Method for Direct Synthesis of α-Cyanomethyl-β-dicarbonyl Compounds with Acetonitrile and 1,3-Dicarbonyls

Iron-Catalyzed Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling

This review highlights significant advances in iron-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC), a method pivotal for forming carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds directly from C-H bonds. This technique uses iron-a naturally abundant, inexpensive, and environmentally benign transition metal-as a catalyst to facilitate the coupling of two unfunctionalized C-H bonds. This method stands out for avoiding pre-functionalized substrates, reducing both waste and cost in organic synthesis. The discussion includes a variety of CDC methodologies involving combinations of C(sp3)-H with C(sp3)-H, C(sp3)-H with C(sp2)-H, and C(sp3)-H with C(sp)-H bonds. These methods have been successfully applied in synthesizing complex molecules and pharmaceuticals, highlighting the versatility and efficiency of iron catalysis.

Metal-Free Decarboxylative Cyanomethylation of β-Aryl/Heteroaryl Substituted α,β-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids to γ-Ketonitriles

A decarboxylative cyanomethylation of β-aryl/heteroaryl substituted α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids has been accomplished via C(sp3)-H activation of alkyl nitriles to afford diverse γ-ketonitriles by making use of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). The present report offers a metal-free approach and is featured with a broad substitution pattern and functional group compatibility.

Crystal structure of 2,4-di-amino-5-(4-hy-droxy-3-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-8,8-dimethyl-6-oxo-6,7,8,9-tetra-hydro-5H-chromeno[2,3-b]pyridine-3-carbo-nitrile-di-methyl-formamide-water (1/1/1)

In the structure of the title compound, C22H22N4O4·C3H7NO·H2O, the entire tricyclic system is approximately planar except for the carbon atom bearing the two methyl groups; the meth-oxy-phenyl ring is approximately perpendicular to the tricycle. All seven potential hydrogen-bond donors take part in classical hydrogen bonds. The main mol-ecule and the DMF combine to form broad ribbons parallel to the a axis and roughly parallel to the ab plane; the water mol-ecules connect the residues in the third dimension.

Three-Component Direct Phosphorylation of Aldehydes and Alkylation of Ketones: Synthesis of γ-Ketophosphine Oxides under Acidic Conditions

An effective and economical acid-promoted three-component reaction for the construction of C-P and C-C bonds for the synthesis of γ-ketophosphine oxides with water as the only byproduct was developed. Detailed mechanistic experiments confirmed that the reaction proceeds by phospha-aldol elimination, in which a benzylic carbocation is generated from the phosphorylation of aldehydes, which then reacts with ketone enolates under acidic conditions.

Cyanomethylation of the Benzene Rings and Pyridine Rings via Direct Oxidative Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling with Acetonitrile

A novel and efficient approach for the amine-directed dehydrogenative C(sp²)-C(sp³) coupling of arylamines with acetonitrile was reported by using FeCl₂ as the catalyst. Substituted anilines, aminopyridines, naphthylamines, and some nitrogen-containing heterocyclic arylamines react with inactive acetonitrile to form the corresponding arylacetonitriles in moderate to good yields. This protocol features nontoxic iron catalysis, efficient atom economy, nonprefunctionalized starting materials, good regioselectivity, and excellent compatibility of functional groups and aromatic rings, providing a novel, straightforward, and green approach toward arylacetonitriles.

The copper-catalyzed selective monoalkylation of active methylene compounds with alkylsilyl peroxides

A novel method for a mild copper-catalyzed selective monoalkylation of active methylene compounds with various alkylsilyl peroxides has been developed. The reaction has a broad substrate scope and our mechanistic studies suggest the participation of radical species in this alkylation reaction.

Cyanoalkylation/alkynylation of allylic alcohol through intramolecular radical 1,2-alkynyl migration

A di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP)-promoted difunctionalization of α-aryl α-alkynyl allylic alcohols with alkyl nitriles was developed, affording a series of α-alkynyl γ-cyano functionalized ketones in moderate yields. This procedure involved C(sp³)-H bond cleavage of alkyl nitriles and radical 3-exo-dig cyclization. After this, radical 1,2-alkynyl migration is preferred rather than 1,2-aryl migration.

Cu-catalyzed cyanomethylation of imines and α,β-alkenes with acetonitrile and its derivatives

We describe copper-catalyzed cyanomethylation of imines and α,β-alkenes with a methylnitrile source and provide an efficient route to synthesize arylacrylonitriles and β,γ-unsaturated nitriles. This method tolerates aliphatic and aromatic alkenes substituted with a variety of functional groups such as F, Cl, Br, Me, OMe, tert-Bu, NO2, NH2 and CO2H with good to excellent yields (69-98%). These systems consist of inexpensive, simple copper catalyst and acetonitrile with its derivatives (α-bromo/α-iodo-acetonitrile) and are highly applicable in the industrial production of acrylonitriles.

Cyanomethylation of Substituted Fluorenes and Oxindoles with Alkyl Nitriles

The first example of metal-free cyanomethylenation from alkyl nitriles of sp³ C-H bonds to afford quaternary carbon centers is described. This oxidative protocol is operationally simple and features good functional group compatibility. This method provides a novel approach to highly functionalized fluorene and oxindole derivatives, which are commonly used in material and pharmaceutical areas. Control experiments provide evidence of a radical reaction process.

Recent advances in C–CN and C–H bond activation of green nitrile (MeCN) for organo-complexation, cyanation and cyanomethylation

The use of green and inexpensive organic nitrile (MeCN) as a cyano and cyano-methyl source for organo-complexation, cyanation, and cyanomethylation is reviewed.

Nickel(ii)-catalyzed C–C, N–C cascade coupling of ketonitriles into substituted pyrroles and pyridines

The first example of nickel complexes as effectively catalyst to C–C, N–C cascade coupling of ketonitriles with arylboronic acids, affording 2,5-diarylpyrroles and 2,6-diarylpyridines.

Free Radical Addition of Nitrile, Ketone, and Ester to Alkyne and the Selectivity Discussion

A general and practical atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) of simple nitriles, ketones, and esters to alkynes was developed. It can allow an efficient access to a wide range of β,γ-unsaturated nitriles, ketones, and esters. The unique chemoselectivity in this system is also discussed.

Visible light-mediated organophotocatalyzed C-H bond functionalization reactions

Over the last decade, a variety of methodologies for the direct functionalization of C-H bonds have been developed. Among others, visible light photoredox reactions have recently emerged as one of the most efficient and highly selective processes for the direct introduction of a functionality into organic molecules. Easy reaction setups, as well as mild reaction conditions, make this approach superior to other methodologies applying transition metals or strong oxidants, in terms of both costs and substrate and functional group tolerance. In this review, the recent developments in organophotocatalyzed C-H bond functionalization reactions are presented.

Iron-catalyzed C(sp3)–H functionalization ofN,N-dimethylanilines with isocyanides

Iron salts as cost-efficient catalysts for the assembly of privileged α-amino amides and short peptides through Ugi-type reactions.

Oxidative radical cascade cyclization involving C(sp3)–C(sp3), C(sp3)–C(sp2) and C(sp2)–N bonds formation: direct construction of cyano and methyl substituted polyheterocycles

Oxidative radical cascade cyclizations of 2-cyano-3-arylaniline derived acrylamides with acetonitrile and tert-butyl peroxybenzoate have been developed to construct cyano and methyl substituted pyrido[4,3,2-gh]phenanthridines.

1,4-Refunctionalization of β-diketones to γ-keto nitriles via C–C single bond cleavage

The 1,4-refunctionalization of β-diketones to γ-keto nitriles was realized via an Fe-catalyzed cascade radical process.

Iron(ii)-catalyzed C-2 cyanomethylation of indoles and pyrroles via direct oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling with acetonitrile derivatives

A novel and efficient approach for the C(sp²)–H/C(sp³)–H oxidative coupling of indoles and pyrroles with acetonitrile derivatives was reported by using the Fe(ii) complex.

Iron-catalyzed cascade cyanoalkylation/radical dearomatization of N-phenylcinnamamides: access to cyanoalkylated 1-azaspiro[4.5]decanes

An iron-catalyzed tandem cyanoalkylative dearomatization of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-cinnamamides via C(sp³)–H functionalization of nitriles with excellent regioselectivity and diastereoselectivity was developed.