Radical hydroacylation of C-C and N-N double bonds in air

• Main Author: Ahern, J. M.
• Published: University College London (University of London) 2011
• Subjects: 540
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.565265

The formation of C-C and C-N bonds in modern organic synthesis is a key target for methodological advancement. Current methods of C-C and C-N bond formation often involve the use of expensive catalysts, or sub-stoichiometric reagents, which can lead to the generation of undesirable waste products. This thesis describes a novel and environmentally benign set of reaction conditions for the formation of C-C and C-N bonds by hydroacylation and this is promoted by mixing two reagents, an aldehyde and an electron-deficient double bond, under freely available atmospheric oxygen at room temperature Chapter 1 will provide an introduction to the thesis and mainly discusses methods for C-C bond formation, in particular, radical chemistry and hydroacylation. Chapter 2 describes the hydroacylation of vinyl sulfonates and vinyl sulfones (C-C double bonds) with aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes with a discussion and evidence for the mechanism of the transformation. Chapter 3 details the synthesis of precursors for intramolecular cyclisations and studies into aerobic intramolecular cyclisations. Chapter 4 describes the hydroacylation of vinyl phosphonates (C-C double bonds) and diazocarboxylates (N-N double bonds) with aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes bearing functional groups. In addition, the hydroacylation of diazocarboxylates with chiral aldehydes will be discussed. In conclusion, a new, facile and clean set of reaction conditions for the formation of C-C and C-N bonds has been developed via aerobic C-H activation of aldehydes providing access to unsymmetrical ketones.