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The linear amino acid-catalyzed direct asymmetric intermolecular aldol reaction is presented; simple amino acids such as alanine, valine, isoleucine, aspartate, alanine tetrazole and serine catalyzed the direct catalytic asymmetric intermolecular aldol reactions between unmodified ketones and aldehydes with excellent stereocontrol and furnished the corresponding aldol products in up to 98% yield and with up to > 99% ee.

Important advances are being made in the development of stereoselective organic reactions. Some of the emerging research directions that hold forth great promise in this area deal with the development of chiral catalysts for these processes. This review attempts to unify one aspect of this field, the development of catalysts and catalyst models for the enantioselective addition of hydride and carbon nucleophiles to carbonyl substrates. Mechanistic constructs for the stereodifferentiating transition states are provided.

During the past decades, N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed reactions have emerged as a versatile tool in synthetic chemistry. In particular, NHC‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction has been significantly developed in many respects, including new reaction development and mechanistic investigation. This concept article presents recent advances towards direct cross‐coupling reactions of aldehydes with alkyl halides enabled by NHC organocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-pot, one-step protocol combining hydrogen transfer initiated dehydration (HTID) of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO), catalysed by [Cp*IrCl2(NHC)] (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; NHC = carbene ligand) complexes (1-5H and 1-3F), and self-aldol condensation (SAC) of propanal (2), allowed selective production of C6 aldehyde 2-methyl-pent-2-enal (3), in ionic liquids with high substrate conversion. This shows, for the first time, the conversion of 1,3-propanediol to C6 aldehydes in one pot via a catalytic hydrogen borrowing methodology. The Ir(III) pre-catalysts and the ionic liquids were recyclable. C6 aldehyde 2-methyl-pent-2-enal could also be selectively produced in the presence of water and in neat 1,3-PDO. The efficient, selective delivery of a value-added chemical from 1,3-PDO, a major product of many whole-cell bacterial fermentation processes, shows that the combination of chemo-catalytic processing of the chemical platform via Cp*IrCl2(NHC)-catalysed HTID/SAC with bio-catalysis has the potential to allow direct valorisation of the bio-renewable feedstocks, such as waste glycerol and sugars, into valuable chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile method for the chemodivergent synthesis of α-carbolines 1via palladium catalyzed [3+3] annulations of tosyliminoindolines 6 with α, β-unsaturated aldehydes 7 is described. Mechanistically, this cascade reaction proceeds through either a carba-Michael (in DMF) or aza-Michael (in NMA) pathway followed by intramolecular cyclization of the intermediate. A preliminary photo-physical study on selected products is also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective transition metal‐free photoredox/bismuth dual catalytic reductive dialkylation of nitroarenes with benzaldehydes has been reported. The nitroarene reduction through visible light‐driven photoredox catalysis was integrated with subsequent reductive dialkylation of anilines under bismuth catalysis to enable the cascade reductive alkylation of nitroarenes with carbonyls. Salient features of this relay catalysis system include mild reaction conditions, no requirement for transition metal catalysts, easy handling, step‐economy, and high selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides information on the use of photoacid generators (PAGs) in catalysis, specifically in the Friedel-Crafts alkylation of indoles with aldehydes/ketones. The study focuses on diarylethenes and terarylenes as PAGs, which have advantages such as high quantum yields and autonomy. The researchers developed an environmentally friendly method for synthesizing diindolylmethane derivatives with potential antibacterial, antitumor, and antifungal activities. The document also provides detailed information on the synthesis and characterization of various compounds, including their physical properties and spectroscopic data. This information can be useful for researchers studying these compounds and their properties. [Extracted from the article]

Comprehensive Summary: We report herein an unprecedented N‐heterocyclic carbene‐catalyzed formal [3 + 3] annulation of ynals with N‐Ts indolin‐3‐ones under the oxidation condition affording the functionalized pyrano[3,2‐b]indol‐2‐ones. The alkynyl acylazoliums via the combination of a carbene with ynals in the presence of oxidate proved to be the important intermediates for the success of this transformation. This method features a broad substrate scope and mild conditions, including axially chiral skeletons with suitable substitutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: We report herein an unprecedented N‐heterocyclic carbene‐catalyzed formal [3 + 3] annulation of ynals with N‐Ts indolin‐3‐ones under the oxidation condition affording the functionalized pyrano[3,2‐b]indol‐2‐ones. The alkynyl acylazoliums via the combination of a carbene with ynals in the presence of oxidate proved to be the important intermediates for the success of this transformation. This method features a broad substrate scope and mild conditions, including axially chiral skeletons with suitable substitutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furfural is an industrially relevant biobased chemical platform. Unlike classical furan, or C‐alkylated furans, which have been previously described in the current literature, the =C5H bond of furfural is unreactive. As a result, on a large scale, C=C and C=O bond hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis is mainly performed, with furfuryl alcohol and methyl tetrahydrofuran being the two main downstream chemicals. Here, we show that the derivatization of the ‐CHO group of furfural restores the reactivity of its =C5H bond, thus permitting its double condensation on various alkyl aldehydes. Overcoming the recalcitrance of the =C5H bond of furfural has opened an access to a biobased monomer, whose potential have been investigated in the fabrication of renewably‐sourced poly(silylether). By means of a combined theoretical‐experimental study, a reactivity scale for furfural and its protected derivatives against carbonylated compounds has been established using an electrophilicity descriptor, a means to predict the molecular diversity and complexity this pathway may support, and also to de‐risk any project related to this topic. Finally, by using performance criteria for industrial operations in the field of fuels and commodities, we discussed the industrial potential of this work in terms of cost, E‐factor, reactor productivity and catalyst consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synergistic catalytic effects and metal node modulation are pivotal to the performance of multifunctional catalysts.We present a versatile strategy for constructing bimetallic M1M2 cluster catalysts (polyoxometalates (POMs)/Zr‐based metal‐organic frameworks (Zr‐MOF); M1 = Zr; M2 = W, V, Mo) by a microwave‐assisted in‐situ precoordination‐postmodification approach, which consisted of the grafting of POM single clusters onto Zr–O clusters of hierarchical porous composites (defective Zr‐MOF (HUiO‐66x)) and the modulation of metal nodes in Zr‐MOF. Hierarchical porosity and double active centers in the POMs/Zr‐MOF result in greater accessibility to catalytic sites and adjustable acid–base properties, thus providing opportunities for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of biomass‐derived aldehydes/ketones. The synergistic acid–base couple sites (W6+–O2−–Zr4+) not only bridge hydrogen donors into the reaction system but also promote the dissociation of α‐C(sp3)‐H from isopropanol and subsequent hydrogen transfer to the activated carbonyl in furfural. Enhanced substrate adsorption and decreased activation barrier of the rate‐determining step are keys for the direct hydrogen transfer from carbonyl compounds to near‐quantitative corresponding alcohols via an eight‐membered‐ring transition state to achieving unprecedented low‐temperature catalytic performance over bimetallic Zr–W clusters. The proposed general method of bimetallic cluster catalysts reveals the roles of accessible metal modulation and synergistic catalytic centers toward specific catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insertion of carbonyl into C(sp2)−Pd(II) σ‐bond (Grignard‐type addition) was not established until the 1990s. While this elemental reaction has been well explored since then, its application in Pd(0) asymmetric catalysis remain elusive. Herein, we report the Pd(0)‐catalyzed asymmetric intramolecular Grignard‐type reaction of vinyl iodide‐carbonyl in the presence of HCO2H additive, affording cyclic allylic alcohol with good to excellent enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity. Mechanistic studies suggested that besides serving as an efficient reductant, HCO2H is also capable of facilitating protonation of the involved secondary alkoxyl‐Pd(II), thus completely suppressing the β‐H elimination. Moreover, no KIE was found in the competing reaction between vinyl iodide‐aldehyde and 1‐deuterated one, demonstrating the facile step of aldehyde insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The condensation of diethyl phosphite with aldehydes and cyclic ketones under conditions of thermal catalysis and microwave radiation (MW) afforded new amino phosphonates based on secondary amines, including those containing gem-dichlorocyclopropane and cyclic acetal fragments. The optimization of conditions for obtaining the target products using MW radiation showed that dialkylamines are more active than the secondary amines used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report herein a rare example of enantiodivergent aldehyde addition with β-alkenyl allylic boronates via chiral Brønsted acid catalysis. 2,6-Di-9-anthracenyl-substituted chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed asymmetric allylation using β-vinyl substituted allylic boronate gave alcohols with R absolute configuration. The sense of asymmetric induction of the catalyst in these reactions is opposite to those in prior reports. Moreover, in the presence of the same acid catalyst, the reactions with β-2-propenyl substituted allylic boronate generated homoallylic alcohol products with S absolute configuration. Unusual substrate-catalyst C-H⋅⋅⋅π interactions in the favoured reaction transition state were identified as the origins of observed enantiodivergence through DFT computational studies.

Dual photoredox catalysis is modifying the approach to sustainable metal catalysis based on metals in low oxidation state, as the use of stoichiometric metal as reductants are avoided. In this study, we showcase the potential use of vanadium in a dual photoredox process, allowing us to effectively control the formation of V(II) and its corresponding chemical reactions. A diastereoselective pinacol coupling with aromatic aldehydes is described. The process shows broad scope, and interestingly, unprotected salicylic aldehydes are compatible with the reaction protocol. Additionally, among all the ligands investigated we found that inexpensive bipyridines control the diastereoselection of the reaction favoring the d,l chiral compound (dr>20:1 for most of the aldehydes investigated). To promote the reaction and avoid an unproductive and not stereoselective radical coupling of the generated ketyl radical, the use of [DMQA]+, a stable organic dye, was found crucial. Furthermore, this dye possesses the remarkable capability of efficiently capturing light in the red segment of the visible spectrum, effectively raising efficiency of the protocol. The utilization of red light carries notable advantages in terms of penetration and safety, making it particularly significant. Moreover, careful photophysical investigations were able to give indications about the mechanism of the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a strategy for the one‐step synthesis of chiral diazabicycloalkanes that delivers the annulated ring system in a single reaction step. The method entails a direct aza‐Michael/aldol reaction of enals in conjunction with modified oxopropanamides and establishes the chiral center via iminium‐enamine tandem catalysis. For this purpose, we developed simple diphenylethylendiamine frameworks as dual activation organocatalyst, effectively engaging both the substrate and reagent, thus leading to yields of 31–86% and enantioselectivities in the range of 80–98%. The final product features not only the diazabicycloalkane moiety but includes also additional functionalities, such as aldehyde motives that can be modified in situ without loss of enantioselectivity, and an sp2‐bearing methyl group. Our approach accommodates a wide array of enals with high functional group tolerance. Additionally, we demonstrated the adjustability of enantioselectivity and yield by modulating the acid cocatalyst's quantity, thus offering multiple optimization possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photoinduced reductive Reformatsky reaction by cooperative dual-metal catalysis is described. This methodology enables the implementation of this venerable reaction in environmentally friendly conditions, obviating the need for a stoichiometric amount of metals. A broad range of synthetically useful β-hydroxy esters can be efficiently prepared in moderate to high yields using this protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of 5‐indo‐1‐yl pyran‐2‐ones with an N−C axis were prepared via a carbene‐catalyzed oxidative [3+3] annulation of indole‐1‐pyruvate esters and enals. Asymmetric construction of pyran‐2‐one ring from enals ensures the realization of this strategy. The resulting compounds were converted into axially chiral N‐arylindoles with an N−C axis via a cycloaddtion aromatization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of synergistic catalytic strategy can usually circumvent the intrinsic limitations of one catalytic system. In this communication, we disclose a cooperative catalysis strategy of manganese and iminium catalysis to realize selective hydroalkenylation of unsaturated aldehydes and ketones. Its success stems from the LUMO activation of unsaturated carbonyl compounds with secondary amines as the organocatalyst and the synergistic HOMO activation of alkenylboronic acids with Mn2(CO)8Br2. This protocol exhibits several synthetic advances, e.g. simple operation, good functional group compatibility and good regioselectivity. The theoretical calculation indicates the migratory insertion followed by demetallation‐isomerization process is kinetically more favorable than Michael‐like nucleophilic addition. The use of proline‐derived organocatalyst can deliver the desired products in moderate enantioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A parallel paired electrolysis (PPE)-enabled asymmetric catalysis has been developed. In cathode, the chiral tertiary alcohols can be obtained with high yields and enantioselectivity by the use of nickel catalyst and chiral ligand. Meanwhile, the aldehydes or aryl bromides can be obtained in anode with good yields. This method can simultaneously utilize both cathode and anode, making it an efficient and green synthesis method. [Display omitted] Metal-catalyzed asymmetric electro-reductive couplings have emerged as a powerful tool for organic synthesis, wherein a sacrificial anode is typically required. Herein, a parallel paired electrolysis (PPE)-enabled asymmetric catalysis has been developed, and the alcohols and ketones could be simultaneously converted to the corresponding aldehydes and chiral tertiary alcohols with high yields and enantioselectivity in an undivided cell. Additionally, this Ni-catalyzed asymmetric reductive coupling can well match the anodic oxidative C–H bond bromination of (hetero)arenes. This protocol opens an alternative avenue for organic synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mammals, carotenoids are converted by two carotenoid cleavage oxygenases into apocarotenoids, including vitamin A. Although knowledge about β-carotene oxygenase-1 (BCO1) and vitamin A metabolism has tremendously increased, the function of β-carotene oxygenase-2 (BCO2) remains less well-defined. We here studied the role of BCO2 in the metabolism of long chain β-apocarotenoids, which recently emerged as putative regulatory molecules in mammalian biology. We showed that recombinant murine BCO2 converted the alcohol, aldehyde, and carboxylic acid of a β-apocarotenoid substrate by oxidative cleavage at position C9,C10 into a β-ionone and a diapocarotenoid product. Chain length variation (C20 to C40) and ionone ring site modifications of the apocarotenoid substrate did not impede catalytic activity or alter the regioselectivity of the double bond cleavage by BCO2. Isotope labeling experiments revealed that the double bond cleavage of an apocarotenoid followed a dioxygenase reaction mechanism. Structural modeling and site directed mutagenesis identified amino acid residues in the substrate tunnel of BCO2 that are critical for apocarotenoid binding and catalytic processing. Mice deficient for BCO2 accumulated apocarotenoids in their livers, indicating that the enzyme engages in apocarotenoid metabolism. Together, our study provides novel structural and functional insights into BCO2 catalysis and establishes the enzyme as a key component of apocarotenoid homeostasis in mice.

By using transition metal catalysts, chemists have altered the "logic of chemical synthesis" by enabling the functionalization of carbon-hydrogen bonds, which have traditionally been considered inert. Within this framework, our laboratory has been fascinated by the potential for aldehyde C-H bond activation. Our approach focused on generating acyl-metal-hydrides by oxidative addition of the formyl C-H bond, which is an elementary step first validated by Tsuji in 1965. In this Account, we review our efforts to overcome limitations in hydroacylation. Initial studies resulted in new variants of hydroacylation and ultimately spurred the development of related transformations (e.g., carboacylation, cycloisomerization, and transfer hydroformylation).Sakai and co-workers demonstrated the first hydroacylation of olefins when they reported that 4-pentenals cyclized to cyclopentanones, using stoichiometric amounts of Wilkinson's catalyst. This discovery sparked significant interest in hydroacylation, especially for the enantioselective and catalytic construction of cyclopentanones. Our research focused on expanding the asymmetric variants to access medium-sized rings (e.g., seven- and eight-membered rings). In addition, we achieved selective intermolecular couplings by incorporating directing groups onto the olefin partner. Along the way, we identified Rh and Co catalysts that transform dienyl aldehydes into a variety of unique carbocycles, such as cyclopentanones, bicyclic ketones, cyclohexenyl aldehydes, and cyclobutanones. Building on the insights gained from olefin hydroacylation, we demonstrated the first highly enantioselective hydroacylation of carbonyls. For example, we demonstrated that ketoaldehydes can cyclize to form lactones with high regio- and enantioselectivity. Following these reports, we reported the first intermolecular example that occurs with high stereocontrol. Ketoamides undergo intermolecular carbonyl hydroacylation to furnish α-acyloxyamides that contain a depsipeptide linkage.Finally, we describe how the key acyl-metal-hydride species can be diverted to achieve a C-C bond-cleaving process. Transfer hydroformylation enables the preparation of olefins from aldehydes by a dehomologation mechanism. Release of ring strain in the olefin acceptor offers a driving force for the isodesmic transfer of CO and H2. Mechanistic studies suggest that the counterion serves as a proton-shuttle to enable transfer hydroformylation. Collectively, our studies showcase how transition metal catalysis can transform a common functional group, in this case aldehydes, into structurally distinct motifs. Fine-tuning the coordination sphere of an acyl-metal-hydride species can promote C-C and C-O bond-forming reactions, as well as C-C bond-cleaving processes.

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are important motifs in contemporary drug design as linear spacer units that improve pharmacokinetic profiles. The synthesis of BCPs featuring adjacent stereocenters is highly challenging, but desirable due to the fundamental importance of 3D chemical space in medicinal chemistry. Current methods to access these high-value chiral molecules typically involve transformations of pre-formed BCPs, and can display limitations in substrate scope. Here we describe an approach to synthesize α-chiral BCPs involving the direct, asymmetric addition of simple aldehydes to [1.1.1]propellane, the predominant BCP precursor. This is achieved by combining a photocatalyst and an organocatalyst to generate a chiral α-iminyl radical cation intermediate, which installs a stereocenter simultaneously with ring-opening of [1.1.1]propellane. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions, displays broad scope, and provides an array of α-chiral BCPs in high yield and enantioselectivity. We also present a theoretical model for stereoinduction in this mode of photoredox organocatalysis.

In order to directly functionalize C−H bonds of complex molecules and, in particular, to control the regioselectivity of the reaction, a wide range of directing groups has been used. However, these directing groups need to be installed and removed for further applications, which may limit the use of C−H activation in synthesis. Concerning aldehydes and ketones, a transient directing group strategy has recently emerged to overcome this drawback. The addition of an additive, in general an amine, allowed the in situ formation of the real directing group to achieve C−H activation. This review presents the latest developments in the field over the period 2020–2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silica-based mesoporous materials, such as SBA-15, are important supports in the field of catalysis due to their ordered pore channels. The traditional synthesis route of SBA-15 suffers from high autogenous pressure and explosion risks, limiting its industrial production. Herein, a reflux system under ambient pressure was used for the synthesis of SBA-15. Ni nanoparticles were incorporated into the obtained materials to evaluate the quality of the SBA-15 support. The comparative performance of Ni/SBA-15H and Ni/SBA-15R validated there was negligible difference between the SBA-15 prepared by the hydrothermal method (SBA-15H) and the reflux method (SBA-15R). This revolutionary synthesis methodology provides a novel and secure route for the large-scale preparation of SBA-15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct synthesis of ketones from aldehydes features high atom- and step-economy. Yet, the coupling of aldehydes with unactivated alkyl C(sp3)-H remains challenging. Herein, we develop the synthesis of ketones from aldehydes via alkyl C(sp3)-H functionalization under photoredox cooperative NHC/Pd catalysis. The two-component reaction of iodomethylsilyl alkyl ether with aldehydes gave a variety of β-, γ- and δ-silyloxylketones via 1,n-HAT (n = 5, 6, 7) of silylmethyl radicals to generate secondary or tertiary alkyl radicals and following coupling with ketyl radicals from aldehydes under photoredox NHC catalysis. The three-component reaction with the addition of styrenes gave the corresponding ε-hydroxylketones via the generation of benzylic radicals by the addition of alkyl radicals to styrenes and following coupling with ketyl radicals. This work demonstrates the generation of ketyl radical and alkyl radical under the photoredox cooperative NHC/Pd catalysis, and provides two and three component reactions for the synthesis of ketones from aldehydes with alkyl C(sp3)-H functionalization. The synthetic potential of this protocol was also further illustrated by the late-stage functionalization of natural products. Direct synthesis of ketones from aldehydes features high atom- and step-economy. Here, the authors develop two- and three-component reactions for the synthesis of ketones from aldehydes via alkyl C(sp3)-H functionalization under photoredox cooperative NHC/Pd catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: hydroformylation; selectivity; palladium; transition metal; aldehydes; hydrocarbons; isobutanal EN hydroformylation selectivity palladium transition metal aldehydes hydrocarbons isobutanal 1185 1194 10 06/19/23 20230704 NES 230704 1 Introduction Hydroformylation, often referred to as the oxo process, [1] is a transition-metal-catalyzed reaction of olefines with syngas - a mixture of CO and H SB 2 sb - to produce aldehydes. The key question remained whether the iodide-dependent hydroformylation activity would be pronounced in the reactions with Pd complexes that favor the formation of iso-Pd-acyl intermediates and whether the isoselectivity would be maintained throughout the release of the isoaldehyde product. We reasoned that the regioselectivity in Pd-catalyzed hydroalkoxycarbonylation of alkenes, which occurs through Pd-acyl intermediates as the hydroformylation reactions do, can be steered between I n i - and iso-products depending on the phosphine ligand used (Scheme 12). [29] (4) Most importantly, the rate- and selectivity-determining step involves the unusual iodide-assisted binuclear reductive elimination occurring between the Pd-acyl and Pd-hydride species, which releases the aldehyde product and forms a Pd(I)-Pd(I) intermediate. [Extracted from the article]

Many enzymes have latent activities that can be used in the conversion of non-natural reactants for novel organic conversions. A classic example is the conversion of benzaldehyde to a phenylacetyl carbinol, a precursor for ephedrine manufacture. It is often tacitly assumed that purified enzymes are more promising catalysts than whole cells, despite the lower cost and easier maintenance of the latter. Competing substrates inside the cell have been known to elicit currently hard-to-predict selectivities that are not easily measured inside the living cell. We employ NMR spectroscopic assays to rationally combine isomers for selective reactions in commercial S. cerevisiae. This approach uses internal competition between alternative pathways of aldehyde clearance in yeast, leading to altered selectivities compared to catalysis with the purified enzyme. In this manner, 4-fluorobenzyl alcohol and 2-fluorophenylacetyl carbinol can be formed with selectivities in the order of 90%. Modification of the cellular redox state can be used to tune product composition further. Hyperpolarized NMR shows that the cellular reaction and pathway usage are affected by the xenochemical. Overall, we find that the rational construction of ternary or more complex substrate mixtures can be used for in-cell NMR spectroscopy to optimize the upgrading of similar xenochemicals to dissimilar products with cheap whole-cell catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new class of polystyrene‐supported aminocatalysts with a triazole linker from diphenyl prolinol were developed. Their catalytic activity was tested in the asymmetric α‐amination of aldehydes. The substrate scope of this catalysis was studied under the optimized reaction conditions. The reusability of the polystyrene‐supported aminocatalyst was demonstrated up to four cycles. Based on the reaction results, a reaction mechanism was proposed for the asymmetric α‐amination of aldehydes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diisopropylzinc alkylation of pyrimidine aldehydes-the Soai reaction, with its astonishing attribute of amplifying asymmetric autocatalysis-occupies a unique position in organic chemistry and stands as an eminent challenge for mechanistic elucidation. A new paradigm of "mixed catalyst-substrate" experiments with pyrimidine and pyridine systems allows a disconnection of catalysis from autocatalysis, providing insights into the role played by reactant and alkoxide structure. The alkynyl substituent favorably tunes catalyst solubility, aggregation, and conformation while modulating substrate reactivity and selectivity. The alkyl groups and the heteroaromatic core play further complementary roles in catalyst aggregation and substrate binding. In the study of these structure-activity relationships, novel pyridine substrates demonstrating amplifying autocatalysis were identified. Comparison of three autocatalytic systems representing a continuum of nitrogen Lewis basicity strength suggests how the strength of N-Zn binding events is a predominant contributor toward the rate of autocatalytic progression.

The Soai reaction has profoundly impacted chemists' perspective of autocatalysis, chiral symmetry breaking, absolute asymmetric synthesis and its role in the origin of biological homochirality. Here we describe the unprecedented observation of asymmetry-amplifying autocatalysis in the alkylation of 5-(trimethylsilylethynyl)pyridine-3-carbaldehyde using diisopropylzinc. Kinetic studies with a surrogate substrate and spectroscopic analysis of a series of zinc alkoxides that incorporate specific structural mutations reveal a 'pyridine-assisted cube escape'. The new tetrameric cluster functions as a catalyst that activates the substrate through a two-point binding mode and poises a coordinated diisopropylzinc moiety for alkyl group transfer. Transition-state models leading to both the homochiral and heterochiral products were validated by density functional theory calculations. Moreover, experimental and computational analysis of the heterochiral complex provides a definitive explanation for the nonlinear behaviour of this system. Our deconstruction of the Soai system reveals the structural logic for autocatalyst evolution, function and substrate compatibility-a central mechanistic aspect of this iconic transformation.

The emergence of prebiotic organics was a mandatory step toward the origin of life. The significance of the exogenous delivery versus the in-situ synthesis from atmospheric gases is still under debate. We experimentally demonstrate that iron-rich meteoritic and volcanic particles activate and catalyse the fixation of CO2, yielding the key precursors of life-building blocks. This catalysis is robust and produces selectively aldehydes, alcohols, and hydrocarbons, independent of the redox state of the environment. It is facilitated by common minerals and tolerates a broad range of the early planetary conditions (150–300 °C, ≲ 10–50 bar, wet or dry climate). We find that up to 6 × 108 kg/year of prebiotic organics could have been synthesized by this planetary-scale process from the atmospheric CO2 on Hadean Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein describe an asymmetric α-allylic allenylation of β-ketocarbonyls and aldehydes with 1,3-enynes. A synergistic chiral primary amine/Pd catalyst was identified to facilitate the utilization of 1,3-enynes as atom-economic and achiral allene precursors. The synergistic catalysis enables the construction of all-carbon quaternary centers-tethered allenes bearing non-adjacent 1,3-axial central stereogenic centers in high level of diastereo- and enantio-selectivity. By switching the configurations of ligands and aminocatalysts, diastereodivergence can be achieved and any of the four diastereoisomers can be accessed in high diastereo- and enantio- selectivity. Enantioselective α-allylic allenylation of carbonyls is a straightforward approach to access chiral allenes that are of significant relevance as synthons and bio-active products. Here, the Luo group describe an asymmetric α-allylic allenylation of β-ketocarbonyls and aldehydes with 1,3-enynes, via a combined chiral primary amine and palladium catalyst system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synergistic photocatalytic system using a bisphosphonium catalyst and a cobalt catalyst has been developed, enabling the selective oxidation of benzylic alcohols under oxidant-free and environmentally benign conditions. High efficiencies have been obtained for a variety of alcohol substrates, and exclusive selectivity for aldehyde products has been achieved across the board. Furthermore, this photocatalytic system proved to be efficient when performed under continuous-flow conditions, even using a simple and easily assembled continuous-flow setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ZIF-67-MW show more defects and better catalytic performance. • Independent metal center and N sites in defective ZIFs construct an FLPs system. • DFT proves that the FLPs sites in defective ZIFs can easily dissociate the H-H bond. • ZIF-67-MW@SiO 2 -DMDES shows brighter prospects in unsaturated aldehydes hydrogenation. Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) were prepared by different methods for the chemoselective hydrogenation of biomass-derived cinnamaldehyde. It was found that the ZIFs prepared by microwave-assisted method (ZIF-67-MW) shows more defects, and the independent Lewis acid (metal center) and Lewis basic (N in 2-methylimidazole) sites in the defective ZIFs construct a heterogeneous Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) system. The theoretical calculations indicate that the FLPs sites in the defective ZIFs can easily dissociate the H-H bond with a low activation energy of 8.7 kcal/mol. And the silica-coated and hydrophobically modified core–shell structure of ZIF-67-MW@SiO 2 -DMDES is developed to enhance the stability of ZIF-67-MW and the selectivity to cinnamyl alcohol, it gives > 99% cinnamaldehyde conversion and 95.3% selectivity to cinnamyl alcohol. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism was proposed by the combination of experimental results and theoretical calculations. The results of substrate-extending experiments show that ZIF-67-MW@SiO 2 -DMDES presents brighter prospects in the selective hydrogenation of a series of unsaturated aldehydes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese has attracted significant recent attention due to its abundance, low toxicity, and versatility in catalysis. In the present study, a series of manganese (III) complexes supported by salan ligands have been synthesized and characterized, and their activity as catalysts in the hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds was examined. While manganese (III) chloride complexes exhibited minimal catalytic efficacy without activation of silver perchlorate, manganese (III) azide complexes showed good activity in the hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds. Under optimized reaction conditions, several types of aldehydes and ketones could be reduced with good yields and tolerance to a variety of functional groups. The possible mechanisms of silane activation and hydrosilylation were discussed in light of relevant experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation of a series of fatty alcohols to yield the corresponding aldehydes is performed using RuCl3 ⋅ (H2O)x as a homogeneous catalyst and inexpensive trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) as the oxygen source. The reaction conditions were optimized for both high conversion and high selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthracene-based ligand L1 comprising an imine functionality and a tellurium (Te) donor moiety has been prepared. This ligand L1 has been characterized using 1H, 13C and 125Te NMR spectroscopic techniques. The novel palladium(II) complex 1 and ruthenium(II) complex 2 have been synthesized by reacting organotellurium ligand L1 and Na2PdCl4/[Ru p(cymene)Cl2]2, respectively. The Pd(II) complex 1 and Ru(II) complex 2 were characterized with high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) and 125Te NMR spectra. The molecular structures of complexes 1 and 2 were authenticated with single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both the complexes are thermally stable, robust, and air and moisture insensitive. Palladium complex 1 exhibits nearly square planar geometry. The molecular structure of complex 2 has a pseudo-octahedral half sandwich piano-stool geometry around ruthenium. The catalytic activity of complex 1 has been explored for O-arylation of phenol, whereas the catalytic activity of complex 2 was explored for aldehyde to amide conversion. A variety of structurally different chloroarenes have been coupled with phenol employing 1 as a catalyst. A wide range of aldehydes containing different functional groups (viz. H, –Me, –NO2, F, OMe, Cl and Br at the para position) were readily converted into their corresponding amide by employing Ru(II) complex 2 as a catalyst in a reaction time of 12 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast and highly efficient method for the synthesis of functionalized quinazolinones by combining enzymatic catalysis and photocatalysis is reported. The α-Chymotrypsin catalyzed the cyclization of aldehyde and 2-aminobenzamide, which was subsequently followed by White LED-induced oxidation of 2-phenyl-2, 3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one to obtain quinazolinone. The reaction process was highly efficient with a reaction yield of 99% in just 2 h, and a wide range of quinazolinones could be synthesized. Furthermore, the plausible mechanism was investigated by control experiments and DFT calculations. This protocol provides an alternative synthetic route for the preparation of quinazolinone derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of chiral 4-pentenals by olefin hydroacylation. A primary amine racemizes the aldehyde substrate via enamine formation and hydrolysis. Then, a cationic rhodium catalyst promotes hydroacylation to generate α,γ-disubstituted cyclopentanones with high enantio- and diastereoselectivities.