Three-Component Iminolactonization Reaction via Bifunctionalization of Olefins Using Molecular Iodine and Visible Light

Copper-Catalyzed Three-Component Carboiminolactonization of Electron-Deficient Olefins

Herein we report the three-component copper-catalyzed carboiminolactonization of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl derivatives. In the presence of a Cu(I) catalyst, α-haloesters, electron-deficient alkenes, and primary amines couple to generate γ-iminolactones in a single step. The scope of the reaction is explored with respect to the three coupling partners. Nineteen examples are presented with yields of these hydrolytically labile heterocycles of up to 69%. Mechanistic investigations support the formation of an oxocarbenium by way of an atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) intermediate.

Cu-Catalyzed Three-Component Carboamination of Electron Deficient Olefins

The copper-catalyzed three-component carboamination of atropates for the synthesis of α-aryl amino acid derivatives is presented. The scope of the reaction is explored with respect to all three coupling partners: the alkyl halide, the atropate, and the aryl amine. A total of 41 examples are included, with yields of ≤92%. Both primary and secondary aryl amines participate in the carboamination along with α-haloesters, nitriles, and perfluoroiodoalkanes. Mechanistic investigations support a radical mechanism involving Cu-mediated C-N bond formation with the radical adduct.

Tandem addition of nucleophilic and electrophilic reagents to vinyl phosphinates: the stereoselective formation of organophosphorus compounds with congested tertiary carbons

Carbon anions formed via the addition of Grignard reagents to SP-vinyl phosphinates were modified with electrophilic reagents to afford organophosphorus compounds with diverse carbon skeletons. The electrophiles included acids, aldehydes, epoxy groups, chalcogens and alkyl halides. When alkyl halides were used, bis-alkylated products were afforded. Substitution reactions or polymerization occurred when the reaction was applied to vinyl phosphine oxides.

[Development of Molecular Transformation Reactions Using Visible Light and Main Group Elements]

Owing to their ability to induce excitation of specific molecular orbitals or initiate chemical reactions, photochemical reactions have the potential to be more effective at selectively activating target molecules than thermal reactions. The thermal reactions transfer thermal energy to activate molecules, which often leads to the activation of multiple molecular species, including undesired ones, resulting in non-selectivity. This nonselectivity may result in undesirable side reactions or decrease reaction efficiency. Additionally, photochemical reactions can induce selective activation by absorbing specific wavelengths of light. However, visible light-driven photocatalytic reactions typically require expensive transition metal catalysts or organic dyes, leaving plenty of room for improvement. To address the aforementioned issues, the photochemical properties of the main group elements, such as halogens, were optimized and methodologies for visible light-induced reactions were developed. Activation of molecular halogen, halogen-carbon bonds, and halogen bonding interactions were independently investigated and various methodologies were reported. These developed reactions are excellent methodologies that use inexpensive raw materials and are thus predicted to contribute significantly toward sustainability.

Copper-catalyzed intramolecular iminolactonization cyclization reactions of remote C(sp3)–H bonds in carboxamides

A novel and efficient synthetic method for iminolactones by copper-catalyzed intramolecular C(sp3)–H bond functionalization of carboxamides via a cascade process is reported for the first time.