1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) catalyzed Michael additions between α,β-unsaturated esters and benzophenone-imine of glycine esters in THF at room temperature by using LiBr as an additive for glutamation of phenols, thiophenols, secondary amines and imides have been realized. 3-Substituted glutamic acid esters were obtained in excellent yields and diastereoselectivities (up to quant. yield and > 20:1 d.r.). These glutamic acid esters were easily converted into their corresponding pyroglutamic acid esters in high yields through acidic hydrolysis followed lactamation ..read more

The first palladium-catalyzed allylation of isocyanoacetates with vinyl aziridines has been developed. The reaction condition was suitable to a variety of α-aryl isocyanoacetates as well as N-substituted vinyl aziridines, affording the corresponding allylation products in moderate to high yields (up to 98%) along with excellent stereoselectivity and regioselectivity. The transformations of the allylation product into trans-4,5-dehydrolysine analogy and highly functionalized proline ester derivative were further demonstrated. In addition, preliminary asymmetric version has also been evalua ..read more

A mini review focused on the chemistry of selenosulfones reported since 2019 is here presented. Initially, methods aimed to the preparation of such moiety are discussed. Successively 1,2-, 1,3-, 1,4- and 1,7-addition reactions to C-C single and multiple bonds are illustrated. The third chapter deals with C-H functionalizations while the fourth one shows the reactions with aryl diazonium salts or its precursors. The radical coupling with redox active reagents, is the subject of section five. Selenosulfones challenged in nucleophilic substitutions and in reactions with phosphorus-containing comp ..read more

A visible-light-mediated radical heteroarylation of 2‑mercaptothiazolinium salts with N-heteroarenes is reported, furnishing the corresponding functionalized N-heteroarenes in good to high yields. Various alkyl bromides were converted conveniently into redox-active thiazolinium salts and subsequently into alkyl radicals by reaction with an excited-state photocatalyst. This mild protocol permits efficient functionalization of various N-heteroarenes with a wild range of cyclic and acyclic primary and secondary alkyl groups ..read more

A formal [4+2] annulation reaction of phthalaldehyde and 3-ylideneoxindole via a tandem process of Stetter-aldol reaction was accomplished by the application N-heterocyclic carbenes as effective catalysts. Under mild conditions, this unprecedented cascade reaction readily occurs in good yield, enabling straightforward access to assemble functionalized tetrahydronaphthalene-fused spirooxindoles. For the first time, the feasibility for asymmetric Stetter-aldol reaction has also been briefly explored by employing chiral organic bases to promote the asymmetric transformation ..read more

Polyol esters are abundant bio-based resources. Integration of polyol esters into the production chain of fine chemicals would reduce carbon emission and improve the sustainability of the chemical industry. An efficient synthetic route towards phenoxyethanols was developed through catalytic hydroxyethylation of phenols with ethylene glycol diacetate as the reagent. This method showed the potential of ethylene glycol diester as a safe and sustainable substitute for ethylene oxide, a useful but toxic reagent. A variety of phenoxyethanol esters were produced in high yield under simple catalytic c ..read more

An iron(III)-promoted radical fluoroalkylation of o-alkenylaryl isocyanides has been developed using readily available perfluoroalkyl iodides as fluoroalkyl source. This cyclization reaction features broad substrate scope and provides a simple and efficient approach for regioselective construction of biologically important 2-fluoroalkylated quinolines in 38-81% yields ..read more

We report an unprecedented Ni-catalyzed direct monofluoromethylthiolation of acyl chlorides, in situ generated from carboxylic acids, with elemental sulfur (S8) as the S source and fluoroiodomethane (ICH2F) as the CH2F radical source to produce a series of monofluoromethylthioesters in moderate to good yields. This approach features excellent functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. Additionally, the late-stage monofluoromethylthiolation of complex bioactive molecules can also be accomplished using this method ..read more

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A synthesis of amides from aldehydes promoted by the photoactive complex of Fe2SO4 with 2-picolinic acid, NaCl as chlorine source, Na2S2O8 as a benign oxidant is reported. The reaction is mediated by visible-light and is carried out at room temperature in absence of additives. Fe2SO4 is a readily available earth-abundant metal (EAMs) salt, not needed to be prepared and is environmentally sustainable. Both aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes and mono- and disubstituted amines have been texted in this transformation. This report opens intriguing perspectives for extendeding application of photoacti ..read more