Rhodium-Catalyzed Direct C-H Bond Cyanation in Ionic Liquids

Ionic liquids in C-H activation: synthesis and functionalization of heterocycles and carbocycles

This review illustrates various roles played by ionic liquids in organic transformations, such as solvents, additives, promoters, electrolytes and catalysts for the synthesis and functionalization of heterocycles and carbocycles through C-H activation reactions. Ionic liquids offer several advantages such as high stability, intrinsic conductivity, non-volatility, and recyclability, making them appealing alternatives to traditional organic solvents in sustainable organic synthesis. Their unique properties enhance reaction performance, as seen with recyclable [EMIM]BF4 in quinazolinone synthesis and [TMG][CF3COO] in amide production, direct diarylation of 6,7-benzindoles, regioselective reactions with aryl iodides, catalytic cyclopropanation with tetrabutylammonium acetate (TBAA), and propargylamine synthesis via A3 coupling reactions. The use of functionalized ionic liquids like [Bmim]PF6 with phosphine-ligated Pd(II) enhances product isolation, facilitates reactions under mild conditions, and promotes reusability, contributing to environmentally friendly pathways. Thus, this review highlights various ionic liquids used in different reactions, emphasizing their benefits in improving yields, solubility, and product separation in catalytic processes.

Palladium Catalyzed Cyanation of Diaryl Sulfoxides

Aryl nitriles are highly versatile and useful compounds. A palladium-catalyzed cyanation of diaryl sulfoxides using bench-stable Zn(CN)2 as the cyanating reagent has been developed. The reaction proceeded well using Pd(OAc)2 as the catalyst with the inexpensive ligand PCy3 in the presence of t-BuONa. The method has a broad scope of substrates and is scalable. The regioselective cyanation of unsymmetrical diaryl sulfoxides was observed at the side of electron-deficient and more steric hindered aryl groups.

Unified short syntheses of oxygenated tricyclic aromatic diterpenes by radical cyclization with a photoredox catalyst

The biomimetic two-phase strategy employing polyene cyclization and subsequent oxidation/substitution is an effective approach for divergent syntheses of [6-6-6]-tricyclic diterpenes. However, this strategy requires lengthy sequences for syntheses of oxygenated tricyclic aromatic abietane/podocarpane diterpenes owing to the many linear oxidation/substitution steps after cyclization. Here, we present a new synthetic route based on a convergent reverse two-phase strategy employing a reverse radical cyclization approach, which enabled the unified short syntheses of four aromatic abietane/podocarpane diterpenes and the divergent short syntheses of other related diterpenes. Oxygenated and substituted precursors for cyclization were convergently prepared through Friedel-Crafts acylation and rhodium-catalyzed site-selective iodination. Radical redox cyclization using an iridium photoredox catalyst involving neophyl rearrangement furnished the thermodynamically favored 6-membered ring preferentially. (±)-5,6-Dehydrosugiol, salvinolone, crossogumerin A, and Δ5-nimbidiol were synthesized in only 8 steps. An oxygenated cyclized intermediate was also useful for divergent derivatization to sugiol, ferruginol, saprorthoquinone, cryptomeriololide, and salvinolone.

N-Cyano-2,2'-biphenyldicarboimide as a Cyanation Reagent for Co(III)-Catalyzed C-H Cyanation of Indoles in Ionic Liquids

A mild strategy for Co(III)-catalyzed C(sp²)-H cyanation of indoles was developed by using NCBLD as an electrophilic cyanation reagent and 1-butyl-3-acetylimidazole ditrifluoromethylsulfonimide ([BAIM]NTf₂) as an environmentally friendly and recyclable solvent, and a series of 2-cyano products were obtained at room temperature. Adopting this strategy, the unnatural nucleotide fragment precursor of Remdesivir, which was a drug for COVID-19, was synthesized through cyano transformation, further proving the practicability of this cyanation method.

Direct C-H Cyanation by ICN Formed In Situ: Nannozinone B

A novel method for C-H cyanation of different pyrans, pyrroles, indoles, and acyclic nucleophilic double bonds using TMSCN, NIS, and Zn(OTf)₂ as a catalyst is described. The transformation is conducted under mild conditions tolerating a variety of functional groups. Zn(OTf)₂ is likely to serve a dual catalytic role as an activator for TMSCN and for the cyanogen iodide generated in situ. Optimization, the substrate scope, and mechanistic observations are reported. Furthermore, this method is applied in the first total synthesis of the natural product nannozinone B.

Photoredox-catalyzed trifluoromethylation of 2H-indazoles using TT-CF3+OTf- in ionic liquids

A protocol for metal and oxidant free photoredox catalyzed trifluoromethylation of 2H-indazoles was developed by using Eosin Y as the photocatalyst and recoverable ionic liquids as the solvents. A series of trifluoromethylated products were obtained in moderate to good yields in this protocol under mild conditions. The reaction proceeded via a free-radical mechanism with a broad substrate range, excellent regioselectivity, and good functional group tolerance. Furthermore, the utility of this protocol was demonstrated by the synthesis of a highly selective ligand for estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and the drug granisetron. The protocol provides a mild and environmentally friendly solution for trifluoromethylation reaction.

One-pot synthesis of 3-aminofurans using a simple and efficient recyclable CuI/[bmim]PF6 system

A one-pot three-component reaction of several 2-ketoaldehydes, secondary amines and terminal alkynes to access 3-aminofurans proceeded well in [bmim][PF₆] using a simple and cheap CuI catalyst. The resultant 3-aminofuran products were easily isolated using diethyl ether and the CuI/[bmim][PF₆] system was reused six times with a slight decrease in the activity.

Mechanistic Insight into Pd(II)-Catalyzed Late-Stage Nondirected C(sp2)-H Cyanation of Toluene Using the Dual Ligands MPAA and Quinoxaline: A Density Functional Theory Investigation

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate the mechanism of Pd(II)-catalyzed late-stage nondirected C(sp²)-H cyanation of toluene. We confirmed the resting state and catalytic active species of this stoichiometric reaction, and we calculated the full catalytic cycle to obtain a favorable reaction pathway. The DFT calculation results indicate that the morphology of the active species is essential for the observed concerted metalation/deprotonation step. Although C-H activation is reversible in principle, it is the regioselectivity- or product-determining step. Our calculation results show that the regioselectivity is not only influenced by the electron effects but also by the potential steric repulsion interactions between the substrates and the specific geometry of the catalyst. Interestingly, the transmetalation process involves the largest overall change in free energy; thus, transmetalation is defined as the rate-determining step and turnover-determining step.

Site-Selective Electrochemical C-H Cyanation of Indoles

An electrochemical approach for the site-selective C-H cyanation of indoles employing readily available TMSCN as cyano source has been developed. The electrosynthesis relies on the tris(4-bromophenyl)amine as a redox catalyst, which achieves better yield and regioselectivity. A variety of C2- and C3-cyanated indoles were obtained in satisfactory yields. The reactions are conducted in a simple undivided cell at room temperature and obviate the need for transition-metal reagent and chemical oxidant.

C–CN bond formation: an overview of diverse strategies

Aim for cyanation: a comprehensive overview on various approaches on C–CN bond formation in arenes/heteroarenes by activated halides/pseudohalide, directed, non-directed, electro-catalyzed, photoredox-catalyzed, and radical approaches.

Directing group strategies in catalytic sp2 C–H cyanations: scope, mechanism and limitations

Directing group strategy in transition metal catalyzed sp² C–H bond cyanation has contributed to the direct conversion of hydrocarbons to cyano-containing compounds. Recent developments in transition metal-mediated sp² C–H bond cyanation using this strategy are reviewed.

Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Cyanation of 2H-Indazole with N-Cyano-N-phenyl-p-toluenesulfonamide

A Rh(III)-catalyzed direct cyanation of 2H-indazoles with N-cyano-N-phenyl-p-toluenesulfonamide has been realized via a chelation-assisted strategy. The methodology enables regioselective access to various ortho-cyanated phenylindazoles in good yields with a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. The obtained cyanated indazoles could further be converted into other value-added chemicals. Importantly, the current protocol is featured with several characteristics, including a novel cyanating agent, good regioselectivity, and operational convenience.

Visible-Light-Induced Decarboxylative Cyclization of 2-Alkenylarylisocyanides with α-Oxocarboxylic Acids: Access to 2-Acylindoles

An efficient and practical protocol for visible-light-induced decarboxylative cyclization of 2-alkenylarylisocyanides with α-oxocarboxylic acids has been developed, which afforded a broad range of 2-acylindoles in moderate to good yields. The reaction proceeds through a cascade of acyl radical addition/cyclization reactions under irradiation of an Ir³⁺ photoredox catalyst without external oxidants and features simple operation, scalability, a broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance.

C–H Functionalization Strategies in the Naphthalene Series: Site Selections and Functional Diversity

Naphthalene is certainly not a common arene. In contrast to benzene, the bicyclic feature of naphthalene offers multiple differentiable positions and thus a broad diversity of substitution patterns. Naphthalene is a central building block for the construction of elaborated polycyclic architectures with applications in broad domains such as life and materials sciences. As a result, C–H functionalization strategies specially designed for naphthalene substrates have become essential to install valuable substituents on one or both rings towards polysubstituted naphthalenes. This short review provides a focus on uncommon substitution patterns; however, classical ortho C–H activation is not covered.

1 Introduction

2 C–H Functionalization Using a Directing Group Located at Position 1

2.1 Functionalization on the Ring Bearing the DG: 1,3-Substitution Pattern

2.2 Functionalization on the Ring Bearing the DG: 1,4-Substitution Pattern

2.3 Functionalization on the Neighboring Ring: 1,6-, 1,7- and 1,8-Substitution Patterns

3 C–H Functionalization Using a Directing Group Located at Position 2

3.1 Functionalization on the Ring Bearing the DG: 2,4- and 2,1-Substitution Patterns

3.2 Miscellaneous Substitution Patterns

4 Bis C–H Functionalization

4.1 Symmetrical Bisfunctionalization: 1,2,8-Substitution Pattern

4.2 Symmetrical Bisfunctionalization: 2,3,1-Substitution Pattern

4.2 Unsymmetrical Bisfunctionalization: 2,3,1-Substitution Pattern

4.3 Symmetrical Bisfunctionalization: 2,4,8-Substitution Pattern

5 Conclusion and Outlook

Divergent C-H activation synthesis of chalcones, quinolones and indoles

We here report a condition-controlled divergent synthesis strategy of chalcones, quinolones and indoles, which was achieved via a C-H activation reaction of N-nitrosoanilines and cyclopropenones. Variations of Ag salts are observed to be crucial for divergently constructing the three distinct chemical scaffolds. A Rh(i)- and Rh(iii)-cocatalyzed decarbonylation/C-H activation/[3+2] annulation cascade reaction was developed for the synthesis of indoles. These methodologies are characterized by mild reaction conditions, high functional group tolerance, and amenability to gram-scale synthesis, providing a reference for future derivation of new chemical scaffolds by C-H activation.

The C-H activated controlled mono- and di-olefination of arenes in ionic liquids at room temperature

In this study, controlled mono and di-olefination of arenes was first realized at room temperature via the C-H bond activation in ionic liquids, probably due to the positive effects of ionic liquids. It is an energy-saving routes in industrial production without the need for heating equipment. Different catalysts were screened, and it was found that [Ru(p-cymene)Cl2]2 generated mono-olefinated products predominantly while [Cp*RhCl2]2 selectively gave di-olefinated products. These catalysts ([BMIM]NTf2 and [BMIM]PF6) as green and recyclable reaction media are highly efficient under mild conditions. This reaction process can avoid any volatile and environmentally toxic organic solvents, and is much safer without the need for pressure-tight equipment. A wide substrate scope with good yields and satisfactory selectivity was achieved. The reactions can be scaled up to gram-scale. Furthermore, an expensive rhodium/ruthenium catalytic system was recycled for at least 6 times with consistently high catalytic activity, which was economical and environmental friendly from an industrial point of view. According to the mechanistic study, the C-H bond cleavage was probably achieved via the concerted metalation-deprotonation. This technique can be applied in the synthesis of various valuable unsaturated aromatic compounds and shows a great potential for industrial production.

Iridium-catalyzed ortho-selective carbon–hydrogen amidation of benzamides with sulfonyl azides in ionic liquid

An efficient and convenient iridium(iii) catalyzed ortho-C–H bond amidation of weakly coordinating benzamides treated with readily available sulfonyl azides as the amino source has been described. In this transformation, ionic liquids represents an ideal reaction medium, giving rise to a broad range of amidation products under mild conditions in the open air. This protocol offers moderate to excellent chemical yields, exclusive regioselectivities, and good functional group tolerance.

Ir-catalyzed ortho-C–H amidation of benzamides with sulfonyl azides has been conducted effectively in ionic liquid reaction medium.

A removable directing group-assisted Rh(iii)-catalyzed direct C–H bond activation/annulation cascade to synthesize highly fused isoquinolines

A removable directing group-assisted Rh(iii)-catalyzed direct C–H bond activation/annulation cascade was developed to synthesize highly fused isoquinolines with good to excellent yields and a good functional group tolerance.

Practical Synthesis of Benzimidazo[1,2-a]quinolines via Rh(III)-Catalyzed C-H Activation Cascade Reaction from Imidamides and Anthranils

We report a novel and practical one-pot Rh(III)-catalyzed strategy to construct benzimidazo[1,2-a]quinolines from readily available imidamides and anthranils. The cascade reaction proceeds via a C-H amination-cyclization-cyclization process in ionic liquid without any additives and possesses simple operation, moderate-to-high yield, and broad substrate scope features, which will provide the reference for the construction of biologically active fused benzimidazoles.

Water-mediated C–H activation of arenes with secure carbene precursors: the reaction and its application

A water-mediated C–H activation using sulfoxonium ylides is reported, providing a general, green and step-economic approach to construct a C–C bond and varieties of useful N-heterocycle scaffolds.

C–H alkenylation/cyclization and sulfamidation of 2-phenylisatogens using N-oxide as a directing group

Ru(ii)-Catalyzed C–H alkenylation/cyclization and Ir(iii)-catalyzed C–H sulfamidation provided indol-3-one derivatives and sulfamidated 2-phenylisatogens respectively, with good yields and excellent functional group tolerance.