A new copper-facilitated oxidative cyclization of 2-allenyl-1,1′-biphenyls with α-carbonyl alkyl bromides for producing functionalized phenanthrenes is presented, which represents the first allene 2,3-dicarbofunctionalization triggered by oxidative radical-medicated C3-addition of the terminal allene moiety and C–Br/C–H functionalization.

A novel copper-promoted [2+2+2] annulation of 1,n-enynes with azobis(alkyl nitrile)s and H2O for the synthesis of diverse 7,8-dihydrophenanthridine-6,9(5H,6aH)-diones and fluorene is described. The reaction proceeds via the decomposition of azobis(alkyl nitrile)s into the cyanoalkyl radicals as the two-carbon units and offers a new efficient tool for the one-step formation of four new chemical bonds.

A silver-mediated cascade trifluoromethylthiolation and cyclization has been developed for the synthesis of 2-(trifluoromethylthio)-indenones. A variety of arylpropynones underwent this radical oxidative cyclization with AgSCF3 to afford trifluoromethylthiolated indenones in moderate to excellent yields.

The reactions of p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide (TosMIC) with α-bromocarbonyl compounds leading efficiently to α-sulfonated ketones, esters, and amides were reported, in which an explicit new role of TosMIC as the sulfonylating agent was uncovered for the first time. Mechanistic study by control experiments and DFT calculations suggested that the reaction is initiated by Cu(OTf)2-catalyzed hydration of TosMIC to form a formamide intermediate, which undergoes facile C–S bond cleavage under the mediation of a Cs2CO3 additive.

NH4PF6 is an inexpensive, safe, and low-toxicity inorganic salt; it was found to promote the cyclodehydration of α-amino carbonyl compounds in the absence of metal reagents. This simple cyclodehydration strategy enables highly atom-economic formation of pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline and indole derivatives, which are significant pharmacophores.

A simple copper-catalyzed cyanation of aryl iodide with the combination of urea and dimethyl sulfoxide as a cyanide source is achieved, providing nitriles in moderate to good yields. This new approach represents an exceedingly practical and safe method for the synthesis of aryl nitriles.

An efficient palladium–copper-catalyzed direct C–H amination of substituted benzoxazoles with various sulfamoyl chlorides as nitrogen group sources has been developed. The system does not need a strong base and tolerates a series of functional groups, such as chloro, methyl, and nitro groups, providing the amination products in moderate to excellent yields.

A Pd (OAc)2-catalyzed direct arylation of benzoxazole C–H bonds has been achieved with iodobenzene diacetates as the arylation reagent in moderate to good yields. The procedure tolerates a series of functional groups, such as methoxy, nitro, cyano, chloro, and bromo groups.

A copper-mediated methylthiolation of aryl halides with the widely available DMSO is described. The procedure tolerates a series of functional groups such as methoxy, nitro, chloro, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, formyl and methoxycarbonyl groups. Thus, it represents a simple and facile methylthiolation procedure.

Copper-catalyzed ortho-benzoxylation of 2-arylpyridine sp2 C–H bonds with acyl chloride is described. Notably, switching the base from t-BuOK to Li2CO3 causes chlorination of the C–H bond to take place.

A palladium-catalyzed cyanation of the 3-position of indole sp2 C–H bonds by the combination of NH4HCO3 and DMSO as the “CN” source was achieved to provide aromatic nitriles in moderate to good yields with excellent regioselectivity. It represents a practical and safe cyanation method.

A palladium-catalyzed oxidative esterification of aldehydes with phenols is described, using air as the clean oxidant. This reaction tolerates many functional groups, providing esters with yields ranging from moderate to excellent.

A novel copper-promoted [2+2+2] annulation of 1,n-enynes with azobis(alkyl nitrile)s and H2O for the synthesis of diverse 7,8-dihydrophenanthridine-6,9(5H,6aH)-diones and fluorene is described. The reaction proceeds via the decomposition of azobis(alkyl nitrile)s into the cyanoalkyl radicals as the two-carbon units and offers a new efficient tool for the one-step formation of four new chemical bonds.

Copper-catalyzed ortho-benzoxylation of 2-arylpyridine sp2 C–H bonds with acyl chloride is described. Notably, switching the base from t-BuOK to Li2CO3 causes chlorination of the C–H bond to take place.

A palladium-catalyzed cyanation of the 3-position of indole sp2 C–H bonds by the combination of NH4HCO3 and DMSO as the “CN” source was achieved to provide aromatic nitriles in moderate to good yields with excellent regioselectivity. It represents a practical and safe cyanation method.

A copper-mediated methylthiolation of aryl halides with the widely available DMSO is described. The procedure tolerates a series of functional groups such as methoxy, nitro, chloro, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, formyl and methoxycarbonyl groups. Thus, it represents a simple and facile methylthiolation procedure.

A new copper-facilitated oxidative cyclization of 2-allenyl-1,1′-biphenyls with α-carbonyl alkyl bromides for producing functionalized phenanthrenes is presented, which represents the first allene 2,3-dicarbofunctionalization triggered by oxidative radical-medicated C3-addition of the terminal allene moiety and C–Br/C–H functionalization.