Challenges in the selective manipulation of functional groups (chemoselectivity) in organic synthesis have historically been overcome either by using reagents/catalysts that tunably interact with a substrate or through modification to shield undesired sites of reactivity (protecting groups). Although electrochemistry offers precise redox control to achieve unique chemoselectivity, this approach often becomes challenging in the presence of multiple redox-active functionalities. Historically, electrosynthesis has been performed almost solely by using direct current (DC). In contrast, applying alternating current (AC) has been known to change reaction outcomes considerably on an analytical scale but has rarely been strategically exploited for use in complex preparative organic synthesis. Here we show how a square waveform employed to deliver electric currentrapid alternating polarity (rAP) enables control over reaction outcomes in the chemoselective reduction of carbonyl compounds, one of the most widely used reaction manifolds. The reactivity observed cannot be recapitulated using DC electrolysis or chemical reagents. The synthetic value brought by this new method for controlling chemoselectivity is vividly demonstrated in the context of classical reactivity problems such as chiral auxiliary removal and cutting-edge medicinal chemistry topics such as the synthesis of PROTACs.
The site-specific oxidation of strong C(sp3)–H bonds is of uncontested utility in organic synthesis. From simplifying access to metabolites and late-stage diversification of lead compounds to truncating retrosynthetic plans, there is a growing need for new reagents and methods for achieving such a transformation in both academic and industrial circles. One main drawback of current chemical reagents is the lack of diversity with regard to structure and reactivity that prevents a combinatorial approach for rapid screening to be employed. In that regard, directed evolution still holds the greatest promise for achieving complex C–H oxidations in a variety of complex settings. Herein we present a rationally designed platform that provides a step toward this challenge using N-ammonium ylides as electrochemically driven oxidants for site-specific, chemoselective C(sp3)–H oxidation. By taking a first-principles approach guided by computation, these new mediators were identified and rapidly expanded into a library using ubiquitous building blocks and trivial synthesis techniques. The ylide-based approach to C–H oxidation exhibits tunable selectivity that is often exclusive to this class of oxidants and can be applied to real-world problems in the agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors.
<p>The site-specific oxidation of strong C(sp3)-H bonds is of uncontested utility in organic</p><p>synthesis. From simplifying access to metabolites and late-stage diversification of lead compounds</p><p>to truncating retrosynthetic plans, there is a growing need for new reagents and methods for</p><p>achieving such a transformation in both academic and industrial circles. One main drawback of</p><p>current chemical reagents is the lack of diversity with regards to structure and reactivity that</p><p>prevent a combinatorial approach for rapid screening to be employed. In that regard, directed</p><p>evolution still holds the greatest promise for achieving complex C–H oxidations in a variety of</p><p>complex settings. Herein we present a rationally designed platform that provides a step towards</p><p>this challenge using N-ammonium ylides as electrochemically driven oxidants for site-specific,</p><p>chemoselective C(sp3)–H oxidation. By taking a first-principles approach guided by computation,</p><p>these new mediators were identified and rapidly expanded into a library using ubiquitous building</p><p>blocks and trivial synthesis techniques. The ylide-based approach to C–H oxidation exhibits</p><p>tunable selectivity that is often exclusive to this class of oxidants and can be applied to real world</p><p>problems in the agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors.</p>
<div><div><div><p>Challenges in the selective manipulation of functional groups (chemoselectivity) in organic synthesis have historically been overcome using either reagents/catalysts that tunably interact with a substrate or through modification to shield undesired sites of reactivity (protecting groups). Although electrochemistry offers precise redox control to achieve unique chemoselectivity, this approach often becomes challenging in the presence of multiple redox-active functionalities. Historically, electrosynthesis has been performed almost solely by using direct current (DC). In contrast, utilization of alternating current (AC) has been considered as an option to improve reaction efficiency rather than a way to achieve distinctly different reaction outcomes. Here we show how a unique type of waveform employed to deliver electric current – rapid alternating polarity (rAP) – enables control over reaction outcomes in the chemoselective reduction of carbonyl compounds, one of the most widely used reaction manifolds. The reactivity observed cannot be recapitulated using DC electrolysis or chemical reagents. The synthetic value brought by this new method for controlling chemoselectivity is vividly demonstrated in the context of classical reactivity problems such as chiral auxiliary removal and cutting-edge medicinal chemistry topics such as the synthesis of PROTACs.</p></div></div></div>
<div><div><div><p>Challenges in the selective manipulation of functional groups (chemoselectivity) in organic synthesis have historically been overcome using either reagents/catalysts that tunably interact with a substrate or through modification to shield undesired sites of reactivity (protecting groups). Although electrochemistry offers precise redox control to achieve unique chemoselectivity, this approach often becomes challenging in the presence of multiple redox-active functionalities. Historically, electrosynthesis has been performed almost solely by using direct current (DC). In contrast, utilization of alternating current (AC) has been considered as an option to improve reaction efficiency rather than a way to achieve distinctly different reaction outcomes. Here we show how a unique type of waveform employed to deliver electric current – rapid alternating polarity (rAP) – enables control over reaction outcomes in the chemoselective reduction of carbonyl compounds, one of the most widely used reaction manifolds. The reactivity observed cannot be recapitulated using DC electrolysis or chemical reagents. The synthetic value brought by this new method for controlling chemoselectivity is vividly demonstrated in the context of classical reactivity problems such as chiral auxiliary removal and cutting-edge medicinal chemistry topics such as the synthesis of PROTACs.</p></div></div></div>
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