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The difunctionalization of unsaturated bonds plays a vital role in the enrichment of molecular complexity. While various catalytic methods for alkene and alkyne difunctionalization have been developed in recent years, hetero‐functionalization the introduction of two different atoms has been less explored. This is mainly due to the challenges associated with achieving high chemo‐, regio‐, and stereoselectivity, especially when adding two similar atoms from the same group across unsaturated bonds. In this study, we describe a nickel‐catalyzed, three‐component reductive protocol for group 14 element hetero‐difunctionalization of 1,3‐enynes using electrochemistry. This new method is mild, selective, and general, allowing for the silyl‐, germanyl‐, and stannyl‐alkylation of enynes. Various chlorosilanes as well as chlorogermans, and chlorostannanes can be successfully used in combination with aryl/alkyl‐substituted 1,3‐enynes and primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl bromides in the electroreductive coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar‐driven evolution of hydrogen from water using particulate photocatalysts is considered one of the most economical and promising protocols for achieving a stable supply of renewable energy. However, the efficiency of photocatalytic water splitting is far from satisfactory due to the sluggish electron‐hole pair separation kinetics. Herein, isolated Mo atoms in a high oxidation state have been incorporated into the lattice of Cd0.5Zn0.5S (CZS@Mo) nanorods, which exhibit photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 11.32 mmol g−1 h−1 (226.4 μmol h−1; catalyst dosage 20 mg). Experimental and theoretical simulation results imply that the highly oxidized Mo species lead to mobile‐charge imbalances in CZS and induce the directional photogenerated electrons transfer, resulting in effectively inhibited electron‐hole recombination and greatly enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peroxynitrite anion (ONOO−) is closely associated with many diseases and the creation of ONOO− donors is an essential means of understanding its pathophysiological functions. However, it is challenging to develop ONOO− donors due to the difficulties in simultaneously producing highly reactive and short‐lived nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion (O2⋅−). Here, we report a novel strategy for constructing ONOO− donors by combining near‐infrared (NIR)‐mediated type I photosensitization and photoredox catalysis. The key design using a Nile blue analogue that can serve as both a type I photosensitizer and a metal‐free photocatalyst. Intriguingly, the formation of O2⋅− via type I photosensitization avoids oxygen interference and instead activates nitrobenzofurazan‐based NO donors via oxygen‐tolerant NIR photoredox catalysis. The simultaneous release of O2⋅− and NO leads to ONOO− release, showing both antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(Deuterium‐labeled) CF2H‐ and CFH2‐moieties are of high interest in drug discovery. The high demand for the incorporation of these fluoroalkyl moieties into molecular structures has witnessed significant synthetic progress, particularly in the (deutero)hydrodefluorination of CF3‐containing compounds. However, the controllable replacement of fluorine atoms while maintaining high chemoselectivity remains challenging. Herein, we describe the development of a selective (deutero)hydrodefluorination reaction via electrolysis. The reaction exhibits a remarkable chemoselectivity control, which is enabled by the addition of different organoboron sources. The procedure is operationally simple and scalable, and provides access in one step to high‐value building blocks for application in medicinal chemistry. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out to investigate the reaction mechanism and to rationalize the chemoselectivity observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a reductive cross‐coupling reaction of α‐oxy halides, simply generated from aldehydes, with a series of C(sp2)‐ and C(sp)‐electrophiles. A wide range of aryl and heteroatom aryl halides, vinyl bromides, alkynyl bromides, and acyl chlorides react with unhindered and hindered aldehyde‐derived α‐oxy halides by providing protected alcohols as well as α‐hydroxy ketones. Noteworthy, the reductive couplings are achieved not only through thermal catalysis with the use of metal reductants but also by photocatalysis, electrochemistry, and mechanochemistry. The unrestricted interchange of the four strategies indicates their underlying mechanistic similarities. The generation of NiI intermediate is proposed to be the key point for ketyl radical formation via a single‐electron transfer (SET) event, which was rationalized by an array of control experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nickel‐catalyzed three‐component reductive carbonylation of alkyl halides, aryl halides, and ethyl chloroformate is described. Ethyl chloroformate is utilized as a safe and readily available source of CO in this multi‐component protocol, providing an efficient and practical alternative for the synthesis of aryl‐alkyl ketones. The reaction exhibits a wide substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. Experimental and DFT mechanistic studies highlight the complexity of the cross‐electrophile coupling and provide insight into the sequence of the three consecutive oxidative additions of aryl halide, chloroformate, and alkyl halide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It remains challenging to manipulate the nature of photoluminescence as either fluorescence or phosphorescence for a correlated cluster series. In this work, two correlated nanoclusters, Au5Ag11(SR)8(DPPOE)2 and Pt1Ag16(SR)8(DPPOE)2 with comparable structure features, were synthesized and structurally determined. These two alloy nanoclusters displayed distinct photoluminescent nature—the Au5Ag11 nanocluster is fluorescent, whereas the Pt1Ag16 nanocluster is phosphorescent. The decay processes of the excited electrons in these two nanoclusters have been explicitly mapped out by both experimental and theoretical approaches, disclosing the mechanisms of their fluorescence and phosphorescence. Specifically, the metallic compositions of the nanocluster kernels mattered in determining their photoluminescent nature. The results herein provide an intriguing nanomodel that enables us to grasp the origin of photoluminescence at the atomic level, which further paves the way for fabricating novel nanoclusters or cluster‐based nanomaterials with customized photophysical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a novel asymmetric radical cyclization of alkenes via stereospecific homolytic substitution of sulfinamides. This reaction produces a variety of cyclic sulfinamides with excellent stereocontrol. The protocol features broad functional group tolerance, high product diversity, and easy accessibility to feedstocks, and outlines a new pathway for the synthesis of chiral cyclic sulfinamides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radical‐mediated difunctionalization of alkenes provides a promising approach to introduce one alkenyl or alkynyl group to target compounds. However, simultaneous installation of two unsaturated C−C bonds via alkene difunctionalization remains elusive, attributable to the high instability and transient lifetimes of alkenyl and alkynyl radicals. Herein, we report the photocatalytic 1,2‐alkynylalkenylation and 1,2‐enynylalkenylation of alkenes for the first time, triggered by the intermolecular addition of a stabilized allenyl radical to an alkene. A portfolio of strategically designed, easily accessible dual‐function reagents are applied to a radical docking‐migration cascade. The protocol has broad substrate scope and efficiently increases the degree of unsaturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of C‐heteroatom bonds represents an important type of bond‐forming reaction in organic synthesis and often provides a fast and efficient access to privileged structures found in pharmaceuticals, agrochemical and materials. In contrast to conventional Pd‐ or Cu‐catalyzed C‐heteroatom cross‐couplings under high‐temperature conditions, recent advances in homo‐ and heterogeneous Ni‐catalyzed C‐heteroatom formations under mild conditions are particularly attractive from the standpoint of sustainability and practicability. The generation of NiIII and excited NiII intermediates facilitate the reductive elimination step to achieve mild cross‐couplings. This review provides an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art approaches for mild C‐heteroatom bond formations and highlights the developments in photoredox and nickel dual catalysis involving SET and energy transfer processes; photoexcited nickel catalysis; electro and nickel dual catalysis; heterogeneous photoredox and nickel dual catalysis involving graphitic carbon nitride (mpg‐CN), metal organic frameworks (MOFs) or semiconductor quantum dots (QDs); as well as more conventional zinc and nickel dual catalyzed reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N‐Fused heterocycles are of particular use and upmost importance in multiple fields. Herein, we disclose a conceptually new approach for the rapid assembly of N‐fused heteroarenes from alkenes. A portfolio of strategically designed heterocyclization reagents are readily prepared for the cascade reaction. A plethora of N‐fused heteroarenes including seven types of heterocyclic core are furnished. The protocol features a broad functional‐group compatibility and high product diversity, and provides a practical tool for late‐stage heteroarene elaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free radical mediated alkylation of alkenes is a challenging and largely unmet goal. Disclosed here is a conceptually novel "polarity umpolung" strategy for radical alkylation of alkenes using a portfolio of easily accessed, difunctional alkylating reagents. This strategy is achieved by substituting inherently nucleophilic alkyl radicals with electrophilic sulfone‐bearing surrogates, thus inverting the usual mode of reactivity. Along with alkylation, either an heteroaryl or oximino group is concurrently incorporated into the alkenes by a consecutive docking and migration process, leading to valuable products. The reaction displays a broad functional‐group tolerance under mild reaction conditions. The protocol opens new vistas for the late‐stage modification of complex natural products and drug molecules containing alkene moieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first electrochemical approach for nickel‐catalyzed cross‐electrophile coupling was developed. This method provides a novel route to 1,1‐diarylalkane derivatives from simple and readily available alkyl and aryl halides in good yields and excellent regioselectivity under mild conditions. The procedure shows good tolerance for a broad variety of functional groups and both primary and secondary alkyl halides can be used. Furthermore, the reaction was successfully scaled up to the multigram scale, thus indicating potential for industrial application. Mechanistic investigation suggested the formation of a nickel hydride in the electroreductive chain‐walking arylation, which led to the development of a new nickel‐catalyzed hydroarylation of styrenes to provide a series of 1,1‐diaryl alkanes in good yields under mild reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkynes are an important class of organic molecules due to their utility as versatile building blocks in synthesis. Although efforts have been devoted to the difunctionalization of alkynes, general and practical strategies for the direct hydroalkylation and alkylarylation of terminal alkynes under mild reaction conditions are less explored. Herein, we report a photoredox/nickel dual‐catalyzed anti‐Markovnikov‐type hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes as well as a one‐pot arylalkylation of alkynes with alkyl carboxylic acids and aryl bromides via a three‐component cross‐coupling. The results indicate that the transformations proceed via a new mechanism involving a single‐electron transfer with subsequent energy‐transfer activation pathways. Moreover, steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence‐spectroscopy measurements, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and wavefunction analysis have been performed to give an insight into the catalytic cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical transformations based on cascade reactions have the potential to simplify the preparation of diverse and architecturally complex molecules dramatically. Herein, we disclose an unprecedented and efficient method for the cross‐coupling of radical precursors, dienes, and electrophilic coupling partners via a photoredox‐ and nickel‐enabled cascade cross‐coupling process. The cascade reaction furnishes a diverse array of saturated carbo‐ and heterocyclic scaffolds, thus providing access to a quick gain in C−C bond saturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A radical‐mediated monofluoroalkylative alkynylation of alkenes is disclosed for the first time. The reaction demonstrates a remarkably broad substrate scope in which both activated and unactivated alkenes are suitable starting materials. The concurrent addition of an alkynyl and a monofluoroalkyl group onto an alkene proceeds through a docking–migration sequence, affording a vast array of valuable fluoroalkyl‐substituted alkynes. Many complex natural products and drug derivatives are readily functionalized, demonstrating that this method can be used for late‐stage alkynylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible‐light induced, palladium catalyzed alkylations of α,β‐unsaturated acids with unactivated alkyl bromides are described. A variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl bromides are activated by the photoexcited palladium metal catalyst to provide a series of olefins at room temperature under mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic investigations and density functional theory (DFT) studies suggest that a photoinduced inner‐sphere mechanism is operative in which a barrierless, single‐electron transfer oxidative addition of the alkyl halide to Pd0 is key for the efficient transformation. Excited‐state palladium catalyzed decarboxylative alkylation of α,β‐unsaturated acids is achieved by a barrierless approach under visible light irradiation at room temperature with good stereoselectivity. Detailed DFT calculations with experimental evidence suggest a neutral decarboxylative pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regioselective incorporation of a particular functional group into aliphatic sites by direct activation of unreactive C−H bonds is of great synthetic value. Despite advances in radical‐mediated functionalization of C(sp3)−H bonds by a hydrogen‐atom transfer process, the site‐selective vinylation of remote C(sp3)−H bonds still remains underexplored. Reported herein is a new protocol for the regioselective vinylation of unactivated C(sp3)−H bonds. The remote C(sp3)−H activation is promoted by a C‐centered radical instead of the commonly used N and O radicals. The reaction possesses high product diversity and synthetic efficiency, furnishing a plethora of synthetically valuable E alkenes bearing tri‐/di‐/mono‐fluoromethyl and perfluoroalkyl groups. Give and take: Regioselective incorporation of a particular functional group into aliphatic sites by direct activation of unreactive C−H bonds remains challenging. Herein a new protocol for the regioselective vinylation of unactivated C(sp3)−H bonds is reported. The activation of a remote C(sp3)−H bond is promoted by a C‐centered radical instead of the commonly used N and O radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radical‐mediated difunctionalization of alkenes is a powerful tactic for olefin utilization. However, the transformation of unactivated alkenes still remains a formidable challenge. Now a conceptually new docking–migration strategy is presented for the difunctionalization of alkenes with photoredox catalysis. Both activated and unactivated alkenes are suitable substrates. A vast array of functional groups are compatible with the mild reaction conditions. Heteroaryl and difluoromethyl are concomitantly incorporated into alkenes, leading to synthetically valuable products that are readily converted into a variety of fluorine‐containing molecules. The protocol provides a kinetic control of stereoselectivity for cycloalkenes to generate the unusual cis‐products, and offers an efficient approach for the late‐stage functionalization of complex natural products and drug molecules. A portfolio of dual‐function reagents are prepared for the elusive radical difunctionalization of alkenes. All aboard: A conceptually new docking–migration strategy for the difunctionalization of alkenes under visible‐light photoredox catalysis is disclosed. Both activated and unactivated alkenes are suitable substrates. A vast array of functional groups are compatible with the mild reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Regioselective photodimerization of trans‐4‐styrylpyridine (4‐spy) derivatives is performed using pseudorotaxane‐like Zn‐based metal organic frameworks MOFs as templates. The formation of rctt‐HT (head‐to‐tail) dimers is achieved by confining pairs of coordinated 4‐spy derivative ligands within hexagonal windows and then irradiating them with UV light. It is also possible to achieve a photodimerization reaction where two different substituted 4‐spy ligands are included in such a MOF material. The ether bond formation is employed to protect the sensitive ‐OH group of HO‐spy and the methyl group of CH3O‐spy is subsequently removed after the formation of cyclobutane derivative in the CH3O‐spy‐based MOF. Introducing substituents at the 2‐ or 3‐position of the phenyl group of 4‐spy does not significantly affect the rate of the dimerization process except in the case of the strongly electron‐withdrawing nitro group where the rate is significantly decreased. These results are in striking contrast to the mixtures of photoproducts and low yields obtained by untemplated photodimerization in organic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reported for the first time is a tertiary‐alcohol‐guided heteroarylation of remote C(sp3)−H bonds. The mild and direct generation of alkoxyl radicals from alcohols is enabled by visible‐light photocatalysis. A remote hydrogen atom and heteroaryl migration sequence are involved in the reaction. Many sensitive groups remain intact in the reaction, thus illustrating wide functional‐group compatibility. This protocol provides a practical strategy for the late‐stage modification of alkyl ketones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An efficient photoredox/nickel catalyzed sulfonylation reaction of aryl, heteroaryl, and vinyl halides has been achieved for the first time. This newly developed sulfonylation protocol provides a versatile method for the synthesis of diverse aromatic sulfones at room temperature and shows excellent functional group tolerance. The electrophilic coupling partners are not limited to aryl, heteroaryl, and vinyl bromides and iodides, but also includes less reactive aryl chlorides as suitable substrates for this transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disclosed herein is a novel, redox-neutral protocol for the visible-light-induced radical alkynylation of unactivated olefins. The intramolecular migration of an alkynyl group, by cleaving an inert C−C σ bond, is realized for the first time. A wide range of synthetically useful trifluoroethylated linear alkynes are readily obtained under mild reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient nickel-catalyzed decarbonylative amination reaction of aryl and heteroaryl esters has been achieved for the first time. The new amination protocol allows the direct interconversion of esters and amides into the corresponding amines and represents a good alternative to classical rearrangements as well as cross coupling reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conceptually new, efficient, and metal-free approach for the challenging azidocyanation of unactivated alkenes is presented. The strategy of intramolecular distal cyano migration is combined with alkene difunctionalization for the first time. A variety of useful azido-substituted alkyl nitriles are prepared in good yields and, most importantly, with exquisite regio- and stereo-selectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel C−C bond-forming strategy employing manganese-catalyzed ring-opening of cyclobutanol substrates, followed by cyanation or ethynylation, is described. A cyano C1 unit and ethynyl C2 unit are regiospecifically introduced to the γ-position of ketones at room temperature, providing a mild yet powerful method for production of elusive aliphatic nitriles and alkynes. All transformations described are based on a common sequence: 1) oxidative ring-opening of cyclobutanol substrates by C−C bond cleavage; 2) radical addition to triple bonds bearing an arylsulfonyl group; and 3) radical-mediated C−S bond cleavage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first iridium-catalyzed intermolecular cyclization between alkynes and ring-fused benzocyclobutenols (RBCB) through C−C bond cleavage is described. A variety of elusive polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with multiple substituents are obtained in good yields under mild conditions. This procedure provides a unique and expeditious tool for the synthesis of PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, manganese-catalyzed oxidative azidation of cyclobutanols is described. A wide range of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl azides were generated in synthetically useful yields and exclusive regioselectivity. Aside from linear alkyl azides, otherwise elusive medium-sized cyclic azides were also readily prepared. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that the reaction likely proceeds by a radical-mediated CC bond cleavage/CN3 bond formation pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excited‐state palladium catalysis for the stereoselective decarboxylative alkylation of α,β‐unsaturated acids is described by M. Rueping, L. Cavallo et al. in their Communication on page 3412 ff. Oxidative addition of alkyl bromide to ground state Pd0 is an energy‐demanding, high‐barrier process; hence, the reaction cannot proceed in the absence of light (dark side of the image). However, Pd0 in its triplet state, generated by visible light can easily react with the alkyl bromide through a barrierless single‐electron transfer leading to decarboxylative alkylation (image in sunlight). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]