The direct arylation of allylic sp(3) C-H bonds via organic and photoredox catalysis.

Abstract

The direct functionalization of unactivated sp3 C–H bonds is still one of the most challenging problems facing synthetic organic chemists. The appeal of such transformations derives from their capacity to facilitate the construction of complex organic molecules via the coupling of simple and otherwise inert building blocks, without introducing extraneous functional groups. Despite notable recent efforts,1 the establishment of general and mild strategies for the engagement of sp3 C–H bonds in carbon–carbon bond forming reactions has proven difficult. Within this context, the discovery of chemical transformations that are able to directly functionalize allylic methyl, methylene, and methine carbons in a catalytic manner is a priority. While protocols for direct allylic C–H oxidation and amination have become widely established,2,3 the engagement of allylic substrates in carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions has thus far required the use of pre-functionalized coupling partners.4 In particular, the direct arylation of non-functionalized allylic systems would enable chemists to rapidly access a series of known pharmacophores, though a general solution to this longstanding challenge remains elusive. We describe herein the use of both photoredox and organic catalysis to accomplish the first mild, broadly effective direct allylic C–H arylation. This new C–C bond-forming reaction readily accommodates a broad range of alkene and electron-deficient arene reactants and has been used in the direct arylation of benzylic C–H bonds.