Catalytic enantioselective reductive domino alkyl arylation of acrylates via nickel/photoredox catalysis

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug derivatives (NSAIDs) are an important class of medications. Here we show a visible-light-promoted photoredox/nickel catalyzed approach to construct enantioenriched NSAIDs via a three-component alkyl arylation of acrylates. This reductive cross-electrophile coupling avoids preformed organometallic reagents and replaces stoichiometric metal reductants by an organic reductant (Hantzsch ester). A broad range of functional groups are well-tolerated under mild conditions with high enantioselectivities (up to 93% ee) and good yields (up to 90%). A study of the reaction mechanism, as well as literature precedence, enabled a working reaction mechanism to be presented. Key steps include a reduction of the alkyl bromide to the radical, Giese addition of the alkyl radical to the acrylate and capture of the α-carbonyl radical by the enantioenriched nickel catalyst. Reductive elimination from the proposed Ni(III) intermediate generates the product and forms Ni(I).

Radical Cyclization of Olefinic Amides through α-C(sp3)–H Functionalization of Ketones under Catalyst-, Ligand-, and Base-Free Conditions

A new, efficient, and practical radical cyclization of olefinic amides with ketones through α-C(sp3)–H functionalization in the presence of tert-butyl peroxybenzoate (TBPB) is described for the first time. This protocol assembles a wide range of pivotal and useful benzoxazines in good to excellent yields under mild, catalyst-free, ligand-free, and base-free conditions with wide functional group tolerance. Moreover, the mechanistic study indicates that the α-carbonyl radical is involved in this transformation.

Stable manganese carbonyl radicals as a rapid colorimetric thiol and hydrazine sensor

A stable manganese carbonyl radical serves as a rapid and sensitive colorimetric sensor for thiols and hydrazines.

Visible-light-induced, Ir-catalyzed reactions of N-methyl-N-((trimethylsilyl)methyl)aniline with cyclic α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

N-Methyl-N-((trimethylsilyl)methyl)aniline was employed as reagent in visible-light-induced, iridium-catalyzed addition reactions to cyclic α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Typical reaction conditions included the use of one equivalent of the reaction substrate, 1.5 equivalents of the aniline and 2.5 mol % (in MeOH) or 1.0 mol % (in CH2Cl2) [Ir(ppy)2(dtbbpy)]BF4 as the catalyst. Two major reaction products were obtained in combined yields of 30–67%. One product resulted from aminomethyl radical addition, the other product was a tricyclic compound, which is likely formed by attack of the intermediately formed α-carbonyl radical at the phenyl ring. For five-membered α,β-unsaturated lactone and lactam substrates, the latter products were the only products isolated. For the six-membered lactones and lactams and for cyclopentenone the simple addition products prevailed.

The kinetics of carbonyl radical ring closures

Kinetic data for intramolecular homolytic substitution reactions of a series of acyl and oxyacyl radicals are reported.

Preparation of optically active bicyclodihydrosiloles by a radical cascade reaction

Bicyclodihydrosiloles were readily prepared from optically active enyne compounds by a radical cascade reaction triggered by tris(trimethylsilyl)silane ((Me3Si)3SiH). The reaction was initiated by the addition of a silyl radical to an α,β-unsaturated ester, forming an α-carbonyl radical that underwent radical cyclization to a terminal alkyne unit. The resulting vinyl radical attacked the silicon atom in an SHi manner to give dihydrosilole. The reaction preferentially formed trans isomers of bicyclosiloles with an approximately 7:3 to 9:1 selectivity.