Light-Driven Synthesis and Functionalization of Bicycloalkanes, Cubanes and Related Bioisosteres

Bicycloalkanes, cubanes and their structural analogues have emerged as bioisosteres of (hetero)arenes. To meet increasing demand, the chemical community has developed a plethora of novel synthetic methods. In this review, we assess the progress made in the field of light-driven construction and functionalization of such relevant molecules. We have focused on diverse structural targets, as well as on reaction processes giving access to: (i) [1.1.1]-bicyclopentanes (BCPs); (ii) [2.2.1]-bicyclohexanes (BCHs); (iii) [3.1.1]-bicycloheptanes (BCHeps); and (iv) cubanes; as well as other structurally related scaffolds. Finally, future perspectives dealing with the identification of novel reaction manifolds to access new functionalized bioisosteric units are discussed.

Electrophilic Fluorination of Silyl Dienol Ethers: a General and Selective Access to γ-Fluoro Enals

We describe the direct synthesis of γ-fluoro enals from the corresponding silyl dienol ethers. This simple process operates under mild conditions and is compatible with a wide range of functionalities. The high γ regioselectivity of this protocol was rationalized by means of theoretical calculations.

The Revival of Enantioselective Perfluoroalkylation - Update of New Synthetic Approaches from 2015-2022

Over the last years, methods devoted to the synthesis of asymmetric molecules bearing a perfluoroalkylated chain have been limited in number. Among them, only a few can be used on a large variety of scaffolds. This microreview aims at summarizing these recent advances in enantioselective perfluoroalkylation (-CF3 , -CF2 H, -Cn F2n+1 ) and highlights the need for new enantioselective methods to easily synthesize chiral fluorinated molecules which would be useful for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Some perspectives are also mentioned.

Perfluoroalkyl Selenoxides, Selenones and Selenoximines: General Preparation and Properties

A selective access to perfluoroalkyl selenoxides, via Oxone® as oxidant or to selenones by using a Polyoxometalate-based Ionic Liquid (POM-IL) as a catalyst for the oxidation step is described. The reaction works with various perfluoralkyl chains and substituents with satisfactory to excellent yields. A two-step one-pot reaction from selenocyanates was performed to gain access to perfluoroalkyl selenoxides. The previously unknown perfluoroalkyl selenoximines family was also prepared with good yields. Having unlocked two strategies for the synthesis of fluoroalkylated Se^IV and Se^VI compounds, we then evaluated the Hansch-Leo lipophilicity parameters of these groups. Finally, asymmetric aryl perfluoroalkyl selenoximines were resolved to determine their absolute configurations.

NMR and DFT Studies with a Doubly Labelled 15 N/6 Li S-Trifluoromethyl Sulfoximine Reveal Why a Directed ortho-Lithiation Requires an Excess of n-BuLi

This work shows why it is imperious to use an excess of butyllithium for a directed ortho-lithiation of a trifluoromethyl sulfoximine. The analysis of mixtures of n-BuLi and sulfoximine 1 in THF-d₈ using {¹ H, ⁶ Li, ¹³ C, ¹⁵ N, ¹⁹ F} NMR experiments at low temperatures reveal that a first deprotonation occurs that leads to dimeric and tetrameric N-lithiated sulfoximine (93 : 7). Using an excess n-BuLi (5 equivalents), the second deprotonation on the ortho-position of the aromatic occurs. Six species were observed and characterized on the way. It includes three aggregates involving a sulfoximine: i) a [dilithiated sulfoximine/(n-BuLi)] dimer solvated by four molecules of THF (Agg2, 39 %); ii) a [dilithiated sulfoximine/(n-BuLi)₃ ] tetramer solvated by six molecules of THF (Agg3, 39 %); iii) a [dilithiated sulfoximine/(n-BuOLi)₃ ] tetramer solvated by four molecules of THF (Agg1, 22 %). A DFT study afforded optimized solvated structures for all these aggregates, fully consistent with the NMR data.

Remote Radical Trifluoromethylation: A Unified Approach to the Selective Synthesis of γ-Trifluoromethyl α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds

Site-selective trifluoromethylation of silyl dienol ethers derived from α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, ketones, and amides was achieved for the first time in the remote γ position. This photoredox catalyzed process is quite general to compounds bearing many functionalities and is applicable to the late-stage functionalization of biorelevant molecules. The use of S-perfluoroalkyl sulfoximines as ·R_F radical sources enables the generalization of the reaction to other perfluoroalkyl groups (R_F = CF₂H, C₄F₉). Importantly, an unprecedented enantioselective C(sp³)-H perfluoroalkylation process is disclosed.

Intermolecular C-O Bond Formation with Alkoxyl Radicals: Photoredox-Catalyzed α-Alkoxylation of Carbonyl Compounds

Due to the high reactivity of alkoxyl (RO·) radicals and their propensity to easily undergo β-scission or Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) reactions, intermolecular alkoxylations involving RO· radicals are barely described. We report herein for the first time the efficient intermolecular trapping of alkoxyl radicals by silyl enol ethers. This photoredox-mediated protocol enables the introduction of both structurally simple and more complex alkoxy groups into a wide range of ketones and amides.

Radical α-Trifluoromethoxylation of Ketones under Batch and Flow Conditions by Means of Organic Photoredox Catalysis

The first light-driven method for the α-trifluoromethoxylation of ketones is reported. Enol carbonates react with N-trifluoromethoxy-4-cyano-pyridinium, using the photoredox catalyst 4-CzIPN under 456 nm irradiation, affording the α-trifluoromethoxy ketones in ≤50% isolated yield and complete chemoselectivity. As shown by 29 examples, the reaction is general and proceeds very rapidly under batch (1 h) and flow conditions (2 min). Diverse product manipulations demonstrate the synthetic potential of the disclosed method in accessing elusive trifluoromethoxylated bioactive ingredients.

Structure and Reactivity of N-Heterocyclic Alkynyl Hypervalent Iodine Reagents

Ethynylbenziodoxol(on)e (EBX) cyclic hypervalent iodine reagents have become popular reagents for the alkynylation of radicals and nucleophiles, but only offer limited possibilities for further structure and reactivity fine-tuning. Herein, the synthesis of new N-heterocyclic hypervalent iodine reagents with increased structural flexibility based on amide, amidine and sulfoximine scaffolds is reported. Solid-state structures of the reagents are reported and the analysis of the I-Calkyne bond lengths allowed assessing the trans-effect of the different substituents. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps of the reagents, derived from DFT computations, revealed less pronounced σ-hole regions for sulfonamide-based compounds. Most reagents reacted well in the alkynylation of β-ketoesters. The alkynylation of thiols afforded more variable yields, with compounds with a stronger σ-hole reacting better. In metal-mediated transformations, the N-heterocyclic hypervalent iodine reagents gave inferior results when compared to the O-based EBX reagents.

Direct Trifluoromethylation of Alcohols Using a Hypervalent Iodosulfoximine Reagent

The direct trifluoromethylation of a variety of aliphatic alcohols using a hypervalent iodosulfoximine reagent afforded the corresponding ethers in moderate to good yields (14-72 %). Primary, secondary, and even tertiary alcohols, including examples derived from natural products, underwent this transformation in the presence of catalytic amounts of zinc bis(triflimide). Typical reaction conditions involved a neat mixture of 6.0 equivalents of the alcohol with 1.0 equivalent of the reagent, with the majority of reactions complete within 2 h with 2.5 mol % of the Lewis acid catalyst. Furthermore, experimental evidence was provided that the C-O bond-forming process occurred via the coordination of the alcohol to the iodine atom and subsequent reductive elimination.

A decatungstate-based ionic liquid exhibiting a very low dielectric constant suitable for acting as a solvent and a catalyst for the oxidation of organic substrates

The use of a POM-based ionic liquid both as an efficient solvent and as a catalyst for the oxidation of organic substrates.

Metal-free nucleophilic trifluoromethylselenolation via an iodide-mediated umpolung reactivity of trifluoromethylselenotoluenesulfonate

We report herein a practical method to generate CF₃Se^- (and R_FSe^-) anions from shelf-stable reagents under iodide activation. Metal-free nucleophilic trifluoromethylselenolations have been then performed with this in situ-generated anion. Perfluoroalkylselenolations have also been described.

Controlled decomposition of SF6 by electrochemical reduction

The electroreduction of SF₆ is shown at ambient temperature in acetonitrile using an array of platinum microelectrodes to improve the electrical detection. Its half reduction potential occurs at −2.17 V vs Fc⁺/Fc. The exact number of electrons for the full consumption of sulfur hexafluoride was determined and this gas further quantitatively transformed into environmentally benign fluoride anion and sulfur by electrochemical reduction.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Selective Synthesis of Allylic Perfluoroalkanes from Alkenes

We report herein a novel photoredox-catalyzed synthesis of allylic trifluoromethanes. The use of sulfilimino iminium as a source of trifluoromethyl radicals proves crucial to achieving high selectivity. Importantly, both styrene derivatives and unactivated alkenes are for the first time suitable partners for this process. The mild reaction conditions are compatible with a variety of functional groups. Remarkably, this method is readily broadened to other perfluoroalkyl groups (R_F =CFCl₂ , CF₂ Br, C₄ F₉ ). An extensive mechanistic study is also provided.

Merging hypervalent iodine and sulfoximine chemistry: a new electrophilic trifluoromethylation reagent

Electrophilic trifluoromethylation is at the forefront of methodologies available for the installation of the CF3 moiety to organic molecules; research in this field is largely spurred by the availability of stable and accessible trifluoromethylation reagents, of which hypervalent iodine and sulfoximine based compounds have emerged as two prominent reagent classes. Herein, we describe the facile synthesis of an electrophilic trifluoromethylation reagent which merges these two scaffolds in a novel hypervalent iodosulfoximine compound. This presents the first analogue of the well-known Togni reagents which neither compromises stability or reactivity. The electronic and physical properties of this new compound were fully explored by X-ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, TGA/DSC and DFT analysis. This solution stable, crystalline reagent was found to be competent in the electrophilic trifluoromethylation of a variety of nucleophiles as well as a source of the trifluoromethyl radical. Furthermore, the possibility of enantioinductive transformations could be probed with the isolation of the first enantiopure hypervalent iodine compound bearing a CF3 group, thus this new reagent scaffold offers the opportunity of structurally diversifying the reagent towards asymmetric synthesis.

Intermolecular Trapping of Alkoxyl Radicals with Alkenes: A New Route to Ether Synthesis

Alkoxyl radicals are highly reactive species which rapidly react by hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) or β-fragmentation to afford a carbon-centered radical. We discuss herein how these RO· radicals can be efficiently trapped in an intermolecular manner by styrene derivatives when they are generated by photoredox catalysis from the corresponding N-alkoxypyridinium salts. This allows for the synthesis of valuable ethers with complete anti-Markovnikov regioselectivity.

1 Introduction

2 Anti-Markovnikov Alkoxylation of Alkenes: Background

3 Addition of Alkoxyl Radicals to Styrenes

4 Summary and Outlook

General, Practical and Selective Oxidation Protocol for CF₃S into CF₃S(O) Group

A simple and efficient protocol for the oxidation of trifluoromethyl, mono- and difluoromethyl sulfides to the corresponding sulfoxides without over-oxidation to sulfones, using TFPAA prepared in situ from trifluoroacetic acid and 15% H₂O₂ aqueous solution was developed. The methodology is suitable for a wide range of aromatic and aliphatic substrates in milligram and multigram scales.

Correction: Modulation of the mechanical energy storage performance of the MIL-47(VIV) metal organic framework by ligand functionalization

Correction for ‘Modulation of the mechanical energy storage performance of the MIL-47(V^IV) metal organic framework by ligand functionalization’ by Pascal G. Yot et al., Dalton Trans., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8dt04214d.

Direct Trifluoromethylthiolation Reactions Involving Radical Processes

An overview of the most significant radical-based synthetic methods currently available for the preparation of trifluoromethylthiolated compounds is presented.

1 Introduction

2 Early Work: Photochemical Reactions Under UV Irradiation

2.1 Reactions Involving CF3SH

2.2 Reactions Involving CF3SCl

2.3 Reactions Involving CF3SSCF3

3 Reactions Involving a Nucleophilic SCF3 Reagent

3.1 Reactions with CuSCF3

3.2 Reactions with AgSCF3

4 Reactions Involving an Electrophilic SCF3 Reagent

4.1 Reactions Involving the Formation of an R• Radical

4.2 Reactions involving the formation of •SCF3 Radical

5 Conclusion

Alkoxyl Radicals Generated under Photoredox Catalysis: A Strategy for anti-Markovnikov Alkoxylation Reactions

Reported herein is a novel photoredox-catalyzed approach for ether synthesis and it involves alkoxyl radicals generated from N-alkoxypyridinium salts. A wide range of alkenes are smoothly difunctionalized in an anti-Markovnikov fashion, affording various functionalized alkyl alkyl ethers. Notably, this mild process tolerates a number of functional groups and is efficiently carried out under both batch and flow conditions. Importantly, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments by spin trapping were carried out to characterize the radical intermediates involved in this radical/cationic process.

Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids as Efficient Reagents for the C-O Bond Cleavage of Lignin

The demethylation of lignin in ionic liquids (ILs) was investigated by using pure lignin model monomers and dimers together with dioxane-isolated lignins from poplar, miscanthus, and maize. Different methylimidazolium ILs were compared and the samples were treated with two different heating processes: microwave irradiation and conventional heating in a sealed tube. The conversion yield and influence of the treatment on the lignin structure were assessed by ³¹ P NMR spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography, and thioacidolysis. The acidic methylimidazolium IL [HMIM]Br was shown to be an effective combination of solvent and reagent for the demethylation and depolymerization of lignin. The relatively mild reaction conditions, the clean work-up, and the ability to reuse the IL makes the described procedure an attractive and new green method for the conversion of lignin to produce phenol-rich lignin oligomers.

Fluoroalkyl Amino Reagents for the Introduction of the Fluoro(trifluoromethoxy)methyl Group onto Arenes and Heterocycles

Fluoroalkyl amino reagents 1a and 2a have been developed from commercially available trifluoromethyl trifluorovinyl ether via a hydroamination reaction with diethylamine or dimethylamine. These reagents can be activated by treatment with a Lewis acid and subsequently used as a mono- or dielectrophile for the introduction of the fluoro(trifluoromethoxy)methyl group, either in Vilsmeier-type acylations of aromatic substrates or in the synthesis of fluorinated pyrazoles from CH-acidic substrates and of bis-fluorinated pyrazoles, all being important building blocks for medicinal and agricultural chemistry.

Dichlorotrifluoromethoxyacetic Acid: Preparation and Reactivity

We describe the first gram scale preparation of the reagent dichlorotrifluoromethoxyacetic acid. This stable compound is obtained in five steps starting from the cheap diethylene glycol. The reactivity of the sodium salt of this fluorinated acid was also tested and allowed the preparation of new amides.

Evaluation of Efficient and Practical Methods for the Preparation of Functionalized Aliphatic Trifluoromethyl Ethers

The “chlorination/fluorination” technique for aliphatic trifluoromethyl ether synthesis was investigated and a range of products with various functional groups was prepared. The results were compared with oxidative desulfurization-fluorination of xanthates with the same structure.