A Nickel/Organoboron-Catalyzed Coupling of Aryl Bromides with Sodium Sulfinates: The Synthesis of Sulfones under Visible Light

An efficient cross-coupling of aryl bromides with sodium sulfinates, using an organoboron photocatalyst with nickel, is described herein. Under the irradiation of white light, this dually catalytic system enables the synthesis of a series of sulfone compounds in moderate to good yields. A broad range of functional groups and heteroaromatic compounds is tolerated under these reaction conditions. The use of an organoboron photocatalyst highlights a sustainable alternative to iridium or ruthenium complexes. These findings contribute to the field of photochemistry and provide a greener approach to sulfone synthesis.

Cobalt- or rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of 1,2-dihydrophosphete oxides via C-H activation and formal phosphoryl migration

A highly stereo- and chemoselective intermolecular coupling of diverse heterocycles with dialkynylphosphine oxides has been realized via cobalt/rhodium-catalyzed C-H bond activation. This protocol provides an efficient synthetic entry to functionalized 1,2-dihydrophosphete oxides in excellent yields via the merger of C-H bond activation and formal 1,2-migration of the phosphoryl group. Compared with traditional methods of synthesis of 1,2-dihydrophosphetes that predominantly relied on stoichiometric metal reagents, this catalytic system features high efficiency, a relatively short reaction time, atom-economy, and operational simplicity. Photophysical properties of selected 1,2-dihydrophosphete oxides are also disclosed.

Fusion Position-Dependent Aromatic Transitions of Ligand Backbone Rings for Controlling the Redox Energetics of Photoredox Catalysts

To reveal, quantify, and rationalize the effect of backbone π-extension on ligand redox activity, we studied the ground- and excited-state reduction potentials of eight ruthenium photoredox catalysts with the formula Ru(ppy)2L (L is the redox-active ligand of the bipyridine family) using density functional theory. Our research underlines the profound importance of the fusion position of backbone aromatic C6 rings on the redox activity of ligands in transition metal photoredox catalysts. Namely, certain fusion positions lead to the dearomatization of C6 rings in ligand-centered electron transfer events, resulting in a thermodynamic penalty equivalent to a half-volt negative shift in the reduction potential. Contrarily, the extent of backbone delocalization shows a minimal impact on redox energetics, which can be explained by the charge concentration at the nitrogen contact atoms in ligand-centered reductions. Grounded in Caulton's conceptual framework, we reaffirm the predictive potency of Lewis structures in ligand-centered redox energetics with qualitative and quantitative data. Our hypothesis regarding the effect of backbone ring dearomatization on redox energetics is further corroborated using magnetic and structure-based aromaticity indicators. Highlighting fusion-dependent dearomatization as a determining factor of ligand-centered electron transfer energetics, our findings hold implications for molecular-level design in advanced electroactive materials and catalysts.

Ni-Catalyzed Asymmetric C-P Cross-Coupling Reaction for the Synthesis of Chiral Heterocyclic Phosphine Oxides

Nickel performs excellently in C-C and C-X cross-coupling reactions. Here, we disclose a Ni(II)-catalyzed asymmetric C-P cross-coupling reaction to afford valuable chiral heterocyclic tertiary phosphine oxides. The method is mild and efficient, which invokes a self-sustained nickel catalytic cycle without an external reductant, light irradiation, or electricity.

Machine-Learning Classification for the Prediction of Catalytic Activity of Organic Photosensitizers in the Nickel(II)-Salt-Induced Synthesis of Phenols

Catalytic systems using a small amount of organic photosensitizer for the activation of an inorganic (on-demand ligand-free) nickel(II) salt represent a cost-effective method for cross-coupling reactions, while C(sp² )-O bond formation remains less developed. Herein, we report a strategy for the synthesis of phenols with a nickel(II) salt and an organic photosensitizer, which was identified via an investigation into the catalytic activity of 60 organic photosensitizers consisting of various electron donor and acceptor moieties. To examine the effect of multiple intractable parameters on the catalytic activity of photosensitizers, machine-learning (ML) models were developed, wherein we embedded descriptors representing their physical and structural properties, which were obtained from DFT calculations and RDKit, respectively. The study clarified that integrating both DFT- and RDKit-derived descriptors in ML models balances higher "precision" and "recall" across a wide range of search space relative to using only one of the two descriptor sets.

Ligand-controlled stereodivergent alkenylation of alkynes to access functionalized trans- and cis-1,3-dienes

Precise stereocontrol of functionalized alkenes represents a long-standing research topic in organic synthesis. Nevertheless, the development of a catalytic, easily tunable synthetic approach for the stereodivergent synthesis of both E-selective and even more challenging Z-selective highly substituted 1,3-dienes from common substrates remains underexploited. Here, we report a photoredox and nickel dual catalytic strategy for the stereodivergent sulfonylalkenylation of terminal alkynes with vinyl triflates and sodium sulfinates under mild conditions. With a judicious choice of simple nickel catalyst and ligand, this method enables efficient and divergent access to both Z- and E-sulfonyl-1,3-dienes from the same set of simple starting materials. This method features broad substrate scope, good functional compatibility, and excellent chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity. Experimental and DFT mechanistic studies offer insights into the observed divergent stereoselectivity controlled by ligands.

Visible-Light-Induced Nickel-Catalyzed Radical Cross-Couplings to Access α-Aryl-α-trifluoromethyl Alcohols

A photochemically induced nickel-catalyzed radical cross-coupling of phthalimido trifluoroethanol with aryl bromides to furnish α-aryl-α-trifluoromethyl alcohols is reported. This reaction proceeds via a photoinduced charge transfer of an electron donor-acceptor complex between Hantzsch ester and phthalimido trifluoroethanol, followed by 1,2-hydrogen atom transfer, to generate the α-hydroxytrifluoroethyl radical for the cross-coupling of aryl bromides. No exogenous photocatalysts or stoichiometric metal reductants are required in this mild and operationally simple protocol. Broad substrate compatibility and excellent functional group tolerance are observed.

The Nickel Age in Synthetic Dual Photocatalysis: A Bright Trip Toward Materials Science

Recently, the field of dual photocatalysis has grown rapidly, to become one of the most powerful tools for the functionalization of organic molecules under mild conditions. In particular, the merging of Earth-abundant nickel-based catalytic systems with visible-light-activated photoredox catalysts has allowed the development of a number of unique green synthetic approaches. This goes in the direction of ensuring an effective and sustainable chemical production, while safeguarding human health and environment. Importantly, this relatively new branch of catalysis has inspired an interdisciplinary stream of research that spans from inorganic and organic chemistry to materials science, thus establishing itself as one dominant trend in modern organic synthesis. This Review aims at illustrating the milestones on the timeline evolution of the photocatalytic systems used, with a critical analysis toward novel applications based on the use of photoactive two-dimensional carbon-based nanostructures. Lastly, forward-looking opportunities within this intriguing research field are discussed.

Dual Nickel/Photoredox-Catalyzed Site-Selective Cross-Coupling of 1,2-Bis-Boronic Esters Enabled by 1,2-Boron Shifts

Site‐selective transition‐metal‐catalyzed mono‐deboronative cross‐couplings of 1,2‐bis‐boronic esters are valuable methods for the synthesis of functionalized organoboron compounds. However, such cross‐couplings are limited to reaction of the sterically less hindered primary boronic ester. Herein, we report a nickel/photoredox‐catalyzed mono‐deboronative arylation of 1,2‐bis‐boronic esters that is selective for coupling of the more sterically hindered secondary/tertiary position. This is achieved by taking advantage of a 1,2‐boron shift of primary β‐boryl radicals to the thermodynamically favored secondary/tertiary radicals, which are subsequently intercepted by the nickel catalyst to enable arylation. The mild conditions are amenable to a broad range of aryl halides to give β‐aryl boronic ester products in good yields and with high regioselectivity. This method also allows stereodivergent coupling of cyclic cis‐1,2‐bis‐boronic esters to give trans‐substituted products.

Recent Applications on Dual-Catalysis for C–C and C–X Cross-Coupling Reactions

Coupling reactions stand amid the most significant reactions in synthetic organic chemistry. Of late, these coupling strategies are being viewed as a versatile synthetic tool for a wide range of organic transformations in many sectors of chemistry, ranging from indispensable synthetic scaffolds and natural products of biological significance to novel organic materials. Further, the use of dual-catalysis in accomplishing various interesting cross-coupling transformations is an emerging field in synthetic organic chemistry, owing to their high catalytic performance rather than the use of a single catalyst. In recent years, synthetic organic chemists have given considerable attention to hetero-dual catalysis; wherein these catalytic systems have been employed for the construction of versatile carbon–carbon [C(sp 3)–C(sp 3), C(sp 3)–C(sp 2), C(sp 2)–C(sp 2)] and carbon–heteroatom (C–N, C–O, C–P, C–S) bonds. Therefore, in this mini-review, we are emphasizing recently developed various cross-coupling reactions catalysed by transition-metal dual-catalysis (i.e., using palladium and copper catalysts, but omitting the reports on photoredox/metal catalysis).

1 Introduction

2 Cu/Pd-Catalysed Bond Formation

2.1 Pd/Cu-Catalysed C(sp 3)–C(sp 2) Bond Formation

2.2 Pd/Cu-Catalysed C(sp 2)–C(sp 2) Bond Formation

2.3 Pd/Cu-Catalysed C(sp)–C(sp 2) Bond Formation

2.4 Pd/Cu-Catalysed C(sp 3)–C(sp 3) Bond Formation

2.5 Pd/Cu-Catalysed C–X (X = B, N, P, S, Si) Bond Formation

3 Conclusion

Quasi-Restricted Orbital Description of the Copper(I) Photoredox Catalytic Cycle

In this computational study, the electronic structure changes along the oxidative and reductive quenching cycles of a homoleptic and a heteroleptic prototype Cu(I) photoredox catalyst, namely [Cu(dmp)2]+ (dmp = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) and [Cu(phen)(POP)]+ (POP = bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether) are scrutinized and characterized using quasi-restricted orbitals (QRO), electron density differences and spin densities. After validating our density functional theory-based computational protocol, the equilibrium geometries and wavefunctions (using QROs and atom/fragment compositions) of the four states involved in photoredox cycle (S0, T1, Dox and Dred) are systematically and thoroughly described. The formal ground and excited state ligand- and metal-centered redox events are substantiated by the QRO description of the open-shell triplet 3MLCT (d9L-1), Dox (d9L0) and Dred (d10L-1) species and the corresponding structural changes, e.g., flattening distortion, shortening/elongation of Cu-N/Cu-P bonds, are rationalized in terms of the underlying electronic structure transformations. Amongst others, we reveal the molecular-scale delocalization of the ligand-centered radical in the a 3MLCT (d9L-1) and Dred (d9L-1) states of homoleptic [Cu(dmp)2]+ and its localization to the redox-active phenanthroline ligand in the case of heteroleptic [Cu(phen)(POP)]+.

Radical Multicomponent Alkyl Alkynylation of Propellane via Synergistic Photoredox and Copper Catalysis

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are important bioisosteres of aryl, tert-butyl groups, and internal alkynes that can impact key physicochemical properties on drug candidates. Herein, we describe a novel and efficient reaction to synthesize alkyl-alkynyl-substituted BCP derivatives by synergistic photoredox and copper catalysis at room temperature. The mild reaction conditions, simple protocol, broad functional group tolerance, and high efficiency of this procedure make it a valuable strategy for accessing alkynyl-substituted BCPs.

Direct visible-light-induced synthesis of P-stereogenic phosphine oxides under air conditions

Over the past two decades, visible-light-induced transformations have been regarded as being among the most environmentally benign and powerful strategies for constructing complex molecules and diverse synthetic building blocks in organic synthesis. However, the development of efficient photochemical processes for assembling enantiomerically pure molecules remains a significant challenge. Herein, we describe a simple and efficient visible-light-induced C–P bond forming reaction for the synthesis of P-chiral heteroaryl phosphine oxides in moderate to high yields with excellent ee values (97–99% ee). Even in the absence of transition metal or photoredox catalysts, a variety of P-chiral heteroaryl phosphine oxides, including chiral diphosphine oxide 41, have been directly obtained under air conditions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have shown that the reaction involves intersystem crossing and single electron transfer to give a diradical intermediate under visible light irradiation.

We describe a simple and efficient visible-light-induced C–P bond forming reaction for the synthesis of P-chiral heteroaryl phosphine oxides in moderate to high yields with excellent ee values (97–99% ee).

Nickel-Catalyzed 1,1-Dihydrophosphinylation of Nitriles with Phosphine Oxides

Treatment of phosphine oxides with nitriles usually furnishes 1,2-dihydrophosphinylation products. Herein, we developed a nickel-catalyzed 1,1-dihydrophosphinylation of nitriles with phosphine oxides to access primary amines. This reaction proceeded smoothly under very mild conditions. A series of nitriles and phosphine oxides were compatible with this conversion, and the desired products were obtained in moderate to good yields.

Technological Innovations in Photochemistry for Organic Synthesis: Flow Chemistry, High-Throughput Experimentation, Scale-up, and Photoelectrochemistry

Photoinduced chemical transformations have received in recent years a tremendous amount of attention, providing a plethora of opportunities to synthetic organic chemists. However, performing a photochemical transformation can be quite a challenge because of various issues related to the delivery of photons. These challenges have barred the widespread adoption of photochemical steps in the chemical industry. However, in the past decade, several technological innovations have led to more reproducible, selective, and scalable photoinduced reactions. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of these exciting technological advances, including flow chemistry, high-throughput experimentation, reactor design and scale-up, and the combination of photo- and electro-chemistry.

Three-component carboacylation of alkenes via cooperative nickelaphotoredox catalysis

Various commercially available acyl chlorides, aldehydes, and alkanes were exploited for versatile three-component 1,2-carboacylations of alkenes to forge two vicinal C–C bonds through the cooperative action of nickel and sodium decatungstate catalysis. A wealth of ketones with high levels of structural complexity was rapidly obtained via direct functionalization of C(sp²)/C(sp³)–H bonds in a modular manner. Furthermore, a regioselective late-stage modification of natural products showcased the practical utility of the strategy, generally featuring high resource economy and ample substrate scope.

Various commercially available acyl chlorides, aldehydes, and alkanes were exploited for versatile three-component 1,2-carboacylations of alkenes to forge two vicinal C–C bonds through the cooperative action of nickel and sodium decatungstate catalysis.

A nickel/organoboron catalyzed metallaphotoredox platform for C(sp2)–P and C(sp2)–S bond construction

A boron-based organic photocatalyst has been applied in metallaphotoredox catalyzed C–P and C–S bond construction reactions.

Divergent Aminocarbonylations of Alkynes Enabled by Photoredox/Nickel Dual Catalysis

A metallaphotoredox-catalyzed strategy for the selective and divergent aminocarbonylation of alkynes with amines and 1 atm of CO is reported. This synergistic protocol not only enables the Markovnikov-selective hydroaminocarbonylation of alkynes to afford α,β-unsaturated amides, but also facilitates a sequential four-component hydroaminocarbonylation/radical alkylation in the presence of tertiary and secondary alkyl boronate esters, which allows for straightforward conversion of alkynes into corresponding amides. Preliminary mechanistic studies disclose that a photoinduced oxidative insertion of aniline and CO into nickel followed by a migratory insertion of (carbamoyl)nickel species could be involved.

From Esters to Ketones via a Photoredox-Assisted Reductive Acyl Cross-Coupling Strategy

A method was developed for ketone synthesis via a photoredox-assisted reductive acyl cross-coupling (PARAC) using a nickel/photoredox dual-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of two different carboxylic acid esters. A variety of aryl, 1°, 2°, 3°-alkyl 2-pyridyl esters can act as acyl electrophiles while N-(acyloxy)phthalimides (NHPI esters) act as 1°, 2°, 3°-radical precursors. Our PARAC strategy provides an alternative and reliable way to synthesize various sterically congested 3°-3°, 3°-2°, and aryl-3° ketones under mild and highly unified conditions, which have been otherwise difficult to access. The combined experimental and computational studies identified a Ni⁰ /Ni^I /Ni^III pathway for ketone formation.

Cooperative Photoredox- and Nickel-Catalyzed Alkylative Cyclization Reactions of Alkynes with 4-Alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines

Cooperative photoredox- and nickel-catalyzed alkylative cyclization reactions of iodoalkynes with 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines as alkylation reagents under visible light irradiation have been achieved to afford the corresponding alkylated cyclopentylidenes in good to high yields. Introduction of substituents at the propargylic position of iodoalkynes has led to the stereoselective formation of E-isomers. The present reaction system provides a novel synthetic method for alkylative cyclization reactions of both terminal and internal alkynes with cooperative photoredox and nickel catalysis.

Reductive hydrobenzylation of terminal alkynes via photoredox and nickel dual catalysis

A photoredox/nickel dual catalyzed reductive hydrobenzylation of alkynes and benzyl chlorides by employing alkyl amines as a stoichiometric reductant is described. This synergistic protocol proceeds via Markovnikov-selective migratory insertion of an alkyne into nickel hydride, followed by cross-coupling with benzyl chloride, providing facile access to important 1,1-disubstituted olefins. This reaction enables the generation of nickel hydride by utilizing readily available alkyl amines as the hydrogen source. The mild conditions are compatible with a wide range of aryl and alkyl alkynes as well as chlorides.

Three-Component Aminoarylation of Electron-Rich Alkenes by Merging Photoredox with Nickel Catalysis

A three-component 1,2-aminoarylation of vinyl ethers, enamides, ene-carbamates and vinyl thioethers by synergistic photoredox and nickel catalysis is reported. 2,2,2-Trifluoroethoxy carbonyl protected α-amino-oxy acids are used as amidyl radical precursors. anti-Markovnikov addition of the amidyl radical to the alkene and Ni-mediated radical/transition metal cross over lead to the corresponding 1,2-aminoarylation product. The radical cascade, which can be conducted under practical and mild conditions, features high functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. Stereoselective 1,2-aminoarylation is achieved using a L-(+)-lactic acid derived vinyl ether as the substrate, offering a novel route for the preparation of protected enantiopure α-arylated β-amino alcohols. In addition, 1,2-aminoacylation of vinyl ethers is achieved by using an acyl succinimide as the electrophile for the Ni-mediated radical coupling.

Visible-Light-Driven, Palladium-Catalyzed Heck Reaction of Internal Vinyl Bromides with Styrenes

Functionalized 1,3-dienes were efficiently accessed from visible-light-driven, palladium-catalyzed Heck reaction of S,S-functionalized internal vinyl bromides with styrenes under mild conditions. This Heck reaction showcased tolerance of a wide array of functional groups, afforded the target products in moderate to excellent yields through a radical reaction pathway. The resultant diene products could be further transformed to highly functionalized trisubstituted furan derivatives.

Stereo- and Regioselective cis-Hydrophosphorylation of 1,3-Enynes Enabled by the Visible-Light Irradiation of NiCl2(PPh3)2

Described herein is a stereo- and regioselective cis-hydrophosphorylation reaction of the internal alkyne of 1,3-enynes that accesses various 1,3-dienes in good isolated yields. The visible-light irradiation of NiCl₂(PPh₃)₂ allows the generation of highly reactive nickel(II)-phosphorus species that subsequently migrate into the internal alkyne of the 1,3-enynes and protonate the resulting vinyl nickel species, leading to various phosphinoyl 1,3-butadienes under mild reaction conditions.

Synergistic photoredox and tertiary amine catalysis: generation of allylic sulfones from Morita–Baylis–Hillman acetates and sulfur dioxide

The first example of the synthesis of allylic sulfones through synergistic photoredox and tertiary amine catalysis, starting from MBH acetates, DABCO·(SO₂)₂ and 4-substituted Hantzsch esters or potassium alkyltrifluoroborates via a radical pathway, is reported.

Organic-photoredox-catalyzed three-component sulfonylative pyridylation of styrenes

An efficient, metal-free protocol for the three-component sulfonylative pyridylation of styrenes via organic-photoredox catalysis is described. This metal-free process enables the direct and selective installation of sulfonyl and heteroaryl motifs and tolerates a wide array of functional groups as well as complex molecular scaffolds, that could complement previous methods and would be of interest in pharmaceutical research.

An efficient, metal-free protocol for the three-component sulfonylative pyridylation of alkenes via organic-photoredox catalysis is described.

Radical 1,2-addition of bromoarenes to alkynes via dual photoredox and nickel catalysis

A 1,2-addition of aryl bromides to alkynes enabled by the photocatalytic generation of bromine radicals via photoredox and nickel catalysis is reported.

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

Cooperative photoredox and palladium catalysis for various functionalization reactions.

Metallaphotoredox catalysis with organic dyes

Here…comes the fun…Combination of metals and organic photocatalysts allows the practical invention of new methodologies!

Direct Enantioselective C(sp3)-H Acylation for the Synthesis of α-Amino Ketones

A direct enantioselective acylation of α-amino C(sp³)-H bonds with carboxylic acids has been achieved via the merger of transition metal and photoredox catalysis. This straightforward protocol enables cross-coupling of a wide range of carboxylic acids, one class of feedstock chemicals, with readily available N-alkyl benzamides to produce highly valuable α-amino ketones in high enantioselectivities under mild conditions. The synthetic utility of this method is further demonstrated by gram scale synthesis and application to late-stage functionalization. This method provides an unprecedented solution to address the challenging stereocontrol in metallaphotoredox catalysis and C(sp³)-H functionalization. Mechanistic studies suggest the α-C(sp³)-H bond of the benzamide coupling partner is cleavage by photocatalytically generated bromine radicals to form α-amino alkyl radicals, which subsequently engages in nickel-catalyzed asymmetric acylation.