Unactivated C(sp3)-H Bond Functionalization of Alkyl Nitriles with Vinylarenes and Mechanistic Studies

Org Lett. 2016 Dec 2;18(23):5986-5989. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.6b02692. Epub 2016 Nov 11.

Abstract

The first example of a metal-free unactivated C(sp3)-H bond functionalization of alkyl nitriles with terminal vinylarenes to provide γ-ketonitrile derivatives is described. This protocol features simple operations, a broad substrate scope, and atom and step economy. In addition, Cu-catalyzed C(sp3)-H bond functionalization of azodiisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and analogues with terminal vinylarenes to generate γ-ketonitriles was also studied. A preliminary free-radical pathway was confirmed by capturing an alkyl radical, and a conjugate system was found that can stabilize radical intermediates and be in favor of this transformation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations also provide important evidence of the free-radical pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't