"AbstractRuthenium-Catalyzed C-C Bond Formation via Functional-Group Directed C-H Bond ActivationXiangyu GuoAdvisor: Prof. Chao-Jun LiMcGill UniversityThis thesis is an investigation on the formation of carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds in the presence of ruthenium catalyst.In the first part of this thesis, oxidative dehydrogenative coupling reactions for carbon-carbon (C-C) bond formation are described. A ruthenium-catalyzed dimerization of 2-phenylpyridine derivatives is demonstrated to synthesize biaryls using iron(III) chloride as the terminal oxidant. In addition, the oxidative cross coupling of arenes and cycloalkanes is also illustrated, achieving a unique para-selectivity.In the second part of the thesis, a ruthenium-catalyzed olefination via decarbonylative addition of aldehydes to terminal alkynes is described. Conjugated and isolated C=C bonds can be chemoselectively generated in two catalytic systems starting from aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes. The method provides an alternative synthesis of C=C bonds from direct C-H bond addition to triple bonds." --

The series Topics in Organometallic Chemistry presents critical overviews of research results in organometallic chemistry. As our understanding of organometallic structure, properties and mechanisms increases, new ways are opened for the design of organometallic compounds and reactions tailored to the needs of such diverse areas as organic synthesis, medical research, biology and materials science. Thus the scope of coverage includes a broad range of topics of pure and applied organometallic chemistry, where new breakthroughs are being achieved that are of significance to a larger scientific audience. The individual volumes of Topics in Organometallic Chemistry are thematic. Review articles are generally invited by the volume editors. All chapters from Topics in Organometallic Chemistry are published OnlineFirst with an individual DOI. In references, Topics in Organometallic Chemistry is abbreviated as Top Organomet Chem and cited as a journal.

Once considered the 'holy grail' of organometallic chemistry, synthetically useful reactions employing C-H bond activation have increasingly been developed and applied to natural product and drug synthesis over the past decade. The ubiquity and relative low cost of hydrocarbons makes C-H bond functionalization an attractive alternative to classical C-C bond forming reactions such as cross-coupling, which require organohalides and organometallic reagents. In addition to providing an atom economical alternative to standard cross - coupling strategies, C-H bond functionalization also reduces the production of toxic by-products, thereby contributing to the growing field of reactions with decreased environmental impact. In the area of C-C bond forming reactions that proceed via a C-H activation mechanism, rhodium catalysts stand out for their functional group tolerance and wide range of synthetic utility. Over the course of the last decade, many Rh-catalyzed methods for heteroatom-directed C-H bond functionalization have been reported and will be the focus of this review. Material appearing in the literature prior to 2001 has been reviewed previously and will only be introduced as background when necessary. The synthesis of complex molecules from relatively simple precursors has long been a goal for many organic chemists. The ability to selectively functionalize a molecule with minimal pre-activation can streamline syntheses and expand the opportunities to explore the utility of complex molecules in areas ranging from the pharmaceutical industry to materials science. Indeed, the issue of selectivity is paramount in the development of all C-H bond functionalization methods. Several groups have developed elegant approaches towards achieving selectivity in molecules that possess many sterically and electronically similar C-H bonds. Many of these approaches are discussed in detail in the accompanying articles in this special issue of Chemical Reviews. One approach that has seen widespread success involves the use of a proximal heteroatom that serves as a directing group for the selective functionalization of a specific C-H bond. In a survey of examples of heteroatom-directed Rh catalysis, two mechanistically distinct reaction pathways are revealed. In one case, the heteroatom acts as a chelator to bind the Rh catalyst, facilitating reactivity at a proximal site. In this case, the formation of a five-membered metallacycle provides a favorable driving force in inducing reactivity at the desired location. In the other case, the heteroatom initially coordinates the Rh catalyst and then acts to stabilize the formation of a metal-carbon bond at a proximal site. A true test of the utility of a synthetic method is in its application to the synthesis of natural products or complex molecules. Several groups have demonstrated the applicability of C-H bond functionalization reactions towards complex molecule synthesis. Target-oriented synthesis provides a platform to test the effectiveness of a method in unique chemical and steric environments. In this respect, Rh-catalyzed methods for C-H bond functionalization stand out, with several syntheses being described in the literature that utilize C-H bond functionalization in a key step. These syntheses are highlighted following the discussion of the method they employ.

A guide to contemporary advancements in the field of distal C-H functionalizations An important and dynamic topic within the modern field of organic synthesis, selective functionalization of C-H bonds can be used in a variety of applications across the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Remote C-H Bond Functionalizations presents an inclusive account of the most recent developments and potential applications of performing variegated functionalizations selectively at the distal positions of organic compounds. Featuring contributions by an international team of experts, this authoritative volume provides deep insight into distal functionalizations, including detailed discussion of mechanisms, the engineering of templates, and the design of strategies. The text covers a diverse range of topics including C-H functionalization of palladium/norbornene catalysis, ruthenium-catalyzed remote functionalization, the non-directed distal C(sp2)-H, functionalization, transition metal catalyzed distal para-selective C-H functionalization, and much more. Reviewing contemporary advancements in the field while laying the foundation for future research, this important resource: Provides the most recent research and thorough coverage of the subject available in a single volume Offers practical information on C-H functionalizations in various industries Includes an up-to-date introduction to distal C-H functionalizations Remote C-H Bond Functionalizations is a must-read for every synthetic chemist, including chemists working with organometallics, organic chemists and researchers, and industrial chemists.

Filling a gap in the literature, this book comprehensively reviews catalytic C-H addition reactions of (hetero)aromatic hydrocarbons across carbon-carbon multiple bonds. In so doing, it summarizes both the scope as well as the limitations of different catalyst systems and building blocks, while highlighting their application to the synthesis of pharmaceuticals as well as commodity chemicals. Focusing on the latest developments, the team of authors comprising leaders in the field covers such topics as the hydroarylation of olefins, alkyne hydroarylation in the presence of transition metal catalysts, reaction of alkynes with arylboronic acids, and allene hydroarylation, as well as the synthesis of functionalized arenes and heteroaromatics. A must-have for synthetic chemists in academia and industry dealing with catalysis, organometallic chemistry, the synthesis of natural products, fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, products of the chemical industry and organic materials.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Readership: research chemists at universities or in industry, graduate students

Cross-coupling reactions involving C-H and C-X bond functionalisation are commonplace in natural product synthesis and natural products, therapeutic agents, biological probes, and advanced materials. Much attention has been given to understanding the mechanistic strategies used to achieve this, making this a hot topic in recent years. In this edited book, contributions from across the globe examine these strategies, with a particular focus on palladium and copper, as well as iron – an emerging element in this field. Reviewing the recent literature, the book presents an in-depth understanding of the field, guiding the reader to achieving the best synthetic strategies for aromatic functionalisation. Organic and Organometallic chemists, as well as natural product and pharmaceutical scientists, will find this an essential guide to a major transformation currently underway in synthetic chemistry.