Shaorong Yang

Ni(salphen)-based metal–organic framework for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates by cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides

A well-defined homogeneous molecular catalyst Ni(salphen) was introduced as a “metalloligand” in a MOF, providing an efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates by the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides under relatively mild conditions.

Transition-Metal-Free Homocoupling of 1-Haloalkynes: A Facile Synthesis of Symmetrical 1,3-Diynes

Symmetrical 1,3-diyne compounds can be easily synthesized via a transition-metal-free homocoupling reaction of 1-haloalkynes without base and oxidant. The method shows excellent functional group compatibility and high yields.

A chiral mixed metal–organic framework based on a Ni(saldpen) metalloligand: synthesis, characterization and catalytic performances

A three-dimensional (3D) chiral mixed metal-organic framework [Cd4Cl(Ni-L)3(Ni-HL)(H2O)6(DMF)]·4DMF (CMOF 1) based on a new enantiopure dicarboxyl-functionalized Ni(saldpen) metalloligand Ni-H2L and a novel tetranuclear cadmium cluster [Cd4Cl(CO2)7(CO2H)] has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR and UV-vis spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, nitrogen and carbon dioxide adsorption, powder and single-crystal X-ray diffractions. Each tetranuclear-cadmium cluster in 1 is linked by eight Ni-L ligands, and each Ni-L ligand is linked by two tetranuclear-cadmium clusters to generate a 3D framework with 1D open channels (∼1.1 × 0.9 nm(2)) along the b-axis. Based on its good stability, permanent porosity, Lewis acid sites and moderate uptake for CO2, 1 can be used as a self-supported heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of optically active propylene carbonate by asymmetric cycloaddition of CO2 with racemic propylene oxide under relatively mild conditions.

Palladium-catalyzed cascade annulation to construct functionalized β- and γ-lactones in ionic liquids.

A highly efficient and mild palladium-catalyzed, one-pot, four-step cascade annulation has been developed to afford functionalized β- and γ-lactones in moderate to good yields with high regio- and diastereoselectivities in ionic liquids. The employment of ionic liquids under mild reaction conditions makes this transformation green and practical. Especially, this reaction provided a novel and convenient methodology for the construction of naturally occurring biologically active β- and γ-lactones.

Palladium-Catalyzed Oxidative Sulfenylation of Indoles and Related Electron-Rich Heteroarenes with Aryl Boronic Acids and Elemental Sulfur

An efficient and convenient palladium-catalyzed C-H bond oxidative sulfenylation of indoles and related electron-rich heteroarenes with aryl boronic acids and elemental sulfur has been described. This procedure provides a useful and direct approach for the assembly of a wide range of structurally diverse 3-sulfenylheteroarenes with moderate to excellent yields from simple and readily available starting materials. Moreover, this synthetic protocol is suitable for N-protected and unprotected indoles. Notably, the construction of two C-S bonds in one step was also achieved in this transformation.

Assembly of 3-Sulfenylbenzofurans and 3-Sulfenylindoles by Palladium-Catalyzed Cascade Annulation/Arylthiolation Reaction.

A novel and efficient palladium-catalyzed cascade annulation/arylthiolation reaction has been developed to afford functionalized 3-sulfenylbenzofuran and 3-sulfenylindole derivatives in moderate to good yields from readily available 2-alkynylphenols and 2-alkynylamines in ionic liquids. This protocol provides a valuable synthetic tool for the assembly of a wide range of 3-sulfenylbenzofuran and 3-sulfenylindole derivatives with high atom- and step-economy and exceptional functional group tolerance. Moreover, the employment of ionic liquids under mild reaction conditions makes this transformation green and practical. Furthermore, this approach enriched current C-S bond formation chemistry, making a valuable and practical method in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.

Palladium-Catalyzed Tandem Annulation: A Strategy To Construct 2,3-Difunctionalized Benzofuran Derivatives in Ionic Liquids

An efficient and ecofriendly method for the construction of 2,3-difunctionalized benzofuran derivatives in moderate to good yields from readily available 2-alkynylphenols has been developed. This tandem annulation process, featuring one pot, three steps, good functional group tolerance, and high atom economy, makes this transformation efficient and practical. Moreover, this protocol is scalable, illustrating its potential applications in synthetic and pharmaceutical chemistry.

Palladium-catalyzed coupling of alkynes with unactivated alkenes in ionic liquids: a regio- and stereoselective synthesis of functionalized 1,6-dienes and their analogues.

A palladium-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective intermolecular tandem reaction of alkynes and unactivated 1,6-enols in ionic liquids is described, providing a practical, efficient, and versatile method for the synthesis of functionalized 1,6-dienes in moderate to good yields. The present reaction has high functional-group tolerance and gives products on a gram scale. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction might proceed via a chain-walking mechanism.

Highly efficient and practical synthesis of functionalized 1,5-dienes via Pd(II)-catalyzed halohomoallylation of alkynes

A Pd-catalyzed coupling of alkynes with homoallyl alcohols in ionic liquids has been reported, providing a practical, efficient, and versatile method for the synthesis of functionalized (1E)- or (1Z)-1,5-dienes in moderate to good yields. This reaction represents a rare instance of direct homoallylation of homoallyl alcohols.

Palladium-catalyzed cascade reaction of haloalkynes with unactivated alkenes for assembly of functionalized oxetanes

A novel and efficient palladium-catalyzed aerobic cascade reaction of haloalkynes with unactivated alkenes for synthesis of functionalized oxetanes has been demonstrated. This cascade protocol, including chloropalladation and a Heck-like process, proceeds smoothly with good functional group tolerance and high selectivity.