Photocatalytic decarboxylation of free carboxylic acids and their functionalization

Visible light mediated decarboxylative functionalization of carboxylic acids and their derivatives has recently emerged as a novel and powerful toolkit for small molecule activation in diverse carbon-carbon and carbon-hetero bond forming reactions. Naturally abundant highly functionalized bench-stable carboxylic acid analogs have been employed as promising alternatives to non-trivial organometallic reagents for mild and eco-benign synthetic transformation with traceless CO2 by-products. In this highlight article, we focus on the development of various photodecarboxylative functionalization strategies along with intra/inter-molecular cyclization via concerted single electron transfer (SET) or energy transfer (ET) pathways. Moreover, widely explored carboxylic acids are systematically classified here into four categories; i.e., α-keto, aliphatic, α,β-unsaturated, and aromatic analogs for a concise overview to the readership. The association of decarboxylative radical species with coupling partners to construct C-C and C-N/O/S/P/X bonds for each analogous acid has been presented in brief.

Iron-Catalyzed Csp2-Csp3 Cross-Coupling via Double Decarboxylation: One Step Synthesis of Remote Polar Alkenes

Herein, we report an efficient photoinduced iron-catalyzed strategy for cross-couplings of alkyl carboxylic and acrylic acids, which provides a powerful tool for the synthesis of a variety of alkenes with polar functional groups. This novel synthetic methodology can also be applied to the preparation of ketones by using α-keto acids. Mechanistic experiments revealed preliminary mechanistic details. Diverse functionalization could be achieved, which may help streamline the synthesis of complex analogues for drug discovery.

Visible-light-induced cascade reaction: a sustainable approach towards molecular complexity

Photoredox catalysis has demonstrated rapid evolution in the field of synthetic organic chemistry. On the other hand, the splendour of cascade reactions in providing complex molecular architectures renders them a cutting-edge research area. Therefore, the merging of photocatalysis with cascade synthesis brings out a synthetic paradigm with immense potential. The development of photocascade catalysis for a target molecule with a particular molecular skeleton and stereochemical framework presents certain challenges but provides a robust and environmentally benign synthetic alternative. This comprehensive review assembles all the accomplishments and highlights of visible-light-induced cascade reactions with literature coverage up to October 2022.

Tuning the Photocatalytic Performance of Ruthenium(II) Polypyridine Complexes Via Ligand Modification for Visible-Light-Induced Phosphorylation of Tertiary Aliphatic Amines

Tuning the redox potential of commonly available photocatalyst to improve the catalytic performance or expand its scope for challenging synthetic conversions is an ongoing demand in synthetic chemistry. Herein, the excited state properties and redox potential of commercially available [Ru(bpy)₃ ]²⁺ photocatalyst were tuned by modifying the structure of the bipyridine ligands with electron-donating/withdrawing units. The visible-light-mediated photoredox phosphorylation of tertiary aliphatic amines was demonstrated under mild conditions. A series of cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions were performed employing the Ru^II complexes as photocatalyst giving the corresponding α-aminophosphinoxides and α-aminophosphonates via carbon-phosphorus (C-P) bond formation.

N,N'-Diaryldihydrophenazines as a Sustainable and Cost-Effective Alternative to Precious Metal Complexes in the Photoredox-Catalyzed Alkylation of Aryl Alkyl Ketones

An inexpensive and highly efficient metal-free alternative to commonly used Ru- and Ir-based catalysts was proposed. It was shown that the new 2,7-di-tert-butyl-5,10-bis(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine outcompeted the iridium phenylpyridyl complex in photoredox activity in the alkylation of silyl enol ethers yielding aryl alkyl ketones. The reaction occurred under visible light irradiation at room temperature and was also applicable to drug derivatives (ibuprofen and naproxen). In-depth photophysical, electrochemical, and quantum chemical studies showed that the aforementioned N,N-diaryldihydrophenazine exhibited enhanced properties that were essential for the photoredox catalysis (a long-lived triplet excited state, strong reducing ability, high stability of the radical cations formed in single-electron-transfer event, and chemical inertness of the catalyst with respect to reactants). Importantly, the substituted N,N'-diaryldihydrophenazines could be obtained directly from diaryl amines; a facile, easily handled and scaled-up one-pot synthetic procedure was elaborated.

Visible-Light-Induced Decarboxylative Alkylation/Ring Opening and Esterification of Vinylcyclopropanes

A visible-light-induced four-component reaction of vinylcyclopropanes, N-(acyloxy)phthalimide esters, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and H₂O through an oxidative ring opening of cyclopropane is presented. This procedure provides a new and effective way to construct formate esters. DMF is employed as both a solvent and the source of CHO. This difunctionalization of vinylcyclopropanes shows good functional group tolerance under room temperature. A radical pathway is involved, and carbonyl oxygen of ester originated from water in this transformation.

The construction of benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones from N-methacryloyl-2-phenylbenzoimidazoles through radical strategies

Benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-one constitutes a structurally unique class of tetracyclic N-heterocycles that are found throughout a myriad of biologically active natural products, pharmaceutical compounds, and functional materials. Various synthetic routes for the preparation of benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones have been reported. In particular, the use of N-methacryloyl-2-phenylbenzoimidazoles to construct benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones through various radical strategies have attracted widespread attention due to the versatility and simple preparation of raw materials, as well as the step-economy and mild reaction conditions. Using representative examples, we highlight significant progress in the synthesis of benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones, including the selection of the catalytic system, substrate scope, mechanistic understanding, and applications. The contents of this review focus on the development of C-, S-, P-, and Si-centered radical addition-intramolecular cyclization strategies.

Visible-light synthesis of 4-substituted-chroman-2-ones and 2-substituted-chroman-4-ones via doubly decarboxylative Giese reaction

Doubly decarboxylative, photoredox synthesis of 4-substituted-chroman-2-ones and 2-substituted-chroman-4-ones is described. The reaction involves two independent decarboxylation processes: the first one initiating the cycle and the second completing the process. Visible light, photoredox catalyst, base, anhydrous solvent and inert atmosphere constitute the key parameters for the success of the developed transformation. The protocol proved applicable for coumarin-3-carboxylic acids and chromone-3-carboxylic acids as well as N-(acyloxy)phthalimide which served as precursors of the corresponding alkyl radicals.

The manuscript describes the doubly decarboxylative Giese reaction between N-(acyloxy)phthalimides and coumarin-3-carboxylic acids or chromone-3-carboxylic acids.

Dual Nickel/Ruthenium Strategy for Photoinduced Decarboxylative Cross-Coupling of α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids with Cycloketone Oxime Esters

Herein, a dual nickel/ruthenium strategy is developed for photoinduced decarboxylative cross-coupling between α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids and cycloketone oxime esters. The reaction mechanism is distinct from previous photoinduced decarboxylation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids. This reaction might proceed through a nickelacyclopropane intermediate. The C(sp²)-C(sp³) bond constructed by the aforementioned reaction provides an efficient approach to obtaining various cyanoalkyl alkenes, which are synthetically valuable organic skeletons in organic and medicinal chemistry, under mild reaction conditions. The protocol tolerates many critical functional groups and provides a route for the modification of complex organic molecules.

Advances in Electrochemical Decarboxylative Transformation Reactions

Owing to their non-toxic, stable, inexpensive properties, carboxylic acids are considered as environmentally benign alternatives as coupling partners in various organic transformations. Electrochemical mediated decarboxylation of carboxylic acid has emerged as a new and efficient methodology for the construction of carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom bonds. Compared with transition-metal catalysis and photoredox catalysis, electro-organic decarboxylative transformations are considered as a green and sustainable protocol due to the absence of chemical oxidants and strong bases. Further, it exhibits good tolerance with various functional groups. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent advances and discoveries on the electrochemical decarboxylative transformations on C-C and C-heteroatoms bond formations.

Copper-catalyzed oxidative decarboxylative alkylation of cinnamic acids with 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines

We have developed a new oxidative decarboxylation of cinnamic acids with 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines to construct C(sp3)-C(sp2) bonds in the presence of copper catalyst and dicumyl peroxide (DCP). A variety of internal alkenes have been obtained with mild conditions, broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance. This method has significant potential for application by using inexpensive and stable cinnamic acids instead of alkenyl halides and nitro-olefins.

Generation of Alkyl Radicals: From the Tyranny of Tin to the Photon Democracy

Alkyl radicals are key intermediates in organic synthesis. Their classic generation from alkyl halides has a severe drawback due to the employment of toxic tin hydrides to the point that "flight from the tyranny of tin" in radical processes was considered for a long time an unavoidable issue. This review summarizes the main alternative approaches for the generation of unstabilized alkyl radicals, using photons as traceless promoters. The recent development in photochemical and photocatalyzed processes enabled the discovery of a plethora of new alkyl radical precursors, opening the world of radical chemistry to a broader community, thus allowing a new era of photon democracy.

Photocatalytic dual decarboxylative alkenylation mediated by triphenylphosphine and sodium iodide

An efficient photocatalytic dual decarboxylative alkenylation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids and alkyl N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHP) esters mediated by triphenylphosphine and sodium iodide has been developed. This protocol proceeds under 456-nanometer irradiation by visible blue light in the absence of transition metals or organic dye based photoredox catalysts. The reaction is successfully applied to a wide range of redox-active esters derived from aliphatic carboxylic acids (1°, 2° and 3°) and α-amino acids, enabling transformations of diverse α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids to α,β-alkylated styrenes with high efficiency and excellent selectivity under mild conditions.

Photocatalytic decarboxylative alkenylation of α-amino and α-hydroxy acid-derived redox active esters by NaI/PPh3 catalysis

Herein, we report the photocatalytic decarboxylative alkenylation reactions of N-(acyloxy)phthalimide derived from α-amino and α-hydroxy acids with 1,1-diarylethene, and with cinnamic acid derivatives through double decarboxylation, using sodium iodide and triphenylphosphine as redox catalysts. The reaction proceeds under mild irradiation conditions with visible blue light (440 nm or 456 nm) in an acetone solvent without recourse to transition-metal or organic dye based photoredox catalysts. The reaction proceeds via photoactivation of a transiently self-assembled chromophore from N-(acyloxy)phthalimide and NaI/PPh3. Solvation plays a crucial role in the reactivity.

A Practical Method for Continuous Production of sp3-Rich Compounds from (Hetero)Aryl Halides and Redox-Active Esters

A practically useful coupling reaction between aromatic halides and redox-active esters was realized by nickel catalysis through the use of a packed zinc bed column in continuous flow. Multiple reuse of the column showed a negligible decrease in efficiency, affording high space/time yields. A wide range of substrates, including a number of heteroaryl halides and polyfunctional materials were coupled in generally good yields. Longer-time and larger-scale experiments further demonstrates the robustness of the system.

Rhodium(i)-catalyzed C6-selective C-H alkenylation and polyenylation of 2-pyridones with alkenyl and conjugated polyenyl carboxylic acids

A versatile Rh(i)-catalyzed C6-selective decarbonylative C-H alkenylation of 2-pyridones with readily available, and inexpensive alkenyl carboxylic acids has been developed. This directed dehydrogenative cross-coupling reaction affords 6-alkenylated 2-pyridones that would otherwise be difficult to access using conventional C-H functionalization protocols. The reaction occurs with high efficiency and is tolerant of a broad range of functional groups. A wide scope of alkenyl carboxylic acids, including challenging conjugated polyene carboxylic acids, are amenable to this transformation and no addition of external oxidant is required. Mechanistic studies revealed that (1) Boc2O acts as the activator for the in situ transformation of the carboxylic acids into anhydrides before oxidative addition by the Rh catalyst, (2) a decarbonylation step is involved in the catalytic cycle, and (3) the C-H bond cleavage is likely the turnover-limiting step.

Photoredox-catalyzed stereoselective alkylation of enamides with N-hydroxyphthalimide esters via decarboxylative cross-coupling reactions

Stereoselective β-C(sp2)-H alkylation of enamides with redox-active N-hydroxyphthalimide esters via a photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reaction is demonstrated. This methodology features operational simplicity, broad substrate scopes, and excellent stereoselectivities and functional group tolerance, affording a diverse array of geometrically defined and synthetically valuable enamides bearing primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups in satisfactory yields.

Construction of C(sp2 )-C(sp3 ) Bond between Quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones and N-Hydroxyphthalimide Esters via Photocatalytic Decarboxylative Coupling

A novel visible-light-driven decarboxylative coupling of alkyl N-hydroxyphthalimide esters (NHP esters) with quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones has been developed. This C(sp² )-C(sp³ ) bond-forming transformation exhibits excellent substrate generality with respect to both the coupling partners. Of note, a series of 3-primary alkyl-substituted quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones that were difficult to synthesize by previous methods could be obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Additionally, the mild conditions, easy availability of substrates, wide functional group tolerance and operational simplicity make this protocol practical in the synthesis of 3-alkylated quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones.

Exploring the ring-opening reactions of imidazo[1,5-a]quinolines for the synthesis of imides under photochemical conditions

The ring-opening reaction of imidazo[1,5-a]quinolines under photoredox conditions has been described. With Eosin Y as the organophotoredox catalyst, synthetically useful and medicinally important imides were obtained in moderate to excellent yields under mild reaction conditions.

Divergent Conversion of N-Acyl-isoxazol-5(2 H)-ones to Oxazoles and 1,3-Oxazin-6-ones Using Photoredox Catalysis

The fragmentation of N-acyl-isoxazol-5-ones using visible light photoredox catalysis has been disclosed. The catalyst-controlled divergent mechanisms, namely the oxidative and reductive quenching catalytic cycle, are utilized. Various oxazoles and 1,3-oxazin-6-ones are selectively obtained from the same isoxazol-5-one skeleton under mild conditions.

Silver-catalyzed decarboxylative radical cascade cyclization toward benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones

A simple and efficient decarboxylative radical addition/cyclization strategy was developed, by which a wide range of benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-6(5H)-ones were prepared in one-pot via reaction of functionalized 2-arylbenzoimidazoles and carboxylic acids in the presence of K2S2O8/AgNO3 under mild reaction conditions.

Pd-Catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reactions of epoxides with α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids

A Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids with cyclic and acyclic epoxides has been developed.

Nickel-catalyzed electrochemical reductive decarboxylative coupling of N-hydroxyphthalimide esters with quinoxalinones

The first example of electrochemically enabled, NiCl₂-catalyzed reductive decarboxylative coupling of N-hydroxyphthalimide esters with quinoxalinones was developed.

Alkenylation of unactivated alkyl bromides through visible light photocatalysis

Two visible-light driven alkenylation reactions of unactivated alkyl bromides, which were enabled by the use of Ir(dF(CF₃)ppy)₂(dtbbpy)PF₆ as the photocatalyst and (TMS)₃SiH as the atom transfer reagent to activate the alkyl bromides, were described for the first time.

Visible-light-promoted organic dye-catalyzed sulfidation and phosphorylation of arylhydrazines toward aromatic sulfides and diarylphosphoryl hydrazides

Visible-light-promoted sulfidation and phosphorylation of arylhydrazines for the synthesis of aromatic sulfides and diarylphosphoryl hydrazides were developed using the organic dyes rose bengal and Na₂-eosin Y as photocatalysts, respectively.

Cooperative iodine and photoredox catalysis for direct oxidative lactonization of carboxylic acids

C–H lactonization is enabled by visible light-promoted cooperative catalysis combining molecular iodine and an organic dye.

Dual nickel- and photoredox-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling of aryl vinyl halides and unactivated tertiary alkyl bromides

A novel reductive cross-coupling of aryl vinyl halides and unactivated tertiary alkyl bromides has been realized via photoredox/nickel dual catalysis to produce vinyl arene derivatives bearing all-carbon quaternary centers with excellent E-selectivity. A stoichiometric metal reductant could be avoided by employing commercially available N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) as the terminal reductant.