Modular One-Step Three-Component Synthesis of Tetrahydroisoquinolines Using a Catellani Strategy

Olefin Difunctionalization for the Synthesis of Tetrahydroisoquinoline, Morpholine, Piperazine, and Azepane

This report outlines a versatile strategy for synthesizing a diverse array of N-heterocycles. By the utilization of common olefins, this simple protocol facilitates their coupling with various bifunctional reagents. Furthermore, it can be integrated with C-H amination techniques to directly produce N-heterocycles in a multicomponent cascade coupling process. The unique bond disconnection logic employed in this process underscores its efficiency in achieving rapid simplification through cascade couplings.

Palladium-Catalyzed Fluorinative Bifunctionalization of Aziridines and Azetidines with gem-Difluorocyclopropanes

An unprecedented Pd-catalyzed fluorinative bifunctionalization of aziridines and azetidines was successfully developed via regioselective C-C and C-F bond cleavage of gem-difluorocyclopropanes, leading to various β,β'-bisfluorinated amines and β,γ-bisfluorinated amines. This reaction was achieved by incorporating a 2-fluorinated allyl group and a fluorine atom scissored from gem-difluorocyclopropane in 100 % atom economy for the first time. The mechanistic investigations indicated that the reaction underwent amine attacking 2-fluorinated allyl palladium complex to generate η2 -coordinated N-allyl aziridine followed by fluoride ligand transfer affording the final β- and γ-fluorinated amines.

Construction of Indole-Fused Seven- and Eight-Membered Azaheterocycles via a Tandem Pd/NBE-Catalyzed Decarbonylation and Dual C-H Activation Sequence

Herein, we report the transformation of aromatic acids to indole-fused seven- and eight-membered azaheterocycles. Two C-C bonds are formed via the cleavage of one C-C bond and two C-H bonds. The incorporation of indole moieties into bioactive pharmaceuticals and natural products to construct a medium-sized polyfused heterocycle demonstrates the synthetic utility of the protocol.

Benzo-Fused-Ring Toolbox Based on Palladium/Norbornene Cooperative Catalysis: Methodology Development and Applications in Natural Product Synthesis

ConspectusBenzo-fused skeletons are ubiquitous in agrochemicals, medicines, natural products, catalysts, and other organic function materials. The assembly of these skeletons in an efficient manner is an actively explored field in organic synthesis. Palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis is a powerful tool for the expeditious assembly of polysubstituted arenes through bis-functionalization of the ortho and ipso positions of aryl iodides in one operation. Owing to the efforts of Lautens, Catellani, and others, an array of Pd/NBE-promoted annulations for the syntheses of diversified benzo-fused rings have been developed. However, these methods have not been broadly applied in total synthesis yet.Our group is interested in efficient and practical total synthesis of biologically active molecules. In the past 7 years, we have been devoted to the development of new annulation strategies for the assembly of common benzo-fused skeletons through Pd/NBE-promoted reactions of aryl iodides with novel bifunctional reagents. In this Account, we summarize our laboratory's systematic efforts in this direction. First, readily available epoxides and aziridines were exploited as versatile bifunctional alkylating reagents, which enables quick assembly of a series of valuable benzo-fused heterocycles, including isochromans, dihydrobenzofurans, 1,3-cis-tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs), 1,3-trans-THIQs, etc. Second, a convergent access to 5-7-membered benzo-fused carbocycles (including indanes and tetrahydronaphthalenes) was developed by Pd/NBE-promoted annulation of aryl iodides with simple olefinic alcohol-containing alkylating reagents. Third, a Pd/NBE-promoted annulation between aryl iodides and cyclohexanone-containing amination reagents was developed for the construction of benzo-fused N-containing bridged scaffolds. Thus, we have established a practical and versatile toolbox for the quick assembly of diversified benzo-fused skeletons. These new annulation reactions are of high chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivities with good step and atom economy. Moreover, they are able to rapidly increase molecular complexity from simple building blocks. Finally, their synthetic value has been demonstrated by immediate adoption in several efficient total syntheses of medicines and complex natural products. Compared to conventional synthetic logics, the Pd/NBE-promoted annulation toolbox allows the development of highly convergent strategies, which significantly improves the overall synthetic efficiency.We believe the results presented in this Account will have significant implications beyond our research. It can be envisaged that new Pd/NBE-promoted annulations as well as new applications in complex total synthesis will be revealed in the near future.

Directing Group Guided Site-Selective Diversification of Indoles by Aziridine: Synthesis of β-Indolylethylamines

A palladium catalyzed directing group assisted cross-coupling of aliphatic aziridines with indole, indoline, tetrahydroquinoline, and aniline has been developed to furnish the corresponding β-arylethylamine derivatives. The substrate scope was very general, and the protocol was also tolerated in the presence of various external additives. Control experiments suggested that the C-H cleavage step is the rate-determining step.

Diversification of Amidyl Radical Intermediates Derived from C-H Aminopyridylation

The N-activating substituents typically encountered in C-H amination chemistry are challenging to remove and have limited scope for synthetic elaboration. Here, we demonstrate that N-benzylaminopyridinium species provide a platform for synthetic elaboration via reductive N-N bond activation to unveil electrophilic N-centered radicals. These reactive intermediates can be trapped either via anti-Markovnikov olefin carboamination to provide access to tetrahydroisoquinolines or via aza-Rubottom chemistry with silyl enol ethers to provide α-amino ketones.

Modular Synthesis of Aryl Thio/Selenoglycosides via the Catellani Strategy

We described a novel palladium-catalyzed domino procedure for the preparation of (hetero)aryl thio/selenoglycosides. Readily available (hetero)aryl iodides and easily accessible 1-thiosugars/1-selenosugars are utilized as the substrates. Meanwhile, 10 types of sugars are quite compatible with this reaction with good regio- and stereoselectivity, high efficiency, and broad applicability (up to 89%, 53 examples). This method enables the straightforward formation of the C(sp²)-S/Se bond of (hetero)aryl thio/selenoglycosides.

Iodide-Mediated [3 + 2]-Cycloaddition Reaction with N-Tosylaziridines and α,β-Unsaturated Ketones

The [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction between N-tosylaziridines and α,β-unsaturated ketones was promoted with lithium iodide. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions to provide N-tosylpyrrolidines. Quaternary carbon-possessing 3,3-disubstituted pyrrolidines including spiro compounds were afforded in high yields. A simple procedure with easy to handle reagents makes this reaction concise. The intramolecular version of this reaction was applied to synthesize tropane skeletons.

Diversity-oriented functionalization of 2-pyridones and uracils

Heterocycles 2-pyridone and uracil are privileged pharmacophores. Diversity-oriented synthesis of their derivatives is in urgent need in medicinal chemistry. Herein, we report a palladium/norbornene cooperative catalysis enabled dual-functionalization of iodinated 2-pyridones and uracils. The success of this research depends on the use of two unique norbornene derivatives as the mediator. Readily available alkyl halides/tosylates and aryl bromides are utilized as ortho-alkylating and -arylating reagents, respectively. Widely accessible ipso-terminating reagents, including H/DCO2Na, boronic acid/ester, terminal alkene and alkyne are compatible with this protocol. Thus, a large number of valuable 2-pyridone derivatives, including deuterium/CD3-labeled 2-pyridones, bicyclic 2-pyridones, 2-pyridone-fenofibrate conjugate, axially chiral 2-pyridone (97% ee), as well as uracil and thymine derivatives, can be quickly prepared in a predictable manner (79 examples reported), which will be very useful in new drug discovery.

Aziridine used as a vinylidene unit in palladium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] domino annulation

A series of chromone fused methylenecyclopentanes are efficiently constructed in moderate to good yields by Pd-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] annulation, in which aziridine is used as a vinylidene unit by cleavage of two C–N bonds for the first time.

Structurally Modified Norbornenes: A Key Factor to Modulate Reaction Selectivity in the Palladium/Norbornene Cooperative Catalysis

Palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis has received enormous attention and found numerous synthetic applications in the past two decades. Considering the critical roles that NBE plays in the catalytic cycle, the use of structurally modified NBEs (smNBEs), starting from 2015, has become an important approach to address limitations and modulate reaction selectivity in Pd/NBE catalysis. This Perspective highlights the development of three types of smNBEs: C1-substituted, C2-substituted, and C5-substituted or C5,C6-disubstituted NBEs, as well as their synthetic applications toward site-selective C-H functionalization. A focus is on the structure-activity relationship of smNBEs in these reactions, and rationales for using smNBEs in many cases have also been provided.

para-Selective Arylation of Arenes: A Direct Route to Biaryls by Norbornene Relay Palladation

Biaryl compounds are extremely important structural motifs in natural products, biologically active components and pharmaceuticals. Selective synthesis of biaryls by distinguishing the subtle reactivity difference of distal arene C-H bonds are significantly challenging. Herein, we describe para-selective C-H arylation, which is acheived by a unique combination of a meta-directing group and norbornene as a transient mediator. Upon direct meta-C-H palladation, one-bond relay palladation occurs in presence of norbornene and subsequently para-C-H arylation is achieved for sulfonates, phosphonates and phenols bearing 2,6-disubstitution patterns. The protocol is amenable to electron-deficient aryl iodides. Multisubstituted arenes and phenols are obtained by postsynthetic modification of the products. The protocol allows the synthesis of hexa-substituted benzene by sequential selective distal C-H functionalization.

Modular and Stereoselective Synthesis of C-Aryl Glycosides via Catellani Reaction

In this work, we describe a Catellani-type C-H glycosylation to provide rapid access to various highly decorated α-C-(hetero)aryl glycosides in a modular and stereoselective manner (>90 examples). The termination step is flexible, which is demonstrated by ipso-Heck reaction, hydrogenation, Suzuki coupling, and Sonogashira coupling. Application of this methodology has been showcased by preparing glycoside-pharmacophore conjugates and a dapagliflozin analogue. Notably, the technology developed herein represents an unprecedented example of Catellani-type alkylation involving an S_N1 pathway.

DMAP and PivOH-promoted amination/allenization reaction

This report described the first DMAP and PivOH-promoted ortho-C-H amination and ipso-allenization reaction of iodobenzenes realized by Pd/norbornene cooperative catalysis. Based on control experiments and DFT calculations, we speculated that the three ligands have different functions and mechanism paths in the reaction.

Synthesis of chromone-containing polycyclic compounds via palladium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] annulation

A palladium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] domino annulation of 3-iodochromones, α-bromo carbonyl compounds, and tetracyclododecene (TCD) is described. This approach provides a facile, efficient and atom-economical route to a variety of chromone-containing polycyclic compounds bearing fused/bridged-ring systems in good yields (up to 81%) with excellent diastereoselectivities (99 : 1 dr in all cases).

Pd-Catalyzed one-pot synthesis of vinylsilanes via a three-component tandem reaction

A palladium-catalyzed three-component tandem reaction for stereoselective assembly of various tri- or tetrasubstituted vinylsilanes is established.

Pd/NBE-catalyzed sequential carbamoylation/olefination of aryl iodides

We present a Pd/NBE-catalyzed sequential carbamoylation/olefination of aryl iodides under mild reaction conditions, which provide diverse 4-methylene-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-isoquinolin-1-one analogues.

A denitrogenative palladium-catalyzed cascade for regioselective synthesis of fluorenes

We herein report a denitrogenative palladium-catalyzed cascade for the modular and regioselective synthesis of polysubstituted fluorenes. Hydrazone facilitates the Pd(ii) to Pd(iv) oxidative addition in a Catellani pathway and is also the methylene synthon in the proposed reaction. Aryl iodides and 2-bromoarylaldehyde hydrazones undergo a norbornene-controlled tandem reaction sequence to give a broad scope of fluorenes in the presence of a palladium catalyst. The method described is scalable and adaptable to a three-component reaction with in situ generation of the hydrazone group. Preliminary mechanistic investigations have been conducted.

Ortho/Ipso Alkylborylation of Aryl Iodides

This work describes a method for the difunctionalization of aryl iodides to generate polysubstituted arenes via Pd catalysis. The reaction hinges on the unique interplay between norbornene and the metal catalyst to impart a guided ortho C-H alkylation event followed by a programmatic ipso borylation to provide a diverse array of substituted arene products. The utility of this transformation is demonstrated through the functionalization of the boronic ester to a variety of valuable functionalities.

Redox-neutral ortho-C-H amination of pinacol arylborates via palladium(ii)/norbornene catalysis for aniline synthesis

A palladium(ii)/norbornene cooperative catalysis enabled redox-neutral ortho-C-H amination of pinacol aryl- or heteroarylborates for the synthesis of structurally diverse anilines is reported. This method is scalable, robust (tolerance of air and moisture), phosphine ligand-free, and compatible with a wide range of functionalities. These practical features make this reaction amenable for industry. A plethora of synthetically very useful halogenated anilines, which often cannot be prepared via other transition-metal-catalyzed aminations, are readily produced using this method. Particularly, the orthogonal reactivity between pinacol arylborates and aryl iodides is demonstrated. Preliminary deuterium-labeling studies reveal a redox-neutral ipso-protonation mechanism of this process, which will surely inspire the future development of this field. Overall, the exceptionally broad scope (47 examples) and reliability of this procedure, together with the wide availability of pinacol arylborates, make this chemistry a valuable addition to the existing methods for aniline synthesis.

Modular Dual-Tasked C-H Methylation via the Catellani Strategy

We report a dual-tasked methylation that is based on cooperative palladium/norbornene catalysis. Readily available (hetero)aryl halides (39 iodides and 4 bromides) and inexpensive MeOTs or trimethylphosphate are utilized as the substrates and methylating reagent, respectively. Six types of "ipso" terminations can modularly couple with this "ortho" C-H methylation to constitute a versatile methylation toolbox for preparing diversified methylated arenes. This toolbox features inexpensive methyl sources, excellent functional-group tolerance, simple reaction procedures, and scalability. Importantly, it can be uneventfully extended to isotope-labeled methylation by switching to the corresponding reagents CD₃OTs or ¹³CH₃OTs. Moreover, this toolbox can be applied to late-stage modification of biorelevant substrates with complete stereoretention. We believe these salient and practical features of our dual-tasked methylation toolbox will be welcomed by academic and industrial researchers.

Synthesis of fluorenyl alcohols via cooperative palladium/norbornene catalysis

Herein, we report a novel catalytic synthesis of substituted 9H-fluoren-9-ols starting from aryl iodides and secondary ortho-bromobenzyl alcohols in the presence of palladium/norbornene as a catalytic system. The present protocol exhibits high functional group tolerance, mild reaction conditions and moderate to good yields. This transformation is based on two sequential pathways: (i) Pd(ii)-mediated oxidation of the secondary alcohol to the corresponding ketone and (ii) Pd(0)/norbornene-catalyzed reaction of the in situ generated ortho-bromoacetophenone with the aryl iodide.

Palladium/Norbornene Cooperative Catalysis

Palladium/norbornene cooperative catalysis has emerged as a distinct approach to construct polyfunctionalized arenes from readily available starting materials. This Review provides a comprehensive overview of this field, including the early stoichiometric investigations, catalytic reaction developments, as well as the applications in the syntheses of bioactive compounds and polymers. The section of catalytic reactions is divided into two parts according to the reaction initiation mode: Pd(0)-initiated reactions and Pd(II)-initiated reactions.

Chemoselective Borono-Catellani Arylation for Unsymmetrical Biaryls Synthesis

Reported is the borono-Catellani arylation process for unsymmetrical biaryls synthesis, utilizing the readily available pinacol ester of arylboronic acids, aryl bromides, and olefins as the reactants. The distinct reactivity of arylboronic ester and aryl bromides secures the excellent chemoselectivity in the pivotal arylation step. The reaction is enabled by the cooperative catalysis of Pd(OAc)₂ and the NBE derivative N⁷, with molecular oxygen as the terminal oxidant.

Selective Ortho Thiolation Enabled by Tuning the Ancillary Ligand in Palladium/Norbornene Catalysis

Site-selective introduction of a sulfur group into aromatic compounds is essential and useful in organic, material, and pharmaceutical chemistry. A palladium/norbornene-catalyzed chemoselective ortho thiolation of aryl halides was reported. The selectivity of reductive elimination for C(Ar)-SR bond formation was well controlled by tuning the ancillary ligand in the aryl-NBE palladacycle Pd(IV) intermediate. The reaction showcased good substrate scope: both S-alkyl and S-aryl thiosulfonates were compatible.

Redox-Neutral ortho Functionalization of Aryl Boroxines via Palladium/Norbornene Cooperative Catalysis

Palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis, also known as the Catellani reaction, has become an increasingly useful method for site-selective arene functionalization; however, certain constraints still exist due to its intrinsic mechanistic pathway. Herein we report a redox-neutral ortho functionalization of aryl boroxines via Pd/NBE catalysis. An electrophile, such as carboxylic acid anhydrides or O-benzoyl hydroxylamines, is coupled at the boroxine ortho position, and a proton as the second electrophile is introduced at the ipso position. This reaction does not require extra oxidants or reductants, and avoids stoichiometric bases or acids, thereby tolerating a wide range of functional groups. In particular, orthogonal chemoselectivity between aryl iodide and boroxine moieties is demonstrated, which could be used to control reaction sequences. Finally, a deuterium labelling study supports the ipso-protonation pathway. This unique mechanistic feature could inspire the development of a new class of Pd/NBE-catalyzed transformations.

Stereoselective Multicomponent Reactions in the Synthesis or Transformations of Epoxides and Aziridines

Small ring heterocycles, such as epoxides and aziridines, are present in several natural products and are also highly versatile building blocks, frequently involved in the synthesis of numerous bioactive products and pharmaceuticals. Because of the potential for increased efficiency and selectivity, along with the advantages of environmentally benign synthetic procedures, multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have been explored in the synthesis and ring opening of these heterocyclic units. In this review, the recent advances in MCRs involving the synthesis and applications of epoxides and aziridines to the preparation of other heterocycles are discussed emphasizing the stereoselectivity of the reactions.

A palladium/norbornene cooperative catalysis to access N-containing bridged scaffolds

A palladium/norbornene cooperative catalysis promoted annulation involving an ortho-C-H amination and intramolecular Heck cascade between aryl iodides and functionalized amination reagents is reported, thereby providing a highly convergent access to the unique N-containing bridged scaffolds: hexahydro-2,6-methano-1-benzazocine. The salient features of the reaction include its broad substrate scope (with respect to aryl iodides), its high step economy, and good chemoselectivity. Preliminary studies underscore the future promise of rendering this Catellani-type annulation enantioselective.

Expeditious Synthesis of 6-Fluoroalkyl-Phenanthridines via Palladium-Catalyzed Norbornene-Mediated Dehydrogenative Annulation

A novel palladium-catalyzed, norbornene-mediated intermolecular dehydrogenative annulation approach for the synthesis of 6-fluoroalkyl-phenanthridines from aryl iodides and fluorinated imidoyl chlorides, which are important structural motifs for bioactive molecules, is reported. Fluorinated imidoyl chlorides served as a new type of electrophilic reagent in the Catellani-type reaction, which, in turn, could be readily prepared from various anilines and fluorinated carboxylic acids. Control experiments were carried out to study the mechanism of the reaction. This transformation is scalable and tolerates a broad range of functional groups.

Alkylating Reagents Employed in Catellani-Type Reactions

The Catellani reaction is a powerful strategy that allows the expeditious synthesis of highly substituted arenes, which are not easily accessible through traditional transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. This reaction utilizes the synergistic interplay of palladium and norbornene catalysis to facilitate sequential ortho-C-H functionalization and ipso termination of aryl iodides in a single operation. Since pioneering work by the group of Catellani in 1997, and later by the group of Lautens, this chemistry has attracted considerable attention from the synthetic chemistry community. Dramatic progress has been made by a number of groups in the past two decades. In this Minireview, the alkylating reagents employed in this intriguing reaction and the corresponding applications in organic synthesis are summarized; thus complementing existing reviews to inspire future developments.

Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric annulation between aryl iodides and racemic epoxides using a chiral norbornene cocatalyst

Herein, we describe our initial development of an asymmetric Pd-catalyzed annulation between aryl iodides and racemic epoxides for synthesis of 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans using a chiral norbornene cocatalyst. A series of enantiopure ester-, amide- and imide-substituted norbornenes have been prepared with a reliable synthetic route. Promising enantioselectivity (42-45% ee) has been observed using the isopropyl ester-substituted norbornene (N1*) and the amide-substituted norbornene (N7*).