Single-electron carbene catalysis in redox processes

Enantioselective Acylation of Benzylic C(sp3)-H Bond Enabled by a Cooperative Photoredox and N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis

Organocatalyzed direct and asymmetric functionalization of benzylic C(sp3)─H bond is attractive yet challenging. Herein, we report the enantioselective acylation of benzylic C(sp3)─H bond via a cooperative photoredox and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis, affording the corresponding chiral α-aryl ketones in moderate to good yields with good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99:1 er). The rational design of novel NHCs guided by the initial evaluation of available catalysts and their application promotes the asymmetric transformation. Mechanistic experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations support the formation of benzyl radical and ketyl radical intermediates and rationalize the coupling of these radical species via open-shell singlet transition states to be the enantiodetermining step. This redox neutral protocol features mild conditions and is free of transition-metals (TMs) and pre-functionalized radical precursors.

Switching mesoionic carbene-organocatalysis from radical to ionic pathway through base-controlled formation of Breslow intermediates versus Breslow enolates

N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis has experienced significant advancements. Two distinct reaction pathways have been developed, ionic and radical, through Breslow intermediates (BIs) and Breslow enolates (BI-s), respectively. The ability to selectively generate these intermediates is crucial for optimizing reaction outcomes. In this paper we show that with mesoionic carbenes (MICs) it is possible to control the formation of BIs versus BI-s, through the use of weak bases and strong bases, respectively. Of particular interest is the coupling of aldehydes and alkyl halides to yield ketones via an ionic pathway.

Adamantane-Quinoxalone Hybrids: Precision Chemotypes and Their Molecular Mechanisms in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer with a poor prognosis, especially when diagnosed late. Around 10-15% of cases involve the specific chromosomal abnormality t(8;21), which drives uncontrolled myeloid cell proliferation and contributes to disease onset. Despite advances in AML research and treatment protocols, outcomes for t(8;21) AML remain stagnant, as patients receive standard, nonspecific chemotherapies. This one-size-fits-all approach targets both cancerous and healthy cells, leading to unwanted toxicity and highlighting the urgent need for targeted therapies. In this study, we present a precision chemotype based on a quinoxalone-tethered adamantane framework developed via a metal- and light-free protocol. The compound selectively inhibits t(8;21) AML cell proliferation and induces cell death by disrupting growth and metabolic pathways, as demonstrated through bioassays, RNA sequencing, and proteomic analysis. Notably, it spares other leukemic and solid cancer cells, underscoring its specificity and potential as a targeted therapy for t(8;21) AML.

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis: from fundamentals to frontiers

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have been used as organocatalysts for a multitude of C-C and C-heteroatom bond-forming reactions. They enable diverse modalities of activating a wide range of structurally distinct substrate classes and allow access to electronically distinct intermediates. The easy tunability of the NHC scaffold contributes to its versatility. Recent years have witnessed a surge of interest in various organocatalytic reactions of NHCs, leading to the forays of NHC catalysis into the relatively newer domains such as reactions involving radical intermediates, atroposelective synthesis, umpolung of electrophiles other than aldehydes, and the use of NHCs as non-covalent templates for enantioinduction. This tutorial review provides an overview of various important structural features and reactivity modes of NHCs and delves deep into some frontiers of NHC-organocatalysis.

Stereoselective Radical Acylfluoroalkylation of Bicyclobutanes via N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis

Cyclobutanes are prominent structural components in natural products and drug molecules. With the advent of strain-release-driven synthesis, ring-opening reactions of bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes (BCBs) provide an attractive pathway to construct these three-dimensional structures. However, the stereoselective difunctionalization of the central C-C σ-bonds remains challenging. Reported herein is a covalent-based organocatalytic strategy that exploits radical NHC catalysis to achieve diastereoselective acylfluoroalkylation of BCBs under mild conditions. The Breslow enolate acts as a single electron donor and provides an NHC-bound ketyl radical with appropriate steric hindrance, which effectively distinguishes between the two faces of transient cyclobutyl radicals. This operationally simple method tolerates various fluoroalkyl reagents and common functional groups, providing a straightforward access to polysubstituted cyclobutanes (75 examples, up to >19 : 1 d.r.). The combined experimental and theoretical investigations of this organocatalytic system confirm the formation of the NHC-derived radical and provide an understanding of how stereoselective radical-radical coupling occurs.

Cooperative photoredox and N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed formal C-H acylation of cyclopropanes via a deconstruction-reconstruction strategy

Cyclopropanes are ubiquitous and key structural motifs in commercially available drugs and bioactive molecules. Herein, we present regio-selective acylation of aryl cyclopropanes with cooperative photoredox and N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis. This approach involves a deconstruction-reconstruction strategy via γ-chloro-ketones as intermediates and fulfills the formal C(sp3)-H functionalization of cyclopropanes.

Cooperative NHC and Photoredox Catalyzed Radical Aminoacylation of Alkenes to Tetrahydropyridazines

Tetrahydropyridazines constitute an important structural motif found in numerous natural products and pharmaceutical compounds. Herein, we report an aminoacylation reaction of alkenes that enables the synthesis of 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazines through cooperative N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and photoredox catalysis. This approach involves the 6-endo-trig cyclization of N-centered hydrazonyl radicals, generated via single-electron oxidation of hydrazones, followed by a radical-radical coupling step. The mild process tolerates a wide range of common functional groups and affords a variety of tetrahydropyridazines in moderate to high yields. Preliminary investigations using chiral NHC catalysts demonstrate the potential of this protocol for asymmetric radical reactions.

Radical C-Glycosylation Using Photoexcitable Unprotected Glycosyl Borate

We have developed radical C-glycosylation using photoexcitable unprotected glycosyl borate. The direct excitation of glycosyl borate under visible light irradiation enabled the generation of anomeric radical without any photoredox catalysts. The in situ generated anomeric radical was applicable to the radical addition such as Giese-type addition and Minisci-type reaction to introduce alkyl and heteroaryl groups at the anomeric position. In addition, the radical-radical coupling between the glycosyl borate and acyl imidazolide provided unprotected acyl C-glycosides.

Catalyst Control over S(IV)-stereogenicity via Carbene-derived Sulfinyl Azolium Intermediates

Stereoselective synthesis utilizing small-molecule catalysts, particularly N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC), has facilitated swift access to enantioenriched molecules through diverse activation modes and NHC-bound reactive intermediates. While carbonyl derivatives, imines, and "activated" alkenes have been extensively investigated, the exploration of heteroatom-centered analogues of NHC-bound intermediates has long been neglected, despite the significant potential for novel chemical transformations they offer once recognized. Herein, we disclose a carbene-catalyzed new activation mode by generating unique sulfinyl azolium intermediates from carbene nucleophilic addition to in situ-generated mixed sulfinic anhydride intermediates. Combined experimental and computational mechanistic investigations pinpoint the chiral NHC-catalyzed formation of sulfinyl azolium intermediate as the enantio-determining step. The novel "S"-based carbene reactive intermediate imparts high efficiency for the catalytic construction of sulfur-stereogenic compounds, giving rise to sulfinate esters with high yields and enantioselectivities under mild conditions. Notably, distinct from most of the NHC-catalyzed enantioselective transformations focusing on the "C" central chiral products, our study realizes a unique carbene-catalyst control over chiral "S" stereocenters via direct asymmetric S-O bond formation for the first time. Furthermore, these sulfinyl-containing products could serve as versatile synthetic platforms for enantioenriched S-stereogenic functional molecules and exhibit remarkable antibacterial activities against rice plant pathogens, which is valuable for the development of novel agrochemical agents.

Redox-Paired Reductive Heck Reaction and Oxidative Esterification Catalyzed by Mesoionic Carbenes

Paring a reductive reaction and an oxidative reaction in one reaction could be immensely important in achieving atom economic and environmental advantages. Herein, we report a simple protocol that combines two such reductive Heck reactions and oxidative esterification by using mesoionic carbenes as catalysts to synthesize multiple valuable products under mild conditions.

NHC catalyzed radical tandem cyclization: an efficient synthesis of α,α-difluoro-γ-lactam derivatives

Herein, an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed radical tandem cyclization reaction of N-allylbromodifluoroacetamides and aldehydes has been developed. This method is an efficient protocol for synthesizing α,α-difluoro-γ-lactam derivatives in moderate to good yields (27 examples, up to 88% yield and 10 : 1 dr). This strategy features mild and metal-free conditions, high efficiency, and a broad substrate scope.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Enabled Functionalization of Inert C(Sp3)-H Bonds via Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) Processes

Developing methods to directly transform C(sp3) -H bonds is crucial in synthetic chemistry due to their prevalence in various organic compounds. While conventional protocols have largely relied on transition metal catalysis, recent advancements in organocatalysis, particularly with radical NHC catalysis have sparked interest in the direct functionalization of "inert" C(sp3) -H bonds for cross C-C coupling with carbonyl moieties. This strategy involves selective cleavage of C(sp3) -H bonds to generate key carbon radicals, often achieved via hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) processes. By leveraging the bond dissociation energy (BDE) and polarity effects, HAT enables the rapid functionalization of diverse C(sp3)-H substrates, such as ethers, amines, and alkanes. This mini-review summarizes the progress in carbene organocatalytic functionalization of inert C(sp3)-H bonds enabled by HAT processes, categorizing them into two sections: 1) C-H functionalization involving acyl azolium intermediates; and 2) functionalization of C-H bonds via reductive Breslow intermediates.

A simple N-heterocyclic carbene for the catalytic up-conversion of aldehydes into stoichiometric super electron donors

Catalytic amounts of 1,3-di(methyl)imidazole-2-ylidene, one of the simplest and most prototypical N-heterocyclic carbenes, can up-convert aldehydes into powerful stoichiometric sources of electrons (Super Electron Donors) for reductive transformations of iodoaryls (E red < -2 V). In particular, the hydroarylation of 1,1'-diarylethylenes, which may require high temperatures and inherently generate stoichiometric amounts of oxidized waste, was performed at room temperature, with the concomitant formation of esters as oxidized co-products.

Homologation of Ketones: Direct Transformation of Alkyl Ketones to Aryl Ketones via Photoredox Catalyzed Deacylation-Aroylation Sequence

Ketones, as essential functional group skeletons, have garnered significant interest due to their diverse transformations. Herein, we describe a versatile photoredox catalyzed deacylation-aroylation strategy that enables the direct transformation of alkyl ketones to aryl ketones. This process involves photoredox deacylation of dihydroquinazolinones derived from alkyl ketones to generate alkyl radicals, followed by subsequent NHC-catalyzed or NHC-mediated radical aroylation.

Harnessing the potential of acyl triazoles in bifunctional cobalt-catalyzed radical cross-coupling reactions

Persistent radicals facilitate numerous selective radical coupling reactions. Here, we have identified acyl triazole as a new and versatile moiety for generating persistent radical intermediates through single-electron transfer processes. The efficient generation of these persistent radicals is facilitated by the formation of substrate-coordinated cobalt complexes, which subsequently engage in radical cross-coupling reactions. Remarkably, triazole-coordinated cobalt complexes exhibit metal-hydride hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) capabilities with alkenes, enabling the efficient synthesis of diverse ketone products without the need for external ligands. By leveraging the persistent radical effect, this catalytic approach also allows for the development of other radical cross-coupling reactions with two representative radical precursors. The discovery of acyl triazoles as effective substrates for generating persistent radicals and as ligands for cobalt catalysis, combined with the bifunctional nature of the cobalt catalytic system, opens up new avenues for the design and development of efficient and sustainable organic transformations.

Ni/Photoredox-Catalyzed Enantioselective Acylation of α-Bromobenzoates with Aldehydes: A Formal Approach to Aldehyde-Aldehyde Cross-Coupling

The catalytic cross-coupling of identical or similar functional groups is a cornerstone strategy for carbon-carbon bond formation, as exemplified by renowned methods, such as olefin cross-metathesis, Kolbe electrolysis, and various cross-electrophile couplings. However, similar methodologies for coupling aldehydes─fundamental building blocks in organic synthesis─remain underdeveloped. While the benzoin-type condensation, first reported in 1832, offers a reliable route for aldehyde dimerization, the chemo- and enantioselective cross-coupling of nonidentical yet similar aldehydes remains an unsolved challenge. Herein, we report a unified platform enabling highly chemo- and enantioselective cross-coupling of aldehydes. By leveraging nickel photoredox catalysis in tandem with discrete activation strategies for each aldehyde, this mechanistically distinct approach facilitates the enantioselective union of an aldehyde-derived α-oxy radical with an acyl radical, photocatalytically generated from a distinct aldehyde. This novel strategy enables modular access to enantioenriched α-oxygenated ketones with two minimally differentiated aliphatic substituents, a feat not achievable with existing chemocatalytic or biocatalytic techniques. The synthetic utility of this method is demonstrated by its application in the streamlined asymmetric synthesis of various medicinally relevant molecules. Additionally, mechanistic investigations rationalize the versatility of nickel photoredox catalysis to exploit new pathways for addressing long-standing synthetic challenges.

Recent Advances in NHC-Catalyzed Chemoselective Activation of Carbonyl Compounds

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) catalysts have been employed as effective tools in the development of various reactions, which have made notable contributions in developing diverse reaction modes and generating significant functionalized molecules. This review provides an overview of the recent advancements in the chemo- and regioselective activation of different aldehydes using NHCs, categorized into five parts based on the different activation modes. A brief conclusion and outlook is provided to stimulate the development of novel activation modes for accessing functional molecules.

Synthesis of γ-Oxo-phosphonates via N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed Acylphosphorylation of Alkenes

In this study, we present an N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed method for the radical acylphosphorylation of alkenes. Electrochemical investigations were employed to identify an appropriate class of oxime phosphonates capable of undergoing a single-electron transfer (SET) with Breslow enolates. The resulting phosphoryl radicals were effectively coupled with diverse styrenes and aldehydes to yield a variety of γ-oxo-phosphonates. Both radical clock experiments and electrochemical studies support our reaction design, and a plausible mechanism for the organocatalytic transformation is proposed.

Phosphonylacylation of Alkenes Enabled by Visible-Light-Induced N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis

Herein, we report the phosphonylacylation of alkenes via visible-light-induced N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis to afford a series of γ-ketophosphonates in moderate to good yields. This protocol features mild conditions, free of photocatalyst, and good compatibility of functional groups. The excited Breslow enolate intermediate was proposed to undergo single-electron transfer with oxime phosphonate to generate the corresponding ketyl radical and phosphonyl radical.

Photo-Catalyzed Acyl Azolium Promoted Selective α-C(sp3 )-H Acylation of Acetone via HAT: Access to Thermodynamically Less Favoured (Z)-α,β-Unsaturated Ketones

Mono α-acylation of acetone has been achieved for the first time by reacting with bench-stable acyl azolium salts under violet-LED light at room temperature. The intermolecular hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) from acetone to triplet state of azolium salts under violet LED irradiation resulted in thermodynamically less favourable (Z)-α,β-unsaturated ketones with up to 99 : 1 selectivity via C-C bond formation. This compelling protocol access the desired α-C(sp3 )-H acylation product under metal-, ligand- and oxidant-free conditions on a wide range of substrates.

1H-1,2,3-Triazol-5-ylidenes as Catalytic Organic Single-Electron Reductants

Most of the known single-electron reductants are either metal based reagents, used in a stoichiometric amount, or a combination of an organic species and a photocatalyst. Here we report that 1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-ylidenes act not only as stoichiometric one-electron donors but also as catalytic organic reducing agents, without the need of a photocatalyst. As a proof of concept, we studied the reduction of quinones, which are well-known electron conveyors that are involved in various biological and industrial processes. This work also provides experimental evidence for the formation of a bis(triazolium)carbonate adduct, which acts as the resting state of the catalytic cycle and as the carbene reservoir.

Photoinduced cerium-catalyzed C-H acylation of unactivated alkanes

Ketones are ubiquitous motifs in the realm of pharmaceuticals and natural products. Traditional approaches to accessing these species involve the addition of metal reagents to carboxyl compounds under harsh conditions. Herein, we report a cerium-catalyzed acylation of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds using bench-stable acyl azolium reagents under mild and operationally-friendly conditions. This reaction exhibits excellent generality, accommodating a wide range of feedstock chemicals such as cycloalkanes and acyclic compounds as well as facilitating the late-stage functionalization of pharmaceuticals. We demonstrate further applications of our strategy with a three-component radical relay reaction and an enantioselective N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and cerium dual-catalyzed reaction.

Light-Driven Enantioselective Carbene-Catalyzed Radical-Radical Coupling

An enantioselective carbene-catalyzed radical-radical coupling of acyl imidazoles and racemic Hantzsch esters is disclosed. This method involves the coupling of an N-heterocyclic carbene-derived ketyl radical and a secondary sp3 -carbon radical and allows access to chiral α-aryl aliphatic ketones in moderate-to-good yields and enantioselectivities without any competitive epimerization. The utility of this protocol is highlighted by the late-stage functionalization of various pharmaceutical compounds and is further demonstrated by the transformation of the enantioenriched products to biologically relevant molecules. Computational investigations reveal the N-heterocyclic carbene controls the double-facial selectivity of the ketyl radical and the alkyl radicals, respectively.

Recent advances in combining photo- and N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are unique Lewis basic catalysts that mediate various organic transformations by means of polarity reversal. Although the scope of research on two-electron reactions mediated by NHC catalysts has been expanding, the types of these reactions are limited by the inability of NHCs to engage sp3-electrophiles. However, the revival of photocatalysis has accelerated the development of free-radical chemistry, and combining photoredox catalysis and NHC catalysis to achieve NHC-mediated radical reactions under mild conditions could overcome the above-mentioned limitation. This review summarizes recent advances in combining photoredox and NHC catalysis, focusing on elucidation and exploration of mechanisms, with the aim of identifying challenges and opportunities to develop more types of catalytic models.

Cooperative Photoredox and N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Fluoroaroylation for the Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Ketones

α-Trifluoromethylated ketones have attracted significant attention as valuable building blocks in organic synthesis. Such compounds are generally accessed through trifluoromethylation of ketones. Here we report an alternative disconnection approach for the construction of α-CF3 carbonyl compounds by using aroyl fluorides as bifunctional reagents for fluoroaroylation of gem-difluoroalkenes through cooperative photoredox and N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis. This strategy bypasses the use of expensive or sensitive trifluoromethylation reagents and/or the requirement for ketone pre-functionalization, thus enabling an efficient and general synthetic method to access α-CF3 -substituted ketones. A wide variety of gem-difluoroalkenes and aroyl fluorides bearing a diverse set of functional groups are eligible substrates. Notably, the developed methodology also provides rapid access to mono- or difluoroalkyl ketones. Mechanistic studies reveal that merging photoredox catalysis with NHC catalysis is essential for the reaction.

Synthesis of Pyrroloindolines via N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Dearomative Amidoacylation of Indole Derivatives

Pyrroloindoline is a privileged heterocyclic motif that is widely present in many natural products and pharmaceutical compounds. Herein, we report an amidyl radical-mediated dearomatization for synthesizing a series of pyrroloindolines via N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis. In this organocatalytic process, the Breslow enolate served as both a single electron donor and an acyl radical equivalent to assemble C3a-acyl pyrroloindolines with a broad substrate scope. Sequential reduction of the indole derivatives provided the analogues of (±)-desoxyeseroline, which exhibited potential anticancer activity.

Organocatalytic C-H Functionalization of Simple Alkanes

The direct functionalization of inert C(sp3 )-H bonds to form carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds offers vast potential for chemical synthesis and therefore receives increasing attention. At present, most successes come from strategies using metal catalysts/reagents or photo/electrochemical processes. The use of organocatalysis for this purpose remains scarce, especially when dealing with challenging C-H bonds such as those from simple alkanes. Here we disclose the first organocatalytic direct functionalization/acylation of inert C(sp3 )-H bonds of completely unfunctionalized alkanes. Our approach involves N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst-mediated carbonyl radical intermediate generation and coupling with simple alkanes (through the corresponding alkyl radical intermediates generated via a hydrogen atom transfer process). Unreactive C-H bonds are widely present in fossil fuel feedstocks, commercially important organic polymers, and complex molecules such as natural products. Our present study shall inspire a new avenue for quick functionalization of these molecules under the light- and metal-free catalytic conditions.

NHC-catalyzed radical acylation of cycloalkyl silyl peroxides to access 1,6-,1,7-, and 1,8-diketones

An unprecedented N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed radical acylation of cycloalkyl silyl peroxides was developed using readily available aldehydes as the acylating agents. This protocol provides an exceptionally useful method for the efficient and rapid synthesis of long-chain 1,6-/1,7-/1,8-diketones, especially unsymmetrical ones. This strategy also has the advantages of mild conditions, good functional group compatibility, and potential applications in the late-stage functionalization of aldehydes with bioactive fragments and in the construction of long-chain complex bioactive molecules.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Radical-Radical Coupling of Potassium Trifluoroborates with Acyl Azoliums

Potassium trifluoroborates have gained significant utility as coupling partners in organic synthesis, particularly in the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction. Recently, they have also been used as radical precursors under oxidative conditions to generate carbon-centered radicals. These versatile reagents have found new applications in photoredox catalysis, including radical substitution, conjugate addition reactions, and transition metal dual catalysis. In addition, this photomediated redox neutral process has enabled radical-radical coupling with persistent radicals in the absence of a metal, and this process remains to be fully explored. In this study, we report the radical-radical coupling of benzylic potassium trifluoroborate salts with isolated acyl azolium triflates, which are persistent radical precursors. The reaction is catalyzed by an organic photocatalyst and forms isolable tertiary alcohol species. These compounds can be transformed into a range of substituted ketone products by simple treatment with a mild base.

Cooperative Carbene Photocatalysis for β-Amino Ester Synthesis

β-Amino acids are useful building blocks of bioactive molecules, including peptidomimetics and pharmaceutical compounds. The current limited accessibility to β2,2-type amino acids which bear an α-quaternary center has limited their use in chemical synthesis and biological investigations. Disclosed herein is the development of a new N-heterocyclic carbene/photocatalyzed aminocarboxylation of olefins, affording β2,2-amino esters with high regioselectivity. The generation of nitrogen-centered radicals derived from simple imides via a sequence of deprotonation and single-electron oxidation allows for the subsequent addition to geminal-disubstituted olefins regioselectively. The intermediate tertiary radicals then cross-couple with a stabilized azolium-based radical generated in situ to efficiently construct the quaternary centers. Mechanistic studies, including Stern-Volmer fluorescence quenching experiments, support the proposed catalytic cycle.

Direct Acylation of Unactivated Alkyl Halides with Aldehydes through N-Heterocyclic Carbene Organocatalysis

Catalytic acylation of organohalides with aldehydes is an ideal strategy for the direct synthesis of ketones. However, the utilization of unactivated alkyl halides in such a transformation remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we developed a cross-coupling reaction of aldehydes with unactivated alkyl halides through N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis. With this protocol, various ketones could be rapidly synthesized from readily available starting materials under mild conditions. This organocatalytic system was successfully applied in the late-stage functionalization of pharmaceutical derivatives. Mechanistic investigations suggest a closed-shell nucleophilic substitution mechanism for this reaction.

New class of RSO2-NHC ligands and Pd/RSO2-NHC complexes with tailored electronic properties and high performance in catalytic C-C and C-N bonds formation

Imidazolium salts have found ubiquitous applications as N-heterocyclic carbene precursors and metal nanoparticle stabilizers in catalysis and metallodrug research. Substituents directly attached to the imidazole ring can have a significant influence on the electronic, steric, and other properties of NHC-proligands as well as their metal complexes. In the present study, for the first time, a new type of Pd/NHC complex with the RSO2 group directly attached to the imidazol-2-ylidene ligand core was designed and synthesized. The electronic properties as well as structural features of the new ligands were evaluated by means of experimental and computational methods. Interestingly, the introduction of a 4-aryl(alkyl)sulfonyl group only slightly decreased the electron donation, but it significantly increased the π-acceptance and slightly enhanced the buried volume (%Vbur) of new imidazol-2-ylidenes. New Pd/NHC complexes were obtained through selective C(2)H-palladation of some of the synthesized 4-RSO2-functionalized imidazolium salts under mild conditions. Several complexes demonstrated good activity in the catalysis of model cross-coupling reactions, outperforming the activity of similar complexes with non-substituted NHC ligands.

Acyl Azolium-Photoredox-Enabled Synthesis of β-Keto Sulfides

α-Heteroatom functionalization is a key strategy for C-C bond formation in organic synthesis, as exemplified by the addition of a nucleophile to electrophilic functional groups, such as iminium ions; oxocarbenium ions; and their sulfur analogues, sulfenium ions. We envisioned a photoredox-enabled radical Pummerer-type reaction realized through the single-electron oxidation of a sulfide. Following this oxidative event, α-deprotonation would afford α-thio radicals that participate in radical-radical coupling reactions with azolium-bound ketyl radicals, thereby accessing a commonly proposed mechanistic intermediate of the radical-radical coupling en route to functionalized additive Pummerer products. This system provides a complementary synthetic approach to highly functionalized sulfurous products, including modification of methionine residues in peptides, and beckons further exploration in C-C bond formations previously limited in the standard two-electron process.

Visible-Light-Mediated NHC and Tertiary Amine Catalysis Enabling α-H Acylation of Alkenes

An intermolecular direct α-C-H acylation of alkenes was revealed by the visible-light-mediated N-heterocyclic carbene and quinuclidine catalysis. This convenient protocol provides a facile synthesis toward novel natural products and drug derivatives of α-substituted vinyl ketones. Mechanistic investigations indicated that the transformation proceeded via sequential radical addition, radical coupling, and an elimination process.

Synthesis of β-Ketonitriles via N-Heterocyclic-Carbene-Catalyzed Radical Coupling of Aldehydes and Azobis(isobutyronitrile)

Herein, an NHC (N-heterocyclic carbene)-catalyzed radical coupling reaction between aldehydes and azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) has been developed. This method provides an efficient and convenient approach for the synthesis of β-ketonitriles containing a quaternary carbon center (31 examples, up to >99% yield) utilizing commercially available substrates. This protocol features broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and high efficiency under metal-free and mild reaction conditions.

Synthesis of Thioesters from Aldehydes via N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Catalyzed Radical Relay

We have developed an efficient N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed thioesterification of aldehydes using N-thiosuccinimides as the thiolation reagent. This organocatalyzed transition involves the generation of sulfur radicals by single electron transfer of the Breslow enolate (generated from aldehyde and NHC catalyst) with N-thiosuccinimides. This method offers facile access to various highly functionalized thioesters and exhibits good chemical yields and functional group tolerance.

Alkynyl Acylazolium: a Versatile 1,3-Bielectrophilic 3C-Synthon in NHC-Organocatalysis

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis has emerged as a powerful tool in the field of modern organic synthesis especially in the asymmetric construction of various cyclic skeletons. As an emerging NHC-bound 1,3-bielectrophilic intermediate, alkynyl acylazolium has drawn substantial attention in recent years, and has been used as a versatile 3C-synthon in synthesizing valuable organic molecules since its discovery. In this review, focused on the different pathways for the formation of alkynyl acylazoliums from different precursors like alkynoic esters, alkynoic acids and ynals, the recent advances in the transformations and applications of alkynyl acylazoliums pioneered or developed over the last decade under NHC-catalysis were summarized comprehensively. At the same time, the outlook for further investigation and exploration of novel reaction modes for alkynyl acylazoliums in the future was also discussed.

Carbene-Catalyzed Activation of 2-Aminobenzaldehyde for Access to Chiral Fluorescent Quinazolinone

A carbene-catalyzed reaction to synthesize a chiral quinazolinone with a new activation mode of an "aniline-like" N-H moiety is disclosed. Addition of the nitrogen atom of diphenyl o-aminobenzaldehydes via NHC activation to imines leads to chiral quinazolinones with high yields and optical purities. The acidity of the N-H moiety was extremely increased through the formation of an acyl azolium intermediate, which was investigated by DFT calculations. Moreover, the chiral quinazolinones were found to have high fluorescence quantum efficiency.

Photoinduced Acylations Via Azolium-Promoted Intermolecular Hydrogen Atom Transfer

Photoinduced hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) has been developed as a powerful tool to generate synthetically valuable radical species. The direct photoexcitation of ketones has been known to promote HAT or to generate acyl radicals through Norrish-type pathways, but these modalities remain severely limited by radical side reactions. We report herein a catalyst- and transition metal-free method for the acylation of C-H bonds that leverages the unique properties of stable, isolable acyl azolium species. Specifically, acyl azolium salts are shown to undergo an intermolecular and regioselective HAT upon LED irradiation with a range of substrates bearing active C-H bonds followed by C-C bond formation to afford ketones. Experimental and computational studies support photoexcitation of the acyl azolium followed by facile intersystem crossing to access triplet diradical species that promote selective HAT and radical-radical cross-coupling.

Metal-Free Generation of γ-Cyanoalkyl Radicals by N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis: Assembly of 6-Cyanoalkyl Phenanthridines

A number of γ-cyanoalkyl radicals were generated by sustainable N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis in tin-, transition-meal-, and light-free conditions, followed by insertion into biaryl isonitriles, thus leading to the rapid assembly of a variety of diversely functionalized 6-cyanoalkyl phenanthridines. A preliminary mechanism study revealed that a single-electron transfer radical process was possibly involved.

CF2Br2 as a Source for Difluoroolefination of 1,3-Enynes via N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis

Commercially available CF₂Br₂ has been used as a convenient source for the rapid and reliable incorporation of the gem-difluorovinyl motif into an allene framework via an N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed difluoroolefination of 1,3-enynes. The reaction proceeds through a cascade three-component radical relay/elimination process. This protocol is distinguished by its mild conditions, readily accessible starting materials, wide substrate scope, and ease of late-stage functionalization, thus unlocking an untraditional strategy to construct a new class of functionalized gem-difluorovinyl allenes.

Redox-Neutral Generation of Iminyl Radicals by N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis: Rapid Access to Phenanthridines from Vinyl Azides

An N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed oxidant-, metal- and light-free iminyl radical generation pathway stemming from the reaction of vinyl azide and α-bromo ester is uncovered. This newly developed methodology is successfully applied to the redox-neutral construction of a number of diversified phenanthridine derivatives with nice functional group compatibility. Insights from the mechanism study reveal that this NHC-catalyzed transformation potentially proceeds through an alkyl radical addition-initiated HAS process, with the iminyl radical as an active intermediate.