Convergent Paired Electrolysis for [3+2] Cycloaddition of Azidotrimethylsilane with N-Heterocycles

A widely used method to obtain tetrazoles is through the azide and nitrile [3+2] cycloaddition. However, this process often involves using non-recyclable transition metals or Lewis acid catalysts and stoichiometric amounts of oxidants and additives, which reduces atom efficiency. We have discovered a convergent paired electrochemical reaction to perform this cycloaddition reaction, without the need for metal catalysts or oxidants. This tetrazolation strategy uses azidotrimethylsilane (TMSN3) and N-heterocycles in an undivided cell at a constant current. We use a mixture of CH3CN and equivalent amounts of H2O as co-solvent at room temperature. It is crucial to produce a stoichiometric amount of active hydroxyl ions through the cathodic reduction of water. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies and control experiments confirm that the cycloaddition reaction is specific to the electrode electron transfer process, eliminating the need for a mediator to shuttle electrons. This metal- and oxidant-free strategy is highly compatible with different functional groups and produces products with moderate to good yields. We have successfully tetrazolated bioactive compounds at a late stage, scaled up batches efficiently, and synthesized free amino-containing N-heterocycles via denitrogenation of tetrazoles.

Harnessing the versatility of hydrazones through electrosynthetic oxidative transformations

Hydrazones are important structural motifs in organic synthesis, providing a useful molecular platform for the construction of valuable compounds. Electrooxidative transformations of hydrazones constitute an attractive opportunity to take advantage of the versatility of these reagents. By directly harnessing the electrical current to perform the oxidative process, a large panel of organic molecules can be accessed from readily available hydrazones under mild, safe and oxidant-free reaction conditions. This review presents a comprehensive overview of oxidative electrosynthetic transformations of hydrazones. It includes the construction of azacycles, the C(sp2)-H functionalization of aldehyde-derived hydrazones and the access to diazo compounds as either synthetic intermediates or products. A special attention is paid to the reaction mechanism with the aim to encourage further development in this field.

Organocatalytic Oxidative C-H Amination of Aldehyde Hydrazones with Azoles at Ambient Temperature

An efficient, metal-free, and direct oxidative amination of aldehyde-derived hydrazones with azoles has been developed using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone as an organocatalyst at ambient temperature. This protocol provides a wide range of aminated hydrazone derivatives in a step and atom economical fashion. The reaction possibly follows a radical mechanism.

Chemical versatility of azide radical: journey from a transient species to synthetic accessibility in organic transformations

The generation of azide radical (N₃˙) occurs from its precursors primarily via a single electron transfer (SET) process or homolytic cleavage by chemical methods or advanced photoredox/electrochemical methods. This in situ generated transient open-shell species has unique characteristic features that set its reactivity. In the past, the azide radical was widely used for various studies in radiation chemistry as a 1e^- oxidant of biologically important molecules, but now it is being exploited for synthetic applications based on its addition and intermolecular hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) abilities. Due to the significant role of nitrogen-containing molecules in synthesis, drug discovery, biological, and material sciences, the direct addition onto unsaturated bonds for the simultaneous construction of C-N bond with other (C-X) bonds are indeed worth highlighting. Moreover, the ability to generate O- or C-centered radicals by N₃˙ via electron transfer (ET) and intermolecular HAT processes is also well documented. The purpose of controlling the reactivity of this short-lived intermediate in organic transformations drives us to survey: (i) the history of azide radical and its structural properties (thermodynamic, spectroscopic, etc.), (ii) chemical reactivities and kinetics, (iii) methods to produce N₃˙ from various precursors, (iv) several significant azide radical-mediated transformations in the field of functionalization with unsaturated bonds, C-H functionalization via HAT, tandem, and multicomponent reaction with a critical analysis of underlying mechanistic approaches and outcomes, (v) concept of taming the reactivity of azide radicals for potential opportunities, in this review.

Bromine-radical-induced Csp2–H difluoroalkylation of quinoxalinones and hydrazones through visible-light-promoted Csp3–Br bond homolysis

Bromine radicals derived from photo-induced Csp3–Br bond homolysis can mediate H abstraction/imine radical formation from quinoxalinones and hydrazones, which in turn quench the in situ-generated difluoroalkyl radicals to furnish the products.

Synthesis of α-Branched Amines by Three- and Four-Component C-H Functionalization Employing a Readily Diversifiable Hydrazone Directing Group

Efficient syntheses of α-branched amines by three- and four-component C-H functionalization employing a diversifiable hydrazone directing group have been developed. The hydrazone in the α-branched amine products has been readily converted to multiple desirable functionalities such as a nitrile, a carboxylic acid, alkenes, and heterocycles using diverse heterolytic chemistry and homolytic transition metal- or photoredox-catalyzed processes. This study represents the first example of a four-component C-H functionalization reaction.

Oxidative Sulfonylation of Hydrazones Enabled by Synergistic Copper/Silver Catalysis

A copper/silver-cocatalyzed protocol for oxidative sulfonylation of hydrazones is demonstrated. A wide range of β-ketosulfones and N-acylsulfonamides are directly synthesized in moderate to good yields. Our work provides a viable method for scalable preparation of β-ketosulfone derivatives that have found wide applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Generation of Sulfonylated Tetrazoles through an Iron-Catalyzed Multicomponent Reaction Involving Sulfur Dioxide

As a privileged motif, tetrazoles can be widely found in pharmaceuticals and materials science. Herein, a five-component reaction of cycloketone oxime esters, alkynes, DABCO·(SO₂)₂, and two molecules of trimethylsilyl azide under iron catalysis is developed, giving rise to a range of cyano-containing sulfonylated tetrazoles in moderate to good yields. This multicomponent reaction exhibits excellent selectivity and enables the formation of multiple new chemical bonds in one pot. A possible mechanism involving azidosulfonylation of alkynes, C-C bond cleavage of both cycloketone oxime esters and alkynes, and [3 + 2] cycloaddition of trimethylsilyl azide and the nitrilium cation intermediate is proposed. Additionally, the potential of terminal alkynes acting as powerful synthons for the synthesis of tetrazoles in a radical initiated process is demonstrated for the first time.

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High-value tetrazole motifs were synthesized via a five-component reaction

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Fixing sulfur dioxide into tetrazole molecules under mild conditions

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Low-cost iron catalyst initiated the transformation

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Excellent selectivity with the formation of multiple new chemical bonds

Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyrroles via Silver-Catalyzed Oxidative Radical Addition of Cyclopropanols to Imines

A silver-catalyzed formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction, with cyclopropanols as a C3 subunit and imines as a two-atom subunit, is developed. The reaction takes place under mild conditions and produces a broad array of polysubstituted pyrroles in medium to high yields. It represents the first example of oxidative radical addition to imines, thus offering a new choice for the direct C-H functionalization of imines.

[3 + 3] Cycloaddition of Azides with in Situ Formed Azaoxyallyl Cations To Synthesize 1,2,3,4-Tetrazines

A formal [3 + 3] cycloaddition reaction between azides and in situ formed azaoxyallyl cations has been realized. This reaction provided an efficient and practical pathway to synthesize 1,2,3,4-tetrazines in good yields under mild conditions. Biologically active molecules could also be well compatible, highlighting the potential value of this reaction.

Exploration of C-H Transformations of Aldehyde Hydrazones: Radical Strategies and Beyond

The chemistry of hydrazones has gained great momentum due to their involvement throughout the evolution of organic synthesis. Herein, we discuss the tremendous developments in both the methodology and application of hydrazones. Hydrazones can be recognized not only as synthetic equivalents to aldehydes and ketones but also as versatile synthetic building blocks. Consequently, they can participate in a range of practical synthetic transformations. Furthermore, hydrazone derivatives display a broad array of biological activities and have been widely applied as pharmaceuticals. Owing to the weak directing group effect of simple aldehydes and ketones in C-H bond functionalizations, the C-H bond functionalizations of hydrazones that have been developed in the past five years represent a significant step forward. These novel transformations open a new door to a broader library of functionalized and complex small molecules. Moreover, a wide range of biologically important N-heterocycles (dihydropyrazoles, pyrazoles, indazoles, cinnolines, etc.) can be efficiently synthesized in an atom- and step-economical manner through single, double, or triple C-H bond functionalizations of hydrazones. Both radical C-H functionalizations and transition-metal-catalyzed directing-group strategies have enhanced the synthetic utility of hydrazones in the chemical community because these strategies solve the long-standing challenge of C-H functionalizations adjacent to aldehydes and ketones. We began this study based on our ongoing interest in visible-light photoredox catalysis. Visible-light photoredox catalysis has become a powerful tool in contemporary synthetic chemistry due to its remarkable advantages in sustainability and use of radical chemistry. By exploiting a photoredox-catalyzed aminyl radical polar crossover (ARPC) strategy, we successfully achieved visible-light-induced C(sp²)-H difluoroalkylation, trifluoromethylation, and perfluoroalkylation of aldehyde-derived hydrazones. This intriguing result was later applied in the C(sp²)-H amination of hydrazones and a cascade cyclization reaction for the synthesis of polycyclic compounds. Encouraged by this redox-neutral C-H functionalization of aldehyde hydrazones, we extended the oxidative C-H/P-H cross-coupling method, which represents a novel and efficient method for the synthesis of α-iminophosphine oxides. Furthermore, an elegant [3 + 2] cycloaddition of azides and aldehyde hydrazones for the synthesis of functionalized tetrazoles was advantageously developed during our investigation of the oxidative C(sp²)-H azidation of aldehyde hydrazones with TMSN₃. The sequential C(sp²)-H/C(sp³)-H bond functionalization of aldehyde-derived hydrazones with simple 2,2-dibromo-1,3-dicarbonyls was achieved by employing relay photoredox catalysis, and it provides a novel method of accessing bioactive fused dihydropyrazole derivatives. The notable feature of this approach was further reflected in the formal [4 + 1] annulation of aldehyde-derived N-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrazones with 2-bromo-1,3-dicarbonyls. To complement these radical C-H functionalization strategies, we recently applied a directing-group strategy in the Rh-catalyzed C(aldehyde)-H functionalization of aldehyde-derived hydrazones for the synthesis of distinctive and bioactive 1H-indazole scaffolds. In summary, this Account presents recent contributions to the exploration, development, mechanistic insights, and synthetic applications of C-H bond functionalizations of aldehyde hydrazones.

C(sp2)–H functionalization of aldehyde-derived hydrazones via a radical process

This review is focused on the recent advances in the C(sp²)–H functionalization of aldehyde-derived hydrazones via a radical process. Diverse substituted hydrazones including N-heterocycles are afforded under mild conditions with excellent selectivities. In general, an aminyl radical as the key intermediate is involved during the reaction process.

Iodine(III) Reagents in Radical Chemistry

The chemistry of hypervalent iodine(III) compounds has gained great interest over the past 30 years. Hypervalent iodine(III) compounds show valuable ionic reactivity due to their high electrophilicity but also express radical reactivity as single electron oxidants for carbon and heteroatom radical generation. Looking at ionic chemistry, these iodine(III) reagents can act as electrophiles to efficiently construct C–CF₃, X–CF₃ (X = heteroatom), C–R_f (R_f = perfluoroalkyl), X–R_f, C–N₃, C–CN, S–CN, and C–X bonds. In some cases, a Lewis or a Bronsted acid is necessary to increase their electrophilicity. In these transformations, the iodine(III) compounds react as formal “CF₃⁺”, “R_f⁺”, “N₃⁺”, “Ar⁺”, “CN⁺”, and “X⁺” equivalents. On the other hand, one electron reduction of the I(III) reagents opens the door to the radical world, which is the topic of this Account that focuses on radical reactivity of hypervalent iodine(III) compounds such as the Togni reagent, Zhdankin reagent, diaryliodonium salts, aryliodonium ylides, aryl(cyano)iodonium triflates, and aryl(perfluoroalkyl)iodonium triflates. Radical generation starting with I(III) reagents can also occur via thermal or light mediated homolysis of the weak hypervalent bond in such reagents. This reactivity can be used for alkane C–H functionalization. We will address important pioneering work in the area but will mainly focus on studies that have been conducted by our group over the last 5 years.

We entered the field by investigating transition metal free single electron reduction of Togni type reagents using the readily available sodium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl salt (TEMPONa) as an organic one electron reductant for clean generation of the trifluoromethyl radical and perfluoroalkyl radicals. That valuable approach was later successfully also applied to the generation of azidyl and aryl radicals starting with the corresponding benziodoxole (Zhdankin reagent) and iodonium salts. In the presence of alkenes as radical acceptors, vicinal trifluoromethyl-, azido-, and arylaminoxylation products result via a sequence comprising radical addition to the alkene and subsequent TEMPO trapping. Electron-rich arenes also react with I(III) reagents via single electron transfer (SET) to give arene radical cations, which can then engage in arylation reactions. We also recognized that the isonitrile functionality in aryl isonitriles is a highly efficient perfluoroalkyl radical acceptor, and reaction of R_f-benziodoxoles (Togni type reagents) in the presence of a radical initiator provides various perfluoroalkylated N-heterocycles (indoles, phenanthridines, quinolines, etc.). We further found that aryliodonium ylides, previously used as carbene precursors in metal-mediated cyclopropanation reactions, react via SET reduction with TEMPONa to the corresponding aryl radicals. As a drawback of all these transformations, we realized that only one ligand of the iodine(III) reagent gets transferred to the substrate. To further increase atom-economy of such conversions, we identified cyano or perfluoroalkyl iodonium triflate salts as valuable reagents for stereoselective vicinal alkyne difunctionalization, where two ligands from the I(III) reagent are sequentially transferred to an alkyne acceptor.

Finally, we will discuss alkynyl-benziodoxoles as radical acceptors for alkynylation reactions. Similar reactivity was found for the Zhdankin reagent that has been successfully applied to azidation of C-radicals, and also cyanation is possible with a cyano I(III) reagent. To summarize, this Account focuses on the design, development, mechanistic understanding, and synthetic application of hypervalent iodine(III) reagents in radical chemistry.