F- and F-Arene Deoxyfluorination via Organic Photoredox-Catalysed Polarity-Reversed Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution.

Nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SAr) is routinely used to install F and F in aromatic molecules, but is typically limited to electron-deficient arenes due to kinetic barriers associated with C-F bond formation. Here we demonstrate that a polarity-reversed photoredox-catalysed arene deoxyfluorination operating via cation radical-accelerated nucleophilic aromatic substitution (CRA-SAr) enables the fluorination of electron-rich arenes with F and F under mild conditions, thus complementing the traditional arene polarity requirements necessary for SAr-based fluorination. The utility of our radiofluorination strategy is highlighted by short reaction times, compatibility with multiple nucleofuges, and high radiofluorination yields, especially that of an important cancer positron emission tomography (PET) agent [F]5-fluorouracil ([F]FU).

Direct Aryl C-H Amination with Primary Amines Using Organic Photoredox Catalysis.

The direct catalytic C-H amination of arenes is a powerful synthetic strategy with useful applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials chemistry. Despite the advances in catalytic C-H functionalization, the use of aliphatic amine coupling partners is limited. Described herein is the construction of C-N bonds, using primary amines, by direct C-H functionalization with an acridinium photoredox catalyst under an aerobic atmosphere.

Enantioselective (4+2) Annulation of Donor-Acceptor Cyclobutanes by N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis.

Herein we report the enantioselective (4+2) annulation of donor-acceptor cyclobutanes and unsaturated acyl fluorides using N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis. The reaction allows a 3-step synthesis of cyclohexyl β-lactones (25 examples) in excellent chemical yield (most ≥90 %) and stereochemical integrity (all >20:1 d.r.

Influence of the N-Substituents on the Nucleophilicity and Lewis Basicity of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes.

The ability to modulate the nucleophilicity and Lewis basicity of N-heterocyclic carbenes is pivotal to their application as organocatalysts. Herein we examine the impact of the N-substituent on the nucleophilicity and Lewis basicity. Four N-substituents popular in NHC organocatalysis, namely, the N-2,6-(CH3O)2C6H3, N-Mes, N-4-CH3OC6H4, and N-tert-butyl groups, have been examined and found to strongly affect the nucleophilicity.

Enantioselective N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Diene Regenerative (4 + 2) Annulation.

An enantioselective N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed diene regenerative (4 + 2) annulation has been achieved through the use of highly nucleophilic morpholinone-derived catalysts. The reaction proceeds with good to excellent yields, high enantioselectivity (most >92% ee), and good diastereoselectivity (most >7:1). The generality of the reaction is high, with 19 examples reported.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Synthesis of δ-Sultones via α,β-Unsaturated Sulfonyl Azolium Intermediates.

A limited array of reactive intermediates have enabled a wealth of discoveries in N-heterocyclic carbene organocatalysis. In this study, the viability of α,β-unsaturated sulfonyl azoliums as double electrophiles in new reactions is examined. Specifically, the (3+3) annulation of such species with the trimethylsilyl enol ethers of various 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds has been developed.

-Heterocyclic carbene catalysed redox isomerisation of esters to functionalised benzaldehydes.

-Heterocyclic carbene catalysed redox isomerisation with reduction about the carbonyl has been developed in the transformation of trienyl esters to tetrasubstituted benzaldehydes. The reaction proceeds in good to excellent yield, and in cases that provide 2,2'-biaryls, enantioselectivity is observed. Mechanistic studies demonstrate the intermediacy of a cyclohexenyl β-lactone, while implicating formation of the homoenolate as turnover limiting.

Enantioselective all-carbon (4+2) annulation by N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis.

The enantioselective vinylogous Michael/aldol cascade is an underdeveloped approach to cyclohexenes. Herein we describe a highly enantioselective (most ≥ 98:2 er) and diastereoselective (all ≥ 15:1 dr) N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed cycloisomerization of acyclic dienyl esters to cyclohexyl β-lactones. Derivatizations avail cyclohexenes bearing four contiguous stereogenic centers, while mechanistic studies support olefin isomerization prior to cyclization.

Iodobenzene-catalyzed oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane and [4.2.1]nonane synthesis via cascade C-O/C-C formation.

Iodobenzene-catalyzed 1,2-olefin functionalization via C-C and C-O bond formation has been achieved with electron rich aromatic groups and vinylogous esters acting as independent nucleophiles. The reaction provides oxabicyclo[3.2.