Cu(OTf)2-Mediated Ionizing Cross-Coupling of N(sp) and N(sp2) with Arylboronic Acids

18 December 2020, Version 1
This content is a preprint and has not undergone peer review at the time of posting.

Abstract

Metal-catalyzed C–N cross-coupling generally forms C–N bonds by reductive elimination from metal complexes bearing covalent C- and N-ligands. We have identified a Cu-mediated C–N cross-coupling that uses a dative N-ligand in the bond forming event, which, in contrast to conventional methods, generates reactive cationic products. Mechanistic studies suggest the process operates via transmetalation of an aryl organoboron to a Cu(II) complex bearing neutral N-ligands, such as nitriles or N-heterocycles. Subsequent generation of a putative Cu(III) complex enables the oxidative C–N coupling to take place, delivering nitrilium intermediates and pyridinium products. The reaction is general for a range of N(sp) and N(sp2) precursors and can be applied to drug synthesis and late-stage N-arylation, and the limitations in the methodology are mechanistically evidenced.

Keywords

boron
copper
cross-coupling
mechanism

Supplementary materials

Title
Description
Actions
Title
Supplementary Information
Description
Actions
Title
Spectral Data
Description
Actions
Title
Combined CIF
Description
Actions

Comments

Comments are not moderated before they are posted, but they can be removed by the site moderators if they are found to be in contravention of our Commenting Policy [opens in a new tab] - please read this policy before you post. Comments should be used for scholarly discussion of the content in question. You can find more information about how to use the commenting feature here [opens in a new tab] .
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy [opens in a new tab] and Terms of Service [opens in a new tab] apply.