Recent progress on Catellani reaction

Concise Total Syntheses of Leuconoxine-Type Alkaloids Enabled by Palladium/Norbornene-Catalyzed Pyrrole Difunctionalization

Concise total syntheses of five leuconoxine-type alkaloids, i.e., chloromelodinine, leuconodine A, leuconodine F, melodinine E, and leuconoxine, are achieved through a pyrrole-centered strategy. The approach features a newly developed palladium/norbornene-catalyzed pyrrole double C─H functionalization reaction to generate the core skeleton and a divergent oxidative dearomatization to complete the end game. In addition, no protecting group was employed, and the strategic use of a chloro substituent offers a number of advantages in these syntheses, which could have implications beyond this work. The discovery of an unusual chloro 1,2-migration reaction enabled the first total synthesis of chloromelodinine E. This work represents the shortest syntheses of these natural products to date with 10-11 total steps.

Trifunctionalization of Iodoarenes via Sequence-Controlled Double Ortho C─H Acylations by Palladium/Norbornene Catalysis

Herein we report a novel palladium/norbornene-catalyzed trifunctionalization reaction of ortho-unsubstituted iodoarenes by incorporating two distinct acyl groups at their ortho C─H positions and replacing the ipso-iodide with an alkenyl or aryl group. Notably, this transformation was enabled by the alkyl/aryl mixed anhydrides, which were utilized as dual acylation reagents by abstracting their central oxygen atom with electrophilic 2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine. Mechanistic studies revealed that the alkyl-acyl unit of such an anhydride was employed for the first C─H alkyl-acylation, and in situ released aryl carboxylate anion was then rapidly activated with triazine chloride to provide an aryl-acyl electrophile for the second C─H acylation, thus enabling the trifunctionalization of iodoarenes by termination with an intermolecular Heck or intramolecular arylation reaction. In addition, the synthetic utility of this method is exemplified by the selective manipulation of carbonyl groups of the products.

Enabling Aryl Chloride-Mediated Palladium/Norbornene Cooperative Catalysis

While the palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis has become increasingly useful for arene functionalization, its substrate scope has been mainly restricted to reactive aryl iodides and bromides. Despite being a more available and attractive feedstock, common aryl chlorides have not been used as substrates for the Pd/NBE catalysis. Herein, we report the first general Pd/NBE-catalyzed vicinal difunctionalization of aryl chlorides. Enabled by the combination of secondary-amide-substituted NBEs and XPhos ligand, diverse aryl chlorides can now undergo successful ortho alkylation, amination, and acylation with different ipso terminations, including olefination, hydrogenation, and alkynylation. To show the utility of this method, late-stage derivatizations of complex bioactive compounds and sequential functionalizations of polyhaloarenes have been achieved.

Pd/NBE-Catalyzed One-Pot Modular Synthesis of Tetrahydro-γ-carbolines

Tetrahydro-γ-carbolines are especially outstanding fused heterocyclic ring systems possessing significant biological activities in the central nervous system. Here, using commercially available NBE derivatives (NBEs), we report an efficient protocol for the one-pot modular synthesis of 4-substituted tetrahydro-γ-carbolines via Catellani/aza-Michael addition cascade from easily available 3-iodo-1-tosyl-1H-indole, aziridines and olefins. This approach exhibits a wide substrate scope, good yields, scalability, and potential extension toward the synthesis of Mebhydroline analogues.

Palladium-Catalyzed Modular Synthesis of Thiophene-Fused Polycyclic Aromatics via Sequential C-H Activation

A palladium-catalyzed Catellani-type [2+2+2] annulation reaction of aryl iodides, bromothiophenes, and norbornadiene, which proceeds via a tandem Heck coupling/double C-H bond activation and retro-Diels-Alder pathway to access thiophene-fused polyaromatics, is reported. The key feature of this protocol represents a NBD/NBE retaining annulation.

Palladium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of P(V)-Stereogenic Compounds via Desymmetric Annulation of Prochiral Phosphinamides and Aryl Iodides

The enantioselective synthesis of P(V)-stereogenic compounds has emerged as an interesting research topic primarily due to their significant biological activity and broad application prospects. Herein, we disclose a method for the construction of P(V)-stereogenic compounds from prochiral phosphinamides and aryl iodides via palladium- and chiral norbornene-catalyzed desymmetric annulation. The P(V)-stereogenic compounds were formed with a broad scope with excellent enantiomeric excesses. It is noteworthy that the synthetic value of this procedure was proven by a variety of transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions using the C-Br bond on the product as a versatile linchpin electrophile.

Palladium-Catalyzed Dual C-H Arylation/Cyclization Reaction of Iodoferrocenes with ortho-Bromobenzamides for the Construction of Arylated Isoquinolone-Fused Ferrocenes

We reported a palladium/norbornene-catalyzed dual intermolecular C-H arylation/intramolecular cyclization reaction of iodoferrocenes with ortho-bromobenzamides, enabling the formation of arylated isoquinolone-fused ferrocenes in a straightforward and effective manner. This method has a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility, while the gram-scale reaction demonstrates the practicality of this method.

Solvent-Controlled Enantiodivergent Construction of P(V)-Stereogenic Molecules via Palladium-Catalyzed Annulation of Prochiral N-Aryl Phosphonamides with Aromatic Iodides

In this work, we describe an efficient and modular method for enantiodivergent accessing P(V)-stereogenic molecules by utilizing the catalytic atroposelective Catellani-type C-H arylation/desymmetric intramolecular N-arylation cascade reaction. The enantioselectivity of this protocol was proved to be tuned by the polarity of the solvent, thus providing a wide range of both chiral P(V)-stereogenic enantiomers in moderate to good yields with good to excellent enantiomeric excesses. Noteworthy is that the strategy developed herein represents an unprecedented example of solvent-dictated inversion of the enantioselectivity of P(V)-stereogenic compounds.

Pd-catalyzed regioselective activation of C(sp2)-H and C(sp3)-H bonds

Differentiating between two highly similar C-H bonds in a given molecule remains a fundamental challenge in synthetic organic chemistry. Directing group assisted strategies for the functionalisation of proximal C-H bonds has been known for the last few decades. However, distal C-H bond functionalisation is strenuous and requires distinctly specialised techniques. In this review, we summarise the advancement in Pd-catalysed distal C(sp2)-H and C(sp3)-H bond activation through various redox manifolds including Pd(0)/Pd(II), Pd(II)/Pd(IV) and Pd(II)/Pd(0). Distal C-H functionalisation, where a Pd-catalyst is directly involved in the C-H activation step, either through assistance of an external directing group or directed by an inherent functionality or functional group incorporated at the site of the Pd-C bond is covered. The purpose of this review is to portray the current state of art in Pd-catalysed distal C(sp2)-H and C(sp3)-H functionalisation reactions, their mechanism and application in the late-stage functionalisation of medicinal compounds along with highlighting its limitations, thus leaving the field open for further synthetic adjustment.

Dual Ligand Enabled Pd-Catalyzed Ortho-Alkylation of Iodoarenes

The synthesis of complex polysubstituted aromatic molecules from simple precursors is a central goal in organic chemistry. In this study, we developed an approach for the ortho-alkylation of iodoarenes utilizing a dual ligand catalytic system. By combining Pd/olefin ligand cooperative catalysis with bulky trialkylphosphine ligand-promoted C(sp2)-I reductive elimination, we have established an ortho-alkylative Catellani-type reaction with the aryl-iodine bond reconstruction as the final step, which opens new synthetic opportunities within the Catellani-type reactions. Through in-depth mechanistic investigations, we have isolated and characterized key organopalladium intermediates, revealing the synergistic interaction of the dual ligands in merging the Catellani-type process with C(sp2)-I reductive elimination. The present study showcases the unique advantages of Pd/olefin ligand catalysis and emphasizes the effectiveness of the dual ligand system in expanding the chemical space of the Catellani chemistry.

Site-Selective Ortho/Ipso C-H Difunctionalizations of Arenes using Thianthrene as a Leaving Group

Site-selective ortho/ipso C-H difunctionalizations of aromatic compounds were designed to afford polyfunctionalized arenes including challenging 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted ones (62 examples, up to 97 % yields). To ensure the excellent regioselectivity of the process while keeping high efficiency, an original strategy based on a "C-H thianthenation/Catellani-type reaction" sequence was developed starting from simple arenes. Non-prefunctionalized arenes were first regioselectively converted into the corresponding thianthrenium salts. Then, a palladium-catalyzed, norbornene (NBE)-mediated process allowed the synthesis of ipso-olefinated/ortho-alkylated polyfunctionalized arenes using a thianthrene as a leaving group (revisited Catellani reaction). Pleasingly, using a commercially available norbornene (NBE) and a unique catalytic system, synthetic challenges known for the Catellani reaction with aryl iodides were smoothly and successfully tackled with the "thianthrenium" approach. The protocol was robust (gram-scale reaction) and was widely applied to the two-fold functionalization of various arenes including bio-active compounds. Moreover, a panel of olefins and alkyl halides as coupling partners was suitable. Pleasingly, the "thianthrenium" strategy was successfully further applied to the incorporation of other groups at the ipso (CN/alkyl/H, aryl) and ortho (alkyl, aryl, amine, thiol) positions, showcasing the generality of the process.

Modular Synthetic Platform for Interior-Functionalized Dendritic Macromolecules Enabled by the Palladium/Norbornene Catalysis

Synthesis of interior-functionalized dendritic macromolecules is generally tedious and labor-intensive, which has been a key factor hampering their practical applications. Here, we have revisited this long-standing challenge and devised a modular and convergent platform to synthesize multifunctional dendrons with all-carbon backbones up to four generations via an in situ functionalization strategy. Enabled by the palladium/norbornene cooperative catalysis, different functional groups can be introduced to each generation of dendrons during the dendron growth, making it convenient for systematic comparison of their properties. The utility of this versatile platform is further showcased in the internal-functionalization-dependent properties of dendrons as organogels and aggregation-induced emission materials.

Modular Synthesis of Polysubstituted α-Phosphorylated Arenes via the Catellani Strategy

In this paper, we described a palladium/norbornene-catalyzed ortho-C-H phosphormethylation of aryl iodides using XCH2P(O)RR', offering a reliable method for the modular synthesis of polysubstituted α-phosphorylated arenes. Alkenylation, hydrogenation, cyanation, methylation, and arylation were all viable termination steps compatible with the reaction. This method demonstrates excellent functional group tolerance and can be extended to the late-stage modification of bioactive molecules. Furthermore, the synthetic transformations of the products demonstrate the practical utility of this reaction.

Direct Synthesis of C4-Acyl Indoles via C-H Acylation

The direct synthesis of C4-acyl indoles deprived of C2 and C3 substituents has proven to be challenging, with scarce efficient synthetic routes being reported. Herein, we disclose a highly site-selective palladium-catalyzed C-H acylation for the construction of C4-acyl indoles via a Catellani-Lautens cyclization strategy. In addition, we systematically studied the ortho C-H acylation mechanism of iodoaniline through density functional theory (DFT) calculations and combined experimental results to elucidate the principle of high chemoselectivity brought by triazine benzoate as an acylation reagent.

Derivatization of 2,1,3-Benzothiadiazole via Regioselective C-H Functionalization and Aryne Reactivity

Despite growing interest in 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTD) as an integral component of many functional molecules, methods for the functionalization of its benzenoid ring have remained limited, and many even simply decorated BTDs have required de novo synthesis. We show that regioselective Ir-catalyzed C-H borylation allows access to versatile 5-boryl or 4,6-diboryl BTD building blocks, which undergo functionalization at the C4, C5, C6, and C7 positions. The optimization and regioselectivity of C-H borylation are discussed. A broad reaction scope is presented, encompassing ipso substitution at the C-B bond, the first examples of ortho-directed C-H functionalization of BTD, ring closing reactions to generate fused ring systems, as well as the generation and capture reactions of novel BTD-based heteroarynes. The regioselectivity of the latter is discussed with reference to the Aryne Distortion Model.

Rapid and Modular Access to Multifunctionalized 1,2-Azaborines via Palladium/Norbornene Cooperative Catalysis

1,2-Azaborines, a unique class of BN-isosteres of benzene, have attracted great interest across several fields. While significant advancements have been made in the postfunctionalization of 1,2-azaborines, challenges still exist for the selective functionalization of the C4 position and access to 1,2-azaborines with five or six independently installed substituents. Here we report a rapid and modular method for C3 and C4 difunctionalization of 1,2-azaborines using the palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis. Enabled by the C2 amide-substituted NBE, diverse 3-iodo-1,2-azaborines can be used as substrates, showing broad functional group tolerance. Besides ortho arylation, preliminary success of ortho alkylation has also been realized. In addition, a range of alkenes and nucleophiles can be employed for ipso C3 functionalization. The reaction is scalable, and various postfunctionalizations, including forming hexa-substituted 1,2-azaborines, have been achieved.

Pd-Catalyzed Vicinal Intermolecular Annulations of Iodoarenes, Indoles, and Carbazoles with Enynes

Reaching the formidable C-H corners has been one of the top priorities of organic chemists in the recent past. This prompted us to disclose herein a vicinal annulation of 2-iodo benzoates, indoles, and carbazoles with N-embedded 1,6-enynes through 7-/8-membered palladacycles. The relay does not require the assistance of any directing group, leading to multicyclic scaffolds, which are readily diversified to an array of adducts (with new functional tethers and/or three contiguous stereocenters), in which we showcase a rare benzylic mono-oxygenation.

A four-component reaction to access 3,3-disubstituted indolines via the palladium-norbornene-catalyzed ortho amination/ipso conjunctive coupling

As an important class of multicomponent reactions, the palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis has been mainly restricted to the coupling of an aryl halide, an electrophile and a nucleophile. Here, we report the development of a Pd/NBE-catalyzed four-component reaction, which involves ortho C-H amination/ipso conjunctive coupling using an alkene and an external nucleophile. The use of alkene-tethered nitrogen electrophiles provides a rapid and modular synthesis of 3,3-disubstituted indolines from readily available aryl iodides. The reaction exhibits broad functional group tolerance, and its utility is exemplified in a streamlined formal synthesis of a rhodamine dye. Preliminary results of the asymmetric version of this reaction have also been obtained.

Site-Selective Synthesis of Antitumor C5-Aminated Indoles via Neighboring Aldehyde Group Assisted Catellani Reaction

A palladium/norbornene (NBE) cooperative catalytic system was developed to access C5-aminated indoles, starting from readily available C4-idonated indoles. Good yields and exclusive site selectivity were achieved for a broad substrate scope, including drug molecule core architectures. Control experiments found that both aldehyde on the C3 position and sulfonyl protecting group on the N1 position were vital for the transformation. Preliminary bioactivity evaluation identified a promising leading compound 3af with potent antitumor proliferative activity against several cancer cells.

Palladium/Norbornene-Catalyzed Direct Vicinal Di-Carbo-Functionalization of Indoles: Reaction Development and Mechanistic Study

Methods that can simultaneously install multiple different functional groups to heteroarenes via C-H functionalizations are valuable for complex molecule synthesis, which, however, remain challenging to realize. Here we report the development of vicinal di-carbo-functionalization of indoles in a site- and regioselective manner, enabled by the palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis. The reaction is initiated by the Pd(II)-mediated C3-metalation and specifically promoted by the C1-substituted NBEs. The mild, scalable, and robust reaction conditions allow for a good substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance. The resulting C2-arylated C3-alkenylated indoles can be converted to diverse synthetically useful scaffolds. The combined experimental and computational mechanistic study reveals the unique role of the C1-substituted NBE in accelerating the turnover-limiting oxidative addition step.

Base/Solvent Controlled Divergent Synthesis of Norbornane-Fused Dihydrophenanthrenes and Triphenylenes via Palladium Catalyst

A base/solvent controlled divergent synthesis for the construction of polycyclic hydrocarbons has been developed. In this process, norbornene through a reagent role leads to the synthesis of norbornane-fused dihydrophenanthrenes, which are essential due to their biological activities. Amazingly, by switching solvent and base, the role of norbornene becomes limited to a mediator/catalyst; therefore, it is removed from the final scaffold, and triphenylenes are regioselectively synthesized. Additionally, by removing norbornene from the reaction conditions, a different path leading to synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted triphenylenes with exceptional regioselectivity is established. This reaction includes a rare domino decarboxylation/C-H activation/annulation in a chemo- and regioselective manner.

Site-Selective C-H Functionalization of Carbazoles

Carbazole alkaloids hold great potential in pharmaceutical and material sciences. However, the current approaches for C1 functionalization of carbazoles rely on the use of a pre-installed directing group, severely limiting their applicability and hindering their overall efficiency. Herein, we report for the first time the development of direct Pd-catalyzed C-H alkylation and acylation of carbazoles assisted by norbornene (NBE) as a transient directing mediator. Notably, the involvement of a six-membered palladacycle intermediate was suggested in this case, representing the first example of such intermediacy within the extensively studied Pd/norbornene reactions realm.