The Utilization of Sulfonylhydrazones as New Radical Precursors for Asymmetric Radical C–H Alkylation via Co(II)-Based Metalloradical Catalysis

Abstract

Asymmetric C–H functionalization represents one of the central topics in modern organic chemistry, which allows for the direct installation of functional groups onto ubiquitous C–H bonds in organic molecules. Among numerous elegant strategies, transition metal-catalyzed C–H alkylation with diazo compounds represents one of the most powerful methods for C–C bond formation. Different from Fischer metallocarbene-based C–H insertion reactions, cobalt(II)-based metalloradical catalysis (MRC) is recently proven to be capable of activating acceptor/acceptor diazo compounds for radical C–H alkylation reactions via H-atom abstraction. In this dissertation, we have developed several systems by utilizing less-explored aryl and alkyl diazomethanes as new radical precursors for highly enantioselective radical C–H alkylation reactions, which permit the efficient synthesis of different optically active heterocyclic compounds. First, we have demonstrated the feasibility of using aryl aldehyde-derived sulfonylhydrazones as new radical precursors for enantioselective radical C–H alkylation to synthesis enantioenriched 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran derivatives. Notably, a general and mild way for in situ generation of diazo compounds have been identified by using 2,4,6-triisopropyl sulfonyl hydrazone as diazo precursor, which allow us to regulate the reaction temperature to achieve the high enantioselectivity for the desired radical reactions. Second, the utility of Co(II)-based MRC has been further highlighted by enantioselective indoline synthesis. Through the design and synthesis of new catalysts, the system is shown to have a broad spectrum of substrate scope, forming various 2-substituted indolines with up to 98% yield and 96% ee. A series of mechanistic studies further support the underlying stepwise radical alkylation pathway. Finally, we further expand the applicability of MRC to even more challenging diazo compounds, aliphatic diazomethanes. Starting from alkyl aldehyde-derived sulfonylhydrazones as diazo precursors, the Co(II)-based radical alkylation reactions allow for the enantioselective synthesis for common 2-substituted tetrahydrofuran structures with high yields and excellent enantioselectivities.