NMR and DFT Studies with a Doubly Labelled 15 N/6 Li S-Trifluoromethyl Sulfoximine Reveal Why a Directed ortho-Lithiation Requires an Excess of n-BuLi.

This work shows why it is imperious to use an excess of butyllithium for a directed ortho-lithiation of a trifluoromethyl sulfoximine. The analysis of mixtures of n-BuLi and sulfoximine 1 in THF-d8 using {1 H, 6 Li, 13 C, 15 N, 19 F} NMR experiments at low temperatures reveal that a first deprotonation occurs that leads to dimeric and tetrameric N-lithiated sulfoximine (93 : 7). Using an excess n-BuLi (5 equivalents), the second deprotonation on the ortho-position of the aromatic occurs. Six species were observed and characterized on the way. It includes three aggregates involving a sulfoximine: i) a [dilithiated sulfoximine/(n-BuLi)] dimer solvated by four molecules of THF (Agg2, 39 %); ii) a [dilithiated sulfoximine/(n-BuLi)3 ] tetramer solvated by six molecules of THF (Agg3, 39 %); iii) a [dilithiated sulfoximine/(n-BuOLi)3 ] tetramer solvated by four molecules of THF (Agg1, 22 %). A DFT study afforded optimized solvated structures for all these aggregates, fully consistent with the NMR data.

Photoredox-Catalyzed Selective Synthesis of Allylic Perfluoroalkanes from Alkenes.

We report herein a novel photoredox-catalyzed synthesis of allylic trifluoromethanes. The use of sulfilimino iminium as a source of trifluoromethyl radicals proves crucial to achieving high selectivity. Importantly, both styrene derivatives and unactivated alkenes are for the first time suitable partners for this process. The mild reaction conditions are compatible with a variety of functional groups. Remarkably, this method is readily broadened to other perfluoroalkyl groups (RF =CFCl2 , CF2 Br, C4 F9 ). An extensive mechanistic study is also provided.

Divergent Synthesis of 1,2-Benzo[ e]thiazine and Benzo[ d]thiazole Analogues Containing a S-Trifluoromethyl Sulfoximine Group: Preparation and New Properties of the Adachi Reagent.

We report here the preparation of unprecedented analogues of 1,2-benzothiazine and benzoisothiazole incorporating the S-trifluoromethyl sulfoximine group in their core. Using a stable precursor to start, cyclization occurs via a catalytic controlled process. The choice of the catalyst is crucial for selectivity toward the five- or the six-membered ring. Interestingly, one of the benzothiazines can be converted on a gram scale into the trifluoromethylating Adachi reagent. We also disclose the first use of this reagent as a source of radical CF3 under photoredox catalysis. DFT calculations were performed to clarify the cyclization mechanism.

One-Pot Synthesis of Aryl- and Alkyl S-Perfluoroalkylated NH-Sulfoximines from Sulfides.

A general efficient one-pot synthesis of S-perfluoroalkylated NH-sulfoximines from sulfides has been developed using phenyliodine diacetate (PIDA) and ammonium carbamate. Remarkable rate enhancement with trifluoroethanol was observed, presumably due to H-bonding effects. These mild and metal-free conditions are compatible with -CH2 F, -CFCl2 , -CF2 H, -CF2 Br, -C4 F9 , and -CF3 groups, in both the alkyl- and aryl series. Based on a 19 F NMR analysis, a λ6 -acetoxysulfanenitrile intermediate was proposed.

Alkoxyl Radicals Generated under Photoredox Catalysis: A Strategy for anti-Markovnikov Alkoxylation Reactions.

Reported herein is a novel photoredox-catalyzed approach for ether synthesis and it involves alkoxyl radicals generated from N-alkoxypyridinium salts. A wide range of alkenes are smoothly difunctionalized in an anti-Markovnikov fashion, affording various functionalized alkyl alkyl ethers. Notably, this mild process tolerates a number of functional groups and is efficiently carried out under both batch and flow conditions. Importantly, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments by spin trapping were carried out to characterize the radical intermediates involved in this radical/cationic process.

Dichlorotrifluoromethoxyacetic Acid: Preparation and Reactivity.

We describe the first gram scale preparation of the reagent dichlorotrifluoromethoxyacetic acid. This stable compound is obtained in five steps starting from the cheap diethylene glycol. The reactivity of the sodium salt of this fluorinated acid was also tested and allowed the preparation of new amides.