Decarboxylative C-N Coupling of 2,2-Difluorobicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP-F) Building Blocks.

Described herein is our effort toward achieving the decarboxylative functionalization of 2,2-difluorobicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP-F) building blocks.

Synthesis of Cycloheptatriene-Containing Azetidine Lactones.

We prepared a collection of complex cycloheptatriene-containing azetidine lactones by applying two key photochemical reactions: "aza-Yang" cyclization and Buchner carbene insertion into aromatic rings. While photolysis of phenacyl amines leads to a rapid charge transfer and elimination, we found that a simple protonation of the amine enables the formation of azetidinols as single diastereomers. We provide evidence, through ultrafast spectroscopy, for the electron transfer from free amines in the excited state.

Nickel-Catalyzed Annulations of -Haloarylimines.

We report the discovery, development, and mechanism of a nickel-catalyzed annulation reaction between -haloarylimines and electron-poor olefins. The reaction produces two adjacent stereocenters and a free secondary amine. Spirocycles are formed from cyclic imines.