Jagan M. R. Narayanam

Electron-Transfer Photoredox Catalysis: Development of a Tin-Free Reductive Dehalogenation Reaction

We report an operationally simple, tin-free reductive dehalogenation system utilizing the well-known visible-light-activated photoredox catalyst Ru(bpy)(3)Cl(2) in combination with (i)Pr(2)NEt and HCO(2)H or Hantzsch ester as the hydrogen atom donor. Activated C-X bonds may be reduced in good yields with excellent functional-group tolerance and chemoselectivity over aryl and vinyl C-X bonds. The proposed mechanism involves visible-light excitation of the catalyst, which is reduced by the tertiary amine to produce the single-electron reducing agent Ru(bpy)(3)(+). A subsequent single-electron transfer generates the alkyl radical, which is quenched by abstraction of a hydrogen atom. Reductions can be accomplished on a preparative scale with as little as 0.05 mol % Ru catalyst.

Engaging unactivated alkyl, alkenyl and aryl iodides in visible-light-mediated free radical reactions

Radical reactions are a powerful class of chemical transformations. However, the formation of radical species to initiate these reactions has often required the use of stoichiometric amounts of toxic reagents, such as tributyltin hydride. Recently, the use of visible-light-mediated photoredox catalysis to generate radical species has become popular, but the scope of these radical precursors has been limited. Here, we describe the identification of reaction conditions under which photocatalysts such as fac-Ir(ppy)3 can be utilized to form radicals from unactivated alkyl, alkenyl and aryl iodides. The generated radicals undergo reduction via hydrogen atom abstraction or reductive cyclization. The reaction protocol utilizes only inexpensive reagents, occurs under mild reaction conditions, and shows exceptional functional group tolerance. Reaction efficiency is maintained upon scale-up and decreased catalyst loading, and the reaction time can be significantly shortened when the reaction is performed in a flow reactor. Visible-light-mediated photocatalytic generation of carbon-centred radicals from alkyl, alkenyl and aryl iodides, which then undergo subsequent hydrogen-atom abstraction or reductive cyclizations, is reported. The protocol is characterized by the use of inexpensive reagents, mild conditions, exceptional functional group tolerance, and good to high yields.

Visible-light-mediated conversion of alcohols to halides

The development of new means of activating molecules and bonds for chemical reactions is a fundamental objective for chemists. In this regard, visible-light photoredox catalysis has emerged as a powerful technique for chemoselective activation of chemical bonds under mild reaction conditions. Here, we report a visible-light-mediated photocatalytic alcohol activation, which we use to convert alcohols to the corresponding bromides and iodides in good yields, with exceptional functional group tolerance. In this fundamentally useful reaction, the design and operation of the process is simple, the reaction is highly efficient, and the formation of stoichiometric waste products is minimized.

Visible light-mediated intermolecular C-H functionalization of electron-rich heterocycles with malonates.

The photoredox-mediated direct intermolecular C-H functionalization of substituted indoles, pyrroles, and furans with diethyl bromomalonate is described, utilizing the visible light-induced reductive quenching pathway of Ru(bpy)(3)Cl(2). An analysis of reductive quenchers and mechanistic considerations has led to an optimized protocol for the heteroaromatic alkylations, providing products in good yields and regioselectivities, as well as successfully eliminating previously observed competitive side reactions. This methodology is highlighted by its neutral conditions, activity at ambient temperatures, low catalyst loading, functional group tolerance, and chemoselectivity.

Total synthesis of (+)-gliocladin C enabled by visible-light photoredox catalysis.

Hexahydropyrroloindoline alkaloids are a large class of natural products that are formally derived from two molecules of tryptophan.[1] A subset of this class, the C3–C3′ indole alkaloids, contain the 3a-(3-indolyl)-hexahydropyrrolo-[2,3-b]indole skeleton and include compounds such as gliocladin C,[2] gliocladine C,[3] leptosin D,[4] and the bionectins[5] (Figure 1). Aside from their interesting structural features, they exhibit a broad range of potent biological activities. For example, gliocladin C[2] and leptosin D[4] are cytotoxic against P-388 lymphocytic leukemia cell lines with ED50 values of 240 ng mL−1 and 86 ng mL−1, respectively, while bionectins A and B[5] exhibit antibacterial activity against MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) and QRSA (quinolone-resistant S. aureus) with MIC = 10–30 µm mL−1.

Friedel–Crafts Amidoalkylation via Thermolysis and Oxidative Photocatalysis

Friedel-Crafts amidoalkylation was achieved by oxidation of dialkylamides using persulfate (S(2)O(8)(2-)) in the presence of the visible light catalyst, Ru(bpy)(3)Cl(2), at room temperature, via a reactive N-acyliminium intermediate. Alternatively, mild heating of the dialkylamides and persulfate afforded a metal and Lewis acid-free Friedel-Crafts amidoalkylation. Alcohols and electron-rich arenes served as effective nucleophiles, forming new C-O or C-C bonds. In general, photocatalysis provided higher yields and better selectivities.

Oxidative photoredox catalysis: mild and selective deprotection of PMB ethers mediated by visible light

Herein we report an advancement in the application of visible light photoredox catalysts in the oxidation of electron-rich arenes resulting in the selective deprotection of para-methoxybenzyl (PMB) ethers. This method is highlighted by excellent functional group tolerance, protecting group orthogonality, mild reaction conditions and avoidance of stoichiometric redox byproducts.