Unraveling the Potential of Vinyl Ether as an Ethylene Surrogate in Heteroarene C―H Functionalization via the Spin-Center Shift

Abstract

Despite the simplicity and abundance of ethylene, its practical application presents significant hurdles due to its nature as a highly flammable gas. Herein, a strategic use of easily handled vinyl ether is reported as a latent ethylene surrogate achieved via a spin-center shift (SCS) pathway, enabling the successful three-component reaction that bridges heteroarenes and various coupling partners, including sulfinates, thiols, and phosphine oxides. Through a photoredox catalytic process, alpha-oxy radicals are generated by combining various radicals with phenyl vinyl ether, which are subsequently added to N-heteroarenes. Subsequently, the radical-mediated SCS pathway serves as the driving force for CO bond cleavage, effectively engaging the phenoxy group as a leaving group. In addition, by broadening the utility of the method, a valuable synthon is provided for efficient CH vinylation of N-heteroarenes following sulfonyl group elimination. This approach not only enriches the toolbox of synthetic methodology but also provides a more streamlined alternative, circumventing the challenges associated with direct ethylene gas usage. The versatility of the method, particularly evident in late-stage functionalizations of medicinally relevant molecules and peptides, underscores its capability to produce invaluable three-component compounds and vinylated N-heteroarene derivatives.