Ye-Xiang Xie

Direct α-arylation of α-amino carbonyl compounds with indoles using visible light photoredox catalysis.

A general and mild method for the construction of functionalized 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2-amino-carbonyl compounds was achieved, which represents the first example of direct α-arylation of α-amino carbonyl compounds with indoles using the visible light photoredox catalysis strategy.

Intramolecular ipso-Halocyclization of 4-(p-Unsubstituted-aryl)-1-alkynes Leading to Spiro[4,5]trienones: Scope, Application, and Mechanistic Investigations

A new, general method for the synthesis of spiro[4,5]trienones is described by the intramolecular ipso-halocyclization of 4-(p-unsubstituted-aryl)-1-alkynes. In the presence of halide electrophiles, a variety of 4-(p-unsubstituted-aryl)-1-alkynes underwent the intramolecular ipso-halocyclization with water smoothly, affording the corresponding halo-substituted spiro[4,5]trienones in moderate to good yields. The obtained spiro[4,5]trienones can be applied in constructing the azaquaternary tricyclic skeleton via Pd-catalyzed Heck reaction. Notably, the prepared spiro[4,5]trienones and azaquaternary tricycles are of importance in the areas of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The mechanism of the intramolecular ipso-halocyclization reaction is also discussed according to the (18)O-labeling experiments and DFT calculations.

Iron Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling, Addition, and Functionalization

We cover the achievements and thought process that have emerged as a result of the recent use of iron salts as catalysts for the oxidative coupling, addition, and functionalization on constructing C−C bonds, C−N bonds, C−O bonds, C−S bonds, and C−P bonds. These transformations concomitantly require a stoichiometric oxidant to activate the catalyst: The low‐cost and ubiquity of peroxides is often used as a result of their high oxidative reactivity, resulting in the widespread utilizations of iron catalysis through the initiation of radical processes. Here, we summarize the formation of diverse chemical bonds by using iron oxidative catalysis strategies, including 1) the oxidative coupling strategy and 2) the oxidative addition and functionalization strategy. The oxidative coupling strategy focuses on the formation of one chemical bond in a single reaction, whereas the oxidative addition and functionalization strategy includes the transformations that construct at least two chemical bonds.

Nickel-catalyzed Kumada reaction of tosylalkanes with Grignard reagents to produce alkenes and modified arylketones.

Open a new door: The first example of alkene synthesis from alkyl electrophiles with Grignard reagents using the Kumada cross-coupling reaction strategy is reported. This method opens a new door for the Kumada cross-coupling reaction, allowing alkenes to be prepared from the reaction of tosylalkanes with Grignard reagents.

Synthesis of Benzocyclohepta[b]indoles by Lewis Acid Catalyzed Annulation of Two 3-(1H-Isochromen-1-yl)-1H-indoles

A novel Lewis acid catalyzed annulation reaction has been established for the synthesis of benzocyclohepta[b]indoles. This method represents a new annulation strategy to a seven-membered carbocyclic ring system from two 3-(1H-isochromen-1-yl)-1H-indole molecules using Cu(OTf)2 catalyst; moreover, the products, benzocyclohepta[b]indoles, can be used as the rapid mercuric ion colorimetric detection reagents.