Palladium/Silver Synergistic Catalysis in Direct Aerobic Carbonylation of C(sp2)−H Bonds Using DMF as a Carbon Source: Synthesis of Pyrido-Fused Quinazolinones and Phenanthridinones

A Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of Pyridoquinazolinones via C(sp2)-H Functionalization and Annulation of Benzoic Acids with 2-Aminopyridines

A facile synthesis of pyridoquinazolinones has been accomplished via C(sp2)-H functionalization and annulation of benzoic acids with 2-aminopyridines using Cu(OAc)2 as catalyst in DMSO. The reaction involves the formation of amides which on ortho amination followed by trans-amidation afford a wide array of products under ligand/base-free conditions.

An Electrocatalytic Cascade Reaction for the Synthesis of Ketones Using CO2 as a CO Surrogate

The construction of carbonyl compounds via carbonylation reactions using safe CO sources remains a long-standing challenge to synthetic chemists. Herein, we propose a catalyst cascade Scheme in which CO2 is used as a CO surrogate in the carbonylation of benzyl chlorides. Our approach is based on the cooperation between two coexisting catalytic cycles: the CO2-to-CO electroreduction cycle promoted by [Fe(TPP)Cl] (TPP=meso-tetraphenylporphyrin) and an electrochemical carbonylation cycle catalyzed by [Ni(bpy)Br2] (2,2'-bipyridine). As a proof of concept, this protocol allows for the synthesis of symmetric ketones from good to excellent yields in an undivided cell with non-sacrificial electrodes. The reaction can be directly scaled up to gram-scale and operates effectively at a CO2 concentration of 10 %, demonstrating its robustness. Our mechanistic studies based on cyclic voltammetry, IR spectroelectrochemistry and Density Functional Theory calculations suggest a synergistic effect between the two catalysts. The CO produced from CO2 reduction is key in the formation of the [Ni(bpy)(CO)2], which is proposed as the catalytic intermediate responsible for the C-C bond formation in the carbonylation steps.

Ruthenium-Catalyzed C-H Arylation of Aromatic Acids with ortho-Haloaniline To Access Phenanthridinones

Phenanthridinone is a significant moiety in pharmaceutical and material science; thus, it is highly desirable to develop an efficient and robust method to construct phenanthridinone from readily available starting materials. Herein, we report a Ru-catalyzed C-H arylation of aromatic carboxylic acids with ortho-haloanilines, followed by intramolecular dehydration to afford phenanthridinones in high yields.

Copper-catalysed chemoselective C-OH bond activation of N-benzoyl cytosine: facile access to 2-(dimethylamino)pyrimidine

A novel method for the direct amination of N-benzoyl cytosine has been developed, giving access to 2-(dimethylamino)pyrimidine derivatives. A copper(II) catalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide easily promote the selective amination process that proceeds via C-OH bond activation. This practical approach can utilize different formamide molecules, N,N-dimethylformamide and N,N-diethylformamide, as efficient amino (-NMe₂, -NEt₂) sources. Moreover, the facile nature of the procedure, its broad tolerance of aliphatic and aromatic substrates, the high yields and ease of separation of the products, and the fact that it can be conducted under aerobic conditions are all notable advantages of the present protocol.

Palladium-Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation of Isoquinolines Utilizing Chloroform-COware Chemistry

The carbonyl group forms an integral part of several drug molecules and materials; hence, synthesis of carbonylated compounds remains an intriguing area of research for synthetic and medicinal chemists. Handling toxic CO gas has several limitations; thus, using safe and effective techniques for in or ex situ generation of carbon monoxide from nontoxic and cheap precursors is highly desirable. Among several precursors that have been explored for the generation of CO gas, chloroform can prove to be a promising CO surrogate due to its cost-effectiveness and ready availability. However, the one-pot chloroform-based carbonylation reaction requires strong basic conditions for hydrolysis of chloroform that may affect functional group tolerability of substrates and scale-up reactions. These limitations can be overcome by a two-chamber reactor (COware) that can be utilized for ex situ CO generation through hydrolysis of chloroform in one chamber and facilitating safe carbonylation reactions in another chamber under mild conditions. The versatility of this "Chloroform-COware" technique is explored through palladium-catalyzed aminocarbonylation of medicinally relevant heterocyclic cores, viz., isoquinoline and quinoline.

Application of N,N-Dimethylethanolamine as a One-Carbon Synthon for the Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines, Quinazolin-4-ones, and Benzo[4,5]imidazoquinazolines via [5 + 1] Annulation

The synthesis of N-heterocycles composes a significant part of synthetic chemistry. In this report, a Cu(II)-catalyzed green and efficient synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline, quinazolin-4-one, and benzo[4,5]imidazoquinazoline derivatives was developed, employing N,N-dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) as a C1 synthon. Green oxidant O₂ is critical in these transformations, facilitating the formation of a key intermediate─a reactive iminium ion. The method conducted under mild conditions is compatible with a diversity of functional groups, providing an appealing alternative to the previously developed protocols.

Metal-Free N-H/C-H Carbonylation by Phenyl Isocyanate: Divergent Synthesis of Six-Membered N-Heterocycles

We disclose a method using phenyl isocyanate to synthesize carbonyl-containing N-heterocycles. The metal-free novel approach for both N-H and C-H carbonylation processes was successfully refined, delivering a range of synthetically valuable derivatives of quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, 2H-benzo[e] [1,2,4] thiadiazin-3(4H)-one 1,1-dioxide, and pyrrolo[1,2-a] quinoxalin-4(5H)-one. The protocol features broad substrates with diverse reactions suitable for excellent yields, mild conditions, and good functional group compatibility. Moreover, the applicability of the reaction was characterized by gram-scale synthesis and synthetic transformations for drug molecules.

Iodine-Mediated C═C Double Bond Cleavage toward Pyrido[2,1-b]quinazolinones

A transition-metal-free C═C double bond cleavage reaction employing molecular iodine is described. In the presence of K₂CO₃ as the base, I₂-mediated C═C bond cleavage followed by intramolecular annulation of N-(2-vinylaryl)pyridin-2-amine substrates produces pyrido[2,1-b]quinazolinones and related heterocyclic compounds. This reaction can be completed on a gram scale and has been successfully applied to the synthesis of compounds with important biological properties, including efflux pump inhibitory and antiallergic activities.

Synthesis of methylene-bridged α,β-unsaturated ketones: α-Csp3-H methylenation of aromatic ketones using Selectfluor as a mild oxidant

A three starting material four component reaction (3SM-4CR) is developed for the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones and β-amino ketones in good yields. The reaction employs tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) as a methylene and terminal olefin source, and Selectfluor as a mild oxidant. TMEDA worked as a dual synthon to provide two carbons in this metal-free transformation process. The scope and versatility of the methods have been demonstrated with 23 examples. A Selectfluor-promoted oxidative reaction mechanism is proposed based on the results of the experimental studies.

Recent Advances on the Synthesis of 2,3-Fused Quinazolinones

As one of the most important structural units in pharmaceuticals and medicinal chemistry, quinazolinone and its derivatives exhibit a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antitubercular, antiviral,...

Iron-catalyzed [3+2+1] annulation of 2-aminobenzimidazoles/3-aminopyrazoles and aromatic alkynes using N,N-dimethylaminoethanol as one carbon synthon for the synthesis of pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles and pyrimido[1,2-b]indazoles

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles and pyrimido[1,2-b]indazoles from 2-aminobenzimidazoles/3-aminoindazoles, alkynes and N,N-dimethylaminoethanol in a three-component [3+2+1] annulation catalyzed by FeCl3 has been established, where N,N-dimethylaminoethanol...

DMF as CO Surrogate in Carbonylation Reactions: Principles and Application to the Synthesis of Heterocycles

Transition metal-catalyzed carbonylation reactions have emerged as one of the most relevant synthetic approaches for the preparation of carbonyl-containing molecules. The most commonly used protocol for the insertion of a carbonyl moiety is the use of carbon monoxide (CO) but, due to its toxic and explosive nature, this process is not suitable at an industrial scale. More recently, the chemistry of CO surrogates has received large attention as a way to use less expensive and more environmentally friendly methods. Among the various CO surrogates, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) has been paid greater attention due to its low cost and easy availability. This mini-review gives appealing insights into the application of DMF as a CO surrogate in metal-catalyzed carbonylations; in particular, in the first part we will give a general state of the art of these reactions for the preparation of carbonyl-containing molecules; then, we will take into account all the various synthetic approaches for the metal-catalyzed carbonylative synthesis of heterocycles using DMF as a CO surrogate. Each protocol has been discussed critically in order to screen the best synthetic method and to offer perspective on trends and future directions in this field.

Synthetic Strategies in the Preparation of Phenanthridinones

Phenanthridinones are important heterocyclic frameworks present in a variety of complex natural products, pharmaceuticals and displaying wide range of pharmacological actions. Its structural importance has evoked a great deal of interest in the domains of organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry to develop new synthetic methodologies, as well as novel compounds of pharmaceutical interest. This review focuses on the synthesis of phenanthridinone scaffolds by employing aryl-aryl, N-aryl, and biaryl coupling reactions, decarboxylative amidations, and photocatalyzed reactions.

Transition Metal Catalyzed Free-Amine (-NH2 ) Directed C-H Bond Activation and Functionalization for Biaryl Frameworks

Transition-metal-catalyzed direct transformation of inert C-H bond has revolutionized the arsenal of main-stream organic synthesis, providing a new upfront to forge structurally enriched and biologically relevant scaffolds in a step- and atom-economical way. Past decades have accounted for the major developments in this realm, proclaiming excellent site-selectivity by exploiting a variety of coordinating directing groups (DGs). Consideration of versatile, abundant, sp³ -hybridized free-amine (-NH₂ ) functionality for the same purpose has always been a formidable task owing to its innate reactivity. In recent years, free-amine functionality has emerged as a potent DG for a wide range of C-C and C-heteroatom bonds formations and annulation cascades. In this review article, we have discussed the advancements of free-amine directed C-H activation/functionalization reactions towards biaryl frameworks made within a decade (2012 to 2021).

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of pyrido-fused quinazolinones from 2-aminoarylmethanols and isoquinolines or tetrahydroisoquinolines

Pyrido-fused quinazolinones were synthesized via copper-catalyzed cascade C(sp2)-H amination and annulation of 2-aminoarylmethanols with isoquinolines or pyridines. The transformation proceeded readily in the presence of a commercially available CuCl2 catalyst with molecular oxygen as a green oxidant. Moreover, the dehydrogenative cross-coupling of 2-aminoarylmethanols with tetrahydroisoquinolines was explored, in which CuBr exhibited higher catalytic activity than CuCl2. Broad substrate scope with good tolerance of functionalities was observed under the optimized reaction conditions. The bioactive naturally occurring alkaloid rutaecarpine could be obtained by this strategy. The remarkable feature of this protocol is that complicated heterocyclic structures are readily achieved in a single synthetic step from easily accessible reactants and catalysts. This pathway to pyrido-fused quinazolinones would be complementary to existing protocols.

Copper-catalyzed, N-auxiliary group-controlled switchable transannulation/nitration initiated by nitro radicals: selective synthesis of pyridoquinazolones and 3-nitroindoles

Within the scope of nitration reactions, the efficiency of sensitive heteroaromatics such as indoles is often eroded by various competitive oxidative decomposition pathways.

Palladium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] annulation: access to chromone fused cyclopentanones with cyclopropenone as the CO source

A variety of chromone fused cyclopentanones are efficiently generated in good to high yields via palladium-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 1] annulation, in which cyclopropenone was utilized for the first time as the sole CO surrogate in the carbonylation process.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed N-Nitroso Directed C-H Arylation for Facile Construction of Diverse N-Hetero Biaryl Compounds

A Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H arylation reaction of N-nitrosoanilines has been developed in which arylboronic acids were used as arylation reagents. It provides an efficient strategy for the synthesis of N-nitroso-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-amine, which is an important starting material for the synthesis of N-hetero biaryl compounds, such as 2-amine-1,1'-biphenyl, carbazole, phenanthridone. This protocol can be applied to various N-alkyl substituted N-nitrosoanilines and N-nitrosoanilines with substituents on the phenyl ring. Arylboronic acids with both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups are tolerated.

Carbonylative synthesis of heterocycles involving diverse CO surrogates

Recent advances in the carbonylative synthesis of heterocycles by using diverse CO surrogates as sources of CO are summarized and discussed.

Terminal methyl as a one-carbon synthon: synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives via radical-type transformation

An iron-promoted method for the construction of pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives has been developed. Various solvents with terminal methyl group, including ethers, amines and dimethyl sulfoxide, were utilized as carbon sources for the synthesis.

Direct Csp3-H methylenation of 2-arylacetamides using DMF/Me2NH-BH3 as the methylene source

A direct Csp3-H methylenation of 2-arylacetamides using DMF/Me2NH-BH3 as the methylene source was developed. The formyl group of DMF delivered the carbon and one hydrogen atoms, and the Me2NH-BH3 donated the remaining one hydrogen atom. This protocol offers a new alternative to make useful 2-arylacrylamides from simple starting materials.

Chloroform as a CO surrogate: applications and recent developments

The carbonyl moiety is one of the indispensable sub-units in organic synthesis with significant applications in medicinal as well as materials chemistry. Hence the insertion of a carbonyl group via simple and highly efficient routes has been one of the most challenging tasks for organic chemists. Though the direct utilisation of CO gas in carbonylation is the fundamental procedure for the construction of carbonyl compounds, it has certain drawbacks due to its toxic and explosive nature. As a result, the need for cheap and efficient CO surrogates has gained much attention nowadays by which CO gas can be easily generated in situ or ex situ. In this review we discuss the advantages of chloroform as CO surrogate and have surveyed recent carbonylation reactions where chloroform has been used as CO source.

Ligand Promoted, Palladium-Catalyzed C(sp2)-H Arylation of Free Primary 2-Phenylethylamines

A mono- N-protected amino acid (MPAA) ligand promoted, Pd(II)-catalyzed C(sp²)-H arylation of free primary 2-phenylethylamines using the native NH₂ as the directing group has been achieved. This method is compatible with challenging simple primary 2-phenylethylamines bearing α-hydrogen atoms. Application of this protocol in the direct structure modification of the drug molecule amphetamine is also demonstrated.

Hetero-bimetallic cooperative catalysis for the synthesis of heteroarenes

Review covering the synthesis of 5- and 6-membered as well as condensed heteroarenes, focussing on the combinations in cooperative catalytic systems in strategies used to achieve selectivity and also highlights the mode of action for the cooperative catalysis leading to the synthesis of commercially and biologically relevant heteroarenes.

Palladium-catalyzed decarbonylative annulation of phthalimides with arynes: direct construction of phenanthridinones

A novel palladium-catalyzed decarbonylative annulation between phthalimides and arynes was well-established, affording phenanthridinone derivatives in moderate to good yields.

Cu(ii)- or Co(ii)-Catalyzed C(SP3)–H oxidation of N,N-dimethylaminoethanol: facile synthesis of methylene-bridged biindoles and 3-formylindoles selectively

Methylene-bridged biindoles and 3-formylindoles were synthesized with high conversion rate and good regioselectivity using a new carbon donor N,N-dimethylethanolamine, catalyzed by CuCl₂ and CoCl₂ respectively.

Palladium catalyzed carbonylative annulation of the C(sp2)-H bond of N,1-diaryl-1H-tetrazol-5-amines and N,4-diaryl-4H-triazol-3-amines to quinazolinones

Pd(ii) catalyzed direct C-H carbonylative annulation of N,1-diaryl-1H-tetrazol-5-amines and N,4-diaryl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-amines gave the corresponding triazole and tetrazole fused quinazolinones in good yields. This methodology offers a convenient method for the synthesis of these important heterocyclic scaffolds in a highly atom economical process. On the mechanistic aspect weakly nucleophilic triazole and tetrazole moieties function as both directing as well as intramolecular nucleophiles. The catalytically active C-H activated intermediate dimeric Pd complex was isolated and characterized which on exposure to CO gas gave the corresponding tetrazole fused quinazolinone derivative. On the basis of isolation of the intermediate and observed kinetic isotope effects, a mechanism has been proposed for the C-H activated direct carbonylative annulation reaction.

Chloroform as a carbon monoxide source in palladium-catalyzed synthesis of 2-amidoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

A palladium-catalyzed aminocarbonylation strategy exploiting chloroform as a CO source has been developed for the synthesis of biologically potent 2-amidoimidazopyridine scaffolds. The aminocarbonylation reaction was found to be general with a range of amines and substituted imidazopyridines. Preliminary biological evaluation of cytotoxicity on selected examples provides scope for future investigations.

Recent Uses of N,N-Dimethylformamide and N,N-Dimethylacetamide as Reagents

N,N-Dimethylformamide and N,N-dimethylacetamide are multipurpose reagents which deliver their own H, C, N and O atoms for the synthesis of a variety of compounds under a number of different experimental conditions. The review mainly highlights the corresponding literature published over the last years.

Copper-catalyzed domino sequences: a new route to pyrido-fused quinazolinones from 2'-haloacetophenones and 2-aminopyridines

A new pathway to access pyrido-fused quinazolinones via a Cu(OAc)2-catalyzed domino sequential transformation between 2'-haloacetophenones and 2-aminopyridines was demonstrated. The solvent and base exhibited a remarkable effect on the transformation, in which the combination of DMSO and NaOAc emerged as the best system. Cu(OAc)2·H2O was more active towards the reaction than numerous other catalysts. This methodology is new and would be complementary to previous protocols for the synthesis of pyrido-fused quinazolinones.