Visible-Light-Promoted Site-Selective N1-Alkylation of Benzotriazoles with α-Diazoacetates

Precise Control of Regioselective N1 and N2-Alkylation of Benzotriazoles with α-Diazoacetates by Metalloporphyrin

Regioselective N-alkylation of benzotriazole is highly important to prepare biological materials. Herein, a series of A2B2-typed porphyrin and metalloporphyrin compounds were prepared. Catalytic results disclosed that Ir(III) pentafluorophenyl-substituted porphyrin promoted selective N2-alkylation of benzotriazole, and meanwhile, Fe(III) pyridine-substituted porphyrin accelerated N1-alkylation of benzotriazole. The metalloporphyrin could be used as a linker and inserted into a two-dimensional metal-organic framework; the resultant composite behaved as a heterogeneous catalyst, which could be recycled and reused for at least 6 times without any decrease of activity. This work demonstrates that the introduction of appropriate functional groups into metalloporphyrin at the meso-position is an effective strategy to regulate the reactivity and selectivity of N-substitution of benzotriazoles.

Synergistic photocatalysis enables aerobic oxo-hydrazination of α-diazoacetates with azobenzenes

A photocatalytic oxo-hydrazination of α-diazoacetates with azobenzenes has been developed. With air as an oxygen source, the reaction proceeded smoothly and afforded previously unknown N,N'-diarylhydrazino-containing oxoacetates. Mechanistically, the reaction is enabled by cooperation of photoredox catalysis, energy transfer photocatalysis and direct photoexcitation.

Solvent- and Catalyst-Controlled Regioselective O- and N-Alkylation of 2-Pyridones by 2H-Azirines

The synthesis of O-substituted 2-hydroxypyridines and N-substituted 2-pyridones, crucial for many bioactive compounds and drugs, faces challenges due to the tautomeric nature of 2-pyridones, which complicates selective alkylation. Here we developed an efficient method for regioselective O- and N-alkylation of 2-pyridones using Bro̷nsted acid-catalyzed ring opening of 2H-azirines. The process involves triflic acid for O-alkylation and p-toluenesulfonic acid for N-alkylation, achieving high yields under optimized conditions. For O-alkylation, a variety of 2-pyridones and 2H-azirines were used, resulting in significant yields of the desired products. Similarly, for N-alkylation, the optimized conditions produced excellent yields, highlighting the method's versatility. This methodology was further demonstrated through scaled-up syntheses and subsequent transformations, showcasing its practicality for complex molecular architectures. The proposed mechanism involves the protonation of 2H-azirine, followed by a regioselective SN2-type attack and acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, leading to the desired alkylated products. This innovative approach, emphasizing Bro̷nsted acid catalysis and careful control of reaction conditions, represents a significant advancement in the selective alkylation of 2-pyridones, with broad implications for medicinal chemistry.

Visible-Light-Mediated Azidation of α-Diazoesters with TMSN3 via Direct Photoexcitation and SH2 Mechanism

A visible light-mediated azidation of α-diazoesters with TMSN3 to synthesize valuable α-azidoesters has been developed. Without using any catalysts and additives, the reaction proceeded smoothly under visible light irradiation at room temperature. A variety of α-diazoesters were successfully converted to the desired α-azidoesters, showing good functional group tolerance. The products could be readily transformed into triazole, α-azidoacid, and α-azidoamide. Mechanistic studies suggested that the reaction is mainly carrying out via direct photoexcitation and SH2 mechanism. This work provides a novel, mild, and practical protocol for synthesizing α-azidoesters.

Visible Light-Induced Reactions of Diazo Compounds and Their Precursors

In recent years, visible light-induced reactions of diazo compounds have attracted increasing attention in organic synthesis, leading to improvement of existing reactions, as well as to the discovery of unprecedented transformations. Thus, photochemical or photocatalytic generation of both carbenes and radicals provide milder tools toward these key intermediates for many valuable transformations. However, the vast majority of the transformations represent new reactivity modes of diazo compounds, which are achieved by the photochemical decomposition of diazo compounds and photoredox catalysis. In particular, the use of a redox-active photocatalysts opens the avenue to a plethora of radical reactions. The application of these methods to diazo compounds led to discovery of transformations inaccessible by the classical reactivity associated with carbenes and metal carbenes. In most cases, diazo compounds act as radical sources but can also serve as radical acceptors. Importantly, the described processes operate under mild, practical conditions. This Review describes this subfield of diazo compound chemistry, particularly focusing on recent advancements.

Visible-light-induced three-component reactions of α-diazoesters, quinazolinones and cyclic ethers toward quinazoline-based hybrids

An effective approach for the construction of 4-short-chain ether attached carbonyl group-substituted quinazolines was developed. Visible-light-induced three-component reactions of α-diazoesters, quinazolinones, and cyclic ethers, with a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance, under extremely mild conditions without the need for any additional additives and catalysts, selectively led to quinazoline-based hybrids in good to excellent yields. The synthesized hybrids, which are a conglomeration of a quinazoline, a short-chain ether, and a carbonyl group in one molecular skeleton, have potential for application in the development of new drugs or drug candidates.

Al(OTf)3-Catalyzed Regioselective N2-Arylation of Tetrazoles with Diazo Compounds

Regioselective methods to access alkylated tetrazoles still remain a challenging goal. Herein, we describe a novel regioselective protocol for N2-arylation of tetrazoles with diazo compounds using inexpensive Al(OTf)3. This reaction could be conducted under mild conditions to access a diverse array of alkylated tetrazoles with 2-substituted tetrazoles as the major products, demonstrating a comprehensive range of substrate compatibility and excellent functional group compatibility. Mechanistic studies revealed a carbene-free process in this reaction procedure. Furthermore, the scale-up reaction and transformations of the N2-arylation of tetrazole products demonstrated the potential of this strategy.

A Paternò-Büchi Reaction of Aromatics with Quinones under Visible Light Irradiation

Reported herein is a Paternò-Büchi reaction of aromatic double bonds with quinones under visible light irradiation. The reactions of aromatics with quinones exposed to blue LED irradiation yielded oxetanes at -78 °C, which was attributed to both the activation of double bonds in aromatics and the stabilization of oxetanes by thiadiazole, oxadiazole, or selenadiazole groups. The addition of Cu(OTf)2 to the reaction system at room temperature resulted in the formation of diaryl ethers via the copper-catalyzed ring opening of oxetanes in situ. Notably, the substrate scope was extended to general aromatics.

Visible-Light-Promoted α-C(sp3)-H Amination of Ethers with Azoles and Amides

A visible-light-induced highly efficient C(sp3)-H amination of ethers with amides and azoles has been presented under mild conditions via a nitrogen- and carbon-centered radical coupling process. This protocol successfully utilizes 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ) and tert-butyl nitrite (TBN) as cocatalysts to deliver the aminated products of ethers under aerobic conditions. Notably, the developed reaction features the corresponding products in good yields (up to 93%) with a wide substrate scope. The mechanistic study indicates that C-N bond formation proceeds via a direct radical cross-coupling process. Preliminary biological activity analysis indicates that the resulting products have good and selective inhibitory activity on osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines and are promising for use as hits for drug discovery.

Synthesis of Acylhydroquinones through Visible-Light-Mediated Hydroacylation of Quinones with α-Keto Acids

A mild and eco-friendly visible-light-induced protocol for the hydroacylation of quinones with α-keto acids has been developed. In the absence of any catalyst or additive, the decarboxylative hydroacylation proceeded smoothly under visible-light irradiation at room temperature. A wide range of quinones and α-keto acids were well-tolerated and afforded hydroacylation products up to 88% isolated yield. The reaction can be scaled up, and the induced groups are useful for further synthetic applications. Preliminarily, mechanistic studies indicated that photoactive quinones absorb visible light to facilitate the transformation.

Visible-light-promoted N-H functionalization of O-substituted hydroxamic acid with diazo esters

Herein we report an N-H functionalization of O-substituted hydroxamic acid with diazo esters under blue LED irradiation conditions. The present transformations could be performed efficiently under mild conditions without use of catalyst, additive and N₂ atmosphere. Interestingly, when THF and 1,4-dioxane were employed as the reaction solvents, an active oxonium ylide involved three-component reaction and an N-H insertion of carbene species into hydroxamate occurred, respectively.

Regioselective O-alkylation of 2-pyridones by TfOH-catalyzed carbenoid insertion

Selective alkylation of 2-pyridone could solve a challenge in chemistry and streamline the synthesis of important molecules. Here we report the regioselective O-alkylation of 2-pyridones by TfOH-catalyzed carbenoid insertion. In the catalytic system, alkylation of 2-pyridone was achieved with unprecedented regioselectiviy (>99 : 1). This protocol is characterized by mild reaction conditions, metal-free, and simplicity. Moreover, this method provides the desired products in good yield and demonstrates a broad substrate scope in this transformation.

N2-Selective β-Thioalkylation of Benzotriazoles with Alkenes

Herein, N²-selective β-thioalkylation of benzotriazoles with unactivated alkenes and styrenes is reported. The N²-selective β-thioalkylation of benzotriazoles is highly stereospecific and works under simple and mild conditions, exhibiting excellent functional group tolerance. The high N²-selectivity is a consequence of the combination of hydrogen bonding and Lewis acid/base activation, which reverses the N²-position to be favored for alkylation.

Visible-Light-Initiated Multicomponent Reactions of α-Diazoesters to Access Organophosphorus Compounds

A simple visible-light-initiated strategy has been established for the construction of organophosphorus compounds via aerobic multicomponent reaction of α-diazoesters, cyclic ethers, and P(O)H compounds under air. A number of phosphonates and phosphinates could be efficiently isolated in moderate to good yields without the use of photosensitizers and metal reagents. This multicomponent reaction has advantages of mild condition, simple operation, eco-friendly energy, good functional-group tolerance, and gram-scale synthesis.

Visible-Light-Induced Imide Synthesis through a Nitrile Ylide Formation/Trapping Cascade

A visible-light-promoted three component reaction of diazo compounds, nitriles, and carboxylic acids is reported. The reaction utilizes acceptor-only diazo compounds as carbene precursors and nitriles as carbene-trapping reagents to form the key nitrile ylides. Under the optimal reaction conditions, a wide range of imide products were obtained in good to excellent yields. The gram-scale synthesis and synthetic application of the imide products to form isoquinoline-1,3(2H,4H)-dione derivatives further proved the value of this method.

Visible Light-Promoted Diazoacetates and Nitriles Generating Nitrilium Ions Trapped by Benzotriazoles and Carboxylic Acids

A visible light-promoted generation of nitrilium ions from diazoacetates and nitriles has been developed. The reaction utilized visible light transformation of diazoacetates to the free carbene that could be trapped by nitriles to generate nitrilium ions, followed by nucleophilic attack on the benzotriazoles and carboxylic acids. This protocol provides an efficient and practical approach to N-imidoylbenzotriazoles and diacylglycine esters in good to excellent yields.

A Computational Study on the Photochemical O-H Functionalization of Alcohols with Diazoacetates

In this computational study, we provide a detailed analysis of the underlying reaction mechanism and show that a singlet carbene is initially formed. Depending on the pK_A of the alcohol, this singlet carbene can engage in direct protonation or enol formation to yield the O-H functionalization product. On the contrary, propargylic alcohols take up a dual role and form a complex with the carbene intermediate that leads to facile cyclopropenation reactions.

Visible light-induced functionalization of indazole and pyrazole: a recent update

Indazole and pyrazole are renowned as a prodigious class of heterocycles having versatile uses in medicinal as well as industrial chemistry. Considering sustainable approaches, recently, photocatalysis has become an indispensable tool in organic chemistry due to its application for the activation of small molecules and the use of a clean energy source. In this review, we have highlighted the use of metal-based photocatalysts, organic photoredox catalysts, energy transfer photocatalysts and electron-donor-acceptor complexes in the functionalization of indazole and pyrazole. This perspective is arranged based on the types of functionalization reactions on indazole and pyrazole. A detailed discussion regarding the reaction mechanism of each reaction is given to provide a comprehensive guide to the reader. Finally, a summary of existing challenges and the future outlook towards the development of efficient photocatalytic methods for functionalization of these heterocycles is also presented.

A Visible Light-Mediated Three-Component Strategy Based on the Ring-Opening of Cyclic Ethers with Aryldiazoacetates and Nucleophiles

A blue light-promoted reaction between aryldiazoacetates and different nucleophiles has been developed in the presence of THF (and other cyclic ethers) as solvent, allowing the incorporation of these three elements...

Cascade Wolff Rearrangement/Acylation: A Metal-Free and Eco-Friendly Approach for 4-Hydroxy-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-6-ones and N-Pyrazole Amides Synthesis from 5-Aminopyrazoles and α-Diazoketones

A highly chemoselective cascade Wolff rearrangement/acylation reaction between 5-aminopyrazoles and diazo compounds has been developed. The protocol can facilitate the switchable synthesis of 4-hydroxy-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-6-ones and N-pyrazole amides with the merits of a broad substrate scope, high functional group compatibility, and green and sustainable performance manner. All reactions proceeded efficiently without any catalyst and additives (acid and base) and resulted in the release of benign N₂, wherein diethyl carbonate served as a green benign solvent.

Visible-Light-Catalyzed in Situ Denitrogenative Sulfonylation of Sulfonylhydrazones

A photocatalyzed in situ denitrogenative sulfonylation of N-arylsulfonyl hydrazones has been developed. This transformation provides a low-carbon strategy to assemble arylalkyl sulfones in a stepwise denitrogenation/sulfonylation manner.

B(C6F5)3-Catalyzed site-selective N1-alkylation of benzotriazoles with diazoalkanes

Alkylation of benzotriazoles is synthetically challenging, often leading to mixtures of N1 and N2 alkylation. Herein, metal-free catalytic site-selective N1-alkylation of benzotriazoles with diazoalkanes is described in the presence of 10 mol% of B(C6F5)3. These reactions provide N1-alkylated benzotriazoles in good to excellent yields and this protocol is successfully adapted to gram-scale syntheses as well as a derivative with antimicrobial activity.

Visible Light-Mediated In Situ Generation of δ,δ-Disubstituted p-Quinone Methides: Construction of a Sterically Congested Quaternary Stereocenter

An unprecedented visible light-assisted and zinc triflate-catalyzed construction of a diaryl-substituted quaternary stereocenter is reported. 2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-substituted aldehydes and ketones have been prepared in moderate to high yields via multicomponent reaction of acetylene, benzoquinone (BQ), and indole/aniline/thiol. The reaction is believed to proceed via in situ generation of p-quinone methide through a [2+2] cycloaddition-retroelectrocyclization of BQ and acetylene in blue light followed by a zinc triflate-catalyzed vinylogous Michael addition reaction with nucleophiles.

Visible-Light-Promoted Diboron-Mediated Transfer Hydrogenation of Azobenzenes to Hydrazobenzenes

A visible-light-promoted transfer hydrogenation of azobenzenes has been developed. In the presence of B₂pin₂ and upon visible-light irradiation, the reactions proceeded smoothly in methanol at ambient temperature. The azobenzenes with diverse functional groups have been reduced to the corresponding hydrazobenzenes with a yield of up to 96%. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that the hydrogen atom comes from the solvent and the transformation is achieved through a radical pathway.

Visible-light-promoted selective O-alkylation of 2-pyridones with α-aryldiazoacetates

A visible-light-promoted O-H insertion reaction between 2-pyridones and α-aryldiazoacetates has been developed. Upon visible light irradiation, the reaction proceeds smoothly under mild and catalyst-free conditions. A wide scope of 2-pyridones and α-aryldiazoacetates are well tolerated, and various O-alkylated 2-pyridones are obtained with perfect selectivity and good functional group tolerance. A photoinduced radical process is probably responsible for the excellent selectivity.

Blue Light-Promoted Formal [4+1]-Annulation of Diazoacetates with o-Aminoacetophenones: Synthesis of Polysubstituted Indolines and Computational Study

A blue light-promoted formal [4+1]-annulation of diazoacetates with o-aminoacetophenones has been reported, which provides an environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of polysubstituted indoline derivatives in moderate to good yields with excellent diastereoselectivities. Detailed mechanistic studies through density functional theory calculations reveal that the (E)-enol species is the key intermediate in this transformation, and the excellent diastereoselectivity is enabled via H-bonding in the intramolecular Aldol-type addition.