Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Imine Metathesis by Silica-Supported Catalysts Using the Methodology of Surface Organometallic Chemistry
Published on: October 18, 2019
Bioinspired Alkyl Transfer Enabled by Ca(II)/HFIP Cooperative Catalysis: Modular Synthesis of Functionalized
Fangting Huang1, Jie Liu1, Zhongyi Zeng1
1Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, China.
None:
Isoindolinones are valuable nitrogen-containing heterocycles, yet efficient access to highly functionalized derivatives remains challenging. Herein, we report a bioinspired carbonyl alkylative amination enabled by Ca(II)/HFIP cooperative catalysis for the modular synthesis of 3-alkyl-N-substituted isoindolinones. This three-component cascade combines amines, ketoesters, and alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines via sequential imine formation, alkyl transfer, and intramolecular cyclization. The protocol proceeds under mild conditions with a broad substrate scope and excellent functional-group tolerance, affording diverse isoindolinones in good to excellent yields. Its synthetic utility is demonstrated in the late-stage functionalization of pharmaceuticals, natural products, and AIEgen labeling. This work extends Ca(II)/HFIP catalysis from hydride to alkyl transfer, providing a practical platform for sustainable C-C and C-N bond formation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Reduction of Alkynes to cis-Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Like alkenes, alkynes can be reduced to alkanes in the presence of transition metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, or Ni. The reaction involves two sequential syn additions of hydrogen via a cis-alkene intermediate.
Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
Alkynes to Aldehydes and Ketones: Hydroboration-Oxidation
One of the convenient methods for the preparation of aldehydes and ketones is via hydration of alkynes. Hydroboration-oxidation of alkynes is an indirect hydration reaction in which an alkyne is treated with borane followed by oxidation with alkaline peroxide to form an enol that rapidly converts into an aldehyde or a ketone. Terminal alkynes form aldehydes, whereas internal alkynes give ketones as the final product.
Hydroboration-Oxidation of Alkenes
Radical Substitution: Hydrogenolysis of Alkyl Halides with Tributyltin Hydride
The bonds formed in this reaction are stronger than the bonds broken, making it energetically favorable. The reaction follows a radical chain mechanism similar to radical halogenation reactions,...
Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the...
![Protein Film Infrared Electrochemistry Demonstrated for Study of H2 Oxidation by a [NiFe] Hydrogenase](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F55858.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
