Stereoselective Copper-Catalyzed Olefination of Imines.

Alkenes are an important class of organic molecules found among synthetic intermediates and bioactive compounds. They are commonly synthesized through stoichiometric Wittig-type olefination of carbonyls and imines, using ylides or their equivalents. Despite the importance of Wittig-type olefination reactions, their catalytic variants remain underdeveloped. We explored the use of transition metal catalysis to form ylide equivalents from readily available starting materials. Our investigation led to a new copper-catalyzed olefination of imines with alkenyl boronate esters as coupling partners. We identified a heterobimetallic complex, obtained by hydrocupration of the alkenyl boronate esters, as the key catalytic intermediate that serves as an ylide equivalent. The high E-selectivity observed in the reaction is due to the stereoselective addition of this intermediate to an imine, followed by stereospecific anti-elimination.

Stereospecific and Regioselective Synthesis of E-Allylic Alcohols through Reductive Cross Coupling of Terminal Alkynes.

We have developed a convergent method for the synthesis of allylic alcohols that involves a reductive coupling of terminal alkynes with α-chloro boronic esters. The new method affords allylic alcohols with excellent regioselectivity (anti-Markovnikov) and an E/Z ratio greater than 200:1. The reaction can be performed in the presence of a wide range of functional groups and has a substrate scope that complements the stoichiometric alkenylation of α-chloro boronic esters performed using alkenyl lithium and Grignard reagents. The transformation is stereospecific and allows for the robust and highly selective synthesis of chiral allylic alcohols. Our studies support a mechanism that involves hydrocupration of the alkyne and cross-coupling of the alkenyl copper intermediate with α-chloro boronic esters. Experimental evidence excludes a radical mechanism of the cross-coupling step and is consistent with the formation of a boron-ate intermediate and a 1,2-metalate shift.

Differential Dihydrofunctionalization: A Dual Catalytic Three-Component Coupling of Alkynes, Alkenyl Bromides, and Pinacolborane.

A new method for differential dihydrofunctionalization of terminal alkynes enables the synthesis of allylic boronate esters through reductive three-component coupling of terminal alkynes, alkenyl bromides, and pinacolborane. The transformation is promoted by cooperative action of a copper/palladium catalyst system and results in hydrofunctionalization of both π-bonds of an alkyne. The synthesis of allylic boronate esters can be accomplished in the presence of a wide range of functional groups, including, esters, nitriles, alkyl halides, sulfonyl esters, acetals, protected terminal alkynes, aryl halides, and silyl ethers. Mechanistic experiments reveal the importance of subtle ligand effects on the performance of the palladium co-catalyst.

Prebiotic Membranes and Micelles Do Not Inhibit Peptide Formation During Dehydration.

Cycles of dehydration and rehydration could have enabled formation of peptides and RNA in otherwise unfavorable conditions on the early Earth. Development of the first protocells would have hinged upon colocalization of these biopolymers with fatty acid membranes. Using atomic force microscopy, we find that a prebiotic fatty acid (decanoic acid) forms stacks of membranes after dehydration. Using LC-MS-MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) with isotope internal standards, we measure the rate of formation of serine dipeptides. We find that dipeptides form during dehydration at moderate temperatures (55 °C) at least as fast in the presence of decanoic acid membranes as in the absence of membranes. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that protocells could have formed within evaporating environments on the early Earth.

Mechanism of Z-Selective Hydroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes.

This paper describes a detailed mechanistic study of the silver-catalyzed Z-selective hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes. Considering the established mechanistic paradigms for Z-selective hydroalkylation of alkynes, we explored a mechanism based on the radical carbometalation of alkynes. Experimental results have provided strong evidence against the initially proposed radical mechanism and have led us to propose a new mechanism for the Z-selective hydroalkylation of alkynes based on boronate formation and a 1,2-metalate shift. The new mechanism provides a rationale for the excellent Z-selectivity observed in the reaction. A series of stoichiometric experiments has probed the feasibility of the proposed elementary steps and revealed an additional role of the silver catalyst in the protodeboration of an intermediate. Finally, a series of kinetic measurements, KIE experiments, and competition experiments allowed us to identify the turnover limiting step and the resting state of the catalyst. We believe that the results of this study will be useful in the further exploration and development of related transformations of alkynes.

Hydroalkylation of Alkynes: Functionalization of the Alkenyl Copper Intermediate through Single Electron Transfer Chemistry.

We have developed a method for the stereoselective coupling of terminal alkynes and α-bromo carbonyls to generate functionalized E-alkenes. The coupling is accomplished by merging the closed-shell hydrocupration of alkynes with the open-shell single electron transfer (SET) chemistry of the resulting alkenyl copper intermediate. We demonstrate that the reaction is compatible with various functional groups and can be performed in the presence of aryl bromides, alkyl chlorides, alkyl bromides, esters, nitriles, amides, and a wide range of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds. Mechanistic studies provide evidence for SET oxidation of the alkenyl copper intermediate by an α-bromo ester as the key step that enables the cross coupling.

Synthesis of Isomerically Pure (Z)-Alkenes from Terminal Alkynes and Terminal Alkenes: Silver-Catalyzed Hydroalkylation of Alkynes.

Alkenes are an important class of compounds common among biologically active molecules and often are used as intermediates in organic synthesis. Many alkenes exist in two stereoisomeric forms (E and Z), which have different structures and different properties. The selective formation of the two isomers is an important synthetic goal that has long inspired the development of new synthetic methods. However, the efficient synthesis of diastereopure, thermodynamically less stable, Z-alkenes is still challenging. Here, we demonstrate an efficient synthesis of diastereopure Z-alkenes (Z:E > 300:1) through a silver-catalyzed hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes, using alkylboranes as coupling partners. We also describe the exploration of the substrate scope, which reveals the broad functional group compatibility of the new method. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that a 1,2-metalate rearrangement of the silver borate intermediate is the key step responsible for the stereochemical outcome of the reaction.

Stereospecific Synthesis of E-Alkenes through Anti-Markovnikov Hydroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes.

We have developed a method for stereospecific synthesis of E-alkenes from terminal alkynes and alkyl iodides. The hydroalkylation reaction is enabled by a cooperative action of copper and nickel catalysts and proceeds with excellent anti-Markovnikov selectivity. We demonstrate the broad scope of the reaction, which can be accomplished in the presence of esters, nitriles, aryl bromides, ethers, alkyl chlorides, anilines, and a wide range of nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic compounds. Mechanistic studies provide evidence that the copper catalyst activates the alkyne by hydrocupration, which controls both the regio- and diastereoselectivity of the overall reaction. The nickel catalyst activates the alkyl iodide and promotes cross coupling with the alkenyl copper intermediate.

Differential Dihydrofunctionalization of Terminal Alkynes: Synthesis of Benzylic Alkyl Boronates through Reductive Three-Component Coupling.

The differential dihydrofunctionalization of terminal alkynes is accomplished through the reductive three-component coupling of terminal alkynes, aryl halides, and pinacolborane. The transformation results in hydrofunctionalization of both π-bonds of an alkyne in a single reaction promoted by cooperative action of a copper/palladium catalyst system. The differential dihydrofunctionalization reaction has excellent substrate scope and can be accomplished in the presence of esters, nitriles, alkyl halides, epoxides, acetals, alkenes, aryl halides, and silyl ethers. Mechanistic experiments indicate that the reaction proceeds through copper-catalyzed hydroboration followed by a second hydrocupration. The resulting heterobimetallic complex is the key intermediate that participates in the subsequent palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling, which furnishes benzylic alkyl boronate products.

Nickel-catalyzed anti-Markovnikov hydroarylation of alkenes.

We have developed a nickel-catalyzed hydroarylation of alkenes using aryl halides as coupling partners. Excellent anti-Markovnikov selectivity is achieved with aryl-substituted alkenes and enol ethers. We also show that hydroarylation occurs with alkyl substituted alkenes to yield linear products. Preliminary examination of the reaction mechanism suggests irreversible hydrometallation as the selectivity determining step of the hydroarylation.

Diastereodivergent Reductive Cross Coupling of Alkynes through Tandem Catalysis: Z- and E-Selective Hydroarylation of Terminal Alkynes.

A diastereodivergent hydroarylation of terminal alkynes is accomplished using tandem catalysis. The hydroarylation allows highly selective synthesis of both E and Z diastereoisomers of aryl alkenes, from the same set of starting materials, using the same combination of palladium and copper catalysts. The selectivity is controlled by simple changes in the stoichiometry of the alcohol additive. The hydroarylation has excellent substrate scope and can be accomplished in the presence of various classes of compounds, including esters, nitriles, alkyl halides, epoxides, carbamates, acetals, ethers, silyl ethers, and thioethers. The Z-selective hydroarylation is accomplished using a new approach based on tandem Sonogashira coupling and catalytic semireduction. The E-selective hydroarylation involves an additional catalytic isomerization of the Z-alkene. Our explorations of the reaction mechanism explain the role of individual reaction components and how the subtle changes in the reaction conditions influence the rates of specific steps of the hydroarylation. Our studies also show that, although the Z- and E-selective hydroarylation reactions are mechanistically closely related, the roles of the palladium and copper catalysts in the two reactions are different.

Photoinduced Copper-Catalyzed Coupling of Terminal Alkynes and Alkyl Iodides.

We have developed a photoinduced copper-catalyzed alkylation of terminal alkynes with primary, secondary, or tertiary alkyl iodides as electrophiles. The reaction has a broad substrate scope and can be successfully performed in the presence of ester, nitrile, aryl halide, ketone, sulfonamide, epoxide, alcohol, and amide functional groups. The alkylation is promoted by blue light (λ≈450 nm) and proceeds at room temperature in the absence of any additional metal catalysts. The use of a terpyridine ligand is essential for the success of the reaction and is shown to prevent photoinduced copper-catalyzed polymerization of the starting materials.

Catalytic Hydroalkylation of Allenes.

We have developed a catalytic method for the hydroalkylation of allenes using alkyl triflates as electrophiles and silane as a hydride source. The reaction has an excellent substrate scope and is compatible with a wide range of functional groups, including esters, aryl halides, aryl boronic esters, sulfonamides, alkyl tosylates, and alkyl bromides. We found evidence for a reaction mechanism that involves unusual dinuclear copper ally complexes as catalytic intermediates. The unusual structure of these complexes provides a rationale for their unexpected reactivity.

Catalytic Anti-Markovnikov Hydroallylation of Terminal and Functionalized Internal Alkynes: Synthesis of Skipped Dienes and Trisubstituted Alkenes.

We have developed catalytic anti-Markovnikov hydroallylation of terminal and functionalized internal alkynes. In this article, we describe the development of the reaction, exploration of the substrate scope, and a study of the reaction mechanism. Synthesis of skipped dienes through the hydroallylation of terminal alkyl and aryl alkynes with simple allyl phosphates and 2-substituted allyl phosphates is described. The hydroallylation of functionalized internal alkynes leads to the formation of skipped dienes containing trisubstituted alkenes. We demonstrate that the hydroallylation of internal alkynes can be used in the regio- and diastereoselective synthesis of complex trisubstituted alkenes. A mechanism of the hydroallylation reaction is proposed, and experimental evidence is provided for the key steps of the catalytic cycle. Stoichiometric experiments demonstrate an unexpected role of lithium alkoxide in the carbon-carbon bond-forming step of the reaction. A study of the hydrocupration of internal alkynes provides new insight into the structure, stability, and reactivity of alkenyl copper intermediates, as well as insight into the source of the regioselectivity in reactions of internal alkynes.

Coinage Metal Hydrides: Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity.

Hydride complexes of copper, silver, and gold encompass a broad array of structures, and their distinctive reactivity has enabled dramatic recent advances in synthesis and catalysis. This Review summarizes the synthesis, characterization, and key stoichiometric reactions of isolable or observable coinage metal hydrides. It discusses catalytic processes in which coinage metal hydrides are known or probable intermediates, and presents mechanistic studies of selected catalytic reactions. The purpose of this Review is to convey how developments in coinage metal hydride chemistry have led to new organic transformations, and how developments in catalysis have in turn inspired the synthesis of reactive new complexes.

Catalytic activation of a single C-F bond in trifluoromethyl arenes.

Synthetic methods for the direct transformation of ArCF3 to ArCF2R would enable efficient diversification of trifluoromethyl arenes and would be of great utility in medicinal chemistry. Unfortunately, the development of such methods has been hampered by the fundamental properties of C-F bonds, which are exceptionally strong and become stronger with increased fluorination of the carbon atom. Here, we describe a method for the catalytic reduction of ArCF3 to ArCF2H through a highly selective activation of a single C-F bond. Mechanistic studies reveal separate reaction pathways for the formation of ArCF2H and ArCH3 products and point to the formation of an unexpected intermediate as the source of the unusual selectivity for the mono-reduction.

Practical catalytic method for synthesis of sterically hindered anilines.

A practical catalytic method for the synthesis of sterically hindered anilines is described. The amination of aryl and heteroaryl boronic esters is accomplished using a catalyst prepared in situ from commercially available and air-stable copper(i) triflate and diphosphine ligand. For the first time, the method can be applied to the synthesis of both secondary and tertiary anilines in the presence of a wide range of functional groups. Esters, aldehydes, alcohols, aryl halides, ketones, nitriles, and nitro arenes are all compatible with the reaction conditions. Finally, even the most sterically hindered anilines can be successfully prepared under mild reaction conditions. Overall, the new method addresses significant practical limitations of a transformation previously developed in our lab, and provides a valuable complement to the existing methods for the synthesis of anilines.

Mechanism of Copper-Catalyzed Hydroalkylation of Alkynes: An Unexpected Role of Dinuclear Copper Complexes.

This article describes a mechanistic study of copper-catalyzed hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes. Relying on the established chemistry of N-heterocyclic carbene copper hydride (NHCCuH) complexes, we previously proposed that the hydroalkylation reaction proceeds by hydrocupration of an alkyne by NHCCuH followed by alkylation of the resulting alkenylcopper intermediate by an alkyl triflate. NHCCuH is regenerated from NHCCuOTf through substitution with CsF followed by transmetalation with silane. According to this proposal, NHCCuH must react with an alkyne faster than with an alkyl triflate to avoid reduction of the alkyl triflate. However, we have determined that NHCCuH reacts with alkyl triflates significantly faster than with terminal alkynes, strongly suggesting that the previously proposed mechanism is incorrect. Additionally, we have found that NHCCuOTf rapidly traps NHCCuX (X = F, H, alkenyl) complexes to produce (NHCCu)2(µ-X)(OTf) (X = F, H, alkenyl) complexes. In this article, we propose a new mechanism for hydroalkylation of alkynes that features dinuclear (NHCCu)2(µ-H)(OTf) (X = F, H, alkenyl) complexes as key catalytic intermediates. The results of our study establish feasible pathways for the formation of these intermediates, their ability to participate in the elementary steps of the proposed catalytic cycle, and their ability to serve as competent catalysts in the hydroalkylation reaction. We also provide evidence that the unusual reactivity of the dinuclear complexes is responsible for efficient hydroalkylation of alkynes without concomitant side reactions of the highly reactive alkyl triflates.

Copper-catalyzed hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes.

We have developed a copper-catalyzed hydroalkylation of terminal alkynes using alkyl triflates as coupling partners and (Me(2)HSi)(2)O as a hydride donor. The hydroalkylation proceeds with excellent anti-Markovnikov regioselectivity and provides exclusively (E)-alkenes. We have demonstrated that both alkyl- and aryl-substituted alkynes can be used as substrates, together with 1° alkyl and benzylic triflates. Finally, the transformation can be accomplished in the presence of a wide range of functional groups. Overall, the new hydroalkylation reaction allows highly efficient and diastereospecific synthesis of (E)-alkenes from readily available terminal alkynes and alkyl triflates. On the basis of a preliminary mechanistic study, we propose that the hydroalkylation reaction involves copper hydride formation, hydrocupration of an alkyne, and alkylation of an alkenyl copper intermediate.

Catalytic anti-Markovnikov hydrobromination of alkynes.

We have developed the first catalytic method for anti-Markovnikov hydrobromination of alkynes. The reaction affords terminal E-alkenyl bromides in high yield and with excellent regio- and diastereoselectivity. Both aryl- and alkyl-substituted terminal alkynes can be used as substrates. Furthermore, the reaction conditions are compatible with a wide range of functional groups, including esters, nitriles, epoxides, aryl boronic esters, terminal alkenes, silyl ethers, aryl halides, and alkyl halides. A preliminary study of the reaction mechanism suggests that the hydrobromination reaction involves hydrocupration of an alkyne, followed by the bromination of the alkenyl copper intermediate. This study also suggests that 2-tert-butyl potassium phenoxide functions as a mild catalyst turnover reagent and provides a better understanding of the unique effectiveness of (BrCl2C)2 among brominating reagents.