Selective undirected functionalization of strong primary C-H bonds of linear alkanes, that do not possess directing groups, historically stands as one of the most challenging transformation in chemistry. In this Article, we report a two-step sequential strategy involving a biocatalytic dehydrogenation / remote hydrofunctionalization, as a unified and versatile approach to selectively convert linear alkanes into a large array of valuable functionalized aliphatic derivatives. The dehydrogenation is carried out by a mutant strain of Rhodococcus and the produced alkenes are subsequently engaged in a remote functionalization through a metal-catalyzed hydrometalation/migration sequence that subsequently react with a large variety of electrophiles. The judicious implementation of this combined biocatalytic and organometallic approach enabled us to develop a high-yielding protocol to site-selectively functionalize unreactive primary C–H bonds.

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Yes there is potential Competing Interest. A patent has been deposited
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Posted 29 Jan, 2021
Posted 29 Jan, 2021
Selective undirected functionalization of strong primary C-H bonds of linear alkanes, that do not possess directing groups, historically stands as one of the most challenging transformation in chemistry. In this Article, we report a two-step sequential strategy involving a biocatalytic dehydrogenation / remote hydrofunctionalization, as a unified and versatile approach to selectively convert linear alkanes into a large array of valuable functionalized aliphatic derivatives. The dehydrogenation is carried out by a mutant strain of Rhodococcus and the produced alkenes are subsequently engaged in a remote functionalization through a metal-catalyzed hydrometalation/migration sequence that subsequently react with a large variety of electrophiles. The judicious implementation of this combined biocatalytic and organometallic approach enabled us to develop a high-yielding protocol to site-selectively functionalize unreactive primary C–H bonds.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5
Yes there is potential Competing Interest. A patent has been deposited
This is a list of supplementary files associated with this preprint. Click to download.
Supplementary Materials
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