Skip to main content
Nature Communications logoLink to Nature Communications
. 2023 Nov 30;14:7917. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-43748-4

Nickel/photoredox dual catalyzed arylalkylation of nonactivated alkenes

Yuxi Gao 1, Lijuan Gao 1, Endiao Zhu 1, Yunhong Yang 1, Mi Jie 1, Jiaqian Zhang 1, Zhiqiang Pan 1,, Chengfeng Xia 1,
PMCID: PMC10689762  PMID: 38036527

Abstract

Alkene dicarbofunctionalization is an efficient strategy and operation-economic fashion for introducing complexity in molecules. A nickel/photoredox dual catalyzed arylalkylation of nonactivated alkenes for the simultaneous construction of one C(sp3)−C(sp3) bond and one C(sp3)−C(sp2) bond has been developed. The mild catalytic method provided valuable indanethylamine derivatives with wide substrate scope and good functional group compatibility. An enantioselective dicarbofunctionalization was also achieved with pyridine-oxazoline as a ligand. The efficiency of metallaphotoredox dicarbofunctionalization was demonstrated for the concise synthesis of pharmaceutically active compounds.

Subject terms: Photocatalysis, Synthetic chemistry methodology


Dicarbofunctionalization of nonactivated alkenes is a simple way to rapidly build molecular complexity, but these transformations have not been extensively explore under metallaphotoredox conditions. Here, the authors develop a nickel/photoredox dual catalytic system for arylalkylation of alkenes.

Introduction

The establishment of efficient protocols for the dicarbofunctionalization in one step is of sustaining passion in organic synthesis to improve the molecular complexity. Alkenes are abundant and ubiquitous motifs that are extensively utilized for conventional dicarbofunctionalization110. Along with the rapid development of visible-light-mediated photochemistry1126, the photoredox reagent has been applied as a synergetic catalyst to participate in the transition-metal catalytic cycle, giving access to emerging reaction manifolds2730. The nickel/photoredox dual catalysis system has been developed as a powerful tool in the C − C bonds cross-coupling because of its high efficiency and mildness, as well as its green properties3134. The nickel/photoredox catalytic dicarbofunctionalization was also successfully exploited to formulate two vicinal C − C bonds in one step, albeit mainly focused on electronically biased alkenes with directing groups or coordinating groups (Fig. 1a)3546. In contrast, the nickel/photoredox catalytic dicarbofunctionalization of nonactivated alkenes presents a tremendous challenge because of their low reaction activities, giving rise to weak catalytic efficiency and more side reactions38. The sustainable development of the nickel/photoredox dual catalytic dicarbofunctionalization of nonactivated alkene would enable creative approaches for the construction of valuable substrates. Till now, very limited examples were documented on the dicarbofunctionalization of nonactivated alkenes (Fig. 1b). Wu et al. developed a nickel/photoredox dual catalytic diarylation of ethylene47. Overman and co-workers exploited a dual intramolecular dicarbofunctionalization of nonactivated alkenes from homoallylic oxalates catalyzed by nickel/photoredox48.

Fig. 1. Development of nickel/photoredox dual catalyzed arylalkylation of nonactivated alkenes.

Fig. 1

a Nickel/photoredox catalytic dicarbofunctionalization of activated alkenes. b Nickel/photoredox catalytic dicarbofunctionalization of nonactivated alkenes. c Metallaphotoredox catalyzed arylalkylation of nonactivated alkenes. 4CzIPN, 2,4,5,6-tetra(9H-carbazol-9-yl)−1,3-benzenedicarbonitrile.

We envisioned that a nickel/photoredox dual catalytic intramolecular arylalkylation of alkenes would provide a new avenue for the synthesis of valuable indanethylamine derivatives in one step (Fig. 1c). Yet, there could be potentially hindered by several parameters. The lower affinity and lower activity of nonactivated alkenes for nickel catalysis may hinder migratory insertion, leading to the reductive hydrogenation of halogen benzene or the direct cross-coupling of decarboxylative alkyl radicals with aryl halides49. Undesirable cyclization byproducts are often afforded in nickel-catalyzed intramolecular migratory insertion to the unactivated alkene50,51. Additionally, nickel catalyzed dimerization is also an alternative pathway5254. Therefore, in the new synergistic catalytic design, the intramolecular migratory insertion to unactivated alkene should overwhelm the competitive dehalogenation pathway and the intermolecular cross-coupling with an alkyl radical. Moreover, electrophilic alkyl radicals from photoredox decarboxylative α-amino acids should favor the oxidative addition with NiII-alkyl species to afford the NiIII-dialkyl for the intermolecular alkyl–alkyl cross-coupling. Herein, we report the nickel/photoredox catalytic arylalkylation of nonactivated alkene via synergetic photoredox decarboxylation and nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling cyclization. Such a method would allow the regioselective construction of two vicinal C − C bonds at nonactivated alkenes, providing an efficient strategy for the rapid construction of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutically active compounds.

Results and discussion

Optimization of the reaction conditions

To begin, the butenylphenyl bromide 1 and the N-propionylglycine 2 were applied as modal substrates to probe the nickel/photoredox dual catalyzed intramolecular arylalkylation. After considerable optimization, the 1-indanethylamine 3 was afforded an 82% yield by using Ir[dF(CF3)ppy]2(dtbbpy)PF6 as photoredox catalyst and Ni(dtbbpy)Br2 as synergetic catalyst in the presence of TBAB and Cs2CO3 under irradiation with 18 W blue LEDs (455 nm) at 60 °C for 48 h (Table 1, entry 1). Other photocatalysts were not as so effective in the application of this metallaphotoredox catalysis, such as 4CzIPN afforded 3 in diminished yield (entry 2). Various nickel catalysts and ligands were carefully screened but were resulted in decreased yields too (entry 3). A mixture solvent (MeCN/DMA = 9:1) was more suitable than only MeCN, DMA, or DMSO (entries 4–6). The addition of TBAB to the reaction mixture apparently improved the efficiency (entry 7). When the reaction temperature declined to 40 °C, only 70% isolated yield was obtained (entry 8). Since the protodecarboxylation by-product, as well as other side-reactions, consumed the N-propionylglycine 255,56, the optimal condition for photochemical arylalkylation was provided when 2.0 equivalents of 2 were involved (entry 9). Control experiments explained that the presence of nickel catalyst and photoredox catalyst under irradiation by visible light was significant for the reaction (entries 10–12).

Table 1.

Optimization of the reaction conditionsa

graphic file with name 41467_2023_43748_Taba_HTML.gif
Entry Variations from “conditions” Yieldb
1 None 82%
2 4CzIPN instead of Ir[dF(CF3)ppy]2(dtbbpy)PF6 54%
3 Ni(bpy)Br2 instead of Ni(dtbbpy)Br2 33%
4 MeCN instead of MeCN:DMA (9:1) 68%
5 DMA instead of MeCN:DMA (9:1) 45%
6 DMSO instead of MeCN:DMA (9:1) 31%
7 No TBAB 65%
8 40 °C instead of 60 °C 70%
9 2.0 equiv. of 2 90%
10c No light 0
11d No nickel catalyst 0
12e No photocatalyst 0

TBAB tetrabutylammonium bromide, 4CzIPN 2,4,5,6-tetra(9H-carbazol-9-yl)−1,3-benzenedicarbonitrile, DMA N,N-dimethylacetamide.

aReactions were performed with 1 (0.2 mmol), 2 (0.3 mmol), photocatalyst (0.004 mmol), nickel catalyst (0.04 mmol), base (0.33 mmol), and additive (0.05 mmol) in 2.0 mL MeCN/DMA (9/1, V/V), were placed at approximately 8 cm away from two parallel LEDs (Blue LEDs, 455 nm, 18 W), and were heated at 60 °C in an oil bath for 48 h.

bYield of isolated product.

cWithout light.

dWithout nickel catalyst.

eWithout photocatalyst.

Scope of the reaction

With the optimized conditions in hands, we turned our attention to exploring the substrate scope of this transformation for nonactivated alkenes (Fig. 2). Various substituents, both electron-withdrawing (F, CF3, CHF2, CO2Me, Cl) and electron-donating (Me, tBu, OMe, NHBoc) were well tolerated in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-positions so that dicarbofunctionalized products were provided in moderate to excellence yields (4 − 17, 40%–95% yield). The electron-withdrawing substitution at the 3- and 4-positions of arene resulted in higher yields for dicarbofunctionalization (5, 9, 10, and 12). Additionally, excellent chemoselectivity for C(sp2)−Br bond cleavage over C(sp2)−Cl bond cleavage was observed in this process as demonstrated, affording 90% yield for compound 12. The protocol also tolerated the polysubstituted arene, and thus indanethylamine derivatives (7, 11, and 16) were afforded in synthetically useful yields (56%–71% yield). Note, that alkyl-substituted substrates (13, 14, and 18) generally provided better yields than alkoxy-substituted ones (15 and 16). The amide substituent was successfully suited for this process, installing the cyclic product in 40% yield (17). As shown for 18, the presence of an additional nonactivated olefin did not interfere with the dicarbofunctionalization. The formation of compound 18 as a single product suggested that the reaction was intiated from the nickel-catalyzed intermolecular cyclization instead of the radical addtion to alkene. Ramelteon (RozeremTM, 20) is a sleep agent which nearly has no adverse effects, such as drug dependence and cognitive impairment57. Our developed metallaphotoredox catalytic protocol proceeded smoothly to achieve the Ramelteon 20 and its derivative 21 from nonactivated alkenes in acceptable yields (41% and 43%, respectively). Next, we examined the scope of nonactivated α-and β-substituted terminal alkenes (22 − 24). More sterically demanding di-α-substituted substrate was reactive, providing the desired product 22 in good yield (71%). As for mono-β-substituted substrates, diastereomeric ratios were observed under optimal reaction conditions (23 and 24). Delightedly, the current method was efficiently applied to the accurate construction of tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives with good yield for both electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents (25 − 27, 49%–55% yield). Besides the C-linked substrates, the O- and N-linked substrates were then subjected for the dicarbofunctionalization. It was found that the N-linked product (29) was harvested in much higher yield than the O-linked product (28). Meanwhile, we also tried to probe whether this dual-catalyzed strategy was applicable for generation of larger membered products. However, no 7-membered product was detected for the C-linked substrate. Instead, when O-linked substrates were exploited, the corresponding 7-membered cyclization compound 31 was isolated, ableit in low as 25% yield. Finally, the disubstituted terminal alkenes delivered products in moderate to good yields (32 and 33), while the internal alkenes failed.

Fig. 2. Substrate scope for nonactivated alkenes.

Fig. 2

[a] Reaction for 96 h. [b] Reaction for 24 h. TBAB tetrabutylammonium bromide, DMA N,N-dimethylacetamide.

We next set out to probe the substrate scope of α-amino acids for this method (Fig. 3). A variety of acyl groups were well tolerated in the indanethylamine formation (34 − 38, 43%–97% yield). In addition, N-cyclopropylcarbonylglycine was viable in the reaction (36), providing an acceptable yield (43% yield). The presence of Boc, Cbz, or Bz was also valid in the dual catalytic dicarbofunctionalization (39 − 41, 51%–85% yield). Various aryls, even N-nicotinoyl posed no challenge on the arylalkylation (42 − 44, 62%–71% yield). Several N-Bz-substituted natural α-amino acids were also examined. The reaction of nonpolar natural α-amino acids such as alanine and leucine proceeded smoothly to obtain the cyclic products in excellent yield (45 and 46, 92% and 90%). In terms of lysine, the yield of 47 was moderate (58%).

Fig. 3. Substrate scope for α-amino acids and dipeptides.

Fig. 3

TBAB tetrabutylammonium bromide, DMA N,N-dimethylacetamide.

Encouraged by the above results, we wondered whether our strategy could be extended to apply dipeptides as substrates for the direct synthesis of indanethylamines. Delightedly, various glycine dipeptides could be employed as alkyl reagents for the visible-light photoredox/nickel catalytic arylalkylation of nonactivated alkenes, resulting in good yields (48 − 51, 50%–86% yield). As for N-Boc-Val-Al and N-Boc-Leu-Leu, corresponding indanethylamines were also afforded via the optimal conditions (52 and 53).

Asymmetric dicarbofunctionalization

The asymmetric dicarbofunctionalizations of unactivated olefins have been documented in traditional transition-metal catalyzed cyclization, but an alkyl or an aryl group at the 2–position of terminal olefin was found to be necessary to improve the stereoselective migratory insertion52,54,5861. Fu and coworkers reported the only example of enantioselective synthesis of the tertiary stereogenic carbon with nonactivated alkenes via the nickel catalytic dicarbofunctionalization of the pre-prepared aryl boron substrates62. Since a tertiary stereogenic carbon was formed in this nickel/photoredox dual catalytic arylalkylation, we envisioned that an appropriate nickel catalyst and an efficient chiral ligand would realize the enantioselective synthesis of the tertiary stereocenter of indanethylamine via the stereoselective migratory insertion. The reaction parameters were re-optimized when chiral ligands were applied in this metallaphotoredox catalysis. After careful screening, the pyridine-oxazoline (Pyox) ligand6365, L1, was discovered as the optimal chiral ligand to afford (S)-3 in moderate yield and high enantioselectivity (55% yield, 95:5 er. See ESI for the optimization of asymmetric reaction conditions). Note, that the standard photocatalyst, nickel catalyst, and additive have been revised to 4CzIPN, Ni(BF4)2.6H2O, and MgCl2 respectively (Fig. 4). With the optimized asymmetric condition in hands, an exploratory scope was implemented. A total of twelve compounds were illustrated in the asymmetric version with good enantioselectivities. In comparison to the electron-withdrawing substituents ((S)-9 and (S)-19), the electron-donating substituents ((S)-14 and (S)-18) proved to be more efficient in both yield and enantioselective protocol. More sterically indanethylamine (S)-22 was also delivered in 46% yield and 96:4 er. Various acyl groups were well appropriate so that dicarbofunctionalized products were provided in good yields and high ee values ((S)-3, (S)-37, (S)-39, and (S)-41, 45%–85% yield, 93:7–96:4 er). Other amino acids (such as alanine, leucine and lysine) with additional subsitutents on α-position were then evaluated for the enantioselective dicarbofunctionalizations. The tertiary stereogenic carbon displayed good enantioselectivity, while poor selectivity was observed on the amino acid moeity ((S)-45 − (S)-47).

Fig. 4. Application in enantioselective arylalkylation of nonactivated alkenes.

Fig. 4

Reaction conditions: nonactivated alkenes (0.20 mmol), α-amino acids (0.40 mmol), photocatalyst (0.004 mmol), nickel catalyst (0.04 mmol), L1 (0.044 mmol), base (0.33 mmol), and MgCl2 (0.05 mmol) in 2.0 mL MeCN, were placed at approximately 8.0 cm away from two parallel LEDs (Blue LEDs, 455 nm, 18 W), and were heated at 40 °C in an oil bath for 48 h. [a] Without MgCl2. 4CzIPN, 2,4,5,6-tetra(9H-carbazol-9-yl)−1,3-benzenedicarbonitrile.

To demonstrate the utility of this nickel/photoredox dual catalyzed arylalkylation of nonactivated alkenes, applications for the concise synthesis of pharmaceutically active compounds were then conducted (Fig. 5). Melatonin receptor agonist ((S)-55) has high affinity and excellent selectivity for human MT1 receptors, which nearly has no adverse effects such as drug dependence and cognitive impairment due to negligible affinity for MT3 receptors66. The previous strategy for the synthesis of (S)-55 required four steps from commercially available 6-methoxyl-1H-indanone57. With our developed asymmetric nickel/photoredox dual catalytic arylalkylation, the compound (S)-55 was achieved in just one step from the known nonactivated alkene 54, demonstrating the high efficiency of this protocol (Fig. 5a). The absolute configuration of the asymmetric indanethylamine (S)-55 was determined via the careful contrast of the reported enantiomeric excess66. Another example illustrating the efficiency of this protocol was the S20242 (57), an Agomelatine derivative for the re-entrainment of sleep-wake cycles and the restoration of the body’s core temperature rhythms67. The commercially available benzylbromide 56 reacted with 3-butenyl magnesium bromide under the catalysis of CuI to yield 2-bromo-4-methoxy-1-(pent-4-en-1-yl)benzene, which was then applied to the nickel/photoredox dual catalytic conditions with N-propionylglycine 2. After oxidation with DDQ, the S20242 (57) was furnished in a three-step sequence (Fig. 5b).

Fig. 5. Application in the concise synthesis of pharmaceutically active compounds.

Fig. 5

a Synthesis of melatonin receptor agonist (S)-55. b Synthesis of S20242 (57).4CzIPN 2,4,5,6-tetra(9H-carbazol-9-yl)−1,3-benzenedicarbonitrile, DDQ 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone.

Mechanistic study

To shed light on the mechanism of this dual catalytic cycle, a series of mechanistic experiments were conducted (Fig. 6). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies of the deprotonation of N-propionylglycine 2 (Ep/2red = +0.98 V versus SCE in MeCN) (Fig. 6a) suggested that it can be oxidized by Ir[dF(CF3)ppy]2(dtbbpy)PF6 (E1/2red [*IrIII/IrII] = +1.21 V versus SCE in MeCN)68. The Stern-Volmer quenching experiments revealed that the excited state of Ir[dF(CF3)ppy]2(dtbbpy)PF6 was efficiently quenched by the anion of 2 (Fig. 6b). In contrast, no excited state quenching was observed for butenylphenyl bromide 1 (Fig. 6c). These results provided evidence that the deprotonated N-propionylglycine 2 was oxidized by the excited photocatalyst via single electron transfer (SET) oxidation followed by a decarboxylative process to afford an alkyl radical. The addition of (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO) or 1,4-dinitrobenzene as radical inhibitor strongly inhibited the photoredox decarboxylation, indicating that a radical process was highly possible. A light-on−off experiment was carried out to verify that the reaction underwent a photochemical pathway (See Supplementary Figs. 8 and 9)69.

Fig. 6. Mechanistic experiments.

Fig. 6

a The cyclic voltammogram of the carboxylic acid anion of N-propionylglycine (2) versus SCE in DMSO at 0.1 V/s scan rate. b Quenching of the photocatalyst Ir[dF(CF3)ppy]2(dtbbpy)PF6 (5 × 10−5 M in DMSO) in the presence of increasing amounts of 2. c Stern-Volmer fluorescence quenching experiments. d The cyclic voltammogram of Ir[(dF(CF3)ppy)2(dtbbpy)]PF6 and Ni(dtbbpy)Br2 versus Ag/AgCl in MeCN at 0.2 V/s scan rate.

To exclude the addition of olefins by free radicals, generated from amino acid decarboxylation, and then cyclization with NiII, two control experiments were conducted (Fig. 7). The reaction of 58 with 2 gave no cross-product, suggesting that a radical addition of the unactivated alkene is not favored. The selective coupling of radical with the two alkenes in compound 18 also confirms the reaction sequence (Fig. 2). Moreover, in the presence of 1,4-cyclohexadiene, the reaction of S19 with 2 gave both the desired product 19 and protonated byproduct 6034,54. These results support the reaction pathway that involves the activation of Ar−Br with Ni0, intramolecular migratory insertion, and alkyl radical coupling.

Fig. 7. Controlled experiments for mechanistic investigation.

Fig. 7

Confirmation of the sequence of radical addition and cyclization events.

Based on the above mechanistic studies and references, a plausible dual catalytic mechanism was proposed as shown in Fig. 8. The excited state IrIII* A oxidizes the deprotonated N-propionylglycine 2 via a SET process to afford the corresponding IrII intermediate B and a carboxyl radical68, which then delivers the alkyl radical C upon rapid release of CO2. Concurrently with the photoredox cycle, the oxidative addition of the Ni0Ln D into aryl bromide 1 provides an aryl-NiII intermediate E, which undergoes an intramolecular β-migratory insertion of the nonactivated alkene and then a cyclization to afford the alkyl-NiII intermediate F. Next, the addition of alkyl radical C to the NiII species F generates the alkyl-NiIII-alkyl intermediate G, affording the dicarbofunctionalization product 3 and the NiILn species H. A SET event between the NiI intermediate H (Ep/2red [NiI/Ni0] = −1.29 V versus Ag/AgCl in MeCN, Fig. 6d)34,7072 and the IrII intermediate B (E1/2red [IrIII/IrII] = −1.30 V versus Ag/AgCl in MeCN, Fig. 6d)68 simultaneously regenerates the IrIII photoredox catalyst and the Nickel catalyst, thereby closing both catalytic cycles.

Fig. 8. Proposed mechanism.

Fig. 8

Nickel/photoredox dual catalyzed arylalkylation of alkene.

In summary, an arylalkylation of nonactivated alkenes enabled by photoredox/nickel dual catalysis had been developed. The metallaphotoredox dicarbofunctionalization of the nonactivated alkenes with α-amino acids and butenylphenyl bromides resulted in the efficient synthesis of indanethylamine derivatives. This mild catalytic protocol displayed a broad substrate scope and a good functional group tolerance. An enantioselective strategy was then exploited to install the tertiary stereocenter with good yields and high enantioselectivities by using Pyox as ligand. This method was also demonstrated for the concise synthesis of pharmaceutically active compounds.

Methods

General procedure for nickel/photoredox dual catalyzed arylalkylation

To a 10 mL glass tube equipped with a septum and a magnetic stir bar was added Ni(dtbbpy)Br2 (19.5 mg, 0.04 mmol, 20 mol%), Amino acid derivatives (0.40 mmol, 2.0 equiv.), TBAB (16.1 mg, 0.05 mmol, 25 mol%), Cs2CO3 (108 mg, 0.33 mmol, 1.65 equiv.), Ir[dF(CF3)ppy]2(dtbbpy)PF6 (4.5 mg, 0.004 mmol, 2.0 mol%) and MeCN (1.8 mL) and DMA (0.2 mL) in the glove box. The corresponding unactivated alkenes (0.20 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) was added to the glass tube with a pipette gun under the argon. The resulting mixture was then sealed and wrapped with electrical tape and then irradiated with two parallel 18 W LEDs (455 nm,) from a distance of approximate 8 cm for 48 h. The reaction was maintained at 60 °C by heating in an oil bath and cooling by a fan. Then, the solvent was evaporated and concentrated, the residue was purified by silica chromatography.

General procedure for asymmetric arylalkylation

To a 10 mL glass tube equipped with a septum and a magnetic stir bar was added Ni(BF4)2·6H2O (13.6 mg, 0.04 mmol, 20 mol%), Ligand (9.0 mg, 0.044 mmol, 22 mol%) and MeCN (2.0 mL) in the glove box. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Amino acid derivatives (0.30 mmol, 1.5 equiv.), MgCl2 (4.8 mg, 0.05 mmol, 25 mol%), Cs2CO3 (108 mg, 0.33 mmol, 1.65 equiv.), 4CzIPN (3.2 mg, 0.004 mmol, 2 mol%) and the corresponding unactivated alkenes (0.20 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) were then added in sequence under the argon. The resulting mixture was then sealed and wrapped with electrical tape and removed from the glove box. The reaction mixture was irradiated with two parallel 18 W LEDs (455 nm,) from a distance of approximate 8 cm for 48 h. The reaction was maintained at 40 °C by heating in an oil bath and cooling by a fan. Then, the solvent was evaporated and concentrated, the residue was purified by silica chromatography.

Supplementary information

Peer Review File (3.5MB, pdf)

Acknowledgements

Financial support for this work was provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22271246 and 22061043), the Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province (202201AT070068), and Yunling Scholar Project and Young Talent Project of “Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program”.

Author contributions

C.X. and Z.P. conceptualized the project, directed the project, and finalized the manuscript draft. Y.G. conducted the optimization of the dual catalytic dicarbofunctionalization and part of the scope investigation. L.G., E.Z., Y.Y., M.J. and J.Z. performed scope investigation. All authors contributed to discussions.

Peer review

Peer review information

Nature Communications thanks Hua-Jian Xu, and the other, anonymous, reviewer for their contribution to the peer review of this work. A peer review file is available.

Data availability

All data to support the conclusions are available in the main text or the Supplementary Information. All other data are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Footnotes

Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Contributor Information

Zhiqiang Pan, Email: panzhiqiang@ynu.edu.cn.

Chengfeng Xia, Email: xiacf@ynu.edu.cn.

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41467-023-43748-4.

References

  • 1.Zhu S, Zhao X, Li H, Chu L. Catalytic three-component dicarbofunctionalization reactions involving radical capture by nickel. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2021;50:10836–10856. doi: 10.1039/D1CS00399B. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 2.Wickham LM, Giri R. Transition metal (Ni, Cu, Pd)-catalyzed alkene dicarbofunctionalization reactions. Acc. Chem. Res. 2021;54:3415–3437. doi: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00329. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 3.Derosa J, Apolinar O, Kang T, Tran VT, Engle KM. Recent developments in nickel-catalyzed intermolecular dicarbofunctionalization of alkenes. Chem. Sci. 2020;11:4287–4296. doi: 10.1039/C9SC06006E. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 4.Qi X, Diao T. Nickel-catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization of alkenes. ACS Catal. 2020;10:8542–8556. doi: 10.1021/acscatal.0c02115. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 5.Yang T, Chen X, Rao W, Koh MJ. Broadly applicable directed catalytic reductive difunctionalization of alkenyl carbonyl compounds. Chem. 2020;6:738–751. doi: 10.1016/j.chempr.2019.12.026. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  • 6.Shu W, et al. Ni-catalyzed reductive dicarbofunctionalization of nonactivated alkenes: scope and mechanistic Insights. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019;141:13812–13821. doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b02973. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 7.Dhungana RK, KC S, Basnet P, Giri R. Transition metal-catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated Olefins. Chem. Rec. 2018;18:1314–1340. doi: 10.1002/tcr.201700098. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 8.Li X, Chen P, Liu G. Palladium-catalyzed intermolecular arylcarbonylation of unactivated alkenes: incorporation of bulky aryl groups at room temperature. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2018;57:15871–15876. doi: 10.1002/anie.201810405. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 9.Derosa J, Tran VT, Boulous MN, Chen JS, Engle KM. Nickel-catalyzed β,γ-Dicarbofunctionalization of alkenyl carbonyl compounds via conjunctive cross-coupling. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017;139:10657–10660. doi: 10.1021/jacs.7b06567. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 10.Thapa S, Basnet P, Giri R. Copper-catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated Olefins by tandem cyclization/cross-coupling. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017;139:5700–5703. doi: 10.1021/jacs.7b01922. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 11.Capaldo L, Ravelli D, Fagnoni M. Direct photocatalyzed Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) for Aliphatic C–H bonds elaboration. Chem. Rev. 2022;122:1875–1924. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00263. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 12.Pitre SP, Overman LE. Strategic use of visible-light photoredox catalysis in natural product synthesis. Chem. Rev. 2022;122:1717–1751. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00247. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 13.Shing Cheung KP, Sarkar S, Gevorgyan V. Visible light-induced transition metal catalysis. Chem. Rev. 2022;122:1543–1625. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00403. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 14.Cheng Y-Z, Feng Z, Zhang X, You S-L. Visible-light induced dearomatization reactions. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2022;51:2145–2170. doi: 10.1039/C9CS00311H. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 15.Kumar GS, Lin Q. Review: light-triggered click chemistry. Chem. Rev. 2021;121:6991–7031. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00799. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 16.Lu F-D, et al. Recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed asymmetric coupling reactions with light intervention. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2021;50:12808–12827. doi: 10.1039/D1CS00210D. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 17.Cibulka R. Strong chemical reducing agents produced by light. Nature. 2020;580:31–32. doi: 10.1038/d41586-020-00872-1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 18.Chuentragool P, Kurandina D, Gevorgyan V. Catalysis with palladium complexes photoexcited by visible light. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019;58:11586–11598. doi: 10.1002/anie.201813523. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 19.Buzzetti L, Crisenza GEM, Melchiorre P. Mechanistic studies in photocatalysis. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019;58:3730–3747. doi: 10.1002/anie.201809984. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 20.Zhou Q-Q, Zou Y-Q, Lu L-Q, Xiao W-J. Visible-light-induced organic photochemical reactions through energy-transfer pathways. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019;58:1586–1604. doi: 10.1002/anie.201803102. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 21.Marzo L, Pagire SK, Reiser O, Koenig B. Visible-light photocatalysis: does it make a difference in organic synthesis? Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2018;57:10034–10072. doi: 10.1002/anie.201709766. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 22.Xie J, Jin H, Hashmi ASK. The recent achievements of redox-neutral radical C-C cross-coupling enabled by visible-light. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2017;46:5193–5203. doi: 10.1039/C7CS00339K. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 23.Staveness D, Bosque I, Stephenson CRJ. Free radical chemistry enabled by visible light-induced electron transfer. Acc. Chem. Res. 2016;49:2295–2306. doi: 10.1021/acs.accounts.6b00270. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 24.Yoon TP. Photochemical stereocontrol using tandem photoredox-chiral lewis acid catalysis. Acc. Chem. Res. 2016;49:2307–2315. doi: 10.1021/acs.accounts.6b00280. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 25.Romero NA, Nicewicz DA. Organic photoredox catalysis. Chem. Rev. 2016;116:10075–10166. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00057. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 26.Prier CK, Rankic DA, MacMillan DWC. Visible light photoredox catalysis with transition metal complexes: applications in organic synthesis. Chem. Rev. 2013;113:5322–5363. doi: 10.1021/cr300503r. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 27.Chan AY, et al. Metallaphotoredox: the merger of photoredox and transition metal catalysis. Chem. Rev. 2022;122:1485–1542. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00383. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 28.Tellis JC, et al. Single-electron transmetalation via photoredox/nickel dual catalysis: unlocking a new paradigm for sp3–sp2 cross-coupling. Acc. Chem. Res. 2016;49:1429–1439. doi: 10.1021/acs.accounts.6b00214. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 29.Tellis JC, Primer DN, Molander GA. Single-electron transmetalation in organoboron cross-coupling by photoredox/nickel dual catalysis. Science. 2014;345:433–436. doi: 10.1126/science.1253647. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 30.Zuo Z, et al. Merging photoredox with nickel catalysis: coupling of α-Carboxyl sp3-Carbons with aryl halides. Science. 2014;345:437–440. doi: 10.1126/science.1255525. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 31.Milligan JA, Phelan JP, Badir SO, Molander GA. Alkyl carbon–carbon bond formation by nickel/photoredox cross-coupling. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019;58:6152–6163. doi: 10.1002/anie.201809431. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 32.Murphy JJ, Melchiorre P. Light opens pathways for nickel catalysis. Nature. 2015;524:297–298. doi: 10.1038/nature15200. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 33.Zheng S, et al. Diastereoselective olefin amidoacylation via photoredox PCET/nickel-dual catalysis: reaction scope and mechanistic insights. Chem. Sci. 2020;11:4131–4137. doi: 10.1039/D0SC01459A. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  • 34.Wang R, Wang C. Asymmetric imino-acylation of alkenes enabled by HAT-photo/nickel cocatalysis. Chem. Sci. 2023;14:6449–6456. doi: 10.1039/D3SC01945D. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 35.Wang D, Ackermann L. Three-component carboacylation of alkenes via cooperative nickelaphotoredox catalysis. Chem. Sci. 2022;13:7256–7263. doi: 10.1039/D2SC02277J. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 36.Xu S, Chen H, Zhou Z, Kong W. Three-component alkene difunctionalization by direct and selective activation of aliphatic C−H Bonds. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021;60:7405–7411. doi: 10.1002/anie.202014632. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 37.Qian P, et al. Catalytic enantioselective reductive domino alkyl arylation of acrylates via nickel/photoredox catalysis. Nat. Commun. 2021;12:6613. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-26794-8. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 38.Zhu C, Yue H, Chu L, Rueping M. Recent advances in photoredox and nickel dual-catalyzed cascade reactions: pushing the boundaries of complexity. Chem. Sci. 2020;11:4051–4064. doi: 10.1039/D0SC00712A. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 39.Badir SO, Molander GA. Developments in photoredox/nickel dual-catalyzed 1,2-Difunctionalizations. Chem. 2020;6:1327–1339. doi: 10.1016/j.chempr.2020.05.013. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 40.Fan P, Lan Y, Zhang C, Wang C. Nickel/Photo-cocatalyzed asymmetric acyl-carbamoylation of alkenes. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020;142:2180–2186. doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b12554. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 41.Sun S-Z, Duan Y, Mega RS, Somerville RJ, Martin R. Site-selective 1,2-Dicarbofunctionalization of vinyl boronates through dual catalysis. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020;59:4370–4374. doi: 10.1002/anie.201916279. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 42.Guo L, et al. General method for enantioselective three-component carboarylation of alkenes enabled by visible-light dual photoredox/nickel catalysis. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020;142:20390–20399. doi: 10.1021/jacs.0c08823. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 43.Mega RS, Duong VK, Noble A, Aggarwal VK. Decarboxylative conjunctive cross-coupling of vinyl boronic esters using metallaphotoredox catalysis. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020;59:4375–4379. doi: 10.1002/anie.201916340. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 44.Campbell MW, Compton JS, Kelly CB, Molander GA. Three-component Olefin dicarbofunctionalization enabled by nickel/photoredox dual catalysis. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019;141:20069–20078. doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b08282. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 45.García-Domínguez A, Mondal R, Nevado C. Dual photoredox/nickel-catalyzed three-component carbofunctionalization of alkenes. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019;58:12286–12290. doi: 10.1002/anie.201906692. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 46.Guo L, Tu H-Y, Zhu S, Chu L. Selective, intermolecular alkylarylation of alkenes via photoredox/nickel dual catalysis. Org. Lett. 2019;21:4771–4776. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.9b01658. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 47.Li J, Luo Y, Cheo HW, Lan Y, Wu J. Photoredox-catalysis-modulated, nickel-catalyzed divergent difunctionalization of ethylene. Chem. 2019;5:192–203. doi: 10.1016/j.chempr.2018.10.006. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  • 48.Weires NA, Slutskyy Y, Overman LE. Facile preparation of spirolactones by an alkoxycarbonyl radical cyclization–cross-coupling cascade. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019;58:8561–8565. doi: 10.1002/anie.201903353. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 49.Tasker SZ, Standley EA, Jamison TF. Recent advances in homogeneous nickel catalysis. Nature. 2014;509:299–309. doi: 10.1038/nature13274. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 50.Wu Z, Si T, Xu G, Xu B, Tang W. Ligand-free nickel-catalyzed kumada couplings of Aryl Bromides with tert-Butyl Grignard reagents. Chin. Chem. Lett. 2019;30:597–600. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2018.12.027. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  • 51.Weidauer M, Irran E, Someya CI, Haberberger M, Enthaler S. Nickel-catalyzed Hydrodehalogenation of Aryl Halides. J. Organomet. Chem. 2013;729:53–59. doi: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2013.01.014. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  • 52.Jin Y, Yang H, Wang C. Nickel-catalyzed asymmetric reductive arylbenzylation of unactivated alkenes. Org. Lett. 2020;22:2724–2729. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.0c00688. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 53.Jin Y, Wang C. Ni-catalysed reductive arylalkylation of unactivated alkenes. Chem. Sci. 2019;10:1780–1785. doi: 10.1039/C8SC04279A. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 54.Tian Z-X, et al. Highly enantioselective cross-electrophile Aryl-Alkenylation of unactivated Alkenes. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019;141:7637–7643. doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b03863. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 55.Cartwright KC, Tunge JA. Organophotoredox/palladium dual catalytic decarboxylative Csp3–Csp3 coupling of carboxylic acids and π-electrophiles. Chem. Sci. 2020;11:8167–8175. doi: 10.1039/D0SC02609C. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 56.Tsymbal AV, Bizzini LD, MacMillan DWC. Nickel catalysis via SH2 homolytic substitution: the double decarboxylative cross-coupling of aliphatic acids. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022;144:21278–21286. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c08989. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 57.Uchikawa O, et al. Synthesis of a novel series of Tricyclic Indan derivatives as melatonin receptor agonists. J. Med. Chem. 2002;45:4222–4239. doi: 10.1021/jm0201159. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 58.Cerveri A, et al. Enantioselective CO2 fixation via a Heck-Coupling/Carboxylation Cascade catalyzed by nickel. Chem. Eur. J. 2021;27:7657–7662. doi: 10.1002/chem.202101082. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 59.Jin Y, Wang C. Nickel-catalyzed asymmetric reductive arylalkylation of unactivated alkenes. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019;58:6722–6726. doi: 10.1002/anie.201901067. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 60.Zhang Z-M, et al. Enantioselective Dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated Alkenes by Palladium-Catalyzed Tandem Heck/Suzuki coupling reaction. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019;58:14653–14659. doi: 10.1002/anie.201907840. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 61.You W, Brown MK. Catalytic enantioselective diarylation alkenes. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015;137:14578–14581. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5b10176. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 62.Cong H, Fu GC. Catalytic enantioselective cyclization/cross-coupling with alkyl electrophiles. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014;136:3788–3791. doi: 10.1021/ja500706v. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 63.Connon R, Roche B, Rokade BV, Guiry PJ. Further developments and applications of oxazoline-containing ligands in asymmetric catalysis. Chem. Rev. 2021;121:6373–6521. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00844. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 64.Yang G, Zhang W. Renaissance of Pyridine-Oxazolines as Chiral Ligands for asymmetric catalysis. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2018;47:1783–1810. doi: 10.1039/C7CS00615B. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 65.Brunner H, Obermann U, Wimmer P. Asymmetrische Katalysen: XXXII. Enantioselektive Phenylierung von cis-Cyclohexan-1,2-diol und meso-Butan-2,3-diol. J. Organomet. Chem. 1986;316:C1–C3. doi: 10.1016/0022-328X(86)82093-9. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  • 66.Fukatsu K, et al. Synthesis of a novel series of Benzocycloalkene derivatives as melatonin receptor agonists. J. Med. Chem. 2002;45:4212–4221. doi: 10.1021/jm020114g. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 67.Depreux P, et al. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of novel naphthalenic and bioisosteric related amidic derivatives as melatonin receptor ligands. J. Med. Chem. 1994;37:3231–3239. doi: 10.1021/jm00046a006. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 68.Lowry MS, et al. Single-layer electroluminescent devices and photoinduced hydrogen production from an ionic Iridium(III) complex. Chem. Mater. 2005;17:5712–5719. doi: 10.1021/cm051312+. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  • 69.Miyake Y, Nakajima K, Nishibayashi Y. Visible-light-mediated utilization of α-aminoalkyl radicals: addition to electron-deficient alkenes using photoredox catalysts. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012;134:3338–3341. doi: 10.1021/ja211770y. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 70.Shields BJ, Doyle AG. Direct C(sp3)–H cross coupling enabled by catalytic generation of chlorine radicals. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2016;138:12719–12722. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6b08397. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 71.Lau SH, et al. Ni/Photoredox-catalyzed enantioselective cross-electrophile coupling of styrene oxides with aryl iodides. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021;143:15873–15881. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c08105. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 72.Du X, Cheng-Sánchez I, Nevado C. Dual Nickel/Photoredox-catalyzed asymmetric carbosulfonylation of alkenes. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023;145:12532–12540. doi: 10.1021/jacs.3c00744. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Supplementary Materials

Peer Review File (3.5MB, pdf)

Data Availability Statement

All data to support the conclusions are available in the main text or the Supplementary Information. All other data are available from the corresponding author upon request.


Articles from Nature Communications are provided here courtesy of Nature Publishing Group

RESOURCES