Merging of Light/Dark Palladium Catalytic Cycles Enables Multicomponent Tandem Alkyl Heck/Tsuji-Trost Homologative Amination Reaction toward Allylic Amines

Ni-Doped Perovskite for Photocatalytic Benzylic C-H Amination

Directly introducing aliphatic or aromatic amines into C(sp3)-H bonds remains a significant challenge in organic synthesis. One major difficulty is that C(sp3)-H activation is an oxidative process, whereas amines are generally more prone to oxidation than C-H bonds, making them difficult to use directly. Typically, protected amines are employed and then deprotected to realize amination, but this strategy limits the synthesis of tertiary amines, as protected secondary amines are often inactive in such reactions. Here, we present a mild photocatalytic method that overcomes these limitations by utilizing Ni-doped perovskite CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) for benzylic C-H amination directly using unprotected aliphatic or aromatic amines. Perovskite enables highly selective C-H activation, while doped Ni(II) readily captures benzylic radicals via oxidative addition. XPS studies successfully validate such an oxidative addition step with a Ni(II)/Ni(III) configuration. Our methodology forges aromatic and aliphatic, cyclic and acyclic, and secondary and tertiary amines and provides a powerful tool for the late-stage functionalization of bioactive compounds and drug derivatives.

Visible-Light-Accelerated Decarboxylative N-Allylation of γ-Methylidene-δ-valerolactones via Synergistic Pd(0)/Cu(II)/Riboflavin Catalysis

We report a visible-light-accelerated decarboxylative N-allylation of methylidene-δ-valerolactones via synergistic Pd(0)/Cu(II)/riboflavin catalysis. This method enables efficient coupling of diverse anilines and lactones under mild conditions, achieving an up to 93% yield.

Illuminating Palladium Catalysis

ConspectusThe past decade has witnessed significant advancements of visible-light-induced photocatalysis, establishing it as a powerful and versatile tool in organic synthesis. The major focus of this field has centered on the development of methodologies that either rely solely on photocatalysts or combine photocatalysis with other catalytic methods, such as transition metal catalysis, to address a broader and more diverse array of transformations. Within this rapidly evolving area, a subfield that we refer to as transition metal photocatalysis has garnered significant attention due to its growing impact and mechanistic uniqueness. A distinguishing feature of this subfield is the dual functionality of a single transition metal complex, which not only acts as a photocatalyst to initiate photochemical processes but also functions as a traditional catalyst, facilitating key bond-breaking and bond-forming events. As such, an exogenous photocatalyst is not required in transition metal photocatalysis. However, the implications of harnessing both the excited- and ground-state reactivities of the transition metal complex can extend beyond this simplification. One of the most compelling aspects of this area is that photoexcited transition metal complexes can exhibit unique reactivities inaccessible through conventional thermal or dual photocatalytic approaches. These distinct reactivities can be leveraged to accomplish novel transformations either by engaging an entirely different substrate pool or by unlocking new reactivities of known substrates.In 2016, our group pioneered the use of phosphine-ligated palladium catalysts that can be photoexcited upon visible-light irradiation to engage diverse substrates in radical reactions. In our initial discovery, we showed that photoexcitation can redirect the well-established oxidative addition of a Pd(0) complex into aryl iodides toward an unprecedented radical process, generating hybrid aryl Pd(I) radical species. We subsequently extended this novel strategy to the formation of alkyl radicals from alkyl halides. These reactive radical intermediates have been harnessed in a wide variety of transformations, including desaturation, alkyl Heck reactions, and alkene difunctionalization cascades, among others.Seeking to further expand this new avenue, we achieved the first example of asymmetric palladium photocatalysis in the context of allylic C-H amination, where the palladium catalyst now plays triple duty by additionally controlling the stereochemical outcome of the reaction. In parallel to reaction discovery, we have also established that diazo compounds, strained molecules, and electron-deficient alkenes can serve as alkyl radical precursors beyond organic halides and redox-active esters. Notably, the engagement of electron-deficient alkenes has been made possible by the photoinduced hydricity enhancement of Pd-H species, representing a new mode of photoexcited reactivity.This Account presents our discovery and development of visible-light-induced palladium catalysis, organized by the type of transformations explored. Given the rapid progress in the field, we anticipate that this Account will provide readers with guiding principles and inspiration for designing and developing more efficient and novel transformations.

Palladium-catalyzed allylic C-H alkylation of terminal olefins with 3-carboxamide oxindoles

A novel palladium-catalyzed allylic C-H alkylation of terminal olefins with 3-carboxamide oxindoles is described. A variety of new 3-carboxamide-3-allylation oxindoles with an all-carbon quaternary center were obtained in moderate to good yields (up to 99%). In addition, the asymmetric version of this reaction was also explored, providing moderate enantioselectivity.

Enantioselective Three-Component α-Allylic Alkylation of α-Amino Esters by Synergistic Photoinduced Pd/Carbonyl Catalysis

Photoinduced excited-state Pd catalysis has emerged as an intriguing strategy for unlocking new reactivity potential of simple substrates. However, the related transformations are still limited and the enantiocontrol remains challenging. Organocatalysis displays unique capability in substrate activation and stereocontrol. Combination of organocatalysis and photoinduced excited-state Pd catalysis may provide opportunities to develop new enantioselective reactions from simple substrates. By applying cooperative triple catalysis including excited-state Pd catalysis, ground-state Pd catalysis, and carbonyl catalysis, we have successfully realized enantioselective α-allylic alkylation of α-amino esters with simple styrene and alkyl halide starting materials. The reaction allows rapid modular assembly of the three reaction partners into a variety of chiral quaternary α-amino esters in good yields with 90-99 % ee, without protecting group manipulations at the active NH2 group. The cooperation of the chiral pyridoxal catalyst and the chiral phosphine ligand accounts for the excellent chirality induction.

Halide Perovskite Induces Halogen/Hydrogen Atom Transfer (XAT/HAT) for Allylic C-H Amination

Allylic C-H amination has emerged as a powerful tool to construct allylamines, common motifs in molecular therapeutics. Such reaction implies an oxidative path for C-H activation but furnishes reductive amines, inferring mild oxidants' inactivity for C-H oxidation but strong oxidants' detriment to products. Herein we report a heterogeneous catalytic approach that manipulates halogen-vacancies of perovskite photocatalyst and exploits halogenated-solvents (i.e. CH2Cl2, CH2Br2) as mild oxidants for selective C-H allyl amination with 19,376 turnovers. CsPbBr3 nanocrystals induce cooperative hydrogen-atom-transfer (HAT, C-H oxidation, and halogen-vacancy CsPbBr3-x formation) and halogen-atom-transfer (XAT, CsPbBr3-x-induced solvent reduction) under a radical chain mechanism. Terminal/internal olefins are amenable to forge aromatic/aliphatic, cyclic/acyclic, secondary/tertiary allylamines (70 examples), including drugs or their derivatives.

Access to Vinyl Gem-Difluorinated Cyclopropanes Via Photopromoted Palladium-Catalyzed Heck Reaction

A photopromoted Pd-catalyzed Heck reaction of gem-difluorocyclopropyl bromides (DFCBs) with styrenes to deliver vinyl gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes (VDFCs) under mild conditions has been developed. The reaction demonstrates good functional group compatibility while providing high E/Z ratio of the products. Furthermore, the desired VDFCs can be easily transformed into fluorinated cyclic/acyclic architectures, which may broaden its applications in organic synthesis.

Photoinduced Electron Donor Acceptor Complex-Enabled α-C(sp3)-H Alkenylation of Amines

Allylic amines are prevalent and vital structural components present in many bioactive compounds and natural products. Additionally, they serve as valuable intermediates and building blocks, with wide-ranging applications in organic synthesis. However, direct α-C(sp3)-H alkenylation of feedstock amines, particularly for the preparation of α-alkenylated cyclic amines, has posed a longstanding challenge. Herein, we present a general, mild, operationally simple, and transition-metal-free α-alkenylation of various readily available amines with alkenylborate esters in excellent E/Z - and diastereoselectivities. This method features good compatibility with water and oxygen, broad substrate scope, and excellent functional group tolerance, thereby enabling the late-stage modification of various complex molecules. Mechanistic studies suggest that the formation of a photoactive electron donor-acceptor complex between 2-iodobenzamide and the tetraalkoxyborate anion, which subsequently undergoes photoinduced single electron transfer and intramolecular 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer to generate the crucial α-amino radicals, is the key to success of this chemistry.

Integrated Approach for Allyl Amine Synthesis Combining the Decarboxylative Coupling of Arylacrylic Acids with the Petasis Reaction

A metal-free multicomponent reaction strategy for synthesizing allyl amines through decarboxylative coupling combined with the Petasis reaction is described. Utilizing (E)-3-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)acrylic acid, various boronic acids, a formaldehyde solution, and primary amines, the method operates efficiently without metal catalysts. Investigations reveal that electron-donating substituents in cinnamic acid derivatives significantly enhance reactivity, which is crucial for effective transformations. Under the optimized conditions, yields of ≤78% were obtained across a diverse range of 30 allyl amines.

Asymmetric three-component Tsuji-Trost allylation reaction enabled by chiral aldehyde/palladium combined catalysis

Despite the long-standing exploration of the catalytic asymmetric Tsuji-Trost allylation reaction since the mid-20th century, most reported instances have adhered to a two-component approach. Here, we present a remarkably efficient three-component asymmetric allylation reaction enabled by the collaborative action of chiral aldehyde and palladium. A diverse array of NH2-unprotected amino acid esters, aryl or alkenyl iodides, and allyl alcohol esters exhibit robust participation in this reaction, resulting in the synthesis of structurally diverse non-proteinogenic α-amino acid esters with favorable experimental outcomes. Mechanistic investigations reveal the dominance of the allylation/Heck coupling cascade in reactions involving electron-rich aryl iodides, while the Heck coupling/allylation cascade emerges as the dominant pathway in reactions involving electron-deficient aryl iodides. This chiral aldehyde/palladium combining catalytic system precisely governs the chemoselectivity of C-allylation and N-allylation, the regioselectivity of linear and branched allylation, and the enantioselectivity of C-allylation products.

Selective 1,4-syn-Addition to Cyclic 1,3-Dienes via Hybrid Palladium Catalysis

1,4-cis-Disubstituted cyclic compounds play a pivotal role in pharmaceutical development, offering enhanced potency and bioavailability. However, their stereoselective and modular synthesis remains a long-standing challenge. Here, we report an innovative strategy for accessing these structures via mild conditions employing cyclic 1,3-dienes/alkyl(aryl)halides and amines. This procedure exhibits a wide substrate scope that tolerates various functional groups. The utility of this method is demonstrated in the efficient synthesis of a TRPV6 inhibitor, CFTR modulator, and other bioactive molecules. Combined experimental and computational studies suggest that the hybrid palladium-catalyzed radical-polar crossover mechanism is crucial for achieving exceptional 1,4-syn-addition selectivity (dr > 20:1).

Catalytic Asymmetric Cascade Dearomatization of Indoles via a Photoinduced Pd-Catalyzed 1,2-Bisfunctionalization of Butadienes

Photoinduced Pd-catalyzed bisfunctionalization of butadienes with a readily available organic halide and a nucleophile represents an emerging and attractive method to assemble versatile alkenes bearing various functional groups at the allylic position. However, enantiocontrol and/or diastereocontrol in the C-C or C-X bond-formation step have not been solved due to the open-shell process. Herein, we present a cascade asymmetric dearomatization reaction of indoles via photoexcited Pd-catalyzed 1,2-biscarbonfunctionalization of 1,3-butadienes, wherein asymmetric control on both the nucleophile and electrophile part is achieved for the first time in photoinduced bisfunctionalization of butadienes. This method delivers structurally novel chiral spiroindolenines bearing two contiguous stereogenic centers with high diastereomeric ratios (up to >20 : 1 dr) and good to excellent enantiomeric ratios (up to 97 : 3 er). Experimental and computational studies of the mechanism have confirmed a radical pathway involving excited-state palladium catalysis. The alignment and non-covalent interactions between the substrate and the catalyst were found to be essential for stereocontrol.

Strategies for Using Quaternary Ammonium Salts as Alternative Reagents in Alkylations

Alkylation reactions are pivotal in organic chemistry, with wide-ranging utilization across various fields of applied synthetic chemistry. However, conventional reagents employed in alkylations often pose substantial health and exposure risks. Quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) present a promising alternative for these transformations offering significantly reduced hazards as they are non-cancerogenic, non-mutagenic, non-flammable, and non-corrosive. Despite their potential, their use in direct organic transformations remains relatively unexplored. This review outlines strategies for utilizing QAS as alternative reagents in alkylation reactions, providing researchers with safer approaches to chemical synthesis.

Simplified Version of the Eschweiler-Clarke Reaction

The traditional Eschweiler-Clarke reaction is a three-component process involving formaldehyde, amine, and formic acid. In this work, we showed that the reductive potential of formaldehyde was sufficient to provide methylation of secondary amines in the absence of acidic additives. Various acid-sensitive moieties remain intact under developed conditions. The scalability of the elaborated approach was shown for several products. Synthesis of the antifungal agent butenafine demonstrated the preparative utility of the developed approach.

Selective Access to Functional Fluoroenones via Palladium-Catalyzed Selenofluoroalkylacylation of Terminal Alkynes

The trifluoromethylacyl group (-COCF3) is an important motif and widely studied in catalysis, medicinal chemistry, and materials science. Herein, a novel palladium-catalyzed selenofluoroalkylacylation of terminal alkynes with commercially available fluoroalkyl anhydride and diorganyl diselenides to afford β-seleno and aryl/alkyl disubstituted enones under mild conditions is disclosed. In addition, selenodifluoroacetylations and selenoperfluoroacetylations are also suitable for this reaction. Mechanistic studies reveal that this reaction proceeds via an oxidative radical-polar crossover process.

Regio- and Stereoselective Iodoamination of Ferrocene-Containing Allenylphosphonates: Synthesis of Multifunctional Tetrasubstituted Allylic Amines and Allylic Azides

A general and practical methodology for the regio- and stereoselective synthesis of multifunctional tetrasubstituted allylic amines and azides based on iodoamination of ferrocene-containing allenylphosphonates with anilines and sodium azide is described. A tetrasubstituted olefin moiety, as well as an iodine atom, a phosphonate, and a ferrocene group, are installed to the allylic amine motif simultaneously in moderate to good yields.

Allylation of C-, N-, and O-Nucleophiles via a Mechanochemically-Driven Tsuji-Trost Reaction Suitable for Late-Stage Modification of Bioactive Molecules

We present the first solvent-free, mechanochemical protocol for a palladium-catalyzed Tsuji-Trost allylation. This approach features exceptionally low catalyst loadings (0.5 mol %), short reaction times (<90 min), and a simple setup, eliminating the need for air or moisture precautions, making the process highly efficient and environmentally benign. We introduce solid, nontoxic, and easy-to-handle allyl trimethylammonium salts as valuable alternative to volatile or hazardous reagents. Our approach enables the allylation of various O-, N-, and C-nucleophiles in yields up to 99 % even for structurally complex bioactive compounds, owing to its mild conditions and exceptional functional group tolerance.

Allylation of C-, N-, and O-Nucleophiles via a Mechanochemically-Driven Tsuji-Trost Reaction Suitable for Late-Stage Modification of Bioactive Molecules

We present the first solvent-free, mechanochemical protocol for a palladium-catalyzed Tsuji-Trost allylation. This approach features exceptionally low catalyst loadings (0.5 mol %), short reaction times (<90 min), and a simple setup, eliminating the need for air or moisture precautions, making the process highly efficient and environmentally benign. We introduce solid, nontoxic, and easy-to-handle allyl trimethylammonium salts as valuable alternative to volatile or hazardous reagents. Our approach enables the allylation of various O-, N-, and C-nucleophiles in yields up to 99 % even for structurally complex bioactive compounds, owing to its mild conditions and exceptional functional group tolerance.

Escape from Hydrofunctionalization: Palladium Hydride-Enabled Difunctionalization of Conjugated Dienes and Enynes

Palladium hydrides are traditionally employed in hydrofunctionalization (i.e. monofunctionalization) of conjugated dienes and enynes, owning to its facile protic hydropalladation of electron-rich (or neutral) unsaturated bonds. Herein, we report a mild PdH-catalyzed difunctionalization of conjugated dienes and enynes. This protocol is enabled by the chemoselectivity switch of the initial hydropalladation step achieved by visible light enhancement of hydricity of PdH species. This method allows for cascade annulation of dienes and enynes with various easily available and abundant substrates, such as acrylic acids, acrylic amides, and Baylis-Hillman adducts, toward a wide range of alkenyl or alkynyl lactones, lactams, and tetrahydrofurans. This protocol also provides an easy access to complex spiro-fused tricyclic frameworks.