Bond Insertion Research Articles

Facile Addition of B-H and B-B Bonds to an Iron(IV) Nitride Complex.

The nitride ligand in the iron(IV) complex PhB(iPr2Im)3Fe≡N reacts with boron hydrides to afford PhB(iPr2Im)3FeN(B)H (B = 9-BBN (1), Bpin (2)) and with (Bpin)2 to afford PhB(iPr2Im)3FeN(Bpin)2 (3). The iron(II) borylamido products have all been structurally and spectroscopically characterized, demonstrating facile insertion into B-H and B-B bonds by PhB(iPr2Im)3Fe≡N. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the quintet state (S = 2) is significantly lower in energy than the singlet (S = 0) and triplet (S = 1) states for all products. Stoichiometric reaction with (Bpin)2 does not produce the mono-borylated iron imido species PhB(iPr2Im)3FeN(Bpin). DFT calculations suggest that this is because PhB(iPr2Im)3FeN(Bpin) is unstable toward disproportionation to the starting iron(IV) nitride and PhB(iPr2Im)3FeN(Bpin)2. Attempts at B-C bond insertion using phenyl- and benzyl-pinacol borane were unsuccessful, which we attribute to unfavorable kinetics.

Conversion of a AuI Fluorido Complex into an N‐Fluoroamido Derivative: N−F versus Au−N Reactivity

AbstractThe AuI complex [Au{N(F)SO2Ph}(SPhos)] (SPhos=dicyclohexyl(2′,6′‐dimethoxy[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2‐yl)phosphane) (2) bearing a fluoroamido ligand has been synthesized by reaction of the fluorido complex [Au(F)(SPhos)] (1) with NFSI (NFSI=N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide). A reaction with CO resulted in an unprecedented insertion into the N−F bond at 2. With the carbene precursor N2CH(CO2Et) N−F bond cleavage gave the Au−F bond insertion product [Au{CHF(CO2C2H5)}(SPhos)] (7). The presence of CNtBu led to Au−N cleavage at 2 and concomitant amide formation to give the cationic complex [Au(CNtBu)(SPhos)][N(F)SO2Ph)] (5), which reacted further to give FtBu as well as the cyanido complex [Au(CN)(SPhos)] (6). These results led to the development of a process for the amination of electrophilic organic substrates by transfer of the fluoroamido group NF(SO2Ph)−.

Conversion of a AuI Fluorido Complex into an N-Fluoroamido Derivative: N-F versus Au-N Reactivity.

The AuI complex [Au{N(F)SO2 Ph}(SPhos)] (SPhos=dicyclohexyl(2',6'-dimethoxy[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)phosphane) (2) bearing a fluoroamido ligand has been synthesized by reaction of the fluorido complex [Au(F)(SPhos)] (1) with NFSI (NFSI=N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide). A reaction with CO resulted in an unprecedented insertion into the N-F bond at 2. With the carbene precursor N2 CH(CO2 Et) N-F bond cleavage gave the Au-F bond insertion product [Au{CHF(CO2 C2 H5 )}(SPhos)] (7). The presence of CNtBu led to Au-N cleavage at 2 and concomitant amide formation to give the cationic complex [Au(CNtBu)(SPhos)][N(F)SO2 Ph)] (5), which reacted further to give FtBu as well as the cyanido complex [Au(CN)(SPhos)] (6). These results led to the development of a process for the amination of electrophilic organic substrates by transfer of the fluoroamido group NF(SO2 Ph)- .

Incorporation of germanium into amines via deoxygenative germylation of aromatic amides with hydrogermanes

The development of novel strategies for the efficient incorporation of germanium into widespread molecular structures, especially for the synthesis of potentially bioactive molecules, is of interest to researchers. In this context, carbene-mediated insertion reactions of Ge−H bonds are appealing strategies for the construction of C−Ge bonds. However, the utilization of α-aminocarbene intermediates generated from readily available precursors in Ge–H bond insertion remains a longstanding challenge, although it would be a straightforward method for the synthesis of biologically important α-germylamines. Herein, we present a practical and general protocol for the synthesis of α-germylamines via Mg/SmI 2 -mediated deoxygenative cross-coupling of amides with hydrogermanes. The process is proposed to proceed via reductive deoxygenation of amides to an α-aminocarbene intermediate, which can undergo a Ge–H bond insertion process. This method allows for the incorporation of germanium structures into several drug-molecule-derived amides, offering a promising approach to altering their pharmacological profiles. • Insertion of germanium is achieved with an α-aminocarbene intermediate • Synthesis of α-germyl amines under mild conditions is shown • Deoxygenative functionalization of inert amides is facilitated via the α-aminocarbene The development of novel strategies for the incorporation of germanium into bioactive molecules is of great significance. Here, Wang et al. develop a deoxygenative cross-coupling of amides with germanes via α-aminocarbene intermediates, leading to a suite of functionally and structurally diverse α-germyl amines.

Latent Carbene: Diaminomethylation of Thiophenes

AbstractThe reaction of silylformamidine with various halo‐ and ethoxycarbonyl substituted thiophenes was studied. It proceeded via C−H bond insertion of the nucleophilic diaminocarbene that exists in an equilibrium with silylformamidine affording aminals. The reaction proceeded more readily at the 2(5)‐position compared to the 3(4) one. The number of halogens at the thiophenes markedly influences the reaction. The more halogens, the higher the reaction rate. Even one electron acceptor group at the thiophene ring is enough to promote the reaction. As a rule, the reaction does not require solvents or catalysts. Hydrolyses of the aminals provides a novel convenient approach to substituted thiophene aldehydes.

Copper-Catalyzed Ligand-Controlled Selective Borocarbonylation of α-Substituted Styrenes Toward β-Boryl Aldehydes and Cyclopropyl Boronate Esters

Copper-Catalyzed Ligand-Controlled Selective Borocarbonylation of α-Substituted Styrenes Toward β-Boryl Aldehydes and Cyclopropyl Boronate Esters

Enantioselective Synthesis of Unnatural Carbamate-Protected α-Alkyl Amino Esters via N–H Bond Insertion Reactions

Enantioselective Synthesis of Unnatural Carbamate-Protected α-Alkyl Amino Esters via N–H Bond Insertion Reactions

Atroposelective Synthesis of N-Arylindoles via Enantioselective N-H Bond Insertion.

We present here a rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric N-H insertion reaction, which is a concerted process revealed by DFT calculations, for the synthesis of novel axially chiral N-arylindoles by the reaction between indoles and diazonaphthoquinones. The reaction occurs at the N1 rather than C2/C3 positions of indoles, providing the chiral N-arylindoles in good yields and excellent enantiomeric ratios. Furthermore, this protocol is also amenable to the synthesis of chiral N-arylcarbazoles with excellent enantiocontrol.

Stereoselective ZnCl2-Catalyzed B-H Bond Insertion of Vinyl Carbenes Generated from Cyclopropenes for the Synthesis of Allylboranes.

Zinc-catalyzed insertion of vinyl carbenes generated from cyclopropenes into the B-H bonds of Lewis base-borane adducts for concise and efficient access to allylboranes has been developed. This protocol represents the first zinc-catalyzed B-H bond insertion of carbenes for organoborane compounds. In this protocol, inexpensive ZnCl2, with low toxicity, is used as the catalyst. This simple ligand-free catalytic system affords allylboranes in yields up to 92%, with E/Z ratios of >20:1. Besides, this new protocol offers a broad scope of Lewis base-borane adducts, which are not easily obtained by other catalytic methods for metal carbene insertion into B-H bonds. The potential synthetic applicability of this new methodology is exemplified by a gram-scale experiment and synthetic transformation of the products.

Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Propargylic Boron Compounds through B–H Bond Insertion Reactions

Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Propargylic Boron Compounds through B–H Bond Insertion Reactions

Condition-Dependent Selective Synthesis of Indolo[1,2-c]quinazolines and Indolo[3,2-c]quinolines from 2-(1H-Indol-2-yl)anilines and Sulfoxonium Ylides.

In this paper, a selective synthesis of indolo[1,2-c]quinazolines and indolo[3,2-c]quinolines through the cascade reactions of 2-(1H-indol-2-yl)anilines with sulfoxonium ylides is presented. The formation of products involves the generation of a carbene species from sulfoxonium ylide and its N-H bond insertion reaction with 2-(1H-indol-2-yl)aniline followed by deoxygenative imine formation, intramolecular N- or C- nucleophilic addition and deoxygenative aromatization. This switchable synthesis was condition-dependent. In the presence of K2CO3 in CH3CN, the reaction mainly furnished indolo[1,2-c]quinazolines. In the presence of HOAc in dioxane, it selectively afforded indolo[3,2-c]quinolines. In addition, direct C-H/N-H functionalization of the products obtained provides a convenient and direct access to polycyclic heteroaromatic compounds. These novel protocols have advantages such as readily accessible substrates, easily tunable selectivity, good compatibility with diverse functional groups, and the use of air as a cost-free and sustainable oxidant.

Design, Synthesis, and Applications of ortho -Sulfur Substituted Arylphosphanes

Design, Synthesis, and Applications of <i>ortho</i> -Sulfur Substituted Arylphosphanes

Atroposelective Synthesis of Axially Chiral C2-Arylindoles via Rhodium-Catalyzed Asymmetric C-H Bond Insertion.

A highly efficient rhodium-catalyzed formal C-H insertion reaction between indoles and 1-diazonaphthoquinones has been established, providing a novel protocol for the atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral C2-arylindoles (up to 99:1 er) under mild reaction conditions. Typically, only 1 mol % of Rh2(S-PTTL)4 is used and the chelation group is not needed for this conversion.

α-Trifluoromethyl Amino Acid Synthesis by a Biocatalytic N–H Carbene Insertion

Key words trifluoromethyl amino acids - biocatalysis - N–H bond insertion

Lewis Acid-Catalyzed Diastereoselective C-C Bond Insertion of Diazo Esters into Secondary Benzylic Halides for the Synthesis of α,β-Diaryl-β-haloesters.

We report a formal carbon-carbon (C-C) bond insertion via the reaction of secondary benzylic halides (fluorides, chlorides, and bromides) with α-diazo esters catalyzed by Lewis acid catalysts. Secondary benzylic halides underwent elongation to afford α,β-diaryl-β-haloesters diastereoselectively. Density functional theory calculation revealed that the present formal C-C bond insertion was the result of Lewis acid-promoted cleavage and the re-formation of a carbon-halogen bond and that the aryl-migration step determined the diastereoselectivity. Various diarylmethyl halides and α-diazo esters were applicable to this reaction system. In addition, ring expansion in cyclic benzylic chlorides was accomplished.

Lewis Acid‐Catalyzed Diastereoselective C−C Bond Insertion of Diazo Esters into Secondary Benzylic Halides for the Synthesis of α,β‐Diaryl‐β‐haloesters

We report a formal carbon–carbon (C−C) bond insertion via the reaction of secondary benzylic halides (fluorides, chlorides, and bromides) with α-diazo esters catalyzed by Lewis acid catalysts. Secondary benzylic halides underwent elongation to afford α,β-diaryl-β-haloesters diastereoselectively. Density functional theory calculation revealed that the present formal C−C bond insertion was the result of Lewis acid-promoted cleavage and the re-formation of a carbon–halogen bond and that the aryl-migration step determined the diastereoselectivity. Various diarylmethyl halides and α-diazo esters were applicable to this reaction system. In addition, ring expansion in cyclic benzylic chlorides was accomplished.

Synthesis of N-Arylindoles from 2-Alkenylanilines and Diazonaphthalen-2(1H)-ones through Simultaneous Indole Construction and Aryl Introduction.

In this paper, an efficient synthesis of N-arylindoles through the cascade reaction of 2-alkenylanilines with diazonaphthalen-2(1H)-ones is presented. Mechanistically, this reaction involves the generation of a Ru-carbene complex from diazonaphthalen-2(1H)-one, followed by carbene N-H bond insertion with 2-alkenylaniline, intramolecular cyclization, and oxidative aromatization. In this reaction, the Ru(II) complex acts as a multifunctional catalyst to promote not only the carbene formation but also the intramolecular cyclization and the dehydrogenative aromatization. Meanwhile, air acts as a green and cost-effective oxidant. To our knowledge, this is the first example in which N-arylindoles were synthesized through simultaneous introduction of the N-aryl unit and construction of the indole scaffold. Notable advantages of this method include readily accessible and halide-free substrates, additive-free reaction conditions, good efficiency, excellent atom economy, and compatibility with diverse functional groups. In addition, the utility of the product thus obtained was showcased by its diverse structural transformations.

Construction of boron-stereogenic compounds via enantioselective Cu-catalyzed desymmetric B–H bond insertion reaction

Compared with the well-developed carbon-stereogenic chemistry, the construction of boron-stereogenic compounds remains undeveloped and challenging. Herein, the previously elusive catalytic enantioselective construction of boron-stereogenic compounds has been achieved through enantioselective desymmetric B–H bond insertion reaction. The B–H bond insertion reaction of 2-arylpyridine-boranes with versatile diazo compounds under chiral copper catalyst can afford boron-stereogenic compounds with good to excellent enantioselectivity. Moreover, the synthetic utility of this reaction is demonstrated by the scalability and downstream transformations. DFT calculations provide insights into the reaction mechanism and the origin of stereoselectivity.

Modular Synthesis of Highly Substituted 3-Azapyrroles by Rh(II)-Catalyzed N-H Bond Insertion and Cyclodehydration.

A modular synthesis of highly substituted 3-azapyrroles has been developed using a three-step sequence comprising copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC), N-H bond insertion, and cyclodehydration. 1-Sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles (1-STs) can be accessed from common alkyne and sulfonyl azide building blocks by CuAAC using CuTC. Rhodium(II)-acetate-promoted 1-ST denitrogenation results in highly electrophilic rhodium azavinyl carbenes that, here, underwent insertion into the N-H bond of secondary α-aminoketones to form 1,2-aminoalkenes. These products were cyclized and dehydrated using BF3·OEt2 into highly substituted 3-azapyrroles. The three steps (CuAAC, N-H bond insertion, and cyclodehydration) could be telescoped into a one-pot process. The method proved to be highly efficient and tolerated a wide range of substituents.

Highly Regio-, Stereo-, and Enantioselective Copper-Catalyzed B-H Bond Insertion of α-Silylcarbenes: Efficient Access to Chiral Allylic gem-Silylboranes.

Herein, we report the development of a method for highly regio-, stereo-, and enantioselective B-H bond insertion reactions of α-silylcarbenes generated from 1-silylcyclopropenes in the presence of a chiral copper(I)/bisoxazoline catalyst for the construction of chiral γ,γ-disubstituted allylic gem-silylboranes, which cannot be prepared by any other known methods. This reaction is the first highly enantioselective carbene insertion reaction of α-silylcarbenes ever to be reported. The method shows general applicability for various 3,3-disubstituted silylcyclopropenes and exclusively affords E-products. The novel chiral γ,γ-disubstituted allylic gem-silylborane products are versatile allylic bimetallic reagents with high stability and have great synthetic potential, especially for the construction of complex molecules with continuous chiral centers.