Solvent-Switched Manganese(I)-Catalyzed Regiodivergent Distal vs Proximal C-H Alkylation of Imidazopyridine with Maleimide

Visible Light-Induced Energy Transfer Mediated Regioselective C-3 Thiolation of Imidazoheterocycles using Bunte Salts

An external-photocatalyst-free visible light-induced regioselective C-3 sulfenylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using Bunte salts has been accomplished via C(sp2)-H functionalization. This protocol allows the coupling of a wide range of imidazoheterocycles with alkyl-, benzyl-, and aryl Bunte salts under ambient air as the sole oxidant. The radical scavenging, UV-visible spectroscopic studies, and Stern-Volmer experiments revealed that the reaction occurs through energy transfer followed by a radical SET pathway. In this work, the dual role of imidazopyridines as photoexciting species and as energy transfer vehicle is proposed. Activation of the triplet oxygen as a result of energy transfer, which acts on somophlic Bunte salts to generate thiyl radical, eventually resulting in the C(sp2)-H functionalization.

An efficient direct electrolysis method for the synthesis of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyxy substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

Electrochemical oxidative cross-dehydrogenative-coupling (CDC) is an ideal strategy to conduct the C3-alkoxylation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, but it remains a challenge owing to limitation imposed by the use of alkyl alcohols and carboxylic acids. Herein, we report a mild and efficient 2-electrode constant-potential electrolysis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine with hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) to produce various imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine HFIP ethers. Mechanistic studies indicated that the electrooxidation reaction might involve radical coupling and ionic reaction.

Regiodivergent Alkylation of Pyridines: Alkyllithium Clusters Direct Chemical Reactivity

Regiodivergent C-C bond-forming reactions are a powerful tool for constructing diverse molecular architectures from common precursors. While transition metal catalysis has dominated regioselective transformations, achieving similar precision with transition-metal-free methods remains an unmet challenge, particularly when using identical starting materials. In this work, we report a transition-metal-free, regiodivergent direct alkylation of electronically unbiased pyridines using 1,1-diborylalkanes as the sole alkylating agent. The key to controlling regioselectivity lies in the choice of alkyllithium activator of 1,1-diborylalkanes: methyllithium directs alkylation predominantly to the C4 position, while sec-butyllithium promotes C2-alkylation. Mechanistic studies reveal that the structural dynamics of alkyllithium clusters dictate the regioselectivity, with tetrameric clusters favoring C4-alkylation and dimeric clusters preferring C2-alkylation. This method demonstrates broad substrate scope, enables late-stage functionalization of complex molecules, and allows for the sequential installation of two distinct alkyl groups onto a pyridine scaffold. Our approach provides a versatile tool for site-selective pyridine functionalization, offering new possibilities for synthesizing diverse alkylated pyridines in pharmaceutical and materials research.

Deciphering Co(III)-Catalyzed Oxidative C-H/C-H Annulation Towards Maleimide-Fused Imidazopyridine AEEgens

A cobalt(III)-catalyzed dual C(sp2)-H/C(sp2)-H activation of 2-arylimidazopyridines and its annulation with N-substituted maleimides leads to polycyclic aromatic heterocycles. This sustainable oxidative annulation uses earth-abundant, less toxic, and cost-effective cobalt(III) catalyst that complement expensive 2nd and 3rd-row metals. This oxidative annulation features a broad substrate scope with very good functional group tolerance. These maleimide-fused imidazopyridines display strong fluorescence in the region of 527- 536 nm with a Stokes shift of 83-87 nm and possess an excited state lifetime of 14.6-16.1 ns. Interestingly, such luminescent compounds show aggregation-enhanced emission (AEE) behavior in the iPr-OH/hexane mixed solvent system. Furthermore, field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM) reveals their spherical nano-aggregates with an average diameter of ~216.8 nm. They can also be used as cellular-imaging and picric acid-sensing probes.

Recent advances in the transformation of maleimides via annulation

Over the past five years, maleimide scaffolds have gained considerable attention in organic synthesis for their role in forming cyclized molecules through annulation and C-H activation. As versatile and reactive coupling agents, maleimides have enabled the efficient synthesis of various cyclized products, including annulation, benzannulation, cycloaddition, and spirocyclization, with applications in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and materials science. Despite the extensive study of maleimide chemistry, certain reactions-such as cycloaddition-based annulation, photoannulation, and electrochemical transformations-remain underexplored despite their promising potential in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Recent advancements, such as photocatalysis and electrochemical methods, have expanded the utility of maleimides, providing more sustainable and selective approaches for synthesizing complex molecules. This review compiles research published between 2019 and 2024, highlighting the substrate scope, reaction diversity, and industrial relevance of maleimide-based annulation strategies. Additionally, we discuss emerging trends and future directions in maleimide chemistry, exploring opportunities for novel reaction pathways and broader applications in synthetic biology and materials science.

Maleimide-Dependent Rh(III)-Catalyzed Site-Selective Mono and Dual C-H Functionalization of 2-Arylbenzo[d]thiazole and Oxazole Derivatives

The site-selective functionalization of aromatic compounds via C-H activation has emerged as a popular tool in organic synthesis. In this study, we report a regioselective coupling of maleimide to 2-arylbenzo[d]thiazoles in the presence of a rhodium(III) catalyst. Depending upon the nature of the substituent (R2-group) present in the maleimide substrate, either mono- or bis-1,4-addition products were observed in this methodology. In the case of R2 = aryl, cyclohexyl, and tert-butyl, mono coupling was observed, whereas substituents, such as methyl, ethyl, benzyl, and methyl thiophene, provided bis coupling as the major products. Similar selectivity was also observed in the case of 2-arylbenzo[d]oxazoles.

Solvent Dictated Organic Transformations

Solvent plays an important role in many chemical reactions. The C-H activation has been one of the most powerful tools in organic synthesis. These reactions are often assisted by solvents which not only provide a medium for the chemical reactions but also facilitate reaching to the product stage. The solvent helps the reaction profile both chemically and energetically to reach the targeted product. Organic transformations via C-H activation from the solvent assistance perspective has been discussed in this review. Various solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), MeCN, dichloromethane (DCM), dimethoxyethane (DME), 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE), dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), isopropyl nitrile (iPrCN), 1,4-dioxane, AcOH, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), Ac2O, PhCF3, chloroform (CHCl3), H2O, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), acetone, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), toluene, p-xylene, alcohols, MeOH, 1,1,1-trifluoroethanol (TFE), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP), tert-amyl alcohol and their roles are discussed. The exclusive role of the solvent in various transformations has been deliberated by highlighting the substrate scope, along with the proposed mechanisms. For easy classification, the review has been divided into three parts: (i) solvent-switched divergent C-H activation; (ii) C-H bond activation with solvent as the coupling reagent, and (iii) C-H activation with solvent caging and solvent-assisted electron donor acceptor (EDA) complex formation and autocatalysis.

Mn(I)-Catalyzed Site-Selective C-H Activation: Unlocking Access to 3-Arylated Succinimides from 2-Arylpyridines and Maleimides

An efficient and cost-effective Mn(I)-catalyzed site-selective C-H activation of 2-arylpyridines with maleimides has been described. This approach facilitates the synthesis of 3-arylated succinimide derivatives with high site selectivity, chemoselectivity, catalytic efficiency, and outstanding tolerance to numerous functional groups. The practicality of this approach is further evidenced by its successful application in large-scale reactions and the conversion of the synthesized succinimide derivatives into other valuable compounds.

Photoredox-Cobaloxime Catalysis for Selective Oxidative Dehydrogenative [4+2] Annulation of Imidazo-Fused Heterocycles with Alkenes

A selective oxidative [4+2] annulation of alkenes with imidazo-fused heterocycles has been developed by using the synergistic combination of photoredox and cobaloxime catalysts. It allows facile access to various imidazole-fused polyaromatic scaffolds accompanied by H2 evolution. This protocol features high regioselectivity as well as a broad substrate scope. Detailed mechanistic studies indicate that twice the electron/H transfer processes facilitated by this catalytic system achieve the annulation π-extension of imidazo-fused heterocycles with alkenes.

Base-Induced Decarboxylative 1,1-Alkoxy Thiolation via Hydrothiolation of Vinylene Carbonate

A base-mediated 1,1-difunctionalization of vinylene carbonate has been achieved using two different nucleophiles, namely, thiol and alcohol, with the assistance of air (O2). In alcoholic solvents, decarboxylation occurs at room temperature to provide a 1,1-difunctionalized product, where vinylene carbonate serves as an ethynol (C2) synthon in this three-component reaction. On the other hand, in acetonitrile, exclusive hydrothiolation occurs under the basic conditions at room temperature. This method offers a one-pot decarboxylative regioselective difunctionalization of vinylene carbonate at room temperature for the construction of α-alkoxy-β-hydroxy sulfide.

Photo-induced 1,2-thiohydroxylation of maleimide involving disulfide and singlet oxygen

A visible light-driven di-functionalization of maleimide with disulfide and in situ-generated singlet oxygen offers selective 1,2-thiohydroxylation under additive-free conditions. Here the disulfide plays the dual role of photosensitizer and the coupling reagent. Notably, the hydroxyl functionality originates from the in situ generated singlet oxygen followed by HAT from H2O (moisture).

Isoxazole as a nitrile synthon: en routes to the ortho-alkenylated isoxazole and benzonitrile with allyl sulfone catalyzed by Ru(II)

A Ru(II) catalyzed regioselective Heck-type C-H olefination of isoxazole with unactivated allyl phenyl sulfone is revealed. The solvent DCM offers dual sp2-sp2 C-H activation via an N-directed strategy, leading to ortho-olefinated isoxazoles with exclusive E-selectivity. On the other hand, in DCE solvent, isoxazole serves as the nitrile synthon and leads to o-olefinated benzonitrile. At a higher temperature (110 °C) in DCE, after the ortho-olefination Ru(II) mediated cleavage of isoxazoles delivered the nitrile functionality.

Unlocking Regiodivergence in PdII- and RhIII-Mediated Site-Selective C-H Bond Alkynylation of Imidazopyridines

An efficient Pd^II- and Rh^III-controlled site-selective C-H bond alkynylation of imidazopyridines using (bromoethynyl)triisopropylsilane is disclosed. The divergent methodology allows straightforward access to a wide range of products alkynylated at the C3 and ortho positions. This strategy is suggestive of a practical platform that can be suitable for late-stage diversification and may assist in the design of more selective and complementary catalytic systems.

Palladium-Catalyzed Regioselective C3-Allylic Alkylation of 2-Aryl Imidazopyridines with MBH Carbonates

Imidazopyridine is an important framework that constitutes several pharmaceutical drugs and biologically active molecules. Herein, we present the palladium-catalyzed regioselective C3-allylic alkylation of 2-aryl imidazopyridines with MBH carbonates. This strategy furnishes a broad spectrum of C3-allylated imidazopyridines, and their structures have been unequivocally established using X-ray analysis. Besides, the reaction can be easily scaled up on a gram scale, and the ensuing product can be smoothly manipulated into synthetically useful entities.

Dearomative bis-functionalization of quinoxalines and bis-N-arylation of (benz)imidazoles via Cu(II)-mediated addition of boronic acids

A Cu(OTf)₂-mediated regioselective dearomative aryl-hydroxylation across the C(sp²)N bond of 2-aryl quinoxalines and bis-N-arylation of (benz)imidazoles were developed using aryl boronic acids. For the dearomative aryl-hydroxylation, the C-center should be electrophilic (ca. 0.08), the N-center nucleophilic (ca. -0.50), and the C(sp²)N bond polarized (Δe = 0.609).

Visible-Light-Mediated Solvent-Switched Photosensitizer-Free Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized Quinolines and Pyridines

A solvent (2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) vs ethyl alcohol (EtOH)) switched synthesis of quinolines and pyridines is illustrated from (E)-2-(1,3-diphenylallylidene)malononitriles via a Pd(II)-catalyzed photochemical process. The active catalyst [L₂Pd(0)] generated serves as an exogenous photosensitizer. The process offers predominantly Z-alkenylated quinolines and pyridines in TFE and EtOH, respectively. Furthermore, large-scale synthesis and a few interesting post-synthetic modifications have been demonstrated.

Homogeneous Manganese-Catalyzed Hydrofunctionalizations of Alkenes and Alkynes: Catalytic and Mechanistic Tendencies

In recent years, many manganese-based homogeneous catalytic precursors have been developed as powerful alternatives in organic synthesis. Among these, the hydrofunctionalizations of unsaturated C-C bonds correspond to outstanding ways to afford compounds with more versatile functional groups, which are commonly used as building blocks in the production of fine chemicals and feedstock for the industrial field. Herein, we present an account of the Mn-catalyzed homogeneous hydrofunctionalizations of alkenes and alkynes with the main objective of finding catalytic and mechanistic tendencies that could serve as a platform for the works to come.

Transition-metal-catalyzed C-H bond alkylation using olefins: recent advances and mechanistic aspects

Transition metal catalysis has contributed immensely to C-C bond formation reactions over the last few decades, and alkylation is no exception. The superiority of such methodologies over traditional alkylation is evident from minimal reaction steps, shorter reaction times, and atom economy while also allowing control over regio- and stereo-selectivity. In particular, hydrocarbonation of alkenes has grabbed increased attention due its fundamental ability to effectively and selectively synthesise a wide range of industrially and pharmaceutically relevant moieties. This review attempts to provide a scientific viewpoint and a systematic analysis of the recent developments in transition-metal-catalyzed alkylation of various C-H bonds using simple and activated olefins. The key features and mechanistic studies involved in these transformations are described briefly.

Late-stage ortho-C-H alkenylation of 2-arylindazoles in aqueous medium by Manganese(i)-catalysis

Earth-abundant and water-tolerant manganese(i) catalyzed alkenylation of 2-arylindazole with alkyl and aryl alkynes through C–H bond activation is described with a unique level of E-selectivity. The reaction proceeds through the control of C3 nucleophilicity of 2-aryl indazoles. This method is applied to the late-stage functionalization of complex molecules including ethinylestradiol, norethisterone, and N-protected amino acid derivatives. The kinetic isotope studies suggest that the C–H bond activation step may not be the rate-determining step.

Earth-abundant and water-tolerant manganese(i) catalyzed alkenylation of 2-arylindazole with alkyl and aryl alkynes through C–H bond activation is described with a unique level of E-selectivity.

Synthesis of Succinimide-Linked Indazol-3-ols Derived from Maleimides under Rh(III) Catalysis

The structural modification of N-aryl indazolols as tautomers of N-aryl indazolones has been established as a hot topic in pharmaceutics and medicinal chemistry. We herein disclose the rhodium(III)-catalyzed 1,4-addition reaction of maleimides with N-aryl indazol-3-ols, which provides the succinimide-bearing indazol-3-ol scaffolds with complete regioselectivity and a good functional group tolerance. Notably, the versatility of this protocol is demonstrated by the use of drug-molecule-linked and fluorescence-probe-linked maleimides.

Manganese-Catalyzed C(sp2)-H Alkylation of Indolines and Arenes with Unactivated Alkyl Bromides

Selective C(sp 2 ) - H bond alkylation of indoline, carbazole and (2-pyridinyl)arenes with unactivated alkyl bromides is achieved using MnBr 2 catalyst in the absence of an external ligand. The alkylation uses a simple LiHMDS base and avoids the necessity of Grignard reagent, unlike other Mn-catalyzed C - H functionalization. This reaction proceeded either through a five- or a less-favored six-membered metallacycle, and tolerated diverse functionalities, including alkenyl, alkynyl, silyl, aryl ether, pyrrolyl, indolyl, carbazolyl and alkyl bearing fatty alcohol and polycyclic-steroid moieties. Alkylation follows a single electron transfer (SET) pathway involving 1e oxidative addition of alkyl bromide and a rate-limiting C-H metalation.

Reaction of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines with coumarin-3-carboxylic acids: a domino Michael addition/decarboxylation/oxidation/annulation

A palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative domino reaction of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and coumarin-3-carboxylic acids has been developed, which provides access to dibenzoisochromenoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-6-ones possessing six fused rings.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed Cascade Annulation to Produce N-acetyl Chain of Spiropyrroloisoquinoline Derivatives

A new rhodium(III)-catalyzed three-component multistep cascade spirocyclization approach was developed to synthesize nolvel N-acetyl chain of spiropyrroloisoquinoline derivatives using oxadiazoles as the directing group. This one-pot reaction also isolates aryloxadiazole...

Copper-catalyzed switchable cyclization of alkyne-tethered α-bromocarbonyls: selective access to quinolin-2-ones and quinoline-2,4-diones

Copper-catalyzed cyclization of alkynes has played a significant role in modern catalytic chemistry.

Highly-selective synthesis of functionalized spirobenzofuranones and diketones

A convenient and atom-economical rhodium(iii)-catalyzed highly-selective hydroacylation for the synthesis of spirobenzofuranones and diketones has been successfully developed.