Rhodium-Catalyzed Annulative Coupling of Isothiazoles with Alkynes through N-S Bond Cleavage

Synthesis of 1H-isothiochromenes by regioselective C-C and C-S bond formation of enaminothiones with alkynes under rhodium catalysis

The rhodium-catalyzed sulfur-directed C-H bond activation and tandem cyclization of enaminothiones with alkynes proceed efficiently. Most products of 1H-isothiochromenes with various substituents are achieved in good yields by regioselective C-C and C-S bond formation. This protocol has some advantages over the traditional methods in synthesizing 1H-isothiochromenes in terms of stable and easily available coupling substrates, simple and one-pot operation, step and atom economy, and highly unique sulfur-containing heterocyclic products.

Transition metal-catalyzed cascade C-H activation/cyclization with alkynes: an update on sulfur-containing directing groups

In light of the extensive applications of sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds in drug discovery, agrochemicals, and advanced materials, the construction of complex sulfur-containing molecular scaffolds has flourished in recent years. There is a profound interest in synthetic methods for forming carbon-sulfur bonds. Regarding this, transition metal (TM)-catalyzed C-H bond activation has emerged as a valuable means for the rapid formation of C-S bonds, although it is comparatively less explored than C-N or C-C bonds. The research significance of sulfur-directed C-H activation chemistry lies in maintaining a balance between activating and poisoning the catalyst as well as in the diversity and novelty of its properties. This review centers on sulfur-directed TM-catalyzed cascade C-H activation/cyclization with alkyne and encompasses the literature mainly from 2012 to 2024. The widely acknowledged reactivity and versatility of rhodium, ruthenium, and cobalt catalysts have given rise to various captivating cascade processes. For most reactions illustrated in this review, reactivity and selectivity are attained through the flexible synergistic combination of different metal catalysts and additives. Further advancements will be accompanied with the discovery of innovative sulfur-directing groups, chiral catalysis, and ground-breaking experimental techniques. This article will also inspire researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanism, thus undoubtedly leading to innovations and more discoveries in the future.

Transition Metal-Catalyzed Dual C-H Activation/Annulation Reactions Involving Internal Alkynes

Recently, transition metal-catalyzed ortho-C-H bond activation/annulations involving two internal alkyne molecules have been extensively used to synthesize highly substituted polycyclic aromatic scaffolds. Such reactions have emerged as a powerful atom and step-economical strategy for the assembly of multifunctional bioactive molecules. In this context, we focused on the recent achievements of dual C-H bond activation/annulations, as well as functionalization reactions involving diaryl/alkyl alkynes.

Transition Metal-Free N-S Bond Cleavage and C-N Bond Activation of Ugi-Adducts for Rapid Preparation of Primary Amides and α-Ketoamides

A novel method of transition metal-free N-S bond cleavage and subsequent C-N bond activation of Ugi-adducts was developed. Diverse primary amides and α-ketoamides were prepared in a rapid, step-economical and highly efficient manner in two steps. This strategy features excellent chemoselectivity, high yield and functional-group tolerance. Primary amides derived from the pharmaceuticals probenecid and febuxostat were prepared. This method opens a new pathway for the simultaneous synthesis of primary amides and α-ketoamides in an environmentally friendly manner.

Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinium Salts from 1-Pyrrolines and Alkynes via Rhodium-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization/N-Annulation Tandem Reaction

A convenient synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinium salts from 1-pyrrolines and alkynes through rhodium-catalyzed C-H functionalization/N-annulation tandem reaction is described. The protocol features a good substrate tolerance, mild reaction conditions, and high yields of target products. Exploration of the alkyne scope unexpectedly revealed a novel labile functional group-promoted rhodium-catalyzed C-H functionalization/C-annulation/elimination cascade reaction of 1-pyrrolines with electron-deficient alkynes.

Multiple annulations of inert C(sp2)-H bonds with alkynes

Transition-metal catalyzed directing group (DG) assisted annulation of inert C-H bonds leads to the formation of complex molecular frameworks from readily accessible substrates. Thus, multiple annulation of less functionalized substrates with unsaturated species leads to the construction of structurally diverse fused poly(hetero)cycles. The directed inert C(arene)-H bond activation and the mode of TM-migration in this process could enabled obatining L-type [involves DG heteroatom, o-C(arene)-H bond, and C(arene)-H bond of aryl-motif in alkyne], Y-type [involves two heteroatoms of the DG and o-,o'-C(arene)-H bonds], and B-type [involves o-C(arene)-H bond and m-C(arene)-H bond] π-extended annulation products. The coordination preference of the DG heteroatom makes the transformation chemo- and regio-selective. This article underlines the conceptual development of unsymmetrical multiple annulation of arene C(sp²)-H bonds with alkynes, which is exceedingly appealing and highly important.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation of 2- or 7-Arylindoles with Alkenes/Alkynes Using Molecular Oxygen as the Sole Oxidant Enabled by Quaternary Ammonium Salt

Developing an efficient catalytic system using molecular oxygen as the oxidant for rhodium-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative coupling remains highly desirable. Herein, rhodium-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 2- or 7-phenyl-1H-indoles with alkenes or alkynes to assemble valuable 6H-isoindolo[2,1-a]indoles, pyrrolo[3,2,1-de]phenanthridines, or indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines using the atmospheric pressure of air as the sole oxidant enabled by quaternary ammonium salt has been accomplished. Mechanistic studies provided evidence for the fast intramolecular aza-Michael reaction and aerobic reoxidation of Rh(I)/Rh(III), facilitated by the addition of quaternary ammonium salt.

Harnessing sulfur and nitrogen in the cobalt(iii)-catalyzed unsymmetrical double annulation of thioamides: probing the origin of chemo- and regio-selectivity

An unconventional cobalt(iii)-catalyzed one-pot domino double annulation of aryl thioamides with unactivated alkynes is presented. Sulfur (S), nitrogen (N), and o,o'-C-H bonds of aryl thioamides are involved in this reaction, enabling access to rare 6,6-fused thiopyrano-isoquinoline derivatives. A reverse 'S' coordination over a more conventional 'N' coordination of thioamides to the Co-catalyst specifically regulates the formation of four [C-C and C-S at first and then C-N and C-C] bonds in a single operation, a concept which is uncovered for the first time. The power of the N-masked methyl phenyl sulfoximine (MPS) directing group in this annulation sequence is established. The transformation is successfully developed, building a novel chemical space of structural diversity (56 examples). In addition, the late-stage annulation of biologically relevant motifs and drug candidates is disclosed (17 examples). The preliminary photophysical properties of thiopyrano-isoquinoline derivatives are discussed. Density functional theory (DFT) studies authenticate the participation of a unique 6π-electrocyclization of a 7-membered S-chelated cobaltacycle in the annulation process.

Synthesis of Isoselenazoles and Isothiazoles from Demethoxylative Cycloaddition of Alkynyl Oxime Ethers

A general method for the synthesis of isoselenazoles and isothiazoles has been developed by the base-promoted demethoxylative cycloaddition of alkynyl oxime ethers using the cheap and inactive Se powder and Na₂S as selenium and sulfur sources. This transformation features the direct construction of N-, Se-, and S-containing heterocycles through the formation of N-Se/S and C-Se/S bonds in one-pot reactions with excellent functional group tolerance.