Photoinduced NiH Catalysis with Trialkylamines for the Stereodivergent Transfer Semi-Hydrogenation of Alkynes.

We report a selectivity-switchable nickel hydride-catalyzed methodology that enables the stereocontrolled semi-reduction of internal alkynes to E- or Z-alkenes under very mild conditions. The proposed transfer semi-hydrogenation process involves the use of a dual nickel/photoredox catalytic system and triethylamine, not only as a sacrificial reductant, but also as a source of hydrogen atoms. Mechanistic studies revealed a pathway involving photo-induced generation of nickel hydride, syn-hydronickelation of alkyne, and alkenylnickel isomerization as key steps. Remarkably, mechanistic experiments indicate that the control of the stereoselectivity is not ensuing from a post-reduction alkene photoisomerization under our conditions. Instead, we demonstrate that the stereoselectivity of the reaction is dependent on the rate of a final protonolysis step which can be tuned by adjusting the pKa of an alcohol additive.

Ni-Catalyzed Regioselective Hydroalkoxylation of Branched 1,3-Dienes.

A highly regioselective Ni-catalyzed hydroalkoxylation of 1,3-dienes is reported. The use of a (P,N) ligand is essential in achieving high levels of selectivity. The optimized protocol operates under particularly mild conditions, it provides access to a broad range of structurally diverse allylic ethers, and tolerates a number of sensitive functional groups.

Ni-Catalyzed Enantioselective Intermolecular Hydroamination of Branched 1,3-Dienes Using Primary Aliphatic Amines.

A Ni-catalyzed intermolecular enantioselective hydroamination of branched 1,3-dienes is reported. The method is broadly applicable, highly regio-, chemo-, and enantioselective, and provides direct access to valuable chiral allylic amines starting from linear or α-branched aliphatic primary amines or secondary amines. Mechanistic studies have been conducted using 31P NMR spectroscopy for reaction progress monitoring, isotopic labeling experiments (2H), and kinetic analysis. The resting state of the catalyst is a Ni-π-allyl complex, and the outer-sphere nucleophilic attack of H-bonded amine aggregates is proposed to be the rate-determining step. This hypothesis guided the identification of an improved set of reaction conditions for the enantioselective hydroamination of branched 1,3-dienes.

C2-Selective Branched Alkylation of Benzimidazoles by Rhodium(I)-Catalyzed C-H Activation.

Herein, we report a Rh(I)/bisphosphine/K3PO4 catalytic system allowing for the first time the selective branched C-H alkylation of benzimidazoles with Michael acceptors. Branched alkylation with N,N-dimethyl acrylamide was successfully applied to the alkylation of a broad range of benzimidazoles incorporating a variety of N-substituents and with both electron-rich and -poor functionality displayed at different sites of the arene. Moreover, the introduction of a quaternary carbon was achieved by alkylation with ethyl methacrylate. The method was also shown to be applicable to the C2-selective branched alkylation of azabenzimidazoles.

Base-Controlled Completely Selective Linear or Branched Rhodium(I)-Catalyzed C-H ortho-Alkylation of Azines without Preactivation.

A [RhI ]/bisphosphine/base catalytic system for the ortho-selective C-H alkylation of azines by acrylates and acrylamides is reported. This catalytic system features an unprecedented complete linear or branched selectivity that is solely dependent on the catalytic base that is used. Complete branched selectivity is even achieved for ethyl methacrylate, which enables the introduction of a quaternary carbon center. Excellent functional group compatibility is demonstrated for both linear and branched alkylations. The operational simplicity and broad scope of this transformation allow for rapid access to functionalized azines of direct pharmaceutical and agrochemical relevance.

Modular, Concise, and Efficient Synthesis of Highly Functionalized 5-Fluoropyridazines by a [2 + 1]/[3 + 2]-Cycloaddition Sequence.

An easy access to 5-fluoropyridazines by a [2 + 1]/[3 + 2]-cycloaddition sequence between terminal alkynes, a difluorocarbene, and a diazo compound is reported. This approach does not necessitate the isolation of any intermediates, and a wide range of novel 5-fluoropyridazines was synthesized from readily available starting materials. Additionally, these compounds were used as a platform to access novel and highly diversified pyridazines.

Palladium-catalyzed phosphonylation: synthesis of C3-, C4-, and C5-phosphonylated pyrazoles.

A palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling between 3-, 4-, and 5-halo-pyrazoles and H-phosphonates, H-phosphinates, and secondary phosphine oxides has been developed. This coupling reaction constitutes the first general method allowing the introduction of a great diversity of phosphorus substituents on the different carbons of the pyrazole ring in a one-step process.

Synthesis and use of a trifluoromethylated azomethine ylide precursor.

The presence of fluorous substituents can impart a dramatic effect on the efficacy of molecules used for a range of applications in society. Here, we describe the preparation and use of a new trifluoromethylated azomethine ylide precursor, which leads to a series of fluorinated pyrrolidine, 3-pyrroline, and pyrrole building blocks.