Accessing Heterobiaryls through Transition-Metal-Free C-H Functionalization

J Org Chem. 2018 Mar 16;83(6):3236-3244. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b00140. Epub 2018 Mar 2.

Abstract

Herein we report a transition-metal-free synthetic protocol for heterobiaryls, one of the most important pharmacophores in the modern drug industry, employing a new multidonor phenalenyl (PLY)-based ligand. The current procedure offers a wide substrate scope (24 examples) with a low catalyst loading resulting in an excellent product yield (up to 95%). The reaction mechanism involves a single electron transfer (SET) from a phenalenyl-based radical to generate a reactive heteroaryl radical. To establish the mechanism, we have isolated the catalytically active SET initiator, characterizing by a magnetic study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't