Xu-Ge Liu

Cp*Co(III)-Catalyzed Annulations of 2-Alkenylphenols with CO: Mild Access to Coumarin Derivatives

Cp*Co(III)-catalyzed annulations of 2-alkenylphenols with CO for the synthesis of coumarin derivatives have been developed. The reaction features mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance. Preliminary mechanistic studies were conducted, suggesting that C-H activation is the turnover limiting step. Furthermore, the efficiency of this reaction was demonstrated by the rapid total synthesis of three natural products herniarin, xanthyletin, and seselin.

Mild Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed C–H Allylation with 4-Vinyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-ones: Direct and Stereoselective Synthesis of (E)-Allylic Alcohols

A rhodium(III)-catalyzed C-H direct allylation reaction with 4-vinyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-ones has been developed. The reaction provides a facile and stereoselective access to substituted-(E)-allylic alcohols under mild and redox-neutral reaction conditions. Olefinic C-H activation is applicable, giving multifunctionalized skipped dienes in good yields. Minimal double-bond migration was observed.

Direct radical trifluoromethylthiolation and thiocyanation of aryl alkynoate esters: mild and facile synthesis of 3-trifluoromethylthiolated and 3-thiocyanated coumarins

A mild and convenient oxidative radical cyclization of aryl alkynoate esters for the synthesis of 3-trifluoromethylthiolated and 3-thiocyanated coumarins has been developed using AgSCF3 and AgSCN as the corresponding radical sources, respectively. This protocol is characterized by readily available starting materials, excellent functional group tolerance and good yields.

Polycyclization Enabled by Relay Catalysis: One-Pot Manganese-Catalyzed C-H Allylation and Silver-Catalyzed Povarov Reaction

In this study, a MnI /AgI -based relay catalysis process is described for the one-pot synthesis of polycyclic products by a formal [3+2] and [4+2] cycloaddition reaction cascade. A manganese(I) complex catalyzed the first example of directed C-H allylation with allenes, setting the stage for an in situ Povarov cyclization catalyzed by silver(I). The reaction proceeds with high bond-forming efficiency (three C-C bonds), broad substrate scope, high regio- and stereoselectivity, and 100 % atom economy.

Three-Component Catalytic Carboxygenation of Activated Alkenes Enabled by Bimetallic Rh(III)/Cu(II) Catalysis

A novel cascade Cp*Rh(III)-catalyzed C-H alkylation/Cu(II)-promoted α-oxygenation which enabled a three-component carboxygenation of activated alkene is reported. Mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance were observed. The synthetic utility of the protocol was showcased by the facile transformations of the product to a variety of structurally diverse molecules. Preliminary mechanistic studies were conducted.

Regioselective Synthesis of 5-Aminooxazoles via Cp*Co(III)-Catalyzed Formal [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of N-(Pivaloyloxy)amides with Ynamides

A simple and efficient protocol for the regioselective synthesis of 5-aminooxazoles is disclosed. The reaction, catalyzed by a cheap Cp*Co(III) catalyst, starts from easily accessible N-(pivaloyloxy)amides and ynamides. Mild reaction conditions, a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and good to excellent yields were observed.

Decarboxylative Negishi Coupling of Redox‐Active Aliphatic Esters by Cobalt Catalysis

A cobalt-catalyzed decarboxylative Negishi coupling reaction of redox-active aliphatic esters with organozinc reagents was developed. The method enabled efficient alkyl-aryl, alkyl-alkenyl, and alkyl-alkynyl coupling reactions under mild reaction conditions with no external ligand or additive needed. The success of an in situ activation protocol and the facile synthesis of the drug molecule (±)-preclamol highlight the synthetic potential of this method. Mechanistic studies indicated that a radical mechanism is involved.