Iridium-catalysed direct C-H functionalisation as a platform for stereoselective C-C bond formation
Kentaro Yamakawa1, Takahiro Nishimura1
1Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Sumiyoshi, Osaka 558-8585, Japan. tnishi@omu.ac.jp.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|August 12, 2025
Summary
Iridium catalysts enable efficient direct C-H functionalization reactions. These atom- and step-economical methods use readily available alkenes for valuable compound synthesis without pre-functionalization.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Synthetic Methodology
Background:
- Direct C-H functionalization offers atom and step economy by avoiding substrate pre-functionalization.
- Transition-metal catalysis, particularly with iridium, is key to efficient C-H bond transformations.
- Enantioselective C-H functionalization is crucial for synthesizing complex chiral molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on iridium-catalyzed C-H bond addition to unsaturated bonds.
- To highlight directing-group-assisted reactions for enhanced selectivity and efficiency.
- To showcase the utility of iridium complexes in enantioselective transformations.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing iridium complexes as catalysts for C-H functionalization.
- Employing directing groups to guide regioselective C-H activation.
- Investigating reactions such as hydroarylation and hydroalkylation of alkenes.
- Summarizing recent research findings and related literature.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of iridium catalysts in direct C-H functionalization.
- Achieved high atom and step economy in alkene functionalization.
- Enabled enantioselective synthesis of valuable compounds.
- Showcased diverse C-H functionalization reactions including hydroarylation and hydroalkylation.
Conclusions:
- Iridium-catalyzed direct C-H functionalization is a powerful strategy for molecular synthesis.
- These methods provide efficient and enantioselective access to complex molecules.
- Directing-group-assisted C-H addition to unsaturated bonds offers significant advantages.
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