Saiwen Liu

Palladium-catalyzed desulfitative C–H arylation of azoles with sodium sulfinates

A palladium-catalyzed desulfitative C-H arylation of azoles with sodium sulfinates using Cu(OAc)(2)·H(2)O as oxidant has been discovered. The reaction proceeded well for a range of different substrates under oxidative conditions. A series of aryl-substituted azoles have been synthesized in moderate to good yields.

Palladium-Catalyzed One-Pot Diarylamine Formation from Nitroarenes and Cyclohexanones

The first palladium-catalyzed diarylamine formation from nitroarenes and cyclohexanone derivatives using borrowed hydrogen is described. Various diarylamines were selectively obtained in good to excellent yields. The reaction tolerated a wide range of functionalities. The nitro reduction, cyclohexanone dehydrogenation, and imine formation and reduction were realized in a cascade without an external reducing reagent and oxidant.

Palladium-Catalyzed Direct Arylation of Indoles with Cyclohexanones

A novel palladium catalyzed approach to 3-arylindoles was developed from indoles and cyclohexanones. Various cyclohexanones acted as aryl sources via an alkylation and dehydrogenation sequence using molecular oxygen as the hydrogen acceptor. This method showed good regioselectivity and afforded 3-arylindoles as the sole products.

Iron-catalyzed arylation of benzoazoles with aromatic aldehydes using oxygen as oxidant

An iron-catalyzed arylation of azoles with aromatic aldehydes using oxygen as oxidant has been discovered. The reaction proceeded well for a range of different substrates under oxidative conditions.

Iron-Catalyzed One-Pot 2,3-Diarylquinazolinone Formation from 2-Nitrobenzamides and Alcohols

A novel approach for the synthesis of 2,3-diarylquinazolinones using iron as catalyst is described. Various 2-nitro-N-arylbenzamides reacted with benzylic alcohols to selectively give the corresponding products in the absence of external oxidant or reductant.

Transition-metal free 2-arylbenzoxazole formation from aryl amides and cyclohexanones

A transition-metal-free method for the synthesis of 2-arylbenzoxazoles from readily available cyclohexanones and benzamides is described. The combined use of KI, p-TsOH and DMSO significantly improved the reaction yields. Non-aromatic cyclohexanones were smoothly dehydrogenated and acted as the aryl source using oxygen as the oxidant.

Iodine-promoted 2-arylsulfanylphenol formation using cyclohexanones as phenol source

A novel method for the formation of 2-arylsulfanylphenols using cyclohexanones as phenol source via dehydrogenation is described. Various aromatic sodium sulfinates and sulfonyl chlorides acted as efficient coupling partners to construct new C–S bonds in the presence of an iodine promoter.

Efficient 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-5-one formation from amidines and ketones under transition-metal free conditions

An efficient procedure for 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-5-one preparation from aryl amidines and ketones under transition-metal free conditions is described. When cyclic ketones were employed, various spiro-fused 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-5-ones were formed in high yields via rearrangement reaction.