Twofold C-H functionalization: palladium-catalyzed ortho arylation of anilides

Competing Mechanisms in Palladium-Catalyzed Alkoxycarbonylation of Styrene

Palladium-catalyzed carbonylation is a versatile method for the synthesis of various aldehydes, esters, lactones, or lactams. Alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes with carbon monoxide and alcohol produces either saturated or unsaturated esters as a result of two distinct catalytic cycles. The existing literature presents an inconsistent account of the procedures favoring oxidative carbonylation products. In this study, we have monitored the intermediates featured in both catalytic cycles of the methoxycarbonylation of styrene PhCH=CH2 as a model substrate, including all short-lived intermediates, using mass spectrometry. Comparing the reaction kinetics of the intermediates in both cycles in the same reaction mixture shows that the reaction proceeding via alkoxy intermediate [PdII]-OR, which gives rise to the unsaturated product PhCH=CHCO2Me, is faster. However, with an advancing reaction time, the gradually changing reaction conditions begin to favor the catalytic cycle dominated by palladium hydride [PdII]-H and alkyl intermediates, affording the saturated products PhCH2CH2CO2Me and PhCH(CO2Me)CH3 preferentially. The role of the oxidant proved to be crucial: using p-benzoquinone results in a gradual decrease of the pH during the reaction, swaying the system from oxidative conditions toward the palladium hydride cycle. By contrast, copper(II) acetate as an oxidant guards the pH within the 5-7 range and facilitates the formation of the alkoxy palladium complex [PdII]-OR, which favors the oxidative reaction producing PhCH=CHCO2Me with high selectivity. Hence, it is the oxidant, rather than the catalyst, that controls the reaction outcome by a mechanistic switch. Unraveling these principles broadens the scope for developing alkoxycarbonylation reactions and their application in organic synthesis.

Palladium-Catalyzed Electrooxidative Double C-H Arylation

The electrochemical transition metal-catalyzed cross-dehydrogenative reaction has emerged as a promising platform to achieve a sustainable and atom-economic organic synthesis that avoids hazardous oxidants and minimizes undesired byproducts and circuitous functional group operations. However, a poor mechanistic understanding still prevents the widespread adoption of this strategy. In this regard, we herein present an electrochemical palladium-catalyzed oxidative coupling strategy to access biaryls in the absence of a stoichiometric chemical oxidant. The robust palladaelectrocatalysis considerably suppresses the occurrence of homocoupling and oxygenation, being compatible even with electron-deficient arenes. Late-stage functionalization and Boscalid precursor synthesis further highlighted the practical importance of our electrolysis. Remarkably, mechanistic studies including the evaluation of the reaction order of each component by variable time normalization analysis (VTNA) and initial rate analysis, H/D exchange experiment, kinetic isotope effect, and stoichiometric organometallic experiments provided strong support for the involvement of transmetalation between two organopalladium complexes in the turnover limiting step. Therefore, matching the concentrations or lifetimes of two distinct organopalladium intermediates is revealed to be a pivot to the success of electrooxidative catalysis. Moreover, the presence of cationic copper(II) seems to contribute to the stabilization of the palladium(0) catalyst instead of playing a role in the oxidation of the catalyst.

meta-C-H Arylation of Aniline Derivatives via Palladium/ S,O-Ligand/Norbornene Cooperative Catalysis

Aromatic amines are ubiquitous moieties in organic molecules and their direct functionalization is of great interest in many research areas due to their prevalence in pharmaceuticals and organic electronics. While several synthetic tools exist for the ortho- and para-functionalization of anilines, the functionalization of the less reactive meta-position is not easy to achieve with current methods. To date, the meta-C-H arylation of aniline derivatives has been restricted to either the use of directing groups & templates, or their transformation into anilides & quaternary anilinium salts. Herein, we report the first general and efficient meta-C-H-arylation of non-directed aniline derivatives via cooperative catalysis with a palladium-S,O-ligand-norbornene system. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with a wide range of aniline derivatives and aryl iodides, while being operationally simple and scalable. Our preliminary mechanistic investigation-including the isolation of several palladium complexes and deuterium experiments-reveal useful insights into the substituent-effects of both the aniline-substrate and the norbornene-mediator during the meta-C-H activation step.

Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling Polymerization via C-H Activation for the Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers

Owing to their versatile (opto)electronic properties, conjugated polymers have found application in several organic electronic devices. Cross-coupling reactions such as Stille, Suzuki, Kumada couplings, and direct arylation reactions have proved to be effective for their synthesis. More atom-efficient oxidative direct arylation polymerization has also been reported for making homopolymers. However, growing interest toward donor-acceptor polymers has led to the recent emergence of cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) polymerization to synthesize alternating copolymers without any prefunctionalization of monomers. Metal-catalyzed cross-coupling of two simple arenes via double C-H activation, or of an arene with an alkene via oxidative Heck-type reaction have been used so far for CDC polymerization. In this article, we discuss the development of CDC polymerization protocols along with the relevant small molecule CDC reactions for an improved understanding of these reactions.

Palladium-Catalyzed Ortho C-H Arylation of Unprotected Anilines: Chemo- and Regioselectivity Enabled by the Cooperating Ligand [2,2'-Bipyridin]-6(1H)-one

Metal-catalyzed C-H functionalizations on the aryl ring of anilines usually need cumbersome N-protection-deprotection strategies to ensure chemoselectivity. We describe here the Pd-catalyzed direct C-H arylation of unprotected anilines with no competition of the N-arylation product. The ligand [2,2'-bipyridin]-6(1H)-one drives the chemoselectivity by kinetic differentiation in the product-forming step, while playing a cooperating role in the C-H cleavage step. The latter is favored in an anionic intermediate where the NH moiety is deprotonated, driving the regioselectivity of the reaction toward ortho substitution.

Silver-Free C-H Activation: Strategic Approaches towards Realizing the Full Potential of C-H Activation in Sustainable Organic Synthesis

The activation of carbon-hydrogen bonds is considered as one of the most attractive techniques in synthetic organic chemistry because it bears the potential to shorten synthetic routes as well as to produce complementary product scopes compared to traditional synthetic strategies. However, many current methods employ silver salts as additives, leading to stoichiometric metal waste and thereby preventing the full potential of C-H activation to be exploited. Therefore, the development of silver-free protocols has recently received increasing attention. Mechanistically, silver can serve various roles in C-H activation and thus, avoiding the use of silver requires different approaches based on the role it serves in a given process. In this Review, we present the comparison of silver-based and silver-free methods. Focusing on the strategic approaches to develop silver-free C-H activation, we provide the reader with the means to develop sustainable methods for C-H activation.

Palladium-Catalyzed para-C-H Arylation of Anilines with Aromatic Halides

Controlling regioselectivity in C-H functionalizations is a key challenge in chemical method development. In arenes, functionalizations are most difficult to direct towards the C-H group furthest away from a substituent, in its para position. We herein demonstrate how the para-C-H arylation of anilines with non-activated aryl halides, elusive to date, is achieved by a base-assisted "metalla-tautomerism" approach. A proton is abstracted from the aniline substrate and replaced by an arylpalladium species, generated from the aryl halide coupling partner. In this step, the palladium is directed away from the N- to the tautomeric para-C-H position by a large phosphine ligand combined with a triphenylmethyl shielding group. The triphenylmethyl group is easily installed and removed, and can be recycled.

Pd/Cu catalyzed carbonylation of α-aminoaryl-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes: synthesis of furoquinoline derivatives

A Pd/Cu catalyzed carbonylation of α-aminoaryl-tethered ACPs for the synthesis of furoquinoline derivatives has been developed. Oxygen was used as the terminal oxidant.

Palladium-Catalyzed 2-fold C-H Activation/C-C Coupling for C4-Arylation of Indoles Using Weak Chelation

Palladium-catalyzed weak chelation-assisted regioselective C4-arylation of indoles has been accomplished using a readily available arene at moderate temperature. The C4-arylation, weak chelating benzoyl (Bz) directing group, cross-dehydrogenative coupling (CDC), broad substrate scope, and late-stage diversifications are the important practical features.

Toolbox for Distal C-H Bond Functionalizations in Organic Molecules

Transition metal catalyzed C-H activation has developed a contemporary approach to the omnipresent area of retrosynthetic disconnection. Scientific researchers have been tempted to take the help of this methodology to plan their synthetic discourses. This paradigm shift has helped in the development of industrial units as well, making the synthesis of natural products and pharmaceutical drugs step-economical. In the vast zone of C-H bond activation, the functionalization of proximal C-H bonds has gained utmost popularity. Unlike the activation of proximal C-H bonds, the distal C-H functionalization is more strenuous and requires distinctly specialized techniques. In this review, we have compiled various methods adopted to functionalize distal C-H bonds, mechanistic insights within each of these procedures, and the scope of the methodology. With this review, we give a complete overview of the expeditious progress the distal C-H activation has made in the field of synthetic organic chemistry while also highlighting its pitfalls, thus leaving the field open for further synthetic modifications.

The Activating Effect of Strong Acid for Pd-Catalyzed Directed C-H Activation by Concerted Metalation-Deprotonation Mechanism

A computational study on the origin of the activating effect for Pd-catalyzed directed C–H activation by the concerted metalation-deprotonation (CMD) mechanism is conducted. DFT calculations indicate that strong acids can make Pd catalysts coordinate with directing groups (DGs) of the substrates more strongly and lower the C–H activation energy barrier. For the CMD mechanism, the electrophilicity of the Pd center and the basicity of the corresponding acid ligand for deprotonating the C–H bond are vital to the overall C–H activation energy barrier. Furthermore, this rule might disclose the role of some additives for C–H activation.

Equivalent Loading of Directed Arenes in Pd(II)-Catalyzed Oxidative Cross-Coupling of Aryl C-H Bonds at Room Temperature

The unsymmetrical biaryls (Ar¹-Ar²) produced by the catalytic cross-couplings of aryl halides (Ar¹-halo) with aryl metallics (Ar²-M) in the loading ratio of 1:1 are popular in chemical synthesis. In contrast, there has been less precedence on the same biaryls produced effectively from two normal aryl C-H bonds with equivalent loading. Here, we report that, in a palladium/oxidant/acid catalytic system at room temperature, one arene (Ar¹-H, 1 equiv) can highly selectively couple with the other one (Ar²-H, 1 equiv) to afford the target Ar¹-Ar² just by controlling the directing groups and the substituted groups on their phenyl rings. The utility of this one-one cross-coupling is also demonstrated by synthesis of a few bioactive molecules.

Ligand Promoted Olefination of Anilides for Indirectly Introducing Fluorinated Functional Groups via Palladium Catalyst

We report a palladium-catalyzed, ligand promoted, C-H fluorine-containing olefination of anilides with 4-bromo-3,3,4,4-tetrafluorobutene as the fluorinated reagent, which has a potential transformation into other compounds due to its -CF₂CF₂Br functional group. -CF₂CF₂H was obtained by using the mild reducing agent sodium borohydride. Bioactive compounds such as aminoglutethimide derivative and propham were well-tolerated in this reaction, both of which highlight the synthetic importance of this method.

Rapid Construction of Tetralin, Chromane, and Indane Motifs via Cyclative C-H/C-H Coupling: Four-Step Total Synthesis of (±)-Russujaponol F

The development of practical C-H/C-H coupling reactions remains a challenging yet appealing synthetic venture because it circumvents the need to prefunctionalize both coupling partners for the generation of C-C bonds. Herein we report a cyclative C(sp³)-H/C(sp²)-H coupling reaction of free aliphatic acids enabled by a cyclopentane-based mono-N-protected β-amino acid ligand. This reaction uses inexpensive sodium percarbonate (Na₂CO₃·1.5H₂O₂) as the sole oxidant and generates water as the only byproduct. A range of biologically important scaffolds, including tetralins, chromanes, and indanes, can be easily prepared by this protocol. Finally, the synthetic application of this methodology is demonstrated by the concise total synthesis of (±)-russujaponol F in a four-step sequence starting from readily available phenylacetic acid and pivalic acid through sequential functionalizations of four C-H bonds.

para-Selective Arylation of Arenes: A Direct Route to Biaryls by Norbornene Relay Palladation

Biaryl compounds are extremely important structural motifs in natural products, biologically active components and pharmaceuticals. Selective synthesis of biaryls by distinguishing the subtle reactivity difference of distal arene C-H bonds are significantly challenging. Herein, we describe para-selective C-H arylation, which is acheived by a unique combination of a meta-directing group and norbornene as a transient mediator. Upon direct meta-C-H palladation, one-bond relay palladation occurs in presence of norbornene and subsequently para-C-H arylation is achieved for sulfonates, phosphonates and phenols bearing 2,6-disubstitution patterns. The protocol is amenable to electron-deficient aryl iodides. Multisubstituted arenes and phenols are obtained by postsynthetic modification of the products. The protocol allows the synthesis of hexa-substituted benzene by sequential selective distal C-H functionalization.

Recent developments in photoredox-catalyzed remote ortho and para C-H bond functionalizations

In recent years, the research area of direct C-H bond functionalizations was growing exponentially not only due to the ubiquity of inert C-H bonds in diverse organic compounds, including bioactive natural and nonnatural products, but also due to its impact on the discovery of pharmaceutical candidates and the total synthesis of intricate natural products. On the other hand, more recently, the field of photoredox catalysis has become an indispensable and unparalleled research topic in modern synthetic organic chemistry for the constructions of challenging bonds, having the foremost scope in academia, pharmacy, and industry. Therefore, the development of green, simpler, and effective methodologies to accomplish direct C-H bond functionalization is well overdue and highly desirable to the scientific community. In this review, we mainly highlight the impact on, and the utility of, photoredox catalysts in inert ortho and para C-H bond functionalizations. Although a surge of research papers, including reviews, demonstrating C-H functionalizations have been published in this vital area of research, to our best knowledge, this is the first review that focuses on ortho and para C-H functionalizations by photoredox catalysis to provide atom- and step-economic organic transformations. We are certain that this review will act as a promoter to highlight the application of photoredox catalysts for the functionalization of inert bonds in the domain of synthetic organic chemistry.

A palladium-catalyzed C-H functionalization route to ketones via the oxidative coupling of arenes with carbon monoxide

We describe the development of a new palladium-catalyzed method to generate ketones via the oxidative coupling of two arenes and CO. This transformation is catalyzed by simple palladium salts, and is postulated to proceed via the conversion of arenes into high energy aroyl triflate electrophiles. Exploiting the latter can also allow the synthesis of unsymmetrical ketones from two different arenes.

A palladium catalyzed route to prepare aryl ketones from their two fundamental building blocks, two arenes and carbon monoxide, is described.

A Direct, Chemo-, and Regioselective Cross-Coupling Reaction of Arenes via Sequential Directed ortho Cuprations and Oxidation

Direct cross-coupling of Csp²-H/Csp²-H bonds of two arenes was achieved in 30-76% yield via sequential directed ortho cuprations (DoCu) with the cuprate base (TMP)₂Cu(CN)Li₂ (1, TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidido), followed by oxidation. This methodology offers easy access to unsymmetric biaryls from arenes with a variety of directed metalation groups (DMGs) and ancillary functional groups, taking advantage of the highly chemoselective action of 1.

Ruthenium-catalyzed synthesis of indole derivatives from N-aryl-2-aminopyridines and alpha-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides

Indole is a ubiquitous structural motif with important applications in many areas of chemistry. Given this, a simple and efficient Ru(ii)-catalyzed synthesis of indole via intermolecular annulation of N-aryl-2-aminopyridines and sulfoxonium ylides was proposed and accomplished. Excellent selectivity and good functional group tolerance of this transformation were observed. This protocol provides easy access to a wide variety of useful indoles in the presence of a commercially available [Ru(p-cymene)Cl2]2 catalyst. A possible mechanism for the reaction pathway was also proposed. More importantly, this reaction will offer a useful method for the construction of enantioenriched indole frameworks.

Cobalt-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative C-H/C-H Cross-Coupling of Unactivated Arenes for the Synthesis of Biaryls

A mild and efficient protocol for the synthesis of 2,2'-difunctional biaryls from readily available benzamides and oximes by Co(OAc)₂·4H₂O catalysis has been developed. The catalytic cycle that includes aerobic oxidation of Co(I) to Co(III) is successfully achieved for the first time through dual-chelation-assisted C-H/C-H coupling with the assistance of catalytic Mn(acac)₃. The catalytic system exhibits powerful reactivity and tolerates a large number of sensitive functional groups.

Palladium-Catalyzed Regioselective Olefination of O-Acetyl Cyanohydrins

A practical palladium-catalyzed ortho-olefination of O-acetyl cyanohydrins assisted by synergetic directing groups has been developed. Thus, a range of olefinated O-acetyl cyanohydrins were synthesized in moderate to good yields. The reaction occurs efficiently with high regioselectivity and with a satisfactory tolerance of functional groups.

Oxidative C-H activation of amines using protuberant lychee-like goethite

Goethite with protuberant lychee morphology has been synthesized that accomplishes C-H activation of N-methylanilines to generate α-aminonitriles; the catalyst takes oxygen from air and uses it as a co-oxidant in the process.

Reaching the south: metal-catalyzed transformation of the aromatic para-position

Regioselective functionalization of aromatic arenes has created a rapid insurgence in the modern era of organic chemistry. While the last few years have witnessed significant developments on site-selective ortho- and meta-C-H transformations, there existed very few reports on para-C-H functionalization. Recent advancements on template assisted protocols in para-C-H activation has emerged as a popular and convenient feat in this area. This review highlights the various protocols developed over the years for selective installation of suitable functional groups at the para-position of arenes thereby transforming them into value-added organic cores.

Ligand-Promoted Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation Reactions

Palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions have been the focus of industrial application and extensive research efforts for nearly 60 years. A significant transition occurred in this field approximately 20 years ago, with the introduction of catalysts supported by ancillary ligands. The ligands play crucial roles in the reactions, including promotion of direct oxidation of palladium(0) by O₂, bypassing the typical requirement for Cu salts or related redox cocatalysts to facilitate oxidation of the reduced Pd catalyst; facilitation of key bond-breaking and bond-forming steps during substrate oxidation; and modulation of chemo-, regio-, or stereoselectivity of a reaction. The use of ligands has contributed to significant expansion of the scope of accessible aerobic oxidation reactions. Increased understanding of the role of ancillary ligands should promote the development of new synthetic transformations, enable improved control over the reaction selectivity, and improve catalyst activity and stability. This review surveys the different ligands that have been used to support palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions and, where possible, describes mechanistic insights into the role played by the ancillary ligand.

Visible-Light-Promoted C-H Arylation by Merging Palladium Catalysis with Organic Photoredox Catalysis

The use of a dual palladium/organic photoredox catalytic system enables the directed arylation of arenes with aryldiazonium salts with a broad substrate scope at room temperature under mild reaction conditions. This study thus serves as not only an alternative route for the biaryl motifs but also a new example for the application of an organic photoredox catalyst.