Copper-Catalyzed Radical/Radical C sp 3H/PH Cross-Coupling: α-Phosphorylation of Aryl KetoneO-Acetyloximes

Modulated Multicomponent Reaction Pathway by Pore-Confinement Effect in MOFs for Highly Efficient Catalysis of Low-Concentration CO2

The conversion of flue gas CO2 into high-value chemicals via multicomponent reactions (MCRs) offers the advantages of atom economy, bond-formation efficiency and product complexity. However, because of the competition between reaction sequences and pathways among substrates, the efficient synthesize the desired product is a great challenge. Herein, a porous noble-metal-free framework (Cu-TCA) was synthesized, which can highly effectively catalyze the multicomponent conversion of CO2 by modulating reaction pathways. The pores with the size of 6.5 Å×6.5 Å in Cu-TCA selectively permit the entry of propargylamine and CO2 at simulated flue gas concentrations, At the same time, the larger-sized phosphine oxide is hindered outside the pores. Control experiments and NMR spectroscopy revealed that CO2 and propargylamine in the pores preferentially reacted to form oxazolidinones, which further reacted with phosphine oxide outside the pores to produce phosphorylated 2-oxazolidinones. Therefore, the reaction pathways and sequence of the substrates were controlled by the confinement effect of the pores in Cu-TCA. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations supported the coordination of Cu-TCA with the alkyne, significantly reducing the reaction barrier and promoting catalytic reaction. This study developed a new strategy for regulating the reaction pathways to promote MCRs via the confinement effect of MOF.

Benzylic C(sp3)-H Phosphonylation via Dual Photo and Copper Catalysis

Alkyl phosphonates are important motifs in medicinal chemistry, yet their efficient synthesis by direct C(sp3)-H functionalization remains a challenge. Here, we report straightforward access to benzylic phosphonates by direct C(sp3)-H functionalization in a cross-dehydrogenative-coupling reaction between non-specialized alkylarenes and unfunctionalized phosphites. Notably, the C-H substrates are used as the limiting reagents. The scope of benzylic C-H substrates is broad, and the mild reaction conditions allow for good functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction proceeds via a radical pathway rather than the cationic pathway followed for specialized benzylic C-H substrates in previous methods.

Base-Promoted Coupling of HFIP in Cu-Catalyzed Asymmetric Ring Opening of Cyclic Diaryliodoniums

We report a Cu-catalyzed asymmetric ring-opening reaction of cyclic diaryliodoniums with 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), enabling the construction of axially chiral biaryl compounds containing HFIP ether. HFIP is highly polar and exceptionally stable; thus, it is commonly used as a solvent due to its poor nucleophilicity. However, its use as a nucleophilic reagent has been rare. In this study, we successfully employed HFIP as a nucleophilic coupling partner in a Cu-catalyzed asymmetric ring-opening experiment of cyclic diaryliodoniums.

Photoredox/Copper-Cocatalyzed Domino Annulation of Oxime Esters and NH4SCN: Access to Fully Substituted 2-Aminothiazoles

Domino cyclization of oxime esters and NH4SCN facilitated by photoredox and copper cocatalysis has been established. Various structurally diverse fully substituted 2-aminothiazoles have been obtained in good yields at room temperature. It is featured by mild conditions, favorable functional group tolerance, and wide substrate scope. The present reaction is amenable to gram-scale synthesis, which is expected to find potential applications in organic synthesis and drug discovery. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed.

Reactions of Benzyl Phosphine Oxide/Sulfide with (COCl)2: Synthesis of Novel Acyl Chloride-Substituted Chlorophosphonium Ylides

New reactions of benzyl phosphine oxide/sulfide with oxalyl chloride are presented. The resulting reactive intermediates, acyl chloride-substituted chlorophosphonium ylides, are capable of undergoing esterification and Friedel-Crafts acylation reactions, ultimately yielding either methyl 2-(2-bromophenyl)-2-(diphenylphosphoryl)acetate or β-carbonyl-diarylphosphine oxide derivatives. Additionally, when an alkynyl group is contained in the acyl chloride-substituted chlorophosphonium ylide, intramolecular cyclization occurs, leading to the formation of a pair of trans- and cis-dichlorophosphonyl benzofulvene isomers. The generation process of acyl chloride-substituted chlorophosphonium ylide was carefully monitored by using 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy, and a plausible reaction mechanism was proposed.

Nickel-Catalyzed Highly Selective Radical C-C Coupling from Carboxylic Acids with Photoredox Catalysis

Controlling the cross-coupling reaction between two different radicals is a long-standing challenge due to the process occurring statistically, which would lead to three products, including two homocoupling products and one cross-coupling product. Generally, the cross-coupling selectivity is achieved by the persistent radical effect (PRE) that requires the presence of a persistent radical and a transient radical, thus resulting in limited radical precursors. In this paper, a highly selective cross-coupling of alkyl radicals with acyl radicals to construct C(sp2)-C(sp3) bonds, or with alkyl radicals to construct C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds have been achieved with the readily available carboxylic acids and their derivatives (NHPI ester) as coupling partners. The success originates from the use of tridentate ligand (2,2' : 6',2''-terpyridine) to enable radical cross-coupling process to Ni-mediated organometallic mechanism. This protocol offers a facile and flexible access to structurally diverse ketones (up to 90 % yield), and also a new solution for the challenging double decarboxylative C(sp3)-C(sp3) coupling. The broad utility and functional group tolerance are further illustrated by the late-stage functionalization of natural-occurring carboxylic acids and drugs.

Thermal and Photoinduced Radical Cascade Annulation using Aryl Isonitriles: An Approach to Quinoline-Derived Benzophosphole Oxides

Herein, we present a radical cascade addition cyclization sequence to access quinoline-based benzophosphole oxides from ortho-alkynylated aromatic phosphine oxides using various aryl isonitriles as radical acceptors and inexpensive tert-butyl-hydroperoxide (TBHP) as a terminal oxidant in the presence of a catalytic amount of silver acetate. Alternatively, the same cascade can be realized through a sustainable photochemical approach utilizing 1,2,3,5-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene (4CzIPN) as an organic photocatalyst at room temperature. The introduced modular approach shows broad functional group tolerance and offers straightforward access to complex P,N-containing polyheterocyclic arenes. These novel π-extended benzophosphole oxides exhibit interesting photophysical and electrochemical properties such as absorption in the visible region, emission and reversible reduction at low potentials, which makes them promising for potential materials science applications. The photophysical properties can further be tuned by the addition of external Lewis and Brønsted acids.

Construction of C-P Bonds from Free Cyclobutanone Oximes and Chlorophosphines via Radical-Radical Coupling

Herein, we report a catalyst-free reaction of cyclobutanone oximes with chlorophosphines (R2PCl), which forms a fragile C═N-O-PR2 species that undergoes N-O homolysis, fragmentation, and radical-radical coupling, leading to the formation of cyano-containing phosphine oxides in good yields. The reaction features an in situ activation of cyclobutanone oximes for radical generation, in which R2PCl plays a dual role as both an activator and a reactant.

Metal free cross-dehydrogenative N-N coupling of primary amides with Lewis basic amines

Hydrazides, N-N containing structural motifs, are important due to their presence in a wide variety of biologically significant compounds. While the homo N-N coupling of two NH moieties to form the hydrazide N-N bond is well developed, the cross-dehydrogenative hetero N-N coupling remains very unevolved. Here we present an efficient intermolecular N-N cross-coupling of a series of primary benzamides with broad range of Lewis basic primary and secondary amines using PhI(OAc)2 as both a terminal oxidant and a cross-coupling mediator, without the need for metal catalysts, high temperatures, and inert atmospheres, and with substantial potential for use in the late-stage functionalization of drugs.

Direct Synthesis of Tertiary Phosphines via Alkoxide-Mediated Deborylative Phosphination of Organoboronates

The direct transformation of alkylboron has emerged as a versatile and powerful methodology for creating carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. However, its potential application in the formation of carbon and phosphorus remains unexplored. In this study, we present an alkoxide base-promoted reaction system that enables deborylative phosphination of benzylic organoboronates and geminal bis(boronates) via selective C-B bond cleavage. This approach allows for the synthesis of valuable tertiary phosphines in good yields under mild conditions. The practicality and industrial potential of this approach are underscored by the operational simplicity, broad substrate scope, and easy scalability.

Copper-mediated [3 + 2] oxidative cyclization of oxime acetate and its utility in the formal synthesis of fentiazac

A new protocol for the direct synthesis of 2-aminothiazole has been developed from oxime acetate and readily available sodium thiocyanate using a copper catalyst. The present transformation has good functional group tolerance. Various thiazoles were smoothly synthesized in good to excellent yields. The applicability of the present method has been extended to the formal synthesis of the non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory drug, fentiazac via the Sandmeyer reaction and Suzuki coupling.

Blue-Light Driven Iron-Catalyzed Oxy-phosphinylation of Activated Alkenes for β-Ketophosphine Oxide Synthesis

We have developed an original blue-light mediated iron-catalyzed oxy-phosphinylation of activated alkenes by secondary phosphine oxides under air at room temperature. Various β-ketophosphine oxides were then obtained in 43-97 % isolated yields. Control experiments revealed that radical process is involved in the mechanism.

Copper-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative/Decarboxylative Phosphorylation of Aryl Acrylic Acids with P(III)-Nucleophiles

A copper-catalyzed aerobic oxidative/decarboxylative phosphorylation of aryl acrylic acids with P(III)-nucleophiles via the Michaelis-Arbuzov rearrangement for the synthesis of β-ketophosphine oxides, β-ketophosphinates, and β-ketophosphonates is reported. The present reaction could be conducted effectively without the use of a ligand and a base. Various kinds of aryl acrylic acids and P(III)-nucleophiles are tolerated in the transformation, generating the desired β-keto-organophosphorus compounds as a valuable class of phosphorus-containing intermediates with good to excellent yields. In addition, the possible mechanism and kinetic studies for the reaction have been explored by step-by-step control experiments and competitive experiments, and the results proved that this transformation may follow second-order chemical kinetics as well as involve a radical process.

Alcohol imination catalyzed by carbon nanostructures synthesized by C(sp2)-C(sp3) free radical coupling

Imines are important intermediates for synthesizing various fine chemicals, with the disadvantage of requiring the use of expensive metal-containing catalysts. We report that the dehydrogenative cross-coupling of phenylmethanol and benzylamine (or aniline) directly forms the corresponding imine with a yield of up to 98%, and water as the sole by-product, in the presence of a stoichiometric base, using carbon nanostructures as the "green" metal-free carbon catalysts with high spin concentrations, which is synthesized by C(sp2)-C(sp3) free radical coupling reactions. The catalytic mechanism is attributed to the unpaired electrons of carbon catalysts to reduce O2 to O2·-, which triggers the oxidative coupling reaction to form imines, whereas the holes in the carbon catalysts receive electrons from the amine to restore the spin states. This is supported by density functional theory calculations. This work will open up an avenue for synthesizing carbon catalysts and offer great potential for industrial applications.

Recent Advances in Molecule Synthesis Involving C-C Bond Cleavage of Ketoxime Esters

The synthetic strategies of oxime derivatives participating in radical-type reactions have been rapidly developed in the last few decades. Among them, the N–O bond cleavage of oxime esters leading to formation of nitrogen-centered radicals triggers adjacent C–C bond cleavage to produce carbon-centered free radicals, which has been virtually used in organic synthesis in recent years. Herein, we summarized the radical reactions involving oxime N–O bond and C–C bond cleavage through this special reaction form, including those from acyl oxime ester derivatives and cyclic ketoxime ester derivatives. These contents were systematically classified according to different reaction types. In this review, the free radical reactions involving acyl oxime esters and cyclic ketoxime esters after 2021 were included, with emphasis on the substrate scope and reaction mechanism.

Photoinduced Copper-Catalyzed C(sp3)-P Bond Formation by Coupling of Secondary Phosphines with N-(Acyloxy)phthalimides and N-Fluorocarboxamides

A photoinduced copper-catalyzed C(sp³)-P bond formation has been developed by using N-(acyloxy)phthalimides as radical precursors and secondary phosphine boranes as coupling partners. A variety of alkyl carboxylic acid derivatives can be readily transformed into the corresponding phosphines with high reaction efficiency and structural diversity. Besides, utilizing the 1,5-HAT of the N-centered radical process, the δ C(sp³)-H bond can be coupled with secondary phosphines, which provides a novel method for the regioselective formation of C(sp³)-P bonds.

Copper-Catalyzed Annulation of O-Acyl Oximes with Cyclic 1,3-Diones for the Synthesis of 7,8-Dihydroindolizin-5(6H)-ones and Cyclohexanone-Fused Furans

A copper-catalyzed annulation of O-acyl oximes with cyclic 1,3-diones has been developed for the concise synthesis of 7,8-dihydroindolizin-5(6H)-ones and cyclohexanone-fused furans through the substituent-controlled selective radical coupling process. 2-Alkyl cyclic 1,3-diones undergo C-C radical coupling, while 2-unsubstituted cyclic 1,3-diones undergo C-O radical coupling.

Visible-light-induced C(sp3)-C(sp3) bond formation via radical/radical cross-coupling

Radical/radical cross-coupling remains challenging due to diffusion control issues. Herein, we report a visible-light-induced radical/radical cross-coupling reaction of quaternary ammonium salts and Hantzschs via C-N and C-C bond cleavage. The current synthetic approach furnishes 1,2-diphenylethanes in moderate to good yields and provides a method for the construction of the C(sp³)-C(sp³) bond.

Copper-Catalyzed Radical Hydrazono-Phosphorylation of Alkenes

An efficient copper-catalyzed radical hydrazono-phosphorylation of alkenes with hydrazine derivatives and diarylphosphine oxides is described. The reaction provides a general and convenient method toward the synthesis of diverse β-hydrazonophosphine oxides in satisfactory yields. Based on conducted mechanistic experiments, a mechanism involving Ag-catalyzed oxidative generation of phosphinoyl radicals and subsequent addition to alkenes followed by Cu-assisted hydrazonation is proposed. Moreover, the practicability of the reaction is successfully demonstrated by its successful application on a gram scale.

Copper-catalyzed radical trans-selective hydroboration of ynamides with N-heterocyclic carbene boranes

Vinylboron compounds are important compounds in organic chemistry and biology. In this communication, we developed a copper(I)-catalyzed, highly regio- and stereoselective radical trans-hydroboration of ynamides with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-ligated borane is reported, which leads to a series of trans-boryl enmides that can be conveniently transformed into various multi-substituted enamides. Further investigation showcased that our method is robust and scalable. The mechanism of this unique reaction is studied and discussed.

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A Cu-catalyzed highly regio- and stereoselective radical trans-hydroboration of ynamides

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Good to excellent yields, good functional group tolerance

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Further investigation showcased that our method is robust and scalable

Synthesis of gem-Disulfonyl Enamines via an Iminyl-Radical-Mediated Formal 1,3-HAT/Radical Coupling Cascade

We herein report the first example of an iminyl-radical-mediated formal 1,3-HAT/radical coupling cascade of vinyl azides leading to the synthesis of tetrasubstituted gem-disulfonyl enamines. It is possible to employ a variety of vinyl azides and sulfinate salt coupling elements without sacrificing effectiveness and scalability. The combination of experimental studies and DFT calculations showed that this reaction proceeds via a radical addition/formal 1,3-HAT/radical coupling mechanism.

Copper-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Alkyl and Phosphorus Radicals for C(sp3)-P Bond Formation

A Cu^I-catalyzed cross-coupling of alkyl- and phosphorus-centered radicals for C(sp³)-P bond formation is introduced. Diacyl peroxides, generated in situ from aliphatic acids and H₂O₂, serve as a source for alkyl radicals and also an initiator for the generation of phosphorus radicals from H-P(O) compounds.

Direct phosphorylation of benzylic C-H bonds under transition metal-free conditions forming sp3C-P bonds

Direct phosphorylation of benzylic C-H bonds was achieved in a biphasic system under transition metal-free conditions. A selective radical/radical sp3C-H/P(O)-H cross coupling was proposed, and various substituted toluenes were applicable. The transformation provided a promising method for constructing sp3C-P bonds.

Copper-catalyzed [4+2] oxidative annulation of α,β-unsaturated ketoxime acetates with ethyl trifluoropyruvate

A novel route for tandem C-N/C-O formation via copper-catalyzed [4+2] oxidative annulation of α,β-unsaturated ketoxime acetates with ethyl trifluoropyruvate to synthesize valuable trifluoromethyl-containing 2H-1,3-oxazines in moderate to good yields is developed. This procedure represents the first [4+2] oxidative annulation of oxime derivatives with activated CO bonds and provides an alternative route towards functionalized 2H-1,3-oxazines.

Silver-mediated, direct phosphorylation of BODIPY dyes at the 3- or 3,5-positions with H-phosphonates

A direct and regioselective C-H/P-H cross-coupling of dialkyl phosphites, and diphenylphosphine oxide to easily available BODIPYs through an Ag-mediated radical addition, resulted in a series of new α-phosphorylated BODIPY fluorophores under mild conditions. Hydrolysis of the phosphonate gave the corresponding BODIPY phosphoric acid, which is soluble and fluorescent in water with a high quantum yield of 0.83.

Facile synthesis of fully substituted 1H-imidazoles from oxime esters via dual photoredox/copper catalyzed multicomponent reactions

A novel and efficient photoredox/copper cocatalyzed domino cyclization of oxime esters, aldehydes, and amines has been achieved, affording a broad range of fully substituted 1H-imidazoles in good yields.

Visible-light-initiated regio- and stereoselective C(sp2)–H phosphorylation of enamides under transition-metal-free conditions

A visible-light-induced stereo- and regioselective phosphorylation of enamides with phosphine oxides under transition-metal-free conditions has been disclosed.

Hydrophosphorylation of Electron-Deficient Alkenes and Alkynes Mediated by Convergent Paired Electrolysis

A straightforward and practical strategy for hydrophosphorylation of electron-deficient alkenes and alkynes to access γ-ketophosphine oxides, enabled by a convergent paired electrolysis (CPE) in the absence of metal, base, and...

Iminyl radical-triggered relay annulation for the construction of bridged aza-tetracycles bearing four contiguous stereogenic centers

Bridged tetracyclic nitrogen scaffolds are found in numerous biologically active molecules and medicinally relevant structures. Traditional methods usually require tedious reaction steps, and/or the use of structurally specific starting materials. We report an unprecedented, iminyl radical-triggered relay annulation from oxime-derived peresters and azadienes, which shows good substrate scope and functional group compatibility, and can deliver various bridged aza-tetracyclic compounds with complex molecular topology and four contiguous stereogenic centers (dr > 19 : 1) in a single operation. This transformation represents the first example of trifunctionalization of iminyl radicals through simultaneous formation of one C–N and two C–C bonds. DFT calculation studies were conducted to obtain an in-depth insight into the reaction pathways, which revealed that the reactions involved an interesting 1,6-hydrogen atom transfer process.

A novel radical relay annulation is realized for the construction of various bridged aza-tetracyclic compounds with complex molecular topology and four contiguous stereogenic centers (dr > 19 : 1) in a single operation.

Iron-catalyzed regioselective synthesis of (E)-vinyl sulfones mediated by unprotected hydroxylamines

An Fe-catalyzed unprotected hydroxylamine mediated Heck-type coupling between sulfinic acids and alkenes furnished structurally important (E)-vinyl sulfones with moderate to good yields, high atom-economy and regioselectivity.

Excited-state cobaloxime catalysis enabled scalable oxidant-free dehydrogenative C–H phosphinoylation of undirected heterocycles

Visible-light-induced excited-state cobalt catalysis enables C(sp2)–H/C(sp3)–H phosphinoylation accompanied by H2 evolution. The reaction achieves the late-stage modification of more than 10 distinct classes of heterocycles and arenes.

Divergent copper-catalyzed syntheses of 3-carboxylpyrroles and 3-cyanofurans from O-acetyl oximes and β-ketoesters/nitriles

The reaction between O-acetyl oximes and β-ketoesters/nitriles catalyzed by copper generated polysubstituted pyrroles and furans, respectively, under redox–neutral reaction conditions. Using this protocol, pyrroles or furans could be obtained simply by choosing an appropriate active methylene compound. Although both transformations occur essentially under the same reaction conditions, control experiments indicated that they follow different mechanistic pathways.

A copper-catalyzed heteroannulation of O-acetyl oximes and β-ketoesters/nitriles to afford polysubstituted pyrroles and furans was successfully achieved.

Cu-Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzoxazole with Phenol and Cyclic Oxime

A Cu-catalyzed straightforward synthesis of benzoxazoles from free phenols and cyclic oxime esters is reported. The mild reaction conditions tolerate various electron-withdrawing and electron-donating functional groups on both substrates, affording benzoxazoles in moderate to good yields. With this protocol, large-scale syntheses of Ezutromid and Flunoxaprofe in one or two steps are demonstrated. A catalytic mechanism, which includes Cu-catalyzed amination via inner-sphere electron transfer and consequent annulation, is proposed.

Copper-Catalyzed Microwave-Expedited Oxyphosphorylation of Alkynes with Diethyl Phosphite and t-Butyl Hydroperoxide Synthesis of Densely Functionalized Phosphonylated Indenones

Treatment of alkynes with diethyl phosphite and t-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of [Cu(MeCN)₄]BF₄ under microwave irradiation produced the oxyphosphorylation of the triple bond, giving rise to the corresponding β-ketophosphonates in moderate-to-good yields. When the triple bond was conjugated to a carbonyl group bearing an aromatic ring, it led to the cyclization of the resulting ketone intermediate, producing eventually different phosphonylated indenones.

Discovery of an Oxidative System for Radical Generation from Csp3-H Bonds: A Synthesis of Functionalized Oxindoles

A facile and versatile method for generating radicals from Csp³-H bonds under metal-free and organic-peroxide-free conditions was developed. By combining safe persulfate and low-toxic quaternary ammonium salt, a wide variety of Csp³-H compounds including ethers, (hetero)aromatic/aliphatic ketones, alkylbenzenes, alkylheterocycles, cycloalkanes, and haloalkanes were selectively activated to generate the corresponding C-centered radicals, which could be further captured by N-arylacrylamides to deliver the valuable functionalized oxindoles. Good functional group tolerance was demonstrated. The useful polycarbonyl compound and esters were also modified with the strategy. Moreover, the combination can also be applied to the practical coupling between simple haloalkanes and N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI).

Copper-catalyzed selective oxidation of hydrazones through C(sp3)-H functionalization

A simple and mild protocol for copper-catalyzed oxidation of hydrazones at the α-position has been reported. Various substrates are compatible, providing the corresponding products in moderate to good yields. This strategy provides an efficient and convenient solution for the synthesis of carbonyl hydrazone. A free radical pathway mechanism is suggested for the transformation.

Electrochemical Enabled Cascade Phosphorylation of N-H/O-H/S-H Bonds with P-H Compounds: An Efficient Access to P(O)-X Bonds

An electrochemical three component cascade phosphorylation reaction of various heteroatoms-containing nucleophiles including carbazoles, indoles, phenols, alcohols, and thiols with Ph₂ PH has been established. Electricity is used as the "traceless" oxidant and water and air are utilized as the "green" oxygen source. All kinds of structurally diverse organophosphorus compounds with P(O)-N/P(O)-O/P(O)-S bonds are assembled in moderate to excellent yields (three categories of phosphorylation products, 50 examples, up to 97 % yield). A tentative free radical course is put forward to rationalize the reaction procedure.

Cu-catalyzed coupling of indanone oxime acetates with thiols to 2,3-difunctionalized indenones

A Cu-catalyzed coupling reaction of indanone oxime acetates with thiols has been developed for the synthesis of 2,3-functionalized 1-indenones. This protocol has several features including easy mild reaction conditions, stabilized enamine products, good tolerance of functional groups, and no external oxidants. This reaction enables direct derivatization on the indanone ring to provide valuable functionalized indenones at room temperature.

Decoding Directing Groups and Their Pivotal Role in C-H Activation

Synthetic organic chemistry has witnessed a plethora of functionalization and defunctionalization strategies. In this regard, C-H functionalization has been at the forefront due to the multifarious applications in the development of simple to complex molecular architectures and holds a brilliant prospect in drug development and discovery. Despite been explored tremendously by chemists, this functionalization strategy still enjoys the employment of novel metal catalysts as well metal-free organic ligands. Moreover, the switch to photo- and electrochemistry has widened our understanding of the alternative pathways via which a reaction can proceed and these strategies have garnered prominence when applied to C-H activation. Synthetic chemists have been foraging for new directing groups and templates for the selective activation of C-H bonds from a myriad of carbon-hydrogen bonds in aromatic as well as aliphatic systems. As a matter of fact, by varying the templates and directing groups, scientists found the answer to the challenge of distal C-H bond activation which remained an obstacle for a very long time. These templates have been frequently harnessed for selectively activating C-H bonds of natural products, drugs, and macromolecules decorated with multiple C-H bonds. This itself was a challenge before the commencement of this field as functionalization of a site other than the targeted site could modify and hamper the biological activity of the pharmacophore. Total synthesis and pharmacophore development often faces the difficulty of superfluous reaction steps towards selective functionalization. This obstacle has been solved by late-stage functionalization simply by harnessing C-H bond activation. Moreover, green chemistry and metal-free reaction conditions have seen light in the past few decades due to the rising concern about environmental issues. Therefore, metal-free catalysts or the usage of non-toxic metals have been recently showcased in a number of elegant works. Also, research groups across the world are developing rational strategies for directing group free or non-directed protocols that are just guided by ligands. This review encapsulates the research works pertinent to C-H bond activation and discusses the science devoted to it at the fundamental level. This review gives the readers a broad understanding of how these strategies work, the execution of various metal catalysts, and directing groups. This not only helps a budding scientist towards the commencement of his/her research but also helps a matured mind searching out for selective functionalization. A detailed picture of this field and its progress with time has been portrayed in lucid scientific language with a motive to inculcate and educate scientific minds about this beautiful strategy with an overview of the most relevant and significant works of this era. The unique trait of this review is the detailed description and classification of various directing groups and their utility over a wide substrate scope. This allows an experimental chemist to understand the applicability of this domain and employ it over any targeted substrate.

The copper-catalyzed synthesis of dihydrooxazoles from α,β-unsaturated ketoximes and activated ketones

The first copper-catalyzed [3+2]-type condensation reaction of α,β-unsaturated ketoximes with activated ketones has been described for the synthesis of dihydrooxazoles, especially trifluoromethyl-decorated dihydrooxazoles. Notable features of this method include its broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and simple operation.

Cross-Dehydrogenative N-N Coupling of Aromatic and Aliphatic Methoxyamides with Benzotriazoles

Nitrogen-nitrogen bond containing motifs are ubiquitous in bioactive compounds and organic materials. However, intermolecular hetero-selective N-H/N-H oxidative coupling reactions remain very challenging and largely unexplored. Here, we report an unprecedented, simple and hetero-selective cross-dehydrogenative N-N coupling of amides and benzotriazoles, utilizing only a hypervalent iodine species as the terminal oxidant. The scope and mechanistic investigations are discussed.