Synthesis of anti-depressant molecules via metal-catalyzed reactions: a review

Depression is one of the most mutilating conditions in the world today. It has been difficult to make advancements toward better, more effective therapies since the introduction of antidepressant medicines in the late 1950s. One important field of medicinal chemistry is the synthesis of antidepressant molecules through metal-catalyzed procedures. The important role that different transition metals, including iron, nickel, ruthenium, and others, serve as catalysts in the synthesis of antidepressants is examined in this review. Key structural motifs included in antidepressant drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and others can be synthesized in a variety of effective ways using metal-catalyzed steps. This review examines current developments in the catalytic synthesis of antidepressants and their potential application over the previous thirteen years.

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.

Iridium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Intermolecular Hydroarylation of 1,1-Disubstituted Alkenes

The catalytic enantioselective hydroarylation of 1,1-disubstituted alkenes proceeded by using a cationic iridium/(R)-binap complex to give the corresponding adducts in high yields with high enantioselectivity. The reaction of arenes substituted with heteroaromatic directing groups proceeded to give the addition products linear-selectively. Methallylamine derivatives were good acceptors to obtain high enantioselectivities. The adduct bearing maleimide moiety was readily transformed into the β-chiral amine derivative without loss of the enantiomeric purity.

Asymmetric addition of an N-methyl C(sp3)-H bond to cyclic alkenes enabled by an iridium/phosphine-olefin catalyst

Iridium-catalyzed asymmetric C-H addition of an N-methyl group on 3-trifluoromethyl-2-(N-methylamino)pyridine to cyclic alkenes was realized by using a phosphine-olefin ligand. Indene and its 7-substituted derivatives, acenaphthylene, and some bicyclic alkenes underwent the addition to give the corresponding products in good yields with high enantioselectivity.

Cobalt-catalyzed tandem one-pot synthesis of polysubstituted imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines and imidazo[1,5-a]isoquinolines

An efficient cobalt-catalyzed tandem one-pot method has been developed for the synthesis of polysubstituted imidazo[1,5-a]-N-heteroaromatics. The method involves Knoevenagel condensation followed by cobalt-catalyzed direct alkenylation to give the desired polysubstituted imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines and imidazo[1,5-a]isoquinolines in a one-pot manner. This method exhibits a broad substrate scope, provides moderate to good (39-74%) yields and is amenable to scale-up to the gram scale.

Enantioselective C–H bond functionalization of aromatic ketones with 1,6-enynes via photoredox/cobalt dual catalysis

An enantioselective ortho-C(sp2)–H functionalization of ketones with 1,6-enynes is demonstrated via the photoredox/cobalt dual catalysis. The method exhibits high yields, functional group tolerance, and selectivity. Mechanistic studies suggested the operation...

Recent Advances in the High-Valent Cobalt-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization of N-Heterocycles

Direct functionalization of heterocycles using C-H activation widely relies on the precious metal complexes. In past decade, the use of earth abundant and inexpensive transition metal to functionalize heterocycles has become an attractive alternate strategy. This concept is also interesting due to the unique reactivity pattern of these inexpensive metals. In this context we and other research groups have utilized the high-valent cobalt complexes as an inexpensive and readily available catalyst for the functionalization of heterocycles. In this review, we intend to brief recent progress made in the area of high-valent cobalt complexes catalyzed C-H functionalization of N-containing heterocycles.

Iridium-catalyzed enantioselective addition of an N-methyl C-H bond to α-trifluoromethylstyrenes via C-H activation

The Ir-catalyzed enantioselective addition of an N-methyl C-H bond of 2-(methylamino)pyridine derivatives to α-trifluoromethylstyrenes proceeded via C-H activation to give chiral γ-branched amine derivatives having a trifluoromethyl-substituted stereocenter. It was found that a bulky and electron-withdrawing group at the 3-position of 2-(methylamino)pyridines was necessary for the present C-H addition reaction catalyzed by a cationic iridium/chiral bisphosphine complex.

C-H bond functionalization by high-valent cobalt catalysis: current progress, challenges and future perspectives

Over the last decade, high-valent cobalt catalysis has earned a place in the spotlight as a valuable tool for C-H activation and functionalization. Since the discovery of its unique reactivity, more and more attention has been directed towards the utilization of cobalt as an alternative to noble metal catalysts. In particular, Cp*Co(III) complexes, as well as simple Co(II) and Co(III) salts in combination with bidentate chelation assistance, have been extensively used for the development of novel transformations. In this review, we have demonstrated the existing trends in the C-H functionalization methodology using high-valent cobalt catalysis and highlighted the main challenges to overcome, as well as perspective directions, which need to be further developed in the future.

Catalytic addition of C-H bonds across C-C unsaturated systems promoted by iridium(i) and its group IX congeners

Transition metal-catalyzed hydrocarbonations of unsaturated substrates have emerged as powerful synthetic tools for increasing molecular complexity in an atom-economical manner. Although this field was traditionally dominated by low valent rhodium and ruthenium catalysts, in recent years, there have been many reports based on the use of iridium complexes. In many cases, these reactions have a different course from those of their rhodium homologs, and even allow performing otherwise inviable transformations. In this review we aim to provide an informative journey, from the early pioneering examples in the field, most of them based on other metals than iridium, to the most recent transformations catalyzed by designed Ir(i) complexes. The review is organized by the type of C-H bond that is activated (with C sp², sp or sp³), as well as by the C-C unsaturated partner that is used as a hydrocarbonation partner (alkyne, allene or alkene). Importantly, we discuss the mechanistic foundations of the methods highlighting the differences from those previously proposed for processes catalyzed by related metals, particularly those of the same group (Co and Rh).

Cp*Co(III)-Catalyzed Ketone-Directed ortho-C-H Activation for the Synthesis of Indene Derivatives

A weakly coordinating, carbonyl-assisted C-H activation of aromatic systems with α,β-unsaturated ketone and subsequent aldol condensation has been developed using a Cp*Co(CO)I₂ catalyst. The developed method is the first example of indene synthesis by cobalt-catalyzed C-H activation. In addition, the reaction requires mild reaction conditions and easily accessible starting materials, and it shows excellent functional group compatibility.

Direct Hiyama Cross-Coupling of (Hetero)arylsilanes with C(sp2)-H Bonds Enabled by Cobalt Catalysis

We report a chelation-assisted C-H arylation of various indoles with sterically and electronically diverse (hetero)arylsilanes enabled by cost-effective Cp*-free cobalt catalysis. Key to the success of this strategy is the judicious choice of copper(II) fluoride as a bifunctional sliane activator and catalyst reoxidant. This methodology features a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. The synthetic versatility of this protocol has been highlighted by the gram-scale synthesis and late-stage diversification of biologically active molecules.

Formal Lossen Rearrangement/Alkenylation or Annulation Cascade of Heterole Carboxamides with Alkynes Catalyzed by CpRhIII Complexes with Pendant Amides

It has been established that a cyclopentadienyl (Cp) Rh^III complex with two aryl groups and a pendant amide moiety catalyzes the formal Lossen rearrangement/alkenylation cascade of N-pivaloyl heterole carboxamides with internal alkynes, leading to alkenylheteroles. Interestingly, the use of sterically demanding internal alkynes afforded not the alkenylation but the [3+2] annulation products ([5,5]-fused heteroles). In these reactions, the pendant amide moiety of the CpRh^III complex may accelerate the formal Lossen rearrangement. The use of five-membered heteroles may deter reductive elimination to form strained [5,5]-fused heteroles; instead, protonation proceeds to give the alkenylation products. Bulky alkyne substituents accelerate the reductive elimination to allow the formation of the [5,5]-fused heteroles.

Cobaltaelectro-Catalyzed C-H Activation with Carbon Monoxide or Isocyanides

Electrochemical oxidative C-H/N-H activations with isocyanides have been realized with a versatile cobalt catalyst. The widely applicable cobalt catalysis manifold further enabled electrooxidative C-H/N-H carbonylations with carbon monoxide under ambient conditions. The C-H functionalizations were efficiently realized with ample scope and outstanding functional group tolerance in a user-friendly undivided cell setup.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Alkylation of C-H Bonds in Aromatic Amides with Non-activated 1-Alkenes: The Possible Generation of Carbene Intermediates from Alkenes

The alkylation of C-H bonds (hydroarylation) in aromatic amides with non-activated 1-alkenes using a rhodium catalyst and assisted by an 8-aminoquinoline directing group is reported. The addition of a carboxylic acid is crucial for the success of this reaction. The results of deuterium-labeling experiments indicate that one of deuterium atoms in the alkene is missing, suggesting that the reaction does not proceed through the commonly accepted mechanism for C-H alkylation reactions. Instead the reaction is proposed to proceed through a carbene mechanism. The carbene mechanism is also supported by preliminary DFT calculations.

Cobalt-catalyzed C2α-acyloxylation of 2-substituted indoles with tert-butyl peresters

An efficient cobalt-catalyzed C2α selective C(sp3)-H acyloxylation of 2-substituted indoles with tert-butyl peresters to synthesize diverse 2α-acyloxylated indole derivatives is described. This newly developed method exhibits mild conditions, low-cost catalyst, and high functional group compatibility. In addition, the effectiveness of this chemistry is illuminated by a late-stage modification of methylated indomethacin.

Weinreb Amides as Directing Groups for Transition Metal-Catalyzed C-H Functionalizations

Weinreb amides are a privileged, multi-functional group with well-established utility in classical synthesis. Recently, several studies have demonstrated the use of Weinreb amides as interesting substrates in transition metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization reactions. Herein, we review this part of the literature, including the metal catalysts, transformations explored so far and specific insights from mechanistic studies.

Nickel-Catalyzed Decarbonylative Alkylation of Aroyl Fluorides Assisted by Lewis-Acidic Organoboranes

Herein, nickel-catalyzed decarbonylative C-F bond alkylation of aroyl fluorides with organoboron reagents is reported. Aroyl fluorides are more chemically stable than the corresponding aroyl chlorides and can be readily synthesized from the corresponding carboxylic acids. The fluoronickel intermediate formed via oxidative addition interacts with Lewis-acidic trialkylboranes, and the subsequent decarbonylative alkylation proceeds. This new synthetic methodology allows 1,2-bifunctionalization of aromatic carboxylic acids via palladium-catalyzed ortho-C-H arylation. In addition, an unprecedented 1,4-nickel migration on ortho-arylated aroyl fluorides was observed. As a demonstration of the synthetic utility of the present reaction, the sequential 1-alkyl-2-arylation of 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid was accomplished via chemoselective alkylation at a fluorocarbonyl moiety and the subsequent C-O bond arylation at an acetoxy group.

Cobalt-catalyzed peri-selective alkoxylation of 1-naphthylamine derivatives

A cobalt-catalyzed C(sp²)-H alkoxylation of 1-naphthylamine derivatives has been disclosed, which represents an efficient approach to synthesize aryl ethers with broad functional group tolerance. It is noteworthy that secondary alcohols, such as hexafluoroisopropanol, isopropanol, isobutanol, and isopentanol, were well tolerated under the current catalytic system. Moreover, a series of biologically relevant fluorine-aryl ethers were easily obtained under mild reaction conditions after the removal of the directing group.

Divergent ring-opening coupling between cyclopropanols and alkynes under cobalt catalysis

Cobalt catalysts promote ring-opening coupling between cyclopropanols and unactivated alkynes to give β-alkenyl ketones or cyclopentenols with exquisite chemoselectivity control.

Cobalt–diphosphine catalysts promote ring-opening coupling reactions between cyclopropanols and unactivated internal alkynes, affording either β-alkenyl ketones or multisubstituted cyclopentenol derivatives in good yields with good to excellent regioselectivities. The chemoselectivity between these β-alkenylation and [3 + 2] annulation reactions, which likely share a cobalt homoenolate as a key catalytic intermediate, is exquisitely controlled by the reaction conditions, with the solvent being a major controlling factor. The reactions are proposed to involve ring opening of cobalt cyclopropoxide into homoenolate, migratory insertion of the alkyne into the Co–C bond, and protodemetalation or intramolecular carbonyl addition of the resulting alkenylcobalt species. The feasibility of these reaction steps was supported by DFT calculations.

Cobalt-catalyzed directed C-H alkenylation of pivalophenone N-H imine with alkenyl phosphates

A cobalt–N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst efficiently promotes an ortho C–H alkenylation reaction of pivalophenone N–H imine with an alkenyl phosphate. The reaction tolerates various substituted pivalophenone N–H imines as well as cyclic and acyclic alkenyl phosphates.

Mechanism, selectivity, and reactivity of iridium- and rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular ketone α-alkylation with unactivated olefinsviaan enamide directing strategy

DFT calculations were performed to investigate the title reaction, focusing on detailed reaction mechanism and origins of selectivity and reactivity.

Mechanism and origins of chemo- and regioselectivities of (NHC)NiH-catalyzed cross-hydroalkenylation of vinyl ethers with α-olefins: a computational study

Density functional theory calculations were performed to investigate the (NHC)NiH-catalyzed cross-hydroalkenylation of vinyl ethers with α-olefins.

Mechanism and origins of the directing group-controlled endo- versus exo-selectivity of iridium-catalysed intramolecular hydroalkenylation of 1,1-disubstituted alkenes

The reaction mechanism and the important role of directing groups in determining selectivity have been investigated by means of DFT calculations.

Cobalt-catalyzed C(sp2)–H/C(sp3)–H coupling via directed C–H activation and 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer

A cobalt catalyst promotes C(sp²)–H/C(sp³)–H coupling through a merger of directed C(sp²)–H activation and 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer.