Ketyl Radical Research Articles

Iodine Atom Transfer Catalysis via Ketyl Radicals

Iodine Atom Transfer Catalysis via Ketyl Radicals

Visible‐Light Photocatalysis of the Ketyl Radical Coupling Reaction

Ketyl radical coupling reactions for the construction of diversely functionalized alcohols have been continuously developed for many decades. Based on the recently widespread application of photocatalysis, ketyl radical coupling reactions have also witnessed rapid development. This Minireview aims to briefly and concisely summarize the methods to construct ketyl radical intermediates through visible-light photocatalysis over the past 10 years. The ketyl-radical-generation activators are grouped as Lewis acids, Brønsted acids, in situ generated Brønsted acids, and others.

Masked aldehyde makes for mild reaction conditions

Few functional groups are as popular in synthesis as the carbonyl group. Composed of an oxygen molecule doubly bonded to carbon, the carbonyl welcomes reaction with all types of nucleophiles. Carbonyls will even accept electrophiles, but it takes some convincing. Chemists access this reversed reactivity by using single-electron strategies, which typically require strong, stoichiometric reductants to form a ketyl radical. Now, researchers led by David A. Nagib of Ohio State University have found a way to form ketyl radicals under much milder conditions (Science 2018, DOI: 10.1126/science.aau1777). By reacting an aldehyde with acyl iodide, they formed an intermediate that’s easier to reduce than a carbonyl. Then the team used a cheap, photoactivated manganese catalyst to pluck off iodide and form a ketyl radical. The radical reacts with an alkyne, and the redox cycle is capped off when iodine adds back to the final product. Forming complex Z-selective vinyl iodides, the

Interplay between Substrate and Proton Donor Coordination in Reductions of Carbonyls by SmI2-Water Through Proton-Coupled Electron-Transfer.

The reduction of a carbonyl by SmI2-water is the first step in a range of reactions of synthetic importance. Although the reduction is often proposed to proceed through an initial stepwise electron-transfer-proton-transfer (ET-PT), recent work has shown that carbonyls and related functional groups are likely reduced though proton-coupled electron-transfer (PCET). In the present work, the reduction of an activated ester, aldehyde, a linear and cyclic ketone, and related sterically demanding carbonyls by SmI2-H2O was examined through a series of mechanistic experiments. Kinetic studies demonstrate that all substrates exhibit significant increases in the rate of reduction by SmI2 as [H2O] is increased. Under identical conditions, ketones and an aldehyde containing a methyl adjacent to the carbonyl are reduced slower than an unsubstituted variant by an order of magnitude, demonstrating the importance of substrate coordination. In the case of unactivated substrates, rates of reduction show excellent correlation with the calculated bond dissociation free energy of the O-H bond of the intermediate ketyl and the calculated free energy of intermediate ketyl radical anions derived from unhindered substrates: findings consistent with concerted PCET. Activated esters derived from methylbenzoate are likely reduced through stepwise or asynchronous PCET. Overall, this work demonstrates that the combination of the coordination of substrate and water to Sm(II) provides a configuration uniquely suited to a coupled electron- and proton-transfer process.

Ketyl radical reactivity via atom transfer catalysis.

Single-electron reduction of a carbonyl to a ketyl enables access to a polarity-reversed platform of reactivity for this cornerstone functional group. However, the synthetic utility of the ketyl radical is hindered by the strong reductants necessary for its generation, which also limit its reactivity to net reductive mechanisms. We report a strategy for net redox-neutral generation and reaction of ketyl radicals. The in situ conversion of aldehydes to α-acetoxy iodides lowers their reduction potential by more than 1 volt, allowing for milder access to the corresponding ketyl radicals and an oxidative termination event. Upon subjecting these iodides to a dimanganese decacarbonyl precatalyst and visible light irradiation, an atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) mechanism affords a broad scope of vinyl iodide products with high Z-selectivity.

Iodine smooths the way to ketyl radicals

Organic Chemistry Chemists typically transform carbonyl compounds through polar two-electron reactions. It is also possible to pursue radical coupling strategies by adding just one electron to form a ketyl group. However, the strong reductant supplying that electron often limits the reaction's versatility. Wang et al. report a mild means of forming ketyls by first adding acetyl iodides across the C=O bond (see the Perspective by Blackburn and Roizen). A photoactivated manganese catalyst then temporarily pulls the iodine away, leaving a ketyl to couple with alkynes. The iodine then returns to one of the alkyne's carbons, stabilizing the product but remaining poised for further transformations. Science , this issue p. [225][1]; see also p. [157][2] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aau1777 [2]: /lookup/volpage/362/157?iss=6411

Unraveling the Photodeprotection Mechanism of Anthraquinon-2-ylmethoxycarbonyl-Caged Alcohols Using Time-Resolved Spectroscopy.

Anthraquinone (AQ) compounds have been used as photolabile protecting groups (PPGs) to protect alcohols, ketones, and carboxylic acids. However, because of the lack of direct spectroscopic information for the transient species and intermediates related with the deprotection reaction(s), the photorelease mechanism(s) of these systems are still largely unknown. In this contribution, we detail a time-resolved spectroscopic investigation using anthraquinone-protected galactose (1) and adenosine (2) to investigate the photodeprotection reaction mechanism(s) of these kinds of AQ-PPGs. It was found that, in THF-H2O solvents, the ketyl radical species generated for 1 and 2 was found to be a reactive intermediate that then formed a dihydroxyanthracene species. The photodeprotection then occurred with the accompaniment of a decarboxylation process. These results provide an improved understanding for how AQ-PPGs work and will help assist in the design and applications of selected anthraquinone derivatives as a PPG platform, especially in aqueous environments more relevant for use in biological systems.

Dual Lewis Acid/Photoredox-Catalyzed Addition of Ketyl Radicals to Vinylogous Carbonates in the Synthesis of 2,6-Dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-3-ones

A combined Lewis acid/photoredox catalyst system enabled the intramolecular umpolung addition of ketyl radicals to vinylogous carbonates in the synthesis of 2,6-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-3-ones. This reaction proceeded on a variety of aromatic ketones to provide THF rings in good yield (up to 95%). Although diastereoselectivity was found to be modest (1.4-5:1) for the C-C bond forming reaction, the minor diastereomers were converted to 2,6-dioxabicyclo[3.3.0]octan-3-ones by an efficient Lewis acid-mediated epimerization cascade in up to 90% yield.

Mechanism of SmI2 Reduction of 5-Bromo-6-oxo-6-phenylhexyl Methanesulfonate Studied by Spin Trapping with 2-Methyl-2-nitrosopropane.

The radical formed by reduction of 5-bromo-6-oxo-6-phenylhexyl methanesulfonate, an α-bromoketone, with SmI2 was spin trapped with 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the spin adduct and the adduct formed in the analogous reaction with selectively deuterated substrate identify the radical intermediate in this SmI2 reduction as a carbon-centered radical. This result supports the proposal that the formation of reactive Sm-enolates arises from reduction of the carbon-bromine bond rather than a ketyl radical anion.

Kinetics and growth mechanism of the photoinduced synthesis of silver nanoparticles stabilized with lysozyme.

A fast and single-step procedure is reported for the preparation of stable solutions of spherical-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) coated with lysozyme (LZ). The preparation of the AgNP@LZ nanocomposites was based on the reduction of Ag+ with ketyl radicals photo-generated by the UVA-photolysis of the benzoin I-2959. Both reaction precursors bind to LZ, modifying its superficial charge and conformational structure. The photo-induced kinetics of formation of the AgNPs as a function of the LZ concentration was monitored in-situ by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The multivariate curve resolution-alternating least square (MCR-ALS) method was used for the deconvolution of the kinetic curves for each transient species formed before the growth of the final AgNPs colloids. The Kolmogorov-Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (KJMA) model to describe the formation of the AgNPs was used, and the respective first-order rate constants for the growth of the AgNPs as a function of the lysozyme concentration were calculated and the role of the protein capping in the growth kinetics was evaluated. Despite the protein being partially oxidized by the photo-generated radicals, it was strongly adsorbed onto the silver surface forming a tight coating shell around the AgNPs of approximately 30-60 protein molecules. As a result of the partial denaturation and crowded packing, its intrinsic lytic activity was strongly reduced.

Synthesis and Reactivity of Low-Valent f-Element Iodide Complexes with Neutral Iminophosphorane Ligands.

The coordination and reactivity of simple iodide salts of low-valent f elements [YbI2, SmI2, TmI2, and UI3(THF)4, where THF = tetrahydrofuran] with iminophosphorane (R3P═NR') ligands are reported. The studied chelates were observed to adapt their geometry and effectively bind divalent ytterbium and samarium centers, as well as the trivalent uranium cation. The reactivity of the ytterbium adducts with benzophenone was found to be dependent on the steric demand of the supporting iminophosphorane ligand. In particular, a rare example of a stable charge-separated ketyl radical species is reported with ytterbium. Additionally, divalent thulium was observed to induce a reductive coupling at the ligand's central pyridine ring.

Gold nanoparticle-functionalized niobium oxide perovskites as photocatalysts for visible light-induced aromatic alcohol oxidations

Spherical gold nanoparticles have been supported onto the surface of potassium niobium oxide perovskites, an underdeveloped class of semiconductor in photocatalytic organic transformations. The nanoparticle dopants of 9.5 nm in diameter and surface plasmon absorption at 530 nm are examined as possible visible light induced catalysts using alcohol photooxidation as the probe reaction. The nanomaterial-induced photooxidation of a series of aromatic alcohols is examined, in the absence of solvent, as a function of base, H2O2, and catalyst concentrations, as well as using multiple visible light sources. This experimental methodology affords extremely selective photooxidation to the carbonyl products (>99%) in as little as 2 h. Using the results obtained from the substitution of the aromatic alcohol, the proposed photocatalytic mechanism is suggested to rely heavily on plasmon-initiated electron transfer from the gold nanoparticle surface to the potassium niobium oxide perovskite and subsequent reductive decomposition of H2O2. This photodegradation step is proposed to favor the formation of ketyl radical species, a key intermediate in the visible light induced mechanism that undergoes both an electron and proton transfer to facilitate formation of the final, carbonyl products. Furthermore, the gold nanoparticle – potassium niobium oxide catalyst exhibits moderate reusability, highly desired in the realm of heterogeneous catalysis.

Particle-Phase Photosensitized Radical Production and Aerosol Aging.

Atmospheric aerosol particles may contain light absorbing (brown carbon, BrC), triplet forming organic compounds that can sustain catalytic radical reactions and thus contribute to oxidative aerosol aging. We quantify UVA induced radical production initiated by imidazole-2-carboxaldehyde (IC), benzophenone (BPh). and 4-benzoylbenzoic acid (BBA) in the presence of the nonabsorbing organics citric acid (CA), shikimic acid (SA), and syringol (Syr) at varying mixing ratios. We observed a maximum HO2 release of 1013 molecules min-1 cm-2 at a mole ratio XBPh < 0.02 for BPh in CA. Mixtures of either IC or BBA with CA resulted in 1011-1012 molecules min-1 cm-2 of HO2 at mole ratios ( XIC and XBBA) between 0.01 and 0.15. HO2 release was affected by relative humidity ( RH) and film thickness suggesting coupled photochemical reaction and diffusion processes. Quantum yields of HO2 formed per absorbed photon for IC, BBA and BPh were between 10-7 and 5 × 10-5. The nonphotoactive organics, Syr and SA, increased HO2 production due to the reaction with the triplet excited species ensuing ketyl radical production. Rate coefficients of the triplet of IC with Syr and SA measured by laser flash photolysis experiments were kSyr = (9.4 ± 0.3) × 108 M-1 s-1 and kSA = (2.7 ± 0.5) × 107 M-1 s-1. A simple kinetic model was used to assess total HO2 and organic radical production in the condensed phase and to upscale to ambient aerosol, indicating that BrC induced radical production may amount to an upper limit of 20 and 200 M day-1 of HO2 and organic radical respectively, which is greater or in the same order of magnitude as the internal radical production from other processes, previously estimated to be around 15 M per day.

Thermal expansivity of γ-irradiated clathrate hydrate with intracavity conformational change

The lattice expansion and thermal behavior of γ-irradiated unstable clathrate hydrates are explored to understand the complex physicochemical properties of clathrate hydrates. A previous study revealed that enclathrated methyl vinyl ketone molecules show a peculiar conformational change via a ketyl radical anion after γ-irradiation with an annealing process. We measured the lattice parameters of γ-irradiated binary methyl vinyl ketone + CH4, O2, and N2 hydrates at various temperatures. We observed that induced radical affects the lattice expansion behavior, and the thermal expansion coefficients of γ-irradiated hydrates highly depend on the types of secondary gaseous guest molecules.

Anaerobic Radical Enzymes for Biotechnology

AbstractEnzymes that proceed through radical intermediates have a rich chemistry that includes functionalization of otherwise unreactive carbon atoms, carbon‐skeleton rearrangements, aromatic reductions, and unusual eliminations. Especially under anaerobic conditions, organisms have developed a wide range of approaches for managing these transformations that can be exploited to generate new biological routes towards both bulk and specialty chemicals. These routes are often either much more direct or allow access to molecules that are inaccessible through standard (bio)chemical approaches. This review gives an overview of some of the key enzymes in this area: benzoyl‐CoA reductases effecting the enzymatic Birch reduction, ketyl radical dehydratases, coenzyme B12‐dependent enzymes, glycyl radical enzymes, and radical SAM (AdoMet radical) enzymes. These enzymes are discussed alongside biotechnological applications, highlighting the wide range of actual and potential uses. With the increased diversity in biotechnological approaches to obtaining these enzymes and information about them, even more of these enzymes can be expected to find application in industrial processes.

In-situ photoinduced formation of self–assembled Ag NPs using POSS-TX as nano-photoinitiator in PEGMEA/PEGDA polymer matrix and creating self-wrinkled pattern

Thioxanthone (TX) and its derivatives are playing an important role as photoinitiators for photopolymerizable formulations. But another significant role of the photoinitiators was recently discovered, namely, the photoreduction of metal salts to metal nanoparticles, in which mainly ketyl radicals were responsible for this process. Functionalization of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) with TX is reported here and used for simultaneous preparation of self-assembled silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with POSS cage and polymer matrix. Covalent attachment of POSS-TX to the polymer matrix resulted in self-assembled Ag NPs in a self-wrinkled pattern.

Photochemical Synthesis of Naked Palladium Nanoparticles

Palladium nanoparticles are widely used in catalysis, sensors, coatings and hydrogen storage devices. This paper reports the one-pot photochemical reduction of Pd(II) alcohol solutions into Pd0 nanoparticle suspensions. The synthesis involves the reduction of [PdCl4][Formula: see text] dissolved in EtOH/2-PrOH mixtures by the ketyl radicals (Me)2(HO)C[Formula: see text] generated from 254[Formula: see text]nm irradiation, in the absence of other chemical reducing agents. Clusters of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm Pd0 particles thus produced could be separated from their suspensions by microfiltration. Preliminary tests are reported on the catalytic potential of such particles for the thermal dehydrogenation of alcohols.

Dual catalysis for enantioselective convergent synthesis of enantiopure vicinal amino alcohols

Enantiopure vicinal amino alcohols and derivatives are essential structural motifs in natural products and pharmaceutically active molecules, and serve as main chiral sources in asymmetric synthesis. Currently known asymmetric catalytic protocols for this class of compounds are still rare and often suffer from limited scope of substrates, relatively low regio- or stereoselectivities, thus prompting the development of more effective methodologies. Herein we report a dual catalytic strategy for the convergent enantioselective synthesis of vicinal amino alcohols. The method features a radical-type Zimmerman–Traxler transition state formed from a rare earth metal with a nitrone and an aromatic ketyl radical in the presence of chiral N,N′-dioxide ligands. In addition to high level of enantio- and diastereoselectivities, our synthetic protocol affords advantages of simple operation, mild conditions, high-yielding, and a broad scope of substrates. Furthermore, this protocol has been successfully applied to the concise synthesis of pharmaceutically valuable compounds (e.g., ephedrine and selegiline).

Periodic Trends in the Binding of a Phosphine-Tethered Ketone Ligand to Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu.

π-Coordinating ligands are commonly found in intermediate structures in homogeneous catalysis, and are gaining interest as supporting ligands for the development of cooperative catalysts. Herein, we systematically investigate the binding of the ketone group, a strongly accepting π ligand, to mid-to-late metals of the first transition series. To this end, the coordination of 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzophenone (Ph dpbp), which features a ketone moiety flanked by two strongly binding P-donor groups, to Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu was explored. The ketone moiety does not bind to the metal in MII complexes, whereas MI complexes (Fe, Co, Ni) adopt an η2 (C,O) coordination. A structural and computational investigation of periodic trends in this series was performed. These data suggest that the coordination of the ketone to MI can mostly be described by the resonance extremes of the Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson model, that is, the π complex and the metallaoxacycle extreme, with a possible minor contribution from a ketyl radical resonance structure in the case of the iron complex.

Alkene 1,2-Difunctionalization by Radical Alkenyl Migration.

Transition‐metal‐free radical α‐perfluoroalkylation with the accompanying vicinal β‐alkenylation of unactivated alkenes is presented. These radical cascades proceed by means of 1,4‐ or 1,5‐alkenyl migration by electron catalysis on readily accessed allylic alcohols. The reactions comprise a regioselective perfluoroalkyl radical addition with subsequent alkenyl migration and concomitant deprotonation to generate a ketyl radical anion that sustains the chain as a single‐electron‐transfer reducing reagent.