Rh(III)‐Catalyzed Distal C‐H Alkenylation of Weakly Coordinating Acetamides Via Desilylation Pathway

Transition metal-catalyzed cascade C-H activation/cyclization with alkynes: an update on sulfur-containing directing groups

In light of the extensive applications of sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds in drug discovery, agrochemicals, and advanced materials, the construction of complex sulfur-containing molecular scaffolds has flourished in recent years. There is a profound interest in synthetic methods for forming carbon-sulfur bonds. Regarding this, transition metal (TM)-catalyzed C-H bond activation has emerged as a valuable means for the rapid formation of C-S bonds, although it is comparatively less explored than C-N or C-C bonds. The research significance of sulfur-directed C-H activation chemistry lies in maintaining a balance between activating and poisoning the catalyst as well as in the diversity and novelty of its properties. This review centers on sulfur-directed TM-catalyzed cascade C-H activation/cyclization with alkyne and encompasses the literature mainly from 2012 to 2024. The widely acknowledged reactivity and versatility of rhodium, ruthenium, and cobalt catalysts have given rise to various captivating cascade processes. For most reactions illustrated in this review, reactivity and selectivity are attained through the flexible synergistic combination of different metal catalysts and additives. Further advancements will be accompanied with the discovery of innovative sulfur-directing groups, chiral catalysis, and ground-breaking experimental techniques. This article will also inspire researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanism, thus undoubtedly leading to innovations and more discoveries in the future.

Advancements in Desilylation Reactions for the Synthesis of Valuable Organic Molecules

Silicon, due to its abundance, non-toxicity, and cost-effectiveness, is a critical element in the earth's crust with significant industrial applications. In organic chemistry, main group elements, and in particular silicon, are extensively utilized as versatile synthetic intermediates. Despite the current challenges associated with harsh reaction conditions and unsustainable practices in synthesizing crucial organic structural molecules, desilylation reactions have emerged as a facilitative method, offering milder conditions and operational simplicity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in the synthesis of valuable organic molecules through two distinct desilylation reactions. It systematically presents the synthesis of a variety of derivatives, such as furan, alcohol, N-heterocyclic, and ketone, highlighting the broad substrate tolerance of these reactions. This broad functional group compatibility suggests a promising future for the synthesis of a wide range of bioactive molecules, underscoring the significant potential of desilylation in contemporary organic synthesis.

Three-component synthesis of N-naphthyl pyrazoles via Rh(III)-catalyzed cascade pyrazole annulation and Satoh-Miura benzannulation

The synthesis of N-naphthyl pyrazoles has been realized by the direct three-component reactions of enaminones, aryl hydrazine hydrochlorides and internal alkynes via Rh(III) catalysis. The synthetic reactions employing simple substrates lead to simultaneous construction of dual cyclic moieties, including a pyrazole ring and a phenyl ring, via sequential formation of two C-N and three C-C bonds.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed C-H Bond Functionalization of 2-Pyridones with Alkynes: Switchable Alkenylation, Alkenylation/Directing Group Migration and Rollover Annulation

Cp*Rh(III)-catalyzed chelation-assisted direct C-H bond functionalization of 1-(2-pyridyl)-2-pyridones with internal alkynes that can be controlled to give three different products in good yields has been realized. Depending on the reaction conditions, solvents and additives, the reaction pathway can be switched between alkenylation, alkenylation/directing group migration and rollover annulation. These reaction manifolds allow divergent access to a variety of valuable C6-alkenylated 1-(2-pyridyl)-2-pyridones, (Z)-6-(1,2-diaryl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)vinyl)pyridin-2(1H)-ones and 10H-pyrido[1,2-a][1,8]naphthyridin-10-ones from the same starting materials. These protocols exhibit excellent regio- and stereoselectivity, broad substrate scope, and good tolerance of functional groups. A combination of experimental and computational approaches have been employed to uncover the key mechanistic features of these reactions.

Cobalt(ii)-catalyzed hydroarylation of 1,3-diynes and internal alkynes with picolinamides promoted by alcohol

The Co(ii)-catalyzed selective C-H alkenylation of picolinamides with 1,3-diynes has been developed. This protocol can be applied to a variety of 1,3-diynes. In addition, both symmetrical and unsymmetrical internal alkynes were well tolerated, affording the corresponding alkenyl arenes. Moreover, control experiments indicated that C-H bond cleavage may be involved in the rate-determining step. Furthermore, a deuterium incorporation product was achieved when deuterated alcohol was employed as the solvent, which suggested that alcohol was essential for the final protonolysis.