C-C bond formation via photocatalytic direct functionalization of simple alkanes.

The direct functionalization of alkanes represents a very important challenge in the goal to develop more atom-efficient and clean C-C bond forming reactions. These processes, however, are hampered by the low reactivity of the aliphatic C-H bonds. Photocatalytic processes based on hydrogen atom transfer C-H bond activation strategies have become a useful tool to activate and functionalize these inert compounds. In this article, we summarize the main achievements in this field applied to the development of C-C bond forming reactions, and we discuss the key mechanistic features that enable these transformations.

Direct C-H Allylation of Unactivated Alkanes by Cooperative W/Cu Photocatalysis.

Here we report a photocatalytic methodology that enables the direct allylation of strong aliphatic C-H bonds with simple allylic chlorides. The method relies on a cooperative interaction of two metal catalysts in which the decatungstate anion acts as a hydrogen-atom abstractor generating a nucleophilic carbon-centered radical that engages in an SH2' reaction with an activated allylic π-olefin-copper complex. Because of this dual catalysis, the protocol allows for the functionalization of a range of chemical feedstocks and natural products under mild conditions in short reaction times.

Highly Enantioselective Iridium-Catalyzed Hydrogenation of 2-Aryl Allyl Phthalimides.

The iridium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of 2-aryl allyl phthalimides to afford enantioenriched ß-aryl-ß-methyl amines is presented. Recently developed Ir-MaxPHOX catalysts are used for this enantioselective transformation. The mild reaction conditions and the feasible removal of the phthalimido group makes this catalytic method easily scalable and of great interest to afford chiral amines. The importance of this new methodology is exemplified by the formal synthesis of (R)-Lorcaserin, OTS514, and enantiomerically enriched 3-methyl indolines.