Carbonylative cyclization of biaryl enones with aldehydes and oxamic acids

An oxidative radical-promoted carbonylative cyclization strategy for the synthesis of phenanthren-9-(10H)-one frameworks from biaryl enones using aldehydes as the carbonyl radical sources is disclosed. The reaction proceeds through a sequential addition of a carbonyl radical to the olefin followed by cyclization with an aryl ring. The method is further extended to carbamoyl radicals generated from oxamic acids to access the corresponding phenanthrenones with amide functionalities.

Silver-Catalyzed Skeletal Editing of Benzothiazol-2(3H)-ones and 2-Halogen-Substituted Benzothiazoles as a Rapid Single-Step Approach to Benzo[1,2,3]thiadiazoles

A facile silver(I)-catalyzed reaction of benzothiazol-2(3H)-ones with NaNO2, or using AgNO2 directly, enables a single-step transformation to the corresponding benzo[1,2,3]thiadiazoles in moderate to excellent yields, with wide functional group compatibility. It can also be performed in a one-pot manner from readily available 2-halobenzothiazoles. This intriguing transformation involving an atom replacement in the S,N-heteroarene ring thus provides rapid access to isobenzothiadiazoles (while avoiding the usage of unstable precursors) and also expands the toolbox of modern skeletal editing reactions.

Silver-catalyzed nitrosation and nitration of aromatic amides using NOBF4

Divergent aromatic ring nitrosation and nitration of aromatic amides are reported using NOBF4 as the electrophile under silver-catalyzed conditions. The reactions proceed efficiently with a wide range of compatible functionalities providing ortho-position nitrosation products, deacylation nitrosation products, and nitration products from different tertiary and secondary aromatic amides.

Copper Catalyzed Synthesis of Heterocyclic Molecules via C-N and C-O Bond Formation under Microwaves: A Mini-Review

Heterocyclic moieties play a significant role in the field of drug discovery. C-N and C-O bond formation reactions are the primary synthetic sequence for the generation of heterocyclic molecules. The generation of C-N and C-O bonds involves the use of mostly Pd or Cu catalysts although other transition metal catalyst's are also involved. However, in C-N and C-O bond formation reactions, several problems were faced such as catalytic systems containing costly ligands, lack of substrate scope, lots of waste generation, and high temperature conditions. So it is imperative to uncover new eco-friendly synthetic strategies. In view of enormous drawbacks, it is important to develop an alternate microwave-assisted synthesis of heterocycles via C-N and C-O bond formation, which provides a short reaction time, tolerance for functional groups, and less waste production. Numerous chemical reactions have been accelerated using microwave irradiation which provides a cleaner reaction profile, lower energy consumption, and higher yields. This review article highlights a comprehensive overview on the potential application of microwave assisted synthetic routes for the synthesis of diverse heterocycles via mechanistic pathways covering the year ranges from 2014 to 2023, along with possible biological interests.

Nitration of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines

We have successfully modified a series of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines via direct nitration under mild reaction conditions. Easily accessible nitrates including CAN, Cu(NO₃)₂·H₂O, and Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O all can serve as effective nitrating reagents for functionalizing pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines. Various nitro-bearing pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines have been efficiently prepared in acceptable to good yields.

NHC-catalyzed [3 + 3] cycloaddition of α-bromoenals with nitroketene aminals or nitroketene N,S-acetals: synthesis of nitro-containing dihydropyridin-2-ones

An N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed [3 + 3] cycloaddition of α-bromoenals with nitroketene aminals or nitroketene N,S-acetals has been developed. This methodology provides an efficient strategy for the construction of valuable nitro-containing heterocyclic compounds. This protocol features mild reaction conditions, easily available starting materials, broad substrate scope and easy scalability.

Oxidative functionalization of alkylidenecyclopropanes and alkylidenecyclobutanes: a versatile platform to access nitrated cyclopropanes and cyclobutanes

A divergent radical nitration of alkylidenecyclopropanes (ACPs) and alkylidenecyclobutanes (ACBs) with Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O or AgNO₂ has been achieved, affording three categories of products including β-nitro alcohol, α-nitro ketone and nitro nitratosation products with yields up to 90%. Particularly, the cyclopropyl and cyclobutyl rings were conserved in the products. The applicability of this method was demonstrated by the scale-up experiment and reduction of the nitro into an amino group. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested that the nitro radical was involved in the reaction process.

Radical annulation of a designed diene system: access to nitro-benzo[b]azepines

Herein, we describe a novel O₂N˙-triggered ordered addition 7-endo cyclization reaction with excellent chemo- and regioselectivity. With such a strategy, structurally diverse nitro-benzo[b]azepines were prepared with 28 examples. Large-scale operation and handy N-Ts and N-Cbz deprotection reveal the promising utility of this methodology. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds through a radical pathway.

2-Methoxyethyl Nitrite as a Reagent for Chemoselective On-Water Nitration

An on-water approach has been developed that allows a nitration of tyrosines and phenols under mild conditions. We envisioned that the assembly of tyrosine/tyrosyl radical couples with interfacial water molecules would realize a biomimetic stacking hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) transition state to facilitate the electron-transfer process. The optimal organic nitrite, 2-methoxyethyl nitrite, resulted in rapid coupling of the tyrosyl radicals with •NO 2 at the oil-water interface to afford the nitrated phenols. Many characteristics found in our on-water strategy are distinct from other complementary systems that include radical nitration. These enticing roles of water in the reaction process introduce new avenues to explore in the design of synthetic organic chemistry systems.

Organic Nitrating Reagents

Nitro compounds are vital raw chemicals that are widely used in academic laboratories and industries for the preparation of various drugs, agrochemicals, and materials. Thus, nitrating reactions are of great importance for chemists and are even taught in schools as one of the fundamental transformations in organic synthesis. Since the discovery of the first nitrating reactions in the 19th century, progress in this field has been constant. Yet, for many years the classical electrophilic nitration approach using a mixture of strong mineral acids dominated the field. However, in recent decades, the attention of researchers has focused on new reactivity and new reagents that can provide access to nitro compounds in a practical and straightforward way under mild reaction conditions. Organic nitrating reagents have played a special role in this field since they have enhanced reactivity. They also allow nitration to be carried out in an ecofriendly and sustainable manner. This review examines the development and application of organic nitrating reagents.

1 Introduction

2 Organic Nitrating Reagents

2.1 Alkyl Nitrites

2.2 Nitroalkanes

2.3 Alkyl Nitrates

2.4 N-Nitroamides

2.5 N-Nitropyrazole

2.6 N-Nitropyridinium Salts

3 Organic Nitrating Reagents Generated In Situ

3.1 Acyl Nitrates

3.2 Trimethylsilyl Nitrate

3.3 Nitro Onium Salts

4 Organic Nitronium Salts

5 Organic Nitrates and Nitrites

5.1 Ammonium Nitrates

5.2 Heteroarylium Nitrates

5.3 Other Organic Nitrates

5.4 Organic Nitrites

6 Conclusion and Outlook

Acid-Free Copper-Catalyzed Electrophilic Nitration of Electron-Rich Arenes with Guanidine Nitrate

A practical copper-catalyzed nitration of electron-rich arenes with trimethylsilyl chloride and guanidine nitrate is reported. A variety of nitrated products were generated in moderate to excellent yields (32-99%) at ambient temperature under acid-free, open-flask, and operationally simple conditions.

Recent Advances in Copper-Catalyzed C-N Bond Formation Involving N-Centered Radicals

C-N bonds are pervasive throughout organic-based materials, natural products, pharmaceutical compounds, and agricultural chemicals. Considering the widespread importance of C-N bonds, the development of greener and more convenient ways to form C-N bonds, especially in late-stage synthesis, has become one of the hottest research goals in synthetic chemistry. Copper-catalyzed radical reactions involving N-centered radicals have emerged as a sustainable and promising approach to build C-N bonds. As a chemically popular and diverse radical species, N-centered radicals have been used for all kinds of reactions for C-N bond formation by taking advantage of their inherently incredible reactive flexibility. Copper is also the most abundant and economic catalyst with the most relevant activity for facilitating the synthesis of valuable compounds. Therefore, the aim of the present Review was to illustrate recent and significant advances in C-N bond formation methods and to understand the unique advantages of copper catalysis in the generation of N-centered radicals since 2016. To provide an ease of understanding for the readers, this Review was organized based on the types of nitrogen sources (amines, amides, sulfonamides, oximes, hydrazones, azides, and tert-butyl nitrite).

Metal-free regioselective nitration of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with tert-butyl nitrite

A metal-free coupling of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with tert-butyl nitrite has been developed. Distinctly from the previous functionalization of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones, this nitration reaction took place selectively at the C7 or C5 position of the phenyl ring, affording a series of 7-nitro and 5-nitro quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones in moderate to good yields. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that the reaction may involve a radical process.

Radical Cyclization of 1,n-Enynes and 1,n-Dienes for the Synthesis of 2-Pyrrolidone

2-Pyrrolidones have aroused enormous interest as a useful structural moiety in drug discovery; however, not only does their syntheses suffer from low selectivity and yield, but also it requires high catalyst loadings. The radical cyclization of 1,n-enynes and 1,n-dienes has demonstrated to be an attractive method for the synthesis of 2-pyrrolidones due to its mild reaction conditions, fewer steps, higher atom economy, excellent functional group compatibility, and high regioselectivity. Furthermore, radical receptors with unsaturated bonds (i. e. 1,n-enynes and 1,n-dienes) play a crucial role in realizing radical cyclization because of the ability to selectively introduce one or more radical sources. In this review, we discuss representative examples of methods involving the radical cyclization of 1,n-enynes and 1,n-dienes published in the last five years and discuss each prominent reaction design and mechanism, providing favorable tools for the synthesis of valuable 2-pyrrolidone for a variety of applications.

AgNO3 as Nitrogen Source for Cu-Catalyzed Cyclization of Oximes with Isocyanates: A Facile Route to N-2-Aryl-1,2,3-triazoles

A versatile copper-catalyzed [3 + 1 + 1] annulation of oximes and isocyanates with AgNO₃ is described. In this conversion, AgNO₃ and isocyanates instead of conventional azide or diazonium reagents were used as the nitrogen source. This three-component transformation was achieved by cleaving N-O/C-H/C-N bonds and building C═N/N-N bonds, which provides a strategy to prepare N-2-aryl-1,2,3-triazoles with a good substrate and functional compatibility.

Three-Component Radical Iodonitrosylative Cyclization of 1,6-Enynes under Metal-Free Conditions

A three-component, metal-free radical cascade iodonitrosylative cyclization reaction was described. The nitroso radical was generated from tert-butyl nitrite and triggered the radical addition/cyclization/iodination/oxidation sequences. A variety of 1,6-enynes were tested and proved to be compatible, delivering various highly functionalized hetero- and all-carbon cycles and nitro and vinyl C-I bonds containing pyrrolidines, tetrahydrofuran, and cyclopentane in moderate to excellent isolated yields.

Catalyst-free synthesis of isoxazolidine from nitrosoarene and haloalkyne via a 1,2-halo-migration/[3 + 2] cycloaddition cascade

An unprecedented catalyst-free three-component reaction to synthesize isoxazolidine from easily accessible haloalkyne, nitrosoarene and maleimide was developed. This reaction was proposed to proceed via a 1,2-halo migration and [3 + 2] cycloaddition cascade, providing a new reaction pattern of alkyne and nitroso containing species wherein a new type of nitrone was generated. Besides, the reaction conditions were efficient and environmentally benign, enabling the formation of various bioactivity-related isoxazolidines.

Ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) enabled concerted nitration/ureation of carbodiimides to synthesize o-nitroaryl ureas

A simple and facile strategy to construct o-nitroaryl urea employing carbodiimides and ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) with high functional group compatibility via concerted nitration/ureation has been described.