Intermolecular [2π+2σ]-photocycloaddition enabled by triplet energy transfer.

For more than one century, photochemical [2+2]-cycloadditions have been used by synthetic chemists to make cyclobutanes, four-membered carbon-based rings. In this reaction, typically two olefin subunits (two π-electrons per olefin) cyclize to form two new C-C σ-bonds. Although the development of photochemical [2+2]-cycloadditions has made enormous progress within the last century, research has been focused on such [2π+2π]-systems, in which two π-bonds are converted into two new σ-bonds1,2. Here we report an intermolecular [2+2]-photocycloaddition that uses bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes as 2σ-electron reactants3-7. This strain-release-driven [2π+2σ]-photocycloaddition reaction was realized by visible-light-mediated triplet energy transfer catalysis8,9. A simple, modular and diastereoselective synthesis of bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes from heterocyclic olefin coupling partners, namely coumarins, flavones and indoles, is disclosed. Given the increasing importance of bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes as bioisosteres-groups that convey similar biological properties to those they replace-in pharmaceutical research and considering their limited access10,11, there remains a need for new synthetic methodologies. Applying this strategy enabled us to extend the intermolecular [2+2]-photocycloadditions to σ-bonds and provides previously inaccessible structural motifs.

A Divergent Polyene Cyclization for the Total Synthesis of Greenwayodendrines, Greenwaylactams, Polysin and Polyveoline.

We present a concise asymmetric total synthesis (5-8 steps) of nine sesquiterpenoid alkaloids featuring four different tetra-/pentacyclic scaffolds. To this end, a novel, bioinspired indole N-terminated cationic tricyclization has been developed, enabling the divergent synthesis of greenwayodendrines and polysin. Subtle variation of the C2-substituted indole cyclization precursor allowed switching between indole N- and C-termination. For the latter, a subsequent Witkop oxidation enabled conversion of the cyclopentene-fused indole into the eight-membered benzolactam to directly furnish the family of greenwaylactams. In addition, a diastereomeric C-termination product has been elaborated to provide access to polyveoline.

Use of Strain-Release for the Diastereoselective Construction of Quaternary Carbon Centers.

Herein, we describe the formation of quaternary carbon centers with excellent diastereoselectivity via a strain-release protocol. An organometallic species is generated by Cp*Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H activation, which is then coupled with strained bicyclobutanes (BCBs) and a prochiral carbon electrophile in a three-component reaction. This work illustrates a rare example of BCBs in transition metal catalysis and demonstrates their broad potential to access novel reaction pathways. The method developed exhibits ample functional group tolerance, and the products can be further transformed into valuable α-quaternary ß-lactones. Preliminary mechanistic investigations suggest a twofold C-C bond cleavage sequence involving σ-bond insertion and an ensuing ß-carbon elimination event.

Regioselective and Redox-Neutral Cp*IrIII -Catalyzed Allylic C-H Alkynylation.

Herein, we report a Cp*IrIII -catalyzed highly regioselective and redox-neutral protocol for the construction of 1,4-enynes from unactivated olefins and bromoalkynes via intermolecular allylic C-H alkynylation. The developed mild reaction conditions tolerate a broad range of common functional groups, even enabling selective alkynylation of allylic C-H bonds in the presence of other prominent directing groups. Mechanistic experiments including the isolation of a catalytically active IrIII -allyl species support an intermolecular allylic C-H activation followed by an electrophilic alkynylation.

Site-Selective Thiolation of (Multi)halogenated Heteroarenes.

A general and simple strategy for the site-selective thiolation of various pharmaceutically relevant electron-rich heteroarenes with thiols is reported. This mild and reliable photocatalytic protocol enables C-S coupling at the most electron-rich position of the (multi)halogenated substrates, complementing established methodologies. Experimental and computational studies suggest a radical chain mechanism with the key step being a homolytic aromatic substitution of the heteroaryl halide by an electrophilic thiyl radical, highlighting an underdeveloped reactivity mode.

Intermolecular 1,4-Carboamination of Conjugated Dienes Enabled by Cp*RhIII -Catalyzed C-H Activation.

A protocol for the three-component 1,4-carboamination of dienes is described. Synthetically versatile Weinreb amides were coupled with 1,3-dienes and readily available dioxazolones as the nitrogen source using [Cp*RhCl2 ]2 -catalyzed C-H activation to deliver the 1,4-carboaminated products. This transformation proceeds under mild reaction conditions and affords the products with high levels of regio- and E-selectivity. Mechanistic investigations suggest an intermediate RhIII -allyl species is trapped by an electrophilic amidation reagent in a redox-neutral fashion.