10.1002/adsc.202000618
The research focuses on the electrochemical synthesis of O-phthalimide oximes from α-azido styrenes via a radical sequence involving the generation, addition, and recombination of imide-N-oxyl and iminyl radicals, leading to the formation of C-O and N-O bonds. The study utilizes vinyl azides and N-hydroxyphthalimide as reactants and employs an electrochemical approach to induce the radical-initiated reaction, resulting in O-phthalimide oximes containing the challenging N-O-N fragment. Experiments involve the optimization of reaction conditions, such as solvent type, electrolyte, base, and current density, to achieve the highest yields of O-phthalimide oximes, which were analyzed using techniques like 1H NMR spectroscopy and column chromatography. The research also includes the use of radical scavengers, cyclic voltammetry, and EPR spectroscopy to confirm the radical nature of the process and to elucidate the reaction mechanism.
10.1002/anie.202010437
The study presents a novel electrochemical method for converting hydrosilanes to silanols under mild and neutral conditions. The protocol employs N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) as a hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) mediator, which is crucial for facilitating the oxidation of the Si-H bond. The reactions are carried out using an undivided cell with a reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) anode and a nickel foam cathode, utilizing nBu4NPF6 as the supporting electrolyte in a mixed solvent of CH3CN/H2O. The method demonstrates high selectivity for silanol formation without producing disilane or disiloxane byproducts. The study explores a wide substrate scope, including various functional groups and complex molecules, and shows compatibility with late-stage modifications. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds through the generation of a silyl cation intermediate, which is subsequently trapped by water to form the silanol product. The practicality of the method is further demonstrated through preparative-scale synthesis and recycling experiments, highlighting its potential for broad application in synthetic chemistry.
10.1021/acs.joc.9b03205
The research focuses on developing an organocatalytic aerobic oxidation method to convert alkyl pyridines and related alkylheteroarenes into ketones, which are significant compounds found in natural products, bioactive reagents, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The study's purpose was to overcome the challenges posed by electron-withdrawing effects and product-inhibition in heterobenzylic radical oxidation, commonly encountered when using metal catalysts. The researchers successfully developed a transition metal-free method using N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) and tert-butyl nitrite (TBN) as catalysts and oxidants, respectively. This method effectively addresses the electron-withdrawing and product-inhibition issues, allowing for the preparation of various ketones bearing N-heterocyclic groups under mild conditions with moderate to high yields. The study concluded that this metal-free organocatalytic approach provides a powerful and environmentally friendly alternative for the synthesis of N-heterocyclic ketones, which are valuable in the pharmaceutical industry.