Metal-catalyzed Reactions Research Articles

Non‐Noble Metal‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Multi‐Component Reactions

Carbonylative multi-component reactions (CMCR), having four or more kinds of starting materials, provide an efficient strategy for the preparation of polyfunctional carbonylated compounds. Diverse CMCR utilizing non-noble transition-metal catalysts have been developed. This review summarized and discussed the recent advances in non-noble metal-catalyzed carbonylative multi-component reactions.

Leveraging Metal and Ligand Reactive Sites for One Pot Reactions: Ligand-Centered Borenium Ions for Tandem Catalysis with Palladium.

Tandem catalysts that perform two different organic transformations in a single pot are highly desirable because they enable rapid and efficient assembly of simple organic building blocks into more complex molecules. Many examples of tandem catalysis rely on metal-catalyzed reactions involving one or more metal complexes. Remarkably, despite surging interest in the development of chemically reactive (i. e., non-innocent) ligands, there are few examples of metal complexes that leverage ligand-centered reactivity to perform catalytic reactions in tandem with separate catalytic reactions at the metal. Here we report how multifunctional Pd complexes with triaminoborane-derived diphosphorus ligands, called TBDPhos, appear to facilitate borenium-catalyzed cycloaddition reactions at the ligand, and Pd-catalyzed Stille and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions at the metal. Both transformations can be accessed in one pot to afford rare examples of tandem catalysis using separate metal and ligand catalysis sites in a single complex.

Pd-catalyzed siloxycyclopropanation of alkenes

Unlike electron-deficient and electronically neutral carbenes, alkoxycarbenes, a class of electron-rich carbenes, cannot be used in metal-catalyzed cyclopropanation reactions due to the instability of the corresponding carbene precursors (i.e., diazoalkanes). Although siloxycarbenes can be generated from acylsilanes under photoirradiation or heating at a temperature above 250°C, except for electron-deficient alkenes, the resulting electron-rich carbenes do not react with alkenes.

Iron-Catalyzed Olefin Metathesis: Recent Theoretical and Experimental Advances.

The "metathesis reaction" is a straightforward and often metal-catalyzed chemical reaction that transforms two hydrocarbon molecules to two new hydrocarbons by exchange of molecular fragments. Alkane, alkene and alkyne metathesis have become an important tool in synthetic chemistry and have provided access to complex organic structures. Since the discovery of industrial olefin metathesis in the 1960s, many modifications have been reported; thus, increasing scope and improving reaction selectivity. Olefin metathesis catalysts based on high-valent group six elements or Ru(IV) have been developed and improved through ligand modifications. In addition, significant effort was invested to realize olefin metathesis with a non-toxic, bio-compatible and one of the most abundant elements in the earth's crust; namely, iron. First evidences suggest that low-valent Fe(II) complexes are active in olefin metathesis. Although the latter has not been unambiguously established, this review summarizes the key advances in the field and aims to guide through the challenges.

Bifunctional hydroformylation on heterogeneous Rh-WOx pair site catalysts.

Metal-catalysed reactions are often hypothesized to proceed on bifunctional active sites, whereby colocalized reactive species facilitate distinct elementary steps in a catalytic cycle1-8. Bifunctional active sites have been established on homogeneous binuclear organometallic catalysts9-11. Empirical evidence exists for bifunctional active sites on supported metal catalysts, for example, at metal-oxide support interfaces2,6,7,12. However, elucidating bifunctional reaction mechanisms on supported metal catalysts is challenging due to the distribution of potential active-site structures, their dynamic reconstruction and required non-mean-field kinetic descriptions7,12,13. We overcome these limitations by synthesizing supported, atomically dispersed rhodium-tungsten oxide (Rh-WOx) pair site catalysts. The relative simplicity of the pair site structure and sufficient description by mean-field modelling enable correlation of the experimental kinetics with first principles-based microkinetic simulations. The Rh-WOx pair sites catalyse ethylene hydroformylation through a bifunctional mechanism involving Rh-assisted WOx reduction, transfer of ethylene from WOx to Rh and H2 dissociation at the Rh-WOx interface. The pair sites exhibited >95% selectivity at a product formation rate of 0.1 gpropanal cm-3 h-1 in gas-phase ethylene hydroformylation. Our results demonstrate that oxide-supported pair sites can enable bifunctional reaction mechanisms with high activity and selectivity for reactions that are performed in industry using homogeneous catalysts.

Role of Iron-Related Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Iron is indispensable in numerous biologic processes, but abnormal iron regulation and accumulation is related to pathological processes in cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms still need to be further explored. Iron plays a key role in metal-catalyzed oxidative reactions that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative stress. As the center for oxygen and iron utilization, mitochondria are vulnerable to damage from iron-induced oxidative stress and participate in processes involved in iron-related damage in cardiovascular disease, although the mechanism remains unclear. In this review, the pathological roles of iron-related oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases are summarized, and the potential effects and mechanisms of mitochondrial iron homeostasis and dysfunction in these diseases are especially highlighted.

Copper-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Between (E)-1,2-Diiodoethene and Carbazates: Entry to β-Functionalized N-Alkenylcarbazates

Aims: This work aims to widen the scope of methodologies to prepare functionalized N-alkenylcarbazates. Background: Alkenylcarbazates are generally prepared via Aza-Baylis-Hillman reactions, nucleophilic attack on ketones or a tandem carbometallation/amidation reaction of alkynes. Objective: The objective of this work is to develop a method to prepare functionalized Nalkenylcarbazates that alleviates the problem encountered in the above methods (use of electron deficient alkenes, use of stoiechiometric amounts of metal, access to symmetrical dicarbazates only). Methods: Use of copper-catalyzed cross-coupling between vinylic diiodide and carbazates to prepare functionalized N-alkenylcarbazates. Results: Various β-iodovinylcarbazates were synthesized with up to good yields. The highest yields were obtained using dicarbazates. Functionalization of β-iodovinylcarbazate demonstrated that the vinyl iodide moiety of these molecules can be substituted by a variety of functional groups via transition metal-catalyzed coupling reactions. Conclusion: Copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction is efficient to prepare functionalized N-alkenylcarbazates.

4-Aminocoumarin Derivatives as Multifaceted Building Blocks for the Development of Various Bioactive Fused Coumarin Heterocycles: A Brief Review

Abstract: Aminocoumarins are found to be present in many natural products, pharmaceuticals, and organic materials. These derivatives demonstrate numerous biological activities including DNA gyrase, anti-proliferative and anti-breast cancer activities. Among the allaminocoumarin derivatives, 4-aminocoumarin derivatives have been reported to exhibit anticancer and anti-fungal properties. 4-Aminocoumarins and their derivatives are important precursors for the synthesis of coumarin fused N-heterocycles. Due to the presence of an amino group as well as enamine carbon, it is very reactive towards electrophiles and in most of the cases, it has a higher tendency to cyclize immediately by the various reaction path ways and provides the heterocyclic products. Unlike other aromatic amines, it did not give any Schiff base on reaction with aldehydes or ketones. Lamellarins, ningalin A, ningalin B, schumanniophytin, santiagonamine, goniothaline, and polyneomarline C are important natural coumarin fused N-heterocycles and show excellent biological activities, including antitumor, reversal of multidrug resistance, anti-HIV, wound healing, anti-malarial, anti-hepatitis, and anti-syphilis activities. The synthesized coumarin fused N-heterocycles have been reported to display Topoisomerases I inhibitory, DYRK1A inhibitory, and anti-cancer activities. Most of the syntheses of pyrrolo/imidazolo/indolo[3,2-c]coumarin, pyrido/quinolino[3,2-c]coumarins, pyrimidino[ c]coumarin and oxazino[c]coumarin have been synthesized easily from 4-aminocoumarin. This paper reviews the research data in the literature on the synthesis of bioactive coumarin fused heterocycles using 4-aminocoumarin derivatives over the period of 2-3 decades. It covers the synthetic applicability of 4-aminocoumarin for the development of coumarin fused 5-, 6-, and 8-membered ring derivatives via classical reaction protocols, microwavemediated reactions, organo-catalyzed reactions, transition metal-catalyzed reactions, and green reaction protocols.

Metal Sites in Zeolites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalysis.

Zeolites with ordered microporous systems, distinct framework topologies, good spatial nanoconfinement effects, and superior (hydro)thermal stability are an ideal scaffold for planting diverse active metal species, including single sites, clusters, and nanoparticles in the framework and framework-associated sites and extra-framework positions, thus affording the metal-in-zeolite catalysts outstanding activity, unique shape selectivity, and enhanced stability and recyclability in the processes of Brønsted acid-, Lewis acid-, and extra-framework metal-catalyzed reactions. Especially, thanks to the advances in zeolite synthesis and characterization techniques in recent years, zeolite-confined extra-framework metal catalysts (denoted as metal@zeolite composites) have experienced rapid development in heterogeneous catalysis, owing to the combination of the merits of both active metal sites and zeolite intrinsic properties. In this review, we will present the recent developments of synthesis strategies for incorporating and tailoring of active metal sites in zeolites and advanced characterization techniques for identification of the location, distribution, and coordination environment of metal species in zeolites. Furthermore, the catalytic applications of metal-in-zeolite catalysts are demonstrated, with an emphasis on the metal@zeolite composites in hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, and oxidation reactions. Finally, we point out the current challenges and future perspectives on precise synthesis, atomic level identification, and practical application of the metal-in-zeolite catalyst system.

Mechanochemical Pd-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Arylhalides and Organozinc Pivalates.

Cross-coupling reactions are essential tools in target molecule synthesis. However, the use of highly reactive organometallic reagents limits their applicability. Here, we present a mechanochemical Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between aryl halides and organozinc pivalates that can be carried out under ambient temperature and atmosphere. This operationally simple procedure affords a wide range of biaryl and aryl-heteroaryl derivatives in high yields and short times. The reaction tolerates various functional groups and can be realized on a synthetically useful scale. Its practical value was demonstrated in the short synthesis of the pharmaceutical diflunisal.

Structurally-unique polymeric materials obtained through catalytic post-polymerization protocols

Polyolefins are organic polymers of great importance in everyday life, however, the lack of functional groups in their structure significantly limits their wider potential use. Therefore, development of efficient protocols based on catalytic or stoichiometric transformations and leading to functionalized polyolefins is a challenge worth taking on. Herein, we present a high-yield synthesis of a novel polymeric precursor containing side ethynylsilyl groups, and their subsequent functionalization through a wide range of transition metal-catalyzed reactions. The transformation of a versatile unsaturated polymeric precursor allowed us to obtain a library of hydrocarbon polymeric materials of unique structures with specific functional moieties, that are otherwise inaccessible, difficult or too expensive to be obtained by conventional polymerization techniques. The demonstrated approach opens new opportunities for the design and synthesis of polymers with properties precisely tailored to the target applications.

Polyaniline-supported nano metal-catalyzed coupling reactions: Opportunities and challenges

Polyanilines (PANIs) can be easily prepared from the available and cheap anilines via the oxidative polymerization reactions. Owing to the coordination of nitrogen in the material with metals, PANIs are widely used as the support of nano metal catalysts. In comparison with inorganic supports, the nano metals on PANIs were firmly anchored via the coordination bond so that they are not easily to lose during the reaction process. Moreover, since PANIs are versatile materials and their chemical features can be adjusted by introducing functional groups onto the monomers, the catalytic activities of the prepared catalysts are tunable. During the past decade, PANIs-supported nano metal catalysts have been widely applied in a variety of coupling reactions. This review aims to summarize the recent advances and give a perspective.

Gram-scale synthesis of the N-phenyl phenothiazine photocatalyst by benzyne addition

N-phenyl phenothiazine is one of the most reducing photoredox catalysts. Its synthesis commonly requires transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Here, we show the syntheses of four aryl phenothiazines via a benzyne route, including a multigram-scale synthesis of N-phenyl phenothiazine. While yields are modest, the simplicity, low cost, and lack of requirement for cross-coupling catalysts in this synthesis will be attractive to users of this photocatalyst.

Stereoconvergent, photocatalytic cyclopropanation reactions of β-substituted styrenes with ethyl diazoacetate

Cyclopropanes constitute a pivotal molecular scaffold in medicinal and agrochemical research and find broad applications in marketed drugs and other bioactive compounds. Their synthesis commonly relies on metal-catalyzed carbene transfer reactions that necessitate the utilization of stereochemically defined olefin starting materials, which in turn requires a high stereochemical fidelity in the olefin synthesis step. Herein, we report on a photocatalytic strategy that allows the use of a mixture of the E- and Z-isomers of such olefins and gives access to a single isomer of the cyclopropane product in a stereoconvergent reaction. Experimental and theoretical data suggest the intermediacy of a triplet carbene intermediate that readily reacts with either isomer of the olefin. The intersystem crossing from triplet to singlet state proceeds in a diastereoselective fashion and can rationalize this stereoconvergent reaction. The application of this process was then examined with a diverse set of stereochemical mixtures of double- or triple-substituted olefins that readily undergo cyclopropanation disregarding of the stereochemical fidelity of the used olefin.

A visible-light activated secondary phosphine oxide ligand enabling Pd-catalyzed radical cross-couplings

Although transition metal-catalyzed reactions have evolved with ligand development, ligand design for palladium-catalyzed photoreactions remains less explored. Here, we report a secondary phosphine oxide ligand bearing a visible-light sensitization moiety and apply it to Pd-catalyzed radical cross-coupling reactions. The tautomeric phosphinous acid coordinates to palladium in situ, allowing for pseudo-intramolecular single-electron transfer between the ligand and palladium. Molecular design of the metal complexes aided by time-dependent density functional theory calculations enables the involvement of allyl radicals from π-allyl palladium(II) complexes, and alkyl and aryl radicals from the corresponding halides and palladium(0) complex. This complex enables radical cross-couplings by ligand-to-Pd(II) and Pd(0)-to-ligand single-electron transfer under visible-light irradiation.

Coupling metal and whole-cell catalysis to synthesize chiral alcohols

BackgroundThe combination of metal-catalyzed reactions and enzyme catalysis has been an essential tool for synthesizing chiral pharmaceutical intermediates in the field of drug synthesis. Metal catalysis commonly enables the highly efficient synthesis of molecular scaffolds under harsh organic conditions, whereas enzymes usually catalyze reactions in mild aqueous medium to obtain high selectivity. Since the incompatibility between metal and enzyme catalysis, there are limitations on the compatibility of reaction conditions that must be overcome.FindingsWe report a chemoenzymatic cascade reaction involved Palladium (Pd) catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling and whole-cell catalyzed C = O asymmetric reduction for enantioselective synthesis of value-added chiral alcohol. The cell membrane serves as a natural barrier can protect intracellular enzymes from organic solvents.ConclusionsWith dual advantages of cascade catalysis and biocompatibility, our work provides a rational strategy to harvest chiral alcohols in high yield and excellent enantioselectivity, as a channel to establish chemoenzymatic catalysis.

New Approaches toward Building Csp -P bond: A Two-Decade Overview.

Since the review of Savignac, the past 20 years have seen significant progresses on the synthesis of alkynylphosphorus compounds considerably expanding the original and rather limited organic toolbox. This comprehensive review explores the latest and potentially greener methodologies using sustainable catalysis or direct metal-free couplings from stable and easy to handle precursors. Recent progress and mechanistic insights for metal-catalyzed reactions with a particular emphasis on copper, palladium, nickel and silver catalytic systems, photocatalytic and metal-free reactions are detailed covering most of the publications related to this field since 2000 until March 2022.

Bioinspired o-Naphthoquinone-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols to Aldehydes and Ketones.

A biomimetic alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)-like oxidation protocol was developed using an ortho-naphthoquinone catalyst in the presence of a catalytic amount of base. The developed organocatalytic aerobic oxidation protocol proceeds through the intramolecular 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer of naphthalene alkoxide intermediates, a mechanistically distinctive feature from the previous alcohol dehydrogenase mimics that require metals in the active form of catalysts. The ADH-like aerobic oxidation protocol should provide green alternatives to the existing stoichiometric and metal-catalyzed alcohol oxidation reactions.

Non-Palladium-Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling Reactions Using Hypervalent Iodine Reagents.

Transition metal-catalyzed direct oxidative coupling reactions via C-H bond activation have emerged as a straightforward strategy for the construction of complex molecules in organic synthesis. The direct transformation of C-H bonds into carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds renders the requirement of prefunctionalization of starting materials and, therefore, represents a more efficient alternative to the traditional cross-coupling reactions. The key to the unprecedented progress made in this area has been the identification of an appropriate oxidant that facilitates oxidation and provides heteroatom ligands at the metal center. In this context, hypervalent iodine compounds have evolved as mainstream reagents particularly because of their excellent oxidizing nature, high electrophilicity, and versatile reactivity. They are environmentally benign reagents, stable, non-toxic, and relatively cheaper than inorganic oxidants. For many years, palladium catalysis has dominated these oxidative coupling reactions, but eventually, other transition metal catalysts such as gold, copper, platinum, iron, etc. were found to be promising alternate catalysts for facilitating such reactions. This review article critically summarizes the recent developments in non-palladium-catalyzed oxidative coupling reactions mediated by hypervalent iodine (III) reagents with significant emphasis on understanding the mechanistic aspects in detail.

Recent Advances in Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Reactions of N-Tosylhydrazones

Abstract N-Tosylhydrazones are highly versatile precursors for in situ carbene formation and are frequently used in metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Due to their many applications in organic synthesis, including C–C, C–O, C–N, and C–S bond formation, N-tosylhydrazones have recently received much interest. They can be simply synthesized by reacting an aldehyde or ketone with N-tosylhydrazine to produce a solid N-tosylhydrazone, which is a ‘green’ precursor of diazo compounds. Using a suitable metal catalyst, N-tosylhydrazones show versatile substrate scope for the synthesis of substituted diaminopyrroles, chromenopyrazoles, alkenylpyrazoles, benzofuran thioethers, tetrahydropyridazines, sulfur-containing heterocycles, and benzofurans with potent biological activities and even regioselective N-functionalization reactions. Metal-catalyzed reactions of N-tosylhydrazones for the construction of bioactive heterocycles are still highly in demand. Hence, this review focuses on the recent synthetic application of N-tosylhydrazones influenced by different transition metals with notable features like simple workup procedures, gram-scale synthesis, broad substrate scope, multicomponent processes, cyclization, and carbon–heteroatom bond formation.1 Introduction2 Applications of N-Tosylhydrazones3 Conclusion