Asymmetric Three-Component Olefin Dicarbofunctionalization Enabled by Photoredox and Copper Dual Catalysis

We report an intermolecular, enantioselective three-component radical vicinal DCF reaction of olefins using photoredox and copper dual catalysisenabled by merger of radical addition and cross-coupling.
Published in Chemistry
Asymmetric Three-Component Olefin Dicarbofunctionalization Enabled by Photoredox and Copper Dual Catalysis
Like

Alkenes are arguably one of the most privileged and versatile chemicals in organic synthesis because a diverse range of functional groups could be readily introduced across the C=C π system by many classic vicinal difunctionalization reactions. In this context, one of the most investigated and fundamental transformations is the intermolecular three-component alkene vicinal dicarbofunctionalization (DCF) reaction, which allows installation of two different carbon fragments. In general, these reactions have been extensively explored in ionic chemistry, while the enantioseletive radical-mediated versions of DCF reactions remain challenging and largely unexplored, due to the intrinsically high reactivity and instability of radical intermediates. Herein, we report an intermolecular, enantioselective three-component radical vicinal DCF reaction of olefins using photoredox and copper dual catalysisenabled by merger of radical addition and cross-coupling. Advantages associated with this reaction include the high functional group tolerance, broad scope of C-radical precursors and excellent chemo- and enantioselectivity.

Our story about iminyl radical chemistry began from 2018. We revealed that iminyl radicals, derived from O-acyl cycloalkanone oxime esters, can undergo facile ring-opening C−C bond cleavage to give cyanoalkyl carbon radicals under single-electron transfer (SET) reduction. Such radicals can participate in a variety of C−C bond-forming reactions successfully to allow the synthesis of diverse distantly functionalized alkyl nitriles. In addition, we also developed a wide variety of visible-light-driven copper-catalyzed radical cross-coupling reactions of cyanoalkyl carbon radicals.

Under this background, we attempt to further explore the synthetic utility of these carbon radicals. Considering that their rare engagement in asymmetric radical reactions, we envisioned a catalytic asymmetric three-component radical vicinal DCF reaction of alkenes with oximes and TMSCN.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of asymmetric alkene vicinal DCF reaction with oxime esters and TMSCN.

We quickly finished the optimization of the reaction conditions by a careful screening of solvents, equivalents of substrates, catalyst amount, concentrations and so on. During this process, several side products were also involved, which might result from acyl radical mediated two-component cross-coupling with alkenes or TMSCN, or its own dimerization. With the optimized reaction conditions established, a range of styrene derivatives with electron-donating (e.g., Me, tBu, Ph) or electron-withdrawing (e.g., F, Cl, Br, OAc, Bpin) functional groups are well tolerated, furnishing the corresponding products in good yields and stereoselectivity. Remarkably, this protocol can also be successfully extended to biologically relevant molecule and pharmaceutical-derived styrene analogues. These results suggest the current protocol should be of potential use for late-stage structural modification of drug and complex compounds.

Besides that, a representative set of oxime esters, bearing a variety of functional groups underwent the reaction successfully, which can be easily prepared in two steps from the relevant ketone precursors. The utility and scope of this reaction were further exemplified in the combination of cycloketone-derived oxime esters, alkenes, and TMSCN. To establish the potential viability of our method in the construction of valuable skeletons, diverse further transformations were performed with the chiral β-cyano ketones and alkyldinitriles, which could be easily converted to chiral amides, aliphatic amine, and esters.

In our Nature Communication work, a new strategy for three-component radical vicinal DCF reaction of alkeneusing oxime esters and TMSCN by dual photoredox and copper catalysis with high enantioselectivity has been developed. This three-component reaction proceeds under mild conditions, and demonstrates broad substrate scope and high functional group tolerance, providing a general approach to optically active β–cyano ketones and alkyldinitriles.

Written by Peng-Zi Wang and Jia-Rong Chen

References

[1] Yu, X.-Y., Zhao, Q.-Q., Chen, J., Xiao, W.-J. & Chen, J.-R. When Light Meets Nitrogen-Centered Radicals: From Reagents to Catalysts. Acc. Chem. Res. 53, 1066-1083 (2020).

[2] Yu, X.-Y. et al. Visible Light-Driven Iminyl Radical-Mediated C-C Single Bond Cleavage/Radical Addition Cascade of Oxime Esters. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 57, 738-743 (2018).

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-22127-x

Please sign in or register for FREE

If you are a registered user on Research Communities by Springer Nature, please sign in

Subscribe to the Topic

Chemistry
Physical Sciences > Chemistry

Related Collections

With collections, you can get published faster and increase your visibility.

Applied Sciences

This collection highlights research and commentary in applied science. The range of topics is large, spanning all scientific disciplines, with the unifying factor being the goal to turn scientific knowledge into positive benefits for society.

Publishing Model: Open Access

Deadline: Ongoing