Tandem Radical Research Articles

Radical Cyclizations of N‐Methylallyl‐2‐arylindoles with Polychloromethanes to Assemble Polychloroalkylated Indolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolines

AbstractAn efficient synthesis of polychloroalkylated indolo[2,1‐a]isoquinolines has been achieved via aryldiazonium salt induced radical cyclization reaction of N‐methylallyl‐2‐arylindoles with dichloromethane or trichloromethane. In this reaction, neither metal catalyst nor additional oxidant was required, and an isoquinoline ring was constructed by tandem radical additions on the nonactivated carbon‐carbon double bond of allyl group in 2‐arylindoles. This protocol features advantages of wide substituent scope, environmentally friendly conditions and good yields.

Cu/Pd-Catalyzed Tandem Carbonylative Synthesis of Ester-Containing 3,4-Dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one Derivatives from Alkyne-Tethered α-Bromocarbonyls.

A Cu/Pd-catalyzed tandem radical cyclization and carbonylation of alkyne-tethered α-bromocarbonyls with phenols has been developed for the expedited construction of ester-containing 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one scaffolds. By employing benzene-1,3,5-triyl triformate (TFBen) as the CO source, the reaction proceeded smoothly to afford a series of ester-containing 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives in high yields. Moreover, this method could be utilized in the late-stage modifications of bioactive molecules.

Photo-catalyzed dearomative coupling of benzylmalonates and alkynes with CO2 leading to spiro-1,4-cyclohexadiene carboxylic acids

A dearomative coupling reaction of benzylmalonates and alkynes with CO2via visible-light catalysis is developed, leading to a series of spiro-1,4-cyclohexadiene carboxylic acids. This three-component transformation achieves sequential dearomatization, alkenylation, and carboxylation of non-activated bezene ring, building spiro architecture and installing two functional groups in one reaction step. The strategy has the advantages of mild conditions, broad substrate scope, low loading of photocatalyst, redox neutral, excellent yield and high selectivity. Gram-scale reaction and product derivatizations indicate promising application prospects. Mechanistic studies reveal that the reaction might proceed through tandem radical addition, dearomatization and nucleophilic addition.

Assembly of Functionalized 3,4‐Fused Tricyclic Benzosultams via Radical‐Promoted Cascade Reactions

AbstractA tandem oxidative radical functionalization/annulation of N‐acryloyl amino saccharin is disclosed. This strategy allows the facile construction of diversely functionalized 3,4‐fused tricyclic benzosultams that previously have not been reported. A wide range of functionalities were installed through the formation of C−C, C−S and C−P bond enabled by the respective radicals.

Iodine(III)-Mediated Trifluoroacetylation of a C(sp2)-H or C(sp)-H Bond with Masked Trifluoroacyl Reagents.

A novel strategy for incorporating a trifluoroacetyl functionality into a range of structurally varied unsaturated bonds was developed by using PhI(OCOMe)2 as an oxidant with a masked trifluoroacyl reagent as a trifluoroacetyl radical precursor. The oxidative decarboxylation of the masked trifluoroacyl precursor followed by a tandem radical process provides versatile access to 5-exo-trig cyclization of N-arylacrylamides, direct C(sp2)-H trifluoroacetylation of quinolines, isoquinoline, 2H-indazole, and quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones, and C(sp)-H trifluoroacetylation of alkynes. This protocol is characterized by mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity, and broad functional group compatibility.

Organocatalyzed Photoelectrochemistry for the Generation of Acyl and Phosphoryl Radicals through Hydrogen Atom-Transfer Process.

An organocatalyzed photoelectrochemical method for the generation of acyl and phosphoryl radicals from formamides, aldehydes, and phosphine oxides has been developed. This protocol utilizes 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) as both a molecular catalyst and a hydrogen atom-transfer (HAT) reagent, eliminating the requirement for external metal-based reagents, HAT reagents, and oxidants. The generated acyl radicals can be applied to a range of radical-mediated transformation reactions, including C-H carbamoylation of heteroarenes, intermolecular tandem radical cyclization of CF3-substituted N-arylacrylamides, as well as intramolecular cyclization reactions. The use of acyl radicals in these transformations offers an efficient and sustainable approach to accessing structurally diverse carbonyl compounds.

Copper‐Catalyzed Radical Silylarylation of Activated Alkenes: Preparation of β‐Silyl Amide‐Pharmaceutical Hybrids

AbstractCopper‐catalyzed silylarylation of N‐(arylsulfonyl)acrylamides via a tandem silyl radical addition/1,4‐aryl migration/desulfonylation sequence has been developed. This method employs silanes as the precursor of silyl radical and di‐tert‐butyl peroxide (DTBP) as the initiator. By using this cascade procedure, a series of β‐silyl amide‐pharmaceutical hybrids which contain an α‐all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter were facilely synthesized.

Efficient construction of functionalized pyrroloindolines through cascade radical cyclization/intermolecular coupling

A novel tandem radical cyclization/intermolecular coupling between 2-azaallyl anions and indole N-aryloxy acetamides is developed, which enables the synthesis of C3a-substituted pyrroloindolines under mild conditions.

(NH4)2S2O8 promoted tandem radical cyclization of quinazolin-4(3H)-ones with oxamic acids for the construction of fused quinazolinones under metal-free conditions.

A novel cascade radical addition/cyclization reaction of non-activated olefins and oxamic acids has been proposed. Under transition metal-free conditions, 36 quinazolinone derivatives containing an amide moiety were successfully synthesized, with the highest yield being 81%. This method involves the preparation of aminoacyl fused quinazolinone derivatives under mild conditions, offering advantages such as a high yield, a broad substrate compatibility, and a high atom economy.

Visible-light heterogeneous photocatalysis with an ionic porous organic polymer (IPOP): synthesis of β-keto sulfoxides and benzothiophene diesters by tandem radical addition–oxidation reactions

An IPOP, constructed constructed from cyanuric chloride and the readily accessible 2,5-di(pyridin-4-yl)thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole (BpyTzTz), is shown to exhibit excellent visible light absorption and serve as a metal-free heterogeneous photocatalyst.

Visible-Light-Induced Three-Component Radical Coupling of Selenocarbamates, Enones, and Allylstannanes with Diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine Oxide

AbstractA blue LED-induced three-component coupling of a carbamoyl radical, cyclic enone, and allylstannane was developed. The use of blue LEDs and diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (TPO) as a radical initiator permitted the three-component radical coupling to proceed with a high chemoselectivity. An elucidation of the mechanism revealed a pathway for the formation of a tributyltin radical from TPO and allylstannane. This tandem radical reaction is expected to be applicable in natural-product synthesis.

Photocatalytic aerobic thiocyanation/sulfonylation of alkynes by D-A type COFs: Enhanced generation of superoxide and sulfur-based radicals via building units adjusted band structures

Photocatalytic radical-mediated aerobic thiocyanation/sulfonylation of alkynes represents the most straightforward and atom-economic method to synthesize α-thiocyanate/sulfonyl ketones. The core issue is the generation of desired thiocyanate/sulfonyl radicals and their subsequent conversion into target products. In this work, three polyimide-based donor–acceptor COFs, named TAPB-PMDA, TTA-PMDA, and TTA-NDA, respectively, have been prepared for the photosynthesis of α-thiocyanate/sulfonyl ketones. Based on efficient adjusting electron donor-accept capacity of building units, TTA-NDA possesses broader visible absorption, richer redox properties, faster carrier separation efficiency and shows higher photocatalytic activity in thiocyanation/sulfonylation of alkynes under blue LED light illumination. Control experiments and EPR tests provide insight into the tandem radical addition/cross-coupling mechanism, in which the thiocyanate/sulfonyl radicals generation via h+ oxidation and the reactive oxygen species (ROS, e.g. •OH, H2O2, 1O2, O2•−) production by e− reduction carry out simultaneously, avoiding the employing of electron sacrificial agents or extra additives as precursors of singe electron transfer reagents. This operable strategy opens up a door for the difunctionalization of alkynes in photosynthetic manner.

Organoelectrophotocatalytic Generation of Acyl Radicals from Formamides and Aldehydes: Access to Acylated 3-CF3-2-Oxindoles.

Organoelectrophotocatalytic generation of acyl radicals from formamides and aldehydes to synthesize acylated 3-CF3-2-oxindoles has been developed. This protocol features a monocatalytic system using 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) both as a catalyst and as a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reagent, which avoids the use of an external HAT reagent, metal reagent, and oxidant. A variety of acylated 3-CF3-2-oxindoles have been obtained in satisfactory yields from CF3-substituted N-arylacrylamides via a tandem radical cyclization.

Photochemical Synthesis of S,N,O-Containing Polyheterocycles via an α-C(sp3)-H Functionalization/Radical Cyclization Cascade.

A highly effective approach based on an organophotocatalytic α-C(sp3)-H functionalization/radical cyclization cascade has been developed. This method enables the synthesis of various tricyclic heterocycles containing S, O, and N atoms with excellent site selectivity and diastereoselectivity. Mechanistic investigations have confirmed that the reaction involves photoredox-triggered C(sp3)-H cleavage followed by a radical cyclization and aromatization process. These findings are expected to pave the way for developing cost-effective tandem radical reactions and synthesizing heterocyclic drugs.

NHC‐Catalyzed Radical Tandem Cyclization/Coupling Reaction for the Synthesis of 2‐Pyrrolidinone Derivatives

AbstractA novel strategy for synthesizing structurally diverse 2‐pyrrolidinons by a NHC‐catalyzed tandem radical cyclization process has been developed. This reaction proceeds through a radical coupling approach, which not only shows broad substrate scope with excellent functional group compatibility but also is quite compatible with the secondary and tertiary radicals. By using this protocol, various potentially bioactive 2‐pyrrolidinons were facilely synthesized.

Chemodivergent Tandem Radical Cyclization of Alkene-Substituted Quinazolinones: Rapid Access to Mono- and Di-Alkylated Ring-Fused Quinazolinones.

Chemodivergent tandem radical cyclization offers exciting possibilities for the synthesis of structurally diverse cyclic compounds. Herein, we revealed a chemodivergent tandem cyclization of alkene-substituted quinazolinones under metal- and base-free conditions, this transformation is initiated by alkyl radicals produced from oxidant-induced α-C(sp3 )-H functionalization of alkyl nitriles or esters. The reaction resulted in the selective synthesis of a series of mono- and di-alkylated ring-fused quinazolinones by modulating the loading of oxidant, reaction temperature, and reaction time. Mechanistic investigations show that the mono-alkylated ring-fused quinazolinones is constructed by the key process of 1,2-hydrogen shift, whereas the di-alkylated ring-fused quinazolinones is mainly achieved through crucial steps of resonance and proton transfer. This protocol is the first example of remote second alkylation on the aromatic ring via α-C(sp3 )-H functionalization and difunctionalization achieved by association of two unsaturated bonds in radical cyclization.

Photoredox-catalyzed diastereoselective dearomative prenylation and reverse-prenylation of electron-deficient indole derivatives

Prenylated and reverse-prenylated indolines are privileged scaffolds in numerous naturally occurring indole alkaloids with a broad spectrum of important biological properties. Development of straightforward and stereoselective methods to enable the synthesis of structurally diverse prenylated and reverse-prenylated indoline derivatives is highly desirable and challenging. In this context, the most direct approaches to achieve this goal generally rely on transition-metal-catalyzed dearomative allylic alkylation of electron-rich indoles. However, the electron-deficient indoles are much less explored, probably due to their diminished nucleophilicity. Herein, a photoredox-catalyzed tandem Giese radical addition/Ireland–Claisen rearrangement is disclosed. Diastereoselective dearomative prenylation and reverse-prenylation of electron-deficient indoles proceed smoothly under mild conditions. An array of tertiary α-silylamines as radical precursors is readily incorporated in 2,3-disubstituted indolines with high functional compatibility and excellent diastereoselectivity (>20:1 d.r.). The corresponding transformations of the secondary α-silylamines provide the biologically important lactam-fused indolines in one-pot synthesis. Subsequently, a plausible photoredox pathway is proposed based on control experiments. The preliminary bioactivity study reveals a potential anticancer property of these structurally appealing indolines.

Photocatalytic Synthesis of 6-Phosphorylated Phenanthridines from 2-Isocyanobiphenyls via Radical C−P and C−C Bond Formation

A mild, efficient, photocatalytic synthesis of 6-phosphorylated phenanthridines via tandem radical addition/cyclization/aromatization of 2-isocyanobiphenyls with diarylphosphine oxides is reported. The method features operational simplicity in metal-free conditions, using low-cost Rose Bengal as a catalyst and sustainable air as a terminal oxidant at room temperature and providing the desired products in moderate to good yields.

Formal Synthesis of Morphine Backbone and Its Possible Improvements

Intramolecular interactions between molecules have been reported as the most efficient way of synthesizing morphine molecules. A total of nine-step synthesis using intramolecular cycloaddition, also known as Diels-Alder reaction, has been so far the most successful way of synthesizing morphine. Tandem radical cyclization has also been proved to be efficient. Although both reactions are simple, they might be affected by stereochemistry. Thid paper proposes some possible ways of improving such intramolecular interactions.

Hydrogen-Atom-Transfer-Initiated Radical/Polar Crossover Annulation Cascade for Expedient Access to Complex Tetralins.

A radical/polar crossover annulation between allyl-substituted arenes and electron-deficient alkenes is described. Cobalt-catalyzed hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) facilitates tandem radical C-C bond formation that generates functionalized tetralin products in the face of potentially problematic hydrofluorination, hydroalkoxylation, hydrogenation, alkene isomerization, and radical polymerization reactions. The reactions proceed under mild conditions that tolerate many functional groups, leading to a broad substrate scope. This powerful ring-forming reaction very quickly assembles complex tetralins that are the formal products of the largely infeasible Diels-Alder cycloadditions of styrenes.