Photoredox Conditions Research Articles

Iron-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Coupling

AbstractMetal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions have transformed molecular synthesis. Although metal-catalyzed reactions have been used for cross-electrophile coupling reactions, they remain challenging due to homodimer formation. Recently, our group developed an iron-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of benzyl halides and disulfides to produce thioethers without the use of an exogenous reductant or photoredox conditions, and with undetectable levels of elimination. This Synpacts article highlights both our design strategy to obviate detrimental homodimer formation and the generality of the method.1 Introduction2 Conceptualization and Development3 Mechanistic Studies and Hypothesis4 Conclusion and Future Directions

Dication Disulfuranes as Photoactivatable Sources of Radical Organocatalysts.

The recent development of photoredox and energy transfer catalysis has led to a significant expansion of visible light-driven chemical transformations. These methods have demonstrated exceptional efficiency in converting a wide range of substrates into radical intermediates and generating open-shell catalytic species. However, the simplification of catalytic systems and the direct generation of highly reactive radical organocatalysts through direct visible light irradiation from stable precatalysts remains largely an unrealized goal. This challenge is mainly due to the limited availability of precatalysts that are responsive to visible light. Herein, we introduce a new class of bench-stable dicationic disulfuranes, which release highly reactive thiyl radicals upon blue light excitation. Spectroscopic and computational studies reveal that this reactivity arises from a combination of structural features and intermolecular interactions. This family of molecules has been employed to catalyze radical cascades previously incompatible with photoredox conditions, enabling the efficient formation of 1,2-dioxolanes and 1,3-hydroxyketones in excellent yields and short reaction times.

Dication Disulfuranes as Photoactivatable Sources of Radical Organocatalysts

The recent development of photoredox and energy transfer catalysis has led to a significant expansion of visible light‐driven chemical transformations. These methods have demonstrated exceptional efficiency in converting a wide range of substrates into radical intermediates and generating open‐shell catalytic species. However, the simplification of catalytic systems and the direct generation of highly reactive radical organocatalysts through direct visible light irradiation from stable precatalysts remains largely an unrealized goal. This challenge is mainly due to the limited availability of precatalysts that are responsive to visible light. Herein, we introduce a new class of bench‐stable dicationic disulfuranes, which release highly reactive thiyl radicals upon blue light excitation. Spectroscopic and computational studies reveal that this reactivity arises from a combination of structural features and intermolecular interactions. This family of molecules has been employed to catalyze radical cascades previously incompatible with photoredox conditions, enabling the efficient formation of 1,2‐dioxolanes and 1,3‐hydroxyketones in excellent yields and short reaction times.

Chemoselective Cleavage and Transamidation of Tertiary p-Methoxybenzyl Amides under Metal-Free Photoredox Catalysis.

A metal-free and mild cleavage of tertiary p-methoxybenzyl amides (PMB tert-amide) under photoredox conditions is developed using Mes-Acr-Ph+BF4- and Selectfluor to activate the electron-rich benzylic C-H bond of the PMB moiety. The resulting acyl fluoride intermediate is versatile and facilitates a one-pot transamidation of the PMB tert-amide. The value of this protocol is highlighted by performing the chemoselective activation of the PMB tert-amide in bifunctional molecules containing more reactive functionalities than the amide.

Photoredox-Catalyzed [3+2] annulation of Aromatic Amides with Olefins via Iminium Intermediates.

Despite the preliminary success of transition metal-catalyzed [3+2] annulation of amides with olefins, the corresponding radical-type [3+2] annulation remains a laborious challenge. Herein we report the first photoredox-catalyzed radical-type [3+2] annulation of aromatic amides with olefins. We established an approach to generate unprecedented iminium radicals by reducing the oxyiminium intermediates, formed in situ from corresponding amides with Tf2O, via photoredox catalysis. The [3+2] annulation was achieved via stepwise radical process, instead of forming linear products via other pathways as previously reported. This annulation protocol exhibits excellent functional group tolerance, and a diversity of substrates are united under the photoredox conditions, affording iminium products that can be in situ diversified into 1-indanones, enamines and amines. Mechanistic investigations indicate reduction of the oxyiminium intermediate to the iminium radicals by excited-state of the photocatalyst initiates the catalytic cycle.

Photoredox‐Catalyzed [3+2] annulation of Aromatic Amides with Olefins via Iminium Intermediates

Despite the preliminary success of transition metal‐catalyzed [3+2] annulation of amides with olefins, the corresponding radical‐type [3+2] annulation remains a laborious challenge. Herein we report the first photoredox‐catalyzed radical‐type [3+2] annulation of aromatic amides with olefins. We established an approach to generate unprecedented iminium radicals by reducing the oxyiminium intermediates, formed in situ from corresponding amides with Tf2O, via photoredox catalysis. The [3+2] annulation was achieved via stepwise radical process, instead of forming linear products via other pathways as previously reported. This annulation protocol exhibits excellent functional group tolerance, and a diversity of substrates are united under the photoredox conditions, affording iminium products that can be in situ diversified into 1‐indanones, enamines and amines. Mechanistic investigations indicate reduction of the oxyiminium intermediate to the iminium radicals by excited‐state of the photocatalyst initiates the catalytic cycle.

Sulfone as traceless activating group: Divergent synthesis of α-fluoroamides with C–F quaternary stereocenters

A novel approach to α-fluoroamides bearing a C–F quaternary stereocenter is reported herein. With sulfone installed as the activating group, an alkyl group as well as a fluorine atom was introduced successively under mild conditions. Subsequently, heterolytic fission of the C–S bond occurred smoothly under photoredox conditions to afford a tertiary radical, which then engaged in varied intramolecular cyclizations depending on substrate structure and condition applied, rendering sulfone an overall traceless activating group.

A facile access to aliphatic trifluoromethyl ketones via photocatalyzed cross-coupling of bromotrifluoroacetone and alkenes.

Biological molecules incorporating trifluoromethyl ketones (TFMKs) have emerged as reversible covalent inhibitors, aiding in the management and treatment of inflammatory diseases, cancer, and respiratory conditions. TFMKs, renowned for their versatile binding properties and adaptability, are pivotal in the rational design of novel drugs for diverse diseases. The photocatalytic insertion of alkenes, abundant feedstocks, into the α-carbon of trifluoromethylacetone represents a highly effective and atom-economical method for synthesizing valuable TFMKs. However, these processes typically necessitate high-energy photoirradiation (λ > 300 nm, Hg lamp) and stoichiometric oxidants to generate the acetonyl radical from acetone. In our study, we demonstrate the visible-light photocatalytic radical addition into olefins using bromotrifluoroacetone as the trifluoroacetonyl radical precursor under mild conditions. Aliphatic trifluoromethyl ketones or the corresponding bromo-substituted products can be obtained by selecting an appropriate photocatalyst and solvent. Comprehensive experimental investigations, including cyclic voltammetry, Stern-Volmer quenching studies, and kinetic isotope effects, corroborate the synthesis of trifluoroacetonyl radical species from bromotrifluoroacetone under photoredox conditions. Further, we demonstrate the efficient synthesis of an oseltamivir derivative bearing a trifluoromethylketone moiety, which shows promising biological activity. Hence, this methodology will streamline the direct introduction of trifluoromethyl ketone into biological target molecules during drug discovery.

Chromium Catalyzed Asymmetric Reformatsky Reaction

AbstractThis study describes an unprecedented chromium‐catalyzed asymmetric Reformatsky reaction, enabling the synthesis of chiral β‐hydroxy carbonyl compounds from α‐chlorinated or α‐brominated esters and amides. By employing a chiral chromium/diarylamine bis(oxazoline) catalyst, we achieved relatively broad functional group tolerance. Distinct from known reports, the protocol operates under both classical and photoredox conditions, facilitated by the in situ formation of a nucleophilic chiral chromium intermediate through a radical‐polar crossover mechanism. Preliminary mechanistic insights, supported by DFT calculations, identify the nucleophilic aldehyde addition as the key stereo‐determining step. This approach not only overcomes the limitations of existing Reformatsky reactions but also provides a versatile strategy for accessing complex chiral molecules.

Chromium Catalyzed Asymmetric Reformatsky Reaction.

This study describes an unprecedented chromium-catalyzed asymmetric Reformatsky reaction, enabling the synthesis of chiral β-hydroxy carbonyl compounds from α-chlorinated or α-brominated esters and amides. By employing a chiral chromium/diarylamine bis(oxazoline) catalyst, we achieved relatively broad functional group tolerance. Distinct from known reports, the protocol operates under both classical and photoredox conditions, facilitated by the in situ formation of a nucleophilic chiral chromium intermediate through a radical-polar crossover mechanism. Preliminary mechanistic insights, supported by DFT calculations, identify the nucleophilic aldehyde addition as the key stereo-determining step. This approach not only overcomes the limitations of existing Reformatsky reactions but also provides a versatile strategy for accessing complex chiral molecules.

Radical Deoxygenative Three-Component Reaction of Alcohols, Aryl Alkenes, and Cyanopyridines.

We report herein a deoxygenative radical multicomponent reaction involving alcohols, aryl alkenes, and cyanopyridine under photoredox conditions. This method is photoredox-neutral, suitable for late-stage modification, and compatible with a wide array of alcohols as alkyl radical sources, including primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols. This reaction comprises a radical relay mechanism encompassing the Giese addition of aryl alkenes by alkyl radicals, followed by the decyanative pyridination of benzyl radicals.

N‐Directed defluorinative γ‐C(sp3)−H allylation of sulfamate esters for synthesis of gem‐difluoroalkenes via photoredox catalysis

Abstractgem‐Difluoroalkenes are unique structural motifs with important applications ranging from drugs to materials. Herein, we report a novel radical‐mediated defluorinative allylation of sulfamate esters with through distal C(sp3)−H functionalization under photoredox conditions. The reaction could readily incorporate various gem‐difluoroalkene motifs into previously unfunctionalized sp3 carbon centers. The transformation allows directly dual activation of N−H and C(sp3)−H bonds via a photocatalytic and redox‐neutral process, as well as using water as environmentally friendly co‐solvent. The reaction could provide a general and operationally simple method to access gem‐difluoroalkene compounds with high diversity.

Visible-Light-Triggered Difluoroacetylation/Cyclization of Chromone-Tethered Alkenes Enabling Synthesis of Tetrahydroxanthones.

Hydroxanthones have attracted considerable attention due to their significance in organic and biological chemistry, yet their synthesis remains a great challenge. In this study, a series of chromone-tethered alkenes are designed, and a radical cyclization reaction of these chromone derivatives has been achieved under photoredox conditions. The reaction uses bromodifluoroacetamides or bromodifluoroacetates as coupling partners, affording a broad range of functionalized tetrahydroxanthone products with up to 85% yields. The reaction is triggered via the generation of difluoroacetate radicals or alkene radical cations with fac-Ir(ppy)3 or 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-1,4-dicyanobenzene as a photocatalyst. This approach offers access to various tetrahydroxanthone derivatives from readily available starting materials and enriches the research content of heteroarene-tethered alkenes.

Asymmetric, Remote C(sp3)−H Arylation via Sulfinyl‐Smiles Rearrangement

AbstractAn efficient asymmetric remote arylation of C(sp3)−H bonds under photoredox conditions is described here. The reaction features the addition radicals to a double bond followed by a site‐selective radical translocation (1,n‐hydrogen atom transfer) as well as a stereocontrolled aryl migration via sulfinyl‐Smiles rearrangement furnishing a wide range of chiral α‐arylated amides with up to >99 : 1 er. Mechanistic studies indicate that the sulfinamide group governs the stereochemistry of the product with the aryl migration being the rate determining step preceded by a kinetically favored 1,n‐HAT process.

Asymmetric, Remote C(sp3)-H Arylation via Sulfinyl-Smiles Rearrangement.

An efficient asymmetric remote arylation of C(sp3)-H bonds under photoredox conditions is described here. The reaction features the addition radicals to a double bond followed by a site-selective radical translocation (1,n-hydrogen atom transfer) as well as a stereocontrolled aryl migration via sulfinyl-Smiles rearrangement furnishing a wide range of chiral α-arylated amides with up to >99 : 1 er. Mechanistic studies indicate that the sulfinamide group governs the stereochemistry of the product with the aryl migration being the rate determining step preceded by a kinetically favored 1,n-HAT process.

Remote C-H Amination and Alkylation of Camphor at C8 through Hydrogen-Atom Abstraction.

Camphor continues to serve as a versatile chiral building block for chemical synthesis. We have developed a novel method to functionalize the camphor skeleton at C8 using an intramolecular hydrogen atom abstraction. The key advance involves the use of a camphor-derived aminonitrile, which is converted to the corresponding nitrogen-centered radical under photoredox conditions to effect the 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer at C8. The resulting carbon-centered radical at C8 was utilized in a C-H amination to access topologically complex proline derivatives. Furthermore, the total synthesis of several sesquiterpenoids was accomplished by engaging the radical generated at C8 in alkylation reactions.

Cross-Electrophile Coupling of Benzyl Halides and Disulfides Catalyzed by Iron.

Cross-electrophile couplings are influential reactions that typically require a terminal reductant or photoredox conditions. We discovered an iron-catalyzed reaction that couples benzyl halides with disulfides to yield thioether products in the absence of a terminal reductant and under photoredox conditions. The disclosed platform proceeds without sulfur-induced catalyst poisoning or the use of an exogenous base, supporting a broad scope and circumventing undesired elimination pathways. We applied the developed chemistry in a new mode of disulfide bioconjugation, drug synthesis, gram-scale synthesis, and product derivatization. Lastly, we performed mechanistic experiments to better understand the stereoablative reaction between two electrophiles. Disulfides and benzylic thioethers are imperative for biological and pharmaceutical applications but remain severely understudied in comparison to their ethereal and amino counterparts. Hence, we expect this platform of iron catalysis and the downstream applications to be of interest to the greater scientific community.

Chiral arylsulfinylamides as reagents for visible light-mediated asymmetric alkene aminoarylations.

Two- or one-electron-mediated difunctionalizations of internal alkenes represent straightforward approaches to assemble molecular complexity by the simultaneous formation of two contiguous Csp3 stereocentres. Although racemic versions have been extensively explored, asymmetric variants, especially those involving open-shell C-centred radical species, are much more limited both in number and scope. Here we describe enantioenriched arylsulfinylamides as all-in-one reagents for the efficient asymmetric, intermolecular aminoarylation of alkenes. Under mild photoredox conditions, nitrogen addition of the arylsulfinylamide onto the double bond, followed by 1,4-translocation of the aromatic ring, produce, in a single operation, the corresponding aminoarylation adducts in enantiomerically enriched form. The sulfinyl group acts here as a traceless chiral auxiliary, as it is eliminated in situ under the mild reaction conditions. Optically pure β,β-diarylethylamines, aryl-α,β-ethylenediamines and α-aryl-β-aminoalcohols, prominent motifs in pharmaceuticals, bioactive natural products and ligands for transition metals, are thereby accessible with excellent levels of regio-, relative and absolute stereocontrol.

Reactivities of Photoredox Generated Nickel‐Nucleophilic Reactive Organometallic Species

AbstractDual photoredox catalysis has revolutionized the field of cross‐coupling reactions, enabling the discovery of numerous highly efficient reactions. This breakthrough is attributed to the exceptional combination of nickel catalysis with photoredox catalysis. Nickel exhibits both oxidative addition and reductive elimination processes, and a wide range of oxidation states (ranging from I to IV) accessible within a single catalytic cycle. Furthermore, nickel complexes are capable of catalyzing various processes through radical mechanisms. The latest feature has proven to be incredibly potent in facilitating the formation of new C−C and C−X bonds (X=H, O, S, N). The powerful combination of photoredox and nickel catalysis reveals an expansive domain of unexplored possibilities. It offers unparalleled opportunities for improving reactions and exploring innovative pathways. Under photoredox conditions, it is possible to form nucleophilic reactive organometallic intermediates, useful in reaction with electrophiles. We have devoted a research program towards the rediscovery and use of organometallic reagents, introduced by Corey, Hegedus, and Semmelack many years ago. The results unveiled the extraordinary capabilities of photoredox catalysis, enabling the creation and efficient utilization of potent nucleophilic organometallic reagents under mild conditions, free from the need for strong bases or stoichiometric metal reductants.

Deoxygenation of allyl arylsulfones to allyl arylthioethers via a "cut-sew" strategy: phosphines as bifunctional reagents.

Herein, we disclosed a protocol for the deoxygenation of allyl arylsulfones to access the corresponding thioethers under photoredox conditions by a "cut-sew" strategy. The key to the success of the deoxygenation process is using triarylphosphines not only as the terminal reductants, but also as the reaction initiators. Deeper understanding of this deoxygenation process enabled the intermolecular deoxygenative allylation.