Photocatalyzed Site-Selective C(sp3)-H Functionalization of Alkylpyridines at Non-Benzylic Positions

Org Lett. 2017 Dec 1;19(23):6436-6439. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.7b03339. Epub 2017 Nov 20.

Abstract

Tetrabutylammonium decatungstate (TBADT)-photocatalyzed C-H functionalization of alkylpyridines was investigated. Unlike alkylbenzene counterparts, alkylation of α-C-H bonds did not proceed for the reaction of 2- and 4-alkylpyridines and reluctantly proceeded for 3-alkylpyridines, which allow site-selective C(sp3)-H functionalization at nonbenzylic positions. The observed nonbenzylic site selectivities are rationalized by the polar inductive effects of pyridyl groups in the SH2 transition states. Consecutive γ-functionalization and α-bromofunctionalization were successfully carried out in selected cases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't