Arene Substrate Research Articles

Noncovalent interaction with a spirobipyridine ligand enables efficient iridium-catalyzed C–H activation

Exploitation of noncovalent interactions for recognition of an organic substrate has received much attention for the design of metal catalysts in organic synthesis. The CH–π interaction is especially of interest for molecular recognition because both the C–H bonds and the π electrons are fundamental properties of organic molecules. However, because of their weak nature, these interactions have been less utilized for the control of organic reactions. We show here that the CH–π interaction can be used to kinetically accelerate catalytic C–H activation of arenes by directly recognizing the π-electrons of the arene substrates with a spirobipyridine ligand. Computation and a ligand kinetic isotope effect study provide evidence for the CH–π interaction between the ligand backbone and the arene substrate. The rational exploitation of weak noncovalent interactions between the ligand and the substrate will open new avenues for ligand design in catalysis.

Regiodivergent C-H Acylation of Arenes by Switching from Ionic to Radical Type Chemistry Using NHC-Catalysis.

The Friedel-Crafts acylation which belongs to the class of electrophilic aromatic substitutions is a highly valuable and versatile reaction in synthesis. Regioselectivity is well predictable and determined by electronic as well as steric factors of the (hetero)arene substrate. In this communication, a radical approach for the acylation of arenes and heteroarenes is presented. C-H Acylation is achieved through mild cooperative photoredox/NHC radical catalysis with the cross coupling of an arene radical cation with an NHC-bound ketyl radical as a key step. As compared to the classical Friedel-Crafts acylation, a regiodivergent outcome is observed upon switching from the ionic to the radical mode. In these divergent reactions, aroyl fluorides act as the acylation reagents in both the ionic as well as the radical process.

Regiodivergente C−H‐Acylierung von Aromaten durch Wechsel von ionischer zu radikalischer Chemie unter Verwendung von NHC‐Katalyse

AbstractDie Friedel–Crafts‐Acylierung, die zur Klasse der elektrophilen aromatischen Substitutionen gehört, ist eine äußerst wertvolle und vielseitige Reaktion in der Synthese. Die Regioselektivität ist gut vorhersagbar und wird sowohl durch elektronische als auch durch sterische Faktoren des verwendeten (Hetero)Aromaten bestimmt. In dieser Mitteilung wird ein radikalischer Ansatz für die Acylierung von Aromaten und Heteroaromaten vorgestellt. Die C−H‐Acylierung erfolgt durch milde kooperative Photoredox/NHC‐Radikal‐Katalyse mit der Kreuzkupplung eines Arenradikalkations mit einem NHC‐gebundenen Ketylradikal als Schlüsselschritt. Im Vergleich zur klassischen Friedel–Crafts‐Acylierung wird beim Wechsel vom ionischen zum radikalischen Modus ein regiodivergentes Ergebnis beobachtet. Bei diesen divergenten Reaktionen fungieren Aroylfluoride als Acylierungsreagenzien sowohl im ionischen als auch im radikalischen Prozess.

Transient absorption spectroscopy based on uncompressed hollow core fiber white light proves pre-association between a radical ion photocatalyst and substrate.

We present a hollow-core fiber (HCF) based transient absorption experiment, with capabilities beyond common titanium:sapphire based setups. By spectral filtering of the HCF spectrum, we provide pump pulses centered at 425nm with several hundred nJ of pulse energy at the sample position. By employing the red edge of the HCF output for seeding CaF2, we obtain smooth probing spectra in the range between 320 and 900nm. We demonstrate the capabilities of our experiment by following the ultrafast relaxation dynamics of a radical cationic photocatalyst to prove its pre-association with an arene substrate, a phenomenon that was not detectable previously by steady-state spectroscopic techniques. The detected preassembly rationalizes the successful participation of radical ionic photocatalysts in single electron transfer reactions, a notion that has been subject to controversy in recent years.

Borenium-Ion-Catalyzed C-H Borylation of Arenes.

Non-metal-catalyzed C-H borylation of arenes represents a sustainable and environment-friendly approach for the functionalization of arenes. Despite its promise as an alternative to traditional transition-metal systems, its substrate scope is generally limited to electron-rich arenes, thus hindering its application in organic synthesis. Herein, we report the development of a borenium-ion catalyst which can borylate unactivated arenes under ambient conditions with 4-chlorocatecholborane (HBcatCl) as borylation reagent. This metal-free catalytic system is suitable for the borylation of C-H bonds in sterically encumbered positions, which has been a challenging task for transition-metal systems. Additionally, this catalytic system allows para-selective one-pot borylation of phenols, which has not been achieved by using transition-metal systems. Our mechanistic investigations and computational studies support a synergistic activation of the H-BcatCl bond by the arene substrate and the borenium-ion catalyst. This generates a Wheland intermediate and a neutral hydroborane species and is followed by deprotonation of the Wheland intermediate with the hydroborane species. The latter step of C-H bond cleavage is likely the rate-limiting step.

C-H Activation of Inert Arenes using a Photochemically Activated Guanidinato-Magnesium(I) Compound.

UV irradiation of solutions of a guanidinate coordinated dimagnesium(I) compound, [{(Priso)Mg}2 ] 3 (Priso=[(DipN)2 CNPri 2 ]- , Dip=2,6-diisopropylphenyl), in either benzene, toluene, the three isomers of xylene, or mesitylene, leads to facile activation of an aromatic C-H bond of the solvent in all cases, and formation of aryl/hydride bridged magnesium(II) products, [{(Priso)Mg}2 (μ-H)(μ-Ar)] 4-9. In contrast to similar reactions reported for β-diketiminate coordinated counterparts of 3, these C-H activations proceed with little regioselectivity, though they are considerably faster. Reaction of 3 with an excess of the pyridine, p-NC5 H4 But (pyBut ), gave [(Priso)Mg(pyBut H)(pyBut )2 ] 10, presumably via reduction of the pyridine to yield a radical intermediate, [(Priso)Mg(pyBut ⋅)(pyBut )2 ] 11, which then abstracts a proton from the reaction solvent or a reactant. DFT calculations suggest two possible pathways to the observed arene C-H activations. One of these involves photochemical cleavage of the Mg-Mg bond of 3, generating magnesium(I) doublet radicals, (Priso)Mg⋅. These then doubly reduce the arene substrate to give "Birch-like" products, which subsequently rearrange via C-H activation of the arene. Circumstantial evidence for the photochemical generation of transient magnesium radical species includes the fact that irradiation of a cyclohexane solution of 3 leads to an intramolecular aliphatic C-H activation process and formation of an alkyl-bridged magnesium(II) species, [{Mg(μ-Priso-H )}2 ] 12. Furthermore, irradiation of a 1 : 1 mixture of 3 and the β-diketiminato dimagnesium(I) compound, [{(Dip Nacnac)Mg}2 ] (Dip Nacnac=[HC(MeCNDip)2 ]- ), effects a "scrambling" reaction, and the near quantitative formation of an unsymmetrical dimagnesium(I) compound, [(Priso)Mg-Mg(Dip Nacnac)] 13. Finally, the EPR spectrum (77 K) of a glassed solution of UV irradiated 3 is dominated by a broad featureless signal, indicating the presence of a doublet radical species.

Highly selective α-aryloxyalkyl C-H functionalisation of aryl alkyl ethers.

We report highly selective photocatalytic functionalisations of alkyl groups in aryl alkyl ethers with a range of electron-poor alkenes using an acridinium catalyst with a phosphate base and irradiation with visible light (456 nm or 390 nm). Experiments indicate that the reaction operates via direct single-electron oxidation of the arene substrate ArOCHRR' to its radical cation by the excited state organic photocatalyst; this is followed by deprotonation of the ArOC-H in the radical cation to yield the radical ArOC˙RR'. This radical then attacks the electrophile to form an intermediate alkyl radical that is reduced to complete the photocatalytic cycle. The oxidation step is selective for activated arenes (ArOR) over their non-activated counterparts and the subsequent deprotonation of the methoxy group affords the α-aryloxyalkyl radical that leads to a wide range of functionalised products in good to excellent yield.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Atroposelective Access to Axially Chiral Olefins via C-H Bond Activation and Directing Group Migration.

Axially chiral open-chain olefins represent an underexplored class of chiral platform. In this report, two classes of tetrasubstituted axially chiral acyclic olefins have been accessed in excellent enantioselectivity and regioselectivity via C-H activation of (hetero)arenes assisted by a migratable directing group en route to coupling with sterically hindered alkynes. The coupling of indoles bearing an N-aminocarbonyl directing group afforded C-N axially chiral acrylamides with the assistance of a racemic zinc carboxylate additive. DFT studies suggest a β-nitrogen elimination-reinsertion pathway for the directing group migration. Meanwhile, the employment of N-phenoxycarboxamide delivered C-C axially chiral enamides via migration of the oxidizing directing group. Experiments suggest that in both cases the (hetero)arene substrate adopts a well-defined orientation during the C-H activation, which in turn determines the disposition of the alkyne in migratory insertion. Synthetic applications of representative chiral olefins are demonstrated.

Rhodium‐Catalyzed Atroposelective Access to Axially Chiral Olefins via C−H Bond Activation and Directing Group Migration

AbstractAxially chiral open‐chain olefins represent an underexplored class of chiral platform. In this report, two classes of tetrasubstituted axially chiral acyclic olefins have been accessed in excellent enantioselectivity and regioselectivity via C−H activation of (hetero)arenes assisted by a migratable directing group en route to coupling with sterically hindered alkynes. The coupling of indoles bearing an N‐aminocarbonyl directing group afforded C–N axially chiral acrylamides with the assistance of a racemic zinc carboxylate additive. DFT studies suggest a β‐nitrogen elimination–reinsertion pathway for the directing group migration. Meanwhile, the employment of N‐phenoxycarboxamide delivered C−C axially chiral enamides via migration of the oxidizing directing group. Experiments suggest that in both cases the (hetero)arene substrate adopts a well‐defined orientation during the C−H activation, which in turn determines the disposition of the alkyne in migratory insertion. Synthetic applications of representative chiral olefins are demonstrated.

Photochemically Activated Dimagnesium(I) Compounds: Reagents for the Reduction and Selective C−H Bond Activation of Inert Arenes

AbstractThe photochemical activation of dimagnesium(I) compounds, and subsequent high yielding, regioselective reactions with inert arenes are reported. Irradiating benzene solutions of [{(ArNacnac)Mg}2] (ArNacnac=[HC(MeCNAr)2]−; Ar=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (Dip) or 2,4,6‐tricyclohexylphenyl (TCHP)) with blue or UV light, leads to double reduction of benzene and formation of the “Birch‐like” cyclohexadienediyl bridged compounds, [{(ArNacnac)Mg}2(μ‐C6H6)]. Irradiation of [{(DipNacnac)Mg}2] in toluene, and each of the three isomers of xylene, promoted completely regio‐ and chemo‐selective C−H bond activations, and formation of [(DipNacnac)Mg(Ar′)] (Ar′=meta‐tolyl; 2,3‐, 3,5‐ or 2,5‐dimethylphenyl), and [{(DipNacnac)Mg(μ‐H)}2]. Fluorobenzene was cleanly defluorinated by photoactivated [{(DipNacnac)Mg}2], leading to biphenyl and [{(DipNacnac)Mg(μ‐F)}2]. Computational studies suggest all reactions proceed via photochemically generated magnesium(I) radicals, which reduce the arene substrate, before C−H or C−F bond activation processes occur.

Recent advancement on the mechanism of olefin metathesis by Grubbs catalysts: A computational perspective

The second-generation Grubbs catalyst contains N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) coordinated to Ru center. Various such complexes have been employed as catalysts for the olefin metathesis reaction. Based on experimental results and theoretical analysis, it has been established that a cyclic four-membered metallacyclobutane is formed as an active intermediate. The use of the right computational recipe is prescribed in the context of the Grubbs catalyst. The carbene electronic structure in the catalyst and the course of the reaction are discussed. A recent computational study examined the possibility of an oxidation state as +2 or +4 in a comparative manner. Further, the role of catalysts in the chemo, regio, and stereoselectivity are also discussed. In particular, in recent years, Z selective catalysts (cyclometalated and dithiolate-containing) were developed through an in-depth understanding of the electronic and steric principles. Besides, the substituents present on the NHC carbene also plays an important role. Furthermore, the presence of a chiral backbone leads to stereoselectivity in the product. Studies also predict a more suitable catalyst for certain types of substrates. In a recent study, the effect of aromaticity while discussing alkene vs. arene substrate has been considered. Catalyst undergoes decomposition in the presence of primary alcohol and Brønsted/Lewis base. Mechanism of such type of deterioration via β hydride elimination of the metallacyclobutane intermediate are discussed. Finally, catalyst decomposition involving chelated complexes are also emphasized. Thus, such theoretical studies may help the experimental chemist reduce their effort in choosing a suitable catalyst. In this review article, recent advancements in the olefin metathesis mechanistic studies by Grubbs catalyst are comprehensively summarized.

Photocatalyst-Free, Visible-Light-Mediated C(sp3)-H Arylation of Amides via a Solvent-Caged EDA Complex.

A photocatalyst-free and mild visible light photochemical procedure for C(sp3)-H arylation of amides is described. The reaction proceeds via an electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex between an electron-rich arene substrate and electron-poor persulfate oxidant. C(sp3)-H arylation of the amide occurs selectively with the most electron-rich arene of the substrate. Mechanistic studies corroborate the reaction taking place in a solvent cage holding components in a close proximity.

Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Remote meta-C-H Functionalization of Aromatic Tertiary Amines.

Pd(II)-catalyzed remote C-H olefination of aromatic tertiary amines was achieved with high meta selectivity. With the assistance of an elaborated template, C-H functionalization of unreactive aryl tertiary amines, hindered by the p-π conjugation between the lone-pair electrons of the nitrogen atom and the phenyl ring, was realized with high meta regioselectivity via a quaternary ammonium salt assembly. The results demonstrate that apart from the distance and geometry of the template, the conformation of the arene substrate also plays a crucial role in the templated-assisted remote C-H functionalization.

Mechanistic Insight into H/D Exchange by a Pentanuclear Ni–H Cluster and Synthesis and Characterization of Structural Analogues of Potential Intermediates

Experiments to gain mechanistic insight into catalytic H/D exchange of unactivated arenes by [(iPr3P)Ni]5H6 (1) are described. The reaction order with respect to 1, arene substrate, and added iPr3P were determined, as well as the temperature dependence of reaction rate. Site-selectivity data were obtained by monitoring the reaction of 1 with fluorobenzene and 2-methoxynaphthalene. H/D exchange competition reactions between arenes reacted with 1 were performed. The addition of an excess of Hg to a solution of 1 provided the new heterometallic cluster [(iPr3P)Ni]5H6(μ4-Hg) (2); this species also undergoes H/D exchange with C6D6, albeit more slowly than 1. Reaction of cluster 1 with TlCp (Cp = C5H5) gave (η5-Cp)Ni[(iPr3P)Ni]4(μ2-H)4(μ4-Tl) (3) with the loss of H2. A similar transfer of cyclopentadienyl to Ni occurred when 1 was reacted with MgCp2, to give (η5-Cp)Ni[(iPr3P)Ni]4H6(μ4-MgCp) (4), but not H2 loss. Reaction of 1 with cyclopentadiene gave the 5-coordinate hydride complex (η5-Cp)Ni[(iPr3P)Ni]4(μ2-H)...

Direct use of CO2 for O-arylcarbamate synthesis via mild Cu(II)-catalyzed aerobic C-H functionalization in pincer-like macrocyclic systems

Cu(II)-catalyzed C-H functionalization for the synthesis of O-arylcarbamates in a model pincer-like arene substrate using CO2 gas as C1-synthon is shown to proceed via aryl-Cu(III) intermediate species at room temperature. Indeed, stoichiometric experiments have been performed starting from an isolated Cu(III) complex and carbamic ammonium salts. A catalytic version has been then developed using a model arene substrate and a Cu(II) salt through C-H activation. Finally, effective Cu(II)-catalyzed C-H functionalization was achieved by in situ generation of carbamates from amines and CO2 gas.

Photosensitised regioselective [2+2]-cycloaddition of cinnamates and related alkenes.

An efficient method for the synthesis of substituted cyclobutanes from cinnamates, chalcones, and styrenes has been developed utilizing a visible-light triplet sensitisation mode. This reaction provides a diverse range of substituted cyclobutanes in high yields under mild conditions without the need of external additives. Good regioselectivity is obtained due to strong π-π-stacking of arene moieties, whereas diastereoselectivity relies on the electronic effects or ortho-substitution of the arene substrate. The utility of this transformation is demonstrated by the formal synthesis of the lignane natural product (±)-Tanegool.

Isolation of Key Organometallic Aryl-Co(III) Intermediates in Cobalt-Catalyzed C(sp2)–H Functionalizations and New Insights into Alkyne Annulation Reaction Mechanisms

The selective annulation reaction of alkynes with substrates containing inert C-H bonds using cobalt as catalyst is currently a topic attracting significant interest. Unfortunately, the mechanism of this transformation is still relatively poorly understood, with little experimental evidence for intermediates, although an organometallic Co(III) species is generally implicated. Herein, we describe a rare example of the preparation and characterization of benchtop-stable organometallic aryl-Co(III) compounds (NMR, HRMS, XAS, and XRD) prepared through a C(sp2)-H activation, using a model macrocyclic arene substrate. Furthermore, we provide crystallographic evidence of an organometallic aryl-Co(III) intermediate proposed in 8-aminoquinoline-directed Co-catalyzed C-H activation processes. Subsequent insights obtained from the application of our new organometallic aryl-Co(III) compounds in alkyne annulation reactions are also disclosed. Evidence obtained from the resulting regioselectivity of the annulation reactions and DFT studies indicates that a mechanism involving an organometallic aryl-Co(III)-alkynyl intermediate species is preferred for terminal alkynes, in contrast to the generally accepted migratory insertion pathway.

Cobalt-Catalyzed C(sp(2))-H Borylation: Mechanistic Insights Inspire Catalyst Design.

A comprehensive study into the mechanism of bis(phosphino)pyridine (PNP) cobalt-catalyzed C-H borylation of 2,6-lutidine using B2Pin2 (Pin = pinacolate) has been conducted. The experimentally observed rate law, deuterium kinetic isotope effects, and identification of the catalyst resting state support turnover limiting C-H activation from a fully characterized cobalt(I) boryl intermediate. Monitoring the catalytic reaction as a function of time revealed that borylation of the 4-position of the pincer in the cobalt catalyst was faster than arene borylation. Cyclic voltammetry established the electron withdrawing influence of 4-BPin, which slows the rate of C-H oxidative addition and hence overall catalytic turnover. This mechanistic insight inspired the next generation of 4-substituted PNP cobalt catalysts with electron donating and sterically blocking methyl and pyrrolidinyl substituents that exhibited increased activity for the C-H borylation of unactivated arenes. The rationally designed catalysts promote effective turnover with stoichiometric quantities of arene substrate and B2Pin2. Kinetic studies on the improved catalyst, 4-(H)2BPin, established a change in turnover limiting step from C-H oxidative addition to C-B reductive elimination. The iridium congener of the optimized cobalt catalyst, 6-(H)2BPin, was prepared and crystallographically characterized and proved inactive for C-H borylation, a result of the high kinetic barrier for reductive elimination from octahedral Ir(III) complexes.

Rhodium-Catalyzed C-S and C-N Functionalization of Arenes: Combination of C-H Activation and Hypervalent Iodine Chemistry.

Rhodium-catalyzed sulfonylation, thioetherification, thiocyanation, and other heterofunctionalizations of arenes bearing a heterocyclic directing group have been realized. The reaction proceeds by initial Rh(III) -catalyzed C-H hyperiodination of arene at room temperature followed by uncatalyzed nucleophilic functionalization. A diaryliodonium salt is isolated as an intermediate, which represents umpolung of the arene substrate, in contrast to previous studies that suggested umpolung of the coupling partner.

ChemInform Abstract: Simple Inexpensive Boron Electrophiles for Direct Arene Borylation.

AbstractThe regioselective title synthesis can be used for large‐scale production.