Ti-Catalyzed Radical Alkylation of Secondary and Tertiary Alkyl Chlorides Using Michael Acceptors

J Am Chem Soc. 2018 Nov 7;140(44):14836-14843. doi: 10.1021/jacs.8b08605. Epub 2018 Oct 26.

Abstract

Alkyl chlorides are common functional groups in synthetic organic chemistry. However, the engagement of unactivated alkyl chlorides, especially tertiary alkyl chlorides, in transition-metal-catalyzed C-C bond formation remains challenging. Herein, we describe the development of a TiIII-catalyzed radical addition of 2° and 3° alkyl chlorides to electron-deficient alkenes. Mechanistic data are consistent with inner-sphere activation of the C-Cl bond featuring TiIII-mediated Cl atom abstraction. Evidence suggests that the active TiIII catalyst is generated from the TiIV precursor in a Lewis-acid-assisted electron transfer process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes / chemical synthesis*
  • Alkanes / chemistry
  • Alkylation
  • Catalysis
  • Free Radicals / chemistry
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Titanium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Free Radicals
  • Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
  • Titanium