2020, Liu, Weiping, Leischner, Thomas, Li, Wu, Junge, Kathrin, Beller, Matthias

A straightforward methodology for the synthesis of anti-Markovnikov-type alcohols is presented. By using a specific cobalt triphos complex in the presence of Zn(OTf)2 as an additive, the hydrogenation of epoxides proceeds with high yields and selectivities. The described protocol shows a broad substrate scope, including multi-substituted internal and terminal epoxides, as well as a good functional-group tolerance. Various natural-product derivatives, including steroids, terpenoids, and sesquiterpenoids, gave access to the corresponding alcohols in moderate-to-excellent yields. © 2020 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

2020, Cui, Xinjiang, Li, Wu, Junge, Kathrin, Fei, Zhaofu, Beller, Matthias, Dyson, Paul J.

Core–shell nanocatalysts are attractive due to their versatility and stability. Here, we describe cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated within graphitic shells prepared via the pyrolysis of a cationic poly-ionic liquid (PIL) with a cobalt(II) chloride anion. The resulting material has a core–shell structure that displays excellent activity and selectivity in the self-dehydrogenation and hetero-dehydrogenation of primary amines to their corresponding imines. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibits excellent activity in the synthesis of secondary imines from substrates with various reducible functional groups (C=C, C≡C and C≡N) and amino acid derivatives. © 2020 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

2021, Leonard, David K., Li, Wu, Rockstroh, Nils, Junge, Kathrin, Beller, Matthias

The kinetic and thermodynamic stability of C(sp3)–C(sp3) bonds makes the site-selective activation of these motifs a real synthetic challenge. In view of this, herein a site-selective method of C(sp3)–C(sp3) bond scission of amines, specifically morpholine and piperazine derivatives, using a cheap iron catalyst and air as a sustainable oxidant is reported. Furthermore, a statistical design of experiments (DoE) is used to evaluate multiple reaction parameters thereby allowing for the rapid development of a catalytic process. © 2021

2019, Li, Wu, Liu, Weiping, Leonard, David K., Rabeah, Jabor, Junge, Kathrin, Brgckner, Angelika, Beller, Matthias

The selective cleavage of thermodynamically stable C(sp3)−C(sp3) single bonds is rare compared to their ubiquitous formation. Herein, we describe a general methodology for such transformations using homogeneous copper-based catalysts in the presence of air. The utility of this novel methodology is demonstrated for Cα−Cβ bond scission in >70 amines with excellent functional group tolerance. This transformation establishes tertiary amines as a general synthon for amides and provides valuable possibilities for their scalable functionalization in, for example, natural products and bioactive molecules. © 2019 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.