Arun Maji

Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of benzofurans and coumarins from phenols and olefins.

Benzofuran derivatives are ubiquitous in natural products, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and organic materials. Particularly, 2-arylbenzofurans are widely distributed in nature, and possess a number of biological activities. Over the years, several effective strategies involving transition-metal-catalyzed inter/intramolecular heteroannulation reactions have been reported for synthesizing benzofuran scaffolds. However, synthesis of 2-substituted benzofuran by simply reacting phenol and an unactivated olefin has yet to be reported (Scheme 1).

Remote para-C–H Functionalization of Arenes by a D-Shaped Biphenyl Template-Based Assembly

Site-selective C-H functionalization has emerged as an efficient tool in simplifying the synthesis of complex molecules. Most often, directing group (DG)-assisted metallacycle formation serves as an efficient strategy to ensure promising regioselectivity. A wide variety of ortho- and meta-C-H functionalizations stand as examples in this regard. Yet despite this significant progress, DG-assisted selective para-C-H functionalization in arenes has remained unexplored, mainly because it involves the formation of a geometrically constrained metallacyclic transition state. Here we report an easily recyclable, novel Si-containing biphenyl-based template that directs efficient functionalization of the distal p-C-H bond of toluene by forming a D-shaped assembly. This DG allows the required flexibility to support the formation of an oversized pre-transition state. By overcoming electronic and steric bias, para-olefination and acetoxylation were successfully performed while undermining o- and m-C-H activation. The applicability of this D-shaped biphenyl template-based strategy is demonstrated by synthesizing various complex molecules.

Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed meta‐CH Olefination: Constructing Multisubstituted Arenes through Homo‐Diolefination and Sequential Hetero‐Diolefination

Divinylbenzene derivatives represent an important class of molecular building blocks in organic chemistry and materials science. Reported herein is the palladium-catalyzed synthesis of divinylbenzenes by meta-C-H olefination of sulfone-based arenes. Successful sequential olefinations in a position-selective manner provided a novel route for the synthesis of hetero-dialkenylated products, which are difficult to access using conventional methods. Additionally, 1,3,5-trialkenylated compounds can be generated upon successful removal of the directing group.

Meta-selective arene C-H bond olefination of arylacetic acid using a nitrile-based directing group.

A nitrile-based template attached with a phenylacetic acid framework promoted meta-selective C-H bond olefination. This palladium-catalyzed protocol is applicable to a wide range of substituted phenylacetic acids and tolerates a variety of functional groups. The versatility of this operationally simple method has been demonstrated through drug diversification.

Direct Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethyl Ketone from (Hetero)arylacetylene: Design, Intermediate Trapping, and Mechanistic Investigations

Regioselective addition across the alkynes has been achieved in a silver-catalyzed protocol utilizing Langlois reagent (CF3SO2Na) and molecular O2 to access medicinally active α-trifluoromethyl ketone compounds. This method was successful in producing α-trifluoromethyl ketone in heterocyclic scaffolds, which are incompatible with earlier strategies. Experimental findings suggest a mechanism involving α-styrenyl radical intermediate and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) solvent, which leads to crystallographically characterized N-methylsuccinimide. Isotope labeling, kinetic studies, and intermediate trapping further helped to gain insight into this energy-demanding process.

Experimental and Computational Exploration of para‐Selective Silylation with a Hydrogen‐Bonded Template

The regioselective conversion of C-H bonds into C-Si bonds is extremely important owing to the natural abundance and non-toxicity of silicon. Classical silylation reactions often suffer from poor functional group compatibility, low atom economy, and insufficient regioselectivity. Herein, we disclose a template-assisted method for the regioselective para silylation of toluene derivatives. A new template was designed, and the origin of selectivity was analyzed experimentally and computationally. An interesting substrate-solvent hydrogen-bonding interaction was observed. Kinetic, spectroscopic, and computational studies shed light on the reaction mechanism. The synthetic significance of this strategy was highlighted by the generation of a precursor of a potential lipophilic bioisostere of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), various late-stage diversifications, and by mimicking enzymatic transformations.

Fe-polyaniline composite nanofiber catalyst for chemoselective hydrolysis of oxime

A facile chemoselective one-pot strategy for the deprotection of oxime has been developed using Fe0-polyaniline composite nanofiber (Fe0-PANI), as a catalyst. Nano material based Fe0-PANI catalyst has been synthesized via in-situ polymerization of ANI monomer and followed by reductive deposition of Fe0 onto PANI matrix. The catalyst was characterized by FE-SEM, HR-TEM, BET, XRD, ATR-FTIR, XPS and VSM techniques. The scope of the transformation was studied for aryl, alkyl and heteroarylketoxime with excellent chemoselectivity (>99%). Mechanistic investigations suggested the involvement of a cationic intermediate with Fe3+ active catalytic species. Substituent effect showed a linear free energy relationship. The activation energy (Ea) was calculated to be 17.46 kJ mol-1 for acetophenone oxime to acetophenone conversion. The recyclability of the catalyst demonstrated up to 10 cycles without any significant loss of efficiency. Based on the preliminary experiments a plausible mechanism has been proposed involving a carbocationic intermediate.

CHAPTER 12:Direct Arylation via C–H Activation

The realm of transition metal-catalyzed direct arylation via C–H activation has undergone significant advances in recent years. It has been established as a viable alternative to the standard cross-coupling reaction with organometallic reagents. The use of directing moieties, often through coordination to the catalytic metal, enhances the reactivity and regioselectivity of the C–H activation. In this chapter, the contribution of transition metals such as palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and copper is discussed. Mechanistic aspects, including the roles of the potential directing groups and of other additives, are emphasized. This chapter serves a concise summary along with essential information that could be beneficial for further understanding and development.

H-bonded reusable template assisted para -selective ketonisation using soft electrophilic vinyl ethers

In nature, enzymatic pathways generate Caryl−C(O) bonds in a site-selective fashion. Synthetically, Caryl−C(O) bonds are synthesised in organometallic reactions using prefunctionalized substrate materials. Electrophilic routes are largely limited to electron-rich systems, non-polar medium, and multiple product formations with a limited scope of general application. Herein we disclose a directed para-selective ketonisation technique of arenes, overriding electronic bias and structural congestion, in the presence of a polar protic solvent. The concept of hard–soft interaction along with in situ activation techniques is utilised to suppress the competitive routes. Mechanistic pathways are investigated both experimentally and computationally to establish the hypothesis. Synthetic utility of the protocol is highlighted in formal synthesis of drugs, drug cores, and bioactive molecules.Electrophilic acylation of arenes is largely limited to electron rich systems, non-polar medium and often displays moderate selectivity. Here, the authors show a directed para-selective ketonisation of arenes, overriding electronic bias and structural congestion, and apply it to the synthesis of bioactive compounds.