Metal-Free C-C/C-N/C-C Bond Formation Cascade for the Synthesis of (Trifluoromethyl)sulfonylated Cyclopenta[b]indolines

Controllable Synthesis of Cyclopenta[b]indolines via Photocatalytic Fluoroalkylative Radical Cyclization Cascade of Ynamides

A de novo method for direct construction of cyclopenta[b]indolines via a photocatalytic fluoroalkylative radical cyclization cascade of ynamides has been established, which proceeds via a sequence of radical addition, 1,5-HAT, 5-endo-trig cyclization, intramolecular arylation, and oxidative deprotonation. This protocol allows for the controllable assembly of a tricyclic architecture with three contiguous stereocenters, showcasing its high efficiency, compatibility, and regio- and diastereoselectivity for accessing pharmacologically significant fluoroalkylated cyclopenta[b]indolines. It represents one of the very few examples of tetrafunctionalization of alkynes.

Recyclable 2-Fluoropyridine Derivative as a Storage for Highly Electrophilic 1,1-Bis(triflyl)ethylene

As an easy-to-handle reagent for the in situ generation of outstandingly electrophilic Tf2C=CH2 (Tf=CF3SO2), we have designed and synthesised a novel 4-substituted 2-fluoropyridinium zwitterion, in which a partially fluorinated alkyl group is attached to the pyridinium 4-position. Its zwitterionic nature has been well characterised by quantum chemical bonding analysis. By using this reagent, a wide variety of organic compounds, including commercial bioactive agents, were successfully decorated by the strongly acidic or ionic functionality. Remarkably, the 4-substituted 2-fluoropyridine derivative, which results from the zwitterion with the generation of Tf2C=CH2, can be rapidly separated and recovered from the reaction mixture appropriately using distillation, organic solvent extraction, or fluorous solid phase extraction techniques. Such multi-optionality for the purification methods favours in the isolation of the strongly acidic and/or ionic products.

Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Decorated by Fluorinated Carbon Acids/Carbanions

The carboarylation reaction of biphenyl-alkynes was successfully triggered by electrophilic attack of 1,1-bis(triflyl)ethylene on the alkyne moiety to give polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) decorated by superacidic carbon acid functionality. Neutralisation of thus obtained acids with NaHCO₃ yielded the corresponding sodium salts, which showed improved solubility in both aqueous and organic solvents.

A Convenient Formal [4+2] Heterocylization Route to Bis(triflyl)tetrahydroquinolines

We report the sustainable and efficient synthesis of a new type of quinoline derivatives bearing one or two SO2 CF3 groups. The protocol is metal-, catalyst- and irradiation-free, involves the use of readily available and stable precursors, and avoids the formation of side products. Also, the mild conditions of the process allow the tolerance of a wide range of functional groups.