Search

By exploiting the reactivity of a vinyl-Pd species, we control the regioselectivity in hydroallylation of alkynes under Pd-hydride catalysis. A monophosphine ligand and carboxylic acid combination promotes 1,5-dienes through a pathway involving isomerization of alkynes to allenes. In contrast, a bisphosphine ligand and copper cocatalyst favor 1,4-dienes via a mechanism that involves transmetalation. Our study highlights how to access different isomers by diverting a common organometallic intermediate.

Visible-light photocatalysis has evolved as a powerful technique to enable controllable radical reactions. Exploring unique photocatalytic mode for obtaining new chemoselectivity and product diversity is of great significance. Herein, we present a photo-induced chemoselective 1,2-diheteroarylation of unactivated alkenes utilizing halopyridines and quinolines. The ring-fused azaarenes serve as not only substrate, but also potential precursors for halogen-atom abstraction for pyridyl radical generation in this photocatalysis. As a complement to metal catalysis, this photo-induced radical process with mild and redox neutral conditions assembles two different heteroaryl groups into alkenes regioselectively and contribute to broad substrates scope. The obtained products containing aza-arene units permit various further diversifications, demonstrating the synthetic utility of this protocol. We anticipate that this protocol will trigger the further advancement of photo-induced alkyl/aryl halides activation. Visible-light photocatalysis has evolved as a powerful technique to enable controllable radical reactions and the exploration of new photocatalytic mode for product diversity is of great significance. Herein, the authors present a photo-induced chemoselective 1,2-diheteroarylation of unactivated alkenes utilizing halopyridines and quinolines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of multiple continuous fully substituted carbon centers, which serve as unique structural motif in natural products, is a challenging topic in organic synthesis. Herein, we report a hydrated [3+2] cyclotelomerization of butafulvenes to create contiguous fully substituted carbon backbone. In the presence of scandium triflate, all‐carbon skeleton with spiro fused tricyclic ring can be constructed in high diastereoselectivity by utilizing butafulvene as the synthon. Mechanistic studies suggest that this atom‐economic reaction probably proceeds through a synergistic process containing butafulvenes dimerization and nucleophilic attack by water. In addition, the tricyclic product can undergo a series of synthetic derivatizations, which highlights the potential applications of this strategy. The recyclability of Sc(OTf)3 has also been demonstrated to show its robust performance in this hydrated cyclotelomerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridged benzazepine scaffolds, possessing unique structural and physicochemical activities, are widespread in various natural products and drugs. The construction of these skeletons often requires elaborate synthetic effort with low efficiency. Herein, we develop a simple and divergent approach for constructing various bridged benzazepines by a photocatalytic intermolecular dearomatization of naphthalene derivatives with readily available α‐amino acids. The bridged motif is created via a cascade sequence involving photocatalytic 1,4‐hydroaminoalkylation, alkene isomerization and cyclization. Interestingly, the diastereoselectivity can be regulated through different reaction modes in the cyclization step. Moreover, aminohydroxylation and its further bromination have also been demonstrated to access highly functionalized bridged benzazepines. Preliminary mechanistic studies have been performed to get insights into the mechanism. This method provides a divergent synthetic approach for construction of highly functionalized bridged benzazepines, which have been otherwise difficult to access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal reorganization reactions have emerged as an intriguing tool for converting readily available compounds into complicated molecules inaccessible by traditional methods. Herein, we report a unique skeleton‐reorganizing coupling reaction of cycloheptatriene and cycloalkenones with amines. In the presence of Rh/acid catalysis, cycloheptatriene can selectively couple with anilines to deliver fused 1,2‐dihydroquinoline products. Mechanistic studies indicate that the retro‐Mannich type ring‐opening and subsequent intramolecular Povarov reaction account for the ring reorganization. Our mechanistic studies also revealed that skeleton‐reorganizing amination between anilines and cycloalkenones can be achieved with acid. The synthetic utilization of this skeleton‐reorganizing coupling reaction was showcased with a gram‐scale reaction, synthetic derivatizations, and the late‐stage modification of commercial drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal catalyzed decarbonylation offers a distinct synthetic strategy for new chemical bond formation. However, the π‐backbonding between CO π* orbitals and metal center d‐orbitals impedes ligand dissociation to regenerate the catalyst under mild reaction conditions. Developed here is visible light induced rhodium catalysis for decarbonylative coupling of imides with alkynes under ambient conditions. Initial mechanistic studies suggest that the rhodium complex simultaneously serves as the catalytic center and photosensitizer for decarbonylation. This visible light promoted catalytic decarbonylation strategy offers new opportunities for reviewing old transformations with ligand dissociation as a rate‐determining step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]