Mechanochemistry Drives Alkene Difunctionalization via Radical Ligand Transfer and Electron Catalysis

Abstract

Abstract A general and modular protocol is reported for olefin difunctionalization through mechanochemistry, facilitated by cooperative radical ligand transfer (RLT) and electron catalysis. Utilizing mechanochemical force and catalytic amounts of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl (TEMPO), ferric nitrate can leverage nitryl radicals, transfer nitrooxy‐functional group via RLT, and mediate an electron catalysis cycle under room temperature. A diverse range of activated and unactivated alkenes exhibited chemo‐ and regioselective 1,2‐nitronitrooxylation under solvent‐free or solvent‐less conditions, showcasing excellent functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies indicated a significant impact of mechanochemistry and highlighted the radical nature of this nitrative difunctionalization process.

Keywords

• electron catalysis
• mechanochemistry
• nitration
• olefin difunctionalization
• radical ligand transfer (RLT)