Direct catalytic cross-coupling of organolithium compounds

Highly chemoselective homologative assembly of the α-substituted methylsulfinamide motif from N-sulfinylamines

α-Substituted methylsulfinamide are prepared through the homologation of electrophilic N-sulfinylamines with Li-CHXY reagents. The transformation takes place under full chemocontrol and exhibits good flexibility for preparing both N-aryl and N-alkyl analogues. Various sensitive functionalities can be accommodated on the starting materials, thus documenting a wide reaction scope.

[IPr#-PEPPSI]: A Well-Defined, Highly Hindered and Broadly Applicable Pd(II)-NHC (NHC = N-Heterocyclic Carbene) Precatalyst for Cross-Coupling Reactions

In this Special Issue, "Featured Papers in Organometallic Chemistry", we report on the synthesis and characterization of [IPr#-PEPPSI], a new, well-defined, highly hindered Pd(II)-NHC precatalyst for cross-coupling reactions. This catalyst was commercialized in collaboration with MilliporeSigma, Burlington, ON, Canada (no. 925489) to provide academic and industrial researchers with broad access to reaction screening and optimization. The broad activity of [IPr#-PEPPSI] in cross-coupling reactions in a range of bond activations with C-N, C-O, C-Cl, C-Br, C-S and C-H cleavage is presented. A comprehensive evaluation of the steric and electronic properties is provided. Easy access to the [IPr#-PEPPSI] class of precatalysts based on modular pyridine ligands, together with the steric impact of the IPr# peralkylation framework, will facilitate the implementation of well-defined, air- and moisture-stable Pd(II)-NHC precatalysts in chemistry research.

Recent advances in iron-catalysed coupling reactions for the construction of the C(sp2)-C(sp2) bond

The advancement of transition-metal-catalyzed coupling reactions has been demonstrated as a highly effective strategy for the formation of carbon-carbon bonds, which serve as the fundamental basis for organic synthetic chemistry. Given that iron represents one of the most economical and ecologically sustainable metallic elements available, the exploration and enhancement of iron-catalysed coupling reactions have garnered increasing interest within the scientific community. In recent years, numerous iron-catalysed reactions have been reported, showcasing their efficacy in establishing C-C bonds. In this minireview, we present a systematic analysis of C(sp²)-C(sp²) bond formation via iron-catalysed coupling reactions as documented in the extant literature.

Advances in the Chemistry of 2,4,6-Tri(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine

Heterocyclic systems are now considered to be an integral part of material chemistry. Thiophene, selenophene, furan, pyrrole, carbazole, triazine and others are some such examples worth mentioning. 2,4,6-Tri(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine is a C3h -symmetric system with thiophene as the donor unit and s-triazine as the acceptor unit. This review gives an insight into the advances made in the thienyl-triazine chemistry over the past two to three decades. The synthetic pathways for arriving at this system and all its important derivatives are provided. The major focus is on the materials synthesized using the thienyl-triazine system, including star molecules, linear and hyperbranched polymers, porous materials and their diverse applications. This review will play a catalytic role for new dimensions to be explored in thienyl-triazine chemistry.

Group 16 conjugated polymers based on furan, thiophene, selenophene, and tellurophene

Five-membered aromatic rings containing Group 16 elements (O, S, Se, and Te), also referred as chalcogenophenes, are ubiquitous building blocks for π-conjugated polymers (CPs). Among these, polythiophenes have been established as a model system to study the interplay between molecular structure, solid-state organization, and electronic performance. The judicious substitution of alternative heteroatoms into polythiophenes is a promising strategy for tuning their properties and improving the performance of derived organic electronic devices, thus leading to the recent abundance of CPs containing furan, selenophene, and tellurophene. In this review, we first discuss the current status of Kumada, Negishi, Murahashi, Suzuki-Miyaura, and direct arylation polymerizations, representing the best routes to access well-defined chalcogenophene-containing homopolymers and copolymers. The self-assembly, optical, solid-state, and electronic properties of these polymers and their influence on device performance are then summarized. In addition, we highlight post-polymerization modifications as effective methods to transform polychalcogenophene backbones or side chains in ways that are unobtainable by direct polymerization. Finally, the major challenges and future outlook in this field are presented.

Flash functional group-tolerant biaryl-synthesis based on integration of lithiation, zincation and negishi coupling in flow

We achieved an integration of a lithiation of aryl bromides, a zincation of thus-generated aryllithiums, and a Negishi coupling of the arylzinc with an aryl halide in one flow. Taking advantages of flow microreactors, biaryls bearing a wide range of functional groups, especially biaryls bearing multiple electrophilic-functionalities were synthesized.

Ylide-Substituted Phosphines: A Platform of Strong Donor Ligands for Gold Catalysis and Palladium-Catalyzed Coupling Reactions

The development of homogeneous catalysts is strongly connected to the design of new, sophisticated ligands, which resolve limitations of a given reaction protocol by manipulating the electronic properties of the metal and its spatial environment. Phosphines are a privileged class of ligands that find applications in many catalytic transformations, ranging from hydrogenation reactions to hydroformylation and coupling chemistry. For many years, chemists have been trying to improve the efficiency, selectivity, and application of coupling reactions. The use of highly electron-rich and bulky phosphines was often associated with increased selectivity and efficiency and led to the development of a vast variety of electron-rich alkyl-substituted phosphines. However, this concept of increasing the ligand donor strength reaches its limits with the use of trialkyl-substituted phosphines with tri-tert-butylphosphine thus being one of the most active ligands for many years. In the course of our research efforts to use the special donor strength of ylides to stabilize electron-deficient, low-valent main group compounds, we realized that ylide-substituted phosphine (YPhos) ligands possess remarkably strong donor abilities. Moreover, the YPhos ligands are highly tunable by changing the nature of the groups on the phosphonium, phosphine, or central ylidic carbon atom. We thus obtained a ligand platform with donor capabilities ranging from PCy₃ to even stronger donor abilities than N-heterocyclic carbenes, while being more sterically demanding than simple phosphines as well as many well-known biarylphosphine ligands.These properties led us to explore the applicability of the YPhos ligands in catalysis. In a series of recent reports, our group applied YPhos ligands in gold and palladium catalyzed reactions at catalytic loadings applicable for medium- to large-scale applications. The increased donor strength and unique architecture allowed for remarkable activities in a series of transformations at mild reactions conditions. For gold(I)-catalyzed reactions, we obtained turnover numbers (TONs) for the hydroamination of phenylacetylene with aniline of over 20 000. Also, more complex reactions were easily catalyzed with efficiencies greater than those of other known gold(I) catalysts. Similar efficacies were found in a series of palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions. In Buchwald-Hartwig aminations, unprecedented activities for the amination of aryl chlorides were reached at room temperature. The speed of formation of the catalytically active mono-YPhos palladium species allowed for some of the amination reactions to be completed in only a few minutes. Adjustment of the ligand design enabled the use of a large variety of different aryl and alkyl amines of different steric demands. Furthermore, the YPhos ligands in general showed high activities and selectivity in the coupling of a variety of carbon nucleophiles with aryl chlorides, bromides, and triflates. This enabled the development of efficient reaction protocols for the α-arylation of unhindered ketones and the coupling of Grignard and zinc reagents as well as the first efficient coupling of chloroarenes with alkyllithium compounds. This Account summarizes the recent development of YPhos ligands and their application in gold and palladium catalysis. We also hope to stimulate further use of this ligand platform in catalysis in the future.

Remote C(sp3)–H activation: palladium-catalyzed intermolecular arylation and alkynylation with organolithiums and terminal alkynes

A 1,4-palladium shift is regarded as one of the solutions towards the challenging remote C(sp3)–H activation.

Synthesis of Bis-heteroaryls Using Grignard Reagents and Pyridylsulfonium Salts

Herein are reported ligand-coupling reactions of Grignard reagents with pyridylsulfonium salts. The method has wide functional group tolerance and enables the formation of bis-heterocycle linkages, including 2,4′-, 2,3′-, and 2,2′-bipyridines, as well as pyridines linked to pyrimidines, pyrazines, isoxazoles, and benzothiophenes. The methodology was successfully applied to the synthesis of the natural products caerulomycin A and E.

IPr# - highly hindered, broadly applicable N-heterocyclic carbenes

IPr (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) represents the most important NHC (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) ligand throughout the field of homogeneous catalysis. Herein, we report the synthesis, catalytic activity, and full structural and electronic characterization of novel, sterically-bulky, easily-accessible NHC ligands based on the hash peralkylation concept, including IPr#, Np# and BIAN-IPr#. The new ligands have been commercialized in collaboration with Millipore Sigma: IPr#HCl, 915653; Np#HCl; 915912; BIAN-IPr#HCl, 916420, enabling broad access of the academic and industrial researchers to new ligands for reaction optimization and screening. In particular, the synthesis of IPr# hinges upon cost-effective, modular alkylation of aniline, an industrial chemical that is available in bulk. The generality of this approach in ligand design is demonstrated through facile synthesis of BIAN-IPr# and Np#, two ligands that differ in steric properties and N-wingtip arrangement. The broad activity in various cross-coupling reactions in an array of N–C, O–C, C–Cl, C–Br, C–S and C–H bond cross-couplings is demonstrated. The evaluation of steric, electron-donating and π-accepting properties as well as coordination chemistry to Au(i), Rh(i) and Pd(ii) is presented. Given the tremendous importance of NHC ligands in homogenous catalysis, we expect that this new class of NHCs will find rapid and widespread application.

We report novel, sterically-bulky, easily-accessible NHC ligands based on the hash peralkylation concept. The new ligands have been commercialized in collaboration with Millipore Sigma: IPr#HCl, 915653; Np#HCl; 915912; BIAN-IPr#HCl, 916420.

Pd-catalyzed sp-sp3 cross-coupling of benzyl bromides using lithium acetylides

Organolithium-based cross-coupling reactions have emerged as an indispensable method to construct C–C bonds. These transformations have proven particularly useful for the direct and fast coupling of various organolithium reagents (sp, sp², and sp³) with aromatic (pseudo) halides (sp²). Here we present an efficient method for the cross-coupling of benzyl bromides (sp³) with lithium acetylides (sp). The reaction proceeds within 10 min at room temperature and can be performed in the presence of organolithium-sensitive functional groups such as esters, nitriles, amides and boronic esters. The potential application of the methodology is demonstrated in the preparation of key intermediates used in pharmaceuticals, chemical biology and natural products.

A fast and highly selective method for cross-coupling of benzyl bromides with lithium acetylides, proceeding at room temperature in 10 min while tolerating various organolithium-sensitive functional groups, is presented.

Zirconium-Redox-Shuttled Cross-Electrophile Coupling of Aromatic and Heteroaromatic Halides

Transition metal-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling (XEC) is a powerful tool for forging C(sp²)-C(sp²) bonds in biaryl molecules from abundant aromatic halides. While syntheses of unsymmetrical biaryl compounds through multimetallic XEC is of high synthetic value, selective XEC of two heteroaromatic halides remains elusive and challenging. Herein we report a homogeneous XEC method which relies on a zirconaaziridine complex as a shuttle for dual palladium catalyzed processes. The zirconaaziridine-mediated palladium (ZAPd) catalyzed reaction shows excellent compatibility with various functional groups and diverse heteroaromatic scaffolds. In accord with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a redox-transmetallation between the oxidative addition product and the zirconaaziridine is proposed as the crucial elementary step. Thus, cross-coupling selectivity using a single transition metal catalyst is controlled by the relative rate of oxidative addition of Pd(0) into the aromatic halide. Overall, the concept of a combined reducing and transmetallating agent offers opportunities for development of transition-metal reductive coupling catalysis.

Stereospecific Iron-Catalyzed Carbon (sp2)-Carbon (sp2) Cross-Coupling of Aryllithium with Vinyl Halides

We present herein an efficient synthetic protocol involving iron-catalyzed cross-coupling of organolithium compounds with vinyl halides as key coupling partners. More than 30 examples were obtained with moderate to good yields and high stereoselectivities. The practicality of this method is evidenced by a gram-scale synthesis. In addition, a preliminary mechanistic investigation was also performed.

Halogen-sodium exchange enables efficient access to organosodium compounds

With sodium being the most abundant alkali metal on Earth, organosodium compounds are an attractive choice for sustainable chemical synthesis. However, organosodium compounds are rarely used-and are overshadowed by organolithium compounds-because of a lack of convenient and efficient preparation methods. Here we report a halogen-sodium exchange method to prepare a large variety of (hetero)aryl- and alkenylsodium compounds including tri- and tetrasodioarenes, many of them previously inaccessible by other methods. The key discovery is the use of a primary and bulky alkylsodium lacking β-hydrogens, which retards undesired reactions, such as Wurtz-Fittig coupling and β-hydrogen elimination, and enables efficient halogen-sodium exchange. The alkylsodium is readily prepared in situ from neopentyl chloride and an easy-to-handle sodium dispersion. We believe that the efficiency, generality, and convenience of the present method will contribute to the widespread use of organosodium in organic synthesis, ultimately contributing to the development of sustainable organic synthesis by rivalling the currently dominant organolithium reagents.

Alkali-Metal Mediation: Diversity of Applications in Main-Group Organometallic Chemistry

Organolithium compounds have been at the forefront of synthetic chemistry for over a century, as they mediate the synthesis of myriads of compounds that are utilised worldwide in academic and industrial settings. For that reason, lithium has always been the most important alkali metal in organometallic chemistry. Today, that importance is being seriously challenged by sodium and potassium, as the alkali-metal mediation of organic reactions in general has started branching off in several new directions. Recent examples covering main-group homogeneous catalysis, stoichiometric organic synthesis, low-valent main-group metal chemistry, polymerization, and green chemistry are showcased in this Review. Since alkali-metal compounds are often not the end products of these applications, their roles are rarely given top billing. Thus, this Review has been written to alert the community to this rising unifying phenomenon of "alkali-metal mediation".

Equivalent Loading of Directed Arenes in Pd(II)-Catalyzed Oxidative Cross-Coupling of Aryl C-H Bonds at Room Temperature

The unsymmetrical biaryls (Ar¹-Ar²) produced by the catalytic cross-couplings of aryl halides (Ar¹-halo) with aryl metallics (Ar²-M) in the loading ratio of 1:1 are popular in chemical synthesis. In contrast, there has been less precedence on the same biaryls produced effectively from two normal aryl C-H bonds with equivalent loading. Here, we report that, in a palladium/oxidant/acid catalytic system at room temperature, one arene (Ar¹-H, 1 equiv) can highly selectively couple with the other one (Ar²-H, 1 equiv) to afford the target Ar¹-Ar² just by controlling the directing groups and the substituted groups on their phenyl rings. The utility of this one-one cross-coupling is also demonstrated by synthesis of a few bioactive molecules.

Cross-coupling of [11C]methyllithium for 11C-labelled PET tracer synthesis

The cross-coupling of aryl bromides with [¹¹C]CH₃Li for the labelling of a variety of tracers for positron emission tomography (PET) is presented. The radiolabelled products were obtained in excellent yields, at rt and after short reaction times (3-5 min) compatible with the half-life of ¹¹C (20.4 min). The automation of the protocol on a synthesis module is investigated, representing an important step towards a fast method for the synthesis of ¹¹C-labelled compounds for PET imaging.

Modern Synthetic Methods for the Stereoselective Construction of 1,3-Dienes

The 1,3-butadiene motif is widely found in many natural products and drug candidates with relevant biological activities. Moreover, dienes are important targets for synthetic chemists, due to their ability to give access to a wide range of functional group transformations, including a broad range of C-C bond-forming processes. Therefore, the stereoselective preparation of dienes have attracted much attention over the past decades, and the search for new synthetic protocols continues unabated. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the diverse methodologies that have emerged in the last decade, with a focus on the synthetic processes that meet the requirements of efficiency and sustainability of modern organic chemistry.

Cooperative photoredox and palladium catalysis: recent advances in various functionalization reactions

Cooperative photoredox and palladium catalysis for various functionalization reactions.

The role of CuI in the siloxane-mediated Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of aryl iodides with aryl lithium reagents

Experiments indicate that a catalytic amount of CuI plays an important role in the siloxane-mediated Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with the direct use of organolithium reagents. Addition of organolithium to the siloxane transfer agent generates an organosilicon intermediate. DFT calculations indicate that CuI initially accelerates the Si-Pd(II) transmetalation of the organosilicon intermediate by the formation of CuI2 -. Subsequently, CuI2 - works as a shuttle between the Si-Cu(I) and Cu(I)-Pd(II) transmetalation processes.

Advances in deep eutectic solvents and water: applications in metal- and biocatalyzed processes, in the synthesis of APIs, and other biologically active compounds

This review highlights recent advances in metal- and biocatalyzed transformations, in the synthesis of APIs and other biologically active compounds, when employing deep eutectic solvents and water as environmentally responsible solvents.

Arylation of aryllithiums with S-arylphenothiazinium ions for biaryl synthesis

Aryllithiums are one of the most common and important aryl nucleophiles; nevertheless, methods for arylation of aryllithums to produce biaryls have been limited. Herein, we report arylation of aryllithiums with S-arylphenothiazinium ions through selective ligand coupling of intermediary sulfuranes. Various unsymmetrical biaryls could be obtained without transition-metal catalysis.

Efficient Pd-Catalyzed Direct Coupling of Aryl Chlorides with Alkyllithium Reagents

Organolithium compounds are amongst the most important organometallic reagents and frequently used in difficult metallation reactions. However, their direct use in the formation of C-C bonds is less established. Although remarkable advances in the coupling of aryllithium compounds have been achieved, Csp2 -Csp3 coupling reactions are very limited. Herein, we report the first general protocol for the coupling or aryl chlorides with alkyllithium reagents. Palladium catalysts based on ylide-substituted phosphines (YPhos) were found to be excellently suited for this transformation giving high selectivities at room temperature with a variety of aryl chlorides without the need for an additional transmetallation reagent. This is demonstrated in gram-scale synthesis including building blocks for materials chemistry and pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, the direct coupling of aryllithiums as well as Grignard reagents with aryl chlorides was also easily accomplished at room temperature.

A Synthetic Approach to Dimetalated Arenes Using Flow Microreactors and the Switchable Application to Chemoselective Cross-Coupling Reactions

In spite of their potential utility, the chemistry of dimetalated arenes is still in its infancy because they are extremely difficult to synthesize. We report a novel method of synthesizing arenes bearing a boryl group and a metallic substituent, such as boryl, silyl, stannyl, or zincyl groups, in an integrated flow microreactor based on the generation and reactions of aryllithiums bearing a trialkyl borate moiety. The bimetallic arenes showed a remarkable chemoselectivity in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. The selectivity was switched by the selection of the metal species that constitutes the dimetalated arenes as well as appropriate catalysts.

"Bulky-Yet-Flexible" α-Diimine Palladium-Catalyzed Reductive Heck Cross-Coupling: Highly Anti-Markovnikov-Selective Hydroarylation of Alkene in Air

To pursue a highly regioselective and efficient reductive Heck reaction, a series of moisture- and air-stable α-diimine palladium precatalysts were rationally designed, readily synthesized, and fully characterized. The relationship between the structures of the palladium complexes and the catalytic properties was investigated. It was revealed that the"bulky-yet-flexible"palladium complexes allowed highly anti-Markovnikov-selective hydroarylation of alkenes with (hetero)aryl bromides under aerobic conditions. Further synthetic application of the present protocol could provide rapid and straightforward access to functional and biologically active molecules.

Experimental and theoretical study on the cyclic(alkyl)(amino)carbene-copper catalyzed Friedel-Crafts reaction of N,N-dialkylanilines with styrenes

The Friedel-Crafts reaction of alkalinous substrates is challenging because of the coordination between amines and traditional acid catalysts. Based on theoretical research, we designed a catalytic process for the Friedel-Crafts reactions of N,N-dialkylanilines in the presence of CAAC-CuCl [CAAC = cyclic(alkyl)(amino)carbene] and KB(C₆F₅)₄. Experimental results show that the catalytic system is suitable for a series of N,N-dialkylanilines and styrenes with good to excellent yields of para-selectivity products. The results are comparable to those obtained in carbene-gold catalyzed processes.

Dehalogenative or Deprotonative? The Preparation Pathway to the Organometallic Monomer for Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Catalyst-Transfer-Type Polymerization of Thiophene Derivatives

Due to a wide range of applications in electronic materials, polythiophenes attract considerable attention in organic and polymer syntheses as well as in materials science. For the purpose of developing the practical synthetic protocol, this review focuses on the deprotonative pathway in the preparation of thiophene organometallic monomer, which was shown to be effective employing 2-halo-3-substituted thiophene as a monomer precursor. The thus metallated thiophene monomer was shown to undergo polymerization by nickel(II) complex catalysis, with which highly regioregular head-to-tail (HT)-type polythiophenes were obtained with controlled molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. Several polythiophene derivatives with modified thiophene-ring and side-chain structures were shown to be designed in order to achieve the designed functionality as materials.

Synthesis and Functionalization of Allenes by Direct Pd-Catalyzed Organolithium Cross-Coupling

A palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling between in situ generated allenyl/propargyl-lithium species and aryl bromides to yield highly functionalized allenes is reported. The direct and selective formation of allenic products preventing the corresponding isomeric propargylic product is accomplished by the choice of SPhos or XPhos based Pd catalysts. The methodology avoids the prior transmetalation to other transition metals or reverse approaches that required prefunctionalization of substrates with leaving groups, resulting in a fast and efficient approach for the synthesis of tri- and tetrasubstituted allenes. Experimental and theoretical studies on the mechanism show catalyst control of selectivity in this allene formation.

Site-Selective, Modular Diversification of Polyhalogenated Aryl Fluorosulfates (ArOSO2 F) Enabled by an Air-Stable PdI Dimer

Since 2014, the interest in aryl fluorosulfates (ArOSO2 F) as well as their implementation in powerful applications has continuously grown. In this context, the enabling capability of ArOSO2 F will strongly depend on the substitution pattern of the arene, which ultimately dictates its overall function as drug candidate, material, or bio-linker. This report showcases the modular, substrate-independent, and fully predictable, selective functionalization of polysubstituted arenes bearing C-OSO2 F, C-Br, and C-Cl sites, which makes it possible to diversify the arene in the presence of OSO2 F or utilize OSO2 F as a triflate surrogate. Sequential and triply selective arylations and alkylations were realized within minutes at room temperature, using a single and air-stable PdI dimer.

Synthesis of imides via palladium-catalyzed three-component coupling of aryl halides, isocyanides and carboxylic acids

A palladium-catalyzed three-component synthesis of acyclic imides from feedstock aryl halides, carboxylic acids and isocyanides through the intermediacy of isoimides has been developed. The key to the success of this approach was controlled isocyanide slow addition and organic/aqueous biphasic conditions. This transition-metal-catalyzed approach features readily available starting materials, atom- and step-economy, good functional group compatibility and gram-scale synthetic capability. Utilization of this new method is illustrated in the late-stage functionalization of drugs Carprofen, Loxoprofen and Flurbiprofen. This strategy has also been successfully applied in the synthesis of cyclic imides including phthalimide, homophthalimide, and 2H-2-benzazepine-1,3-dione derivatives.

Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of Homoallylic Amines Bearing Quaternary Carbon Centers

A Cu-catalyzed method for the efficient enantio- and diastereoselective synthesis of chiral homoallylic amines bearing a quaternary carbon and an alkenylboron is disclosed. Transformations are promoted by a readily prepared (phosphoramidite)-Cu complex and involve bench-stable γ,γ-disubstituted allyldiborons and benzyl imines; products are obtained in up to 82% yield, >20:1 dr, and >99:1 er. Reactions proceed via stereodefined boron-stabilized allylic Cu species formed by an enantioselective transmetalation. Utility of the 1-amino-3-alkenylboronate products is highlighted by a variety of synthetic transformations.

A [2]Rotaxane-Based Circularly Polarized Luminescence Switch

A rotaxane-based molecular shuttle has been synthesized in which the switching of the position of a fluorescent macrocycle on the thread turns “on” or “off” the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) of the system while maintaining similar fluorescence profiles and quantum yields in both states. The chiroptical activity relies on the chiral information transfer from an ammonium salt incorporating d- or l-phenylalanine residues as chiral stereogenic covalent units to an otherwise achiral crown ether macrocycle bearing a luminescent 2,2′-bipyrene unit when they interact through hydrogen bonding. Each enantiomeric thread induces CPL responses of opposite signs on the macrocycle. Upon addition of base, the switching of the position of the macrocycle to a triazolium group disables the chiral information transfer to the macrocycle, switching “off” the CPL response. The in situ switching upon several acid/base cycles is also demonstrated.

Highly chemoselective difluoromethylative homologation of iso(thio)cyanates: expeditious access to unprecedented α,α-difluoro(thio)amides

The new motif - α,α-difluoromethyl thioamide - has been assembled starting from isothiocyanate (as thioamide precursor) and a formal difluoromethyl-carbanion generated from commercially available TMSCHF2. Upon proper activation of this reagent with potassium tert-amylate, the high-yielding transfer of the difluorinated nucleophile takes place under high chemocontrol. Various sensitive functionalities (e.g. ester, nitrile, nitro, azido groups) can be accommodated across the isothiocyanate core, thus allowing a wide scope. The methodology is highly flexible and adaptable to prepare analogous α,α-difluoromethyl oxoamides by conveniently using isocyanates as the electrophilic building-blocks.