Skeletal Editing via Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Nitrene Insertion

Area of Science:

• Organic Chemistry
• Synthetic Chemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Metal-nitrenes are key reactive intermediates in synthesis.
• Nitrogen-rich compounds are crucial for medicinal chemistry, materials science, and industry.
• Ring expansion via nitrogen atom insertion is a modern synthetic strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the field of skeletal editing via single-nitrogen-atom insertion.
• To focus on transition metal catalysis for N-heterocycle synthesis.
• To cover nitrogen insertion across various carbocycles.

Main Methods:

• Catalytic insertion of a single nitrogen atom into carbocycles.
• Utilizing nitrene or metal-nitrenoid intermediates.
• Employing transition metal catalysis for skeletal editing.

Main Results:

• Development of efficient methods for N-heterocycle synthesis.
• Access to high-value nitrogen-containing compounds from simple feedstocks.
• Broad applicability of nitrogen insertion across diverse carbocyclic systems.

Conclusions:

• Single-nitrogen-atom insertion is a powerful tool for constructing N-heterocycles.
• Transition metal catalysis significantly advances this synthetic approach.
• This methodology offers a promising route to valuable nitrogen-rich molecules.