Enantioselective Copper-Catalyzed Remote C(sp3)–H Alkynylation of Linear Primary Sulfonamides

Nitrogen-Based Organofluorine Functional Molecules: Synthesis and Applications

Fluorine and nitrogen form a successful partnership in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and material sciences. Although fluorine-nitrogen chemistry has a long and rich history, this field has received increasing interest and made remarkable progress over the past two decades, driven by recent advancements in transition metal and organocatalysis and photochemistry. This review, emphasizing contributions from 2015 to 2023, aims to update the state of the art of the synthesis and applications of nitrogen-based organofluorine functional molecules in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. In dedicated sections, we first focus on fluorine-containing reagents organized according to the type of fluorine-containing groups attached to nitrogen, including N-F, N-RF, N-SRF, and N-ORF. This review also covers nitrogen-linked fluorine-containing building blocks, catalysts, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals, underlining these components' broad applicability and growing importance in modern chemistry.

Remote radical alkynylation of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds of ethynesulfonamides

We report an efficient protocol for the construction of δ-alkynyl amides via 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer and alkynyl group transfer of ethynesulfonamides. The readily installed ethynesulfonamides serve as both an amidyl radical precursor and an alkyne source. This reaction features excellent site selectivity for tertiary, secondary, primary, and benzylic C(sp3)-H bonds.

Palladium-Catalyzed and Photoinduced Site-Selective Alkynylation and Oxidation of the Remote C(sp3)-H

A general and efficient method for the direct alkynylation and oxidation of remote C(sp3)-H bonds under photoirradiation is described. In this reaction, the Pd catalyst acts as both a photocatalyst to generate the nitrogen radical and a cross-coupling catalyst with a terminal alkyne. Attractive features of this system include good functional group tolerance, scalability, convenient reagents, and an operating system. The utility of this protocol is highlighted by its application for derivatization of several valuable aza-heterocycles such as caspase-3 inhibitor and azepinone derivatives.

Copper-Catalyzed, Intramolecular Amination of Unactivated C(sp3)-H Bonds through Radical Relay

Although copper-catalyzed amination of activated C(sp3)-H bonds through radical relay has been developed, amination of unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds is rare. Herein, copper-catalyzed intramolecular amination of remote unactivated C(sp3)-H bonds is reported. The reaction is conducted in a mild and effective manner with moderate to good yields, demonstrating broad tolerance toward various functional groups and exhibiting complete regio- and chemoselectivities. This innovation supplies novel synthetic pathways for the construction of saturated nitrogenated heterocycles.

Copper-Catalyzed sp2 C-H Arylation and Alkynylation of Allenes via Hydrogen Atom Abstraction

Development of methods for the sp2 C-H transformations of allenes has received much attention, and it presents a powerful tool for the synthesis of complicated allene-containing bioactive molecules. With a copper-catalyzed radical relay, sp2 allenic C-H arylation and alkynylation were established herein, using various aryl boronic acids and trimethoxysilyl-substituted alkynes as carbon nucleophiles and using electrophilic N-F reagents as nitrogen-centered radical precursors. These methods featured excellent site selectivity to deliver fully substituted allenes efficiently. Moreover, with silyl-substituted allenes as substrates, a subsequent dual sp2 C-H functionalization process was established as well, which allowed for the divergent synthesis of multifunctionalized allenes, significantly expanding their chemical spaces.

Photoinduced copper catalyzed nitrogen-to-alkyl radical relay Sonogashira-type coupling of o-alkylbenzamides with alkynes

This report describes a copper-catalyzed, photoinduced N-to-alkyl radical relay Sonogashira-type reactions at benzylic sites in o-alkylbenzamides with alkynes. The process employs an N-to-alkyl radical mechanism, initiated through the copper-catalyzed reductive generation of nitrogen radicals. Radical translocation is facilitated by a 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (1,5-HAT), leading to the formation of translocated carbon radicals. These radicals are then subjected to copper-catalyzed alkynylation. The methodology exhibits broad sub-strate scope and applicability to the synthesis of complex natural products.

Remote Radical Azidation of Unactivated C(sp3)-H Bonds in Sulfamoyl Azides

An efficient method for remote radical C(sp3)-H azidation at unactivated sites is described. C-H functionalization proceeds via intramolecular 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer to N-centered radicals that are generated via azido group transfer and/or fragmentation. The readily installed sulfamoyl azide serves as both an amidyl radical precursor and an azido source. This reaction features excellent site selectivity for tertiary, secondary, primary, and benzylic C(sp3)-H bonds and exhibits broad functional group compatibility.

Asymmetric, Remote C(sp3)-H Arylation via Sulfinyl-Smiles Rearrangement

An efficient asymmetric remote arylation of C(sp3)-H bonds under photoredox conditions is described here. The reaction features the addition radicals to a double bond followed by a site-selective radical translocation (1,n-hydrogen atom transfer) as well as a stereocontrolled aryl migration via sulfinyl-Smiles rearrangement furnishing a wide range of chiral α-arylated amides with up to >99 : 1 er. Mechanistic studies indicate that the sulfinamide group governs the stereochemistry of the product with the aryl migration being the rate determining step preceded by a kinetically favored 1,n-HAT process.

Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Remote C(sp3)-H Alkylation of N-Fluorocarboxamides with Glycine Derivatives and Peptides

Saturated hydrocarbon bonds are ubiquitous in organic molecules; to date, the selective functionalization of C(sp3)-H bonds continues to pose a notorious difficulty, thereby garnering significant attention from the synthetic chemistry community. During the past several decades, a wide array of powerful new methodologies has been developed to enantioselectively modify C(sp3)-H bonds that is successfully applied in asymmetric formation of diverse bonds, including C-C, C-N, and C-O bonds; nevertheless, the asymmetric C(sp3)-H alkylation is elusive and, therefore, far less explored. In this work, we report a direct and robust strategy to construct highly valuable enantioenriched unnatural α-amino acid (α-AA) cognates and peptides by a copper-catalyzed enantioselective remote C(sp3)-H alkylation of N-fluorocarboxamides and readily accessible glycine esters under ambient conditions. The key to success lies in the optically active Cu catalyst generated through the coordination of glycine derivatives to enantiopure bisphosphine/Cu(I) species, which is beneficial to the single electronic reduction of N-fluorocarboxamides and the subsequent stereodetermining alkylation. More importantly, all types (primary, secondary, tertiary, and even α-oxy) of δ-C(sp3)-H bonds could be site- and stereospecifically activated by the kinetically favored 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (1,5-HAT) step.

Copper-catalyzed propargylic C-H functionalization for allene syntheses

Allenenitriles bearing different synthetically versatile functional groups have been prepared smoothly from 5-alkynyl fluorosulfonamides in decent yields with an excellent chemo- and regio-selectivity under redox neutral conditions. The resulting allenenitriles can be readily converted to useful functionalized heterocycles. Based on mechanistic study, it is confirmed that this is the first example of radical-based non-activated propargylic C-H functionalization for allene syntheses.

Fluoroamide-Directed Regiodivergent C-Alkylation of Nitroalkanes

Herein, by exploiting different activation modes of fluoroamides, we achieved α- and δ-C(sp³)-H alkylation of nitroalkanes with switchable regioselectivity. Cu catalysis enabled the interception of a distal C-centered radical by a N-centered radical to couple nitroalkanes and unactivated δ-C-H bonds. In addition, imines generated in situ by fluoroamides were trapped by nitroalkanes to realize the α-C-H alkylation of amides. Both of those scalable protocols have broad substrate scopes and good functional group tolerance.

Copper-Catalyzed Hydrogen Atom Transfer and Aryl Migration Strategy for the Arylalkylation of Activated Alkenes

Herein, we describe the copper-catalyzed arylalkylation of activated alkenes via hydrogen-atom transfer and aryl migration strategy. The reaction was carried out through a radical-mediated continuous migration pathway using N-fluorosulfonamides as the alkyl source. The primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl radicals formed by intramolecular hydrogen-atom transfer proceeded smoothly. This methodology is an efficient approach for the synthesis of various amide derivatives possessing a quaternary carbon center with good yields and high regioselectivity.

Photoinduced remote regioselective radical alkynylation of unactivated C-H bonds

A method for the remote regioselective alkynylation of unactivated C(sp³)-H bonds in diverse aliphatic amides by photogenerated amidyl radicals has been developed. The site-selectivity is dominated via a 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process of the amide. Mild reaction conditions and high regioselectivity are demonstrated in this methodology.

Copper-catalyzed radical relay in C(sp3)-H functionalization

Radical-involved transition metal (TM) catalysis has greatly enabled new reactivities in recent decades. Copper-catalyzed radical relay offers enormous potential in C(sp³)-H functionalization which combines the unique regioselectivity of hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and the versatility of copper-catalyzed cross-coupling. More importantly, significant progress has been achieved in asymmetric C-H functionalization through judicious ligand design. This tutorial review will highlight the recent advances in this rapidly growing area, and we hope this survey will inspire future strategic developments for selective C(sp³)-H functionalization.

Cu(II)-Catalyzed N-Directed Distal C(sp3)-H Heteroarylation of Aliphatic N-Fluorosulfonamides

A copper-catalyzed δ-regioselective C(sp³)-H heteroarylation of N-fluorosulfonamides has been developed. A broad range of heteroarenes were well tolerated and reacted with various N-fluorosulfonamides to give the corresponding heteroarylated amides in good yields. Notably, all types (1°, 2°, and 3°) of δ-C(sp³)-H bonds in the N-fluorosulfonamides could be regioselectively activated through the 1,5-HAT process. This protocol provides a practical strategy for the functionalization of heteroarenes and amides via forging a C(sp³)-C(sp²) bond.

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.

Difluoromethylarylation of α, β- Unsaturated Amides via a Photocatalytic Radical Smiles Rearrangement

A photocatalytic Smiles rearrangement, triggered by radical difluoromethylation of conjugated arylsulfonylated amides, was developed to construct both β-difluoromethyl amide and heterocyclic scaffolds selectively. This transformation features mild conditions and broad...

Copper-Catalyzed Fluoroamide-Directed Remote Benzylic C-H Olefination: Facile Access to Internal Alkenes

A general, site-selective copper-catalyzed fluoroamide-directed remote benzylic C-H olefination of N-fluoroamides with terminal alkenes for producing internal alkenes is disclosed. This protocol proceeds via a hybrid Cu-radical mechanism, which synergistically...

Intermolecular 1,2-Difunctionalization of Alkenes Enabled by Fluoroamide-Directed Remote Benzyl C(sp3)-H Functionalization

A copper-catalyzed remote benzylic C-H functionalization strategy enabling 1,2-difunctionalization of alkenes with 2-methylbenzeneamides and nucleophiles, including alcohols, indoles, pyrroles, and the intrinsic amino groups, is reported, which is characterized by its redox-neutral conditions, exquisite site-selectivity, broad substrate scope, and wide utilizations of late-stage modifying bioactive molecules. This reaction proceeds through nitrogen-centered radical generation, hydrogen atom transfer, benzylic radical addition across the alkenes, single-electron oxidation, and carbocation electrophilic course cascades. While using external nucleophiles manipulates three-component alkene alkylalkoxylation and alkyl-heteroarylation with 2-methylbenzeneamides to access dialkyl ethers, 3-alkylindoles, and 3-alkylpyrroles, omitting the external nucleophiles results in two-component alkylamidation ([5+2] annulation) of alkenes with 2-methylbenzeneamides to benzo-[f][1,2]thiazepine 1,1-dioxides.

Copper-Catalyzed Intermolecular Alkynylation and Allylation of Unactivated C(sp3)-H Bonds via Hydrogen Atom Transfer

We describe Cu-catalyzed intermolecular alkynylation and allylation of unactivated C(sp³)-H bonds with singly occupied molecular orbital-philes (SOMO-philes) via hydrogen atom transfer (HAT). Employing N-fluoro-sulfonamide as a HAT reagent, a set of substituted alkene and alkyne compounds were synthesized in high yields with good regioselectivity and functional-group compatibility. Late-stage functionalization of natural products and drug molecules is also demonstrated.

(1-Selenocyanatoethyl)benzene: A Selenocyanation Reagent for Site-Selective Selenocyanation of Inert Alkyl C(sp3)-H Bonds

A new, simple, yet easily accessible, (1-selenocyanatoethyl)benzene has been designed and applied as a SeCN group transfer reagent for selenocyanation of aliphatic C(sp³)-H bonds for the first time. This protocol is featured with mild reaction conditions and wide substrate scope. Control experiments reveal that a radical-group transfer mechanism might be involved.

Regioselective N-F and α C(sp3)-H Arylation of Aliphatic N-Fluorosulfonamides with Imidazopyridines

A regioselective arylation of aliphatic N-fluorosulfonamides with imidazopyridines enabled by breaking of N-F and α C(sp³)-H bond to form C-N and C-C bonds was described. With CuCl as the catalyst, a radical mechanism was proposed to produce N-arylated aliphatic sulfonamides via a N radical intermediate. Importantly, under acidic conditions, an in situ generated imine was the possible intermediate, which was trapped by imidazopyridines to form α C(sp³)-H arylated aliphatic sulfonamides. The current protocol featured a broad substrate scope, tunable reaction conditions, operational convenience, and good regioselectivity.

Transition-Metal-Free α Csp3 -H Cyanation of Sulfonamides

This report describes the site-selective α-functionalization of sulfonylamide derivatives through the in-situ generation of imine intermediates. The N-F sulfonylamides, which could facilitate the elimination to generate imines, are coupled with TBACN to efficiently and mildly afford α-amino cyanides. Comparing with Strecker reaction, this transformation offers a complementary strategy to efficiently construct α-amino cyanides from direct α C-H functionalization of sulfonylamindes. The reaction is also characterized by broad substrate scope and flash chromatography column free workup. More importantly, the new two-electron pathway to generate imines through manipulation of the leaving group allows us to achieve excellent α site-selectivity.

Catalytic enantioselective C(sp3)-H functionalization involving radical intermediates

Recently, with the boosted development of radical chemistry, enantioselective functionalization of C(sp3)-H bonds via a radical pathway has witnessed a renaissance. In principle, two distinct catalytic modes, distinguished by the steps in which the stereochemistry is determined (the radical formation step or the radical functionalization step), can be devised. This Perspective discusses the state-of-the-art in the area of catalytic enantioselective C(sp3)-H functionalization involving radical intermediates as well as future challenges and opportunities.

Recent Advances in Copper-Catalyzed Radical C–H Bond Activation Using N–F Reagents

This Short Review is aimed at giving an update in the area of copper-catalyzed C–H functionalization involving nitrogen-centered radicals generated from substrates containing N–F bonds. These processes include intermolecular Csp3–H bond functionalization, remote Csp3–H bond functionalization via intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), and Csp2–H bond functionalization, which might be of potential use in industrial applications in the future.

1 Introduction

2 Intermolecular Csp3–H Functionalization

3 Remote Csp3–H Functionalization

4 Csp2–H Functionalization

5 Conclusion

Recent Advances in Radical-Involved Alkynylation of Unactivated C(sp3)–H Bonds by Hydrogen Atom Abstraction

The direct C(sp3)–H functionalization is one of the major research topics in synthetic chemistry since C(sp3)–H bonds are ubiquitous in every aspect of chemistry. Despite impressive advances in transition-metal-catalyzed C(sp3)–H activation, the radical-initiated process via hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) of C(sp3)–H bonds represents a more appealing strategy owing to the mild reaction conditions and good regioselectivity. Given the importance of alkynes as versatile synthons in organic synthesis and key structural motifs in drug discovery, great efforts have been made toward their synthesis via the combination of HAA and alkynylation process in recent years. This review summarizes the recent progress in radical-initiated C(sp3)–H alkynylation reactions with emphasis on the alkynylating reagents and mechanistic discussion.

1 Introduction

2 Alkynylation of C(sp3)–H via Intermolecular Hydrogen Atom Abstraction

3 Alkynylation of C(sp3)–H via Intramolecular Hydrogen Atom Abstraction

4 Conclusion

Manganese-Catalyzed N-F Bond Activation for Hydroamination and Carboamination of Alkenes

A visible-light-promoted method for generating amidyl radicals from N-fluorosulfonamides via a manganese-catalyzed N-F bond activation strategy is reported. This protocol employs a simple manganese complex, Mn₂(CO)₁₀, as the precatalyst and a cheap silane, (MeO)₃SiH, as both the hydrogen-atom donor and the F-atom acceptor, enabling intramolecular/intermolecular hydroaminations of alkenes, two-component carboamination of alkenes, and even three-component carboamination of alkenes. A wide range of valuable aliphatic sulfonamides can be readily prepared using these practical reactions.

Transition-metal-free radical relay cyclization of vinyl azides with 1,4-dihydropyridines involving a 1,5-hydrogen-atom transfer: access to α-tetralone scaffolds

The remote C(sp³)–H functionalization enabled by a radical-mediated 1,5-hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) process using vinyl azides and 1,4-dihydropyridines as precursors has been described.

Remote azidation of C(sp3)–H bonds to synthesize δ-azido sulfonamidesviairon-catalyzed radical relay

A selective remote C–H azidation was developed with an iron catalyst playing dual roles as a radical initiator and terminator.