Four-Component Radical 1,2-Selenosulfonylation of Allenes

Selenosulfones, as pivotal pharmaceutical molecule frameworks, have become a research hotspot in modern organic synthesis due to their vital need for efficient preparation. Herein, we have developed an iron-catalyzed four-component controllable radical tandem reaction of allenes involving cycloketone oxime esters, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bis(sulfur dioxide) adduct (DABSO), and diphenyl diselenides for the synthesis of complex selenosulfones. This is the first case of achieving the 1,2-selenosulfonylation of allenes via a radical process, wherein precise control of radical rates and polarity matching enhance high regioselective conversion. The reaction conditions are ecofriendly and mild with step-efficiency by forming two new C-S bonds and one C-Se bond in one pot. Moreover, the 1,2-selenosulfonylation of allenes can be achieved by replacing cycloketone oxime esters with aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates in this system.

Blue light enhanced Heck arylation at room temperature applied to allenes

A blue light enhanced synthesis of 2-vinyl pirrolidines and piperidines through a domino Heck arylation–cyclisation applied to allenyl amines is described. Essential is the role of the light in the aryl migration in the carbo-palladation step.

Photoredox-Catalyzed α-Aminoalkylcarboxylation of Allenes with CO2

The photoredox-catalyzed α-aminoalkylcarboxylation of aryl allenes with CO₂ and N,N-dimethylanilines is reported for the first time (26 examples, up to 96% yield). In the case of electron-deficient allenes, good regioselectivity was observed (up to 94:6), exclusively generating kinetic products over thermodynamic products. This protocol is a novel synthetic method for highly functionalized β,γ-unsaturated γ-aminobutyric esters.

Visible light mediated functionalization of allenes

This review summarizes the visible light mediated strategies for the functionalization of allenes.

Visible-light-driven photocyclization reaction: photocatalyst-free mediated intramolecular N–N coupling for the synthesis of 2H-indazole-3-carboxamides from aryl azides

A visible-light-driven photocyclization reaction of aryl azides to access 2H-indazole-3-carboxamides in moderate to excellent yields has been realized efficiently under photocatalyst-free and external additive-free conditions.

A complementary approach to conjugated N-acyliminium formation through photoredox-catalyzed intermolecular radical addition to allenamides and allencarbamates

An intermolecular radical addition, using photoredox catalysis, to allenamides and allencarbamates is reported. This transformation synthesizes N-acyl-N’-aryl-N,N’-allylaminals, and proceeds by a conjugated N-acyliminium intermediate that previously has principally been generated by electrophilic activation methods. The radical adds to the central carbon of the allene giving a conjugated N-acyliminium that undergoes nucleophilic addition by arylamines and alcohols.

Mechanistic Aspects and Synthetic Applications of Radical Additions to Allenes

More than 50 years have passed since Haszeldine reported the first addition of a trifluoromethyl radical to an allene; in the intervening years, both the chemistry of allenes and the reactivity of single-electron species have become topics of intense interest. In this Review, we provide an overview of the fundamentals of radical additions to allenes and highlight the emergence of theoretical and experimental evidence that reveals unique reactivity patterns for radical additions to allenes as compared with other unsaturated compounds. Factors capable of exerting control over the chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivities of the attack of carbon- and heteroatom-based radicals at each of the three potential reactive sites in an allene substrate are described. These include reaction conditions, the nature of the attacking radical, the substitution pattern of the allene, and the length of the linker between the radical center and the proximal allene carbon in the substrate. Cycloaddition reactions between allenes and partners containing π-bonds, which are likely to proceed through radical pathways, are presented to highlight their ability to rapidly access complex polycyclic scaffolds. Finally, the synthetic utility of the products arising from these chemistries is described, including their applications to the construction of complex molecules.

Regioselective C3-H Trifluoromethylation of 2 H-Indazole under Transition-Metal-Free Photoredox Catalysis

Trifluoromethyl-substituted heteroarenes are biologically active compounds and useful building blocks. In this sequence, we have developed a visible-light-promoted regioselective C3-H trifluoromethylation of 2 H-indazole under metal-free conditions, which proceeds via a radical mechanism. The combination of photocatalysis and hypervalent iodine reagent provides a practical approach to a library of trifluoromethylated indazoles in 35-83% yields.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Alkenylation of Benzylsulfonium Salts

Visible light-mediated radical alkenylation of benzylsulfonium salts was achieved by means of fac-Ir(ppy)3 as a photocatalyst, giving allylbenzenes as products. A variety of functional groups, such as halogen, ester, and cyano, were well tolerated in this transformation. Starting benzylsulfonium salts could be readily prepared from benzyl alcohols by an acid-mediated substitution, increasing the synthetic utility of this transformation.

Visible light enabled γ-trifluoromethylation of Baylis–Hillman acetates: stereoselective synthesis of trisubstituted alkenes

Metal-free γ-trifluoromethylation of Baylis–Hillman acetates is reported using Langlois’ reagent under visible light photoredox catalysis.

Synthesis of trifluoroalkyl or difluoroalkyl phenanthridine derivatives via cascade reaction using an intramolecular cyano group as a radical acceptor under photoredox catalysis

In the presence of Ru(phen)₃Cl₂ or fac-Ir(ppy)₃ under visible-light irradiation, the addition of fluorinated radicals to N-arylacrylamides followed by an intramolecular cyano group insertion cascade cyclization process produced the target compounds in moderate to good yields.

An ab initio and DFT study of trifluoromethylation using Umemoto's reagent

Theoretical calculations revealed that trifluoromethylation using Umemoto's reagent would occur through the ionic backside mechanism.

A Metal-Free Approach to 1,2-Diamines via Visible Light-Driven Reductive Coupling of Imines with Perylene as a Photoredox Catalyst

A simple, metal-free, and versatile approach to 1,2-diamines has been developed based on reductive coupling reactions of various imines, where perylene, an aromatic hydrocarbon, was used as a photoredox catalyst under visible light irradiation using a white light-emitting diode. The use of 1 mol % perylene enabled almost complete conversion of the imines, leading to the formation of their corresponding 1,2-diamines, which were isolated in good yields. The ratios between dl and meso diamines ranged from 31:69 to 82:18 depending on the substituents of the imines.

Direct synthesis of hydrazones by visible light mediated aerobic oxidative cleavage of the CC bond

A metal-free protocol through visible light mediated oxidative cleavage of CC bonds to directly construct CN bonds has been developed for the conversion of alkenes to hydrazones under mild conditions.

Efficient trifluoromethylation via the cyclopropanation of allenes and subsequent C–C bond cleavage

Trifluoromethyl has been efficiently incorporated into organic skeletons via allene cyclization and C–C bond cleavage.