Intramolecular Direct Functionalization of Cyclopropanes via Silver-Mediated, Palladium Catalysis
Over the last decade, the field of direct C–H functionalization has expanded as a consequence of the demand for cheaper, more efficient and greener chemical processes. Cyclopropanes represent a privileged moiety possessing numerous functions including the use as important biologically active agents and as useful synthetic intermediates towards accessing complex architectures. Despite their inherent value, cyclopropanes have not been widely explored as targets for direct C¬–H functionalization processes.   This thesis will discuss two related but equally different methodologies involving the direct C–H functionalization of cyclopropanes via intramolecular palladium-catalyzed, silver-mediated reactions. Chapter One will provide a brief glimpse into the foundations of direct functionalization and the contribution of these original findings towards key themes and concepts currently utilized in this field.  Challenges and strategies associated with the direct functionalization of sp3 centers will be highlighted with pertinent examples. Recent contributions from the literature towards directly functionalizing cyclopropanes will also be addressed. Key investigations regarding the mechanism and catalytic cycles for these processes will also be discussed.   Chapter Two will describe how 2-bromoanilides can be used to access valuable spiro 3,3’-cyclopropyl oxindoles. The optimization and scope for this project will be discussed, followed by mechanistic studies to disprove the formation of a putative palladium-enolate. These mechanistic studies include a kinetic isotope effect and epimerization experiments, both of which confirmed that the reaction proceeds via a direct arylation manifold. Based on the findings from Chapter Two, the direct functionalization of cyclopropyl benzamides will be presented, whereby subsequent ring-opening gives rise to novel benzo[c]azepin-1-ones (Chapter Three). After presenting a brief optimization and scope, mechanistic studies will be presented to support the proposed catalytic cycle. Isomerization studies will also be discussed for both benzazepinone products. This section will conclude that cyclopropyl C–H functionalization occurs prior to ring-opening and that acetate is responsible for mediating the concerted-metallation deprotonation event.   The final chapter (Chapter Four) will conclude with insights into what has been learned from both divergent, yet related methodologies and how these findings can be exploited to further explore other direct functionalizations targeting cyclopropanes.
Palladium Silver Direct arylation Direct functionalization Cyclopropanes Catalysis Benzoazepinones Spirooxindoles Catalyse