Iron-Catalyzed α,β-Dehydrogenation of Carbonyl Compounds

Dehydrogenation of Aromatic Alcohols, Aldehydes, and Ketones Catalyzed by Cu(I) Complexes

Herein, we report that binuclear copper complexes used as dehydrogenative catalysts, combined with oxygen as an oxidant and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxide (TEMPO) as an additive, are capable of effectively catalyzing the successive dehydrogenation of aromatic propanols to produce α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. This method has the advantages of high efficiency, simple operation, and oxygen as an oxidant. The reaction mechanism of continuous dehydrogenation of aromatic propanols was investigated by in situ infrared spectroscopy and control experiments. The dehydrogenation process suggested that phenylpropanol was first oxidized to arylpropanals and then underwent α,β-selective dehydrogenation of the carbonyl group to yield α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. This protocol provides insights into the design and synthesis of efficient catalysts for the preparation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes by continuous dehydrogenation of aromatic propanols.

Synthesis of α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds via Cu/TEMPO/O2 Aerobic Catalytic System

An N,N,N-type Cu(II) complex-catalyzed desaturation method for converting alcohols, ketones, lactones, and lactams to their α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds is reported. The dehydrogenation reaction can be conducted with a green terminal oxidant O2 without requiring strong acid/base or stoichiometric oxidants. The Cu(II) complex/TEMPO/O2 system uses a non-noble catalyst, and a green terminal oxidant as well as demonstrates high activity and functional group tolerance. Notably, H2O is the byproduct produced and overoxidation is not observed during the reaction process. The proposed mechanism was investigated via high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), in situ FT-IR spectrometry, and GC analysis, and the formation of intermediates of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds from the aerobic dehydrogenation of α,β-saturated counterparts was observed.

Photocatalytic acceptorless dehydrogenation of flavanones by cationic Eosin Y as a bifunctional catalyst

We report the first example of photocatalytic acceptorless dehydrogenation using cationic Eosin Y as a bifunctional photocatalyst, without metal catalysts or HAT reagents. Under Bayesian optimized conditions, a wide range of flavones were synthesized in moderate to excellent yields, many of which were reported with biological activities. Mechanistic studies suggest that flavones likely form through two HAT processes, with hydrogen release occurring via photoredox.

High-Energy Ball Milling Enables an Ultra-Fast Wittig Olefination Under Ambient and Solvent-free Conditions

30 Seconds to success!-The Wittig reaction, a fundamental and extensively utilized reaction in organic chemistry, enables the efficient conversion of carbonyl compounds to olefins using phosphonium salts. Traditionally, meticulous reaction setup, including the pre-formation of a reactive ylide species via deprotonation of a phosphonium salt, is crucial for achieving high-yielding reactions under classical solution-based conditions. In this report, we present an unprecedented protocol for an ultra-fast mechanically induced Wittig reaction under solvent-free and ambient conditions, often eliminating the need for tedious ylide pre-formation under strict air and moisture exclusion. A range of aldehydes and ketones were reacted with diverse phosphonium salts under high-energy ball milling conditions, frequently giving access to the respective olefins in only 30 seconds.

Molybdenum iron carbide-copper hybrid as efficient electrooxidation catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction and synthesis of cinnamaldehyde/benzalacetone

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the efficiency limiting half-reaction in water electrolysis for green hydrogen production due to the 4-electron multistep process with sluggish kinetics. The electrooxidation of thermodynamically more favorable organics accompanied by CC coupling is a promising way to synthesize value-added chemicals instead of OER. Efficient catalyst is of paramount importance to fulfill such a goal. Herein, a molybdenum iron carbide-copper hybrid (Mo2C-FeCu) was designed as anodic catalyst, which demonstrated decent OER catalytic capability with low overpotential of 238 mV at response current density of 10 mA cm-2 and fine stability. More importantly, the Mo2C-FeCu enabled electrooxidation assisted aldol condensation of phenylcarbinol with α-H containing alcohol/ketone in weak alkali electrolyte to selective synthesize cinnamaldehyde/benzalacetone at reduced potential. The hydroxyl and superoxide intermediate radicals generated at high potential are deemed to be responsible for the electrooxidation of phenylcarbinol and aldol condensation reactions to afford cinnamaldehyde/benzalacetone. The current work showcases an electrochemical-chemical combined CC coupling reaction to prepare organic chemicals, we believe more widespread organics can be synthesized by tailored electrochemical reactions.

A facile synthesis of α,β-unsaturated imines via palladium-catalyzed dehydrogenation

The dehydrogenation adjacent to an electron-withdrawing group provides an efficient access to α,β-unsaturated compounds that serving as versatile synthons in organic chemistry. However, the α,β-desaturation of aliphatic imines has hitherto proven to be challenging due to easy hydrolysis and preferential dimerization. Herein, by employing a pre-fluorination and palladium-catalyzed dehydrogenation reaction sequence, the abundant simple aliphatic amides are amendable to the rapid construction of complex molecular architectures to produce α,β-unsaturated imines. Mechanistic investigations reveal a Pd(0)/Pd(II) catalytic cycle involving oxidative H-F elimination of N-fluoroamide followed by a smooth α,β-desaturation of the in-situ generated aliphatic imine intermediate. This protocol exhibits excellent functional group tolerance, and even the carbonyl groups are compatible without any competing dehydrogenation, allowing for late-stage functionalization of complex bioactive molecules. The synthetic utility of this transformation has been further demonstrated by a diversity-oriented derivatization and a concise formal synthesis of (±)-alloyohimbane.

Comprehensive Mechanistic Analysis of Palladium- and Nickel-Catalyzed α,β-Dehydrogenation of Carbonyls via Organozinc Intermediates

Introducing degrees of unsaturation into small molecules is a central transformation in organic synthesis. A strategically useful category of this reaction type is the conversion of alkanes into alkenes for substrates with an adjacent electron-withdrawing group. An efficient strategy for this conversion has been deprotonation to form a stabilized organozinc intermediate that can be subjected to α,β-dehydrogenation through palladium or nickel catalysis. This general reactivity blueprint presents a window to uncover and understand the reactivity of Pd- and Ni-enolates. Within this context, it was determined that β-hydride elimination is slow and proceeds via concerted syn-elimination. One interesting finding is that β-hydride elimination can be preferred to a greater extent than C-C bond formation for Ni, more so than with Pd, which defies the generally assumed trends that β-hydride elimination is more facile with Pd than Ni. The discussion of these findings is informed by KIE experiments, DFT calculations, stoichiometric reactions, and rate studies. Additionally, this report details an in-depth analysis of a methodological manifold for practical dehydrogenation and should enable its application to challenges in organic synthesis.

Metal-free synthesis of difluoro/trifluoromethyl carbinol-containing chromones via tandem cyclization of o-hydroxyaryl enaminones

We herein propose a HFIP-promoted tandem cyclization reaction for the synthesis of difluoro/trifluoromethyl carbinol-containing chromones from o-hydroxyphenyl enaminones at room temperature. This protocol provides a facile and efficient approach to access diverse difluoro/trifluoromethylated carbinols in good to excellent yields. In addition, gram-scale and synthetic derivatization experiments have also been performed.

Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Alkanes through Homogeneous Base Metal Catalysis

Preparing valuable olefins from cheap and abundant alkane resources has long been a challenging task in organic synthesis, which mainly suffers from harsh reaction conditions and narrow scopes. Homogeneous transition metals catalyzed dehydrogenation of alkanes has attracted much attention for its excellent catalytic activities under relatively milder conditions. Among them, base metal catalyzed oxidative alkane dehydrogenation has emerged as a viable strategy for olefin synthesis for its usage of cheap catalysts, compatibility with various functional groups, and low reaction temperature. In this review, we discuss recent development of base metal catalyzed alkane dehydrogenation under oxidative conditions and their application in constructing complex molecules.

Direct Regioselective Dehydrogenation of α-Substituted Cyclic Ketones

We disclose a highly regioselective, catalytic one-step dehydrogenation of α-substituted cyclic ketones in the presence of 2,3-dichlorobenzo-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ). The high regioselectivity originates from a phosphoric acid-catalyzed enolization, selectively affording the thermodynamically preferred enol, followed by the subsequent oxidation event. Our method provides reliable access to several α-aryl and α-alkyl substituted α,β-unsaturated ketones.

Synthesis, reactions and application of chalcones: a systematic review

Chalcones are a group of naturally occurring compounds that have biological effects that include anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antibacterial properties. Current chalcone research, including their synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and biological activities, is summarized herein. Along with their toxicity and safety profiles, the prospective usage of chalcones in medicinal research and development is discussed. This review emphasizes the need for additional research in order to fully examine the therapeutic potential of chalcones as therapeutic agents for the treatment of a variety of disorders.

Direct synthesis of alkylated 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives via a cascade Cu-catalyzed dehydrogenation/conjugate addition sequence

An efficient approach for the direct synthesis of alkylated 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives via a Cu-catalyzed cascade dehydrogenation/conjugate addition sequence starting from simple saturated ketones and 4-hydroxycoumarins has been developed. This protocol features excellent functional-group tolerance, easy scale-up, and a broad substrate scope including bioactive molecules. More importantly, a series of marketed drugs, such as warfarin, acenocoumarol, coumachlor, and coumafuryl, can be obtained by this method.

A Desaturative Approach for Aromatic Aldehyde Synthesis via Synergistic Enamine, Photoredox and Cobalt Triple Catalysis

Aromatic aldehydes are fundamental intermediates that are widely utilised for the synthesis of important materials across the broad spectrum of chemical industries. Accessing highly substituted derivatives can often be difficult as their functionalizations are generally performed via electrophilic aromatic substitution, S_EAr. Here we provide an alternative and mechanistically distinct approach whereby aromatic aldehydes are assembled from saturated precursors via a desaturative process. This novel strategy harnesses the high‐fidelity of Diels–Alder cycloadditions to quickly construct multi‐substituted cyclohexenecarbaldehyde cores which undergo desaturation via the synergistic interplay of enamine, photoredox and cobalt triple catalysis.

Copper-catalyzed multiple oxidation and cycloaddition of aryl-alkyl ketones (alcohols) for the synthesis of 4-acyl- and 4-diketo-1,2,3-triazoles

A Cu/TEMPO-catalyzed tandem multiple oxidative dehydrogenation and cycloaddition has been developed, which affords 4-acyl-1,2,3-triazoles and 4-diketo-1,2,3-triazoles from readily-available aryl-alkyl ketones (or alcohols) and different organic azides. Moreover, the reaction used environmentally friendly dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as the solvent and air as the oxidant, and H₂O was the only by-product, so it provides a green and practical synthetic method for 1,2,3-triazoles.

Regioselective Synthesis of Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine via TEMPO-Mediated [3 + 2] Annulation-Aromatization of N-Aminopyridines and α,β-Unsaturated Compounds

A TEMPO-mediated [3 + 2] annulation-aromatization protocol for the preparation of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines from N-aminopyridines and α,β-unsaturated compounds was developed. The procedure offered multisubstituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines in good to excellent yield with high and predictable regioselectivity. The modification of marketed drugs including Loratadine, Abiraterone, and Metochalcone, and a one-pot three-step gram scale synthesis of key intermediate for the preparation of Selpercatinib were demonstrated. Mechanism studies show that TEMPO serves both as a Lewis acid and as an oxidant.

Catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of N-heterocycles with nitrogen/phosphorus co-doped porous carbon materials

A metal-free oxidative dehydrogenation of N-heterocycles utilizing a nitrogen/phosphorus co-doped porous carbon (NPCH) catalyst is reported. The optimal material is robust against traditional poisoning agents and shows high antioxidant resistance. It exhibits good catalytic performance for the synthesis of various quinoline, indole, isoquinoline, and quinoxaline ‘on-water’ under air atmosphere. The active sites in the NPCH catalyst are proposed to be phosphorus and nitrogen centers within the porous carbon network.

Green oxidations made easy. Metal-free dehydrogenation of N-heterocycles are possible in using N,P-co-doped porous carbon materials “on” water using air.

A biomass-derived N-doped porous carbon catalyst for the aerobic dehydrogenation of nitrogen heterocycles

N-doped porous carbon (NC) was synthesized from sugar cane bagasse, which is a sustainable and widely available biomass waste.

Tunnelling assisted hydrogen elimination mechanisms of FeCl3/TEMPO

Metal-TEMPO hybrids are a family of novel and promising catalysts for aerobic oxidation of alcohols, yet the underlying mechanisms have not been understood theoretically. Using density functional theory, we probe the hydrogen abstraction mechanisms of FeCl₃/TEMPO on two characteristic substrates, 9,10-dihydroanthracene and benzyl alcohol. We found that the low spin state of FeCl₃/TEMPO is more favourable, and that the N atom is the preferred hydrogen acceptor. Moreover, dispersion interactions assist the reaction, as well as nuclear tunnelling, which even at room temperature can speed up the process by almost two orders of magnitude. We also predict that pronounced kinetic isotope effects (KIE) could be observed due to tunnelling. Our findings provide insights into improving the substrate scope and the development of new transformations for the FeCl₃/TEMPO system.

Unexpected Annulation between 2-Aminobenzyl Alcohols and Benzaldehydes in the Presence of DMSO: Regioselective Synthesis of Substituted Quinolines

An unexpected annulation among 2-aminobenzyl alcohols, benzaldehydes, and DMSO to quinolines has been disclosed. For the reported annulation between 2-aminobenzyl alcohols and benzaldehydes, the change of the solvent from toluene to DMSO led to the change of the product from the diheteroatomic cyclic benzoxazines to monoheteroatomic cyclic quinolines. This annulation can be used to synthesize regioselectively different substituted quinolines by the choice of different 2-amino alcohols, aldehydes, and sulfoxides as substrates. Interestingly, introducing substituent groups to the α-position of sulfoxides resulted in the interchange of the positions between benzaldehydes and sulfoxides in the product quinolines. On the basis of the control experiments and literatures, a plausible mechanism for this annulation was proposed.

Tandem Oxidation-Dehydrogenation of (Hetero)Arylated Primary Alcohols via Perruthenate Catalysis

Tandem oxidative-dehydrogenation of primary alcohols to give α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in one pot are rare transformations in organic synthesis, with only two methods currently available. Reported herein is a novel method using the bench-stable salt methyltriphenylphosphonium perruthenate (MTP3), and a new co-oxidant NEMO·PF6 (NEMO = N-ethyl-N-hydroxymorpholinium) which provides unsaturated aldehydes in low to moderate yields. The Ley-Griffith oxidation of (hetero)arylated primary alcohols with N-oxide co-oxidants NMO (NMO = N-methylmorpholine N-oxide)/NEMO, is expanded by addition of the N-oxide salt NEMO·PF6 to convert the intermediate saturated aldehyde into its unsaturated counterpart. The discovery, method development, reaction scope, and associated challenges of this method are highlighted. The conceptual value of late-stage dehydrogenation in natural product synthesis is demonstrated via the synthesis of a polyene scaffold related to auxarconjugatin B.