Ar Bond Research Articles

One-Pot Unsymmetrical {[4 + 2] and [4 + 2]} Double Annulations of o/ o'-C-H Bonds of Arenes: Access to Unusual Pyranoisoquinolines.

With the aid of a transformable sulfoximine directing group, unprecedented one-pot unsymmetrical double annulations {[4 + 2] and [4 + 2]} of hetero(arenes) with alkynes are revealed under Ru(II) catalysis. Functionalization of both ortho-C-H bonds of (hetero)arene is reflected in the building of unusual 6,6-fused pyranoisoquinoline skeletons. Construction of four [(C-C)-(C-N) and (C-C)-(C-O)] bonds occurs in one step under single catalytic conditions. The challenging unsymmetrical double annulations of both o-C-H bonds of arenes with two distinct alkynes is effectively demonstrated. Control experiments and deuterium scrambling findings are shown.

Iron PCP Pincer Complexes in Three Oxidation States: Reversible Ligand Protonation To Afford an Fe(0) Complex with an Agostic C-H Arene Bond.

In the current investigation, the reaction of Fe2(CO)9 with the ligand precursor 2-chloro-N1,N3-bis(diisopropylphosphanyl)-N1,N3-diethylbenzene-1,3-diamine (P(C-Cl)PNEt- iPr) (1) was investigated. When a suspension of Fe2(CO)9 and 1 in CH3CN was transferred in a sealed microwave glass vial and stirred for 18 h at 110 °C the complex [Fe(PCPNEt- iPr)(CO)2Cl] (2) was obtained. In an attempt to prepare the hydride Fe(II) complex [Fe(PCPNEt- iPr)(CO)2H] (3), 2 was reacted with 1 equiv of Li[HBEt3] in THF. Instead of ligand substitution, this complex underwent a one electron reduction which led to the formation of the low-spin d7 Fe(I) complex [Fe(PCPNEt- iPr)(CO)2] (4). Exposure of a benzene solution of 4 to NO gas (1 bar) at room temperature affords the diamagnetic complex [Fe(PCPNEt- iPr)(CO)(NO)] (5). This is the first iron PCP nitrosyl complex. Protonation of 5 with HBF4·Et2O affords the cationic Fe(0) complex [Fe(κ3 P,CH,P-P(CH)PNEt- iPr)(CO)(NO)]BF4 (6) which features an η2-Caryl-H agostic bond. Even with relatively weak bases such as NEt3 the agostic C-H bond can be deprotonated with reformation of the starting material 5. Therefore, protonation of 5 is completely reversible.

Bu4NI-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Coupling of Diaryl Phosphinic Acids with C(sp3)-H Bonds of Arenes.

An efficient phosphorylation of C(sp3)-H bonds of arenes with diaryl phosphinic acids via Bu4NI-catalyzed dehydrogenative coupling has been developed. This transformation proceeds efficiently under transition-metal-free reaction conditions and represents a straightforward method to prepare valuable organophosphorus compounds from readily available arenes and diaryl phosphinic acids.

Cp*Co(iii)-catalysed selective alkylation of C-H bonds of arenes and heteroarenes with α-diazocarbonyl compounds.

Cp*Co(iii)-catalysed selective alkylation of directed C-H bonds of arenes and heteroarenes has been accomplished employing donor-acceptor carbenes, derived from α-diazocarbonyl compounds. The developed method allows ready access to various substituted α-(hetero)aryl-α-arylacetic acid derivatives in good to excellent yields. Synthetic utility was also shown through the synthesis of a substituted indole derivative, an anticancer agent.

Room temperature catalytic carbon-hydrogen bond alumination of unactivated arenes: mechanism and selectivity.

We report the first catalytic methods for the transformation of C-H bonds of unactivated arenes into C-Al bonds. The catalytic reactions occur at 25 °C (benzene, toluene and xylenes) with palladium loadings as low as 0.1 mol%. Remarkably, the C-H activation of toluene and xylenes proceeds with ortho- and meta-selectivity. This selectivity is highly unusual and complementary to both Friedel-Crafts and the majority of C-H borylation methods. Through a detailed mechanistic analysis (Eyring analysis, KIE, DFT, QTAIM) we show that unusual Pd-Al intermetallic complexes are on the catalytic cycle and that the selectivity is determined by weak attractive dispersion forces in the transition state for C-H bond breaking.

Visible-Light-Driven α-Allenylic C-O Bond Cleavage and Alkenyl C-S Formation: Metal-Free and Oxidant-Free Thiolation of Allenyl Phosphine Oxides.

A visible-light photoredox cleavage of α-allenylic C-O bond and alkenyl C-S formation is disclosed for the first time. The thiolation of allenyl phosphine oxides with diaryl disulfides occurs smoothly in metal-free and mild conditions, affording novel S,P-bifunctionalized butadienes with moderate to excellent yields. Mechanistic studies explain the cleavage of a C(sp3)-O(Ar) bond in initiating a key alkenyl radical intermediate.

Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Borylallylation of Vinyl Arenes.

A copper-catalyzed, enantioselective method for the borylallylation of vinyl arenes is reported. The reaction produces enantioenriched and functionalized organoboron compounds by sequentially incorporating boryl and allyl groups onto the C═C bond of vinyl arenes. Copper-catalyzed borylative coupling of vinyl arenes with allyl phosphates successfully proceeds in a regio- and enantioselective manner in the absence of a palladium cocatalyst.

Cross-Coupling of α-Carbonyl Sulfoxonium Ylides with C-H Bonds.

The functionalization of carbon-hydrogen bonds in non-nucleophilic substrates using α-carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides has not been so far investigated, despite the potential safety advantages that such reagents would provide over either diazo compounds or their in situ precursors. Described herein are the cross-coupling reactions of sulfoxonium ylides with C(sp2 )-H bonds of arenes and heteroarenes in the presence of a rhodium catalyst. The reaction proceeds by a succession of C-H activation, migratory insertion of the ylide into the carbon-metal bond, and protodemetalation, the last step being turnover-limiting. The method is applied to the synthesis of benz[c]acridines when allied to an iridium-catalyzed dehydrative cyclization.

Cross‐Coupling of α‐Carbonyl Sulfoxonium Ylides with C−H Bonds

AbstractThe functionalization of carbon–hydrogen bonds in non‐nucleophilic substrates using α‐carbonyl sulfoxonium ylides has not been so far investigated, despite the potential safety advantages that such reagents would provide over either diazo compounds or their in situ precursors. Described herein are the cross‐coupling reactions of sulfoxonium ylides with C(sp2)−H bonds of arenes and heteroarenes in the presence of a rhodium catalyst. The reaction proceeds by a succession of C−H activation, migratory insertion of the ylide into the carbon–metal bond, and protodemetalation, the last step being turnover‐limiting. The method is applied to the synthesis of benz[c]acridines when allied to an iridium‐catalyzed dehydrative cyclization.

Synthesis of pillar[5]arenes with a PH-containing fragment

The reactions of phosphorus(III) chloride and 2-chloro-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane with monohydroxypillar[5]arene afforded for the first time the corresponding PH-phosphonates. It was found that the newly formed P–O(Ar) bond is characterized by considerably reduced reactivity, which was rationalized by essential shielding of the phosphorus atom by the pillar[5]arene macrocycle. The pillar[5]arene scaffold stabilizes the highly reactive PIII–Cl fragment, so that the formation of macrocyclic dichlorophosphite can be detected under normal conditions.

Activation of Remote meta‐C−H Bonds in Arenes with Tethered Alcohols: A Salicylonitrile Template

AbstractPalladium‐catalyzed activation of remote meta‐C−H bonds in arenes containing tethered alcohols was achieved with high regioselectivity by using a nitrile template. Computational studies on the macrocyclic transition state of the regioselectivity‐determining C−H activation steps revealed that both the C‐N‐Ag angles and gauche comformations of phenyl ether play an extremely important role in the meta selectivity.

Activation of Remote meta-C-H Bonds in Arenes with Tethered Alcohols: A Salicylonitrile Template.

Palladium-catalyzed activation of remote meta-C-H bonds in arenes containing tethered alcohols was achieved with high regioselectivity by using a nitrile template. Computational studies on the macrocyclic transition state of the regioselectivity-determining C-H activation steps revealed that both the C-N-Ag angles and gauche comformations of phenyl ether play an extremely important role in the meta selectivity.

Olefin Insertion Versus Cross-Coupling in trans-[Pd(Ar)X(AsPh3)2] Complexes (X = I, F, CF3) Treated with a Phosphine-EWOlefin Ligand to Induce Ar–X Coupling

Addition of the coupling promoter PEWO ligand 1-(Ph2P),2-(CH═CH–C(O)Ph)C6F4 (PhPEWO-F) to precursors with the displaceable AsPh3 ligand trans-[PdXAr(AsPh3)2] (X = I, F, CF3) fails to induce the pursued Ar–F or Ar–CF3 coupling and results in formation of products of olefin insertion into the Pd–Ar bond for X = I, CF3, and in Ar–Ar coupling for X = F. In the course of the processes, trans-[PdXAr(PhPEWO-F)(AsPh3)] intermediates are observed for X = I, F, CF3, with P-coordinated PhPEWO-F monodentate ligands and a dangling olefin group. For X = I, CF3, subsequent insertion of the double bond into the Pd–Ar bond and O-coordination gives rise to complexes with a P,C,O-pincer system. The observed insertion rates suggest that the limiting step toward insertion is the trans to cis isomerization, while insertion itself is very fast. This is supported by the fast insertion observed when PhPEWO-F is added to cis-[Pd(CF3)Ar(3-F-py)2]. The insertion mechanism in PhPEWO-F resembles the initial phase of the dearomative re...

Functionalization of C-H Bonds by Photoredox Catalysis.

Visible-light photoredox catalysis has been successfully used in the functionalization of inert C-H bonds including C(sp2 )-H bonds of arenes and C(sp3 )-H bonds of aliphatic compounds over the past decade. These transformations are typically promoted by the process of single-electron-transfer (SET) between substrates and photo-excited photocatalyst upon visible light irradiation (household bulbs or LEDs). Compared with other synthetic strategies, such as the transition-metal catalysis and traditional radical reactions, visible-light photoredox approach has distinct advantages in terms of operational simplicity and practicability. Versatile direct functionalization of inert C(sp2 )-H and C(sp3 )-H bonds including alkylation, trifluoromethylation, arylation and amidation, has been achieved using this practical strategy.

C−O Activation by a Rhodium Bis(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) Catalyst: Aryl Carbamates as Arylating Reagents in Directed C−H Arylation

AbstractDespite recent progress in the catalytic transformation of inert phenol derivatives as alternatives to aryl halides and triflates, attempts at the cross‐coupling of inert phenol derivatives with the C−H bonds of arenes have met with limited success. Herein, we report the rhodium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of aryl carbamates with arenes bearing a convertible directing group. The key to success is the use of an in situ generated rhodium bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) species as the catalyst, which can promote activation of the inert C(sp2)−O bond in aryl carbamates.

C-O Activation by a Rhodium Bis(N-Heterocyclic Carbene) Catalyst: Aryl Carbamates as Arylating Reagents in Directed C-H Arylation.

Despite recent progress in the catalytic transformation of inert phenol derivatives as alternatives to aryl halides and triflates, attempts at the cross-coupling of inert phenol derivatives with the C-H bonds of arenes have met with limited success. Herein, we report the rhodium-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl carbamates with arenes bearing a convertible directing group. The key to success is the use of an in situ generated rhodium bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) species as the catalyst, which can promote activation of the inert C(sp2 )-O bond in aryl carbamates.

Modulating Paratropicity Strength in Diareno-Fused Antiaromatics.

Understanding and controlling the electronic structure of molecules is crucial when designing and optimizing new organic semiconductor materials. We report the regioselective synthesis of eight π-expanded diarenoindacene analogues based on the indeno[1,2-b]fluorene framework along with the computational investigation of an array of diareno-fused antiaromatic compounds possessing s-indacene, pentalene, or cyclobutadiene cores. Analysis of the experimental and computationally derived optoelectronic properties uncovered a linear correlation between the bond order of the fused arene bond and the paratropicity strength of the antiaromatic unit. The Ered1 for the pentalene and indacene core molecules correlates well with their calculated NICSπZZ values. The findings of this study can be used to predict the properties of, and thus rationally design, new diareno-fused antiaromatic molecules for use as organic semiconductors.

ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Mediated Etherification of Arenes with Alkoxysilanes Directed by an (2‐Aminophenyl)pyrazole Group.

An efficient copper-mediated etherification of inert C–H bonds of (hetero)arenes with reagent-amounts of alkoxysilanes and alkanols has been developed using (2-aminophenyl)pyrazole (2-APP) as a removable directing group. The reaction is scalable, rapidly proceeds under an open atmosphere, and tolerates diverse functional groups to provide alkyl aryl ethers in high yields (up to 87%). As an application, the formal synthesis of anti-emetic drug metoclopramide is accomplished.

Remote C-H alkylation and C-C bond cleavage enabled by an in situ generated palladacycle.

The direct and selective functionalization of C-H bonds of arenes is one of the most challenging yet valuable aims in organic synthesis. Despite notable recent achievements, a pre-installed directing group proved to be essential in most of the methodologies reported so far. In this context, the use of a transient directing group that can be generated in situ has attracted attention and demonstrated the great potential of this strategy. Here we report the use of an in situ generated palladacycle to accomplish remote-selective C-H alkylation reactions of arenes. Following the C-H functionalization event, the alkylated aryl ring undergoes a formal migration to provide diversely substituted benzofuran and indole scaffolds. Computational studies revealed that a palladium(IV) intermediate is not involved in the alkylation step. The aryl migration was found to proceed through a sequential C-C bond cleavage, insertion and β-hydride-elimination process. The increasing steric bulk that builds up during the C-H functionalization step drives the unusual C-C bond cleavage in a non-strained system.

Chelation-Assisted Rhodium-Catalyzed Direct Amidation with Amidobenziodoxolones: C(sp2)–H, C(sp3)–H, and Late-Stage Functionalizations

Air-stable and convenient amidobenziodoxolones as an amidating reagent were disclosed to enable direct amidation on a wide range of C(sp2)–H bonds of (hetero)arenes and alkenes, as well as unactivated C(sp3)–H bonds under RhIII catalysis. The approach to access 49 examples of structurally diverse amides is featured by mild conditions, complete chemoselectivity and regioselectivity, broad substrate scope (not limited to strongly heterocyclic coordinating groups), and tolerance of valuable functional substituents, such as unprotected amine and hydroxyl groups. The synthetic applicability of this protocol is also demonstrated by late-stage functionalization of biologically important scaffolds.