Cleavage of the C(O)-S Bond of Thioesters by Palladium/Norbornene/Copper Cooperative Catalysis: An Efficient Synthesis of 2-(Arylthio)aryl Ketones.

A Pd/norbornene/Cu cooperative catalysis for the efficient synthesis of 2-(arylthio)aryl ketones from aryl halides and thioesters has been developed. The first example of cooperative catalysis by palladium, norbornene, and copper, wherein the C(O)-S bond of thioesters is cleaved by a Pd(II) palladacycle with the assistance of CuI, has been observed.

BF3·OEt2-Promoted Synthesis of 2,3-Metallocenocyclohexanones: A 1,2-Hydride Shift and Cationic Cyclization Strategy.

A BF3·OEt2-promoted cyclization of metallocenyl enones to form cyclohexanone-fused metallocenes is reported. 2,3-Metallocenocyclohexanones were formed exclusively, and no normal Nazarov-type cyclopentanone analogues were detected. The reaction possibly proceeded via an unusual cationic 1,2-hydride shift followed by Friedel-Crafts alkylative cyclization process. During the studies of the alkylation reaction of these keto esters, an unusual and rare facial selectivity was observed. The electrophiles would be attacked from the same face as the second Cp ring.