Site-Selective Acceptorless Dehydrogenation of Aliphatics Enabled by Organophotoredox/Cobalt Dual Catalysis

The value of catalytic dehydrogenation of aliphatics (CDA) in organic synthesis has remained largely underexplored. Known homogeneous CDA systems often require the use of sacrificial hydrogen acceptors (or oxidants), precious metal catalysts, and harsh reaction conditions, thus limiting most existing methods to dehydrogenation of non- or low-functionalized alkanes. Here we describe a visible-light-driven, dual-catalyst system consisting of inexpensive organophotoredox and base-metal catalysts for room-temperature, acceptorless-CDA (Al-CDA). Initiated by photoexited 2-chloroanthraquinone, the process involves H atom transfer (HAT) of aliphatics to form alkyl radicals, which then react with cobaloxime to produce olefins and H₂. This operationally simple method enables direct dehydrogenation of readily available chemical feedstocks to diversely functionalized olefins. For example, we demonstrate, for the first time, the oxidant-free desaturation of thioethers and amides to alkenyl sulfides and enamides, respectively. Moreover, the system's exceptional site selectivity and functional group tolerance are illustrated by late-stage dehydrogenation and synthesis of 14 biologically relevant molecules and pharmaceutical ingredients. Mechanistic studies have revealed a dual HAT process and provided insights into the origin of reactivity and site selectivity.

Mechanistic study of C–H bond activation by O2 on negatively charged Au clusters: α,β-dehydrogenation of 1-methyl-4-piperidone by supported Au catalysts

Aerobic C–H activation by Au/OMS-2 catalyst is driven by charge transfer from OMS-2 to adsorbed O₂via Au cluster.

Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydro-4-pyridones and 4-Pyridones by the Cyclization Reaction of Ester-Tethered Enaminones

2,3-Dihydro-4-pyridone skeleton is an important building block in organic synthesis because it features several reaction sites with nucleophilic or electrophilic properties. Herein, we disclose a method for its formation by intramolecular cyclization of ester-tethered enaminones, which can easily be synthesized from readily available materials, such as amines, activated alkynes, and activated alkenes. 2,3-Dihydro-4-pyridones have been isolated in 41-90% yields. We also demonstrate the transformation of these heterocycles into another important class of compounds, 4-pyridones, by utilizing 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone (chloranil) as an oxidizing agent. The latter products were isolated in 65-94% yields.

Construction of trisubstituted chromone skeletons carrying electron-withdrawing groups via PhIO-mediated dehydrogenation and its application to the synthesis of frutinone A

The construction of the biologically interesting chromone skeleton was realized by PhIO-mediated dehydrogenation of chromanones under mild conditions. Interestingly, this method also found application in the synthesis of the naturally occurring frutinone A.

Optimization of Cu catalysts for nitrophenol reduction, click reaction and alkyne coupling

Earth-abundant nanocatalysts are actively searched to replace expensive noble metal catalysts for a number of essential processes.

Synthesis of (E,E)-Dienones and (E,E)-Dienals via Palladium-Catalyzed γ,δ-Dehydrogenation of Enones and Enals

A new strategy for the synthesis of conjugated (E,E)-dienones and (E,E)-dienals via a palladium-catalyzed aerobic γ,δ-dehydrogenation of enones and enals has been developed. The method can be employed in the direct and efficient synthesis of various (E,E)-dienones and (E,E)-dienals, including non-substituted α-, β-, and γ- and/or δ-substituted (E,E)-dienones and (E,E)-dienals. The protocol is featured by the ready accessibility and elaboration of the starting materials, good functional group compatibility, and mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, the reaction is of complete E,E-stereoselectivity and uses molecular oxygen as the sole clean oxidant.

Catalytic Organic Reactions in Water toward Sustainable Society

Traditional organic synthesis relies heavily on organic solvents for a multitude of tasks, including dissolving the components and facilitating chemical reactions, because many reagents and reactive species are incompatible or immiscible with water. Given that they are used in vast quantities as compared to reactants, solvents have been the focus of environmental concerns. Along with reducing the environmental impact of organic synthesis, the use of water as a reaction medium also benefits chemical processes by simplifying operations, allowing mild reaction conditions, and sometimes delivering unforeseen reactivities and selectivities. After the "watershed" in organic synthesis revealed the importance of water, the development of water-compatible catalysts has flourished, triggering a quantum leap in water-centered organic synthesis. Given that organic compounds are typically practically insoluble in water, simple extractive workup can readily separate a water-soluble homogeneous catalyst as an aqueous solution from a product that is soluble in organic solvents. In contrast, the use of heterogeneous catalysts facilitates catalyst recycling by allowing simple centrifugation and filtration methods to be used. This Review addresses advances over the past decade in catalytic reactions using water as a reaction medium.