Synthesis and site selective C-H functionalization of imidazo-[1,2-a]pyridines

Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine has attracted much interest in drug development because of its potent medicinal properties, therefore the discovery of novel methods for its synthesis and functionalization continues to be an exciting area of research. Although transition metal catalysis has fuelled the most significant developments, extremely beneficial metal-free approaches have also been identified. Even though pertinent reviews focused on imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine synthesis, properties (physicochemical and medicinal), and functionalization at the C3 position have been published, none of these reviews has focused on the outcomes obtained in the field of global ring functionalization. We wish here to describe a brief synthesis and an overview of all the functionalization reactions at each carbon atom, viz, C2, C3, C5, C6, C7 and C8 of this scaffold, divided into sections based on site-selectivity and the type of functionalization methods used.

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.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide-Assisted, Iodine- and Ascorbic Acid-Catalyzed One-Pot Synthetic Approach for Constructing Highly Substituted Pyrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline Thioether Derivatives

A dimethyl sulfoxide-assisted and iodine/ascorbic acid-catalyzed simple approach to pyrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline thioether derivatives 22 is described. The compounds were identified using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. The pyrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline thioether was synthesized in a stepwise fashion through aryl sulfenylation and benzannulation strategies. The generated heteroaryl thioether compounds 23 were exposed to the benzannulation path to produce pyrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline thioether 22. The benzannulation reaction proceeds by way of diazotization of the pyrazole amine derivative 23, radical generation by the removal of nitrogen, and eventually trapping of the aryl radical with the support of phenylacetylene 19. A catalytic amount of ascorbic acid aided the benzannulation reaction. There were several other control studies conducted, including trapping reactions with isopropenyl acetate, tetramethylpiperidine N-oxyl reactions, and reactions without phenylacetylene. Since a change in the substitution has previously demonstrated substantial bioactivity, the core structure of pyrazole was evaluated for functional group tolerance. A reasonable mechanism is then proposed, accompanied by the support of control experiments and scope. A Suzuki reaction was used to create an aryl/heteroaryl compound 35 from one of the synthesized compounds 22b. In the controlled oxidation reaction paths, molecule 22a was selectively transformed into the corresponding sulfoxide 32 and sulfone 33.

Advances in the site-selective C-5, C-3 and C-2 functionalization of chromones via sp2 C-H activation

In this work, site-selective C-H activation at C-5, C-3 and C-2 positions of chromones for the introduction of structural diversity to the chromone scaffold was studied. The keto group of the chromone moiety acts as the directing group for the selective functionalization of chromones at the C-5 position. Furthermore, the C-H functionalization at the electron-rich C-3 position of the chromone can be achieved using electrophilic coupling partners. The C-H functionalization at the C-2 position can be possible using nucleophilic coupling partners. The direct functionalization methods provide a better pathway for the generation of C-5, C-3 and C-2-substituted chromones with good atom economy than that of classical pre-functionalized reaction protocols.

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.

Synthesis and applications of sodium sulfinates (RSO2Na): a powerful building block for the synthesis of organosulfur compounds

This review highlights the preparation of sodium sulfinates (RSO2Na) and their multifaceted synthetic applications. Substantial progress has been made over the last decade in the utilization of sodium sulfinates emerging as sulfonylating, sulfenylating or sulfinylating reagents, depending on reaction conditions. Sodium sulfinates act as versatile building blocks for preparing many valuable organosulfur compounds through S-S, N-S, and C-S bond-forming reactions. Remarkable advancement has been made in synthesizing thiosulfonates, sulfonamides, sulfides, and sulfones, including vinyl sulfones, allyl sulfones, and β-keto sulfones. The significant achievement of developing sulfonyl radical-triggered ring-closing sulfonylation and multicomponent reactions is also thoroughly discussed. Of note, the most promising site-selective C-H sulfonylation, photoredox catalytic transformations and electrochemical synthesis of sodium sulfinates are also demonstrated. Holistically, this review provides a unique and comprehensive overview of sodium sulfinates, which summarizes 355 core references up to March 2020. The chemistry of sodium sulfinate salts is divided into several sections based on the classes of sulfur-containing compounds with some critical mechanistic insights that are also disclosed.

Recent Advances in Iodine-Promoted C-S/N-S Bonds Formation

Sulfur-containing scaffold, as a ubiquitous structural motif, has been frequently used in natural products, bioactive chemicals and pharmaceuticals, particularly C-S/N-S bonds are indispensable in many biological important compounds and pharmaceuticals. Development of mild and general methods for C-S/N-S bonds formation has great significance in modern research. Iodine and its derivatives have been recognized as inexpensive, environmentally benign and easy-handled catalysts or reagents to promote the construction of C-S/N-S bonds under mild reaction conditions, with good regioselectivities and broad substrate scope. Especially based on this, several new strategies, such as oxidation relay strategy, have been greatly developed and accelerated the advancement of this field. This review focuses on recent advances in iodine and its derivatives promoted hybridized C-S/N-S bonds formation. The features and mechanisms of corresponding reactions are summarized and the results of some cases are compared with those of previous reports. In addition, the future of this domain is discussed.

Metal-Free Catalytic Synthesis of Thiocarbamates Using Sodium Sulfinates as the Sulfur Source

A novel molecular iodine-catalyzed protocol for the construction of thiocarbamates from readily available sodium sulfinates, isocyanides, and water has been described. The present methodology offers a facile and practical route to a variety of thiocarbamates in moderate to good yields with favorable functional group tolerance by use odorless sodium sulfinates as the sulfur source. The mechanistic studies suggest the present transformation involves a radical process.

Metal free, facile sulfenylation of ketene dithioacetals catalyzed by an HBr–DMSO system

A transition metal free, efficient, sulfenylation of ketene dithioacetals catalyzed by an HBr–DMSO system is achieved. This strategy employs inexpensive and readily available HBr and DMSO to provide a direct C–H bond sulfenylation with a broad range of aryl thiols. This sulfenylated product is also transformed for the synthesis of pyrazole derivatives in excellent yield.

I2/DMSO-mediated multicomponent reaction of o-hydroxyaryl methyl ketones, rongalite, and DMSO: access to C3-sulfenylated chromones

An efficient I₂–DMSO reagent system-mediated multicomponent reaction strategy for the synthesis of C3-sulfenylated chromones from o-hydroxyaryl methyl ketones, rongalite, and dimethyl sulfoxide has been developed.

K₂S₂O₈-Promoted Aryl Thioamides Synthesis from Aryl Aldehydes Using Thiourea as the Sulfur Source

Thiourea as a sulfur atom transfer reagent was applied for the synthesis of aryl thioamides through a three-component coupling reaction with aryl aldehydes and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC). The reaction could tolerate various functional groups and gave moderate to good yields of desired products under the transition-metal-free condition.

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.

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.

Copper-catalyzed generation of flavone selenide and thioether derivatives using KSeCN and KSCN via C–H functionalization

Two simple Cu-catalyzed methods using KSeCN and KSCN to construct C–Se and C–S bonds on flavone skeletal structures via C–H functionalization are developed.

Metal- and Solvent-Free Approach to Access 3-Se/S-Chromones from the Cyclization of Enaminones in the Presence of Dichalcogenides Catalyzed by KIO3

Herein, we describe a greener protocol for the one-pot synthesis of 3-Se/S-4H-chromen-4-ones. The desired products were obtained in good to excellent yields using 2-hydroxyphenyl enaminones and half equivalents of various odorless diorganyl dichalcogenides (S/Se) in the presence of glycerol (5 molar equiv) and KIO3 (15 mol %) as the catalyst under solvent-free conditions.

Acid-induced chemoselective arylthiolations of electron-rich arenes in ionic liquids from sodium arylsulfinates: the reducibility of halide anions in [Hmim]Br

An odorless approach for arylthiolations of arenes is introduced, in which [Hmim]Br is used as both a solvent and a reducer.

CuCl/air-mediated oxidative coupling reaction of imidazoheterocycles with N-aryl glycine esters

A novel CuCl/air-mediated oxidative cross-coupling of imidazoheterocycles with glycine esters has been developed.

Combined experimental/theoretical study on d-glucosamine promoted regioselective sulfenylation of indoles catalyzed by copper

A combined experimental/theoretical investigation on the d-glucosamine promoted sulfenylation of indoles at the C3 position with sodium sulfinates catalyzed by copper is presented.

A catalyst-free approach to 3-thiocyanato-4H-chromen-4-ones

A facile and efficient approach to 3-thiocyanato-4H-chromen-4-ones from enaminones and KSCN was realized at room temperature. In addition, one-pot synthesis of 3-thiocyanatochromenones from 2-hydroxylacetophenones was also developed.