Synthesis 2021; 53(18): 3180-3192
DOI: 10.1055/a-1478-7061
special topic
Bond Activation – in Honor of Prof. Shinji Murai

Recent Advances in the Use of Sodium Dispersion for Organic Synthesis

Pinaki Bhusan De
,
Sobi Asako
,
Laurean Ilies
We thank RIKEN and KOBELCO ECO-Solutions Co., Ltd. for financial support.


Abstract

This short review describes the recent emergence of organosodium chemistry, motivated by the requirements of modern synthetic chemistry for sustainability, and powered by the use of sodium dispersion, a form of sodium that is commercially available, easy to handle, and has a large active surface area. We present recent methods for the preparation of organosodium compounds using sodium dispersion, and their applications to synthesis. Sodium amides and phosphides are also briefly discussed.

1 Introduction

2 Sodium Dispersion

3 Preparation of Organosodium Compounds

3.1 Two-Electron Reduction of Aryl Halides

3.2 Halogen–Sodium Exchange

3.3 Directed Metalation

3.4 Cleavage of C–C and C–Heteroatom Bonds

4 Synthetic Applications

4.1 Reduction in Combination with a Proton Source

4.1.1 Bouveault–Blanc Reduction

4.1.2 Birch Reduction

4.1.3 Reductive Deuteration

4.1.4 Chemoselective Cleavage of Amides and Nitriles

4.2 Difunctionalization of Alkenes and Alkynes

5 Sodium Amides and Phosphides

6 Conclusions and Outlook



Publication History

Received: 29 March 2021

Accepted after revision: 09 April 2021

Accepted Manuscript online:
09 April 2021

Article published online:
19 May 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 
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