Deoxygenative Transformation of Alcohols via Phosphoranyl Radical from Exogenous Radical Addition

A general approach to the direct deoxygenative transformation of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols has been developed. It undergoes through phosphoranyl radical intermediates generated by the addition of exogenous iodine radical to trivalent alkoxylphosphanes. Since these alkoxylphosphanes are readily in situ obtained from alcohols and commercially available, inexpensive chlorodiphenylphosphine, a diverse range of alcohols with various functional groups can be utilized to proceed deoxygenative cross-couplings with alkenes or aryl iodides. The selective transformation of polyhydroxy substrates and the rapid synthesis of complex organic molecules are also demonstrated with this method.

Ni-catalyzed enantioconvergent deoxygenative reductive cross-coupling of unactivated alkyl alcohols and aryl bromides

Transition metal-catalyzed enantioconvergent cross-coupling of an alkyl precursor presents a promising method for producing enantioenriched C(sp3) molecules. Because alkyl alcohol is a ubiquitous and abundant family of feedstock in nature, the direct reductive coupling of alkyl alcohol and aryl halide enables efficient access to valuable compounds. Although several strategies have been developed to overcome the high bond dissociation energy of the C - O bond, the asymmetric pattern remains unknown. In this report, we describe the realization of an enantioconvergent deoxygenative reductive cross-coupling of unactivated alkyl alcohol (β-hydroxy ketone) and aryl bromide in the presence of an NHC activating agent. The approach can accommodate substituents of various sizes and functional groups, and its synthetic potency is demonstrated through a gram scale reaction and derivatizations into other compound families. Finally, we apply our convergent method to the efficient asymmetric synthesis of four β-aryl ketones that are natural products or bioactive compounds.

Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Alkene Cross-Dialkylation with Unactivated Alkyl Electrophiles

A Ni-catalyzed reductive dialkylation of 8-aminoquinoline-tethered aliphatic alkenes with two unactivated alkyl electrophiles is disclosed here. Key to the development of this transformation is the combination of primary alkyl (pseudo)halides and secondary alkyl iodides that produce products in a single regioselective manner. The reaction exhibits good functional group compatibility, and its synthetic utility was demonstrated by the concise synthesis of the precursors of biologically relevant molecules.

Deuteration Degree-Controllable Methylation via a Cascade Assembly Strategy using Methylamine-Water as Methyl Source

We present a novel and effective photocatalytic method for the methylation of β-diketones with controllable degrees of deuterium incorporation via development of new methyl sources. By utilizing a methylamine-water system as the methyl precursor and a cascade assembly strategy for deuteration degree control, we synthesized methylated compounds with varying degrees of deuterium incorporation, showcasing the versatility of this approach. We examined a range of β-diketone substrates and synthesized key intermediates for drug and bioactive compounds with varying degrees of deuterium incorporation, ranging from 0 to 3. We also investigated and discussed the postulated reaction pathway. This work demonstrates the utility of readily available reagents, methylamines and water, as a new methyl source, and provides a simple and efficient strategy for the synthesis of degree-controllable deuterium-labelled compounds.

Picolinamide Ligands: Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Cross-Coupling of Aryl Bromides with Bromocyclopropane and Beyond

The arylcyclopropane motif as the combination of aryl and cyclopropyl ring systems can be found in an increasing amount of approved and investigational drugs. Herein, we have developed a mild, efficient nickel-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling protocol, featuring a simple Ni(II) precatalyst and a novel picolinamide NN₂ pincer ligand. A variety of (hetero)aryl bromides could successfully couple with cyclopropyl bromide to furnish the valued arylcyclopropanes in good to excellent yields. This method is applicable to other alkyl bromides as well. Notably, the reaction is tolerant of a broad range of functionalities including free amines. Furthermore, the synthesis of several significant intermediates of bioactive molecules was achieved in grams, proving the practicability of this method.

Rhodium(I)-catalyzed directed trideuteromethylation of (hetero)arene C-H bonds with CD3CO2D

A Rh(I)-catalyzed trideuteromethylation of heteroarenes with inexpensive and readily available deuterated acetic acid (CD₃CO₂D) with the aid of a N-containing directing groups is developed. The oxidant-free reaction is applicable to a wide range of heteroarene substrates, including 2-pyridones, indoles, aryl rings, pyrroles and carbazoles. It allows installation of CD₃ groups under straightforward reaction conditions. It is expected that the salient and practical features of this trideuteromethylation protocol will be of use to academic and industrial researchers.

Nickel-catalysed cross-electrophile coupling of aryl bromides and primary alkyl bromides

The structure of primary alkylated arenes plays an important role in the molecular action of drugs and natural products. The nickel/spiro-bidentate-pyox catalysed cross-electrophile coupling of aryl bromides and primary alkyl bromides was developed for the formation of the Csp²–Csp³ bond, which provided an efficient method for the synthesis of primary alkylated arenes. The reactions could tolerate functional groups such as ester, aldehyde, ketone, ether, benzyl, and imide.

The structure of primary alkylated arenes play an important role in the molecular action of drugs and natural products. The nickel/spiro-bidentate-pyox catalysed cross-electrophile coupling of aryl bromides and primary alkyl bromides was developed.

Palladium-catalyzed nucleomethylation of alkynes for synthesis of methylated heteroaromatic compounds

Herein, we disclosed a novel and efficient palladium-catalyzed nucleomethylation of alkynes for the simultaneous construction of the heteroaromatic ring and methyl group. The 3-methylindoles, 3-methylbenzofurans and 4-methylisoquinolines were obtained in moderate to excellent yields. Notably, this methodology was employed as a key step for synthesis of a pregnane X receptor antagonist, zindoxifene, bazedoxifene and AFN-1252. The kinetic studies revealed that reductive elimination might be the rate-determining step.

A novel palladium-catalyzed nucleomethylation of alkynes is developed, affording 3-methylindoles, 3-methylbenzofurans and 4-methylisoquinolines in moderate to excellent yields.

Nickel-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Coupling of Redox-Active Esters with Aliphatic Aldehydes

The addition of alkyl fragments to aliphatic aldehydes is a highly desirable transformation for fragment couplings, yet existing methods come with operational challenges related to the basicity and instability of the nucleophilic reagents commonly employed. We report herein that nickel catalysis using a readily available bioxazoline (BiOx) ligand can catalyze the reductive coupling of redox-active esters with aliphatic aldehydes using zinc metal as the reducing agent to deliver silyl-protected secondary alcohols. This protocol is operationally simple, proceeds under mild conditions, and tolerates a variety of functional groups. Initial mechanistic studies suggest a radical chain pathway. Additionally, alkyl tosylates and epoxides are suitable alkyl precursors to this transformation providing a versatile suite of catalytic reactions for the functionalization of aliphatic aldehydes.

Palladium-Catalyzed Methylsulfonylation of Alkyl Halides Using Dimethyl Sulfite as SO2 Surrogate and Methyl Source

A novel and efficient method for the synthesis of methyl sulfone derivatives via palladium-catalyzed methylsulfonylation of alkyl halides with dimethyl sulfite has been described. A variety of aryl and alkyl iodides underwent the sulfonylation smoothly to furnish methyl sulfites in moderate to excellent yields.

Nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of aryl chlorides with allylic alcohols

Nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of aryl chlorides with allylic alcohols proceeds readily under mild conditions in the presence of zinc powder and MgCl₂ to produce allylarenes in 25-92% yields. The reaction shows high regioselectivity and E/Z-selectivity, giving linear allylation products with an E configurated double bond when 1- or 3-arylallyl alcohols were used as the substrates. Functional groups including F, CF₃, COOEt, NMe₂, OMe, SiMe₃, OH and vinyl groups as well as nitrogen-containing heterocycles were tolerated.

Radical 1,4-Aryl Migration Enabled Remote Cross-Electrophile Coupling of α-Amino-β-Bromo Acid Esters with Aryl Bromides

We report an unprecedented, efficient nickel-catalysed radical relay for the remote cross-electrophile coupling of β-bromo-α-benzylamino acid esters with aryl bromides via 1,4-aryl migration/arylation cascades. β-Bromo-α-benzylamino acid esters are considered as unique molecular scaffolds allowing for aryl migration reactions, which are conceptually novel variants for the radical Truce-Smiles rearrangement. This reaction enables the formation of two new C(sp³ )-C(sp² ) bonds using a bench-stable Ni/bipyridine/Zn system featuring a broad substrate scope and excellent diastereoselectivity, which provides an effective platform for the remote aryl group migration and arylation of amino acid esters via redox-neutral C(sp³ )-C(sp² ) bond cleavage. Mechanistically, this cascade reaction is accomplished by combining two powerful catalytic cycles consisting of a cross-electrophile coupling and radical 1,4-aryl migration through the generation of C(sp³ )-centred radical intermediates from the homolysis of C(sp³ )-Br bonds and the switching of the transient alkyl radical into a robust α-aminoalkyl radical.

Deaminative Reductive Methylation of Alkylpyridinium Salts

Methyl groups can imbue valuable properties in organic molecules, often leading to enhanced bioactivity. To enable efficient installation of methyl groups on simple building blocks and in late-stage functionalization, a nickel-catalyzed reductive coupling of secondary Katritzky alkylpyridinium salts with methyl iodide was developed. When coupled with formation of the pyridinium salt from an alkyl amine, this method allows amino groups to be readily transformed to methyl groups with broad functional group and heterocycle tolerance.

N,N,N',N'-Tetramethylethylenediamine-Enabled Photoredox-Catalyzed C-H Methylation of N-Heteroarenes

Aiming at the valuable methylation process, readily available and inexpensive N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) was first identified as a new methyl source in photoredox-catalyzed transformation in this work. By virtue of this simple methylating reagent, a facile and practical protocol for the direct C-H methylation of N-heteroarenes was developed, featuring mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and scalability. Mechanistic studies disclosed that a sequential photoredox, base-assisted proton shift, fragmentation, and tautomerization process was essentially involved.

Metal-catalysed C-Het (F, O, S, N) and C-C bond arylation

The formation of C-aryl bonds has been the focus of intensive research over the last decades for the construction of complex molecules from simple, readily available feedstocks. Traditionally, these strategies involve the coupling of organohalides (I, Br, Cl) with organometallic reagents (Mg, Zn, B, Si, Sn,…) such as Kumada-Corriu, Negishi, Suzuki-Miyaura, Hiyama and Sonogashira cross-couplings. More recently, alternative methods have provided access to these products by reactions with less reactive C-Het (F, O, S, N) and C-C bonds. Compared to traditional methods, the direct cleavage and arylation of these chemical bonds, the essential link in accessible feedstocks, has become increasingly important from the viewpoint of step-economy and functional-group compatibility. This comprehensive review aims to outline the development and advances of this topic, which was organized into (1) C-F bond arylation, (2) C-O bond arylation, (3) C-S bond arylation, (4) C-N bond arylation, and (5) C-C bond arylation. Substantial attention has been paid to the strategies and mechanistic investigations. We hope that this review can trigger chemists to discover more efficient methodologies to access arylation products by cleavage of these C-Het and C-C bonds.

Pd-Catalyzed ipso,meta-Dimethylation of ortho-Substituted Iodoarenes via a Base-Controlled C-H Activation Cascade with Dimethyl Carbonate as the Methyl Source

A methyl group can have a profound impact on the pharmacological properties of organic molecules. Hence, developing methylation methods and methylating reagents is essential in medicinal chemistry. We report a palladium-catalyzed dimethylation reaction of ortho-substituted iodoarenes using dimethyl carbonate as a methyl source. In the presence of K₂CO₃ as a base, iodoarenes are dimethylated at the ipso- and meta-positions of the iodo group, which represents a novel strategy for meta-C-H methylation. With KOAc as the base, subsequent oxidative C(sp³)-H/C(sp³)-H coupling occurs; in this case, the overall transformation achieves triple C-H activation to form three new C-C bonds. These reactions allow expedient access to 2,6-dimethylated phenols, 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans, and indanes, which are ubiquitous structural motifs and essential synthetic intermediates of biologically and pharmacologically active compounds.

Synthesis of 4-Alkylindoles from 2-Alkynylanilines via Dearomatization- and Aromatization-Triggered Alkyl Migration

A simple method for rapid synthesis of 4-alkylindoles from 2-alkynylanilines was reported. The protocol involves an oxidative dearomatization and an aromatization triggered regioselective alkyl migration. A range of alkyl groups including linear, branched, or cycloalkyl groups can be introduced into the C4 position of indole.

Electrochemically Enabled, Nickel-Catalyzed Dehydroxylative Cross-Coupling of Alcohols with Aryl Halides

As alcohols are ubiquitous throughout chemical science, this functional group represents a highly attractive starting material for forging new C-C bonds. Here, we demonstrate that the combination of anodic preparation of the alkoxy triphenylphosphonium ion and nickel-catalyzed cathodic reductive cross-coupling provides an efficient method to construct C(sp²)-C(sp³) bonds, in which free alcohols and aryl bromides-both readily available chemicals-can be directly used as coupling partners. This nickel-catalyzed paired electrolysis reaction features a broad substrate scope bearing a wide gamut of functionalities, which was illustrated by the late-stage arylation of several structurally complex natural products and pharmaceuticals.

Synthetic and Mechanistic Implications of Chlorine Photoelimination in Nickel/Photoredox C(sp3)-H Cross-Coupling

In recent years, the development of light-driven reactions has contributed numerous advances in synthetic organic chemistry. A particularly active research area combines photoredox catalysis with nickel catalysis to accomplish otherwise inaccessible cross-coupling reactions. In these reactions, the photoredox catalyst absorbs light to generate an electronically excited charge-transfer state that can engage in electron or energy transfer with a substrate and the nickel catalyst. Our group questioned whether photoinduced activation of the nickel catalyst itself could also contribute new approaches to cross-coupling. Over the past 5 years, we have sought to advance this hypothesis for the development of a suite of mild and site-selective C(sp³)-H cross-coupling reactions with chloride-containing coupling partners via photoelimination of a Ni-Cl bond.On the basis of a report from the Nocera laboratory, we reasoned that photolysis of a Ni(III) aryl chloride species, generated by single-electron oxidation of a typical Ni(II) intermediate in cross-coupling, might allow for the catalytic generation of chlorine atoms. Combining this with the ability of Ni(II) to accept alkyl radicals, we hypothesized that photocatalytically generated chlorine atoms could mediate hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) with C(sp³)-H bonds to generate a substrate-derived alkyl radical that is captured by the Ni center in cross-coupling. A photoredox catalyst was envisioned to promote the necessary single-electron oxidation and reduction of the Ni catalyst to facilitate an overall redox-neutral process. Overall, this strategy would offer a visible-light-driven mechanism for chlorine radical formation enabled by the sequential capture of two photons.As an initial demonstration, we developed a Ni/photoredox-catalyzed α-oxy C(sp³)-H arylation of cyclic and acyclic ethers. This method was extended to a mild formylation of abundant and complex aryl chlorides through selective 2-functionalization of 1,3-dioxolane. Seeking to develop a suite of reactions that introduce carbon at all different oxidation states, we explored C(sp³)-H cross-coupling with trimethyl orthoformate, a common laboratory solvent. We found that trimethyl orthoformate serves as a source of methyl radical for a methylation reaction via β-scission from a tertiary radical generated upon chlorine-mediated HAT. Since chlorine radical is capable of abstracting unactivated C(sp³)-H bonds, our efforts have also been directed at cross-coupling with a range of feedstock chemicals, such as alkanes and toluenes, along with late-stage intermediates, using chloroformates as coupling partners. Overall, this platform enables access to valuable synthetic transformations with (hetero)aryl chlorides, which despite being the most ubiquitous and inexpensive aryl halide coupling partners, are rarely reactive in Ni/photoredox catalysis.Little is known about the photophysics and photochemistry of organometallic Ni complexes relevant to cross-coupling. We have conducted mechanistic investigations, including computational, spectroscopic, emission quenching, and stoichiometric oxidation studies, of Ni(II) aryl halide complexes common to Ni/photoredox reactions. These studies indicate that chlorine radical generation from excited Ni(III) is operative in the described C(sp³)-H functionalization methods. More generally, the studies illustrate that the photochemistry of cross-coupling catalysts cannot be ignored in metallaphotoredox reactions. We anticipate that further mechanistic understanding should facilitate new catalyst design and lead to the development of new synthetic methods.

Facile synthesis of 4-acetoxyindoles via PhI(OAc)2-mediated dearomatization of 2-alkynylanilines

A simple process for rapid synthesis of 4-aetoxyindoles from readily available 2-alkynylanilines via dearomatization was reported.

Nickel-catalyzed defluorinative alkylation of C(sp2)–F bonds

A nickel-catalyzed defluorinative alkylation of unactivated C(sp²)–F electrophiles using commercially available trialkylaluminum reagents, thus forming the C(sp²)–C(sp³) bonds is reported.

Ruthenium-Catalyzed Meta-Selective C-H Difluoromethylation of Phenol Derivatives

With pyrimidine as the directing group, we achieved the meta-selective difluoromethylation of phenol derivatives using ruthenium as a catalyst. This synthetic scheme provided an efficient method for the syntheses of fluorine-containing phenol derivatives. A wide variety of phenol derivatives were well-suited, affording the corresponding products in moderate-to-good yields.

Ni-Catalyzed Reductive and Merged Photocatalytic Cross-Coupling Reactions toward sp3/sp2-Functionalized Isoquinolones: Creating Diversity at C-6 and C-7 to Address Bioactive Analogues

Naturally occurring isoquinolones have gained considerable attention over the years for their bioactive properties. While the late-stage introduction of various functionalities at certain positions, namely, C-3, C-4, and C-8, has been widely documented, the straightforward introduction of challenging sp3 carbon-linked acyclic aminoalkyl or aza- and oxacyclic appendages at C-6 and C-7 remains largely underexplored. Interest in 6-substituted azacyclic analogues has recently garnered attention in connection with derivatives exhibiting anticancer activity. Reported here is the first application of the versatile and recently emerging field of Ni-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling reactions to the synthesis of 6- and 7- hetero(cyclo)alkyl-substituted isoquinolones. In a second and complementary approach, a new set of C-6- and C-7-substituted positional isomers of hetero(cyclo)alkyl appendages were obtained from the merging of photocatalytic and Ni-catalyzed coupling reactions. In both cases, 6- and 7-bromo isoquinolones served as dual-purpose reacting partners with readily available tosylates and carboxylic acids, respectively.

Cross-Electrophile Couplings of Activated and Sterically Hindered Halides and Alcohol Derivatives

Transition metal catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of alkyl electrophiles has evolved into a privileged strategy that permits the facile construction of valuable C(sp³)-C bonds. Numerous elegant Ni-catalyzed coupling methods, for example, arylation, allylation, acylation, and vinylation of primary and secondary alkyl halides have been developed. This prior work has provided important mechanistic insights into the selectivity and reactivity of the coupling partners, which are largely dictated by both the catalysts and the reactants. In spite of the advances made to date, a number of challenging issues remain, including (1) achieving stereoselective syntheses of C-C bonds that rely primarily on functionalized or activated alkyl precursors, (2) diversifying the electrophiles, and (3) gaining insights into the underlying reaction mechanisms.In this Account, we summarize a number of Ni- and Fe-catalyzed reductive C-C bond forming methods developed in our laboratory, which have allowed us to couple activated, sterically hindered tertiary alkyl and C(sp³)-O bond electrophiles and to access methylated and trifluoromethylated products, esters, C-glycosides, and quaternary carbon centers. We will begin with a brief discussion of Ni-catalyzed chemoselective construction of unactivated alkyl-alkyl bonds, with focus on the effects of ligands and reductants, along with leaving group-directed reactivities of alkyl halides, and the role they play in promoting the reductive coupling of activated electrophiles, including methyl, trifluoromethyl, and glycosyl electrophiles, and chloroformates. Matching the reactivities of these electrophiles with suitable coupling partners is considered essential for success; this is something that can be tuned by means of appropriate Ni catalysts. Second, we will detail how tuning the steric and electronic effects of nickel catalysts with labile pyridine-type ligands and additives (primarily MgCl₂) permits effective creation of arylated all-carbon quaternary centers through the coupling of aryl halides with sterically encumbered tertiary alkyl halides. In contrast, the use of bulkier bipyridine and terpyridine ligands permits the incorporation of relative small-sized acyl and allyl groups into acylated and allylated all-carbon quaternary centers. Finally, we will show how the knowledge gained with halide electrophiles enabled us to develop methods that permit the coupling of tertiary alkyl oxalates with allyl, aryl, and vinyl electrophiles, wherein Barton C-O bond radical fragmentation is mediated by Zn and MgCl₂ and promoted by Ni catalysts. The same protocol is applicable to the arylation of secondary alkyl oxalates derived from α-hydroxyl carbonyl substrates, which involves the formation of relatively stable α-carbonyl carbon centered radicals. Thus, this Account not only summarizes synthetic methods that allow formation of valuable C-C bonds using challenging electrophiles but also provides insight into the relationship between the structure and reactivity of the substrates and catalysts, as well as the effects of additives.

Nickel-catalyzed migratory alkyl-alkyl cross-coupling reaction

The selective cross-coupling of activated electrophiles with unactivated ones has been regarded as a challenging task in cross-electrophile couplings. Herein we describe a migratory cross-coupling strategy, which can overcome this obstacle to access the desired cross-coupling products. Accordingly, a selective migratory cross-coupling of two alkyl electrophiles has been accomplished by nickel catalysis. Remarkably, this alkyl–alkyl cross-coupling reaction provides a platform to prepare 2°–2° carbon–carbon bonds from 1° and 2° carbon coupling partners. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that chain-walking occurs at both alkyl halides in this reaction, thus a catalytic cycle with the key step involving two alkylnickel(ii) species is proposed for this transformation.

The selective cross-coupling of activated electrophiles with unactivated ones has been regarded as a challenging task in cross-electrophile couplings.

Ni-Catalyzed Iterative Alkyl Transfer from Nitrogen Enabled by the In Situ Methylation of Tertiary Amines

Current methods to achieve transition-metal-catalyzed alkyl carbon-nitrogen (C-N) bond cleavage require the preformation of ammonium, pyridinium, or sulfonamide derivatives from the corresponding alkyl amines. These activated substrates permit C-N bond cleavage, and their resultant intermediates can be intercepted to affect carbon-carbon bond-forming transforms. Here, we report the combination of in situ amine methylation and Ni-catalyzed benzalkyl C-N bond cleavage under reductive conditions. This method permits iterative alkyl group transfer from tertiary amines and demonstrates a deaminative strategy for the construction of Csp³-Csp³ bonds. We demonstrate PO(OMe)₃ (trimethylphosphate) to be a Ni-compatible methylation reagent for the in situ conversion of trialkyl amines into tetraalkylammonium salts. Single, double, and triple benzalkyl group transfers can all be achieved from the appropriately substituted tertiary amines. Transformations developed herein proceed via recurring events: the in situ methylation of tertiary amines by PO(OMe)₃, Ni-catalyzed C-N bond cleavage, and concurrent Csp³-Csp³ bond formation.

Metal- and Reagent-Free Electrochemical Synthesis of Alkyl Arylsulfonates in a Multi-Component Reaction

This work presents the first electrochemical preparation of alkyl arylsulfonates by direct anodic oxidation of electron-rich arenes. The reaction mechanism features a multi-component reaction consisting of electron-rich arenes, an alcohol of choice and excess SO2 in an acetonitrile-HFIP reaction mixture. In-situ formed monoalkyl sulfites are considered as key intermediates with bifunctional purpose. Firstly, this species functions as nucleophile and secondly, excellent conductivity is provided. Several primary and secondary alcohols and electron-rich arenes are implemented in this reaction to form the alkyl arylsulfonates in yields up to 73 % with exquisite selectivity. Boron-doped diamond electrodes (BDD) are employed in divided cells, separated by a simple commercially available glass frit.

Nickel/Photoredox-Catalyzed Methylation of (Hetero)aryl Chlorides Using Trimethyl Orthoformate as a Methyl Radical Source

Methylation of organohalides represents a valuable transformation, but typically requires harsh reaction conditions or reagents. We report a radical approach for the methylation of (hetero)aryl chlorides using nickel/photoredox catalysis wherein trimethyl orthoformate, a common laboratory solvent, serves as a methyl source. This method permits methylation of (hetero)aryl chlorides and acyl chlorides at an early and late stage with broad functional group compatibility. Mechanistic investigations indicate that trimethyl orthoformate serves as a source of methyl radical via β-scission from a tertiary radical generated upon chlorine-mediated hydrogen atom transfer.

Nickel-Catalyzed Alkyl-Alkyl Cross-Electrophile Coupling Reaction of 1,3-Dimesylates for the Synthesis of Alkylcyclopropanes

Cross-electrophile coupling reactions of two Csp³-X bonds remain challenging. Herein we report an intramolecular nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling reaction of 1,3-diol derivatives. Notably, this transformation is utilized to synthesize a range of mono- and 1,2-disubstituted alkylcyclopropanes, including those derived from terpenes, steroids, and aldol products. Additionally, enantioenriched cyclopropanes are synthesized from the products of proline-catalyzed and Evans aldol reactions. A procedure for direct transformation of 1,3-diols to cyclopropanes is also described. Calculations and experimental data are consistent with a nickel-catalyzed mechanism that begins with stereoablative oxidative addition at the secondary center.

Reductive amidation of alkyl tosylates with isocyanates by a Ni/Co-dual catalytic system

Reductive amidation of alkyl tosylates with isocyanates using the Ni/Co-dual catalytic system is disclosed. The method proceeds efficiently under mild conditions, giving rise to the corresponding alkyl amides. Notably, the protocol can discriminate the steric environment of two alkyl tosylate moieties, enabling regioselective mono-amidation at the less-bulky site.

Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling for Transforming Unactivated Aryl Electrophiles into β-Fluoroethylarenes

We report herein a facile synthetic method for converting unactivated (hetero)aryl electrophiles into β-fluoroethylated (hetero)arenes via nickel-catalyzed reductive cross-couplings. This coupling reaction features the involvement of FCH₂ CH₂ radical intermediate rather than β-fluoroethyl manganese species which provides effective solutions to the problematic β-fluoride side eliminations. The practical value of this protocol is further demonstrated by the late-stage modification of several complex ArCl or ArOH-derived bioactive molecules.

Ni-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling between vinyl/aryl and alkyl sulfonates: synthesis of cycloalkenes and modification of peptides

We report here the coupling reactions between vinyl/aryl and alkyl C-O electrophiles that can be derived from chemical feedstocks and naturally occurring functional groups. This method provides an efficient approach to the synthesis of a wide range of functionalized, and/or secondary alkyl substituted cycloalkenes. These compounds are difficult to produce by conventional methods. The reaction proceeds with broad substrate scope, and tolerates various functional groups such as alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, ester, amide, alkene, alkyne, heterocycles, organotin and organosilicon compounds. The synthetic utility of this method has been demonstrated by providing facile access to important building blocks. We also demonstrated the possibility to apply this method for late-stage modification of peptides. A broad range of functionalized alkyl groups could be selectively introduced into tyrosine in peptides via C-C bond formation, which has been a challenge to the existing procedures.

Modular Dual-Tasked C-H Methylation via the Catellani Strategy

We report a dual-tasked methylation that is based on cooperative palladium/norbornene catalysis. Readily available (hetero)aryl halides (39 iodides and 4 bromides) and inexpensive MeOTs or trimethylphosphate are utilized as the substrates and methylating reagent, respectively. Six types of "ipso" terminations can modularly couple with this "ortho" C-H methylation to constitute a versatile methylation toolbox for preparing diversified methylated arenes. This toolbox features inexpensive methyl sources, excellent functional-group tolerance, simple reaction procedures, and scalability. Importantly, it can be uneventfully extended to isotope-labeled methylation by switching to the corresponding reagents CD₃OTs or ¹³CH₃OTs. Moreover, this toolbox can be applied to late-stage modification of biorelevant substrates with complete stereoretention. We believe these salient and practical features of our dual-tasked methylation toolbox will be welcomed by academic and industrial researchers.

Controllable synthesis of 3-chloro- and 3,3-dichloro-2-oxindoles via hypervalent iodine-mediated chlorooxidation

An efficient and controllable protocol for the synthesis of 3-chloro- and 3,3-dichloro-2-oxindoles has been developed via hypervalent iodine-promoted chlorooxidation. By using two equivalents of 1-chloro-1,2-benziodoxol-3-(1H)-one, a wide range of indoles were transformed into 3-chloro-2-oxindoles in DMF/CF3CO2H/H2O at room temperature with good yields. As far as we know, this is the first report on the selective C-2 oxidation and C-3 monochlorination of simple indoles. In addition, three equivalents of the same hypervalent iodine afforded 3,3-dichloro-2-oxindoles in up to 99% yields under optimized conditions (dioxane/H2O, 80 °C). The method features mild reaction conditions, the widespread availability of the substrates, and good functional group tolerance.

Synthesis of 3-(Methylsulfonyl)benzo[ b]thiophenes from Methyl(2-alkynylphenyl)sulfanes and Sodium Metabisulfite via a Radical Relay Strategy

A radical relay strategy for the generation of 3-(methylsulfonyl)benzo[ b]thiophenes through a reaction of methyl(2-alkynylphenyl)sulfanes with sodium metabisulfite in the presence of a photocatalyst under visible light irradiation is developed. This photoinduced sulfonylation proceeds efficiently under mild conditions by using a catalytic amount of sodium methylsulfinate as an initiator. During the reaction process, the methyl radical generated in situ is the key intermediate, which undergoes a radical relay with the combination of sulfur dioxide to afford methylsulfonyl-containing compounds.

Pd-Catalyzed Alkylation of (Iso)quinolines and Arenes: 2-Acylpyridine Compounds as Alkylation Reagents

The first Pd-catalyzed alkylation of (iso)quinolines and arenes is reported. The readily available and bench-stable 2-acylpyridine compounds were used as an alkylation reagent to form the structurally versatile alkylated (iso)quinolines and arenes. The method affords a convenient pathway for the introduction of alkyl groups into organic molecules.