The development of new methods for the direct functionalization of unactivated C–H bonds is ushering in a paradigm shift in the field of retrosynthetic analysis. In particular, the catalytic enantioselective functionalization of C–H bonds represents a highly atom- and step-economic approach toward the generation of structural complexity. However, as a result of their ubiquity and low reactivity, controlling both the chemo- and stereoselectivity of such processes constitutes a significant challenge. Herein we comprehensively review all asymmetric transition-metal-catalyzed methodologies that are believed to proceed via an inner-sphere-type mechanism, with an emphasis on the nature of stereochemistry generation. Our analysis serves to document the considerable and rapid progress within in the field, while also highlighting limitations of current methods.

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Catalytic Enantioselective Transformations Involving C-H Bond Cleavage by Transition-Metal Complexes.

This review is focused on the analysis of current data on new methods of alkenylation of arenes and heteroarenes with alkynes by transition metal catalyzed reactions, Bronsted/Lewis acid promoted transformations, and others. The synthetic potential, scope, limitations, and mechanistic problems of the alkenylation reactions are discussed. The insertion of an alkenyl group into aromatic and heteroaromatic rings by inter- or intramolecular ways provides a synthetic route to derivatives of styrene, stilbene, chalcone, cinnamic acid, various fused carbo- and heterocycles, etc.

Alkenylation of Arenes and Heteroarenes with Alkynes.

Molecular syntheses largely rely on time- and labour-intensive prefunctionalization strategies. In contrast, C-H activation represents an increasingly powerful approach that avoids lengthy syntheses of prefunctionalized substrates, with great potential for drug discovery, the pharmaceutical industry, material sciences, and crop protection, among others. The enantioselective functionalization of omnipresent C-H bonds has emerged as a transformative tool for the step- and atom-economical generation of chiral molecular complexity. However, this rapidly growing research area remains dominated by noble transition metals, prominently featuring toxic palladium, iridium and rhodium catalysts. Indeed, despite significant achievements, the use of inexpensive and sustainable 3d metals in asymmetric C-H activations is still clearly in its infancy. Herein, we discuss the remarkable recent progress in enantioselective transformations via organometallic C-H activation by 3d base metals up to April 2019.

Enantioselective C-H Activation with Earth-Abundant 3d Transition Metals.

ConspectusWe present a new and efficient strategy for the atom-economic transformation of both alkynes and allenes to allylic functionalized structures via a Rh-catalyzed isomerization/addition reaction which has been developed in our working group. Our methodology thus grants access to an important structural class valued in modern organic chemistry for both its versatility for further functionalization and the potential for asymmetric synthesis with the construction of a new stereogenic center. This new methodology, inspired by mechanistic investigations by Werner in the late 1980s and based on preliminary work by Yamamoto and Trost, offers an attractive alternative to other established methods for allylic functionalization such as allylic substitution or allylic oxidation. The main advantage of our methodology consists of the inherent atom economy in comparison to allylic oxidation or substitution, which both produce stoichiometric amounts of waste and, in case of the substitution reaction, require pre...

Branching Out: Rhodium-Catalyzed Allylation with Alkynes and Allenes

We report an enantioselective coupling between α-branched aldehydes and alkynes to generate vicinal quaternary and tertiary carbon stereocenters. The choice of Rh and organocatalyst combination allows for access to all possible stereoisomers with high enantio-, diastereo-, and regioselectivity. Our study highlights the power of catalysis to activate two common functional groups and provide access to divergent stereoisomers and constitutional structures.

Stereodivergent Coupling of Aldehydes and Alkynes via Synergistic Catalysis Using Rh and Jacobsen’s Amine

The hydroamination of internal alkynes via tandem rhodium catalysis gives branched N-allylic indolines with high regio- and enantioselectivity. An acid switch provides access to the linear isomer in preference to the branched isomer by an isomerization mechanism. Mechanistic studies suggest formation of an allene intermediate, which undergoes hydroamination to generate allylic amines instead of the enamine or imine products typically observed in alkyne hydroaminations.

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Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydroamination of Alkynes with Indolines

Tandem Rh-catalysis: decarboxylative β-keto acid and alkyne cross-coupling

We present a diastereodivergent strategy for constructing bicyclic γ-lactones bearing quaternary carbon centers via ketone hydroacylation. By applying a Rh catalyst and JoSPOphos ligand, either the anti or syn bicyclic γ-lactones can be accessed with high enantio- and diastereoselectivities, depending on the choice of solvent, temperature, and counterion.

Diastereodivergent Construction of Bicyclic γ-Lactones via Enantioselective Ketone Hydroacylation.

We report a Rh-catalyzed enantioselective cycloisomerization of α,ω-heptadienes to afford cyclohexenes bearing quaternary carbon centers. Rhodium(I) and a new SDP ligand promote chemoselective formation of a cyclohex-3-enecarbaldehyde motif that is inaccessible by the Diels–Alder cycloaddition. Various α,α-bisallylaldehydes rearrange to generate six-membered rings by a mechanism triggered by aldehyde C–H bond activation. Mechanistic studies suggest a pathway involving regioselective carbometalation and endocyclic β-hydride elimination.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Cycloisomerization to Cyclohexenes Bearing Quaternary Carbon Centers

Spiro compounds: An iodine monochloride-induced intramolecular cyclization of 1-[4'-methoxy(1,1'-biphenyl)2-yl]alkynones has been developed (see scheme). An electrophilic iodocyclization selectively takes place at the ipso position (versus the ortho electrophilic aromatic substitution) to afford 4'H-spiro(cyclohexa[2,5]diene-1,1'-naphthalene)-4,4'-diones, a new group of spiroconjugated compounds.

Zhiwei Chen

Papers

Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydroamination of Alkynes with Indolines

Tandem Rh-catalysis: decarboxylative β-keto acid and alkyne cross-coupling

Diastereodivergent Construction of Bicyclic γ-Lactones via Enantioselective Ketone Hydroacylation.

Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Cycloisomerization to Cyclohexenes Bearing Quaternary Carbon Centers

ICl-induced intramolecular electrophilic cyclization of 1-[4'-methoxy(1,1'-biphenyl)2-yl]alkynones--a facile approach to spiroconjugated molecules.