Cu-Catalyzed Sequential Dehydrogenation–Conjugate Addition for β-Functionalization of Saturated Ketones: Scope and Mechanism

Convergent Total Synthesis of (-)-Calidoustene

The first total synthesis of the sesterterpenoid (-)-calidoustene has been accomplished, featuring a stereoselective Michael/aldol cascade to construct the trans-hydrindane backbone, a tandem Pummerer/Sakurai cyclization to establish the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane framework, a metallaphotoredox enone coupling followed by MHAT-initiated cyclization to forge the congested central C-ring, and late-stage functionalization via Cu-catalyzed desaturation and diimide reduction.

Chitosan nanoreactor modified with PNIPAAm as efficient catalyst for preparation of chiral boron compounds in aqueous phase

This work constructed chitosan-based core-shell catalytic nanoreactor (CS/NI/SA@Cu(II)) by free radical polymerization of biomass chitosan and temperature sensitive materials. The CS/NI/SA@Cu(II) were characterized by FT-IR, TG, XPS, SEM, TEM, and EDS to prove the formation of the nanoreactor, and the Cu content was obtained by ICP analysis. The TEM indicated that CS/NI/SA-2 presented a hollow core-shell structure with a size of about 100 nm, and the contact angle of CS/NI/SA-2 was 67°. The core-shell nanoreactors were successfully applied to the 1,4-chiral borylation reaction of α,β-unsaturated compounds, and α,β,γ,δ-unsaturated compounds, as well as the 1,6-chiral borylation reaction of methylene benzoquinone compounds in the aqueous phase. All template substrates can obtain up to 90 % yields with 90 % ee values in core-shell nanoreactors and chiral ligand in 12 h. The possible mechanism of catalytic reaction was revealed by calculation and deuteration experiment. Besides, the CS/NI/SA@Cu(II) could be easily recycled and effectively reused. Besides, the CS/NI/SA@Cu(II) could be easily recycled and effectively reused for 6 times. Remarkably, this approach provides the first report of biomass chitosan for an efficient strategy to gain chiral organic boron compounds in high yields and enantioselectivities.

One-pot synthesis of E-chalcones using a multifunctional catalyst comprised of ruthenium nanoparticles and palladium N-heterocyclic carbene complexes immobilized on silica

The integrated one-pot synthesis of valuable E-chalcones from aryl iodides, phenylacetylenes, CO and H2 is achieved using a single catalyst material. The multifunctional catalytic system is composed of a silica support on which ruthenium nanoparticles and covalently functionalized palladium N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes are jointly assembled. The resulting Ru@SiO2-[Pd-NHC] catalyst was characterized by a variety of techniques including N2 physisorption, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to collect information on its textural, structural, morphological, and electronic properties. Ru@SiO2-[Pd-NHC] was found to be active and selective for the one-pot synthesis of a wide variety of E-chalcones, valuable products with widespread applications in the fine chemical, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries. The heterogenized Pd-NHC complex catalyzed the carbonylative Sonogashira coupling step, while CO-covered Ru NPs were found to be responsible for the highly selective hydrogenation of the ynones intermediates to E-chalcones. This study outlines the potential of hybrid multifunctional catalytic systems combining molecular and nanoparticle sites to open up new and more sustainable complex reaction sequences toward valuable compounds.

Unlocking Reactivity of Unprotected Oximes via Green-Light-Driven Dual Copper/Organophotoredox Catalysis

Oximes are widely used precursors in synthetic chemistry due to their broad availability and versatile chemical properties, in which N─O bond fragmentation represents a key reactivity mode. However, these transformations typically require the use of oxygen-protected oximes, and a general strategy to directly utilize free oximes remains challenging due to their vulnerability to side reaction pathways, rendering low tendency towards N─OH bond cleavage. Here a unified platform is reported to achieve direct cyclization of unprotected oximes with enals, as well as other coupling partners through dual copper/organophotoredox catalysis under green light irradiation. This protocol enables concurrent activation of both N─OH and α-C(sp3)─H bonds of free oximes to form multisubstituted pyridines with exceeding structural diversity and functional group tolerance. In this process, Rose Bengal serves as a hydrogen atom transfer agent to generate radical intermediates. In the meanwhile, copper catalyst activates of free oximes via single-electron reduction-induced N─O bond fragmentation and controls the selectivity for intermediate trapping. The synthetic utility of this approach is further demonstrated by its successful applications in late-stage modification of biologically active compounds and rapid assembly of solvatochromic fluorescent materials.

Mechanistic insights into nonlinear effects in copper-catalyzed asymmetric esterification

Nonlinear effects (NLEs) serve as a widespread tool in the study of asymmetric catalytic reactions. However, due to the diversity in ligand-metal coordination modes, the information obtained solely from the linear relationship between the ee values of ligands and products in complex systems is often indirect. Here, we report a precise method that directly connects the relationship between the ee values of metal complexes and products, with the purpose of determining the active species that occur in complex systems. Through an in-depth analysis of the mechanism of our previous copper-catalyzed asymmetric esterification reactions, we find an intrinsic linear relationship between the ee values of the key active metal complex (LLCuI) and products within this traditionally non-linear system. This method holds promise as a powerful tool for the exploration of asymmetric catalysis mechanisms, heralding new avenues in the understanding and application of catalytic processes.

Homologation of Alkenyl Carbonyls via a Cyclopropanation/Light-Mediated Selective C-C Cleavage Strategy

We report herein our studies on the direct photoactivation of carbonyl cyclopropanes to give biradical intermediates, leading to selective cleavage of the more substituted carbon-carbon bond. Depending on the substrate structure, extended alkenes were isolated or directly reacted in a photo-Nazarov process to give bicyclic products. Based on these results, a unified reductive ring-opening reaction was developed by using diphenyl disulfide as a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reagent. By performing a sequential cyclopropanation/selective ring opening reaction, we achieved a CH2 insertion into the α,β bond of both acyclic and cyclic unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Our protocol provides a further tool for the modification of the carbon framework of organic compounds, complementing the recent progress in "skeletal editing".

Copper-Catalyzed Cyclization and Alkene Transposition Cascade Enables a Modular Synthesis of Complex Spirocyclic Ethers

Complexity-generating reactions that access three-dimensional products from simple starting materials offer substantial value for drug discovery. While oxygen-containing heterocycles frequently feature unique, nonaromatic architectures such as spirocyclic rings, exploration of these chemical spaces is limited by conventional synthetic approaches. Herein, we report a copper-catalyzed annulation and alkene transposition cascade reaction that enables a modular preparation of complex, spirocyclic ethers from readily available alkenol substrates via a copper-catalyzed annulation and transannular 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer-mediated C-H functionalization. Our transformation displays a broad substrate scope, shows excellent heteroatom compatibility, and readily constructs spirocycles of varying ring sizes. The wider synthetic utility of this method is highlighted by numerous product diversifications and a short synthesis of the all-carbon framework of spirotenuipesine A. We anticipate that this transformation can significantly streamline access to a privileged class of three-dimensional oxygen-containing heterocycles and will find broad application in natural product synthesis.

Direct Synthesis of K-Region Functionalized Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons via Twofold Intramolecular C-H/C-H Arylation

Functionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are essential building blocks for the bottom-up fabrication of structurally uniform nanocarbons. Herein we report a simple and efficient synthetic method toward K-region hydroxy-functionalized PAHs via TEMPO-mediated twofold intramolecular C-H/C-H arylations of 1-biphenyl-2-yl-2-aryl-ethanone derivatives. This method achieves high yields and selectivity, synthesizing a variety of PAH frameworks, including pyrenes, chrysenes, benzo[c]phenanthrenes, and benzo[k]tetraphenes. Our results also demonstrate the potential of these compounds as valuable candidates for the selective construction of larger PAH structures.

Iron-Catalyzed One-Pot Cascade Reactions of Oximes with Inactivated Saturated Ketones: Entry to Highly Substituted Pyridines

An iron-catalyzed oxidative [3 + 3] annulation of oxime esters with inactivated saturated ketones is described. This cascade strategy allows one-step rapid synthesis of various structurally important pyridines through an oxidative dehydrogenation/annulation/oxidative aromatization sequence via direct α,β-dehydrogenation of simple saturated ketones followed by annulation with oximes. This method shows good functional group tolerance, readily accessible starting materials, a wide substrate scope, high chemoselectivity, and no need for extra stoichiometric oxidant and is also applicable to the late-stage functionalization of natural products.

Unmasking the reverse catalytic activity of 'ene'-reductases for asymmetric carbonyl desaturation

Carbonyl desaturation is a fundamental reaction widely practised in organic synthesis. While numerous methods have been developed to expand the scope of this important transformation, most of them necessitate multi-step protocols or suffer from the use of high loadings of metal or strong oxidizing conditions. Moreover, approaches that can achieve precise stereochemical control of the desaturation process are extremely rare. Here we report a biocatalytic platform for desymmetrizing desaturation of cyclohexanones to generate diverse cyclohexenones bearing a remote quaternary stereogenic centre, by reengineering 'ene'-reductases to efficiently mediate dehydrogenation, the reverse process of their native activity. This 'ene'-reductase-based desaturation system operates under mild conditions with air as the terminal oxidant, tolerates oxidation-sensitive or metal-incompatible functional groups and, more importantly, exhibits unparalleled stereoselectivity compared with those achieved with small-molecule catalysts. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the reaction proceeded through α-deprotonation followed by a rate-determining β-hydride transfer.

Ring-Opening α,β-Difunctionalization of Cyclopropanols with Azides Enables 4-Keto-Functionalized 1,2,3-Triazole Synthesis

Selective C-C bond cleavage and transformation of organic small molecules to create products of increased value are one of the central goals in organic chemistry. In this study, we have developed a novel TEMPO-mediated ring-opening α,β-difunctionalization of cyclopropyl alcohols with organic azides to prepare structurally important 4-keto-1,2,3-triazoles under metal- and additive-free conditions. This protocol not only provides a straightforward and efficient method for the synthesis of 4-keto-functionalized 1,2,3-triazoles in one pot but also accomplishes the goal of constructing α,β-double C-N bonds via the ring opening of cyclopropyl alcohols for the first time. Additionally, the application of the skeletons of drugs and natural products and the synthesis of Kv1.5 channel blocker 4u further demonstrate the synthetic potential and practicability of this strategy.

Ligand-Enabled Nickel(II)-Catalyzed β-C(sp3)-H Thiolation of Ketones

We present the first example of nickel(II)-catalyzed β-C(sp3)-H thiolation of ketones, employing 2-hydrazinopyridine as an efficient directing group. This approach enables the thiolation of a diverse array of ketones at the β-position. The straightforward installation and subsequent removal of the directing group significantly enhance the synthetic versatility and practicality of this transformation.

Synthesis of polysubstituted pyridazines via Cu-mediated C(sp3)-C(sp3) coupling/annulation of saturated ketones with acylhydrazones

Pyridazine is a significant skeleton that widely exists in drugs and bioactive molecules. We herein describe expeditious approaches to access polysubstituted pyridazines from readily accessible unactivated ketones and acylhydrazones via Cu-promoted C(sp3)-C(sp3) coupling/cyclization sequences in a single-step fashion. Notably, the disparate 3,4,6-trisubstituted pyridazines and 3,5-disubstituted pyridazines could be obtained by tailoring the ketone's structure and reaction conditions. These transformations feature good functional group compatibility, excellent step-economy, and chemoselectivity. The potential synthetic utility of these conversions is illustrated by scale-up reactions and late-stage derivatizations of the as-prepared pyridazine products.

One-Pot Sequential Synthesis of Alkenylated Dihydroquinolinones and Hexahydroacridinones in Deep Eutectic Solvent Medium

The sequential synthesis of N-heterocycles from saturated ketones poses significant challenges and has rarely been reported. Herein, an efficient synthesis of alkenylated dihydroquinolinones 7 and hexahydroacridinones 8 is achieved from saturated ketones 1 or 2 via dehydrogenation, cyclization, oxidation, and α-alkenylation in choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) medium. This strategy provides alkenylated dihydroquinolinones 7 and hexahydroacridinones 8 in excellent yield from low-cost, readily available starting materials under environmentally benign conditions. Furthermore, the synthesized compounds (4, 5, 7, and 8) were investigated for their photophysical properties through absorption and emission spectral studies.

Copper-catalyzed dehydrogenative cyclization/alkenylation towards dihydroquinolinones

An efficient copper-catalyzed one-pot sequential synthesis of alkenylated quinolinyl dihydroquinolinones is reported, utilizing ketones, 1,3-cyclohexanediones, and benzyl alcohols via dehydrogenative cyclization, followed by alkenylation. This highly straightforward method provides a mild and environmentally friendly approach, and scalable reactions are carried out without generating side products. Furthermore, a plausible reaction mechanism is proposed based on control-experiment studies and reaction monitoring via1H NMR analysis. In addition, the photophysical behavior of the synthesized products showed various responses in the absorption and emission spectra. Upon further examination, compound 4F was found to have acidochromic properties, leading to noticeable colour changes.

A facile synthesis of α,β-unsaturated imines via palladium-catalyzed dehydrogenation

The dehydrogenation adjacent to an electron-withdrawing group provides an efficient access to α,β-unsaturated compounds that serving as versatile synthons in organic chemistry. However, the α,β-desaturation of aliphatic imines has hitherto proven to be challenging due to easy hydrolysis and preferential dimerization. Herein, by employing a pre-fluorination and palladium-catalyzed dehydrogenation reaction sequence, the abundant simple aliphatic amides are amendable to the rapid construction of complex molecular architectures to produce α,β-unsaturated imines. Mechanistic investigations reveal a Pd(0)/Pd(II) catalytic cycle involving oxidative H-F elimination of N-fluoroamide followed by a smooth α,β-desaturation of the in-situ generated aliphatic imine intermediate. This protocol exhibits excellent functional group tolerance, and even the carbonyl groups are compatible without any competing dehydrogenation, allowing for late-stage functionalization of complex bioactive molecules. The synthetic utility of this transformation has been further demonstrated by a diversity-oriented derivatization and a concise formal synthesis of (±)-alloyohimbane.

Dehydrogenative synthesis of N-functionalized 2-aminophenols from cyclohexanones and amines: Molecular complexities via one-shot assembly

Polyfunctionalized arenes are privileged structural motifs in both academic and industrial chemistry. Conventional methods for accessing this class of chemicals usually involve stepwise modification of phenyl rings, often necessitating expensive noble metal catalysts and suffering from low reactivity and selectivity when introducing multiple functionalities. We herein report dehydrogenative synthesis of N-functionalized 2-aminophenols from cyclohexanones and amines. The developed reaction system enables incorporating amino and hydroxyl groups into aromatic rings in a one-shot fashion, which simplifies polyfunctionalized 2-aminophenol synthesis by circumventing issues associated with traditional arene modifications. The wide substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance are exemplified by late-stage modification of complex natural products and pharmaceuticals that are unattainable by existing methods. This dehydrogenative protocol benefits from using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO) as oxidant that offers interesting chemo- and regio-selective oxidation processes. More notably, the essential role of in situ generated water is disclosed, which protects aliphatic amine moieties from overoxidation via hydrogen bond-enabled interaction.

Iodoarene-directed photoredox β-C(sp3)-H arylation of 1-(o-iodoaryl)alkan-1-ones with cyanoarenes via halogen atom transfer and hydrogen atom transfer

Site selective functionalization of inert remote C(sp3)-H bonds to increase molecular complexity offers vital potential for chemical synthesis and new drug development, thus it has been attracting ongoing research interest. In particular, typical β-C(sp3)-H arylation methods using chelation-assisted metal catalysis or metal-catalyzed oxidative/photochemical in situ generated allyl C(sp3)-H bond processes have been well developed. However, radical-mediated direct β-C(sp3)-H arylation of carbonyls remains elusive. Herein, we describe an iodoarene-directed photoredox β-C(sp3)-H arylation of 1-(o-iodoaryl)alkan-1-ones with cyanoarenes via halogen atom transfer (XAT) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT). The method involves diethylaminoethyl radical-mediated generation of an aryl radical intermediate via XAT, then directed 1,5-HAT to form the remote alkyl radical intermediate and radical-radical coupling with cyanoarenes, and is applicable to a broad scope of unactivated remote C(sp3)-H bonds like β-C(sp3)-H bonds of o-iodoaryl-substituted alkanones and α-C(sp3)-H bonds of o-iodoarylamides. Experimental findings are supported by computational studies (DFT calculations), revealing that this method operates via a radical-relay stepwise mechanism involving multiple SET, XAT, 1,5-HAT and radical-radical coupling processes.

Synthesis of 4-styrylquinolines via direct oxidative C3-alkenylation of anthranils under Pd(II) catalysis

The palladium-catalyzed oxidative C3-alkenylation of anthranils (2,1-benzisoxazoles) with various styrenes has been successfully achieved. The C3-alkenylated anthranils were subsequently utilized in a [4+2]-cycloaddition with in situ generated α,β-unsaturated ketones leading to the synthesis of a diverse range of olefin-containing quinolines. Notably, this reaction exclusively yielded mono-alkenylated products with E-selectivity. The optimized catalytic conditions were compatible with a wide variety of substituted olefins and anthranils, forming various C3-alkenylated anthranils with good yields. To showcase the application of the present methodology, the C3-alkenylated anthranils have been employed as synthons to access a wide range of substituted quinolines.

Transition metal-free [3 + 3] annulation of cyclopropanols with β-enamine esters to assemble nicotinate derivatives

A metal-free and efficient approach for the synthesis of structurally important nicotinates through 4-HO-TEMPO-mediated [3 + 3] annulation of cyclopropanols with β-enamine esters is presented. This protocol features high atom efficiency, green waste, simple operation and broad substrate scope. Moreover, the experiments of gram-scale synthesis and recovery of oxidants make this strategy more sustainable and practical.

Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Alkanes through Homogeneous Base Metal Catalysis

Preparing valuable olefins from cheap and abundant alkane resources has long been a challenging task in organic synthesis, which mainly suffers from harsh reaction conditions and narrow scopes. Homogeneous transition metals catalyzed dehydrogenation of alkanes has attracted much attention for its excellent catalytic activities under relatively milder conditions. Among them, base metal catalyzed oxidative alkane dehydrogenation has emerged as a viable strategy for olefin synthesis for its usage of cheap catalysts, compatibility with various functional groups, and low reaction temperature. In this review, we discuss recent development of base metal catalyzed alkane dehydrogenation under oxidative conditions and their application in constructing complex molecules.

Palladium-Catalyzed β-C(sp3)-H Arylation of Silyl Prop-1-en-1-ol Ethers with Aryl Halides: Entry to α,β-Unsaturated Ketones

A palladium(0)-catalyzed β-C(sp3)-H arylation of silyl prop-1-en-1-ol ethers with aryl halides for the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones is presented. In contrast to the reported β-C(sp3)-H arylation of ketones, the chemoselectivity of this current method relies on the Pd(0) catalytic systems and reaction temperatures: While using the Pd(dba)2/DavePhos/KF system at 80 °C resulted in β-C(sp3)-H monoarylation to produce β-monoarylated α,β-unsaturated ketones, harnessing the Pd(OAc)2/t-Bu XPhos/K2HPO4 system at 110 °C induced β-C(sp3)-H diarylation to afford β,β-diarylated α,β-unsaturated ketones. The method provides a versatile route that uses readily available ketone-derivatized α-nonsubstituted silyl prop-1-en-1-ol ethers as the alkene sources and is characterized by a good functional group compatibility, a broad substrate scope, and an excellent selectivity.

Organic Synthesis Using Nitroxides

Nitroxides, also known as nitroxyl radicals, are long-lived or stable radicals with the general structure R1R2N-O•. The spin distribution over the nitroxide N and O atoms contributes to the thermodynamic stability of these radicals. The presence of bulky N-substituents R1 and R2 prevents nitroxide radical dimerization, ensuring their kinetic stability. Despite their reactivity toward various transient C radicals, some nitroxides can be easily stored under air at room temperature. Furthermore, nitroxides can be oxidized to oxoammonium salts (R1R2N═O+) or reduced to anions (R1R2N-O-), enabling them to act as valuable oxidants or reductants depending on their oxidation state. Therefore, they exhibit interesting reactivity across all three oxidation states. Due to these fascinating properties, nitroxides find extensive applications in diverse fields such as biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, materials science, and organic synthesis. This review focuses on the versatile applications of nitroxides in organic synthesis. For their use in other important fields, we will refer to several review articles. The introductory part provides a brief overview of the history of nitroxide chemistry. Subsequently, the key methods for preparing nitroxides are discussed, followed by an examination of their structural diversity and physical properties. The main portion of this review is dedicated to oxidation reactions, wherein parent nitroxides or their corresponding oxoammonium salts serve as active species. It will be demonstrated that various functional groups (such as alcohols, amines, enolates, and alkanes among others) can be efficiently oxidized. These oxidations can be carried out using nitroxides as catalysts in combination with various stoichiometric terminal oxidants. By reducing nitroxides to their corresponding anions, they become effective reducing reagents with intriguing applications in organic synthesis. Nitroxides possess the ability to selectively react with transient radicals, making them useful for terminating radical cascade reactions by forming alkoxyamines. Depending on their structure, alkoxyamines exhibit weak C-O bonds, allowing for the thermal generation of C radicals through reversible C-O bond cleavage. Such thermally generated C radicals can participate in various radical transformations, as discussed toward the end of this review. Furthermore, the application of this strategy in natural product synthesis will be presented.

Direct synthesis of alkylated 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives via a cascade Cu-catalyzed dehydrogenation/conjugate addition sequence

An efficient approach for the direct synthesis of alkylated 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives via a Cu-catalyzed cascade dehydrogenation/conjugate addition sequence starting from simple saturated ketones and 4-hydroxycoumarins has been developed. This protocol features excellent functional-group tolerance, easy scale-up, and a broad substrate scope including bioactive molecules. More importantly, a series of marketed drugs, such as warfarin, acenocoumarol, coumachlor, and coumafuryl, can be obtained by this method.

Copper-Catalyzed Sulfonylation/Cyclization of Pent-4-ynamides toward Sulfonyl-Functionalized Pyrrol-2-ones

A domino sulfonylation/intramolecular C-N coupling/dehydrogenation reaction was realized between pent-4-ynamides and sulfonyl chlorides by catalysis of Cu(acac)₂ and 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)-1,1'-binaphthalene. The reaction provides a convenient approach to sulfonyl-functionalized pyrrol-2-ones. This method can also be applied to the synthesis of 3-alkylidene isoindolinones from 2-ethynyl-benzamides.

Copper-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Elimination of Carboxylic Acids to Styrenes

A copper-catalyzed decarboxylative elimination reaction of (hetero)aromatic propionic acids to vinyl (hetero)arenes has been developed. This method furnishes alkenes from carboxylic acids without the need for stochiometric Pb or Ag additives or expensive or specialized photocatalysts. A series of mechanistic experiments indicate that the reaction proceeds via benzylic deprotonation and subsequent radical decarboxylation; a pathway that is distinct from the single-electron-transfer mechanisms implicated in related decarboxylative elimination reactions.

Synthesis of Xanthones via Copper(II)-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Cyclization and Successive Aromatization in a One-Step Sequence

In this study, an unprecedented approach to the xanthone scaffold from cyclohexyl(2-hydroxyphenyl)methanone via dehydrogenative cyclization and a successive aromatization cascade is reported. This methodology affords a novel route to the privileged structure with a wide substrate scope (a total of 29 compounds, ≤96% yield) in a highly atom-economic manner.

Iridium-Catalyzed Intramolecular β-C-H Alkenylation of Ketones with Alkynes via a Hydride-Transfer Approach

Direct functionalization of carbonyl β C-H bonds without using directing groups has not been a trivial task, and it is even more challenging to realize the corresponding atom-economical transformations with common alkenes or alkynes as the coupling partner. Here, we describe the development of an iridium-catalyzed intramolecular direct β-alkenylation of ketones with regular alkynes. The reaction is redox neutral, avoids strong acids or bases, and tolerates various functional groups. The combined experimental and computational mechanistic studies reveal a hydride-transfer pathway, involving ketone α,β-desaturation, iridium-hydride-mediated alkyne insertion, conjugate addition, and α-protonation.

Multiple remote C(sp3)-H functionalizations of aliphatic ketones via bimetallic Cu-Pd catalyzed successive dehydrogenation

The dehydrogenation-triggered multiple C(sp3)-H functionalizations at remote positions γ, δ or ε, ζ to carbonyl groups of aliphatic ketones with aryl/alkenyl carboxylic acids as coupling partners have been achieved using a bimetallic Cu-Pd catalyst system. This reaction allows access to alkenylated isocoumarins and their derivatives in generally good yields with high functional group tolerance. The identification of bimetallic Cu-Pd synergistic catalysis for efficient successive dehydrogenation of aliphatic ketones, which overcomes the long-standing challenge posed by the successive dehydrogenation desaturation of terminally unsubstituted alkyl chains in aliphatic ketones, is essential to achieving this bimetallic Cu-Pd catalyzed dehydrogenation coupling reaction.

Enaminone Formation Drives the Coupling of Biosynthetic Pathways to Generate Cyclic Lipopeptides

A family of novel cyclic lipopeptides named tasikamides A-H (Tsk A-H) were discovered recently in Streptomyces tasikensis P46. Aside from the unique cyclic pentapeptide scaffold shared by the tasikamides, Tsk A-C contain a hydrazone bridge that connects the cyclic pentapeptide to the lipophilic alkyl 5-hydroxylanthranilate (AHA) moiety. Here we report the production of tasikamides I-K (Tsk I-K) by a mutant strain of S. tasikensis P46 that overexpresses two pathway-specific transcription regulators. Unlike Tsk A-C, Tsk I-K feature a rare enaminone-bridge that links the cyclic peptide scaffold to the AHA moiety. Our experimental data suggest that Tsk I-K are generated by the coupling of two biosynthetic pathways via a nonenzymatic condensation reaction between an arylamine and a β-keto aldehyde-containing precursor. The results underscore the nucleophilic and electrophilic reactivity of the β-keto aldehyde moiety and its ability to promote fragment coupling reactions in live microbial cells.

Photoexcited Palladium-Initiated Remote Desaturation of N-Alkoxypyridinium Salts

1,5-Hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) is an effective strategy to achieve remote desaturation of nonfunctionalized alkanes. Herein, we report a photoinduced remote desaturation reaction of N-alkoxypyridinium salts, which serve as alkoxyl radical precursors. Mechanistic studies show that a single electron transfer between the excited palladium complex and a N-alkoxypyridinium salt initiates a radical chain process leading to desaturation of N-alkoxypyridinium salts. This chain mechanism is supported by the measurement of the quantum yield of this reaction (Φ = 82). This reaction is applicable to a range of N-alkoxypyridinium salts, including some complex molecule-derived ones.

Copper-catalyzed [3+3] annulation of ketones with oxime acetates for the synthesis of pyridines

A novel and efficient copper-catalyzed strategy for the synthesis of diverse pyridines through the [3+3] annulation of ketones with oxime acetates has been reported. It is very convenient to obtain various unsymmetrical 2,6-diarylpyridines by changing different substrates. The rare copper-catalyzed direct difunctionalization of saturated ketones for the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles is developed. This protocol has excellent functional group tolerance, readily available raw materials, high chemoselectivity and broad substrate scope.

Photoinduced Desaturation of Amides by Palladium Catalysis

A photoinduced palladium-catalyzed desaturation method that is suitable for converting the linear amides to their α,β-unsaturated counterparts is reported. The reaction does not require strong base/acid or sulfur/selenium and oxidant reagents and can be carried out at room temperature through a simple one-step operation. The protocol exhibits great scalability and functional group tolerance. The reaction mechanism has been investigated through deuterium labeling experiments, radical clock, radical capture, and kinetic studies. Mechanistic studies suggested a radical pathway involving aryl/alkyl Pd-radical intermediates.

Selective desaturation of amides: a direct approach to enamides

C(sp3)-H bond desaturation has been an attractive strategy in organic synthesis. Enamides are important structural fragments in pharmaceuticals and versatile synthons in organic synthesis. However, the dehydrogenation of amides usually occurs on the acyl side benefitting from enolate chemistry like the desaturation of ketones and esters. Herein, we demonstrate an Fe-assisted regioselective oxidative desaturation of amides, which provides an efficient approach to enamides and β-halogenated enamides.

A Tandem Dehydrogenation-Driven Cross-Coupling between Cyclohexanones and Primary Amines for Construction of Benzoxazoles

Herein, we report a transition metal-free, operationally simple, general method for straightforward syntheses of 2-substituted benzoxazoles from readily available cyclohexanones and aliphatic primary amines by an imine α-oxygenation-initiated cascade reaction sequence. The key to achieving high selectivity and excellent functional-group tolerance is the use of TEMPO as a mild oxidant that selectively oxidizes the reaction intermediates through its multiple reactivity modes, thus facilitating the individual steps to proceed in succession. More than 70 substrate combinations are disclosed, demonstrating the reliability of this protocol to synthesize structurally diverse products, including marketed drugs, drug candidate, and natural products that are unattainable by the existing methods.

Synthesis of conjugated dienes via palladium-catalysed aerobic dehydrogenation of unsaturated acids and amides

A Pd(II)-catalyzed direct aerobic dehydrogenation of γ,δ-olefinic acids and amides has been demonstrated. The present protocol dehydrogenates the least acidic amides and acids, thus replacing the traditional enolate strategy for dehydrogenation. A broad spectrum of conjugated dienamides and dienoic acids were produced in good to excellent yields. A possible reaction mechanism was proposed and supported by deuterium labelling studies.

A Novel Electrochemical Immunosensor Based on COF-LZU1 as Precursor to Form Heteroatom-Doped Carbon Nanosphere for CA19-9 Detection

Porous carbon sphere materials have a large variety of applications in several fields due to the large surface area, adaptable porosity, and good conductivity they possess. Obtaining a steady carbon sphere using the green synthesis method remains a significant challenge. In this experiment, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) were used as a precursor and Fe₃O₄NPs were integrated into the precursor in order to synthesize a porous carbon sphere material using the one-step pyrolysis method. COFs have an ordered porous structure, perpetual porosity, large surface area, and low density and display good environmental tolerance. These properties make them an excellent precursor for synthesizing porous carbon sphere, which maintains good morphology at high temperatures, and it is not involved in the removal of dangerous reagent and small size restrictions during the synthesis process. In addition to the formation of a porous carbon sphere, transition metal carbon material that contains N element can be an active catalyst. The composites exhibit better activity when Fe is doped into carbon materials containing N element than that of other doped transition metals including Mn and Co. In this situation, the integration of Fe₃O₄NPs and N element in the COF precursor exposed the active sites of the composites and the two substances synergistically improved the electrocatalytic properties, and the composites were named Fe₃O₄@NPCS. The constructed Fe₃O₄@NPCS/GCE immunosensor was applied as a means of detecting CA19-9 antigen and presented a wide linear range from 0.00001 to 10 U/mL with a low detection limit of 2.429 μU/mL (S/N = 3). In addition, the prepared immunosensor was utilized for detecting CA19-9 antigen in the real human serum, and the recovery rates were in the range from 95.24% to 106.38%. Therefore, a porous carbon sphere prepared by COFs as a precursor can be applied for the detection of CA19-9 antigen in real samples, which could be an excellent strategy for CA19-9 antigen detection and could potentially promote the development of COF materials in various electrochemical fields.

Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic α,β-Dehydrogenation of Aliphatic Amides

A Pd(II)-catalyzed α,β-dehydrogenation of substituted aliphatic amides assisted by a reusable bis-chelating 8-aminoquinoline ligand is demonstrated. Broad spectra of β-substituted including olefin-substituted aliphatic amides are well tolerated. The present protocol efficiently dehydrogenates the less acidic aliphatic amides via the chelation-assisted β-C-H bond activation and replaces the traditional enolate-based strategy.

Metal-free synthesis of β-aminoketones by the reductive hydroamination of ynones

This study describes a cascade method for the synthesis of β-aminoketones through the reductive hydroamination of alkynes under very mild metal-free conditions. It allows for the rapid conversion of ynones and amines into corresponding β-aminoketones with a broad substrate scope and diverse functionalities. This straightforward and easy-to-handle reaction process can be successfully applied for the synthesis of Proroxan and Propipocaine, offering a potential option for the synthesis of drug molecules with the β-aminoketone skeleton.

Copper-catalyzed direct sulfenoamination of saturated ketones via in situ formed enaminones

A sequential and efficient protocol for the synthesis of α-thiolated enaminones has been developed using copper-TEMPO systems. This reaction features a broad substrate scope to afford the desired product in good to excellent yields with high stereoselectivity. A preliminary mechanistic study suggests that the in situ formed enaminone acts as the key intermediate.

A Photocatalytic System Composed of Benzimidazolium Aryloxide and Tetramethylpiperidine 1-Oxyl to Promote Desulfonylative α-Oxyamination Reactions of α-Sulfonylketones

A new photocatalytic system was developed for carrying out desulfonylative α-oxyamination reactions of α-sulfonylketones in which α-ketoalkyl radicals are generated. The catalytic system is composed of benzimidazolium aryloxide betaines (BI⁺-ArO^-), serving as visible light-absorbing electron donor photocatalysts, and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO), playing dual roles as an electron donor for catalyst recycling and a reagent to capture the generated radical intermediates. Information about the detailed nature of BI⁺-ArO^- and the photocatalytic processes with TEMPO was gained using absorption spectroscopy, electrochemical measurements, and density functional theory calculations.

Isoindolinone synthesis through Rh/Cu-catalyzed oxidative C-H/N-H annulation of N-methoxy benzamides with saturated ketones

The synthesis of isoindolinones from N-methoxy benzamides and saturated ketones via a bimetallic tandem catalytic annulation has been accomplished. The reaction is catalyzed by a Rh/Cu-cocatalytic system and proceeds via the combination of Cu-catalyzed dehydrogenation of ketones and Rh-catalyzed direct C-H functionalization with the assistance of the N-methoxy amide group which also acts as an oxidant to regenerate the Rh catalyst. This method shows good compatibility with a wide range of substrates and functional groups, and provides an alternative strategy to obtain diverse isoindolinones.

Site-Selective Desaturation of C(sp3)-C(sp3) Bond via Photoinduced Ruthenium Catalysis

Ruthenium(II) photocatalysis has emerged as one of the most advanced tools amongst modern synthetic chemistry whereas its catalytic mode is generally limited to single electron transfer and triplet energy transfer...

Copper-catalyzed three-component N-alkylation of quinazolinones and azoles

A Cu-catalyzed three-component N-alkylated coupling reaction of N-heteroarenes with methyl ketones and one carbon source has been developed. Using methyl ketones as alkylation reagent and DMPA (N,N’-dimethylpropionamide) as one carbon...

Iron-catalyzed regioselective synthesis of (E)-vinyl sulfones mediated by unprotected hydroxylamines

An Fe-catalyzed unprotected hydroxylamine mediated Heck-type coupling between sulfinic acids and alkenes furnished structurally important (E)-vinyl sulfones with moderate to good yields, high atom-economy and regioselectivity.

Cu(II)-Promoted Cascade Synthesis of Fused Imidazo-Pyridine-Carbonitriles

A Cu(II)-promoted synthesis of an aza-fused N-heterocycle having a benz-imidazopyridine scaffold is developed via an addition-cyclization reaction followed by an Ullmann-type C-N coupling between o-iodoanilines and γ-ketodinitriles. This protocol features a broad substrate scope, giving products in 32-84% yields. The compounds show excellent photoluminescence properties having two absorption maxima in the region between 270-280 and 338-350 nm and emission maxima in the range of 502-533 nm. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap of 3.49-3.57 eV was determined using Gaussian 09 at the B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) basis set level. We also demonstrated a few postsynthetic modifications.

Remote Radical Desaturation of Unactivated C-H Bonds in Amides

Desaturation of inert aliphatic C-H bonds in alkanes to form the corresponding alkenes is challenging. In this communication, a new and practical strategy for remote site-selective desaturation of amides via radical chemistry is reported. The readily installed N-allylsulfonylamide moiety serves as an N radical precursor. Intramolecular 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer from an inert C-H bond to the N-radical generates a translocated C-radical which is subsequently oxidized and deprotonated to give the corresponding alkene. The commercially available methanesulfonyl chloride is used as reagent and a Cu/Ag-couple as oxidant. The remote desaturation is realized on different types of unactivated sp3 -C-H bonds. The potential synthetic utility of this method is further demonstrated by the dehydrogenation of natural product derivatives and drugs.