Aryl amines are a ubiquitous structural motif in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and bioactive natural products [1-5]. Consequently, efficient synthetic procedures to access aryl amines has been actively investigated [6-9], such as Buchwald-Hartwig coupling [10, 11], Chan-Lam amination [12, 13], and the Ullmann reaction [14-17]. Owing to the accessibility of starting material and high atom/step-economy, transition metal-catalyzed direct C−H activation and amination of arenes has proved to be an advantageous strategy. Thus, Cu- [18-20], Pd- [21-23], Ru- [24, 25], Co- [26], and Rh/Ir- catalyzed C−N formation reactions have been developed rapidly to access structurally diverse aryl amines [18-31].
Among the numerous C-H activation catalysts, Cp*Rh(Ⅲ)/Ir(Ⅲ) complexes have stood out as competent catalysts for directing group-assisted direct C−H functionalization with high catalytic activity, selectivity, and functional group tolerance [32-39]. So far, the Rh(Ⅲ)-catalyzed C−H amination proceeded via chelation-assisted strategies [34-70] include the following categories on the basis of the distinct mechanism: (1) the nitrene insertion using nitrene precursors such as organic azides, dioxazolones, anthranils, and TsNH2/PhI(OAc)2 (Scheme 1(a)) [34-48, 61, 68, 69], (2) SN-type amination using an electrophilic aminating reagent (Scheme 1b) [49-60] and (3) the oxidative amination using a nucleophilic aminating reagent (Scheme 1(c)) [70]. Although amination has been realized under redox-neutral conditions using nitrenoid reagents [40-54] or electrophilic aminating reagents (N-halogen [55-58] and N−O [59-62] reagents, nitrosobenzenes [63, 64], and amidobenziodoxolone [65, 66]), they all rely on preactivation of a nucleophilic amine source. Thus, it will be desirable to directly employ nucleophilic amines for C−N coupling. Recently, Su et al. [67] and Chang et al. [68, 69] realized Rh/Ir-catalyzed C−H imidation using TsNH2 as an efficient nitrenoid precursor. Yu and co-workers [70] developed the first Rh(Ⅲ)-catalyzed direct oxidative C−H amination of arenes using a secondary amine, leading to complementary tertiary amine products. However, a stoichiometric amount of Ag2CO3 was used. We reasoned that in-situ generation of highly electrophilic aminating reagent could be an alternative strategy for synthesis of tertiary amines. Hypervalent iodine(Ⅲ) reagents with their high oxidation potential are a promising concept for oxidative amination owing to their environmental benigness and practicability [68, 71-78]. Inspired by the chemistry of iodine(Ⅲ) imido in C-N formation [71-78], we now report direct imidation of arenes via umpolung of NH saccharin.
Unless otherwise noted, all the coupling reactions were carried out in flame-dried pressure tubes with a Teflon screw cap under nitrogen atmosphere. Anhydrous solvents were purified and dried by standard procedures. All chemicals were obtained from commercial sources and were used as received unless otherwise noted. Oximes [79], arenes [80-82], saccharin derivatives [83] are prepared by following literature reports. 1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker AV 400 spectrometer (400 or 600 MHz for 1H, 100 or 150 MHz for 13C). All coupling constants were reported in Hz. The residual solvent signals were used as references for 1H and 13C NMR spectra and the chemical shifts were converted to the TMS scale {CDCl3: δ 1H = 7.26 ppm, δ 13C = 77.16 ppm}. HRMS data were obtained using a TOF mode. Column chromatography was performed on silica gel (300‒400 mesh) using ethyl acetate (EA)/petroleum ether (PE).
O-Me Oximes (1, 0.2 mmol), 2a (0.3 mmol), PhI(OAc)2 (0.3 mmol), RhCp*(CH3CN)3(SbF6)2 (5 mol%), and TFE (2.0 mL) were charged into a pressure tube. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100 ℃ for 48 h. After the solvent was removed under reduced pressure, the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography using PE/EA (3:1) to afford compound 3.
Arenes (1/4, 0.2 mmol), 2 (0.3 mmol), PhI(OAc)2 (0.3 mmol), [Cp*RhCl2]2 (4 mol%), NaOAc (0.06 mmol), and TFE (1.0 mL), CH3CN (1.0 mL) were charged into a pressure tube. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100 ℃ for 48 h. After the solvent was removed under reduced pressure, the residue was purified by silica gel chromatography using PE/EA (2:1) to afford compound 5/6.
3a. White solid. 53.5 mg, 81%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.16 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (dt, J= 7.8, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (dt, J = 7.8, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.61–7.50 (m, 4H), 3.53 (s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.9, 153.0, 138.1, 138.0, 134.9, 134.3, 131.7, 130.8, 130.0, 129.8, 127.3, 125.5, 125.4, 121.2, 61.5, 14.7. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C16H15N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 331.0747, found, 331.0750.
3b. White solid. 51.8 mg, 75%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.15 (dd, J = 7.2, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.01–7.92 (m, 1H), 7.92–7.83 (m, 2H), 7.64–7.48 (m, 4H), 3.49 (s, 3H), 2.67 (bs, 2H), 1.11 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.9, 157.5, 138.0, 136.9, 134.8, 134.2, 132.0, 130.7, 129.9, 129.7, 127.4, 125.7, 125.4, 121.2, 61.4, 21.7, 10.6. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C17H17N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 345.0904, found, 345.0897.
3c. White solid. 54.9 mg, 77%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.19–8.12 (m, 1H), 7.97 (d, J = 7.2 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.90–7.85 (m, 2H), 7.60–7.51 (m, 4H), 3.50 (s, 3H), 2.61 (s, 2H), 1.60–1.52 (m, 2H), 0.93 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.9, 156.6, 138.1, 137.1, 134.8, 134.2, 132.0, 130.7, 130.1, 129.7, 127.4, 125.7, 125.4, 121.2, 61.4, 30.5, 19.6, 14.4. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C18H19N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 359.1610, found, . 359.1618.
3d. White solid. 63.1 mg, 80%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.04 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.94 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (dt, J = 21.5, 7.1 Hz, 2H), 7.61–7.46 (m, 3H), 7.40–7.35 (m, 3H), 7.33–7.26 (m, 3H), 3.52 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.5, 154.0, 137.9, 137.4, 134.7, 134.1, 132.8, 132.5, 131.9, 130.5, 130.1, 129.5, 128.9, 127.8, 127.3, 126.2, 125.3, 121.1, 62.0. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C21H17N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 393.0904, found, 393.0901.
3e. White solid. 59.2 mg, 86%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.20–8.12 (m, 1H), 7.97 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.93–7.82 (m, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.41–7.34 (m, 2H), 3.48 (s, 3H), 2.43 (s, 3H), 2.14 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 159.0, 152.9, 140.2, 138.0, 134.9, 134.8, 134.2, 132.1, 131.5, 129.8, 127.4, 125.4, 125.0, 121.2, 61.4, 20.9, 14.6. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C17H17N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 345.0904, found, 345.0901.
3f. White solid. 59.4 mg, 80%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.16 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.91–7.87 (m, 2H), 7.51 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H), 3.50 (s, 3H), 3.10–2.93 (m, 1H), 2.14 (s, 3H), 1.26 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 6H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 159.0, 153.1, 151.1, 138.0, 135.2, 134.8, 134.2, 129.9, 129.8, 128.8, 127.4, 125.5, 125.1, 121.2, 61.5, 33.7, 23.6, 14.7. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C19H21N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 373.1217, found, 373.1225.
3g. White solid. 68.3 mg, 84%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.18 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.94–7.86 (m, 2H), 7.82–7.74 (m, 2H), 7.67–7.62 (m, 3H), 7.46 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 3.53 (s, 3H), 2.19 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.9, 152.8, 143.0, 138.9, 138.1, 136.3, 134.9, 134.3, 130.4, 130.3, 129.2, 129.0, 128.2, 127.4, 127.2, 125.8, 125.5, 121.3, 61.6, 14.6. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C22H19N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 407.1060, found, 407.1062.
3h. White solid. 63.9 mg, 89%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.15 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.92–7.82 (m, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.13–7.03 (m, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.47 (s, 3H), 2.12 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 160.3, 158.9, 152.8, 138.1, 134.9, 134.3, 130.9, 130.1, 127.4, 126.4, 125.6, 121.3, 116.8, 116.6, 61.4, 55.7, 14.7. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C17H17N2O5S+ ([M + H]+), 361.0853, found, 361.0861.
3i. White solid. 33.6 mg, 48%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.17 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.96–7.86 (m, 2H), 7.58 (dd, J = 8.5, 5.9 Hz, 1H), 7.37–7.27 (m, 2H), 3.53 (s, 3H), 2.14 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 162.4 (d, J = 252.3), 158.6, 152.4, 138.0, 135.1, 134.5, 134.4 (d, J = 4.0 Hz), 131.4 (d, J = 9.0 Hz), 127.2, 126.9 (d, J = 10.2 Hz), 125.7, 121.4, 119.0 (d, J = 23.4 Hz), 117.9 (d, J = 21.0 Hz), 61.6, 14.8. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C16H14FN2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 349.0653, found, 349.0646.
3j. White solid. 62.1 mg, 86%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.17 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 8.06–7.82 (m, 3H), 7.66–7.45 (m, 3H), 3.52 (s, 3H), 2.13 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.7, 152.3, 138.0, 136.5, 135.2, 135.1, 134.5, 131.7, 131.0, 131.0, 127.2, 126.6, 125.7, 121.4, 61.7, 14.6. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C16H14ClN2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 365.0357, found, 365.0343.
3k. White solid. 59.5 mg, 77%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.31–8.14 (m, 3H), 8.00 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.97–7.85 (m, 2H), 7.68 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.55 (s, 3H), 2.17 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 165.3, 158.9, 152.5, 142.2, 138.1, 135.1, 134.4, 133.1, 131.8, 131.6, 130.2, 127.2, 125.8, 125.6, 121.4, 61.8, 52.5, 14.6. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C18H17N2O6S+ ([M + H]+), 389.0802, found, 389.0801.
3l. White solid. 52.3 mg, 64%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.16 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.96–7.82 (m, 2H), 7.73 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 2.13 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.7, 152.0, 139.8, 138.1, 135.1, 134.4, 133.2, 133.0, 132.9, 127.2, 125.6, 125.2, 124.6, 121.4, 61.8, 14.6. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C16H14BrN2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 408.9852, found, 408.9847.
3m. White solid. 56.3 mg, 82%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.14 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.92–7.82 (m, 2H), 7.42 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 7.32 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 3.55 (s, 3H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.14 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.9, 153.2, 141.2, 138.0, 137.7, 134.8, 134.2, 131.4, 130.7, 130.4, 127.3, 125.4, 122.6, 121.2, 61.5, 21.3. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C17H17N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 345.0904, found, 345.0911.
3n. White solid. 62.9 mg, 87%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.14 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.92–7.82 (m, 2H), 7.44 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.08 (d, J = 2.8 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (dd, J = 8.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.55 (s, 3H), 2.14 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 161.2, 159.1, 153.0, 139.4, 138.0, 134.9, 134.3, 133.1, 127.4, 125.5, 121.3, 117.4, 116.0, 114.7, 61.6, 55.7, 14.8. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C17H17N2O5S+ ([M + H]+), 361.0853, found, 361.0846.
3o. White solid. 40.5 mg, 58%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.16 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.95–7.86 (m, 2H), 7.51 (td, J = 8.2, 5.9 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.35–7.29 (m, 1H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 2.16 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 161.5 (d, J = 250.8 Hz), 158.7, 149.9, 137.9, 135.1, 134.5, 130.6 (d, J = 9.7 Hz), 127.4 (d, J = 5.8 Hz), 127.2 (d, J = 3.3 Hz), 127.0, 125.6, 121.4, 118.7 (d, J = 22.2 Hz), 61.8, 15.9 (d, J = 4.0 Hz). Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C16H14FN2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 349.0653, found, 349.0660.
3p. White solid. 58.1 mg, 81%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.13 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.93–7.82 (m, 2H), 7.47 (t, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 2.12 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.9, 158.7, 152.3, 137.8, 134.8, 134.2, 130.3, 128.1, 127.1, 126.9, 125.4, 122.9, 121.2, 113.4, 61.4, 55.9, 16.0. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C17H17N2O5S+ ([M + H]+), 361.0853, found, 361.0862.
3q. White solid. 61.0 mg, 85%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.19–8.12 (m, 1H), 7.97 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.93–7.81 (m, 2H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 7.29 (s, 1H), 3.51 (s, 3H), 2.33 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.13 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 159.0, 153.1, 139.8, 138.8, 138.1, 135.1, 134.7, 134.2, 132.4, 131.1, 127.4, 125.4, 122.4, 121.2, 61.4, 19.7, 19.5, 14.7. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C18H19N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 359.1060, found, 359.1059.
3r. White solid. 59.1 mg, 78%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.17 (dd, J = 6.8, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 7.99 (dd, J = 6.9, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.94 – 7.81 (m, 4H), 7.65–7.54 (m, 2H), 3.48 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 159.2, 153.1, 138.1, 134.8, 134.2, 133.8, 133.6, 132.8, 131.9, 130.1, 128.2, 128.1, 128.0, 127.6, 127.5, 125.5, 122.9, 121.2, 61.4, 14.78. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C20H17N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 381.0904, found, 381.0912.
3s. White solid. 51.3 mg, 76%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.16 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.96–7.82 (m, 2H), 7.41 (d, J = 5.3 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (d, J = 5.3 Hz, 1H), 3.66 (s, 3H), 2.15 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.3, 148.5, 139.5, 138.2, 135.1, 134.4, 128.7, 127.3, 125.6, 125.3, 121.3, 121.2, 62.0, 13.8. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C14H13N2O4S2+ ([M + H]+), 337.0311, found, 337.0315.
3t. White solid. 47.1 mg, 64%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.22 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 3.61 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (150 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.2, 153.4, 149.8, 146.9, 138.4, 135.1, 134.5, 127.6, 126.5, 126.2, 125.6, 124.46, 121.25, 119.96, 112.02, 106.85, 62.35, 11.23. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C18H14N2NaO5S+ ([M + Na]+), 393.0516, found, 361.0510.
3u. White solid. 52.1 mg, 73%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.16 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.92–7.85 (m, 2H), 7.37 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 4.36–4.11 (m, 2H), 3.18 (s, 3H), 3.04–2.91 (m, 1H), 2.85–2.71 (m, 1H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 159.0, 158.5, 146.6, 138.3, 134.6, 134.1, 130.4, 128.2, 125.4, 125.2, 124.6, 121.0, 120.9, 117.7, 64.7, 61.2, 23.6. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C17H15N2O5S+ ([M + H]+), 359.0696, found, 359.0699.
5a. White soild.58.4 mg, 87%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.48 (d, J = 4.7 Hz, 1H), 8.06 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.92–7.81 (m, 4H), 7.71–7.55 (m, 5H), 7.15–7.12 (m, 1H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.7, 156.3, 149.5, 141.1, 137.8, 136.4, 134.9, 134.3, 131.6, 131.2, 131.0, 129.9, 127.1, 126.0, 125.6, 123.0, 122.4, 121.2. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C18H13N2O3S+ ([M + H]+), 337.0641, found, 337.0632.
5b. White soild. 65.2 mg, 93%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.44 (d, J = 4.6 Hz, 1H), 8.06 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 7.91–7.80 (m, 3H), 7.72 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.60–7.54 (m, 2H), 7.49–7.40 (m, 2H), 7.15–7.05 (m, 1H), 2.47 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.9, 156.4, 149.4, 140.3, 138.0, 137.8, 136.3, 134.8, 134.3, 131.8, 131.6, 131.4, 127.2, 125.7, 125.5, 122.9, 122.2, 121.2, 21.1. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C19H15N2O3S+ ([M + H]+), 351.0798, found, 351.0810.
5c. White solid. 62.6 mg, 71%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.42 (d, J = 4.4 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 7.92–7.80 (m, 3H), 7.76 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.59–7.52 (m, 2H), 7.46 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H), 7.37 – 7.31 (m, 1H), 7.26–7.23 (m, 2H), 7.11–7.05 (m, 1H), 5.14 (s, 2H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 159.6, 158.6, 156.1, 149.3, 137.7, 136.3, 136.1, 134.8, 134.2, 133.4, 132.4, 128.6, 128.2, 127.6, 127.1, 126.8, 125.5, 122.6, 121.9, 121.2, 117.5, 116.9, 70.4. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C25H19N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 443.1060, found, 443.1053.
5d. White solid. 68.0 mg, 83%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.48 (d, J = 4.7 Hz, 1H), 8.06 (d, J = 7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.90–7.79 (m, 6H), 7.68–7.59 (m, 4H), 7.47 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.18–7.10 (m, 1H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.8, 156.0, 149.6, 143.1, 139.5, 139.1, 137.9, 136.5, 134.9, 134.3, 132.0, 129.7, 129.5, 129.0, 128.2, 127.3, 127.2, 126.5, 125.6, 122.9, 122.4, 121.3. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C24H17N2O3S+ ([M + H]+), 413.0954, found, 413.0957.
5e. White solid. 33.4 mg, 46%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 10.12 (s, 1H), 8.52 (d, J = 4.7 Hz, 1H), 8.23 – 8.12 (m, 2H), 8.08 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.96–7.84 (m, 3H), 7.66–7.63 (m, 2H), 7.22–7.18 (m, 1H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 190.4, 158.6, 155.1, 149.8, 146.4, 137.8, 137.3, 136.7, 135.1, 134.5, 132.9, 132.6, 131.0, 127.2, 126.9, 125.7, 123.2, 121.4. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C19H13N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 365.0591, found, 365.0598.
5f. White solid. 40.6 mg, 52%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.50 (d, J = 4.6 Hz, 1H), 8.39–8.25 (m, 2H), 8.08 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 7.95–7.81 (m, 4H), 7.71–7.56 (m, 2H), 7.19–7.16 (m, 1H), 3.96 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 165.5, 158.7, 155.4, 149.7, 145.2, 137.8, 136.6, 135.0, 134.4, 132.7, 131.9, 131.8, 131.7, 127.0, 126.4, 125.6, 123.2, 123.0, 121.3, 52.6. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C20H15N2O5S+ ([M + H]+), 395.0696, found, 395.0682.
5g. White solid. 54.0 mg, 76%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.48-8.47 (m, 1H), 8.05 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.95–7.78 (m, 4H), 7.60–7.54 (m, 2H), 7.40 – 7.35 (m, 2H), 7.16–7.14 (m, 1H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 162.6 (d, J = 252.8 Hz), 158.3, 155.4, 149.6, 137.7, 137.3 (d, J = 3.7 Hz), 136.5, 135.0, 134.4, 133.0 (d, J = 9.0 Hz), 127.2 (d, J = 10.5 Hz), 126.8, 125.6, 122.8, 122.4, 121.3, 118.3 (d, J = 15.7 Hz), 118.0 (d, J = 12.9 Hz). Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C18H12FN2O3S+ ([M + H]+), 355.0547, found, 355.0560.
5h. White solid. 43.1 mg, 58%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.47 (d, J = 4.3 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.93–7.88 (m, 2H), 7.86–7.82 (m, 1H), 7.78 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.69–7.53 (m, 4H), 7.16–7.13 (m, 1H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.4, 155.3, 149.6, 139.5, 137.8, 136.5, 135.3, 135.1, 134.4, 132.6, 131.2, 131.1, 127.1, 126.9, 125.7, 122.9, 122.6, 121.3. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C18H12ClN2O3S+ ([M + H]+), 371.0252, found, 371.0249.
5i. White solid. 62.0 mg, 89%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.55–8.47 (m, 1H), 8.08–8.01 (m, 1H), 7.92–7.78 (m, 3H), 7.64 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.62–7.54 (m, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.14–7.11 (m, 1H), 2.49 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.8, 156.4, 149.6, 141.4, 140.8, 137.8, 136.3, 134.8, 134.3, 132.3, 130.9, 130.6, 127.1, 125.5, 123.2, 122.9, 122.3, 121.2, 21.4. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C19H15N2O3S+ ([M + H]+), 351.0798, found, 351.0807.
5j. White solid. 56.5 mg, 68%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.51 (d, J = 4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.92–7.88 (m, 2H), 7.83 (td, J = 7.3, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 7.64–7.56 (m, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.20 – 7.13 (m, 1H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.4, 155.3, 149.6, 139.5, 137.8, 136.5, 135.3, 135.1, 134.4, 132.6, 131.2, 131.1, 127.1, 126.9, 125.7, 122.9, 122.6, 121.3. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C18H12BrN2O3S+ ([M + H]+), 414.9747, found, 414.9754.
5k. brown solid. 41.2 mg, 60%. NMR Spectroscopy: NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.49 (d, J = 4.3 Hz, 1H), 8.13 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.98–7.83 (m, 2H), 7.68–7.47 (m, 3H), 7.23 (d, J = 5.3 Hz, 1H), 7.17–7.10 (m, 1H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.2, 150.3, 149.6, 143.9, 138.0, 136.9, 135.3, 134.6, 128.8, 127.1, 126.5, 125.8, 123.0, 121.5, 120.8, 120.4. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C16H11N2O3S2+ ([M + H]+), 343.0206, found, 343.0193.
5l. white solid. 48.4 mg, 65%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.47–8.41 (m, 1H), 8.10–8.05 (m, 1H), 7.95–7.82 (m, 3H), 7.79 (dd, J = 7.5, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.68–7.53 (m, 5H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.6, 154.4, 148.4, 139.9, 137.8, 136.2, 135.0, 134.4, 131.5, 131.3, 131.13, 131.06, 130.2, 127.0, 126.0, 125.7, 123.8, 121.3. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C18H12ClN2O3S+ ([M + H]+), 371.0252, found, 371.0249.
5m. Colorless oil. 56.7 mg, 74%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.15 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.92–7.82 (m, 2H), 7.68–7.49 (m, 4H), 4.58 (apparent s, 1H), 3.53–3.22 (m, 1H), 3.05–2.86 (m, 1H), 1.70 (apparent s, 1H), 1.57–1.45 (m, 1H), 1.29 (apparent s, 4H), 0.86 (apparent s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.9, 153.5, 138.0, 134.9, 134.4, 132.4, 130.9, 130.6, 130.2, 127.5, 125.8, 125.6, 121.3, 81.1, 41.4, 34.6, 27.6, 22.5, 13.9. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C20H21N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 385.1217, found, 385.1221.
5n. White solid. 67.4 mg, 84%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, d6-DMSO) δ 8.43 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.26 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H), 8.21–8.07 (m, 3H), 7.93–7.81 (m, 4H), 7.81–7.76 (m, 1H), 7.61–7.50 (m, 4H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, d6-DMSO) δ 169.5, 160.8, 158.9, 137.5, 136.5, 135.9, 132.8, 132.1, 132.0, 131.5, 131.1, 130.3, 129.8, 127.0, 126.9, 126.1, 126.0, 125.9, 122.5, 100.6. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C22H15N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 403.0747, found, 403.0752.
5o. White solid. 58.7 mg, 73%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.53 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.50 (s, 1H), 8.18–8.11 (m, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.87 (d, J = 2.7 Hz, 3H), 7.56 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 2.52 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 159.5, 154.3, 152.6, 151.5, 145.2, 142.2, 137.9, 134.7, 134.2, 133.8, 132.9, 131.8, 131.48, 131.45, 127.7, 126.6, 125.5, 121.1, 29.8, 21.3. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C20H16N5O3S+ ([M + H]+), 406.0968, found, 406.0963.
5p. yellow oil. 50.8mg, 78%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.05 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.86–7.82 (m, 2H), 7.75–7.63 (m, 3H), 7.58–7.52 (m, 2H), 6.33–6.27 (m, 1H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 156.0, 139.7, 137.8, 135.9, 133.2, 132.6, 129.8, 129.6, 128.0, 126.8, 125.0, 124.8, 123.8, 119.9, 119.9, 105.6. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C16H12N3O3S+ ([M + H]+), 326.0594, found, 326.0585.
5q. White solid. 34.5 mg, 46%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.90 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.73 (d, J = 4.8 Hz, 2H), 8.68 (s, 1H), 8.21 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 8.04 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.99–7.86 (m, 2H), 7.56 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (t, J = 4.8 Hz, 1H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.5, 158.3, 157.3, 138.1, 135.1, 134.8, 134.5, 127.4, 127.2, 125.9, 125.7, 125.0, 123.2, 121.5, 118.6, 117.1, 116.9, 108.1. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C19H13N4O3S+ ([M + H]+), 377.0703, found, 377.0706.
5r. White solid. 73.2 mg, 94%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.59 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.41 (d, J = 4.8 Hz, 2H), 8.25–8.23 (m, 1H), 7.99–7.86 (m, 3H), 7.68 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.48–7.40 (m, 1H), 7.32 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 6.93 (t, J = 4.8 Hz, 1H), 2.45 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 155.2, 153.0, 152.4, 133.5, 131.1, 130.4, 129.6, 123.4, 122.7, 121.1, 121.0, 117.5, 117.0, 116.7, 114.9, 112.7, 112.1, 111.0, 3.8. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C20H15N4O3S+ ([M + H]+), 391.0859, found, 391.0848.
5s. White solid. 73.3 mg, 86%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.41 (d, J = 4.8 Hz, 2H), 8.30 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 8.23 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.14–7.10 (m, 2H), 7.93–7.76 (m, 3H), 7.58 (d, J = 7.0 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 6.81 (t, J = 4.8 Hz, 1H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 158.2, 157.8, 157.4, 140.5, 137.4, 136.1, 134.2, 134.3, 130.1, 129.1, 127.5, 127.3, 125.0, 124.1, 122.5, 122.5, 122.4, 121.1, 119.8, 117.4, 113.4. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C23H15N4O3S+ ([M + H]+), 427.0859, found, 427.0852.
6a. White solid. 55.6 mg, 65%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.62–8.58 (m, 3H), 7.75–7.65 (m, 3H), 7.57–7.49 (m, 3H), 7.47–7.42 (m, 1H), 7.34–7.30 (m, 1H), 7.04 (t, J = 4.8 Hz, 1H), 2.47 (s, 3H), 2.37 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 162.0, 157.8, 157.1, 145.4, 135.8, 132.6, 131.5, 129.4, 129.2, 128.1, 125.8, 125.1, 122.3, 121.7, 119.7, 117.5, 117.0, 115.8, 10.6, 8.5. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C23H19N4O3S+ ([M + H]+), 431.1172, found, 431.1181.
6b. White solid. 71.7 mg, 87%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.71 (dd, J = 6.6, 2.8 Hz, 2H), 7.57–7.45 (m, 4H), 7.40 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.00–2.93 (m, 1H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 1.28 (s, 3H), 1.26 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 161.1, 153.3, 151.1, 144.9, 135.1, 132.3, 131.4, 130.0, 129.6, 129.4, 129.2, 128.8, 125.6, 125.1, 61.8, 33.7, 23.7, 14.8, 10.4. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C22H25N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 413.1530, found, 413.1541.
6c. White solid. 71.2 mg, 75%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.58–7.56 (m, 2H), 7.51–7.34 (m, 11H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.02–2.95 (m, 1H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 1.29 (s, 3H), 1.28 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 160.1, 153.3, 151.1, 144.3, 135.0, 132.6, 131.4, 130.4, 130.3, 130.0, 129.5, 129.5, 129.4, 128.8, 127.3, 125.6, 125.1, 61.9, 3.7, 23.7, 14.8. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C27H27N2O4S+ ([M + H]+), 475.1686, found, 475.1686.
6d. White solid. 69.2 mg, 69%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.39 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.17 (d, J = 4.8 Hz, 2H), 8.06 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 4H), 7.64 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H), 7.56–7.48 (m, 5H), 7.41 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 6.86 (t, J = 4.8 Hz, 1H), 1.77 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 157.3, 156.5, 139.3, 135.2, 133.7, 129.8, 128.4, 127.6, 125.7, 123.6, 121.9, 121.3, 119.7, 117.0, 115.1, 9.0. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C25H21N4O3S2+ ([M + H]+), 505.0999, found, 505.1004.
6e. White solid. 97.8 mg, 92%. NMR Spectroscopy: 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.37 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.22 (d, J = 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.92 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 4H), 7.55 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.28–7.25 (m, 5H), 6.87 (t, J = 4.8 Hz, 1H), 2.45 (s, 6H), 1.80 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl3) δ 157.2, 156.6, 144.7, 136.5, 135.1, 129.8, 129.0, 127.6, 125.6, 123.9, 121.8, 121.1, 119.7, 116.9, 115.1, 21.7, 9.1. Mass Spectrometry: HRMS (ESI-TOF) (m/z): Calcd. for C27H25N4O3S2+ ([M + H]+), 533.1312, found, 533.1305.
We commenced our studies by screening the reaction conditions of the coupling between an oxime ether (1e) and saccharin 2a (Table 1). With [Cp*RhCl2]2/AgSbF6 as a catalyst and PhI(OAc)2 as an oxidant, a coupling occurred in CH3CN (100 ℃) to give the desired product 3e in 28% yields. Solvent screening revealed that TFE was the best choice, and the yield of 3e was increased to 75% (Table 1, entry 7). The yield was improved to 87% when the catalyst was switched to RhCp*(CH3CN)3(SbF6)2 (Table 1, entry 8). Reactions performed at 80 or 120 ℃ all lead to lower yields (Table 1, entries 9 and 10). Gratifyingly, the yield of 3e was essentially unaffected even under lower catalyst loading (5 mol%, entry 11). The rhodium catalyst proved to be indispensable, and no reaction occurred when it was omitted (Table 1, entry 13). Other transition metals such as Pd, Co, or Ru were proved to be inefficient (Table 1, entries 14-16).
With the optimal reaction conditions in hand, we next explored the scope and limitation of this system. As given in Scheme 2, a range of substituted oxime ethers were examined in the coupling with saccharin 2a. Various substituted O-Me oximes readily coupled with 2a under the standard conditions to afford the imidation products (3a−3t) in 48%−89% yields. Different electron-donating, -withdrawing and halogen groups at para position of oximes were well tolerated. The reaction also tolerated electron-withdrawing and -donating meta-substituents (1l−1n) and C−H imidation occurred selectively at the less hindered ortho site. Oximes bearing ortho OMe and F groups also provide the desired products 3o and 3p in moderate yields (58%, 81%). Furthermore, di-substituted oxime (1q), naphthalene (1r) and heterocyclic oxime (1s, 1t) are also viable substrates with good coupling efficiency (76%−85%). Moreover, the oxime substrate was not limited to that of acetophenone, and the reaction proceeded smoothly when the carbon chain in the oxime was elongated (1b, 1c) or when the oxime of benzophenone (1d) or a cyclic ketone (1u) was used (73%−80%).
The C−H substrate was not restricted to oximes. It was found that the directing group could be smoothly extended to different heterocycles under modified conditions (Conditions B). As shown in Scheme 3, various 2-arylpyridines bearing a para substituent (5a−5h) coupled with saccharin in consistently good to high yields, where both electron-donating and -withdrawing groups were tolerated. Introduction of a methyl or bromine group into the meta position of benzene ring caused the reaction to occur at the less steric hindered ortho site. A thiophene ring was also compatible (5k). Other heterocycles such as dihydroisoxazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, purine, and pyrimidine were suitable directing groups (5m−5s). Furthermore, the amination source was further extended to other saccharin analogues and to dibenzenesulfonimide derivatives, and the coupled products were isolated in 65%−92% yields (6a−6e). Unfortunately, N-OMe benzamide (4t), phenyl(pyrrolidin-1-yl)methanone (4u), benzoate (4v), 2-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)pyrimidine (4w) and 3-pivaloylindole (4x) were not suitable for this aminating system.
To demonstrate the synthetic utility of the imidation reaction, a larger-scale (5 mmol) synthesis has been performed for the coupling of 2-phenylpyridine under a reduced catalyst loading, and product 5a was isolated in 71% yield (Scheme 4). Treatment of 5a with concentrated H2SO4 afforded primary amine 7 [78].
To gain mechanistic insight into this coupling system, several experiments have been conducted and the results are summarized in Scheme 5. The coupling of oxime 1a-d5 and 2a under standard conditions afford 3a-dn with 87% H/D exchange at the ortho position (Scheme 5(a)), suggesting reversibility of C−H activation. As a catalyst precursor, rhodacycle 10 [65] successfully catalyzed the coupling of 4a and 2a to give 5a in 71% yield, indicated the relevancy of C-H activation. A kinetic isotope effect (KIE) of 3.0 was obtained from parallel experiments using 1a and 1a−d5 in the coupling with 2a at a low conversion under the standard conditions, indicating that C-H bond activation might be involved in the turnover-limiting step. Without NH saccharin, no reaction occurred, indicating the transformation may not processed via diaryliodonium salt 8 [85, 86]. Furthermore, iodine(Ⅲ) imido compound 9 was prepared according to the literature report [75], which reacted smoothly with oxime 1a in comparably high yield. It follows that compound 9 is easily generated under the catalytic conditions from PhI(OAc)2 and saccachrin [75], and this represents rare in situ umpolung of the imidating reagent. Though similar work has been reported by DeBoef [77] and co-workers using iodine(Ⅲ) imido and copper salts, stoichiometric metal was inescapable to achieve high reactivity.
Theoretical calculation was conducted using Gaussian 09 program at the density functional theory level (M11-L) to gain a better understanding of the reaction mechanism. Based on our experimental observation, the species [PhC(CH3)=NOCH3)]2Cp*Rh2+ (Cat.) was regarded as the starting point in the current systems (Scheme 6). Firstly, the C−H activation occurs via a concerted metalation-deprotonation (CMD) transition state TS-1 (△G≠= 18.4 kcal/mol) to form a 5-membered rhodacycle intermediate INT-1 exoergic by 2.3 kcal/mol. This is followed by coordination of O atom in 9 to the Rh center to form INT-2. There are two distinct pathways have been taken into account for the cleavage of I−N bond and the formation of C−N bond in complex INT-2, namely, oxidation addition/reduction elimination pathway and I−C bond intermediate formation pathway.
We first computed the feasibility of oxidation addition/reduction elimination pathway. From INT-2, with the breaking of I−N bond, a weak I−O bond is forming via a transition state TS-2 with a barrier of 6.4 kcal/mol, leading to an intermediate INT-3. From INT-2, TS-2 to INT-3, the I−N distances are increased from 2.43, 2.82 to 3.60 Å, whereas the I−O distance are decreased from 4.52, 3.00 to 2.47 Å, respectively. Thereafter, accompanied with the broken of the weak I−O bond, a stable high-valent Rh(V) intermediate INT-4 is formed by release of 11 and 12, which is exergonic by 24.3 kcal/mol. The Rh(V) species INT-4 then undergoes reduction elimination (via TS-3 with a barrier of 16.1 kcal/mol) to produce INT-5, which upon formation of C−N bond leads to the final product 3c and realizes the regeneration of catalyst. The barrier for reduction elimination is 16.1 kcal/mol and the whole process is extremely exergonic by 52.9 kcal/mol.
Different from the oxidation addition/reduction elimination pathway, we also consider another pathway for formation of C−N bond final product, in which an I−C bond intermediate is formed. From INT-2, rather than formation of I−O bond, with the breaking of I−N bond, a Rh−N bond is forming via a transition state TS-4 with a barrier of 2.9 kcal/mol, leading to an intermediate INT-6. Then, accompanied with the dissociation of N(OMe)-Rh bond, INT-6 can isomerize into INT-7 by rotation of the C−C single bond endergonically by 16.3 kcal/mol. Subsequently, through TS-5 with a barrier of 20.0 kcal/mol, in which the C−Rh bond is breaking and the I−C bond is forming, an I−C bond intermediate INT-8 formed. From INT-7, TS-4 to INT-8, the Rh−C distances are increased from 2.06, 2.14 to 3.07 Å, whereas the I−C distance are decreased from 2.93, 2.64 to 2.19 Å, respectively. Thereafter, the I atom of the dissociated I moiety is closing to the Rh atom of the dissociated Rh moiety, which leads to an I−Rh bond intermediate INT-9. Accompanied with the broken of I−C bond and the formation of a new C−N bond via TS-6 with a barrier of 19.4 kcal/mol, an intermediate INT-10 formed by release of the final product 3c. Finally, the dissociation of 11 and 12 could lead to the regeneration of catalyst. Based on the above studies, the oxidation addition/reduction elimination pathway is significantly more favored than the I−C intermediate formation pathway, due to it requires to overcome lower barrier (16.1 vs 20.0 kcal/mol). Moreover, our calculation shown that the C−H activation is the rate-determining step.
A plausible catalytic cycle is proposed on the basis of our experimental results and our DFT calculations (Scheme 7). Starting from an oxime coordinated Cp*Rh(Ⅲ) catalyst, cyclometalation of 1a via CMD mechanism gives a rhodacyclic intermediate INT-1 with 18.4 kcal/mol barrier. Interactions of INT-1 and the active imidating reagent 9 renders elongation of the N−I bond with concurrent formation of a weak O−I bond, leading to formation of an O-bound intermediate Int-3 with a low activation barrier (6.4 kcal/mol). Subsequent oxidative Rh−O bond formation with displacement of the PhI and saccharin co-procucts produces a Rh(V) [87−97] species Int-4. C−N reductive elimination of Int-4 was calculated to occur via a five-membered ring transition state at an activation free energy of 16.1 kcal/mol. Dissociation of the coupling product 3a regenerates the active catalyst for the next cycle.
In summary, we have realized Rh(Ⅲ)-catalyzed oxidative C−H imidation of arenes with saccharin using PhI(OAc)2 as an environmentally benign oxidant avoiding stoichiometric metal complexes. This transformation provided efficient synthesis of tertiary amines under operationally simply conditions and exhibited a broad substrate scope with good functional tolerance. DFT studies suggest that the C−N coupling occurs via a Rh(Ⅲ)-Rh(V)-Rh(Ⅲ) cycle.