Regioselective C-H chalcogenylation and halogenation of arenes and alkenes under metal-free conditions

The reactions of direct Csp²-H chalcogenylation and halogenation of N-arylpyrrolidone under the action of PIFA without a directing group and under metal-free conditions were reported in this paper. Diphenyl selenide/sulfur and selenium phenyl halides were used as reaction reagents to obtain chalcogenylated and halogenated N-arylpyrrolidone products, respectively. The mechanistic studies indicated that a radical pathway was likely involved in these reactions. Preliminary antitumor tests showed that these compounds have moderate to potent activities against human acute leukemia cells K562 in vitro, which may be used as lead compounds for subsequent research.

Efficient Synthesis of 3-Mercaptoindoles via HI-Promoted Sulfenylation of Indoles with Sodium Sulfinates

A new direct sulfenylation method of indoles by sodium sulfinates and hydroiodic acid was developed giving variety of 3-sulfenylindoles in high yields under mild conditions without using any catalysts or other additives. In situ-generated RS-I species are supposed to be mainly responsible for the key electrophilic alkyl- or aryl-thiolation process.

Boosted Heterogeneous Catalysis by Surface-Accumulated Excess Electrons of Non-Oxidized Bare Copper Nanoparticles on Electride Support

Engineering active sites of metal nanoparticle-based heterogeneous catalysts is one of the most prerequisite approaches for the efficient production of chemicals, but the limited active sites and undesired oxidation on the metal nanoparticles still remain as key challenges. Here, it is reported that the negatively charged surface of copper nanoparticles on the 2D [Ca₂ N]⁺ ∙e^- electride provides the unrestricted active sites for catalytic selective sulfenylation of indoles and azaindoles with diaryl disulfides. Substantial electron transfer from the electride support to copper nanoparticles via electronic metal-support interactions results in the accumulation of excess electrons at the surface of copper nanoparticles. Moreover, the surface-accumulated excess electrons prohibit the oxidation of copper nanoparticle, thereby maintaining the metallic surface in a negatively charged state and activating both (aza)indoles and disulfides under mild conditions in the absence of any further additives. This study defines the role of excess electrons on the nanoparticle-based heterogeneous catalyst that can be rationalized in versatile systems.

Controllable synthesis of disulfides and thiosulfonates from sodium sulfinates mediated by hydroiodic acid using ethanol and H2O as solvents

A controllable and rapid synthesis of disulfides and thiosulfonates from sodium sulfinates mediated by hydroiodic acid is presented for the first time. In these reactions, ethanol and H2O were employed as solvents to generate different products.

Transition metal catalysed direct sulfanylation of unreactive C-H bonds: an overview of the last two decades

Transition metal catalysed direct sulfanylations of unreactive C-H bonds have become a unique and straightforward synthetic strategy in late-stage C-S bond formation of relevant complex molecules. Such transformations have represented...

An Interrupted Pummerer Reaction Mediated by a Hypervalent Iodine(III) Reagent: In Situ Formation of RSCl and Its Application for the Synthesis of 3-Sulfenylated Indoles

An interrupted Pummerer reaction of PhICl₂ and sulfoxides was found to in situ generate reactive organosulfenyl chloride, which enabled the intramolecular electrophilic cyclization of 2-alkynylanilines, generating 3-sulfenylated indole with a good to excellent yield under metal-free conditions. One striking feature of the approach is that sulfoxide regeneration can be realized via the oxidation of the formed sulfides by the generated hypervalent iodine species.

Reusability Investigation of a Ruthenium Catalyst during Ruthenium Ion-Catalyzed Oxidative Depolymerization of Lignite for the Production of Valuable Organic Acids

A clean and efficient conversion process is essential for the utilization of low-rank coals. Lignite, a typical representative of the low-rank coal family, has huge potential for the production of valuable chemicals via the oxidative depolymerization reaction. Ruthenium ion-catalyzed oxidation (RICO) is an effective route for lignite depolymerization under mild conditions, but the high cost of precious Ru limits the potential large-scale application of RICO. How to recycle and reuse Ru is critical to promote the application of RICO. In this work, a novel and efficient approach for reusing Ru through recycling the solvent mixture containing Ru was established for RICO. First, the influence of different reaction parameters on the depolymerization degree of lignite and benzene polycarboxylic acid (BPCA) yields was investigated. Second, the distribution of Ru in the organic phase (OP), aqueous phase (AP), and residual solid phase (RSP) was analyzed after the RICO reaction. Finally, based on the distribution of Ru in different phases, a novel route of recycling Ru by reusing the Ru-containing solvents was proposed. The results showed that the dosage of RuCl3 and NaIO4 had a significant influence on both the depolymerization degree of lignite and BPCA yields. The distribution of Ru had a close relationship with the depolymerization degree of lignite and the dosage of NaIO4. After the depolymerization reaction, the CCl4 phase containing Ru was reused directly as the solvent for the next run, which could fulfill the reuse of both CCl4 and Ru. The results proved that the Ru-containing CCl4 phase could maintain catalytic performance for 5 runs. This work provides an efficient route to reuse Ru for the RICO depolymerization of lignite into valuable organic acids. As far as we know, this is the first report concerning the recycling and reuse of Ru during the RICO of lignite. This work is important for the application of RICO in lignite depolymerization.

Ag-Cu copromoted direct C2-H bond thiolation of azoles with Bunte salts as sulfur sources

A direct C2-H thiolation of azoles with Bunte salts was achieved under the combined action of copper and silver salts. This protocol could furnish various substituted 2-thioazoles in moderate to good yields. This method has a broad substrate scope and shows good functional group tolerance.

Ruthenium-Catalyzed meta-Selective CAr-H Bond Formylation of Arenes

The meta-C_Ar-H bond formylation of arenes has been achieved using CHBr₃ as a formyl source in the presence of [Ru(p-cym)(OAc)₂] as a catalyst. This method provides efficient access to the preparation of various meta-substituted aromatic compounds, such as alcohols, ethers, amines, nitriles, alkenes, halogens, carboxylic acids, and their derivatives, through transformation of the versatile formyl group. Furthermore, mechanistic studies show that the key active species is a pentagonal ruthenacycle complex.

Newly synthesized 3-sulfenylindole derivatives from 4-hydroxydithiocoumarin using an oxidative cross dehydrogenative coupling reaction (OCDCR): potential lead molecules for antiproliferative activity

Synthesis of 3-sulfenyl indole derivatives is achieved through oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction. A few such newly synthesized compounds have also exhibited anti-proliferative activityviareactive oxygen species mediated cell damage.

Regioselective deoxygenative chalcogenation of 7-azindole N-oxides promoted by I2/PEG-200

We developed a general and sustainable approach for the regioselective deoxygenative chalcogenation of 7-azindole N-oxides; the combination of an internal oxidant and a green solvent has been used successfully for the synthesis of mono- and dichalcogenyl 7-azaindoles which are of pharmaceutical interest. The regioselectivity is tunable by the variation of the reaction conditions. I2/PEG was established as an efficient and reusable catalytic system for C-H chalcogenation. This developed methodology has great potential for practical utility, with a broad substrate scope, green reaction conditions, and operational simplicity.

Thio radical-induced denitrogenative annulation of 1-azido-2-isocyanoarenes to construct 2-thiolated benzimidazoles

A method for the synthesis of 2-thiolated benzimidazoles is described starting from thiols and 1-azido-2-isocyanoarenes. The isocyano group works as an acceptor of various thio radicals, followed by denitrogenative annulation of the resulting imidoyl radical intermediates to the azido group, with nitrogen loss as the only process involving high bond-forming efficiency. The one-pot method for the synthesis of these products with high functional group tolerance in the benzimidazole-based ring is not available in previous literature.

Synthesis of benzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b]benzoselenoazoles: Cs2CO3-mediated cyclization of 1-(2-bromoaryl)benzimidazoles with selenium

The synthesis of benzimidazo[2,1-b]benzoselenoazoles is described. The novel ring-closure reaction of 1-(2-bromoaryl)benzimidazoles with Se powder is promoted by Cs₂CO₃ (2 equiv) in DMF at 150 °C. Moreover, the obtained tetracyclic heterocycles are all novel compounds. Single-crystal X-ray analysis of the parent benzimidazo[2,1-b]benzoselenoazole revealed that the tetracyclic ring is almost planar. Absorption spectroscopy data of the benzimidazo[2,1-b]benzoselenoazoles showed the λ_max was dependent on the number of rings.

Transition metal catalysed direct selanylation of arenes and heteroarenes

Transition metal catalysed C-H functionalization has reached an exciting level of sophistication, and, today, it represents a paradigm shift from the standard logic of synthetic chemistry. The direct conversion of C-H bonds into C-heteroatoms remains, however, a critical challenge. Nowadays, there is a great demand in general synthetic chemistry in, for example, the materials science for the development of straightforward C-Se bond formation, in order to fulfil the practical requirements. In this sense, this review summarizes recent outstanding advances in the C-Se bond formation through transition metal-catalysed direct selanylation, providing new insights into their mechanistic aspects and disclosing effective synthetic routes with high atom economy. In addition, this review intends to show the growing opportunities to construct complex chemical scaffolds containing selenium atoms.

Metal-free C-H mercaptalization of benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles using 1,3-propanedithiol as thiol source

A facile and effective C-H functionalization strategy for the synthesis of 2-mercaptobenzothiazoles and 2-mercaptobenzoxazoles is described. 1,3-Propanedithiol was employed to convert benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles to the corresponding heteroarylthiols in the presence of potassium hydroxide and DMSO. This novel protocol is featured by direct C-H mercaptalization of heteroarenes and a simple reaction system.

Switchable regioselection of C–H thiolation of indoles using different TMS counterions

Simply swapping the counteranions of TMS leads to a switchable regioselectivity in C2– and C3–H thiolation of indoles.

Electrophilic activation of nitroalkanes in efficient synthesis of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles

A novel methodology for general and chemoselective preparation of non-symmetric 1,3,4-oxadiazoles is developed. This unusual reaction proceeds via polyphosphoric acid-assisted activation of nitroalkanes towards nucleophilic attack with acylhydrazides.

A novel methodology for chemoselective preparation of non-symmetric 1,3,4-oxadiazoles via PPA-assisted activation of nitroalkanes towards nucleophilic attack with acylhydrazides is developed.

A chemoselective strategy for late-stage functionalization of complex small molecules with polypeptides and proteins

Conjugates between proteins and small molecules enable access to a vast chemical space that is not achievable with either type of molecule alone; however, the paucity of specific reactions capable of functionalizing proteins and natural products presents a formidable challenge for preparing conjugates. Here we report a strategy for conjugating electron-rich (hetero)arenes to polypeptides and proteins. Our bioconjugation technique exploits the electrophilic reactivity of an oxidized selenocysteine residue in polypeptides and proteins, and the electron-rich character of certain small molecules to provide bioconjugates in excellent yields under mild conditions. This conjugation chemistry enabled the synthesis of peptide-vancomycin conjugates without the prefunctionalization of vancomycin. These conjugates have an enhanced in vitro potency for resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Additionally, we show that a 6 kDa affibody protein and a 150 kDa immunoglobulin-G antibody could be modified without diminishing bioactivity.

Copper-catalysed regioselective sulfenylation of indoles with sodium sulfinates

A copper-catalysed sulfenylation of indoles with sodium sulfinates that affords 3-sulfenylindoles in good-to-excellent yields in N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) is described. In the process, DMF serves not only as a solvent but also as a reductant. This transformation is easy to carry out and has mild reaction conditions and good functional group tolerance.

Metal-free C-H thioarylation of arenes using sulfoxides: a direct, general diaryl sulfide synthesis

Metal-free C-H thioarylation of arenes and heteroarenes using methyl sulfoxides constitutes a general protocol for the synthesis of high value diaryl sulfides. The coupling of arenes and heteroarenes with in situ activated sulfoxides is regioselective, uses readily available starting materials, is operationally simple, and tolerates a wide range of functional groups.

Three-component difunctionalization of alkenes leading to β-acetamido sulfides and β-acetoxy sulfides

A novel method for the synthesis of β-acetamido sulfides via NBS-mediated aminosulfenylation of alkenes with thiophenols and nitriles under metal-free conditions has been described. And β-acetamido sulfides were also synthesized with 1-(arylthio)pyrrolidine-2,5-diones as substrates and HBr as an additive. On the other hand, iodine-catalyzed 1,2-acetoxysulfenylation of alkenes by using (diacetoxyiodo)benzene as an oxygen source to synthesise various β-acetoxy sulfides was described as well.

Direct thiolation of aza-heteroaromatic N-oxides with disulfides via copper-catalyzed regioselective C–H bond activation

A novel and efficient thiolation reaction of aza-heteroaromatic N-oxides with disulfides via copper catalyzed C–H activation has been developed.

Elemental sulfur as a sulfuration agent in the copper-catalyzed C-H bond thiolation of electron-deficient arenes

By utilizing elemental sulfur as the thiolation agent and oxidant, a copper-catalyzed direct C-H bond thiolation of electron-deficient arenes was demonstrated. Various electron-deficient arenes were proved to be suitable for this transformation. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that this reaction underwent a radical pathway, in which the trisulfur radical anion (S₃˙^-) might play a vital role. Meanwhile, KIE experiments suggested that C-H bond cleavage was not involved in the rate-determining step.