Sterically Controlled Iodination of Arenes via Iridium-Catalyzed C–H Borylation

Derivatization of 2,1,3-Benzothiadiazole via Regioselective C-H Functionalization and Aryne Reactivity

Despite growing interest in 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTD) as an integral component of many functional molecules, methods for the functionalization of its benzenoid ring have remained limited, and many even simply decorated BTDs have required de novo synthesis. We show that regioselective Ir-catalyzed C-H borylation allows access to versatile 5-boryl or 4,6-diboryl BTD building blocks, which undergo functionalization at the C4, C5, C6, and C7 positions. The optimization and regioselectivity of C-H borylation are discussed. A broad reaction scope is presented, encompassing ipso substitution at the C-B bond, the first examples of ortho-directed C-H functionalization of BTD, ring closing reactions to generate fused ring systems, as well as the generation and capture reactions of novel BTD-based heteroarynes. The regioselectivity of the latter is discussed with reference to the Aryne Distortion Model.

Aryl Chloride-Directed Enantioselective C(sp2)-H Borylation Enabled by Iridium Catalysis

We herein report the iridium-catalyzed enantioselective C-H borylation of aryl chlorides. A variety of prochiral biaryl compounds could be well-tolerated, affording a vast array of axially chiral biaryls with high enantioselectivities. The current method exhibits a high turnover number (TON) of 7000, which represents the highest in functional-group-directed asymmetric C-H activation. The high TON was attributed to a weak catalyst-substrate interaction that was caused by mismatched chirality between catalyst and substrate. We also demonstrated the synthetic application of the current method by C-B, ortho-C-H, and C-Cl bond functionalization, including programmed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling for the synthesis of axially chiral polyarenes.

Design and Synthesis of Poly(2,2'-Bipyridyl) Ligands for Induction of Cell Death in Cancer Cells: Control of Anticancer Activity by Complexation/Decomplexation with Biorelevant Metal Cations

Chelation therapy is a medical procedure for removing toxic metals from human organs and tissues and for the treatment of diseases by using metal-chelating agents. For example, iron chelation therapy is designed not only for the treatment of metal poisoning but also for some diseases that are induced by iron overload, cancer chemotherapy, and related diseases. However, the use of such metal chelators needs to be generally carried out very carefully, because of the side effects possibly due to the non-specific complexation with intracellular metal cations. Herein, we report on the preparation and characterization of some new poly(bpy) ligands (bpy: 2,2'-bipyridyl) that contain one-three bpy ligand moieties and their anticancer activity against Jurkat, MOLT-4, U937, HeLa S3, and A549 cell lines. The results of MTT assays revealed that the tris(bpy) and bis(bpy) ligands exhibit potent activity for inducing the cell death in cancer cells. Mechanistic studies suggest that the main pathway responsible for the cell death by these poly(bpy) ligands is apoptotic cell death. It was also found that the anticancer activity of the poly(bpy) ligands could be controlled by the complexation (anticancer activity is turned OFF) and decomplexation (anticancer activity is turned ON) with biorelevant metal cations. In this paper, these results will be described.

Mechanism of Cu-Catalyzed Iododeboronation: A Description of Ligand-Enabled Transmetalation, Disproportionation, and Turnover in Cu-Mediated Oxidative Coupling Reactions

We report a combined experimental and computational study of the mechanism of the Cu-catalyzed arylboronic acid iododeboronation reaction. A combination of structural and density functional theory (DFT) analyses has allowed determination of the identity of the reaction precatalyst with insight into each step of the catalytic cycle. Key findings include a rationale for ligand (phen) stoichiometry related to key turnover events-the ligand facilitates transmetalation via H-bonding to an organoboron boronate generated in situ and phen loss/gain is integral to the key oxidative events. These data provide a framework for understanding ligand effects on these key mechanistic processes, which underpin several classes of Cu-mediated oxidative coupling reactions.

A New Rapid and Specific Iodination Reagent for Phenolic Compounds

A new rapid iodination reagent, N1,N3,N5-tris[(2,4,6-trimethylpyridine)iodo(I)]-2,4,6-triphenyl-s-triazine trihexafluorophosphate, was synthesized in a modification of the established synthesis of 2,4,6-triiodo-3,5-dimethylphenol in the presence of bis(2,4,6-trimethylpyridine)iodo(I) hexafluorophosphate and used for the precise post-modification of mono- and trisubstituted phenyl compounds. We performed triple iodinations with our new phenyl-based compounds as a proof of principle of selected types of phenols, ß-sympatholytic agents and their spin-labeled derivatives, which can be employed in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The new rapid iodination reagent can be employed with high reactivity and regioselectivity.

A Green Alternative for the Direct Aerobic Iodination of Arenes Using Molecular Iodine and a POM@MOF Catalyst

Iodoarenes are important precursors for fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The direct iodination of arenes using molecular iodine (I₂) has emerged as an attractive green synthesis method. Most of the direct iodination protocols are still homogeneous systems that require harsh conditions and use or produce toxic products. We report a new heterogeneous catalytic route for the direct aerobic iodination of arenes under mild conditions using a PMoV₂ polyoxometalate (POM) embedded in the metal-organic framework (MOF) MIL-101 (PMoV₂@MIL-101). The catalyst shows full yield for the conversion of mesitylene to 2-iodomesitylene at a rate that is similar to the homogeneous POM system. Moreover, the catalyst is applicable for a wide range of substrates in an oxygen atmosphere without using any co-catalysts or sacrificial agents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on designing a sustainable and green MOF-based heterogeneous catalytic system for the direct iodination reaction using molecular oxygen and iodine.

Late-stage C–H functionalization offers new opportunities in drug discovery

Over the past decade, the landscape of molecular synthesis has gained major impetus by the introduction of late-stage functionalization (LSF) methodologies. C-H functionalization approaches, particularly, set the stage for new retrosynthetic disconnections, while leading to improvements in resource economy. A variety of innovative techniques have been successfully applied to the C-H diversification of pharmaceuticals, and these key developments have enabled medicinal chemists to integrate LSF strategies in their drug discovery programmes. This Review highlights the significant advances achieved in the late-stage C-H functionalization of drugs and drug-like compounds, and showcases how the implementation of these modern strategies allows increased efficiency in the drug discovery process. Representative examples are examined and classified by mechanistic patterns involving directed or innate C-H functionalization, as well as emerging reaction manifolds, such as electrosynthesis and biocatalysis, among others. Structurally complex bioactive entities beyond small molecules are also covered, including diversification in the new modalities sphere. The challenges and limitations of current LSF methods are critically assessed, and avenues for future improvements of this rapidly expanding field are discussed. We, hereby, aim to provide a toolbox for chemists in academia as well as industrial practitioners, and introduce guiding principles for the application of LSF strategies to access new molecules of interest.

Ruthenium-catalysed meta-selective CAr-H bond alkylation via a deaminative strategy

The use of aliphatic amines as alkylating reagents in organic synthesis via C-N bond activation remains underdeveloped. We herein describe a novel ruthenium-catalysed and directing-group assisted protocol for the synthesis of meta-alkylated arenes via dual C-H and C-N activation. Bench-stable and easily handled redox-active Katritzky pyridinium salts derived from abundant amines and amino acid species were used as alkyl radical precursors. This catalytic reaction could accommodate a broad range of functional groups and provide access to various meta-alkylated products.

Transient Imine as a Directing Group for the Metal-Free o-C-H Borylation of Benzaldehydes

Organoboron reagents are important synthetic intermediates and have wide applications in synthetic organic chemistry. The selective borylation strategies that are currently in use largely rely on the use of transition-metal catalysts. Hence, identifying much milder conditions for transition-metal-free borylation would be highly desirable. We herein present a unified strategy for the selective C-H borylation of electron-deficient benzaldehyde derivatives using a simple metal-free approach, utilizing an imine transient directing group. The strategy covers a wide spectrum of reactions and (i) even highly sterically hindered C-H bonds can be borylated smoothly, (ii) despite the presence of other potential directing groups, the reaction selectively occurs at the o-C-H bond of the benzaldehyde moiety, and (iii) natural products appended to benzaldehyde derivatives can also give the appropriate borylated products. Moreover, the efficacy of the protocol was confirmed by the fact that the reaction proceeds even in the presence of a series of external impurities.

Light-induced borylation: developments and mechanistic insights

Organoboron compounds are very important derivatives because of their profound impacts on medicinal, biological as well as industrial applications. The development of several novel borylation methodologies has achieved momentous interest among synthetic chemists. In this scenario, eco-friendly light-induced borylation is progressively becoming one of the best synthetic tools in recent days to prepare organoboronic ester and acid derivatives based on green chemistry rules. In this article, we have discussed all the UV- and visible-light-induced borylation strategies developed in the last decade. Furthermore, special attention is given to the mechanisms of these borylation methodologies for better understanding of reaction insights.

Development of α,α-Disubstituted Crotylboronate Reagents and Stereoselective Crotylation via Brønsted or Lewis Acid Catalysis

The development of α,α-disubstituted crotylboronate reagents is reported. Chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed asymmetric aldehyde addition with the developed E-crotylboron reagent gave (E)-anti-1,2-oxaborinan-3-enes with excellent enantioselectivities and E-selectivities. With BF₃·OEt₂ catalysis, the stereoselectivity is reversed, and (Z)-δ-boryl-anti-homoallylic alcohols are obtained with excellent Z-selectivities from the same E-crotylboron reagent. The Z-crotylboron reagent also participates in BF₃·OEt₂-catalyzed crotylation to furnish (Z)-δ-boryl-syn-homoallylic alcohols with good Z-selectivities. DFT computations establish the origins of observed enantio- and stereoselectivities of chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed asymmetric allylation. Stereochemical models for BF₃·OEt₂-catalyzed reactions are proposed to rationalize the Z-selective allyl additions. These reactions generate highly valuable homoallylic alcohol products with a stereodefined trisubstituted alkene unit. The synthetic utility is further demonstrated by the total syntheses of salinipyrones A and B.

Orthogonal Stability and Reactivity of Aryl Germanes Enables Rapid and Selective (Multi)Halogenations

While halogenation is of key importance in synthesis and radioimaging, the currently available repertoire is largely designed to introduce a single halogen per molecule. This report makes the selective introduction of several different halogens accessible. Showcased here is the privileged stability of nontoxic aryl germanes under harsh fluorination conditions (that allow selective fluorination in their presence), while displaying superior reactivity and functional-group tolerance in electrophilic iodinations and brominations, outcompeting silanes or boronic esters under rapid and additive-free conditions. Mechanistic experiments and computational studies suggest a concerted electrophilic aromatic substitution as the underlying mechanism.

Iridium-Catalyzed Silylation of Five-Membered Heteroarenes: High Sterically Derived Selectivity from a Pyridyl-Imidazoline Ligand

The steric effects of substituents on five-membered rings are less pronounced than those on six-membered rings because of the difference in bond angles. Thus, the regioselectivities of reactions of five-membered heteroarenes that occur with selectivities dictated by steric effects, such as the borylation of C-H bonds, have been poor in many cases. We report that the silylation of five-membered-ring heteroarenes occurs with high sterically derived regioselectivity when catalyzed by the combination of [Ir(cod)(OMe)]2 (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) and a phenanthroline ligand or a new pyridyl-imidazoline ligand that further increases the regioselectivity. The silylation reactions with these catalysts produce high yields of heteroarylsilanes from functionalization at the most sterically accessible C-H bonds of these rings under conditions that the borylation of C-H bonds with previously reported catalysts formed mixtures of products or products that are unstable. The heteroarylsilane products undergo cross-coupling reactions and substitution reactions with ipso selectivity to generate heteroarenes that bear halogen, aryl, and perfluoroalkyl substituents.

Iridium-Catalyzed Silylation of Five-Membered Heteroarenes: High Sterically Derived Selectivity from a Pyridyl-Imidazoline Ligand

The steric effects of substituents on five-membered rings are less pronounced than those on six-membered rings because of the difference in bond angles. Thus, the regioselectivities of reactions that occur with selectivities dictated by steric effects, such as the borylation of C-H bonds, have been poor in many cases. We report that the silylation of five-membered ring heteroarenes occurs with high sterically derived regioselectivity when catalyzed by the combination of [Ir(cod)(OMe)]₂ and a phenanthroline ligand or a new pyridyl-imidazoline ligand that further increases the regioselectivity. The silylation reactions with these catalysts produce high yields of heteroarylsilanes from functionalization at the most sterically accessible C-H bonds of these rings under conditions that the borylation of C-H bonds with previously reported catalysts formed mixtures of products or products that are unstable. The heteroarylsilane products undergo cross-coupling reactions and substitution reactions with ipso selectivity to generate heteroarenes that bear halogen, aryl and perfluoroalkyl substituents.

Total Synthesis of (Nor)illudalane Sesquiterpenes Based on a C(sp3)-H Activation Strategy

Three (nor)illudalane sesquiterpenes were synthesized from a common intermediate in racemic and enantioenriched forms using Pd⁰-catalyzed C(sp³)-H arylation as a key step. The configuration of the isolated, highly symmetric quaternary stereocenter of the target molecules was controlled through a matched combination of chiral substrate and catalyst. Moreover, the recently developed Ir-catalyzed C-H borylation/Cu-catalyzed methylation method was employed to install the methyl group on the benzene ring. This strategy allowed the efficient synthesis of both racemic and (S)-configured puraquinonic acid, deliquinone, and russujaponol F.

meta-Nitration of Arenes Bearing ortho/para Directing Group(s) Using C-H Borylation

Herein, we report the meta-nitration of arenes bearing ortho/para directing group(s) using the iridium-catalyzed C-H borylation reaction followed by a newly developed copper(II)-catalyzed transformation of the crude aryl pinacol boronate esters into the corresponding nitroarenes in a one-pot fashion. This protocol allows the synthesis of meta-nitrated arenes that are tedious to prepare or require multistep synthesis using the existing methods. The reaction tolerates a wide array of ortho/para-directing groups, such as -F, -Cl, -Br, -CH₃ , -Et, -iPr -OCH₃ , and -OCF₃ . It also provides regioselective access to the nitro derivatives of π-electron-deficient heterocycles, such as pyridine and quinoline derivatives. The application of this method is demonstrated in the late-stage modification of complex molecules and also in the gram-scale preparation of an intermediate en route to the FDA-approved drug Nilotinib. Finally, we have shown that the nitro product obtained by this strategy can also be directly converted to the aniline or hindered amine through Baran's amination protocol.

Iridium-Catalyzed Silylation of C-H Bonds in Unactivated Arenes: A Sterically Encumbered Phenanthroline Ligand Accelerates Catalysis

We report a new system for the silylation of aryl C-H bonds. The combination of [Ir(cod)(OMe)]₂ and 2,9-Me₂-phenanthroline (2,9-Me₂-phen) catalyzes the silylation of arenes at lower temperatures and with faster rates than those reported previously, when the hydrogen byproduct is removed, and with high functional group tolerance and regioselectivity. Inhibition of reactions by the H₂ byproduct is shown to limit the silylation of aryl C-H bonds in the presence of the most active catalysts, thereby masking their high activity. Analysis of initial rates uncovered the high reactivity of the catalyst containing the sterically hindered 2,9-Me₂-phen ligand but accompanying rapid inhibition by hydrogen. With this catalyst, under a flow of nitrogen to remove hydrogen, electron-rich arenes, including those containing sensitive functional groups, undergo silylation in high yield for the first time, and arenes that underwent silylation with prior catalysts react over much shorter times with lower catalyst loadings. The synthetic value of this methodology is demonstrated by the preparation of key intermediates in the synthesis of medicinally important compounds in concise sequences comprising silylation and functionalization. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the cleavage of the aryl C-H bond is reversible and that the higher rates observed with the 2,9-Me₂-phen ligand are due to a more thermodynamically favorable oxidative addition of aryl C-H bonds.

Hydrogen-Bond-Controlled Formal Meta-Selective C-H Transformations and Regioselective Synthesis of Multisubstituted Aromatic Compounds

The meta-selective introduction of functional groups into aromatic substrates was successfully achieved by hydrogen-bond-controlled meta-selective C-H borylation and successive conversion of the boryl group to other functional groups. By this method a wide range of functional groups could be introduced without isolation of the borylated intermediates. The desired meta-functionalized aromatic products were obtained in a one-pot manner even on a gram scale. Regioselective synthesis of multisubstituted aromatic compounds was also achieved.

Palladium-Catalyzed Methylation of Aryl, Heteroaryl, and Vinyl Boronate Esters

A method for the direct methylation of aryl, heteroaryl, and vinyl boronate esters is reported, involving the reaction of iodomethane with aryl-, heteroaryl-, and vinylboronate esters catalyzed by palladium and PtBu₂Me. This transformation occurs with a remarkably broad scope and is suitable for late-stage derivatization of biologically active compounds via the boronate esters. The unique capabilities of this method are demonstrated by combining carbon-boron bond-forming reactions with palladium-catalyzed methylation in a tandem transformation.

Total Synthesis of Chaetoglobin A via Catalytic, Atroposelective Oxidative Phenol Coupling

The first total synthesis of chaetoglobin A (1), which features a chiral axis between two identical highly oxygenated bicyclic cores, was successfully completed in 12 steps from 2,6-dimethoxytoluene. Vanadium-catalyzed oxidative phenol coupling, as a key step, enabled generation of the axial chirality.

Synthesis of Aryl Iodides from Arylhydrazines and Iodine

A metal- and base-free method is developed for the synthesis of aryl iodides from arylhydrazine hydrochlorides and iodine. A wide variety of aryl iodides can be conveniently synthesized by an equimolar reaction of arylhydrazine hydrochlorides and I₂ in dimethyl sulfoxide at 60 °C for 6 h. In the iodination step, arylhydrazines are oxidized by iodine to form arenediazonium salts, which undergo single-electron transfer from iodide anion to give aryl and iodine radicals; subsequent combination of them affords the corresponding aryl iodides.

Development of Mithramycin Analogues with Increased Selectivity toward ETS Transcription Factor Expressing Cancers

Mithramycin A (1) was identified as the top potential inhibitor of the aberrant ETS transcription factor EWS-FLI1, which causes Ewing sarcoma. Unfortunately, 1 has a narrow therapeutic window, compelling us to seek less toxic and more selective analogues. Here, we used MTMSA (2) to generate analogues via peptide coupling and fragment-based drug development strategies. Cytotoxicity assays in ETS and non-ETS dependent cell lines identified two dipeptide analogues, 60 and 61, with 19.1- and 15.6-fold selectivity, respectively, compared to 1.5-fold for 1. Importantly, the cytotoxicity of 60 and 61 is <100 nM in ETS cells. Molecular assays demonstrated the inhibitory capacity of these analogues against EWS-FLI1 mediated transcription in Ewing sarcoma. Structural analysis shows that positioning the tryptophan residue in a distal position improves selectivity, presumably via interaction with the ETS transcription factor. Thus, these analogues may present new ways to target transcription factors for clinical use.

A one-pot radioiodination of aryl amines via stable diazonium salts: preparation of 125I-imaging agents

An operationally simple, one-pot, two-step tandem procedure that allows the incorporation of radioactive iodine into aryl amines via stable diazonium salts is described. The mild conditions are tolerant of various functional groups and substitution patterns, allowing late-stage, rapid access to a wide range of ¹²⁵I-labelled aryl compounds and SPECT radiotracers.

Boron reagents for divergent radiochemistry

This review discusses boron reagents as precursors for divergent radiolabelling with a focus on carbon-11, fluorine-18 and iodine-123, -125, -131.

Inexpensive NaX (X = I, Br, Cl) as a halogen donor in the practical Ag/Cu-mediated decarboxylative halogenation of aryl carboxylic acids under aerobic conditions

Versatile and practical Ag/Cu-mediated decarboxylative halogenation between readily available aryl carboxylic acids and abundant NaX (X = I, Br, Cl) has been achieved under aerobic conditions in moderate to good yields. The halodecarboxylation is shown to be an effective strategy for S-containing heteroaromatic carboxylic acid and benzoic acids with nitro, chloro and methoxyl substituents at the ortho position. A gram-scale reaction and a three-step procedure to synthesize iniparib have been performed to evaluate the practicality of this protocol. A preliminary mechanistic investigation indicates that Cu plays a vital role and a radical pathway is involved in the transformation.

Rapid Iododeboronation with and without Gold Catalysis: Application to Radiolabelling of Arenes

Radiopharmaceuticals that incorporate radioactive iodine in combination with single‐photon emission computed tomography imaging play a key role in nuclear medicine, with applications in drug development and disease diagnosis. Despite this importance, there are relatively few general methods for the incorporation of radioiodine into small molecules. This work reports a rapid air‐ and moisture‐stable ipso‐iododeboronation procedure that uses NIS in the non‐toxic, green solvent dimethyl carbonate. The fast reaction and mild conditions of the gold‐catalysed method led to the development of a highly efficient process for the radiolabelling of arenes, which constitutes the first example of an application of homogenous gold catalysis to selective radiosynthesis. This was exemplified by the efficient synthesis of radiolabelled meta‐[¹²⁵I]iodobenzylguanidine, a radiopharmaceutical that is used for the imaging and therapy of human norepinephrine transporter‐expressing tumours.

Late stage iodination of biologically active agents using a one-pot process from aryl amines

A tandem process has been developed for the general preparation of aryl iodide compounds from anilines that is also applicable for the late-stage iodination of biologically active agents.

A palladium-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling reaction between aryl pinacol boronates and H-phosphonates in ethanol

The first successful oxidative cross-coupling reaction of aryl phosphorous compounds started from pinacol aryl boronic esters is reported.

Radiosynthesis of SPECT tracers via a copper mediated 123I iodination of (hetero)aryl boron reagents

A general method for the copper mediated nucleophilic 123I-iodination of (hetero)aryl boronic esters and acids has been developed. The broad substrate scope of this radiosynthetic approach allows access to [123I]DPA-713, [123I]IMPY, [123I]MIBG and [123I]IPEB that are four commonly used SPECT radiotracers. Our results infer that aryl boronic reagents can now be employed as common precursors for both fluorine-18 and iodine-123 radiolabelling.

Metal-free synthesis of N-fused heterocyclic iodides via C-H functionalization mediated by tert-butylhydroperoxide

Direct, regioselective and metal-free synthesis of fused N-heterocyclic iodides is reported. This regioselective C-H functionalization is mediated by tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP), via dual activation of molecular iodine and a heterocyclic substrate, resulting in the in situ generation of electrophilic iodine species (I(+)), and free radical(s) (t)BuO˙ or (t)BuOO˙, driving the iodination reaction.

Remote Meta-C-H Activation Using a Pyridine-Based Template: Achieving Site-Selectivity via the Recognition of Distance and Geometry

The pyridyl group has been extensively employed to direct transition-metal-catalyzed C-H activation reactions in the past half-century. The typical cyclic transition states involved in these cyclometalation processes have only enabled the activation of ortho-C-H bonds. Here, we report that pyridine is adapted to direct meta-C-H activation of benzyl and phenyl ethyl alcohols through engineering the distance and geometry of a directing template. This template takes advantage of a stronger σ-coordinating pyridine to recruit Pd catalysts to the desired site for functionalization. The U-shaped structure accommodates the otherwise highly strained cyclophane-like transition state. This development illustrates the potential of achieving site selectivity in C-H activation via the recognition of distal and geometric relationship between existing functional groups and multiple C-H bonds in organic molecules.