Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed C–H Olefination of Aromatic/Vinyl Acids with Unactivated Olefins at Room Temperature

Electron-Deficient CpRh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization of N-2-Pyridylanilines: Branch-Selective Alkenylation with Alkenes and Annulation with Alkynes

We report the electron-deficient CpRh(III) [CpERh(III)] complex-catalyzed branch selective alkenylation with aliphatic alkenes and annulation with internal alkynes using N-2-pyridylanilines. In these reactions, the electron-deficient CpERh(III) catalyst is more active than the electron-rich Cp*Rh(III) catalyst, used commonly in C-H activation, and the reactions proceed with a catalytic amount of a Cu(II) oxidant under air and at lower temperatures than conventional methods. From mechanistic considerations, steric repulsion between the ligand and the directing group may be responsible for the branch selective alkenylation.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed ortho-Vinylation of Benzoic Acids in Water

Herein, we report an efficient [Ru(η6-C6H6)Cl2]2 catalyzed oxidative C-H alkenylation of benzoic acid in the green solvent water. A regioselective olefination of benzoic acid with functionalized alkenes like styrene and acrylate was established at a very mild condition of 60 °C temperature and in an aqueous medium. In contrast to the cyclization of the carboxylic group, a selective ortho-olefination product of benzoic acid was observed with the acrylate. Moreover, a selective formation of mono-olefinated products were observed with activated olefins (acrylate), while mono and diolefinated products were recorded with unactivated olefins (styrene). In contrast to the reactivity of acrylates and styrenes, a fruitful development and formation of a novel five-member cyclic ring, i.e., the (Z)-3-ferrocenylideneisobenzofuran-1(3H)-one, was observed when vinylferrocene was considered as a coupling partner for the reaction.

Ruthenium-catalyzed Heck coupling of 3-arylidene-oxindoles with alkenes: a facile synthesis of 3-allylidene-2(3H)-oxindoles

A simple and efficient Ru(II)-catalyzed olefination of 3-(arylbenzylidene)indolin-2-ones with alkenes is described. This is an atom and step-economical strategy with a wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and suitability for gram scale synthesis. A plausible mechanism is also proposed for this synthetic transformation involving the formation of a 5-membered ruthenacycle and insertion of the alkene followed by β-hydride elimination to deliver the desired product.

RhIII-Catalyzed Direct Heteroarylation of Unactivated C(sp3)-H with N-Heteroaryl Boronates

Disclosed herein is a rhodium(III)-catalyzed direct heteroarylation reaction between unactivated aliphatic C(sp3)-H bonds in 2-alkylpyridines and heteroaryl organoboron reagents. This catalytic protocol is compatible with various heterocyclic boronates containing ortho- and meta-pyridine, pyrazoles, furan, and quinoline with strong coordination capability. The achievement of this methodology provides an efficient route to build new C(sp3)-heteroaryl bonds.

Palladium-Catalyzed Regiodivergent C-H Olefination of Imidazo[1,2a]pyridine Carboxamide and Unactivated Alkenes

Despite remarkable successes in linear and branched vinyl (hetero) arene synthesis, regiodivergent C-H olefination with a single catalytic system has remained underdeveloped. Overcoming this limitation, a Pd/MPAA-catalyzed regiodivergent C-H olefination of imidazo[1,2a] pyridine carboxamides with unactivated terminal alkenes to generate branched and linear olefinated products depending upon the electronic nature of alkenes is reported herein. Moreover, this protocol can be applied for C-H deuteriation of the corresponding heteroarenes with D2 O as deuterium source. Preliminary experimental studies combined with computational investigations (DFT studies) suggest that regiodivergent olefination can be controlled by olefin insertion and β-hydride elimination steps.

Mechanistic Insights Into the Rhodium-Catalyzed C-H Alkenylation/Directing Group Migration and [3+2] Annulation: A DFT Study

The mechanism of the rhodium-catalyzed C-H alkenylation/directing group migration and [3+2] annulation of N-aminocarbonylindoles with 1,3-diynes has been investigated with DFT calculations. On the basis of mechanistic studies, we mainly focus on the regioselectivity of 1,3-diyne inserting into the Rh-C bond and the N-aminocarbonyl directing group migration involved in the reactions. Our theoretical study uncovers that the directing group migration undergoes a stepwise β-N elimination and isocyanate reinsertion process. As studied in this work, this finding is also applicable to other relevant reactions. Additionally, the role of Na⁺ versus Cs⁺ involved in the [3+2] cyclization reaction is also probed.

Palladium-Catalyzed C-H Allylation/Annulation Reaction of Amides and Allylic Alcohols: Regioselective Construction of Vinyl-Substituted 3,4-Dihydroisoquinolones

A palladium-catalyzed highly regioselective C-H allylation/annulation reaction of N-sulfonyl amides with secondary or tertiary allylic alcohols has been developed to construct 3,4-dihydroisoquinolones bearing a synthetically valuable vinyl substituent. This cascade cyclization approach of allylic alcohols involving C-H allylation has not been reported previously. The commercially available allylic alcohol substrates, the only by-product of water, and the used terminal oxidant of O₂ provide environmentally benign advantages.

A Fujiwara-Moritani-Type Alkenylation Using a Traceless Directing Group Strategy: A Rare Example of C-C Bond Formation towards the C2-Carbon of Terminal Alkenes

Herein we report, a rhodium-catalyzed Fujiwara-Moritani-type reaction of unactivated terminal alkenes and benzoic acid derivatives bearing electron donating residues under mild conditions. The acid functionality acts as a traceless directing group delivering products alkenylated in meta-position to the electron donating substituent in contrast to the usually obtained ortho- and para-substitution in Friedel-Crafts-type reactions. Remarkably, the new C-C bond is formed to the C2 of the terminal olefin, in contrast to similar reported transformations. Initially formed mixtures of exo- and endo-double bond isomers can be efficiently isomerized to the more stable endo-products.

Ru(II)-Catalyzed C-H Alkenylation of Benzimidates with Unactivated Olefins: A Route to ortho-Alkenylated Benzonitriles

A Ru(II)-catalyzed C-H alkenylation of benzimidates with unactivated alkenes providing ortho-alkenylated benzonitriles in good to excellent yields in a highly regio- and stereoselective manner is described. In the reaction, an imidate group converted into a nitrile under the reaction conditions. The alkenylation reaction was compatible with various substituted benzimidates as well as functionalized unactivated olefins, including ibuprofen-, neproxen-, coumarin-, and cholesterol-substituted alkenes. A feasible reaction mechanism was proposed to account for the present alkenylation reaction.

Synergistic Visible Light and Pd-Catalyzed C-H Alkylation of 1-Naphthylamines with α-Diazoesters

The combination of visible light irradiation and Pd-catalysis has been practically employed for the C-H alkylation reactions of naphthylamines and α-diazo esters, leading to the synthesis of α-naphthyl functionalized acetates via C-C bond construction under mild reaction conditions and under solvent-free conditions. The light irradiation has been proven to play a pivotal role in the reactions, probably by promoting the generation of active carbene species from α-diazo esters.

Recent Advances in Alkenyl sp2 C-H and C-F Bond Functionalizations: Scope, Mechanism, and Applications

Alkenes and their derivatives are featured widely in a variety of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. Significant efforts have been made toward the development of new and practical methods to access this important class of compounds by selectively activating the alkenyl C(sp²)-H bonds in recent years. In this comprehensive review, we describe the state-of-the-art strategies for the direct functionalization of alkenyl sp² C-H and C-F bonds until June 2022. Moreover, metal-free, photoredox, and electrochemical strategies are also covered. For clarity, this review has been divided into two parts; the first part focuses on currently available alkenyl sp² C-H functionalization methods using different alkene derivatives as the starting materials, and the second part describes the alkenyl sp² C-F bond functionalization using easily accessible gem-difluoroalkenes as the starting material. This review includes the scope, limitations, mechanistic studies, stereoselective control (using directing groups as well as metal-migration strategies), and their applications to complex molecule synthesis where appropriate. Overall, this comprehensive review aims to document the considerable advancements, current status, and emerging work by critically summarizing the contributions of researchers working in this fascinating area and is expected to stimulate novel, innovative, and broadly applicable strategies for alkenyl sp² C-H and C-F bond functionalizations in the coming years.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed Enone Carbonyl/Ketone-Directed Aerobic C-H Olefination of Aromatics with Unactivated Olefins

A Rh(III)-catalyzed weak enone carbonyl/ketone-assisted aerobic oxidative C-H olefination of aromatics with unactivated alkenes has been developed. This protocol involves cross-dehydrogenative Heck-type olefination reaction of various substituted biologically relevant chalcones and aromatic ketones such as acetophenones and chromones with various functionalized unactivated olefins in moderate to good yields. Further, ortho-alkylation of chalcones with norbornene is also demonstrated. A possible reaction mechanism involving weak chelation-assisted C-H activation/insertion/β-hydride elimination was proposed and supported by the deuterium labeling studies.

Palladium-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization of Aryl Acetamides and Benzoquinones: Synthesis of Substituted Aryl Quinones

An efficient synthesis of aryl-substituted quinones via Pd(II)-catalyzed C-H functionalization of less expensive and abundant benzoquinones with aryl acetamides is demonstrated. An auxiliary ligand N,N-bidentate-directing group 8-aminoquinoline plays a crucial role in the success of the reaction. A broad range of substituted phenyl acetamides including commercially available drug molecules were examined and also found to be highly compatible with quinones. The aryl-substituted quinones were also easily converted into aryl-substituted hydroquinone derivatives. A plausible reaction mechanism was proposed to account for the selective distal C-H bond functionalization.

RhIII-Catalyzed C-H N-Heteroarylation and Esterification Cascade of Carboxylic Acid with Organoboron Reagents and 1,2-Dichloroethane in One-Pot Synthesis

A Rh^III-catalyzed C(sp²)-H N-heteroarylation and esterification cascade of aryl carboxylic acids with N-heteroaromatic boronates and 1,2-dichloroethane in a one-pot synthesis has been disclosed. The strong coordinating ability of ortho- and meta-substituted pyridine boronates and pyrazoles as well as unsubstituted pyrimidine allows them to serve as the coupling partners. This protocol allows late-stage modification of the key precursor of roflumilast and compounds of pharmaceutical interest, which highlights the potential application of this synthetic method.

Recent advances in rhodium-catalysed cross-dehydrogenative-coupling between two C(sp2)-H bonds

Rhodium-catalysed cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) has received considerable attention in recent years. This modern technology has been considered as an attractive synthetic tool for selective C−C bond formation due to (1)...

Rhodium-Catalysed Regioselective [4+2]-type Annulation of 1-H-Indazoles with Propargyl Alcohols: A direct entry to 6-alkenylindazolo[3,2-a]isoquinolines

An efficient method for the synthesis of 6-vinylindazolo[3,2-a]isoquinolines via rhodium(III)-catalysed C-H bond activation/subsequent [4+2] cyclization starting from easily available 3-aryl-1-H-indazoles and propargyl alcohols has been developed. A series of vinyl-annulated...

RhIII-Catalyzed Direct Heteroarylation of C(sp3)-H and C(sp2)-H Bonds in Heterocycles with N-Heteroaromatic Boronates

Herein, we disclose a Rh^III-catalyzed heteroarylation of C(sp³)-H and C(sp²)-H bonds in heterocycles with organoboron reagents. This protocol displays high efficiency and excellent functional group tolerance. A range of heterocyclic boronates with strong coordinating atoms, including pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazole, thiophene, and furan derivatives, can be extensively served as the coupling reagents. The direct heteroarylation method could supply potential application in terms of the synthesis of drug molecules with multiple heterocycles.

Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed Redox-Neutral C-H Alkylation of Arylamides with Unactivated Olefins

A Ru(II)-catalyzed weak chelating group-aided ortho-C-H alkylation of arylamides with unactivated olefins in a redox-neutral fashion has been demonstrated. The present alkylation reaction was well-suited for various substituted arylamides and unactivated aliphatic alkenes. In this alkylation reaction, pivalic acid plays dual role in which it delivers the proton source in a protonation step and the corresponding acetate moiety deprotonates the ortho-C-H bond of the arylamides.

Aerobic Oxidative C-H Olefination of Arylamides with Unactivated Olefins via a Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Activation

An efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed aerobic oxidative C-H alkenylation of arylamides with unactivated alkenes is described. The olefination reaction was compatible with various substituted arylamides including primary, secondary, and tertiary as well as functionalized unactivated olefins. Meanwhile, ortho mono/bis-alkylated arylamides were synthesized in the reaction of arylamides with norbornene. In the alkenylation reaction, molecular oxygen along with organic acid was used to regenerate the active catalyst for the next catalytic cycle. A possible reaction mechanism involving C-H activation/insertion/β-hydride elimination followed by aerobic oxidation was proposed and supported by the deuterium labeling studies.

Palladium-Catalyzed Regioselective C-H Functionalization/Annulation Reaction of Amides and Allylbenzenes for the Synthesis of Isoquinolinones and Pyridinones

A regioselective C-H functionalization/annulation reaction of N-sulfonyl amides and allylbenzenes through a palladium-catalyzed C(sp²)-H allylation/aminopalladation/β-H elimination/isomerization sequence has been reported. Various aryl and alkenyl carboxamides are found to be efficient substrates to construct isoquinolinones and pyridinones in up to 96% yield. Using ambient air as the terminal oxidant is another advantage regarding environmental friendliness and operational simplicity.

The Emergence of Palladium-Catalyzed C(sp3 )-H Functionalization of Free Carboxylic Acids

Palladium-catalyzed directing group assisted C-H bond activation has emerged as a powerful tool in synthetic organic chemistry. However, only recently, among various directing groups, widely available carboxylate moiety is recognized as a versatile candidate for the regioselective transformations. Notably, palladium-catalyzed carboxylate directed C(sp³ )-H bond activation and diverse functionalization is highly challenging and has gained huge attention for its versatile applications. Mono- and bidentate ligands have proven to be useful for accelerating the C(sp³ )-H bond activation step, which helps to control reactivity and selectivity (including enantioselectivity). In this Minireview, we discuss the recent progress made in palladium-catalyzed C(sp³ )-H bond functionalization reactions for the construction of C-C and C-Heteroatom bonds with the direction of free carboxylic acid.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative C-H Olefination of Unsaturated Acrylamides with Unactivated Olefins

A rhodium(III)-catalyzed aerobic oxidative cross-coupling of acrylamides with unactivated alkenes via vinylic C-H activation has been developed. The present cross-coupling reaction was examined with a variety of differently functionalized acrylamides and unactivated olefins. In these reactions, highly valuable amide-functionalized butadienes were prepared in good to excellent yields. This protocol was also compatible with Weinreb amides. A possible reaction mechanism involving the chelation-assisted vinylic C-H activation via a carboxylate-assisted deprotonation pathway is proposed.

RhIII-Catalyzed C-H (Het)arylation/Vinylation of N-2,6-Difluoroaryl Acrylamides

Rh^III-catalyzed sp² C-H cross-coupling of acrylamides with organoboron reactants has been accomplished using a commercially available N-2,6-difluoroaryl acrylamide auxiliary. A broad range of aryl and vinyl boronates as well as a variety of heterocyclic boronates with strong coordinating ability can serve as the coupling partners. This transformation proceeds under moderate reaction conditions with excellent functional group tolerance and high regioselectivity.