Photochemical C(sp3)-H Activation for Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of 3-Functionalized Oxindoles

Heteroatom-adjacent C(sp3) radical cyclization of N-arylacrylamides provides a straightforward pathway to synthesize valuable 3-functionalized oxindoles. Traditional cyclization reactions normally require harsh conditions or transition-metal catalysts. Here, we developed a metal-free, diversity-oriented synthesis of 3-functionalized oxindoles via photochemically induced selective cleavage of C(sp3)-H bonds. A variety of 3-substituted oxindoles with functionalities such as ethers, polyhalogens, benzyl, and formyl groups can be obtained by a rational design. This strategy is characterized by its simple operation and mild conditions, aligning well with the developmental requirements for sustainable chemistry. The gram-scale continuous-flow synthesis and efficient construction of bioactive molecules highlight its practical utility.

Redox-Neutral Radical Cascade Cyclization of N-Arylacrylamides with Unactivated Alkyl and Aryl Chlorides

Herein, we report the first metal-free, redox-neutral strategy for radical cascade alkylative radical addition, cyclization of N-arylacrylamides with unactivated alkyl chlorides to give corresponding 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles in moderate to good yields. This transformation's salient features are the utilization of an organo photocatalyst, mild reaction conditions, and broad substrate scope. Moreover, this methodology is suitable for hetero cycle derived acrylamides and further allowed to utilize aryl chlorides for radical cyclization reaction. Finally, DFT studies allow us to shed light on the reaction mechanism.

Iron Photoredox Catalysis-Past, Present, and Future

Photoredox catalysis of organic reactions driven by iron has attracted substantial attention throughout recent years, due to potential environmental and economic benefits. In this Perspective, three major strategies were identified that have been employed to date to achieve reactivities comparable to the successful noble metal photoredox catalysis: (1) Direct replacement of a noble metal center by iron in archetypal polypyridyl complexes, resulting in a metal-centered photofunctional state. (2) In situ generation of photoactive complexes by substrate coordination where the reactions are driven via intramolecular electron transfer involving charge-transfer states, for example, through visible-light-induced homolysis. (3) Improving the excited-state lifetimes and redox potentials of the charge-transfer states of iron complexes through new ligand design. We seek to give an overview and evaluation of recent developments in this rapidly growing field and, at the same time, provide an outlook on the future of iron-based photoredox catalysis.

Recent Advance on Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) Used as a Multipurpose Reactant

Abstract:

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is not only a common and cheap aprotic polar solvent with low toxicity, but also serves as an efficient and multipurpose reactant and has widely been used in organic synthesis. DMSO as an important precursor can effectively introducea broad range of functional fragments into organic molecules, such as -Me, -CH, -CH2, -SMe2, -CH2SMe, -CH2SOMe, -SMe, -SO2Me, -SOMe or as O substituents, and serves as a mild oxidant in organic transformations. Many significant achievements based on DMSO as a synthon in synthetic chemistry have rapidly made over the past several years. To help researchers further understand the recent advances in the field, the review summarizes the applications of DMSO as carbon, sulfur, and oxygen sources and is used as the dual synthon in synthetic transformations.

Electron donor–acceptor complex-catalyzed photoredox reactions mediated by DIPEA and inorganic carbonates

A DIPEA–NHPI ester–inorganic carbonate catalytic EDA complex is reported as an efficient and sustainable radical generation platform for developing photocatalytic reactions.

Visible light-mediated radical-cascade addition/cyclization of arylacrylamides with aldehydes to form quaternary oxindoles at room temperature

The visible light-induced oxidative radical cascade coupling of N-arylacrylamides with aldehydes using bromide as the hydrogen atom transfer agent to synthesize functional oxindoles is described.

Redox-Divergent Construction of (Dihydro)thiophenes with DMSO

Thiophene-based rings are one of the most widely used building blocks for the synthesis of sulfur-containing molecules. Inspired by the redox diversity of these features in nature, we demonstrate herein a redox-divergent construction of dihydrothiophenes, thiophenes, and bromothiophenes from the respective readily available allylic alcohols, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and HBr. The redox-divergent selectivity could be manipulated mainly by controlling the dosage of DMSO and HBr. Mechanistic studies suggest that DMSO simultaneously acts as an oxidant and a sulfur donor. The synthetic potentials of the products as platform molecules were also demonstrated by various derivatizations, including the preparation of bioactive and functional molecules.

Selective difunctionalization of electron-deficient alkynes: access to (E)-2-iodo-3-(methylthio)acrylate

A convenient and efficient approach to (E)-2-iodo-3-(methylthio)acrylate has been developed through direct iodothiomethylation of alkynes with aqueous HI and DMSO under mild conditions. This novel protocol has demonstrated a unique difunctionalization of electron-deficient alkynes with a broad substrate scope and excellent functional-group tolerance. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that prior diiodination of alkynes, followed by nucleophilic substitution with in situ generated DMS led to the formation of (E)-2-iodo-3-(methylthio)acrylate.

The Deuterated "Magic Methyl" Group: A Guide to Site-Selective Trideuteromethyl Incorporation and Labeling by Using CD3 Reagents

In the field of medicinal chemistry, the precise installation of a trideuteromethyl group is gaining ever-increasing attention. Site-selective incorporation of the deuterated "magic methyl" group can provide profound pharmacological benefits and can be considered an important tool for drug optimization and development. This review provides a structured overview, according to trideuteromethylation reagent, of currently established methods for site-selective trideuteromethylation of carbon atoms. In addition to CD3 , the selective introduction of CD2 H and CDH2 groups is also considered. For all methods, the corresponding mechanism and scope are discussed whenever reported. As such, this review can be a starting point for synthetic chemists to further advance trideuteromethylation methodologies. At the same time, this review aims to be a guide for medicinal chemists, offering them the available C-CD3 formation strategies for the preparation of new or modified drugs.

Donor-Acceptor Complex Enables Cascade Radical Cyclization of N-Arylacrylamides with Katritzky Salts

Cascade radical cyclization of N-arylacrylamides is an attractive method to prepare 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles. As the reported methods often require additives and/or photocatalysts, we herein report an additive- and photocatalyst-free deaminative strategy for their synthesis under mild conditions, enabled by photoactivation of an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex. DFT studies indicated that the involvement of an explicit xylene solvent molecule can greatly enhance the photoactivity of the EDA complex between N-arylacrylamides and Katritzky salts.

Visible-light-induced C(sp3)-H functionalizations of piperidines to 3,3-dichloro-2-hydroxy-piperidines with N-chlorosuccinimide

A visible-light-induced synthesis of 3,3-dichloro-2-hydroxy-piperidines via site-selective functionalizations of C(sp³)-H in N-substituted piperidines using easily available N-chlorosuccinimide as chlorine source was developed. Mechanistic investigations suggest that chlorine radical is involved in this transformation.

Convenient Preparation of N-Acylbenzoxazines from Phenols, Nitriles, and DMSO Initiated by a Catalytic Amount of (COCl)2

A convenient preparation method of N-acylbenzoxazines has been developed, in which phenols react with nitriles and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the presence of a catalytic amount of (COCl)₂ in CH₃CN or chloroform to afford the corresponding N-acylbenzoxazines in moderate-to-good yields. DMSO acts as a source of HCHO, which is generated in situ from the decomposition of a methoxydimethylsulfonium salt. A regeneration cycle of the methoxydimethylsulfonium salt is proposed, which is initiated by a catalytic amount of (COCl)₂.

A benzene-bridged divanadium complex-early transition metal catalyst for alkene alkylarylation with PhI(O2CR)2via decarboxylation

The synthesis, structure and catalytic activity of a benzene-bridged divanadium complex were comprehensively studied. The reduction of (Nacnac)VCl2 (1) (Nacnac = (2,6-iPr2C6H3NCMe)2HC) supported by β-diketiminate with potassium graphite (KC8) by employing benzene as the solvent allows access to the benzene-bridged inverted-sandwich divanadium complex (μ-η6:η6-C6H6)[V(Nacnac)]2 (2a), which can catalyze alkene alkylarylation with hypervalent iodine(iii) reagents (HIRs) via decarboxylation to generate regioselectively diverse indolinones. Furthermore, the mild nature of this reaction was amenable to a wide range of functionalities on alkenes and HIRs. Mechanistic studies revealed a relay sequence of decarboxylative radical alkylation/radical arylation/oxidative re-aromatization.

Rhenium-catalyzed alkylarylation of alkenes with PhI(O2CR)2via decarboxylation to access indolinones and dihydroquinolinones

Rhenium-catalyzed alkylarylation of alkenes with hypervalent iodine(iii) reagents (HIRs) via decarboxylation to access various 3,3-disubstituted indolinones and trans-3,4-dihydroquinolinones is described.

A cascade oxidation/[4 + 1] annulation of sulfonium salts for synthesis of polyfunctional furans: DMSO as one carbon source

A novel DMSO-involved cascade reaction of stabilized sulfonium salts has been established for direct construction of polyfunctional furans.

Visible-light induced tandem radical cyanomethylation and cyclization of N-aryl acrylamides: access to cyanomethylated oxindoles

A visible-light induced cyanomethylation of N-aryl acrylamides with bromoacetonitrile followed by intramolecular cyclization has been explored.

Free-radical initiated cascade methylation or trideuteromethylation of isocyanides with dimethyl sulfoxides

The methylation or trideuteromethylation reaction of isocyanides with dimethyl sulfoxides in a radical way is developed, which offers a low-cost, easy-operation cascade methylation strategy for the synthesis of phenanthridines or isoquinolines.