Reductive Coupling Reaction Research Articles

Boron-promoted reductive deoxygenation coupling reaction of sulfonyl chlorides for the C(sp3)-S bond construction

Herein, we report a borane-promoted reductive deoxygenation coupling reaction to synthesize sulfides. This reaction features excellent functional group compatibility, high efficiency, broad substrate scope, and application in late-stage functionalization of biomolecules. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest diaryl sulfides are the intermediates of this reaction. Moreover, the real active aryl sulfide anions may be generated in situ with the aid of B2pin2 and react with alkyl tosylates through a concerted SN2 pathway.

Boron-Promoted Umpolung Reaction of Sulfonyl Chlorides for the Stereospecific Synthesis of Thioglycosides via Reductive Deoxygenation Coupling Reactions.

S-Glycosides have broad biological activities and serve as stable mimics of natural O-glycoside counterparts and thus are of great therapeutic potential. Herein we disclose an efficient method for the stereospecific synthesis of 1-thioglycosides via a boron-promoted reductive deoxygenation coupling reaction from readily accessible sulfonyl chlorides and glycosyl bromides. Our protocol features mild conditions and excellent functional group tolerance and stereoselectivity. The translational potential of this metal-free approach is demonstrated by the late-stage glycodiversification of natural products and drug molecules.

Anionic Redox Activities Boosted by Aluminum Doping in Layered Sodium-Ion Battery Electrode.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted widespread attention for large-scale energy storage, but one major drawback, i.e., the limited capacity of cathode materials, impedes their practical applications. Oxygen redox reactions in layered oxide cathodes are proven to contribute additionally high specific capacity, while such cathodes often suffer from irreversible structural transitions, causing serious capacity fading and voltage decay upon cycling, and the formation process of the oxidized oxygen species remains elusive. Herein, a series of Al-doped P2-type Na0.6 Ni0.3 Mn0.7 O2 cathode materials for SIBs are reported and the corresponding charge compensation mechanisms are investigated qualitatively and quantitatively. The combined analyses reveal that Al doping boosts the reversible oxygen redox reactions through the reductive coupling reactions between orphaned O 2p states in NaOAl local configurations and Ni4+ ions, as directly evidenced by X-ray absorption fine structure results. Additionally, Al doping also induces an increased interlayer spacing and inhibits the unfavorable P2 to O2 phase transition upon desodiation/sodiation, which is common in P2-type Mn-based cathode materials, leading to the great improvement in capacity retention and rate capability. This work provides deeper insights into the development of structurally stable and high-capacity layered cathode materials for SIBs with anion-cation synergetic contributions.

Mechanistic views and computational studies on transition-metal-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions.

Transition-metal-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions have been considered as a powerful tool to convert two electrophiles into value-added products. Numerous related reports have shown the fascinating potential. Mechanistic studies, especially theoretical studies, can provide important implications for the design of novel reductive coupling reactions. In this review, we summarize the representative advancements in theoretical studies on transition-metal-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions and systematically elaborate the mechanisms for the key steps of reductive coupling reactions. The activation modes of electrophiles and the deep insights of selectivity generation are mechanistically discussed. In addition, the mechanism of the reduction of high-oxidation-state catalysts and further construction of new chemical bonds are also described in detail.

Rediscovering Bacon's hydrazine/phenylhydrazine mediated cyclization of 2,2'-dicarbonylbi(hetero)aryls: construction of (5-azo)-/indazolo[2,3-a]quinolines.

Hydrazine/phenylhydrazine-mediated reductive dicarbonyl coupling reactions have been carried out under mild conditions to provide polycyclic aromatic compounds and azo-substituted polyaromatic compounds. This method has a broad substrate scope with good functional group compatibility.

Electricity-driven three-component reductive coupling reaction for the synthesis of diarylmethylamine.

A three-component reductive coupling reaction of aldehydes, amines and cyanopyridines under electrochemical conditions has been developed. The in situ generated imine and cyanopyridine simultaneously undergo single-electron reduction at the cathode, and afford diarylmethylamines through radical coupling without the participation of reducing agents. The one-pot electrolysis method can modularly obtain various secondary and tertiary amines and exhibits broad functional group compatibility. Mechanistic experiments verify the pivotal reduction step from imine to α-amino radical and reveal the key role of benzoic acid in reducing the reduction potential of imine and cyanopyridine.

A Substrate-Binding Metal-Organic Layer Selectively Catalyzes Photoredox Ene-Carbonyl Reductive Coupling Reactions.

Intermolecular photoredox ene-carbonyl reductive coupling reactions typically have low product selectivity owing to competing dimerization and/or reduction of ketyl radicals. Herein, we report a metal-organic layer (MOL), Hf-Ir-OTf, as a bifunctional photocatalyst for selective photoredox reductive coupling of ketones or aldehydes with electron-deficient alkenes. Composed of iridium-based photosensitizers (Ir-PSs) and triflated Hf12 clusters, Hf-Ir-OTf uses Lewis acidic Hf sites to bind and activate electron-deficient alkenes to accept ketyl radicals generated by adjacent Ir-PSs, thereby suppressing undesired dimerization and reduction of ketyl radicals to enhance the selectivity for the cross-coupling products. The MOL-catalyzed reductive coupling reaction accommodates a variety of olefinic substrates and tolerates reducible groups, nicely complementing current methods for cross-coupling reactions.

Regioselective Silylations of Propargyl and Allyl Pivalates through Ca-Promoted Reductive C(sp3)-O Bond Cleavage.

A practical protocol for the regioselective preparation of 3-phenylpropargylsilanes and 3-phenylallylsilanes in yields of 36-77 and 48-86%, respectively, from readily accessible 3-phenylpropargyl and 1-phenylallyl pivalates was developed through reductive C(sp3)-O bond cleavage. This method represents the first example of the direct application of vastly abundant calcium granules to a reductive coupling reaction. A broad range of propargylsilanes and allylsilanes are simply prepared using easy-to-handle pivalates and chlorotrimethylsilane under mild catalyst-free and additive-free conditions.

DFT studies on the mechanisms of enantioselective Ni-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions to form 1,1-diarylalkanes

The detail mechanisms of enantioselective Ni-catalyzed reductive coupling of 5-bromide-2-methoxypyridine (R1) and (1-chloropropyl) benzene (R2) to form 1,1-diarylalkanes (R, S)-P were studied using Density Functional Theory calculations. The overall catalytic cycles include the following basic steps: the oxidative addition, reduction, radical production, radical addition, reductive elimination and the catalyst regeneration. Our calculated results show that the favored way from the reactant (S)-R2 to get the products (R, S)-P is Path C (the NiI catalyst initially combined with alkyl chloride) where the energy barrier of the rate-determining step is the oxidative addition step with 9.1 kcal/mol (of TS1b), but the favored path starting from the reactant (R)-R2 to get the products (R, S)-P is Path A (the NiI catalyst initially combined with aryl bromide) or Path B (the Ni° catalyst initially combined with the aryl bromide) where the energy barrier of the rate-determining step is the radical production step with 12.7 kcal/mol (of (R)-TS2). Our calculated results also indicate that the formation of (R)-P is dominant over the product (S)-P, which meets the experimental results. The ligand effects have also been studied.

Enantioselective Reductive Homocoupling of Allylic Acetates Enabled by Dual Photoredox/Palladium Catalysis: Access to C2-Symmetrical 1,5-Dienes

Transition-metal-catalyzed reductive coupling reactions have emerged as powerful protocols to construct C-C bonds. However, the development of enantioselective C(sp3)-C(sp3) reductive coupling remains challenging. Herein, we report a highly regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective reductive homocoupling of allylic acetates through cooperative palladium and photoredox catalysis using diisopropylethylamine or Hantzsch ester as a homogeneous organic reductant. This straightforward protocol enables the stereoselective construction of C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds under mild reaction conditions. A series of C2-symmetrical chiral 1,5-dienes were easily prepared with excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee), diastereoselectivities (up to >95:5 dr), and regioselectivities (up to >95:5 rr). The resultant chiral 1,5-dienes can be directly used as chiral ligands in asymmetric synthesis, and they can be also transformed into other valuable chiral ligands.

General α-Amino 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Synthesis via Late-Stage Reductive Functionalization of Tertiary Amides and Lactams*.

An iridium‐catalyzed reductive three‐component coupling reaction for the synthesis of medicinally relevant α‐amino 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles from abundant tertiary amides or lactams, carboxylic acids, and (N‐isocyanimino) triphenylphosphorane, is described. Proceeding under mild conditions using (<1 mol %) Vaska's complex (IrCl(CO)(PPh3)2) and tetramethyldisiloxane to access the key reactive iminium ion intermediates, a broad range of α‐amino 1,3,4‐oxadiazole architectures were accessed from carboxylic acid feedstock coupling partners. Extension to α‐amino heterodiazole synthesis was readily achieved by exchanging the carboxylic acid coupling partner for C‐, S‐, or N‐centered Brønsted acids, and provided rapid and modular access to these desirable, yet difficult‐to‐access, heterocycles. The high chemoselectivity of the catalytic reductive activation step allowed late‐stage functionalization of 10 drug molecules, including the synthesis of heterodiazole‐fused drug–drug conjugates.

Access to Diarylmethanol Skeletons via a Samarium/Copper-Mediated Sequential Three-Component C-H Functionalization Reaction.

A novel three-component reaction was developed via a one-pot strategy for the construction of diarylmethanol esters by using a halobenzene and an ester in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) under mild conditions. The reaction involves the direct functionalization of halobenzene under the Sm-CuI catalyst system. It was proved that 10% (mol) of CuI is sufficient to realize the reductive coupling reaction. Influences of substituents were illustrated from both electronic and steric effects. The reaction mechanism was also discussed.

Reductive imino-pinacol coupling reaction of halogenated aromatic imines and iminium ions catalyzed by precious metal catalysts using hydrogen

The first heterogeneously catalyzed process for the reductive coupling of imines and iminium ions is reported using precious metal catalysts in combination with hydrogen gas as the terminal reductant. The optimized method in terms of catalyst composition and reaction conditions allowed to produce aromatic vicinal diamines without the use of stoichiometric amounts of zero or low valent metals, which is currently the preferred method. The most important mechanistic features of the reaction were unraveled by a combined experimental and computational approach. The developed methodology is very efficient for the coupling of aromatic iminium ions with yields up to 88% while imines give only low to moderate yields.

Reductive Coupling of Aryl Halides via C—H Activation of Indene

Main observation and conclusionThis paper describes the first case of a reductive coupling reaction with indene, a non‐heteroatom olefin used as a reducing agent. The scope of the substrate is wide. The homo‐coupling, cross‐coupling, and synthesis of 12 and 14‐membered rings were realized. The control experiment, indene‐product curve and density functional theory calculations showed that the η3‐palladium indene intermediate was formed by C—H activation in the presence of cesium carbonate. We speculate that the final product was obtained through a Pd (IV) intermediate or aryl ligand exchange. In addition, we excluded the formation of palladium anion (Pd(0)−) intermediates.

Highly Regio- and Enantioselective Reductive Coupling of Alkynes and Aldehydes via Photoredox Cobalt Dual Catalysis.

A Co-catalyzed highly regio- and enantioselective reductive coupling of alkynes and aldehydes has been developed under visible light photoredox dual catalysis. A variety of enantioenriched allylic alcohols have been obtained by using unsymmetrical internal alkynes and commercially available catalyst, chiral ligand, and reagents. It is noteworthy that this approach has considerable advantages, such as excellent regio- (>95:5 for >40 examples), stereo- (up to >95:5 E/Z), and enantioselectivity (92-99% ee, >35 examples) control, mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and good functional group compatibility, making it a great improvement to enantioselective alkyne-aldehyde reductive coupling reactions.

Ni-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Coupling of Aryl Triflates with Thiocarbonates via C-O/C-O Bond Cleavage.

A nickel-catalyzed reductive coupling of aryl triflates with thiocarbonates is reported here. Both electron-rich and -deficient aryl C(sp2)-O electrophiles as well as a class of O-tBu S-alkyl thiocarbonates are compatible with the optimized reaction conditions, as evidenced by 49 examples. The reaction also proceeds with good chemoselective cleavage of the C-O bond with regard to thioesters. This work broadens the scope of nickel-catalyzed reductive cross-electrophile coupling reactions.

Carbene-Catalyzed Alkylation of Carboxylic Esters via Direct Photoexcitation of Acyl Azolium Intermediates

A carbene-catalyzed reductive coupling reaction of carboxylic esters and substituted Hantzsch esters is disclosed. Key steps of this reaction include one-electron reduction of a carbene catalyst-bound acyl azolium intermediate to generate the corresponding radical intermediate for subsequent alkylation reactions. The reaction is promoted by irradiation with visible light without the involvement of transition-metal photocatalysts. Mechanistic studies suggest that direct photoexcitation of the in situ formed acyl azolium intermediate is likely responsible for this light-induced one-electron-reduction process. Photoexcitation converts the acyl azolium intermediate to a single-electron oxidant, enabling single-electron oxidation of Hantzsch esters to generate radical intermediates. Our reactions work well for a broad range of aryl carboxylic ester and Hantzsch ester substrates. Sophisticated structures, including those present in medicines, can be incorporated into ketone molecules using our approach via very mild conditions that tolerate various functional groups.

Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling Reaction of α-Pivaloyloxyglycine

Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling Reaction of α-Pivaloyloxyglycine

Palladium-Catalyzed Allyl-Allyl Reductive Coupling of Allylamines or Allylic Alcohols with H2 as Sole Reductant.

Catalytic carbon-carbon bond formation building on reductive coupling is a powerful method for the preparation of organic compounds. The identification of environmentally benign reductants is key for establishing an efficient reductive coupling reaction. Herein an efficient strategy enabling H2 as the sole reductant for the palladium-catalyzed allyl-allyl reductive coupling reaction is described. A wide range of allylamines and allylic alcohols as well as allylic ethers proceed smoothly to deliver the C-C coupling products under 1 atm of H2. Kinetic studies suggested that the dinuclear palladium species was involved in the catalytic cycle.

Visible light-induced alkylpyridylation of styrenes via a reductive radical three-component coupling.

A visible light-induced and metal-free strategy for the intermolecular three-compoment alkylpyridylation of styrenes is reported. Hantzsch ester was found to be key to initiate the overall reductive radical coupling reaction. This radical process realized difunctionalization of styrenes, selectively yielding alkylated pyridines in good to excellent yields with a wide tolerance of functional groups, mild reaction conditions and simple operation. This new reaction complements existing visible light-induced variants of styrenes with NHP esters and expands the capabilities of radical-based cross-coupling reactions of pyridines.