Progress and prospects in copper-catalyzed C-H functionalization

A suitably fabricated ternary nanocomposite (Cu-CuO@rGO-SiO2) as a sustainable and common heterogeneous catalyst for C-S, C-O and C-N coupling reactions

A hybrid composite based on π-electron rich reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and mesoporous silica (SiO2) was prepared and decorated with copper species to afford a ternary nanocomposite material (Cu-CuO@rGO-SiO2). This copper-based nanocomposite was successfully used as a robust and multi-tasking heterogeneous catalyst for most common cross-coupling reactions (e.g. C-S, C-O and C-N coupling). A broad range of catalytic activities are believed to be originated from the synergism of different co-existing copper species (Cu(0) and CuO) and facile charge transfer from the metal ions towards rGO-SiO2 matrices, as established from XPS and other studies.

A novel Cu(I)-based coordination polymer for efficient photocatalytic oxidation of C(sp3)-H bonds

A novel coordination polymer CuCl-Pyhc was successfully synthesized, which can catalyze efficient and selective oxidation of C(sp3)-H bonds under mild conditions, exhibiting exceptional stability and remarkable recyclability. Furthermore, CuCl-Pyhc can mimic natural monooxygenases and activate oxygen into singlet oxygen (1O2).

CuI-Amidobis(phosphine)-Catalyzed Direct Amidation of Unactivated Alkanes via C(sp3)-H Activation

Herein, we describe an acid-base-free, sustainable, and efficient method for direct amidation of unactivated alkanes and toluene derivatives, using the dimeric CuI complex [CuI{o-Ph2PC6H4CONC6H4PPh2-o}2] (here onward referred to as [PNP-Cu]2). Using this method, C(sp3)-N bond formation was achieved through the activation of very challenging C(sp3)-H bonds in cycloalkanes, alkenes, allyl groups, and benzyl groups, with tolerance toward ketonic groups, heterocycles, and halide functionalities. One of the precatalysts, (PNHP-Cu-Npht) was isolated and structurally characterized. Isomerization in allyl-functionalized alkanes and selective benzylic alkylation in ketones were observed. This is a novel method for C(sp3)-N bond formation via direct N-alkylation of phthalimide, sulfonamide, benzamide, and phosphamidate.

2-Pyridone-Directed CuII-Catalyzed General Method of C(sp2)-H Activation for C-S, C-Se, and C-N Cross-Coupling: Easy Access to Aryl Thioethers, Selenide Ethers, and Sulfonamides and DFT Study

We have demonstrated N-substituted 2-pyridones as an N,O-directing group for selective C(sp2)-H-activated thiolation, selenylation, and sulfonamidation of ortho C-H bonds of benzamides. This method utilizes a cost-effective Cu(II)-salt catalyst instead of precious metal catalysts, achieving high yields, including gram-scale synthesis and excellent functional group tolerance. We applied this protocol to access 30 different compounds with high yields, demonstrating thiolation of fluorine-substituted benzamides as well. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations support the mechanism, including acetate-supported concerted metalation deprotonation (CMD) steps and the unique role of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent. The facile synthesis of pharmaceutically important sulfonamides and other compounds highlights the method's potential in chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

Catalytic asymmetric carbenoid α-C-H insertion of ether

Significant advancements have been made in catalytic asymmetric α-C-H bond functionalization of ethers via carbenoid insertion over the past decade. Effective asymmetric catalytic systems, featuring a range of chiral metal catalysts, have been established for the enantioselective synthesis of diverse ether substrates. This has led to the generation of various enantioenriched, highly functionalized oxygen-containing structural motifs, facilitating their application in the asymmetric synthesis of bioactive natural products.

Applications of Transition Metal-Catalyzed ortho-Fluorine-Directed C-H Functionalization of (Poly)fluoroarenes in Organic Synthesis

The synthesis of organic compounds efficiently via fewer steps but in higher yields is desirable as this reduces energy and reagent use, waste production, and thus environmental impact as well as cost. The reactivity of C-H bonds ortho to fluorine substituents in (poly)fluoroarenes with metal centers is enhanced relative to meta and para positions. Thus, direct C-H functionalization of (poly)fluoroarenes without prefunctionalization is becoming a significant area of research in organic chemistry. Novel and selective methodologies to functionalize (poly)fluorinated arenes by taking advantage of the reactivity of C-H bonds ortho to C-F bonds are continuously being developed. This review summarizes the reasons for the enhanced reactivity and the consequent developments in the synthesis of valuable (poly)fluoroarene-containing organic compounds.

Improved and ligand-free copper-catalyzed cyclization for an efficient synthesis of benzimidazoles from o-bromoarylamine and nitriles

We present an improved copper-catalyzed cyclization for an efficient synthesis of benzimidazoles from o-bromoarylamine and nitriles, under mild and ligand-free conditions. The optimal conditions yielded exceptional products of up to 98%, demonstrating the broad applicability of this synthetic strategy in generating a wide range of valuable imidazole derivatives. This methodology enables the efficient synthesis of various substituted benzimidazole derivatives and offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods. By eliminating the use of harsh reagents and high temperatures associated with traditional synthesis approaches, this method proves to be more efficient and robust. Notably, we successfully applied this synthetic approach to the synthesis of bendazol and thiabendazole, yielding 82% and 78%, respectively, on a 100 gram scale.

Aerobic Catalytic Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling of Furans with Indoles Provides Access to Fluorophores with Large Stokes Shift

Sustainability in chemical processes is a crucial aspect in contemporary chemistry with sustainable catalysis as a vital parameter of the same. There has been a renewed focus on utilizing earth-abundant metal catalysts to expand the repertoire of organic reactions. Furan is a versatile heterocycle of natural origin used for multiple applications. However, it has scarcely been used in cross-dehydrogenative coupling. In this work, we have explored the cross-dehydrogentive coupling of furans with indoles using commonly available, inexpensive FeCl3  ⋅ 6H2 O (<0.25 $/g) as catalyst in the presence of so called 'ultimate oxidant' - oxygen, without the need for any external ligand or additive. The reactions were found to be scalable and to work even under partially aqueous conditions. This makes the reaction highly economical, practical, operationally simple and sustainable. The methodology provides direct access to π-conjugated short oligomers consisting of furan, thiophene and indole. These compounds were found to show interesting fluorescence properties with remarkably large Stokes shift (up to 205 nm). Mechanistic investigations reveal that the reaction proceeds through chemoselective oxidation of indole by the metal catalyst followed by nucleophilic trapping by furan.

Synergistic performance of a new bimetallic complex supported on magnetic nanoparticles for Sonogashira and C-N coupling reactions

This paper describes the synthesis of a novel Cu-Ni bimetallic system comprising of magnetic nanoparticles, as the core, and 4-amino-3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole (4-ABPT), as a conjugated bridge, between nickel and copper species. With low Cu and Ni loading (0.06 mol% Ni, 0.08 mol% Cu), the resulting Fe3O4@SiO2@4-ABPT/Cu-Ni showed to be a highly efficient catalyst for the Sonogashira and C-N cross-coupling reactions. The developed catalyst was well characterized by FT-IR, XRD, EDX-mapping, FE-SEM, TEM, ICP, VSM, TGA/DTG/DTA, LSV, and XPS techniques. Fe3O4@SiO2@4-ABPT/Cu-Ni nanocatalyst was compatible with a wide range of amines and aryl halides in the Sonogashira and C-N cross-coupling reactions and offered desired coupling products in high to excellent yields under palladium- and solvent-free conditions. Based on the XPS results, the 4-ABPT ligand can adjust electron transfer between Ni and Cu in Fe3O4@SiO2@4-ABPT/Cu-Ni, promoting the formation and stabilization of Cu+ and Ni3+ species. Electronic interactions and the synergistic effect between these metals increased the selectivity and activity of Fe3O4@SiO2@4-ABPT/Cu-Ni catalyst in the Sonogashira and C-N cross-coupling reactions compared with its monometallic counterparts. Additionally, the magnetic properties of Fe3O4@SiO2@4-ABPT/Cu-Ni facilitated its separation from the reaction mixture, promoting its reuse for several times with no significant loss in its catalytic activity or performance.

Copper-catalysed dehydrogenative self-coupling/cyclization of 5-aminopyrazoles: synthesis and photophysical study of pyridazines

An interesting self-coupling/cyclization of 5-aminopyrazoles is revealed, which provides a variety of pyridazine cores in reasonable yields. In this reaction, C(sp²)-C(sp²) and N-N bond formation occurs simultaneously in one reaction vessel. The photophysical properties of the synthesized compounds were also studied and some of them exhibited fluorescence properties with good quantum yields. A radical mediated reaction mechanism is proposed with the help of control experiments.

Redox-neutral C-H annulation strategies for the synthesis of heterocycles via high-valent Cp*Co(III) catalysis

A variety of biologically active molecules, pharmaceuticals, and natural products consist of a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic backbone. The majority of them are isoquinolones, indoles, isoquinolines, etc.; thereby the synthesis and derivatization of such heterocycles are synthetically very relevant. Also, certain naphthol derivatives have high synthetic utility as agrochemicals and in dye industries. Previous approaches have utilized ruthenium, rhodium, or iridium which may not be desirable due to the high toxicity, low abundance, and high cost of such 4d and 5d metals. Moreover, the need for an external oxidant during the reaction also adds by-products to the system. A high-valent cobalt-catalyzed redox-neutral C-H functionalization strategy has emerged to be a far better alternative in this regard. The use of the non-noble metal cobalt allows for selectivity and specificity in product formation. Also, the redox-neutral concept avoids the use of an external oxidant either due to the presence of a metal in a non-variable oxidation state throughout the catalytic cycle or due to the presence of an oxidizing directing group or an oxidizing coupling partner. Such an oxidizing directing group not only directs the catalyst to a specific reaction site by chelation but also regenerates the catalyst at the end of the cycle. Certain bonds such as N-O, N-N, N-Cl, N-S, and C-S are the main game-players behind the oxidizing property of such directing groups. In the other case, the directing group only chelates the catalyst to a reaction center, whereas the oxidation is carried out by the upcoming group/coupling partner. Overall, merging the redox-neutral concept with the high-valent cobalt catalysis is paving the way forward toward a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. This review critically describes the mechanistic understanding, scope, limitations, and synthesis of various biologically relevant heterocycles via the redox-neutral concept in the high-valent Cp*Co(III)-catalyzed C-H functionalization chemistry domain.

Copper-catalyzed asymmetric C(sp2)-H arylation for the synthesis of P- and axially chiral phosphorus compounds

Transition metal-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization is an important method in organic synthesis, but the development of methods that are lower cost and have a less environmental impact is desirable. Here, a Cu-catalyzed asymmetric C(sp²)-H arylation is reported. With diaryliodonium salts as arylating reagents, a range of ortho-arylated P-chiral phosphonic diamides were obtained in moderate to excellent yields with high enantioselectivities (up to 92% ee). Meanwhile, enantioselective C-3 arylation of diarylphosphine oxide indoles was also realized under similar conditions to construct axial chirality.

Progress in copper-catalysed/mediated intramolecular dehydrogenative coupling

Transition metal-catalysed C-H functionalization reactions are one of the most efficient synthetic methodologies to construct carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. The initial developments in the field were largely dominated by expensive transition metal catalysts. However, in the past decade, the focus of the catalyst shifted to first-row transition metals and copper catalysis contributed significantly. Abundant, cost-effective, and less toxic copper catalysts are an ideal green alternative to palladium and similar metals. The intramolecular dehydrogenative coupling itself developed as a prominent area of focus as the strategy straightaway affords complex polycyclic scaffolds in one pot. Regioselective activation of inert C-H bonds were made possible with copper catalysts and interestingly, oxygen served as the terminal oxidant in most of the cases. In the present review the focus is on the intramolecular dehydrogenative coupling reactions between carbon-hydrogen and heteroatom-hydrogen bonds to afford carbon-carbon and carbon-hetero atom bonds, catalysed/mediated by copper salts. Though the intermolecular dehydrogenative coupling reactions of copper have already been reviewed more than once, to the best of our knowledge this is the first comprehensive account of copper-based intramolecular dehydrogenative coupling.

One-Pot Synthesis of N,N-Diphenyl-2-benzothiazolamines from 1-(2-Iodophenyl)-3-phenylthioureas and Iodobenzenes

An efficient copper-catalyzed synthesis of a variety of N,N-diphenyl-2-benzothiazolamines was developed. Starting from substituted 1-(2-iodophenyl)-3-phenylthioureas and substituted iodobenzenes, the reaction proceeded smoothly via a tandem manner in the presence of CuI to afford the corresponding N,N-diphenyl-2-benzothiazolamine derivatives with good functional group tolerance. The protocol features simple performance, easily available starting materials, a one-pot manner, and good functional group tolerance, providing a practical strategy for the preparation of poly-functionalized amines.

Copper-Catalyzed Reactions of Aryl Halides with N-nucleophiles and Their Possible Application for Degradation of Halogenated Aromatic Contaminants

This review summarizes recent applications of copper or copper-based compounds as a nonprecious metal catalyst in N-nucleophiles-based dehalogenation (DH) reactions of halogenated aromatic compounds (Ar-Xs). Cu-catalyzed DH enables the production of corresponding nonhalogenated aromatic products (Ar-Nu), which are much more biodegradable and can be mineralized during aerobic wastewater treatment or which are principally further applicable. Based on available knowledge, the developed Cu-based DH methods enable the utilization of amines for effective cleavage of aryl-halogen bonds in organic solvents or even in an aqueous solution.

Recent Applications on Dual-Catalysis for C–C and C–X Cross-Coupling Reactions

Coupling reactions stand amid the most significant reactions in synthetic organic chemistry. Of late, these coupling strategies are being viewed as a versatile synthetic tool for a wide range of organic transformations in many sectors of chemistry, ranging from indispensable synthetic scaffolds and natural products of biological significance to novel organic materials. Further, the use of dual-catalysis in accomplishing various interesting cross-coupling transformations is an emerging field in synthetic organic chemistry, owing to their high catalytic performance rather than the use of a single catalyst. In recent years, synthetic organic chemists have given considerable attention to hetero-dual catalysis; wherein these catalytic systems have been employed for the construction of versatile carbon–carbon [C(sp 3)–C(sp 3), C(sp 3)–C(sp 2), C(sp 2)–C(sp 2)] and carbon–heteroatom (C–N, C–O, C–P, C–S) bonds. Therefore, in this mini-review, we are emphasizing recently developed various cross-coupling reactions catalysed by transition-metal dual-catalysis (i.e., using palladium and copper catalysts, but omitting the reports on photoredox/metal catalysis).

1 Introduction

2 Cu/Pd-Catalysed Bond Formation

2.1 Pd/Cu-Catalysed C(sp 3)–C(sp 2) Bond Formation

2.2 Pd/Cu-Catalysed C(sp 2)–C(sp 2) Bond Formation

2.3 Pd/Cu-Catalysed C(sp)–C(sp 2) Bond Formation

2.4 Pd/Cu-Catalysed C(sp 3)–C(sp 3) Bond Formation

2.5 Pd/Cu-Catalysed C–X (X = B, N, P, S, Si) Bond Formation

3 Conclusion

Thioether-Assisted Cu-Catalyzed C5-H Arylation of Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines

A Cu-catalyzed regioselective C5-H arylation of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines with aryl iodides was achieved with the assistance of an ethylthio group at the C3 position. This directing group could be easily removed to furnish a range of 5-(hetero)arylimidazo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives. The reaction tolerates a variety of functionalities and is compatible with sterically hindered substrates.

Chemo- and regioselective benzylic C(sp3)–H oxidation bridging the gap between hetero- and homogeneous copper catalysis

Selective C‒H functionalization in a pool of proximal C‒H bonds, predictably altering their innate reactivity is a daunting challenge. We disclose here, an expedient synthesis of privileged seven-membered lactones, dibenzo[c,e]oxepin-5(7H)-one through a highly chemoselective benzylic C(sp³)‒H activation. Remarkably, the formation of widely explored six-membered lactone via C(sp²)‒H activation is suppressed under the present conditions. The reaction proceeds smoothly on use of inexpensive metallic copper catalyst and di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP). Owing to the hazards of stoichiometric DTBP, further, we have developed a sustainable metallic copper/rose bengal dual catalytic system coupled with molecular oxygen replacing DTBP. A 1,5-aryl migration through Smiles rearrangement was realized from the corresponding diaryl ether substrates instead of expected eight-membered lactones. The present methodology is scalable, applied to the total synthesis of cytotoxic and neuroprotective natural product alterlactone. The catalyst is recyclable and the reaction can be performed in a copper bottle without any added catalyst.

•

Catalytic strategy for chemo- and regioselective benzylic C–H activation

•

Bulk copper catalysis merging with photocatalysis

•

Reusable copper catalyst

•

Reaction demonstrated in commercial copper bottle without external catalyst

Pd/Cu bimetallic catalysis to access highly fluorinated biaryls from aryl halides and fluorinated arenes

An efficient Pd/Cu bimetallic cross-coupling catalysis of fluoroaryl halides and fluoroarenes is reported. In situ generation of the Cu nucleophile by rate determining C-H activation of highly fluorinated aryls (≥4 F atoms) leads to high cross-coupling selectivity with little formation of homocoupling products.

Copper-Catalyzed Aerobic Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling of β-Oxime Ether Furan with Indole

Heterobiaryls serve as relevant structural motifs in many fields of high applicative importance such as drugs, agrochemicals, organic functional materials etc. Cross-dehydrogenative coupling involving direct oxidation of two C-H bonds to construct a C-C bond is actively being pursued as a more benign and 'greener' alternative for synthesizing heterobiaryls. Herein, we report a Cu(I)-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling of indoles and furans, two of the most important aromatic heterocycles using air as the terminal oxidant. The reaction proceeds with regio- and chemoselectivity to give the cross-coupled products in good to excellent yields generally. A broad substrate scope with respect to both the coupling partners has been demonstrated to prove the generality of this reaction. This represents the hitherto unexplored cross-dehydrogenative coupling methodology to obtain an indole-furan biaryl motif.

Direct Synthesis of Fluorescent Oxazolo-phenoxazines by Copper-Catalyzed/Hypervalent Iodine(III)-Mediated Dimerization/Cyclization of 2-Benzylamino-phenols

A dimerization/cyclization reaction of 2-benzylamino-phenols for the direct synthesis of the oxazolo-phenoxazine skeleton is reported. The reaction occurs under copper catalysis in the presence of hypervalent iodine(III), giving selectively the 5H-oxazolo[4,5-b]phenoxazine compounds. The cascade process, which allows the conversion of the substrates into the tetracyclic products, involves three C-H functionalization steps. Initial oxidation of electron-rich arenes by the hypervalent iodine is essential for the dimerization of substrates, whereas the formation of the five-membered rings is promoted by the copper species. 1-Benzyl-2-phenyl-6-(aryl-benzyl)amino-benzimidazoles are regioselectively obtained using N,N'-dibenzyl-phenylenediamines as starting substrates. The fluorescence emission properties of these classes of products have been evaluated.

Transition metal catalysed direct sulfanylation of unreactive C-H bonds: an overview of the last two decades

Transition metal catalysed direct sulfanylations of unreactive C-H bonds have become a unique and straightforward synthetic strategy in late-stage C-S bond formation of relevant complex molecules. Such transformations have represented...

Pd and photoredox dual catalysis assisted decarboxylative ortho-benzoylation of N-phenyl-7-azaindoles

Directing group assisted decarboxylative ortho-benzoylation of N-aryl-7-azaindoles with α-keto acids has been achieved by synergistic visible light promoted photoredox and palladium catalysis. The approach tenders rapid entry to aryl ketone...

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).

Copper(I)-Mediated Cascade Annulation via Dual C-H/C-H Activation: Access to Benzo[a]carbazolic AEEgens

A Cu(I)-mediated cascade cyclization/annulation of unprotected o-alkynylanilines with maleimides in one pot is developed. The protocol offers sequential formation of one C-N and two C-C bonds to deliver fused benzo[a]carbazoles having free NH skeletons. The annulated products display fluorescence emission in the range of 485-502 nm with a large Stokes shift and fluorescence lifetime of ∼17 ns. The annulated 3aa displays AEE behavior in the ethanol/hexane system and possesses marigold-flower-like morphology at the aggregated state. Cell viability assays enumerate biocompatible AEEgens, while their high intracellular fluorescence depicts cell imaging applicability.

Acetonitrile and benzonitrile as versatile amino sources in copper-catalyzed mild electrochemical C-H amidation reactions

A mild, efficient electrochemical approach to the site-selective direct C–H amidation of benzene and its derivatives with acetonitrile and benzonitrile has been developed. It has been shown that joint electrochemical oxidation of various arenes in the presence of a copper salt as a catalyst and nitriles leads to the formation of N-phenylacetamide from benzene and N-benzylacetamides from benzyl derivatives (up to 78% yield). A favorable feature of the process is mild conditions (room temperature, ambient pressure, no strong oxidants) that meet the criteria of green chemistry.

Different pathways of C–H transformation depending on the substrate nature and oxidation potential.

Structural Elucidation, Aggregation, and Dynamic Behaviour of N,N,N,N ‐Copper(I) Schiff Base Complexes in Solid and in Solution: A Combined NMR, X‐ray Spectroscopic and Crystallographic Investigation

A series of Cu(I) complexes of bidentate or tetradentate Schiff base ligands bearing either 1‐H‐imidazole or pyridine moieties were synthesized. The complexes were studied by a combination of NMR and X‐ray spectroscopic techniques. The differences between the imidazole‐ and pyridine‐based ligands were examined by ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N NMR spectroscopy. The magnitude of the ¹⁵N_imine coordination shifts was found to be strongly affected by the nature of the heterocycle in the complexes. These trends showed good correlation with the obtained Cu−N_imine bond lengths from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements. Variable‐temperature NMR experiments, in combination with diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) revealed that one of the complexes underwent a temperature‐dependent interconversion between a monomer, a dimer and a higher aggregate. The complexes bearing tetradentate imidazole ligands were further studied using Cu K‐edge XAS and VtC XES, where DFT‐assisted assignment of spectral features suggested that these complexes may form polynuclear oligomers in solid state. Additionally, the Cu(II) analogue of one of the complexes was incorporated into a metal‐organic framework (MOF) as a way to obtain discrete, mononuclear complexes in the solid state.

Recent advances in Rh(iii)/Ir(iii)-catalyzed C–H functionalization/annulation via carbene migratory insertion

The review highlighted diverse annulations, including nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur heterocycles and carbocylizations via Rh(iii)/Ir(iii)-catalyzed C–H functionalization/annulation with various arene and carbene precursors.

Copper(ii)-catalyzed and acid-promoted highly regioselective oxidation of tautomerizable C(sp3)–H bonds adjacent to 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines using air (O2) as a clean oxidant

A novel Cu(ii)-catalyzed and acid-promoted highly regioselective oxidation of tautomerizable C(sp3)–H bonds adjacent to 1-Bn-DHIQs was developed. This method was successfully applied in the first total synthesis of canelillinoxine.