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Remote Functionalization of Enals Through a Single-Electron Pathway in NHC Catalysis
Guihua Nie1, Qingqing Guo1, Chengjiang Fang1
1The Key Laboratory of Chemical Synthesis and Environmental Pollution Control-Remediation Technology of Guizhou Province, Minzu Normal University of Xingyi, Xingyi, Guizhou, China.
None:
N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) not only activate the carbonyl carbon centers of aldehyde derivatives but also enable radical-mediated remote activation of enals, thereby achieving site-selective functionalization. This versatile synthetic strategy facilitates β-hydroxylation, β-arylation, alkylation at the γ-, ε-positions, along with a diverse range of cyclization reactions.This article presents a systematic review of recent advances in NHC-catalyzed remote functionalization of enals via single-electron redox processes. The discussion focuses on the underlying reaction mechanisms, and the review is categorized by the types of NHC catalytic cycles involved. Common oxidants employed in these reactions, such as ArNO2, CBr4, Togni I, and photoredox catalysis, are also detailed.
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