Regioselective Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling of Chromones and Non-Activated Arenes

Advances in the site-selective C-5, C-3 and C-2 functionalization of chromones via sp2 C-H activation

In this work, site-selective C-H activation at C-5, C-3 and C-2 positions of chromones for the introduction of structural diversity to the chromone scaffold was studied. The keto group of the chromone moiety acts as the directing group for the selective functionalization of chromones at the C-5 position. Furthermore, the C-H functionalization at the electron-rich C-3 position of the chromone can be achieved using electrophilic coupling partners. The C-H functionalization at the C-2 position can be possible using nucleophilic coupling partners. The direct functionalization methods provide a better pathway for the generation of C-5, C-3 and C-2-substituted chromones with good atom economy than that of classical pre-functionalized reaction protocols.

Unraveling innate substrate control in site-selective palladium-catalyzed C-H heterocycle functionalization

Understanding the regioselectivity of C-H activation in the absence of directing groups is an important step towards the design of site-selective C-H functionalizations. The Pd(ii)-catalyzed direct arylation of chromones and enaminones provides an intriguing example where a simple substitution leads to a divergence in substrate-controlled site-selectivity. We describe computational and experimental studies which reveal this results from a switch in mechanism and therefore the selectivity-determining step. We present computational results and experimentally measured kinetic isotope effects and labelling studies consistent with this proposal. The C-H activation of these substrates proceeds via a CMD mechanism, which favors more electron rich positions and therefore displays a pronounced kinetic selectivity for the C3-position. However, C2-selective carbopalladation is also a competitive pathway for chromones so that the overall regiochemical outcome depends on which substrate undergoes activation first. Our studies provide insight into the site-selectivity based on the favorability of two competing CMD and carbopalladation processes of the substrates undergoing coupling. This model can be utilized to predict the regioselectivity of coumarins which are proficient substrates for carbopalladation. Furthermore, our model is able to account for the opposite selectivities observed for enaminone and chromone, and explains how a less reactive coupling partner leads to a switch in selectivity.

A versatile approach to flavones via a one-pot Pd(ii)-catalyzed dehydrogenation/oxidative boron-Heck coupling sequence of chromanones

A variety of flavones were expediently synthesized from readily accessible chromanones via a one-pot sequence involving Pd(ii)-catalyzed dehydrogenation and oxidative boron-Heck coupling with arylboronic acid pinacol esters.

Coumarin heterocyclic derivatives: chemical synthesis and biological activity

This review highlights the broad range of science that has arisen from the synthesis of coumarin-linked and fused heterocycle derivatives. Specific topics include their synthesis and biological activity.

Aerobic palladium(II)-catalyzed dehydrogenative heck reaction in the synthesis of pyrenyl fluorophores. a photophysical study of β-pyrenyl acrylates in solution and in the solid state

An aerobic dehydrogenative Heck reaction of pyrene (1a) and 2,7-di-tert-butylpyrene (1b) with ethyl acrylate is reported. The reaction is catalyzed by a Pd(OAc)2/4,5-diazafluoren-9-one (DAF) system and takes place in acetic or pivalic acid as solvents at 110-130 °C. The reaction of 1a afforded a 6:1 mixture of C-1- and C-4-alkenylated pyrenes (2a and 3a, respectively) in 71% yield. In the case of 1b, only a C-4-substituted product (3b) was formed in 46% yield. Compounds 2a and 3a,b exhibited fluorescence in solution and in the solid state. In chloroform and THF solution the fluorescence maxima were in the range of 440-465 nm, and quantum yields decreased in the order 2a > 3a> 3b. In the solid state, 3a,b showed blue-green fluorescence (ΦF = 0.26 and 0.14, respectively), whereas 2a emitted yellow-green fluorescence) (ΦF = 0.35). Besides blue-emitting monomers, the presence of green-emitting aggregated species (preformed dimers) in the crystals of 3a,b and red-emitting dynamic excimers in the crystals of 2a has been demonstrated. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of 2a and 3b confirmed π-stacking of pyrenyl moieties in the crystals of the former and the absence of stacking in the crystals of the latter compound.

Synthesis of heterocyclic-fused benzofurans via C-H functionalization of flavones and coumarins

An efficient method to effect C-O cyclization was developed via the C-H functionalization of chromones and coumarins, affording heterocyclic-fused benzofurans.

Synthesis of heterocyclic-fused benzopyrans via the Pd(ii)-catalyzed C–H alkenylation/C–O cyclization of flavones and coumarins

An efficient and practical method for effecting a tandem C–H alkenylation/C–O cyclization has been achieved via the C–H functionalization of flavone derivatives.