Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity of a Hypervalent‐Iodine‐Based Nitrooxylating Reagent

Abstract

Herein, the synthesis and characterization of a hypervalent‐iodine‐based reagent that enables a direct and selective nitrooxylation of enolizable C−H bonds to access a broad array of organic nitrate esters is reported. This compound is bench stable, easy‐to‐handle, and delivers the nitrooxy (‐ONO2) group under mild reaction conditions. Activation of the reagent by Brønsted and Lewis acids was demonstrated in the synthesis of nitrooxylated β‐keto esters, 1,3‐diketones, and malonates, while its activity under photoredox catalysis was shown in the synthesis of nitrooxylated oxindoles. Detailed mechanistic studies including pulse radiolysis, Stern–Volmer quenching studies, and UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry reveal a unique single‐electron‐transfer (SET)‐induced concerted mechanistic pathway not reliant upon generation of the nitrate radical.