One-Carbon Incorporation Using Cyclobutanone Oxime Ester Enabled [2 + 2 + 1] Carboannulation of 1,7-Enynes by C–C/N–O Bond Cleavage and C–H Functionalization

Palladium-catalyzed domino cyclization and C-H amination of 1,7-enynes toward N-containing fused quinolin-2(1H)-ones

A palladium-catalyzed domino radical cyclization and C-H amination of 1,7-enynes has been developed for the rapid establishment of N-containing fused quinolin-2(1H)-one scaffolds. The reaction of 1,7-enynes with perfluoroalkyl iodides and di-t-butyldiaziridinone worked well to give a wide range of N-containing fused quinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives in high yields. Notably, this method could be used in the late-stage modifications of various drugs.

Diastereoselective Access to Ester-Substituted cis-Phenanthridinones via Hydrogen Atom Transfer-Involved 1,7-Enyne Bicyclization

An organophotoredox-catalyzed 1,7-enyne bicyclization for the cis-diastereoselective synthesis of ester-substituted phenanthridinones has been achieved through radical cascade cyclization involving 1,6-hydrogen atom transfer. This transition-metal- and oxidant-free one-pot protocol generates three distinct C-C bonds and two quaternary carbon centers.

Formation of cyclopenta[c]quinolines through visible-light-induced photoredox cascade bis-annulations of 1,7-enynes with sulfoxonium ylides

A novel visible-light-driven photoredox-catalyzed cascade bicyclization of 1,7-enynes with aqueous sulfoxonium ylides is reported. The reaction is highly chemoselective with three new C-C bonds, two new rings, and an all-carbon quaternary stereocenter constructed in a one-pot fashion. This mild protocol features a remarkably broad substrate scope with good functional group tolerance, providing a general and practical approach to access various cyclopenta[c]quinolines.

Recent advances of 5-endo-trig radical cyclization: promoting strategies and applications

5-endo-trig radical cyclization has long been recognized as one of the most straightforward ways for the construction of densely functionalized five-membered rings. Nevertheless, according to Baldwin's rules, the 5-endo-trig radical cyclization is kinetically disfavored due to stereoelectronic effects and thus usually proceeds via a slow rate, which renders its application a challenging task. In recent years, with the emergence of efficient radical generation methods and effective cyclization strategies, 5-endo-trig radical cyclization has been successfully accelerated to a synthetically useful rate and has been utilized in the access of diverse five-membered carbo- and heterocyclic compounds. This review comprehensively summarizes the methodologies involving the 5-endo-trig radical cyclization process, with particular emphasis on the elucidation of the promoting strategies, which include the polar effect, geometrical constraints, spin delocalization effect, and persistent radical effect. Each of these strategies is discussed in detail, with illustrative examples from recent literature studies to highlight their practical applications and effectiveness. It is anticipated that the in-depth understanding of the 5-endo-trig radical cyclization provided by this review would inspire further innovation of this privileged reaction mode and expand its applications. Moreover, the potent ring-closure-promoting strategies revealed herein would also contribute to achieving other challenges of cyclizations with particular significance for organic synthesis.

Recent advances in ring-opening of cyclobutanone oximes for capturing SO2, CO or O2via a radical process

Cyclobutanone oximes and their derivatives are pivotal core structural motifs in organic chemistry. Iminyl-radical-triggered C-C bond cleavage of cyclobutanone oximes delivers an efficient strategy to produce stable distal cyano-substituted alkyl radicals, which can capture SO2, CO or O2 to form cyanoalkylsulfonyl radicals, cyanoalkylcarbonyl radicals or cyanoalkoxyl radicals under mild conditions. In the past several years, cyanoalkylsulfonylation/cyanoalkylcarbonyaltion/cyanoalkoxylation has attracted a lot of interest. In this updated report, the strategies for trapping SO2, CO or O2via iminyl-radical-triggered ring-opening of cyclobutanone oximes are summarized.

Synthesis of O-Heterocycle Spiro-Fused Cyclopentaquinolinones and Cyclopentaindenes through Visible Light-Induced Radical Cyclization Reactions

Presented herein is an effective and sustainable synthesis of O-heterocycle spiro-fused cyclopentaquinolinone and cyclopentaindene derivatives through light-driven cascade reactions of N-(o-ethynylaryl)acrylamides or 2-(2-(phenylethynyl)benzyl)acrylate with various O-heterocycles. Experimental mechanistic studies revealed that these reactions are initiated by visible light-induced radical formation from O-heterocycle and its regioselective addition onto the acrylamide or acrylate moiety followed by 6-exo-dig and 5-endo-trig cascade radical annulation, which is terminated by single electron oxidation and proton elimination. Compared with previously reported synthetic methods for similar purposes, this newly developed protocol has advantages such as a broad substrate scope, extremely mild reaction conditions, excellent atom-economy, high efficiency, and good compatibility with diverse functional groups. With all of these merits, this method is expected to find wide applications in the related research arena.

Palladium-Catalyzed Carbonylative Synthesis of Polycyclic 3,4-Dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one Scaffolds Containing Perfluoroalkyl and Carbonyl Units

A palladium-catalyzed one-pot two-step radical mediated carbonylative cyclization of 1,7-enynes with perfluoroalkyl iodides and Mo(CO)₆ has been developed for the construction of polycyclic 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one scaffolds. This method realizes a facile synthesis of various polycyclic 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives containing perfluoroalkyl and carbonyl units in high yields. Moreover, modifications of several bioactive molecules were demonstrated using this protocol.

Recent Advances in N-O Bond Cleavage of Oximes and Hydroxylamines to Construct N-Heterocycle

Oximes and hydroxylamines are a very important class of skeletons that not only widely exist in natural products and drug molecules, but also a class of synthon, which have been widely used in industrial production. Due to weak N-O σ bonds of oximes and hydroxylamines, they can be easily transformed into other functional groups by N-O bond cleavage. Therefore, the synthesis of N-heterocycle by using oximes and hydroxylamines as nitrogen sources has attracted wide attention. Recent advances for the synthesis of N-heterocycle through transition-metal-catalyzed and radical-mediated cyclization classified by the type of nitrogen sources and rings are summarized. In this paper, the recent advances in the N-O bond cleavage of oximes and hydroxylamines are reviewed. We hope that this review provides a new perspective on this field, and also provides a reference to develop environmentally friendly and sustainable methods.

Photoinduced Construction of Thieno[3,4-c]quinolin-4(5H)-ones/Selenopheno[3,4-c]quinolin-4(5H)-ones Using Diphenyl Disulfide or Diphenyl Diselenide as Sulfur or Selenium Sources

A photocatalytic synthesis of thieno[3,4-c]quinolin-4(5H)-ones/selenopheno[3,4-c]quinolin-4(5H)-ones using diphenyl disulfide or diphenyl diselenide as sulfur or selenium sources was developed. Two C-S/Se bonds and one C-C bond were constructed simultaneously without transition metals and other additives.

Radical annulation using a radical reagent as a two-carbon unit

Radical annulation has emerged as one of the most efficient and straightforward methods for synthesizing cyclic/polycyclic compounds as the core structures can be constructed through a single procedure comprising multiple bond-forming steps. Particularly, radical annulation using a radical reagent as a cyclization partner and two-carbon unit greatly expands the diversity of cyclic skeletons and the functionality of radical reagents. We herein have highlighted the representative processes reported in the past decade for radical annulation using a radical reagent as a two-carbon unit, including [2 + 2 + 2], [3 + 2], [4 + 2], and [5 + 2] modes, with an emphasis on their reaction mechanisms. These studies not only pave the way toward annulation but also provide insight into the exploration of a new reaction mode for radical chemistry.

Photoinduced radical cascade cyclization of acetylenic acid esters with oxime esters to access cyanalkylated coumarins

A photoinduced radical cascade cyclization of acetylenic acid esters with oxime esters is described, providing cyanalkylated coumarins in superior yields under mild conditions. Radical capture and luminescence quenching experiments showed that this transformation was accomplished via a radical addition/5-exo spirocyclization/1,2-ester migration process.

Visible-Light-Induced Dual Acylation of Alkenes for the Construction of 3-Substituted Chroman-4-ones

Heterocyclic compounds, especially oxygen-containing heterocyclic compounds, are crucial moieties in bioactive compounds and drug leads. Substituted chroman-4-ones are a kind of the most significant structural skeletons. Herein, we report a visible-light-induced dual acylation of alkenes for constructing 3-substituted chroman-4-ones, which undergoes a radical tandem cyclization reaction through carbon-carbon bond cleavage of oxime esters by a nitrogen-centered radical strategy. A series of 3-substituted chroman-4-ones were prepared with up to 86% yield.

Cyanomethylative cyclization of unactivated alkenes with nitriles for the synthesis of cyano-containing ring-fused quinazolin-4(3H)-ones

The synthesis of cyano-containing pyrrolo- and piperidino-quinazolinones was developed using alkyl nitriles through radical cascade addition/cyclization under metal-free conditions.

Transition-Metal- and Light-Free Generation of an Iminyl Radical: Facile Approach to Oxindoles and Isoquinolinediones with a Quaternary Carbon Center via Cyanoalkylarylation

We have developed an efficient and non-toxic method for the environmental-friendly generation of an iminyl radical from cyclobutanone oxime ester via direct thermolysis in the absence of light, transition metals, "tin", and other activators. This redox-neutral cyanoalkylarylation protocol enjoys a wide substrate scope and a good functional group tolerance, providing facile access to oxindoles and isoquinolinediones with a quaternary carbon center that are difficult to prepare by traditional methods.

Methylation Alkynylation of Terminal Alkenes via 1,2-Alkynyl Migration Using Dicumyl Peroxide as the Methyl Source

The metal-free oxidative alkene methylation/alkynylation of 1,4-enyn-3-ols with an organic peroxide as the methyl source has been developed, which provides straightforward and practical access to the challenging quaternary-carbon-containing but-3-yn-1-ones. The method is reasoned to go through methylation of functional alkenes utilizing dicumyl peroxide as the methylating reagent and subsequent intermolecular cyclization/1,2-alkynyl migration. This reaction has an excellent functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, and exquisite selectivity.

Cyclic Oxime Esters as Deconstructive Bifunctional Reagents for Cyanoalkyl Esterification of 1,6-Enynes

A concise copper catalysis strategy for the addition-cyclization of cyclic oxime esters across 1,6-enynes with high stereoselectivity to generate 1-indanones bearing an all-carbon quaternary center is reported. In this process, single-electron reduction of cyclic oxime esters enables deconstructive carbon-carbon cleavage to provide a key cyanopropyl radical poised for the addition-cyclization. This reaction is redox-neutral, exhibits good functional group compatibility, and features 100% atomic utilization. This process driven by copper catalyst makes readily available cyclic oxime esters as bifunctional reagents to demonstrate convergent synthesis.

The visible-light-induced acylation/cyclization of alkynoates with acyl oximes for the construction of 3-acylcoumarins

A nitrogen-centered radical-mediated carbon-carbon bond cleavage strategy is described to synthesize functionalized 3-acylcoumarins. The strategy is enabled by the visible-light-induced acylation/cyclization of alkynoates with various acyl oxime compounds in acetonitrile. The difunctionalization of carbon-carbon triple bonds precedes the generation of iminyl radicals, which is followed by the formation of acyl radicals. The acyl radicals then attack the carbon-carbon triple bonds, followed by 5-exo-trig cyclization and 1,2-ester migration. This strategy has wide substrate adaptability and good substituent tolerance.

Metal-free enaminone C-N bond cyanation for the stereoselective synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-β-cyano enones

A highly practical method for C-CN bond formation by C-N bond cleavage on enaminones leading to the efficient synthesis of β-cyano enones is developed. The reactions take place efficiently to provide (E)-β-cyano enones with only a molecular iodine catalyst. In addition, the additional employment of oxalic acid enables the selective synthesis of (Z)-β-cyano enones.

Recent Advances on Photoinduced Cascade Strategies for the Synthesis of N-Heterocycles

Over the last decade, visible-light photocatalysis has proved to be a powerful tool for the construction of N-heterocyclic frameworks, important constituents of natural products, insecticides, pharmacologically relevant therapeutic agents and catalysts. This account highlights recent developments and established methods towards the photocatalytic cascades for preparation of different classes of N-heterocycles, giving emphasis on our contribution to the field.

Cascade Reactions Assisted by Microwave Irradiation: Ultrafast Construction of 2-Quinolinone-Fused γ-Lactones from N-(o-Ethynylaryl)acrylamides and Formamide

An ultrafast (10 s) methodology to construct novel highly functionalized 2-quinolinones from N-(o-ethynylaryl)acrylamides (1,7-enynes) is described for the first time. Microwave irradiation enabled the ultrafast synthesis of 2-quinolinone-fused γ-lactones from Fenton's reagents in formamide. After six key consecutive reactions, including a diastereoselective step, 2-quinolinone-fused γ-lactones were obtained in good overall yield (up to 46%; 10 s).

Ni-Catalyzed radical cyclization of vinyl azides with cyclobutanone oxime esters to access cyanoalkyl containing quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones

A nickel-catalyzed cascade addition/cyclization of 2-azido-N-arylacrylamides and cyclobutanone oxime esters for the construction of 3-cyanoalkylated quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones is developed. This reaction proceeds under mild conditions with good functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. A preliminary mechanistic experiment indicated that the cyanoalkyl radical might be involved in this transformation.

Silver-Catalyzed Radical Cascade Sulfonation/Cycloaddition for the Construction of Multifunctional Succimides Containing Separable Z/E-Isomers

A silver-catalyzed cascade cycloaddition of aza-1,6-enynes, affording multifunctional succimide frameworks initiated by the arylsulfonyl radical addition, has been developed. This process shows mild reaction conditions, excellent structural selectivity, and broad functional group tolerance. In addition, the Z/E-isomers can be easily separated, which provides an efficient method for obtaining pure Z/E-configuration products.

Generation of (E)-β-sulfonyl enamines from sulfur dioxide via a radical process

An iron(ii)-catalyzed three-component reaction of O-acyl oximes, sulfur dioxide, and N-vinylacetamides is accomplished. Diverse (E)-β-sulfonyl enamines are obtained in moderate to good yields by using this protocol with excellent stereoselectivity and regioselectivity.

Metal-Free Radical Annulation of Oxygen-Containing 1,7-Enynes: Configuration-Selective Synthesis of (E)-3-((Arylsulfonyl)methyl)-4-Substituted Arylidenechromene Derivatives

A novel strategy for the synthesis of (E)-3-((arylsulfonyl)methyl)-4-substituted benzylidenechromene derivatives via a metal-free radical annulation reaction of oxygen-containing 1,7-enynes with thiosulfonates has been developed. The reaction shows broad substrate scope, wide functional group tolerance, and moderate to excellent yields. Moreover, thiosulfonates were well driven to achieve the bifunctionalization reaction of oxo-1,7-enynes which derived from aliphatic alkynes. In addition, the (E)-configuration of the products was highly controlled by the structure of 1,7-enyne.

Visible-light-mediated cascade cyanoalkylsulfonylation/cyclization of alkynoates leading to coumarins via SO2 insertion

A visible-light-mediated cascade cyanoalkylsulfonylation/cyclization of alkynoates with cycloketone oxime compounds for the preparation of 3-cyanoalkylsulfonylcoumarins via SO₂ insertion is reported.

Recent Advances on Synthetic Methodology Merging C-H Functionalization and C-C Cleavage

The functionalization of C-H bonds has become a major thread of research in organic synthesis that can be assessed from different angles, for instance depending on the type of catalyst employed or the overall transformation that is carried out. This review compiles recent progress in synthetic methodology that merges the functionalization of C-H bonds along with the cleavage of C-C bonds, either in intra- or intermolecular fashion. The manuscript is organized in two main sections according to the type of substrate in which the cleavage of the C-C bond takes place, basically attending to the scission of strained or unstrained C-C bonds. Furthermore, the related research works have been grouped on the basis of the mechanistic aspects of the different transformations that are carried out, i.e.,: (a) classic transition metal catalysis where organometallic intermediates are involved; (b) processes occurring via radical intermediates generated through the use of radical initiators or photochemically; and (c) reactions that are catalyzed or mediated by suitable Lewis or Brønsted acid or bases, where molecular rearrangements take place. Thus, throughout the review a wide range of synthetic approaches show that the combination of C-H and C-C cleavage in single synthetic operations can serve as a platform to achieve complex molecular skeletons in a straightforward manner, among them interesting carbo- and heterocyclic scaffolds.

Visible-Light Photoredox-Catalyzed Ring-Opening Carboxylation of Cyclic Oxime Esters with CO2

The carboxylation of cyclic oxime esters with carbon dioxide via visible-light photoredox catalysis is demonstrated for the first time. A variety of cyclic oxime esters undergo ring-opening C-C bond cleavage and carboxylation to give cyanoalkyl-containing carboxylic acids in moderate to good yields. Moreover, this methodology features mild reaction conditions (room temperature, 1 atm), wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance as well as facile derivations of products. Mechanistic studies indicate that the benzylic radicals and anions might be the key intermediates.

Visible Light-Induced Radical Addition/Annulation to Construct Phenylsulfonyl-Functionalized Dihydrobenzofurans Involving an Intramolecular 1,5-Hydrogen Atom Transfer Process

A visible light-induced radical cascade reaction of 2-alkynylarylethers with sodium sulfinates was established for the synthesis of sulfonyl-functionalized dihydrobenzofurans, and an intramolecular 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer was involved in this transformation. This process provided an efficient and convenient C-C formation protocol for the construction of a dihydrobenzofuran ring. Various substituents on 2-alkynylarylethers and sodium sulfinates were tolerated in the reaction, and the corresponding products were obtained in moderate to good yields.

Radical Tandem Bicyclization Triggered by the α-Position of α,β-Unsaturated Ketones Bearing Nonterminal 1,6-Enynes: Synthesis of the 5H-Benzo[a]fluoren-5-one Skeleton

A novel method for the synthesis of 5H-benzo[a]fluoren-5-one from inactive nonterminal 1,6-alkynes through a free radical tandem bicyclization process has been established. This process achieved a continuous cyclization triggered rarely by the α-position of α,β-unsaturated ketones. The reaction constructed three C-C bonds in one step with the readily accessible substrates and excellent substrate compatibility.

Cleavage of Carbon-Carbon σ-Bonds of Four-Membered Rings

This article reviews synthetic transformations involving cleavage of a carbon-carbon bond of a four-membered ring, with a particular focus on the examples reported during the period from 2011 to the end of 2019. Most significant is the progress of catalytic reactions involving oxidative addition of carbon-carbon bonds onto transition metals or β-carbon elimination of transition metal alkoxides. When they are looked at from synthetic perspectives, they offer unique and efficient methods to build complex natural products and structures that are difficult to construct by conventional methods. On the other hand, β-scission of radical intermediates has also attracted increasing attention as an alternative elementary step to cleave carbon-carbon bonds. Its site-selectivity is often complementary to that of transition metal-catalyzed reactions. In addition, Lewis acid-mediated and thermally induced ring-opening of cyclobutanone derivatives has garnered renewed attention. On the whole, these examples demonstrate unique synthetic potentials of structurally strained four-membered ring compounds for the construction of organic skeletons.

Visible-light photoredox-catalyzed dual C–C bond cleavage: synthesis of 2-cyanoalkylsulfonylated 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes through the insertion of sulfur dioxide

A novel visible-light photoredox-catalyzed dual C–C bond cleavage of methylenecyclopropanes and cycloketone oximes for accessing 2-cyanoalkylsulfonated 3,4-dihydronaphthalenes is established.

Photoredox β-thiol-α-carbonylation of enones accompanied by unexpected Csp2–C(CO) bond cleavage

An olefinic difunctionalization method of enones was presented here via aerobic visible-light catalysis.

Radical cyclizations of enynes/dienes with alcohols in water using a green oxidant

A simple, eco-friendly, and efficient methodology for performing radical cyclizations of enynes/dienes with alcohols in water has been established.

Radical-mediated oxidative annulations of 1,n-enynes involving C–H functionalization

Recent progress in oxidative annulations of 1,n-enynes involving C–H functionalization is summarized.

Copper and manganese co-mediated cascade aza-Michael addition/cyclization and azidation of 1,3-enynes: regioselective synthesis of fully substituted azido pyrroles

A Cu and Mn co-mediated aerobic oxidative cyclization and azidation reaction of 1,3-enynes with amines and trimethylsilyl azide has been developed to synthesize fully substituted azido pyrroles.