One-pot synthesis of functionalized bis(trifluoromethylated)benziodoxoles from iodine(I) precursors

Bis(trifluoromethylated)benziodoxoles (Bx) are broadly used cyclic hypervalent iodine reagents due to their stability and unique chemical properties. However, current methods to access them require several steps and long reaction times, making their synthesis tedious. Herein, a direct one-pot synthesis of bis(trifluoromethylated) Bx reagents from iodine(I) precursors is reported, enabling the synthesis of functionalized reagents.

Recent Asymmetric Phase-Transfer Catalysis with Chiral Binaphthyl-Modified and Related Phase-Transfer Catalysts over the Last 10 Years

In this personal account, we describe our recent advances in the three types of phase-transfer catalysis for various transformations including asymmetric induction: Firstly, asymmetric phase-transfer catalysis with Maruoka-type C₂ -symmetric chiral biaryl-modified tetraalkylammonium salts and phosphonium salts; Secondly, asymmetric phase-transfer catalysis under base-free and neutral conditions; Thirdly, hydrogen-bonding catalysis using tetraalkylammonium and trialkylsulfonium salts. These three different strategies are illustrated by using various phase-transfer catalyzed transformations.

An in situ masking strategy enables radical monodecarboxylative C-C bond coupling of malonic acid derivatives

The utilization of malonic acids in radical decarboxylative functionalization is still underexploited, and the few existing examples are primarily limited to bisdecarboxylative functionalization. While radical monodecarboxylative functionalization is highly desirable, it is challenging because of the difficulty in suppressing the second radical decarboxylation step. Herein, we report the successful radical monodecarboxylative C–C bond coupling of malonic acids with ethynylbenziodoxolone (EBX) reagents enabled by an in situ masking strategy, affording synthetically useful 2(3H)-furanones in satisfactory yields. The keys to the success of this transformation include (1) the dual role of a silver catalyst as a single-electron transfer catalyst to drive the radical decarboxylative alkynylation and as a Lewis acid catalyst to promote the 5-endo-dig cyclization and (2) the dual function of the alkynyl reagent as a radical trapper and as an in situ masking group. Notably, the latent carboxylate group in the furanones could be readily released, which could serve as a versatile synthetic handle for further elaborations. Thus, both carboxylic acid groups in malonic acid derivatives have been well utilized for the rapid construction of molecular complexity.

An in situ masking strategy has been developed based upon the unique properties of silver catalysts to successfully achieve a radical monodecarboxylative C–C bond coupling of malonic acids with ethynylbenziodoxolone reagents.

Cu(I)-Catalyzed gem-Aminoalkynylation of Diazo Compounds: Synthesis of Fluorinated Propargylic Amines

The gem-aminoalkynylation of fluorinated diazo compounds catalyzed by a simple Cu(I) salt is described. This three-component reaction allows the synthesis of propargylic amines with broad functional group tolerance. Both electron-rich and electron-poor anilines can be used as nucleophiles and alkyl-, aryl-, and silyl-substituted EthynylBenziodoXoles (EBX) as electrophiles.

Asymmetric catalytic alkynylation of thiazolones and azlactones for synthesis of quaternary α-amino acid precursors

Asymmetric alkynylation of thiazolones and azlactones with alkynylbenziodoxolones as the electrophilic alkyne source catalyzed by thiourea phosphonium salt is described. By using thiazolones as nucleophiles, the desired alkyne functionalized thiazolones were obtained in 55-89% yields with 31-86% ee. Azlactones gave the desired products in comparable yields with lower enantioselectivities. Ring-opening of the alkynylation products led to α,α-disubstituted α-amino acid derivatives efficiently without loss of enantioselectivity.

Iron-Catalyzed Tertiary Alkylation of Terminal Alkynes with 1,3-Diesters via a Functionalized Alkyl Radical

Direct oxidative C(sp)-H/C(sp³ )-H cross-coupling offers an ideal and environmentally benign protocol for C(sp)-C(sp³ ) bond formations. As such, reactivity and site-selectivity with respect to C(sp³ )-H bond cleavage have remained a persistent challenge. Herein is reported a simple method for iron-catalyzed/silver-mediated tertiary alkylation of terminal alkynes with readily available and versatile 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. The reaction is suitable for an array of substrates and proceeds in a highly selective manner even employing alkanes containing other tertiary, benzylic, and C(sp³ )-H bonds alpha to heteroatoms. Elaboration of the products enables the synthesis of a series of versatile building blocks. Control experiments implicate the in situ generation of a tertiary carbon-centered radical species.

Asymmetric α-Chlorination of β-Keto Esters Using Hypervalent Iodine-Based Cl-Transfer Reagents in Combination with Cinchona Alkaloid Catalysts

We herein report an unprecedented strategy for the asymmetric α-chlorination of β-keto esters with hypervalent iodine-based Cl-transfer reagents using simple Cinchona alkaloid catalysts. Our investigations support an α-chlorination mechanism where the Cinchona species serves as a nucleophilic catalyst by reacting with the chlorinating agent to generate a chiral electrophilic Cl-transfer reagent in situ. Using at least 20 mol-% of the alkaloid catalyst allows for good yields and enantioselectivities for a variety of different β-keto esters under operationally simple conditions.

Transition Metal-Free Synthesis of Carbo- and Heterocycles via Reaction of Alkynes with Organylchalcogenides

This manuscript intends to overview the most recent advances in the synthesis of carbo- and heterocycles through reactions of alkynes with organyl chalcogenides (S, Se, Te) under metal-free conditions. Firstly, the use of electrophilic chalcogenyl halides as a selective reagent for alkyne carbon-carbon triple bond activation will be presented. After that, radical cyclization protocols employing electrochemical oxidative conditions, light-induced photoredox catalysis, or mild oxidants with direct chalcogenyl group installation will be discussed accompanied by the proposed mechanisms.

Chiral Hypervalent Iodines: Active Players in Asymmetric Synthesis

Asymmetric organocatalytic oxidations have been witnessed to an impressive development in the last years thanks to the establishment of important chiral hypervalent iodines(III/V). Many different approaches involving both stoichiometric and catalytic versions have provided a fundamental advance in this area within asymmetric synthesis. The easily handing, nontoxic, mild, environmentally friendly (green oxidants), and high stability that are features of these reagents have been applied to many reactions and also have allowed exploring further unprecedented enantioselective transformations. The intention of the present review is thus to highlight as a whole the many approaches utilized up to date to prepare chiral iodines(III/V), as well as their reactivity in a comprehensive manner.

Sequential Michael Addition/Electrophilic Alkynylation: Synthesis of α-Alkynyl-β-Substituted Ketones and Chromanones

We describe the synthesis of α-alkynyl-β-substituted cyclic ketones and analogue chromanones via one-pot Michael addition/hypervalent iodine-based α-alkynylation. Cu(I)-catalyzed Michael addition using either alkyl-aluminum or Grignard reagents, followed by diastereoselective electrophilic alkynylation of the resulting enolate by 1-ethynyl-1λ³,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one (EBX) resulted in the α-alkynyl-β-substituted cyclic ketones or chromanones within 34-89% yield (16 examples). The reaction was successfully upscaled to the 5 mmol scale, and further functionalization of a model alkynylated ketone was demonstrated.

A survey of chiral hypervalent iodine reagents in asymmetric synthesis

The recent years have witnessed a remarkable growth in the area of chiral hypervalent iodine chemistry. These environmentally friendly, mild and economic reagents have been used in catalytic or stoichiometric amounts as an alternative to transition metals for delivering enantioenriched molecules. Varieties of different chiral reagents and their use for demanding asymmetric transformations have been documented over the last 25 years. This review highlights the contribution of different chiral hypervalent iodine reagents in diverse asymmetric conversions.

Towards an Asymmetric Organocatalytic α-Azidation of β-Ketoesters

Detailed investigations concerning the organocatalytic (asymmetric) α-azidation of prochiral β-ketoesters were carried out. It was shown that the racemic version of such a reaction can either be carried out under oxidative conditions using TMSN₃ as the azide-source with quaternary ammonium iodides as the catalysts, or by using hypervalent iodine-based electrophilic azide-transfer reagents with different organocatalysts. In addition, the latter strategy could also be carried out with modest enantioselectivities when using simple cinchona alkaloid catalysts, albeit with relatively low yields.

Streamlined asymmetric α-difunctionalization of ynones

Ynones are a unique class of structural motifs that show remarkable chemical versatility. Chiral ynones, particularly those possessing an α-stereogenic center, are highly attractive templates for structural diversification. So far, only very limited examples have been reported for asymmetric α-functionalization of ynones. Asymmetric double α-functionalization of ynones remains elusive. Here we describe a streamlined strategy for asymmetric α-difunctionalization of ynones. We developed a gold-catalyzed multicomponent condensation reaction from a simple ynone, an amine, and an electrophilic alkynylating reagent to generate a 1,2-dialkynyl enamine, a key stable and isolable intermediate. This intermediate can undergo asymmetric fluorination catalyzed by a chiral phosphoric acid derivative. Chiral ynones with an α-quaternary carbon and containing a fluorine and an alkyne can be synthesized in high yield and high ee. The synthetic utility of this method is demonstrated by the synthesis of enantioenriched tri(hetero)arylmethyl fluorides.

Chiral ynones with an α-quaternary carbon are attractive synthetic building blocks for natural and pharmaceutical products. Here, the authors report an asymmetric α-difunctionalization of simple ynones, involving a gold-catalyzed step and yielding enantioenriched fluorinated quaternary stereocentres.

Copper-catalyzed aminoalkynylation of alkenes with hypervalent iodine reagents

A copper-catalyzed aminoalkynylation of alkenes is achieved with ethynylbenziodoxolone (EBX) reagents under mild conditions with only 1 mol% copper catalyst. This transformation allows for rapid construction of diverse important azahetereocycles and installation of valuable alkyne groups in one step. The developed method features remarkable substrate scope for both terminal and internal alkenes as well as different alkynyl groups, presenting great potential for broad applications in synthesis, bioconjugation, and molecular imaging.

Enantioselective Decarboxylative α-Alkynylation of β-Ketocarbonyls via a Catalytic α-Imino Radical Intermediate

A distinctive aminocatalysis via α-imino radical is reported on the basis of SET oxidation of a secondary enamine. The combination of chiral primary amine catalysis and visible-light photoredox catalysis enables the enantioselective decarboxylative coupling of propiolic acid and β-ketocarbonyls to afford alkynylation adducts with high enantioselectivity. Mechanism studies indicate the reaction proceeds via an α-imino radical addition.

Pd-Catalyzed, Ligand-Enabled Stereoselective 1,2-Iodine(III) Shift/1,1-Carboxyalkynylation of Alkynylbenziodoxoles

A Pd^II -catalyzed 2:1 coupling reaction of alkynylbenziodoxole with carboxylic acid to afford (alk-1-en-3-ynyl)benziodoxole, which is efficiently promoted by an octahydrophenazine ligand, is reported. The reaction involves a Pd-assisted 1,2-iodine(III) shift of the alkynylbenziodoxole followed by stereoselective introduction of carboxy and alkynyl groups (the latter originating from another molecule of the alkynylbenziodoxole) into the 1-position of the transient Pd-vinylidene species. The product of this 1,1-carboxyalkynylation reaction serves as a new functionalized enyne-type building block for further synthetic transformations.

Nickel(II)-Catalyzed Enantioselective α-Vinylation of β-Keto Amides/Esters with Hypervalent Iodine Salts

The enantioselective α-vinylation of β-keto amides/esters using hypervalent iodine salts has been accomplished via a chiral N,N'-dioxide-nickel(II) complex promoted electrophilic addition and reductive elimination process. A wide range of vinyl-substituted all-carbon quaternary β-keto amides/esters were obtained in high yields and ee values (up to 99% yield and 99% ee). Moreover, the catalytic system has been applied to the enantioselective alkynylation/arylation of β-ketoamides with good results.

Capture of CO2 in air for 4,5-disubstituted furan-2(5H)-ones

A sustainable strategy for the assembly of 4,5-disubstituted furan-2(5H)-ones directly from carbon dioxide from air was developed.

Organocatalytic 1,4-Addition Reaction of 2-Formyl(thio)esters to Vinylketones: An Efficient Access to Acyclic Chiral Building Blocks with a Quaternary Carbon Stereocenter

2-Formyl(thio)esters were utilized as pronucleophiles to obtain less-accessible acyclic chiral building blocks bearing versatile functional groups on a quaternary carbon atom for enantioselective 1,4-addition to vinylketones. To achieve high enantioselectivity in the present 1,4-addition reaction, thiourea-tertiary amines containing a bulky chiral backbone were developed as catalysts, and several derivatizations of the products were performed to demonstrate the synthetic utility of the products.

Towards an asymmetric organocatalytic α-cyanation of β-ketoesters

This communication describes the first proof of concept for an asymmetric α-cyanation of β-ketoesters using a hypervalent iodine-based electrophilic cyanide-transfer reagent. A series of different organocatalysts has been investigated and it was found that the use of naturally occurring Cinchona alkaloids allows obtaining the target products in good yields and with moderate enantioselectivities up to er = 76:24 under operationally simple conditions.

Alkynylation with Hypervalent Iodine Reagents

Alkynes are among the most versatile functional groups in organic synthesis. They are also frequently used in chemical biology and materials science. Whereas alkynes are traditionally added as nucleophiles into organic molecules, hypervalent iodine reagents offer a unique opportunity for the development of electrophilic alkyne synthons. Since 1985, alkynyliodonium salts have been intensively used for the alkynylation of nucleophiles, in particular soft carbon nucleophiles and heteroatoms. They have made an especially strong impact in the synthesis of highly useful ynamides. Nevertheless, their use has been limited by their instability. Since 2009, more stable ethynylbenziodoxol(on)e (EBX) reagents have been identified as superior electrophilic alkyne synthons in many transformations. They can be used for the alkynylation of acidic C-H bonds with bases or aromatic C-H bonds using transition metal catalysts. They were also highly successful for the functionalization of radicals or transition metal-catalyzed domino processes. Finally, they allowed the alkynylation of a further range of heteroatom nucleophiles, especially thiols, under exceptionally mild conditions. With these recent developments, hypervalent iodine reagents have definitively demonstrated their utility for the efficient synthesis of alkynes based on non-classical disconnections.

Fast and highly chemoselective alkynylation of thiols with hypervalent iodine reagents enabled through a low energy barrier concerted mechanism

Among all functional groups, alkynes occupy a privileged position in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and materials science. Thioalkynes, in particular, are highly useful, as they combine the enhanced reactivity of the triple bond with a sulfur atom frequently encountered in bioactive compounds and materials. Nevertheless, general methods to access these compounds are lacking. In this article, we describe the mechanism and full scope of the alkynylation of thiols using ethynyl benziodoxolone (EBX) hypervalent iodine reagents. Computations led to the discovery of a new, three-atom concerted transition state with a very low energy barrier, which rationalizes the high reaction rate. On the basis of this result, the scope of the reaction was extended to the synthesis of aryl- and alkyl-substituted alkynes containing a broad range of functional groups. New sulfur nucleophiles such as thioglycosides, thioacids, and sodium hydrogen sulfide were also alkynylated successfully to lead to the most general and practical method yet reported for the synthesis of thioalkynes.