Recent advances in the asymmetric phosphoric acid-catalyzed synthesis of axially chiral compounds

• Alemayehu Gashaw Woldegiorgis and
• Xufeng Lin

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 2729–2764, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.185

• process, suggesting that dynamic kinetic resolution could be used to accomplish enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral 3,3'-bisindoles. The mechanistic studies showed that the N–H group of 3,3′-bisindoles 47 played a crucial role in carrying out the addition reaction with substrates 52 possibly by

• -amino allenoates 101 was prepared in moderate to excellent yields (69–99%), dr (9:1 to >20:1), and excellent enantioselectivity (91–99% ee, Scheme 34). The mechanistic studies showed that the substituents at the second and third positions of the indole play a crucial role in the chemo- and

Visible-light-mediated copper photocatalysis for organic syntheses

• Yajing Zhang,
• Qian Wang,
• Zongsheng Yan,
• Donglai Ma and
• Yuguang Zheng

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 2520–2542, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.169

• ), which was due to the ability of copper to stabilize and interact with radical intermediates in its coordination sphere. Mechanistic studies revealed that the iodoperfluoroalkylation of alkenes and alkynes involved a rebound or ligand transfer cycle (section 3.1). In 2017, Wang and co-workers [54

• alkyl halides 14, olefins, and trifluoromethylthiolate 15. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the photoexcited CuI/binap/SCF3 complex generated in situ engages in electron transfer with the alkyl halides, thereby providing an alkyl radical and the CuII/binap/SCF3 species. Subsequently, the alkyl

• , 18 (Scheme 10 and Scheme 11). Based on previous mechanistic studies [41], the authors found that the photoexcited ligand–CuI−amido species transferred electrons to alkyl halides to produce alkyl radicals, which reacted with alkenes and amines to generate the three-component coupling products. In the

Copper-catalyzed monoselective C–H amination of ferrocenes with alkylamines

• Zhen-Sheng Jia,
• Qiang Yue,
• Ya Li,
• Xue-Tao Xu,
• Kun Zhang and
• Bing-Feng Shi

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 2488–2495, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.165

• preparation of ferrocene–drug conjugates effectively. Mechanistic studies indicated that the C–H activation step was the rate-determining step. 3d-Transition-metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization to access functionalized ferrocenes. Scope of ferrocenes with morpholine. Scope of various amines with 1a

Halides as versatile anions in asymmetric anion-binding organocatalysis

• Lukas Schifferer,
• Martin Stinglhamer,
• Kirandeep Kaur and
• Olga García Macheño

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 2270–2286, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.145

• , right). However, based on the freshly coined concept of anion-binding activation [30][31] and as the exact interaction mode of the catalyst remained elusive, Jacobsen’s group focused their attention towards mechanistic studies of thiourea-catalyzed reactions. In 2007, they reported a Pictet–Spengler

• species. However, the cationic counterpart can have important effects on the kinetics of the systems. This hypothesis has evidently been identified in enzymatic reactions [68]. Mechanistic studies have shown that in such processes, cationic species are stabilized through various attractive interactions

• crucial, while the urea analog of the catalysts proved less efficient and led to diminished reactivity and stereoselectivity. Further mechanistic studies corroborated this hypothesis as more electron-rich allylsilane derivatives were consumed slower despite being inherently more nucleophilic. Another

Photoredox catalysis in nickel-catalyzed C–H functionalization

• Lusina Mantry,
• Rajaram Maayuri,
• Vikash Kumar and
• Parthasarathy Gandeepan

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 2209–2259, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.143

• similar reaction conditions with moderate to good yields. Based on their detailed mechanistic studies, the authors proposed a possible catalytic cycle involving a C–H cleavage via a HAT process between the triplet excited ketone photocatalyst 24 and the C(sp3)–H substrates (Figure 8) [66]. Thus, the

• enantioselectivities. A wide range of aryl bromides 3 were tested with alkylbenzenes 25 under ambient reaction conditions and afforded the desired products 26 in moderate yields and good enantioselectivities. Based on their control experiments and mechanistic studies, it was postulated that a bromine radical might be

• radical source via a nickel/photoredox-catalyzed HAT processes (Scheme 28) [92]. The method was also compatible with other chlorine-containing electrophiles such as acyl chlorides 45 to afford methyl ketones 47 in moderate yields. Based on the detailed mechanistic studies, the authors proposed a catalytic

Constrained thermoresponsive polymers – new insights into fundamentals and applications

• Patricia Flemming,
• Alexander S. Münch,
• Andreas Fery and
• Petra Uhlmann

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 2123–2163, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.138

Asymmetric organocatalyzed synthesis of coumarin derivatives

• Natália M. Moreira,
• Lorena S. R. Martelli and
• Arlene G. Corrêa

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 1952–1980, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.128

• mechanisms occur in parallel, which results in the formation of the Michael adduct as a byproduct and the desired spirocyclopentanes 104. It is noteworthy that the mechanistic studies showed that the product is formed through a concerted mechanism and therefore is not part of an intermediate adduct. A

On the application of 3d metals for C–H activation toward bioactive compounds: The key step for the synthesis of silver bullets

• Renato L. Carvalho,
• Amanda S. de Miranda,
• Mateus P. Nunes,
• Roberto S. Gomes,
• Guilherme A. M. Jardim and
• Eufrânio N. da Silva Júnior

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 1849–1938, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.126

• reaction showed to be chemoselective, maintaining good yields with compounds bearing varied functional groups, whereas low yields were observed for benzylic fluorination. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested the C–H abstraction to be the rate-determining step and the high oxygen sensitivity of the

• reaction suggested it goes through a radical pathway. Similar to the oxidation of alkanes to give alcohols and carbonyl compounds, vanadium complexes have been reported to mediate the hydroxylation of arenes, including the obtaining of phenol from benzene. However, most mechanistic studies provided

Sustainable manganese catalysis for late-stage C–H functionalization of bioactive structural motifs

• Jongwoo Son

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 1733–1751, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.122

• and loxoprofen underwent regioselective azidation at the secondary benzylic sites over tertiary benzylic sites (see 13d and 13e). Additional mechanistic studies support the reaction pathway depicted in Figure 4. The azide anion is oxidized to a radical species on the anodic surface, where Mn(II)/L–N3

Cerium-photocatalyzed aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols to aldehydes and ketones

• Girish Suresh Yedase,
• Sumit Kumar,
• Jessica Stahl,
• Burkhard König and
• Veera Reddy Yatham

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 1727–1732, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.121

• this cerium-photocatalyzed aerobic oxidation of alcohols prompted us to conduct some preliminary mechanistic studies (Figure 1). As anticipated, the ON/OFF irradiation experiments confirmed that our reaction required a continuous blue light irradiation (see Supporting Information File 1). The

• and secondary benzylic alcohols were converted into the corresponding aldehydes and ketones in good to moderate yields using commercially available and inexpensive CeCl3·7H2O as a photocatalyst and air as an oxidant. Mechanistic studies. (A): UV–vis spectra of the CeIV(OBn)Cln complex in CH3CN under

Copper-mediated oxidative C−H/N−H activations with alkynes by removable hydrazides

• Feng Xiong,
• Bo Li,
• Chenrui Yang,
• Liang Zou,
• Wenbo Ma,
• Linghui Gu,
• Ruhuai Mei and
• Lutz Ackermann

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 1591–1599, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.113

• ). Notable advantages of our protocol include: 1) removable MHP auxiliary used for copper-mediated oxidative C–H activations, 2) excellent functional group tolerance and compatibility with valuable heterocycles, and 3) mechanistic studies toward copper-mediated oxidative C−H alkynylations. Results and

Methodologies for the synthesis of quaternary carbon centers via hydroalkylation of unactivated olefins: twenty years of advances

• Thiago S. Silva and
• Fernando Coelho

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 1565–1590, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.112

• methylcycloalkanes (94a and 94b) and the terminal olefin 93 (Scheme 37A). Both examples showed perfect regioselectivity for the functionalization of the tertiary C(sp3)–H bond. Mechanistic studies carried out by the authors revealed a strong kinetic isotope effect (KIE = 11.5:1) when a competitive reaction was

A comprehensive review of flow chemistry techniques tailored to the flavours and fragrances industries

• Guido Gambacorta,
• James S. Sharley and
• Ian R. Baxendale

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 1181–1312, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.90

Recent advances in palladium-catalysed asymmetric 1,4–additions of arylboronic acids to conjugated enones and chromones

• Jan Bartáček,
• Jan Svoboda,
• Martin Kocúrik,
• Jaroslav Pochobradský,
• Alexander Čegan,
• Miloš Sedlák and
• Jiří Váňa

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2021, 17, 1048–1085, doi:10.3762/bjoc.17.84

• chromone derivative for the total syntheses of (−)-caesalpinnone A and (−)-caesalpinflavan B (Scheme 12) [9]. Mechanistic studies of this catalytic system were also made by Stoltz’s group. A linear relationship between the ee of the catalyst and the product has been found [48]. That means that the

• catalytically relevant species is monomeric Pd–PyOx. This was further supported by a mass spectrometric study [52]. The catalytic cycle was also suggested in accordance with DFT calculations and mechanistic studies (Scheme 13) [48][49]. The key step for both, the enantioselectivity and turnover, is the

Recent developments in enantioselective photocatalysis

• Callum Prentice,
• James Morrisson,
• Andrew D. Smith and
• Eli Zysman-Colman

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 2363–2441, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.197

• carbonyl electrophilicity [105]. The use of chiral Lewis acids can induce asymmetry [106]. Yoon et al. applied this well-known form of catalysis to a photocatalytic system using enones 269 and 270 (Scheme 43a) [107]. Mechanistic studies of a closely related achiral reaction [20], showed this reaction

Formation of an exceptionally stable ketene during phototransformations of bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-2-ones having mixed chromophores

• Asitanga Ghosh

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 2297–2303, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.190

• position; ketene; mixed chromophores; Introduction Enones exhibit a rich and diverse photochemistry. The deep-seated photochemical rearrangements found in these systems have attracted numerous mechanistic studies. In this context, the photochemistry of α,β-enones A and β,γ-enones B (Figure 1) has become

Photosensitized direct C–H fluorination and trifluoromethylation in organic synthesis

• Shahboz Yakubov and
• Joshua P. Barham

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 2151–2192, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.183

• : Here, we briefly summarize the importance of fluorine atoms in organic molecules in the context of medicinal chemistry, materials chemistry, analytical chemistry and in the mechanistic studies of synthetic reactions. The importance of fluorination reactions in organic synthesis is reviewed exhaustively

• (sp3)–H fluorination mechanistic studies: In order to unearth a greater understanding of their previously-reported photosensitized C(sp3)–H fluorination, Tan, Lu, Soo and co-workers employed a nanosecond-scale transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT

When metal-catalyzed C–H functionalization meets visible-light photocatalysis

• Lucas Guillemard and
• Joanna Wencel-Delord

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 1754–1804, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.147

• photoredox catalysis (Figure 5) [73]. The coupling products were generally isolated in good yields, although this procedure required high temperature (120 °C). Remarkably, molecular oxygen was used as the terminal oxidizing agent of the overall C–H functionalization reaction. The mechanistic studies revealed

• synthetically meaningful σ-bromo esters. The mildness of the reaction conditions warranted tolerance of sensitive and/or biologically relevant sugar, menthol, and steroid motifs (Figure 37). The mechanistic studies conducted by Ackermann et al. clearly showed that the metallacyclic intermediates resulting from

• synthesis. The mechanistic studies suggested a unique mode of action of this catalytic system (Figure 45). In the initial step both aromatic coupling partners coordinate to the Mn catalyst, thus generating a photoactive complex. Visible-light photoexcitation of the Ar–Mn species and subsequent electron

In silico rationalisation of selectivity and reactivity in Pd-catalysed C–H activation reactions

• Liwei Cao,
• Mikhail Kabeshov,
• Steven V. Ley and
• Alexei A. Lapkin

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 1465–1475, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.122

• transition metal coordination sphere; the energy of a new M–C bond formed and the thermodynamic stability of organometallic product. With new developments in computational chemistry, mechanistic studies using density functional theory (DFT) provide valuable insights into the reactivity of organometallic

Recent synthesis of thietanes

• Jiaxi Xu

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 1357–1410, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.116

• mechanistic studies. The reactivity of the substituted allenes towards triplet aromatic thiones was investigated. The product analysis revealed the formation of thietanes and occasionally of [4 + 2] cycloadducts (thiopyrans) generally in high overall yields. Steady-state measurements showed that electron

Oxime radicals: generation, properties and application in organic synthesis

• Igor B. Krylov,
• Stanislav A. Paveliev,
• Alexander S. Budnikov and
• Alexander O. Terent’ev

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 1234–1276, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.107

• of the richest families of stable and persistent organic radicals with applications ranging from catalysis of selective oxidation processes and mechanistic studies to production of polymers, energy storage, magnetic materials design and spectroscopic studies of biological objects. Compared to other N

Photocatalysis with organic dyes: facile access to reactive intermediates for synthesis

• Stephanie G. E. Amos,
• Marion Garreau,
• Luca Buzzetti and
• Jerome Waser

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 1163–1187, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.103

• converted the aryl and alkyl α-keto acids 17.1 to the 3-acylindoles 17.3 using rose bengal (OD15) as a photocatalyst under aerobic conditions. Mechanistic studies suggest that rose bengal (OD15) acts as an energy transfer sensitizer generating singlet oxygen. The authors proposed that the latter would be

Fluorinated phenylalanines: synthesis and pharmaceutical applications

• Laila F. Awad and
• Mohammed Salah Ayoup

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 1022–1050, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.91

• catalytic amination of (E)-cinnamic acid The enzyme phenylalanine aminomutase (PAM) from Taxus chinensis catalyzes the stereoselective isomerization of α-phenylalanine to β-phenyalanine 111a–c. Mechanistic studies showed that (E)-cinnamic acid is an intermediate in this transformation [63]. Accordingly

Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling is not an informative reaction to demonstrate the performance of new solvents

• James Sherwood

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 1001–1005, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.89

• coupling. Specific mechanistic studies whereby the rate limiting step or mechanism changes according to the solvent remain a valid pursuit, as does measuring the palladium contamination in products [23]. However, the works of Watson [24], Denmark [25], and others [26][27], have already elucidated many of

Recent applications of porphyrins as photocatalysts in organic synthesis: batch and continuous flow approaches

• Rodrigo Costa e Silva,
• Luely Oliveira da Silva,
• Aloisio de Andrade Bartolomeu,
• Timothy John Brocksom and
• Kleber Thiago de Oliveira

Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2020, 16, 917–955, doi:10.3762/bjoc.16.83

• -rich and electron-deficient groups in the arylsulfinic acid and alkyl sulfinates, such as sodium ethylsulfinate and sodium methylsulfinate (Scheme 19). The authors also showed that the methodology can be applied to the sulfonation of steroid drug arimistane in 45% yield (Scheme 20). The mechanistic

• studies on this reaction are ongoing with initial suggestions of the coupling between the sulfonyl radical and the radical alkene as a key step for this transformation. In 2019, Ghaffari-Moghaddam, Oveisi and co-workers reported the synthesis of a new multifunctional MOF, namely Fe@PCN-222(Fe), and its