Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Directed C-H Functionalization in/on Water

Directing group assisted C-H bond functionalization using transition-metal-catalysis has emerged as a reliable synthetic tool for the construction of regioselective carbon-carbon/heteroatom bonds. Off late, "in/on water directed transition-metal-catalysis", though still underdeveloped, has appeared as one of the prominent themes in sustainable organic chemistry. This article covers the advancements, mechanistic insights and application of the sustainable directed C-H bond functionalization of (hetero)arenes in/on water in the presence of transition-metal-catalysis.

Copper(II)/DBU Relay Catalyzed Annulation of α-Carbonyl-γ-alkynyl Sulfoxonium Ylides for Accessing N-Sulfonamido 2H-Isoindoles

A copper(II)/DBU relay catalyzed annulation of α-carbonyl-γ-alkynyl sulfoxonium ylides as a new class of sulfoxonium ylide reagents with sulfonyl hydrazides is reported, enabling intramolecular oxygen migration to produce a series of N-sulfonamido 2H-isoindoles with good yields. The present annulation proceeded readily by combining the Cu(II)-catalyzed 6-endo-dig oxo-cyclization with the DBU-catalyzed isochromene skeletal rearrangement, resulting in the formation of multiple new chemical bonds.

Rh(III) Catalyzed Redox-Neutral C-H Activation/[5 + 2] Annulation of Aroyl Hydrazides and Sulfoxonium Ylides: Synthesis of Benzodiazepinones

We herein report the Rh(III) catalyzed redox-neutral C-H activation/[5 + 2] annulation of aroyl hydrazides with sulfoxonium ylides as safe carbene precursors. The reaction shows excellent functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, and scalability. We demonstrated the synthetic utility of the protocol via the synthesis of various diazepam drug analogues, late-stage functionalization of probenecid drug, and large scale synthesis. Finally, kinetic studies revealed C-H activation as the rate-determining step.

[Cp*IrCl2]2-Catalyzed Amidocarbonation of Olefins with Sulfoxonium Ylides toward Functionalized Isoindolin-1-ones

A [Cp*IrCl2]2-catalyzed amidocarbonation of olefins with sulfoxonium ylides has been developed to generate diverse biologically important isoindolin-1-ones in high efficiency under mild reaction conditions. Mechanism studies indicated that this cascade reaction was triggered by amino-iridation of the olefin unit to generate iridacycle, followed by formal migratory insertion with sulfoxonium ylides. This newly developed method features broad substrate scopes and operational simplicity.

Ru-catalyzed C-H activation/cyclization of oximes with sulfoxonium ylides to access isoquinolines

An external oxidant free Ru(II)-catalyzed C-H activation followed by an intermolecular annulation between oximes and sulfoxonium ylides has been developed. This transformation proceeds smoothly with a broad range of substrates, affording a series of isoquinoline derivatives in moderate to good yields. This protocol was successfully applied to the synthesis of moxaverine.

Chemodivergent Synthesis of Sulfonamide and Sulfones from N-Tosylhydrazones by Switching Catalyst and Temperature

A catalyst- and temperature-controlled selective synthesis of sulfonamide and sulfones from N-tosylhydrazones and MBH carbonates has been developed. The use of palladium catalysts exclusively leads to sulfonamide products at room temperature, whereas the selective synthesis of sulfones is dominant for a temperature-controlled coupling reaction without palladium catalysis. Importantly, the catalyst- or temperature-controlled reaction exhibits high nucleophilicity rather than carbene reactivity in these transformations.

Chemodivergent Tandem Radical Cyclization of Alkene-Substituted Quinazolinones: Rapid Access to Mono- and Di-Alkylated Ring-Fused Quinazolinones

Chemodivergent tandem radical cyclization offers exciting possibilities for the synthesis of structurally diverse cyclic compounds. Herein, we revealed a chemodivergent tandem cyclization of alkene-substituted quinazolinones under metal- and base-free conditions, this transformation is initiated by alkyl radicals produced from oxidant-induced α-C(sp3 )-H functionalization of alkyl nitriles or esters. The reaction resulted in the selective synthesis of a series of mono- and di-alkylated ring-fused quinazolinones by modulating the loading of oxidant, reaction temperature, and reaction time. Mechanistic investigations show that the mono-alkylated ring-fused quinazolinones is constructed by the key process of 1,2-hydrogen shift, whereas the di-alkylated ring-fused quinazolinones is mainly achieved through crucial steps of resonance and proton transfer. This protocol is the first example of remote second alkylation on the aromatic ring via α-C(sp3 )-H functionalization and difunctionalization achieved by association of two unsaturated bonds in radical cyclization.

Substituted Isocoumarins: An Assemble of Synthetic Strategies Towards 3-Substituted and 3,4-Disubstituted Isocoumarins

The versatility of isocoumarin frameworks offers the privilege to access many pharmacological targets. This unique heterocycle core present in many natural products and complex organic molecules contribute to medicinal chemistry as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents. The attractive properties exhibited by its analogues urged the scientists to explore their synthetic analogues. In regard to the myriads of synthetic methodologies, we have compiled a review update covering all the articles that have been published towards the synthesis of 3-substituted and 3,4-disubstituted isocoumarins. Additionally, we have also highlighted a systematic survey of catalytic methods for their synthesis along with their scope towards diverse functionalizations and plausible mechanistic aspects.

Synthesis of α-Carbonyl-α'-amide Sulfoxonium Ylides from Isocyanates with Complete Atom Economy

An efficient catalyst- and additive-free facile synthesis of α-carbonyl-α'-amide sulfoxonium ylides from isocyanates and β-ketosulfoxonium ylides with complete atom economy has been described. The β-ketosulfoxonium ylides and isocyanates adorned with various functional groups were well-tolerated and afforded moderate to high yields of the α-carbonyl-α'-amide sulfoxonium ylide derivatives. Finally, using large-scale reactions and converting the synthesized ylides into other valuable compounds, we demonstrated the practicality of this synthetic method.

α-Carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides in transition metal-catalyzed C-H activation: a safe carbene precursor and a weak directing group

Transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling of sp² C-H bonds with diazo compounds via carbene migratory insertion represents an efficient strategy for the construction of C-C and C-heteroatom bonds in organic synthesis. Despite the popularity of diazo compounds as coupling partners in C-H activation, they pose serious safety and stability issues due to potential exothermic reactions linked with the release of N₂ gas. However, compared with diazo compounds, sulfoxonium ylides are generally crystalline solids, more stable, widely used in industrial scales, and easier/safer to prepare. Therefore, recent years have witnessed an upsurge in employing α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides as an alternative carbene surrogate in transition metal-catalyzed C-H activation. Unlike diazo compounds, α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides contain inherent potential to serve as a coupling partner as well as a weak directing group. This review will summarize the progress made in both categories of reactions.

Rhodium(III)-catalyzed regioselective C2-alkenylation of indoles with CF3-imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides to give multi-functionalized enamines using a migratable directing group

A rhodium(III)-catalyzed regioselective C2-alkenylation of indoles for the construction of α-CF₃ substituted enamines has been developed, which utilizes CF₃-imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides (TFISYs) as alkenylating agents for the first time. A wide array of indolyl- and trifluoromethyl-decorated enamine derivatives have been assembled in moderate to good yields.

Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H/C-C bond annulation of enaminones with iodonium ylides to form isocoumarins

A straightforward approach to synthesise isocoumarins via Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H/C-C bond activation/annulation cascade of enaminones and iodonium ylides has been explored. The established protocol is characterized by an exceedingly simple reaction system, high regioselectivity and good functional group tolerance. Moreover, this strategy may provide a new route to cleavage of the C(sp²)-C(O) bond of unstrained ketones.

Rh-Catalyzed Cascade C-H Activation/Annulation of N-Hydroxybenzamides and Propargylic Acetates for Modular Access to Isoquinolones

A sequential Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation/annulation of N-hydroxybenzamides with propargylic acetates leading to the formation of NH-free isoquinolones is described. This reaction proceeds through a sequential C-H activation/alkyne insertion/intramolecular annulation/N-O bond cleavage procedure, affording a broad spectrum of products with diverse substituents in moderate-to-excellent yields. Notably, this protocol features the simultaneous formation of two new C-C/C-N bonds and one heterocycle in one pot with the release of water as the sole byproduct.

Synthesis of Tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran 1,1-Dioxides via [1+1+1+1+1+1] Annulation: An Unconventional Usage of a Tethered C-S Synthon

An unprecedented [1+1+1+1+1+1] annulation process has been developed for the construction of tetrahydro-2H-thiopyran 1,1-dioxides. Notably, rongalite acted as a tethered C-S synthon in this reaction and can be chemoselectively used as triple C1 units and as a source of sulfone. Mechanistic investigation indicated that two different carbon-increasing models are involved in this reaction in which rongalite serves as C1 units.

Synthesis of Isoquinolone, 1,2-Benzothiazine, and Naphtho[1',2':4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Derivatives via Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed (4 + 2) Annulation

In this study, we report a novel and efficient synthetic method to construct isoquinolone scaffold via the Rh(III)-catalyzed (4 + 2) annulation of benzamide with an unreported coupling reagent methyl 2-chloroacrylate. Accordingly, other valuable 1,2-benzothiazine and naphtho[1',2':4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives are also obtained through a similar synthetic protocol. Thus, our developed method is highlighted by high yield and reaction versatility.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral [4 + 1]-Annulation of Unactivated Alkenes with Sulfoxonium Ylides

A novel methodology for redox-neutral [4 + 1] annulation of unactivated alkenes with sulfoxonium ylides leads to the synthesis of a diverse library of indanone compounds. The developed annulation reaction was found to be highly versatile due to its compatibility with various unactivated alkenes functionalized with various sensitive functional groups as well as substituted sulfoxonium ylides. Further, multiple transformations such as ring-expansion, reduction, aldol condensation, and Wittig reaction were carried out with indanones. Using this way, highly useful cyclic heterocycles such as indene, dihydroisocoumarin, and 1-indanilidene were prepared in a single step. A possible reaction mechanism was supported by deuterium labeling studies, competitive studies, and kinetic isotopic studies.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed regioselective carbene insertion into β-carbolines and isoquinolines

A protocol for carbene insertion into the inert C(sp²)-H bond has been established wherein β-carbolines and isoquinolines are explored as intrinsic directing groups. The Ru(II)-catalyzed strategy employing sulfoxonium ylides as the carbene precursor offers an effective and atom-economical functionalization of substrates of biological interest with only DMSO as the sole by-product. The strategy is scalable to gram scale, and it also showcases a wide range of functional group tolerance. ESI-MS studies assisted in the identification of intermediates and consolidation of a probable mechanistic pathway. Furthermore, investigations revealed that the functionalized molecules not only displayed selective inhibition against cancer cell lines, but also demonstrated promising photophysical properties.

Mild Three-Step Consecutive C-H Activations

Herein, the Rh-catalyzed consecutive C-H bond olefination/annulation/olefination cascade, tandemly directed by sulfonamide and ester groups, has been developed under mild conditions with the assistance of 1-adamantane carboxylic acid. A seven-membered metallacycle including an ester group was preferred to the five-membered one including a sulfonamide group for the third C-H activation. In this transformation, the Rh catalyst exhibits its high reactivity by catalyzing a triple C-H activation process with a low catalyst loading at 50 °C. This method can be applied in the construction of various pharmaceutical derivatives.

The solvent-controlled Rh(III)-catalyzed switchable [4+2] annulation of 2-arylIndoles with iodonium ylides

Highly selective and switchable [4+2] annulations of 2-arylindoles with iodonium ylides were achieved by performing solvent-controlled Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activations. When using DCM as a solvent, the C-H functionalization of 2-arylindoles with iodonium ylides selectively delivered indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives. In contrast, the same catalytic system with a polar HFIP solvent predominately provided benzo[a]carbazole moieties.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Atroposelective Synthesis of C-N Axially Chiral Naphthylamines and Variants via C-H Activation

Reported herein is the efficient and atroposelective construction of two categories of C-N atropisomers via rhodium(III)-catalyzed C-H activation of sulfoxonium ylides en route to [4+2] annulation with sterically hindered, electron-rich alkynes. This reaction proceeds with high regio- and enantioselectivity under redox-neutral conditions via a double-substrate activation strategy, providing a novel entry to C-N axially chiral 4-functionalized 1-naphthols.

Iridium(III)-Catalyzed B(4)-Acylmethylation and B(3,5)-Diacylmethylation from o-Carboranes and Sulfoxonium Ylides

An iridium(III)-catalyzed regioselective acylmethylation of the cage B(4)-H bond in o-carborane acids with sulfoxonium ylides is demonstrated through B(4)-H activation in ethanol under very mild conditions, affording a number of B(4)-acylmethylated o-carboranes. Additionally, the selective sequential B(4)- and B(6)-acylmethylation reactions finally gave B(3,5)-diacylmethylated o-carboranes in one pot.

Photo-Thermo-Mechanochemical Approach to Synthesize Quinolines via Addition/Cyclization of Sulfoxonium Ylides with 2-Vinylanilines Catalyzed by Iron(II) Phthalocyanine

A novel photo-thermo-mechanochemical approach to assembling quinolines catalyzed by iron(II) phthalocyanine has been realized for the first time. This transformation features a cost-efficient catalytic system and operational simplicity, is free of solvent, and shows good substrate tolerance, providing a green alternative to existing thermal approaches. Mechanistic experiments demonstrate that the in-situ-formed secondary amine may be the key intermediate for the further cyclization/aromatization process.

Asymmetric transformations from sulfoxonium ylides

Sulfoxonium ylides are important surrogates for diazo compounds, and their use in industry as safer alternatives has been evaluated during recent years. Beyond the known classical transformations, these ylides have also been used in a surprising plethora of novel and intrinsic chemical reactions, especially in recent years. Bench stability and handling are also an advantage of this class of organosulfur molecules. Despite this, efficient asymmetric transformations, specifically catalytic enantioselective versions, have only recently been reported, and there are specific reasons for this. This perspective article covers this topic from the first studies up to the latest advances, giving personal perspectives and showing the main challenges in this area in the coming years.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Diamidation and Diamidation/Intramolecular Cyclization of N-Iminopyridinium Ylides with Dioxazolones

A highly efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H diamidation and diamidation/intramolecular cyclization of N-iminopyridinium ylides with dioxazolones has been developed, providing diamidated products and benzoxazinone products in good to excellent yields. Notably, the tunable selectivity of this reaction can be controlled by simply switching the solvent and the temperature. This reaction features operational simplicity, a broad substrate scope, and a good functional group tolerance.

Hydrazine-Directed Rh(III) Catalyzed (4+2) Annulation with Sulfoxonium Ylides: Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Dihydrocinnolines

We herein report hydrazine-directed, Rh(III) catalyzed (4+2) annulation of N-alkyl aryl hydrazines with sulfoxonium ylides as a safe carbene precursor. The reaction shows excellent functional group tolerance with broad substrate...

Ru(II)-Catalyzed C-H Bond Activation/Annulation of N-iminopyridinium Ylides with Sulfoxonium Ylides

A Ru(II)-catalyzed C-H bond activation/annulation of N-iminopyridinium ylides with sulfoxonium ylides has been developed for the synthesis of diverse functionalized isocoumarin derivatives. This method features broad substrate scope, high-functional-group tolerance,...

Catalytic asymmetric cyclopropanation of sulfoxonium ylides catalyzed by a chiral-at-metal rhodium complex

An efficient asymmetric cyclopropanation of sulfoxonium ylides with α,β-unsaturated 2-acyl imidazoles catalyzed by a chiral-at-metal rhodium complex has been developed.

Rhodium-Catalysed Regioselective [4+2]-type Annulation of 1-H-Indazoles with Propargyl Alcohols: A direct entry to 6-alkenylindazolo[3,2-a]isoquinolines

An efficient method for the synthesis of 6-vinylindazolo[3,2-a]isoquinolines via rhodium(III)-catalysed C-H bond activation/subsequent [4+2] cyclization starting from easily available 3-aryl-1-H-indazoles and propargyl alcohols has been developed. A series of vinyl-annulated...

Ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed synthesis of CF3-isoquinolinones via C–H activation/annulation of benzoic acids and CF3-imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides

The synthesis of 3-trifluoromethylisoquinolinones by a ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed C–H activation/annulation reaction of benzoic acids and CF3-imidoyl sulfoxonium ylides has been achieved.

Easy synthesis of imidazo[1,5-a]indol-3-ones through Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H allenylation/annulation

A highly efficient and regioselective synthesis of imidazo[1,5-a]indol-3-ones has been developed via a sequential C-H allenylation/annulation starting from easily available N-methoxycarbamoyl indoles and propargyl alcohols, in which the propargyl alcohols served as a C1 synthon. This strategy displays excellent regioselectivity, high atom economy and tolerates a broad substrate scope.

Hydroxyl-Directed Ruthenium-Catalyzed peri-Selective C-H Acylmethylation and Annulation of Naphthols with Sulfoxonium Ylides

Herein, we report a highly efficient ruthenium-catalyzed peri-selective C(sp²)-H acylmethylation of 1-naphthols with α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides by utilizing hydroxyl as a weakly coordinating directing group. This new method imparts good reactivity, excellent chemo- and regioselectivity, and broad functional group tolerance and involves mild reaction conditions. The C-H acylmethylated products can be readily cyclized into fluorescent annulated pyrans by a one-pot process.

Synthesis of Sulfoxonium Ylides from Amides by Selective N-C(O) Activation

The direct synthesis of sulfoxonium ylides from amides by selective N-C(O) cleavage is presented. The reaction proceeds through the nucleophilic addition of dimethylsulfoxonium methylide to the amide bond in acyclic twisted amides under exceedingly mild room temperature conditions. A variety of amides can be employed, and the protocol can be applied to the late-stage derivatization of pharmaceuticals. Mechanistic studies outline the relative order of reactivity of amides.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed Chemodivergent Annulations between Indoles and Iodonium Carbenes: A Rapid Access to Tricyclic and Tetracyclic N-Heterocylces

Herein, we report an acid-controlled highly tunable selectivity of Rh(III)-catalyzed [4 + 2] and [3 + 3] annulations of N-carboxamide indoles with iodonium ylides lead to form synthetically important tricyclic and tetracyclic N-heterocycles. Here, iodonium ylide serves as a carbene precursor. The protocol proceeds under operationally simple conditions and provides novel tricyclic and tetracyclic scaffolds such as 3,4-dihydroindolo[1,2-c]quinazoline-1,6(2H,5H)-dione and 1H-[1,3]oxazino[3,4-a]indol-1-one derivatives with a broad range of functional group tolerance and moderate to excellent yields. Furthermore, the protocol synthetic utility was extended for various chemical transformations and was easily scaled up to a large-scale level.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral Olefination of Aryldiazenes with Acrylate Esters via C-H Activation and Transfer Hydrogenation

Rh(III)-catalyzed redox-neutral C-H olefination of aryldiazenecarboxylates has been realized using arylate esters as the olefinating reagents. This reaction proceeds under mild and redox-neutral conditions, resulting in integration of C-H activation and transfer hydrogenation. The chemoselectivity complements that of previously reported rhodium-catalyzed coupling of the same substrates.

Recent advances in the Rh-catalyzed cascade arene C-H bond activation/annulation toward diverse heterocyclic compounds

The Rh-catalyzed C-H bond activation/annulation provides a new strategy for the synthesis of new frameworks. In this review, we summarize the recent research on the Rh-catalyzed cascade arene C-H bond activation/annulation toward diverse heterocyclic compounds. The application, scope, limitations and mechanism of these transformations are also discussed.

Pd(II)-Catalyzed Annulation Reactions of Epoxides with Benzamides to Synthesize Isoquinolones

Epoxides as alkylating reagents are unprecedentedly applied in Pd(II)-catalyzed C-H alkylation and oxidative annulation of substituted benzamides to synthesize isoquinolones rather than isochromans, which is accomplished through alerting the previously reported reaction mechanism by the addition of oxidant and TEA. Under these conditions, various isoquinolones have been prepared with yields up to 92%. In addition, this methodology has been successfully employed in the total syntheses of rupreschstyril, siamine, and cassiarin A in an expedient fashion.