Iron-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophile Coupling for the Formation of All-Carbon Quaternary Centers

J Am Chem Soc. 2024 Dec 4;146(48):32925-32932. doi: 10.1021/jacs.4c14942. Epub 2024 Nov 20.

Abstract

Quaternary carbon centers are desirable targets for drug discovery and complex molecule synthesis, yet the synthesis of these motifs within traditional cross-coupling paradigms remains a significant challenge due to competing β-hydride elimination pathways. In contrast, the bimolecular homolytic substitution (SH2) mechanism offers a unique and attractive alternative pathway. Metal porphyrin complexes have emerged as privileged catalysts owing to their ability to selectively form primary metal-alkyl complexes, thereby eliminating the challenges associated with tertiary alkyl complexation with a metal center. Herein, we report an iron-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of tertiary bromides and primary alkyl electrophiles for the formation of all-carbon quaternary centers through a biomimetic SH2 mechanism.

MeSH terms

  • Carbon* / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Iron* / chemistry
  • Metalloporphyrins / chemical synthesis
  • Metalloporphyrins / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure

Substances

  • Iron
  • Carbon
  • Metalloporphyrins