Switching Over of the Chemoselectivity: I2-DMSO-Enabled α,α-Dichlorination of Functionalized Methyl Ketones

NXS/TBHP as a Reagent System for Expedient Generation of Halogen Radicals: Site-Selective Halogenation of Quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones and Conversion of Terminal Alkynes to gem-Dihaloketones

We report an efficient and practical protocol for the generation of halogen (Br and Cl) radicals using inexpensive and readily available N-bromo/N-chlorosuccinimide (NXS) and t-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) at rt. The NXS/TBHP reagent systems are demonstrated for site-selective bromination and chlorination of the benzene-core of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones. It is shown that the reagent system permits regioselective halogenation at the C7 position of the benzene core over the readily-functionalized C3 position of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones under mild reaction conditions. We further show that terminal alkynes can be converted to gem-dihaloketones in a facile manner by NXS/TBHP. Mechanistically, single electron transfer between TBHP and NXS leads to instantaneous formation of electrophilic halogen radicals, which attack arenes and alkynes.

Repurposing of halogenated organic pollutants via alkyl bromide-catalysed transfer chlorination

Halogenated organic pollutants (HOPs) are causing a significant environmental and human health crisis due to their high levels of toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation. Urgent action is required to develop effective approaches for the reduction and reuse of HOPs. Whereas current strategies focus primarily on the degradation of HOPs, repurposing them is an alternative approach, albeit a challenging task. Here we discover that alkyl bromide can act as a catalyst for the transfer of chlorine using alkyl chloride as the chlorine source. We demonstrate that this approach has a wide substrate scope, and we successfully apply it to reuse HOPs that include dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, hexabromocyclododecane, chlorinated paraffins, chloromethyl polystyrene and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Moreover, we show that the synthesis of essential non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be achieved using PVC and hexabromocyclododecane, and we demonstrate that PVC waste can be used directly as a chlorinating agent. Overall, this methodology offers a promising strategy for repurposing HOPs.

Recent advances in oxidative chlorination

Considering the wide occurrence and extensive application of organic chlorides in many research fields, the development of easy, practical and green chlorination methodologies is much needed. In the oxidative chlorination strategy, active chlorinating species can be in situ formed by the interaction of easily accessible chlorides such as NaCl, HCl, KCl, CHCl3, etc. and suitable oxidants. Among the established chlorination approaches, this strategy is an attractive one as it features the use of readily available, cheap and safe inorganic or organic chlorides, good atom economy of chlorine, and multiple choices of oxidants. This review summarizes the representative methodologies in the field of oxidative chlorination, covering 2013 to 2023.

An I2-DMSO catalytic manifold enabled aromatization for C-ring editing of podophyllotoxone

The precise aromatization of the C-ring of podophyllotoxone to access value-added dehydropodophyllotoxin derivatives conventionally requires the use of equivalent amounts of unsustainable oxidants and suffers from inefficiencies. Taking advantage of the hydridic character of the C8 and C8' of podophyllotoxone, we have developed an I2-DMSO catalytic manifold that enables a green and selective dehydrogenative aromatization to overcome these synthetic challenges. An unprecedented dehydrogenative amination of podophyllotoxone derivatives was also realized using aniline as the reaction partner.