Photocatalytic E→Z Contra-Thermodynamic Isomerization of Vinyl Silanes with Lewis Base.

Herein, we disclosed the contra-thermodynamic E→Z isomerization of alkenyl silanes, according to the in situ formation of a chromophoric species, in the presence of rac-BINAP as the catalyst. The reaction carried out in DMSO or CH3 CN under irradiation at 405 nm allowed the interconversion of the E-isomers into the Z-congeners in good to excellent yields and outstanding Z/E selectivities, on 18 examples. Finally, the mechanism of this E→Z isomerization was studied to get insight into the reaction mechanism.

Continuous-Flow Divergent Lithiation of 2,3-Dihalopyridines: Deprotolithiation versus Halogen Dance.

We describe herein the first halogen dance (HD) in continuous flow on 2-chloro-3-bromopyridine by selectively trapping a (pyridin-4-yl)lithium species that is known to undergo the halogen-dance process. In addition, this lithiated intermediate was trapped at lower temperature before the HD occurs. The HD process was extended to fluoro-iodopyridines by using various electrophiles to afford 28 examples with yields ranging from 42 to 97 % with very short residence times. Finally, scale up of the reaction was demonstrated, affording a promising space-time yield (STY) of 4.2 kg.h-1 .L-1 .

Photocatalyzed E→Z Contra-thermodynamic Isomerization of Vinyl Boronates with Binaphthol.

The photocatalytic contra-thermodynamic E→Z isomerization of vinyl boronates by using a binaphthol catalyst is disclosed. The reaction, based on the transient formation of a suitable chromophore with a BINOL derivative as the catalyst, allowed geometrical isomerization in good-to-excellent Z/E ratio and excellent-to-quantitative yields. The mechanism of this E→Z contra-thermodynamic isomerization was studied, and the formation of a transient chromophore species is suggested.

Copper-Photocatalyzed Contra-Thermodynamic Isomerization of Polarized Alkenes.

The contra-thermodynamic isomerization of α- and ß-substituted cinnamate derivatives catalyzed by the Cu(OAc)2/rac-BINAP complex under blue light irradiation is reported. The use of an oxazolidinone template, which favored the complexation of the copper catalyst to the substrate, allowed the E → Z isomerization of the catalytically formed chromophore under simple and robust reaction conditions in good to excellent ratios. The mechanism of this process based on the transient formation of a chromophore was also studied.