Themed collection HOT articles in Organic Chemistry Frontiers in 2015

44 items
Research Article

Regioselective palladium(II)-catalyzed aerobic oxidative Heck-type C3 alkenylation of sulfocoumarins

An efficient method for the direct C–H olefination of sulfocoumarins with a wide range of alkenes is developed. Moreover, O2 was successfully utilized as the sole oxidant for the oxidative Heck reaction. This approach enables the rapid generation of various 3-alkenylated sulfocoumarins.

Graphical abstract: Regioselective palladium(ii)-catalyzed aerobic oxidative Heck-type C3 alkenylation of sulfocoumarins
From the themed collection: 2015 Emerging Investigators by OCF
Open Access Research Article

Rhodium catalysed conversion of carbenes into ketenes and ketene imines using PNN pincer complexes

PNN pincer-type rhodium complexes catalyze ketene and ketene imine synthesis, using CO or an isocyanide and a carbene precursor.

Graphical abstract: Rhodium catalysed conversion of carbenes into ketenes and ketene imines using PNN pincer complexes
From the themed collection: Carbenes for Today
Research Article

Direct borylation of benzyl alcohol and its analogues in the absence of bases

Direct borylation of arylmethanols to synthesize important and useful benzylboronates was carried out through Pd(OAc)2-catalyzed sp3 C–O activation.

Graphical abstract: Direct borylation of benzyl alcohol and its analogues in the absence of bases
Research Article

Stereoselective formation of chiral trans-4-hydroxy-5-substituted 2-pyrrolidinones: syntheses of streptopyrrolidine and 3-epi-epohelmin A

A highly diastereoselective approach for synthesis of trans-4-hydroxy-5-substituted 2-pyrrolidinones has been developed. The streptopyrrolidine and 3-epi-epohelmin A were synthesized by this one-pot cascade protocol.

Graphical abstract: Stereoselective formation of chiral trans-4-hydroxy-5-substituted 2-pyrrolidinones: syntheses of streptopyrrolidine and 3-epi-epohelmin A
Research Article

Silver-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition of isocyanides with diazo compounds: new regioselective access to 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles

An unprecedented silver-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of isocyanides with diazo compounds to afford 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles is realized.

Graphical abstract: Silver-catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition of isocyanides with diazo compounds: new regioselective access to 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles
Research Article

Speciation and kinetic study of iron promoted sugar conversion to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and levulinic acid (LA)

Identification of catalytic species and their contributions in iron catalyzed sugar conversion to hydroxymethylfurfural and levulinic acid.

Graphical abstract: Speciation and kinetic study of iron promoted sugar conversion to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and levulinic acid (LA)
Research Article

Palladium-catalyzed methylene C(sp3)–H arylation of the adamantyl scaffold

A palladium-catalyzed C(sp3)–H arylation of adamantane at the methylene position with the assistance of an amide group was developed.

Graphical abstract: Palladium-catalyzed methylene C(sp3)–H arylation of the adamantyl scaffold
From the themed collection: 2015 Emerging Investigators by OCF
Research Article

Cu-Mediated 2,2,2-trifluoroethylation of terminal alkynes using 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123)

Cu-Promoted coupling reactions of HCFC-123 with terminal alkynes give trifluoroethylated internal alkynes.

Graphical abstract: Cu-Mediated 2,2,2-trifluoroethylation of terminal alkynes using 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-123)
Research Article

Efficient synthesis of P-chiral biaryl phosphonates by stereoselective intramolecular cyclization

A series of P-chiral biaryl phosphonates were efficiently synthesized from diaryl 2-bromo arylphosphonates in high yields (up to 92%) and good enantioselectivities (up to 88% ee) through a palladium-catalyzed desymmetric intramolecular cyclization with a P-chiral biaryl monophosphorus ligand.

Graphical abstract: Efficient synthesis of P-chiral biaryl phosphonates by stereoselective intramolecular cyclization
Research Article

Organoselenium-catalyzed synthesis of indoles through intramolecular C–H amination

An efficient approach for organoselenium-catalyzed synthesis of indoles via intramolecular C–H amination has been developed.

Graphical abstract: Organoselenium-catalyzed synthesis of indoles through intramolecular C–H amination
Research Article

A thermally stable pH-responsive “supramolecular buckle” based on the encapsulation of 4-(4-aminophenyl)-N-methylpyridinium by cucurbit[8]uril

A CB[8]-based host-guest system forms a thermally stable 1 : 2 complex under neutral conditions and transforms into a 1 : 1 complex upon acidification, which makes it a “supramolecular buckle” to fabricate pH-responsive materials at elevated temperatures.

Graphical abstract: A thermally stable pH-responsive “supramolecular buckle” based on the encapsulation of 4-(4-aminophenyl)-N-methylpyridinium by cucurbit[8]uril
Open Access Research Article

Intramolecular C–H insertion vs. Friedel–Crafts coupling induced by silyl cation-promoted C–F activation

Silyl cation-promoted aryl C–F activation can lead to formal C–H activation and the formation of new C(ar)–C(alkyl) bonds.

Graphical abstract: Intramolecular C–H insertion vs. Friedel–Crafts coupling induced by silyl cation-promoted C–F activation
Research Article

Copper-mediated oxidative difluoromethylation of terminal alkynes with TMSCF2H

A copper-mediated oxidative coupling of terminal alkynes and TMSCF2H has been described for the preparation of various difluoromethylated alkynes.

Graphical abstract: Copper-mediated oxidative difluoromethylation of terminal alkynes with TMSCF2H
Research Article

A novel dynamic pseudo[1]rotaxane based on a mono-biotin-functionalized pillar[5]arene

A stable pillar[5]arene-based pseudo[1]rotaxane P1′ was synthesized by the click reaction, which exhibited a dynamic slow disassembly process upon adding a strong-polar solvent or competitive guest. Moreover, this dynamic behavior might be used as a switch to turn on or off the bioactivity of the biotin moiety in aqueous solution.

Graphical abstract: A novel dynamic pseudo[1]rotaxane based on a mono-biotin-functionalized pillar[5]arene
Research Article

Syntheses of sceptrins and nakamuric acid and insights into the biosyntheses of pyrrole–imidazole dimers

The SET-promoted homodimerization of pyrrole–imidazole alkaloids is a stepwise reaction favoring the [2 + 2] pathway.

Graphical abstract: Syntheses of sceptrins and nakamuric acid and insights into the biosyntheses of pyrrole–imidazole dimers
Research Article

Sulfone promoted Rh(III)-catalyzed C–H activation and base assisted 1,5-H shift strategy for the construction of seven-membered rings

A sequence of Rh(III)-catalyzed C–H cleavage, 1,5-H shift and intramolecular allene insertion was developed for the construction of seven-membered rings.

Graphical abstract: Sulfone promoted Rh(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation and base assisted 1,5-H shift strategy for the construction of seven-membered rings
Research Article

Catalytic enantioselective synthesis of quaternary 3,3′-indolyloxindoles by combination of Rh(II) complexes and chiral phosphines

Rh(II)/chiral phosphine combined catalysis has been developed for a highly efficient sequential C–H functionalization/asymmetric allylation or Michael addition reaction to afford a diverse range of quaternary 3,3′-indolyloxindole derivatives.

Graphical abstract: Catalytic enantioselective synthesis of quaternary 3,3′-indolyloxindoles by combination of Rh(ii) complexes and chiral phosphines
Research Article

Palladium-catalyzed direct ortho C–O bond construction of azoxybenzenes with carboxylic acids and alcohols

A Pd(II) catalyzed C–O bond formation of azoxybenzenes has been developed.

Graphical abstract: Palladium-catalyzed direct ortho C–O bond construction of azoxybenzenes with carboxylic acids and alcohols
Research Article

Formal synthesis of (−)-platensimycin

An efficient formal synthesis of (−)-platensimycin was completed by using a tandem C–H oxidation/C–C coupling (cyclization)/rearrangement as the key step.

Graphical abstract: Formal synthesis of (−)-platensimycin
Research Article

Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular rearrangement of vinylidenecyclopropanes through C–C bond activation

An intramolecular rearrangement of vinylidenecyclopropanes to dimethylenecyclopropanes through C–C bond activation has been developed.

Graphical abstract: Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular rearrangement of vinylidenecyclopropanes through C–C bond activation
Research Article

Mechanistic studies on C–C reductive coupling of five-coordinate Rh(III) complexes

C–C reductive coupling of rare five-coordinate rhodium(III) complexes has been studied in detail.

Graphical abstract: Mechanistic studies on C–C reductive coupling of five-coordinate Rh(iii) complexes
Research Article

Pd-catalyzed Heck cyclization and in situ hydrocarboxylation or hydromethenylation via a hydrogen borrowing strategy

A palladium-catalyzed Heck cyclization and in situ hydrocarboxylation reaction was developed using chloroform as a one-carbon elongation reagent.

Graphical abstract: Pd-catalyzed Heck cyclization and in situ hydrocarboxylation or hydromethenylation via a hydrogen borrowing strategy
Research Article

Ruthenium-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes using carbon monoxide

The first ruthenium-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes with alcohols using carbon monoxide as carbonyl source is realized.

Graphical abstract: Ruthenium-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes using carbon monoxide
Research Article

A challenging Heck reaction of maleimides

A difficult Heck reaction of base-sensitive maleimides is realized by using a weak base in a carbonate solvent.

Graphical abstract: A challenging Heck reaction of maleimides
Research Article

Sulfur-containing stable five-membered “cycloallene” complexes: 1-thia-2-zircona- and 1-thia-2-titanacyclopenta-3,4-dienes

Stable five-membered sulfur-containing metallacyclic allenes, 1-thia-2-metallacyclopenta-3,4-diene, were synthesized from the reactions of low-valent zirconocene or titanocene with alkynylthioamides.

Graphical abstract: Sulfur-containing stable five-membered “cycloallene” complexes: 1-thia-2-zircona- and 1-thia-2-titanacyclopenta-3,4-dienes
Research Article

Highly efficient and practical hydrogenation of olefins catalyzed by in situ generated iron complex catalysts

In situ generated Fe catalysts from bench-stable Fe(II) complexes and LiAlH4 exhibited unprecedented activity for the hydrogenation of olefins.

Graphical abstract: Highly efficient and practical hydrogenation of olefins catalyzed by in situ generated iron complex catalysts
Open Access Research Article

A one-pot dilithiation–lithium–zinc exchange–Negishi coupling approach to 2,6-di(hetero)aryl substituted dithienothiazines – a novel class of electronically fine-tunable redox systems

2,6-Di(hetero)aryl substituted dithienothiazines with fine-tunable electronic properties are efficiently accessible by lithiation–lithium–zinc exchange–Negishi cross-coupling in a one-pot fashion.

Graphical abstract: A one-pot dilithiation–lithium–zinc exchange–Negishi coupling approach to 2,6-di(hetero)aryl substituted dithienothiazines – a novel class of electronically fine-tunable redox systems
Open Access Research Article

Regio- and stereoselective synthesis of α-hydroxy-β-azido tetrazoles

Unreported α-hydroxy-β-azido tetrazoles are prepared in a single step and mild conditions from readily available epoxy nitriles.

Graphical abstract: Regio- and stereoselective synthesis of α-hydroxy-β-azido tetrazoles
Research Article

New building blocks for iminosugars: a concise synthesis of polyhydroxylated N-alkoxypiperidines through an intramolecular azepine ring contraction

Polyhydroxylated piperidines are a functionally rich class of biologically active molecules that have broad therapeutic potential.

Graphical abstract: New building blocks for iminosugars: a concise synthesis of polyhydroxylated N-alkoxypiperidines through an intramolecular azepine ring contraction
Research Article

Meinwald-type rearrangement of monosubstituted epoxides to methyl ketones using an [Al porphyrin]+[Co(CO)4] catalyst

A Meinwald-type rearrangement of monosubstituted epoxides to methyl ketones using a well-defined aluminum porphyrin catalyst is reported.

Graphical abstract: Meinwald-type rearrangement of monosubstituted epoxides to methyl ketones using an [Al porphyrin]+[Co(CO)4]− catalyst
Research Article

Pd(II)-catalyzed asymmetric addition of arylboronic acids to cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimine esters and a DFT study of its mechanism

A highly efficient palladium-catalyzed asymmetric arylation of cyclic ketimine esters is developed, which provides the desired product in up to 99% yield with up to 99% ee. The mechanism of enantioselection is studied using DFT calculation.

Graphical abstract: Pd(ii)-catalyzed asymmetric addition of arylboronic acids to cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimine esters and a DFT study of its mechanism
Research Article

TEMP and copper cocatalyzed oxygenation of ketones with molecular oxygen: chemoselective synthesis of α-ketoesters

A practical approach to α-ketoesters through TEMP and copper cocatalyzed chemoselective oxidative coupling of methyl ketones with alcohols is developed.

Graphical abstract: TEMP and copper cocatalyzed oxygenation of ketones with molecular oxygen: chemoselective synthesis of α-ketoesters
Research Article

Alkyl- and aryl-thioalkylation of olefins with organotrifluoroborates by photoredox catalysis

A new photocatalytic alkyl- and aryl-thioalkylation of electron-deficient olefins using organotrifluoroborates has been developed.

Graphical abstract: Alkyl- and aryl-thioalkylation of olefins with organotrifluoroborates by photoredox catalysis
Research Article

Au(I) π-bis(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)acetylene triphenylphosphine complex, an effective pre-catalyst for Au(I)-catalyzed reactions

A [Ph3PAu]+ η2-alkyne π complex is found to be shelf-stable and effective for a range of the Au(I)-catalyzed alkyne π activation reactions.

Graphical abstract: Au(i) π-bis(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)acetylene triphenylphosphine complex, an effective pre-catalyst for Au(i)-catalyzed reactions
Research Article

Phase-transfer-catalyzed asymmetric desymmetrizations of cyclopentanones

Highly enantioselective phase-transfer-catalyzed epoxide-opening reaction and isomerization of cyclopentanones were achieved.

Graphical abstract: Phase-transfer-catalyzed asymmetric desymmetrizations of cyclopentanones
Open Access Research Article

Selective syntheses of leuconolam, leuconoxine, and mersicarpine alkaloids from a common intermediate through regiocontrolled cyclizations by Staudinger reactions

Selective syntheses of alkaloids bearing distinct core structures were enabled by chemically programmed polycyclizations using water as a switch.

Graphical abstract: Selective syntheses of leuconolam, leuconoxine, and mersicarpine alkaloids from a common intermediate through regiocontrolled cyclizations by Staudinger reactions
Research Article

Indolizine synthesis via Cu-catalyzed cyclization of 2-(2-enynyl)pyridines with nucleophiles

Cu-catalyzed cyclization of 2-(2-enynyl)pyridines with various nucleophiles was developed, providing efficient access to indolizine derivatives.

Graphical abstract: Indolizine synthesis via Cu-catalyzed cyclization of 2-(2-enynyl)pyridines with nucleophiles
Research Article

Gold(I)-catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 2]-cycloadditions of γ-1-ethoxyethoxy-propiolates and aldehydes

A gold-catalyzed asymmetric intermolecular [3 + 2]-cycloaddition of γ-1-ethoxyethoxy-propiolate and aldehydes by using the chiral ligand 5a or 5b is developed, which provides facile access to highly substituted 2,5-dihydrofurans in up to 84% yield with up to 97% ee.

Graphical abstract: Gold(i)-catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 2]-cycloadditions of γ-1-ethoxyethoxy-propiolates and aldehydes
Research Article

N-heterocyclic carbene-based ruthenium-catalyzed direct amidation of aldehydes with amines

Ru-catalyzed dehydrogenative amide synthesis from aldehydes and amines was achieved, based on the idea of using a hemiaminal intermediate to generate the active Ru-hydride species.

Graphical abstract: N-heterocyclic carbene-based ruthenium-catalyzed direct amidation of aldehydes with amines
Research Article

Simple, versatile, and chemoselective reduction of secondary amides and lactams to amines with the Tf2O–NaBH4 or Cp2ZrHCl–NaBH4 system

A convenient method for the direct reduction of secondary amides and lactams to amines is reported.

Graphical abstract: Simple, versatile, and chemoselective reduction of secondary amides and lactams to amines with the Tf2O–NaBH4 or Cp2ZrHCl–NaBH4 system
Research Article

Cationic Pd(II)-catalyzed cyclization of N-tosyl-aniline tethered alkynyl ketones initiated by hydropalladation of alkynes: a facile way to 1,2-dihydro or 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives

A cationic Pd(II)-catalyzed intramolecular alkyne-carbonyl reductive coupling reaction of N-tosyl-aniline tethered alkynyl ketones under transfer hydrogenation conditions to give hydroquinolines is developed.

Graphical abstract: Cationic Pd(ii)-catalyzed cyclization of N-tosyl-aniline tethered alkynyl ketones initiated by hydropalladation of alkynes: a facile way to 1,2-dihydro or 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives
Tutorial Account

Cu- or Fe-catalyzed C–H/C–C bond nitrogenation reactions for the direct synthesis of N-containing compounds

This tutorial account summarizes the recent progress in Cu- or Fe-catalyzed C–H/C–C bond nitrogenation reactions for the direct synthesis of N-containing compounds.

Graphical abstract: Cu- or Fe-catalyzed C–H/C–C bond nitrogenation reactions for the direct synthesis of N-containing compounds
Tutorial Account

Catalytic dehydrogenative aromatization: an alternative route to functionalized arenes

Catalytic dehydrogenative aromatization has emerged as an efficient and environmentally friendly way to access functionalized arenes in recent years.

Graphical abstract: Catalytic dehydrogenative aromatization: an alternative route to functionalized arenes
Tutorial Account

Difluoromethyl 2-pyridyl sulfone: a versatile carbonyl gem-difluoroolefination reagent

The gem-difluoroolefination of carbonyl compounds with difluoromethyl 2-pyridyl sulfone (2-PySO2CF2H) has been summarized in this tutorial account.

Graphical abstract: Difluoromethyl 2-pyridyl sulfone: a versatile carbonyl gem-difluoroolefination reagent
44 items

About this collection

Read some of the best research published by Organic Chemistry Frontiers in 2015. These articles are recommended by OCF referees as being of significant novelty and interest.

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