Reactions of alkynes with C-S bond formation: recent developments

Alkynes are important in organic synthesis. This review mainly focuses on recent advances (2013-2023) on alkynes with C-S bond formation, based on more than 30 types of sulfur reagents. The reactions of alkynes with various sulfur-containing compounds including RSSR (disulfides), RSH (thiols), S8 (elemental sulphur), alkynyl thioethers, RSCN, AgSCF3, K2S, Na2S, dithiane, RSCl, NFSI, RNCS, EtOCS2K, thiocarbamate, RSONH2, thiourea, sulfoxide, RSO2N3, CS2, RSO2NH2, RSO2NHNH2, RSO2Cl, RSO2Oar, RSO2SR', DABCO·(SO2)2, Na2S2O5, K2S2O5, RSO2H, RSO2Na and related compounds are discussed. Diverse mechanisms such as radical, electrophilic/nucleophilic addition, rearrangement, C-C bond cleavage, and CuAAC are discussed. The content is organized by substrates and reactivity patterns. We hope it will help in future research in this area.

Regulation of Photogenerated Redox Species through High Crystallinity Carbon Nitride for Improved C-S Coupling Reactions

A novel and efficient approach for the synthesis of α, β-unsaturated sulfones through heterogeneous photocatalyzed C-S coupling reactions have been developed. The use of molten-salt method derived carbon nitride (MCN), a transition metal-free polymeric photocatalyst, combined with enhanced crystallinity and potassium iodide as an additive, effectively modulates photogenerated reactive redox species, markedly increasing the overall reaction selectivity. This method achieves the shortest reaction time (2 h) with high yield (up to 95 %) among the reported heterogeneous catalytic C-S bond formation reactions, matching the efficiency of the homogeneous photocatalysts. Furthermore, the application to challenging alkyne substrates has been demonstrated, underscoring the potential for a broad range of applications in pharmaceutical research and synthetic chemistry.

Photoinduced Alkylsulfonylation and Cyanoalkylsulfonylation of Morita-Baylis-Hillman Adducts via Multicomponent Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide

General and convenient visible-light-promoted alkylsulfonylation and cyanoalkylsulfonylation of MBH adducts have been developed through the multicomponent insertion of sulfur dioxide, enabling the assembly of two C-S bonds to generate structurally diverse allylic alkylsulfones (43 examples in total). The reaction of MBH adducts with potassium alkyltrifluoroborates and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bis(sulfur dioxide) adduct afforded sulfones with generally good yields. Notably, the addition of N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine as a base into the photocatalytic system led to yielding an alkyl sulfonyl unit and cyano group-anchored trisubstituted alkenes by utilizing cycloketone oxime esters as C-radical precursors. Both of these reactions have constructed two C-S bonds, and all desired products were obtained in moderate to excellent yields with complete stereospecificity.

Lighting Up the Organochalcogen Synthesis: A Concise Update of Recent Photocatalyzed Approaches

This review describes the recent advances in photocatalyzed reactions to form new carbon–sulfur and carbon–selenium bonds. With a total of 136 references, of which 81 articles are presented, the authors introduce in five sections an updated picture of the state of the art in the light-promoted synthesis of organochalcogen compounds (from 2019 to present). The light-promoted synthesis of sulfides by direct sulfenylation of C–C π-bonds; synthesis of sulfones; the activation of Csp2–N bond in the formation of Csp2–S bonds; synthesis of thiol ester, thioether and thioacetal; and the synthesis of organoselenium compounds are discussed, with detailed reaction conditions and selected examples for each protocol.

Photoredox-catalyzed intermolecular azidosulfonylation of alkenes with DABCO·(SO2)2, trimethylsilyl azide and thianthrenium salts

Synthesis of β-azido alkylsulfones through a photoredox-catalyzed azido sulfonylation of alkenes with DABCO·(SO2)2, trimethylsilyl azide and alkyl thianthrenium salts is developed.

Photocatalytic Decarboxylative Coupling of Arylacetic Acids with Aromatic Aldehydes

An efficient protocol was proposed for the preparation of secondary alcohols in good to excellent yields via photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative couplings between readily available arylacetic acids and a variety of less reactive (hetero)aromatic aldehydes. The formation of carbanion is the key intermediate in this reaction. Various substituted arylacetic acids and aldehydes were all compatible with this transformation under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, the current protocol was successfully applied to the direct alcoholization of several drug acids.

Photoredox-Catalyzed α-Sulfonylation of Ketones from Sulfur Dioxide and Thianthrenium Salts

A photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of silyl enol ethers with DABCO·(SO₂)₂ and thianthrenium salts is achieved, providing diverse β-keto sulfones in moderate to good yields. This protocol features easily accessible starting materials and good functional group compatibility, enabling the introduction of various functionalized sulfonyl groups into ketones. Furthermore, as one of the important industrial raw materials, methanol can be employed as the methyl source to prepare α-methylsulfonated ketones through a methyl thianthrenium intermediate for the first time.

Multicomponent reactions and photo/electrochemistry join forces: atom economy meets energy efficiency

Visible-light photoredox catalysis has been regarded as an extremely powerful tool in organic chemistry, bringing the spotlight back to radical processes. The versatility of photocatalyzed reactions has already been demonstrated to be effective in providing alternative routes for cross-coupling as well as multicomponent reactions. The photocatalyst allows the generation of high-energy intermediates through light irradiation rather than using highly reactive reagents or harsh reaction conditions. In a similar vein, organic electrochemistry has experienced a fruitful renaissance as a tool for generating reactive intermediates without the need for any catalyst. Such milder approaches pose the basis toward higher selectivity and broader applicability. In photocatalyzed and electrochemical multicomponent reactions, the generation of the radical species acts as a starter of the cascade of events. This allows for diverse reactivity and the use of reagents is usually not covered by classical methods. Owing to the availability of cheaper and more standardized photo- and electrochemical reactors, as well as easily scalable flow-setups, it is not surprising that these two fields have become areas of increased research interest. Keeping these in view, this review is aimed at providing an overview of the synthetic approaches in the design of MCRs involving photoredox catalysis and/or electrochemical activation as a crucial step with particular focus on the choice of the difunctionalized reagent.

Photoredox-catalyzed reaction of thianthrenium salts, sulfur dioxide and hydrazines

A photoredox-catalyzed reaction of thianthrenium salts, hydrazines and DABCO·(SO2)2 is accomplished, providing diverse arenesulfonohydrazides in moderate to good yields under mild reaction conditions.

Divergent cyanoalkylation/cyanoalkylsulfonylation of enamides under organophotoredox catalytic conditions

An organophotoredox catalyzed divergent cyanoalkylation/cyanoalkylsulfonylation of enamides is described.

Photoinduced decarboxylative 1,6-addition of para-quinone methides with α-keto acids: an eco-friendly approach to α,α′-diarylated ketones

The photoinduced decarboxylative 1,6-addition of para-quinone methides with α-keto acids in an eco-friendly approach to α,α′-diarylated ketones is developed.

Construction of sulfonated spiro[5,5]trienones from sulfur dioxide via iron-catalyzed dearomative spirocyclization of biaryls

An iron-catalyzed dearomative spirocyclization of biaryl ynones with sodium metabisulfite and cycloketone oxime esters is developed. By using sodium metabisulfite as the source of sulfur dioxide, this approach enables the...

Electrochemical oxygenation of sulfides with molecular oxygen or water: switchable preparation of sulfoxides and sulfones

A practical and eco-friendly method for the controllable aerobic oxygenation of sulfides by electrochemical catalysis was developed. The switchable preparation of sulfoxides and sulfones was effectively controlled by reaction time, in which both molecular oxygen and water can be used as the oxygen source under catalyst and external oxidant-free conditions. The electrochemical protocol features a broad substrate scope and excellent site selectivity and is successfully applied to the modification of some sulfide-containing pharmaceuticals and their derivatives.

Synthesis of β-cyanoalkylsulfonylated vinyl selenides through a four-component reaction

A mild copper-catalyzed four-component selenosulfonylation of alkynes, cycloketone oxime esters, DABCO (SO₂)₂ and diselenides has been developed. This method enables the rapid assembly of β-cyanoalkylsulfonylated vinyl selenides in moderate to good yields. Advantages of this protocol include a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance and the late-stage functionalization of complex molecules. Moreover, the potential utility of this methodology is demonstrated through simple oxidation of the products to access synthetically important alkynyl sulfones. Mechanistic studies suggest that a cyanoalkylsulfonyl radical intermediate is involved in this process.

Recent Progress and Emerging Technologies towards a Sustainable Synthesis of Sulfones

Sulfones play a pivotal role in modern organic chemistry. They are highly versatile building blocks and find various applications as drugs, agrochemicals, or functional materials. Therefore, sustainable access to this class of molecules is of great interest. Herein, the goal was to provide a summary on recent developments in the field of sustainable sulfone synthesis. Advances and existing limitations in traditional approaches towards sulfones were reviewed on selected examples. Furthermore, novel emerging technologies for a more sustainable sulfone synthesis and future directions were discussed.

The Renaissance of Alkali Metabisulfites as SO2 Surrogates

The upsurge of interest in the development of methodologies for the construction of sulfur-containing compounds via the use of expedient reagents has established sustainable tools in organic chemistry. This review focuses on sulfonylation reactions using inorganic sulfites (Na2S2O5 or K2S2O5) as the sulfur dioxide surrogates. Compared to the bis-adduct with DABCO, which is an excellent surrogate of gaseous SO2, the use of sodium or potassium metabisulfites as SO2 surrogates are equally efficient. The objective of the current review is to exemplify recent sulfonylation reactions using inorganic sulfites. For better understanding, the review is categorized according to the mode of reactions: transition-metal-catalyzed SO2 insertion, metal-free SO2 insertion, and visible-light-mediated SO2 insertion. All the reactions in each of the sections are illustrated with selected examples with a pertinent explanation of the proposed mechanism.

1 Introduction

2 Outlines of the Reactions Involving SO2 Insertion

2.1 Transition-Metal-Catalyzed SO2 Insertion

2.2 Transition-Metal-Free SO2 Insertion

2.3 Visible-Light-Mediated SO2 Insertion

3 Conclusion and Outlook

Advances in photochemical and electrochemical incorporation of sulfur dioxide for the synthesis of value-added compounds

Organic photochemistry and electrochemistry currently receive tremendous attention in organic synthesis as both techniques enable the reagent-less activation of organic molecules without using expensive and hazardous redox reagents. The incorporation of SO₂ into organic molecules is a relatively modern research topic, which likewise gains immense popularity since the discovery of the SO₂ surrogate DABSO. Sulfur-containing organic molecules are omnipresent in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. This review covers the recent progress in electrochemical and photochemical methodologies for the incorporation and uses of SO₂ in the synthesis of value-added compounds. Additionally, different work techniques are demonstrated for the synthetic application of SO₂.

Catalyst-free arylation of sulfonamides via visible light-mediated deamination

A novel arylation of sulfonamides with boronic acids to afford numerous diaryl sulfones via a visible light-mediated N–S bond cleavage other than the typical transition-metal-catalyzed C(O)–N bond activation is described. This methodology, which represents the first catalyst-free protocol for the sulfonylation of boronic acids, is characterized by its simple reaction conditions, good functional group tolerance and high efficiency. Several successful examples for the late-stage functionalization of diverse sulfonamides indicate the high potential utility of this method in pharmaceutical science and organic synthesis.

The simple, catalyst-free sulfonylation of boronic acids with sulfonamides via a visible light-mediated N–S bond cleavage is described, affording diaryl sulfones with high efficiency. Late-stage functionalization of sulfonamide drugs was shown.

Click Nucleophilic Conjugate Additions to Activated Alkynes: Exploring Thiol-yne, Amino-yne, and Hydroxyl-yne Reactions from (Bio)Organic to Polymer Chemistry

The 1,4-conjugate addition reaction between activated alkynes or acetylenic Michael acceptors and nucleophiles (i.e., the nucleophilic Michael reaction) is a historically useful organic transformation. Despite its general utility, the efficiency and outcomes can vary widely and are often closely dependent upon specific reaction conditions. Nevertheless, with improvements in reaction design, including catalyst development and an expansion of the substrate scope to feature more electrophilic alkynes, many examples now present with features that are congruent with Click chemistry. Although several nucleophilic species can participate in these conjugate additions, ubiquitous nucleophiles such as thiols, amines, and alcohols are commonly employed and, consequently, among the most well developed. For many years, these conjugate additions were largely relegated to organic chemistry, but in the last few decades their use has expanded into other spheres such as bioorganic chemistry and polymer chemistry. Within these fields, they have been particularly useful for bioconjugation reactions and step-growth polymerizations, respectively, due to their excellent efficiency, orthogonality, and ambient reactivity. The reaction is expected to feature in increasingly divergent application settings as it continues to emerge as a Click reaction.

Strategies for the Photocatalytic Generation of Carbanion Equivalents for Reductant-Free C-C Bond Formations

ConspectusThe use of photocatalysis in organic chemistry has encountered a surge of novel transformations since the start of the 21st century. The majority of these transformations are driven by the generation and subsequent reaction of radicals, owing to the intrinsic property of common photocatalysts to transfer single electrons from their excited state. While this is a powerful and elegant method to develop novel transformations, several research groups recently sought to further extend the toolbox of photocatalysis into the realm of polar ionic reactivity by the formation of cationic as well as anionic key reaction intermediates to furnish a desired product.Our group became especially interested in the photocatalytic formation of anionic carbon nucleophiles, as the overall transformation resembles classical organometallic reactions like Grignard, Barbier, and Reformatsky reactions, which are ubiquitous in organic synthesis with broad applications especially in the formation of valuable C-C bonds. Although these classical reactions are frequently applied, their use still bears certain disadvantages; one is the necessity of an (over)stoichiometric amount of a reducing metal. The reducing, low-valent, metal is solely applied to activate the starting material to form the organometallic carbanion synthon, while the final reaction product does generally not contain a metal species. Hence, a stoichiometric amount of metal salt is bound to be generated at the end of each reaction, diminishing the atom economy. The use of visible light as mild and traceless activation agent to drive chemical reactions can be a means to arrive at a more atom economic transformation, as a reducing metal source is avoided. Beyond this, the vast pool of photocatalytic activation methods offers the potential to employ easily available starting materials, as simple as unfunctionalized alkanes, to open novel and more facile retrosynthetic pathways. However, as mentioned above, photocatalysis is dominated by open-shell radical reactivity. With neutral radicals showing an intrinsically different reactivity than ionic species, novel strategies to form intermediates expressing a polar behavior need to be developed in order to achieve this goal.In the last couple of years, several methods toward this aim have been reported by our group and others. This Account aims to give an overview of the different existing strategies to photocatalytically form carbon centered anions or equivalents of those in order to form C-C bonds. As the main concept is to omit a stoichiometric reductant source (like a low-valent metal in classical organometallic reactions), only redox-neutral and reductant-free transformations were taken into closer consideration. We present selected examples of important strategies and try to illustrate the intentions and concepts behind the methods developed by our group and others.

Visible-light-induced remote C(sp3)–H sulfonylvinylation: assembly of cyanoalkylated vinyl sulfones

A photoinduced three-component sulfonylvinylation reaction of propargyl alcohols, potassium metabisulfite and cycloketone oxime esters is developed, affording cyanoalkylated vinyl sulfones in moderate to good yields.

Photoinduced intramolecular carbosulfonylation of alkynes: access to sulfone-containing dibenzazepines from sulfur dioxide

A visible-light-driven three-component carbosulfonylation of terminal alkynes, DABCO (SO₂)₂ and aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates is developed, leading to sulfone-containing dibenzazepines in moderate to good yields under mild conditions.

Visible-light photoredox-catalyzed aryl radical in situ SO2-capture reactions

An aryl radical in situ SO₂-capture reaction is developed for the synthesis of various β-keto, allyl and alkynyl arylsulfone derivatives.

Generation of (E)-β-sulfonyl enamines from sulfur dioxide via a radical process

An iron(ii)-catalyzed three-component reaction of O-acyl oximes, sulfur dioxide, and N-vinylacetamides is accomplished. Diverse (E)-β-sulfonyl enamines are obtained in moderate to good yields by using this protocol with excellent stereoselectivity and regioselectivity.

Synergistic photoredox and tertiary amine catalysis: generation of allylic sulfones from Morita–Baylis–Hillman acetates and sulfur dioxide

The first example of the synthesis of allylic sulfones through synergistic photoredox and tertiary amine catalysis, starting from MBH acetates, DABCO·(SO₂)₂ and 4-substituted Hantzsch esters or potassium alkyltrifluoroborates via a radical pathway, is reported.

Copper-catalyzed regio- and chemoselective selenosulfonylation of 1,6-enynes from sulfur dioxide

An efficient copper-catalyzed multicomponent reaction of 1,6-enynes, diselenides, DABCO·(SO2)2, and cycloketone oxime esters was achieved, providing cyanoalkylsulfonated pyrrolidines in moderate to good yields.

Alkoxycarbonyl radicals from alkyloxalyl chlorides: photoinduced synthesis of isoquinolinediones under visible light irradiation

Alkyloxalyl chlorides, generated from alcohols and oxalyl chlorides, are used as alkoxycarbonyl radicals in the reaction of N-acryloyl benzamides under photocatalysis at room temperature.

Generation of Sulfonylated Tetrazoles through an Iron-Catalyzed Multicomponent Reaction Involving Sulfur Dioxide

As a privileged motif, tetrazoles can be widely found in pharmaceuticals and materials science. Herein, a five-component reaction of cycloketone oxime esters, alkynes, DABCO·(SO₂)₂, and two molecules of trimethylsilyl azide under iron catalysis is developed, giving rise to a range of cyano-containing sulfonylated tetrazoles in moderate to good yields. This multicomponent reaction exhibits excellent selectivity and enables the formation of multiple new chemical bonds in one pot. A possible mechanism involving azidosulfonylation of alkynes, C-C bond cleavage of both cycloketone oxime esters and alkynes, and [3 + 2] cycloaddition of trimethylsilyl azide and the nitrilium cation intermediate is proposed. Additionally, the potential of terminal alkynes acting as powerful synthons for the synthesis of tetrazoles in a radical initiated process is demonstrated for the first time.

•

High-value tetrazole motifs were synthesized via a five-component reaction

•

Fixing sulfur dioxide into tetrazole molecules under mild conditions

•

Low-cost iron catalyst initiated the transformation

•

Excellent selectivity with the formation of multiple new chemical bonds

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.

Recent advances in sulfonylation reactions using potassium/sodium metabisulfite

Recently, sulfonylation reactions using potassium/sodium metabisulfite as the sulfur dioxide surrogate have been developed rapidly. In most cases, the transformations go through radical processes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide under mild conditions. Additionally, transition metal catalysis is applied in the reactions for the synthesis of sulfonyl-containing compounds. Among the approaches, photoinduced conversions under visible light or ultraviolet irradiation are also involved. In this updated report, the insertion of sulfur dioxide from potassium metabisulfite or sodium metabisulfite is summarized.

Photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of difluoroenoxysilanes with the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A photoredox-catalyzed three-component reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates with sodium metabisulfite and 2,2-difluoro enol silyl ethers is described, providing α,α-difluoro-β-ketosulfones in moderate to good yields under mild conditions.

Generation of (Z)-β-alkenyl alkylsulfones via a copper-catalyzed decarboxylative alkylsulfonylation

A copper-catalyzed three-component reaction of acrylamides, sulfur dioxide and phenyliodine(iii) dicarboxylates is developed. The conversion using phenyliodine dicarboxylates as alkyl radical precursors provides diverse (Z)-β-alkenyl alkylsulfones.