FeCl2 catalyzed direct modification of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with phenols

A mild catalytic modification of dihydropyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines with various phenols via the formation of heteroarene cation radicals as key intermediates has been developed. A range of direct cross-coupling products could be obtained in acceptable to excellent yields (up to 98%) in the presence of FeCl2.

Recent progress in (hetero)arene cation radical-based heteroarene modification

The transformation of (hetero)arene cation radicals has become a powerful tool for the construction of highly functionalized (hetero)arenes. These (hetero)arene cation radicals could be generated under electrochemical, photochemical or chemical oxidation systems. The in situ generated (hetero)arene cation radicals can be attacked by various nucleophiles, such as (hetero)aromatics and anions, yielding structurally diverse molecules. Recently, a large number of impressive heteroarene modifications have been designed by this strategy. This review summarizes the advances in heteroarene modification via reactions of in situ formed (hetero)arene cation radicals, ranging from 2010 to 2020.

Efficient photolytic C-H bond functionalization of alkylbenzene with hypervalent iodine(iii) reagent

A practical approach to radical C-H bond functionalization by the photolysis of a hypervalent iodine(iii) reagent is presented. The photolysis of [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene (PIFA) leads to the generation of trifluoroacetoxy radicals, which allows the smooth transformation of various alkylbenzenes to the corresponding benzyl ester compounds under mild reaction conditions.