute configuration of and structural insights into a heptacoordinated 2,2'-bipyridine-α,α'-1-Ad-diol/Fe^II chiral complex were obtained from single-crystal diffraction analyses. The newly synthesized ligand was used in iron-catalyzed asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol, thia-Michael, and Diels-Alder reactions.

Direct radical functionalization methods to access substituted adamantanes and diamondoids

Adamantane derivatives have diverse applications in the fields of medicinal chemistry, catalyst development and nanomaterials, owing to their unique structural, biological and stimulus-responsive properties, among others. The synthesis of substituted adamantanes and substituted higher diamondoids is frequently achieved via carbocation or radical intermediates that have unique stability and reactivity when compared to simple hydrocarbon derivatives. In this review, we discuss the wide range of radical-based functionalization reactions that directly convert diamondoid C-H bonds to C-C bonds, providing a variety of products incorporating diverse functional groups (alkenes, alkynes, arenes, carbonyl groups, etc.). Recent advances in the area of selective C-H functionalization are highlighted with an emphasis on the H-atom abstracting species and their ability to activate the particularly strong C-H bonds that are characteristic of these caged hydrocarbons, providing insights that can be applied to the C-H functionalization of other substrate classes.

Catalyst-Controlled Stereoselective Barton-Kellogg Olefination

Overcrowded alkenes are expeditiously prepared by the versatile Barton-Kellogg olefination and have remarkable applications as functional molecules owing to their unique stereochemical features. The induced stereodynamics thereby enable the controlled motion of molecular switches and motors, while the high configurational stability prevents undesired isomeric scrambling. Bistricyclic aromatic enes are prototypical overcrowded alkenes with outstanding stereochemical properties, but their stereocontrolled preparation was thus far only feasible in stereospecific reactions and with chiral auxiliaries. Herein we report that direct catalyst control is achieved by a stereoselective Barton-Kellogg olefination with enantio- and diastereocontrol for various bistricyclic aromatic enes. Using Rh2 (S-PTAD)4 as catalyst, several diazo compounds were selectively coupled with a thioketone to give one of the four anti-folded overcrowded alkene stereoisomers upon reduction. Complete stereodivergence was reached by catalyst control in combination with distinct thiirane reductions to provide all four stereoisomers with e.r. values of up to 99:1. We envision that this strategy will enable the synthesis of topologically unique overcrowded alkenes for functional materials, catalysis, energy- and electron transfer, and bioactive compounds.

Enantioselective Rh(II)-Catalyzed Desymmetric Cycloisomerization of Diynes: Constructing Furan-Fused Dihydropiperidines with an Alkyne-Substituted Aza-Quaternary Stereocenter

Described herein is an enantioselective dirhodium(II)-catalyzed cycloisomerization of diynes achieved by the strategy of desymmetrization, which not only represents a new cycloisomerization reaction of diynes but also constitutes the first Rh(II)-catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular cycloisomerization of 1,6-diynes. This protocol provides a range of valuable furan-fused dihydropiperidine derivatives with an enantiomerically enriched alkynyl-substituted aza-quaternary stereocenter in high efficiency, complete atom economy, and excellent enantioselectivity (up to 98% ee). Besides, the highly functionalized products could be easily transformed into various synthetically useful building blocks and conjugated with a series of pharmaceutical molecules. The mechanism involving a concerted [3+2] cycloaddition/[1,2]-H shift of the Rh(II) carbenoid intermediate was elucidated by DFT calculations and mechanistic studies. More importantly, the first single crystal of alkyne-dirhodium(II) was obtained to show that a η²-coordinating activation of alkynal by dirhodium(II) was involved. Weak hydrogen bondings between the carboxylate ligands and alkynal were found, which probably made the well-defined paddlewheel-like dirhodium(II) distinctive from other metal complexes in catalyzing this transformation. Furthermore, the origin of the enantioselectivity was elucidated by a Rh₂(R-PTAD)₄-alkyne complex and additional calculational studies.

Enantioselective Construction of 2-Aryl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran Scaffolds Using Cu/SPDO-Catalyzed [3 + 2] Cycloaddition

A new, efficient approach toward the preparation of 2-aryl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran scaffolds through the Cu/SPDO-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition between quinone ester and styrene derivatives has been developed. The procedure features excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee), high yields (up to 96%), and broad substrate tolerance. Additionally, asymmetric synthesis of natural corsifurans A and B from commercially available starting materials has also been achieved in two or three steps using this reaction as a key transformation.

Design and characterization of novel dirhodium coordination polymers – the impact of ligand size on selectivity in asymmetric cyclopropanation

Novel dirhodium coordination polymers are synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. The catalysts exhibit good stability and excellent catalytic performance and selectivity in the cyclopropanation of diazooxindoles.

Dirhodium Coordination Polymers for Asymmetric Cyclopropanation of Diazooxindoles with Olefins: Synthesis and Spectroscopic Analysis

A facile approach is reported for the preparation of dirhodium coordination polymers [Rh₂ (L1)₂ ]_n (Rh₂ -L1) and [Rh₂ (L2)₂ ]_n (Rh₂ -L2; L1=N,N'-(pyromellitoyl)-bis-L-phenylalanine diacid anion, L2=bis-N,N'-(L-phenylalanyl) naphthalene-1,4,5,8-tetracarboxylate diimide) from chiral dicarboxylic acids by ligand exchange. Multiple techniques including FTIR, XPS, and ¹ H→¹³ C CP MAS NMR spectroscopy reveal the formation of the coordination polymers. ¹⁹ F MAS NMR was utilized to investigate the remaining TFA groups in the obtained coordination polymers, and demonstrated near-quantitative ligand exchange. DR-UV-vis and XPS confirm the oxidation state of the Rh center and that the Rh-single bond in the dirhodium node is maintained in the synthesis of Rh₂ -L1 and Rh₂ -L2. Both coordination polymers exhibit excellent catalytic performance in the asymmetric cyclopropanation reaction between styrene and diazooxindole. The catalysts can be easily recycled and reused without significant reduction in their catalytic efficiency.

Synthesis of amino acids and peptides with bulky side chains via ligand-enabled carboxylate-directed γ-C(sp3)-H arylation

Amino acids and peptides with bulky side chains are of significant importance in organic synthesis and modern medicinal chemistry. The efficient synthesis of these molecules with full enantiocontrol and high diversity remains challenging. Herein we report a Pd-catalyzed ligand-enabled γ-C(sp3)-H arylation of tert-leucine and its derived peptides without using an external directing group (DG) via a less favored six-membered palladacycle. Structurally diverse bulky side chain amino acids and peptides were accessed in a step-economic fashion and the reaction could be conducted on a gram scale with retention of chirality. The resulting amino acids can be used as chiral ligands in Co(iii)-catalyzed enantioselective C(sp3)-H amidation. It is worth noting that the weakly coordinating carboxylate DG outcompetes the strongly coordinating bidentate DG of the peptide backbone, providing the products of γ-C(sp3)-H arylation of Tle residue exclusively. This protocol represents the first example of late stage C(sp3)-H functionalization of peptides using a weakly coordinating directing group.

Phosphinative cyclopropanation of allyl phosphates with lithium phosphides

A new cyclopropanation reaction of allyl phosphates with lithium phosphides has been developed to give cyclopropylphosphines, and high selectivity toward cyclopropanation has been realized by conducting the reaction in the presence of HMPA.

Mild and efficient synthesis of trans-3-aryl-2-nitro-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans on water

A protocol to prepare trans-3-aryl-2-nitro-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans has been developed on water. The protocol avoids the use of toxic solvents, tedious work-up procedures, and chromatographic separation.

Synthesis of Sterically Congested 2,2'-Bi(Adamantyl)-Based Alcohol and Amines

Sterically congested chiral alcohol and amines have gained tremendous attention in the design of asymmetric catalysts. Herein, the synthesis of a sterically congested bis-adamantane framework-based chiral alcohol, (1R,2S,3S,4R)-4-(2-adamantyl)adamantan-2-ol, and amine, (1R,2S,3S,4R)-4-(2-adamantyl)adamantan-2-amine, is described. Access to these sterically encumbered compounds is found via the preparation of an enantioenriched 4-adamantyladamantan-2-one intermediate, which was synthesized in 6 steps from adamantan-2-one. The key step involved enzyme-catalyzed ester hydrolysis in giving unsaturated alcohol with an enantiomeric excess of >95%. This adamantylidene adamantanol was subjected to an acid-catalyzed intramolecular [1,4] shift to give the key chiral intermediate without racemization. This ketone intermediate was transformed into the target compounds via reduction and reductive amination protocols.

Finding Opportunities from Surprises and Failures. Development of Rhodium-Stabilized Donor/Acceptor Carbenes and Their Application to Catalyst-Controlled C-H Functionalization

Catalyst-controlled C-H functionalization by means of the C-H insertion chemistry of rhodium carbenes has become a powerful synthetic method. The key requirements for the development of this chemistry are donor/acceptor carbenes and the chiral dirhodium tetracarboxylate catalysts. This perspective will describe the stages involved in developing this chemistry and illustrate the scope of the donor/acceptor carbene C-H functionalization.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Enantioenriched 2-Aryl-2,3-Dihydrobenzofurans by a Lewis Acid Catalyzed Cyclopropanation/Intramolecular Rearrangement Sequence

A cyclopropanation/intramolecular rearrangement initiated by the Michael addition of in situ generated ortho-quinone methides (o-QMs) has been developed for the enantioselective synthesis of 2-aryl-2,3-dihydrobenzofurans containing two consecutive stereogenic centers, including a quaternary carbon atom. In the presence of a chiral oxazaborolidinium ion catalyst, the reaction proceeded in excellent yields (up to 95 %) with excellent stereoselectivity (up to >99 ee, up to >20:1 d.r.).

Metal complex catalysis in the chemistry of lower diamondoids

The review presents the first survey of published data on the use of compounds, complexes and nanoparticles of transition metals (Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, V, Mo, Cu, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ru, Os, Au, Re and Th) in the catalytic transformations of lower diamondoids — adamantane, diamantane and their derivatives. Catalytic halogenation, oxidation, alkylation and cross-coupling reactions are considered, and the formation pathways of C–N, C–S and C–Se bonds in the series of adamantanoids are discussed. Reaction conditions, appropriate catalytic systems and the structures of products are presented.

The bibliography includes 242 references.

The Strecker reaction coupled to Viedma ripening: a simple route to highly hindered enantiomerically pure amino acids

The Strecker reaction is broadly used for the preparation of α-amino acids. However, control of enantioselectivity remains challenging. We here couple the Strecker reaction to Viedma ripening for the absolute asymmetric synthesis of highly sterically hindered α-amino acids. As proof-of-principle, the enantiomerically pure α-amino acids tert-leucine and α-(1-adamantyl)glycine were obtained.