Iron-catalysed, general and operationally simple formal hydrogenation using Fe(OTf)3 and NaBH4

Synthetic and Mechanistic Studies into the Reductive Functionalization of Nitro Compounds Catalyzed by an Iron(salen) Complex

We report on the use of a simple, bench-stable [Fe(salen)2]-μ-oxo precatalyst in the reduction of nitro compounds. The reaction proceeds at room temperature across a range of substrates, including nitro aromatics and aliphatics. By changing the reducing agent from pinacol borane (HBpin) to phenyl silane (H3SiPh), we can chemoselectively reduce nitro compounds while retaining carbonyl functionality. Our mechanistic studies, which include kinetics, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), mass spectrometry, and quantum chemistry, indicate the presence of a nitroso intermediate and the generation of an on-cycle iron hydride as a key catalytic intermediate. Based on this mechanistic insight, we were able to extend the chemistry to hydroamination and identified a simple substrate feature (alkene lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy) that could be used to predict which alkenes would result in productive catalysis.

Advancements in hydrochlorination of alkenes

The hydrochlorination of alkenes has been extensively studied in research and is commonly featured in organic chemistry textbooks as an exemplification of the Markovnikov rule. However, the application of this reaction is typically limited to specific alkenes, such as highly substituted ones, styrenes, or strained systems. Conversely, monosubstituted or 1,2-disubstituted alkenes do not readily react with HCl gas or solutions of HCl gas at practical rates. The challenges associated with hydrochlorination reactions for these "non-activated" alkenes have spurred considerable research efforts over the past 30 years, which constitute the primary focus of this review. The discussion begins with classical polar hydrochlorinations, followed by metal-promoted radical hydrochlorinations, and concludes with a brief overview of recent anti-Markovnikov hydrochlorinations.

Improved synthesis of antiplasmodial 4-aminoacridines and 4,9-diaminoacridines

Acridines are one of the most important nitrogen-containing heterocycle systems and have many applications in the therapeutic field. However, the synthesis of acridine-based scaffolds is not always straightforward. Herein, we report the optimization of two multi-step synthetic routes towards 4,9-diaminoacridines and 4-aminoacridines, which have shown promising antiplasmodial properties. The improved synthesis pathways make use of greener, simpler, and more efficient methods, with less reaction steps and increased overall yields, which were doubled in some cases. These are impactful results towards future approaches to the chemical synthesis of acridine-based compounds.

Synergy of redox-activity and hemilability in thioamidato cobalt(III) complexes for the chemoselective reduction of nitroarenes to anilines: catalytic and mechanistic investigation

Reduction of nitro-compounds to amines is one of the most often employed and challenging catalytic processes in the fine and bulk chemical industry. Herein, we present two series of mononuclear homoleptic and heteroleptic Co(III) complexes, i.e., [Co(LNS)3] and [Co(LNS)2L1L2]x+, respectively (x = 0 or 1, LNS = pyrimidine- or pyridine-thioamidato, L1/L2 = thioamidato, phosphine or pyridine), which successfully catalyze the transformation of nitroarenes to anilines by methylhydrazine. The catalytic reaction can be accomplished for a range of electronically and sterically diverse nitroarenes, using mild experimental conditions and low catalyst loadings, resulting in the corresponding anilines in high yields, with high chemoselectivity, and no side-products. Electronic and steric properties of the ligands play pivotal role in the catalytic efficacy of the respective complexes. In particular, complexes bearing ligands of high hemilability/lability and being capable of stabilizing lower metal oxidation-states exhibit the highest catalytic activity. Mechanistic investigations suggest the participation of the Co(III) complexes in two parallel reaction pathways: (a) coordination-induced activation of methylhydrazine and (b) reduction of nitroarenes to anilines by methylhydrazine, through the formation of Co(I) and Co-hydride intermediates.

Boron Triiodide-Mediated Reduction of Nitroarenes Using Borohydride Reagents

The reduction of nitroarenes using KBH4 and I2 is described. BI3 is generated in situ and was shown to be the active reductant. Conditions were optimized for BI3 generation and then applied to a wide range of nitroarenes, including traditionally challenging substrates. The method constitutes a practical reduction option which produces low-toxicity boric acid and potassium iodide upon workup.

RECENT ADVANCES IN BASE METAL-CATALYZED COOPERATIVE TRANSFER HYDROGENATION AND HYDRODEUTERATION OF ALKENES

Catalytic alkene hydrogenation is a powerful method that has been widely used in the syntheses of valuable products ranging from commodity chemicals to pharmaceuticals. Hydrogenation has also been a key strategy for selectively introducing heavy hydrogen isotopes to small molecules, a key strategy for metabolism studies and even the synthesis of "heavy drugs," where the hydrogen isotope is a key element of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Traditional hydrogenations with pressurized H2 gas are atom economic but often require complex reaction setups or expensive metal catalysts. Further, use of diatomic hydrogen necessarily limits the ability to incorporate different hydrogen isotopes at each alkene position, with H2, D2, and T2 each resulting in compete labeling of the alkene. In response to these challenges, a recent and growing movement has sought to develop transfer hydrogenation methods using non-H2 hydrogen sources and earth abundant element catalysts to simplify reaction operation. Excitingly, recent developments have delivered transfer hydrogenations that proceed using cooperative hydrogen donor reagents, permitting the controllable incorporation of different hydrogen isotopes at each position of the alkene via reagent control. In this Digest, we disclose recent advances in Earth-abundant metal-catalyzed cooperative transfer hydrogenation of alkenes with various combinations of two distinct transfer hydrogen reagents as non-H2 hydrogen sources.

A Reusable FeCl3∙6H2O/Cationic 2,2′-Bipyridyl Catalytic System for Reduction of Nitroarenes in Water

The association of a commercially-available iron (III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3∙6H2O) with cationic 2,2′-bipyridyl in water was proven to be an operationally simple and reusable catalytic system for the highly-selective reduction of nitroarenes to anilines. This procedure was conducted under air using 1–2 mol% of catalyst in the presence of nitroarenes and 4 equiv of hydrazine monohydrate (H2NNH2∙H2O) in neat water at 100 °C for 12 h, and provided high to excellent yields of aniline derivatives. After separation of the aqueous catalytic system from the organic product, the residual aqueous solution could be applied for subsequent reuse, without any catalyst retreatment or regeneration, for several runs with only a slight decrease in activity, proving this process eco-friendly.

Carbon Material With Ordered Sub-Nanometer Hole Defects

A holey carbon material with ordered sub-nanometer hole defects was synthesized from oxidative cyclodehydrogenation of a polyhexaphenylbenzene precursor. Band gap of around 2.2 eV is formed due to the narrow connection between the hexabenzocoronene subunits. It has weak interlayer interaction energy compared with graphene and shows easy dispersion in a wide range of solvents, surprisingly including water. Density functional theory calculations confirmd the excellent dispersion of this material in water. This new carbon material was then proved as effective support for various inorganic nanoparticles of small sizes. The supported iron nanoparticles showed enzyme-like catalysis behavior in nitrophenyl reduction reaction by NaBH4, exemplifying the great potential of this new material in catalysis.

Metal-Free, Rapid, and Highly Chemoselective Reduction of Aromatic Nitro Compounds at Room Temperature

In this study, we developed a metal-free and highly chemoselective method for the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds. This reduction was performed using tetrahydroxydiboron [B₂(OH)₄] as the reductant and 4,4'-bipyridine as the organocatalyst and could be completed within 5 min at room temperature. Under optimal conditions, nitroarenes with sensitive functional groups, such as vinyl, ethynyl, carbonyl, and halogen, were converted into the corresponding anilines with excellent selectivity while avoiding the undesirable reduction of the sensitive functional groups.

Unsupported Nanoporous Platinum-Iron Bimetallic Catalyst for the Chemoselective Hydrogenation of Halonitrobenzenes to Haloanilines

An unsupported nanoporous platinum-iron bimetallic catalyst (PtFeNPore) was prepared with an electrochemical dealloying technique. Its structure and composition were characterized through various measurement methods, such as X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). An intermetallic compound and iron oxide species were both found in the PtFeNPore catalyst. The nanoporous structure and Lewis acidity (caused by iron oxide species) of the PtFeNPore catalyst resulted in superior catalytic activity and high selectivity. The PtFeNPore-catalyzed hydrogenation of various halonitrobenzenes proceeded successfully under mild reaction conditions and produced good to excellent yields of the corresponding haloanilines with high selectivity. PtFeNPore can be recycled through magnetic separation easily and reused five times without significant deactivation.

Synthesis and evaluation of N-(4-(substituted)-3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl) isobutyramides and their N-ethyl analogous as anticancer, anti-angiogenic & antioxidant agents: In vitro and in silico analysis

N-(4-(substituted)-3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl) isobutyramides and their N-ethyl analogues (flutamides) are versatile scaffolds with a wide spectrum of biological activities. A series of new N-(4-(substituted)-3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl) isobutyramides (8a-t) and their N-ethyl analogous (9a-t) were synthesized and characterized. The inhibitory potential of the synthesized compounds on the viability of three human cancer cell lines HEP3BPN 11 (liver), MDA-MB 453 (breast), and HL 60 (leukemia) were assessed. Among all the compounds 8 L, 8q, 9n and 9p showed higher inhibitory activity on the viability of HL 60 than the standard methotrexate. These lead molecules were then tested for their potential to inhibit the activity of proangiogenic cytokines. The compound 9n showed significantly better inhibition against two cytokines viz. TNFα and Leptin as compared to the standard suramin, while 9p has activity comparable to suramin against IGF1, VEGF, FGFb, and Leptin. The 8q is found to be strong antiangiogenic agent against IGF1, VEGF and TGFβ; while 8 L has showed activity against TNFα, VEGF, and Leptin inhibition. Furthermore antioxidant potential of 8a-t and 9a-t compounds was screened using DPPH, OH and SOR radical scavenging activities. The OH radical scavenging activity of 8c and DPPH activities of 9n as well as 9o are significant as compared to respective standards ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. The 8c, 9p and 9 h have also exhibited potential antioxidant activity. Additionally, we present in silico molecular docking data to provide the structural rationale of observed TNFα inhibition against newly synthesized compounds. Overall, the synthesized flutamide derivatives have not only anticancer activity, but also possess dual inhibitory effect (anti-angiogenesis and antioxidant) and hence can act as a promising avenue to develop further anticancer agents.

Fe-Catalyzed Anaerobic Mukaiyama-Type Hydration of Alkenes using Nitroarenes

Hydration of alkenes using first row transition metals (Fe, Co, Mn) under oxygen atmosphere (Mukaiyama-type hydration) is highly practical for alkene functionalization in complex synthesis. Different hydration protocols have been developed, however, control of the stereoselectivity remains a challenge. Herein, highly diastereoselective Fe-catalyzed anaerobic Markovnikov-selective hydration of alkenes using nitroarenes as oxygenation reagents is reported. The nitro moiety is not well explored in radical chemistry and nitroarenes are known to suppress free radical processes. Our findings show the potential of cheap nitroarenes as oxygen donors in radical transformations. Secondary and tertiary alcohols were prepared with excellent Markovnikov-selectivity. The method features large functional group tolerance and is also applicable for late-stage chemical functionalization. The anaerobic protocol outperforms existing hydration methodology in terms of reaction efficiency and selectivity.

Yeast supported gold nanoparticles: an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of commercially important aryl amines

High yielding synthesis of industrially important aryl amines from nitroarenes using yeast supported gold nanoparticles as a sustainable catalyst.

Organic synthesis with the most abundant transition metal–iron: from rust to multitasking catalysts

The promising aspects of iron in synthetic chemistry are being explored for three-four decades as a green and eco-friendly alternative to late transition metals. This present review unveils these rich iron-chemistry towards different transformations.

Discovery of new ATP-competitive inhibitors of human DNA topoisomerase IIα through screening of bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors

Human DNA topoisomerase II is one of the major targets in anticancer therapy, however ATP-competitive inhibitors of this target have not yet reached their full potential. ATPase domain of human DNA topoisomerase II belongs to the GHKL ATPase superfamily and shares a very high 3D structural similarity with other superfamily members, including bacterial topoisomerases. In this work we report the discovery of a new chemotype of ATP-competitive inhibitors of human DNA topoisomerase IIα that were discovered through screening of in-house library of ATP-competitive inhibitors of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. Systematic screening of this library provided us with 20 hit compounds. 1,2,4-Substituted N-phenylpyrrolamides were selected for a further exploration which resulted in 13 new analogues, including 52 with potent activity in relaxation assay (IC₅₀ = 3.2 µM) and ATPase assay (IC₅₀ = 0.43 µM). Cytotoxic activity of all hits was determined in MCF-7 cancer cell line and the most potent compounds, 16 and 20, showed an IC₅₀ value of 8.7 and 8.2 µM, respectively.

Iron-catalysed allylation-hydrogenation sequences as masked alkyl-alkyl cross-couplings

An iron-catalysed allylation of organomagnesium reagents (alkyl, aryl) with simple allyl acetates proceeds under mild conditions (Fe(OAc)2 or Fe(acac)2, Et2O, r.t.) to furnish various alkene and styrene derivatives. Mechanistic studies indicate the operation of a homotopic catalyst. The sequential combination of such iron-catalysed allylation with an iron-catalysed hydrogenation results in overall C(sp3)-C(sp3)-bond formation that constitutes an attractive alternative to challenging direct cross-coupling protocols with alkyl halides.

Regiodivergent hydrosilylation, hydrogenation, [2π + 2π]-cycloaddition and C-H borylation using counterion activated earth-abundant metal catalysis

The widespread adoption of earth-abundant metal catalysis lags behind that of the second- and third-row transition metals due to the often challenging practical requirements needed to generate the active low oxidation-state catalysts. Here we report the development of a single endogenous activation protocol across five reaction classes using both iron- and cobalt pre-catalysts. This simple catalytic manifold uses commercially available, bench-stable iron- or cobalt tetrafluoroborate salts to perform regiodivergent alkene and alkyne hydrosilylation, 1,3-diene hydrosilylation, hydrogenation, [2π + 2π]-cycloaddition and C-H borylation. The activation protocol proceeds by fluoride dissociation from the counterion, in situ formation of a hydridic activator and generation of a low oxidation-state catalyst.

Room Temperature Iron-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation and Regioselective Deuteration of Carbon-Carbon Double Bonds

An iron catalyst has been developed for the transfer hydrogenation of carbon-carbon multiple bonds. Using a well-defined β-diketiminate iron(II) precatalyst, a sacrificial amine and a borane, even simple, unactivated alkenes such as 1-hexene undergo hydrogenation within 1 h at room temperature. Tuning the reagent stoichiometry allows for semi- and complete hydrogenation of terminal alkynes. It is also possible to hydrogenate aminoalkenes and aminoalkynes without poisoning the catalyst through competitive amine ligation. Furthermore, by exploiting the separate protic and hydridic nature of the reagents, it is possible to regioselectively prepare monoisotopically labeled products. DFT calculations define a mechanism for the transfer hydrogenation of propene with ⁿBuNH₂ and HBpin that involves the initial formation of an iron(II)-hydride active species, 1,2-insertion of propene, and rate-limiting protonolysis of the resultant alkyl by the amine N-H bond. This mechanism is fully consistent with the selective deuteration studies, although the calculations also highlight alkene hydroboration and amine-borane dehydrocoupling as competitive processes. This was resolved by reassessing the nature of the active transfer hydrogenation agent: experimentally, a gel is observed in catalysis, and calculations suggest this can be formulated as an oligomeric species comprising H-bonded amine-borane adducts. Gel formation serves to reduce the effective concentrations of free HBpin and ⁿBuNH₂ and so disfavors both hydroboration and dehydrocoupling while allowing alkene migratory insertion (and hence transfer hydrogenation) to dominate.

Reduction of Nitro Compounds Using 3d-Non-Noble Metal Catalysts

The reduction of nitro compounds to the corresponding amines is one of the most utilized catalytic processes in the fine and bulk chemical industry. The latest development of catalysts with cheap metals like Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu has led to their tremendous achievements over the last years prompting their greater application as "standard" catalysts. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the use of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts based on non-noble 3d-metals for the reduction of nitro compounds using various reductants. The different systems will be revised considering both the catalytic performances and synthetic aspects highlighting also their advantages and disadvantages.

Catalytic Reductions and Tandem Reactions of Nitro Compounds Using in Situ Prepared Nickel Boride Catalyst in Nanocellulose Solution

A mild and efficient method for the in situ reduction of a wide range of nitroarenes and aliphatic nitrocompounds to amines in excellent yields using nickel chloride/sodium borohydride in a solution of TEMPO-oxidized nanocellulose in water (0.01 wt %) is described. The nanocellulose has a stabilizing effect on the catalyst, which increases the turnover number and enables low loading of nickel catalyst (0.1-0.25 mol % NiCl₂). In addition, two tandem protocols were developed in which the in situ formed amines were either Boc-protected to carbamates or further reacted with an epoxide to yield β-amino alcohols in excellent yields.

Alkene Hydrogenations by Soluble Iron Nanocluster Catalysts

The replacement of noble metal technologies and the realization of new reactivities with earth-abundant metals is at the heart of sustainable synthesis. Alkene hydrogenations have so far been most effectively performed by noble metal catalysts. This study reports an iron-catalyzed hydrogenation protocol for tri- and tetra-substituted alkenes of unprecedented activity and scope under mild conditions (1-4 bar H2 , 20 °C). Instructive snapshots at the interface of homogeneous and heterogeneous iron catalysis were recorded by the isolation of novel Fe nanocluster architectures that act as catalyst reservoirs and soluble seeds of particle growth.

Mn-, Fe-, and Co-Catalyzed Radical Hydrofunctionalizations of Olefins

Cofactor-mimetic aerobic oxidation has conceptually merged with catalysis of syngas reactions to form a wide range of Markovnikov-selective olefin radical hydrofunctionalizations. We cover the development of the field and review contributions to reaction invention, mechanism, and application to complex molecule synthesis. We also provide a mechanistic framework for understanding this compendium of radical reactions.

Chemoselective nitro reduction and hydroamination using a single iron catalyst

An amine-bis(phenolate) iron(iii) complex catalyses both the chemoselective reduction of nitroarenes and the formal hydroamination of highly substituted olefins.

The reduction and reductive addition (formal hydroamination) of functionalised nitroarenes is reported using a simple and bench-stable iron(iii) catalyst and silane. The reduction is chemoselective for nitro groups over an array of reactive functionalities (ketone, ester, amide, nitrile, sulfonyl and aryl halide). The high activity of this earth-abundant metal catalyst also facilitates a follow-on reaction in the reductive addition of nitroarenes to alkenes, giving efficient formal hydroamination of olefins under mild conditions. Both reactions offer significant improvements in catalytic activity and chemoselectivity and the utility of these catalysts in facilitating two challenging reactions supports an important mechanistic overlap.

Highly Regioselective Iodination of Arenes via Iron(III)-Catalyzed Activation of N-Iodosuccinimide

An iron(III)-catalyzed method for the rapid and highly regioselective iodination of arenes has been developed. Use of the powerful Lewis acid, iron(III) triflimide, generated in situ from iron(III) chloride and a readily available triflimide-based ionic liquid allowed activation of N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) and efficient iodination under mild conditions of a wide range of substrates including biologically active compounds and molecular imaging agents.

Iridium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes to anilines

An [Ir(cod)Cl]₂/phenanthroline catalytic system shows high activity for the reduction of nitroarenes to aminoarenes using 2-propanol as a hydrogen donor.