Recent applications of mechanochemistry in enantioselective synthesis

Mechanochemistry for Organic and Inorganic Synthesis

In recent years, mechanochemistry has become an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional solvent-based synthesis. Mechanochemistry rapidly expanded across a wide range of chemistry fields, including diverse organic compounds and active pharmaceutical ingredients, coordination compounds, organometallic complexes, main group frameworks, and technologically relevant materials. This Review aims to highlight recent advancements and accomplishments in mechanochemistry, underscoring its potential as a viable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional solution-based methods in the field of synthetic chemistry.

Linking mechanochemistry with the green chemistry principles: Review article

The need to explore contemporary alternatives for industrial production has driven the development of innovative techniques that address critical limitations linked to traditional batch mechanochemistry. One particularly promising strategy involves the integration of flow processes with mechanochemistry. Three noteworthy technologies in this domain are single-screw extrusion (SSE) and twin-screw extrusion (TSE) and Impact (Induction) in Continuous-flow Heated Mechanochemistry (ICHeM). These technologies go beyond the industrial production of polymers, extending to the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients, the fabrication of (nano)materials, and the extraction of high-added value products through the valorisation of biomass and waste materials. In accordance with the principles of green chemistry, ball milling processes are generally considered greener compared to conventional solvothermal processes. In fact, ball milling processes require less solvent, enhance reaction rates and reaction conversion by increasing surface area and substituting thermal energy with mechanochemical energy, among others. Special attention will be given to the types of products, reactants, size of the milling balls and reaction conditions, selecting 60 articles after applying a screening methodology during the period 2020-2022. This paper aims to compile and analyze the cutting edge of research in utilizing mechanochemistry for green chemistry applications.

Strategies for Using Quaternary Ammonium Salts as Alternative Reagents in Alkylations

Alkylation reactions are pivotal in organic chemistry, with wide-ranging utilization across various fields of applied synthetic chemistry. However, conventional reagents employed in alkylations often pose substantial health and exposure risks. Quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) present a promising alternative for these transformations offering significantly reduced hazards as they are non-cancerogenic, non-mutagenic, non-flammable, and non-corrosive. Despite their potential, their use in direct organic transformations remains relatively unexplored. This review outlines strategies for utilizing QAS as alternative reagents in alkylation reactions, providing researchers with safer approaches to chemical synthesis.

Allylation of C-, N-, and O-Nucleophiles via a Mechanochemically-Driven Tsuji-Trost Reaction Suitable for Late-Stage Modification of Bioactive Molecules

We present the first solvent-free, mechanochemical protocol for a palladium-catalyzed Tsuji-Trost allylation. This approach features exceptionally low catalyst loadings (0.5 mol %), short reaction times (<90 min), and a simple setup, eliminating the need for air or moisture precautions, making the process highly efficient and environmentally benign. We introduce solid, nontoxic, and easy-to-handle allyl trimethylammonium salts as valuable alternative to volatile or hazardous reagents. Our approach enables the allylation of various O-, N-, and C-nucleophiles in yields up to 99 % even for structurally complex bioactive compounds, owing to its mild conditions and exceptional functional group tolerance.

Allylation of C-, N-, and O-Nucleophiles via a Mechanochemically-Driven Tsuji-Trost Reaction Suitable for Late-Stage Modification of Bioactive Molecules

We present the first solvent-free, mechanochemical protocol for a palladium-catalyzed Tsuji-Trost allylation. This approach features exceptionally low catalyst loadings (0.5 mol %), short reaction times (<90 min), and a simple setup, eliminating the need for air or moisture precautions, making the process highly efficient and environmentally benign. We introduce solid, nontoxic, and easy-to-handle allyl trimethylammonium salts as valuable alternative to volatile or hazardous reagents. Our approach enables the allylation of various O-, N-, and C-nucleophiles in yields up to 99 % even for structurally complex bioactive compounds, owing to its mild conditions and exceptional functional group tolerance.

Mechanochemical Scholl Reaction on Phenylated Cyclopentadiene Core: One-Step Synthesis of Fluoreno[5]helicenes

In this study, we explore feasibility of the mechanochemical approach in the synthesis of tetrabenzofluorenes (fluoreno[5]helicenes). For this, commercially available phenylated cyclopentadiene precursors are subjected to the Scholl reaction in the solid state using FeCl3 as an oxidant and sodium chloride as the solid reaction medium. This ball milling process gave access to the 5-membered ring containing-helicenes in one synthetic step in high (95-96 %) isolated yields. The solution-phase reactions, however, were found to be moderate to low yielding in this regard (10-40 %).

Mechanochemical Degradation of Biopolymers

Mechanochemical treatment of various organic molecules is an emerging technology of green processes in biofuel, fine chemicals, or food production. Many biopolymers are involved in isolating, derivating, or modifying molecules of natural origin. Mechanochemistry provides a powerful tool to achieve these goals, but the unintentional modification of biopolymers by mechanochemical manipulation is not always obvious or even detectable. Although modeling molecular changes caused by mechanical stresses in cavitation and grinding processes is feasible in small model compounds, simulation of extrusion processes primarily relies on phenomenological approaches that allow only tool- and material-specific conclusions. The development of analytical and computational techniques allows for the inline and real-time control of parameters in various mechanochemical processes. Using artificial intelligence to analyze process parameters and product characteristics can significantly improve production optimization. We aim to review the processes and consequences of possible chemical, physicochemical, and structural changes.

Recent applications of mechanochemistry in synthetic organic chemistry

The promotion of chemical reactions by an unconventional energy source, mechanical energy (mechanochemistry) has increasing number of applications in organic synthesis. The advantages of mechanochemistry are versatile, from reduction of solvent use, increase of reaction efficiency to better environmental sustainability. This paper gives a short review on the recent developments in the fast growing field of organic mechanochemistry which are illustrated by selected examples.

Asymmetric Organocatalysis Under Mechanochemical Conditions

Asymmetric organocatalysis is a robust methodology providing access to numerous valuable compounds while having green chemistry principles in mind. The realization of organocatalytic transformation under solvent-free mechanochemical conditions brings additional benefits in terms of yields, selectivities, and, last but not least overall improved sustainability. This overview describes developments in the use of mechanochemistry as a vehicle for asymmetric organocatalytic transformations. The material is organized according to main catalytic activation modes, starting with covalent activation and proceeding to non-covalent activation modes. The advantages of mechanochemical organocatalytic reactions are particularly highlighted, but in some cases also, limitations are mentioned. Possibilities for target compound synthesis are also discussed.

Spiers Memorial Lecture: Mechanochemistry, tribochemistry, mechanical alloying - retrospect, achievements and challenges

The paper presents a view on the achievements, challenges and prospects of mechanochemistry. The extensive reference list can serve as a good entry point to a plethora of mechanochemical literature.

Green Strategies for the Preparation of Enantiomeric 5-8-Membered Carbocyclic β-Amino Acid Derivatives through CALB-Catalyzed Hydrolysis

Candida antarctica lipase B-catalyzed hydrolysis of carbocyclic 5−8-membered cis β-amino esters was carried out in green organic media, under solvent-free and ball-milling conditions. In accordance with the high enantioselectivity factor (E > 200) observed in organic media, the preparative-scale resolutions of β-amino esters were performed in tBuOMe at 65 °C. The unreacted β-amino ester enantiomers (1R,2S) and product β-amino acid enantiomers (1S,2R) were obtained with modest to excellent enantiomeric excess (ee) values (ees > 62% and eep > 96%) and in good chemical yields (>25%) in one or two steps. The enantiomers were easily separated by organic solvent/H2O extraction.

Manipulating Reaction Energy Coordinate Landscape of Mechanochemical Diaza-Cope Rearrangement

Chiral vicinal diamines, a unique class of optically-active building blocks, play a crucial role in material design, pharmaceutical, and catalysis. Traditionally, their syntheses are all solvent-based approaches, which make organic solvent an indispensable part of their production. As part of our program aiming to develop chemical processes with reduced carbon footprints, we recently reported a highly practical and environmentally-friendly synthetic route to chiral vicinal diamines by solvent-free mechanochemical diaza-Cope rearrangement. We herein showed that a new protocol by co-milling with common laboratory solid additives, such as silica gel, can significantly enhance the efficiency of the reaction, compared to reactions in the absence of additives. One possible explanation is the Lewis acidic nature of additives that accelerates a key Schiff base formation step. Reaction monitoring experiments tracing all the reaction species, including reactants, intermediates, and product, suggested that the reaction profile is distinctly different from ball-milling reactions without additives. Collectively, this work demonstrated that additive effect is a powerful tool to manipulate a reaction pathway in mechanochemical diazo-Cope rearrangement pathway, and this is expected to find broad interest in organic synthesis using mechanical force as an energy input.

Organocatalytic Diastereodivergent Enantioselective Formal oxa-Diels-Alder Reaction of Unsaturated Ketones with Enoates Under Liquid-Assisted Grinding Conditions

Chiral heterocycles occur in many compounds of interest, but their efficient synthesis is challenging. This study concerns the enantioselective and diastereoselective synthesis of densely substituted chiral pyran derivatives. Diastereodivergence of the oxa-Diels-Alder reaction is achieved by using either a bifunctional amino-thiourea or a monofunctional quinine organocatalyst under ball-milling conditions. Liquid-assisted grinding proves a highly efficient means of affording pyrans in high yield, with high enantiomeric purities and short reaction times.

Mechanoenzymatic Reactions Involving Polymeric Substrates or Products

Mechanoenzymology is an emerging field in which mechanical mixing is used to sustain enzymatic reactions in low-solvent or solvent-free mixtures. Many enzymes have been reported that thrive under such conditions. Considering the central role of biopolymers and synthetic polymers in our society, this minireview highlights the use of mechanoenzymology for the synthesis or depolymerization of oligomeric or polymeric materials. In contrast to traditional in-solution reactions, solvent-free mechanoenzymology has the advantages of avoiding solubility issues, proceeding in a minimal volume, and reducing solvent waste while potentially improving the reaction efficiency and accessing new reactivity. It is expected that this strategy will continue to gain popularity and find more applications.

Mechanochemical Organocatalysis: Do High Enantioselectivities Contradict What We Might Expect?

Ball mills input energy to samples by pulverising the contents of the jar. Each impact on the sample or wall of the jar results in an instantaneous transmission of energy in the form of a temperature and pressure increase (volume reduction). Conversely, enantioselective organocatalytic reactions proceed through perceived delicate and well-organised transition states. Does there exist a dichotomy in the idea of enantioselective mechanochemical organocatalysis? This Review provides a survey of the literature reporting the combination of organocatalytic reactions with mechanochemical ball milling conditions. Where possible, direct comparisons of stirred in solution, stirred neat and ball milled processes are drawn with a particular focus on control of stereoselectivity.

New small γ-turn type N-primary amino terminal tripeptide organocatalyst for solvent-free asymmetric aldol reaction of various ketones with aldehydes

New small γ-turn type N-primary amino terminal tripeptides were synthesized and their functionality as an organocatalyst was examined in the asymmetric aldol reaction of various ketones with different aromatic aldehydes under solvent-free neat conditions to afford the desired chiral anti-aldol products in good to excellent chemical yields, diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities (up to 99%, up to syn : anti/13 : 87 dr, up to 99% ee).

One-Pot Mechanochemical Synthesis of Mono- and Bis-Indolylquinones via Solvent-Free Multiple Bond-Forming Processes

Bis-indolylquinones are fungal natural products endowed with interesting pharmacological properties. Most of the previously described methodologies in solution for the construction of the bis-indolylquinone framework show disadvantages associated with long reaction times and difficult, waste-generating purifications. A one-pot mechanochemical methodology for the synthesis of indolylquinones was developed, starting from indoles and dihaloquinones in the presence of FeCl₃ or p-TsOH as catalysts and Fetizon's reagent as an oxidant. In contrast to solution chemistry, mechanochemical activation allowed the double addition of indole to a quinone substrate in one pot, leading to symmetrical or non-symmetrical bis-indolylquinones via a domino processes comprising up to six steps. In terms of sustainability, the method has several advantages over the solution protocol, including much shorter reaction times, no external heating, one-pot operation, and the absence of chromatography, leading to a drastically better performance in green metrics and demonstrating the application of several principles of green chemistry, in particular principles 2, 3, and 5.

Mechanoenzymology: State of the Art and Challenges towards Highly Sustainable Biocatalysis

Global awareness of the importance of developing environmentally friendlier and more sustainable methods for the synthesis of valuable chemical compounds has led to the design of novel synthetic strategies, involving bio- and organocatalysis as well as the application of novel efficient and ground-breaking technologies such as present-day solvent-free mechanochemistry. In this regard, the evaluation of biocatalytic protocols mediated by the combination of mechanical activation and enzymatic catalysis has recently attracted the attention of the chemical community. Such mechanoenzymatic strategy represents an innovative and promising "green" approach in chemical synthesis that poses nevertheless new paradigms regarding the relative resilience of biomolecules to the mechanochemical stress and to the apparent high energy, at least in so-called hot-spots, during the milling process. Herein, relevant comments on the conceptualization of such mechanoenzymatic approach as a sustainable option in chemical synthesis, recent progress in the area, and associated challenges are discussed.

Sustainability Assessment of Mechanochemistry by Using the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry

In recent years, mechanochemistry has been growing into a widely accepted alternative for chemical synthesis. In addition to their efficiency and practicality, mechanochemical reactions are also recognized for their sustainability. The association between mechanochemistry and Green Chemistry often originates from the solvent-free nature of most mechanochemical protocols, which can reduce waste production. However, mechanochemistry satisfies more than one of the Principles of Green Chemistry. In this Review we will present a series of examples that will clearly illustrate how mechanochemistry can significantly contribute to the fulfillment of Green Chemistry in a more holistic manner.

The many flavours of mechanochemistry and its plausible conceptual underpinnings

Mechanochemistry describes diverse phenomena in which mechanical load affects chemical reactivity. The fuzziness of this definition means that it includes processes as seemingly disparate as motor protein function, organic synthesis in a ball mill, reactions at a propagating crack, chemical actuation, and polymer fragmentation in fast solvent flows and in mastication. In chemistry, the rate of a reaction in a flask does not depend on how fast the flask moves in space. In mechanochemistry, the rate at which a material is deformed affects which and how many bonds break. In other words, in some manifestations of mechanochemistry, macroscopic motion powers otherwise endergonic reactions. In others, spontaneous chemical reactions drive mechanical motion. Neither requires thermal or electrostatic gradients. Distinct manifestations of mechanochemistry are conventionally treated as being conceptually independent, which slows the field in its transformation from being a collection of observations to a rigorous discipline. In this Review, we highlight observations suggesting that the unifying feature of mechanochemical phenomena may be the coupling between inertial motion at the microscale to macroscale and changes in chemical bonding enabled by transient build-up and relaxation of strains, from macroscopic to molecular. This dynamic coupling across multiple length scales and timescales also greatly complicates the conceptual understanding of mechanochemistry.

Two approaches for the synthesis of levo-praziquantel

We report herein the development of two pathways for the preparation of levo-praziquantel (R-PZQ), which involves three-/four-step processes of a mechanochemical (asymmetric) aza-Henry/acylation reaction, a hydrogenation reaction, (chiral resolution) and a solvent-free acylation-ring closing reaction. The key intermediate (R)-1-aminomethyl tetrahydroisoquinoline could be obtained either by chiral resolution with a rational reuse of the S-isomer or by mechanochemical enantioselective synthesis that refrained from using a bulky toxic solvent. The efficiency and scalability of both the developed routes were demonstrated and desired target product was obtained in a satisfactory yield with excellent enantiopurity (>99%), offering practical, concise and environmentally friendly alternatives to access R-PZQ.

Mechanochemical Synthesis of 1,2,6-Thiadiazine 1-Oxides from Sulfonimidamides and the Fluorescence Properties of the Products

A solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis for 1,2,6-thiadiazine 1-oxides starting from NH-sulfonimidamides and propargyl ketones has been developed. Lewis acids affect these one-pot aza-Michael-addition/cyclization/dehydration reaction sequences. The photophysical properties of the resulting heterocyclic sulfonimidamide derivatives were characterized.

Novel Methodologies for Chemical Activation in Organic Synthesis under Solvent-Free Reaction Conditions

One central challenge for XXI century chemists is the development of sustainable processes that do not represent a risk either to humanity or to the environment. In this regard, the search for more efficient and clean alternatives to achieve the chemical activation of molecules involved in chemical transformations has played a prominent role in recent years. The use of microwave or UV-Vis light irradiation, and mechanochemical activation is already widespread in many laboratories. Nevertheless, an additional condition to achieve "green" processes comes from the point of view of so-called atom economy. The removal of solvents from chemical reactions generally leads to cleaner, more efficient and more economical processes. This review presents several illustrative applications of the use of sustainable protocols in the synthesis of organic compounds under solvent-free reaction conditions.

Streptavidin-Hosted Organocatalytic Aldol Addition

In this report, the streptavidin-biotin technology was applied to enable organocatalytic aldol addition. By attaching pyrrolidine to the valeric motif of biotin and introducing it to streptavidin (Sav), a protein-based organocatalytic system was created, and the aldol addition of acetone with p-nitrobenzaldehyde was tested. The conversion of substrate to product can be as high as 93%. Although the observed enantioselectivity was only moderate (33:67 er), further protein engineering efforts can be included to improve the selectivity. These results have proven the concept that Sav can be used to host stereoselective aldol addition.

Mechanochemical Palladium-Catalyzed Carbonylative Reactions Using Mo(CO)6

Esters and amides were mechanochemically prepared by palladium-catalyzed carbonylative reactions of aryl iodides by using molybdenum hexacarbonyl as a convenient solid carbonyl source and avoiding a direct handling of gaseous carbon monoxide. Real-time monitoring of the mechanochemical reaction by in situ pressure sensing revealed that CO is rapidly transferred from Mo(CO)6 to the active catalytic system without significant release of molecular carbon monoxide.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Acyl Anion Organocatalysis by Ball-Milling

The ability to conduct N-heterocyclic carbene-catalysed acyl anion chemistry under ball-milling conditions is reported for the first time. This process has been exemplified through applications to intermolecular-benzoin, intramolecular-benzoin, intermolecular-Stetter and intramolecular-Stetter reactions including asymmetric examples and demonstrates that this mode of mechanistically complex organocatalytic reaction can operate under solvent-minimised conditions.

Mechanochemical Synthesis and Isomerization of N-Substituted Indole-3-carboxaldehyde Oximes †

Performing solution-phase oximation reactions with hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH₂OH·HCl) carries significant risk, especially in aqueous solutions. In the present study, four N-substituted indole-3-carboxaldehyde oximes were prepared from the corresponding aldehydes by solvent-free reaction with NH₂OH·HCl and a base (NaOH or Na₂CO₃) using a mechanochemical approach, thus minimizing the possible risk. In all cases, the conversion to oximes was almost complete. The focus of this work is on 1-methoxyindole-3-carboxaldehyde oxime, a key intermediate in the production of indole phytoalexins with useful antimicrobial properties. Under optimized conditions, it was possible to reach almost 95% yield after 20 min of milling. Moreover, for the products containing electron-donating substituents (-CH₃, -OCH₃), the isomerization from the oxime anti to syn isomer under acidic conditions was discovered. For the 1-methoxy analog, the acidic isomerization of pure isomers in solution resulted in the formation of anti isomer, whereas the prevalence of syn isomer was observed in solid state. From NMR data the syn and anti structures of produced oximes were elucidated. This work shows an interesting and possibly scalable alternative to classical synthesis and underlines environmentally friendly and sustainable character of mechanochemistry.