A Bond-Weakening Borinate Catalyst that Improves the Scope of the Photoredox α-C–H Alkylation of Alcohols

Dedicated to the late Professor Dieter Enders

Abstract

The development of catalyst-controlled, site-selective C(sp³)–H functionalization reactions is currently a major challenge in organic synthesis. In this paper, a novel bond-weakening catalyst that recognizes the hydroxy group of alcohols through formation of a borate is described. An electron-deficient borinic acid–ethanolamine complex enhances the chemical yield of the α-C–H alkylation of alcohols when used in conjunction with a photoredox catalyst and a hydrogen atom transfer catalyst under irradiation with visible light. This ternary hybrid catalyst system can, for example, be applied to functional-group-enriched­ peptides.

 

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Key words

photoredox catalyst - hydrogen atom transfer catalyst - boron­ - bond-weakening - C–H functionalization

Biographical Sketches

Kentaro Sakai was born in 1994 and raised in Tochigi, Japan. He obtained his bachelor’s degree (2017) and master’s degree (2019) under the direction of Professor Motomu Kanai at The University of Tokyo. He is currently a Ph.D. student at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo. His current research focuses on the development of a new methodology for selective C(sp³)–H functionalization under visible-light irradiation.

Kounosuke Oisaki was born in 1980 in Tokushima, Japan, and received his Ph.D. from The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) in 2008 under the direction of Professor Masakatsu Shibasaki. He then moved to the University of California-Los Angeles, USA, for postdoctoral studies with Professor Omar M. Yaghi. In 2010, he returned to Japan and joined Professor Motomu Kanai’s group at UTokyo as an assistant professor. He is currently working as a lecturer (since 2016). He has received The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan Award for Young Scientists (2018), the Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Award of Encouragement (2018), the Chemist Award BCA (2018), and the Thieme Chemistry Journals Award (2019). His current research interest is directed toward the development of new synthetic organic chemistry, with a focus on organoradical-based chemoselective reagents/catalysis for C(sp³)–H functionalizations and peptide/ protein modifications.

Motomu Kanai received his bachelor’s degree from The University of Tokyo (UTokyo) in 1989 under the direction of the late Professor Kenji Koga. He obtained an assistant professor position at Osaka University under the direction of Professor Kiyoshi­ Tomioka in 1992. He obtained his Ph.D. from Osaka University in 1995, and then moved to the University of Wisconsin, USA, for postdoctoral studies with Professor Laura L. Kiessling. In 1997, he returned to Japan and joined Professor Masakatsu Shibasaki’s group at UTokyo as an assistant professor. After working as a lecturer (2000–2003) and an associate professor (2003–2010), he became a professor at UTokyo in 2010. He served as a principle investigator at ERATO Kanai Life Science Project (2011–2017), and is currently the head investigator of MEXT Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas, ‘Hybrid Catalysis’ (2017–2022). He is a recipient of The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan Award for Young Scientists (2001), the Thieme Journals Award (2003), the Merck-Banyu Lectureship Award (MBLA) (2005), the Asian Core Program Lectureship Award (2008 and 2010, from Thailand, Malaysia, and China), the Thomson Reuters 4th Research Front Award (2016), and the Nagoya Silver Medal (2020). His research interests encompass the design and synthesis of functional molecules.

Novel C–H functionalization reactions enable not only innovative concise synthetic routes, but also the late-stage functionalization of complex molecules, thus accelerating the discovery of functional materials and medicinal lead compounds.[1] [2] In particular, C(sp³)–H functionalizations have shown great potential in drug discovery, as such reactions facilitate the derivatization of sp³-rich carbon skeletons, which is advantageous in order to enhance success rates in clinical trials.[3]

Scheme 1 Strategies for C(sp³)–H functionalization reactions based on a bond-weakening catalyst with a PC-HAT system

Recently, hybrid catalyst systems that consist of a photoredox catalyst (PC) and a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalyst have attracted significant attention from the synthetic chemistry community, including our group.[4] [5] PC-HAT hybrid catalysts generally functionalize unactivated C(sp³)–H bonds under mild conditions with high functional group tolerance. Most reported PC-HAT hybrid catalysts exhibit innate selectivity: The C–H bond with the lowest bond-dissociation energy (BDE) or the most hydridic C–H bond in the substrate are preferentially converted. Thus, the development of catalyst-controlled, site-selective C(sp³)–H functionalization reactions remains a formidable challenge.

One promising strategy to realize catalyst-controlled site-selectivity is the use of bond-weakening catalysis (Scheme [1, a]). The weakening of N–H and O–H bonds via coordination to low-valent metal complexes has been studied in the area of inorganic chemistry.[6] The application of this phenomenon to synthetic organic chemistry has provided a new design principle for the molecular engineering of synthetic catalysts.[7] [8] However, the oxidizing nature of conventional PC-HAT hybrid systems is often incompatible with low-valent metal complexes; instead, a redox-metal-free bond-weakening system would be preferable to use in conjunction with a PC-HAT hybrid system.

There have been previous reports of the use of bond-weakening catalysts in conjunction with PC-HAT hybrid systems to promote the selective α-C–H alkylation of alcohols (Scheme [1, b]).[5c] [9] [10] Seminal work has been reported by MacMillan and co-workers,[9a] who used dihydrogen phosphate as a hydrogen-bonding-acceptor catalyst to accelerate the C–H alkylation of alcohols. The same catalytic system was applied to the site-selective modification of carbo­hydrates by Minnaard and co-workers.[9b] Recently, this methodology was used for the synthesis of rare sugar isomers through site-selective epimerization by Wendlandt and co-workers.[9c] Taylor and co-workers have reported the use of borinic acid[10a] and boronic acid[10b] bond-weakening catalysts in conjunction with PC-HAT hybrid systems to realize the site-selective C–H alkylation and redox isomerization of carbohydrates, respectively. In these reactions, the formation of cyclic borates between the boron catalysts and the cis-1,2-diol moiety of the carbohydrates plays a key role. Recently, our group has reported that Martin’s spirosilane[11] can act as a bond-weakening catalyst by forming a silicate to promote the C–H alkylation of alcohols.[5c] Based on DFT calculations, the bond-weakening effect of the silicate was estimated to be 2.3 kcal/mol.[5c] The same calculations indicated that the BDEs of the alcohol α-C–H bonds were reduced by 4–5 kcal/mol through the formation of anionic borates; this reduction was greater than those induced by silicates or hydrogen-bonding catalysts.[12] The formation of neutral boron ester species, however, did not show a bond-weakening effect (Scheme [1, c]). Thus, we hypothesized that a PC-HAT-borate hybrid catalyst system could result in higher reactivity and a broader substrate scope for the α-C–H alkylation of mono-alcohols compared to those of the previously reported dihydrogen phosphate and silicate systems due to the greater bond-weakening ability of the in situ generated anionic borate species. In the present study, we have identified an electron-deficient borinic acid–ethanolamine complex as a novel C–H bond-weakening catalyst for mono-alcohols. The system was found to be applicable to amino acid derivatives, which were not accessible under the conditions applied in previous studies.

Table 1 Optimization of the Boron Source^a

Entry	[B] 6	Yield (%)b
1	none	28
2	6a	72
3	6b	40
4	6c	8
5	6d	51
6	6e	14
7	6f	15
8	6g	17
9	6h	14
10	6i	31
11	6j	87 (84)c
12	6k	82
13	B(C6F5)3 (6l)	0

^a Reaction conditions: acceptor 1a (1 equiv), EtOH (2a) (2 equiv), [Ir(dF(CF₃)ppy)₂(dtbpy)][PF₆] (4a) (1 mol%), quinuclidine (5a) (10 mol%), [B] 6 (25 mol%), MeCN ([1a]_final = 0.2 M), blue LED irradiation; the temperature of the reaction (25–33 °C) was controlled for 20 h using a fan.

^b The yield of 3aa was determined by ¹H NMR analysis (internal standard: nitromethane).

^c [B] 6j (10 mol%) was used and the reaction time was shortened to 14 h.

Table 2 Optimization of the PC and HAT Catalysts^a

Entry	PC	HAT catalyst	Yield (%)b
1	4a	5a	84
2	4b	5a	63
3	4c	5a	60
4	4d	5a	4
5	4e	5a	0
6	4a	5b	0
7	4a	5c	0
8	4a	5d	20
9	4a	5e	0
10	4a	5f	0

^a Reaction conditions: acceptor 1a (1 equiv), EtOH (2a) (2 equiv), PC 4 (1 mol%), HAT catalyst 5 (10 mol%), 6j (10 mol%), MeCN ([1a]_final = 0.2 M), blue LED irradiation; the temperature of the reaction (25–33 °C) was controlled for 14 h using a fan.

^b The yield of 3aa was determined by ¹H NMR analysis (internal standard: nitromethane).

To develop the boron-catalyzed α-C–H alkylation of simple mono-alcohols, we first screened various boron catalysts in the presence of the commonly used PC [Ir(dF(CF₃)ppy)₂(dtbpy)][PF₆] (4a)[13] and the HAT catalyst quinuclidine (5a)[9a] [b] [c] [10] [14] (Table [1]). Vinyl diethyl phosphonate (1a) and ethanol (2a) were used as substrates. Under irradiation from blue LEDs without any boron additive, the desired C–H-alkylated product (3aa) was obtained in 28% yield (entry 1). We then added various boron catalysts to the reaction mixture and evaluated their acceleration effect (entries 2–13). The yield of 3aa changed dramatically depending on the electronic characteristics of the boronic acid (entries 2–4), with the electron-deficient boronic acid 6a leading to a yield of 72%. In contrast, the electron-rich boronic acid 6c showed a detrimental effect on the yield (Table [1], entry 4), probably due to inhibition of the activation of the HAT catalyst by the competitive single-electron oxidation of 6c.[10b] [15] The acceleration effect of the boronic acid pinacol ester 6d was smaller than that of acid form 6a, which suggests that steric hindrance may hamper the formation of the borate (entry 5). Hoping to further enhance the acceleration effect, we screened various borinic acids, which are known to produce tetravalent borates more easily than boronic acids due to the higher Lewis acidity of the boron center.[16] Contrary to our expectations, the addition of borinic acids 6e–h did not improve the yield, regardless of the substituents (entries 6–9). We hypothesized that this could be due to the relatively low chemical stability of the borinic acids. We then investigated chemically stable borinic acid–ethanolamine complex 6i,[17] which bears a dynamically exchangeable amino-alcohol ligand (entry 10). Compared to borinic acid 6g, the use of 6i led to a significantly improved yield (entry 8 vs 10). Based on the substitution effect observed for 6a–c, we then used the electron-deficient borinic acid–ethanolamine complex 6j, which dramatically increased the yield of the C–H alkylation (87% yield) (entry 11). Upon introduction of additional electron-deficient trifluoromethyl groups on the aromatic rings (6k), an acceleration effect that was merely similar to that of 6j was observed (entry 12). When we used tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (6l), the desired reaction was completely inhibited, which implies that the ligand exchange on the boron center is important for the C–H alkylation (entry 13). Based on the aforementioned screening results, we identified 6j as the optimal boron catalyst. Further tuning of the reaction parameters confirmed that a comparable performance could be obtained when the reaction time was shortened to 14 hours and the loading of 6j was reduced to 10 mol% (entry 11, yield in parentheses).

Table 3 Optimization of the Reaction Parameters^a

Entry	Solvent	Concentration [1a]final	Ratio of 1a/2a	Yield (%)b
1	MeCN	0.2 M	1:2	84
2	DMSO	0.2 M	1:2	80
3	acetone	0.2 M	1:2	54
4	DMF	0.2 M	1:2	31
5	DCM	0.2 M	1:2	12
6	PhCF3	0.2 M	1:2	26
7	1,4-dioxane	0.2 M	1:2	15
8	MeCN	0.2 M	1:5	89
9	MeCN	0.2 M	1:1	74
10	MeCN	0.2 M ([2a]final)	5:1	71
11	MeCN	0.4 M	1:2	48
12	MeCN	0.1 M	1:2	89

^a Blue LED irradiation; the temperature of the reaction (25–33 °C) was controlled for 14 h using a fan.

^b The yield of 3aa was determined by ¹H NMR analysis (internal standard: nitromethane).

Next, we screened various PCs 4 (Table [2], entries 1–5). When we added organic dyes 4d [18] or 4e [19] instead of 4a, almost none of the desired product was obtained (entries 4 and 5). The iridium photoredox catalysts 4b [20] or 4c [20] achieved C–H alkylation (entries 2 and 3), albeit the yields were lower than that obtained with 4a. The lower reduction potential of 4b/4c compared to that of 4a [E _1/2(Ir^II/Ir^III) = –1.37 V for 4a, –0.69 V for 4b, –0.79 V for 4c; all potentials vs SCE in MeCN][9a] [20] might lead to inefficient catalyst regeneration; alternatively, the higher oxidation potential of 4b/4c [E(Ir^III*/Ir^II) = +1.21 V for 4a, +1.68 V for 4b, +1.65 V for 4c; all potentials vs SCE in MeCN][9a] [20] might lead to the decomposition of 6j. We also screened several quinuclidine derivatives (5b–d)[5c] [21] and other HAT catalysts (5e [22] and 5f [5b]). In these cases, the desired reaction did not proceed smoothly (entries 6–10).

After determining the optimal reagent combination (4a, 5a and 6j), we further optimized the reaction parameters (Table [3]). A solvent screening indicated that with the exception of DMF, which contains weak C–H bonds, polar aprotic solvents showed good results (entries 1–4), and MeCN afforded the best result (entry 1). Less polar solvents such as CH₂Cl₂, benzotrifluoride, and 1,4-dioxane led to poor reactivity (entries 5–7). Next, we changed the ratio of substrates and the concentration (entries 8–12). The use of an excess of the alcohol (entry 1 vs 8) or a lower concentration of 1a (entry 1 vs 12) slightly improved the yield. On the other hand, an excess of the acceptor (entry 1 vs 10) or a higher concentration of 1a (entry 1 vs 11) had a negative effect on the yield. Based on this optimization process, we identified the conditions in entry 12 as being optimal.

Subsequently, we conducted control experiments (Table [4]). In the absence of the PC or the HAT catalyst or the light source, 3aa was not obtained. Accordingly, the PC and HAT catalysts, as well as the blue light irradiation are essential for this reaction.

Table 4 Control Experiments^a

Entry	Variation from the ‘standard’ reaction conditions	Yield (%)b
1	none	89
2	absence of PC 4a	0
3	absence of HAT catalyst 5a	0
4	absence of LED irradiation	0

^a Reaction conditions: acceptor 1a (1 equiv), EtOH (2a) (2 equiv), [Ir(dF(CF₃)ppy)₂(dtbpy)][PF₆] (4a) (1 mol%), quinuclidine (5a) (10 mol%), 6j (10 mol%), MeCN ([1a]_final = 0.1 M), blue LED irradiation; the temperature of the reaction (25–33 °C) was controlled for 14 h using a fan.

^b The yield of 3aa was determined by ¹H NMR analysis (internal standard: nitromethane).

To obtain further insight into the operational mechanism of the boron catalyst, we examined its structure–activity­ relationship (Table [5]). When borinic acid 6e was used, a smaller acceleration effect was observed, perhaps due to the insufficient chemical stability of 6e (entry 1 vs 2). The addition of only ethanolamine did not improve the yield (entry 3 vs 9). Next, we added borinic acid 6e and ethanolamine without pre-complexation to form 6j. Although the yield was greatly improved (entry 4 vs 9), the improvement was not as great as that achieved using pre-formed 6j. The use of 6e with 2-methoxyethylamine instead of ethanolamine showed a similar acceleration effect (entry 5).

Table 5 Structure–Activity Relationship Study of the Boron Catalysts^a

Entry	[B]	Additive	Yield (%)b
1	6j	none	89
2	6e (borinic acid)	none	51
3	none		25
4	6e (borinic acid)		62
5	6e (borinic acid)		64
6	6a (boronic acid)	none	54
7	6a (boronic acid)		32
8	6a (boronic acid)		48
9	none	none	32

^a Reaction conditions: acceptor 1a (1 equiv), EtOH (2a) (2 equiv), [Ir(dF(CF₃)ppy)₂(dtbpy)][PF₆] (4a) (1 mol%), quinuclidine (5a) (10 mol%), [B] (6e or 6j) (10 mol%), additive (10 mol%), MeCN ([1a]_final = 0.1 M), blue LED irradiation; the temperature of the reaction (25–33 °C) was controlled for 14 h using a fan.

^b The yield of 3aa was determined by ¹H NMR analysis (internal standard: nitromethane).

These results suggest that the positive effect of 6j cannot be simply attributed to the independent contributions of 6e and ethanolamine. As the amine has a positive effect only in the presence of the boron catalyst, the amine moiety likely promotes the formation of the borate by assisting in the deprotonation of the alcohol substrates.

Interestingly, when the combination of boronic acid 6a and ethanolamine (Table [5], entry 6 vs 7) or 2-methoxyethylamine (entry 6 vs 8) was examined, both amines were observed to have a negative effect on the yield. In the presence of the amines, boronic acid 6a was completely decomposed after the reaction (confirmed by ¹H NMR analysis of the crude mixture). The amines may facilitate the oxidative decomposition of boronic acid 6a,[10b] [15] leading to a decreased amount of the active bond-weakening catalyst.

We then examined the substrate scope using the optimized conditions (Tables 6 and 7). First, the scope of the alcohol substrates was examined using 1a as an acceptor (Table [6]).

When ethanol (2a) was used, 3aa was obtained in 85% yield (Table [6], entry 1). The reaction with methanol (2b) produced the expected C–H alkylation product 3ab in a lower yield (35%), most likely due to the instability of the primary carbon radical generated by the HAT process (entry 2). Despite the expected stability of the carbon radical intermediate, the yield was moderate (50%) when 2-propanol (3c) was used as the substrate (entry 3). The steric hindrance of 2c may have hampered the formation of the borate with 6j. On the other hand, a substrate bearing a β-tertiary carbon (2d) afforded the corresponding product 3ad in 81% yield (entry 4). The conditions were also applicable to a long-chain alcohol (2e) and a cyclic alcohol (2f), which furnished the desired products in 76% (entry 5) and 75% yield (entry 6), respectively. The reaction proceeded in excellent yield even for alcohols with electron-withdrawing groups (83% and 91% yield for entries 7 and 8, respectively). When a mono-protected diol 2i was used, the C–H alkylation proceeded selectively at the α-position adjacent to the hydroxy group (entry 9). Subsequently, we examined alcohol substrates bearing multiple C–H bonds with similar BDE values.

Despite the presence of cyclic ether α-C–H bonds (2j) or N-heterocyclic α-C–H bonds (2k), which are generally more reactive than the α-C–H bonds of alcohols, the C–H alkylation selectively occurred at the α-C–H bonds of the alcohol to afford the desired products in high yields (80% and 84%, respectively) (Table [6], entries 10 and 11).[23]

Next, the substrate scope of the acceptor was examined using ethanol (2a) or 1-hexanol (2e) as the alcohol substrate (Table [7]). Acceptors with a phosphonate, nitrile, amide, ester, or sulfone as the electron-withdrawing group were found to be applicable in this reaction. When esters were used as the acceptors, the corresponding lactones were isolated after acidic work-up (entries 7–9). A range of acrylates and a vinylsulfone produced the desired products in moderate to high yields (entries 1, 3–7 and 10). For acrylamides, a primary amide (1d), secondary amides (1e and 1f), and a tertiary amide (1g) afforded the desired products in good yield (entries 3–6). The α-substituent of the acceptors was not problematic. When methacrylic acid derivatives or α-phenyl methyl acrylate were used, the reaction proceeded smoothly to afford excellent product yields (entries 2, 8 and 9).

Finally, we attempted the C–H alkylation of functional-group-enriched molecules (Scheme [2]). When the protected amino acid 2l or homoserine (Hse)-containing dipeptide 2m was used, the reaction proceeded in 34% and 75% yield, respectively. Of note, 2l was rather unreactive in the HAT process. The reaction of 2l in the absence of 6j or under previously reported conditions did not proceed at all.[12] These results demonstrate the potential utility of the current hybrid catalyst system for the late-stage modification of peptides.

Table 6 Substrate Scope of the Alcohols^a

Entry	Acceptor	Alcohol	Product	Yield (%)b
1				85
2				35
3				50
4				81
5				76
6				75
7				83
8				91
9				58
10				80
11				84

^a Reaction conditions: acceptor 1a (1 equiv), alcohol 2 (2 equiv), 4a (1 mol%), 5a (10 mol%), 6j (10 mol%), MeCN ([1a]_final = 0.1 M), blue LED irradiation; the temperature of the reaction (25–33 °C) was controlled for 14 h using a fan.

^b Yield of isolated product.

Scheme 2 C–H alkylation of amino acid derivatives

A plausible catalytic cycle is shown in Scheme [3]. First, PC 4a is excited by irradiation with visible light. The photoexcited Ir(III)* species [E(Ir^III*/Ir^II) = +1.21 V vs SCE][9a] oxidizes HAT catalyst 5a (E _1/2 = +1.10 V vs SCE)[24] [25] to generate quinuclidinium radical 7 and the Ir(II) species. Anionic borates 8 are formed in situ from alcohol substrate 2 and borinic acid–ethanolamine complex 6j to lower the BDE by ca. 5 kcal/mol, which facilitates the subsequent HAT process. The quinuclidinium radical 7 (BDE of N⁺–H bond: 100 kcal/mol)[25] homolytically cleaves the α-C–H bond of borate 8 to generate reactive carbon radical 9, and the HAT catalyst is regenerated after releasing a proton.[26] The thus generated carbon radical 9 is trapped by acceptor 1 to form stabilized radical 10. The Ir(II) species [E _1/2(Ir^II/Ir^III) = –1.37 V vs SCE][9a] reduces 10 to form a carbanionic species. Subsequent protonation and alcohol exchange produce the C–H alkylated product 3, and the catalytic cycle is closed.

Scheme 3 Proposed catalytic cycle for the α-C–H alkylation of alcohols. BDE values calculated by DFT (R = Me).

In conclusion, we have conducted a DFT-calculation-guided screening of bond-weakening borate catalysts and identified electron-deficient borinic acid–ethanolamine complex 6j as an effective catalyst component for the α-C–H alkylation of alcohols. The newly established PC-HAT-borate­ hybrid catalyst system enhances the reaction yield and broadens the substrate scope, probably due to the greater bond-weakening effect of the borate relative to that of silicates. Our reaction system can also transform amino acids or peptides, which are inert to silicate- or hydrogen-bonding-based bond-weakening systems.

Table 7 Substrate Scope of the Acceptors^a

Entry	Acceptor	Alcohol	Product	Yield (%)b
1				70
2				86c
3				81
4				63
5				58
6				54
7				90d
8				85c,d
9				78c,d
10				76

^a Reaction conditions: acceptor 1 (1 equiv), alcohol 2 (2 equiv), 4a (1 mol%), 5a (10 mol%), 6j (10 mol%), MeCN ([1a]_final = 0.1 M), blue LED irradiation; the temperature of the reaction (25–33 °C) was controlled for 14 h using a fan.

^b Yield of isolated product.

^c The dr was 1:1.0 to 1:2.9. See the Supporting Information for details.

^d After blue LED irradiation, an acidic work-up (Amberlyst^®-15; 100 mg, 3 h, 50 °C) was conducted.

All reagents (except for some borinic acids and borinic acid–ethanolamine complexes) and solvents were purchased from common chemical suppliers and used without further purification. Alcohol α-C–H alkylation reactions were carried out in dried and degassed MeCN, DMSO, CH₂Cl₂, DMF, 1,4-dioxane, benzotrifluoride, or acetone under an argon atmosphere. Analytical TLC was performed on Merck silica gel 60F₂₅₄ plates. Flash column chromatography was performed using silica gel (60, spherical, 40–50 μm; Kanto Chemicals) or a Biotage^® Isolera™ One 3.0 instrument with a pre-packed Biotage^® SNAP Ultra column. Infrared (IR) spectra were recorded using a JASCO FT/IR 410 Fourier transform IR spectrophotometer. NMR spectra were recorded using JEOL ECX500 (¹H NMR: 500 MHz; ¹³C NMR: 125 MHz), JEOL ECZ500 (¹H NMR: 500 MHz; ¹³C NMR: 125 MHz), or JEOL ECS400 (¹H NMR: 400 MHz; ¹³C NMR: 100 MHz; ¹¹B NMR: 126 MHz; ¹⁹F NMR: 369 MHz; ³¹P NMR: 159 MHz) spectrometers. Residual traces of the hydrogenated solvents were used as an internal reference for the chemical shifts in the ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra. In the ¹⁹F NMR spectra, the chemical shifts are reported relative to the external standard hexafluorobenzene (δ = –164.90). In the ¹¹B NMR spectra, the chemical shifts are reported relative to the external reference BF₃·Et₂O (δ = 0.00). In the ³¹P NMR spectra, the chemical shifts are reported relative to the external reference triphenylphosphine (δ = –6.00). Coupling constants (J) are reported in hertz (Hz), while multiplicities are described using standard abbreviations. ESI-mass spectra were measured using a Bruker micrOTOF spectrometer or a JEOL JMS-T100LC AccuTOF spectrometer for HRMS. DART-mass spectra were measured using a JEOL JMS-T100LC AccuTOF spectrometer for HRMS. ESI-mass spectra were measured using a JEOL JMS-T100LC AccuTOF spectrometer for LRMS. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was performed on a recycling preparative HPLC LC9210 NEXT system (Japan Analytical Industry Co., Ltd.). The synthesis of boron sources 6e and 6j and substrates 1j, 2i, and 2k is described in the Supporting Information.

 

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Photocatalytic C–H Alkylation of Alcohols; General Procedure

[Ir(dF(CF₃)ppy)₂(dtbpy)][PF₆] (4a) (1.1 mg, 1.0 μmol, 1 mol%), quinuclidine (5a) (1.1 mg, 0.010 mmol, 10 mol%), and 2,2-bis[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1,3,2λ⁴-oxazaborolidine (6j) (3.6 mg, 0.010 mmol, 10 mol%) were added to a dried screw-cap vial. Degassed MeCN (1.0 mL, [1]_final = 0.1 M), alcohol 2 (0.20 mmol, 2.0 equiv) and Michael acceptor 1 (0.10 mmol, 1.0 equiv) were added to the vial under an argon atmosphere or in a glove box, before the vial was sealed with the screw cap. The vial was removed from the glove box and then placed near the 430 nm light source [Valore VBP-L24-C2 with a 38 W LED lamp; VBL-SE150-BBB(430)]. The temperature (25–33 °C) was controlled using a strong fan, and the vial was irradiated for 14 h with the blue LEDs under constant stirring. After evaporation of all volatiles, the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (GPC was used for the purification of 3aj and 3ie) to afford the targeted C–H alkylation products 3.

 

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Diethyl (3-Hydroxybutyl)phosphonate (3aa)

Pale-yellow oil; yield: 17.9 mg (85%); R_f = 0.29 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 20:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3397, 2978, 1239, 1029, 963, 789 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 4.17–4.03 (m, 4 H), 3.90–3.82 (m, 1 H), 2.18 (br s, 1 H), 1.96–1.61 (m, 4 H), 1.32 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 6 H), 1.21 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 67.4 (d, J = 15.5 Hz), 61.8 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 61.7 (d, J = 6.0 Hz), 31.7 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 23.2, 22.0 (d, J = 140.7 Hz), 16.5 (d, J = 6.0 Hz).

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 32.8.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₈H₁₉NaO₄P: 233.0913; found: 233.0917.

 

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Diethyl (3-Hydroxypropyl)phosphonate (3ab)

Colorless oil; yield: 6.9 mg (35%); R_f = 0.18 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 20:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3397, 2983, 2933, 1229, 1027, 962, 750 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 4.18–4.04 (m, 4 H), 3.71 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 2 H), 2.23 (br s, 1 H; overlaps with the signal for water), 1.93–1.80 (m, 4 H), 1.33 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 6 H).

¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 62.7 (d, J = 13.4 Hz), 61.9 (d, J = 6.7 Hz), 25.8 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 22.8 (d, J = 144.0 Hz), 16.6 (d, J = 5.7 Hz).

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 32.7.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₇H₁₇NaO₄P: 219.0757; found: 219.0767.

 

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Diethyl (3-Hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)phosphonate (3ac)

Pale-yellow oil; yield: 11.3 mg (50%); R_f = 0.38 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 20:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3404, 2973, 2930, 1223, 1027, 961 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 4.17–4.03 (m, 4 H), 1.90–1.72 (m, 5 H; overlaps with the signal for water), 1.33 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 6 H), 1.23 (s, 6 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 69.8 (d, J = 15.5 Hz), 61.7 (d, J = 6.0 Hz), 35.8 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 28.9, 20.6 (d, J = 140.7 Hz), 16.5 (d, J = 6.0 Hz).

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 33.1.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₉H₂₁NaO₄P: 247.1070; found: 247.1067.

 

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Diethyl (3-Hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)phosphonate (3ad)

Colorless oil; yield: 19.3 mg (81%); R_f = 0.26 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 20:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3397, 2959, 2873, 1234, 1029, 962, 749 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 4.17–4.03 (m, 4 H), 3.92–3.35 (m, 1 H), 2.17 (br s, 1 H), 2.01–1.89 (m, 1 H), 1.86–1.74 (m, 2 H), 1.70–1.57 (m, 2 H), 1.32 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 6 H), 0.93 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 3 H), 0.91 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 76.6 (d, J = 13.1 Hz), 61.8 (d, J = 3.6 Hz), 61.8 (d, J = 3.6 Hz), 33.8, 27.1 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 22.5 (d, J = 140.7 Hz), 18.8, 17.7, 16.6 (d, J = 6.0 Hz).

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 33.0.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₀H₂₃NaO₄P: 261.1226; found: 261.1223.

 

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Diethyl (3-Hydroxyoctyl)phosphonate (3ae)

Pale-yellow oil; yield: 20.2 mg (76%); R_f = 0.21 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 20:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3399, 2930, 2859, 1228, 1031, 962 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (500MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 4.16–4.03 (m, 4 H), 3.65–3.61 (m, 1 H), 2.18 (br s, 1 H), 1.96–1.76 (m, 3 H), 1.69–1.59 (m, 1 H), 1.48–1.20 (m, 8 H), 1.32 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 6 H), 0.88 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 71.6 (d, J = 13.1 Hz), 61.8 (d, J = 6.0 Hz), 61.8 (d, J = 6.0 Hz), 37.4, 32.0, 30.2 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 25.5, 22.2 (d, J = 139.5 Hz), 16.6 (d, J = 6.0 Hz), 14.2.

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 32.9.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₂H₂₇NaO₄P: 289.1539; found: 289.1539.

 

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Diethyl [2-(1-Hydroxycyclohexyl)ethyl]phosphonate (3af)

Pale-yellow oil; yield: 19.8 mg (75%); R_f = 0.26 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 20:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3399, 2981, 2931, 2857, 1219, 1030, 964 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 4.14–4.03 (m, 4 H), 1.94 (br s, 1 H), 1.87–1.78 (m, 2 H), 1.76–1.69 (m, 2 H), 1.62–1.42 (m, 7 H), 1.39–1.22 (m, 3 H), 1.31 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 6 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 70.6 (d, J = 15.5 Hz), 61.7 (d, J = 6.0 Hz), 37.2, 34.6, 25.9, 22.2, 19.5 (d, J = 141.9 Hz), 16.6 (d, J = 6.0 Hz).

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 33.6.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄P: 287.1383; found: 287.1389.

 

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Diethyl (5-Fluoro-3-hydroxypentyl)phosphonate (3ag)

Pale-yellow oil; yield: 20.1 mg (83%); R_f = 0.18 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 20:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3384, 2982, 2910, 1232, 1028, 965 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 4.74–4.49 (m, 2 H), 4.17–4.02 (m, 4 H), 3.90–3.84 (m, 1 H), 2.66 (br s, 1 H), 1.98–1.65 (m, 6 H), 1.32 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 6 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 81.7 (d, J _C–F = 162.2 Hz), 68.1 (dd, J _C–P = 12.5 Hz and J _C–F = 4.8 Hz), 62.0 (d, J _C–P = 6.0 Hz), 61.9 (d, J _C–P = 6.0 Hz), 37.8 (d, J _C–F = 19.1 Hz), 30.5 (d, J _C–P = 4.8 Hz), 22.2 (d, J _C–P = 140.7 Hz), 16.6 (d, J _C–P = 6.0 Hz).

¹⁹F NMR (369 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = –220.0 to –220.3 (m).

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 32.7.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₉H₂₀FNaO₄P: 265.0975; found: 265.0983.

 

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Diethyl (6,6,6-Trifluoro-3-hydroxyhexyl)phosphonate (3ah)

Pale-yellow oil; yield: 26.6 mg (91%); R_f = 0.47 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 10:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3376, 2985, 2935, 1253, 1135, 1030, 964 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 4.18–4.02 (m, 4 H), 3.72–3.67 (m, 1 H), 2.74 (br s, 1 H), 2.43–2.27 (m, 1 H), 2.23–2.06 (m, 1 H), 1.92–1.60 (m, 6 H), 1.32 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 6 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 127.5 (q, J _C–F = 274.2 Hz), 69.9 (d, J _C–P = 10.7 Hz), 62.1 (d, J _C–P = 6.0 Hz), 62.0 (d, J _C–P = 6.0 Hz), 30.5 (q, J _C–F = 28.6 Hz), 30.5 (d, J _C–P = 4.8 Hz), 29.6 (q, J _C–F = 2.4 Hz), 22.3 (d, J _C–P = 140.7 Hz), 16.6 (d, J _C–P = 6.0 Hz).

¹⁹F NMR (369 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = –65.9 (t, J = 19.9 Hz).

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 32.6.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₀H₂₀F₃NaO₄P: 315.0944; found: 315.0941.

 

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5-(Diethoxyphosphoryl)-3-hydroxypentyl Benzoate (3ai)

Pale-yellow oil; yield: 20.0 mg (58%); R_f = 0.21 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 20:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3378, 2981, 2932, 1717, 1277, 1235, 1117, 1027, 963, 714 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 8.04–8.02 (m, 2 H), 7.59–7.55 (m, 1 H), 7.44 (dd, J = 8.0, 8.0 Hz, 2 H), 4.65–4.59 (m, 1 H), 4.43–4.38 (m, 1 H), 4.15–4.04 (m, 4 H), 3.84–3.80 (m, 1 H), 3.14 (br s, 1 H), 1.98–1.68 (m, 6 H), 1.31 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 6 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 167.1, 133.2, 130.2, 129.7, 128.5, 68.2 (d, J = 13.1 Hz), 62.1, 61.9 (d, J = 6.0 Hz), 61.8 (d, J = 6.0 Hz), 36.6, 30.3 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 22.3 (d, J = 140.7 Hz), 16.6 (d, J = 6.0 Hz).

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 32.5.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₆H₂₅NaO₆P: 367.1281; found: 367.1265.

 

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Diethyl [3-Hydroxy-3-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)propyl]phosphonate (3aj)

Pale-yellow oil; yield: 22.3 mg (80%); R_f = 0.15 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 20:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3398, 2949, 2845, 1233, 1029, 962 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 4.15–4.03 (m, 4 H), 3.99 (ddd, J = 11.6, 11.6, 3.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.40–3.33 (m, 3 H), 2.40 (br s, 1 H; overlaps with the signal for water), 1.98–1.35 (m, 9 H), 1.32 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 6 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 75.1 (d, J = 11.9 Hz), 68.1, 67.9, 61.9 (d, J = 3.6 Hz), 61.8 (d, J = 3.6 Hz), 41.1, 29.2, 28.7, 27.0 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 22.2 (d, J = 140.7 Hz), 16.6 (d, J = 6.0 Hz).

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 32.9.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₂H₂₅NaO₅P: 303.1332; found: 303.1331.

 

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Diethyl [3-(1-Benzoylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-hydroxypropyl]phosphonate (3ak)

Pale-yellow oil; yield: 32.1 mg (84%); R_f = 0.23 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 20:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3390, 2982, 2932, 2861, 1629, 1444, 1241, 1029, 964, 710 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.37 (br m, 5 H), 4.75 (br m, 1 H), 4.14–4.02 (m, 4 H), 3.77 (br m, 1 H), 3.43–3.41 (m, 1 H), 2.92–2.70 (br m, 3 H), 1.96–1.57 (m, 7 H), 1.43–1.18 (m, 2 H), 1.31 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 6 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 170.4, 136.3, 129.6, 128.5, 126.9, 74.5 (d, J = 10.7 Hz), 61.9 (d, J = 6.0 Hz), 61.9 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 48.0, 42.4, 42.3, 29.0, 28.3, 27.2 (d, J = 3.6 Hz), 22.3 (d, J = 140.7 Hz), 16.6 (d, J = 6.0 Hz).

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 32.8.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₉H₃₀NNaO₅P: 406.1754; found: 406.1740.

 

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4-Hydroxynonanenitrile (3be)

Colorless oil; yield: 10.9 mg (70%); R_f = 0.14 (n-hexane/EtOAc, 4:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3432, 2930, 2859, 2247, 1458, 1056, 655 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 3.75–3.69 (m, 1 H), 2.53–2.49 (m, 2 H), 1.88–1.80 (m, 1 H), 1.73–1.64 (m, 1 H), 1.54 (br s, 1 H), 1.51–1.26 (m, 8 H), 0.89 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 120.1, 70.2, 37.6, 32.6, 31.8, 25.3, 22.7, 14.1, 13.9.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₉H₁₇NNaO: 178.1202; found: 178.1202.

 

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4-Hydroxy-2-methylnonanenitrile (3ce)

Obtained as inseparable diastereomers (dr = 1:1.3).

Colorless oil; yield: 14.5 mg (86%); R_f = 0.23 (n-hexane/EtOAc, 4:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3440, 2930, 2859, 2241, 1458, 1095, 750 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (major diastereomer) = 3.75–3.69 (m, 1 H), 2.90–2.81 (m, 1 H), 1.87–1.80 (m, 1 H), 1.74–1.24 (m, 10 H), 1.34 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 3 H), 0.89 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 3 H).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (minor diastereomer) = 3.88–3.82 (m, 1 H), 3.03–2.94 (m, 1 H), 1.74–1.24 (m, 11 H), 1.34 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 3 H), 0.89 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 123.7, 123.1, 69.6, 69.0, 41.7, 41.1, 38.1, 37.8, 31.8, 31.8, 25.2, 22.7, 22.7, 21.9, 18.6, 17.7, 14.1 (three methylene carbon signals overlap with those of the diastereomers).

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₀H₁₉NNaO: 192.1359; found: 192.1356.

 

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4-Hydroxypentanamide (3da)

Pale-yellow oil; yield: 9.5 mg (81%); R_f = 0.25 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 10:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3347, 2968, 2928, 1663, 1411, 1068, 762 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CD₃CN): δ = 6.84 (br s, 1 H), 6.24 (br s, 1 H), 3.93 (d, J = 4.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.76–3.67 (m, 1 H), 2.29 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 2 H), 1.74–1.56 (m, 2 H), 1.10 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CD₃CN): δ = 176.0, 67.3, 35.5, 32.8, 24.0.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₅H₁₁NNaO₂: 140.0682; found: 140.0687.

 

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N-(tert-Butyl)-4-hydroxypentanamide (3ea)

Pale-yellow solid; yield: 10.9 mg (63%); R_f = 0.35 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 20:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3300, 2967, 2926, 1650, 1550, 1454, 1363, 1225, 1079 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 5.59 (br s, 1 H), 3.87–3.79 (m, 1 H), 3.08 (br s, 1 H), 2.35–2.22 (m, 2 H), 1.85–1.75 (m, 1 H), 1.71–1.61 (m, 1 H), 1.33 (s, 9 H), 1.19 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 173.3, 67.7, 51.5, 34.4, 34.3, 28.9, 23.8.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₉H₁₉NNaO₂: 196.1308; found: 196.1315.

 

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4-Hydroxy-N-phenylpentanamide (3fa)

Colorless solid; yield: 11.1 mg (58%); R_f = 0.14 (n-hexane/EtOAc, 1:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3302, 2967, 2927, 1663, 1599, 1543, 1498, 1443, 1074, 692 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.72 (br s, 1 H), 7.50 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.31 (dd, J = 7.6, 7.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.10 (dd, J = 7.6, 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.95–3.90 (m, 1 H), 2.59–2.49 (m, 2 H), 2.21 (br s, 1 H), 1.97–1.90 (m, 1 H), 1.81–1.74 (m, 1 H), 1.24 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 172.0, 138.0, 129.1, 124.5, 120.0, 67.7, 34.4, 34.2, 24.0.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₁H₁₅NNaO₂: 216.0995; found: 216.1005.

 

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4-Hydroxy-N,N-dimethylpentanamide (3ga)

Colorless oil; yield: 7.8 mg (54%); R_f = 0.35 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 20:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3408, 2965, 2929, 1628, 1401, 1265, 1125, 1072 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 3.86–3.80 (m, 1 H), 3.13 (br s, 1 H), 3.02 (br s, 3 H), 2.96 (br s, 3 H), 2.57–2.43 (m, 2 H), 1.86–1.80 (m, 1 H), 1.78–1.71 (m, 1 H), 1.20 (d, J = 6.3 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 174.0, 67.9, 37.6, 35.8, 33.6, 30.3, 23.9.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₇H₁₅NNaO₂: 168.0995; found: 168.0994.

 

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5-Pentyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (3he)

Colorless oil; yield: 14.0 mg (90%); R_f = 0.24 (n-hexane/EtOAc, 5:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 2933, 2861, 1775, 1460, 1182, 1021 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 4.51–4.45 (m, 1 H), 2.54–2.51 (m, 2 H), 2.35–2.28 (m, 1 H), 1.89–1.81 (m, 1 H), 1.77–1.70 (m, 1 H), 1.62–1.55 (m, 1 H), 1.50–1.25 (m, 6 H), 0.89 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 177.4, 81.2, 35.7, 31.6, 29.0, 28.2, 25.0, 22.6, 14.1.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₉H₁₆NaO₂: 179.1043; found: 179.1049.

 

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3-Methyl-5-pentyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (3ie)

Obtained as inseparable diastereomers (dr = 1:2.5).

Colorless oil; yield: 14.5 mg (85%); R_f = 0.31 (n-hexane/EtOAc, 5:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 2933, 2862, 1771, 1457, 1378, 1189, 1011, 926 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (major diastereomer) = 4.36–4.29 (m, 1 H), 2.73–2.60 (m, 1 H), 2.51–2.44 (m, 1 H), 1.78–1.25 (m, 12 H), 0.89 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 3 H).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (minor diastereomer) = 4.53–4.46 (m, 1 H), 2.73–2.60 (m, 1 H), 2.17–2.07 (m, 1 H), 2.02–1.95 (m, 1 H), 1.78–1.25 (m, 11 H), 0.89 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 180.3, 179.8, 78.9, 78.6, 37.5, 36.1, 35.6, 35.6, 35.5, 34.2, 31.7, 31.6, 25.2, 25.1, 22.6, 16.0, 15.3, 14.1 (two methylene carbon signals overlap with those of the diastereomers).

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₀H₁₈NaO₂: 193.1199; found: 193.1205.

 

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5-Methyl-3-phenyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (3ja)

Obtained as inseparable diastereomers (dr = 1:2.9).

Colorless oil; yield: 13.8 mg (78%); R_f = 0.27 (n-hexane/EtOAc, 5:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 2979, 2933, 1769, 1455, 1388, 1175, 1119, 1053, 949, 753, 698 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (major diastereomer) = 7.40–7.34 (m, 2 H), 7.32–7.27 (m, 3 H), 4.68–4.59 (m, 1 H), 3.90 (dd, J = 12.8, 8.7 Hz, 1 H), 2.79 (ddd, J = 12.8, 8.7, 5.5 Hz, 1 H), 2.03 (ddd, J = 12.8, 12.8, 10.8 Hz, 1 H), 1.51 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3 H).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (minor diastereomer) = 7.40–7.34 (m, 2 H), 7.32–7.27 (m, 3 H), 4.85–4.77 (m, 1 H), 3.94 (dd, J = 9.6, 7.3 Hz, 1 H), 2.55 (ddd, J = 13.3, 7.3, 7.3 Hz, 1 H), 2.36 (ddd, J = 13.3, 9.6, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 1.47 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 177.3, 177.0, 137.2, 136.7, 129.1, 129.0, 128.2, 127.8, 127.7, 127.7, 75.3, 75.1, 47.8, 45.8, 39.9, 38.1, 21.2, 21.0.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₁H₁₂NaO₂: 199.0730; found: 199.0732.

 

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4-(Phenylsulfonyl)butan-2-ol (3ka)

Colorless oil; yield: 16.2 mg (76%); R_f = 0.23 (n-hexane/EtOAc, 1:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3494, 2969, 2928, 1447, 1303, 1145, 1086, 743, 688 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.94–7.91 (m, 2 H), 7.67 (dddd, J = 7.6, 7.6, 1.4, 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.60–7.56 (m, 2 H), 3.97–3.89 (m, 1 H), 3.34–3.17 (m, 2 H), 1.99–1.90 (m, 1 H), 1.83–1.74 (m, 1 H), 1.21 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 139.2, 133.9, 129.5, 128.1, 66.3, 53.2, 31.7, 23.8.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₀H₁₄NaO₃S: 237.0556; found: 237.0556.

 

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Methyl (S)-2-{[(Benzyloxy)carbonyl]amino}-5-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-3-hydroxypentanoate (3al)

Obtained as inseparable diastereomers (dr = 1:4).

Pale-yellow oil; yield: 14.2 mg (34%); R_f = 0.46 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 10:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3357, 2983, 1751, 1724, 1533, 1439, 1211, 1054, 1026, 965, 749, 699 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.36–7.28 (m, 5 H), 5.93 (br d, J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 5.15–5.08 (m, 2 H), 4.36 (dd, J = 9.6, 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 4.19–4.18 (m, 1 H), 4.13–4.01 (m, 4 H), 3.76 (s, 3 H), 1.92–1.78 (m, 4 H), 1.32–1.25 (m, 6 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (major diastereomer) = 171.5, 156.9, 136.4, 128.7, 128.3, 128.2, 71.8 (d, J = 11.9 Hz), 67.3, 62.3 (d, J = 6.0 Hz), 62.1 (d, J = 6.0 Hz), 58.7, 52.7, 27.2 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 22.5 (d, J = 140.7 Hz), 16.5 (d, J = 6.0 Hz).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ (minor diastereomer) = 170.7, 156.5, 136.2, 128.7, 128.6, 128.4, 72.8 (d, J = 11.9 Hz), 67.4, 62.0 (d, J = 6.0 Hz), 58.8, 52.6, 26.6 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 22.4 (d, J = 141.9 Hz), 16.5 (d, J = 6.0 Hz) (two doublet signals of the minor diastereomer overlap with those of the major diastereomer).

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 32.3 (major diastereomer), 32.2 (minor diastereomer).

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₁₈H₂₈NNaO₈P: 440.1445; found: 440.1438.

 

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tert-Butyl (2-{[(Benzyloxy)carbonyl]amino}-6-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-4-hydroxyhexanoyl)glycinate (3am)

Obtained as inseparable diastereomers (dr = 1:1).

Colorless oil; yield: 39.6 mg (75%); R_f = 0.58 (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH, 10:1).

IR (CH₂Cl₂): 3315, 2980, 2933, 1725, 1677, 1528, 1368, 1226, 1157, 1028, 965 cm^–1.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 7.35–7.29 (m, 5 H), 7.18 (br s, 0.5 H), 7.01 (br s, 0.5 H), 6.29 (br d, J = 8.0 Hz, 0.5 H), 5.97 (br d, J = 6.0 Hz, 0.5 H), 5.10 + 5.08 (s + s, 2 H), 4.47 (br m, 0.5 H), 4.42–4.41 (br m, 0.5 H), 4.13–4.01 (m, 4 H), 3.97–3.92 (m, 1 H), 3.89–3.78 (m, 2 H), 1.95–1.69 (m, 6 H), 1.45 + 1.45 (s + s, 9 H), 1.32–1.28 (m, 6 H).

¹³C NMR (125 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 172.2, 171.9, 168.9 (another signal may overlap this peak), 157.0, 156.3, 136.3, 136.2, 128.7, 128.6, 128.3, 128.2, 128.2, 128.2, 82.5, 82.3, 68.8 (d, J = 11.9 Hz), 68.7 (d, J = 13.1 Hz), 67.3, 67.1, 62.0, 62.0, 61.9, 61.9, 61.9, 61.9, 53.1, 52.9, 42.1, 42.1, 40.5, 39.6, 30.3 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 30.2 (d, J = 4.8 Hz), 28.2, 22.4 (d, J = 140.7 Hz), 22.2 (d, J = 140.7 Hz), 16.5 (d, J = 6.0 Hz) (another signal may overlap this peak).

The J values of the signals at δ = 62.0–61.9 are difficult to be determine because of overlapping with the signals of diastereomers.

³¹P NMR (159 MHz, CDCl₃): δ = 32.7, 32.6.

HRMS (ESI): m/z [M + Na]⁺ calcd for C₂₄H₃₉N₂NaO₉P: 553.2285; found: 553.2285.

 

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