Efficient activation of aromatic C-H bonds for addition to C-C multiple bonds

Recent Advances in Direct Regioselective C-H Chlorination at Aromatic and Aliphatic

Direct installation of key functionalities in a molecule through C-H bond activation is one of the thrust areas as well as challenging task in organic synthesis. Particularly, introduction of chlorine in a molecule imparts additional benefits for further functionalizations as well as improves the electronic behaviour such as lipophilicity and polarity towards drug development process. The chlorinated molecules have also been established as efficient biologically relevant scaffolds. Current manuscript has been focused on the direct installation of the chlorine atom at various aromatic and aliphatic positions to produce functional molecules. The key highlight of the manuscript belongs to the site selectivity (regioselectivity) for the installation of chlorine functionality. Manuscript describes the advanced methods developed for the direct C-H chlorination reactions and further simplified for the chlorination reactions at various positions including aromatic (o-, m-, and p-), benzylic, heteroaromatic, and aliphatic positions. Directing groups (DGs) and the coordination with the catalyst is the key for the enhancement of regioselectivities during direct C-H chlorination reactions.

Dearomative Intramolecular meta-Thermocycloadditions of Benzene Rings via Wheland Intermediates

Dearomative cycloadditions are powerful synthetic transformations utilizing aromatic compounds for cycloaddition reactions. They have been extensively applied to the synthesis of biologically relevant compounds not only because of the complexity generated from simplicity but also the atom- and step-economy. For the most studied yet challenging benzene ring systems, ortho- and para-cycloadditions have been realized both photochemically and thermally, while the meta-cycloadditions are still limited to the photochemical processes tracing back to the 1960s. Herein, we for the first time realized the thermal cycloadditions of benzene rings with alkenes in a meta fashion via Wheland intermediates. A broad spectrum of readily available C(sp2)-rich aniline-tethered enynes were transformed into C(sp3)-rich 3D complex polycyclic architectures simply by stirring in TFA. Moreover, the reaction could be performed in gram-scales and the products could be diversely elaborated.

Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of β-Alkenyl-Substituted BODIPY Dyes by Indium(III)-Catalyzed Intermolecular Alkyne Hydroarylation

A new atom-economical synthesis of β-alkenyl-substituted BODIPYs via indium(III)-catalyzed intermolecular alkyne hydroarylation with meso-substituted BODIPYs is described. While catalysis with InI3 allows the double β-functionalization of BODIPY, resulting in regioselectively branched β,β'-disubstituted alkenyl BODIPYs, catalytic InCl3 enables the formation of linear β-substituted alkenyl BODIPYs. Subsequent In(III)-catalyzed intermolecular alkyne hydroarylation allows the synthesis of unsymmetrical push-pull BODIPY derivatives. Therefore, indium catalysis offers complementary regioselectivity in good chemical yields and functional group tolerance. The resulting BODIPY dyes displayed bathochromically shifted absorption and emission according to the electron-nature of the substituents in the alkenyl moiety with high molar extinction coefficients (ε up to 88,200 M-1 cm-1) and quantum yields (0.14-0.96).

Cobalt-Catalyzed Enantio- and Regioselective C(sp3 )-H Alkenylation of Thioamides

An enantioselective cobalt-catalyzed C(sp3 )-H alkenylation of thioamides with but-2-ynoate ester coupling partners employing thioamide directing groups is presented. The method is operationally simple and requires only mild reaction conditions, while providing alkenylated products as single regioisomers in excellent yields (up to 85 %) and high enantiomeric excess [up to 91 : 9 enantiomeric ratio (er), or up to >99 : 1 er after a single recrystallization]. Diverse downstream derivatizations of the products are demonstrated, delivering a range of enantioenriched constructs. Extensive computational studies using density functional theory provide insight into the detailed reaction mechanism, origin of enantiocontrol, and the unusual regioselectivity of the alkenylation reaction.

Pd@GO catalyzed stereo- and regio-selective addition of arenes to alkynes and synthesis of coumarins via C-H functionalization

A stereo- and regio-selective addition of arenes to alkynes via C-H bond functionalization has been developed using palladium nanoparticles supported on graphite oxide (Pd@GO) as the reusable catalyst. The prepared catalyst was characterized by various spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, TEM, SEM, EDX, P-XRD, and XPS analysis. The thermal stability of the catalyst was established by TGA. The C-H functionalized products were obtained in good to excellent yields (69-92%) at room temperature. The methodology further extended to the synthesis of biologically and pharmaceutically important coumarin molecules from phenols and alkynes. Good to excellent yields of the coumarins (74-92%) were obtained. After the reaction, the catalyst was separated by centrifugation followed by filtration. The recovered catalyst was washed and reused up to five cycles. The advantages of this method are the simple procedure of the catalyst preparation, high catalytic efficiency, high selectivity, good functional group tolerance, low catalyst loading, and gram-scale synthesis.

(P,C)-cyclometalated complexes derived from naphthyl phosphines: versatile and powerful tools in organometallic chemistry

The chemistry of (P,C)-cyclometalated complexes derived from naphthyl phosphines [^Np(P,C)M] is presented and analysed in this review. The three main synthetic approaches, namely P-chelation assisted C-H activation, oxidative addition and transmetalation, are described and compared. If a naphthyl framework inherently predisposes a phosphorus atom and transition metal to interact, a rigid metallacycle may induce some strain and distortion, as apparent from the survey of the single-crystal X-ray diffraction structures deposited in the Cambridge Structural Database (77 entries with metals from groups 7 to 11). Generally, the ^Np(P,C)-cyclometalation imparts high thermal and chemical robustness to the complexes, and a variety of stoichiometric reactions have been reported. In most cases, the metalacyclic structure is retained, but protodecyclometalation and ring-expansion have been sparingly observed. [^Np(P,C)M] complexes have also proved to be competent and actually competitive catalysts in several transformations, and they act as key intermediates in some others. In addition, interesting phosphorescence properties have been occasionally pointed out.

Construction of Alkylidene Fluorene Scaffolds Using Pd-Catalyzed Direct Arene/Alkene Coupling Strategy

A versatile synthetic method for the construction of alkylidene fluorenes and their heteroarene derivatives has been developed successfully by means of a Pd(II)-catalyzed direct C-H/C-H coupling of o-alkenyl biaryls. Use of the Pd(OAc)₂ catalyst under aerobic oxidation conditions gives rise to the corresponding alkylidene fluorenes having various functional groups and diversely fused polycyclic systems. The resulting products can serve as versatile synthetic building blocks for the construction of structurally diverse polycyclic arenes and heteroarenes.

Mechanism of Alkyne Hydroarylation Catalyzed by (P,C)-Cyclometalated Au(III) Complexes

Over the last 5-10 years, gold(III) catalysis has developed rapidly. It often shows complementary if not unique features compared to gold(I) catalysis. While recent work has enabled major synthetic progress in terms of scope and efficiency, very little is yet known about the mechanism of Au(III)-catalyzed transformations and the relevant key intermediates have rarely been authenticated. Here, we report a detailed experimental/computational mechanistic study of the recently reported intermolecular hydroarylation of alkynes catalyzed by (P,C)-cyclometalated Au(III) complexes. The cationic (P,C)Au(OAc^F)⁺ complex (OAc^F = OCOCF₃) was authenticated by mass spectrometry (MS) in the gas phase and multi-nuclear NMR spectroscopy in solution at low temperatures. According to density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the OAc^F moiety is κ²-coordinated to gold in the ground state, but the corresponding κ¹-forms featuring a vacant coordination site sit only slightly higher in energy. Side-on coordination of the alkyne to Au(III) then promotes nucleophilic addition of the arene. The energy profiles for the reaction between trimethoxybenzene (TMB) and diphenylacetylene (DPA) were computed by DFT. The activation barrier is significantly lower for the outer-sphere pathway than for the alternative inner-sphere mechanism involving C-H activation of the arene followed by migratory insertion. The π-complex of DPA was characterized by MS. An unprecedented σ-arene Au(III) complex with TMB was also authenticated both in the gas phase and in solution. The cationic complexes [(P,C)Au(OAc^F)]⁺ and [(P,C)Au(OAc^F)(σ-TMB)]⁺ stand as active species and off-cycle resting state during catalysis, respectively. This study provides a rational basis for the further development of Au(III) catalysis based on π-activation.

Adsorption of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and C60 onto Forsterite: C-H Bond Activation by the Schottky Vacancy

Understanding how to catalytically break the C-H bond of aromatic molecules, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is currently a big challenge and a subject of study in catalysis, astrochemistry, and planetary science. In the latter, the study of the breakdown reaction of PAHs on mineral surfaces is important to understand if PAHs are linked to prebiotic molecules in regions of star and planet formation. In this work, we employed a periodic density functional theory along with Grimme's D4 (DFT-D4) approach for studying the adsorption of a sample of PAHs (naphthalene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, coronene, and benzocoronene) and fullerene on the [010] forsterite surface and its defective surfaces (Fe-doped and Ni-doped surfaces and a MgO-Schottky vacancy) for their implications in catalysis and astrochemistry. On the basis of structural and binding energy analysis, large PAHs and fullerene present stronger adsorption on the pristine, Fe-doped, and Ni-doped forsterite surfaces than small PAHs. On a MgO-Schottky vacancy, parallel adsorption of the PAH leads to the chemisorption process (C-Si and/or C-O bonds), whereas perpendicular orientation of the PAH leads to the catalytic breaking of the aromatic C-H bond via a barrierless reaction. Spin density and charge analysis show that C-H dissociation is promoted by electron donation from the vacancy to the PAH. As a result of the undercoordinated Si and O atoms, the vacancy acts as a Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) catalyst. Therefore, a MgO-Schottky vacancy [010] forsterite surface proved to have potential catalytic activity for the activation of C-H bond in aromatic molecules.

HFIP in Organic Synthesis

1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is a polar, strongly hydrogen bond-donating solvent that has found numerous uses in organic synthesis due to its ability to stabilize ionic species, transfer protons, and engage in a range of other intermolecular interactions. The use of this solvent has exponentially increased in the past decade and has become a solvent of choice in some areas, such as C-H functionalization chemistry. In this review, following a brief history of HFIP in organic synthesis and an overview of its physical properties, literature examples of organic reactions using HFIP as a solvent or an additive are presented, emphasizing the effect of solvent of each reaction.

Cationic palladium(ii)-catalyzed synthesis of substituted pyridines from α,β-unsaturated oxime ethers

An efficient method for the synthesis of multi-substituted pyridines from β-aryl-substituted α,β-unsaturated oxime ethers and alkenes via Pd-catalyzed C–H activation has been developed. The method, using Pd(OAc)₂ and a sterically hindered pyridine ligand, provides access to various multi-substituted pyridines with complete regioselectivity. Mechanistic studies suggest that the pyridine products are formed by Pd-catalyzed electrophilic C–H alkenylation of α,β-unsaturated oxime followed by aza-6π-electrocyclization. The utility of this method is showcased by the synthesis of 4-aryl-substituted pyridine derivatives, which are difficult to synthesize efficiently using previously reported Rh-catalyzed strategies with alkenes.

An efficient method for the synthesis of multi-substituted pyridines from α,β-unsaturated oxime ethers via cationic Pd(ii)-catalyzed C–H activation has been developed.

Modern metal-catalyzed and organocatalytic methods for synthesis of coumarin derivatives: a review

Coumarin is an important pharmaceutical structural motif, abundantly found in numerous commonly used drugs. Compounds containing this core show a broad spectrum of medicinal properties and biological activities. The increasing importance and wide usages of coumarin derivatives have drawn attention to its synthetic methods, among which metal-catalyzed and organocatalytic methods have proved the most effective. Several metal-catalyzed and/or organocatalytic synthetic strategies for coumarin have been investigated and reported in recent decades. This review focuses on more recent reports on catalysis methods for synthesizing coumarin and coumarin-like structures (including light-mediated methods and nano-catalysts), exploring the mechanistic aspects, simplicity, efficiency, repeatability, and other advantages and disadvantages of these methods.

Ni-catalyzed hydroarylation of alkynes with unactivated β-C(sp2)-H bonds

Hydroarylation of alkynes with unactivated C(sp²)-H bonds via chelated C-H metalation mainly occurs at γ-position to the coordinating atom of directing groups via stable 5-membered metallacycles, while β-C(sp²)-H bond-involved hydroarylation has been a formidable challenge. Herein, we used a phosphine oxide-ligated Ni-Al bimetallic catalyst to enable β-C-H bond-involved hydroarylations of alkynes via a rare 7-membered nickelacycle.

A Perspective on Late-Stage Aromatic C-H Bond Functionalization

Late-stage functionalization of C-H bonds (C-H LSF) can provide a straightforward approach to the efficient synthesis of functionalized complex molecules. However, C-H LSF is challenging because the C-H bond must be functionalized in the presence of various other functional groups. In this Perspective, we evaluate aromatic C-H LSF on the basis of four criteria─reactivity, chemoselectivity, site-selectivity, and substrate scope─and provide our own views on current challenges as well as promising strategies and areas of growth going forward.

Coumarins Synthesis and Transformation via C–H Bond Activation—A Review

For several decades, coumarins have attracted considerable attention due to the fact of their application in diverse fields such as medical science and biomedical research as well as several industrial branches. Recently, many compounds containing the coumarin moiety have been intensively studied, mainly due to the fact of their biological activities such as antitumor, antioxidative, anti-HIV, vasorelaxant, antimicrobial, and anticancer. They are also widely used as fluorescent dyes and probes because of their great structural flexibility and large fluorescent quantum yields. For this reason, numerous attempts have been made to develop new and more practical methods for the synthesis of these compounds. This review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of coumarin synthesis methods by direct C–H bond activation in order to demonstrate the current state-of-the-art methods as well as the current limitations.

Picomole-Scale Transition Metal Electrocatalysis Screening Platform for Discovery of Mild C-C Coupling and C-H Arylation through in Situ Anodically Generated Cationic Pd

Development of new transition-metal-catalyzed electrochemistry promises to improve overall synthetic efficiency. Here, we describe the first integrated platform for online screening of electrochemical transition-metal catalysis. It utilizes the intrinsic electrochemical capabilities of nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nano-ESI-MS) and picomole-scale anodic corrosion of a Pd electrode to generate and evaluate highly efficient cationic catalysts for mild electrocatalysis. We demonstrate the power of the novel electrocatalysis platform by (1) identifying electrolytic Pd-catalyzed Suzuki coupling at room temperature, (2) discovering Pd-catalyzed electrochemical C-H arylation in the absence of external oxidant or additive, (3) developing electrolyzed Suzuki coupling/C-H arylation cascades, and (4) achieving late-stage functionalization of two drug molecules by the newly developed mild electrocatalytic C-H arylation. More importantly, the scale-up reactions confirm that new electrochemical pathways discovered by nano-ESI can be implemented under the conventional electrolytic reaction conditions. This approach enables in situ mechanistic studies by capturing various intermediates including transient transition metal species by MS, and thus uncovering the critical role of anodically generated cationic Pd catalyst in promoting otherwise sluggish transmetalation in C-H arylation. The anodically generated cationic Pd with superior catalytic efficiency and novel online electrochemical screening platform hold great potential for discovering mild transition-metal-catalyzed reactions.

Metal-free intramolecular hydroarylation of alkynes

An efficient metal-free intramolecular hydroarylation reaction of alkynes is described here. A series of aryl and N-group attached alkynes generated the intramolecular hydroarylation products in high yields.

Recent Advances in Transition-Metal-Catalyzed C–H Addition to Nitriles

Transition-metal-catalyzed C–H bond addition to nitriles has emerged as a powerful synthetic approach for the construction of C–C bonds in organic synthesis. Due to the merits of atom- and step-economy, as well the easy availability of the starting materials, these transformations not only deliver acyclic aryl ketone products with nitriles­ as C-building blocks, but can also be utilized for the highly efficient­ assembly of azaheterocyclic skeletons using nitriles as C–N building blocks. This short review summarizes recent progress on transition-metal-catalyzed C–C bond-forming reactions based on C(sp2)–H and C(sp3)–H additions to nitriles.

1 Introduction

2 Palladium-Catalyzed C–H Addition to Nitriles

2.1 Palladium-Catalyzed C–H Addition to Nitriles for the Preparation of Ketone (Imine) Products

2.2 Palladium-Catalyzed C–H Addition to Nitriles for the Preparation of Azaheterocycles

2.3 Palladium-Catalyzed C–H Addition to Nitriles/1,2-Rearangement

3 Other Transition-Metal-Catalyzed C–H Additions to Nitriles

4 Summary and Outlook

Mechanism and origin of regioselectivity in Rh-catalyzed desymmetric [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition: charge versus π–π stacking interaction

Competition between different types of electronic effects (charge versus π–π stacking) controls the regioselectivity of Rh-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition.

Palladium-Catalyzed 2-fold C-H Activation/C-C Coupling for C4-Arylation of Indoles Using Weak Chelation

Palladium-catalyzed weak chelation-assisted regioselective C4-arylation of indoles has been accomplished using a readily available arene at moderate temperature. The C4-arylation, weak chelating benzoyl (Bz) directing group, cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC), broad substrate scope, and late-stage diversifications are the important practical features.

Coupled Cluster Benchmark of New DFT and Local Correlation Methods: Mechanisms of Hydroarylation and Oxidative Coupling Catalyzed by Ru(II, III) Chloride Carbonyls

We have evaluated a set of accurate canonical CCSD(T) energies for stationary points on the potential energy surface for Ru(II, III) chloride carbonyl catalysis of two competing reactions between benzene and methyl acrylate (MA), namely, hydroarylation and oxidative coupling. We have then applied this set to evaluate the performance of localized orbital coupled-cluster methods and several new and common density functionals. We find that (a) DLPNO-CCSD(T) with TightPNO cutoffs is an acceptable substitute for full canonical CCSD(T) calculations on this system; (b) for the closed-shell systems where it could be applied, LNO-CCSD(T) with tight convergence criteria is very close to the canonical results; (c) the recent ωB97X-V and ωB97M-V functionals exhibit superior performance to commonly used DFT functionals in both closed- and open-shell calculations; (d) the revDSD-PBEP86 revision of the DSD-PBEP86 double hybrid represents an improvement over the original, even though transition metals were not involved in its parametrization; and (e) DSD-SCAN and DOD-SCAN show comparable efficiency. Most tested (meta)-GGA and hybrid density functionals perform better for open-shell than for closed-shell complexes; this is not the case for the double hybrids considered.

Coupled Cluster Benchmark of New DFT and Local Correlation Methods: Mechanisms of Hydroarylation and Oxidative Coupling Catalyzed by Ru(II, III) Chloride Carbonyls

We have evaluated a set of accurate canonical CCSD(T) energies for stationary points on the potential energy surface for Ru(II, III) chloride carbonyl catalysis of two competing reactions between benzene and methyl acrylate (MA), namely, hydroarylation and oxidative coupling. We have then applied this set to evaluate the performance of localized orbital coupled-cluster methods and several new and common density functionals. We find that (a) DLPNO-CCSD(T) with TightPNO cutoffs is an acceptable substitute for full canonical CCSD(T) calculations on this system; (b) for the closed-shell systems where it could be applied, LNO-CCSD(T) with tight convergence criteria is very close to the canonical results; (c) the recent ωB97X-V and ωB97M-V functionals exhibit superior performance to commonly used DFT functionals in both closed- and open-shell calculations; (d) the revDSD-PBEP86 revision of the DSD-PBEP86 double hybrid represents an improvement over the original, even though transition metals were not involved in its parametrization; and (e) DSD-SCAN and DOD-SCAN show comparable efficiency. Most tested (meta)-GGA and hybrid density functionals perform better for open-shell than for closed-shell complexes; this is not the case for the double hybrids considered.

Mechanism of Z-Selective Hydroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes

This paper describes a detailed mechanistic study of the silver-catalyzed Z-selective hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes. Considering the established mechanistic paradigms for Z-selective hydroalkylation of alkynes, we explored a mechanism based on the radical carbometalation of alkynes. Experimental results have provided strong evidence against the initially proposed radical mechanism and have led us to propose a new mechanism for the Z-selective hydroalkylation of alkynes based on boronate formation and a 1,2-metalate shift. The new mechanism provides a rationale for the excellent Z-selectivity observed in the reaction. A series of stoichiometric experiments has probed the feasibility of the proposed elementary steps and revealed an additional role of the silver catalyst in the protodeboration of an intermediate. Finally, a series of kinetic measurements, KIE experiments, and competition experiments allowed us to identify the turnover limiting step and the resting state of the catalyst. We believe that the results of this study will be useful in the further exploration and development of related transformations of alkynes.

Reductive hydrobenzylation of terminal alkynes via photoredox and nickel dual catalysis

A photoredox/nickel dual catalyzed reductive hydrobenzylation of alkynes and benzyl chlorides by employing alkyl amines as a stoichiometric reductant is described. This synergistic protocol proceeds via Markovnikov-selective migratory insertion of an alkyne into nickel hydride, followed by cross-coupling with benzyl chloride, providing facile access to important 1,1-disubstituted olefins. This reaction enables the generation of nickel hydride by utilizing readily available alkyl amines as the hydrogen source. The mild conditions are compatible with a wide range of aryl and alkyl alkynes as well as chlorides.

In situ activation of therapeutics through bioorthogonal catalysis

Bioorthogonal chemistry refers to any chemical reactions that can occur inside of living systems without interfering with native biochemical processes, which has become a promising strategy for modulating biological processes. The development of synthetic metal-based catalysts to perform bioorthogonal reactions has significantly expanded the toolkit of bioorthogonal chemistry for medicinal chemistry and synthetic biology. A wide range of homogeneous and heterogeneous transition metal catalysts (TMCs) have been reported, mediating different transformations such as cycloaddition reactions, as well as bond forming and cleaving reactions. However, the direct application of 'naked' TMCs in complex biological media poses numerous challenges, including poor water solubility, toxicity and catalyst deactivation. Incorporating TMCs into nanomaterials to create bioorthogonal nanocatalysts can solubilize and stabilize catalyst molecules, with the decoration of the nanocatalysts used to provide spatiotemporal control of catalysis. This review presents an overview of the advances in the creation of bioorthogonal nanocatalysts, highlighting different choice of nano-scaffolds, and the therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Advances in the E → Z Isomerization of Alkenes Using Small Molecule Photocatalysts

Geometrical E → Z alkene isomerization is intimately entwined in the historical fabric of organic photochemistry and is enjoying a renaissance (Roth et al. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1989 28, 1193-1207). This is a consequence of the fundamental stereochemical importance of Z-alkenes, juxtaposed with frustrations in thermal reactivity that are rooted in microscopic reversibility. Accessing excited state reactivity paradigms allow this latter obstacle to be circumnavigated by exploiting subtle differences in the photophysical behavior of the substrate and product chromophores: this provides a molecular basis for directionality. While direct irradiation is operationally simple, photosensitization via selective energy transfer enables augmentation of the alkene repertoire to include substrates that are not directly excited by photons. Through sustained innovation, an impressive portfolio of tailored small molecule catalysts with a range of triplet energies are now widely available to facilitate contra-thermodynamic and thermo-neutral isomerization reactions to generate Z-alkene fragments. This review is intended to serve as a practical guide covering the geometric isomerization of alkenes enabled by energy transfer catalysis from 2000 to 2020, and as a logical sequel to the excellent treatment by Dugave and Demange (Chem. Rev. 2003 103, 2475-2532). The mechanistic foundations underpinning isomerization selectivity are discussed together with induction models and rationales to explain the counterintuitive directionality of these processes in which very small energy differences distinguish substrate from product. Implications for subsequent stereospecific transformations, application in total synthesis, regioselective polyene isomerization, and spatiotemporal control of pre-existing alkene configuration in a broader sense are discussed.

Transition-metal-catalyzed ortho-selective C-H functionalization reactions of free phenols

Phenols are important readily available chemical feedstocks and versatile synthetic building blocks for diverse synthetic transformations. Their motifs are prevalent in a diverse array of natural products, pharmaceuticals, functional materials, and privileged chiral ligands. Consequently, the development of facile and direct site-selective C-H bond functionalization of free phenols is of great importance and considerable interest to both industry and academic research. Over the past decades, transition-metal-catalyzed C-H bond functionalization has become as a powerful synthetic tool in organic synthesis. In this review, we provide a brief overview of recent progress in the transition-metal-catalyzed direct ortho-selective C-H functionalization of free phenols.

Study on Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Mono-1-alkenylation of 9H-Carbazoles

A general and efficient method is reported for the direct mono-1-alkenylation of 9H-carbazole molecules with divalent palladium as a catalyst and an N-(2-pyridyl)sulfanyl directing group. This method also provides an efficient synthetic route for the synthesis of cross-dialkenylated carbazoles.

Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Substituted Pyridine Synthesis from α,β-Unsaturated Oxime Ethers via a C-H Alkenylation/Aza-6π-Electrocyclization Approach

An efficient synthetic method for multisubstituted pyridines from β-aryl-substituted α,β-unsaturated oxime ethers and alkenes via Pd-catalyzed C-H activation has been developed. Systematic optimization of catalyst ligands revealed that sterically hindered pyridines increased the reactivity. Mechanistic studies suggested that the products are formed by Pd-catalyzed β-alkenylation of α,β-unsaturated oxime followed by aza-6π-electrocyclization. Various oximes and alkenes could be utilized to afford multisubstituted pyridines with complete regioselectivity. The usefulness of this methodology was showcased by the synthesis of 4-aryl-substituted pyridine derivatives, which are difficult to access with previously reported Rh-catalyzed approaches with alkenes.

Functionalization of α-C(sp3 )-H Bonds in Amides Using Radical Translocating Arylating Groups

α-C-H arylation of N-alkylamides using 2-iodoarylsulfonyl radical translocating arylating (RTA) groups is reported. The method allows the construction of α-quaternary carbon centers in amides. Various mono- and disubstituted RTA-groups are applied to the arylation of primary, secondary, and tertiary α-C(sp3 )-H-bonds. These radical transformations proceed in good to excellent yields and the cascades comprise a 1,6-hydrogen atom transfer, followed by a 1,4-aryl migration with subsequent SO2 extrusion.

Stereodivergent Synthesis of Alkenylpyridines via Pd/Cu Catalyzed C-H Alkenylation of Pyridinium Salts with Alkynes

The first Pd/Cu catalyzed selective C2-alkenylation of pyridines with internal alkynes has been developed via the pyridinium salt activation strategy. Importantly, the configuration of the product alkenylpyridines could be tuned by the choice of the proper N-alkyl group of the pyridinium salts, thus allowing for both the Z- and E-alkenylpyridines synthesized with good regio- and stereoselectivity. A plausible mechanism was proposed based on the Hammett study and KIE experiment.

Magnetothermia-Induced Catalytic Hollow Nanoreactor for Bioorthogonal Organic Synthesis in Living Cells

Nanoreactors, in which the reactions are remotely controlled by magnetic fields, are potentially valuable in bioorthogonal chemistry for future applications. Here, we develop a silica-confined magnetothermia-induced nanoreactor (MAG-NER) by selectively growing Pd nanocrystals on a preinstalled iron-oxide core inside a hollow silica nanoshell. The growth is achieved by magnetic induction. The interfacial catalytic site is activated by stimulating localized magnetothermia, and nanocompartmentalization is realized by the size-selective porous silica. Therefore, MAG-NER can be conveniently used in complex biomedia and can even be internalized to living cells, realizing an on-demand, high-performance intramolecular carbocyclization reaction by remote operation without compromising the cell viability. This work opens avenues for the design of advanced nanoreactors that complement and augment the existing bioorthogonal chemical tools.

anti-Hydroarylation of Activated Internal Alkynes: Merging Pd and Energy Transfer Catalysis

A general catalytic anti-hydroarylation of electron-deficient internal alkynes compatible with both electron-poor and electron-rich aryl reagents is reported. This selectivity is achieved through a sequential syn-carbopalladation of the alkyne by an Ar-Pd species, followed by a tandem, Ir-photocatalyzed, counter-thermodynamic E → Z isomerization. The use of ortho-substituted boronic acids enables direct access to pharmaceutically relevant heterocyclic cores via a cascade process. Mechanistic insight into the involvement of Ar-Pd versus Pd-H as an active species is provided.