Photoredox-Catalyzed Four-Component Reaction for the Synthesis of Complex Secondary Amines

The Ground State of Multispin Systems Based on Verdazyl and Nitrene Radicals: An EPR and Quantum-Chemical Study

In this study, low-temperature EPR spectroscopy and quantum-chemical techniques were employed to investigate multispin systems─1,5-diphenyl-3-(3-nitrenophenyl)-6-oxoverdazyl and 1,5-diphenyl-3-(4-nitrenophenyl)-6-oxoverdazyl─that contain a nitrene center at either a meta- or para-position, respectively. Ground states and magnetic zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters of these multispin systems were determined by experimental and computational methods. The results indicated that the high-spin quartet state is a ground state, and the quartet-doublet energy gap is close to 10 kcal/mol for the para-position of the nitrene group, with ZFS parameters D = 0.292 cm-1 and E/D = 0.002 cm-1. In contrast, for the meta-position, the low-spin doublet state is favored with an energy gap of 1 kcal/mol. The observed difference in the ground states could be qualitatively explained by an analysis of the spin density distribution and by delocalization of the unpaired π-electron of the nitrene center. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the electronic structures and magnetic parameters of such multispin systems.

Photoredox catalyzed reductive trifluoromethylation of imines via a radical umpolung strategy

Visible light-induced radical umpolung chemistry is utilized to synthesize trifluoromethylated unnatural α-amino acid and amine derivatives. This approach utilizes photoredox catalysis to perform a single-electron-transfer reduction of imines generating a N-centred radical that eventually migrates to the C-centre followed by a radical-radical cross-coupling to deliver reductive trifluoromethylation products.

Silyl Radicals as Single-Electron Reductants: α-Aminoalkyl Radical Formation via a Photocatalytic Oxidatively Initiated Radical Chain Process

The α-amino-radical constitutes a versatile reactive intermediate that has been used to great effect in the synthesis of complex amine-containing products. Here, we report the development of a multicomponent photocatalytic platform enabling access to all-alkyl α-amino-radicals, exploiting the oxidative formation of silyl-radicals from commercially available tris(trimethylsilyl)silane. A key design element of the new process involves the role of silyl-radicals in generating α-amino-radicals from iminium ions as part of an oxidatively initiated photocatalytic radical chain process. This distinct activation mode is showcased by engaging the ensuing radicals in cross-radical coupling with persistent arene radical anions, enabling the arylation of in situ-generated all-alkyl iminium ions to furnish alkyl-substituted benzylamines.

Simplified Version of the Eschweiler-Clarke Reaction

The traditional Eschweiler-Clarke reaction is a three-component process involving formaldehyde, amine, and formic acid. In this work, we showed that the reductive potential of formaldehyde was sufficient to provide methylation of secondary amines in the absence of acidic additives. Various acid-sensitive moieties remain intact under developed conditions. The scalability of the elaborated approach was shown for several products. Synthesis of the antifungal agent butenafine demonstrated the preparative utility of the developed approach.

One-Pot Synthesis of Cereblon Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras via Photoinduced C(sp2)-C(sp3) Cross Coupling and Amide Formation for Proteolysis Targeting Chimera Library Synthesis

In this study, a one-pot synthesis via photoinduced C(sp2)-C(sp3) coupling followed by amide formation to access proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) was developed. The described protocol was studied on cereblon (CRBN)-based E3-ligase binders and (+)-JQ-1, a bromodomain inhibitor, to generate BET (bromodomain and extra terminal domain) targeting protein degraders. The generated PROTACs were profiled in vitro and tested for their degradation ability with several potent candidates identified. Upfront, the individual reactions of the one-pot transformation were carefully optimized for CRBN binder functionalization and multiple heterobifunctional linker moieties were designed and synthesized. Separate scopes detailing the C(sp2)-C(sp3) coupling and one-pot PROTAC synthesis are described in this report as well as a library miniaturization study showing the high-throughput compatibility. Overall, the developed protocol provides rapid access to PROTACs in a single process, thereby allowing efficient generation of CRBN-based PROTAC libraries.

Photocatalytic Three-Component Reaction for the Synthesis of Multifunctional Diaryl Sulfides

A photocatalytic three-component reaction of a nitroarene, a thiophenol, and a ketone for the synthesis of multifunctional diaryl sulfides was reported using a nitro group as the nitrogen source and thiophenol as the sulfur source. Thiophenol also serves as a proton donor to reduce nitroarene to arylamine as a key intermediate for the formation of C-N and C-S bonds. Good functional group tolerance and mild reaction conditions make this method have practical synthetic value for diversified multifunctional diaryl sulfides.

Metal-Free Photoredox Four-Component Strategy to 1,3-Functionalized BCP Derivatives

Trifluoromethyl bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) have attracted significant attention from the scientific community and pharmaceutical industries due to their advantageous physicochemical properties as arene bioisosteres. Initial photoredox perfluoroalkylation of [1.1.1]propellane triggers the tandem reaction to the perfluoroalkyl BCP radical followed by Giese addition to an in situ generated electron-deficient alkene by Knoevenagel condensation in a four-component fashion to form 1,3-functionalized BCPs. This strategy provides easy access to various 1,3-functionalized perfluoroalkyl BCP derivatives with the added advantage of nitrile group as a functional handle to diversified transformations. This methodology offers scalability and late-stage derivatization of drug molecules with high chemoselectivity.

Alternatives to Iridium: A Polyaza[7]helicene as a Strongly Reductive Visible Light Photoredox Catalyst

The use of a readily accessible polyazahelicene as a strongly reducing metal-free alternative to the commonly used precious metal based photoredox catalysts is demonstrated. An improved two-step synthesis of the catalyst is described, and its photophysical properties with respect to its use as a photoredox catalyst are evaluated. Its activity under visible light irradiation is proven by application in two double radical light-driven multicomponent reactions. The azahelicene gave comparable results to an iridium-based catalyst originally used for the same transformations.

Synthesis of New Thermoresponsive Polymers Possessing the Dense 1,2,3-Triazole Backbone

Thermoresponsive water-soluble polymers, aqueous solutions of which undergo lower critical solution temperature (LCST)-type phase separation, have been investigated in detail for several decades. To develop LCST-type thermoresponsive polymers with new polymer backbone, 4-azido-5-hexynamide (AHA) derivatives were designed as monomers for copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) polymerization. AHA derivatives carrying secondary amide side chains, that is, 4-azido-N-methyl-5-hexynamide (M), 4-azido-N-ethyl-5-hexynamide (E), and 4-azido-N-isopropyl-5-hexynamide (iP), were first synthesized and polymerized by CuAAC to obtain polymers (poly(M), poly(E), and poly(iP)). Contrary to our expectation, poly(M), poly(E), and poly(iP) were insoluble in water and many organic solvents presumably because of the formation of hydrogen bonding between the amide side chains or between the amide side chains and triazole residues in the backbone. Thus, AHA derivatives carrying tertiary amide side chains, that is, 4-azido-N,N-dimethyl-5-hexynamide (MM), 4-azido-N-ethyl-N-methyl-5-hexynamide (ME), 4-azido-N-isopropyl-N-methyl-5-hexynamide (MiP), and 4-azido-N,N-diethyl-5-hexynamide (EE), were also synthesized and polymerized to yield polymers (poly(MM), poly(ME), poly(MiP), and poly(EE)). These polymers were soluble in a number of common organic solvents. It is noteworthy that poly(MM) and poly(ME) were also soluble in water. The phase separation behavior of 1.0 wt % aqueous solutions of poly(MM) and poly(ME) was then investigated by transmittance measurements. These data indicated that poly(ME) was an LCST-type thermoresponsive polymer, whereas poly(MM) was not. A large hysteresis was observed in the transmittance measurements for the poly(ME) aqueous solution because of slow rehydration after phase separation. The phase separation behavior was investigated preliminarily by differential scanning calorimetry and ¹H NMR.

Multicomponent reactions and photo/electrochemistry join forces: atom economy meets energy efficiency

Visible-light photoredox catalysis has been regarded as an extremely powerful tool in organic chemistry, bringing the spotlight back to radical processes. The versatility of photocatalyzed reactions has already been demonstrated to be effective in providing alternative routes for cross-coupling as well as multicomponent reactions. The photocatalyst allows the generation of high-energy intermediates through light irradiation rather than using highly reactive reagents or harsh reaction conditions. In a similar vein, organic electrochemistry has experienced a fruitful renaissance as a tool for generating reactive intermediates without the need for any catalyst. Such milder approaches pose the basis toward higher selectivity and broader applicability. In photocatalyzed and electrochemical multicomponent reactions, the generation of the radical species acts as a starter of the cascade of events. This allows for diverse reactivity and the use of reagents is usually not covered by classical methods. Owing to the availability of cheaper and more standardized photo- and electrochemical reactors, as well as easily scalable flow-setups, it is not surprising that these two fields have become areas of increased research interest. Keeping these in view, this review is aimed at providing an overview of the synthetic approaches in the design of MCRs involving photoredox catalysis and/or electrochemical activation as a crucial step with particular focus on the choice of the difunctionalized reagent.

Organic Sulfinic Acids and Salts in Visible Light-Induced Reactions

Sulfinic acids and their salts are a useful source of sulfur-containing structures. Photocatalysis of these compounds with visible light enables to achieve various transformations under mild conditions. This review summarizes visible-light-induced reactions of sulfinic acids and their salts. It is organized by reaction type and brief discussions on plausible reaction mechanisms for typical transformations are presented.

1 Introduction

2 Sulfonylation Reactions

2.1 Sulfonylation of Alkenes

2.2 Sulfonylation of Alkynes

2.3 Sulfonylation of Arenes

2.4 sp3 C–H Functionalization

3 Desulfonylation Reactions

4 Sulfenylation Reactions

4.1 Sulfenylation of Heteroarenes

4.2 Sulfenylation of Carbonyl Chlorides

5 Conclusions

Visible-light-driven photocatalyst-free deoxygenative alkylation of imines with alcohols

Upon easy access and direct photoexcitation of xanthate anions, visible-light-driven deoxygenative alkylation of imines with a wide variety of alcohols has been achieved via a phosphine-assisted one-pot protocol, without any photocatalysts.

Photocatalyzed Coupling-Cyclization of ortho-Alkynylaryl Vinylethers with Arylsulfonyl Azides

A novel visible-light-induced coupling-cyclization of ortho-alkynylaryl vinylethers with arylsulfonyl azides has been described. This transformation provided a concise approach to access C3-exocyclic C═C bond/C2-alkylsulfone-tethered benzofurans via a solvent-leveraged carbosulfonylation and [2 + 2 + 3] cyclization. Primary mechanistic studies demonstrated that THF belongs to a crucial H atom source.

Visible-Light-Mediated Difunctionalization of Alkynes: Synthesis of β-Substituted Vinylsulfones Using O- and S-Centered Nucleophiles

An inimitable illustration of a green-light-induced, regioselective difunctionalization of terminal alkynes has been disclosed using sodium arylsulfinates and carboxylic acids in the presence of eosin Y as the photocatalyst. The present methodology is further demonstrated by employing NH₄SCN as an S-centered nucleophile instead of carboxylic acid. The mechanistic investigation reveals a radical-induced iodosulfonylation followed by a base-mediated nucleophilic substitution. The mechanism is supported by various studies, viz., radical-trapping experiment, fluorescence quenching, and CV studies. In this protocol, (Z)-β-substituted vinylsulfones are obtained, exclusively covering a broad range of alkynes and nucleophiles, which are often unaddressed. The present strategy can tolerate structurally discrete substrates with steric bulk and different electronic properties, which provides a straightforward and practical pathway for the synthesis of highly functionalized (Z)-β-substituted vinylsulfones. Herein, C-O and C-S bonds are assembled simultaneously with the concomitant introduction of important functional groups, viz., ester, thiocyanate, and sulfone.

Visible-light-mediated multicomponent reaction for secondary amine synthesis

The widespread presence of secondary amines in agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, natural products, and small-molecule biological probes has inspired efforts to streamline the synthesis of molecules with this functional group. Herein, we report an operationally simple, mild protocol for the synthesis of secondary amines by three-component alkylation reactions of imines (generated in situ by condensation of benzaldehydes and anilines) with unactivated alkyl iodides catalyzed by inexpensive and readily available Mn2(CO)10. This protocol, which is compatible with a wide array of sensitive functional groups and does not require a large excess of the alkylating reagent, is a versatile, flexible tool for the synthesis of secondary amines.

Synthesis and applications of sodium sulfinates (RSO2Na): a powerful building block for the synthesis of organosulfur compounds

This review highlights the preparation of sodium sulfinates (RSO2Na) and their multifaceted synthetic applications. Substantial progress has been made over the last decade in the utilization of sodium sulfinates emerging as sulfonylating, sulfenylating or sulfinylating reagents, depending on reaction conditions. Sodium sulfinates act as versatile building blocks for preparing many valuable organosulfur compounds through S-S, N-S, and C-S bond-forming reactions. Remarkable advancement has been made in synthesizing thiosulfonates, sulfonamides, sulfides, and sulfones, including vinyl sulfones, allyl sulfones, and β-keto sulfones. The significant achievement of developing sulfonyl radical-triggered ring-closing sulfonylation and multicomponent reactions is also thoroughly discussed. Of note, the most promising site-selective C-H sulfonylation, photoredox catalytic transformations and electrochemical synthesis of sodium sulfinates are also demonstrated. Holistically, this review provides a unique and comprehensive overview of sodium sulfinates, which summarizes 355 core references up to March 2020. The chemistry of sodium sulfinate salts is divided into several sections based on the classes of sulfur-containing compounds with some critical mechanistic insights that are also disclosed.

Atom Transfer Radical Addition to Styrenes with Thiosulfonates Enabled by Synergetic Copper/Photoredox Catalysis

A synergetic copper/photoredox catalyzed ATRA of styrenes and thiosulfonates is developed. Besides aryl ethylenes, the challenging α-substituted styrenes were employed to construct the benzylic quaternary carbon centers. Owing to the mild conditions as well as the high level of substrate compability, this ATRA could be applied to derivatize bioactive natural products in late stage, and to install fluorophores across alkenes. The mechanistic studies reveal sulfonyl radicals as the key intermediate in the transformation.

Organic-photoredox-catalyzed three-component sulfonylative pyridylation of styrenes

An efficient, metal-free protocol for the three-component sulfonylative pyridylation of styrenes via organic-photoredox catalysis is described. This metal-free process enables the direct and selective installation of sulfonyl and heteroaryl motifs and tolerates a wide array of functional groups as well as complex molecular scaffolds, that could complement previous methods and would be of interest in pharmaceutical research.

An efficient, metal-free protocol for the three-component sulfonylative pyridylation of alkenes via organic-photoredox catalysis is described.

Visible light photocatalysis in the late-stage functionalization of pharmaceutically relevant compounds

The late stage functionalization (LSF) of complex biorelevant compounds is a powerful tool to speed up the identification of structure-activity relationships (SARs) and to optimize ADME profiles. To this end, visible-light photocatalysis offers unique opportunities to achieve smooth and clean functionalization of drugs by unlocking site-specific reactivities under generally mild reaction conditions. This review offers a critical assessment of current literature, pointing out the recent developments in the field while emphasizing the expected future progress and potential applications. Along with paragraphs discussing the visible-light photocatalytic synthetic protocols so far available for LSF of drugs and drug candidates, useful and readily accessible synoptic tables of such transformations, divided by functional groups, will be provided, thus enabling a useful, fast, and easy reference to them.

α-Functionalization of Imines via Visible Light Photoredox Catalysis

The innate electrophilicity of imine building blocks has been exploited in organic synthetic chemistry for decades. Inspired by the resurgence in photocatalysis, imine reactivity has now been redesigned through the generation of unconventional and versatile radical intermediates under mild reaction conditions. While novel photocatalytic approaches have broadened the range and applicability of conventional radical additions to imine acceptors, the possibility to use these imines as latent nucleophiles via single-electron reduction has also been uncovered. Thus, multiple research programs have converged on this issue, delivering creative and practical strategies to achieve racemic and asymmetric α-functionalizations of imines under visible light photoredox catalysis.